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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3

2009-02-15T01:28:06Z

121.220.150.14: /* Chapter 3- Anxiety and Jealousy */

===Chapter 3- Anxiety and Jealousy===
Louise's room was as usual, enveloped in strange anxiety.

After classes, Saito was having tea with Louise, but......the waitress, Siesta's attitude was trying her best to incite Louise.

“Saito-san, please.”

Whilst smiling sweetly, Siesta served Saito the freshly baked biscuit. As if saying that that was her seat, Siesta sat down beside him.

“Th-thank you......”

Timidly, Saito checked Louise's expression.

With an utterly sullen face, Louise was glaring at both of them fiercely. Her anger turned into dark waves and struck Saito.

Saito did not want to call out to Louise in this state.

''Why are you angry?''

''You don't really like me, do you?''

''You had merely said “Reward”, why are you angry?''

Yet, it was no use talking about it. Because she would be wounded if he were to say that right at her face, so he didn't get his words out. Whether Saito had become at Chevalier or a noble, to Louise he was but still a familiar. Be it Louise whom he would meet someday in front of the fake grave, or Louise on the bed at Westwood Village who was so cute, in the end it was still but a love towards her familiar.

''Don't you get it, Saito?''

Saito warned himself.

''Louise is occasionally gentle, but......she still don't love you.''

Saito's master was at any rate, serious. Because of her seriousness, she tried her best to accomplish her duties, and had dedicated her body and her heart towards Henrietta to whom she swore loyalty since young until now.

Because she was serious.......she treated her familiar as really valuable, and occasionally would tell him to do his best and allow him to kiss her; those were probably not rewards, but she did not get angry when he touched her breasts; and had accidentally allowed him to go as far as her body. Recently, she had started saying things like “I would find a way for you to return.” His strength was probably necessary for Louise to accomplish her aspirations, and yet she had turned away from that, and continually considered Saito's happiness.

''Yeah.''

''Anyhow, Louise is a serious person.''

Saito loved such a serious Louise.

''But still......Louise didn't love me. If she loved me, because she had been confessed to to such an extent, she should have said “I like you.” at least once. No matter how I think about it, that was the case. And yet, she did not say that at all......''

''A serious, and significantly foolish, honest Louise. She had allowed me to such an extent, yet did not say those words at all......she really did not like me huh.''

''Her jealousy was after all, her desire to possess her familiar.''

''It was at most a puppy love,'' Saito felt devastated.

“What's wrong?”

He looked beside him, and saw Siesta gazing at him with a worried face. If one thinks about it......the one who invariably always showered him with love was only Siesta.

''Well then, how about Henrietta?''

Saito shook his head.

She is only lonely. She was lonely, and did not have anyone else to rely on, and had merely leaned onto him who was there by chance. Cheer up, Saito. Geez, all noble ladies are so self-conceited......Saito murmured grumpily.

“Noble ladies are......what's with them?”

“Eh? Nah......”

“Putting that aside, look. Please open your mouth. Aaahh, ahhhh...”

Siesta pushed a biscuit into Saito's mouth. The moment he tried to open his mouth reflexively, ''Piiiinkk!'', the sound of a cup breaking could be heard.

Looking at the other side, Saito shivered.

Louise was holding the fragments of the cup in her mouth. Evidently, it was broken by her mouth.

“Y-you, don't break your cup. It's dangerous.”

Completely ignoring Saito's words, she pushed the fragments of the cup towards Siesta. In a contemptuous voice,

“Another cup.”

“Yes yes,” Siesta stood up, and refilled a cup which was left with a little cold tea. Smiling sweetly, she held that out towards Louise.

“Please. ♪”

Louise glared at Siesta fiercely.

“Make a new cup of tea! You're really a useless maid huh. The thing you can do, is only to look at the dog flirtatiously. If you can't even make a cup of tea, y-you better go back to your hometown.”

Without the least drop in her smile, Siesta emptied the contents of the teapot. As she was trying to put new tea leaves into the pot, she noticed that the tea leaves had expired, and made a troubled look.

And then, ''pan!'' She clasped her hands as if she had just realized something, and rushed out. After about 5 minutes, she had gathered some weeds in her hands.

Humming a tune, she put them into the pot, spread them about and poured hot water in again. Filling the cup with water from the teapot, she served Louise in an excessively polite manner.

Louise silently poured it from Siesta's head. Siesta displayed a broad smile, and produced a handkerchief, and wiped her face slowly. After that, as if wanting to refill the tea in the pot, she poured the tea onto Louise's head.

The two were gazing at each other with smiling faces, but soon a scuffle broke out between them. Saito became very miserable, and in a soft voice, said, “Stop.” But, grasping each other's hair, baring their teeth, both of them were entangled in each other.

''Aah......Geez......''

Even though they had attacked each other recently, it was peaceful.

As for Saito, now that he had recognized the true identity of the enemy, he wanted to leave the place to bring justice. ''What? It doesn't mean that this will become a war. ''As for the opponent, although he did now know whether it would be the Gallia king, or the Cabinet Minister, or the general, or some great nobles, he wanted to see them, and openly ask ''What the heck did you want to use Louise for!''

''But......I was stopped by Princess-sama. Oh well, I can see her point. Lately, the war had finally ended, and she did not want to create another flash point.''

''But still, she had said that she could do something with their diplomacy......No matter how much evidence she showed, if the other side says “We don't know such a thing,” this matter would probably end there.''

''And we had finally known the mastermind; I want to do something!'' It was just like an arrow which was shot with full force, and yet could not hit the target. He was feeling depressed.

''If I had not become a knight, I can possibly move more freely.''

''No''......Saito shook his head.

''Because I am a knight of Tristain......isn't this some sort of excuse?''

