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User:Andiyar

2007-05-21T11:27:18Z

Andiyar: Replacing page with 'this space intentionally left almost blank. [http://www.andiyar.com home] [http://andiyar.livejournal.com lj] [mailto:andiyar@NOSPAMandiyar.com email] ~A~'

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[http://www.andiyar.com home]

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~A~

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3

2007-05-21T09:53:31Z

Andiyar: englification, so to speak. reworked the initial section in terms of tense, some structure, and some rewording.

==[[zeroNT:Gandvol01editchpter06control|Raw English translation available here]]==

==Chapter 6 – Tristain’s Arms Dealer==

Kirche woke up before noon. ''Today is the day of nothing.'' She looked at her window, and found that all the glass was gone, burn marks surrounding the frame. Still groggy, she stared at the window for a moment before remembering what had happened last night.

“Right…a lot of people came, and I blasted them away.”

She stopped caring about her window entirely after that. She got up and began putting on makeup, while excitedly plotting how she should seduce Saito today. Kirche was a born hunter.

''When I'm done, I'll leave the room and knock on Louise’s door. I'll rest my chin on one hand, hiding my smile. Saito will open the door, and I'll immediately embraced and kiss him. Oh…what will Louise do when she sees that…'' Kirche thought.

''And then, right…I can try to eye him outside the room, and maybe he’ll approach me himself.'' The thought of rejection never entered her mind.

Without a second thought, she used an unlocking spell on Louise’s door, and was rewarded with a click. In reality, unlocking spells were forbidden on campus, but Kirche didn’t care. “Passion above all” was the rule of her house.

But the room was empty. The two weren’t there.

Kirche looked around the room. “Still the same… a tasteless room.”

Louise’s backpack wasn't there. Adding that fact with the day of nothing meant they had gone out somewhere. Kirche looked out the window, and saw two people on horseback, ready to depart; it was Saito and Louise.

“What? Going out, huh?” Kirche mumbled in annoyance.

After thinking for a while, she quickly left Louise’s room.

Tabitha was in her room, deep in her sea of books. Under her light blue hair and glasses were her bright blue eyes that sparkled like the ocean. Tabitha's actually four or five years younger than she looks. She is even a bit shorter than the already short Louise, and her body is quite slim. However, she doesn’t care about these things. She's a girl that would rather not care about what people think of her.

Tabitha loves days of nothing. They're when she can sink into her favorite worlds. In her eyes, everyone else is an intruder to her own little world, giving a melancholic feel to her.

Before long, strong knocks rocked her door. Without standing up, Tabitha simply picked up and waved her staff, which seemed to exceed her height. She cast “Spell of Tranquilitiy”, a wind-type spell. Tabitha is a mage of wind affinity. “Spell of Tranquilitiy” effectively blocked out those distracting door knocks. Satisfied, she returned to her reading, her expression remaining unchanged throughout the encounter.

Then somebody forcefully broke the door open. Noticing the intruder, Tabitha moved her eyes from her book. It was Kirche. She began babbling about something, but with the silencing magic, none of her words reached Tabitha.

Kirche took away Tabitha’s book, and then grabbed the little reader’s shoulders to make her look at her. Tabitha blankly looked at Kirche, her face unreadable. However, one can see that she had an unwelcoming gaze.

But Kirche is Tabitha’s friend. She would have blown anyone else away with a cyclone. Seeing no other way, Tabitha canceled her magic. As if a lock was opened, Kirche’s voice instantly emerged. “Tabitha! Get ready, we’re going out!”

Tabitha only softly explained to her friend, “Day of nothing.” That was explanation enough for Tabitha, who attempted to take her book back from Kirche’s grasp. Kirche stood up and raised the book really high in the air, their height difference barring Tabitha from the book.

“Yes, I know how days of nothing are important to you, I really do. But today’s not the time for this talk! I’m in love! It’s love! Do you get it now?” She doesn’t, and shook her head. Kirche is propelled by her emotions, but Tabitha is a calm and collected thinker. One can only wonder how such polarized people can be such good friends.

“Right…you won’t move until I explain. Geez… I. AM. IN. LOVE! But that lad is going out with that damn annoying Louise today! I want to go after them, and find out where they’re going! Do you get it ''now''?” Tabitha still doesn’t, because she still doesn’t know why that matters to her.

“They just left! On horseback! I can’t catch up without your familiar, you know? Please help me at least with that!” Kirche started crying. Tabitha finally nodded. ''So that’s why…you need my familiar to catch up.''

“Oh thank you so much…so…let’s hurry up!” Tabitha nodded again. Kirche is her friend, and she can’t help it if friends had to go to her for problems that they can’t take care of. It’s a bit annoying, but she doesn’t have a choice. She opened her window, and began playing her flute. Music rang in the azure sky for a moment. She then jumped out the window.

Those who don’t know her would have found it weird, if not alarming. Kirche, however, followed close after Tabitha and jumped out the window without a thought. Just a note – Tabitha’s room is on the fifth floor. She tends to forgo the door altogether when she had to go outside, as out the window is far quicker for her.

Strong and tough wings spread out to the wind, and received its two passengers. Then, a wind dragon flew into the air.

“Your Sylphid is still so awesome no matter how many times I see it!” Kirche grabbed a protruding spine and sighed in admiration. That’s right – Tabitha’s familiar is an infant wind dragon.

The dragon, which got the Wind Familiar name from Tabitha, quickly and perfectly caught the upward draft around the tower, and reached 200 meters in the air in the blink of an eye.

“Where?” Tabitha succinctly asked Kirche.

Kirche immediately cried, “I don’t know…I was panicking.”

Tabitha didn’t mind, and commanded her wind dragon, “Two people on horseback. Don’t eat them.” Her dragon made a short grunt, showing understanding. Its blue scales glittered, and its wings flapped strongly to the wind. It flew high in the air, scouring the ground for a horse, a simple task for a wind dragon.

Satisfied that her familiar is doing its job, Tabitha snatched her book from Kirche’s hands, and lean back upon the dragon’s back, and started reading again.

Meanwhile, Saito and Louise walked briskly on Tristain’s city streets, having deposited their campus-loaned horse at the city gate’s stables.

Saito’s sides hurt like mad. It’s his first time on a horse, after all. “My sides hurt…” Saito moaned, walking slowly.

Louise frowned while looking at Saito. “You’re useless. You haven’t even been on a horse before? Commoners are just…”

“And you’re annoying. We’ve been on that thing for three straight hours!”

“Well…we can’t walk our way here now can we?”

Despite the pain, Saito curiously looked around. ''White cobblestone roads…feels like a theme park here.'' Compared to the Academy, there were far more people in common garb here. On the street side were vendors selling fruit and meat.

Saito’s love for exotic places momentarily rose. But this is a weird world. There were people briskly walking and people frantically running. Males and females of all ages walked the streets. This bore no difference with Saito’s world, though the streets were a bit narrow.

“A little bit tight here…”

“Tight? This is a really wide street as it is.”

“Just this?” ''Not even 50 meters wide.'' With this many people walking around, every step felt cramped.

“Brudan Street, Tristain’s widest avenue. The palace is straight ahead.” Louise pointed. 

“To the palace, then.”

“What business do we have visiting Her Majesty The Queen?”

“Ask her to increase my portion of food.”

Louise laughed.

The streets were filled with shops. Saito, full of curiosity, could not take his eyes off them. When he looked at one weird-shaped frog in a jar on a trader’s mat, Louise pulled him in the ear. “Hey, don’t walk around corners. There are lots of thieves and pickpockets here. You ''are'' looking after my wallet in your jacket, right?”

Louise said wallets are for servants to carry, and mercilessly gave that duty to Saito. The wallet was heavily filled with gold coins.

“I am…I am…very carefully, too. How can anyone steal something that heavy?”

“With magic, that can be done in a second.”

But there’s nobody around that looks like a mage. Saito learned how to discern between commoners and mages in the Academy. Mages always have capes on, and they look really arrogant when they walk. According to Louise, this is a noble’s walking stance.

“Aren’t these all commoners?”

“Of course. Nobles only take up 10% of the population, and there’s no way they will walk in slums like these.

“Why would nobles steal?”

“All nobles are mages, but not all mages are nobles. If for whatever reason a noble is disowned from family, left the family name on his or her own accord, dropped status to be a mercenary or a criminal…Hey! Are you listening?”

Saito wasn’t. He was too fascinated by the street signs.

“What does that bottle-shaped sign say?”

“Brewery.”

“And what does that sign with a big cross say?”

“It’s a recruiting center for guards.”

Saito stopped at every meaningful sign, and Louise had to pull him away by his wrist every time.

“Okay, okay, I understand, you don’t have to be in a hurry like that. Where’s the blacksmith’s shop?”

“Over here. They don't just sell swords though.”

Louise walked into an even narrower road. A revolting stench, coming from piles of trash and other dirty things on the ground, soon hit their noses.

“It’s really dirty here.”

“I told you nobles don’t come here that often.”

At the fourth intersection, Louise stopped and looked around.

“Should be near Peyman’s Potion Shop…I remember it’s around here somewhere…”

She saw a bronze sign, and happily cried, “Ah! Found it!”

A sword-shaped sign dangled under it. It looks like this is the arms dealer’s shop. Louise and Saito walked up the stone stops, opened the door, and entered the shop.

Despite the bright daylight outside, the shop was a bit dark inside. A gas lamp flickered. Unorganized walls and shelves were filled with weapons. A detailed armor decorated the room. A smoking man in his fifties eyed Louise suspiciously. That’s until he saw the pentagram on her golden button, at which point he spoke in shock, “My lady…my noble lady…all of my wares here are real and reasonably priced! There’s nothing criminal here!”

“I’ll be your customer.”

“Oh…that’s rather weird…a noble buying a sword! Quite strange.”

“Why is that?”

“Well…priests wave sacred staffs, soldiers wave swords, and nobles wave wands. Isn’t that the rule?”

“Oh, I’m not the one using it. My familiar is.”

“Ahh…a familiar that can use a sword, huh?” The shopkeeper spoke in a lively voice, and looked at Saito. “I believe that would be this gentleman over there?”

Louise nodded. By this time, Saito had already been pulled in by the shop’s vast collection of swords, periodically making cries of “whoa!” and “this one’s awesome!”.

Louise ignored Saito, and continued, “I’m not very knowledgeable about swords, so please show me anything that is reasonable.”

The shopkeeper jubilantly walked into his warehouse, silently rambling, “Oh, this is too great…I can raise the prices so high with this…” shortly afterwards, he returned with a longsword of about a meter in length. It was a very exquisitely decorated sword. It looked like one can swing it with just one hand. There was even a handguard on the short handle.

The shopkeeper said as though he just thought of something, “Speaking of which, it seems that nobles like to let their servants bear swords lately. The last time any of them came to pick one from me, they picked this type.”

''I see…a shiny, glittering sword. Very well-suited for a noble.'' thought louise. 

“Is that the trend?” Louise asked. The shopkeeper naturally nodded.

“That’s right. It seems that there’s an increase of thievery on Tristain’s city streets lately…”

“Thievery?”

“Yes. Some mage thief that calls himself something like ‘Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt,’ and I heard he stole a lot of treasures from the nobles. Those nobles are getting really rattled, so they’re arming their servants with swords.”

Louise had no interest in thieves, and focused on the sword instead. It looked like something that would break in an instant. Saito wielded a sword that’s a lot bigger than this last time.

“I’d prefer something bigger and broader.”

“My lady, please forgive my bluntness – swords and people have personalities, just like men and women. As I look at it, this sword fits my noble lady’s familiar very well.”

“Didn’t I say I want something bigger and broader?” said Louise, impatiently lowering her head. The shopkeeper went inside again, remembering to silently mumble, “oh, the laymen…” After a while, he returned, one hand rubbing the new specimen with an oily rag.

“What about this one?” It was a splendid broadsword of around a meter and a half in length. The handle is made for two-handed wielding and lavishly decorated with jewels. A mirror-like blade reflected with an irresistible glow. Anyone can look at it and say it’s a very sharp and broad blade. “This is the best thing I have. Rather than say it’s for nobles, it’s more like something nobles ''wish'' they can wear on their waists, but that’s something reserved for very strong men. If not, wearing it on the back isn’t half bad.”

Saito walked closer, his eyes staring at the sword. “Awesome. This sword looks really powerful.” Saito instantly wanted it. It’s a magnificent sword no matter how he looked at it. ''I guess this one’s fine…''Louise thought, seeing Saito’s satisfaction.

“How much?” she asked.

“Well…it’s made by the famous Germanian alchemist Lord Shupei. It can cut through metal like butter because of the magic infused in it! See this inscription here?” The shopkeeper proudly pointed the words on the handle. “You can’t get this cheaper anywhere else.”

“Well…I’m a noble.” Louise held her head up high.

At that, the shopkeeper bluntly gave the price, “This will go for just three thousand new gold coins.”

“What?! You can buy a holiday home plus a garden with that!” Louise said, shocked. Saito, with no idea of the currency’s value, stood dumbly.

“A famous sword is worth as much as a castle, my lady. A holiday home is quite cheap compared to this.”

“…I only brought 100 new gold coins…” Louise, being a noble, had little skill in bargaining, and made the taboo of giving away her wallet’s contents. The shopkeeper only waved his hand dismissively. “Come on…even standard broadswords cost at least 200 new gold coins.” Louise’s face turned red. ''I didn’t even know swords cost that much.''

“What…we can’t buy this?” Saito said in a disappointed tone.

“Yeah…we’ll have to go for something more affordable.”

“Nobles are always so arrogant, and now…” Saito mumbled. At that, Louise stared at him.

“Do you have any idea how much potions cost, because ''somebody'' got himself seriously injured?”

“…I’m sorry.” Saito lowered his head in embarrassment. He still reluctantly caressed the sword. “But I really like this sword…”

At that moment, a deep, male voice came from a messy pile of swords, “Don’t be so prideful, kid.”

Louise and Saito looked towards the sound. The shopkeeper held his hands to his head.

“Why don’t you look at yourself for a moment? You? Wield ''that'' sword? Don’t make me laugh. You’re only fit for a stick!”

“What did you say?” Saito did not take that insult kindly, but there’s not a single being in that sound’s direction to be angry at. It was just a pile of swords.

“If you get it, then go home. Yes, you! That noble girl over there!”

“How impolite of you!”

Saito slowly approached the sound. “What…there’s nobody here!”

“Are your eyes just there for decoration?”

Saito looked behind him. ''What?…it’s actually a sword that’s saying it''. It came from a rusty, damaged sword. “A talking sword!” Saito exclaimed.

The shopkeeper suddenly yelled angrily, “Derf! Do not speak such impolite things to my customers!”

“Derf?” Saito carefully inspected the sword. It was the same length as that huge broadsword, though its blade was slightly less broad. It was a thin longsword, although its surface was coated with rust, and one cannot say it was well made to any degree.

“Customer? A customer that can’t wield a sword? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Could it be…that this is a sentient sword?” said Louise.

“That’s right, lady. It’s a sentient, magical, intelligent sword. I wonder what kind of mage could make a sword speak…but it’s got a rotten tongue, always arguing with my customers. Hey, Derf! Keep up the insolence and I’ll ask this noble here to melt you!”

