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2014-07-17T17:30:26Z

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Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko:Volume 2 Chapter 2

2013-12-21T01:56:55Z

Darklight01:

North west of the Holy Capital the Emperor has a palace called the Emerald Palace. It is an imposing castle, overlooking the Holy Capital water supply of lake Takamiya, this is one of the oldest buildings in the kingdom. Every time the sun shines on the lake, the moss on the walls looks as if it was burning, dyed in a glamorous red, this is what the Emerald Palace was named after.

This place was more serene then the Divine Queen Palace, usually few people had access here. In recent years, as he was about to enter old age only Grand Duke Galerius<ref group="2-2">'''Galerius''': previously
Galelius</ref> would visit the Emperor.

But on this day, another person came with Galerius. They stopped in front of the white wooden door.

"I'm still like rest, we will have to wait." Galerius said to the person that accompanied him. They went into a spacious terrace close to the door.

Here there was arranged a Hanging Garden, and they were greeted with the colors of spring. The garden had flowers, birds singing, squirrels playing in the foliage. With a panoramic view overlooking the city's bustling streets and lakefront.

[[Image:TnJtRnK v02 029.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
"The view here is great right?" He turned around and asked the young man beside him.

"Yes!"

On the youth's face appeared a natural smile, delicate like a girls; shoulder-length silver hair, revealing the shape of his ears. He was wearing formal Knight clothing, the cape trimmed with a white rose badge - proof that he was a White Rose Knight, in the whole army of the Holy Kingdom less then ten people received this honor.

"Such a beautiful city, such a beautiful country, I swear to protect it with my life." he said.

Galerius sighed, thinking that this young knight couldn't be more impressed about the beauty in front of him.

"Julio, you know you will have to do something about that habit of yours. At least when seeing a view like this, you should forget about being a knight."

The young knight Julio's face became solemn: "I believe that in order to properly guard the nation peace, I must meet the model of the perfect White Rose Knight."

"The whole country can not rely on one person to protect it, everyone has a role in it. Starting today, you will server as a guard to the Emerald Palace, as long as you concentrate on maintaining peace in this city then it's just fine."

"Your servant<ref group="2-2">'''Your servant''': form of address used when speaking to a ruler</ref> understands." Julio recovered his cheerful appearance and answered in a loud voice.

Can this young man really do the job properly... Galerius thought a bit flabbergasted. But this is essential for the job, Julio had almost a perfect score. His superior swordsmanship, steadfast loyalty to the state; he was young, and not very connected, all necessary conditions. And his girlish beauty also seemed to be tailor-made for this task.

But he is too innocent, making him feel uneasy.

"His Majesty will see you later. His Majesty is of an advanced age, and he's feeling the years on his body..."

Galerius said in a careful tone, such as stamping a wax seal, making Julio feel a bit nervous.

His Majesty the Emperor of this city had only two places he called home: one was the palace where the queen Silvia resides, and the other this Emerald Palace.

"But following His Majesty's long years of seclusion here, it can get a bit boring. In addition to serving as His Majesty's personal servant, you will also accompany him on his walks. When he will see you, he might be happy to have someone new to talk to, but do not take too long. Say that you need to finish a report so that you will not stay long in front of His Majesty."

"Your servant understands." said Julio while giving a courtesy bow, then lifted his head and asked: "Your servant heard that His Highness was your lordship Galerius' brother. Logically speaking His Majesty should still be young, him staying in the Emerald Palace all the time, is it because he is sick? "

I wonder if this type of curiosity is specific to young people... Galerius though. The young knight had almost blind loyalty, this curiosity was very intriguing, he could not help but smile. Julio was indeed a very likeable young man, but at the same time this made Galerius deepen his distrust.

He is needed in this post, so he will have to overlook this. Galerius did not think this youth had the ability to deceive him.

"His Majesty is not that old and he is not sick, but he refused to leave the palace, you're better off not knowing and seeing to your own duties."

Galerius finished, turned around and looked in the direction of the hallway. Two boys just came out from behind the white door, and immediately saluted Galerius as they saw him, then walked toward the left side of the hallway.

