THE ADVENTURER OF EDEN
5.2 "Alicia's Decision"

The declaration of Freiana Astrea shook the entire kingdom. In some major cities of Asteria, they heard the declaration of the black-haired woman.

Information Freiana Astrea who was originally Princess Reina Stardust, is also widespread. They welcomed, considering Freiana Astrea as the Goddess Freyja.

In the West Area town of Avan, residents welcomed the Freiana declaration. But it is different from the "former" of the Great Port which is close to the Valhalla Tower in the East Area. The residents there were on high alert because they thought the Sanctum would be planning something with Freiana Astrea's declaration as the beginning.

Count Erick Edelweiss prepared for the capital, but the seventh-seat Star Knight, Benzu, was before him.

"After the declaration, the situation in this country became quite chaotic. Do you still want to return to the capital, Count?"

...

In the South Area, Guildtown.

The Adventurers and the townspeople of the Adventurers knew Reina's voice and face, of course the confusion was visible to them.

Didn't think Reina was Freiana Astrea, but who was Freiana Astrea? That's what makes them wonder. Including Vira in the Guild office, looking in silence and confused.

Later then... "Vira-san, her husband and son Anna-san have already arrived in the city." The adventurer told the woman of long purple hair.

"Yes, I will welcome them." replied Vira, smiling.

***

While in the Capital, an impromptu meeting held by the remaining Star Knights was held instantly hours after Freiana Astrea's declaration was heard.

Of the 13 Star Knights, only 7 of them remained.4 of them were killed, another one with Count Erick and another, Sir Walter suspected of being a NARAKU collaborator.

(Sir Rackham, Braun, Lautaro and Albert are no longer available now) Leonard thought of his dead counterpart.

Sir Leonard, Hibari, Braun, Benzu, Sarah, Duma and GroB are the Star Knights. The two strongest three seats were still unfilled, but as long as they did not have a fixed king, they could not lift Hibari or Braun to become the second or third seats.

Now that they have gathered, Shiki and Yui are there, but not with Alicia whose mood is not right.

"Thank you for getting together with this impromptu meeting. Only 7 of the Star Knights remained, although one person, the Benzu Knights themselves were still in the Great Port now." Leonard started the meeting.

"The discussion this time is about the declaration of Freiana Astrea and Sanctum. The name of Freiana Astrea we have not heard before, but it is not wrong, she is Princess Reina Stardust" Leonard told them seriously.

"The daughter of Duke Robert Stardust, and the woman nicknamed the "Holy Lady of Salvation" by the Sanctum!"

"Freiana Astrea. and her last name, Astrea's name we've heard before, '" Leonard said. "The Astrea family was the ruling family of the Kingdom of Asteria until 400 years ago, but they were defeated by the three founding families of today."

"The Crimson Crown tragedy that Princess Reina declared was the tragedy that brought the Astrea family down, and the Blackmore family to the throne because of those who defeated the 'Vile King' back then."

"But Princess Reina revealed her real name as Freiana Astrea... Is he a descendant of the Astrea Family?"

"But Leon, there's no record that Astrea still has offspring, right? According to history, Vile King was defeated without him having children or wives" GroB said

"That's true, plus if Princess Reina is the one who managed to escape, it will make her live for 400 years" said Duma. "But Princess Reina's birth was obvious at the time."

Shiki blinked hearing that. He was also curious about Reina's "birth. Shiki had never heard Reina talk about her mother, so she assumed that Reina's mother was dead.

Yet... Duke Robert Stardust said...

"Reina wasn't Duke Robert Stardust's biological child, so we can rule out that possibility." Shiki tells them, all shocked to hear that, including Alicia and Yui.

"DOLL?!"

Shiki didn't tell them about this when she said she met Duke Robert Stardust before. Shiki had of course deliberately hidden this information from them.

"You're serious, Shiki?!" ask Leon in surprise.

Shiki nodded, she recounted the meeting with Duke Robert Stardust. The story is also about the old man's request to stop Reina's plan and about the information about who Reina really is.

"So then, you actually met the person you were looking for, and then he mysteriously disappeared. Let's put the matter aside, and the matter of Princess Reina or Freiana with the Sanctum means our decision will depend on what their plans will be." Leon understands.

"You're going to Valhalla after this, aren't you? Call me and tell me all about what you got, Shiki. After that we, the military will decide whether to join the Sanctum or not."

"Yes" Shiki nodded. "I also haven't considered Reina and Sanctum to be "evil parties", at least until I know what they're up to."

"I'm sure they're fighting NARAKU, so we'll find it safe before we know it all."

Leonard nodded in agreement. "I'm counting on you then."

