Chapter 1560: Shift
Vahn wasn't sure how much Nyon had gleaned, but, based on how the shift in the atmosphere, it was pretty obvious that chubby cat had gleaned something. This was his only major concern when explaining matters of the future to Arika, as, in the Akamatsuverse, there seemed to be quite a few ways to read minds or share memories. There was even a species that seemed to possess this as an Innate, the descendants of the Elementals, the Elves. By coming into contact with other people, they were able to share everything from emotions and thoughts, to deeply repressed memories.
Because of the nature of Elves, they had nearly been pushed to extinction in ages past, and, if not for an international treaty and the protection of an Ancient Dragon, they would have been wiped out long ago. The saddest part about this was, rather than for their own sake, Vahn suspected the only reason the Elves were spared was so that they could still be of use. They were worth a fortune in the Black Market, and, if you peeled back the layers of a so-called intelligence organization, you would almost always find a few Elves being manipulated for their ability.
One of the main reasons Vahn hadn't visited the diminutive Elven nation of Elfenhof was due to the fact that they simply didn't allow outsiders into their country. He would still be able to visit, as there were very few places that could actually keep him out, but Vahn felt now wasn't the best time. Most of the Elves very rarely spoke, relying on direct contact to communicate with members of their own species, so it wouldn't take long for him to be exposed. Their diminutive population allowed them to know virtually every member of their species with a degree of familiarity that was unmatched by any others. The moment one of them came into contact with him, it would already bee too late to make excuses.
After spreading his name through the international community, Vahn was intending to relocate the Elves to an area where they wouldn't have to fear the machinations of other countries. He was also intending to liberate any Elves he encountered during his travels, as, regardless of what excuses the host country might come up with, the act of keeping an Elf isolated from its people was, objectively, evil. Most were kept in near-complete isolation to prevent them from so much as touching anyone they were not 'supposed' to touch. This meant the only memories they ever came into contact with were those of criminals, spies, or enemies of the organization they were exploited by. It was a truly nightmarish way to live, and, due to magical seals placed on their bodies and minds, the only hope they had of release was being executed in order to prevent their intel from falling into the hands of others...
---
While Vahn was thinking about the best way to protect the Elves from greed and corruption, Arika had finished conveying her hopes and dreams to Nyon, earning a small nod from the plush cat as it said, "Though you have quite the idealistic ambition, I can tell you are a realist who has put a lot of thought into this. You will struggle to move forward on your own, but, with the proper support and motivation, I believe you will go far...funyaaa..."
Though it had been enjoying Vahn's aura and caress, Nyon allowed itself to slink off his shoulders before approaching to within paw's reach of Arika. This caused her to tense up slightly, but, instead of shying away, she held her ground as it placed a visible paw print between her brows, saying, "In accordance with the Ancient Covenant, I cannot follow and support you. Instead, I will grant you my Blessing so that, when you meet with my kin, they will be more inclined to listen..."
Hearing Nyon's words, Arika felt extremely gratified, but, before she could express it, her mind drew a complete blank when it leaned in and whispered in a surprisingly feminine voice, "My Blessing is said to increase a person's fortune in all manner of things. I'm certain your efforts will bear fruit if you allow yourself to become more honest with your desires, nyafufufu~."
Unable to respond, Arika could only stare blankly as Nyon laughed at her expense before drifting back to Vahn and rubbing its body against his cheek. This caused a feeling of perturbance in her heart, especially when she saw the teasing glimmer in the peculiar Great Spirit's eyes...
---
After bidding farewell to Nyon, promising to visit again in the future, Vahn descended down the mountain with Asuna in tow. She was now carrying a tiny gelatinous creature that radiated a gentle glow in her arms. It was actually very cute, possessing cartoonish features such as two nubs atop its head and a tiny tail that loosely resembled a kitten's. This had been a parting gift from Nyon Utu, a Lesser Elemental Spirit formed directly from their essence, or, as Nyon themselves had put it, their child.
