Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue

2012-07-17T13:46:47Z

Ender: Added an image and forward/back bar

===Epilogue===

"See for yourselves, everyone. This is the absolute real crown of Joseph. The gigantic explosion just now, was none other than the good deeds of Joseph. He had allied with the elves and created this kind of hellish fire.... he completely annhiliated the dual use fleet. Not only so, he also wanted you to go down with it"
Facing the Gallian army, Vittorio continued his speech. Taking out Joseph's crown just now, Vittorio began to persuade the Gallian armies.

After all, isn't Joseph's crown the best proof.

Slowly, even the most stubborn Gallian soldiers, began to recall rumours of Joseph allying with elves, starting to be pursuaded bit by bit.

"But, this mad king, has already been called back by the Gods. More ironically, using the fireball explosion he created....if this is not the punishment from God, what else could it be?"

Suddenly hearing news of Joseph's death, the Gallian army expressed their disbelief towards Vittorio's speech. To confirm the genuinity of Vittorio's news would certainly require quite a bit of time. Not long afterwards, contact from Lutece was established, knowledge of Joseph boarding the speedboat alone obtained.

With things already at this stage, there is now little reason to fight. Their king was already dead. And he even tried to perish every single one of them along with the Romalian army.....

Not a single soldier was left loyal to Joseph.

The Gallian army finally held back their spears and surrendered to the Romalian army. Vittorio's speech continued.
"Please relax. I have no desire to condemn you all, nore to treat you as fugitives. Since every one of you is part of the glorious member of the Gallian Empire, we are all friends in front of God. The 'crusade' was only used to describe the Joseph swallowed by that humongous fireball, not on any one of you...."

Saito found Vittorio's words irritating.

"Who is our real enemy? It's the elven heretics! They were the ones supporting the incompetent king, terrorizing the whole world!"

Tiffania nervously pulled her hat lower. Saito nodded towards Tiffania. Although still wounded, it has already recovered to a degree where Saito is capable of moving around. Towards the healing magic of the royal personel, Saito could not help but express his awe.

"It's alright. We won't let that guy get away with it"

"But in the end, it all went according to Romalia's plans"
Louise mentioned coldly.

"Huh, that guy was about to change Joseph's mind with only one spell. We must be really cautious from now on"
Saito said

"Is that true?"

"Mhm, I saw it with my own eyes. Joseph was in the middle of chanting 'explosion', just as he was about to cast it upon the 'fire jewel'..... there he stood, not moving a muscle. I'm sure it was that moment when he casted some sort of spell"

"Welll, thanks to him, we're all saved now"

"Although that's true, but everything went accordingly to how that guy planned, it kind of pisses me off."

"How troublesome. He really knows how to put up an act. This pope, perhaps he may really make this 'crusade' a success"
Guiche muttered dreamily.

"Hey, Guiche14:28, 16 July 2012 (CDT)!"
Given a stern stare from Saito, Guiche turned around.

"Oh I was just joking. That giant fireball.... elven magic? What a joke! How can our founders possibly fight with people who can make things as terrifying as that!"

"If anything goes wrong in the Pope's plan, it should be exactly this"
Kirche voiced her thoughts.

"What do you mean?"

"Both Romallia and Gallia, a hundred and fifty thousand men, witnessed the power of the elves at such a close distance. No matter how charismatic the Pope is, how do you suppose he convince all of these people to dig their own graves?"

"There's another factor as well"
Louise suggested
"To revive the true power of the void, we need all four void users. But since the Gallia's void user and familiar died together, there's only the three of us left. This was we can't win against the elves"

That's right! How could they have forgotten about this! The girls burst out in laughter after realisation.

.....Saito thought otherwise. Joseph's death should also be in Vittorio's calculations, wasn't that how Julio said?
"That king will never join us"

If so, there must also be a plan to continue the Crusade without his help.

It must be like that.

"Well, so that's that! Our crusade is over! Leave the rest for Romalia! If asked, just say, sorry, we don't have any more funds for an expedition~~! Besides the terror of the Gallian king has already ended! Let's return home~~ return home! Enjoy ourselves with Saito's hard earned money, all of us[[Special:Contributions/2.138.2.148|2.138.2.148]] 14:28, 16 July 2012 (CDT)!"

Hearing Guiche's suggestions, all the Water Spirit Ondine Knights laughed brightly. Saito was also clapped on the back, shaking his head in chuckles. Vittorio's plans is still yet to end, is still yet to be uncovered, they must not let down their guard.

Plus, Saito's power was hardly useful. Castlemont already especially warned him "be careful" previously.... but he got carried away and completely forgot about the existance of Joseph's spell.

If it weren't for the Pope's "void", perhaps he would have perished along with the a hundred and fifty thousand men, turned to nothing but ashes.

There's a lot more even powerful people ahead....

But then Saito remembered
''I have my friends

and.... Louise.''

Saito put his hands on Louise's shoulders.
"Now we never have to worry about that guy's intentions anymore"

"so true"

"Leave it to me. If he dare come near us again, I will definitely stop him. Next time I won't be so careless. oh and also, we should go buy a house, the comfortable kind"

Malicorne poured them tea
"Don't about lemon gardens"

Louise blushed red immediately.

"Hey hey, lemon gardens, no thanks"
Just as Saito was finished with his sentence, Louise kicked relentlessly towards his butt.

"Ow! I am a patient, you know!"

"Who told you to make decisions on your own!"

"Are you going to keep arguing that with me"

Towards the already heated couple, Malicorne fuelled them even more.
"Stop! we must all be at peace~~!"

"Go peace yourself! I'm serious about it!"
Bellowed Louise furiously. Malicorne pointed out attentively
"Eh? Why didn't you kick him in between the legs, but on his butt? A word of the wise from the wisps of the wind, if it's between the legs, there won't be anymore lemon-chan, no?"

Taking a deep breath, Louise swung her leg between Saito's. Hit right in the spot, Saito rolled on the floor
"You... stop kicking other people"

"I've already spared you from even worse!"
After bellowing again, Louise's face turned redder. So that's why, although she did kick him, it didn't actually hurt much.

Their mates couldn't breathe from the continuous laughter.

Lying on the floor, Saito thought, with the help of these mates..... even if it's another one of Romalia's plans, they may be able to stop it. Definitely.

"Great! Anyway, let's drink for a continuous 3 nights!"
Saito raised his arm. Cheers flew everywhere.

But soon, this atmosphere was soon shattered by Kirche's words
"But, what about Tabitha? Is she really going to become Gallia's Queen? From the looks of her just now, it doesn't seems like she have much choice anymore....."

In an instant, everyone exchanged looks.

Oh right.

And then there's that question.

Why did Tabitha suddenly decide to accept the coronation?

"Don't tell me she really wanted to become a puppet of Romalia?"
Reinard muttered. Everyone began to worry.

After Pope Vittorio's speech, Tabitha's interrupted coronation was continued. The crown of Joseph displayed just now, was immediately used in the coronation.

In the tents behind the stage, Tabitha held her hands tightly. She was thinking the words Saito said just now

"Make your decision, Tabitha. Whichever it is, I will always respect your choice"

Would a teen who is able to say things like this, encourage Tabitha to wear the crown?

"Impossible"
The calm part of Tabitha's mind told her so.

Which means, the Saito who has been running around these two days..... was not the real Saito. It was only part of Romalia's conspiracy just to make Tabitha wear the crown.

It's some sort of magic..... no, the intelligent Tabitha already knew

"skirni"

[[Image:ZnT15-260.jpg|thumb]]

Using it herself before, it's an ancient puppet spell. Through blood, it creates a dummy the same as the real person.

Tabitha was enraged. Like her nickname "Snowstorm", anyone in close vicinity could completely feel the icy anger in with.

"Those guys, made use of my.....first"

Julio marched into the tent.
"The preperation is ready, Princess Charlotte. This is the last time I'll be able to call you a 'Princess'"

Nodding, Tabitha stood up
"I'll perform for you now"

Just like what you wished for......

Tabitha savoured the title she had once.

Knight of the North Parterre.

"I'll tell you who you are conspirating against next"

Slowly, Tabitha walked towards the sunlight and cheers of joy.

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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter9|Chapter 9]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume16_Chapter1|Volume 16]]
|-
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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9

2012-07-17T13:38:42Z

Ender: Added an image and forward/back bar

===Chapter 9: The Exit of the Labyrinth===

When Joseph released the "fire jewel" from his hands, wrecking the fleet named under his brother's name without mercy, there was not a single expression of emotion.

He merely muttered
"The construction of that fleet, how much did it cost?"

"The dual-use fleet, began construction ten years ago for the purpose of resisting the Albion fleet. Accordingly, within five years, it spended half of the country's income for its construction."
Myoznitnirn replied calmly.

"Such a valuable item turned to ashes in minutes. How disappointing"

"You.... are you sad?"

"Hardly. Compared to this, letting the toy boat my father bought for me sink in the pond was more saddening. Speaking of which, I already lost track of how many times Harold won. Not a single win here though."

Her body restricted of freedom by the stone statue, Henrietta painfully interupted
"A fleet of that size..... how many..... how many do you think it carried? Ten thousand, no, at least a couple times more. You turn so many people, into ashes in a blink of an eye, yet you compare this to a toy sinking in a pond..... even the devil will seem more compassionate in front of you"

"What do you understand? How would you possibly know how I feel? Bathed in victory, blessed by everyone, wearing a crown, how could you possibly understand me?"
Joseph kicked Henrietta with hatred. Witnessing the tradegy in front of her, Henrietta's heart finally broke. The remaining strand of "hope" in her heart was snapped. Dragged into her flow of emotions, Henrietta finally cried.

"Feel sad? You... are heartbroken aren't you? How admiring"
Joseph grabbed Henrietta's face, and lifted it, facing each other.
"Give me your sadness. Give it to me. If you can do it, I will do anything you want. Everything. This kingdom, this world, anything"

"God.... please stop this man. For the sake of our next generations, before this world is destroyed, before everything is turned into ashes....."

"Then I guess God himself should also witness what the world would look like in ashes"
Joseph took the last "jewel of fire" handed from Myoznitnirn. This one was twice the size of the last one. Lovingly, Joseph stroke the "jewel". The bright "fire" in the transparent container gave a brilliant shine, illuminating Joseph's palm.

If this was delieved to the ground.....all lands in its radius, 10 miles and above, will be charred black. Whether it's grass or tree, human or animal.... all life on land will be burnt to nothing, ashes to ashes.

Including his army sworn loyal to him, and his brother's only child, his neice Charlotte.

"Will I cry"
Asking multiple times himself, the question sounded again in his mind.

"This time, will I cry?"

When the world is roasted.... what if he still won't cry... what would he do next?

He was confused himself. The literally world of nothing. Tears, emptiness, sadness, nothing. Only "zero".

Needless the reminder from Henrietta, he was clear himself. This is not what he wanted to see.

But....

Looking at the weeping Henrietta, Joseph thought
''The only one who can stop me.... will be Harold

If he reconciles me.... yeilds to me.... I wouldn't have been so desperate''

However, even to God, this is not possible. After all, Harold is not alive anymore.

Joseph understood. He really understood that even when the world was turned into ashes, he still be unable to cry.

Still, a sense of hope remains.

He could not find any other way.

What was pushing Joseph to deliever despair to the world, was actually hope itself. Although it was a dim coloured hope, it kept pushing Joseph forward, supporting his body.

Joseph began chanting the "void" spell again.

Since this time the "jewel" was of a larger size, its container would be even stronger. If the "explosion" was not powerful enough, no damage would be left.

Right this moment.

The vessel began wobbling. Joseph looked in the far distant.

A wind dragon scaled in blue, leading a couple of pegasuses was speeding this way. One of the paladins on a pegasus seemed to be chanting wind magic.

To protect her master's spells from being interupted, Myoznitnirn released a few stone statues. Controlled by Myoznitnirn, powered up to the maximum, the stone statues dashed towards the welcomed gate-crashers.

At various places, stone statues and paladins began to commence their aerial battles.

"Jo-Joseph my lord...."
Joseph was about to continue chanting.... in that instant, he was flung backwards by the explosion in front of his eyes, the recoil slamming him to the other edge of the ship.

"Urg...."

The jewel of fire rolled from his hand onto the deck. The explosion also pushed the stone statue holding down Henrietta away. Suddenly regaining freedom, Henrietta spotted the rolling jewel and caught it in her mouth urgently.

Looking around, she saw Louise riding on the wind dragon. Seems like this explosion was the effects of Louise's spell.
''Thank you, everyone''
Thanking everyone in her mind, Henrietta lept off the side of the ship.

"Your Majesty!"
Seeing Henrietta jump off, Louise cried out. Driving away the stone statues around them, Slipheed decended rapidly. Just as she was about to catch her.... a speeding statue came out of nowhere, snatching the Queen away.

Sharp claws pryed open the jewel clamped tightly by Henrietta's mouth. As if determining her as useless afterwards, it threw her away uncaringly.

Slipheed freefalled again, finally fatching her body.

"Are you hurt?"
With little time to celebrate their reunion, Louise asked urgently. Sitting on the back of Slipheed, Henrietta yelled with a pale face
"Ignore me! The stone! Hurry!"

Louise nodded, quickly chanting her spell again.

It was the "explosion" spell. Because she had used it just now, she was unable to target larger enemies. This was her limit. During the "crusade", Louise had already used her magic too many times.

Yet still she fought for focus, chanting the spells of "void". Unfortunately.... her chant could not be finished in time, releasing only a fraction of its maximum power.

A few stone statues the paladins had failed to supress began attacking Louise and the rest.

"Ah!"
In response to Henrietta and Louise's cries, Saito pulled the trigger of his AK at the stone statues. Using three-point bursts, it easily bursted the heads of the statues, but bullets quickily ran out. It was the last clip.

In midair, swords have barely any use. Saito gritted his teeth.

To protect her side, Louise was forced to use "explosion". The small scaled explosion rippled around Slipheed, sending the statues flying.

"Quickly! Louise! Hurry and stop that insane man! If... if we don't make it, everything will turn into ashes!"
Henrietta shouted.

"I'll go. Slipheed, get to the ship!"

Slipheed acknoledged with a cry.

Louise stared at the small vessl. What was going on? With this small ship, carrying only two people, bring down the entire dual use fleet? The Romalia and Gallia armies, reaching a hundred and fifty thousand lives, were about to face the same fate as the dual use fleet.

The Founder's magic.

The incomparable power of the Founder.

When combined with the destructiveness of "void".....

Facing this new threat, Louise began to feel fear.

In these cases.... only her familiar can be trusted.

On the decks, Joseph can be seen chanting. Protecting him was more than a dozen statues controled by Myoznitnirn.

For the first time in her life, she caught a glimpse of Joseph at such a close distance.

Having the same coloured hair as Tabitha.... a slender but fit body. Handsome looking, it was as if a male beauty carefully carved.

From the mouth of his came the chants of the spell.

Ironically, hearing his chant gave an immense boost in Saito's bravery. Natural instincts in Saito's body found it irritating.

If he were to finish his chant...

Recollecting the jewel just now, Saito felt as if his spine was stabbed with an ice pick. Leaping off Slipheed's body, Saito landed onto the deck. Already, Myoznitnirn's stone statues were in front of him.

With horns like antlers on goats, strong developed muscles, bat wings, this statue looked like nothing but bad news. Saito found it just as bad looking as Joseph himself.

''It was him who made this jewel!''
Anger shook his soul.

The runes on his left hands glowed. Facing the incoming statue, Saito delievered a slash, cutting its body in half.

With the blade swinging, one by one statues rolled down the deck, heads, body parts, so on.

Whoever it is, no sword master could match up to the speed of Saito's slash.

Reaching his boiling point, no one can stop Saito. One after another statues tumble down. A dozen or more statues, completely annhiliated in a mere 15 seconds.

"Looks like you are out of weapons"
Holding Derflinger, Saito cautiously pressed towards Myoznitnirn.

Despite seemingly in trouble, Myoznitnirn's smile was not a bit shaken.

"What!"
Next moment, Saito was subjected to a horrifying sight.

The already cut in half statues crawled near their bodies and reattached themselves like clay dolls, standing up again.

Standing next to Joseph, Myoznitnirn's mouth turned into a dazzling smile.

"These statues aren't just any statues. They are all enhanced with the power of water. Though their power can hardly match a '''Golomonta's''', they are close to immortal. How many times you dice them, it will only be a waste of time."

Again, the statues assaulted.

Even after defeated, they will revive again. There's no end to it. Saito began turning defensive.

"What's wrong? Without your weird 'gun', you can't even manage a fight like this? How pitful!"
Just as Myoznitnirn was chuckling.... a quite more muffled gun sounded.

Since when, Saito had been holding a handgun on his left hand, giving Myoznitnirn a shot. This was another item from the basement of Romalia.

Not only did Saito bring his AK, he also hid a small handgun. His change into a defensive posture was only to let Myoznitnirn's guard down.

Hit in the shoulder, Myoznitnirn knelt down.

Losing the control of Myoznitnirn, the statues around him collasped to the deck like puppets cut from their strings.

Although the statues combatting the paladins in midair are on automation, since the ones on the deck are specially modified versions, without Myoznitnirn's support, they are rendered immobile. With a tired voice, Saito said
"That's right... without a gun like this, I can't fight at all. Tell me, what makes you any different? Myoznitnirn"

Ignoring the moaning Myoznitnirn, Saito walked towards Joseph. Avoiding battles, at the bell tower at the back of the deck, Joseph was continuing his chant.

Stopping suddenly, he turned towards Saito.
"How are you doing, Gandalfr"

"Toss the stone away or I'll open fire"
Holding the handgun, Saito warned.

This man had certainly caused a lot of trouble in his life.

.....Incredibly, he could not bring himself to hate him. Logically, in his head, all the burning anger seemed to be directed at this man.

This man had forced, to him, to Tabitha, to the people of Halkenia, all sorts of paths already.

Tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands human lives had already died in his hands. The number of lives ruined by this man is still piling up.....

What kind of disgusting face would he have?

What kind of shameless attitude would he use with him?

Though long psychologically prepared for this....

