"Say Fool, if I do go with Renne's group, would you have enough back up during my absence?", Ennea asked, deciding to change the pace a little bit after name-dropping Joshua like that. Hearing that, Renne's gaze remained with an expectant look.
"It would be a lie to say we aren't short-staffed, but there are some of us who have decided to stay behind. I must say, the Blazing Demon looking over the Zero Child has been rather comical. It's been a hoot seeing the Professor try to please her during her stay. At the very least, he's continuing his research on the Gordias-series.", Campanella answered, still with a smirk on his face.
"Yeah well, he took it upon himself to fill that role, so he can only see it through. While he might have that lazy attitude, the Blazing Demon knows how to get the job done. At least that's what I can see from my couple of interactions with him.", Renne responded. While it is still before the plot of Trails in the Sky, many Enforcers do cross paths with one another throughout their daily lives. They have as much freedom as Bracers do, they can go wherever they please, as long as they do what they are assigned to do at appointed times. It is only the Anguis who are weighed down in such a manner.
"I was not made aware of what the Blazing Demon has been up to lately, so he has been out and about.", Ennea murmured. She hadn't encountered the fiery blue-haired man for quite some time. "How are the rest?"
"Like I said, the Bladelord checked in a little while ago, but is presently occupied with that Colonel. Once the Angel of Slaughter here finishes scouting the land that rests beneath Grancel Castle, we will begin advancing our plans. The Bewitching Bell decided to remain here to assist the Bladelord. The Golden Butterfly has been lurking around Calvard with the Oathbreaker doing Aidios knows what. The Direwolf said he would remain here in Heimdallr.", Campanella explained.
As Campanella explained where each Enforcer was currently, there was one thing to point out, regarding the seat of how Enforcers operate. They are part of the Major Arcana, ranging from 0-XXII. By S1200, 16 Enforcers have joined Ouroboros while only eleven Enforcers have been revealed in the games. More would join during the later parts of Cold Steel and onward like Shirley Orlando and Prince Cedric, but presently, eleven are known. The Fool, Bladelord, Blazing Demon, Golden Butterfly, Bewitching Bell, Imaginator, Direwolf, Severing Chains, Phantom Thief B, Black Fang, and the Angel of Slaughter, with Renne being the newest Enforcer. The only person Naoto doesn't know from this list is the Imaginator. He is Daybreak-exclusive, and doesn't make an appearance until the latest game, Trails Beyond The Horizon. The Imaginator wasn't in during Naoto's stay aboard the Glorious, so he doesn't know about him yet. It's not like he doesn't exist, however. He has just been going about his daily life, as many other Enforcers do.
Regarding Renne and Naoto's positions, they joined up with Ouroboros around the same time, even though Naoto hadn't claimed the Enforcer No. IV seat until much later. And even now, it's in name only. While Ouroboros's newest Enforcers take the later seats, it wasn't known whether or not that rule was strictly followed. When Naoto learned of Enforcer No. IV seat and the fact that it was vacant until he took it in name only, he didn't know what to think. But right now, Naoto isn't here.
Even knowing that, Campanella didn't name drop one particular Enforcer. A short moment passed by in silence before Renne's group heard a playful tune.
"Aha, it does sound like you all are in a bit of a pickle.", The voice called out. "Also, is that love in the air I smell?"
Shortly after, everyone heard a soft whirring noise, only to have a rather colorful reddish purple aura appear beside them on the deck. From there, the air began to distort, as if it was fading in and out of existence just like how an illusion would. What appeared before them was a man who donned a large white cap, completely hiding his face away beneath a mask.
"So you decided to drop in after all, Bleublanc.", Renne said, greeting the man who arrived before everyone.
"Indeed! It is I! Everyone's one and only Phantom Thief B. The illustrious Enforcer No. X, Bleublanc!", Bleublanc said, only to bow as he introduced himself. "And you seem to be doing well, Angel of Slaughter. I happened to catch wind of the Fool here seeing you off to join some academy in the capital. That rumor turned out to be true."
