Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8

2010-02-15T05:19:19Z

216.67.41.167: Fixed tense, substituted word

===Chapter 8: The Old Mansion of Orléans===

By the time they finally crossed the country frontier and arrived at the old mansion of Orléans, it was well past midnight.

The twin moons could be seen from the openings between the clouds.

The old mansion of Orléans was illuminated by both the mist which drifted from the Ragdorian Lake, and the light from the twin moons. It stood out strangely in the night.

“So this is Tabitha's home......”

Saito murmured.

Louise hid behind Saito's back, and peeked at the mansion.

Guiche gulped, and grasped his artificial flower-like wand tightly.

Montmorency was checking Sylphid's condition, on whom they were sitting. Sylphid, whose injury had not fully recovered, but who had flown them here anyway, was gasping for breath. Montmorency cast a Water spell on Sylphid.

“Sylphid, are you all right?”

“Kyui!”

From the gate, the driveway which was as wide as a horse carriage, led directly towards the entrance hall. On both sides of the driveway, trees grew luxuriantly, causing the darkened mansion to further emanate an ominous feeling.

“Well then, look out......”

Guiche said that, and Kirche stepped out quickly.

“O-Oi Kirche! Isn't it dangerous!? We've got to start off with a strategy!”

“If the enemy comes out, then that would be convenient. If the enemy had laid a trap, the strategy would not work!”

Kirche headed straight towards the entrance hall, and opened the door wide.

''Giiiiii～'' Making a heavy sound, the door opened.

The cold silence drifted about the hall.

“Nobody is here.”

With their respective weapons readied, the group searched carefully in the mansion. While walking down the corridor, Guiche noticed the wound on the wall.

“There was a fight here...”

A broken gargoyle rolled over. Kirche approached and examined the gargoyle which looked like a fencer.

“What's wrong?”

Louise asked, and Kirche snorted.

“That girl's Wind magic...did not have the usual power.”

“What do you mean?”

“Such destructive power is not from Triangle magic. It's the power of a Square-class.”

Louise and Saito peered at the gargoyle Kirche pointed at. It was completely sliced into half by wind blades or something else. Although she said that this was of a Square-class, Louise still did not understand.

Saito could surmise nothing but “Its sharpness is awesome,” but since Kirche had passed the verdict, its power should be quite strong indeed.

Tabitha's footprints were under the broken gargoyle.

Lying deep within the place, there was a room.

Opening the door, the group went in.

That place was in horrible condition.

As if a tempest broke out, the inside of the room was a complete mess. The furniture which was originally a bed, was ripped apart, becoming feathers, wood, cloth, and fine fragments, scattered all about the room. Many cuts were on the wall.

The windows at the wall opposite the entrance were blown out; the outside could be seen.

Kirche meticulously started to examine the bed.

Pointing at a point on the bed, she called them together.

“Look here. At this point on the bed, looks like Tabitha had chanted a tornado-like magic.”

Indeed. With that point as its centre, hurricane-like cuts were inflicted until the wall.

“Uwah......What if the devastation of this room is......”

Saying that, Guiche gazed at the desolate room.

“Yeap. It is caused by that magic. Or rather, that ''has'' to be it.”

Guiche and Malicorne gulped. They imagined the power of that magic. Kirche whispered in a cheerful-like voice.

“Releasing such a strong magic, that girl still can lose? What on earth was her opponent like? Besides......”

Unnoticingly, Sylphid had poked her head into the hole of the wall. The size of the hole was about the same as Sylphid's head.

“You opened that hole? Sylphid?”

''Kyui'', Sylphid nodded.

“What was Tabitha's enemy?”

Sylphid extended her front leg out on top of her head. At that gesture, Kirche recognized a certain word, and muttered,

“Elf?”

Sylphid nodded vigorously.

The whole group held their breath.

“Elf!” Guiche's eyes bulged, and he trembled all over from fear.

“It's a hard enemy!” Malicorne shouted.

“No way! Elf...”

As expected, Kirche bit her lips. Louise hugged her shoulders, worried.

“Oi, oi! Are elves that dangerous? You guys are always alarmed at elves......”

When it comes to elves, Saito had known no one else other than Tiffania. He could not think of her being as dangerous as they say, but......

“Ask your sword. He should probably tell you how powerful elves are.”

Saito unsheathed Derflinger.

“Hey Derf!”

“You'd only talk to me at times like this, don't you!?”

Derflinger answered in a sulky voice.

“Don't say such things! Everyone is somehow frightened by elves but......Are they really that scary?”

“Scary!”

Derflinger answered readily.