“Sounds good to me! I’d like to see you try it! I’m kinda tired of this world. I’d love to be melted down!”

“Fine! Then I’ll melt you down!” The shopkeeper approached. But Saito stopped him.

“That’s just so wasteful…isn’t a speaking sword rather important?” Saito stared at it. “You’re called Derf, right?”

“Wrong! It’s Lord Derflinger! Remember that!”

“Just like a person, it even has a real name.” 

“My name is Saito Hiraga. Nice to meet you.”

The sword fell silent, and it seems to closely observe Saito. After a while, it silently spoke. “So you came…are you a user?”

“A user?”

“Hmm…you don’t even know your true powers, huh? What…oh well! Buy me, my friend!”

“Alright. I’ll buy you,” said Saito. The sword went silent again.

“Louise, I’ll take this.”

Louise reluctantly said, “Oh…you want ''this'' thing? You can’t pick anything prettier and that ''doesn't talk''?”

“You don’t like this one? I think a speaking sword’s pretty cool.”

“See…that’s why I don’t like it.” Louise complained. But she didn’t have enough for anything else, so she asked the shopkeeper, “how much for this one?”

“Eh…100 will do.”

“Isn’t that a bit cheap?”

“For this one? I’ll let you take it for cheap.” He waved his hand dismissively.

Saito took out Louise’s wallet from his jacket pocket, and poured its contents onto the counter. One by one, gold coins dropped onto the wooden surface. After careful counting, the shopkeeper finally nodded. “Thank you for the business!” the shopkeeper said as he sheathed the sword and gave it to Saito. “If it gets noisy, just shove it back in the scabbard, and it’ll shut up.”

Saito nodded, and received Derflinger.

Two figures watched Louise and Saito leave the weapons shop – Kirche and Tabitha. Kirche watched the two from the shadows of the streets, fiercely biting her lip. “Louise the Zero..…trying to warm your relationship with Saito with a sword, huh? Striking out with gifts so quickly after finding out he’s my prey? What the heck?” Kirche stamped the ground in anger. Tabitha, her job done, was reading as usual. Sylphid circled around the skies above them. They followed the two here soon after they spotted them.

Kirche watched for them to walk far away, and immediately ran into the weapons shop. The shopkeeper stared at Kirche as if he couldn’t believe it. “Whoa…another noble? What the hell is wrong with today?”

“Hey there, boss…” Kirche played with her hair, a charming smile in her lips. The shopkeeper’s face turned deep red under the sudden seduction.

“Do you happen to know what that noble bought not long ago?”

“A s-sword…she bought a sword.”

“I see…so she ''did'' get him a sword…what kind of sword?”

“A d-dirty and rusty one.”

“Rusty? Why?”

“Because she didn’t bring enough money.”

Kirche laughed, her hand to her chin. “She went broke! Valliere! Your Duke’s house will cry for this!”

“Uh…is my lady here to buy a sword, too?” The shopkeeper perked up, not willing to let go of the chance. ''This noble looks racked and rich compared to that tiny one.''

“Hmm…show me your best.”

The man walked inside, brushing his hands in excitement. He returned, of course, with the broadsword he just showed to Saito.

“Ahh…a very well done sword!”

“You have a good eye, my lady. That noble not so long ago had a servant that really wanted this one, but it’s too much for them.”

“Is that so?” ''The noble’s servant? So Saito wants this!''

“Of course…this sword ''is'' made by the famous Germanian alchemist Lord Shupei after all. It can cut through metal like butter because of the magic infused in it! See this inscription here?” The shopkeeper repeated what he last said.

Kirche nodded. “How much?”

The shopkeeper asked for more, seeing how Kirche looked a lot richer, “Hmm…for new gold coins, 4500.”

“Hmm…that’s a bit pricey.” Kirche frowned.

“Well…great swords need to be paid for their worth, you know?”

Kirche thought for a while, slowly moving her body towards the shopkeeper. “Boss…isn’t this just a bit expensive?” Upon being caressed at the throat, the salesman suddenly lost his breath. Temptations hit his mind.

“Uh…but…great swords are…”

Kirche sat on the counter, raising her left thigh. “Isn’t the price a bit ''too high''?” She slowly raised her left foot onto the counter. The salesman’s eyes irresistibly stared at her thighs.

“Th-that’s right…then…4000 new gold…”

Kirche raised her thigh further so that he can ''almost'' see in between them.

“Ah…nonono, 3000 would do…”

“It’s getting hot in here…” Kirche ignored him, only opening her shirt’s buttons. “I feel really hot in here. Help me take off my shirt, please…” She threw her most attractive expression at him.

“Ah…I got it wrong, I got it wrong…it’s 2500!”

Kirche took off one button, and looked up at the shopkeeper.

“1800! 1800’s fine!”

Another button, exposing her cleavage. She looked at him again.

“Hey, 1600 will do!”

Kirche stopped with her buttons, and turned her attention to her skirt instead, raising it just so little. The man looked like he could not take any more.

“How does 1000 sound?” she suggested, slowly lifting her skirt more. He looked like he was about to hyperventilate.

And then she stopped. His rapid breathing turned to a sorrowful moan.

“Oh…ohhhhh…”

Kirche straightened herself out, and asked again, “1000.”

“Oh! 1000 will be fine!”

Kirche stepped down from the counter, quickly wrote a check, and slapped it on the counter. “Bought!” She then picked up the sword and left the shop, leaving the salesman to stare at her check.

After a moment, he suddenly regained consciousness, holding his head. “DAMMIT! I SOLD THAT BABY FOR JUST 1000?!” He took a bottle of liquor from his cabinet. “Ohh…I’m done for today…”

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1

2007-03-17T12:48:18Z

Andiyar: /* Chapter 04 - Part One */ tenses, occasional word fripperies, fiddles.

== [[zeroNT:Gandvol01editchpter04control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 04 - Part One ==
=== Chapter Four: A Familiar's Day ===

It had been a week since Saito started his life as Louise's familiar at Tristain Magic Academy. If one were to explain an average day for Saito, it would read like the following: 

<center>* * *</center>

First, like the majority of animals and humans in Tristain, he woke up in the morning. His bed was, as usual, the floor, though compared to the first day it had mostly improved. Finding that his body hurt all night if he slept on the hard floor, Saito had asked the maid Siesta for some of the hay that was fed to the horses and had packed it into a corner of the room. Saito slept on the pile of  hay, wrapped in the blanket that Louise had so "graciously" bestowed upon him.


Louise called Saito's makeshift bed "the chicken's nest," which was appropriate as chickens slept on hay, and as the first thing Saito did every morning was to wake Louise up, like a rooster.

But he had to, because there would be trouble for him if Louise woke up first. 

"A stupid familiar that has to be woken by its master needs to be punished." Louise never forgot to remind him. 

=== Page 121 ===

If Saito ever overslept, he'd be denied breakfast. 

Once woken up, Louise got changed. She put on her underwear by herself, but made Saito dress her in her uniform. This was mentioned before.
 

With her enchanting looks, Saito was breathless every time he saw Louise in her underwear. They say you get used to a beautiful lover in three days, but it didn't seem Saito would get used to Louise anytime soon.

Maybe because he was her familiar, not her lover. Still, always by Louise's side, he essentially was one. The only difference was in her attitude and treatment of him.

Getting to see Louise like this every day wasn't all bad, however, it was a persistent wound to his pride. When helping Louise into her shoes, for example, he couldn't hide the irritation from his face.

At least that much was tolerated, but if Saito ever said anything to set Louise off, things became bothersome.

"A rude familiar that displeases its master this early in the morning needs to be punished," was another of Louise's mottos.


If ever Saito teased Louise about her breast size, or got pouty and said something like, "do up the buttons yourself," he'd be denied breakfast.

Dressed in her uniform, consisting of a black cloak, a white blouse, and a grey pleated skirt, Louise then washed her face and brushed her teeth. There was nothing like water piping installed in the bedrooms, so Saito had to go 

=== Page 122 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

down to the fountain and bring up water for Louise's use in a bucket. And of course, Louise didn't wash her face herself. She made Saito do it.

One morning, while he was wiping her face with a towel, he lightly traced Louise's face with a piece of charcoal he had found.

Seeing his masterwork drawn on Louise's face, Saito barely held in a snigger. Then in pretend obsequience, he politely bowed his head to Louise.

"Mistress. You are the epitome of beauty this day." 

Due to low blood pressure, Louise could only manage a sleepy reply.  

"...Are you plotting something?"

"Who, me? I am simply a familiar serving the orders of my mistress. I would not dare to plot!"

Louise was suspicious of Saito's sudden and excessive politeness, but since she was almost late for class, she didn't question him any further.

With her vividly rosy cheeks, charming hazel eyes, and lips that seemed carved from fine coral, Louise knew she didn't need to decorate herself nor did she wear any kind of make-up. In other words, this meant she didn't look in the mirror much. And this day was no different. The result: she had absolutely no idea of the "make-up" that Saito had applied on her.

Louise headed out to class in that state. The time being what it was, she didn't encounter anyone in the hallways or stairs.

=== Page 123 ===

Louise opened the classroom door panting. As one, her classmates looked at her and exploded with laughter.

"Hey, looking good, Louise!"

"Oh my god! That's '''so''' you!"

Afterwards, when Mister Colbert kindly complimented the stylish glasses and moustache sketched on her face, Louise went berserk. She went out into the hallway where Saito was holding his stomach as he rolled on the floor in hysteric laughter, slapped him a dozen times, and cut his meals for the entire day.

According to Louise, a familiar that treated its master's face like a piece of canvas was akin to the demons of old that opposed the Founder Brimir and his many allied gods, and such demons were not worthy of the bread and soup granted by the Lady Queen.

<center>* * *</center>

After breakfast, Saito cleaned Louise's room. This involved sweeping the floor with a broom and wiping the table and windows with a cloth.

And then there was the oh-so-enjoyable laundry. He took the laundry down to the fountain and scrubbed it clean against a washboard. There was no warm water, only icy cold water that bit fiercely at his fingers. Louise's underwear were all expensive looking pieces with lots of lace and frills attached. He would get a meal cut if he happened to damage one, so he had to wash them gently. It was painful work. Tired of it all, he left one particular pair with a slightly torn elastic band in the pile one day. Merely a few days later, 

=== Page 124 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Louise walked out obliviously wearing that particular pair, when the elastic snapped entirely. Her panties slid down to her ankles, entangling both of Louise's legs like a trapper's snare. 

It just so happened that she was at the top of a staircase, so she tumbled spectacularly down them.

Most fortunately, there wasn't anyone else around to see her roll down the stairs with her lower half shamefully exposed, so at least her reputation was spared. Realizing that it had been overkill, Saito was careful not to peek inside her skirt as he apologized profusely to Louise, who lay unconscious at the staircase landing. He hadn't meant for the joke to derail like this. Ideally, he had envisioned it happening in a hallway for optimum embarrassment.

Once Louise regained consciousness and realized what had happened, she thrust the torn pair of panties accusingly at Saito, who was sitting subserviently by the bedside.

"There was a torn pair."

"Indeed there was, Mistress."

Louise's voice quavered with fury.

"Explain yourself. And concisely."

"It must have been the fountain water, Mistress. Why, it's so cold it could freeze fingers right off. I believe the elastic couldn't endure that."

Saito replied curtly.

=== Page 125 ===

"So you're saying it's the elastic's fault?"

"I'm saying it's the water's fault. It was bad water. I'm convinced that there must be some kind of curse on it to make it cold and also affect the elastic somehow."

"In that case, I should not feed such a loyal familiar soup made from that kind of bad water."

"Most gracious of you."

"Three days should do, I think, for the water to return to normal."

Saito had his meals cut for three days.

<center>* * *</center>

However, Saito remained completely fine for those three days. He'd just pretend to be withering and visit the kitchen behind the Hall of Alviss, where the energetic and lovely Siesta would serve him food like stew, and meat on the bone. He went there even when his meals weren't cut. The soup that Louise declared "The Widespread Blessing of Her Lady Queen" was never enough of a blessing to fill him up.

Naturally, he kept his visits to the kitchen a secret from Louise. She was adamant on not giving him more until he had corrected his behavior, so there would be trouble if she found out about the meat and stew Siesta kindly provided him with. Louise would surely forbid him visiting for the sake of "educating" her familiar.

=== Page 126 ===

Currently though, she was totally unaware. In any case, Saito preferred Siesta and the kitchen a hundred times more than some Lady Queen and Founder Brimir he'd never met.

<center>* * *</center>

One morning, after hungrily drinking down his soup in front of Louise, he went to the kitchen. Saito, having beaten the noble Guiche at the Vestri Courts, was hugely popular there.

"'Our Sword' is here!"

The one who called out was Marteau, the head chef, a well-rounded man well into his forties.  Naturally, he was also a commoner himself, but with his position of head chef at the Academy, he earned as much as a lower class noble, a fact he could be proud of.

Dressed in simple but fine clothes, he commanded the kitchen with a wave and flourish of his hand.

Despite his highly respectable position as head chef of a magic academy for nobles, Marteau wasn't the least bit arrogant, and surprisingly enough, disliked both magic and nobles.

He called Saito, who had used a sword to defeat Guiche, by the nickname "Our Sword" and treated the boy like a king. Thanks to him, the kitchen was an oasis to Saito.

Saito sat down at his chair, and with a smile, Siesta promptly brought him a bowl of warm stew and soft white bread.

"Thanks."

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part One signing ===

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----

== Chapter 04 - Part Two ==
=== Page 127 ===

"Today's stew is extra special,"

Siesta declared, looking particularly happy. Saito curiously lifted a spoonful to his mouth and his face instantly lit up.

"Wow, this is delicious! It's worlds apart from that gruel I get!"

At this, Marteau approached the table holding a kitchen knife.


"Well of course. That stew's the same stuff we serve to the noble kids." 

"I can't believe this is the kind of stuff they get to eat everyday..."

Marteau snorted loudly at Saito's comment.

"Hmph! Sure, they can use magic. Making pots and pans and castles from dirt, conjuring up unbelievable gems, even controlling dragons - so what! But see, creating such exquisite dishes like this is a kind of magic itself. Wouldn't you agree, Saito?"

Saito nodded.

"Absolutely."

"A fine fellow! You're a good man!"

He put an arm around Saito's shoulders.

"Here, "Our Sword"! Let me place a kiss upon your forehead! Come on! I insist!"

"I'd rather you not. And don't call me that either,"

=== Page 128 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Saito said.

"Why not?"

"It's just... weird."

The man let go of Saito and spread his arms out in protest.

"But you cut a mage's golem to pieces! Don't you get it?"

"I suppose."

"Say, just where did you learn to use a sword? Tell me where I can go to learn how to swing a sword like that."

Marteau stared earnestly at Saito. He asked the same thing every time Saito came to eat, and Saito's answer was the same every time.

"I don't know. I've never held a sword before. My body just moved by itself."

"You guys! Did you hear that?!"

He yelled, his voice echoing around the kitchen.

The younger cooks and the apprentices shouted back.

"We hear you, boss!"