Nascent Elementals were invisible to most people, but Lesser Elementals could be seen without too much difficulty. Among the Spirits associated with the Element of Light, Lucky Cats were especially rare, and, according to legend, denoted a person as having the Great Spirit of Light's protection and favor. This was generally accepted as truth in Nyandoma, so, with the adorable ball of light in two, most people who saw them even gave polite bows after realizing what exactly Asuna was holding.
Vahn felt it was rather silly, not because of the respectful looks people were giving them, but due to the fact that Asuna had placed the gelatinous creature on top of his head as she rode his shoulders. It was like he was wearing a buoyant hat, and, though it didn't actually bother him, Vahn would feel a modicum of embarrassment whenever a child would point and laugh in the characteristic manner of Cat People.
After reaching their inn, Vahn removed Asuna from his shoulders as the Lucky Cat leaped from his head and landed with a curious 'poi' sound. It seemed to be able to bounce like a rubber ball, but, when it wanted to stay still, it could adhere to a surface without leaving behind a sticky residue. If this hadn't been the case, Vahn's hair would have turned into quite a mess after having it 'washed' by the peculiar creature along the way...
Changing his focus from Asuna's new friend, Vahn turned to Arika and asked, "So, what do you wish to do from here? We can probably stay here without any trouble now that you have the Blessing of Nyon. The Lucky Cat will also serve as a deterrent to most people, so there is no real rush to depart the city."
Though she was also interested in exploring, Arika felt that now wasn't the best time to do so. The world was currently on the verge of a catastrophic war. She might not be able to outright prevent it, but, if she used the next two years to increase her strength and gather allies, they could bring it to a swift conclusion. To that end, she stared back at Vahn with a rather intense gaze, causing his smile to gradually turn wry due to the long silence the preempted her saying, "I want to meet Ala Rubra before the onset of war. I also want to become stronger...strong enough to grasp my own fate and protect the things I wish to protect."
As it would obviously be better to form a counter-organization before Cosmos Entelecheia began to carry out its plans, Vahn could understand where Arika was coming from. He was also somewhat interested in power and character of Nagi Springfield, so, before things got too far out of hand, he wanted to meet the fiery youth. Arika seemed to have developed a negative opinion of the young hero, but, when it came to the Protagonists of the world, they were rarely lacking in charisma. There was still a chance Arika might fall for the youth, so, before she became even more 'resolute', Vahn wanted to, at the very least, have them meet each other...
Nodding his head in approval, Vahn smiled as he said, "We'll stay one more night be departing. I'm not sure Ala Rubra is presently active in Mundus Magicus so our next destination will be Ariadne to the West. They might be a City State of the Hellas Empire, but their creed is fundamentally different from their Parent Country due to their focus on academics. Their Capital is even known as the City of Education, so, in order to keep my promise to Asuna, I would like to see the educational standard of this world."
Hearing her name mentioned, Asuna turned her attention away from playing with the Lucky Cat, staring back at Vahn with a slight smile on her face. She had never doubted his words, but, knowing he was already taking measures to keep his promise, Asuna felt very happy. As a result, she walked up to Vahn, surprising him slightly by tightly hugging his waist...
Feeling his heart soften, so too did Vahn's expression as he began to affectionately stroke Asuna's hair. This was observed by Arika for a few moments before she ultimately nodded her head, saying, "I understand. It is good that you are so considerate of Asuna's needs. I, too, had desired to attend school when I was younger. I hope she is able to experience all the things we members of the Royal Family were never able to obtain..."
Though she spoke eloquently and without pause, Vahn could sense the sadness contained in Arika's words when speaking about missed opportunities. This gave him an almost irresistible urge to sigh, but, instead, he gestured for Arika to come closer. This caused her to tense up, but, rather than shy away, she obediently moved until she was well within reach of his hand.
While slightly shaking his head, Vahn began to caress the top of Arika's as he muttered, "I might not be able to meet all of your expectations, but you are allowed to behave like a child around me. Even if you are a grown woman and Queen, you are still very young compared to me. I can pamper you a bit, so long as you keep things within moderation..."
