Adventure Awaits! Huzzah! 16

Himmel was pacing around the room like a maniac.

In his defense, it was normal to feel anxious. A Brand... not only were the suspicious women they took aboard extremely powerful, they were also Jugdralian nobility. Nobility from the country that wanted Himmel... Seliph dead. Nobility from the country that would probably want Alm dead— or maybe captured, once they found out about his own mysterious Brand.

In essence, they were trouble.

"U-um... is this really that big of deal?" Faye shyly asked.

Himmel finally stopped walking, wanting to answer her. "Yes... or it could be at least." How was he meant to explain this to her without revealing his true identity.

He sighed. "Assuming that woman and her daughter really are of Jugdral, we must wonder why they were on Valentian waters. Someone with a Brand is essentially a super soldier, so... Honestly, for all we know there might be an army nearby." He couldn't help but fear an attack was imminent.

Ugh, he came up with something out of pocket to make Faye and his other friends realize the danger they were in, and ended up making something up that scared even him. Surely Jugdral wouldn't actually attack Valentia...? A war between continents couldn't be wise.

Clair paled at his assumption. "That's—! P-perhaps she teleported all the way from Jugdral by accident?" That sounded a bit... insane.

Teleporting across a country was already a legendary feat in a way. Teleporting across a continent? That was the type of thing Mila would be able to do. Besides, why would she teleport to this ship in that hypothetical anyways?

Himmel put a hand on his chin. "I..."

And then suddenly the Captain began laughing. "Lasses, lads, calm down will ya?" He didn't seem stressed at all. "There's no need to make assumptions! Predictions are the enemy of hair! You'll all go bald!" A terrifying thought!

He continued. "Instead of making hypotheticals with all the slimmers of information we have, wait for one of the two to wake up and then ask."

Alm made a uncomfortable face. "Yeah, I think that might be a problem if she's some legendary warrior who wants to attack us and then ask questions later..." He then clenched his fists. "Even if she is though, I'll defeat her." An expected answer from the lunatic.

That said, the Captain actually brought up some interesting ideas to Himmel's head. "Actually Alm, she might not be dangerous at all, if you think about it."

"Yeah...? Someone with a Brand seems pretty dangerous to me." Yes, in Jugdral they would be.

Mages that could melt down mountains with their flames. Warriors that could kill armies in minutes. Those insane existences were possible with Major Holy Blood, and were the reason why the nobility of Jugdral had an iron grip upon the continent. Using his world as an example, it was akin to the famous medieval concept of god given right to rule, except here it wasn't just propaganda.

But for that woman, she had one danger in specific.

"That woman probably is, in fact she is probably a better mage than me, but... she is a mage from Jugdral in the end." He could almost feel all the unbearably cocky smiles of Rigelians across history.

Tomes and Staves. A crutch indeed.

"Ah, I see what you're saying." Alm finally connected the dots.

Using magic without Tomes and Staves was something of Valentia. And so, if that woman had no tools, she wouldn't be any danger.

Kliff interjected. "There is a chance she still knows Tomeless magic, right? It's rare, but it's a possibility." He put a hand on his chin. "And the fact that she wasn't carrying any—"

Himmel interrupted him. "She appeared and fell on the ocean, so she could have dropped any Staff she may have been carrying." He shook his head. "In the end though, it doesn't matter. It's just as the Captain said, we can only wait for one of them to wake up."

For now they were just theorizing. Hell, for all they knew they were worrying for nothing, and those women just happened to have some funky tattoos.

"Still, just to make sure I'll still Ward their rooms." All they could do was be as careful as possible.

[HR] [/HR]

"Are you sure it's wise to Ward the daughter first?"

"No, but... Let's hope it turns out to be nonetheless." In the end he had decided to leave Warding the adult for later.

Himmel had chosen that because of their conditions. The woman had passed out of exhaustion from using too much magic, while the daughter seemed more or less fine. Which meant she should wake up first. So he thought it was a good idea to prioritize her.

And that brought up how he was doing the Warding in the first place. It was pretty simple, he would Ward a piece of rope, and then Clair would tie the girl's body with it. Currently they had already restrained her limbs, and her legs.

Something which would probably terrorize the girl when she woke up but it couldn't be helped.

At least a girl was the one doing it...?

They were in a boat full of men, and not even the captain could confidently say no accidents would happen. So, the daughter would be constantly watched by Clair, while the mother would be constantly be watched by Faye, who also had Alm and Kliif with her right now, in case the woman happened to wake up.

Clair sighed. "Hah... I suppose that is all we can do." She pouted. "You truly are amazing when it comes to attracting trouble, do you know that Lord— Himmel?"