"This is what they call a true master! They never boast about their skill! Look and learn! A true master never boasts!"

=== Page 129 ===

The cooks chanted happily.

"A true master never boasts!"

Then Marteau turned back around to face Saito.

"You know, "Our Sword," I'm starting to like you more and more. So how about it?"

"Um, how about what...?"

He was simply telling the truth, but Marteau always thought he was just being modest. It was somewhat frustrating. He felt like he was deceiving the good-natured man. Saito's gaze dropped down to the runes on his left hand.


''Since that day, it hasn't glowed anymore. Just what was that, I wonder...'' Even when Saito tried to make a point of staring at his own runes, Marteau interpreted that as him being reserved.

The chef turned to Siesta.

"Siesta!"

"Yes?"

Siesta, who had been cheerfully watching the two of them get along, responded brightly.

"Bring our hero here some of Albion's finest."

Her smile widened, and retrieving a wine bottle of the requested vintage from the rack,


=== Page 130 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

she poured some into Saito's glass. Siesta looked on absorbedly as Saito's face grew redder and redder from the wine. These events repeat almost routinely:

Saito visits the kitchen, Marteau becomes more attached to Saito, and Siesta's respect for him deepens further.

<center>* * *</center>

Although that particular day... there was a crimson shadow  spying on Saito from a window of the kitchen. One of the young cooks took notice of it.

"Hey, there's something outside the window."

The shadow gave a garbled 'kyuru kyuru' and slinked away.

<center>* * *</center>

Then, after breakfast, cleaning, and laundry, he accompanies Louise in class. Originally, he was made to sit on the floor, but after Louise realized he had become rather transfixed with peering up other girls' skirts, she reluctantly let him sit on a chair. And she made it clear to Saito that should his vision ever stray too far from the blackboard, he would be denied lunch.


In the beginning, the lessons fascinated Saito with their marvels: turning water into wine, combining various reagents to brew special potions, materializing fireballs out of nothing, levitating boxes and sticks and balls


=== Page 131 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

out of the class windows for their familiars to fetch, etc... but after a while, the novelty wore off.

And so he took to napping instead. The professor and Louise would give Saito evil looks every once in a while, but there were no rules to forbid familiars from sleeping during lessons. And just looking around the class, all the nocturnal familiars and even someone's owl were snoozing away. In fact, if they were to wake Saito up, it would mean that they were acknowledging him as a human. Louise chewed her lips with the overwhelming desire to give the sleeping Saito a piece of her mind, but she couldn't because doing so would mean contradicting herself about him being nothing more than a familiar.


<center>* * *</center>

That same day, bathed in sunlight, Saito was fast asleep during another lesson.

The wine he drank that morning was taking its effect on him, and Saito dreamed.

It was quite an unbelievable dream.

A dream in which Louise crept into his hay pile at night as he slept.


''"What's wrong, Louise...?"''

At hearing her name being called, Louise shot a glare at Saito.

''"You can't sleep? Oh, alright... can't be helped. Munya~"'' 

Oh, he's just muttering in his sleep, she thought, and faced the front again.

=== Page 132 ===

''"...Munya. H-hey, don't hug me all of a sudden."''

Louise's gaze snapped to Saito once more. The other students were starting to take notice of the situation, and perked their ears to listen.

''"...Jeez, for the slave driver you are during the day, you're such a sweet little thing in bed."''

A trickle of drool ran down from the corner of Saito's mouth as he continued to enjoy his dream.

Louise grabbed his shoulders and shook him vigorously.

"Hey! Just what kind of dream are you having?!"

Her classmates burst out laughing. Malicorne the Windward made a passing comment.

"Oi oi, Louise! Is that the kind of thing you do with your familiar at night? I'm surprised!"

The female students whispered something amongst themselves.

"Wait! This is just some stupid sleep-talk! Ah, jeez! Wake up already!"

''"Louise, Louise, you're like a kitten; stop licking me there like that..."''


At this, the laughter threatened to burst through the ceiling.

Louise kicked Saito off the chair, violently returning him to reality from his soft and gentle dreamscape.

"Wh-what was that for?!"

"Since when have I ever snuck into your hay pile?!"

=== Page 133 - Illustration ===

Illustration -- ''Set phasers to 'tsun'...''

=== Page 134 ===

Louise crossed her arms and looked down imposingly on Saito.

Saito shook his head profusely, only further amusing the class.

"Saito, explain to these rather rude people that I never take one step out of my own bed during the night."

"That's right, everyone. I was simply dreaming out loud just now. Louise would never do such a thing."

The students turned away disappointedly.

"Isn't it obvious? Like I would ever do something like that! With this thing, no less! This thing! To even think that I would curl up in bed with this lower life form is far beyond being a joke!"

Louise huffed haughtily, averting her gaze upwards.

"But, my dreams often come true."

Saito piped up.

"Indeed! Dreams do have the power to foretell the future, after all!" Someone in the room supplied in agreement.

"My master here, with her personality, probably won't ever find herself a lover."

A vast majority of the students nodded. Louise shot Saito another evil look, but it was too late. Saito was on a roll.

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part Two signing ===

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----

== Chapter 04 - Part Three ==
=== Page 135 ===

"My poor master gets quite "frustrated" as a result, and instead resorts to slipping into this familiar's humble hay pile."

Louise put her hands on her hips and strongly reprimanded Saito.

"Happy now? Close that unclean mouth of yours right now!"


That didn't stop Saito from continuing either.

"When she does, I have to fend her off a bit..."

By this point, he was too far gone. Louise's shoulders began to tremble angrily.

"And tell her, 'this isn't where you sleep.'"

The class applauded. Saito mimicked an elegant bow and went to sit back down.

Louise kicked him away, sending him rolling across the floor.

"Don't kick me!"

But Louise was beyond the point of reasoning. Her gaze was fixed firmly forward, and like always, her shoulders shook with barely contained fury,

Once again, there was a crimson shadow watching Saito.

It was Kirche's salamander. With its belly to the floor, it stared at Saito through the gap in the row of chairs.

"Hm?"

===Page 136 ===

Noticing it, Saito waved his hand at it.

"You're Kirche's salamander, aren't you? I know you have a name. What was it... Oh yeah, it's Flame. Flame-"

Saito motioned for it to come closer, but the salamander flicked its tail around and spat out a few embers before running back to its master.

"Why would a lizard be so interested in me?"

Saito tilted his head in puzzlement.

<center>* * *</center>

And while Saito was having a staring contest with a salamander during class...

At the Headmaster's Office, Miss Longueville the secretary was busily writing away at something.

She stopped writing for a moment and glanced over at the sequoia desk at which Sir Osmond was busy taking a nap.

The corner of Miss Longueville's lips rose in a faint smirk, an expression she had never shown anyone before.

She stood up from her desk.

In a low voice, she murmured the incantation for a "Silence" spell. Dampening her footsteps so as not to wake Osmond, she crept out of the office.

=== Page 137 ===

Her destination was the treasury, located on the floor directly below the Headmaster's Office.

Stepping off the stairs, she confronted enormous iron doors. They were kept shut with a thick bolt mechanism, which in turn was secured with an equally large padlock.

This place was where artifacts dating even before the Academy's establishment were contained. After cautiously surveying her surroundings, Miss Longueville withdrew her wand from a pocket. It was about the length of a pencil, but with a flick of the wrist, it extended to the length of an conductor's baton, which she whirled expertly.

Miss Longueville cast another spell.

Once the invocation was complete, she pointed the baton at the padlock.

However... nothing happened.

"Well, it's not like I really expected an "Unlock" spell to work anyway."

Smiling deviously, she began reciting the words to one of her specialty spells.

It was a Transmutation spell. Chanting loud and clear, she waved her baton at the heavy lock. The magic cascaded over it... but even after a considerable wait, there was no visible change.

"Looks like it's been magically reinforced by a Square-class mage," she muttered.


A "Reinforcement" spell was one that prevented the oxidation and decomposition of matter. Any substance that had this spell cast on it was protected from any chemical reactions, and allowed it to be preserved

=== Page 138 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

forever in that state. Even transmutation magic would have no effect against something protected like this. Only if one's magical skill surpassed that of the mage who cast the reinforcement could the spell be overcome.

As it was, the mage who had enchanted this door was apparently an extremely powerful mage, considering that not even Miss Longueville, an expert in Earth magic and transmutation in particular, was able to affect the door.

Taking off her glasses, she stared at the door once more. At this point, she heard footsteps coming up the staircase.

She shrunk down her baton and slipped it back into her pocket.

The person who appeared was Colbert.

"Greetings, Miss Longueville. What are you doing here?"

"Mister Colbert, I was going to catalog the contents of the treasury, but..."

"Oh, that's quite some work. It'd probably take you all day to go over each and every item. There's a lot of junk mixed together with them, and it's a rather cramped space they've been arranged in too."

"Indeed."

"Why don't you just borrow the key from Old Osmond?"

The woman smiled.

=== Page 139 ===

"Well... I didn't want to disturb his sleep. In any case, I'm in no immediate hurry to complete the catalog..."

"I see. Sleep, you say. That old man, I mean, Old Osmond, is quite a deep sleeper. It seems I shall have to visit him another time."

Mister Colbert began to walk off, but paused in his tracks, and turned around.


"Err... Miss Longueville?"

"Is something the matter?"

Colbert looked slightly embarrassed as he opened his mouth to speak.

"If it would be alright, how would you like to, say... join me for lunch?"

She took a moment to consider, then smiled brightly as she accepted the offer.

"Sure, it'd be my pleasure."

The two of them headed down the stairs.

"Hey, Mister Colbert."

In slightly informal tones, Miss Longueville struck up conversation again.

"Y-yes? What is it?"

Emboldened by how easily his invitation had been taken up, Colbert responded quite eagerly to her.

"Is anything actually inside the treasury?"

=== Page 140 ===

"There is."

"Then, do you know of the 'Staff of Destruction'?"

"Ah, that is quite a curiously shaped item, indeed."

Her eyes glinted.

"What... kind of shape?"

"It's extremely difficult to describe, except as simply strange, yes. But never mind that, what would you like to eat? Today's menu is flounder baked in herbs... but I'm quite well-acquainted with Marteau the head chef, and I can have him make any of the world's finest delica--"

"Ahem."


Miss Longueville interrupted Colbert's babbling.

"Y-yes?"

"I must say, the treasury is quite amazingly built. No matter what kind of magic is tried, it would be impossible to open, I assume?"

"That's quite right. It's impossible for just any one mage. After all, it was devised by a group of Square-class mages to resist all spells."


"I'm very impressed that you're so knowledgeable about this, Mister Colbert."

She regarded him with a comfortable expression.

=== Page 141 ===

"Eh? Well... Haha, I just happened to come across a lot of documents pertaining to this floor, that's all... I like to consider it a part of my research, haha. Thanks to that, I'm still single at this age... yes."

"I'm sure the woman that you find will be very happy to be with you. After all, you can teach her so much about things that nobody else knows..."

Miss Longueville fixed him with a fascinated look.

"Oh, no! Please don't tease me like that!"

Colbert flustered nervously as he wiped sweat from his balding forehead. Then, regaining composure, he faced her seriously.

"Miss Longueville. Have you heard of the Ball of Frigg that is being held on the day of Yule?" 

"No, I haven't."

"Haha, I guess it's because you've only been in Tristain for two months. Well, it's nothing spectacular, just a party of sorts. However, it's said that a couple who dances at this ball will be destined to be together or something like that. It's just a petty legend of course! Yes!"

"So?"

Smiling, she pressed him to continue.

"So... if it would be alright, I was wondering if you would dance with me, yes."

"I would love to. While ball parties are fabulous, I'd like to know more about the treasury right now. I'm

=== Page 142 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

quite fascinated by magical items, you see."

Wanting to further impress Miss Longueville, Colbert racked his brains. ''Treasury, treasury, she says...''

Remembering something she might find interesting, he put on an important air and started to talk.

"Ah yes, there's one thing I can tell you. Although it's not particularly important..."

"By all means, do tell."

"Certainly, the treasury is invincible against magical attacks, but I believe it has one fatal weakness."

"Oh, that's intriguing."

"That weakness is... physical force."

"Physical force?"

"Yes! For example, well, not that this is ever likely, but a giant golem could--"

"A giant golem?"

Colbert stated his opinion quite proudly to Miss Longueville. And once he was done talking, she couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"That was most intriguing indeed, Mister Colbert."

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part Three signing ===

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----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1

2007-03-17T12:27:00Z

Andiyar: Reverted edits by 62.131.138.42 (Talk); changed back to last version by The naming game

== [[zeroNT:Gandvol01editchpter04control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 04 - Part One ==
=== Chapter Four: A Familiar's Day ===

It had been a week since Saito started his life as Louise's familiar at Tristain Magic Academy. If one were to explain an average day for Saito, it would read like the following: 

<center>* * *</center>

First, like the majority of animals and humans in Tristain, he woke up in the morning. His bed was, as usual, the floor, though compared to the first day it had mostly improved. Finding that his body hurt all night if he slept on the hard floor, Saito had asked the maid Siesta for some of the hay that was fed to the horses and had packed it into a corner of the room. Saito slept on the pile of  hay, wrapped in the blanket that Louise had so "graciously" bestowed upon him.


Louise called Saito's makeshift bed "the chicken's nest," which was appropriate as chickens slept on hay, and as the first thing Saito did every morning was to wake Louise up, like a rooster.

But he had to, because there would be trouble for him if Louise woke up first. 

"A stupid familiar that has to be woken by its master needs to be punished." Louise never forgot to remind him. 

=== Page 121 ===

If Saito ever slept in, he'd be denied breakfast.

Once woken up, Louise gets changed. She puts on underwear by herself, but makes Saito dress her in her uniform. This has already been mentioned before.


With her enchanting looks, Saito was breathless every time he saw Louise in her underwear. They say you get used to a beautiful lover in three days, but it didn't seem Saito would get used to her anytime soon.

Maybe because he was a familiar, not a lover. Still, always by her side, he essentially was one. The only difference was in the attitude and treatment.

Getting to see Louise like this every day wasn't all bad. However, it was a persistent wound to his pride. When getting Louise into her shoes, for example, he couldn't hide the irritation from his face.

At least that much was tolerated, but if Saito ever said anything to set Louise off, then things got bothersome.

"A rude familiar that displeases its master this early in the morning needs to be punished," was another of Louise's mottos.


If ever Saito teased Louise about her breast size, or got pouty and said something like, "do up the buttons yourself," he'd be denied breakfast.

Dressed in her uniform consisting of a black cloak, a white blouse, and a grey pleated skirt, Louise then washes her face and brushes her teeth. Water pipes or the like weren't installed in the bedrooms, so Saito had to go

=== Page 122 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

down to the fountain and bring up water for Louise's use in a bucket. And of course, Louise doesn't wash her face herself. She makes Saito do it.

One morning, while he was wiping her face with a towel, he lightly traced Louise's face with a piece of charcoal he found.

Seeing his masterwork drawn on Louise's face, Saito barely held in a snigger. Then in pretend obsequience, he politely bowed his head to Louise.

"Mistress. You are the epitome of beauty this day." 