Arika felt strangely annoyed by Vahn's words, but, knowing he was trying to be considerate, she fell silent for nearly a full minute before lightly nodding her head. If she were being honest with herself, she was somewhat envious of Asuna's treatment, but, not wanting to be treated like a child, she just buried her minor resentment deep in her heart. Vahn's words made her feel frustrated, but, in spite of this, his concern caused a feeling of warmth to spread, not just from her head, but from the same area where she buried most of her wants and desires...
---
Since it was still pretty early, Vahn spent the remainder of the day escorting Arika, Asuna, and Fenrir around the capital city of Nyandoma. Most places were closed, but there were still plenty of tourist traps and scenic venues to tour, so long as you had the money. Since finances were the least of his concerns, Vahn allowed the trio to enjoy themselves while rewarding the young children that were kind enough to show them around the area. This was relatively common within the country of Cat People, allowing the adults to man and operate the various businesses while entrusting tourists to large groups of very 'handsy' children.
Unfortunately for the 'mischievous' little Cat People, Vahn didn't carry a wallet on him, and, despite their high-born status, Arika and Asuna didn't wear things like jewelry. Even his usual pendant was missing, as he had yet to reforge it, so the only thing they could have possibly stolen was Fenrir's collar. This, however, was completely impossible, and, due to the natural aura that permeated from her body, even the boldest of the mischievous tour guides didn't dare tempt fate. Instead, they had grown into a veritable flock by the time Vahn's group returned to the Inn, largely due to the excess of treats and pocket money he handed out...
Compared to the previous evening, very few people showed any hostility towards them, both as a result of the gentle light that seemed to radiate from Arika and the chubby cat that seemed to have become fond of riding atop Vahn's head. The flock of children also deterred any potential trouble-seekers, as, despite their growing disdain for outsiders, they understood the reason for such a large group. Nyandoma was actually experiencing a recession right now, so, if they tried to get in the way of their own people making money, they were likely to be lambasted by their peers and elders...
Prior to entering the Inn, Vahn had the children line up to receive a bronze Drachma and a tiny bag of sweets. They had become surprisingly obedient after following him for a few hours, so, without trying to cheat or cut in line, all twenty-three children formed an orderly queue. They also didn't shy away from having their heads pat, allowing Vahn to lightly ruffle their unkempt hair before sending them off with a smile.
There were actually a number of children with underlying illnesses and chronic diseases so Vahn was using the brief moment of contact to treat most of their conditions. The cookies he gave them were also functionally similar to the rations that had been developed by Da Vinci, so, even if they ate them all at once, the nutrient-rich substance would remain in their body, slowly digesting as they required sustenance. This would allow those who were on the verge of starvation to make a full recovery, and, though it wouldn't treat the underlying issue, it would drastically improve their chances of survival.
Once all the children had departed, Vahn turned to the trio patiently observing them, smiling as he said, "Thanks for waiting. Now, how about something light and nutritious for dinner? The food we got from the stalls wasn't bad, but I can still recall the feeling of grease lining my throat. How about something like a garden salad and some rice pudding for dessert...?"
Rather than comment on the dinner arrangements, Arika decided to confirm her suspicions, asking, "Did you treat those children?"
Chuckling lightly in response to Arika's inquiry, Vahn just casually replied, "Of course. Didn't I say it back when I first treated your mother? What use is having such a skill if I don't use it to help those in need? Some of those children had sticky fingers, but, with war looming over their heads, they are just doing what they can to survive. Did their actions upset you...?"
Without needing to think about it, Arika shook her head, stating, "No. You did the right thing. I just think that ability of yours is very strange. It doesn't seem like any kind of Magic I have ever seen or heard of. You were even able to treat my mother when others had abandoned all hope. If possible, I would like to learn such a mysterious technique. If it is a secret, however, please forget I mentioned it."
This time, it was Vahn who shook his head, explaining, "I don't mind teaching others, but the skill I use is one that takes decades to achieve even a marginal amount of mastery. It requires advanced knowledge of the physiology and structure of anyone you want to treat, and, without the ability to see the internal structure of your patient, it is almost impossible to use effectively. There is a chance you will do more harm than good, so, while I can teach you, using the technique before I have given my approval is forbidden. It is also one of my personal techniques, so, if you wish to inherit it, you would need to become my official apprentice and vow never to use it with the intention of causing harm..."