Himmel snorted. "Tell me about it." In a way his whole existence was trouble. "Although... I feel like I cause more trouble, then trouble lands on me." That is to say, he wasn't innocent.

Part of being an adult was taking responsibility, and since he was a hidden one, there could be no excuses. Especially since the brats around him were beginning to mature.

Clair smiled. "I wonder about that... Well, if you do truly seek trouble, then I at least am glad it's you, and not somebody else." Hah?

"What's that supposed to mean?" Geez, his luck was already awful enough without cute girls actively wishing misfortune upon his poor ass.

"Um... that's..." Clair blushed. "It's not that I wish you ill will or anything of the sort. It is just that... I do not think anybody else could have handled these situations the way you did."

Yeah, most people wouldn't have killed a king. Or thrown themselves in the ocean for two strangers. That is to say, most people would have been smart. However, he understood what she was trying to say.

She continued. "I believe our companions have already scolded you for your reckless actions today, so allow me to do the contrary. You were quite spectacular today."

"Thank you. I appreciate it, Lady Clair." He showed her a slight smile.

But inside he was exploding! This why heroes did their thing! So noble ladies could shyly praise them for their efforts! And for Himmel, who didn't want to live a particularly heroic life, he would treasure this moment for the rest of his life!

Ah, that thing about guys never forgetting compliments was sadly true.

Clair puffed her chest. "I'm glad you do. It's not everyday that a lady of such high standing as I praise a commoner." A good thing he wasn't a commoner then!

And that aside... "I remember you thinking I was a noble, if that counts." Though maybe he shouldn't bring it up. It was most likely a bad memory, considering what came after it.

To his surprise, she actually took it well. Humming for a bit, before giving him a light slap on his shoulder. "I have decided that it does count. You have a noble, albeit foolish, spirit."

"I definitely agree on the foolish part." Not on the noble one! Also, she almost messed up his Warding with that slap.

She grinned. "Good. Do keep in mind that your brand of foolishness is appreciated, however." Could there be such a thing. "Honestly, sometimes it makes me feel as if I should go back to calling yoy Lord Seliph—"

"E-excuse me...?" A new, shaky voice, interjected. "W-where am I...?" It seems their mysterious girl had woken up.

Both Himmel and Clair froze, and then slowly turned around to face her. It must have become a terrifying scene by accident, because the girl's face became filled more and more with fear.

Himmel, realizing that, quickly waved at her. "Hello, little lady!" He meant that little, the girl was probably younger than them. "You, well..." How was he supposed to do this?

Before he could find his world, the girl tried moving, and therefore noticed that she was tied up. To her credit, even though her face became even more filled with fear, she didn't start screaming or anything of the sort.

But her face did become so pale that it was worrying. "Are you two... criminals...?"

Himmel shook his head. "No we are..." Should he even give her any information? It should be okay if it was just basic stuff, right? "Part of a merchant crew. We are in a ship, if you haven't noticed."

Her eyes widened with understanding. "O-oh, so that's why I feel sick." Ah, she was a fellow misfortune filled soul who couldn't handle the sea. "U-um... a-am I going to be sold."

"N-no!?" How did she even reach that conclusion—!?

Oh right, probably because she was tied up. After realizing that, Himmel calmed down. "Sorry that we restraining you, but we just aren't sure what you're capable of."

"Okay..." He had a feeling she still didn't really buy it.

Which is why he kept on trying to make her comfortable. "And the person who put those restraints on you was a girl. The same thing will happen to your mother. So don't worry, you won't be mistreated like... that around here."

"That makes me happy— My mother!" Once again, her face became filled with shock. "Is she okay!? She's—"

Himmel interjected. "Your mother is completely safe. Just exhausted and resting. Though... well... if you wouldn't mind... we would like to know why you're here in the first place. Especially because you and your mother..."

The girl let out a sigh of relief, and then raised an eyebrow. "Me and my mother...?"

But Himmel didn't even want to say it. Just acknowledging already made him feel stressed.

Thankfully, Clair noticed his attitude, and instead of commenting on it, took the lead. "You and your mother are Jugdralian nobility, correct? You are in Valentian waters, so this could become quite the issue."

"I am in Valentian waters!?" This was definitely quite the trip for the poor girl. "H-how...!?" And it was quite the trip for Himmel as well.

She really was from Jugdral. The girl hadn't even tried to deny it.

Clair crossed her arms. "That is what we would like to know. You and your mother did just appear out of nowhere, after all."

"I... I..." The girl flinched. "My brother he—" Suddenly she began looking around, once again becoming pale. "Why did he...!? I jus don't understand...!" And then began sobbing.

