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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL

2008-10-28T19:35:26Z

Captain Sabih: Spelling mistake "Trsitain" changed to "Tristain" - CS

It was just the second moon of January since the end of the war… On the first week of the moon of Hagar, on Freyja's week, one by one, nobles from all countries gathered up in Albion’s capital Londonium.

Londonium.

Compared to all other cities of Halkeginia, had a new atmosphere around it. To the central portion of the town was made from skillfully handled stones, which continued to build up due to constant ruling.

One hundred years ago, Londonium was hit with conflagration, and because the town outlines were made of wood, it almost burned down completely. By the order of that time Albion’s king, wooden constructions of buildings were forbidden in Londonium since then.

It was also a meant to increase Albion's air force power that would roar over Halkeginia, as it protected the timber resources needed. It had the powerful fleet established with abundant timber, and looked down at all Halkeginia from above the clouds…

However, now it was only a fairy tale of the past.

At present – Albion was a poultry placed on the table. Wings and nails were taken off and put on the plate – burnt poultry. Helkeginia’s most powerful were staring at the meat like starving wolves.

The havirand palace of Londonium was filled with people like in a party.

Galia, Germania, Romalia… kings and the emperors of each country came on their will with many vassals as waiters just to fight over the share of this poultry.

The Queen of the Kingdom of Tristain, Henrietta’s name was also listed in the ‘Nations conference’, as she was invited to attend the part two weeks ago.

Henrietta sat at the round table of Whitehall.

Next to her, Cardinal Mazarini could be seen. Near them was Germania’s emperor, whom Henrietta was about to have married before, Albrecht the III. In the duel for power between 40 men, he won emperor's seat and now was looking at Henrietta with dirty-minded eyes

When Henrietta glared back courageously, he gave a broad grin.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness Princess Henrietta.”

“I’m afraid I am a queen now, Your Excellency.”

The nose of Albrecht the III turned pale.

He looked grateful at the Romalia’s ambassador, who sat in front of Henrietta. Romalia, who had a small militia participation, had very little to say in this conference.

Therefore, only the ambassador was participating.

Nearside, General Hawkins was fulfilling his duty as the plenipotentiary Albion ambassador. Dauntless features were on this man; in his prime years face. Despite kings were sitting in a row before him, he had no fear. His chest was put out in a dignified manner, not showing the pathos of the defeated army general. Germania’s emperor who sat next him, didn’t like such an attitude at all.

“But…that guy is late.”

Albrecht the III muttered to Henrietta.

“You mean king Joseph?”

Joseph, the king Galia, has not shown up yet.

“Yes. The incapable lady-killer. No one else from the country suited to be Galia’s king. Do you know? It is said that he got the throne by killing his younger brother. Such a very shameless person.”

Such were the rumors…

Loud steps were heard behind the door, then it opened.

There stood a beautiful looking blue-haired man.

The announcer called in a perplexed tone.

“His Majesty; King of Galia!”

He seemed to have a charming figure. Visible back muscles were like one of the ancient gladiators'. The neatly tightened face, framed by a blue beard.

It was Joseph, king of Galia.

The king of Galia watched everyone who gathered, with a broad smile on his face.

“This, this! Everyone is here! All Helkeginia’s kings meeting in this place, unbelievable! A happy day! A happy day!”

Joseph notices Albrecht the III and tapped his shoulder.

“Dear emperor, Your Excellency! I am sorry for not attending the coronation! Are your relatives doing fine? I mean the ones that you lent your castle, so that you may hold that crown.”

Albrecht the III turned pale. This castle ‘lending’ - scathing sarcasm. Joseph was making fun of Albrecht the III, who imprisoned his rivals in the castle tower.

“A hard door and splendid chains were used for their own protection! Moreover, they are even given food. One bread crust, one glass of water, and firewood after two weeks when their bodies became cold. The purpose is to keep them healthy. The luxury is bad for the body. You are really a kind emperor! I would like to learn that too!”

“Aye, thank you.” Albrecht the III muttered, loosing his composure. Then Joseph turned his face and this time took Henrietta’s hand.

“Oh. Princess Henrietta. You have grown. I wonder if you still remember me? We met at the end of a certain garden party at Langdorian lake. At that time, you were beautiful like a flower, that made all Halkeginia’s flower hang their heads in shame. And now you are a beautiful queen of peaceful Trsitain. Aye. Peaceful.”

Without looking at Hawkins and the ambassador in Romalia, king Joseph sat at the head of the table. As if it was most natural thing.

Though Albrecht the III made a face as if wanting to say something… Joseph waved it off. Then, as if still in his royal palace, he cracked his finger joints.

Then the servants brought trays with various dishes – like Howai, Toho, etc were brought in.

Before Henrietta and Albrecht the III, a large amount of food were placed. Henrietta and others looked at it in astonishment. It generously included even abundantly gorgeous ingredients. For such one plate some people would not be able to earn even working one full year.