Due to low blood pressure, Louise could only manage a sleepy reply. 

"...Are you plotting something?"

"Who, me? I am simply a familiar serving the orders of my mistress. I would not dare to plot!"

Louise was suspicious of Saito's sudden and excessive politeness, but since she was almost late for class, she didn't question him any further than that.

With her vividly rosy cheeks, charming hazel eyes, and lips that seemed carved of fine coral, Louise knew she didn't need to decorate herself nor did she wear any kind of make-up. In other words, this meant she didn't look at the mirror much. And this day was no different. The result: she had absolutely no idea of the "make-up" that Saito had applied on her.

Louise headed out to class in this state. The time being what it was, she didn't encounter anyone in the hallways or stairs.

=== Page 123 ===

Louise opened the classroom door panting. As one, her classmates looked at her and exploded with laughter.

"Hey, looking good, Louise!"

"Oh my god! That's '''so''' you!"

Afterwards, when Mister Colbert kindly complimented the stylish glasses and moustache sketched on her face, Louise went berserk. She went out into the hallway where Saito was holding his stomach as he rolled on the floor in hysteric laughter, slapped him a dozen times, and cut his meals for the entire day.

According to Louise, a familiar that treats its master's face like a piece of canvas is akin to the demons of old that opposed the Founder Brimir and his many allied gods, and such demons were not worthy of the bread and soup granted by the Lady Queen.

<center>* * *</center>

After breakfast, Saito cleans Louise's room. This involved sweeping the floor with a broom and wiping the table and windows with a cloth.

And then there was the oh-so-enjoyable laundry. He takes the laundry down to the fountain and scrubs them clean against a washboard. There was no warm water, only icy cold water that bit fiercely at his fingers. Louise's underwear were all expensive looking pieces with lots of lace and frills attached. He would get a meal cut if he happened to damage one, so he has to wash them gently. It was painful work. Tired of it all, he left one particular pair with a slightly torn elastic band in the pile one day. Merely a few days later,

=== Page 124 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Louise walked out obliviously wearing that particular pair, when the elastic snapped entirely. Her panties slid down to her ankles, entangling both of Louise's legs like a trapper's snare. 

It just so happened that she was at the top of a staircase, so she tumbled spectacularly down them.

Most fortunately, there wasn't anyone else around to see her roll down the stairs with her lower half shamefully exposed, so at least her reputation was spared. Realizing that it had been overkill, Saito was careful not to peek inside her skirt as he apologized profusely to Louise, who lay unconscious at the staircase landing. He hadn't meant for the joke to derail like this. Ideally, he had envisioned it happening in a hallway for optimum embarrassment.

Once Louise regained consciousness and realized what had happened, she thrust the torn pair of panties accusingly at Saito, who was sitting subserviently by the bedside.

"There was a torn pair."

"Indeed there was, Mistress."

Louise's voice quavered with fury.

"Explain yourself. And concisely."

"It must have been the fountain water, ojousama. Why, it's so cold it could freeze fingers right off. I believe the elastic couldn't endure that."

Saito replied curtly.

=== Page 125 ===

"So you're saying it's the elastic's fault?"

"I'm saying it's the water's fault. It was bad water. I'm convinced that there must be some kind of curse on it to make it cold and also affect the elastic somehow."

"In that case, I should not feed such a loyal familiar soup made from that kind of bad water."

"Most gracious of you."

"Three days should do, I think, for the water to return to normal."

Saito had his meals cut for the mentioned three days.

<center>* * *</center>

However, Saito remained completely fine for those three days. He'd just pretend to be withering and visit the kitchen behind the Hall of Alviss, where the energetic and lovely Siesta would serve him stuff like stew and meat on the bone. He went there even when his meals weren't cut. The soup that Louise declared as "The Widespread Blessing of Her Lady Queen" was never enough of a blessing to fill him up.

Naturally, he kept his visits to the kitchen a secret from Louise. She was adamant on not giving him more until he had corrected his behavior, so there would be trouble if she found out about the meat and stew Siesta kindly provided him with. Louise would surely forbid him visiting for the sake of "educating" her familiar.

=== Page 126 ===

Currently though, she was totally unaware. In any case, Saito preferred Siesta and the kitchen a hundred times more than some Lady Queen and Founder Brimir he'd never met before.

<center>* * *</center>

One morning, after hungrily drinking down the soup in front of Louise, he went to the kitchen. Saito, having beaten the noble Guiche at the Vestri Courts, was hugely popular there.

"'Our Sword' is here!"

The one who yelled that was Marteau, the head chef, a well-rounded man well into his forties.  Naturally, he was also a commoner himself, but with his position of head chef at the Academy, he earned as much as a lower class noble, a fact he could be proud of.

Dressed in simple but fine clothes, he commanded the kitchen with a wave and flourish of his hand.

Despite his highly respectable position as head chef of a magic academy for nobles, Marteau wasn't the least bit arrogant, and surprisingly enough, disliked both magic and nobles.

He called Saito, who had used a sword to defeat Guiche, by the nickname "Our Sword" and treated the boy like a king. Thanks to him, the kitchen was an oasis to Saito.

Saito sat down at his chair, and with a smile, Siesta promptly brought him a bowl of warm stew and soft white bread.

"Thanks."

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part One signing ===

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----

== Chapter 04 - Part Two ==
=== Page 127 ===

"Today's stew is extra special,"

Siesta declared, looking particularly happy. Saito curiously lifted a spoonful to his mouth and his face instantly lit up.

"Wow, this is delicious! It's worlds apart from that gruel I get!"

At this, Marteau approached the table holding a kitchen knife.


"Well of course. That stew's the same stuff we serve to the noble kids." 

"I can't believe this is the kind of stuff they get to eat everyday..."

Marteau snorted loudly at Saito's comment.

"Hmph! Sure, they can use magic. Making pots and pans and castles from dirt, conjuring up unbelievable gems, even controlling dragons - so what! But see, creating such exquisite dishes like this is a kind of magic itself. Wouldn't you agree, Saito?"

Saito nodded.

"Absolutely."

"A fine fellow! You're a good man!"

He put an arm around Saito's shoulders.

"Here, "Our Sword"! Let me place a kiss upon your forehead! Come on! I insist!"

"I'd rather you not. And don't call me that either,"

=== Page 128 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Saito said.

"Why not?"

"It's just... weird."

The man let go of Saito and spread his arms out in protest.

"But you cut a mage's golem to pieces! Don't you get it?"

"I suppose."

"Say, just where did you learn to use a sword? Tell me where I can go to learn how to swing a sword like that."

Marteau stared earnestly at Saito. He asked the same thing every time Saito came to eat, and Saito's answer was the same every time.

"I don't know. I've never held a sword before. My body just moved by itself."

"You guys! Did you hear that?!"

He yelled, his voice echoing around the kitchen.

The younger cooks and the apprentices shouted back.

"We hear you, boss!"

"This is what they call a true master! They never boast about their skill! Look and learn! A true master never boasts!"

=== Page 129 ===

The cooks chanted happily.

"A true master never boasts!"

Then Marteau turned back around to face Saito.

"You know, "Our Sword," I'm starting to like you more and more. So how about it?"

"Um, how about what...?"

He was simply telling the truth, but Marteau always thought he was just being modest. It was somewhat frustrating. He felt like he was deceiving the good-natured man. Saito's gaze dropped down to the runes on his left hand.


''Since that day, it hasn't glowed anymore. Just what was that, I wonder...'' Even when Saito tried to make a point of staring at his own runes, Marteau interpreted that as him being reserved.

The chef turned to Siesta.

"Siesta!"

"Yes?"

Siesta, who had been cheerfully watching the two of them get along, responded brightly.

"Bring our hero here some of Albion's finest."

Her smile widened, and retrieving a wine bottle of the requested vintage from the rack,


=== Page 130 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

she poured some into Saito's glass. Siesta looked on absorbedly as Saito's face grew redder and redder from the wine. These events repeat almost routinely:

Saito visits the kitchen, Marteau becomes more attached to Saito, and Siesta's respect for him deepens further.

<center>* * *</center>

Although that particular day... there was a crimson shadow  spying on Saito from a window of the kitchen. One of the young cooks took notice of it.

"Hey, there's something outside the window."

The shadow gave a garbled 'kyuru kyuru' and slinked away.

<center>* * *</center>

Then, after breakfast, cleaning, and laundry, he accompanies Louise in class. Originally, he was made to sit on the floor, but after Louise realized he had become rather transfixed with peering up other girls' skirts, she reluctantly let him sit on a chair. And she made it clear to Saito that should his vision ever stray too far from the blackboard, he would be denied lunch.


In the beginning, the lessons fascinated Saito with their marvels: turning water into wine, combining various reagents to brew special potions, materializing fireballs out of nothing, levitating boxes and sticks and balls


=== Page 131 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

out of the class windows for their familiars to fetch, etc... but after a while, the novelty wore off.

And so he took to napping instead. The professor and Louise would give Saito evil looks every once in a while, but there were no rules to forbid familiars from sleeping during lessons. And just looking around the class, all the nocturnal familiars and even someone's owl were snoozing away. In fact, if they were to wake Saito up, it would mean that they were acknowledging him as a human. Louise chewed her lips with the overwhelming desire to give the sleeping Saito a piece of her mind, but she couldn't because doing so would mean contradicting herself about him being nothing more than a familiar.


<center>* * *</center>

That same day, bathed in sunlight, Saito was fast asleep during another lesson.

The wine he drank that morning was taking its effect on him, and Saito dreamed.

It was quite an unbelievable dream.

A dream in which Louise crept into his hay pile at night as he slept.


''"What's wrong, Louise...?"''

At hearing her name being called, Louise shot a glare at Saito.

''"You can't sleep? Oh, alright... can't be helped. Munya~"'' 

Oh, he's just muttering in his sleep, she thought, and faced the front again.

=== Page 132 ===

''"...Munya. H-hey, don't hug me all of a sudden."''

Louise's gaze snapped to Saito once more. The other students were starting to take notice of the situation, and perked their ears to listen.

''"...Jeez, for the slave driver you are during the day, you're such a sweet little thing in bed."''

A trickle of drool ran down from the corner of Saito's mouth as he continued to enjoy his dream.

Louise grabbed his shoulders and shook him vigorously.

"Hey! Just what kind of dream are you having?!"

Her classmates burst out laughing. Malicorne the Windward made a passing comment.

"Oi oi, Louise! Is that the kind of thing you do with your familiar at night? I'm surprised!"

The female students whispered something amongst themselves.

"Wait! This is just some stupid sleep-talk! Ah, jeez! Wake up already!"

''"Louise, Louise, you're like a kitten; stop licking me there like that..."''


At this, the laughter threatened to burst through the ceiling.

Louise kicked Saito off the chair, violently returning him to reality from his soft and gentle dreamscape.

"Wh-what was that for?!"

"Since when have I ever snuck into your hay pile?!"

=== Page 133 - Illustration ===

Illustration -- ''Set phasers to 'tsun'...''

=== Page 134 ===

Louise crossed her arms and looked down imposingly on Saito.

Saito shook his head profusely, only further amusing the class.

"Saito, explain to these rather rude people that I never take one step out of my own bed during the night."

"That's right, everyone. I was simply dreaming out loud just now. Louise would never do such a thing."

The students turned away disappointedly.

"Isn't it obvious? Like I would ever do something like that! With this thing, no less! This thing! To even think that I would curl up in bed with this lower life form is far beyond being a joke!"

Louise huffed haughtily, averting her gaze upwards.

"But, my dreams often come true."

Saito piped up.

"Indeed! Dreams do have the power to foretell the future, after all!" Someone in the room supplied in agreement.

"My master here, with her personality, probably won't ever find herself a lover."

A vast majority of the students nodded. Louise shot Saito another evil look, but it was too late. Saito was on a roll.

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part Two signing ===

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----

== Chapter 04 - Part Three ==
=== Page 135 ===

"My poor master gets quite "frustrated" as a result, and instead resorts to slipping into this familiar's humble hay pile."

Louise put her hands on her hips and strongly reprimanded Saito.

"Happy now? Close that unclean mouth of yours right now!"


That didn't stop Saito from continuing either.

"When she does, I have to fend her off a bit..."

By this point, he was too far gone. Louise's shoulders began to tremble angrily.

"And tell her, 'this isn't where you sleep.'"

The class applauded. Saito mimicked an elegant bow and went to sit back down.

Louise kicked him away, sending him rolling across the floor.

"Don't kick me!"

But Louise was beyond the point of reasoning. Her gaze was fixed firmly forward, and like always, her shoulders shook with barely contained fury,

Once again, there was a crimson shadow watching Saito.

It was Kirche's salamander. With its belly to the floor, it stared at Saito through the gap in the row of chairs.

"Hm?"

===Page 136 ===

Noticing it, Saito waved his hand at it.

"You're Kirche's salamander, aren't you? I know you have a name. What was it... Oh yeah, it's Flame. Flame-"

Saito motioned for it to come closer, but the salamander flicked its tail around and spat out a few embers before running back to its master.

"Why would a lizard be so interested in me?"

Saito tilted his head in puzzlement.

<center>* * *</center>

And while Saito was having a staring contest with a salamander during class...

At the Headmaster's Office, Miss Longueville the secretary was busily writing away at something.

She stopped writing for a moment and glanced over at the sequoia desk at which Sir Osmond was busy taking a nap.

The corner of Miss Longueville's lips rose in a faint smirk, an expression she had never shown anyone before.

She stood up from her desk.

In a low voice, she murmured the incantation for a "Silence" spell. Dampening her footsteps so as not to wake Osmond, she crept out of the office.

=== Page 137 ===

Her destination was the treasury, located on the floor directly below the Headmaster's Office.

Stepping off the stairs, she confronted enormous iron doors. They were kept shut with a thick bolt mechanism, which in turn was secured with an equally large padlock.

This place was where artifacts dating even before the Academy's establishment were contained. After cautiously surveying her surroundings, Miss Longueville withdrew her wand from a pocket. It was about the length of a pencil, but with a flick of the wrist, it extended to the length of an conductor's baton, which she whirled expertly.

Miss Longueville cast another spell.

Once the invocation was complete, she pointed the baton at the padlock.

However... nothing happened.

"Well, it's not like I really expected an "Unlock" spell to work anyway."

Smiling deviously, she began reciting the words to one of her specialty spells.

It was a Transmutation spell. Chanting loud and clear, she waved her baton at the heavy lock. The magic cascaded over it... but even after a considerable wait, there was no visible change.

"Looks like it's been magically reinforced by a Square-class mage," she muttered.


A "Reinforcement" spell was one that prevented the oxidation and decomposition of matter. Any substance that had this spell cast on it was protected from any chemical reactions, and allowed it to be preserved

=== Page 138 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

forever in that state. Even transmutation magic would have no effect against something protected like this. Only if one's magical skill surpassed that of the mage who cast the reinforcement could the spell be overcome.

As it was, the mage who had enchanted this door was apparently an extremely powerful mage, considering that not even Miss Longueville, an expert in Earth magic and transmutation in particular, was able to affect the door.

Taking off her glasses, she stared at the door once more. At this point, she heard footsteps coming up the staircase.