''Whether I am a knight of Tristain or not, when I am able to locate the enemy precisely......I should have taken action.

''Yeah.''

''The reason I became so gloomy is because of myself.''

At that time when he was stopped by Henrietta, to tell the truth, Saito was relieved.

Because of this, he won't poke his head into something dangerous; he was relieved. His opponent was the kingdom of Gallia......Wasn't it the country which defeated Albion with one shot, cornering them?

''I am not going to the country of such people.'' His relief came into his mind accidentally.

''How useless. What knight?......'' Saito became miserable.

Contrary to Saito's misery, in front of his eyes, Louise and Siesta were in the midst of their scuffle.

Becoming increasingly depressed, without thinking, Saito opened his mouth and accidentallt said something forbidden.

“You two, at least follow Princess-sama and be more graceful......”

Louise and Siesta's movements stopped abruptly.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room changed.

Saito felt something chilly trickled down his spine.

Because of his instincts, he knew that he was in danger. He trembled.

''Uuuuuunnnnn'', Louise started doing warm-up exercises. With her arms akimbo, Siesta started bending backwards as well.

“Siesta. You hold him down tightly, okay?”

“Gladly, Miss Valliere.”

Saito stood up fearfully.

“Well then, I will be going for the training of the knight corps now. Louise, I'll leave the rest to you. Siesta, the tea was nice. Thank you.”

After struggling, he still could not leave. He was seized by Siesta at his arms, and Louise, at his feet. Falling onto the bed, Saito looked up to both their faces, close to tears, and asked.

“Two times?”

“Hmm...”

With an extra large smile on their faces, Louise and Siesta said.

“Four times.”

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2

2009-02-03T12:57:31Z

121.220.150.14: /* Chapter 2 - The Elf */

===Chapter 2 - The Elf===

Along the Ragdorian Lake, which was situated along the border between Gallia and Tristain, in front of an old-looking house nearby, a blue-haired girl who was riding a Wind Dragon alighted.

Although the Gallia royal family's crest could be seen at the door of the residence, it was humiliated by an unsightly cross-shaped dent. This was the house of which Tabitha's mother lived quietly...... It was the premise of an ex-Orleans residence.

Tabitha pondered on the contents of the letter which she had torn up completely last night. It was a letter with the Gallia royal family's seal. Something short was written inside:

''“Charlotte Hélène Chevalier De Parterre. Deprivation of your title as my right-hand assistant, Chevalier, and your social status. PS: The aforementioned person's mother, ex-Duchess of Orleans, is restrained. For bail negotiations to be approved, within a week, the aforementioned person must be present at the ex-Orleans official residence.”''

“Bail negotiations” is an extremely mild expression. Tabitha was certainly not deceived. In other words, it means “Because your mother has been made a hostage, surrender peacefully!” After that, a trial against Tabitha's treachery would probably begin. The result would be...... if she is lucky, the gallows. If not...... she did not really want to think about it.

Together with the refreshing breeze of the morning, the sunlight of spring made fun of her face. In an instant, that refreshing breeze was being a freezing, icy aura, as Tabitha took a step forward into the residence.

Sylphid, who was sitting down, let out a worried sound: ''”Kyui!”''

''“Do you intend to surrender peacefully?'' Those eyes were asking.

“Chill.”

Facing the front, she told that to her faithful familiar, upon which ''“Tsush, tsush...”'', Sylphid drew nearer to her.

Tabitha turned back, and stopped Sylphid.

“Wait. I'll finish this soon.”

Sylphid shook her head.

This wise dragon understood. Her master obviously did not have any intention to surrender. She intended to fight, and recover her mother. Naturally, Gallia's royal government should not have thought that Tabitha would hand over her wand peacefully. To win over that wind magic, they had definitely prepared many powerful users.

Because of her betrayal, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for them to continue using Tabitha. Since the start, the royal family had been wanting to dispossess Tabitha of her life. However, if she were to be murdered with her father as well, it would result in the ex-Orleans formal faction being enraged. Consequently, they assigned dangerous tasks to her, thinking that she would be disposed of that way.

Yet, Tabitha managed to accomplished those tasks well. The current king's faction should be certainly impatient now.

This time...... was the chance for them to deliver their full potential to kill her.

Sylphid noticed the unpleasant atmosphere enveloping the house. That air became a chilly sensation as if pricking one's skin, and Sylphid's scales were agitated.

“You understand, don't you? From now on the fight would proceed. In the same, usual way, wait for me in the air.”

Sylphid never joins Tabitha in her battle. “Because I don't have the legs to go back,” with that reason, she usually waits patiently in the air for her master's battle to finish.

However, this time was different.

Tabitha's enemy is the royal family of Gallia.

This is an opponent on a completely different level than the beasts, magi, or demihumans whom she fought against until now.

A kingdom against a person; no matter how she struggles, she has no chance of winning.

This ex-Orleans residence was already not the place of Tabitha's dear memories.

Nor was it the battleground.

It was a place where the executioner, who was dispatched to kill her, was waiting; her coffin, her cemetery.

If it were a “battlefield”, it was still okay; but her beloved master must not venture alone into this “cemetery”.

Tabitha gazed firmly at Sylphid who was staring at her with those brave eyes.

In a soft, instruction-like voice, Tabitha said.

“Because you are waiting, I can fight. Because I have a place to return to, I can fight.”

Although Sylphid was motionless for a while...... her eyes brimmed with tears, she nodded hard.

“Kyui!”

Gently, Tabitha stroked Sylphid's snout. Firmly, Sylphid raised her face, and soared to the sky.

Gazing at Sylphid which was circling the sky above the residence, with the same expression as usual, “Thank you,” she whispered.

The door to the entrance hall was not locked.

Tabitha pushed it, ''Giiiiiiiiii...''Making a heavy sound, the door opened.

