An Admiral’s Return

Whiteday. Morning. Frill Veli received a peculiar message from Princess Kristel through her M.O.B.I.L.E.

“We’re on our way, no need to cook lunch.”

So instead, she cleaned the main foyer of Minaveil Manor as well as the north-west wing to prepare for Garm Militia’s welcome. When she was done, she gave Xiv’s room down at the south-east wing a brief check to make sure the Lord Knight was still sleeping in. He was waking up earlier each day, but it would still probably take him the afternoon before he could get out of bed.

Frill wasn’t sure how well Xiv was recovering.

It had been a week since his meiyal core was shattered. The Aria still thought she made the right choice by transplanting her sister’s core so that he survived. But ever since the Vyndivalian had gained consciousness, he had been experiencing chaotic episodes of consciousness. He would be wide awake at one point, and then suddenly fall unconscious even while in the middle of doing something. An hour would pass and then he would be awake again as if nothing had happened.

The only constant was during the evening when he would sleep throughout the night until noon the next day.

Frill had wanted to ask Katherine about it, but had never found the appropriate time. Hopefully, there would be a chance today. She was growing worried sick tending to this man, but she had been enjoying their nightly discussions whenever he could afford to stay awake.

The Aria in Red’s meandering thoughts lingered to her Mercurial Liquid. It was there in her Exhibit, just waiting and letting itself be known like an itch that wouldn’t go away. She had attempted to integrate with it multiple times, but hesitated every time due to the risk of failure.

They had been given ample warning during their time in the Academy. It was always best practice to integrate while someone watched over them in case something were to go wrong.

For Frill’s case, she wasn’t sure if this meiyal-charged material would still work for her now that she had given away her sister’s meiyal core.

The thought of the material brought her attention to the two special flowers that Katherine had given her. She had spent the last few days finalizing a design for the battle gears that incorporated each of these flowers. One for her and one for Kristel. Excitement filled her at the thought of secluding herself in her Loom to weave these battle gears. She just needed to synchronize her schedule with the Princess so there would be no distractions.

Invigorated by the upcoming plans, Frill dressed herself in her maid uniform, complete with the frilled layers that she adamantly wore despite the changing trends in the High Palace. With the final preparations finished, the Aria stood alone at the entrance of Minaveil Manor.

The silence was eerie to say the least.

Frill realized she never stood in attendance alone her entire life—at least not for a prolonged length of time. Lor or Liona, or both always accompanied her. The atmosphere quickly sapped what enthused energy she had and her eyes couldn’t help but turn to Lor’s patchwork garden. She had tended to them in his absence, but she could tell they missed her brother’s care.

She could feel the emotions rising again. But she made a promise to herself not to cry anymore. It seemed every time she did, Xiv would be there to help her calm down. So, she shouldn’t let the tears come and allow it to disturb his rest.

A long, drawn out sigh escaped her. Unbecoming of a royal retainer. The white rays of the sun gave view to a lovely sky, but Frill wished it rained instead. At least then, she could let the raindrops be her tears.

A soft chime rang from her M.O.B.I.L.E., indicating a voice call. Frill checked and found her brother’s name. She answered immediately.

“Hey, Lor,” she said after making sure her voice wouldn’t crack.

“How are you doing, Frill?”

“I’m okay. You?”

“We arrived two days ago. Sorry I couldn’t call right away.”

“And Liona?”

“She’ll wait for you, Frill. We have everything prepared.”

Frill focused on her voice. She could feel it shake, the more she tried to speak. “How’s Mom?”

“She wants to speak with you.”

The Aria’s heart leapt. She wasn’t sure if it was for joy, sorrow, or fear. It could be a mixture of all of these. Frill almost said no, but the soothing voice that came from her device gave her no choice.

“Hey, sweetie,” Celosia Veli’s tender alto carried with it an open concern. It reminded Frill just how much she missed her family. The loneliness only made it more difficult to open up.

“Hi, Mom.”

“How are you?”

“I’m doing fine. How are you?”

“Fine as well. Lor told me about what happened. Are you sure you’re doing okay?”

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“Yes.”

“No sudden episodes? No maelstroms, anything like that?”

"I'm sure.

“Are you sure? These things might cause memory loss—”

“I don’t have her core anymore,” Frill couldn’t hold back. “I had to give it away.” She started to tear up.

“Frill.” Celosia’s earlier nagging quickly turned to a calm tone. “Tell me what happened.”

Frill began to recount the events that followed soon after Lor left Minaveil Province. She explained the assassination attempt on Xiv—adding the necessary details that this Vyndivalian carried important information regarding the security of Irista Nation—and how Katherine saved his life by transplanting Liona’s core. The Aria in Red emphasized that it was her decision.

“I still have her marks,” she added.

“I see. I understand.”

“You’re not angry?”

“No, of course not, sweetheart. You did what you had to do, and you saved a life. A decision, by my understanding, can potentially save millions and billions more. I’m sure Liona would be proud of that.”

Her mother’s words gave Frill relief. More than that, the assurance that she made the right choice lifted her burden and guilt. She held onto that possibility, and renewed hope, along with its clarity, returned all the energy she had this morning. The desire to embrace her mother simply went through the skies.

“Thanks, Mom. I really miss you,” she said. This time, her voice cracked, but she didn’t feel the need to hide it any longer.

“Me too, sweetheart. I heard the Atlas Sid should be arriving soon?” Celosia asked, shifting the conversation into a lighthearted one.

“They arrived this morning. Princess Kristel just received them and they’re on their way here in Minaveil Manor.”

“You’re not with her?”

“Katherine and Frein are escorting her.”

