Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1

1st Story - Tabitha and the Pterosaur

The blue-scaled Sylphid picks up her master, and flew up into the sky. The two moons shine brightly in the clear sky behind her blue scales. The white moon is so bright as to be almost transparent, and the red moon leaves a slightly reddish tinge. From such a high altitude, it was a fantastic scene to be viewed.

growl... growl... (stomach rumbling sounds)

Sylphid snorted her nose. She was hungry.

But it would be rude to disturb the master when she is reading a book. What to do, this is so troublesome, Sylphid looked furtively at the girl who is her master.

Sitting astride the part of the neck which dips a little from the top of Sylphid's head, with a dorsal fin on her back, her short, blue hair fluttering in the wind, the little girl calmly opens the book.

Although turning 15 years old this year, her body's build was that of a child 2 or 3 years younger. Perhaps when she was 12 years old, her body stopped growing.

Her cold blue eyes behind the spectacles do not reveal any emotions. She was so absorbed in the book, only turning a page on the book occasionally, that one cannot discern any expression from her.

However, her facial profile was quite lovely like a peaceful and tranquil spring although it was cold. Her cold demeanor resembled that of the clear and transparent winter wind, which shrouds her with a matured tinge of melancholy on her innocent young face.

She is Sylphid's important master, Tabitha.

growl~, and Sylphid's stomach growled.

Oh, I cannot endure it anymore! Even if she gets angry, I don't care! Sylphi doesn't care anymore! With a soft murmur, Sylphid began to entreat her master.

"I am hungry. I am hungry. I am hungry"

Tabitha was distracted from the face of the page, and stared at the face of the mythical beast she was straddling on. Noticing that she had her master's attention, Sylphid bleated a happy sound through her nose.

fuga fuga.(sound of heart beating?) She and older-sister's face moved close. Looking intently at Sylphid's face

Sylphid called out to her master Tabitha, "Older sister-sama".

Why was she called such even though Sylphid was an only child. When she was summoned during the "Summoning Ceremony" of the Trystain Magical Academy by this girl, she felt quite blessed and decided to call her "older sister." She had the vibe of that of an older sister.

Sylphid had such a simple character that just because Tabitha had paid attention to her, she was so happy that forgot her hunger. She started chattering to enjoy a conversation with Tabitha.

"Elder sister-sama, it's so lovely today. I'm so glad!"

Sylphid looks like a wind dragon of six mails length......

She has beautiful translucent scales that seem to glitter and reflect light.

She seem even larger when she spreads her wings. Those huge wings re-assuredly flap powerfully in the sky. In any case, she looks just like a wind dragon in every respect.

However, normally, dragons do not talk.

A dragon's intelligence, although it is a superior mythical beast in its own class, does not give them the ability of human speech.

"It's also such a nice weather today! What do you think, elder sister-sama?"

However, within Sylphid's trembling throat, a lovely sound of human speech was produced and fluently came out of her mouth.

Only a sage carrying an abundance of knowledge may probably realize the true nature of Sylphid

and recall the name of these species from the fading shadows of ancient legends.

Tabitha found one such book that was written by one such scholar. The title of the book is written as such:-

"Mythical Intelligent Creatures of Ancient Times - The Rhyme Dragons"

"elder sister-sama, what are you reading?"

In a sweet-sounding voice that does not suit her face, Sylphid asked.

"It's a book written about your species"

In a voice almost without any inflection, Tabitha answered.

"I'm glad. As I thought, Elder sister is really very very interested in me"

"not really. it was just by chance"

"I'm delighted even though it's only coincidental. hey elder sister-sama, do you remember? the day when you summoned me"

"I remember"

Tabitha responds seemingly with some measure of coldness.

"I also remember fondly! That day elder sister gave me my name! a superb name! Sylphid! a human name!"

"coo coo", sounds of happiness emit from Sylphid.

"It is not a human name"

"Is that so! a wind fairy's name! an ancient fairy! kyui kyui!"

Sylphid's neck shook with joy. Tabitha's body was also violently shaken, but Tabitha was not concerned at all. Her sense of balance was amazing.