“How-How could this be......”

“If the opponent is an elf, the odds are still against a Square Mage.”

Montmorency muttered with a troubled face.

“What!? Serious!?”

“Their power lies in the magic they use. The 'Ancient Magic,' I haven't witnessed it, but it is said that they could recite spells without even holding a wand. It is said that the elves are more skillful than any other races at handling the Ancient Magic.”

“Hey Delf. What's this 'Ancient Magic' thingy? It's that right? The thing the Water Spirit is said to be using. Besides, haven't you also said that you can move because of some 'Ancient' stuffs?”

“More or less. This Ancient Magic, is a magic which existed long before the magic elements were being created; a magic which controls the 'power of life'. The magic elements you people recite are displaying the effects of changing the 'logic' according to the power of each individual's will, but......the Ancient Magic run alongside the 'logic'.”

“Explain in simpler terms.”

“The point is, the utilization of the power of nature which exists everywhere. Life force, wind, fire, water......every possible energy source. Individual's will and the power of nature - you don't have to imagine which one is stronger.”

“Well then, the elf who captured Tabitha is someone who manipulates this strong Ancient Magic. Tell us this power!”

“Perhaps the wind dragon knows more than me.”

“Sylphid?”

“Hey rhyme dragon, how much longer do you want to play dumb?”

“rhyme dragon?”

Everyone present looked blank. Only Louise and Montmorency who had been studying hard gasped.

“How could it be......but haven't rhyme dragons been extinct since a long time ago......?”

“If there's one here, then it can't have have gone into extinction.”

“Hey Sylphid. I don't really get it, but you're that - rhyme dragon? What's that?”

Sylphid gazed at Saito with her round eyes. After that, with a troubled-looking expression, ''Kyui kyui'', she started shaking her head.

“It's saying it isn't.”

“Hey rhyme dragon. Your master probably ordered you to 'never reveal your true identity,' but......now's not the case she's referring to, isn't it? Your beloved master has been captured. It's sort of emergency. In your easiest way, tell them the dreadfulness of the 'Ancient Magic'.”

In a troubled face, Sylphid started shaking her head even more rigorously.

“Kyuikyui! Kyuikyui!”

After that, as if she had an idea, she closed her eyes, and opened her mouth wide. Standing right in front of her, Saito leaped back instantly.

“Wh-What are you doing?? You want to eat me!?”

In a desperately close voice, a sound which was different from Sylphid's cry was squeezed out of her throat.

“I'm not eating you! Kyui!”

Except Derflinger, everyone present opened their mouth wide. Rooted to the ground, Malicorne screamed.

“The dragon! The dragon spoooookkkkkeeeeeeee!”

“So I cannot speak? That's enough! Onee-sama instructed me not to speak, so I had controlled it all along! But that sword over there spoke as well! Kyui, kyui!”

After that, Sylphid started sobbing in a sorrowful voice.

“Aaahhh! I've broken my promise with Onee-sama! I've promised never to speak out! Kyu<nowiki>~~</nowiki>i! Kyu<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>i!”

Guiche and Malicorne were screaming about anxiously, but Louise and Montmorency, who more or less already knew some details about rhyme dragons, and Saito, were relatively calm. Saito was astonished as well, but he coped with it composedly. ''So what if this dragon can talk?''

Even the lump of water and the owl spoke. Now, Saito was no longer very surprised at this speaking dragon.

“What's a rhyme dragon?” He asked Louise.

“They're legendary dragons of the ancient times. Possessing high intelligence, excelling in languages and senses, manipulating Ancient Magic......powerful mythical creatures!”

“Ehh? You're that great?”

Saito gently stroked Sylphid's snout. In a happy voice, ''Kyui!'', Sylphid purred.

“Hey rhyme dragon. Show them a little of the greatness of Ancient Magic.”

In a mischievous voice, Derflinger asked Sylphid.

“We don't call it 'Ancient'. I want you to call it the 'power of the spirits'. We have only borrowed it for a while.”

“Well then, show them a little of this 'Power of the spirits' thing.”

Sylphid sighed, and began chanting. Instead of runes, spoken incantations could be heard from her.

“O wind which clothes me, change my shape!”

Wind coiled about Sylphid, and turned into a blue swirl.

Taken aback, everyone stared at Sylphid. The blue swirl shone, and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Upon that......Sylphid which was supposed to be there had disappeared. In her place was a young lady around 20 years of age. A beautiful lady with long, blue hair.

Or rather, that person was......

“You! Aren't you that Irukukuu!?”

“Uwah! You are Sylphid in disguise!?”