“The dish and the wine I obtained from Galia. I am sorry for the shoddiness, but this dish is nothing compared to the treat from the whole country, so enjoy yourselves!”
The waiter poured wine into the cup, which king Joseph hung.

Henrietta’s and others cups were filled with blood-red wine as well.

“Leaders of all Halkeginia. Though it is small, first of all, let us hold the feast of celebration. The war ended. Peacefully, let’s take a toast for us!“

<center>* * *</center>

The feast continued for three hours… and ended because of a sudden retire from Joseph, Galia’s king. After only making noises of eating and drinking, he yawned, and said "I am sleepy" and stood up, leaving in a hurry.

As for the conference itself - nothing was done. Whenever the King of Galia opened his mouth, did nothing but recommend cooking to kings, who sat in a row, and toasting, repeatedly.

Puzzled, Henrietta and others left as well.

“We are being conciliated - the real thing will start tomorrow.”

Germania’s emperor muttered and while shaking his belly stuffed with gorgeos dishes , went out of the Whitehall. Henrietta listlessly, with elbows tightly pressed against her side, stood up.

That moment… General Hawkins came in front of Henrietta. And bowed deeply.

“With all due respect, may I have a word with Your Majesty?”

Mazarin, who was nearby, tried to intervene, but Henrietta stopped him.

“First of all, thank you for the generous treatment all Albion’s people received. They are exhausted by a long war. You controlled not with the wand, but with the bread. By the power that the beautiful His Majesty shines upon everyone, the people of the white country were led correctly. With all this generous treatment… could you not ask for compensation.”(there is something odd here)

“Right or wrong was the war – the people should not be punished. Don’t worry.”(there is something odd here too)

Hawkins bowed deeply. Henrietta tried to pass him, but he still detained her.

“Is there something else?”

“Your Majesty… Your Majesty’s army was saved by only one hero. Do you know that?”

Henrietta shook her head.

As a matter of fact, the rumor about Saito stopping the Albion army was not delivered to Henrietta. Senior military officials could never admit being saved by a single fencer. As a result, such rumor was silenced before reaching Henrietta in a shape of report.

“I do not know.”

“Honestly. Honestly… running away generals in attempt to save their own hides, changed the story in their country.”

“What was that?”

Hawkins told Henrietta.

How the Albion army, that pursued Allied Forces, was stopped by a single swordsman.

As a result, the Albion army missed Allied Forces which tried to run away from Rosais…

Henrietta’s mind was in turmoil. The heart that never trembled after the end of the war, now began to shake.

“Swordsman… Really?”

“Yes, swordsman. Black haired boy with a foreigner’s face.”

Not hiding feelings, with straight look, Hawkins said.

“The hero raged on, he even pointed a sword to the tip of my nose, until he fell down exhausted. Then, he started to move again and disappeared in the forest… I guess, he did not survive with all those injuries. Yet, it was his deed that saved Your Majesty’s army. Only one swordsman… held back tens of thousands of army troops. It’s needed to give a corresponding honor for the hero.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Henrietta thanked him in a shaky voice.

Black haired fencer from a foreign country…

…Could it be Louise’s familiar, listed between the names of killed in action?

Hiraga saito.

Strange sounding name.

Boy who came from the different world.

Void’s familiar.

Legendary Gandalfr…

Some time ago, when my mind was blinded, when I turned my wand to Louise… He stopped my spell, Henrietta recalled.

Once again, he stopped.

Not once, but twice… he stopped it.

Hawkins said, looking distant.

“If not him… Today, Your Majesty’s and mine seats would have been reversed. By all means, bless that brave man. In the name of Your Majesty, give him the blessing.”

<center>* * *</center>

That night… in a Havirand’s palace room, Henrietta was lost in thought. It was a gorgeous room made to entertain the guests from the foreign countries.

Someone knocked against the door. One long, two short knocks. It was one an arbitrary sign.

“Come in.”

The door opened, revealing Agnes. She carried no weapons or armor and was dressed in simple, plain clothes.

“Did you find out something?”

When Henrietta asked, Agnes shook her head.

“No… there were no clues obtained.”

“I see.” Henrietta nodded.

Following Henrietta, Agnes came to Albion. The South Gotha revolts from the Tristain army… suddenly, as if woken up from a dream, returned to their side attacking Albion’s army and joining allies.(this is strange)

All soldiers and officers answered the same upon explaining the temporary revolt – “I thought it was necessary to do so.” Was it the cause of some sort of magic – no one knew. It was strange that ten thousands of officers and experienced men sudden abandoned the victory, still, the cannon ball was shot out and no one could return it. Agnes, following Henrietta’s orders, investigated it for a long time.

“We thought that the water of South Gotha city may be the cause, and let mages to examine it, yet, no matter how long we examined it – it was still a common, normal water. Though noble’s pointed out the possibility of Primal Magic… there is no evidence. We are in a deadlock.”

“I see… Though a mysterious event, you should not give up the hunt for the truth. There are no limits.”

Agnes bowed.

“I did not match Her Majesty's expectations; there are no excuses.”