Himmel and Clair shared a worried look. And that worry only grew as the mysterious girl kept sobbing instead of answering the question. Clearly whatever happened put her in a not quite good state.

For a moment Himmel thought of trying to keep poking her for answers, but he discarded that idea. It was highly likely that instead of working well it would just put her in a even worst state.

So instead, he came up with a different idea. "How about you answer that lately? It's pretty clear that you're still... erm... recovering from whatever happened."

The girl replied between sobs. "I-Is that really okay?"

Himmel awkwardly smiled. "Yes, of course." No, not really. But what was he supposed to do? "In fact, if you're not feeling well, how about eating something?"

The girl took a bit of time before responding, although at least her sobbing had finally stopped. "Will I be untied then...?"

Himmel winced. "Sorry, but no..." He shifted his gaze to his female friend. "I was thinking Clair could feed you, if that's okay...?" Maybe the unknown noble girl would see it as disrespectful?

Honestly, he was beginning to think untying her would be okay now that he had confirmation she was from Jugdral, so maybe he shouldn't be so stubborn. But then again, the lives of his friends were at a potential risk here, so he really shouldn't feel too bad for being cautious.

Clair raised a hand. "I am more than fine with it, of course." At least that was good.

The unknow girl gulped. "I'm... fine with it too." She blushed out of embarrassment. "I'm really hungry... A-and thirsty too!" Well, that wasn't good.

Himmel had to admit, the girl had some sort of impressive charm that made him want to protect her. The sad part though, is that it was the same type of charm a small wounded animal had.

"Well then, I shall go and bring you some food." Clair suddenly frowned. "Although I must warn you, the food found here is not the best." That wasn't enough to describe how bad it was.

Fuck ship biscuits.

"T-that's fine, I'm willing to eat anything really..." Himmel was pleasantly surprised.

Despite the girl being a noble, she hadn't complained too much. It was the second time he had his expectations shattered when it came to nobility really, considering Clair wasn't super prickly either.

Clair avoided her gaze. "I have a feeling you shall regret those words, but very well." She began preparing to leave the room.

But before that could happened, Himmel interjected. "Hey Lady Clair, if you don't mind, could you warn everyone else that she woke up?"

"Of course." She nodded. "I'll also bring you some food as well."

Himmel raised an eyebrow. "Huh? There's no need for that." What, did she want to share a lunch with the girl?

Actually, that might not be the worst idea. Eating food with someone was one of the most classic ways of bonding that a human being could experience. Even if that food was crap.

Clair's smile became awkward. "Oh, there very much is. You practically started salivating once food was brought up." And considering what type of food they were talkinf about... yeah, he could see why.

Now that he thought about it, he didn't go rest like Faye had been asked of him. He couldn't be blamed for it of course, considering what had happened, but it didn't change that he was famished.

Something which he could fight through, Brands were amazing like that, but if there was the option...

Then he might as well take it. "Fair enough. Thank you Lady Clair."

"You are welcome. I shall not take long." And like that, she left.

Leaving Himmel alone with the unknown girl. The unknown girl who would probably become his enemy should he ever reveal his true identity. Himmel doubted his father was loved back in Jugdral, for obvious reasons.

Naturally, Himmel was feeling pretty awkward.

But then something suddenly struck him. "Hey, I've just realized something. Clair and I ended up not asking your name. You mind telling us...?" He had been rude, that was for sure.

"It's Julia." That name sounded... familiar.

Had he heard before? Well, Julia wasn't exactly a crazy name of course, but for some reason it felt important. Maybe it was the name of some legendary figure from Jugdral? It would make sense to name a noble daughter after that.

"That's a very nice name." He put a hand on his chest. "That lady from before is named Clair Aumont, while my name is Himmel. No surname." Though now that he said it...

She didn't give her surname either. Why? At this point she had already admitted to being a noble from Jugdral anyways.

"Hm... your name is nice too, Lord Himmel..." Suddenly she looked a bit sad. And where did that lord part come from?

It was definitely foolish of him, but he inquired as to why. "Is there something wrong, Julia? You suddenly don't seem too good." Had his or Clair's name digged out bad memories?

"I-I'm fine, it's just that... that—" She paused for a moment, gathering her courage. "Himmel is not your name, right? It's Seliph."

He froze. How did she—!? Shit...!

For a moment he thought about killing her. Right here and right now. Before she could ruin his life... but he held himself back.

First, killing a little girl was too fucked up even for him. Second, how would he explain to his friends that he decided to kill that little girl? Third, his life had recently been ruined anyways. Fourth, he wanted to know how she found out.

"Where did your heard that...?" His face suddenly became completely serious.