Yet, all that could be seen on this man's face, was a sense of loneliness. Facing this hatred foe finally, Saito was confused.

The mad ruler shaking the stability of Halkenia again and again....

was this pathetic, pitiable person?

"How young. What's your age?"
Asked of his age kindly, Saito unconsiously replied
"Seventeen.... no, eighteen"

"You are honest to the degree where your eyes are shining. Although a different in looks, you are just like Harold."

"Throw away the stone!"

Of course, Joseph didn't take notice of him. All he did, was muttered, as if reminising something.
"I was once just like you. I believed in my own justice, thinking I could slove all problems.... when I become just like everyone else, all my cowardice will disappear. Intellect, logic... what are these? I believed these are all things that will only confuse you"

Saito aimed at Joseph's hand. Joseph did not bother to continue his chant, but rather, continued
"But, these were only my dreams. As I aged, they sank like residue. Dreams came to me, telling me to choose with my own hands, staining me with void. This is just like, a labyrinth. I am still yet to completely this labyrinth, I know...."

Saito pulled the trigger. The bullet sped towards Joseph, but that instant, Joseph disappeared.

"That toy, however many times you use, will never be my opponent"
came Joseph's voice from behind.

Instinctively, Saito spun around and sliced thin air with Derflinger. Joseph had disappeared again.

This time, Joseph moved to the stern of the ship.

Saito remembered, a line from Castlemont's letter.....

"Joseph.... transport instantly from his bedroom to the courtyard"

Because he was too concentrated in fighting, he had completely forgotten. Saito cursed his own clumsiness.

"This spell is called 'accelerate'. Also part of void. Why did God give this spell to me? How ironic. Sounds as if he's 'rushing' me himself."

Saito chased after Joseph, shooting with bullets, slashing with his sword. But everytime, Joseph evaded with 'acceleration'. Attacks are all rendered useless. Facing an opponent exceeding speed a human is capable of, even Gandalfr is not his opponent.

Gradually, Saito's breathing became heavier and heavier.

"Looks bad.... partner. How unfortunate. Our opponent have a troublesome spell."
Derflinger grumbled.

It remembered, the "body split" spell used in the battle of '''瓦路德'''.

That spell was capable of splitting the body into multiple clones. A pretty handy spell, because even if there were more opponents, they would all be in the range of his weapon's attack range.

On the other hand.... Joseph's spell is different. If capable of teleporting, "weapons" are hardly useful.

"Very interesting, young man. It was nice meeting you, but I have my work to do. It's time it ended."
Joseph drew out his dagger. The dagger glowed with a glamorous gleam, sending shivers down Saito's spine. Claimed as the master of all weapons, feeling fear towards a simple dagger.

Able to defeat strong spells and magical instruments, yet so helpless against such a dagger.

"Speed".
Crushed by the lack of this ability, it was the cause of Gandalfr's powerlessness.

"Ohh boy"

Although capable of many times the reflexes of an average person through Gandalfr's power, he is still unable to stop the dagger. Despite knowing very well, Saito shut his eyes.

"Oh, about give up? Well, is more swift"

"Whoa, partner? How are you going to fight with your eyes closed?"

"In my world, there's something called the 'third eye'! Come at me, Joseph! I'll see through your actions with my third eye!"
Saito raised himself to the utmost sensitivity. Prepared for the single "instant" the will come....

"Fascinating. Then if you will allow me"

Joseph's breath neared.

Aiming at that point, Saito slashed out...

The feel of the hard, sharp blade going deep into his stomach.... Saito was forced to open his eyes.

"What an incredible eye"
came Joseph's voice from the left. On the side of Saito's stomach, held Joseph's dagger tightly. The slash Saito delievered with closed eyes didn't even touch Joseph's shirt. Easily, Joseph stabbed Saito from the side.

The pain from the dull sword leaked all his energy from his body. However, Saito forced a smile. Even one short second was more than enough.

That's right.

What he was counting on, was not his third eye by lashing out in the unknown, but the single second when stabbed, in broad daylight.

"Caught you"
With this, he grabbed Joseph's hand.

Third eye or not, it was all a fallacy. If you can't catch something with both eyes open, how would it be possible to catch with both of them closed. Besides, that kind of thing, Saito never had it to begin with. Whichever situation it is, it should be done with wide open eyes, analysed logically, with hopes for success.

Using Derflinger in his right hand, Saito stabbed Joseph on his left..... But, Joseph's expressions were just as calm.

Saito's body was in paralysis, right that moment.

It's all over!

Like poisoned, arms failing from an indescripable loss of power, Derflinger dropped from his right hand. The other released Joseph weakly. Saito bended his knees, dropping to the deck.

The miscalculated paralysis and pain from his failure spreaded in his mouth....

[[Image:ZnT15-229.jpg|thumb]]

Blocked by flocks of statues, whether it's the wind dragon or Paladins, none of them will be able to stop Joseph's chant.

Joseph raised his wand.

Below scurrying franticly, was a hundred and fifty thousand army..... a hundred and fifty humans. Imagine them, their looks when turned to ashes. The look when all is burnt, all is returned to ashes.....

...... but he was not moved.

Not at all.

He eyed the fallen teenager with disorienting breathing patterns out of his eye.

Even when stabbed in the stomach, even when the toxins have spread all over his body, the furious flames never disappered from his eyes.

The teenager bit his lips.

It seemed like he was regretting being unable to stop Joseph.

Walking near Saito, Joseph stepped on the dagger, piercing it further into Saito's abdomen.

"Ah...." The pains were too unbearable to cry out anymore.

"Do you wish you could better?"

"Yes.... I wish I could do better. I was unable to stop countless people from being murdered...."
With tearless weeps, Saito said while frowning.

"How does it feel? Maybe you could have won just now, but there is only the taste despair. You are unable to protect what you were supposed to protect, and die in despair"

Saito pushed his paralysed body to its limit, crawling inch by inch, reaching his hand towards the handgun dropped on the floor. Joseph kicked it to the other end of the deck.

"What a kid, still trying to make a move on me. Shining eyes believing everything you do is right. How admiring. Harold, I.... what am I doing. Why, why did I turn into this. If we can return to the past.... I'd love to. If we can return to those times, I'd really want to start over again"

"It's too late.... I can never find my way out of this labyrinth"

Joseph finished his spell. Right the moment he was about to throw the "fire jewel" offboard..... the "ruby ring of Earth" emitted dazzling light.

"Eh?"

From the tea-coloured ring, "memories" flowed into Joseph's mind.

Suddenly, Joseph was thrown into the dream world.

Something seems off.... is this a dream?

Well, anyway, what was in front of him, was the Palace of Versailles, a room inside Grand Troyes.

"Isn't this father's office?"

Yes, it was exactly father's office. From the looks of the furniture, it seems that father have just died recently.

"What's this? What kind of joke is this?"

He was about to use "explosion", turning all the army below, everything into ashes.....

Then, why did he come here?

Well, there's no need to hurry. This place is full of memories. Just as he was wondering why would he poccess these feelings, came someone's footsteps. Joseph hid immediately behind the drapes, following his instinct that he won't be discovered here.

Seeing the person appear, Joseph widened his eyes. That person was...... Harold. The own brother he killed.

".....Harold"

Joseph talked to himself, dumbfounded. The instant he saw the other, the question of why would he be here is already long gone.

What's Harold doing, running to father's office? Moreover, him wearing a hazy expression. Never ever seeing this expression from Harold, Joseph seemed slightly shocked.

Harold did not seem to discover the Joseph hiding behind the drapes. Violently pulling on the desk's drawer, all the things in the drawer piled on the floor.

His father's ruby, stamp, documents, all spread across the floor. Kneeling on top of them, Harold began choking softly.

He was weeping.

Why? Why would he weep? Joseph felt a sudden urge to jump out and ask him. But.... the answer was soon given, from Harold's mouth itself.

".....Why? Why isn't it me?"

What did you say?

"Father, why am I not King? This is too weird, my magic is dozen times stronger than that of brother's, even your subjects support me. But.....why? Why! I don't get it!"
Haorld picked up a ring. It was the legendary treasury passed on through generations of Gallian Kings..... the ruby of Earth. Joseph quickly looked at his hand. The same ruby was emitting light off his finger.

This....what's going on?

At this moment.....a voice rang in his head.

"Joseph your highness"

This voice, Joseph have heard of it before.

"Pope? Vittorio? It's you! This is some sort of trick from you!"

"You are by all means mistaken. This is no trick. This is exactly what happened. I'm merely guiding that piece of memory out"

"What?"

"This is my void spell"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"This is 'record'. All strong memories stored in objects.... I should say, thoughts, will be displayed clearly in your mind. This show is exactly the memory from the ruby of Earth from your hands"

"How foolish. If you wanted to stop me, you could have killed me"

"Your soul will never be saved then"

"You're saying this is the actual events that happened? Impossible!"

"If this is.... If you are a void user just like me, then you should understand whether this is true or not. Is this an illusion created by magic? Or did this really happen?"

Joseph focused his mind. So that's why..... this was most certainly true. All the vision in front of him, were events that happened in the past. Without words, Joseph understood by feel.

A riot started to stir in Joseph's heart.

Did this really happen?

Then.... the Harold in front of him, is the "real" Harold?

This Harold was not concerned about his surroundings, pressing the ring with both hands against his chest, crying once more again. Seeing this scene, for a moment Joseph had completely forgotten the existance of the Pope himself.

Joseph was mesmerised by the Harold in front of him.....

"Father, did you know, how much effort I put, just to prove myself better than brother. How much hard work I put into places people could never see. All for today, all for today!"

Joseph understood. This..... was an event that happened right before their father died. That day, father called the both of them to his bed, and told them "the next king shall be Joseph". Immediately afterwards, Harold smiled, not a slightest bit concerned, and told Joseph
"If brother can become King, that would be the greatest thing ever. I love my brother so much. I will always support you. Let's make this country even more beautiful together"

Back then, towards his words, Joseph held no suspicion at all. He truly believed it was Harold's thoughts. His pure small self was completely corrupted by the events that happened afterwards, triggering intense anger in his smaller self, finally leading to murdering Harold personally.

To hide his jealousy, Harold resisted disobedience.....

Tears poured in Joseph's eyes. Before he knew it, he had already stepped forward.

".....Brother"

Harold's face was twisted in shock, then panicked.

"No.... no, I'm just organising father's things when I accidentally....."

"There's no need to say anymore"
Joseph hugged his younger brother's shoulders, using his most gentle voice.

"Brother....."

Knowing that he had been completely seen through, it finally twisted Harold's straight face into a one raining tears.

"I'm sorry, I could not accept it. No matter what, I won't accept it. Why am I not king? Father why, why was I not chosen king? I really don't understand. How much effort I gave, neither brother nor fathers knows right. I did so much......"

"I know, I know. Therefore, don't cry, Harold. I also think, no matter how it is, the one most suitable for King is you. It's because your magic is so much more powerful than that of mine"

"Brother, brother...."

"That's why, I give you my throne. Father's words, only you and me know. It's nothing important. You will be the king, I will you your advisor, assisting you. How's that? Harold, this is good, no?"
Joseph reassured Harold slowly.

"Brother, I'm sorry. I am a hopeless person. I was the one who disturbed our retainer. I secretly bribed royal subjects. Brothers never did anything like this..... I...."

"Shhhh. It's alright. I'm just like you. This is more than enough for me. It's alright, don't say anymore"
Saying this from the bottom of his heart, Joseph felt immediately relieved. After a couple minutes of contemplation, he discovered that this was joy.

"Together, let's make Gallia a better place. Harold, let's make the world more beautiful"
Tears running across his cheek, Joseph said once more
"Together, let's make Gallia a better place"
"Together, let's make this world more beautiful"
"Together, we can do it"
"Harold"
"Harold"

From Joseph's palm, the 'jewel of fire' silently rolled away. Kneeling down on the ground, Joseph covered his face with both hands.

"Harold..... we were really the most foolish brothers possible on this world"

Realising he was crying, Joseph smiled.

"What, am I not crying? Hahaahaa..... all the hatred finally found their exit, it's so simple, so ironic"
Tears seemed as hot as fire.... layer by layer it unwrapped Joseph's heart.

When Tabitha finally got past the Paladins, arriving with a flying spell, all had already finished.

On the small vessel, there Joseph was, sitting on the decks, surrounded by Paladins. Next to him, she found the bandaged Saito, draining her face of colour.

Louise looked worriedly at Saito. Only after Henrietta healed his wounds with water magic did Tabitha let go of her breath.

Paladins surrounding Joseph confirmed Tabitha's identity and made way. With a rigid expression, Tabitha walked to her hated uncle.

Lying there...., was as if a new Joseph, with the devil within driven away. Carrying on his face, was deep satisfaction.

"Is it Charlotte?"
Joseph asked softly, lifting his head.

"That looks very good on you, I trust Harold must also be happly in heaven"
Sighed Joseph when he saw Tabitha dressed in royal clothing. Tabitha was held back. What in the world happened to her uncle?

It was as if it's another person, his radiant expression. Joseph took off his crown, and put it down near Tabitha's foot.

"For a long time, I have given you enough trouble. I really am sorry. Although this is hardly enough..... please accept it. This was your father's to begin with. And... your mother, in the church of Versailles is an elf. You should have met him before. Before I came, I gave that guy one last order, to brew an antidote. This way your mother should be able to return normal"

"......what happened?"

"I won't say. This is about your father's reputation. But it's over. It's all over. I have no more desire to see hell. All's left, is for you to relief me of my misery. That'll be all"
Joseph laughed. Afterwards, in front of Tabitha, Joseph streched out his neck.

"Take this head of hime. Only then will everything really end."

Tabitha didn't really understand the cause of the change in her uncle. But.... like he said, "it's all over". Regardless of what happened, Joseph's aims were satisified.

Anyhow, this is the head of the sworn enemy who murdered her father..... the one she had wanted to cut off so badly, was right in front of her eyes. This is an undeniable fact.

"Say, what, exactly happened?"

But Joseph wouldn't say, only waiting with a stretched out neck.

Tabitha's shook her head. With a cold furious yell forced from her throat,
"What, exactly happened!"

Paladins hurried Tabitha.
"Please, hurry....."

Tabitha raised her wand. Paladins all took a step backwards. With a cold face, Tabitha began chanting.

But.... her spell was stopped halfway.

She found herself staring back at Saito, who had been looking at her all along.

"Not in front of this person, don't want to kill"
This kind of thought echoed in her mind. Shaking her head, Louise told Tabitha
"Tabitha.... please. Put your wand down. Revenge won't solve anything"

Silently observing all along, Agnes also interrupted
"....She's got a point. You are about to become the Queen of Gallia. There's no need to dirty your hands. This man, you should trial him with law. Otherwise, you'll always be dragged behind by an endless chain"

The paladins glared at both of them, scolding
"We don't need you to poke noses in these matters. There's no end to trouble if you don't put an end to it."

"What are you talking about! Do you want Tabitha to become a cold murderer? How is that any different from this man! Killing people with your own hands for your own goals...."

A rather old Paladin stepped forward
"Ladies of Tristain, this is different. Charlotte her highness is here to rule the future country. Therefore she must cut all loose ends"

"That's just sophistry!"

The Paladins began quabbling with Louise.

"All of you shut up!"

Quiet until now, Saito's voice interrupted this fight. All of the people looked at Saito in unison.

"Tabitha is not seeking revenge for the followers of God, or the people who've died! I..... although I'm not sure myself, but isn't revenge a personal matter? You are only doing it because of your own feelings no? This has nothing to do at all, whether she will become Joseph the second or is it her future rule over this country."
After finishing, Saito limped forward on the deck. Henrietta hurriedly came forth to assist him. Although the water magic have already cleansed most of the toxins, there were still a little left in his body, making his wound hurt.

The whole audience held their breath. Saito let go of Henrietta's hand, wobbling slowly towards Tabitha and told her honestly in the eyes
"Do it, if you really want to, then do however you like"

Louise immediately complained towards Saito
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about!"

Painfully, Saito stood up straight
"Please stop it. This is Tabitha's private matters. Whether she eventually chooses for revenge or to give up, it should all be decided by Tabitha. Perhaps her father will not be happy in heaven, perhaps she will dirty her hands. Perhaps she will get nothing out of revenge, but all of this is Tabitha's choice, not ours."
Saito made it out clearly.

"Make your decision, Tabitha. Whichever it is, I will always respect your choice"

Tabitha slowly raised her staff.... chanting her spell. An ice spear conjured before the staff, but did not move a tiny little bit. Her hand was frozen, motionless.

Perhaps she really is having her revenge, but unless she herself is the executor......

Seeing Tabitha put down her staff, Saito let go of his breath.

In the end..... the one who put a fullstop to this was, Myoznitnirn. When no one was noticed her, she quitely jumped from the corner of the deck, picking up the dagger on the floor, suddenly stabbing into Joseph's chest.

Fresh blood spilled from Joseph's mouth; Henrietta screamed. The nearest paladin tried to grab her, but Myoznitnirn held out the "jewel of fire".

"Don't move. I am the familiar of void. I am the Myoznitnirn who can control all Magical Items. I can make this 'jewel of fire' explode"

"C-calm down.."
A paladin trembled, but Myoznitnirn paid no attention. She pressed close to Joseph's bloody lips, finally kissing on it.

After the lips overlapping for a while.... Myoznitnirn retreated. From her mouth painted with Joseph's blood, Myoznitnirn's voice could be heard
"The two of us kissing, it's the first time since our 'contract'. Joseph my lord..... why didn't you look at me at all even until the end? Why didn't you care about me? I am only a normal woman, all I want is this....."

Joseph did not reply. With a pleased face, his breathing stopped.

Never looking away Joseph's face, Myoznitnirn announced:
"Get out of here. Let us be together."

Scared to death, all the paladins leapt on their pegasuses with little encouragement. Saito and the others also rided on top of Slipheed.

Tabitha stared a while at the void master and familiar.

Saito seemed to want to say something to Tabitha, but was stopped by Louise.

Next, Tabitha turned around, leaping onto Slipheed herself. No one made any noise.

Slipheed fled from the ship.