“Lift your head Agnes. My commander. You are not responsible. Mysterious things that never have been clarified happens in this world, of all the time. Primal magic, sacred ground, demi-humans, elves, lands of the east, other side of the ocean and void. Each one of them makes the mind puzzled.”

“Indeed.”

Agnes said in a tired voice. Agnes was always in a motion these days. Her face looked as if it lost it’s zeal somewhere.

“Commander, I want to give you a new duty.”

“With pleasure…”

Henrietta spoke about what she heard from general Hawkins in the Whitehall today.

“Miss Valliere’s boy familiar?”

“It is so. He saved Allied Forces… and the mother country. By all means, it is necessary to confirm if he is alive or dead. The point where he fought against the Albion army in south Gotha area… I hear that it is in the northeast of Rosais.”

“Certainly.”

Agnes saying so, bowed and tried to go out of the room again.

“Please wait.”

“What is it?”

To the surprised Agnes, Henrietta offered a cup from the table.

“Sake?”

Though Agnes lifted the cup while talking, she didn’t press her lips to it.

“There is something I want to ask you. Not as a queen, but as a woman… asking a senior woman.

“What?”

“…What does revenge bring? Emptiness? Sorrow? Do you regret your doings?”

“Revenge?”

Agnes shut her eyes.

“Me too… cannot find it.”

After the musketeer commander left...

Henrietta thought about the boy that saved the mother country and herself..

She poured wine into the cup again.

While watching the liquid that swung on the inside, Henrietta slowly traced her lips with a finger.

The lips, as if by same spell, felt like on fire… Henrietta’s cheeks slightly blushed

<center>* * *</center>

Saito glared at the firewood, hanging on the rope thrown over the tree branch.

“Kiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee!”

While screaming he pulled out the sword and lowered it.

-Kachink- came the sound of it hitting the firewood

Then again, he aimed the sword to it and lowered. Wood was diagonally cut and slipped down to ground. Applauses came from children who were watching that sort of show from surroundings.

Saito wiped away the perspiration from his brow.

He was practicing since the morning. He was doing it together with rehabilitation. Whenever he gets up in the morning - he instantly runs around the forest. Run’s long. After that, he goes swinging, day by day, he practices. Derflinger was a useful coach. And children were the curious audience watching.

“Hey?”

Saito asked Derflinger.

“Haah haah. Is it all right? Hah, I am only swinging the sword. As such I only train physical strength, but not the skills.”

“Indeed. However, there is no sparring partner…”

“Aarah. What if there were an expert? You loose even against kids who can swing the sword only a little.”

“Don’t say so bluntly.”

Saito glared at Derflinger.

“Besides, they are short. It’s no good defeating short partners.”

“Damn…”

“Even though it’s regrettable, swing the sword. Right now, the partner is not Gandalfr anymore…”

“ I know.”

Under the care of Derflinger, Saito continued training.

It continued for two hours…

“T-tired…”

Saito was lying on the ground.

“Mercy. I’m wasted.”

“…you’ve been saying that since the morning.”

Still it was a comfortable tiredness. When in Japan he was not moving around as much as in here. The sun dazzled through the crevice of trees and Saito closed his eyes.

“However…”

Saito watched his hand.

“What?”

“I did not think I can move this way.”

He said slightly surprised.

Compared with time in Japan he considerably added to his physical strength. If it were old days, it would be impossible for him to run such distance while swinging the sword. Derflinger was not light at all. A large sword. His old self would not been able to swung it around at all.

“Therefore, it is good for you to have a hard time practicing. However, I am saying it clearly said clearly, as an experineced old-timer in combats – you are still an amateur after all, don’t get over-confident.”
“I’m not over-confident.”

“Yet, you are still not on the level to withstand an actual combat. Do not conceit.”

“Nonsense.”

“Aah, partner you should practice with a sword at least…”

Derflinger mutters hurt.

“Mo, I know that myself! But I can’t do that unflaggingly.”

Saito stood up.

“U-ummm…”

Turning around he saw hesitant Tiffania standing.

“What's wrong?”

“…W-will you eat lunch?”

Surrounding children shouted with joy.

The lunch was prepared in the garden behind Tiffania's house.Actually, even if you call it garden, because it doesn’t have any separations from the forest, it was impossible to tell where is the garden and where is the forest.

Tiffania started placing dishes on the table. It was bread with mushroom stew. Seeing that Saito suddenly noticed that he is very hungry.

“Itadakimasu!”

He shouted loudly and began to eat greedily. For a moment, Tiffania was astonished, but then smiled gently. Children were also interested in Saito's behavior, who was loudly gobbling and munching it up.

Noticing such children’s attention, Saito blushed, and started to eat slower.

“It is delicious. Thank you.”

Tiffania laughed while smiling.

Those children who finished the meal, began to pester Tiffania.”

“Tiffa-neechan! Let’s play!”

“Hey hey, I still haven’t finished eating yet…”

“Uwaa! Tiffa onee-chan, mama…”

The boy, approximately ten years of age, buried his face between Tiffania’s breasts, making Saito instinctively spout the stew.