Saito and Guiche jumped back in surprise. Introducing herself as Tabitha's dutiful younger sister, she was the woman appearing in front of Saito and the others now.

“Oh well, it's more or less that feeling. If I borrow the power of the spirits, it is a piece of cake to even take your human forms.”

Magnificently......she turned into a human's form. As expected, she could not transfigure her clothes as well, so her figure was like that of a newborn.

A newborn.

Naked.

''Kiching!'' Louise shot a glance at Saito. ''The other day, because “she dropped down crashing through the ceiling of the shed”, you couldn't truly appreciate her right?''

However now she knew her opponent was Sylphid. If this was the case, restraint should not be necessary. Blushing furiously, Saito and the other guys had their eyes fixated on Sylphid's body.

As if expressing the hugeness of her breasts, Guiche moved his hands in a bowl-shape in front of his chest.

Shaking his head, Saito sketched a bowl of bigger diameter than Guiche's.

The instant Malicorne joined in the meeting and nodded a big yes at Saito, Louise's high kick landed squarely on the back of Saito's head. Saito tumbled forwards, and at the same time, the water torture spell which Montmorency had completed, was cast on Guiche.

Louise spread the outer coat of her unfashionable dark green dress on Sylphid.

“Wear this.”

“Ehhh<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>, it's stiff, I don't want! Kyui.”

“Don't 'kyui' with me. Wear it.”

Being glared at by Louise's demon-like eyes, Sylphid put it on reluctantly. Because Louise's size was small, her breasts became lively wobbling about. As a result, the fine quality of her breasts could be seen. Noticing Saito who had fallen onto the bed, secretly gazing at Sylphid, Louise kicked at Saito from behind between his legs.

Saito yelled and rolled on the bed. Louise sat down on his back with a thump.

“I know how great 'Ancient Magic' is.”

Montmorency nodded as well.

“Uh-huh. For such a big body to become so small. Moreover, no matter how I look at her, what a fine human being indeed. What a great achievement. Something impossible even by a water element user, regardless of how powerful she is.”

Triumphantly, Sylphid purred, “Kyui kyui!”

Revealing her true form and becoming able to talk, it became easier for Sylphid to convey her thoughts, but......Sylphid did not know much about the details.

“That's why I thought it not necessary for me to talk.”

Anyway, Sylphid's explanation was as follows:

There was an elf here.

Tabitha recited an super cool snow storm spell. (The markings on the wall and the bed were made at this time.)

With a ridiculously composed attitude, the elf did not even try to avoid it.

An amazing event occurred next. The instant the snow storm appeared to have wrapped around him, it was repelled, and attacked Tabitha instead. Tabitha had fallen by her own magic.

In a fit of rage, Sylphid broke through the wall and attacked him, but she was quickly defeated too.

She did not really know why.

“That's about it.”

As if saying what to do next, she turned her breasts away. It was quite crude a report, but, oh well, they could understand the general picture.

“Which is to say, whether he used the Ancient Magic or something else- even this itself is fishy.”

Louise commented, and Kirche nodded too.

“Coming from you, that is quite a good analysis.”

“What―do―you―mean!”

At Louise who glared at her, pointing at the bed and the wall, Kirche said.

“Apart from Tabitha's magic, no other offensive magic was used here. What Ancient Magic did that elf actually use, I wonder. Was that really being used?”

Everyone present fell silent. It was like as if the reasonless terror crushed them.

''Using unknown magic, an unknown enemy......''

''A dread different from that of the Albion army.''

''If the enemies are mages, there should be a counter attack against them.''

''If the enemy is an army, there is also some room for negotiations.''

''But......elves are different.''

''Rumour or legend says that, whichever Tristanian who walks alone, the chances of them meeting one is practically none in these hundred years.''

“Hey, who took Tabitha away? We know how he fought, defeated and captured her, but we must find a clue to their destination, and talk with them. Anyway, let's find that clue!”

Saying that, Saito tried to leave the room, but no one else apart from Kirche moved.

“What's with you guys!? Aren't you all afraid?”

“The e-elf is......umm, a really serious problem, I think.”

Guiche lowered his head and muttered.

“It is said that those people eat the humans they captured! Killing women and children without mercy! They're not just cruel, but also terribly strong. Apparently, they can destroy a small country overnight with only 10 people.”

“What's your problem! That's enough! Are there actually anyone who reach here and get cold feet!? Why did you come all the way to Gallia? Isn't it to save Tabitha? Won't all our troubles in arriving here be in vain? Didn't teacher sacrificed himself to be the decoy and let us off??”