The attendants have left. The Emperor seems ready to meet them.

"Let's go."

Galerius started walking toward the door, only to see Julio still standing still.

"... What's the matter? " asked Galerius.

"Your lordship, I'm sorry... there is a squirrel..."

Julio seemed like he was about to cry, Galerius could not help but frown -- a squirrel?

"It fell asleep on my shoulder..."

Taking a closer look, he could see that a squirrel got inside Julio's cape, the tail hanging outside the cape. Galerius almost let go of his walking stick.

"Please wait your lordship, your servant will carefully put it away, so it won't wake up."

Julio tried not to lose his balance, and carefully reached out to the squirrel.

"Fool! It's nothing but a squirrel, just drive it off!"

"But my lord, you said this humble servant's job is to maintain the palace peace. The squirrel is also a part of the palace, do I not have to ensure its peace?"

Galerius was speechless. Julio gently placed the squirrel in the shade. Galerius can not help but find this course of action very cute, suddenly coming to his senses, only to find this entire scene very annoying.

(This man to the end! Innocence should also have a limit!)

(... Maybe he isn't suited for the job after all?)

Now however, it's too late to not give Julio the post. He has no energy to lecture Julio and turned directly toward the hallway. He could hear Julio's footsteps as he hurried to keep up. Galerius pushed the white wooden door, and got a whiff of sweet aroma.

This was a spacious bedchamber. Near the door various tall tables could be found, some filled with books, and the guards posted inside the room. The light of the candlesticks illuminated the entire room, and a large bed placed at the far end on a raised platform, with a canopy on top and purple curtains walled it off.

"Galerius to see His Majesty the Emperor--"

Galerius respectfully bowed his head, and was about to go on, when a voice from the bed made him stop:

"Well, Galerius, the long greeting now exempt -- introduce the young man behind you."

Galerius had a puzzled expression but kept silent, then turned his head. Standing behind him was the young knight frozen in place like something happened - making him feel a bit frightened... Galerius had a very uneasy feeling - because of the Emperor - because the Emperor's bedchamber was too messy yet even light could not pass though the purple curtains that surprised him...?

No, It was the voice of the Emperor that frightened Julio. The Emperor as Galerius' older brother, should be over 50 years old. However listening to his voice made him be extremely young, it was like an insult to his ears.

"Do not fluster, I do not know what Galerius said to you, but I am only a man not exposed to the sun. I can see you and can hear your voice."

Galerius glanced once at Julio. The young White Rose Knight tried very hard not to make his surprised expression apparent, and at the same time went forward step by step, "... I am your humble servant and vassal - from Geriou - Geminiani's son, I'm called Julio."

"I don't know how many times I already heard from Galerius here, that that Geminiani had raised an interesting child." the Emperor spoke and at the same time Julio found himself starring at the floor with his cheeks slightly flushed. "I heard that you were raised as a shrine maiden of God, were you?" He spoke these words with no inflection of emotion.

"Yes, my father raised me so my humble self could one day walk this path."

But Julio showed no sign of fear, nor anything to be ashamed of. Inside the curtains the sound of laughter could be heard. After Galerius listened to Julio's response he couldn't not help but feel a slight surprise.

Julio's father, Geriou - Geminiani is of low nobility. He does not care about anything else but to succeed, however unable to find a proper way. Many years he had tried to get a child, however seemingly unable to foster one, he fell into depression. When he was forty years old he finally got a son, but his son looked more like a cute girl then a boy, and Geminiani finally collapsed.

However, in order to rise to success, the only position in the Holy Kingdom that did not need large boys was beside the Queen - becoming a shrine maiden of God, then a servant in the palace... Geminiani came up with this idea, and thus Julio was raised as a girl with theology as the center.

Most surprisingly however, was that his intention was not seen through, and Julio at the age of 12, was admitted to the institution, successfully becoming a shrine maiden of God.

The one who noticed Julio was actually a man, was not the High Priestess or his fellow students, but a well-known swordsman who was fortunately in the palace at the time - in the Inner Palace he was among girls, so Julio had to hide his identity, being carefully not to stand out, however he was unable to "hide his smell" from the swordsman, so he was noticed.