She shrunk down her baton and slipped it back into her pocket.

The person who appeared was Colbert.

"Greetings, Miss Longueville. What are you doing here?"

"Mister Colbert, I was going to catalog the contents of the treasury, but..."

"Oh, that's quite some work. It'd probably take you all day to go over each and every item. There's a lot of junk mixed together with them, and it's a rather cramped space they've been arranged in too."

"Indeed."

"Why don't you just borrow the key from Old Osmond?"

The woman smiled.

=== Page 139 ===

"Well... I didn't want to disturb his sleep. In any case, I'm in no immediate hurry to complete the catalog..."

"I see. Sleep, you say. That old man, I mean, Old Osmond, is quite a deep sleeper. It seems I shall have to visit him another time."

Mister Colbert began to walk off, but paused in his tracks, and turned around.


"Err... Miss Longueville?"

"Is something the matter?"

Colbert looked slightly embarrassed as he opened his mouth to speak.

"If it would be alright, how would you like to, say... join me for lunch?"

She took a moment to consider, then smiled brightly as she accepted the offer.

"Sure, it'd be my pleasure."

The two of them headed down the stairs.

"Hey, Mister Colbert."

In slightly informal tones, Miss Longueville struck up conversation again.

"Y-yes? What is it?"

Emboldened by how easily his invitation had been taken up, Colbert responded quite eagerly to her.

"Is anything actually inside the treasury?"

=== Page 140 ===

"There is."

"Then, do you know of the 'Staff of Destruction'?"

"Ah, that is quite a curiously shaped item, indeed."

Her eyes glinted.

"What... kind of shape?"

"It's extremely difficult to describe, except as simply strange, yes. But never mind that, what would you like to eat? Today's menu is flounder baked in herbs... but I'm quite well-acquainted with Marteau the head chef, and I can have him make any of the world's finest delica--"

"Ahem."


Miss Longueville interrupted Colbert's babbling.

"Y-yes?"

"I must say, the treasury is quite amazingly built. No matter what kind of magic is tried, it would be impossible to open, I assume?"

"That's quite right. It's impossible for just any one mage. After all, it was devised by a group of Square-class mages to resist all spells."


"I'm very impressed that you're so knowledgeable about this, Mister Colbert."

She regarded him with a comfortable expression.

=== Page 141 ===

"Eh? Well... Haha, I just happened to come across a lot of documents pertaining to this floor, that's all... I like to consider it a part of my research, haha. Thanks to that, I'm still single at this age... yes."

"I'm sure the woman that you find will be very happy to be with you. After all, you can teach her so much about things that nobody else knows..."

Miss Longueville fixed him with a fascinated look.

"Oh, no! Please don't tease me like that!"

Colbert flustered nervously as he wiped sweat from his balding forehead. Then, regaining composure, he faced her seriously.

"Miss Longueville. Have you heard of the Ball of Frigg that is being held on the day of Yule?" 

"No, I haven't."

"Haha, I guess it's because you've only been in Tristain for two months. Well, it's nothing spectacular, just a party of sorts. However, it's said that a couple who dances at this ball will be destined to be together or something like that. It's just a petty legend of course! Yes!"

"So?"

Smiling, she pressed him to continue.

"So... if it would be alright, I was wondering if you would dance with me, yes."

"I would love to. While ball parties are fabulous, I'd like to know more about the treasury right now. I'm

=== Page 142 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

quite fascinated by magical items, you see."

Wanting to further impress Miss Longueville, Colbert racked his brains. ''Treasury, treasury, she says...''

Remembering something she might find interesting, he put on an important air and started to talk.

"Ah yes, there's one thing I can tell you. Although it's not particularly important..."

"By all means, do tell."

"Certainly, the treasury is invincible against magical attacks, but I believe it has one fatal weakness."

"Oh, that's intriguing."

"That weakness is... physical force."

"Physical force?"

"Yes! For example, well, not that this is ever likely, but a giant golem could--"

"A giant golem?"

Colbert stated his opinion quite proudly to Miss Longueville. And once he was done talking, she couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"That was most intriguing indeed, Mister Colbert."

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part Three signing ===

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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1

2007-03-02T10:11:49Z

Andiyar: initial edit. played a bit with tenses, and just a few minor rewordings for flow.

== [[zeroNT:Gandvol01editchpter04control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 04 - Part One ==
=== Chapter Four: A Familiar's Day ===

It had been a week since Saito started his life as Louise's familiar at Tristein Magic Academy. If one were to explain an average day for Saito, it would read like the following: 

First, like the majority of animals and humans in Tristein, he awoke in the morning. His bed was, as usual, the floor, though compared to the first day it had mostly improved. Finding that his body hurt in the middle of the night if he slept on the hard floor, Saito had asked the maid Siesta for some of the hay that was fed to the horses, and had packed it into a corner of the room. Saito slept on the pile of  hay, wrapped in the blanket that Louise had so 'graciously' bestowed upon him.

Louise called Saito's makeshift bed 'the chicken's nest', which was appropriate as chickens slept on hay, and as the first thing Saito did every morning was to wake Louise up, like a rooster.

But he had to, because there would be trouble for him if Louise woke up first. 

"A stupid familiar that has to be woken by it's master needs to be punished," Louise never forgot to remind him. 

=== Page 121 ===

If Saito ever slept in, he'd be denied breakfast.

Once woken up, Louise gets changed. She puts on underwear by herself, but makes Saito dress her in uniform. This has already been mentioned before.

With her enchanting looks, Saito was breathless everytime he saw Louise in her underwear. They say you get used to a beautiful lover in three days, but it didn't seem Saito would get used to her anytime soon.

Maybe because he was a familiar, not a lover. Still, being always by her side, he essentially was one. The only difference was in the attitude and treatment.

Getting to see Louise like this everyday wasn't at all bad. However, it was a persistent wound to his pride. When getting Louise into her shoes, for example, he couldn't hide the irritation from his face.

At least that much was tolerated, but if Saito ever said anything to set Louise off, then things got bothersome.

"A rude familiar that displeases its master this early in the morning needs to be punished," was another of Louise's 'modes'.

If ever Saito teased Louise about her breast size, or got pouty and said something like "do up the buttons yourself", he'd be denied breakfast.

Dressed in her uniform of black cloak, white blouse, and grey pleated skirt, Louise then washes her face and brushes her teeth. Water pipes or the like weren't installed in the bedrooms, so Saito had to go

=== Page 122 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

down to the fountain and bring up water for Louise's use in a bucket. And of course, Louise doesn't wash her face herself. She makes Saito do it.

One morning, as he was wiping her face with a towel, he lightly traced along Louise's face with a piece of charcoal he found.

Seeing his masterwork drawn on Louise's face, Saito barely held in a snigger. Then in pretend obsequience, he politely bowed his head to Louise.

"Ojousama. You are the epitome of beauty this day." 

Louise, who had a low blood pressure, could only manage a sleepy reply. 

"...Are you plotting something?"

"Who, myself? I am simply a familiar serving the orders of my ojousama. I would dare not plot!"

Louise thought suspiciously of Saito's sudden and excessive politeness, but as she was about to be late to class, she didn't question him any further than that.

With her vividly rosy cheeks, charming hazel eyes, and lips that seemed carved of fine coral, Louise knew she didn't need to decorate herself nor did she wear any kind of make-up. Which in other words, meant she didn't look at the mirror much. And this day was no different. The result: she had absolutely no idea of the 'make-up' that Saito had applied on her.

Louise headed out to class in this state. Being the time as it was, she encountered nobody in the hallways or stairs.

=== Page 123 ===

Louise opened the classroom door panting. As one, her classmates looked at her and exploded with laughter.

"Hey, looking good Louise!"

"Oh my god! That's '''so''' you!"

Afterwards, when Mister Colbert kindly complimented the stylish glasses and moustache sketched on her face, Louise went berserk. She went out into the hallway where Saito was holding his stomach as he rolled on the floor in hysteric laughter, slapped him a dozen times and cut his meals for the entire day.

According to Louise, a familiar that treats its master's face like a piece of canvas is akin to the demons of old that opposed the Founder Brimir and his many allied gods, and such demons were not worthy of the bread and soup granted by the Lady Queen.

After breakfast, Saito cleans Louise's room. This involved sweeping the floor with a broom, and wiping the table and windows with a cloth.

And then there was the oh-so-enjoyable laundry. He takes the laundry down to the fountain, and scrubs them clean against a washboard. There was no warm water, only icy cold water that bit fiercely at his fingers. Louise's underwear were all expensive looking pieces with lots of lace and frills attached. He would get a meal cut if he happened to damage one, so he has to wash them gently. It was painful work. Tired of it all, one day, he just left in the pile one particular pair with a slightly torn elastic band. Merely few days later,

=== Page 124 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Louise walked out obliviously wearing that particular pair, when the elastic snapped entirely. Her panties slid down to her ankles, entangling both of Louise's legs like a trapper's snare. 

It just so happened that she was at the top of a staircase, so she tumbled spectacularly down them.

Most fortunately, there wasn't anyone else around to see her roll down the stairs with her lower half shamefully exposed, so at least her reputation was spared. Realising that had been overkill, Saito was careful not to peek inside her skirt as he apologised profusely to Louise, who lay unconscious at the staircase landing. He hadn't meant for the joke to derail like this. Ideally, he had envisioned it happening in a hallway for optimum embarrassment.

Once Louise regained consciousness and realised what had happened, she thrust the torn pair of panties accusingly at Saito, who was sitting subserviently by the bedside.

"There was a torn pair."

"Indeed there was, ojousama."

Louise's voice quavered with fury.

"Explain yourself. And concisely."

"It must have been the fountain water, ojousama. Why, it's so cold it could freeze fingers right off. I believe the elastic couldn't endure that."

Saito replied curtly.

=== Page 125 ===

"So you're saying, it's the elastic's fault?"

"I'm saying it's the water's fault. It was bad water. I'm convinced that there must be some kind of curse on it to make it cold, but also affect elastic somehow."

"In that case, I should not feed such a loyal familiar soup made from that kind of bad water."

"Most gracious of you."

"Three days should do, I think, for the water to return to normal."

Saito had his meals cut for said three days.

However, Saito remained completely fine for those three days. He'd just pretend to be withering, and visit the kitchen behind the Hall of Alviss, where the energetic and lovely Siesta would serve him stuff like stew and meat on the bone. He went there even when his meals weren't cut. The soup that Louise declared as "The Widespread Blessing of Her Lady Queen" was never enough of a blessing to fill him up.

Naturally, he kept his visits to the kitchen a secret from Louise. She was adamant on not giving him more until he had corrected his behaviour, so there would be trouble if she found out about the meat and stew Siesta kindly provided him with. Louise would surely forbid him visiting for the sake of 'educating' her familiar.

=== Page 126 ===

Currently though, she was totally unaware. In any case, Saito preferred Siesta and the kitchen a hundred times more than some Lady Queen and Founder Brimir he'd never met before.

One morning, after hungrily drinking down the soup in front of Louise, he went to the kitchen. Saito, who had beaten the noble Guiche at the Vestri Courts, was hugely popular there.

"'Our Sword' is here!"

The one who yelled that was Marteau the head chef, a well-rounded man well into his forties.  Naturally, he was also a commoner himself, but with his position of head chef at the Academy, he earned as much as a lower class noble, a fact he could be proud of.

Dressed in simple but fine clothes, he commanded the kitchen with a wave and flourish of his hand.

Despite his highly respectable position as head chef of a magic academy for nobles, Marteau wasn't the least bit arrogant, and surprisingly enough, disliked both magic and nobles.

He called Saito, who had used a sword to defeat Guiche, by the nickname 'Our Sword', and treated the boy like a king. Thanks to him, the kitchen was an oasis to Saito.

Saito sat down at his chair, and with a smile, Siesta promptly brought him a bowl of warm stew and soft white bread.

"Thanks."

----

=== Chapter 04 - Part One signing ===

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----

== Chapter 04 - Part Two ==
=== Page 127 ===

"Today's stew is extra special."

Siesta declared, looking particularly happy. Saito curiously lifted a spoonful to his mouth, and his face instantly lit up.

"Wow, this is delicious! It's worlds apart from that gruel I get!"

At this, Marteau approached the table holding a kitchen knife.

"Well of course. That there stew's the same stuff we serve to the noble kids." 

"I can't believe this is the kind of stuff they get to eat everyday..."

Marteau snorted loudly at Saito's comment.

"Hmph! Sure, they can use magic. Making pots and pans and castles from dirt, conjuring up unbelievable gems, even controlling dragons -- so what! But see, creating such exquisite dishes like this is a kind of magic itself. Wouldn't you agree, Saito?"

Saito nodded.

"Totally."

"A fine fellow! You're a good man!"

He put an arm around Saito's shoulders.

"Here, 'Our Sword'! Let me place a kiss upon your forehead! Come on! I insist!"

"I'd rather you not. And don't call me that either."

=== Page 128 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

Saito said.

"Why not?"

"It's just... weird."

The man let go of Saito and spread his arms out in protest.

"But you cut a mage's golem to pieces! Don't you get it?"

"I suppose."

"Say, just where did you learn to use a sword? Tell me where I should go to learn how to swing a sword like that."

Marteau stared earnestly at Saito. He asked the same thing every time Saito came to eat. And Saito's answer was the same every time.

"I don't know. I've never held a sword before. My body just moved by itself."

"You guys! Did you hear that?!"

He yelled, his voice echoing around the kitchen.

The younger cooks and the apprentices shouted back.

"We hear you, boss!"

"This is what they call a true master! They never boast about their skill! Look and learn! A true master never boasts!"

=== Page 129 ===

The cooks chanted happily.

"A true master never boasts!"

Then Marteau turned back around to face Saito.

"You know, 'Our Sword'. I'm starting to like you more and more. So how about it?"

"Um, how about what...?"

He was simply telling the truth, but Marteau always thought he was just being modest. It was somewhat frustrating. It made him want to shut the good-natured man up. Saito's gaze dropped down to the runes on his left hand.

''Since that day, it doesn't glow anymore. Just what was that, I wonder...'' Even when Saito tried to make a point of staring at his own runes, Marteau interpreted that as him being reserved.

The chef turned to Siesta.

"Siesta!"

"Yes?"

Siesta, who had been cheerfully watching the two of them get along, responded brightly.

"Bring our hero here some of Albion's finest."

Her smile widened, and retrieving a bottle of vintage wine from the rack,

=== Page 130 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

she poured some into Saito's glass. Siesta looked on absorbedly as Saito's face grew redder and redder from the wine. The events repeat almost routinely:

Saito visits the kitchen, Marteau becomes more attached to Saito, and Siesta's respect for him deepens further.

Although that particular day... there was a crimson shadow  spying on Saito from a window of the kitchen. One of the young cooks took notice of it.

"Hey, there's something outside the window."

The shadow gave a garbled 'kyuru kyuru' and slinked away.

So far the day has consisted of breakfast, cleaning, and laundry. After that, he accompanies Louise in class. Originally, he was made to sit on the floor, but after Louise realised he became rather transfixed with peering up other girls' skirts, she reluctantly let him sit on a chair. And she made it clear to Saito that should his vision ever stray too far from the blackboard, he would be denied lunch.