“Gim! Aren’t you big already? You can’t depend on mother forever.”

“Because… Tiffa-neechan grew bigger, just like mother…”

Saito became suspicious about what the boy named Gim said.

“…Hey, your ayes are not discerning. After two-three years your eyes should be able to distinguish. Busted!”

When he said so, Gim glared at Saito.

“Tiffa-neechan belongs just for me!”

“Yes?”

Gin ran away.

“What… he misunderstood.”

When he faced Tiffania he saw her firmly grasped fist resting on the knee.

“Tiffa?”

“N-no! I, I watched you practicing only because you looked happy, and I was just c-curious, so….”

Apparently, she was watching practice. And Gim felt jealous.

Saito smiled wryly.

"I understand. Because I am next to your age you are interested, right?”

Tiffania nodded silently. Tiffania grew up in a limited space and has not spoken to the teens of a similar age.

“…But, I wonder.”

“About what?”

“I am not scared of you. The dragon knight boys that I helped some time ago, were scary somehow…”

“I wonder why.”

“Oh well…I thought that maybe the reason that you are not afraid of me, as when I am feared I become insecure myself, but it is somehow different with you…”
Apparently, Rene and other’s were afraid of Tiffania. Oh dear, that could be it. Halkeginia’s nobles seemed to be afraid of elves due to the wars…

However, since Saito was not a noble from Halkeginia, he did not take part in wars either.

“Nonsense. Who would be afraid of such cute girl like you?”

When Saito said so, trying to comfort Tiffania, she hesitantly turned.

However …when she hesitantly turned with both of her hands on her knees, naturally, her breast were pushed over her hands. Huge, changing shape fruits. He did not know where to look.
　
Tiffania noticing that Saito turn his eyes away shamefully, in panic covered her chest.

Though she gave Saito a light glare…as if remembering something, she became serious again.

“But…you really don’t want to inform them?”

Saito nodded with the serious look as well. This morning, Tiffania asked if he didn’t want to inform his family that he is all right. He said to Tiffania that though he wanted to return back to that place, no one cared if he is alive or not… “Family who was left in Tristain does not worry?”

“It’s all right.”

“I could send a letter…”

“It’s all right.” Saito repeated lonely.

“Your family will surely be worried about your safety.”

“There is no family in Tristain.”

“Then, where are they?”

“In a place where letters do not reach.”

“…Eh?”

“It is nothing. Please forget it.”

Tiffania, not knowing what to say, became silent. Then noticing that Saito's stew plate is almost empty, Tiffania took it up.

“I, I’ll bring seconds.”

Saying so she disappeared in the house.

Saito lightly bit his lip.

After all, maybe he should tell the truth?

That there is a Void's user besides Tiffania to whom I was familiar.

Though that might worry her…

He felt someone’s presence. Did Tiffania return already? That was very fast. Though I wanted some time to prepare my mind for this moment, there is no other way.

Saito said in a constrained voice.

“Though I do not have family in Tristain, however… there is an important person.Yet… I do not have the skills needed to appear in front of that person anymore. I’m not a familiar of that person already. Therefore…”

His hesitant explanation was interrupted by a low woman’s voice.

“What are you doing here?”

It wasn’t Tiffania’s voice.

Frightened Saito looked up.

The commander of the musketeers stood there.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL

2008-10-27T23:39:24Z

Captain Sabih: Spelling mistake "Hnerietta" changed to "Henrietta" - CS

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL

2008-10-27T15:01:05Z

Captain Sabih: Spelling mistake "Tough" changed to "Though". - CS

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter One: Each End of the War===

“How about it? This was a reward from bristle spirits of the dead.”

Guiche, proud as a peacock, showed his White Hair Soul‘s medal to the classmates.

“Waah“ classmates sighed.

“Could it be that it’s not white hair but bristles?”

Someone commented, Guiche blushed.

“Aah! Don’t say that! White hair reward!”

Guiche glimpsed at the nook of the classroom. Montmorency was there. Though all classmates have gathered around Guiche, Montmorency, on the other hand, rested her elbows on a desk and stared outside the window, looking disinterested. Hey, look this way, I want you to hear the story… Guiche felt hurt for a moment.

“Great…Guiche, you commanded the company that lunged first into the City of South Gotha?”

“Don't mention it.”

Guiche proudly nodded. Everyone praised their classmate who had great military achievements.

“No way, Guiche. Honestly before now we though that you were just a big mouthed rascal, but now we can recognize our mistake without fail!

“Great! Guiche! You are awesome!”

Guiche leaned back listening. Then he crossed his legs, and put up a finger still looking as proud as a peacock.

“Now, I will tell you the story about the brave army fights against the orcs.”

Aaaah, the stir happened.

Guiche looked at Montmorency again. And sighed painfully. The reason is that Montmorency still looks the other way ... why she is acting this way… Guiche became sadder. He then raised he voice higher than needed.
“When the wall broke, orcs came from inside, one after another! At that time, I calmly commanded my sub ordinate's from gun corps. First platoon! Load! Aim! Fire!”