This was a very lucky encounter for Julio. As he grew older, he would have begun to stand out because of his body height, but at the time he was exposed it was no small matter. However, the swordsman while taking the job of becoming a fencing advisor in the Royal Palace, offered to become Julio's teacher.

Julio had then stopped his studies, picked up the sword, discarded the shrine maiden clothes and put on a suit of armor. After several years, he obtained mastery of the sword recording all the techniques with his body.

And now he was offered knighthood and the medal of the White Rose Knights, climbing yet again the social ladder.

Originally his father should have been happy with this outcome, however because he was suffering from heart disease, he was admitted into a nursing home high up in the mountains. And Julio, although lived such a crazy life, was now accepted as a guard of the Emerald Palace. If he would have taken the normal path for knights maybe he would have never climbed the ladder to such heights.

"Julio, you will become a part of the knights that I command directly, I have no objections to this." the Emperor's voice was heard through the curtains.

"Yes, this is a great honor for my humble self!"

"Your duty on the surface will be to protect the queen as her personal knight."

"Her Majesty the Queen's personal knight?" Julio lifted his face to reveal a very cheerful expression.

"Yes!" The Emperor then said in a serious tone: "But what you have seen today and what was talked here must not be disclosed to anyone, if I should hear anything, I will have you and all of your immediate family beheaded."

This sentence was so heavy, Julio could not help but grimace -- seeing this, made Galerius feel distressed. While he did not know how much to tell the knights before they were posted here. He had to at least give them enough information so that they knew what to expect, he could not tell him more while the palace Pavilion Luonisica<ref group="2-2">'''Pavilion Luonisica''': 榭萝妮希卡 my best guess at this name.</ref> had their headquarters here, Julio will have to deal with this himself... however the Emperor's next statement made Galerius face go white.

"Yes, you may not know this, but there are queens in this generation."

"Your Majesty!" Galerius could not help the outburst and get over it.

"Do not interrupt. If you do not tell him the matter, how can he preform his duty?"

Galerius held his breath, and could only back off - however what the Emperor said was right... Although he could understand in his heart, he could not conceal the hurried look he sent toward Julio.

"... Your Majesty means..."

"The Emperor had two daughters. The sisters have both inherited the Divine Oracle powers."

"How can there be such a thing--"

"The other sister is called Minerva, she regarded inheriting the position of Queen with extreme loathing, therefore fled the Kingdom since she was young. Now she's with the Zaccaria knights. If you were on the battlefield you should have heard her name, she is the <Salt Spraying Soul Reaper on the Battlefield>. "

Julio could not bear to swallow his breath. "... In the end what is the reason Minerva left Your Majesty..."

"The Queen shoulders a heavy responsibility." The Emperor did not let Julio speak before continuing."But most of Dushanda power of Oracle stayed with Minerva. So she is supposed to inherit the throne. As for Silvia, the Oracle power in her body is weak, but still refuses to write predictions and refuses to talk." Galerius dismissed the idea of interrupting. At this time Julio's bright future vanished. Because he had heard these deep secrets, this young knight is unable to turn back to a normal life ever again.

"Because of this, within the palace, there will be people who want to take advantage of this." The priestesses resident in the palace can make predictions. Even if Silvia will not talk, they can still get Oracle predictions from her. The headquarters of the Pavilion Luonisica has held all of these prophecies for me, there have always been three Great Dukes leading the Holy Kingdom taking sovereignty of the Inner Palace. But now inside the Inner Palace the temples hold power, there are many of your former classmates that you should know... is there anything you don't understand?"

Galerius looked briefly to Julio, his face was pale, full of regret. Regretted coming here, regretted the severe work ahead. Now this frank and loyal youth, must now become the good knight and spy between the queen and the shrine maidens. If he would have followed the proper path for a knight, in a upright manner, he would not be here today. But now he knows too much regarding the workings of the Inner Palace... Galerius felt pity for the boy and tried not to meet his line of sight.

"Your humble servant did not understand."