"Yeah, well. You don't need to spill some milk over it. You aren't part of my life. We're just co-workers at best.", Renne retorted.
"Ouch. But I will accept that comment.", Bleublanc responded. "You are not wrong by saying that. We all are working toward the same goal in the name of our Grandmaster."
"You really did decide to return to Erebonia, huh?", Ennea asked, observing the Phantom Thief before her. "No matter where you go, chaos follows. Just don't do your little stunt where the Rulebreaker is, alright? Unlike me, he won't care for your antics."
In the presence of other Enforcers who Ennea doesn't see as close friends or family, she addresses Naoto as the Rulebreaker. That's his official title, after all. Enforcer No. IV, The Rulebreaker! As cringe as it sounds, it just makes sense, as Naoto possesses the Gamer System, which can influence the real world to various degrees. As for Musse, everything happened so quickly. She was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Phantom Thief B, who appeared like magic.
"You...You are THAT Phantom Thief B!?", Musse exclaimed.
"The one who no one can catch, as for I am an arbitrator of love, aha!", Bleublanc happily replied while doing his iconic laugh.
"Uh-huh. What else is new?", Renne retorted again, acting like this was nothing to her. She was already very well used to Bleublanc's presence unlike others.
"How can you react like that, Renne? This guy is really infamous!", Musse exclaimed again, even more surprised seeing Renne's nonchalant response.
"Well...We're kind of used to Bleublanc's antics already. Your reaction is pretty normal though.", Ennea replied, feeling guilty.
"That is why you need a different change of pace to keep everyone in suspense! And while I can't help but marvel at the wondrous crimson landscape and the endless rolling clouds with its drifting snow to paint such beauty, alas, I am here for a different reason.", Bleublanc said.
"You may already be aware but by coming here, you practically volunteered yourself.", Renne responded, clapping her hands together.
"That is the plan, yes. As you can see, I have some spare time on my hands, and rotting away in a random jail cell is such a bore. Being here is much better.", Bleublanc explained.
"...Did you just admit to breaking out of jail?", Musse uttered.
"Just let that slide, Musse. It's not like there's a single thing on this continent which can tie down Phantom Thief B.", Ennea said, and sighed. And yet, that only seemed to create sparkles in Bleublanc's mask.
"You're as sharp as ever, Miss Sharpshooter! Or is it Ennea the Sharp now?", Bleublanc asked.
"We can go with Ennea the Sharp. While I do presently serve My Lord as part of the Stahlritter, only Naoto and those close to me can call me by first name. You don't have that luxury, Bleublanc.", Ennea said. As she said that her eyes turned sharp and the atmosphere around them suddenly cooled down.
"I know not to overstep my bounds. The power of love is a powerful thing. I am not one to pluck that.", Bleublanc said.
"Haha.", Campanella said. "Well, I couldn't care less where you end up, whether it be a prison, or the bottom of a lake. Don't you have some roots here in the capital, Bleublanc? I'm surprised you aren't staying behind, given that there is some free time now."
"You are not wrong. I have always had some interest in meeting His Royal Highness. Not as the Phantom Thief B, no. But that of a Noble. I do have some heritage in me, even if it is not some grand ceremony that His Royal Highness is currently in possession of. As interesting as it would be to steal such a thing, I would rather not have daggers glaring down my back.", Bleublanc explained. While Bleublanc might be Phantom Thief B, he truly is a Noble from Erebonia. That is why he goes around parading as his true self in Erebonia from time to time.
And yet, as he said that, Musse saw Bleublanc reach his hand out. In the next moment, he actually proceeded to take off his mask! Musse saw a lustrous, pale blue-haired man before her.