Despite that, Guiche, Malicorne and Montmorency still did not move. With troubled-like faces, they were just fidgeting.

At that instant.

From the gap of the door to which the corridor led, a shadow appeared.

Saito quickly grasped Derflinger and readied it. Next, Kirche released her magic without any restrain.

A huge fireball struck the door, which flared up showily.

“Please stop! Please stop!”

The shrieks of the person down the corridor could be heard. As if the voice was familiar, Kirche's eyes became round.

“Percerin? Aren't you Percerin?”

“Oh my oh my, isn't that the voice of Zerbst-sama?”

Peeking timidly was the old butler of the Orleans mansion - Percerin. Upon seeing Kirche, he started shedding tears.

“It is an honor to be able to meet you again.”

“What on earth has happened?”

Kirche asked. Crying, Percerin began his story.

“The day the good-for-nothing king's army turned up was that night, three days ago. Ah, I was a coward. Right after seeing the commissioned officer bearing his wand, and scary wand-bearing troops, I was frightened immediately. Forgetting even to protect Madame, I hid in a small room the other side the wall. Even after the king's troops left, I was still afraid, and did not leave the small room. That's because the scary elf was in the room.”

Madame is Tabitha's mother, Kirche explained to the others.

“The king's troops made Madame fall asleep with a weird magic, and took her with them. I was terrified and hid inside the small room the whole time. The next day, Charlotte-sama turned up, and confronted that elf. Aah! Charlotte-sama's magic at that time! Its power was something I have not seen nor heard in the 10 years I have been serving here! Even I, who was hiding at the other side of the wall, was practically frozen. The force of the wind was like blowing the entire mansion off! And yet, whether the elf received Charlotte-sama's scary magic......”

“We know. That elf took Tabitha away, right?”

“Yes. I am sure of it. The wind dragon had fallen as well. Carrying Tabitha in his arms, he took her away. Aah, if only these old bones of mine could use magic! No, if I were at least of an age when I could wield a sword! I would never have handed Madame and Miss over to the king's army!”

“Do you know where Tabitha was brought to?”

Percerin shook his head.

“I do not know......”

“I see, that's a shame.”

Kirche and Saito dropped their shoulders.

“Great. So we can only look for her on foot?”

“Let's proceed to Lutece and look for every informer.”

Percerin then spoke to the two who were discussing.

“But I know the place Madame was taken to.”

“Eeeh??”

“The troops who kidnapped Madame talked about it. ''“Carry her all the way to Alhambra Castle, huh? Geez, isn't that on the other side?”''”

Kirche grinned from ear to ear, and shook Percerin's hands.

“Zerbst-sama?”

“That's very helpful! There's nothing to be ashamed of. You couldn't be any knight, but have brought us some great information!”

“But......Charlotte-sama's location is......”

“The same. No reason for it to be different.”

“What's this 'Alhambra Castle'?”

“A castle located at the far east of the Kingdom of Gallia. Isn't that a famous old battlefield?”

“Is it that plot of land over which there were formerly countless quarrels with the elves? My ancestors who joined the holy land liberation army was killed by elves there.”

Guiche said in a frightened voice. Continuing, with the same tone,

“My ancestors were the same. Joining the last holy land liberation troop, they were defeated badly by the elves, and retreated. My ancestors told us: ''“Even if you make the nobles in Halkeginia your foes, never make the elves your enemy.”''”

Frowning, Montmorency started speaking as well,

“Well, there were a few cases when the Halkeginia nobles had won the war against the elves......An example would be the Toule  battle. Gallia and Tristain combined forces, crashed into the elven army at the east side of Sahara, and won. However, during that time, their army numbered 70,000.”

“Didn't the elven troops number only 2,000?”

“Apparently, the real figure was 500. They were too anxious, so the figure reported increased a few times,”

Guiche corrected Malicorne's words.

“In other words, to defeat the elves, an army with 10 times the might is necessary.”

Amazed, Kirche asked,

“Wasn't it already decided that we're going to confront the elf?”

“Exactly. It is just as Kirche said. We have already known the location... I'm going!”

The other four stared motionlessly at Saito and Kirche who had stepped out......and then helplessly chased after them. In a delighted tone, Sylphid purred ''Kyui, kyui'' as well, following them.

Percerin gave a full bow at all of them.

“Please! My lords and ladies! I beg of you, please save Madame and Miss!”

Being entrusted with that, Kirche waved her hand.

Louise gazed anxiously at Saito who had stepped out quickly.

''If it's Kirche, I can understand.''

''Aren't those two close friends?''