In the distant sky, Saito spotted a white wind dragon. It's Julio's Azuro. On its back, Pope Vittorio's long white hat could be seen. Saito frowned.

The person who changed Joseph's mind was that guy's magic.

Most likely...."void".

With only a single spell, he changed Joseph's mind.

What a fearsome person.
Joseph and Myoznitnirn's vessel ascended rapidly. When they were finally a dot..... it was suddenly consumed by a gigantic explosion and flames, and was no more.

Tabitha stared at that ball of flames, watching it die out.

Before she knew it, tears had already squeezed out of her eyes.

"Father"
In her mind, Tabitha told her father
"It's all over, father. He's dead"

Tabitha knew, that between her father and Joseph, was something she had no right to interfere with. That should be, the cause of Joseph's love and hatred to her father.

And it's scarred very deeply.

The reason Joseph murdered her father..... was because of something unavoidable. She may not ever understand it for the rest of her life, and there is probably no way to know either....

Despite so, she does not plan to forgive Joseph. Even when she knew why, she wouldn't stop seeking revenge.

Yet, tears kept pouring. Why? Probably another reason that cannot be understood for the rest of her life either.

"I, will never forget this fireball."
Looking at the crown in her hands, realising no one could put a stop to her endless tears.

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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter8|Chapter 8]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8

2012-07-17T13:30:17Z

Ender: Added image and forward/back bar

===Chapter 8: Coronation===

The next morning....

Saito woke up from the loud cheers.

"Wha....?"

Sleeping next to him, Louise seemed to have be woken up from the same reason. Rubbing his half closed eyes, Saito stood up and opened the windows.

The muffled cheers burst from the window and flooded into the entire room. Because of the holes on the walls, living together with them Malicorne and Tiffania also seemed to have be awakened by it.

"What the heck is that noise?"

"What, in the world, happened?"

While mumbling, they all gathered around.

Since this hotel was built on top of a cliff that has a perfect view of the entire Lelion river, (just like every other Carcassone house,) if they look outside, they can fully see the situation below.

The Romalian army spanning across the plains gave thunderous cheers.

"What is that?"
Malicorne pointed below.

Looks like, at the centre of the Romalian army, was a huge stage. One could say it almost looks like an altar.
''Feels just like the stage at a concert,'' Saito thought.

"Are they preparing an opera or what?"
Louise openly expressed her thoughts.

"Hey hey, we are already in a war, why would they bother for an opera?"

"How am I supposed to know. Maybe that want to do some boring religious play, to undermine the other side's morale or something...."

"Won't they just become more irritated when they see this kind of stuff?"
Just when he was saying, Malicorne used the spell of telescoping.

"Oi! The Pope is on the altar! Are they preparing some sort of offering?"

Feeling omnious, the group looked at each other, then all rushed to head down to Lelion river. In their journey, they also encountered the rest of the Water Spirit Ondine knights and Kirche. The only missing person was Tabitha.

Sprinting, Saito asked
"Huff, Kirche, where's Tabitha?"

".....Hm. When I looked for her, she was already gone. That kid, where could she run to so early in the morning."

The omnious feeling exacerbated.

Dashing from the streets of Carcassone to the steppes of the plains, the cheers became more and more thunderous as they approaced. Other than the black and white flag of the crusade, even the flag of Kingdom Romalia was flying in the winds. Next to it, one could see a flag with two spears crossing each other on it.

"What's this? Isn't that the flag of Gallia?"
Kirche exclaimed. Pope Vittorio Cervale stood right under the flag, surveying his surroundings with disdainful eyes. Blocked by surrounding guards, Saito and the others were impeded from further progress and could obly observe the development from a distance.

Vittorio raised both hands, silencing the fuelled cheering. All of the people began putting up a praying posture.

"What's that. A make shift cathedral? There's no need to come all the way here to do that...."
Kirche sounded a bit shocked.

Vittorio's prayers last around 30 minutes. During the time, Saito and the others little choice but to maintain the same posture.

When the prayers have finally ended, Vittorio spread his hands again.

"Respectable believers of god Brimir, today, I bring everyone a joyful news."
His voice has been amplified through the use of magic, enough to reach the ears of the Gallian camp on the other side of the river.

"Across the river, loyal lords to the Gallian mad King, please join us for this news."

Immediately, all sorts of complaints sounded throughout the Gallian camp.

"What the heck! If you want to preach then no thanks! We have much better things to do!"

"Return to the dump you came from to do your praying to God!"

Vittorio smiled, ignoring these voices and continuing his speech.

"Lords of the Gallian Kingdom, you are making a big mistake. The so called King of yours, is not the rightful heir to Gallia"

Saito's face was drained of colour.

"What are you trying to say?"

"The King you loyally serve, is the person who killed the next right King, Great Duch Orléans, and took the throne for himself like a thief. What kind of person is everyone trying to serve loyal for? I hope you understand that this is an enourmous insult to even our God and Founder."

"Even so, there is no place for a horrible monk like you to make your comments!"

"So this is the words of a person invading other countries! Who else could the real thief be!"

Vittorio's corner of his mouth twisted slightly more.

"We are not thieves, nor here to control your country or land. Rather, we are here to restore your kingdom under the rightful rule. As the servants of God and Founder, we, will never concur with that self-proclaimed King allying himself with heretics. As a respectable believer of Brimir yourself, you should fully agree with this."

Saito already wanted to rush forward. With events developing to this stage, without further ado Louise and the others already realised the true message this whole act was trying to deliever. Before they could do anything, paladins had already come forth, stopping the footsteps of Saito and the others with drawn swords and spears.

"No trouble around here! Listen well to the Pope!"

"Let me now introduce the real rightful heir to this kingdom. The daughter of the deceased Grand Duke Orléans, Princess Charlotte her majesty."

Below the altar, priests split both sides to make way for the appearance of Tabitha. She was not wearing the usual clothing of the Academy of Magic, but a grand suit designed for royal kings and queens. On the face of hers without the usual glasses and dabbed lightly with make up. Unlike her common attitude, this unerringly displayed the majestic hidden under her usual expressionless face, even enough to match one of what would be the princess of Halkenia.

"Tabitha!"
Kirche screamed with anger. Of course, this voice was hardly heard by anyone overwhelmed by the barrage of more thunderous cheers, much less reaching Tabitha's ears.

"Princess Charlotte!?"

"Impossible! Wasn't she assassinated back then as well?"

"No, I heard she was stripped of her title and sent to study abroad at Tristain."
All sorts of shocked cries spread through the Gallian camp.

"How dare you bring us this fraud!"
Furious to the degree of losing himself, this cry could be heard even on this side. This person came from no other than the person who have competed with Saito a couple times, Duke '''Scarron'''.
"How dare you make a fool of us with the deceased daughter of the Grand Duke Orléans! Shameless! How much longer are you going to mess with us!"

"Then, would you like to confirm for yourself, whether or not this is a fraud?"
Announced the Pope without a slightest hint of backing down. He named a few nobles, whom should all know Tabitha's identity as heir.

With '''Scarron''' as lead, they boarded the small boat and arrived into the Romalian camps, finally walking onto the altar.

Around ten or more aristocrats took turn to check for imperfections in Tabitha. After a considerable amount of time.... one of the them raised the staff in his hands, chanting the spell of removal. Confirming there were no magic on Tabitha's body, they knelt down in unison.

Duke '''Scarron''' said with a difficult voice
"Long time no see..... Princess Charlotte your highness"

Yells immediately boiled from the Gallian camp. A large crowd of aristocrats came rushing to the sandabank, one of them, Bart Castlemont.

Taking off the metal mask of his face, waving both his hands he cried
"I am leader of the Eastern Roses, Bart Castlemont! I hereby declare, to welcome the returning of Princess Charlotte to recieve her rightful throne, the establishment of the Gallian volunteers! We seek only the orders of Princess Charlotte!"

The Gallia camps started to collaspe into chaos. They had too little time to contemplate such a sudden announcement. To further exite their already shaking faith in their Gallian King, Vittorio continued
"Loyal Gallian lords, please consider with your intelligent and brave brain, consider your pure flawless self, in this old, ancient country, who is best suited for Emperor? Is it the one at Lutece, the lazy, incompetent king who killed his brother for the crown? Or..."
Placing his right hand onto Tabitha's shoulders.
"Or is it the one standing here, here to recieve St. Aegis the 32nd's personally executed coronation, the young queen overflowing with talent?"

Many aristocrats and soldiers gathered at the sandabanks at the side of Castlemont. Of course..... having things like the entire army defecting to this side is pretty much out of topic. Everyone had little time to think carefully over this sudden development.

"Think about it. There's plenty of time, but not long. Right now there are two fleets of ships heading this way. It will carry the now Empress, Queen Charlotte, to take Lutece back from the dishonorable thief. As servant of God and Founder, I agree that this real Emperor, should deserve to sit on that throne. So, gentleman, do you wish to bear the filthy name of being a rebel army?"

Although not much, but the soldiers, aristocrats gathered at Castlemont's side increased yet again. At the Gallian camps all sorts of arguements, evens conflicts grew. At various places, one can even see wands drawn.

Saito trembled from this sight.

Tabitha? Why?

Damn. The Romalia must have said something good to fool Tabitha. It must be it. Although the exact method is still uncertain, it was definitely enough to change Tabitha's mind.

The morale in the Gallian camp shook even more. If this goes on, everything will progress exactly the way the Romalian Pope wishes to. No matter how perfect the plan Henrietta decieved is right now, once this movement become large enough, no one will be able to stop the crusade anymore.

"....If this goes on Gallia will be under the control of Romalia. If so, we are helpless to stop the crusade."
Louise said regretfully. With things this way already, even breaking through the Paladins, running all the way to change Tabitha's idea would be too late.

There were no other ways to stop the already rolling boulder.

Vittorio pointed to a small dot in the skies of the southwest direction. Where he was pointing to, a large fleet of ships could be see pressing forwards.

"Even this is calculated, perfect"
Saito said sarcastically while wiping the sweat off his forehead.

Sitting at the stern of "Harold, Orléans", was Claville. Next to him, Viscount Julian commented
"Never thought that this would turn into a real rebel fleet. The changes possible in politics is just stunning, just like a pair of cat eyes"
(Note: The size of the iris of cat eyes changes rapidly under different light stimulation, here it is used as a common slang.)

This was not said with any sarcasm, but one of his real thoughts. Stroking his beard, Claville replied
"Now we're not a 'rebellion' anymore. This is the official dual-use fleet of Gallia."

This bunch of people know perfectly that a few weeks ago they were still members of Gallian dual-use fleet. Not long afterwards were they approached by Joseph to disguise as a rebel fleet, but the failure of the plan and their fear towards the crusade has soon turned them into real rebels. Now.... under what the Pope claimed to be "preparation for the rightful king", they return to the glorious title of being Gallia's dual-use fleet.

It was only yesterday when Pope Vittorio Cervale issued his orders to this fleet at St. Marion. Though said they are a rebel fleet, it was only forced on them due to the circumstances.

To the Claville who barely has any motivation for any work, who even went into conflict with his own mates, the only reason that is making up stand up again, is that order
"Bring the country all the way to the capital."

With this, he had all the reason to ignore the bunch still loyal to Joseph. There was no more need to treat them as his mates anymore.

"It's a week already. I believe future script writers will have a headake over the things happening now. Switching names again and again is a bit..... Speaking of which, did the bunch in Romalia really found Princess Charlotte? Don't tell me, the found a fake to substitute her. I hope they won't do anything as dumb as that."

"Will it be the real one?"

Claville nodded.

"Though say there's always this rumour of 'being assassinated' and all sorts..... but it looks like she had been shipped off to some other country. There are also rumours of being locked somewhere in a castle...... but she should still be alive. Maybe she made it out."

"I suppose Romalia put their hands in?"

"From the current situation, it's certainly quite possible. Seems like Princess Charlotte have some luck."

For his fleet to be rescued by that "Princess Charlotte", Claville could have never dreamed of it. He himself have even seen Tabitha using the name "Charlotte" in person.

"Ahh, the great Kingdom of Gallia, is going to become the backyard of Romalia from now on? The Pope is even greater than the founder of our country Great King Julio. Great King Julio only managed to take conquer half of Gallia, yet this young Pope is already capable of taking all of it into his pockets."

"Pfft. No matter who holds the power to this Kingdom, it's definitely better than that 'incompetent King'. That guy joined with Bidashal to do some sort of weird research at St. Marion. The results were those Knight Golemns. Now who knows what sort of evil is he doing in Lutece, he's completely the devil himself! Why doesn't he just go some place on his own to do whatever he wants! We might as well send him to the actual hell!?"
Bearing hatred feelings, Claville said. Most likely he have forgotten how he once fell into the incompetent King's plans himself as well, doing things betraying God and Founder.

"We must let Princess Charlotte to board this ship bearing her father's name, and head in victory all the way to Lutece. Only will that clean the wrong doings we have beared. Being able to help in this, don't you feel very honored? Viscount."

"Right, right. That sure is very honoring indeed."
He replied with a non-caring tone.

"Ho, we can almost see Carcassonne. No matter how many times we pass by, I always feel the need to question why would they ever build a city in this sort of place. To be honest, I really am curious."
Viscount Julian said, looking at the twisting "serpentrouge" around ten miles in front of them.

The two shores of Lelion could also be seen, as well as the Romalia and Gallian camps.

According to the plan, this ship will carry the already coronated Queen Charlotte "her majesty", raise the Gallian flag, then bombard the persistant remains of the Gallian camp.

Afterwards, with little power left, the Gallian camps will have little choice but to surrender. Finishing off with these foolish people, they will be able to steer all the way to the unprepared Lutece.

This is a mission even more simple than training to sail seas.

But.... tradegy stuck.

The sailor on the mast seemed to report something.

"10 O'Clock! There's something flying towards us!"

"What's with 'something'. What kind of report is this!"
The co-captain complained.

"Dragons? No, not dragons! That's......a strange stone statue?"

What a report.

Claville and Julio also looked in the same direction.

So that's what he was talking about, a miraculously winged object like a dragon was flying this way. On closer inspection, it is a stone statue. It isn't so wrong to mix it up with a dragon. After all, as a stone statue, its movements was way too fast.

"What's that? A scout?"

Or some sort of secret messenger?

That grey, devilish shaped statue did not attempt to land on the decks, but rather tagged along below their ships. Feeling very sick, Viscount Julio immediately issued orders.
"Shoot down that thing!"

This order came too late.

Ssss......!

Like a cracking sound of an egg shell, the statue gripped tightly on the surface of the "jewel of fire", crisscross markings began to appear.

Since Joseph casted an "explosion" spell, leaving wounds invisible to the naked eye, the fragile jewel, could not sustain the power of the rolling fire inside.

Not particularly surprising.

All the energy from burning an entire forest, congregated into only 5 jewels of fire.

Flames started to spill from the cracks, expanding silently at a fearful degree. In an instant, the flames had already expanded a hundred thousand times of its original size.

The sailors of the dual use fleet, did not have time to cry out, and were swallowed by the gigantic fireball.

The jewel of fire burnt more than half of the dual use fleet like paper. The gunpower carried onboard were also ignited, created a deafening noice that sounded through the sky.

The remaining army were also affected by the enormous flames, suffering extensive damage.

A scene from hell.

"Did he say it would have a radius of 10 miles? Why's it only 5?"

Aboard a speedboat, Joseph complained while looking at the distant bright shine. Guarding next to him, Myoznitnirn responded to her master's dissatisfaction.
"That was the smallest sized stone used. Bidashal said it is only next to the one of highest grade."

[[Image:ZnT15-203.jpg|thumb]]

"Is that so"
Joseph scratched his head.

Being tied both hands, Henrietta could only observe behind the both of them horrified at the progress of things.

"Let you experience hell", was what Joseph said. Turns out it was not some metaphor, but hell literally.

Henrietta trembled at the sight of the fire jewels capable of burning half of the dual use fleets into smoke.

The only time had see something similar was at '''Tarbes'''. It was withnessed during the war of '''Tarbes''', Louise's explosion.

Although the magic that destroyed the fleet of Albion was similar...., there is still an incomparable distance in scale and destructiveness. Louise's "explosion" could wreck the wind stones carried onboard, even burn the ship's sails, but would never kill.

''The thing just now, was just like a small sun''
Henrietta trembled at her own thoughts.

A fireball of radius reaching 5 miles, Henrietta could have never imagined anything similar.

With her sword and guns seized, both hands tied similar behind her back, Agnes seemed to bear the same thought. Described as having a steel heart, even she closed her eyes and displayed her fragile femenine side.

"You.... do you know what you have done?"
Tears came from Henrietta's eyes.
"Do you know how many soldiers was that fleet carrying?"

"At last, more than the number on this poor vessel."
Joseph joked. Henrietta could not understand, how could he even smile after witnessing this scene.

On this vessle, other than Joseph and Myoznitnirn, Henrietta and Agnes these two pair, there were no one else.

Driving the vessls were lots of stone statues. Not knowing how they were taught, these statues were as trained as sailors, driving the ship with swift movements.

Simultaneously control so many stone statues, no matter which level of mage it is, none of them will be able to achieve this feat. Yet here they are, working ever so elegantly.

"Well then, let's try this big one here"
Joseph took out the so called "second to highest grade", "jewel of fire".

"You.... are the void user of Gallia?"
Watching him clearly recite the same chant as Louise's spell, Henrietta realised that he was the "void user of Gallia".

Even though the chant is completely the same, to any pair of ears, they could not sound more different. Louise's spell was full of hope, her courage to change tomorrow for the better

However, Joseph's spell was nothing like it. If one was forced to describe it, only "despair" would fit. It sounds as if he was giving up something.

That despair for some reason reassured Henrietta, guiding her back to the normal world.

''Which is the real void?''
In the midst of extreme confusion, Henrietta suddenly thought up of an unimportant matter.

Finishing his spell, Joseph focused his spell into the "Jewel of fire" in his hands. The adjusted spell of "explosion" cracked the strong shell elves constructed.

Cha-cha-cha-cha-cha-cha, the fire jewel began emitting ear piercing vibrations. The immense amount of energy within found their exit and began their riot.