Julio answered in an unexpected way, Galerius couldn't help but stare at him.

--What? What did this guy say?

--What His Majesty had said, he didn't understand?

"Your servant has received the White Rose badge. Your servant does not understand what Your Majesty has said, exactly at what point is that in line with the duty of a knight."

Underneath those curtains I have no idea what kind of face you have older brother... Galerius couldn't help but wonder. Julio completely blind-sighted him with his sense of Knight duty.

"Her Majesty's reluctance to speak, is Her Majesty's own will. Protecting her is my duty as a White Rose Knight, but such a duty does not include spying for Your Majesty."

"Shut up Julio! Do you know what you are talking about!" Galerius could not help but interrupt. "These are His Majesty The Emperor's orders!"

But this young knight actually does not give a thought to the warning and continued to open his mouth saying: "Your servant was warned, and know that I'm unable to leave. Your servant is willing to cut off his ears and to cut off his tongue to express the determination to keep everything a secret if Your Majesty so orders. But if ordered to act against Her Majesty the Queen, that will be difficult to obey."

His remarks made Galerius speechless, this is not just a frank and loyal man, his strong will made Galerius feel ashamed. Then he realized that Julio was mentally tough, mentally strong enough to even think to such an unnecessary degree, but also Julio's display was so strange that he was filled with fear and started trembling.

Galerius stood by and listened, and felt that he had a very weak character, always subservient to other men, playing along with their desires. And he wished to know if Julio's strong mentally, that was so strong he could self-destruct, came from practice...

Galerius was unlikely to help Julio now -- too afraid of being beheaded... Just when Galerius started to think, laughter sounded from behind the curtains.

"... Interesting. I have seen a lot of knights, that see themselves as the object of duty, all fragile like thin rope. The object of their declaration of loyalty, only wealth."

After after hearing the Emperor speak, Julio did not display any trace of fear, his eyes staring straight at the curtains.

"You say you will refuse, but I told you that I will kill all of your immediate family, do you still refuse?"

"If Your Majesty orders your humble servant to protect the Queen's life at all cost, then I will gladly accept. But if your humble servant in his capacity of White Rose Knight cannot act contrary to Her Majesty's will, and also the White Rose badge honoring the families of Aetna, future children and grandchildren, will see it as disgrace with their eyes."

The Emperor laughed, hard enough to shake the curtains on the bed.

"Your Majesty, please pay attention to your image."

Galerius pointed out to the Emperor. The Emperor stopped laughing, replaced with heavy breathing, not laughing, but unable to hide the joy in his voice.

"... Well, it's not up to you at all. Galerius, you brought a really interesting guy."

This man is not here to entertain your boredom away -- Galerius almost pointed this out, but chose not to do it seeing the regret in Julio's heart spread.

"Julio, do not take seriously what I have just said. I order this of you now -- you should enjoy being the Queen's personal knight in the future."

Galerius couldn't help but swallow a sigh of relief. The Emperor then continued to say: "Your duty is to protect Silvia in the future, and nothing else, how about it?"

"Your Majesty, please wait, this --"

"Galerius, keep your mouth shut."

"Your servant will obey."

Julio finished speaking, and bowed deeply to the Emperor. Galerius had a somber look, and pulled back from the edge of the bed, this is actually... Now we can only do this. After all, other than Julio, he could probably not find another candidate. He's tight-lipped, so this task might still be feasible.

Despite Galerius thinking this, he still felt uneasy inside. He worried that he may have committed a fatal error, so the shadows of doubt covered his heart.

"I wish I was able to wield a sword right now." said the Emperor. "Galerius you help him hold the ceremony. While this task is anything but enjoyable, this young man seems to like such stiff ceremony."

Galerius took the sword from Julio's scabbard, patted him on the shoulders with the sword then whispered the chant of the first Charter. Although only a stripped-down ceremony, but this is a Royal Family Order of Knights and needs a ceremony - Servant of the Gods and the crown, with absolute loyalty to the flag...