Arika wasn't surprised to learn there were strict requirements to use such a mysterious technique, but, when Vahn got to the part about becoming an official apprentice, the thought of addressing him as Master briefly passed through her mind. This caused a strange feeling in her stomach, but, without letting it show on her face, she waited until Vahn had finished speaking before answering, "I will keep that in mind." before turning around and retreating inside the Inn...
(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Damn, these Elves be tragic...','I'm surprised Vahn doesn't have a Divinity related to the protection of children at this point...','Doki-doki Arika Ojou-sama...')
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Chapter 1561: Precursor
After a relatively uneventful night, Vahn and company departed the Inn, bidding farewell to the old matron and leaving a parting gift for the adorable Shiori.
Vahn had come to know that Shiori's mother had died a few years prior, and, due to various circumstances, they didn't know where her father was. As a result, her grandmother ended up becoming Shiori's guardian, taking care of her in spite of her advanced age. Fortunately, the Inn had quite a number of female staff, both young and old, to help take care of her.
Since he had a soft spot for children, Vahn left a sizeable donation to help ensure the Inn was able to tide through the recession. He also left funds to sponsor Shiori's education, but, if she wanted to continue working at the hereditary Inn, it could also be used to purchase things like clothes and other essential items. Ultimately, Vahn just wanted to give the adorable little girl a chance, and, since their fates had overlapped, even for a moment, he decided to reward the duo for their persistence and kindness...
---
With the Airfish well on its way towards Ariadne, Vahn was adding the finishing touches to a hybrid [Sub-Space Orb] within the bowels of the ship. In the past, this would have required a stationary point to anchor the orb, but, after decades of practice, rooting a [Sub-Space Orb] to a mobile platform was a relatively simple feat to achieve. The only real downside was that it required a rather ridiculous amount of energy to sustain, but, with the Airfish having become home to a sizeable population of Elementals, even this wasn't really an issue.
Vahn had thought about purchasing or developing one of the high-end dioramas that were often used as resorts and retreats for exceedingly wealthy Aristocrats, but, as the spatial fabric was a lot more unstable than a rooted [Sub-Space Orb], he decided against it. He would have needed a few months just to simulate the internal environment, and, even then, it would serve little purpose other than as a vacation home, albeit one with very powerful time-dilation...
After completing the rather arduous task, requiring a little more than four hours of focus, Vahn wiped away his brow before turning to face his large audience, asking, "So, did you enjoy the show? I don't usually have an audience for things like this. Hahaha~"
In response to his question, Asuna wiggled out of Fenrir's embrace before scampering over to Vahn's side and saying, "Teach me. I want to learn."
Though she and Arika had a near-perfect memory, allowing them to emulate pretty much any spell or technique they saw, replicating Ritual Magic, physically constructed Spell Formations, and Grand Magic Wards were significantly more difficult. If they could copy 'any' technique with just a glance, the members of the Ostian Royal Family would have accomplished more as a family of Artisans than members of Royalty. They also wouldn't have to spend most of their time researching Lost and Ancient Magics, trying to understand the techniques that had been inherited, and subsequently lost, from the Age of Gods.
Ruffling Asuna's hair, Vahn answered, "Certainly. There are other things you will have to learn before I can teach you this, however. Don't worry. Though your physical training will start later, I plan to start teaching you Magical Theory pretty soon. Now, want to take a look inside?"
Without any hesitation, Asuna nodded her head before raising her arms up high. This caused Vahn to softly chuckle, explaining, "Place your palm on the orb and imagine yourself entering. I can't carry you everywhere, unfortunately."
Hearing the explanation, Asuna slowly lowered her arms, falling into an oppressive silence for a few moments before nodding her head with an 'Nn.' Vahn wasn't quite sure what to make of this, as she didn't seem upset or anything, but he didn't have too much time to think about it since Asuna quickly placed her palm against the orb, vanishing into thin air.