Finally clearing her head, Henrietta dashed to Joseph's food, trying to grab his hand. Her efforts, unfortunately, were impeded by a statue pouncing on her with unnatural power, ending up sprawling up over the deck.

"I invited you to visit hell with me, yet this is what you give me"

"You are insane!"

At Carcassone there's the Romalia army, there's Louise, Tiffania, the Water Spirit Ondine Knights, as well as Saito....

The reason she left them in the dark about her visit to Gallia was because she did not want more trouble for them. If they heard of her coming alone to Lutece, they would have ignored all danger and rush to Lutece.

Turns out her decisions were all wrong.

Never would she imagine Joseph using such cruel tatics.... combining the power of void with destructive magic. Far far far from what Henrietta ever imagined.

"If I can do it, I would surely like to become insane. At least you're happier while insane."
Joseph mumbled with a self-deprecating voice and threw the "fire jewel" off the vessel. Prepared, a stone statue caught the "fire jewel" and flew off in the distance.

Henrietta felt her heart fill with black despair.
''At least let me go insane"''
As if rejecting temptation from within, Henrietta yelled
"Run! Everyone! Run!"

Expectations of the dual use fleet were suddenly replaced with a fireball of a size unseen before. Both camps along the Lelion river were silent.

The ball of flames rose like the sun, then disappeared in front of their eyes.

The couple dozen of war vessels vanished like a magic trick without a trace. Even the smartest person will have to spend half a minute of time to catch up that they were burn to ashes.

Unable to percieve the events, the entire army stood dumbly watching the empty sky as if expecting the fleet to come back anytime soon. A couple minutes later, only when an even more gigantic ball of fire appeared, removing the remainants of what was the dual use fleet, did the panic started to spread.

Both soldiers of Romalia and Gallia camps started to scurry like like ants from an anthole.

Enemies? Allies? For both sides, this question isn't exactly important anymore. Natural instincts of fear occupied both armies.

But where could they run to? Attempting to outrun an expanding fireball of 10 miles radius, no matter how you look at it, is an impossible feat.

"What is that...."

In the middle of scurrying soldiers, Saito choked, stunned.

The Water Spirit Ondine Knights carried slight rigid smiles. Something as unrealistic as this could only be taken as a joke.

Louise shook Saito's shoulders back and forth.
"It's void! That's Gallia's void! I'm sure of it!"

"There's a spell like this? Just like the sun itself falling...."
Louise slapped the dumbfound Saito's face.

"Get a hold of yourself! Things have already turned out like this! Just run!"

Hearing Louise's words, finally waking from their trance, the teens began running.

"Run! Saito!"
Exactly that moment, with a whoosh, a blue shadow dropped down and grabbed both Saito and Louise, just to take off again.

"Slipheed!"

Looking below them, Saito cried out
"Oi! You're only saving us? What about everyone else?"

"They won't make it anyway! Chirp!"
Slipheed cried back. True. Magic or not, escaping from the grasps of such a gigantic fireball is impossible.

"That.... is the release of elven magic! Probably an explosion of a 'fire jewel'! With human magic, there is nothing you can do! Chirp!"
Slipheed cried with an anxious voice.

"What do we do?"

"Only you are capable of stopping that person! Even if sister won't be able to do a thing!"

Using the powers of her vision, Slipheed began searching the skies. With eyes far exceeding the ability of human eyes, Slipheed discovered a lone vessel at the northeast direction.

"There!"

Not sure if the intentions of Slipheed were understood in the midst of the chaos, Paladins riding pegasuses also began flying.

Leading the pegasuses, carrying a void user in her claws, Slipheed flew at top speed in the direction of Joseph.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter7|Chapter 7]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter9|Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7

2012-07-16T15:17:04Z

Ender: Added another image (oops, missed that one)

===Chapter 7: Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan===

As the royal escort was about to arrive above the grounds of Gallia's capital, Lutece, Henrietta stared in front of her with dignity. Across her the Captian of the Tristain Muskeeters Agnès double checked the handgun carried on her waist.

"What is it? My captain"

"No...., I find it hard to remain at ease"
Agnès said without attempting cover up her surrender to her feelings. Despite so, Henrietta's expressions was as calm as ever.

Outside the windows of the sedan chair hanging under a dragon's belly, they could see the formation of Gallian dragon riders flying in parallel. Armed more heavily than usual, though by name their task is to be an escort, in actual they are putting Henrietta's royal transport under close watch.

"But your majesty...., rather than calling our current situation 'rash', I believe 'temerity' would fit better, visiting a country we just had a battle with a few days ago."
Agnès said while sighing.

"Oh? Those people my army fought a few days ago were 'Gallian Rebels'. Besides, Romalia may have raised a crusade, my country remains at peace with Gallia. Therefore, officially there was never a conflict between my country and Gallia to begin with"
Henrietta replied, her expressions continuing to remain as calm as ever. However....., her slightly trembling hands did not go unnoticed by Agnès. She may be keeping a good act, but in reality she must be very distressed.

"The Water Spirit Ondine Knights and the so-called Saint of Aquellia Miss Françoise are the headlines of the Romalian army, if Gallia condemned us for it, how do you plan to respond?"

"I'll simply tell them 'They belong to the Romalian army', it's not like this had never happened before. As for Louise, that right, I'll say she is a Romalia nun fighting under the name of God for Romalia. Mmn, no matter what reason it is, it'll work out"

Agnès's looked discontent, and shook her head.

With no other company, Henrietta brought only Agnès with her. It could almost be said as charging barehanded into "enemy territory" Gallia.

Romalia's sudden announcement of a "Crusade" has caused quite a bit of a stir in Tristain. Almost all aristocrats and lords beared a grieving frown on their forehead.

Except for the over religious believers, Crusade is a synonym for nightmare. All nobles in the country will be gathered, young teens will be collected into armies, and the treasury will be emptied for a war. Plus...., even if they appeared victorious at the end, the only prize they get is an undeveloped desert and honor, hardly enough to cover the losses in the war. Most important of all, the chances of losing is considerably higher than the chances of winning. Many times in history have smaller countries sought their own destruction from the failure of crusades. If one had to trace the origin of Halkenia, it was also born from the rebellion of exhausted marquesses.

To many people. compared to an unseen plot of land, their lives in front of them were much more important.

Since Henrietta's return to her own country, she had sworn to end this crusade and shut herself in her office thereafter to build a diplomatic plan towards Gallia.

A week later, after completion, Henrietta gathered all important nobles and tole them
"I will negotiate directly with the Gallian King himself"

Of course, Tristain's nobles, including Mazarin, even her own mother Queen Marion rejected the idea of Henrietta heading towards Gallia. The reasons for so are more than obvious. The head of a country heading towards a rather hostile country to "negotiate", never had an adventure so daring ever occured since the long establishment of Halkenia. It is no wonder Agnès is feeling uneasy.

Henrietta even went as far as suggesting to step down from the throne if they continued to refuse. Only then did the nobles agree.

"Your highness....., can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it"

"I understand that you feel responsible for the cause of this 'Crusade', but....., your majesty's life does not hold only the future of one person. If anything terrible happend to your majesty, our country will turn into chaos. Moreover, the possibility for this to happen isn't exactly low either"

"After defeating Gallia, Romalia will build their own army to recover the Holy lands. If we refuse to offer support, I will be forced to step down. Which means, either way our country can't escape the future of becoming chaotic. Heh, maybe things could turn even worse....., I'm sure you know how past armies set forth to recover the Holy lands have put the entire Halkenia into greving"

Agnès could not make a good counter. Just the fact of stepping down from the throne is already too large a matter.

"Without me, the country can still work normally. Whether it's Prime Minister Mazarin, my mother, or the rest of the lords, the structure is still intact. On the other hand....., if anything as close as a large scaled war happened between us and the elves, the entire Halkenia will crumble soon afterwards"
Henrietta gripped her hands even tighter.

"With my own life...., if that's already enough to place a bet, it is certainly, very inexpensive indeed."

"Looks like you have successfully refuted me"
Agnès replied as if losing interest. Suddenly sensing something, Henrietta turned apologetic
"Oh, sorry. About bringing you into this as well."

"That's alright. Since I volunteered for the army I was ready for anything. As the captain of your majesty's personal guards, compared to the safety of Halkenia, I am more concerned about your highness's safety."

"Ah, but I did not plan to come here just to lose my bet. I also made my own preperations. To King Joseph, this suggestion is just as exquisite"
Henrietta directly pointed out, hugging her briefcase full of documents. Within the briefcase, the contents of the dipolmatic plans were almost under disagreement by all valued lords.

"Impossible"
So the lords said. On the contrary, there was one single person who voted in approval.

That was Prime Minster Cardinal Mazarin. Kneeling in front of Henrietta, who had spent days without sleep planning every detail
"I'm very glad to witness the growth of your majesty"
was all he said.

Soon after the Palace Versailles, fanous for its vast empty area, appeared in front of them, the dragon riders who have been accompanying Henrietta's sedan chair from the borders onwards landed in the courtyard forming a circle.

The sedan chair Henrietta was riding in slowly landed in the middle of the circle. Guards who have been awaiting her arrival immediately rushed forward to open her door.

The simplicity of Henrietta's welcome shocked Agnès. There was no guards of honor, nor any sign of a band. Gallia is still considered as a influential empire of Halkenia, despite being at war, there are still standards for welcoming a Queen.

Agnès finally had a good feel of what a country with half of its people rebelling looks like. After surveying their welcome, Henrietta began to observe the Palace itself with no visible expression on her face.

There, she stopped, turning still like a statue.

"What's wrong, your highness?"
Agnes also turned to where Henrietta was looking at, and could not help but gulp. Across the courtyard is what should be originally Joseph's castle, the remains of Grand Troyes. The blue, beautiful palace had collasped into a wreck.

"There were rumors of a rebel...., was that the cause of it"
Agnes asked. The knights around them were just as unreadable, but with much experience in battle, Agnes could easily see what they were thinking - terror.

"....Looks good for a negotiation"

Under pressure from the chaos within, the morale of the small amount of knights plunging, if Gallia is under so much trouble already, then the chances of agreeing to Henrietta's plans most certainly are higher.

A female wearing headbands appeared from the surrounding knights. Dressed in full black clothing, they emit some sort of suspicious aura.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Gallia. We heartily welcome Queen Henrietta's arrival."

The woman took a deep bow. Facing the head of country, yet not taking any attempt to remove their cloaks, Henrietta did not feel the need to return a bow, ignoring them as thin air.

"This way please. My master has been waiting"
Not worried at all, the woman began walking. With no choice, Henrietta followed. Although displeased by the rude treatment, recalling the memory of Joseph's attitude at the international meeting helped Henrietta think otherwise.

The woman's voice sounded familiar to Agnes, who slightly frowned. Where exactly did they meet before? After some extensive searching through her memories, she finally remembered.

"I seem to have met you and your partners before"
The woman turned her head around, smiling omniously towards Agnes.

"At Albion, no?"
Agnes responded under her breath. Henrietta looked at Agnes from the corner of her eye.

"....She is the female who have assaulted Miss Françoise a few times. I fear the giant armoured golems were also led by her..."

This time, Henrietta gave a stern look.

"For your information, those are called '''Golomontas'''"
The woman said without care.

The Queen and her Captain were brought to the dining room of the Guest Hall. Sitting at the other end of the dining table was Joseph, waiting alone.

Without guards nor maids, the dining hall looked empty and loney. There were not much food prepared on the desk either.

The woman wearing the headband......, like a shadow, Myoznitnirn stood motionless behind Joseph.

Agnes pulled the out the chair facing Joseph, allowing Henrietta to sit down on it. As if replacing a greeting, Joseph yawned loudly.

"Morning, Queen Henrietta"

"Good day, King Joseph"

Across the long dining table, the two powers faced each other. With that the greetings ended, and so begins the negiotiation.

Although today's visit has been notified to Gallia, yet not a single diplomat, advisor, nor clerk was present. It was just a simple, cold talk.

Agnes took out the documents from Henrietta's briefcase and walked beautifully to Joseph's side, placing the documents down in front of him with respect.

Joseph casually held up the documents and flipped through it page by page. With no apparant change in expression after finish reading, supporting his head with his elbow, he turned towards Henrietta again.

"What an amazing suggestion. On behalf of Halkenia, announcing new status of one Halkenia King. All countries must follow his orders..... except for Romalia."

"Mhm. To me, the Pope of Romalia is only here because he gives a symbol of 'authority'"

"This says that there will be other supporters, is that true?"

"It is. Only under one condition, to sever all ties with elves. Just that. Why did you ally yourself with elves, King Joseph, all you wish for is the entire Halkenia to be under your command, isn't it? I plan to fulfill your wish"

"This is quite a staggering suggestion. But will Germania agree?"

"Germania's king was a filthy king to begin with. He even dare call himself king, this is the symbol of his low self-esteem. Those kind of dirty peasants will not dare go against Tristain and Gallia's combined will."

"This is very surprising indeed, Queen Henrietta. I originally thought you were going to ally with Romalia to invade my country, but here you are instead offering alliance with our country! You are a brilliant politician! I really wronged you!"

"Thank you for your exaggerated praise. Instead of elves, it would be me who will be honoring you with the throne of Halkenia"

A smile appeared on Joseph's face.
"What is your goal?"

Henrietta instantly displayed a charming expression and replied firmly
"If the ties between Gallia and elves are severed, the 'Crusade' will therefore end. Compared to a war involving every single person on this world, I'd rather ally myself with the 'incompetent King'"

"I will be in direct conflict with Romalia, this is fighting fire with fire?"

"Even in the same hell, I'd want to choose the good side"

Joseph nodded his head in pleasure.
"Now this is what politics is about. Alright. Well then, I have my own request"

"what would it me"

"be my wife"

Henrietta couldn't help but widen her eyes.
"Oh my, you are actually serious."

Henrietta bit her lips. For the first time in their meeting hatred could be seen in her eyes. Henrietta nodded her head.
"I agree"

"Your Highness!"
Agnes who was silent all along cried out. Henrietta held her back with her hand, then nodded again.

"It would be my pleasure to do so"
Henrietta's body was in complete rejection.

Agnes understood that when Henrietta said "she would do anything to stop this crusade", she meant it.

Joseph seemed to look at Henrietta happily, eventually bursting into laughters. Joseph's laughters echoed through the entire dining hall.

[[Image:ZnT15-177.jpg|thumb]]

"Hahaahahahhaah! Don't take it seriously! I'm not very forgiving. I would never sleep with a woman who doesn't like me"

Henrietta's blushed from her self brought shame. Joseph stood up and walked towards Henrietta. With his big hands, he held Henrietta's chin.

Just about to draw her sword out, Agnes suddenly felt the statue behind her hold down her hands stealthly.

"You sly fox"
Joseph said teasingly.
"Do you plan to cut off my head at night"

Henrietta used her best bluffing voice and replied
"You, you have seen through me!"

Joseph's smile slowly became fixed on his face.
"I like it. I like it more and more. I can't believe I took you as just another little girl! This is going to be the best joke ever! You are absolutely comparable to the ancient warlords! Plus you are brave and smart. You will become a good Queen, Queen Henrietta"

Joseph returned to his seat. With a snap of his fingers, the status released Agnes's wrists. Agnes coughed painfully.

With a quick glance at Agnes, Henrietta continued
"....then, please hurry and send out notices. With the support of Tristain, Albion and Germania behind you, Romalia will lose their will as well"

Yet, Joseph did not reply.

"King Joseph?"

Joseph scratched his head as if finding it hard to speak
"But. Very sadly, I have no intention to go with this suggestion"

"This there something missing? Isn't it not enough to have the world?"

"If I were an ambitious man....., I would go with your plan without hesitation. But, that is not all. Not all"
Joseph shook his head. Using a gangster's tone, he firmly said
"I do not want this world"

"What do you mean?"
Henrietta felt an omnious aura seep into her mind, rapidly filling her up. For some reason, she was reminded those terrifing stories she read when she was small.

"Oh, there is no need to be ashamed of your 'misconception'. No one would have complaints against your suggestions. Even myself can't think up of better 'plans'. This is outstanding work. But..., you are heading in the wrong direction. I'm afraid even god himself could not have expected this."

"What are you suggesting?"

"You mentioned before - 'even in the same hell, you'd want to choose the good side'"

"That's right"

"I simply want to see that hell"

"You must be joking"

"By no means. I simply just want to witness hell. I want to see the unbearable, the never seen before, the hell corrupting my mind"

Henrietta felt weak all over. Agnes nervously supported the almost falling Henrietta. This makes less and less sense. Originally she thought Joseph was an ambitious man trying to get the whole world, seeing his actions of assaulting "void" and now allying with elves, even going as far as attacking Romalia with a so called "rebellion".

But the man in front of her eyes is denying all of it.

Not only saying "that's not all", he went on and said that he "simply want to see that hell" this kind of senseless lines.

But....., he is serious about what he says. The solemn expression of Joseph saying all this, seemed kind of sad.

"Therefore, I decided to create a small version of hell with the 'crusade'. It's also the only reason why you are so active. Since you are here already, why don't you visit some of Gallia, Queen Henrietta"

Meanwhile, at Carcassonne.....

As mentioned the night before, the Saito at day was as if a different person from last night, as if the things never happened last night, Saito went on to have a conversation at the dining hall with a completely natural face

"Hey, Tabitha, morning"

Tabitha responded with a nod, all while her eyes fixed on her book. Afterwards Saito joined the Water Spirit Ondine Knights and began their usual talks.

Louise was together with Tiffania eating bread. Looking both of them Tabitha couldn't help but slightly sigh, the guilty feelings towards Louise conflicting with the unexpectedly warm, sweet ones lingering in her heart. Did the things really happen last night?

Yet.... the warm touch still lingering on her neck confirmed its genuinity, the places touched by Saito's lips burning ever so hot.

Tabitha bit her lips and casually flipped another page of the book.

Since when, Kirche had already sat down next to her. Instantly Kirche realised something was off with her best friend. After resisting and finally succumbing to her urge, she whispered in Tabitha's ears
"You, it's time for a confession, what happened?"