''But, Saito was not like that. Although Tabitha has saved us from danger for countless times......''

''Putting that aside, Saito's courage......''

''Although the others said how scary elves are, he did not show even a tinge of fear.''

''As I thought, that courage was Gandalf's.''

Saito turned back.

“What's wrong, Louise? Let's go.”

Shaking her head, Louise shook off her uneasiness, and went after Saito.

<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:Volume10_Chapter7|Chapter 7]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Chapter9|Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7

2010-02-14T03:35:08Z

216.67.41.167: Grammar, still looks funny, but less so

===Chapter Seven: Solicitation===

Thirty mails in the sky of Tristania... a dragon knight was patrolling in the air.

Though it was not war time, there were always one or two dragon knights in the air, since air pirates and mysterious creatures could attack the capital anytime.

On this day, the one who was on air was Rene of the capital escort Dragon Knight Regiment First Battalion, the one who had previously fought together with Saito.

The dragon he lost in Albion was replaced by a new white wind dragon he obtained, and Rene was circling the sky of Tristania slowly. Seemingly cold, Rene buried his face in the neckband of his boar-leather coat.

“The sky is freezing... Dammit! And the war has already ended! But when it comes to handling the men of the Dragon Knight corps, it's always the same! As for that SAITO who was installed as the Assistant Commanding Officer of the Imperial Guards, it is completely different! Well... just because he stopped that seventy thousand strong army, that promotion was still not the way to do things... or was it?”

As if responding to Rene's grumbles, that new partner dragon purred, ''Kyui''.

“Ryusto, it's not really your fault. Because it's the duty of the dragon knights to fly in the air.”

He stroked the dragon's head gently, at which the wind dragon narrowed its eyes happily.

However, at the following instant... the wind dragon opened its eyes widely. Not allowing even the smallest glint of light escape, those pupils opened like an animal from the cat family.

“What's wrong, Ryusto?”

''Waruuuuuuuuuuu...''

A low growl came out from the Wind Dragon's mouth.

He followed the field of vision of those eyes.

Different from the dragon which was excellent in night vision, Rene, a human being, could not really detect the “thing” over there.

“What? That is...”

Illuminated by the moonlight, between the opening of the clouds, there was something there.

There was a gigantic wing... The overall width could easily be more than 100 mails.

That thing was flying slowly in the air. Moreover...''Shunshunshunshun...''it made a sound which he had not heard before.

Rene gulped.

He was frightened by the silhouette which was like a gigantic demon spreading its wings.

“Don't tell me that's a reincarnation of the legendary demons... Oi, Ryusto! Get closer!”

But the wind dragon did not obey his command. Far from it, it turned on it's heels and started to retreat.

“Oi Ryusto! What's wrong! I have to check out what that thing is!”

Despite Rene's desperate rebuke, ''Kyui'', with a purr, the wind dragon descended away from the object. Ryusto, who was still young, was evidently afraid of such a huge thing.

“How I miss Virkan who died in Albion!! Without being afraid, without even a command, he would just rush forward!!”

Rene cried out regretfully.

The next afternoon... the location was changed - Tristain Academy of Magic.

“The Ball of Sleipnir?”

During lunch, both of them seated, Saito asked Malicorne who was in front of him. Lately, he was not at Louise's side, and at many times, he was with the company of the Ondine • Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, having his meals with them.

“Yeah. Now is the start of the new school term, right? Well, you might not know about it though.”

Although he said “new school term,” Saito still didn't get his point. Because he could not get used to the feeling of the months over here. Still, for some reason, it was quite lively lately. He vaguely felt the springtime-like atmosphere.

Come to think of it, there was a certain ceremony recently, and many noble teens attended. Unnoticed, the figures of the third-years could not be seen anymore. It was a graduation, and the replacement with first-year students. Oh I see! That was the school entrance ceremony? Saito hit his knees.

“Why is there a ball for the new school term?”

Guiche, who was sitting beside him, explained,

“Well, isn't a welcome necessary? Among the newly enrolled noble lasses, there is quite a number who are entering the higher society for the first time. I will carefully teach those girls the adult social life! Yeah, adult social life! Oh, there are boys as well...”

Looks like the point is to welcome the new students. ''Fuuun'', as Saito nodded, he filled his mouth with grilled meat. With the sour taste of the fruit sauce, it was delicious.

At a careful look, everyone's way of using the table utensils were not that elegant. Hitting the plate with the fork, making a loud “''gacchagaccha''” noise, gulping down the soup with a “zuzuzu” noise, spilling it unconcernedly.

''Although Louise and the other girls eat quietly with polite table manners, Guiche and the other boys' way of eating was terrible.''