"While I may not have a drop of Noble blood in my veins, once upon a time, I was engaged with a rather beautiful noblewoman who was part of that high society. I do not carry the name any longer, but I do know of the Noble life.", Bleublanc said, and proceeded to do a formal bow, directed at Musse this time. "And it is ever so lovely to formally meet your acquaintance like this, Lady Mildine. You may call me Bleublanc."
"Now this is an interesting turn of events. You rarely take off that mask of yours.", Renne said, showing a hint of surprise in her eyes.
"I can only play the part. After all, the heir to the Cayenne Duchy is present before us. WHile that Uncle of yours might be the one holding the reins right now, you have interest in taking over further into the future, do you not? I doubt even Duke Cayenne is aware of your existence.", Bleublanc said, revealing a grin on his face.
"...I will refrain from commenting about that.", Musse said, keeping a collected look in her eyes now that her surprise died down. "Still, you really were part of high society at one point?"
"Only in name, I'm afraid. Now, I am a simple wanderer, travelling hopelessly in an endless search of admiration.", Bleublanc replied, only to take another look at the group present before him. "Still, this is quite the rambunctious group you have gathered, Angel of Slaughter."
"It just turned out that way.", Renne said. "Emma and Fie here are Jaegers, so they can take care of themselves. We'll be showing the ropes to Musse here once we enter the Primal Ground. It is unknown whether she'll join Ouroboros or not."
"Now that is an interesting thought, isn't it? A high-ranking Noble joining our ranks? Ahah!", Bleublanc laughed with a grin. "We have His Royal Highness as Enforcer No. IV now, so you would be following suit, Lady Mildine."
"Yeah. I am still trying to wrap my head around that.", Musse replied with a sigh. 'To think His Royal Highness really is aligned with these snakes...Just what in Aidios's name is he trying to accomplish?', Musse continued, wondering to herself. She was not aware that Naoto had the Western Zemurian Unification Plan in its early stages. Perhaps in due time, she will come to learn of it.
"Nonetheless, is this answer satisfactory, Ennea the Sharp?", Campanella asked. "We have enough onboard for the time being, and Bleublanc here is even willing to join you all as a safety measure."
"I didn't think you would be one to do so Phantom Thief B, but with your strength added, that would give us some peace of mind. While you may be outlandish at times, your strength is top-notch.", Ennea said, nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. We can trust in Bleublanc's strength.", Renne added. "But just so you know, there is no room for you on Pater-Mater. You will have to find your own way to our destination at Grancel Castle.", Renne said.
"I figured as much. I wouldn't want to intrude on such a blissful scene.", Bleublanc said. "At least, for now, my shadow weaving and mystical arts are yours to command. I shall rush to our destination posthaste. Tata for now, ahaha!", Bleublanc continued, only to put his mask back on. With a twirl of his staff and another bow, the same illusory magic circle appeared beneath his feet. Bleublanc vanished from sight as quickly as he arrived.
"I didn't think the Phantom Thief would join our entourage, but tackling this Primal Ground should be much easier now.", Renne said, and turned toward the group again.
"Yeah. And with the Direwolf staying back in Heimdallr, Naoto is in good hands. We can focus on training for the time being.", Ennea added.
"I do get that we are heading beneath...Lake Valleria, isn't it? But what the heck is a Primal Ground to begin with anyways?", Musse asked. She was familiar with a lot of things, but that particular term had eluded her. It was tight-lipped by the Septian Church, but other organizations, like Ouroboros, easily had access to it.
"Well, to put it bluntly, Primal Grounds are areas that hold treasures to the Ancient Zemurian. A place where Artifacts exist.", Renne explained while keeping it short. "But where we are going to, it isn't your usual spot which houses said Artifact. You'll understand once we get there. It should be a nesting ground filled with Monsters and potentially Otherworldly Creatures, depending how dense its Septium Veins are."
"So we're going to a place that potentially houses Artifacts...", Musse murmured, going into her own thoughts for a moment.