Usually, the butler, Percerin, would leap towards her, but......apart from the deadly silent and cold atmosphere, nothing else greeted her. There were supposed to be servants in the residence, but there wasn't the slightest indication of any human's presence.

Taller than her, she casually held her rough and knobby staff, and Tabitha slowly faced the interior of the residence.

Her usual expression, her usual movements, but Tabitha's anger changed the atmosphere around her.

She walked down the long corridor leading to her mother's living room in the interior of the residence, and......the doors at the left and right of the corridor opened simultaneously.

At the same time the doors opened, arrows flew out simultaneously. Unperturbed, Tabitha waved her staff.

''Piiiiiinnnngggg!!''The sound of water vapor spreading outwards in the air could be heard, as an ice barrier materialized around Tabitha, repelling the arrows.

As if greeting those arrows, subsequently, from the opened doors, soldiers jumped out. Yet......at a closer look, wielding swords, those were not humans.

Granted with a will, they were magic puppets, gargoyles.

Approached at a close range by 10 fearless and firm gargoyles, normal magi were not able to deal with them.

However, Tabitha's magical power right now swelled with anger.

Holding her staff up high, the countless ice arrows at her surrounding just now which shone a pale color, revolved. Her short hair also fluttered intensely due to the tornado which sprang forth, with her as the center.

“Windy Icicle” of speed and power never displayed before this, pierced through the 10 gargoyles at the same time......and blew them away.

Because of the magic contained in the Windy Icicles, the gargoyles which had been pierced through, turned into ice in an instant. This was the result of the surging magical power seeking its destination.

With an intense fury even she did not notice herself, Tabitha's rank went up one level.

The second power of Wind, and second power of Water were residing in her specialty, “Windy Icicle”.

Right now, normal user should not be able to fight her.

With her experience as the secret knight of Gallia, the Knight of North Parterre, and her furious Wind square spell, this petite blue-haired girl had become a prominent warrior even in the whole of Halkeginia.

Tabitha stood in front of her mother's room, and turned the knob.

It was not locked.

The double-sided door swung back casually.

A bed and a small desk could be seen. On top of the bed, her mother's figure was not there.

The window was open, and spring breeze blew in.

There were bookshelves at the surrounding of the wall......A man was standing there.

Clad in a pale, light brown robe, he was a tall and thin man. He was wearing a hat of a foreign country, with a wide flange and a feather on top of it. From the bare parts of his hat, golden hairs hung down until his waist. With his back facing the entrance to the room at which Tabitha was standing, he was facing the bookshelf at the wall, and was apparently doing something enthusiastically.

The sound of pages flipping could be heard. To her astonishment, the man was seemingly reading a book. She had never heard of any assassin who turns his back towards his enemy and reads a book.

Facing that back, Tabitha spoke softly.

“Where did you take my mother to?”

Like a librarian who was called out to, the man turned in a completely ordinary gesture, without the slightest indication of any bloodthirst or hostility.

“Mother?”

Like a glass chime, it was a high-pitched, clear voice.

The pupils of those slit eyes shone in a light blue color. He had extremely lovely, fine features. Nevertheless, his age could not be told at all. Although he appeared to be like a lad, one would still believe him if he said he were 40 years old- he had this sort of mysterious air about him.

“Where did you take my mother to?”

With the exact intonation, Tabitha repeated. Looking troubled, the man gazed at the book, but......opened his mouth again.

“Aah. The woman the Gallian troops took into custody is it? I don't know their destination.”

''If that's the case, you are of no use to me,'' As if saying that, Tabitha waved her staff casually. Windy Icicles attacked the man at his chest.

However, Tabitha's ice arrows stopped exactly in front of the man's chest. There wasn't any sign that he had recited a spell.

The stopped arrows dropped onto the bed, and broke apart into fragments.

It was the feeling that the arrows had lost their force due to a wall. What on earth is the magic power this guy uses?

Tabitha lifted her staff cautiously. She thought of examining the opponent's moves.

“This 'story' is wonderful.”

The man's next move took Tabitha by surprise. Somehow, the man had retrieved the book he was previously reading from the bookshelf.

“As for us, we don't have such culture. “Books” are limited to the recording of accurate phenomena, history, and research contents. Adding up personal interpretation to the history and making it fun to read, arousing the feelings of the reader, causing him to slip into the author's point of view......Something interesting.”

The man in the robe of a foreign country informed Tabitha in a voice without any implication of hostility.

“This “Hero of Ivaldi” story......have you read it before?”

The moment that man reverted his sight back to the book, Tabitha released Windy Icicles towards him again. This time, it was twice the previous amount.

Yet......as expected, the ice arrows lost their force before the man's hand, and dropped onto the bed.

Not worrying about Tabitha's spell at all, the man continued his words.

“Oh my, your people's “story” is really interesting. And you are against us in the matter of religion......But our only saint is also a hero to you people.”

Shades of anxiety began to show up on Tabitha's face. She did not understand why her ice arrows stopped half way. Some sort of wind magic? She had neither seen nor heard of such a magic element.

Then Tabitha realized.

''Magic element?''

''There is another element of magic which exists in this world.''

As the Knight of the North Parterre, the spells used by the demihumans she had fought many times before......

“Ancient magic......”

With an extremely mysterious face, the man muttered.

“Why do you barbarians call us in such an unrefined way?”

After that, in a voice which hid nothing,

“Ah, or maybe you had mistaken me to be a barbarian? Sorry. It is manners to remove my hat at the first meeting with you barbarians.”

Saying that, the man removed his hat.

“I am the Bidashal of “Neftes”. I am grateful for this meeting.”

From the blond hair......long pointed ears protruded.

“Elf.”

Tabitha squeezed out an astonished sound from her throat.

This man is an elf.