''As for “manners” which was really irritating, I could surely do it in this world recently, I suppose...'', While thinking that, Saito ate politely.

“But, this is not an ordinary ball!”

Draining his wine cup quickly, Guiche stood up. Malicorne gulped his down forcefully as well. Anyway, these guys had been drinking heavily since noon. With good manners, Saito squeezed lemon juice into his carbonated drink and drank it. Speaking of nobles, these guys were of the inferior group. Saito made the weird resolution to be at least of the superior group.

“What do you mean by 'ordinary'?”

“Masquerade.”

Guiche said triumphantly.

“Masquerade? This isn't that special. There are many balls like this.”

At Saito's words, with a ''fuun'' sound, Malicorne laughed lightly at Saito, displaying a smile.

But at the next moment... the conversation behind his seat entered Saito's ears.

“Have you heard? The words of a 'mysterious bird' which appeared at the sky of Tristania.”

“Yeah. My elder brother who serves in the dragon knight corps heard the rumor as well... is it true?”

The ones who were conversing were two lads of the same class. Saito strained his ears towards them. Not noticing Saito's actions, Malicorne continued his explanation.

“Get it? The masquerade ball of the Academy of Magic is not as simple as the usual “masquerade”. It is a masquerade which uses magic. The “Mirror of Truth” is used. The thing one admires the most... you can transform into something like that.”

After that, Guiche declared pridefully.

“The ideal self. Well, my ideal self is me!! Ah, because I am the most handsome one in the world! Ahaha! Ah! Everyone will change into my appearance! Ah! Ahaha! Ah!”

As he was yelling this, Guiche hugged himself tightly.

However, Saito was no longer listening to Malicorne and Guiche's chatter. He was thoroughly into the conversation behind his seat.

“...And, I heard that its width achieved 150 mails!”

“Isn't it a ship?”

“Is there a ship with such an appearance?”

“In that case, a dragon? An enormous one. The legendary huge dragon.”

“Nope, its wings were completely different from the ones of a dragon class. If I had to say, it had the form of a bird... the word was that it was a creature with spreading out wings.”

Unconsciously, Saito had left his seat to listen to those words.

“Can you tell me the details?”

Those guys told him the rumor that had transpired at the palace lately.

In his night flight in the air, a dragon knight sighted a huge “shadow”.

Its width was more than 100 mails.

It made a strange sound, and so on...

“So, what on earth was that?”

“I don't know. The dragon of that dragon knight was frightened... no, the one who was frightened might've been the dragon knight himself... escaping before approaching that object to check it out. Upon the receipt of that information, when another dragon knight ascended the air, it had already disappeared from the skies of Tristania like a mist.”

“What is that...?”

“Well... you can say that he had mistaken it for a cloud or something else...”

“Fuuunnn...”

Saito was somehow uneasy about that. He remembered “Myoznitnirn” they met before this.

Able to manipulate all magical items, same as him, the “familiar of Void”...

Assuming that it was neither a dragon nor a ship... is that something like a type of magical items?

Since details of that thing could not be seen, nothing could be said about it... at any rate, they could not be negligent. Those guys Saito and the rest met in Albion, who had animosity towards them, were not Fouquet or Wardes or Reconquista; their true motives could not be grasped. Was it a particular country, or was it some organization... even that could not be told. They were an eerie lot.

Henrietta would investigate it... but they did not acquire any new information, no words came to them at present.

Saito thought that over while returning to his seat.

Malicorne found fault with Saito, and said as if he was displeased.

“Oi, listen properly to our words! Leaving your seat in the middle of a conversation is really rude!”

“Hmm? Aah, sorry. Umm, what kind of masquerade?”

He remembered that they were in the conversation about a different type of masquerade ball.

“That's enough!”

“Sorry, sorry. Don't be angry like that. Don't you guys worry about that? The mysterious, enormous shadow which had appeared at the skies of Tristania!”

“They had seen wrongly. A series of misrecognitions during the night air patrol! Information like the naked princess flying in the sky. What is that? It's be better for us to set out to investigate it!”

Guiche spoke in a foolish tone.

As this chatter continued, a spectacled lad opened his mouth.

“Hey, you guys. The ball or the mysterious shadow, whatever it is. Think more about the affairs of the knight corps!”

Saito sat down beside Guiche, and stared at that lad. It was definitely the chap from the class beside Reynal's. During Albion's military campaign, he apparently directed the wagon corps. Not discouraged during the chaos of their retreat, he had put that corps in order. Because of that, he was commended.