""Irukukuu" is a name for dragons. It means a gentle breeze! "Sylphid" is a name for humans. I, I have a second name! for when I'm together with elder sister-sama! kiyui kiyui!"

Tabitha returned her attention to the book. Sylphid continues to chatter on.

"Yes, yes! At that time when elder sister-sama summoned me, there was that girl with the pink hair! A human boy was summoned! That was quite a surprise! It was disgusting! Yet it was so funny!"

However, Tabitha did not carry on the conversation anymore. So, Sylphid felt neglected. And so she remembered that she was hungry.

"I'm hungry. how about a meal? how about a meal?"

Sylphid being able to speak human speech like that is not just a wind dragon.

An ancient wind dragon, one of the lost legendary rhyme dragons......, It is a legendary creature to live in the deserted mountains and the depths of the forests where human eyes have didn't touch.

The rhyme dragons are extremely intelligent and can understand human speech, but they require a lot of time to grow to adulthood. If one were to guess the age from the annual growth ring of her scales, this rhyme dragon should roughly be about 200 years old, but she would be equivalent to a human of not more than 10 years of age.

Yet, one cannot approach it carelessly despite it being a child

In the spring (youth) of a rhyme dragon, this species can boast of intelligence superior to that of a human being, and also better in language sense, and can manipulate "primal magic", and it is also a strong mythical beast which flies at high speed in the sky and can hurl powerful breaths.

This Sylphid, the rhyme dragon, was acquired with "Summon Servant" from somewhere in this world and contracted to Tabitha as her familiar. A thing that exemplifies the magical ability of this master is indicated with this accomplishment alone.

To Sylphid, such a powerful mage like Tabitha impressed her strongly.

"I'm hungry. I'm hung-greeee"

"you're noisy"

"if i don't say it, elder sister-sama will easily forget about my meal. Therefore I have to say it a lot. I'm hungry. I'm hungry"

Sylphid continues crying "gya gya" with her protesting voice.

"we'll have the meal when we arrive"

"really? for real?"

"promise"

"hooray. hooray. I'll eat a lot. I want to eat meat. I want......"

Sylphid began to sing. Because of the large amount of breath, the sound she was making was deafeningly loud. And so Tabitha hit her head with her staff.

"ouch. ouch. it hurts"

"that's why you should keep quiet"

"I'm quiet already. By the way elder-sister-sama, you riding on my back instead of taking a carriage, are we going to the castle instead the mansion?"

Tabitha nodded.

Sylphid became sad. She didn't like the castle.

"Let's not go to the castle. Hey, why can't I speak in front of other people?"

"troublesome"

The tiny Tabitha replied. Rhyme dragons are said to be extinct. If the real nature of Sylphid is revealed, Trystain's Academia or Galia's Royal Family may give an order to "conduct a research or experiment" on her. Therefore Tabitha does not allow Sylphid to speak in front of another person.

"not the castle. I'm not allowed to speak so let's not go to the castle. It's boring unless I can speak!"

Detachedly, Tabitha looked out into the distance and said.

"bear with it"

Sylphid became silent as she felt like the air was frozen by this aspect of Tabitha.

stealing a glance at the face of her tiny master.

Impassive as usual.

Even when she's moody, even when she's normal, even when she's eating, even when she's angry, Tabitha was impassive.

When she is happy (it's not certain whether the ever was such a occasion), she would probably be impassive as well.

Sylphid has never seen a thing called a smile on Tabitha.

As if it was frozen by the "windy icicle", similar to the two characters of her title, Tabitha;s expression never changes.

I want to put a radiant smile on her face, Sylphid often thinks.

But I don't know what I can do. And so she became a little bit sad, and going "kiyai kiyai" Sylphid sighed.

The city of Lutèce of Galia is the largest city in Halkugenia boasting a population of 300,000 located about 1,000 leagues inland from the border of the neighboring country Trystain.

The huge and grand palace of Versailles where the royal family of Galia stays is situated near the eastern edge. In the clearing that was once a forest, a beautiful and great manor was built by the first king, Robespierre III. King Joseph I, the current master, wields the scepter of government in the heart of the Grand Trois, a building made of rose-colored marble.

Some distance from the Grand Trois, inside the pink colored small palace called Petit Trois, a young lady gave a big yawn.