And apparently scary too, because Julia flinched. "I heard Lady Clair calling you Lord Seliph as I was waking up..." Ah.

Seriously?

The world was messed up. There was no way it wasn't, considering his didn't immediately receive a trophy for the number one dumbass in human history after such a massive fuck-up.

But this could be salvaged. Hopefully. "Oh. That's just... let's say there's a big story behind that, but it's not my real name, just a nickname I went by for a bit." His voice was shaking, which meant he definitely sounded suspicious.

Nonetheless, he pushed on. "Lady Clair met me when I was going under that name however, so she was joking about it." The girl didn't buy it. She absolutely didn't buy it.

She didn't want to argue about it though. "O-okay... but... um... I don't think Seliph is a bad name or anything." Did she now?

...Now that the panic was beginning to dissipate, maybe he shouldn't care too much that she almost learned his true name. Being a noble brat from Jugdral didn't exactly mean she had to know about some conspiracy relating to the son of a dead man. Even if that dead man was Jugdral's scourge.

He hummed. "Speaking of names... Lady Julia, this may sound a bit invasive, but may I ask from what house you come from?" She was a user of magic, so there were a few houses that immediately came to mind.

Funnily enough, Emperor Arvis came from one of those houses.

"Ah..." Apparently his comment caught her off guard. "Yes, of course... it's just that... to be honest... I'm a bit scared of revealing it..." Oh? "Lord Himmel, you truly are not a pirate or anything of the sort, right...?"

He tried his best to look harmless in response. "I'm just a commoner, Lady Julia, so no need for the lord part. But yes, this is just a merchant ship and I'm just a normal mage—" No, that wasn't right.

Himmel grinned, and pointed at himself. "Actually, according to my old master, I'm a master mage. Someone who has mastered Black Magic!" Though she wouldn't really understand what that meant, as someone from Jugdral.

A shy smile appeared on her face. "A-alright, I'll trust you Mister Himmel, b-but please do not panic." Hum? What could she have to reveal that would make him panic at this point?

She took a deep breath. "I am Julia, Princess of Grannvale. M-my father is Emperor Arvis. That is where my lineage traces from." Ah, that made sense. A lot of sense really.

"Hah...hahaha..." Of course he recognized her name, she was the princess of Jugdral, after all. "Hahahahaha!" His cute little half-sister.

Which naturally meant the woman he saved was his mother.

"L-Lord Himmel...? I-I—" Oops, his poor sister sounded terrified. He imagined she was beginning to regret telling him her true identity.

He definitely shouldn't have started laughing out of nowhere. "My apologies... erm... Princess Julia? Should I call you that?" And after that laughter subsided, he found himself feeling strangely calm.

It was like his panic levels had shot up so quickly that he went right back to normal.

"Y-you may call me whatever you want, but—" She closed her eyes. "Please, I beg of you to not hurt my mother. Y-you shall be rewarded handsomely when we get to safety..." Hurt her mother?

Her mind must have been in pretty dark places since she woke up. That was also probably why she had kept her name hidden, instead of immediately revealing and using it as leverage. Still, why? Was it the rope scaring her? It was definitely the rope scaring her.

Well, that was no good. "Don't worry Princess Julia, you have my word that no harm shall come to you, or to your mother." He would definitely protect her. "Before you said you were trusting me. I've ask that you keep doing so."

Perhaps Julia could sense his sincerity, because she immediately stopped shaking. "O-oh... t-then... I... will keep trusting you, Lord Himmel." Good. Though she really should drop the lord thing.

"And I shall keep earning that trust."

He had no intention of hurting her after all. And it wasn't because of this supposed reward that she mentioned either. It was because of a reason far more simple.

Himmel wanted to be a good big brother. At least as much as he could before the opportunity to run to the hills and hide forever came. Ah, his little sister was so duper ultra cute!? What the hell!?

His little sister also had surprisingly good nerves for a little princess, he thought she would be super spoiled— His little sister was right here in front of him— His little sister that he never put much thought on was— His little sister—! This... was a lot.

It was kind of funny though, how she didn't care much for the name Seliph. He knew there were probably a decent amount of people named that in the world, but he still expected more of a reaction. Did his mother never tell her about him? If so... that didn't surprise him. It didn't surprise him at all.

After all, for as cute as Julia was, her mother was still the woman who wanted him dead and buried. His mother who was powerful enough to teleport across a whole continent apparently.

He almost wanted to risk his soul and start praying to the Mother for protection.



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AN: Normally Julia would lose her memories post-Julius because of the trauma, but Deirdre surviving put a stop to that. So she's not as traumatized as in canon! Yay!