In the beginning, the lessons fascinated Saito with their marvels: turning water into wine, combining various reagents to brew special potions, materialising fireballs out of nothing, levitating boxes and nuts and balls

=== Page 131 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

out of the class windows for their familiars to fetch, etc... but after a while, the novelty wore off.

And so he took up napping instead. The professor and Louise would give Saito evil looks every once in a while, but there were no rules that forbid familiars from sleeping during lessons. And just looking around the class, all the nocturnal familiars, and even someone's crow were snoozing away. In fact, if they were to wake Saito up, it would mean that they were acknowledging him as a human. Louise chewed her lips with the overwhelming desire to give the sleeping Saito a piece of her mind, but she couldn't. Because doing so would mean contradicting herself about him being nothing more than a familiar.

That same day, bathed in sunlight, Saito was fast asleep during another lesson.

The wine he drank that morning was taking its effect on him, and Saito dreamed.

It was quite an unbelievable dream.

''"What's wrong, Louise...?"''

At hearing her name being called, Louise shot a glare at Saito.

''"You can't sleep? Oh, alright... can't be helped. Munya~"'' 

Oh, he's just muttering in his sleep, she thought, and faced the front again.

=== Page 132 ===

''"...Munya. H-hey, don't hug me all of a sudden."''

Louise's gaze snapped to Saito once more. The other students were starting to take notice of the situation, and perked their ears to listen.

''"...Jeez, for the slavedriver you are during the day, you're such a sweet little thing in bed."''

A trickle of drool ran down from the corner of Saito's mouth, as he continued to enjoy his dream.

Louise grabbed his shoulders and shook him vigorously.

"Hey! Just what kind of dream are you dreaming?!"

Her classmates burst out laughing. Malicorne the Windward made a passing comment.

"Oi oi, Louise! Is that the kind of thing you do with your familiar at night? I'm surprised!"

The female students whispered something amongst themselves.

"Wait! This is just some stupid sleep-talk! Ah, jeez! Wake up already!"

''"Louise, Louise, you're like a kitten, licking me there like that..."''

At this, the laughter threatened to burst through the ceiling.

Louise kicked Saito off the chair, violently returning him to reality from his soft and gentle dreamscape.

"Wh-what was that for?!"

"Since when have I ever snuck into your haystack?!"

=== Page 133 - Illustration ===

Illustration -- ''Set phasers to 'tsun'...''

=== Page 134 ===

Louise crossed her arms and looked down imposingly on Saito.

Saito shook his head profusely, only further amusing the class.

"Saito, explain to these rather rude people that I never take one step out of my own bed during the night."

"That's right, everyone. I was simply dreaming out loud just now. Louise would never do such a thing."

The students turned away disappointedly.

"Isn't it obvious? Like I would ever do something like that! With this thing, no less! This thing! To even think that I would curl up in bed with this lower life form is far beyond being a joke!"

Louise huffed haughtily, averting her gaze upwards.

"But, my dreams often come true."

Saito piped up.

"Indeed! Dreams do have the power to foretell the future, after all!" Someone in the room supplied in agreement.

"My master here, with her personality, probably won't ever find herself a lover."

A vast majority of the students nodded. Louise shot Saito another evil look, but it was too late. Saito was on a roll.

----

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== Chapter 04 - Part Three ==
=== Page 135 ===

"My poor master gets quite 'frustrated' as a result, and instead resorts to slipping into this familiar's humble haystack."

Louise put her hands on her hips and strongly reprimanded Saito.

"Close that unclean mouth of yours immediately, you hear?"

That didn't stop Saito from continuing either.

"When she does, I have to fend her off a bit..."

By this point, he was too far gone. Louise's shoulders began to tremble angrily.

"And tell her, 'this isn't where you sleep'."

The class applauded. Saito mimicked an elegant bow, and went to sit back down.

Louise kicked him away, sending him rolling across the floor.

"Don't kick me!"

But Louise was beyond the point of reasoning. Her gaze was fixed firmly forward, and like always, her shoulders shook with barely contained fury,

Once again, there was a crimson shadow watching Saito.

It was Kirche's salamander. With its belly to the floor, it stared at Saito through the gap in the row of chairs.

"Hm?"

===Page 136 ===

Noticing it, Saito waved his hand at it.

"You're Kirche's salamander, aren't you. I know you have a name, what was it... Oh yeah, it's Flame. Flame--"

Saito motioned for it to come closer. But the salamander flicked its tail around and spat out a few embers before running back to its master.

"Why would a lizard be so interested in me?"

Saito tilted his head in puzzlement.

And while Saito was having a staring contest with a salamander during class...

At the Headmaster's Office, Miss Longueville the secretary was busily scribing away at something.

She stopped writing for a moment, and glanced over at the sequoia desk at which Sir Osmond was busy taking a nap.

The corner of Miss Longueville's lips rose in a faint smirk, an expression she had never shown anyone before.

She stood up from her desk.

In a low voice, she murmured the incantation for a 'Silence' spell. Dampening her footsteps as not to wake Osmond, she crept out of the office.

=== Page 137 ===

Her destination was the treasury, located on the floor directly below the Headmaster's Office.

Stepping off the stairs, she confronted enormous iron doors. It was kept shut with a thick bolt mechanism, which in turn was secured with an equally large padlock.

This place was where artifacts dating even before the Academy's establishment were contained. After cautiously surveying her surroundings, Miss Longueville withdrew her wand from a pocket. It was about the length of a pencil, but at the flick of a wrist it extended to the length of an conductor's baton, which she whirled expertly.

Miss Longueville cast another spell.

Once the invocation was complete, she pointed the baton at the padlock.

However... nothing happened.

"Well, it's not like I really expected an 'Unlock' spell to work anyway."

Smiling deviously, she began reciting the words to one of her specialty spells.

It was a Transmutation spell. Chanting loud and clear, she waved her baton at the heavy lock. The magic cascaded over it... but even after a considerable wait, there was no visible change.

"Looks like it's been magically reinforced by a Square-class mage."

She whispered. A 'Reinforcement' spell was one that prevented the oxidation and decomposition of matter. Any substance that had this spell cast on it was protected from any chemical reactions, and allowed it to be preserved

=== Page 138 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

forever in that state. Even transmutation magic would have no effect against something thusly protected. Only if one's magical skill surpassed that of the mage who cast the reinforcement, could the spell be overcome.

As it was, the mage who had enchanted this door was apparently an extremely powerful mage. Considering not even Miss Longueville, an expert in Earth magic and transmutation in particular, was able to affect the door.

Taking off her glasses, she stared at the door once more. At this point, she heard footsteps coming up the staircase.

She shrunk down her baton and slipped it back into her pocket.

The person who appeared was Colbert.

"Greetings, Miss Longueville. What are you doing here?"

"Mister Colbert. I was going to catalogue the contents of the treasury, but..."

"Oh, that's quite some work. It'd probably take you all day to go over each and every item. There's a lot of junk mixed together with them, and it's a rather narrow little space they've been arranged in too."

"Indeed."

"Why don't you just borrow the key from Old Osmond?"

The woman smiled.

=== Page 139 ===

"Well... I didn't want to disturb his sleep. In any case, I'm in no immediate hurry to complete the catalogue..."

"I see. Sleep, you say. That old man, I mean, Old Osmond is quite a deep sleeper. It seems I shall have to visit him another time."

Mister Colbert began to walk off, but paused in his tracks, and even retraced them.

"Err... Miss Longueville?"

"Is something the matter?"

Colbert looked slightly embarrassed as he opened his mouth to speak.

"If it would be alright, how would you like to, say... join me for lunch?"

She took a moment to consider, then smiled brightly as she accepted the offer.

"Sure, it'd be my pleasure."

The two of them headed down the stairs.

"Hey, Mister Colbert."

In slightly informal tones, Miss Longueville struck up conversation again.

"Y-yes? What is it?"

Emboldened by how easily his invitation had been taken up, Colbert responded quite eagerly to her.

"Is anything actually inside the treasury?"

=== Page 140 ===

"There is."

"Then, do you know of the 'Staff of Destruction'?"

"Ah, that is quite a curiously shaped item, indeed."

Her eyes glinted.

"What... kind of shape?"

"It's extremely difficult to describe, except as simply strange, yes. But never mind that, what would you like to eat? Today's menu is flounder baked in herbs... but I'm quite well-acquainted with Marteau the head chef, and I can have him make any of the world's finest delica--"

"Mister."

Miss Longueville interrupted Colbert's babbling.

"Y-yes?"

"I must say, the treasury is quite amazingly built. No matter what kind of mage tried, it would be impossible to open, I assume?"

"That's quite right. It's impossible for just any one mage. After all, it's been designed to be only neutralised by multiple Square-class mages."

"I'm very impressed that you're so knowledgeable about this, Mister Colbert."

She regarded him with a comfortable expression.

=== Page 141 ===

"Eh? Well... Haha, I just happen to come across a lot of the documents pertaining this floor, that's all... I like to consider it a part of my research, haha. Thanks to that, I'm still single at this age... yes."

"I'm sure the woman that you find will be very happy to be with you. After all, you can teach her so much about things that nobody else knows..."

Miss Longueville fixed him with a fascinated look.

"Oh, no! Please don't tease me like that!"

Colbert flustered nervously as he wiped sweat from his balding forehead. Then, regaining composure, he faced her seriously.

"Miss Longueville. Have you heard of the Ball of Frigg that is being held on the day of Yule?" 

"No I haven't."

"Haha, I guess it's because you've only been in Tristain for two months. Well, it's nothing spectacular, just a party of sorts. However, it's said that a couple who dances at this ball will be destined to be together or something like that. It's just a petty legend of course! Yes!"

"So?"

Smiling, she pressed him to continue.

"So... if it would be alright, I was wondering if you would dance with me, yes."

"I would love to. While ball parties are fabulous, I'd like to know more about the treasury right now. I'm

=== Page 142 ===

''(paragraph continued)''

quite fascinated by magical items, you see."

Wanting to further impress Miss Longueville, Colbert racked his brains. ''Treasury, treasury, she says...''

Remembering something she might find interesting, he put on an important air and started to talk.

"Ah yes, there's one thing I can tell you. Although it's not particularly important..."

"By all means, do tell."

"Certainly, the treasury is invincible against magical attacks, but I believe it has one fatal weakness."

"Oh, that's intriguing."

"That weakness is... physical force."

"Physical force?"

"Yes! For example, well, not that this is ever likely, but a giant golem could--"

"A giant golem?"

Colbert stated his opinion quite proudly to Miss Longueville. And once he was done talking, she couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"That was most intriguing indeed, Mister Colbert."

----

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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-04T23:44:07Z

Andiyar: a few alterations for section 1, after channel discussion

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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*--[[User:CrowKenobi|CrowKenobi]] 00:27, 29 October 2006 (CDT)

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"That... is your familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"

"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me."


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means it's without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.1 ==
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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many elements can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"Instead of just letting you talk idly, perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try to change these pebbles here any metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat in her seat, fidgeting, her face troubled.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread making mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

With a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute the pebbles into."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. She had never looked as adorable as in the instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

In the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde  hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. Her sculpted nose was truly befitting of nobility.

''If only her breasts filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets called 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboardas the students screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs, breathing a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"See! That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" 

Saito sat, feeling dazed.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From her occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

''Still, what an amazing girl.''

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room.

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke weakly,

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

That elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"That wasn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:45:26Z

Andiyar: /* Page 69 */ rewording

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many elements can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"Instead of just letting you talk idly, perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try to change these pebbles here any metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat in her seat, fidgeting, her face troubled.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread making mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

With a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute the pebbles into."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. She had never looked as adorable as in the instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

In the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde  hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. Her sculpted nose was truly befitting of nobility.

''If only her breasts filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets called 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboardas the students screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs, breathing a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"See! That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" 

Saito sat, feeling dazed.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From her occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

''Still, what an amazing girl.''

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room.

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke weakly,

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

That elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"That wasn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:42:54Z

Andiyar: /* Page 68 */ bits & pieces

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many elements can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"Instead of just letting you talk idly, perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try to change these pebbles here any metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat in her seat, fidgeting, her face troubled.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread making mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

With a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute the pebbles into."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. She had never looked as adorable as in the instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

In the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde  hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. Her sculpted nose was truly befitting of nobility.

''If only her breasts filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets called 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboardas the students screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs, breathing a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:40:24Z

Andiyar: /* Page 67 */ rewording

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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----

==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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----

==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many elements can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"Instead of just letting you talk idly, perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try to change these pebbles here any metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat in her seat, fidgeting, her face troubled.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread making mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

With a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute the pebbles into."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. She had never looked as adorable as in the instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:38:47Z

Andiyar: /* Page 66 */ reworking sentences. evil ones =_=

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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----

==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many elements can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"Instead of just letting you talk idly, perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try to change these pebbles here any metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat in her seat, fidgeting, her face troubled.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:34:47Z

Andiyar: /* Page 65 */

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell; it also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover

2006-11-03T11:33:36Z

Andiyar:

=== Insert ===

'''Written by Yamaguchi Noboru'''

Born in Feburary, 1972.
His debut work was "Canary/This thought on a Song", which was serialized in ''Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko''.
Other works include "Green Green kane no oto Fantastic," "Tsuppare Arisugawa" (both in ''Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko''), "Green Green kane no oto Stand By Me" (in ''MF bunko J''), and many other serialized novels, including "Fujimi Fantagia Battle Royal," "Green Green," "Gonna Be??" "Yukiuta," "Shiritsu Akihabara Gakuen," and "Makai tenshi Gibliel".
He has also worked as a scenario writer for games.

'''Illustrations by Usatsuka Eiji'''

A real Osaka native, born and raised. His birthday is the 16th of August.

He is currently drawing illustrations while employed as an office worker. Usatsuka has worked on one previous novel, titled "Doushi sama to issho" (serialized in ''Dengeki bunko'').

----

=== Back Cover ===

Zero no Tsukaima by Yamaguchi Noboru

"Who are you?"

Hiraga Saito awoke to find a pretty girl asking him that question. Looking around, he found himself in an unfamiliar place, people dressed as magicians surrounding him and the girl.

The girl, calling herself Louise, explained that she had "summoned" him from his world to be her "familiar". Saito's confusion grew, especially after she kissed him and claimed it was a "contract"! ''My first kiss,'' he lamented, but before he had even a chance to become angry, strange symbols etched themselves into his left hand, marking him as a familiar!

While searching for a way to return home, Saito must cope with being forced to live with Louise, as her familiar ...

And so begins Hiraga Saito's comedic life as 'Zero's Familiar.'

----

=== Raw English Translation ===
Coming soon.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:30:52Z

Andiyar: /* Page 64 */ subject, minor rewording

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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*--[[User:CrowKenobi|CrowKenobi]] 00:27, 29 October 2006 (CDT)

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----

==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to all our lives."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the most basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:23:44Z

Andiyar: /* Page 63 */ subject. brief others.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom, her expression severe. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had appeared from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Now then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:19:22Z

Andiyar: /* Page 62 */ wording

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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----

==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The students all chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged her fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please cease this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All the vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:17:07Z

Andiyar: /* Page 61 */ tense. wording.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I wasn't allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

Chevreuse remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:12:43Z

Andiyar: /* Page 60 */ bits & pieces

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.1 ==
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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.0 ==
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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with an owl resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. There were also several ravens and cats in the room.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"A Skua." 