Right when Julio was about to leave the Emperor's bedchamber, Galerius whispered to Julio saying:

"You listen well, because you are both young and highly educated as a shrine maiden, so you are able to enter the temple, you can probably get Pavilion Luonisica to recognize it. But inside the Palace are all the enemies. The priests dislike Her Majesty dealing with the Three Grand Duke families and the military."

"Your humble servant will keep it in mind."

Julio answered and at the same time a smile flourished on his face. It seemed as though he was thanking Galerius from the bottom of his heart, Galerius almost felt like adding: this is only for your ears... however "This humble servant will as a knight only think about protecting the Queen, regardless if such action may bring dangers to myself."

Galerius sighed. He was expecting a reply like this.

After the White Rose Knight left the Emperor's bedchamber, immediately the atmosphere all of a sudden felt heavy.

"... This man is truly unfortunate." the Emperor said from his bed though the purple curtains. "However, Galerius, I offer my thanks for finding such a man, a commendable job."

"This is not my credit, those octopuses who found him." Galerius spit a coldly. The "octopus" was actually a generic term for spies - or denigration.

"You seem to have found a very sharp fellow. I've never seen such a beautiful man before. Also, those beautiful eyes, rather sharp – ha-ha, it really is a shame, if not for such a duty, I'd want to keep him by my side. "

"Older brother, you really need to behave. Your body simply cannot handle this idea."

Now that this room held no other people, Galerius' tone became natural and relaxed.

"My body was very abiding lately. Do you want to see?"

"That's disgusting. I can't even look."

"You don't want to see?"

"I have not crawled to the status that I can live in seclusion. Besides I'm old and always feared this. "

"Ho-ho-ho, if you get sick, your idea will be casually overthrown. You see, my left hand has stabilized."

The Emperor finished speaking, the curtains opened up slightly and a hand stretched from the inside. Galerius cast a sidelong glance, and investigated the visible hand. The joints had the appearance of old age, but some skin outside the joint did not have any wrinkles, with cherry-colored skin just like a boy's hand.

However, the scary part lies in the place above the wrist, the exposed flesh and blood like a layer of skin. Galerius's entire body pulled back at the sight - repulsive, no matter whether this was merely a hand or a man, simply ugly and disgusting.

"I still can not compare to Pavilion Luonisica."

Galerius felt the Emperor's voice as he refused to give up and persisted in nipping the neck.

The palace Headquarters, Pavilion Luonisica, the Palace Priest group is managed by one person. No matter how much time passes, she always looks young and beautiful maintaining the same appearance, so it gives a creepy and disgusting impression.

"There seems to be something missing, we have no way to make it look like Pavilion Luonisica did."

Results, that's the real purpose ... Galerius heart suddenly felt a gushing sense of hopelessness.

The Emperor and the three Grand Duke families did not have any interest in the peace and future of the Holy Kingdom. Their eyes only lay upon the unique surgery Pavilion Luonisica offers that gives youth. The reason he sent Julio into the palace was for this, Silvia simply did not matter to him. Galerius didn't want to spend time with the old man's obsession, since he never had the idea to go back to being young in this way. Whether his older brother or Pavilion Luonisica, the feelings for them are equally disgusting.

But that's not important. Since Julio was intended to infiltrate the Inner Palace, Galerius had to start figuring how best to maximize the use of him as well as planning matters with the three Grand Duke families.

"By the way, you have to make sure Minerva comes back." The Emperor withdrew his hand back behind the purple curtains, and then muttered : "With great difficulty there are two daughters, huh, huh."

Galerius felt shivers runs down his back. As he tried to get rid of the chilling experience, he got up and left the Emperors bedchamber.

In the scenery outside the Emerald Palace, the spring sun hung as if to paste with the lake. Galerius could slide to the Atrium, and saw Julio walking toward the door - he looks like a handsome young Knight once put up to such a task, the future of this boy will probably sink into the lake like dense algae, and unable to see a bright future again... But in Galerius' mind there was no pity or sympathy, but rather thoughts on how to best use the young knight - Julio.

He had in fact not needed the Emperor to urge him, Galerius also planned to bring Minerva back. But this is not for the sake of the old man's obsession, but for the Holy Kingdom of Aetna. Galerius was calculating whether to make Julio also contribute to this, while also starting to walk slowly following the corridor.