"What about Sir Walter's problem? then that fucking Freddy, as well as some of the members of Parliament who were suspected of being NARAKU's collaborators?" ask Goorner.

"On that, we will discuss at the right time" replied Hibari.

Leonard agreed with his wife's answer. "Hibari's right. But don't worry, about Sir Walter.no, about the "traitor" Walter, we'll face it in our own strength!"

The remaining Star Knights understood, with Shiki and the two princesses taking care of the Sanctum, the Star Knights would take care of those military 'traitors.

They finished the meeting after their discussion went back to the beginning, about Freiana Astrea. Reina's identity is discussed as the Stardust Family's Daughter and some common concerns about her.

***

Alicia was still in her room, the night was starting to come in the capital, the Thousand Stars Castle. Simultaneously Alicia recalled a little flashback of herself with Reina.

"I'll write you a letter" Alicia said before they split up at the dance. "So you should take it later! Don't forget to reply, ok? I'm looking forward to it! Lena!"

"Yes!" Reina answered happily.

Upon arriving at the Romanova residence, Alicia writes a letter to Reina. The letter the little girl wrote asked her new friend about her, especially about her dreams.

Alicia gave the letter she wrote to her mother, Liana Romanova.

"Letter? For..ah!" her mother realized whose letter Alicia had written. "I see, it's for Reina, isn't it?"

Of course Liana understood, and she sent the letter to the Valhalla Tower where Reina lived.

After 4 days, Alicia received a letter from Reina. "...all according to what I told you about Reina. Later then... Your ideals are..."

Alicia had a shocked face in awe, both of her cheeks blushed. He immediately grabbed a paper and pen, writing what he wanted to reply to Reina.

"That's an amazing goal!"

...

About a year they sent each other letters, and Alicia did not get any more replies from Reina. Waiting three months for the letter, but never coming.

"Dad! Take me to the Valhalla Tower! I want to see Reina!" Shouted Alicia to her father, Duke Peter Romanova.

Duke Peter was silent, but fulfilled his daughter's wish to go to the Valhalla Tower in the East Area.

But when I got to Valhalla, Mama Elizabeth showed up, told Alicia about Reina.

"Ah, so. The two of you came all the way here just to see Princess Reina. But what a pity, the Princess went abroad with her father."

"Eh? He didn't say anything to me!" Alicia was shocked of course.

"Sorry about that. Their sudden departure. So Princess Reina left without saying anything." Elizabeth replied worriedly.

"Dad..." Alicia looked at her silent father as well since then.

"Let's go back, Alicia. We can come here sometime." Peter smiled at his daughter, who nodded in understanding, then left Valhalla.

...

After that, Alicia did not hear from Reina anymore. Alicia suspects that Elizabeth is lying, but she doesn't know why Reina disappeared without news.

Alicia finally assumed, maybe Reina didn't want to be friends with him. Alicia was worried, she thought that way even though she was still 8 years old back then.

"I hope, he..." Alicia was hoping for something about Reina.

With a daydream Alicia stopped now after the sound of knocking on the door and a man called out to her from outside.

"Alicia, you're inside, right? It's me." It's me." Shiki. Alicia was silent.

"I understand why you're angry with Reina... But..." Shiki seems to have to tell Alicia, one of Shiki and Reina's secrets.

"...Reina, actually, she's..."

The sound of the door opening along with Shiki saying that, there were only a few words left but Alicia interrupted her speech with an angry face clearly visible to Shiki.

Alicia pulled Shiki's hand inside straight away. His strength was stronger than he had expected, then the door of Alicia's room was slammed shut.

"What are you doing, Alicia?!" shiki asked somewhat annoyed.

However Alicia blushed, she hugged Shiki which of course made the young man's black hair silent and a small blush.

"Shiki, I.." said Alicia slowly. "...Never felt this sorry."

"Even when I say I hate him, I'm not this sorry. I've been lied to, I've been betrayed, it's a serious feeling from him and I'm furious about it!"

"I know," Shiki replied understanding the feeling. "...but you know, Alicia... Reina's... Actually..."

"Shut up." Alicia asked Shiki not to say more than this. "...don't say anything more than that!"

"If you keep pushing, I'll really be mad at you and I'll be a real hassle!" Alicia was upset to say that.

"That's why I'm going to figure it out myself" Alicia said again, she took off her arms and said. "Heard all that from him! Then I will seize the throne of the Asteria Kingdom from her, and end my relationship with her!!"

Shiki was surprised to hear that scream. Alicia is serious. She had decided to end her relationship with Reina when the two of them faced each other later.

...Chapter 5.2 "Alicia's Decision" - finished...