When saying ‘Fire’ Guiche rose and lowered his wand.

“Still, the enemy doesn't flinch! Magic was needed! I rose and started casting - Earth Hand!”

He cast the spell where the hand expands from ground and grabs one’s feet.

However, there was no soil in the classroom. Nothing happened. A strange silence stelled.

“Ka-boom! Valkyrie emerged!“

Guiche rejects the cane trying to cover himself up again. Petals of the artificial rose scattered around…and changed into seven Valkyries.

“Towards the upcoming orcs, my brave golems jumped out!”

Valkyries began to dance imitating the fight.

Someone recited the winds spell towards Guiche’s golems.

Valkyries were blown off and fell on the floor.

“Who?!”

With a sarcastic smile on his lips, De Lorraine watched Guiche. Before Tabitha’s fabulous results, he was counted to be the strongest in duels among the boys.

“If your golems were blown off by the wind magic, how were they able to withstand orcs blows?”

“Uuh…”

Guiche dropped in a cold sweat. Feeling on a roll, he has enlarged the story without thinking.”

“Well… A decoy! My golems were a decoy, used to distract the attacking enemies!”

“Hey hey, I heard a while ago, that it was all musketeers doing. Did your magic fail? You are not so great, Guiche!”

“S-subordinate soldier's were under commander's control!”

“But heven’t you just said that it was all about your magic? Please give my sincere admiration to your company once you meet them. However, were you really a decent lead? Maybe you were leaving most things on your sub-commanders shoulders?”

Bull’s eye, Guiche felt petrified. This way there was a contradiction in Guiche’s story. Well, he needed to keep on talking to buy some time… meanwhile Montmorency stood up and left the classroom.

Guiche ran after her in panic.

“Montmorency!”

Guiche shouted in a corridor paved with stone. Yet, Montmorency didn’t turn around, she just walked away briskly. Feeling anger emanating from her shoulders, Guiche ran up closer.

“Oi oi, please wait! Are you mad because of what I said? Darling! Listen me out, stop ignoring me!”

Guiche puts a hand on Montmorency's shoulder and made her halt.

“Here, look at it. A medal! Be happy! You are the girlfriend of someone worthy of an award! As I said, here, you...“

“That doesn’t make my opinion of you any better.”

After finally turning around, Montmorency declared.

“W-why?”

“Is the reward all that you care about? You left me without telling, that’s the problem!”

Not expecting such an attack, Guiche flinched. Spoiled by the praises, he could not imagine to be blamed this way.
“D-don’t you know! As a royal army volunteer, I could not write you letters!”

Montmorency, stared at Guiche with cold eyes. Feeling that this anger was different from usual, Guiche become silent.

“Even if it was so! This doesn’t mean you could not contact me! There are some things that are more important than a reward!”

He thought for a while.

“For instance?”

Because Guiche asked seriously, Montmorency’s cheeks turned red.

“Aya! Why you are hitting me!”

“Me. M-E.”

“Y-yes.”

“Aren’t you my knight? Haven’t you told me, that if there would be a war you would stay near, protecting me? Remember?”

"Ye-yes.”

Guiche stood upright and nodded.

“Since you left with boys, dreadful things happened in the Academy! Meanwhile you were going crazy attacking enemies for medals!”

That’s right… Guiche nodded. Upon returning he heard the story

“Because you were not here, a teacher saved us paying with his life. If only I would have been more skillful in water magic…”

Montmorency closed her eyes, recalling that time. She started curing Colbert who was wounded by the magic arrows, but even though water magic was used...she reached her willpower’s limit and fainted. 　

Guiche quietly lowered his head.

“I, I will study more. As a member of Montmorency house that negotiated with water spirit for generations… I will ask for help to train more. If I were better at water healing…I might have helped the teacher.”

Since Colbert hadn't any relatives, Kirche took his remains. Since Kirche left home for now, she wasn’t around. It was unclear if she was going to bury the similar ‘fire’ element user in the land of Germania. The tiny girl with short blue hair, disappeared as well.

“Furthermore, even that child lost her important person. So be a little more considerate. Is this really a time for joy? Even you, should not be so happy.

Guiche remembered.

There was a rumor that Louise’s familiar Saito fought alone against Albion’s army and made them retreat from Rosais.

Shaken Louise, many times she met with generals, but even though she made lots of noise, the escaping fleet would not turn back for the familiar.

Moreover,warship commanders just laughed from that rumor. They thought it was not possible for a single person to stop an army. You cannot stop 70000 soldiers all alone.

As for the Albion army's delay, there had to be another reason, it was blamed on their poor army management. They also thought that this familiar boy just simply ran away.

All the people around Louise kept on saying that.

And even if you would assume he confronted an army of 70,000 – there were no way he would be still alive. Sadly, she should but give up…

However, Louise was not consented to such opinion, she kept denying that. Once the fleet returned, the news about Albion’s army surrendering to Galia raised the confusion to the maximum. They stopped worrying about the rumors of the boy who stopped Albion’s army, thinking it to madman’s palaver.
　
After all, besides Saito there were many people missing or killed.