==Translator's notes & references==
<references group="2-2"/>

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Tsurugi no Joou to Rakuin no Ko:Volume 2 Chapter 1

2013-12-21T01:34:53Z

Darklight01:

==Chapter 1 – Oracle of Blood==

Babies just grow sparse hair, like infected at birth with blood-like red. She opened her eyes, looking at life first then the rays of light, and looking here.

A man surrounded the baby in front of the chest, bloodstained right hand holding a dagger, reflecting the candlelight. Blood was flowing through the handle ornate with wings, constantly dripping. Minerva lying down, looking at this image - at this moment, she is aware that ...

(That is my blood ...)

Instantly, the chest pain made her aware of the icy stone tiles, and bloods flowing heat.

Minerva clenched her teeth, trying to break away from the sense of pain.

(This death is not the reality!)

Oracle - This is the bloodline power of the Queen, allowing Minerva to see in the future. Foresight is just one manifestation of this power.

Minerva wanted to cry out, but in the silent darkness only slight shaking could be heard. She swallowed the blood gushing from her throat, feeling the pain in her entire body.

With her remaining strength she supported herself on the floor, barely looking up, seeing the man holding the baby.

(That hair ...)

(Is that my baby? I do not think so ... )

(Well, then ... this Oracle is ......)

A Man slowly walked to Minerva, stepping on the pool of blood, sending a sticky and dirty sound all around. He bent down, extending his hand near the bright candlelight.

(Who is it!)

(Who is to become my husband, and also kill me -)

The flames illuminated his face, making Minerva's body freeze.

That face, whether in a dream or reality, Minerva is familiar with it - he has black hair deeper then dark and snow-like skin. His childish face holds remnants of tears, very phantom-like.

(- Chris ...)

(Oh no, Why would Chris ...)

(A lie! This is not true!)

Minerva silently screamed, the pool of blood tremoring slightly in the dark.

Chris was holding the baby, his face close to Minerva, the dagger from his hands, fell into the pool of blood. Minerva was now holding his hand in hers.

(This is not true - this future...)

(Chris is my husband?)

(Enough, do not look at me with such eyes. Do not cry for me -.)

<center><span style="font-size: 200%;">◊ ◊ ◊</span></center>

"-That's enough!"

Minerva screamed, breaking through the atmosphere filled with the smell of blood, then abruptly rose. The bedding slipped from her shoulders, the reality filled with the cold and dry air came into contact with her skin, she could not help but shiver.

"... Minerva, are you all right?"
[[Image:TnJtRnK v02 015.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
A voice reaching her ears, that made Minerva tremble slightly. She turned around, seeing the teenager from the dream in front of her.

The sight of the boy made Minerva inadvertently drift to her chest, her cheeks going red in an instant, her sight moving away from him. Minerva quickly looked down, exposing the rosy skin near the collar of her pajamas. She hastily pulled the blankets to cover herself.

"You... you..." Minerva with a tone full of reproach then said: "Why are you here!"

"Why what? Because you were talking in your sleep and seemed to be having a nightmare..."

"This is my room okay, why are you --"

Minerva stopped her trembling voice. She finally became conscious, and remembered where she was.

Two weeks ago, the Order of the Silver Egg saved queens that were held hostage, also managing to escape from a siege. The Holy Kingdom<ref group="2-1">'''Holy Kingdom ''': previously Celestial Kingdom</ref> sent thousands of soldiers to pursue them, however they managed to flee. But Francesca ordered the troops to stay vigilant and on standby in the barracks.

This is because the Holy Kingdom had stationed check-posts, so the Order of the Silver Egg had to remain alert. It was the first day they returned, but could not afford to slack off.

In normal times, Minerva would have slept in her bedroom inside the caste. But this time she had slept like the rest of the troops in the barracks - Chris and Gilbert's room was next to hers.

"I went to find him, but I'm sorry..."

Another voice came from the other side of the bed, Minerva turned around and saw a big-eyed brunette girl inspecting the room.