“Do you know how we are called in the palace? “Student Knights Thingy”! My uncle who is serving in the palace heard a rumor, something like we had made her majesty disappointed and worried.”

All the members present there displayed affronted-looking faces.

“What? Although we might not have contributed many valorous deeds, hadn't the Imperial Guard corps already been specially promoted? Compared to the great warriors of the past, it can't be helped that we are known as “Child's Play”. But we have no reason to accept it just like that. For this reason, we want you to think consider this seriously, Guiche, Saito!”

Guiche and Saito exchanged glances.

“Your thoughts might be correct, b-but, what should we do?”

“We want you to empower our battle arrays. Presently, isn't Saito the only Chevalier?”

“Although you say that, Chevalier isn't a title you can receive just like that...”

At Guiche's words, Reynal smiled sweetly.

“I know of another one.”

During lunch break, all the group members went to the library.

At the side of the library where most of the people won't go, there was a lass there.

The small body leaned over and was reading a book with her utmost attention.

The blue-haired lass was Tabitha.

“Huh? When did she come back?”

Guiche whispered. Indeed, she was supposed to stick close to Kirche and go to Germania with her.

“Looks like she came back two or three days ago.”

“She is not someone who stands out. Umm...”

Guiche spoke as if he was troubled.

“Yet, can she come into our company? Isn't she a girl?”

“But still, she is truly a 'Chevalier'. In such a case, we cannot have gender distinctions, I suppose. The condition to be enlisted in “Ondine” is “a student of the Academy of Magic”. Only that. It doesn't mean that there is a rule which forbids the participation of females.”

“The official documents do not set apart these things. It just happened like that unexpectedly. Which ever girl can also join...”

Guiche said.

“But I'm not a student here...”

Saito pointed out.

“Isn't it fine? If that's the case, we can also change it to “Beings that live at the Academy of Magic”. It's decided now. That's it. I decided it.”

Reynal declared arrogantly. Not matching his obedient and quiet-looking appearance, looks like he had a really forceful character. Evidently, he intended to persuade the Commanding Officer and the Assistant Commanding Officer to let him shoulder the practical business of the knight corps.

“Is it okay? After all, both of you have no interest whatsoever in “administration” and “reputation”. For the continuation of the knight corps, above everything else, these two things are indispensable. I think that if the knight corps follow my own way, we would not be called fools in the palace. If you have a better plan, tell me.”

At those words, Saito and Guiche were speechless.

“Well then, I'll persuade her.”

Reynal stepped forward, but Saito stopped him.

“Wait!”

“What's the problem? Do you have any complaints!?”

“No. Just in case, Guiche and I will go. Hey, Guiche!”

“Huh? A-Ah.”

Leading Guiche, Saito sat beside Tabitha who was reading a book.

“Yo, yo...”

Saito was fairly bad at dealing with this blue-haired girl. At any rate, when it comes to this lass, she neither chatters, nor responds, as if she has an air of pressure.

Although Saito sat down, Tabitha still did not have any response.

“You had gone to Germania together with Kirche huh. Oh yea, umm... together with Colbert-sensei's corpse...what happened after that?”

Tabitha did not reply.

“Is Kirche still there?”

At which Tabitha nodded. However, she seemingly did not intend to say anything at all.

“I see... When will she come back?”

“Don't know.”

Anyway, it was as if there were things she did not want to say. No, she probably just spoke little... After that, Saito had given up asking.

“Other than those things, I have a favor.”

Guiche cut into their conversation.

“By all means, won't you join our knight corps?”

“...”

Tabitha did not even try to lift her face from that book.

“Err... we had only been made into a knight corps... We want to borrow your power.”

Saito said, but as expected, Tabitha did not respond.

“You're a Chevalier right? By all means, won't you use that power for the sake of our Ondine?”

“I am a Gallian.”

Her answer had barely escaped her lips,

“Is there any problem with Gallians? If you like, a 'guest knight' status is fine as well.”

Reynal who had been standing there without them noticing, said that.

“We can negotiate the increase of annuity as well...”

Tabitha shook her head. The blue hair above her head shook as well. Saito remembered the dream he saw in Albion some time ago. During that time, he recalled the throbbing breasts of this cold face, a little embarrassed. Upon a closer look, Tabitha was really a beauty as well. Just that... the few layers of cold air covered Tabitha's facial expression, thus concealing her charm.

When he looked at that face... ''There's nothing I can do?'', Saito somehow thought that.

With a serious face, Saito said to Tabitha.

“I have become a 'Chevalier' as well, just like you.”

“Chevalier?”

At that, Tabitha lifted her face for the first time.