Tabitha shook her head.
"....Nothing"

About the events of succeeding the throne,..... or the things that occured last night, none of them could be mentioned to Kirche.

"You know that there are no secrets between us, right?"

Tabitha decided to ignore problems of their friendship for the time being, then stood up, indicating she hopes Kirche will leave this matter for now.

Carcassonne's view was bathed in the warm morning sunlight. Tabitha suddenly found the true meaning of finding the "warmth" of the sun, her body given a new supply of happiness.

A feeling was persistantly nagging her, nagging her how the night is so much to look forward to. This unbearable anxious wait surpasses even coronation, surpasses all desire to seek revenge....

Next to a flowerbed at the side of the road, Tabitha stopped her footsteps.

A handful of sky blue coloured irises were blossoming furiously. Remembering her dull room, Tabitha couldn't help but reach out and pick a few. Seeing flowers of the same colour as her own hair, Tabitha felt herself grow red.

At night, when her door was knocked on....

Tabitha gave the already asleep Slipheed one more spell of tranquility, allowing it to enter an even deeper slumber. Slipheed's breathing became even heavier.

Anxious all over, Tabitha hurriedly opened the door. Dressed the same as last night, Saito suddenly hugged her. Letting it go, Tabitha buried her head into Saito's chest.

Without saying anything else, Saito lifted Tabitha's chin and planted a kiss.

Tabitha closed her eyes, allowing the other to do whatever he wishes. Since last night, she had realised that it feels very comfortable.

Saito lightly carried Tabitha and put her into bed.

Tabitha's face surfaced an very uncommon colour - faint red. Her cute small chest also puffed up and down out of anxious and excitement.

Discovering that the desk was decorated with a blue iris inside a winebottle, Saito smiled.

"Flower picking? Now this is unusual"

"....It's because this room, doesn't have much in it."

[[Image:ZnT15-185.jpg|thumb]]

"That's better"
Saito took the flower out from the winebottle and placed it into Tabitha's hair. Like a hairband, the iris fits perfectly into Tabitha's hair.

Saito took off the shy Tabitha's glasses.

"...Glasses."

"You look prettier without it."

"can't see anything."

"Don't you shut your eyes when you're shy?"
Saito pressed his lips against hers, lasting for quite a moment before leaving.

".....Eh?"

"I have to go, there's not much time, it's alright, there's nothing to worry about."
Just as sudden as his entry, Saito took his leave.

The left behind Tabitha could only stare at his silhouette.

When the door was knocked on again, full of expectations, Tabitha opened her door wide just to find Julio behind it, her facial expressions immediately fading.

"That really fits you, Princess Charlotte."

Tabitha covered her head. After plucking the beautifully placed flower, she carefully returned it to its winebottle.

Julio changed to his solemn expression and bowed.

"I am here to recieve you, although I believe you have already heard of it from Saito."

That was how Saito put it last night, that the messenger from Romalia will arrive soon....., forgetting all "suspicions" Tabitha earnestly followed the orders of the other, nodding her head in agreement.

Her first romance, has dulled her assessment abilities.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter8|Chapter 8]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7

2012-07-16T15:08:04Z

Ender: Added forward/back bar

===Chapter 7: Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan===

As the royal escort was about to arrive above the grounds of Gallia's capital, Lutece, Henrietta stared in front of her with dignity. Across her the Captian of the Tristain Muskeeters Agnès double checked the handgun carried on her waist.

"What is it? My captain"

"No...., I find it hard to remain at ease"
Agnès said without attempting cover up her surrender to her feelings. Despite so, Henrietta's expressions was as calm as ever.

Outside the windows of the sedan chair hanging under a dragon's belly, they could see the formation of Gallian dragon riders flying in parallel. Armed more heavily than usual, though by name their task is to be an escort, in actual they are putting Henrietta's royal transport under close watch.

"But your majesty...., rather than calling our current situation 'rash', I believe 'temerity' would fit better, visiting a country we just had a battle with a few days ago."
Agnès said while sighing.

"Oh? Those people my army fought a few days ago were 'Gallian Rebels'. Besides, Romalia may have raised a crusade, my country remains at peace with Gallia. Therefore, officially there was never a conflict between my country and Gallia to begin with"
Henrietta replied, her expressions continuing to remain as calm as ever. However....., her slightly trembling hands did not go unnoticed by Agnès. She may be keeping a good act, but in reality she must be very distressed.

"The Water Spirit Ondine Knights and the so-called Saint of Aquellia Miss Françoise are the headlines of the Romalian army, if Gallia condemned us for it, how do you plan to respond?"

"I'll simply tell them 'They belong to the Romalian army', it's not like this had never happened before. As for Louise, that right, I'll say she is a Romalia nun fighting under the name of God for Romalia. Mmn, no matter what reason it is, it'll work out"

Agnès's looked discontent, and shook her head.

With no other company, Henrietta brought only Agnès with her. It could almost be said as charging barehanded into "enemy territory" Gallia.

Romalia's sudden announcement of a "Crusade" has caused quite a bit of a stir in Tristain. Almost all aristocrats and lords beared a grieving frown on their forehead.

Except for the over religious believers, Crusade is a synonym for nightmare. All nobles in the country will be gathered, young teens will be collected into armies, and the treasury will be emptied for a war. Plus...., even if they appeared victorious at the end, the only prize they get is an undeveloped desert and honor, hardly enough to cover the losses in the war. Most important of all, the chances of losing is considerably higher than the chances of winning. Many times in history have smaller countries sought their own destruction from the failure of crusades. If one had to trace the origin of Halkenia, it was also born from the rebellion of exhausted marquesses.

To many people. compared to an unseen plot of land, their lives in front of them were much more important.

Since Henrietta's return to her own country, she had sworn to end this crusade and shut herself in her office thereafter to build a diplomatic plan towards Gallia.

A week later, after completion, Henrietta gathered all important nobles and tole them
"I will negotiate directly with the Gallian King himself"

Of course, Tristain's nobles, including Mazarin, even her own mother Queen Marion rejected the idea of Henrietta heading towards Gallia. The reasons for so are more than obvious. The head of a country heading towards a rather hostile country to "negotiate", never had an adventure so daring ever occured since the long establishment of Halkenia. It is no wonder Agnès is feeling uneasy.

Henrietta even went as far as suggesting to step down from the throne if they continued to refuse. Only then did the nobles agree.

"Your highness....., can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it"

"I understand that you feel responsible for the cause of this 'Crusade', but....., your majesty's life does not hold only the future of one person. If anything terrible happend to your majesty, our country will turn into chaos. Moreover, the possibility for this to happen isn't exactly low either"

"After defeating Gallia, Romalia will build their own army to recover the Holy lands. If we refuse to offer support, I will be forced to step down. Which means, either way our country can't escape the future of becoming chaotic. Heh, maybe things could turn even worse....., I'm sure you know how past armies set forth to recover the Holy lands have put the entire Halkenia into greving"

Agnès could not make a good counter. Just the fact of stepping down from the throne is already too large a matter.

"Without me, the country can still work normally. Whether it's Prime Minister Mazarin, my mother, or the rest of the lords, the structure is still intact. On the other hand....., if anything as close as a large scaled war happened between us and the elves, the entire Halkenia will crumble soon afterwards"
Henrietta gripped her hands even tighter.

"With my own life...., if that's already enough to place a bet, it is certainly, very inexpensive indeed."

"Looks like you have successfully refuted me"
Agnès replied as if losing interest. Suddenly sensing something, Henrietta turned apologetic
"Oh, sorry. About bringing you into this as well."

"That's alright. Since I volunteered for the army I was ready for anything. As the captain of your majesty's personal guards, compared to the safety of Halkenia, I am more concerned about your highness's safety."

"Ah, but I did not plan to come here just to lose my bet. I also made my own preperations. To King Joseph, this suggestion is just as exquisite"
Henrietta directly pointed out, hugging her briefcase full of documents. Within the briefcase, the contents of the dipolmatic plans were almost under disagreement by all valued lords.

"Impossible"
So the lords said. On the contrary, there was one single person who voted in approval.

That was Prime Minster Cardinal Mazarin. Kneeling in front of Henrietta, who had spent days without sleep planning every detail
"I'm very glad to witness the growth of your majesty"
was all he said.

Soon after the Palace Versailles, fanous for its vast empty area, appeared in front of them, the dragon riders who have been accompanying Henrietta's sedan chair from the borders onwards landed in the courtyard forming a circle.

The sedan chair Henrietta was riding in slowly landed in the middle of the circle. Guards who have been awaiting her arrival immediately rushed forward to open her door.

The simplicity of Henrietta's welcome shocked Agnès. There was no guards of honor, nor any sign of a band. Gallia is still considered as a influential empire of Halkenia, despite being at war, there are still standards for welcoming a Queen.

Agnès finally had a good feel of what a country with half of its people rebelling looks like. After surveying their welcome, Henrietta began to observe the Palace itself with no visible expression on her face.

There, she stopped, turning still like a statue.

"What's wrong, your highness?"
Agnes also turned to where Henrietta was looking at, and could not help but gulp. Across the courtyard is what should be originally Joseph's castle, the remains of Grand Troyes. The blue, beautiful palace had collasped into a wreck.

"There were rumors of a rebel...., was that the cause of it"
Agnes asked. The knights around them were just as unreadable, but with much experience in battle, Agnes could easily see what they were thinking - terror.

"....Looks good for a negotiation"

Under pressure from the chaos within, the morale of the small amount of knights plunging, if Gallia is under so much trouble already, then the chances of agreeing to Henrietta's plans most certainly are higher.

A female wearing headbands appeared from the surrounding knights. Dressed in full black clothing, they emit some sort of suspicious aura.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Gallia. We heartily welcome Queen Henrietta's arrival."

The woman took a deep bow. Facing the head of country, yet not taking any attempt to remove their cloaks, Henrietta did not feel the need to return a bow, ignoring them as thin air.

"This way please. My master has been waiting"
Not worried at all, the woman began walking. With no choice, Henrietta followed. Although displeased by the rude treatment, recalling the memory of Joseph's attitude at the international meeting helped Henrietta think otherwise.

The woman's voice sounded familiar to Agnes, who slightly frowned. Where exactly did they meet before? After some extensive searching through her memories, she finally remembered.

"I seem to have met you and your partners before"
The woman turned her head around, smiling omniously towards Agnes.

"At Albion, no?"
Agnes responded under her breath. Henrietta looked at Agnes from the corner of her eye.

"....She is the female who have assaulted Miss Françoise a few times. I fear the giant armoured golems were also led by her..."

This time, Henrietta gave a stern look.

"For your information, those are called '''Golomontas'''"
The woman said without care.

The Queen and her Captain were brought to the dining room of the Guest Hall. Sitting at the other end of the dining table was Joseph, waiting alone.

Without guards nor maids, the dining hall looked empty and loney. There were not much food prepared on the desk either.

The woman wearing the headband......, like a shadow, Myoznitnirn stood motionless behind Joseph.

Agnes pulled the out the chair facing Joseph, allowing Henrietta to sit down on it. As if replacing a greeting, Joseph yawned loudly.

"Morning, Queen Henrietta"

"Good day, King Joseph"

Across the long dining table, the two powers faced each other. With that the greetings ended, and so begins the negiotiation.

Although today's visit has been notified to Gallia, yet not a single diplomat, advisor, nor clerk was present. It was just a simple, cold talk.

Agnes took out the documents from Henrietta's briefcase and walked beautifully to Joseph's side, placing the documents down in front of him with respect.

Joseph casually held up the documents and flipped through it page by page. With no apparant change in expression after finish reading, supporting his head with his elbow, he turned towards Henrietta again.

"What an amazing suggestion. On behalf of Halkenia, announcing new status of one Halkenia King. All countries must follow his orders..... except for Romalia."

"Mhm. To me, the Pope of Romalia is only here because he gives a symbol of 'authority'"

"This says that there will be other supporters, is that true?"

"It is. Only under one condition, to sever all ties with elves. Just that. Why did you ally yourself with elves, King Joseph, all you wish for is the entire Halkenia to be under your command, isn't it? I plan to fulfill your wish"

"This is quite a staggering suggestion. But will Germania agree?"

"Germania's king was a filthy king to begin with. He even dare call himself king, this is the symbol of his low self-esteem. Those kind of dirty peasants will not dare go against Tristain and Gallia's combined will."

"This is very surprising indeed, Queen Henrietta. I originally thought you were going to ally with Romalia to invade my country, but here you are instead offering alliance with our country! You are a brilliant politician! I really wronged you!"

"Thank you for your exaggerated praise. Instead of elves, it would be me who will be honoring you with the throne of Halkenia"

A smile appeared on Joseph's face.
"What is your goal?"

Henrietta instantly displayed a charming expression and replied firmly
"If the ties between Gallia and elves are severed, the 'Crusade' will therefore end. Compared to a war involving every single person on this world, I'd rather ally myself with the 'incompetent King'"

"I will be in direct conflict with Romalia, this is fighting fire with fire?"

"Even in the same hell, I'd want to choose the good side"

Joseph nodded his head in pleasure.
"Now this is what politics is about. Alright. Well then, I have my own request"

"what would it me"

"be my wife"

Henrietta couldn't help but widen her eyes.
"Oh my, you are actually serious."

Henrietta bit her lips. For the first time in their meeting hatred could be seen in her eyes. Henrietta nodded her head.
"I agree"

"Your Highness!"
Agnes who was silent all along cried out. Henrietta held her back with her hand, then nodded again.

"It would be my pleasure to do so"
Henrietta's body was in complete rejection.

Agnes understood that when Henrietta said "she would do anything to stop this crusade", she meant it.

Joseph seemed to look at Henrietta happily, eventually bursting into laughters. Joseph's laughters echoed through the entire dining hall.

[[Image:ZnT15-177.jpg|thumb]]

"Hahaahahahhaah! Don't take it seriously! I'm not very forgiving. I would never sleep with a woman who doesn't like me"

Henrietta's blushed from her self brought shame. Joseph stood up and walked towards Henrietta. With his big hands, he held Henrietta's chin.

Just about to draw her sword out, Agnes suddenly felt the statue behind her hold down her hands stealthly.

"You sly fox"
Joseph said teasingly.
"Do you plan to cut off my head at night"

Henrietta used her best bluffing voice and replied
"You, you have seen through me!"

Joseph's smile slowly became fixed on his face.
"I like it. I like it more and more. I can't believe I took you as just another little girl! This is going to be the best joke ever! You are absolutely comparable to the ancient warlords! Plus you are brave and smart. You will become a good Queen, Queen Henrietta"

Joseph returned to his seat. With a snap of his fingers, the status released Agnes's wrists. Agnes coughed painfully.

With a quick glance at Agnes, Henrietta continued
"....then, please hurry and send out notices. With the support of Tristain, Albion and Germania behind you, Romalia will lose their will as well"

Yet, Joseph did not reply.

"King Joseph?"

Joseph scratched his head as if finding it hard to speak
"But. Very sadly, I have no intention to go with this suggestion"

"This there something missing? Isn't it not enough to have the world?"

"If I were an ambitious man....., I would go with your plan without hesitation. But, that is not all. Not all"
Joseph shook his head. Using a gangster's tone, he firmly said
"I do not want this world"

"What do you mean?"
Henrietta felt an omnious aura seep into her mind, rapidly filling her up. For some reason, she was reminded those terrifing stories she read when she was small.

"Oh, there is no need to be ashamed of your 'misconception'. No one would have complaints against your suggestions. Even myself can't think up of better 'plans'. This is outstanding work. But..., you are heading in the wrong direction. I'm afraid even god himself could not have expected this."

"What are you suggesting?"

"You mentioned before - 'even in the same hell, you'd want to choose the good side'"

"That's right"

"I simply want to see that hell"

"You must be joking"

"By no means. I simply just want to witness hell. I want to see the unbearable, the never seen before, the hell corrupting my mind"

Henrietta felt weak all over. Agnes nervously supported the almost falling Henrietta. This makes less and less sense. Originally she thought Joseph was an ambitious man trying to get the whole world, seeing his actions of assaulting "void" and now allying with elves, even going as far as attacking Romalia with a so called "rebellion".

But the man in front of her eyes is denying all of it.

Not only saying "that's not all", he went on and said that he "simply want to see that hell" this kind of senseless lines.

But....., he is serious about what he says. The solemn expression of Joseph saying all this, seemed kind of sad.

"Therefore, I decided to create a small version of hell with the 'crusade'. It's also the only reason why you are so active. Since you are here already, why don't you visit some of Gallia, Queen Henrietta"

Meanwhile, at Carcassonne.....

As mentioned the night before, the Saito at day was as if a different person from last night, as if the things never happened last night, Saito went on to have a conversation at the dining hall with a completely natural face

"Hey, Tabitha, morning"

Tabitha responded with a nod, all while her eyes fixed on her book. Afterwards Saito joined the Water Spirit Ondine Knights and began their usual talks.

Louise was together with Tiffania eating bread. Looking both of them Tabitha couldn't help but slightly sigh, the guilty feelings towards Louise conflicting with the unexpectedly warm, sweet ones lingering in her heart. Did the things really happen last night?

Yet.... the warm touch still lingering on her neck confirmed its genuinity, the places touched by Saito's lips burning ever so hot.

Tabitha bit her lips and casually flipped another page of the book.

Since when, Kirche had already sat down next to her. Instantly Kirche realised something was off with her best friend. After resisting and finally succumbing to her urge, she whispered in Tabitha's ears
"You, it's time for a confession, what happened?"

Tabitha shook her head.
"....Nothing"

About the events of succeeding the throne,..... or the things that occured last night, none of them could be mentioned to Kirche.

"You know that there are no secrets between us, right?"

Tabitha decided to ignore problems of their friendship for the time being, then stood up, indicating she hopes Kirche will leave this matter for now.

Carcassonne's view was bathed in the warm morning sunlight. Tabitha suddenly found the true meaning of finding the "warmth" of the sun, her body given a new supply of happiness.

A feeling was persistantly nagging her, nagging her how the night is so much to look forward to. This unbearable anxious wait surpasses even coronation, surpasses all desire to seek revenge....

Next to a flowerbed at the side of the road, Tabitha stopped her footsteps.