Staying at the outspread desert at the east of Halkeginia, a race who has long life.

A race which boasts of many-fold history and civilization compared to the humans.

The dreadful warriors who are users of the powerful ancient magic.

Tabitha grasped her staff tightly.

Even for the Knight of the North Parterre, Tabitha who had fought with various types of enemies, there are two opponents she did not want to meet. One of them is dragons. For a human to fight against a mature dragon, the danger is far too great. The dragons' flame power and life force easily surpass her magic powers.

And, the other one is elves, the one standing in front of her eyes right now.

First time seeing an elf, Tabitha was struck with wonder......and subsequently terror. According to rumors, their magic powers were extraordinary. Anyhow, her Windy Icicles could not reach him at all......

“I have a request of you.”
[[Image:ZnT10-051.jpg|thumb]]
In a pitiful voice, the man who had called himself “Bidashal of Neftes” told Tabitha.

“Request?”

“Yeah. My request is that you do not resist. We elves don't like useless battles. Despite your intentions, I must take you back to Joseph. Because I had promised that. That's why, if you can, I want you to come along with me peacefully.”

At her uncle's name, Tabitha's blood flowed backwards.

''How could you be afraid? You had decided to bring back your mother! Whether it is an elf, or a god, I cannot stop here.''

While fear faded away from her heart, tempestuous storm filled her once again.

''Magic power is willpower.''

''Willpower is feelings.''

The power of the strong feelings influences the total amount of the magic power.

In the midst of her fury and agitation, that part of her which was freezingly cold like ice-cold snow, taught Tabitha to increase the power of her element.

Tabitha starting reciting a Triangle spell which possessed Square power.

“Raguuzu Wootaru Isu Iisa Hagaraasu......”

For an instant, the air around Tabitha shook, and froze.

The lump of frozen air revolved around her body like countless snake-like objects.

The and | a sharpness which as if bisects the X and the felt things |

Combining both the beauty of the art formed by ice and wind interweaving each other, and the sharpness which would split anything which touches it into two, the “Ice Storm” appeared.

''Buuuooo, buuuooooo, buururoooooooooooo!''

Smashing the interior of the room, the “Ice Storm” raged about.

The eye of the storm shifted from her body to her staff.

At the same time, aiming at the demihuman, she swung down her staff. Those things were done within the split of a second.

Apparently, no matter what defence magic was employed, he would be blown away in one strike.

Yet......The blond, tall elf completely ignored the furious “Ice Storm” which was plunging towards him.

His gaze did not shift from Tabitha at all.

Neither hostility nor anger could be sensed from those fine pupils.

Tabitha recognized the true meaning of that thing residing in the elf's pupils, and was astonished.

Somehow, that thing inside was “constraint”.

And the magic attack which possessed the Square power was going to attack him......Until now, the elf did not even see Tabitha as an enemy.

The elf's body was shrouded by the “Ice Storm”......At that instant when this seemed the case,

The revolution of the ice storm reversed abruptly.

Just like that, preserving the same amount of force, it rushed back to Tabitha.

“Iru Furu Dera......”

In a moment, with the “Fly” spell, Tabitha flew and tried to evade it.

Tabitha who was rich with battle experience, completed her incantation in an instant.

''Release.''

At the moment she was about to fly off, Tabitha's eyes opened widely.

''I can't fly!''

Without her noticing, her legs were kept down by the bed. The bed which had become like clay, grasped Tabitha's ankles firmly.

Dumbstruck, Tabitha murmured.

“Ancient elves......”

She could not finish her words.

Tabitha was completely swallowed by the “Ice Storm” she made, and lost her consciousness.

Tabitha who had tumbled down, worn-out, was approached by Bidashal. Tabitha's petite body was inflicted with countless wounds because of the ice blades she made herself. Blood from her wound mixed with water, making a terrible mess on the blanket of the bed.

Bidashal lay his hand at the collapsed Tabitha's neck. She was barely alive.

“O water which flows from this body......”

The tall elf started reciting a spell in a clear voice. The magic which had been called by Halkeginians as “Ancient”, was known by the elves and demihumans who use it as the “power of the spirits”.

As if being painted over with paints, the wounds on Tabitha's body were healed. Compared to the “Healing” element magic, the healing of her wounds was faster.

Bidashal cautiously lifted up Tabitha whose wounds were healed.

He looked outside the window, and noticed a Wind Dragon looking at him. Evidently, this was the familiar of the lady who was just defeated. Those eyes were glittering with anger.

Because of those eyes, Bidashal realized that Sylphid was no ordinary Wind Dragon.

“Rhyme Dragon huh.......”

He guessed Sylphid's true identity immediately.

Rhyme Dragons could be said to be extinct breed. A mythical beast with high intelligence, possessing Ancient Magic, and excelled in sprachgefühl (speech and language).

The unconscious lady in his arms.......To make a Rhyme Dragon as her familiar, it should take her a great deal of skill. If she was not recognized as a master during the “Contract”, it would possibly be dangerous.

“Rhyme Dragon. I have no intention to fight against you. “The Great Purpose” did not wish for me to fight you as well.”

“The Great Purpose” is......the general concept believed by the elves, Rhyme Dragons......the Ancient inhabitants of Halkeginia. They existed with the source which was called “the power of the spirits”, something which determines their respective actions......It was something like a god to the humans.

Despite “The Great Purpose”, this Rhyme Dragon before his eyes did not pull back. On the contrary, as if gathering courage, started roaring.

This dragon knew what “fear” is. Whilst aware of his hidden ability as a user of the “power of the spirits”, which was many times more, she bared her fangs.

“You went as far as selling your soul to barbarians? Familiar, what pathetic existences.”

At the same time Bidashal muttered this, Sylphid broke through the wall, and flew to him.