“Yeah. Because of that, I want to be of use to people. I kept thinking like that. More than just a commoner, pertaining to the Chevalier-like title, maybe I can do something. Whether I would do well or not, I do not know such things. But now, I would do it with my life. You're strong, right? How do I put it? Umm...”

Seemingly ashamed, Saito said.

“Won't you try to use that strength for the sake of this society? Sort of.”

Upon which Tabitha closed her book and stood up.

“Oooh, you're coming along, right?”

Guiche let out a delighted voice.

But...

“I have no interest in pretending to be knights.”

Leaving that short sentence behind, Tabitha walked off.

“Grrrrrrrrr... What's that brat's problem! We had asked her so humbly, and she left with such a tone!!”

Guiche stamped his feet in frustration, apparently regretful.

“Well, it shouldn't be her ego. She should have some other things to do, I think...”

Saito tried to cheer up the angered Guiche.

Tabitha went back to her room, and discovered a raven on top of her bed. It was definitely a carrier crow, bringing a secret message from the Gallian royal family. It was always a delivery bird, although there were times when owls or doves were used.

Nevertheless, today's crow was not holding any secret message.

Tabitha inclined her head to one side, and ''bang!''. Emitting a sound, it cracked into half.

Upon a closer look... that was an elaborate model of a crow. It was probably a kind of 'gargoyle'. There was a hole in the crow model which cracked apart, and a letter was inserted into it.

She picked it up and browsed through it. Tabitha's eyebrows lowered slightly.

During that night... the one Tabitha visited on her wind dragon Sylphid was not Gallia, but Tristain.

Above the town which was glowing with lights, Tabitha jumped off from Sylphid. She recited a spell, and her body floated with Levitation, landing slowly.

That place was a street along which suspicious-looking bars and gambling dens lined - Chicton Street. Drunkards and ladies in revealing clothes who were walking along that street at night saw Tabitha who had landed from the sky, and was stunned for a moment... and realizing that it was a young child, they smiled bitterly. Although their opponent might have been a noble, she was still a kid. From the mouths of the drunkards who had become brave, sneers came out of them.

“What's wrong, miss? Isn't this a place where children shouldn't come?”

“Oh my! You have lost your way? If I lead you to your dear father, would you give me a reward?”

As if those were just a breeze which flew past her face, Tabitha ignored those sneers, and head towards that specified bar.

Although that place was on Chicton Street as well, it was a more refined bar. There were many people in noble and knight outfits. The shop owner sitting behind the counter stared at Tabitha suspiciously.

“This is not a shop for a noble's daughter to visit. Our premises should be quite chaotic right now. It is better for you to return home.”

In spite of that, Tabitha did not move.

Shaking his head, the owner drew near to Tabitha's face.

“Hey, miss. Although I dunno what sort of magic you use, those people who conspire bad things come along as well. While you are not involved in anything troublesome yet...”

At the moment when the shop owner was threatening Tabitha, a lady deeply buried in a hood sat down beside Tabitha.

“Sorry for being late. Your friend, huh?”

The latter half of her words were directed towards the shop owner. From the ambiance of that lady, the shop owner who sensed that it would be better for him not to poke his head into their affairs, withdrew to the inside of the bar.

The lady in the thick robe looked at Tabitha.

“How do you do? Knight of the North Parterre, Tabitha-dono.”

After Tabitha lightly nodded, she spoke.

“Why?”

''Why is she to receive her task in Tristain and not Gallia?'' That was her question.

“This country will be the setting of the task this time.”

“...”

That lady removed the hood she was wearing. Slit, almond eyes. Between the rustling black hair, runes were written messily. The mind of god, Myozntnirn.

“Our master's thoughts were this: although he wanted to let the four "dragons" of this world fight
among each other... for some reason I don't know, he decided to capture one of them.”

“...”

“That 'dragon' has a strong guard. That's why he wants you to exterminate that guard. During that time, I will steal that 'dragon.'”

“Exterminate the guard?”

“Someone you know very well.”

Myoznitnirn showed Tabitha a slip of paper.

Seeing the name and portrait on it, Tabitha's eyes opened widely.

“If you manage to accomplish this task... there is a big reward. Your mother... she drank poison and became mentally ill, right? It's the medicine to regain her sanity.”

Tabitha bit her lips lightly, and quivered. After that, she shifted her view towards Myoznitnirn. Those eyes contained obvious animosity.

“Eh? The great Knight-sama of the North Parterre, had personal feelings towards her acquaintances? Don't you get it? This is a chance for your mother to regain her sanity.”

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