As a result, after returning to the magical academy Louise became severely depressed and hasn’t talked to anyone. As if her mind was somewhere else, she shut herself in the dormitory room and does not go out.

Saito’s fate was also part of the rumors in the Academy. Anyhow, right now Saito was famous in the academy for two things , for being a ‘legendary familiar’ and the one that ‘should be credited for everything’.

Montmorency who also heard those rumors, was worrying about Louise who shut herself and never left the room.

“Therefore, I want to comfort her at least. I will pay her a sympathy visit for now.

“Now you're talking. Montmorency, you are very kind.”

“I am not really kind. You know, until now though we were in a war… Even though it was a war, I never really fought in a war until just now…”

“Yes.”

“I am a ‘water‘ in so many different ways. I will fight my way ... I only wish I were stronger.“

Through the window, Montmorency looked up at the sky and muttered.

“I can’t allow this sadness to exist. I cannot cure if I feel sorry for myself.”

<center>* * *</center>

And so the sacred Albion republic's and the Tristain-Germania union's war ended with the ringing bells of advent festival.

Due to Saito's sacrifice all Allied Forces withdrew safely, while Galia’s fleet left the union and entered the war, blowing Rosais command base with Cromwell, off, causing Albion’s army that was stationed there to surrender.

With overwhelming difference in numbers and with the emperor being blown off, Albion’s army has lost their will to fight. Moreover, the Allied Forces army revolts returned to themselves, as if waking up from a long dream and went against Albion’s army again. Because of all this confusion, Albion’s army surrendered without a fight.

Galia’s army settled in Rosais, stopping a war for now to clean up the mess…

Thus a war which lasted for eight months, was ended by an active intervention of Galia’s kingdom.

Two weeks passed since the Albion republic's fall…

On the third week of the New Years Yara’s month - week of Eolo - Allied Forces' were officially disbanded and the temporary officers from the Academy of Magic students returned to the school one after another.

Prideful, returned those who had military achievements, returned and those who didn’t. But they fought in fierce battles too, and accomplished their duty even if there were no fabulous military results.

Because Magic Academy’s students, with a few exceptions, were used as the army’s back-up, there were almost no casualties and no military achievements either.

Due to that, those students that were military successful were heads above others and their popularity skyrocketed.

So Guiche boasted about his military achievements as well…

<center>* * *</center>

Evening…

Driven from Montmorency’s room, Guiche, feeling a little down, strode. Not many people walk here, in Vestri Courtyard.

When you think about it… It was here where I and Saito met and dueled, he thought. At that time, Saito kept on standing up no matter how much damage he received.

Next thing that caught his eye was Saito made bath and a tent next to the artillery tower. When he was driven out by Louise, he set up a tent and kept on living and sleeping here for a while. Guiche also recalled how he and Saito drank all night in there.

That’s the way Saito burned into his memory…

Somehow, his eyes turned moist. Guiche felt sad. Because he was sad he made so much noise back at the classroom.

Saito. Except Louise, no one believed…that he fought against 70,000 Albion’s army and stopped it. But for a man who stood up even while being hit by my Valkyrie… this may be not so impossible after all.

Guiche scrubbed below his eyes.

“Though just a commoner, you were my friend.”

Wiping of his tears, he noticed someone moving inside the tent.

“Saito…?”

However, the one that came out was…

“Belldandy!”

It was a huge mole, Guiche’s familiar.

“Where were you…”

Guiche squatted down and began to pat his beloved familiar.

“After all, you also miss him?”

The huge mole rubbed his nose against Guiche. Somehow, his round eyes looked sad.

“I see, so you were sad….”

Guiche held Belldandy in his embrace for a while… then he slowly stood up.

“Saito, I think you are a hero. Thefore there is a thing I have to do. Belldandy! Make a big pile of soil!”

Belldandy nodded and began to grub up earth with a severe power. In front of the Guiche the mountain of soil rose.

“I am an earth element user. Therefore I’ll send you a salaam with this soil. I’ll make a huge statue, so that you’d be remembered.”

Guiche cast spell upon the pile of soil. Then, the soil turned into the clay. Thrusting out his both hands, Guiche started making a statue.

“Saito was a great guy. So he deserves a great statue, at least five mails tall. Because you could not use magic…I will make this statue with my bare hands as well. That’s respect to Saito. Noble’s way of respect. Be happy!”

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Though Guiche and Montmorency grieved at heart… The one who mourned the most was Louise.

[[Image:ZnT08-025.jpg|thumb]]

In her room, Louise was sitting on the bed, hugging her knees. Dressed in a usual school’s attire, she wore a strange looking hat on her head.

It was a sweater she gifted to Saito. It looked more similar to a rather avant-garde art piece. Even though no matter how hard she push she couldn’t get head through the collar, she still felt more comfortable when wearing it.