However, Bidashal's expression did not change one bit. He merely raised his hand towards Sylphid.

It was bizarre for such a thin elf to stop the huge dragon with only one hand. Sylphid tried to struggle......but could not move.

The magic power was too strong.

Bidashal held his left hand over Sylphid's head. Slowly......Sylphid's eyelids closed.

''Dooonnn!'' Looking down at the Rhyme Dragon which had lost its consciousness and fallen on the bed, Bidashal murmured.

“O “Great Purpose”......Please forgive such a foolish use of the “power of the spirits”.”

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL

2008-12-16T12:01:51Z

121.220.150.14:

In the royal palace work room, Henrietta was waiting for the guest's arrival impatiently.　

All schedules for the afternoon were canceled today. That’s why Mazarini, who usually complains about her working too hard every day, didn’t scold her.

It was an empty work room, as besides the riches, all the furniture was sold off. As might be expected, the desk that was used for the paper look-over was not present either. There was a worn-out desk, which was bought in the town’s second-hand articles shop instead.

There was also one old book-shelf standing lonesome in the corner of the room. If she was not wearing a crown, the visitor coming to the room would have never been able to guess that it was a queen’s work room.

“The wind dragon should be here from La Rochelle by now…”

Henrietta muttered, lifelessly placing her elbows on the desk.

Once a guard appeared, she asked the same question, “Are they here yet?” Henrietta repeated the same question many times over and over again, during the last few hours.

“Agnes-sama has not come yet.”

The guard gave the same answer again and again.

Henrietta bit her fingernails, a habit she picked up when she was a kid. Though she was criticized and eventually corrected, it revived recently again.

But that time after asking if they arrived yet… the guard reported.

“Musketeer commander Agnes-sama, arrived!”

“Please invite her at once.”

Henrietta stood up while saying that.

“We returned just now.”

Agnes, who entered the work room, bowed deeply. Seeing Louise and Saito waiting behind, like a rose, a smile bloomed on Henrietta’s lips. A sincere smile after a long time.

“I sought and brought back Miss Valliere’s familiar.”

Saito and Louise bowed with a strained expression on their faces. They separated in La Rochelle from Siesta who returned back to the academy, while the two came to the royal palace together with Agnes on a a wind dragon.

There was nothing in this deserted, lonely room. Louise looked around unsure.

“Aah, sold all my furniture. Surprised?”

“Yeah…”

“There was no other way. Because the treasury became empty due to the war…”

Henrietta took Louise's hands.

“Louise, first of all, I have to apologize myself before you.”

“Princess…”

“The generals… Yes, I interrogated the generals who had taken charge of the command of the Albion invasion army. They seemed to have made unreasonable demands of you, Louise… Above all… They ordered you to hold back the enemy army. I’m sorry. It’s because of me. Your ‘Void’ was used under my command.”

With a painful expression on her face, Henrietta held Louise’s hands.

“I am sorry. I am a cruel woman. I am a helpless, sinful woman. I not only used your power for something I started myself, but I sent you away to that place to die.”

Agnes corrected Henrietta's words.

“The ones that forced Miss La Valliere to stay using your words were the generals and not Your Majesty herself. Her Majesty also, as far as I remember, never was for such duty.”

Henrietta shook her head.

“No… it’s my responsibility. It was me who decided about the war. The possibility of such instructions being issued should have also been taken into consideration. Really, you are alive. I'm sorry Louise. What words I have to say can't apologize enough…”

Feelings overtook Henrietta, and she began to weep.

“Pardon me, no, these are not the words for me to say.”

Seeing Henrietta like that, Louise instinctively became doleful as well.

“Princess-sama, please do not worry. Louise Francoise dedicated herself to Her Majesty. It includes her death too. Therefore…”

''Actually, it was me going to death,'' Saito thought, yet, of course, he did not say it aloud. With somewhat cold eyes, he watched the two girls embrace each other and sob.

After holding each other for a while, Louise remembered that she still had something to tell Henrietta about and separated herself.

“Princess… I have to tell an awful thing to you, just for your ears.”

“Oh dear! Sounds frightening! Please do! No, I must hear it. I have to listen to everything. Even if it is a dreadful thing that crushes the mind… now, please tell.”

And Louise told Henrietta.

She told about another familiar of Void that attacked them – a woman named Sheffield

And how they met another Void user…

“Besides you, there are other Void users?”

Though Louise hesitated for a while, she also told Henrietta about Tiffania. That she was a half-elf. And that she could use a "Void" spell…

“Such a thing. Maybe you should bring her here as fast as possible.”

Louise shook her head.

“She hopes to live quietly. That spell is useful for defending oneself… in either case, what happened happened - she wanted to be left alone."

“Oh well… this does not necessarily imply that I'm not safe… You know, Louise, I did not want for you to do it by yourself. Yet, I do not have the Void. Neither did I want it for selfish purposes.“

Henrietta knew that Louise’s Void influenced the whole Albion invasion company quite a bit.

“I now understand; having such power can easily make one overly ambitious. I will be careful, to not let such a thing ever happen. And I will make sure that others will be as well. Aah, if only I could do better. I want to leave you out of this whole mess. Really. Yes…”

Louise told Henrietta about the thing she learned from Derflinger.

“As for the Void's users… assuming just from the number of royal family's treasures… there should be four people overall.”

“What?! Four people bearing Founder’s power?!”

“Among them, obviously, there are a few hostile ones.“

Henrietta gazed at Louise.

“Don’t worry Louise. I will personally make sure that no one lays a single finger on you… That’s an absolute must.”

Louise looked doubtful.

“A must?”

Not troubled, Henrietta tapped Louise’s shoulder while separating herself and then looked at Saito.

“Familiar-san. It was you, instead of Louise, who saved my retreating army.”