A handful of sky blue coloured irises were blossoming furiously. Remembering her dull room, Tabitha couldn't help but reach out and pick a few. Seeing flowers of the same colour as her own hair, Tabitha felt herself grow red.

At night, when her door was knocked on....

Tabitha gave the already asleep Slipheed one more spell of tranquility, allowing it to enter an even deeper slumber. Slipheed's breathing became even heavier.

Anxious all over, Tabitha hurriedly opened the door. Dressed the same as last night, Saito suddenly hugged her. Letting it go, Tabitha buried her head into Saito's chest.

Without saying anything else, Saito lifted Tabitha's chin and planted a kiss.

Tabitha closed her eyes, allowing the other to do whatever he wishes. Since last night, she had realised that it feels very comfortable.

Saito lightly carried Tabitha and put her into bed.

Tabitha's face surfaced an very uncommon colour - faint red. Her cute small chest also puffed up and down out of anxious and excitement.

Discovering that the desk was decorated with a blue iris inside a winebottle, Saito smiled.

"Flower picking? Now this is unusual"

"....It's because this room, doesn't have much in it."

"That's better"
Saito took the flower out from the winebottle and placed it into Tabitha's hair. Like a hairband, the iris fits perfectly into Tabitha's hair.

Saito took off the shy Tabitha's glasses.

"...Glasses."

"You look prettier without it."

"can't see anything."

"Don't you shut your eyes when you're shy?"
Saito pressed his lips against hers, lasting for quite a moment before leaving.

".....Eh?"

"I have to go, there's not much time, it's alright, there's nothing to worry about."
Just as sudden as his entry, Saito took his leave.

The left behind Tabitha could only stare at his silhouette.

When the door was knocked on again, full of expectations, Tabitha opened her door wide just to find Julio behind it, her facial expressions immediately fading.

"That really fits you, Princess Charlotte."

Tabitha covered her head. After plucking the beautifully placed flower, she carefully returned it to its winebottle.

Julio changed to his solemn expression and bowed.

"I am here to recieve you, although I believe you have already heard of it from Saito."

That was how Saito put it last night, that the messenger from Romalia will arrive soon....., forgetting all "suspicions" Tabitha earnestly followed the orders of the other, nodding her head in agreement.

Her first romance, has dulled her assessment abilities.

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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter8|Chapter 8]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6

2012-07-16T15:05:53Z

Ender: Added forward/back bar

===Chapter 6: Tabitha's Long Night===

On this night, Tabitha had a hard time falling asleep, most of the time spend laying on the bed and staring at the patterns on the ceiling, self-concionsly reminsing how her younger self used to stare at the ceiling as well when not being able to fall asleep.

The Palace of Orléans of which she used to live in had ceilings decorated with pretty shapes related to religion, her bedroom one of the scene "Arrival of the Founder".

The Founder came down to the Holy lands under the blessing of angels. His face was deeply veiled by his hood, so his exact looks could not be seen. Angels circling around him held his hands, faces full of heartwarming smiles.

The younger Tabitha was terrified of the hooded Founder. She would even imagine how pale would she turn if one night bright shining eyes appeared under the hoods.

After all these years, a sense of fear would still surge from staring at the ceilings, not because of the religions drawings on them, but of herself, fearing the true intensions of her hooded self.

If others noticed this, how would she handle it?

These things cannot be discussed with Kirche, or even Slipheed in human form. If they knew, they would probably say "I'm always on your side" or that sort of thing.

That would "speed up the process" even more.

Suppressing her true feelings from bursting was no easy task. True, even Tabitha thinks that the way Louise treats Saito is a bit overboard, seeing how Saito is doing all he can to protect her.

If it were her instead, she could never do so.

But now Louise is also an important friend of hers, she had once ventured dangerously into Gallia with no regrets just to save Tabitha, according to others, she even gave up her nobility to do so.

Louise and Saito are both valuable companions, being the third person is not an option. It would destroy the relationship between the two.

Although she is very clear of this, yet why

Why everytime she closes her eyes, the scene of Saito and herself riding Slipheed in the night sky appeared again and again, impossible to neglect.

Tabitha stood up. In order not to wake up Slipheed, she tiptoed across to the large mirror embeded into the wall.

The two moons brought moonlight in from the creveases between blinds. With the help of the pure white moonlight, the mirror displayed the blurred figure of Tabitha.
''That's alright'', Tabitha reassured, nodding to herself, ''even though I'm already 16, I'm still so thin and weak, as if an underdeveloped child. Compared to the Louise a year ago, more-

Being charming is not possible.

That's why it's alright''

Tabitha suddenly felt very shocked

She had never considered the question if she had any charm

There is definitely something wrong with herself, every thought is conflicted by another. The reason she came in front of the mirror was to reassure herself her looks are plain, not attractive to boys

Yet as soon as she realised, she feels extremely depressed. Tabitha stood still and stared at herself in the mirror. A random thought came across her mind and told her to take off her glasses.

Her blurred face appeared in the mirror.

Would she look more charming without glasses?

Tabitha edged close to the mirror, just to discover a teary girl. Finding it hard to believe her eyes would look like that, she gently hugged her own shoulders.

At this moment, someone knocked on her door

Deep in the middle of the night, who could it possible be?

Expectations ran wild in her head, her heart pumping excitedly.

Yet at the same time, Tabitha rejected her own expectations.

How could it be possible

It can't be that person, perhaps it's Kirche, visiting her in the middle of the night. Other than her, no one else seems to fit.

Tabitha, as if frozen, stopped moving.

"It's me"

Hearing this faint voice, Tabitha's heart leaped. In a rush to put on her glasses, she ran towards the door

"Is something the matter"
Even her questioning voice was slightly trembling.

"I have something to talk to you"

What could it be? Tabitha opened her door without a second thought.

Outside her doorstep was the familiar face appeared in her dreams countless times.

Using his Chevalier cloak to cover his face, Saito slipped into her room. Tabitha's looked everywhere, trying to avoid Saito noticing her expressions. With a small voice, she asked
"Did you want to say something?"

Tabitha eyed Slipheed, who was sleeping soundly as indicated by her snoring. Looks like a bit of a russle won't wake her up.

Saito revealed a solemn expression

"It's about the things we talked last night, I've considered it seriously"

"Eh?"

"About Tabitha succeeding the throne"

What exactly is Saito trying to say?

"What about it?"

"As the rightful heir to the throne, I reckon Tabitha should announce about succeeding the throne after all"
Saito said a firm voice. Tabitha looked slightly darker than before.

"Were you also convinced by Romalia?"

"No, it's something I considered on my own. I was thinking about how to end this war as soon as possible, and this seems to be the best method"

"What happened?"

"From our situation right now, an attack from the Gallian army is bounded to happen soon. If so, it would really evolve into a war as crude as hell itself, there's no more time to wait for her highness"

Tabitha closed her eyes
''why am I hesitating?

Didn't I already made my choice to follow his decisions?''

"I understand"
Tabitha said with a voice as low as taking a breath.
"Since you say so, I'll do it"

Saito looked at Tabitha with promising eyes
"Relax, I will definitely protect, no matter what happens"

Tabitha was soon over taken by joy, and replied with a shaking voice
"No, it's me who have to protect you"

"I want to protect you"
Saito insisted, holding Tabitha's hands tightly. The powerful pumps from her heart echoed in her own ears. When Tabitha realised that it was her own heartbeat, she was already close to the point of stop breathing.

In this moment where everything seemed to stay still, Tabitha asked the other
"Why"

''What's wrong with me?'' The calm part of Tabitha questioned herself

If she heard Saito's reply

If she was able to hear the same line said a million times in her dreams

"Because I love you"

To Tabitha, this sentence felt as if the tide from a distant beach, completely virtual. Thoughts stopped, her mind completely blank.

With no preperation beforehand, she unconsciously repeated the same lines in her dreams.

"You're lying"

"It's true, right now my mind is only filled with you"

Hearing this, Tabitha felt her barricade easily flooded and broken by the feelings long suppressed behind it. Although deep inside it silently cried out "these things are impossible", the cries where drowned by the wave of happiness. The feelings gushing out turned Tabitha into a completely guardless weak girl.

Saito reached out his hand and lifted Tabitha's chin, slowly coming close with his lips. Tabitha also felt her breathing become hot, and closed her eyes self-consiously.

Tabitha felt a million years fly pass while their lips connect, Saito's lips, expanding on her small mount, freely shifting into other shapes.

Saito left softly from Tabitha's lips, then pressed forward to kiss her neck. Tabitha gently pushed Saito away.

"Don't you want to?"

Tabitha shook her head and pointed out Slipheed, still snoring peacefully on her bed, and replied with a voice close to crying
"it'll wake her up"

"I guess that's true, I'm sorry, I could control myself back then"
Saito left from Tabitha's side, his hands on the handle of the door

"I hope you can promise me, please take this plan as the ultimate secret, because it would be disasterous if the other side heard of it. I will pretend as if I don't know anything during the day, I hope Tabitha will not reveal anything either. Although it may make you wonder, it's only because walls have ears will I play dumb till the very end. Do you understand"

Tabitha nodded her head willingly

"A few days later a messenger from Romalia will arrive, please do according to his orders"

"And you?"

"I will come again at night, I'll clarify things with you by then"

Tabitha nodded once again, completely oblivious from suspicion. All Tabitha cares now is their meeting next time, all other things can wait.

<noinclude>
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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter5|Chapter 5]]
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| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter7|Chapter 7]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7

2012-07-16T15:01:55Z

Ender: Added an image

===Chapter 7: Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan===

As the royal escort was about to arrive above the grounds of Gallia's capital, Lutece, Henrietta stared in front of her with dignity. Across her the Captian of the Tristain Muskeeters Agnès double checked the handgun carried on her waist.

"What is it? My captain"

"No...., I find it hard to remain at ease"
Agnès said without attempting cover up her surrender to her feelings. Despite so, Henrietta's expressions was as calm as ever.

Outside the windows of the sedan chair hanging under a dragon's belly, they could see the formation of Gallian dragon riders flying in parallel. Armed more heavily than usual, though by name their task is to be an escort, in actual they are putting Henrietta's royal transport under close watch.

"But your majesty...., rather than calling our current situation 'rash', I believe 'temerity' would fit better, visiting a country we just had a battle with a few days ago."
Agnès said while sighing.

"Oh? Those people my army fought a few days ago were 'Gallian Rebels'. Besides, Romalia may have raised a crusade, my country remains at peace with Gallia. Therefore, officially there was never a conflict between my country and Gallia to begin with"
Henrietta replied, her expressions continuing to remain as calm as ever. However....., her slightly trembling hands did not go unnoticed by Agnès. She may be keeping a good act, but in reality she must be very distressed.

"The Water Spirit Ondine Knights and the so-called Saint of Aquellia Miss Françoise are the headlines of the Romalian army, if Gallia condemned us for it, how do you plan to respond?"

"I'll simply tell them 'They belong to the Romalian army', it's not like this had never happened before. As for Louise, that right, I'll say she is a Romalia nun fighting under the name of God for Romalia. Mmn, no matter what reason it is, it'll work out"

Agnès's looked discontent, and shook her head.

With no other company, Henrietta brought only Agnès with her. It could almost be said as charging barehanded into "enemy territory" Gallia.

Romalia's sudden announcement of a "Crusade" has caused quite a bit of a stir in Tristain. Almost all aristocrats and lords beared a grieving frown on their forehead.

Except for the over religious believers, Crusade is a synonym for nightmare. All nobles in the country will be gathered, young teens will be collected into armies, and the treasury will be emptied for a war. Plus...., even if they appeared victorious at the end, the only prize they get is an undeveloped desert and honor, hardly enough to cover the losses in the war. Most important of all, the chances of losing is considerably higher than the chances of winning. Many times in history have smaller countries sought their own destruction from the failure of crusades. If one had to trace the origin of Halkenia, it was also born from the rebellion of exhausted marquesses.

To many people. compared to an unseen plot of land, their lives in front of them were much more important.

Since Henrietta's return to her own country, she had sworn to end this crusade and shut herself in her office thereafter to build a diplomatic plan towards Gallia.

A week later, after completion, Henrietta gathered all important nobles and tole them
"I will negotiate directly with the Gallian King himself"

Of course, Tristain's nobles, including Mazarin, even her own mother Queen Marion rejected the idea of Henrietta heading towards Gallia. The reasons for so are more than obvious. The head of a country heading towards a rather hostile country to "negotiate", never had an adventure so daring ever occured since the long establishment of Halkenia. It is no wonder Agnès is feeling uneasy.

Henrietta even went as far as suggesting to step down from the throne if they continued to refuse. Only then did the nobles agree.

"Your highness....., can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it"

"I understand that you feel responsible for the cause of this 'Crusade', but....., your majesty's life does not hold only the future of one person. If anything terrible happend to your majesty, our country will turn into chaos. Moreover, the possibility for this to happen isn't exactly low either"

"After defeating Gallia, Romalia will build their own army to recover the Holy lands. If we refuse to offer support, I will be forced to step down. Which means, either way our country can't escape the future of becoming chaotic. Heh, maybe things could turn even worse....., I'm sure you know how past armies set forth to recover the Holy lands have put the entire Halkenia into greving"

Agnès could not make a good counter. Just the fact of stepping down from the throne is already too large a matter.

"Without me, the country can still work normally. Whether it's Prime Minister Mazarin, my mother, or the rest of the lords, the structure is still intact. On the other hand....., if anything as close as a large scaled war happened between us and the elves, the entire Halkenia will crumble soon afterwards"
Henrietta gripped her hands even tighter.

"With my own life...., if that's already enough to place a bet, it is certainly, very inexpensive indeed."

"Looks like you have successfully refuted me"
Agnès replied as if losing interest. Suddenly sensing something, Henrietta turned apologetic
"Oh, sorry. About bringing you into this as well."

"That's alright. Since I volunteered for the army I was ready for anything. As the captain of your majesty's personal guards, compared to the safety of Halkenia, I am more concerned about your highness's safety."

"Ah, but I did not plan to come here just to lose my bet. I also made my own preperations. To King Joseph, this suggestion is just as exquisite"
Henrietta directly pointed out, hugging her briefcase full of documents. Within the briefcase, the contents of the dipolmatic plans were almost under disagreement by all valued lords.

"Impossible"
So the lords said. On the contrary, there was one single person who voted in approval.

That was Prime Minster Cardinal Mazarin. Kneeling in front of Henrietta, who had spent days without sleep planning every detail
"I'm very glad to witness the growth of your majesty"
was all he said.

Soon after the Palace Versailles, fanous for its vast empty area, appeared in front of them, the dragon riders who have been accompanying Henrietta's sedan chair from the borders onwards landed in the courtyard forming a circle.

The sedan chair Henrietta was riding in slowly landed in the middle of the circle. Guards who have been awaiting her arrival immediately rushed forward to open her door.

The simplicity of Henrietta's welcome shocked Agnès. There was no guards of honor, nor any sign of a band. Gallia is still considered as a influential empire of Halkenia, despite being at war, there are still standards for welcoming a Queen.

Agnès finally had a good feel of what a country with half of its people rebelling looks like. After surveying their welcome, Henrietta began to observe the Palace itself with no visible expression on her face.

There, she stopped, turning still like a statue.

"What's wrong, your highness?"
Agnes also turned to where Henrietta was looking at, and could not help but gulp. Across the courtyard is what should be originally Joseph's castle, the remains of Grand Troyes. The blue, beautiful palace had collasped into a wreck.

"There were rumors of a rebel...., was that the cause of it"
Agnes asked. The knights around them were just as unreadable, but with much experience in battle, Agnes could easily see what they were thinking - terror.

"....Looks good for a negotiation"

Under pressure from the chaos within, the morale of the small amount of knights plunging, if Gallia is under so much trouble already, then the chances of agreeing to Henrietta's plans most certainly are higher.

A female wearing headbands appeared from the surrounding knights. Dressed in full black clothing, they emit some sort of suspicious aura.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Gallia. We heartily welcome Queen Henrietta's arrival."

The woman took a deep bow. Facing the head of country, yet not taking any attempt to remove their cloaks, Henrietta did not feel the need to return a bow, ignoring them as thin air.

"This way please. My master has been waiting"
Not worried at all, the woman began walking. With no choice, Henrietta followed. Although displeased by the rude treatment, recalling the memory of Joseph's attitude at the international meeting helped Henrietta think otherwise.

The woman's voice sounded familiar to Agnes, who slightly frowned. Where exactly did they meet before? After some extensive searching through her memories, she finally remembered.

"I seem to have met you and your partners before"
The woman turned her head around, smiling omniously towards Agnes.

"At Albion, no?"
Agnes responded under her breath. Henrietta looked at Agnes from the corner of her eye.

"....She is the female who have assaulted Miss Françoise a few times. I fear the giant armoured golems were also led by her..."

This time, Henrietta gave a stern look.

"For your information, those are called '''Golomontas'''"
The woman said without care.

The Queen and her Captain were brought to the dining room of the Guest Hall. Sitting at the other end of the dining table was Joseph, waiting alone.

Without guards nor maids, the dining hall looked empty and loney. There were not much food prepared on the desk either.

The woman wearing the headband......, like a shadow, Myoznitnirn stood motionless behind Joseph.

Agnes pulled the out the chair facing Joseph, allowing Henrietta to sit down on it. As if replacing a greeting, Joseph yawned loudly.

"Morning, Queen Henrietta"

"Good day, King Joseph"

Across the long dining table, the two powers faced each other. With that the greetings ended, and so begins the negiotiation.

Although today's visit has been notified to Gallia, yet not a single diplomat, advisor, nor clerk was present. It was just a simple, cold talk.

Agnes took out the documents from Henrietta's briefcase and walked beautifully to Joseph's side, placing the documents down in front of him with respect.

Joseph casually held up the documents and flipped through it page by page. With no apparant change in expression after finish reading, supporting his head with his elbow, he turned towards Henrietta again.

"What an amazing suggestion. On behalf of Halkenia, announcing new status of one Halkenia King. All countries must follow his orders..... except for Romalia."