During that, Musse finally started to realize just how little she was compared to the rest of those present here. And Ouroboros in general. Each individual here possessed some form of strength, whether it was through mystical arts like Bleublanc, or McBurn, who can incinerate everything in his path. On top of that, Ouroboros was working behind the scenes, knowing how the world operated. No matter who it was, whether it was Renne or Naoto, they all seemed to be working toward some goal in one way or another. That much was clear to her. She just had to figure out what it was. For Musse, she jumped grades to land in Princess Alfin's class, and is incredibly smart. She even goes as far as playing 4D chess in her head, just like Giliath Osborne.
At the same time, Musse wondered whether it was right for her to get acquainted with these people. Just like anyone else, only the Goddess herself knows what will happen from here on out. She knew she didn't lead a normal life, even if a majority of that was presently spent at St. Astraia. Why else would she pose as Musse Egret to the public while keeping her status as Lady Mildine a secret?
"Nonetheless, it looks like your Party has formed, as His Royal Highness would say.", Campanella replied, smirking again. "If by some chance our comms go down due to unexpected influence, you will be on your own. I do hope for a good report. If you happen to cross Bladelord's path, do not interrupt him. He doesn't want his cover blown.", Campanella continued. This time, he snapped his fingers, and began to fade in and out of existence, like he normally does.
"You don't need to say that twice. I know what to do. Just keep things here in check while we are away.", Renne said. She knew what to do for now. With Bleublanc already heading to Liberl to join up with them, Renne turned toward the group again. They had little remaining here, so everyone nodded in agreement that it was time to go.
Just like that, they took to the skies once again aboard Pater-Mater, and began to sail the sea of endless clouds...
Only this time, Bleublanc, Enforcer No. X, aka Phantom Thief B, will be joining them to assist in battle!
A/N: Phantom Thief B did not join them in my original story. I decided to add him this time around~
*
Extra Scene:
Some time after Pater-Mater took to the skies, Ennea joined up with Renne on one of his hands after a graceful landing. Renne couldn't help but stare at Ennea for a good long moment, unsure of what she had just heard.
"...What did you just request of me, Ennea? Did I hear that right?"
"Please, Renne. You're the only one I can ask who can do this for me.", Ennea said, only to be seen in a pleading position with her arms out. "And don't play dumb. I saw you secure a second Enigma II device that went completely under the radar. Naoto doesn't know that it exists, but that isn't the point. With it, you can help me do what I want to do. Please?"
"I get that. But why does it have to be me who sends it?", Renne retorted. "You realize what you requested is crazy, right?"
"I know it sounds crazy, and it is. Look, my birthday is coming up in a couple of months and when that happens, I'll be eighteen. I won't send it right away, but you're the one who has the knowhow and can use the Astral Code to hack into the orbal network that's still growing. You're the only one who can send something to Naoto like this.", Ennea said.
"I don't think the matter of legality is the issue here...", Renne retorted, and sighed. "The thing isn't even out and released to the public yet, so no laws are in place. But what you're requesting of me is crazy alright. You want to send Naoto an image of your n*ked body while playing around with it, right? Do you know how crazy that sounds?"
"Please, Renne.", Ennea pleaded again, showing even more sympathy this time. "You don't have to actually look at it. You just need to send it. I'm presently the oldest in the Royal Harem, so it's only right I get to be the one who leads this. It'll still be some years before we can really have some fun, but you get the point."
"Fine. But I won't be responsible for taking the picture. Get that secured, and I'll send it off for you. No promises though.", Renne said, and bit the bullet.
Seeing Renne agree to Ennea's request, her eyes lit up, and immediately hugged her.
"Thank you Renne, you're the best!", Ennea happily replied.
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't get your panties in a bunch. Naoto will be in shock for sure.", Renne responded with a grin on her face. She wasn't going to be responsible for this, but when the item is secured and the data is sent, she couldn't help but wonder how Naoto would react.
Only time will tell~