“Eh?”

“I heard it from the Albion general. He told me about everything.”

“Well, that, it just happened…”

“Thank you. Those words are not enough to express the gratitude I feel now. Really, thank you.”

Henrietta’s crowned head bowed many times. Saito, for the first time seeing a crown moving up and down, started to panic.

“W-well… don’t lower your head. The Queen should not lower her head to anyone…”

“No… you are the hero. The hero who saved the mother country – Tristain. If not for you, my army would have been annihilated.”

Henrietta continued bowing a lot, which made Saito glad. At the same time, the pleasure that has not been felt until now, sprung out of the bottom of his heart.

Surely, back in Japan, he had never dreamed about being appreciated by a Queen this much.

“Though it is small, this is to show my gratitude. Please receive it.”

Gratitude? What could it be? Some gold coins again? Or…

Saito recalled the event in the cheap hotel at one time. That night… Henrietta’s lips touched mine. Well, could He calmly ask to kiss her back - Saito grew expectant and ashamed.

However, the words that Henrietta uttered, were beyond Saito's imagination.

“Please accept it.”

“Paper?”

It was a single parchment. It had a Tristain royal family arm imprinted on the left corner. Though it obviously was some kind of official document, Saito could neither write nor read. Louise protruded her face at his side and looked into the a paper – her eyes widened.

“It says you are consecrated to be the commander of the imperial guard knight corps!”

“Consecrated?”

Saito, who cannot grasp the importance of such a thing, blankly asked.

“It is so. It started since the war of Tarbes, and in the past you helped me many times. That alone would be reason enough to make you an aristocrat. The withdrawal in Albion led to the success at that time. The contribution that you brought to our country is one of a kind and unparalleled. You are a hero who should go down into history.”

Being called a hero by Henrietta made Saito glow. Still, Henrietta kept on persuading him.

“A hero has to be given an honor that matches his exploits. That’s what general that confronted you said to me… and I think so as well. Thus I ask you – please lend me your power. You are important for me… no, for all people of Tristain.”

Saito finally understood the true feeling of VIP treatment. Being sought by Agnes, having a ship sent just for you - the purpose was not only to show appreciation for Saito's pains. I was admitted as a necessary human for Tristain, that’s what such a big warship was given for.

“But Princess-sama, consecrating Saito, who is not a noble, with the duty of commander of the imperial guard knight corps? This cannot be allowed!”

Louise rattled in haste.

“Then why not make him a noble, Louise?”

“Well, because Saito is a commoner, thus being said…”

“Because he is a human that comes from the different world? I heard it from Osman.”

“So why make such a person into a noble?”

“Doesn‘t he have the qualifications of the a noble? After all, a position in the kingdom's government gives noble position. Regardless of the position, the skillful ones should be consecrated. This is for Tristain's future. That‘s how I think.“

Henrietta said in admonished tone.

“But Saito is my familiar…”

“Yes. Of course, that thing doesn't change. In fact, if he becomes a noble, it will be easier for him to help you. You disagree?”
“But, but, my Void should remain a secret…”

“Of course, that secret will be kept. The fact that he is the familiar Gandalfr is known only by me, Agnes, academy’s director Osman, and top management of the country. Currently, he is just a soldier with excellent behavior and weapon-using skills.”

Louise could not object to such words any longer.

“However, this way I will not be able to find a way to return home…” Saito objected weakly, but Henrietta still stood her ground.

“The title of the knight commander will be useful while looking for the way to return.”

Saito dwelled on it.

…It might be as she said. If his position in this world goes up, there would be no limits for him. Saito knew that from spending quite some time with the nobles already.

“What do you say, Hiragasaito?” 

Being called by his full name, Saito felt nervous. Otherwise, he was not interested in a noble’s position. However… being admitted amongst people – that’s what Saito desired. Being needed by Henrietta, consequently, means being needed by this entire country. Moreover, it will be easy to look for a way to return.

Aah, it was kind of similar to a test taken with his mind set. Like studying during old times… though he was rather stupid, he still was glad when he was praised for the marks. The pleasure of that time, just now 100, 1000 times more intense, caught Saito.

However… A knight commander? Wasn’t that sort of responsibility from some standpoints impossible? But it was attractive. Promotion, promotion… such charm could not be disputed easily.

“…Let me think about it for a moment.”

Louise watched Saito with an insecure face.

Henrietta smiled.

“I see. Taking the position of the commander of the imperial guard knight corps should be taken after one becomes determined. However, you cannot refuse me giving you the title of Chevalier. If you were to refuse it, then I would be disgraced myself.”

Saito shyly looked at Louise.

Yet Louise seemed to be at a loss herself.

Henrietta kept persuading further.

“I can’t allow Louise’s Void to be targeted by other users. For the name of the deed, a knight that will protect Louise is needed. Consequently, I would be defended as well.”

After hearing her say so, Louise nodded.

“You understand. I am glad, Louise.”

Then aiming at Saito, Henrietta pointed out a wand with a big light blue crystal at the end of it.

“Though it is informal… In such place accolade can be done as well. Please kneel.”

Once Henrietta’s tone switched to a majestic Queen’s, Saito knelt down instinctively.

“Please close your eyes.”

As told, he closed his eyes. The tension ran through the body. It was wrapped in exhilarating heat.

No way, I’m becoming a noble…

He never dreamed of such a thing, really.

“Bow your head down.”

Saito bowed. Though he was not really mentally prepared, the ceremony advanced indifferently.

Then he felt something heavy being placed on his right shoulder.

The wand. It was Henrietta's wand placed on his right shoulder.

As if words of prayer, the royal edict of promoting to knighthood, came out of Henrietta's mouth.