"Mhm. To me, the Pope of Romalia is only here because he gives a symbol of 'authority'"

"This says that there will be other supporters, is that true?"

"It is. Only under one condition, to sever all ties with elves. Just that. Why did you ally yourself with elves, King Joseph, all you wish for is the entire Halkenia to be under your command, isn't it? I plan to fulfill your wish"

"This is quite a staggering suggestion. But will Germania agree?"

"Germania's king was a filthy king to begin with. He even dare call himself king, this is the symbol of his low self-esteem. Those kind of dirty peasants will not dare go against Tristain and Gallia's combined will."

"This is very surprising indeed, Queen Henrietta. I originally thought you were going to ally with Romalia to invade my country, but here you are instead offering alliance with our country! You are a brilliant politician! I really wronged you!"

"Thank you for your exaggerated praise. Instead of elves, it would be me who will be honoring you with the throne of Halkenia"

A smile appeared on Joseph's face.
"What is your goal?"

Henrietta instantly displayed a charming expression and replied firmly
"If the ties between Gallia and elves are severed, the 'Crusade' will therefore end. Compared to a war involving every single person on this world, I'd rather ally myself with the 'incompetent King'"

"I will be in direct conflict with Romalia, this is fighting fire with fire?"

"Even in the same hell, I'd want to choose the good side"

Joseph nodded his head in pleasure.
"Now this is what politics is about. Alright. Well then, I have my own request"

"what would it me"

"be my wife"

Henrietta couldn't help but widen her eyes.
"Oh my, you are actually serious."

Henrietta bit her lips. For the first time in their meeting hatred could be seen in her eyes. Henrietta nodded her head.
"I agree"

"Your Highness!"
Agnes who was silent all along cried out. Henrietta held her back with her hand, then nodded again.

"It would be my pleasure to do so"
Henrietta's body was in complete rejection.

Agnes understood that when Henrietta said "she would do anything to stop this crusade", she meant it.

Joseph seemed to look at Henrietta happily, eventually bursting into laughters. Joseph's laughters echoed through the entire dining hall.

[[Image:ZnT15-177.jpg|thumb]]

"Hahaahahahhaah! Don't take it seriously! I'm not very forgiving. I would never sleep with a woman who doesn't like me"

Henrietta's blushed from her self brought shame. Joseph stood up and walked towards Henrietta. With his big hands, he held Henrietta's chin.

Just about to draw her sword out, Agnes suddenly felt the statue behind her hold down her hands stealthly.

"You sly fox"
Joseph said teasingly.
"Do you plan to cut off my head at night"

Henrietta used her best bluffing voice and replied
"You, you have seen through me!"

Joseph's smile slowly became fixed on his face.
"I like it. I like it more and more. I can't believe I took you as just another little girl! This is going to be the best joke ever! You are absolutely comparable to the ancient warlords! Plus you are brave and smart. You will become a good Queen, Queen Henrietta"

Joseph returned to his seat. With a snap of his fingers, the status released Agnes's wrists. Agnes coughed painfully.

With a quick glance at Agnes, Henrietta continued
"....then, please hurry and send out notices. With the support of Tristain, Albion and Germania behind you, Romalia will lose their will as well"

Yet, Joseph did not reply.

"King Joseph?"

Joseph scratched his head as if finding it hard to speak
"But. Very sadly, I have no intention to go with this suggestion"

"This there something missing? Isn't it not enough to have the world?"

"If I were an ambitious man....., I would go with your plan without hesitation. But, that is not all. Not all"
Joseph shook his head. Using a gangster's tone, he firmly said
"I do not want this world"

"What do you mean?"
Henrietta felt an omnious aura seep into her mind, rapidly filling her up. For some reason, she was reminded those terrifing stories she read when she was small.

"Oh, there is no need to be ashamed of your 'misconception'. No one would have complaints against your suggestions. Even myself can't think up of better 'plans'. This is outstanding work. But..., you are heading in the wrong direction. I'm afraid even god himself could not have expected this."

"What are you suggesting?"

"You mentioned before - 'even in the same hell, you'd want to choose the good side'"

"That's right"

"I simply want to see that hell"

"You must be joking"

"By no means. I simply just want to witness hell. I want to see the unbearable, the never seen before, the hell corrupting my mind"

Henrietta felt weak all over. Agnes nervously supported the almost falling Henrietta. This makes less and less sense. Originally she thought Joseph was an ambitious man trying to get the whole world, seeing his actions of assaulting "void" and now allying with elves, even going as far as attacking Romalia with a so called "rebellion".

But the man in front of her eyes is denying all of it.

Not only saying "that's not all", he went on and said that he "simply want to see that hell" this kind of senseless lines.

But....., he is serious about what he says. The solemn expression of Joseph saying all this, seemed kind of sad.

"Therefore, I decided to create a small version of hell with the 'crusade'. It's also the only reason why you are so active. Since you are here already, why don't you visit some of Gallia, Queen Henrietta"

Meanwhile, at Carcassonne.....

As mentioned the night before, the Saito at day was as if a different person from last night, as if the things never happened last night, Saito went on to have a conversation at the dining hall with a completely natural face

"Hey, Tabitha, morning"

Tabitha responded with a nod, all while her eyes fixed on her book. Afterwards Saito joined the Water Spirit Ondine Knights and began their usual talks.

Louise was together with Tiffania eating bread. Looking both of them Tabitha couldn't help but slightly sigh, the guilty feelings towards Louise conflicting with the unexpectedly warm, sweet ones lingering in her heart. Did the things really happen last night?

Yet.... the warm touch still lingering on her neck confirmed its genuinity, the places touched by Saito's lips burning ever so hot.

Tabitha bit her lips and casually flipped another page of the book.

Since when, Kirche had already sat down next to her. Instantly Kirche realised something was off with her best friend. After resisting and finally succumbing to her urge, she whispered in Tabitha's ears
"You, it's time for a confession, what happened?"

Tabitha shook her head.
"....Nothing"

About the events of succeeding the throne,..... or the things that occured last night, none of them could be mentioned to Kirche.

"You know that there are no secrets between us, right?"

Tabitha decided to ignore problems of their friendship for the time being, then stood up, indicating she hopes Kirche will leave this matter for now.

Carcassonne's view was bathed in the warm morning sunlight. Tabitha suddenly found the true meaning of finding the "warmth" of the sun, her body given a new supply of happiness.

A feeling was persistantly nagging her, nagging her how the night is so much to look forward to. This unbearable anxious wait surpasses even coronation, surpasses all desire to seek revenge....

Next to a flowerbed at the side of the road, Tabitha stopped her footsteps.

A handful of sky blue coloured irises were blossoming furiously. Remembering her dull room, Tabitha couldn't help but reach out and pick a few. Seeing flowers of the same colour as her own hair, Tabitha felt herself grow red.

At night, when her door was knocked on....

Tabitha gave the already asleep Slipheed one more spell of tranquility, allowing it to enter an even deeper slumber. Slipheed's breathing became even heavier.

Anxious all over, Tabitha hurriedly opened the door. Dressed the same as last night, Saito suddenly hugged her. Letting it go, Tabitha buried her head into Saito's chest.

Without saying anything else, Saito lifted Tabitha's chin and planted a kiss.

Tabitha closed her eyes, allowing the other to do whatever he wishes. Since last night, she had realised that it feels very comfortable.

Saito lightly carried Tabitha and put her into bed.

Tabitha's face surfaced an very uncommon colour - faint red. Her cute small chest also puffed up and down out of anxious and excitement.

Discovering that the desk was decorated with a blue iris inside a winebottle, Saito smiled.

"Flower picking? Now this is unusual"

"....It's because this room, doesn't have much in it."

"That's better"
Saito took the flower out from the winebottle and placed it into Tabitha's hair. Like a hairband, the iris fits perfectly into Tabitha's hair.

Saito took off the shy Tabitha's glasses.

"...Glasses."

"You look prettier without it."

"can't see anything."

"Don't you shut your eyes when you're shy?"
Saito pressed his lips against hers, lasting for quite a moment before leaving.

".....Eh?"

"I have to go, there's not much time, it's alright, there's nothing to worry about."
Just as sudden as his entry, Saito took his leave.

The left behind Tabitha could only stare at his silhouette.

When the door was knocked on again, full of expectations, Tabitha opened her door wide just to find Julio behind it, her facial expressions immediately fading.

"That really fits you, Princess Charlotte."

Tabitha covered her head. After plucking the beautifully placed flower, she carefully returned it to its winebottle.

Julio changed to his solemn expression and bowed.

"I am here to recieve you, although I believe you have already heard of it from Saito."

That was how Saito put it last night, that the messenger from Romalia will arrive soon....., forgetting all "suspicions" Tabitha earnestly followed the orders of the other, nodding her head in agreement.

Her first romance, has dulled her assessment abilities.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5

2012-07-16T14:58:24Z

Ender: oops

===Chapter 5: Honeymoon===

On top of Louise's desk, was an opened diary. Looking at this diary, Louise couldn't help but sigh.

This diary is written by Louise herself. Although events that happened during her memory loss about Saito, the sequence of events had already been imprinted in her mind. Filling it back again wouldn't be a difficult task.

The contents detailed all the hardness Louise and Saito went through together, from the war of Albion all the way to Louise getting hurt by '''Burtos (布萊特)''' to protect Saito.

At the same time, the diary included enjoying being teased by Saito, etcetera etcetera. Even though, that pages filled with these were as few as the number of clouds on a clear day, they were still an irreplaceable part of this diary.

''Even though I care about Saito so much.....'', Louise thought gritting her teeth.
''Yet that guy always sticks with that maid.''

"How do you expect me to forgive you!"

Louise raised the diary, then slammed it hard on the desk. Putting her chin on top of the diary, swaying her crossed legs lightly, she closed her eyes.

While feeling the book's hardcover pressing against her face, Louise pondered
''.....If say, Saito secretly read this diary, what would I think?

''It must feel very uncomfortable.....

''This is different from the memories flowed in from Saito, isn't it? But then again, he's not reading it intentionally, just taking a glimpse accidentally.

''Still, this is.....

Louise's eyes landed on the mirror hanging on the wall. In it was the face of a gloomy girl.
''Is it because he always sees me like this, Saito tends to get close with other girls?

Louise forcefully squeezed a smile. Maybe a bit too forceful, because after a while, it gave her cramps.

And so, she continued to use the diary as a pillow..... self-consciously stared outside the window.

By this time, the sky was starting to turn to a faint white.

In the morning, Saito came home with a very distressed look.

Turns out Louise didn't get any sleep from being depressed after having no avail searching for Saito for a day. By the time Saito entered the house, she had dark circles around her eyes.

Before Louise had the chance to stand up from her chair and question Saito where he went last night and what he did, Saito had already slipped passed her expressionless, and snuggled into bed.

"Wait a second"
Louise tugged her own sleeves with force. Seeing Louise's look, Saito's guilty conscience kicked in and avoided looking her in the eye, fuelling more of Louise's suspicion.
"And?"

"And?"

"Yesterday, who were you with?"

Saito answered with difficulty
"Ta-Tabitha"

Louise took a deep breath, then raised her hand high.

''As suspected!

''And they were together for the whole time!

Just the point that Louise spent the last night troubled, she had more than enough reasons to condemn Saito.
''Should I just slap him here....
Louise thought.

The words Kirche said a few days ago came to mind,
''Stand in the shoes of others, if you aren't able to see the problems in their point of view, you may unknowingly make them angry

Just like how she needs time alone every now and then, the same goes for Saito. Besides, given the current situation, if you had to meet up with someone in secrecy, it'd take time. Plus, being with Tabitha doesn't necessary means he's having an affair. Perhaps, he had something important to discuss.

''I better confirm it first, it's not too late to get angry afterwards....

Trembling all over, Louise slowly put down her hand.
"What were you doing with Tabitha"

Saito himself was also distressed. Should he honestly tell Louise everything he discussed with Tabitha last night? Tell her that in the Gallian camps there are people who wish for Tabitha to be Queen and guide them? But if he told Louise directly, the news would spread as quickly as fleeing ants. It's good to keep things quiet right now.

Moreover......, there's this annoying bunch of people from Romalia. Walls have ears. After considering all the dangers Saito decided to play dumb.

"That...., how should I say, we discussed problems related with her future"

Louise pouted and stared at Saito. Looking at those poor dark circles around her eyes, Saito hanged his head apologetically. After enduring the stares from Louise for a moment....

"I get it"
And laid down. Saito was stunned. He was expecting her to scream 'What were you doing!!!' and deliver a kick between his legs, flipping the entire hotel upside down. To his surprise Louise actually believed his words......

"W-what"

"Uhh, you're pretty amazing...... I expected that I wouldn't be spared without being beaten all up after this"

"Huh? Do you Want me to do that?"

"No! Absolutely not! Not a chance!"

".....Between you two, what did you talk about"

Saito bit his lips, displaying a serious face. Seeing Saito's expression, it actually confirmed Louise that the things she was worried about did not happen at all. If otherwise, there would be no way Saito could have made an expression like this.

"Are the contents of which you can't tell me?"

"Sorry......."

"Oh, then never mind"

Just like how she doesn't want her diary to be read, but since what's done is done..... Louise might as well believe Saito.

"Then I'm going to sleep. I'm exhausted"
As if feeling very relieved, Louise laid down on the bed after finishing her sentence. Saito was still wondering if she's still suspicous, and therefore put his hand on Louise's shoulders while taking a peek at her expressions.

"I'm really sorry. But when the time comes, I'll definitely tell you. I promise. I'm not hiding it from you on purpose"

Louise's cheeks almost instantly turned red. The feeling of being valued, has made Louise excited enough to blush.

However, since she doesn't want her happiness to be seen by Saito, Louise shut her eyes tight and crossed her arms, like angry but at the same time flirting, she said
"Shouldn't you have more secrets. Come on, spit it out honestly. You actually did something with her that would have made me really angry"
Before Saito had a chance to deny, Louise's thoughts came out already.

To Saito, Louise looked just like a pretty goddess, putting him at a loss of words.

"I-isn't it more like I've never done these things?"

"You liar. You must have absolutely done the same things to her as what you did to me in your fantasies"
Trying not to display her pleasure in peacefully enjoying this, Louise blamed him directly.

"I, didn't I already tell you I don't want to?"

"I don't believe you. You're too despicable. You're only a dog with wild fantasies. Just because you look like a person, you think you're a handsome knight? What a joke!"

Inside Saito's head, there is this vague, unexplicaple sense of exitement. His body began to be enveloped by passion of an unknown source.

"You insensitive idiot!"

Saito held down Louise's lower chin, attemping to forcefully plant his lips on. Louise somehow managed to evade with agile and counter with a bite on Saito's shoulders.

"Ow!"

Louise let go with a "fwah", just to begin her scolds again.

"What's with you? Don't tell me, you done the same thing to many girls in your dreams? Now you're trying to do the same thing to me?"

However there was not a sense of harshness, as if mumbling to herself and whining weakly.

As if trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Hmmph, if you were to do it with other girls you would be overjoyed wouldn't you. If it wasn't me everything would be fine. To you, you don't care who it is. Hmn...."
Once the two's lips connected, Louise became honest with Saito.

"Idiot, you are so adorable, I would never"
As their lips parted, Saito said. With this, Louise's face turned firey red

"I'm not adorable...."
Other than this sentence, she could not think of anything else to say.

Saito's mind became blank. In front of this adorable Louise, lots of different things popped into Saito's head. Although these are difficult times, but what comes next..... after everything has settled down, like Guiche said, "buy clothes and jewelry and whatnot"....

"Um, Louise, I, I saved a lot of money"

"I, I know. Are you dumb? Her Highness already told you to take care...."

"Um, after this war ends.... don't we have a lot of things to do?"

"Eh?"
Surprised, Louise raised her head.

Guiche mentioned something about purchasing a castle.... needs around 10,000 écus. But if it was split with everyone, it should be enough to buy a mansion, those around 2,000 to 3,000 ones by the forests.

"What is this! Don't tell me, you plan to live here permamently?"

"No....sigh, how should I put it. If there was really a method to return, I will still go back after saying goodbyes properly. But, somehow, feels like this world is just like my other home"
Saito said, holding Louise, surrounded by her fragrance.

"....really?"

"Heh, if that weren't true, I would have passed that gate a long time ago"
Saito insisted with force in his voice.

"Then.... if we were to buy a house, that..."
Saito words cut short from embarrassment.

"Wh-what..."

Marra... just as the word was about to come out, Saito stopped. It was still too early to talk about these things.
"Live, live together. Even though we are living together already... at the dormitory, wouldn't it be better if we had more space. We should start considering things afterwards"

At this moment, Louise was about to be drowned from being filled with joy. When she heard Saito suggest living together in the future, she felt as if she was flying in the clouds. The thought of this bright future, none of the hardness endured mattered anymore.

"....fur"

"Fur?"

"It would be great if the furniture were the beautiful ones"

"I understand. Nm. Then let's use just those"

"The furniture shop in Tristain has good taste
Subsequently, Louise began to plan every minor detal, such as how white walls would be better, how there should be a pond in the gardens, how how many horses should be raised and so on.

"Wait, as for maids, we won't need any"

"....Speaking of which, will your father and mother agree with the two of us being together?"
Saito asked worriedly.

"That's alright. After all I'm not a child anymore. Once I've decided, they won't say anything. More importantly..."

"Hmm?"

"It wouldn't matter if it weren't a mansion. Even if it were a small clean cottage I wouldn't mind"

"Why is that?"

"B-because...., if so we will be able to stay closer to each other"
The Louise saying this shyly could not be more adorable.

"Louise....., you, you are so cute..... See, if you try even you can do it"

"What are you saying, I'm not cute at all"

"Very, very cute. Exactly like Lemon-chan"

"Am-am not, besides, what is Lemon-chan"

"Such smooth skin, just like Lemon-chan"
Saito was completely obsessed, muttering all this while kissing on Louise's neck. All the grey matter in his brain turned completely into cotton, Saito had no idea what he was saying anymore.

"Stop it.... I don't like Saito doing these kind of things..... Wait, ah, don't...."