Next to Louise was placed Saito’s notebook computer, his only personal thing. Because there was no power supply, the screen was completely blank.

Louise stared at the computer’s black screen. She remembered how upon the first day when Saito came, he showed the screen to her.

It was beautiful.

When thinking so, the back of her eyelids became hot again.

Saito… showed some scenery to me. Though I did not understood it, it was still beautiful and that mysterious scenery made me feel somewhat excited.

One by one different thoughts, scenes, actions… were revived in her heart.

Louise looked down at the pendant on her neck. Held back tears started rolling down her cheeks.

Saito… he always defended me. Like this pedant hanging on the neck, he always was near, he became my shield.

When I was almost crushed by Fouquet's golem.

When I was almost killed by Wardes.

When I faced a huge battleship.

When Henrietta, who was cheated by the enemy and forgot herself, cast tornado of water.

And… when I was ordered to hold the enemy back till death…

Saito, with his sword unsheathed, stood in front of me.

Legendary Gandalfr, just as his name suggests, became my shield.

But did I treat Saito kindly?

No, I was always stubborn, selfish, hard to please idiot.

“Idiot.”

Tears were burning.

“I was just caring about myself. Such ungrateful selfish, not cute me should have been left and ignored.”

Louise did not try to wipe away the falling tears, and quietly whispered to herself.

“Even though you said that dying for honor was a nonsense… you did not come after me.”

The blaming words against Saito, were now returning back at her. Her own words became a spear, that scooped the wound in Louise’s heart deeper.

“Though you said you love me… you left me all alone.”

Louise muttered staring at the black screen.

“Without you, I cannot even fall asleep.”

Hugging her knees, Louise continued to sob.

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Capital of Tristain, in the work room of the Tristania‘s royal palace, Henrietta sat on the chair with a discouraged look on her face.

Part of army's revolt in Albion, general De Poitiers' and marquis Handenburg’s ,commander of the Germanian army, deaths, complete army’s break… and a withdrawal request.

When the request came from the union Army Chief of Staff, Wimpffen, every one in the royal palace, including Henrietta and Mazarini, were confused. Was that a fake report by an enemy? They doubted.

To withdraw or continue to fight? It was cardinal Mazarini who brought the conference together.

“This is a Royal Palace and not a battlefield” his words silenced the ministers that did not want to withdraw.

However…The withdrawal became insignificant in the end.

The Galia fleet that appeared suddenly and made Albion army to surrender. After that, not long ago, Galia sent the special envoy to Tristain, who informed them to attend a conference held to decide Albion’s future...

Though Tristain’s royal palace were pleased with Galia’s attitude, there were no peace treaty with Galia.

Today was the day when two weeks passed since the invitation for Henrietta to attend the conference which was scheduled in Rosais.

Henrietta, she took in her hands the letter that has been sent by Galia’s ambassador.

“Halkeginia’s order disturbing Respublicanism was stopped, Galia’s Royal government feels that all Halkeginia’s nations should build up closer relationship with each other from now on…”

And the preamble continued.

However, though words caught her eyes they lost their meaning in her head.

Henrietta’s heart felt like a cave. Deep, cold, dark hole, in which one could fall. Even if you look into it, you still could not see the end - a hollow hole.

Cromwell, whom she hated so much died. Albion’s noble faction was annihilated.

Nevertheless, why there is no satisfaction?

“Why?”

She said to no one in particular.

“The noble faction that killed the Wales-sama is no more. Men who had cheated me are killed…And?”

Did anything change?

Nothing changed at all.

Henrietta buried face in her hands. She could not do anything about the overflow of feelings that sank her like a floodwater.

Though someone knocked against the door…Henrietta was not able to answer. The door opened and when cardinal Mazarini entered, Henrietta remained sitting under the desk with her face buried.

“Are you tired?”

Mazzarini muttered.

As seeing him for the first time, Henrietta looked up slowly and nodded.

“Yes. But it’s all right.”

“Shouldn’t you be happy. First of all, the war ended. Even though the whole army broke, even though we won thanks to the help that we did not anticipated - victory is still a victory. No matter how many times we would thank Galia, it would still not be enough.”

“Is that so.” Henrietta said, staring into space.

Mazarini worried about Henrietta, continued speaking.

“However, we cannot be careless, Your Majesty. We still should be ready for war, despite Galia’s sudden intervention, their motives are still unclear.”

“Is that so.” Henrietta answered lifelessly.

Mazarini placed a bunch of papers next to Henrietta’s elbows.

“…documents?”

“Yes. By all means, these are the documents that Her Majesty should have a look at.”

“Could it be done later? Right now…”

“No, now. You can’t afford not to look them through.”

“I leave everything to your discretion. Cardinal, you know better. I won’t have to worry…”

“Look through.”

Henrietta shook her head.

“I am sorry. Honestly, I am tired.”

“Look through!”

Mazarini repeated words in a stronger tone. Not used to such determination from a thin middle-aged man, Henrietta took one in her hands.

From top to bottom names were written down.