“I, Queen of Tristain Henrietta, give my blessings and the title of Knight to this person. This person is an owner of a noble soul, which is unmatched with no equals. Do you swear unwavering loyalty to me, the country, and the founder?”

Saito was silent. Could he really make an oath for such loyalty? After all, it was unpalatable to tell a lie during an important ceremony. Noticing Saito’s feelings, Henrietta smiled.

“It’s all right. You are a human that came from another place. Loyalty that doesn't exist in the mind cannot be sworn. I will take it as conceded thing.”

[[Image:ZnT09-099.jpg|thumb]]

“Princess-sama.”

Louise instinctively opened her mouth. She never heard of such accolade.

“It’s all right. It was me who made the request to begin with. I asked him to become a knight.“

Henrietta‘s face became solemn again as she continued the words.

“Owner of noble soul, that is unmatched with no equals, do you swear fidelity to the place where your heart is, the place that your soul desires?”

Though he still did not understand it well… but this meant that Saito could leave. Thus, there were no problems anymore.

”…I swear.”

“Good. Then in the name of Founder Brimir, I consecrate you into the knights.”

Henrietta first tapped Saito’s right shoulder twice, then the left one.

That’s how simply Saito was consecrated into knights.

After the consecration ended, Henrietta let Saito stand up.

“After this, lend a little bit of your power to this weak Queen as well, Chevalier Saito-dono.”

<center>* * *</center>

Tired from travel, Louise and Saito spent one night in the royal palace. Because of tiredness, they both fell soundly asleep.　

Henrietta, once the couple left, dwelled on the two countries' problems… she ordered an investigation about Galia’s and Romalia’s Void users, who tried to harm the two. As soon as something became clear, she would tell them both.

For now, both Saito and Louise were released. In case another country would decide to attack from the back. As usual they will be at the Academy of Magic. A nest of mages to speak with, and even the Void user and her partner will remain at a hand.

The next morning, when the wind dragon brought them back to Tristain‘s school, Saito strengthened his grip on the mantle given by Henrietta. On the velvet-black fabric, a small, blue Lily crest was placed - the symbol of the "Chevalier" title, that was attached on the chest for all Tristain to see. Seeing that, Agnes muttered,

“Wear it.“

Saito nodded and put the mantle on. It was placed on his worn-out parka that had big holes in it. Now I just want new clothes… he mused, not thinking about it as a symbol of Halkeginia’s nobility.

“It suits you well, doesn’t it?”

Agnes said in the voice of a teacher, who was proud with a student's promotion. However, Louise, who sat next to Saito, turned her sullen face away, not looking at him.

“Now I am a chevalier. How about it?”

In a little excited voice he said to Louise sitting next to him.

“What about you, though it might be easier to do various things now.”

Louise pointed her lip, and muttered sulkily.

Really… what about becoming a Chevalier.

Haven’t I said before. I want to find a way for you to return home.

It is just a title, so why I am feeling down?

“Anyway, now I am finally equal to you, Louise.” Such a thing said with a smile ticked Louise off.

“Huh? Equal to whom? Comparing chevalier with the La Valliere House is like comparing a lizard to a noble. No, a lizard is too much – a bug at most!”

Saito sulkily turned away. "Haah" Louise let out a sigh.

My feelings contradicted my words.

Though I should be thinking how to find a way to bring Saito back home… I was happy about Saito becoming a chevalier for different reasons.

I thought that when a partner is a chevalier, then admitting my relationship to my father, a duke, was possible.

Louise, trembling, shook her head.

Haven’t I already decided to ‘look for a way to bring him home’, but what kind of thing am I happy for?

It’s no good to have my feelings impede with my decisions, I cannot permit that, strangely thought the serious Louise.

And as if her struggling with her own consciousness was not enough, Saito was so carefree and happy with the mantle. Human nature is a mystery… Louise bit her lips.

Besides, somehow, there were feelings of insecurity too.

Now when he is a Chevalier… new girls could try to approach, right? A rival who is stronger than the housemaid might show up

I wonder whether I can beat such competition?

Having a ‘zero’ of a girl’s charms, could she still attract her familiar against such a girl’s charms? Such uneasiness, mixed with the feelings of self-blame, made her say such stinging words a little while ago… of course, Saito did not see what was going on Louise's mind.

Can’t you understand my feeling a little, Louise gave out another sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

The wind dragon arrived at Tristain's Academy of Magic after one hour of flight.　

Upon seeing the shapes of five towers in the distance, Saito felt nostalgic feelings swelling. Louise had similar feelings as well. Gradually, their eyes could see the whole Academy of Magic.

Somehow, the feeling was like returning back to a hometown.

Though because he was from different world, there were no hometowns here… Saito wondered about these feelings.

When the wind dragon landed on to the Ausutori plaza, tens of students ran up.

Once Saito started wondering about it, a boy with blond hair cried out slowly.

“Saito! You are alive! I am glad!”

It was Guiche.

“Uwaaa! Wh-what?!”

“Yesterday came a report to the school from the royal palace.”

Next to Guiche, with a smile, stood the plumpy Malicorne.

“From the royal palace?”

“Aye. That you were alive.”

“That… did you really stop 70,000 troops of the Albion army?!”

Guiche, who has gotten excited, talked volubly. Apparently Henrietta gave out information even about such event.

“The ones that gathered here participated in the Albion campaign as student officers, the colleagues that survived thanks to you.”

Students, with expressions of gratitude, said loudly to Saito,

“My corps were the last ones to get on the ship. What would have happened to us if you hadn’t stopped them!”

“You are a person to whom I owe my life. To tell the truth, I thought it was the end.”

Surrounded by tens of noble students, Saito‘s discomfort worsened. Whats to say, he was embarrassed to be given gratitude in such a way.

Guiche said with a clarified face,

“Yet I… I believed. That you were still alive.”

