Thief of Time

Dia sneezed three times in rapid succession as they crossed the threshold of Grandia. The path ahead of them was lined with the city guards, who were all presenting arms at the procession of soldiers that had held down the northern battle line.

For some reason, the Dark had retreated, and the order to retreat also came down shortly afterwards. Dia wasn't sure of the reason, but rumour had it that Tot had ascended to the ranks of a divinity, making everyone far and wide fear for their lives.

Whatever the case, their withdrawal was as swift as a raging river — although that metaphor seemed to be somewhat lacking — and before Dia knew it, everyone had returned to the capital city.

Only a few volunteers were left behind, enticed by the high rewards to continue keeping a lookout. Of course, Dia knew that this retreat was temporary; everyone agreed that the Emperor insisted on such a rapid withdrawal to improve the morale of the troops and to allow the mercenaries to resupply with as much ease as possible.

"This is quite the turnout, despite the fact that we're returning to the frontlines soon," Farah noted quietly. "And we're getting cheers and flowers too."

"Dia, can you stand at the front and wave your hand?" Risti asked, a faint hope in her voice.

"And why would I do that?" Dia asked.

"Because I can make more memories, that's why." Risti blinked innocently at her. "Pretty please?"

"Yeah, about that. No." Dia looked at Beth, who was napping away in her arms, and then rolled her eyes at her.

Risti made disappointed noises as the procession continued to move towards the centre of the huge metallic cube. It was quite the cool sight, though, since only the regular soldiers in the procession were marching in sync and in formation. Mercenaries like Dia and the Seekers of Life had been arranged at the rear of the parade, which gave them both the honour and glory of being part of the reinforcements, but saved them from the pain of having to march in formation and whatnot.

After thirty minutes of trailing behind the marching troops, the procession, flanked by huge watching crowds, stopped at a vast square in front of a black cube, which was the Grandis Palace. Under the urging of some ununiformed personnel, Dia and the others scuttled to the side, giving space to the soldiers, who were now spreading out while marching on the spot.

"Synchronised drills, nice," Farah commented, serenaded by a ceremonial band that had marched out of the palace gates. "Still, when did these guys rehearse for the parade? We hadn't had time to do that at all, though!"

"Parades need rehearsals?" Schwarz asked.

"Yeap. They definitely do," Farah replied. "Don't they, Dia?"

Dia, who hadn't actually paid attention to parades and drills, looked at the napping kid in her arms again. "Uh, yeah, I guess. I usually only see the actual parade when there's something huge going on, though…"

Dia frowned as she rummaged through her memories. Now that she thought about it, this was probably the second parade she had actually seen, and the first one that actually felt like a performance of sorts. The one she had seen before was just a procession and all, but this parade was clearly a performative one…

"Alright, never mind." Farah rolled her eyes at Dia. "You clearly don't know anything about parades, judging from the flurry of expressions. Anyway, parades require a lot of rehearsals, you see? I'm just not sure how these guys did it. I would like to learn, really."

"Is that so?" Nero folded his arms. "Well, whatever. It looks cool, and that's all that matters."

Dia glanced at Kemata and the scythe that was whirling behind her. The scythe was spinning fast enough that Kemata looked like she had a Moon behind her or something, which was objectively cooler than the ongoing parade, if she had to be honest.

"Why are you staring at Kemata?" Nero asked, a protective expression on his face.

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Once again, Dia wondered if Nero was the Omen, given just how attached he was to Kemata, and then said, "A glowing circle behind anyone is very eye-catching. That's all."

"Really?" Nero stared at her. "I get the feeling that you're thinking of something ridiculous, though."

"Agreed," Kemata added.

Dia glared at the couple, who were now agreeing with each other over the thoughts in her own head, where she should have sole exclusivity over, and then decided to ignore the stupid couple.

The parade continued on under the majestic and grand melodies that the ceremonial band was playing, before stopping with a single, coordinated note. A vast presence erupted from the black cube a moment later, and what looked like a huge Emperor Grandis materialised in front of the palace.

"That's…an image, right?" Schwarz muttered.

"Probably." Dia looked at the majestic sight of Emperor Grandis, whose image was now looking down on the parade.