"fuwaaaaaaaa" (yawn)

She is probably approaching 17 years of age. The unusual color of her hair. a bluish tinge, was the same as the color of the pupils of her slender eyes. The appearance of such an unusual color would convey to any person that this person is related to the Galia royal family. The blue hair grown to shoulder length was combed carefully and was soft and rustled smoothly like silk thread. A large extravagant crown lifts up a forelock, while her smooth facial frame peeks out. The lips which have never known hardship gave off an alluring shine.

The girl licked her crimson red colored lips with her tongue. This course and vulgar gesture spoiled the dignified features of this noble in an instant.

She is the daughter of King Joseph, the princess of the kingdom of Galia.

the seemingly listless Isabella, who seemed to be in a luxurious sprawl, pulled the cord which hung down next to a bell. Three female attendants immediately jumped into the living room.

"You rang, your highness?"

"I'm bored"

"Would it help to have a game with us?"

"Pinochle? Whist? Card games are so tedious"

"then, a dice game......"

"Isn't that a game for the commoners. Princesses do not play such games"

"What about going out hunting? In Pierrefont forest, you can land a deer's head with hunting dogs, according to Mr. Simon's report"

"I do not want to go out"

The female attendants looked at each other anxiously. Isabella kept talking with a look of increasing irritation.

"Really, father is also totally terrible! I even want to be useful to the royal family! I am not simply some pretty doll of a daughter, but am really quite capable! Therefore, even though i've said i want to be in government service...... being the commander of the "Knights of the North Parterre"? Such a simple job, it's so mundane! Doesn't father love this daughter!?"

On hearing that name, the female attendants shuddered.

There are innumerable flower beds in the Versailles palace where the flowers of the season to be given the title "Parterre" bloom in abundance. The distinguished knights of Galia are named after the names of these flower beds. Knights of the Southern Rose Parterre, Knights of the Eastern Lily Parterre...... However, because there isn't any flower bed in the north side, there should never have been any squadron of knights where the name contains "North" in their title.

But, there is a knight squadron with a name of only "North" at the back stage of the royal palace.

That is the Knights of the North Parterre.

It was the organization which single-handedly undertakes the dirty work of the Galia royal family. They are brought in for various domestic or foreign troubles that occur. Isabella is the commander of that. This squadron has various "Chevaliers" as its knights for the time being. These shadowy knights carry out shady missions unrelated to honor without knowing each other...... such is the Chevalier of the North Parterre.

Isabella was waiting for one such Knight of the North Parterre.

"Hasn't that gargoyle arrived yet?"

The older attendant shook her head.

"Lady Charlotte has not yet arrived"

"Just call her "the doll" or "the gargoyle" is enough"

y- yes......, the attendant stuttered. Charlotte visiting Isabella now infuriates the blood of the Galian royal family......, a long time ago she was the royal cousin of Isabella. Although she has been stripped of her birthright and the her royal family name, a mere servant such as myself cannot take such a rude attitude. Besides, comparing Charlotte to Isabella......

Noticing the quiet discord in the servants, Isabella gave her orders in a trifling tone.

"All of you, go welcome that gargoyle daughter"

"y-yes"

With a relieved expression, the attendants nod.

Isabella scolded the attendants who were going to stand in line at the entrance of the room.

"It is not that kind of "Welcome""

"huh?"

Isabella had on a wicked smile.

Sylphid carrying Tabitha landed on the front garden of Petit Trois. The military escort who waited at the entrance came as Tabitha alighted and bowed down.

"Welcome back, Lady Charlotte"

Because this escort said such with respect and bowed down, he was scolded by another officer.

"hey"

With a bitter expression, the military escort stepped back. The other officer who was rude declared.

"The crown princess awaits"

Tabitha left the reins with the military escort.

"Feed this child"

Saying so and pointing to Sylphid. Sylphid trumpeted happily through her nose. She did not speak any human words because Tabitha had strictly instructed her not to do so in front of any other human except Tabitha.

Afterwards, Tabitha went into the building.