“Weren’t you making a bronze statue while thinking of his death?”

Montmorency came out from the mass of people and said.

“You are all right. I am glad. When Louise said - ‘He is absolutely alive!’ I thought she has gone crazy.”

Montmorency noticed the mantle that Saito wore. After that, she gave the crest on his chest a long, hard look.

“Can’t be – you are a chevalier!”

“Whaaat?!”

Guiche was surprised as well and inventively watched the five blossoms of argent sewed onto the mantle.

“It is true. Great, isn’t it?! Everyone! Look! Saito is a Chevalier!”

“Oooh!“ shouts of joy boiled.

“Noo, I knew it was going to happen some day. He was the man my golems had troubles to corner.”

“Did they corner him? Weren’t you defeated?”

Mercilessly said Montmorency in a stony voice, Guiche shook his head.

“It might be so. I cannot remembered it so well. Aahahaha!”

Among this noise, Saito recalled a certain thing.

“That is right! I haven’t thanked the teacher yet!”

It is so.

It was necessary to thank Colbert who added the classified weapons to the Zero fighter while preparing it for the Varsenda ship. Thanks to those classified weapons, the amphibious landing succeeded. He wanted to report on his promotion. Since it was Colbert, he will certainly be happy, pleased possibly.

“The teacher?”

“Teacher?”

Guiche was dumbstruck.

“Colbert-sensei.”

Students who gathered around, simultaneously pulled away.

Guiche awkwardly stole a glance at Montmorency’s face.

“Wh-what?”

Sensing a strange atmosphere, Saito asked.

“Ah, can you do it tomorrow? I guess you must be dead tired today.”

“Yeah. That’s a good idea.”

“What is going on here?”

“At least tomorrow…“

Saito shouted gripping Guiche's shoulder.

“Hey!”

<center>* * *</center>

In the laboratory of Colbert, built in the artillery tower, Saito was quietly sitting on a chair.　

He did not stir.

…However, sometimes, his body shook.

Behind him, with worried expressions on their faces, Guiche and Montmorency stood. The figure of Malicorne could be seen as well.

Slight dust covered the laboratory as several months have passed since the master was gone. Taking up the beaker, which already turned darker inside, Saito muttered,

“It’s not true.”

Montmorency explained in a sinking voice.

“The school was attacked by thieves… He confronted them to help us… Though we foolishly kept calling him a coward…”

Guiche silently held Montmorency's shoulders. The couple went out drawing close to each other. Malicorne quietly chased after them.

Saito wordlessly watched the beaker and muttered.

“I… when Princess-sama said that I will be promoted to a Chevalier, I was glad. I thought, that I am finally admitted… A long time ago, when I was in Japan, there was no such thing, but it was difficult. Though I was praised by a great person, I was not admitted. Therefore, I was glad. The teacher always admitted me. He always listened attentively to my words. I, I was happy. Even though I was commoner, I was not being looked down upon… I was happy. He was only a teacher. Yet he treated me equally to the other nobles in this school…”

From Saito's eyes, tears started to fall. Tears, like water, rolled down his cheeks and chin.

“Teacher, I am a knight too. A chevalier too. Smile. And then the teacher praises. Like you always said and did.“

Saito, while crying, muttered many times.

“…I, I wanted teacher's praise.”

Louise watched Saito from the entrance. Though she started approaching… her foot steps stopped on their own.

What could I say to comfort him?

Colbert and Saito surpassed the differences of the worlds, Louise remembered them getting along well. For Saito… he must have been a person who he was able to trust in.

What could I ever say to comfort Saito who lost such important person?

Louis closed her eyes.

She was as much saddened by seeing Saito tapped into sadness as by Colbert’s death itself.

It was late at night… when Saito returned to their room. Not being able to bear Saito being like that anymore, Louise, who returned back to the room some time ago, pushed her head out of sheets. Saito was silently sitting on a chair.　

Still… like before, not knowing what to say, Louise quietly watched Saito.

Scrubbing his red eyes, Saito opened his mouth.

And muttered in soliloquy,

“…Teacher said some day… ‘I would be happy to make fire’s power work for people.’. Teacher, it is too tough to do that alone.“

“…”

“I… I do not think I can do that. Of course, teacher and I are different. I thought I can do magic… ‘using any weapon’, but I lost it recently… But there must be some things that even I can do. Can I do anything in this world? I do have that power, right? Power for something… as you said power ‘for something big’, I want to use it.”

“…”

“I do not want to have any regrets when returning to my former world. Of course, I will protect you, and the princess that you value, I will defend her. That’s something I can do, right? I think so… I will try to be a commander of the knight corps. Good?“

Louise nodded.

Once in bed again, Louise was aimless tossing herself on sheets, thinking.

Though she was going to find the way for Saito to return… Saito became Chevalier, and consequently, as he said, he will become a knight commander.

In other words, Saito will try to find his world this way.

Am I happy for Saito because of that?

I do not know for sure.

The way I am changing, Saito is changing too.

And I do not know if it’s good or not.

To be honest, it's not like she opposes Saito’s words of becoming a chevalier. But this position needs some obligations, too. Can Saito do it?

Remembering Colbert, Saito started to cry again.

I am useless; Louise was ashamed of her own powerlessness. Though she feels sorry for Saito so much… she cannot do a single thing to comfort him.

The inferiority complex gradually gripped Louise's heart.

Yet, I am a Void user… can’t the owner of the legendary element do anything?

Maybe, I wonder myself, if I could help Saito in this world?

I think so.

Louise shook her head, and looked up.

I have to be confident now. She tried to persuade herself.

I have to do something for Saito, who lies next to me without turning.

…But, she did not know what.

Louise looked up at the night sky.

Two moons were drawing close, as if comforting them, pouring their gentle light into the room.

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