"Waah, isn't this more Lemon-chan than Lemon-chan. Th-this is perfectly Lemon-chan"

"Awww....although I, I don't really understand, is it really like Lemon-chan?"

"It is. Anyway, try saying 'Lemon-chan is embarrassed'"
This was a line that popped up randomly from a Saito hyped up to a degree too large to measure in lightyears, but Louise was already very, that. Whatever came into her ears automatically turned into romantic lines. Or rather, at this stage, Louise doesn't care about what is going to happen anymore. In some sense, she herself was even more passionate than what Saito is already.

"Le-Lemon-chan is embarrassed"

Finally. Along with her reddened cheeks, dreamy eyes, half closed lips, Louise said it, pushing Saito to the very edge.

"Moe! Lemon-chan is incredibly cute! Very adorable! Hurry! Take it all off! These clothes are really in the way, covering up all your attractiveness."
Just as Saito blurted out lines even a dirty director wouldn't say while putting his fingers onto Louise's bedclothes..... from the other side of the wall, came knockings from a neighbour.

"Ah!"
Louise and Saito froze hugging each other. The knocks on the wall came again. Louise and Saito stared into each other.

"Wh-what is it?"
Feeling weak all over, Malicorne's voice could be heard from the other side of the wall.

"This is news brought to you by the wisps of the wind"

The two realised that Malicorne seemed to be staying next door. Actually, all Tristain students were living in the same dormitory.

"Oh, yes....?"

"The walls are thin in this dormitory you know. Even Mr. wisp himself was shocked. Nevertheless, whether it's your crusade, or the walls being too thin, or the pride of an aristocrat, or shame, none of these matter to me. You should be considerate of your neighbours. Otherwise, I would have no choice but to blow you all out with wind magic."

The couple looked at each other and buried their head in embarrassment.

"Moremover"

"Yes?"

"It's nothing like Lemon-chan"

Louise's face turn purple in an instant and started yelling
"It's not my fault! It's Saito, Saito told me to say it!"

"Lemon-chan is embarrassed"

"Stop it!"

After Saito have rapidly calmed down did he realise that what he said seemed a bit inappropriate. Like what Malicorne said, all the Lemon-chan never existed to begin with.

"Lemon-chan is embarrassed"
Malicorne continued to imitate sarcastically. With that kind of tone, Louise began to become furious.

"I said stop it!"

"Lemon-chan is so embarrassed"

"I said stop iiiittttt!"
Louise bellowed while gripping tightly on her wand, starting to chant spells.

"Explosion" sent the wall and Malicorne, who was direcly behind it, flying. Saito gaped at the giantantic hole and sighed.

Malicorne stood up from the debris, blood still dripping from his forehead, yet still he cheered happily.
"Ha! Now we're roommates! No more weird stuff for you!"

Saito lightly bumped Louise's forehead and said
"What were you thinking! You destroyed the entire wall! Now we won't even have time to ourselves."

"Shut up! It was you who told me to say iiiiittttttt!"

Sent flying by Louise's second explosion spell, Saito smashed onto the wall on the other side, which gave way to allow Saito enter the next room.

Sleeping in the bed in what used to be that room, Tiffania stared wide-eyed at the Saito flying into her room.

"Wha, what? What happened!?"

Tiffania's bedclothes was merely a thin cloth wrapped around her body. When sleeping, she always wore more spacious and comfortable, traditional elven clothes. It was only because she had to travel with the Romalian army did she store it away.

Just like how Saito saw '''Sandra''', in his "dreams", was dressed reveallingly by wrapping herself in a long cloth, this made Saito turn red. This is completely against the rules, using only a thin cloth to shield such big breasts.

"Me-melon-chan...."
Saito uncontrollably reached out his hand.

Tiffania shrinked away from him by twirling out of his reach.

"Why am I Lemon-chan while Tiffania is Melon-channnnnnn!"
Mixed emotions of shame and anger, Louise pounced on Saito and stomped all over his back. Still uncertain of the events going on around her, Tiffania buried her head in fear.

While despising the gasping Saito, Louise sat down softly and looked at the newly formed 4-people bedroom, then sighed.

Because of Louise throwing tantrums all over the bed, Saito was ultimately forced to sleep in the corridors. Still better than being bitten everytime he tried to get in. Yawning tiredly, Saito decided to come down to the bar for an early breakfast.

Everyone was there eating. The just-awoken Tiffania already changed into a new set of clothes and was taing tiny bites of some bread. Probably due to Malicorne's announcement, seeing Saito come in, the Ondine Water Spirit knights began to giggle with suspicious intentions.

"Morning, Lemon-chan"

Saito sat down exhausted, supporting his head with his arm.

"Lemon-chan, are you planning to strike today as well?"
Guiche nudged Saito softly with his elbow.

"We're only 3,000 écus short from a castle! A castle, Lemon-chan!"
Reinard whooped with glee.

"Stop calling me Lemon-chan!"
Saito complained with an apparantly annoyed face.

Because after hearing Tabitha's message, there mood to fight wasn't really there. Although this is some stupid duels across a river right now, under the peaceful environment brew all sorts of conspiracies.

Just like what they have experienced at Albion, before the bloody war begins, they would first try to defeat King Joseph himself.... as for how exactly will they do it, a plan is still yet to be made.

Anyhow, the end to the war doesn't seem that it's going to come anytime soon. Most probably will Romalia push forward with the idea of Crusade.

In the middle of conflicts of countries, the power of Gandalf is nothing more than how a stone is used to construct a castle. Barely worthy of notice.

The only person reliable right now is Henrietta who is making her trip back to her country. There is no contact from her so far, so no one has any idea on how she is doing.

''How exactly should this time be spent.....''
Saito pondered while drinking juice lazily.....

"Hey, Saito"
An energetic voice called out.

Turning around, Julio appeared in front of them. Since arriving at Carcassonne, he had disappeared without a trace, conducting his own suspicious business....

The memory of almost meeting death because of Julio immediately resurfaced, giving Saito a spur of anger. The sudden desire to beat him up fought desperately to control his mind, but was eventually kept under control.

It would be a bad idea to touch this guy, he is a person even more deadly than the Gallian king. Plus, with Henrietta not around, it would be best not to make any more trouble.

The Water Spirit Ondine Knights noticed the murderous tension between Saito and Julio and stopped talking.

They may have sensed that something happened between Saito and Julio, but Saito wouldn't bother to tell them anyway, so they have pretty much no idea what's going on.

....Determining from Saito's murderous eyes, obviously something ended very badly between the two of them. Moreover, they didn't like Julio much to begin with, so they all stood up looking very solemn.

"What would bring you here today, Priest?"

Julio waved his hand and shook his head
"It's nothing as serious as you think. It must have been hard work, everyone. I also heard news on how everyone have been active at the sandbanks, delievering a huge blow to their morale. Therefore, the Pope his highness entrusted me to specially hand this to you."

Julio draw out a small pouch from a parcel he was carrying with him and laid it on the table. Golden coins from the era of the last Romalian pope made clinking sounds from colliding against each other.
"Please accept it, this is a blessing from God."

The teen's eyes were dazzled by the bright golden shine of the coins, but quickily resumed to a solmen expression.
"We need not some charity. We can make money from our own salary."

Hearing Reinard say so, Julio's mouth turned into a smirk
"Please don't refuse it, take it. More money cannot never be a burden."

Julio then swiftly turned to Saito
".....now, I have something to talk to you."

"What."

"Saying it here would be kind of..... could we talk about it outside?"

Saito's eyes surveyed the room while standing up. The Ondine Knights simultaneously stood forward, blocking the path between Julio and Saito.

"I'm sorry, I'll have to borrow your co-captain for a while....."

"We are the Ondine Knights, you know?"
So Guiche said, by Saito stopped him.
"It's alright."

What surprised Saito was, after heading outside Julio bowed towards him.
"I don't really know how to put it.... but I'm really sorry for what happened before."

Not really catching up on what's going on, Saito scratched his head sheepishly.

What the heck?

This guy.... would ever apologise and bow towards someone? Saito kept a close eye on Julio. When Julio finally lifted his head, the usual smile that looked down on other people was gone, his eyes sparkling.

The tension surrounding them softened to a point where it seemed it would be easily shattered by a single touch, giving anyone a feel how his usual attitude is all an act, whereas this is the real Julio.

".....You tried to kill me, you really think we'd be fine after a simple apology?"

"Just like how you would do anything to protect the people important to you, when it comes to reclaiming the Holy lands, we are the same as you."

"The Holy lands is just another piece of land, don't put the two things together."

"It's not just any piece of land, it holds the future of all the people of Halkenia."
Julio's voice sounded ridiculously genuine.

"People? Isn't it just for religion?"

"You have completely misunderstood our religion. To all believers, the idea of anything for God eventually ends up the same as being for us."

As if overwhelmed by a mysterious charm, Saito felt it hard to breathe. The environment was relaxed to a degree far surpassing one when someone has successfully convinced another person to solve some problems.

"Well, I know you people are serious about it, but like I said, I will not do anything for the cause of a 'Crusade'. I have my own beliefs in my own Gods."
Originally planning to fake an act, things took an unexpected turn and Saito ended up blurting out everything.

"If you dare do anything to Louise or me again...."
Saito glared at Julio with the most condemning face he could come up with.

"If so, you can stab all you want into my chest. Oh, but I will resist, just so you know."

"You...."

"As long as you are in this world, we will never do anything to you. Right now you are Romalia's most important shield."

"Let's be direct, I will only help you until the defeat of Gallia. We'll have nothing to do with each other afterwards."

Julio smiled.

"Will do"

"You're giving up too easily"

"I have confidence in swaying you guys as long as I can talk to you."

''Cunning bastard'', Saito thought. Originally trying to kill Saito with a gun pointed at him, yet now he's saying these surprising things...

"So, we're good?"
Julio reached out his hand. Saito considered for a moment, then snorted
"Looks like is still too early to shake hands"

Julio was about to say something.... when something brushed across Saito's face.

"Ow!"

Speeding before their eyes was an owl. It swiftly landed on Julio's shoulders, shaking its feathers.

"Oh, if it isn't Nero? Welcome back"

"What's that?"

"It's an owl I raised. Oh, that's bad, blood is coming out"
Julio reached for a handkerchief in his pocker and dabbed it on Saito's face. Looks like the owl's talons scratched Saito's face.

"No thanks, it will stop on its own"

"Oh?" Julio commented, storing the handkerchief away.

"How long are you planning to continue standing off with Gallia?"
Saito asked. Julio laid out both his hands and shrugged
"Who knows. From what I see, the wind is about to blow again though"

Embarrassed to the degree of fainting, Louise ended up never leaving her bed. In the time while lying on the bed, she imagined all sorts of things. The more she imagined, the happier she became..... Lemon-chan slowly turned into nothing, the words Saito said today of "living togther" chimed again in her head, and all was soon forgiven.

Louise wrapped herself in the quilt and rolled around for a while, then suddenly jumped off the bed and began writing, presumably her diary.

[[Image:ZnT15-149.jpg|thumb]]

It was an interior design of the house for both of them.

"This will be the bedroom, this is the guest room. But this is the dining room, we might hold balls occasionally, so we need a hall. This should be the kitchen, housing around 10 chefs. Anything less than that would be pointless"

The feather pen scratched across the paper, Louise drawing a floor plan of the mansion. Whichever way you look at it, this seems more of a mighty castle than a comfortable home.

Louise contemplated the castle a while, then started to seriously consider how to turn their "lovenest" into something similar.

"Oh, one thing, we don't need maids"

Squinting her eyes, as soon as the note "No maids" was jotted down, Saito came back. Louise hurriedly shut her diary, yet Saito paid no attention nor attempted to greet her and sat down in deep thought.

"What's wrong?"
She asked.

"Oh, erm, I just had a talk with Julio"

"....about?"
Louise's face became serious as well. With whispers, Saito reported everything discussed in their conversation to Louise.

"In short, Romalia seems to sense danger in the current situation. Somethings feels fishy."

Louise placed her hands on her hips and also sank into deep thought.

Despite their efforts in thought, they still have no idea on what exactly is Romalia planning. Mixed with a sigh, Saito said
"Really, what's with the Holy lands?"

"It's the lands where founder Brimir came to the world"

"Is something there?"

"Dunno.... all we know is that its location is somewhere around the centre of the desert..... througout the long history of Halkenia, never have we successfully seize it back from the hands of the elves, so we have no idea what exactly lies there. Perhaps a castle our Founder lived in or something"

"Can't believe that kind of unfamiliar land would be the Holy lands. Why is it so important?"

"Can't help it, we were only taught that it is the most important thing in the world"

Saito sprawled on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Unconsiously, the visions from the "dream" came into mind again.

"Was it real?"

"Hmm? You mean that an elf was the first Gandalf?.... who knows, perhaps it's just your fantasties? You know how you're adept with that"

"That's right, I should ask Derflinger"

Saito drew Derflinger out of its sheath. He planned to ask him from the start, but the matter was soon forgotten due to other matters.

"Hey, legendary sword."

"Hey partner. Even if you were to complain about how lonely you are no one would listen."

"Say, I had a dream of being together with founder Brimir"

"Oh, I remember you said something like that."

"Were those things real? Or was it some sort of hallucinations deduced from being stressed out?"

"It's real."

Hearing this, Saito and Louise couldn't help but widened their eyes.

"The runes store memories which made you have that dream, just like appearing into a show."

"Then founder Brimir's familiar was an elf, was true? Wouldn't it become a great historical discovery?! Why did you never tell us about it?"
Louise cried out with surprise.

"Well, you never asked. Besides, I myself forgot. Now that you speak of it, I'm starting to remember, oh right, that's what happened...."

"Then tell us everything you remember!"

"Impossible...., my memories are all in fragments, especially such as what breakfast they ate and all kind of boring pointless stuff. On the other hand, key points, not so much. Randomly telling you that Brimir didn't like onions would be a dumb idea."

"Brimir said his name was '''尼達貝利魯'''...."

"Probably a name he used when younger. He did go through a lot you know."

"Saito, was there anything valuable in that dream?"
Louise streched her neck like a giraffe.

"Hmmm...., elven women are terrifying"

".....ohhh, so Tiffania really is just an exception....."

"No, I don't mean like that, when she's angry she calls founder Brimir a barbarian, going as far as to using violence, just like how Louise is...."

"What do you mean, you really remember these pointless stuff, don't you"
Louise's curiousity quickly turned into displeasure.

"Aww, those were nice times, Sasha, a noble elf with long ears in the middle of the desert...."

"Right right, that's the name, but I don't recall seeing you."

"I was still yet to be born when Brimir was still using that name, but Sasha and I were great partners, going all over the world..., she was an honest and direct kid, though sometimes too focused on winning. She had quite a bit of pride in her, but at the same time cries a lot...."
Derflinger seemed to be mesmerised in the past long forgotten....

"What kind of adventures did you have?"
Louise came close to Derflinger with deep interest. In doubtly everyone would be interested when coming to things about Brimir.

"Like I said, I don't remember actual details"
Derflinger suddenly talked with a lonely tone
"But then, just...., something saddening happened undeniably happened."
And stayed silent afterwards.

"Don't harass Derflinger."
Saito lightly scolded Louise. The latter displayed shocked expressions
"What's with you! Brimir summoned an elven familiar means that the relationship between Brimir and elves were great, we have no reason to be hostile against elves!"

"Oh"

"Really, you're so slow!"
Louise raised her finger in glee.

"But then again, founder Brimir did say so about seizing land back from the hands of the heretic elves or something similar, right?"

"Or so it's said, but if we understood what exactly caused the demise of the relationship between founder Brimir and elves, then we would have no reason to open war against them, do we?"

"Something so distant, how are we supposed to...."

"We have this talking sword, we have the dreams you make, it won't be impossible if you try."
Louise said, determined. It may seem easy with words, but this is just as hard as solving the true meaning of ancient mythologies, not something that can be done in an instant.

Still, Saito feels how touching a determined Louise can be, the justice she follows is not used to lecture others, but to help her make decisions. Filled with admire, Saito nodded towards Louise
"That's right...., let's work hard to do this."

"This is an amazing card we drew by chance, if we use it carefully, we may even manage to crush the entire Crusade!"

Saito hurriedly covered Louise's mouth.
"Idiot, you're too loud."

"R-right."

A eavesdropping Romalian spy could be just next door.

"....anyways, as soon as the Queen her highness comes back we'll tell her, this will definitely make her happy."

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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5

2012-07-16T14:56:36Z

Ender: Added in an image

Talk:Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2

2012-03-07T02:28:28Z

Ender: /* Editing */

==Part2?==
What's with the translation in part 2? from google translate?

== Last Part Of Chapter ==

The last part is not from Google translate but from the person that is working on the chapter he went ahead and posted it so that he could work on it online to 'polish' the translation and the editors working with that translator could also help with the formatting.

Yay, I'm mentioned here, LOL. Anyhow, I replaced the barely sentences which barely made sense with something at least you guys would understand. I'm not the best of my English literature class, so quite a bit of tuning up will have to be done. Least it's a much simpler task now :D

==Typo==

It's "Chevalier" and not "Chavelier". Also, "Saito de Chevalier" means "Saito of Knight", which is not a proper title. Should be something like Chevalier Saito.

== Editing ==

I did a big edit here, if anyone wants to double check. Mostly changing present tense to past tense, and adding some better wording.

Talk:Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2

2012-03-07T02:24:36Z

Ender: /* Editing */ new section

==Part2?==
What's with the translation in part 2? from google translate?

== Last Part Of Chapter ==

The last part is not from Google translate but from the person that is working on the chapter he went ahead and posted it so that he could work on it online to 'polish' the translation and the editors working with that translator could also help with the formatting.

Yay, I'm mentioned here, LOL. Anyhow, I replaced the barely sentences which barely made sense with something at least you guys would understand. I'm not the best of my English literature class, so quite a bit of tuning up will have to be done. Least it's a much simpler task now :D

==Typo==

It's "Chevalier" and not "Chavelier". Also, "Saito de Chevalier" means "Saito of Knight", which is not a proper title. Should be something like Chevalier Saito.

== Editing ==

I did a big edit here, if anyone want to double check. Mostly changing present tense to past tense, and adding some better wording.