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat down. Saito sat down beside her. She glared at him.


"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T11:01:36Z

Andiyar: /* Page 59 */ wording changes

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up at her, his face resentful.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a little bit."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm don't want to start a bad habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:55:10Z

Andiyar: /* Page 58 */ tuning

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here because I especially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl sitting in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. On the edge was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.


Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided for us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop, but was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:46:58Z

Andiyar: /* Page 57 */ wording.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.1 ==
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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, Miss!" 

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes. It is."

"There's something suspicious in it.

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:43:39Z

Andiyar: /* Page 56 */ wording.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised her imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.


"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."


"Okay..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's an 'Alvíss'?"


"It is the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

Where she pointed, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"They do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.0 ==
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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:37:05Z

Andiyar: /* Page 55 */ rewording, minor adds & deletes. subject.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't it have been better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more effective, and more mage-like.''


''I wonder why didn't?''


Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and centremost building on the Academy grounds. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Above the student tables was an upper level where Saito could see the teachers chattering amiably.


All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:30:02Z

Andiyar: /* Page 54 */ wording. punctuation.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"


"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why that Kirche's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup. Flat as a board.''


Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And last night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''


==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:26:16Z

Andiyar: /* Page 53 */ wording, some tone

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the time to go around flirting with everything I see, unlike you."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her in a cute shuffling movement that looked uncanny for such a large creature.


As Kirche disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being a human. But you're one too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!"


==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:22:32Z

Andiyar: /* Page 52 */ bits & pieces. wording mostly, a few punctuation tweaks

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat embers with each breath. 

"Don't you feel hot being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic!"


"It's actually fairly cool to me," Kirche replied smugly.


"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means he is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"


"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.

"Isn't it just? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"


"Your affinity is for Fire, isn't it?"


"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent! The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked as if she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:14:28Z

Andiyar: /* Page 50 */ fiddling.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"If you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"


"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat out embers as it breathed.

"Don't you get hot by being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic."

"It's actually fairly cool to me."

"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"

"That's nice," said Louise bitterly.

"Isn't it just nice? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"

"Because your affinity is for Fire, right?"

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked like she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T10:05:38Z

Andiyar: /* Page 49 */ punctuation and wording changes. minor subject changes.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting her impressive cleavage which drew the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.


Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of them directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When the girl saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting, her face frowning.


"Good morning... Kirche."



"Is that your... familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.


"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. What are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His stare intensified.


==== Page 50 ====

"But that's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"And if you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"

"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

It was as big as a tiger, if not larger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat out embers as it breathed.

"Don't you get hot by being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic."

"It's actually fairly cool to me."

"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"

"That's nice," said Louise bitterly.

"Isn't it just nice? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"

"Because your affinity is for Fire, right?"

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked like she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T09:55:59Z

Andiyar: /* Page 48 */ wording, subjects, shuffling-with-terms

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she spoke again. 

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' Saito turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted, her face displeased. 

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a servant is readily available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up her blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline, her breasts as large as melons.



==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, revealing an impressive cleavage that impulsively drew in the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.

Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of it directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When she saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting with a frown.

"Good morning. Kirche."


"Is that... your familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.

"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. But what are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His gaze drew in closer.

==== Page 50 ====

"But that's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"And if you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"

"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

It was as big as a tiger, if not larger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat out embers as it breathed.

"Don't you get hot by being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic."

"It's actually fairly cool to me."

"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"

"That's nice," said Louise bitterly.

"Isn't it just nice? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"

"Because your affinity is for Fire, right?"

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked like she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.1 ==
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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T09:50:48Z

Andiyar: /* Page 47 */ wording, subjects.

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

== Chapter 02 - Part 1.0 ==
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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise said groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble. 

''Is she okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito:

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to get the most out of Saito. 

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair of panties at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she murmured again.

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' He turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted in displeasure.

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a ready servant is available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up the blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three similar wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline. Her breasts were like melons.

==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, revealing an impressive cleavage that impulsively drew in the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.

Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of it directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When she saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting with a frown.

"Good morning. Kirche."


"Is that... your familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.

"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. But what are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His gaze drew in closer.

==== Page 50 ====

"But that's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"And if you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"

"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

It was as big as a tiger, if not larger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat out embers as it breathed.

"Don't you get hot by being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic."

"It's actually fairly cool to me."

"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"

"That's nice," said Louise bitterly.

"Isn't it just nice? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"

"Because your affinity is for Fire, right?"

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked like she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

== Chapter 02 - Part 2.2 ==
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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2

2006-11-03T08:55:00Z

Andiyar: page 46 initial edits

== [[zeroNT:Komgvol01editchpter02control|Raw English Translation Available Here]] ==

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==== Chapter Two: Louise the Zero ====

When Saito woke up, the first thing he saw was the underwear that Louise had stripped off.

It had somehow ended up in his line of sight, after being carelessly tossed away.


Louise was still asleep in bed, snoring gently. Her sleeping face was simply cherubic. Looking at her like this, she seemed a lot more childish. She was a loud and annoying girl when she spoke—"noble" this, "magician" that—but while she slept, she was cute. Saito almost wished that she would stay asleep forever.


Then reality sank in. ''So last night really '''wasn't''' a dream.'' He had thought he would find himself back in his own room, but obviously, it hadn't happened. He felt dispirited.


Still, it was a refreshing morning. Dazzling light shone down into the room.

Saito's characteristic curiosity was reawoken. ''Thinking about it, this is kinda like a sightseeing tour. I wonder what kind of world this is? While I don't like the idea of being the familiar of a rude magician girl who snores her head off, I should try to make the most of it in any case.''




==== Page 47 ====

First things first, he went and flung the blanket off Louise.

"Wh-What? What's going on!"

"It's morning, milady." 

"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?"

Louise yelled groggily. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble.

''Is this girl okay?''

"Hiraga Saito."

"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"

Louise got up and yawned. Then she ordered Saito.

"Clothes."

He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.

Saito quickly turned the other way to hide his blushing face.

"Underwear."

"G-Get that yourself."

"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."

It seemed she thoroughly planned to make the most out of Saito.

Holding his tongue, he went and opened the said drawer. Lo and behold, it was packed full of underwear. It was the first time he had seen woman's underwear in this manner, except for his mother's. Grabbing a pair at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking back.

==== Page 48 ====

Once Louise had put them on, she murmured again.

"Clothes."

"I just gave them to you."

"Dress me."

''Don't push it.'' He turned to object angrily, only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing only the underwear he had thrown at her. He suddenly didn't know where to look.

Louise pouted in displeasure.

"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress themselves if a ready servant is available."

That irked him.

"You can at least dress yourself."

"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast,"
Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.

Reluctantly, Saito picked up the blouse.

When he left the room with Louise, he saw three similar wooden doors along the wall. One of them opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise,
roughly the same height as Saito. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive and she sported a captivating bustline. Her breasts were like melons.

==== Page 49 ====

The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, revealing an impressive cleavage that impulsively drew in the eyes. Her skin was tanned, giving her a look of health and natural beauty.

Her height, skin color, atmosphere, and breast size... All of it directly contrasted with Louise, who lacked in all of those charm points.

When she saw Louise, she grinned broadly.

"Good morning, Louise."


Louise returned the greeting with a frown.

"Good morning. Kirche."


"Is that... your familiar?"
Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Saito.

"That's right."

"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That is amazing!"

Saito resented that. ''Sorry for being human. But what are you then?'' He stared at Kirche's breasts. ''You're just a big-breasted alien. Yeah, a big b-b-breasted alien.'' His gaze drew in closer.

==== Page 50 ====

"But that's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' As expected of Louise the Zero."

Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.

"Shut up."

"I summoned a familiar yesterday too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."

"Really."

"And if you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one like this. Flame!"

Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large dark-red lizard slithered out. A wave of heat hit Saito.

"Uwah! What the heck is this red thing?"

Kirche smiled.

"Ohoho! Don't tell me this is your first time seeing a fire lizard?"

"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is it?"

"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."

Kirche put a hand to her chin, and tilted her head teasingly.

It was as big as a tiger, if not larger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and from its mouth

==== Page 51 ====

Illustration -- Kirche shows off her familiar.

==== Page 52 ====

(paragraph continued)

it spat out embers as it breathed.

"Don't you get hot by being near it?"
Saito asked. He calmed himself down and looked at it again. "Wow, it's a monster... Fantastic."

"It's actually fairly cool to me."

"Is this a salamander?"
Louise asked jealously.

"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large is without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"

"That's nice," said Louise bitterly.

"Isn't it just nice? It matches perfectly with my affinity!"

"Because your affinity is for Fire, right?"

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" 

Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too sad.

Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It really looked like she hated losing.

----

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==== Page 53 ====

"I don't have the leisure to go around flirting with everything I see, like you do."

Kirche only smiled calmly. Then she turned to Saito.

"And what's your name?"

"Hiraga Saito."

"Hiragasaito? What a strange name."


"Hey!"

"Well then, I'll be off now."

She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her, in a cute shuffling movement unseemly of such a large creature.

As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.

"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"

"Calm down, it's just a summoning."

"No, it's not! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at their familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"

"Jeez, sorry for being human. But you're human too, y'know."

"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing a wolf and a dog!"

==== Page 54 ====

(paragraph continued)

Louise exclaimed haughtily.

"...Okay, okay. By the way, she just called you 'Louise the Zero,' but what's the 'Zero?' Is it your surname?"

"No way! My name is Louise de la Vallière! 'Zero' is just a nickname."

"A nickname, huh? I can understand why she's called 'Ardent,' but why are you 'Zero?'"

"You don't need to know,"
Louise answered uncomfortably.

"Is it your breasts?"
Saito asked, glancing at Louise. ''Yup, flat as a board.''

Louise's hand flew out. He dodged it.

"Come back here!"

"Don't hit me!"

''Flew?''

''That reminds me... This girl...''

''Yesterday, even when everyone else flew away, she walked.''

''And that night, when I grabbed her, she kicked me in the groin.''

==== Page 55 ====

''If she'd really wanted to chastise me, wouldn't if be better to use magic, instead of hitting or kicking?''

''That would be more definite and more magician-like.''

''Why is that?'' Saito wondered.

Tristein Magic Academy's dining hall was the tallest and most central building in the premise. Inside the hall, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.

It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks - third years.

The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks - first years. ''So they're like year-level jerseys,'' Saito thought.

Every single mage in the school grounds, students and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Overhead, there was another level where he could see teachers enjoying pleasant chatter.

All of the tables were magnificently decorated.

==== Page 56 ====

Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...

Saito's mouth was agape with amazement at the sheer grandeur of the dining hall. Louise raised a finger imperiously and began to explain. Her hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Tristein Magic Academy doesn't teach just magic, you know."

"Right..."

"Almost all mages are nobles. The motto 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."

"Right..."

"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Hall of [[#alviss|Alvíss]]. Be grateful."

"Right... Hey, what's 'Alvíss'?"

"It the name for the little people. See all those statues over there?"

As she had described, lined along the walls were elaborate sculptures of small people.

"They're well-made. Err, those things don't... like... come alive during the night or anything, do they?"

"Oh, you knew that?"

"So they do?!"

==== Page 57 ====

"Well, they dance. Enough of that, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar,"
Louise remarked, crossing her arms and cocking her head, making her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. ''Oh well, ladies first.'' Saito pulled Louise's chair out for her.

Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Saito also brought over a chair to sit on.

"This is amazing!"
Saito cried. It was far too grand for a breakfast. A huge roasted chicken taunted Saito. Other than that, there was also wine and a pie baked in the shape of a trout.

"I can't eat all this! I'll die if I do! Hey, oi! Miss!" (note: 'ojousama')

He prodded Louise's shoulder, only to find her already glaring at him.

"What?"
Saito asked dubiously. Louise kept her gaze fixed.

"Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. I should act more like nobility! Even though I'm not a noble."

Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.

"It's a bowl."

"Yes, it is."

"There's something suspicious in there."

----

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==== Page 58 ====

Louise propped her chin on her hands and spoke.

"You know, familiars are supposed to be outside. You're only in here because I specially requested it."

Saito was sitting dumbly on the floor, staring at the bowl that had been placed in front of him. In it were some sorry-looking scraps of meat floating around in a thin soup. To the edge of that was half a loaf of hard-looking bread.

Extending his neck, he peered over the edge of the tabletop.

He could only gaze longingly at the spectacular feast that was laid out on it. It was far beyond comparing with his meager bowl of scraps.

"O Great Founder Brimir and our lady the Queen. We thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning."

The harmonious sound of prayer was raised. Louise also joined in, closing her eyes.

''Just how is that a 'humble meal?''' Saito griped, still staring at the food. ''That's more than a banquet. If anyone's got a 'humble meal,' it'd be me. I mean, just what the heck is in this bowl? This is worse than what you'd feed a pet.'' He wanted to protest. ''Even pets in Japan eat better than this!''

Irritated at this mistreatment, he laid a hand on the tabletop. But that hand was slapped away by Louise.

==== Page 59 ====

Saito looked up resentfully at her.

"What are you doing?"

"Give me some chicken. Just a bit will do."

"Jeez..."

Grumbling, Louise stripped a bit of skin and dropped it into Saito's bowl.

"What about the meat?"

"No, I'm not going to help start a habit."

Louise herself began digging enthusiastically into the grand feast.

"Ah, it's delicious. Delicious! I think I'm going to cry,"
Saito muttered, while he gnawed on his hard bread.

The classrooms in the Magic Academy were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they too were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher would stand at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Saito and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.

And then the laughing began. Kirche was there also, surrounded by a group of boys.

''I see, so she really does have them wrapped around her little finger. She's being treated like a queen''

==== Page 60 ====

(paragraph continued)

''by all of those guys. Well, it's not surprising, with her impressive bust. I guess big breasts are big breasts, no matter where you go.''

The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.

Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were also students with owls resting on one shoulder. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.

But what drew Saito's attention the most were the creatures that would've been considered fantasy monsters back in his world. He was suddenly excited. All sorts of amazing beasts were milling around him.

He spotted a lizard with six legs. ''That's gotta be...'' Saito tried to recall what little fantasy lore he knew. ''A basilisk! I've seen one in a game.'' There was also a huge eyeball floating gently in midair. What could that be? He decided to ask Louise.

"What's that freaky eyeball monster?"

"A bugbear."

"Then what about that octopus thing?"

"Skua." (note: text reads as 'sukyua,' like 'skewer;' 'skua' is a type of seabird, but that's not relevant)

Louise answered him in a sullen voice and sat herself down on a seat. Saito also sat down beside her. She glared at him.

"What?"

==== Page 61 ====

"That's a mage's seat. Familiars are not allowed in it."