“I didn’t take the Visitor to be the prince charming type.”

“No, he’s with Lady Katherine,” Frill said, laughing a bit. “I’m not sure if someone like him would be a match for the Princess anyway.”

“Well, you might have a chance then.”

“I just said he’s already taken, Mom.”

“No vows, no ceremony, I’d say it’s fair game.”

“I wouldn’t ruin a relationship!”

“Of course, you won’t, sweetie. I’m just pulling your leg.” Celosia’s soft giggling traveled through her M.O.B.I.L.E. “What about this Xiv, then?”

“Mom, did you call just to talk to me about boys again?”

“You’re at that age. You had a lot of suitors back in Central and the High Palace. I even have to reject formal requests and romantic letters addressed here in Veli Manor. I would’ve at least expected you to have a boyfriend. We canintines choose a partner for life, but we can afford to explore before then.”

“I’m not a canintine, Mom.”

“Well,” Celosia paused, her voice turning somber. “I’m sure your Dad would rest easier if you find someone reliable who can protect you. I sure would.”

“I miss him, too, Mom.”

“Me as well, sweetheart. Me as well.” Celosia made a quick sigh. “Well, I shouldn’t keep you any longer. If you’re going with the Atlas Sid, we should expect you within three or four days. Don’t worry about Liona, okay? Just be sure to take care of yourself and I’m sure she and your father will be happy. Same as with me and Lor.”

Frill saw a carriage stop by the manor’s gate and Frein showed up afterwards. The rest of his company appeared soon after.

“Thanks for calling, Mom. Send my thanks to Lor, too. Princess Kristel just arrived, so I have to hang up now.”

“Work hard, sweetie. Take care of yourself always. Don’t forget to send letters or call when you have the time. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

Frein arrived to her first. The look of relief in his face telegraphed how much he was stressed out through the entire way here. Frill didn’t have to think hard as to why. Like an instinct, she produced a pitcher of cool water and a glass out of her Spatiera.

“You, uhh…” Frein began, gesturing towards her reddened eyes before accepting the glass of water. “You, okay?” he asked after a few gulps.

“Better now,” Frill replied, wiping away remnants of tears. “Just spoke with my Mom. Missed her, that’s all.”

“That means Lor made it safely?”

“Yeah, two days ago. They were a little busy.”

“I see.”

Katherine arrived soon after with Princess Kristel and Admiral Garm Militia shortly behind her. Admiral Garm had an escort of four Guard Knights. They looked like new recruits, or at the very least, new to the Province.

“Welcome back, Princess. Admiral Garm, it’s a pleasure to welcome you at your own home.” Frill made a curtsy rather than a salute as a formal greeting towards the Admiral. She didn’t miss the ogling eyes of the four strangers.

“Never in all my dreams did I imagine to be welcomed by the most admired Aria in Red. This old man can finally rest now that I possess such a wondrous treasure.” Garm’s speech earned him a bunch of questioning eyes. But Frill took it in stride.

She would admit, she missed receiving admiration. The past her would’ve been quick to be embarrassed, but she had learned to be better. Now, she simply enjoyed the attention and reciprocated accordingly.

“I was informed there would be no need to prepare for lunch, but I took it upon myself to at least prepare some tea.”

“Yes, Katherine will be in-charge for today’s meal. But before anything else, dear Frill…” Garm Militia made a firm salute and descended on one knee. His four escorts followed suit, though they didn’t seem to know why. “Allow this failure of a man to express his deepest apologies. If only my powers and authority could sway the direction of Atlas Sid, I would’ve turned it to aid during the Battle of the Vanguard.”

Now Frill did feel embarrassment this time around, but it was quickly replaced by panic and then by understanding. She quickly held the Admiral’s hand and urged him on his feet.

“Please don’t feel responsible for the deaths, Admiral. You were fulfilling your duty, as with the rest of us, as with the rest of them. It’s not your fault, and neither was it theirs.”

Frill felt one heavy hand fall on her shoulder. A fatherly gesture.

“My heart weighs heavy for your loss, Frill. I am truly, deeply sorry.”

“Me, too, Admiral. Thank you. It means a lot to me.” Frill smiled and pulled the Admiral to stand. “But I’m sure Liona would be disappointed in me if I let this sour the mood. Please, allow me to serve you tea.”

“I appreciate it. We will be at the lounge to discuss a few important matters.” Garm gestured towards his escorts. “If you would be so kind, would you provide them with one of our authentic brews? It is their first venture outside of Central and the Nightmare Lands had been quite traumatic for them. A quick respite should suffice before they return to their company.”

“Understood, Admiral. Please make your way to the lounge, I will be with you shortly.” She allowed Garm to proceed first. Katherine and Frein followed right after. Then, she addressed the recruits. “Please turn to the reception room to your left and wait for your refreshments there. Avail yourselves of any comfort the room provides.”

The four Guard Knights stared at her the entire time until it was time to turn the corner. They bumped into each other in the process. Frill suppressed a smile.

Kristel, however, failed to hide a chuckle. She waited until it was just the two of them. “How are you holding up?” she asked.

“Worried sick, but better now.” Frill initiated a hug. “I’m so glad you’re back, Kristel.”

The Princess returned her embrace. “I’m okay, Katherine and Frein protected me.” Something nudged them on their sides. “And Enza, as well.”

The invisible yuma gave one bark and did nothing else. Frill was amazed by her Nature’s Favor control, but her attention was focused too much towards Kristel for her to say anything.

“I’d better get inside,” Kristel began. “Go easy on them, alright?”

Frill smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t go overboard.”

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