What do these names mean?

“…this?”

Mazarini said in a stony voice.

“It is the names list of the ones that died in action during the war.”

Henrietta became speechless.

“Nobles, commoners, officers, soldier…regardless high or low, all names were listed.

“Oooh…” Covering her face Henrietta said.

“You Majesty, do you know why they died?”

Henrietta shook her head.

“…I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? No, you do know. They died in the name of Your Majesty and homeland.”

Henrietta deeply hung her head.

Mazarini declared in an icy tone.

“To some of our ministers, this was just a ‘war diplomacy’, office soldiers were just the number figures of loss and gain. It may not be a mistake all together, but these figures had families, lives and loved ones. But they all believed in something.”

Mazarini jabbed his finger into the paper.

“The king is the one that decides to start a war. You can send officers and their men to death, however do not forget them. This list of names you have to honor. This list of names you have to protect.”

Henrietta began to weep.

Crying like a child, she burred her face into Mazarini’s legs.

“How many times will I burn in flames of hell? Tell me. This sinful repenting queen is at your feet, spokesman of god, cardinal. Ooh, I am honest. During this war my heart was only driven by revenge. I was obsessed with it and did not care even if had to sell my soul to the devil to get revenge. However, even if you sell your soul ...there‘s nothing after. Even no regret. Just a hollow. Deep, endless hollow.”

“…”

“I… I did not notice how foolish I was. I have lost myself in love, and brought magical guards to their deaths, even unleashed a frightening spell at a friend, I did not notice. Even while starting a doubtful war, I did not notice. Though I used important friends as means for my revenge, I did not notice. And only when revenge ended… I noticed. I noticed that nothing changed at all.”

Henrietta muttered, begging for forgiveness.

“Please tell me. What… should I do? If you would cut my throat would me crime disappear?”

Mazarini pushed Henrietta away. She looked up like a frightened child.

“I am not the one to judge, Your Majesty. You are not the one to judge as well, Your Majesty. That’s only god’s, in the name of the founder, majestic prerogative. The burden may be hard, may be heavy but do not try to throw it off. No matter how long the sleepless night continues, do not forget it. Because they died for Your Majesty and for the homeland. It may be just a royal ornament, but the died for this ornament. Death and crime will never disappear. The sadness will not heal. It will quietly sit behind and watch Your Majesty.

Henrietta’s heart turned stone cold, denying any interference as she shocked read through the list of names… and muttered.

“I never was…to be ruler.”

“There are no unexpected kings.”

Then Mazarini deeply bowed and left the room.

Bereaved Henrietta was quiet for a while. She was motionless.

Messengers of the night, two moons started to shine and illuminated the room … with much effort, Henrietta looked up.

Through Henrietta’s window… two moon sisters watched.

Tears dried on her cheeks.

“Well… nothing left. Not even tears come.”

After that, Henrietta called the page and asked to bring a finances minister. Once the finances minister ran over, Henrietta blandly reported.

“This bedroom… No, Royal palace property of Royal family, sell everything from here for money.”

“..Hah?”

“Everything. All right? Leave only small amount of clothes. All furniture, the bed, the desk and the dressing table too…”

Puzzled, the finance minister said.

“Bed? B-but where will Your Majesty sleep?”

“Bring a pile of hay. It will do.”

The finances minister became speechless. A queen sleeping on the floor was something unheard.

“Please give the money that you will receive from selling those things, to the families of war victims. Nobles, commoners – it does not matter. Distribute it equally.”

“B-but…”

“Treasury is in a difficult state? I know.”

Henrietta removed all acquired jewels.

Finances lord eyes were widely opened in sock as he was handed jewels one by one. Upon reaching a wedding finger, Henrietta noticed Ruby of the wind, Wales's keepsake, she closed her eyes for a moment and then removed and handed it to a finances minister.

“Sell this one as well.”

“Really?”

“Yes. This one as well…”

She pointed at the Founder’s portrait, to which she prayed during the war. Hundreds, thousands of years this portrait was watching over the royal families.

“But, however…”

“Now, what the homeland needs are not the prayers to god but gold. You disagree?”

Finances minister violently shook his head.

But before the man left, Henrietta called him to stop.

“I am sorry. Please came back for a moment.”

“Thank goodness! You snapped out of this!”

Henrietta reached for something from the finances minister treasury tray

It was a crown. In this haste, they both did not notice it.

“Without it, no one would ever admit someone as foolish as I as a ruler.”

After the finances minister left, grateful that he was not needed anymore, Henrietta began to look through the list of names.

Of course, she could not remember them all.

But, she wanted to engrave firmly in her mind. That life and ideals hid behind these names. She thought about begging for forgiveness, but stopped.

Once she finished reading through the list, the sky started to dawn.

Henrietta took the last piece in her hand.

And held her breath once she saw a name at the very end.

An unusual sounding name, that she heard before, was written there.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL

2008-10-27T12:44:56Z

Captain Sabih: Spelling mistake, "Hos" changed to "His" - CS