The gargoyle which stood in front of the princess's room removed the pole which prevented passage. Unlike in the other countries, the use of magical statues like gargoyles for this purpose is popular. A command has to be issued for every simple operation, even repeated ones, with a "golem" compared to "gargoyle" that can be made to operate independently. This sort of gargoyle is used widely in Galia where it is also the only country to develop this type of magic.

lifting up the heavy cloth curtain that hung from the ceiling, she entered the room......

flap! flap! flap!

Then, something flew at Tabitha. Without even taking any evasive action, Tabitha took it calmly with her body.

Eggs came flying, and a mud filled sausages too.

bashiya! bashiya! the contents scatter all over the place on impact. Egg whites spewed all over and some of it dangled on Tabitha's face. But Tabitha's expression did not change at all. She didn't even wipe it off.

On seeing such a sight, the master of the room, Isabella, burst out laughing.

"Oh ho! ho ho! oh ho ho ho!"

The attendants who hurled the eggs and sausages at Tabitha came out from behind the shade of the curtain with uncertain looks. Tabitha remains expressionless and stares straight ahead. Isabella was in her field of vision, the only focus of her view as if there was nothing else around.

"Hey, all of you must also laugh! really, that is something else! That appearance!"

Being ordered so by Isabella, the attendants laughed unwillingly. Isabella continued laughing at Tabitha for some time.

But, Tabitha's expression did not change at all.

This manner only irritated Isabella.

"Why don't you say something?"

Tabitha did not respond at all. The artificial laughter of the attendants have stopped as well.

"Don't you feel you should at least get angry, feel some annoyance, or want to cry or scream out?"

"............"

In Tabitha's view, this was just what Isabella wanted.

"grrr......"

Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Isabella bit on her lip. And forced herself to put a smile on the edge of her face.

"......really, this child is totally like a gargoyle. Only considering what it's to do, not understanding anything else. Just because you can use a little magic, do you think you are so much better?"

Isabella mutters scornfully as that was all she could do.

However Tabitha's expression did not change. With eyes that looked like they were staring at an ornament, it just continued to stare at Isabella.

Because Tabitha was not agitated but instead kept calmly looking at her, Isabella was further irritated.

"You dare to address the princess in such filthy attire? Take off those filthy rags!"

Having thrown the eggs themselves, and then hearing those words, the attendants were quite worried and started to tremble while watching the scene unfold.

"Take it off. That's an order!"

By those words, Tabitha started unbuttoning her shirt. She was at ease and took off her shirt and skirt without any reservation as one would do so when changing clothes at night in their room.

She was left with only her chemise.

There wasn't any curve or shape on the girl's body.

This build is one that can hardly be that of a 15 year old.

Isabella sniggered.

"Take that off too"

Tabitha threw off the chemise without changing her composure. The attendants unintentionally covered their eyes because they felt that the situation was too pitiful. The skin of this beautiful girl was pure white and appeared like snow.

"......hmmph, you, are you eating properly?"

Tabitha remained expressionless.

Is the heavens giving a cruel treatment to the cousin during blood heredity? (kinda hard to properly translate the statement, but the gist is that Isabella was making fun of Tabitha saying that even though they were cousins, her genetic makeup was poor)

No, Isabella was not able to forgive the talent of Tabitha simply because she was the cousin who had inherited it by blood. Such magical ability that allowed her to get the title of "Chevalier" while so young.

Why didn't she receive such magical talent herself......

Magical ability is something that is respected. In this large palace, which nobles, which servants, would actually respect her as the princess? She was annoyed and almost died when she imagined it.

Isabella stood up and approached Tabitha. Picking up the eyeglasses, she moved her face closer to her cousin's face.

Chewing painfully at the edges of her lips, Isabella muttered.

"Are you not of the imperial family also? Do you understand? Just because you have have a little magic ability, what gives you the right to put on airs?"

Isabella scowled at Tabitha.

The air in the room became oppressive, and several minutes just passed by.

Beads of sweat formed on the forehead of Isabella.

Hmmph, Isabella snorted. Unable to bear the pressure of Tabitha's silence. Picking up a letter that was lying on top of the bed, she threw it at Tabitha.

"Your seventh mission as a Chevalier of North Parterre. Clean it up quickly"

Tabitha quietly put her clothes back on, then taking the letter and left the princess's room.

(~30%~)