Though the [Sub-Space Orb] only had a time dilation of 4:1, Vahn didn't want to leave Asuna alone for too long, so, after placing his palm on the orb, he turned to Fenrir and asked, "Shall we?" before vanishing immediately after.
---
While his main body was playing Sandbox with Asuna, Fenrir, and, surprisingly, a number of Elementals, Vahn entered the bridge to inform Arika the orb had been completed. Her only response was a curt nod of acknowledgment and a simple, "I see..." before focusing on the viewport in front of her. This left Vahn feeling slightly helpless, a wry smile on his face as he recalled the incident that had turned the taciturn beauty into an ice queen...
---
Shortly after arriving back at the ship, Vahn had announced his plan to construct a [Sub-Space Orb] to afford them more storage space and a place to train without causing damage to the environment and drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. This was unanimously agreed upon, so, in preparation for the orbs creation, they all worked together to clean the cargo bay and move important luggage to where it needed to be.
Initially, everything was going relatively smoothly, as Vahn could just throw extra baggage into his Inventory, but things became a little awkward when Asuna tried moving one of the larger suitcases, one possessing anti-theft features and a powerful barrier. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but, almost immediately after Asuna picked it up, an invisible field spread from her body, noticed only by Vahn.
Since the suitcase had been one of hers, Arika had noticed Asuna's actions and was about to take care of it herself, but, at that same moment, the suitcase simply 'burst' open due to every magical barrier breaking down simultaneously. It didn't generate enough force to cause any real harm, thankfully, but that didn't mean it was incapable of causing damage, even if it was more psychological than anything else...
As fate would have it, the suitcase in question was the one that held all of Arika's sleepwear, lingerie, and other delicate items. The force from the barriers breaking down was like a strong gust of wind, so, once the suitcase burst open, all of its contents spread around the cargo bay in an instant. Even this wasn't much of an issue, however, as Arika didn't seem to mind being seen naked. Rather, the problem occurred when a certain piece of fabric managed to bypass Vahn's defenses in a clearly 'fateful' manner, smacking him in the face.
Even before he removed the article, Vahn could already tell what it was, causing a wry smile to spread across his face as he peeled away the uncharacteristically clingy fabric. When his eyes were no longer obstructed, the first thing he saw was Arika's 'murderous' expression, offset by a slightly red hue coloring her cheeks. She then blinked to his side using [Shundo], snatching the fabric with one hand and raising her other as if she was about to slap him before pausing and 'hiding' both behind her back and asked, "Did you see it...?" in an accusatory tone.
Rather than answer, Vahn just offered an apologetic smile that caused Arika to lower her head for several seconds before she muttered, "My mother gave them to me...I am not a perverted woman..."
Vahn wanted to comment that he knew Arika wasn't a pervert, but, before he was able to, she quickly alighted from the cargo bay. She didn't bother to help clean up or recover the other half of the lingerie set, leaving Asuna standing with a blank expression a black-lace brassier hanging from one of her pigtails...
---
Seemingly interpreting his thoughts through his silence, Arika lowered her head slightly as she muttered, "You're thinking about it..."
Rather than continue the streak of awkwardness, Vahn just casually nodded his head, saying, "That kind of incident isn't one that people easily forget. Besides, you're still pouting over it so I can't help but worry. You really shouldn't let it bother you so much. It's just a piece of fabric."
Hearing Vahn's words, Arika looked towards him with a hint of blame in her eyes, but, after a few moments of silence, she nodded her head and answered, "You're right. I shouldn't blame you for what happened. Rather, I should have never accepted those garments from mother in the first place..."
Though he noticed Arika kept stressing the fact that her mother was the one who gave her the risque undergarments, Vahn decided not to comment on it. He was well aware of the type of person Arika was, someone who was so uncertain of her own thoughts and feelings that she couldn't be honest with herself. It was highly likely that Ana had given her the 'combat attire', not to be used, but to remind her daughter of the fact she had the option to choose her own destiny.