"Brave soldiers of my empire," a low, stately voice rumbled, "welcome home from your weeks of meritorious service. I have seen the fields of battle and the blood you have spilled on it. We will not forget the fallen. I will formally announce the vast rewards for those who had spilled blood for us. No family member of the fallen will be left behind. No brave soul will be overlooked. Upon my name, I will make it so."

Dia shivered once. Those words had somehow sent a ripple up her spine, raising a faint trepidation within her.

"Soldiers of Grandis, brave mercenaries…welcome home," Emperor Grandis continued. "Our doors and our home will always be open to you."

"Long live Emperor Grandis!" someone shouted, and the contingent of troops assembled in front of the palace exploded with noise, prompting Dia to cover Beth's ears. Cheers, screams and mad shouts filled the air, creating an infectious atmosphere that immediately affected the audience, and for a time, all sorts of cheers and shouts shook the Grandis Palace.

Emperor Grandis raised a hand. "Soldiers, mercenaries, do take this chance to rest. The divinities have retreated. Rest well and stock up in this time of peace. Now, do not let this old man hold you up any longer."

The doors to the palace opened, and the troops rippled once. Without any prompting required, they formed up into a solid block of soldiers and marched into the palace, escorted by the jubilant ceremonial band.

"Is it me," Farah asked, "or was the Emperor more concerned about the soldiers than us?"

"Well, they're his people," Dia replied, watching the assembled audience members as they began to disperse. Some of them approached the mercenaries to hand out freebies, while others moved into the huge space in front of the palace and began to set up a bazaar. Within minutes, a small, impromptu festival ground had sprouted up, along with stalls and performances.

"Seems like this, too, is the Emperor's doing," Farah observed. "A festival…it seems impromptu, but it's definitely planned. I'm going to jot this down…"

"Should we partake in this festival?" Schwarz asked, rubbing his hands. "I can vaguely smell some alcohol and fried finger snacks…"

"You and your alcohol," Risti replied. "But I'm afraid not. There's someone making a beeline towards us directly."

She gestured at an approaching guard.

"Greetings, Seekers of Life." The guard nodded. "Emperor Grandis' compliments and thanks for your contributions to the war effort. Standing against the divinities' familiar spirits alone is no small feat. His Eminence desires an audience with the Seekers of Life, in recognition of that feat."

"An audience?" Dia asked.

"Normally, His Eminence would have sent a calling card prior, but there are extenuating circumstances in this regard." The guard smiled. "Please, follow me. His Eminence apologises for the inconvenience, but it is rather urgent."

Risti glanced at Dia and the others, and then smirked. "Any problems?"

Dia didn't quite know why she was a bit smug, but she shook her head. "None at all."

"There's going to be free food and excellent alcohol," Schwarz replied. "Don't see why not."

In high spirits, everyone followed after the guard, who began to fiddle with his face as they approached the gate. Dia glanced at Risti a few times, but she was in an oddly fine mood, one that seemed to brook no disturbance.

The guards at the gate saluted once as he led them into the palace, before into a small room.

"Now then," the guard continued, "allow me to formally introduce myself."

He whirled around once, revealing the visage of an old man. "I apologise for this, but I am actually the Minister for State, Cicero. This disguise was necessary to prevent myself and everyone present from being mobbed by the audience, who will almost certainly suspect anyone old as someone important. Which is not wrong, but still problematic."

"Minister of—"

"—State?"

Everyone glanced at Farah, and then at Dia, who sighed. Beth made some funny noise in her hand a moment later, and then rolled over.

"Do you want to do the explanations?" Farah asked. "I think you'll know this better than I do."

"Sure." Dia smiled. "Greetings, Minister Cicero. Everyone, meet the mover behind Emperor Grandis' policies, big, small and all. His name is not particularly famous, but those in power know that the mechanisms behind every law and policy is signed off by Minister Cicero."

"Ooh, you're that important?" Nero asked.

"Impressive," Kemata added.

The old man chuckled. "Thank you for your praise, dear. However, let us not keep His Eminence waiting. There are some…special guests, after all."

Smiling, he led the way out of the room.

Behind Dia, Risti cackled.