Begrudgingly, he lowered himself to the floor. ''I hadn't been allowed to eat breakfast at the table either. And this desk is really getting in the way. I'm not sitting here,'' he resolved, and sat back on the chair.

Louise glanced at him, but didn't say anything this time.

The door opened, and the teacher entered the class.

She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and was wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face that gave off a friendly impression.

"Is that lady a magician too?" Saito whispered to Louise.

"Isn't it obvious?" Louise hissed back.

The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.

"Well everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."

Louise cast her eyes downward.

"My, my. You've summoned quite a... Peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière,"

She remarked as she looked at Saito. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.

"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"

Louise's long blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.

----

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==== Page 62 ====

"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"

"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant,' right?"

The rest of the students chuckled.

"Mrs. Chevreuse! I've been insulted! Malicorne the 'Common Cold' just insulted me!"

Louise banged a fist against the tabletop in protest.

"Common cold? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!"

"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly like you've caught one!"

The boy called Malicorne stood up and glared at Louise. Chevreuse pointed at them with the wand in her hand. The two suddenly jerked about like puppets on a string and rigidly sat back down.

"Miss Vallière, Mister Malicorne. Please stop this unnecessary argument."

Louise looked visibly dejected. All that vivacity that she'd shown just earlier seemed to have evaporated.

"Calling friends 'Zero' or 'Common Cold' is not acceptable. Do you understand?"

"Mrs. Chevreuse, I'm only called that as a joke, but for Louise, it's the truth."

A few giggles broke out from somewhere.

==== Page 63 ====

Chevreuse looked around the classroom with a severe expression. She pointed her wand again, and the mouths of the students who'd giggled were suddenly filled with lumps of red clay that had seemingly come from nowhere.

"You people shall continue the lesson in that state."

This put a firm stopper on any further outbursts.

"Then, let's begin the lesson."

Chevreuse coughed heavily, and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.

"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."

Chevreuse nodded.

"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is for Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."

Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.

"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it weren't for this,

==== Page 64 ====

(paragraph continued)

we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's living."

''Aha,'' thought Saito. ''So in this world, magic is the equivalent of science and technology in my world. I think I now understand the reason why Louise is so proud to call herself a magician.''

"Now everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation.' While there will be people here who can already perform this from their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."

Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them.

She then whispered a rune, and they began to glow brightly.

When the light dimmed away, the pebbles had been changed into sparkling lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse!?"

Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it isn't. It's plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute to gold. I'm just..."

Chevreuse gave a self-important cough.

==== Page 65 ====

"A Triangle mage..."

"Louise."

Saito poked Louise.

"What? We're in the middle of a lesson here!"

"What's all this about squares and triangles supposed to mean?"

"It's the number of elements that they can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage."

"Huh?"

Louise explained to Saito quietly.

"See, for example, you can use an Earth spell on its own. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly."

"Oh, I see."

"Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together, are called Line mages. Mrs. Chevreuse, since she can combine the three elements Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage."

"What happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It reinforces that element and makes it stronger."

"I see. So in other words, you could say that the teacher over there is a fairly powerful mage, because she's a Triangle?"

----

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==== Page 66 ====

"Exactly."

"How many can you add, Louise?"

She didn't answer.

While they were talking, the teacher noticed them.

"Miss Vallière!"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please refrain from private chatter during lessons."

"I'm sorry..."

"If you are so idle to be talking, why don't I have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?"

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice."

Louise didn't stand up. She simply sat there looking troubled and fidgety.

"Hey, come on! She's pointing at you!" Saito nudged her.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?"

Mrs. Chevreuse called for her again, but Kirche raised her voice in concern.

"Umm..."

"Yes?"

==== Page 67 ====

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..."

"And why is that?"

"It's dangerous."

Kirche answered plainly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement.

"Dangerous? How so?"

"This is your first time teaching Louise, right?"

"Yes, but I hear she's a hard worker. Now, Miss Vallière. Don't worry, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you dread mistakes."

"Louise, don't!"

Kirche cried, her face pale.

But Louise stood up.

"I'll do it."

And with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled.

"Miss Vallière, you have to visualize strongly in your mind the metal that you wish to transmute."

Giving a cute little nod, Louise waved her wand. And she had never looked so adorable as in that instant where she pursed her lips to begin chanting an incantation - it was almost otherworldly.

==== Page 68 ====

Even knowing her true personality, Saito was momentarily enamored.

Under the morning sunshine streaming in from the window, Louise's strawberry-blonde (note: originally was 'momoiro', peach-colored) hair sparkled enchantingly. Her hazel eyes seemed like jewels, and her skin was a flawless white. And a sculpted nose befitting of nobility...

''If only her breasts were filled out more, she'd be perfect - almost too good. But no matter how cute she is, that personality of hers is a real pitfall,'' Saito lamented.

But as he sat there pondering, the students sitting in front of him had for some reason hid under their chairs. ''Don't they see how cute Louise is? Still, she doesn't seem to be very popular. Rather, she gets put down as 'the Zero' and is made fun of. Just look around here, there aren't any girls nearly as cute. Only Kirche rivals her in looks.''

Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short rune and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on, and were thrown against the blackboard. People screamed.

Frightened familiars added to the chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs to breathe out a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking in earlier slithered in and swallowed someone's raven.

==== Page 69 ====

The classroom was in a state of pandemonium.

Kirche stood up and pointed a finger at Louise.

"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" (note: the raven just before)

Saito was in a daze.

Mrs. Chevreuse didn't move from where she lay. From the occasional twitching, she wasn't dead.

A soot-blackened Louise rose slowly. She was a miserable sight to behold. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt.

Still, what an amazing girl.

She didn't seem at all fazed by the discord in the room...

Pulling a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face, she spoke in a weak voice.

"Looks like I messed up a little..."

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"This isn't 'a little!' Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Saito finally understood why Louise was called 'the Zero.'

----

=== Translator's Notes ===
;[[#back_to_alviss|↑]] Alvíss
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alv%C3%ADss Alvíss] was a dwarf in Norse mythology who was turned to stone through Thor's trickery.

----

Talk:Suzumiya Haruhi:Volume6 Asahina Mikuru's Adventure Episode 00

2006-10-20T12:38:48Z

Andiyar:

"Only the did he raise his pitch and made a serious face." This sentence needs to be re-examined. There must be some translation error or missing words because it makes no sense to me.

-Psy

Changed to "Only then did he raise the pitch of his voice and make a serious face." -Teisu

"One morning, Mikuru found a letter inside her shoe letter."
changed to "letter inside her shoe locker." ?
-Teisu

"You look as though you got eaten by an old geezer."
The word "eaten" in English is used almost exclusively with chewing and/or food. I think that a more appropriate word might be "fondled,
or "leered at". - Teisu

Changed to "molested". -Teisu

Spelling (easy to verify):

Typographical Errors?
"platic" -> "plastic" (~l. 104)
"ligtning" -> "lightning" (~l. 241)

"sub-plot" -> "subplot"

"stationary" -> "stationery"
Usage
"stationary" = unmoving
"stationery" = having to do with writing

"everytime" -> "every time"

"...which doesn't even have a single decent furniture in sight"
"Furniture" is not a count noun. Added "piece" as a countable unit.

"...a cat can be seen sticking out his paws and clinging onto Yuki's shoulder."
"Onto" is used specifically to indicate motion towards, as in:
"The cat jumped onto the table."

"clinging on to" might be acceptable, but the "on" is not, strictly speaking, necessary.

"..it came very suddenly when she appeared and block Itsuki's path."
Tense is, on the whole, somewhat inconsistent and questionable throughout this
translation, but clearly the verbs "come" and "block" should have the same tense
in this clause.

"It was only when Itsuki shook her shoulders did she wave the stars away."

The syntax is off here. I'm at a loss to summon a proper technical explanation but
might suggest the following fixes, shooting from the hip:

"Only when Itsuki shook her shoulders did she wave the stars away."
"It was only when Itsuki shook her shoulders that she waved the stars away."

"...instead brought three people who seems to be high school students."
Subject-verb agreement.

"Mikuru was now in a state of panic, and was beating the water frantically, this also meant she was hardly moving away from her spot as well."

Run-on sentence between "frantically" and "this". Possible fixes:

"frantically. This"
"frantically, this"
"frantically, which"

Oops... Strictly speaking, there should not be a comma after "panic" as no new
subject is explicitly stated for "was beating", resulting in a complex sentence
rather than a compound one.

"...it's not hard to guess that Itsuki's house must be very enormous, this can be observed from him carrying Mikuru into his very spacious Japanese-style room."

Another run-on. Same suggestions.

"Seeing how he has obediently follow orders from afar..."
Verb tense. Present perfect calls for past participle.

"..please do try and continue and suspend your disbelief."
I guess people out there do use "try and" rather than "try to". People do a lot of
strange things, especially when bored, like yours truly.

"Since Mikuru is here to protect Itsuki, so it wouldn't be odd for both of them..."
Too much of a good thing, namely conjunctions. Really, we don't need both a
subordinating conjunction ("since") and a coordinating conjunction ("so") here.
One or the other would be fine.

"Since Mikuru is here to protect Itsuki, it wouldn't be odd for both of them..."
"Mikuru is here to protect Itsuki, so it wouldn't be odd for both of them"

"For Yuki, who no one knows where she's staying. This is a difficult wall to climb..."
The first "sentence" above is a fragment, which might be okay if you're into those.
Really, there's no independent clause!

As for a fix, dunno, it feels like these sentences belong together...
"For Yuki,...this is a difficult wall to climb..."

Meanwhile, "who no one knows where she's staying" is quite awkward as a relative
clause. I can't come up with a good fix that doesn't alter the feel a bit. Perhaps
something along the lines of the following:

"For Yuki, whose residence is unknown..."

Ain't pretty, though.

"Though it wasn't till very late that she had noticed."
Fragment. "Though" acts as a subordinating conjunction here, I think, so the clause
is rendered dependent. Easy enough to combine with the preceding clause.

"To the point of nearly getting burnt on the arse if no ending was made, of course."
Also a fragment, but I'll chalk that up to style. More importantly, the subjunctive
mood is called for here: "if no ending were made"

"Anyway, there won't be any closure if the story was allowed to run astray like this."
Tense and mood seem to be confused here. Then again, so am I, so I'll leave it at
that for now.

"So all the broken scenes of each character doing god-knows-what has been forcefully joined..."
Subject-verb agreement. "...the broken scenes...have"

Not sure I like present perfect tense here.

Also not sure about starting a sentence with "so", which feelsmore like a
coordination conjunction than a transition word.

"...Mikuru looked determined as though she was prepared to do something..."
Subjunctive mood, definitely. "as though she were". Oops, a comma ought to precede
that as well.

"...the one who has never even showed herself in front of the camera."
Where I come from, the principal parts of the verb "show" are "show"-"showed"-"shown".
Where I come from, we use the past participial form in the present perfect tense.
Where I come from is a place on Earth, really, which is primarily Anglophone.

"Mikuru said softly in a volume that can barely be picked up by the microphone."
Tense mismatch. "can" -> "could"

"This would make that battle scene more intensifying..."
Too much of a good thing (namely causativization, if memory serves, both
morphological and syntactic)? Probably better, either:

"This would intensify that battle scene..."

or:

"This would make that battle scene more intense..."

Okay, I've spent waaaay too much time on something which will most likely only irritate the people who mysteriously decide not to ignore it.

I am very grateful to those who took the time to translate this. A million times, thank you. I am also very much impressed with the quality of the work. Translation is an extremely difficult art.

Please bear in mind that my comments are not meant to disparage the wonderful work that has been done here. As it stands, this translation is perfectly intelligible.

Nonetheless, for those who are interested in pursuing unnecessarily anally retentive perfection, there is room for improvement.

Tense is inconsistent, shifting from past to present and back again. Perhaps this is meant to make the narrative seem more informal and conversational. At times, verb tense is simply off. I have attempted to address a few of the most egregious instances, but I have not sought to address this issue exhaustively.

Basic subject-verb number agreement, e.g. "it smells"/"they smell" has been an issue,characteristic of non-native speakers. (This is not a criticism! I'm sure the translators' English is much better than my Japanese or Chinese.)

The subjunctive mood is not correctly employed (e.g., "if the subjunctive mood were completely forgotten, I do not believe the English language would be greatly harmed.")

Sentence fragments and run-on sentences abound, a common enough issue.

Punctuation is an issue as well, although I have made little attempt to address it as it may be subject to considerable debate. Some of the run-on sentences might be corrected simply by virtue of the use of a semicolon or period (and appropriate capitalization) rather than a comma). One convention to consider, if there is anyone interested in doing so, is the use of commas in compound vs. complex sentences.

A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, which is preceded by a comma. Each clause has an explicit subject.

"I wrote, and I wrote."
"I wrote, but no one read."

A complex sentence features a single subject with two predicates joined by a conjunction, without a comma.

"I wrote and wrote."

I hope I have not offended or irritated anyone excessively. I apologize both for being too thorough and for not being thorough enough. I pray to the gods of multiple religions that some well-meaning numbskull doesn't come along and look at "stationery" and exclaim, "Gee, that don't look right!" Don't take my word for any of these changes. Heck, even my IP address is dynamic. - anon

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2006-10-20T12:16:18Z

Andiyar:

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

please register your intended chapters here

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

== List ==

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Sushi-Y|Nidema]]

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] (pages 120-131) & [[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] (pages 132-142)
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6 - Kuroneko
::*Chapter 7
::*Chapter 8

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔
* Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン
* Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書
* Volume 4 - The Contract Water Spirit / 誓約の水精霊
* Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日
* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石
* Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭
* Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲

User:Andiyar

2006-09-04T14:12:38Z

Andiyar:

Age 23. Nationality Australian. Gender undefined.

I'm a uni student, school technology advisor, customer service supervisor (read: drone), writer, reader, and a lot of other things in between. At the moment, the uni thing takes up the majority of the time; I am currently taking a double degree, specifically a Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Science. Majors are Creative Writing, sub-majoring in poetry, prose fiction and editing; and Biology, sub-majoring in genetic engineering. So I figure that I'll be perfectly qualified to write biological horror science fiction by the time I graduate. ''Qualified''. Not just capable.

I'm a fan of bishoujo>anime conversions, my favourite probably being AIR TV, although Kanon 2006 does look like it will be very special to me. I also enjoy pretty much anything romantic or comedic, as long as the humour is mostly clean and/or intelligent (hah!) and that excessive fanservice is few and far between - oftentimes, it is preferably not there at all.

Oh yes - I'm currently embroiled in writing three different novels/novellas, tend to jump up at three in the morning and sketch down lines for poems that later end up either being severely twisted or inspirational, and find the English language a beautiful and precious thing. Recently I found myself very much excited whilst reading a chapter in a English Style Manual about proper sentence punctuation.

I can't think of much else to put here, except a couple of recent books I've read that everyone should read, or at least find and say they've read. Find a copy of ''Silk'' by Alessandro Barico, for a beautifully stylised romantic exploration, and find a copy of ''Maurice Guest'' by Henry Handel Richardson, if you think that your life is depressive and bad and that you shouhld be dead.

That's enough for now. ^^;;

~A~