Restraining an urge to sigh, Vahn adopted a slight smile as he answered, "Don't say that. After all, your mother was just thinking about your happiness. Besides, as I said before, they are just pieces of fabric. You are just too conscious of them because of their perceived use. In the end, however, it is not somethings perceived use that matters, but how it is used. A weapon can be used to save lives, and, inversely, something designed to protect can cause tragedy if used to bring harm. Regardless of what form something takes, the intent behinds its use is ultimately what matters the most. Even if you wore something simple and plain, it could be a devastating weapon under the right conditions..."
Turning to face Vahn, Arika noticed he had a casual yet serious look, lacking the usual teasing glimmer in his eyes. He seemed completely serious, and, if she thought about them seriously, his words actually held a surprising amount of truth. The intended purpose for something had little significance if it wasn't used for that purpose. Since she wasn't even bothered to be seen naked by him, why should she be bothered to be seen wearing more...?
Though the words seemed to make sense, Arika couldn't help feeling more confused as she put even more thought into it. After all, even if there was truth contained within Vahn's words, it didn't completely remove the significance of certain garments. A person's outfit could have great significance when it denoted their profession, status, or represented a significant event like a funeral or wedding...
Noticing the confusion in Arika's eyes, Vahn shook his head, stating, "You're overcomplicating things. I'm certain your thoughts are valid, but it doesn't really change the truth inherent in my words. Ultimately, it is up to people to determine what something is used for and what other things represent. We give purpose to things through our intentions, and, without something like conscious thought, reality, itself, wouldn't even exist..."
With little else to say, Vahn decided to leave Arika to think things over for herself. Ultimately, the only perspective that mattered, in this case, was her own. He was well aware of the charm certain outfits possessed, but, even if a heavenly beauty wearing nothing but a garter belt and stockings appeared before him, Vahn wouldn't particularly care if she wasn't one of his lovers. He would certainly be able to appreciate their beauty, but, even if they attempted to seduce him, it would be for naught unless he reciprocated their affection...
---
Hearing the sound of the bridge door open and close, Arika looked toward where Vahn had been standing moments prior, confusion still visible in her eyes. She could understand what he was trying to say, but, due to the conflicts in her heart and mind, accepting them as truth was very difficult. Rather, part of her was annoyed by the fact he reacted in such a casual and calm manner despite her spending the last few hours fretting over whether or not he thought she was a pervert...
Releasing a tired sigh, Arika leaned back in the pilot's seat, allowing the cruise control to keep them on course as she stared toward the ceiling. In hindsight, she wasn't entirely sure why she had been so bothered in the first place. She was well aware of the fact that Vahn harbored no lascivious intentions or untoward thoughts regarding her. He seemed to acknowledge her as a member of the opposite sex, even showing a bit of appreciation at times, but there was still a vast gulf that separated them due to their status, age, and experience...
Realizing her thoughts implied she wanted to reduce the distance between them, Arika felt a momentary panic that caused her to look around to confirm she was still alone. Once she had confirmed this, she breathed a sigh of relief while lightly pressing her palm to her chest. She could feel her heart palpitating in an unsteady rhythm, its tempo several times faster than the norm...
Shaking her head in self-admonition, Arika muttered, "Vahn is right...I'm making things more than they need to be. I'm behaving in a contrary manner, envious of Asuna being treated like a child despite expecting to be treated as an adult...now, I'm even throwing a tantrum over an incident that no one is to blame for...haaaaa..."
After allowing another sigh to escape her lips, Arika looked back towards the ceiling, her eyes losing their focus as she absentmindedly uttered, "Maybe it wouldn't be so awkward if I grew accustomed to wearing such garments regularly...I wonder how he would react..."
As that thought crossed her mind, Arika pulled out a tiny piece of black fabric that seemed less like a pair of panties than a collection of strings and lace. It was a type of underwear that had been imported from Mundus Ventus, and, though they used to be exceptionally rare, a few of the more risque designs had become relatively popular. Arika had never understood the draw of such 'pointless' clothing, as it was both uncomfortable and didn't really cover up anything, but, now that she was closely observing the largely transparent fabric, complete with a thin string near the back, she couldn't prevent the burning feeling in her cheeks...
(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn pulling out the usual hacks','Magic canceling is OP (UwU)','They are t-back lace panties. Pinterest is your friend')
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