"Paola, you are also here!"

"But didn't you say that, if you were ever in pain, I should come over as soon as possible?" said Chris.

"Ah..."

Minerva felt her cheeks heating up all of a sudden.

"... You... Did you dream about anything?"

Chris asked. Minerva lowered her eyes.

She remembered the dream, with Chris killing her, with Chris holding the baby. The baby girl with blood-like red hair, it was the characteristic of her family bloodline.

"Minerva, did you have another dream in which you were killed?" said Chris.

"You shut up!" Minerva can't help but push Chris away. "You, you get out now!"

Chris looked perplexed.

"Does that mean... it was me again?"

"There's no need for you to say anything else, just get out, this is a woman's bedroom!"

"You are saying that, but you're still holding my hands so tightly..."

Chris stopped talking, Minerva suddenly realized she was holding his hands. She flushed with anger and rudely let go of his hand, "You... You don't get me wrong, I, I just... All right! You get out! "

"Meena, you do this to Chris..."

"Paola you also get out!"

Minerva shouted, while pulling the blankets over her head. Even after hearing the pair of footsteps outside her door, she was still unable to think calmly.

(Why was Chris holding my child...)

Although Minerva fled the Kingdom from an early age, and did not receive a Queen's education, she still knew that dreaming was the way Queens received Oracle Visions.

(That dagger... just like the dagger that killed mother...)

Why is Chris - the vision should show the queen's husband from certain family lines, picked only from the three main houses... no, not just this problem. Minerva started paying attention to more important things, the heat from her cheeks spread all over her head.

(This, this is to make a baby... with Chris...)

She kicked the blanket, desperately trying to get rid of the "couple's night life" image from her head, in total disregard of her aching wounds.

"...Yes, Meena looks a bit strange... I think she's probably dreaming about..."

Through the blankets, Minerva heard Paola's voice. Then another voice said:

"Hey, Meena, you are not a clam - what's wrong?"

Minerva rubbed her red cheeks, then removed the blankets. She saw the honey-colored hair, eyes the color of the sea before dawn, and quickly turned away from her showing her back.

"... Nothing is wrong" said Minerva.

She knew Francesca was aware of the problem, so she first turned her back to her. After hearing Francesca sigh, Minerva knew she was going to get to the heart of the matter, full of enthusiasm.

"Paola, you should leave, and no eavesdropping outside the door!"

"I, I would never!"

The sound of footsteps leaving the room could be heard, followed by the sound of the wooden door closing, and then only silence remained in the room.

Francesca abruptly pulled back the blankets, Minerva turned around to confront her, but Francesca was the first to step closer and kneel down near the bed, her golden hair hitting the floor.

"Your majesty, your servant is at your disposal."

"... I told you were not allowed to do this again."

"Her Majesty had little chance to this in solitude, occasionally you should enjoy the vassal etiquette, please. "

Francesca raised her head, exposing her devilish smile.

Minerva fled the throne, but she is still the Queen. The Dukes' family is her vassal, so Francesca is only obeying the proper customs. Although Minerva knew that herself she was still angry.

"Your majesty, how are you feeling? If you are not willing to talk with my humble self, you can treat me as a piece of furniture. After all, as your vassal, I only exist to serve you."

"... What furniture, I never considered you like this."

Minerva looked away, her arms crossed.

"Besides, I'm always troubling you... Although my attitude doesn't show it, I'm very grateful to you."

"Really? I am so happy!" Francesca took hold of both her hands, showing a cute smile. "My Queen told me what was in her heart?"

"Uhh, uhh..."

Minerva sat on the bed wiggling her feet, not knowing what to do.

In fact she had to apologize to Francesca because she had a lot of things that she didn't tell her. Things about Chris and the stigma<ref group="2-1">'''stigma ''': previously brand</ref> of the beast. Even though she thought Francesca ought to know without beating around the bush, but she never made things clear, and was in no hurry to do so. Therefore, Minerva hesitated. She did not know if she should tell Francesca - for mutual trust...

"Then I'm going to go about this another way, Meena." Francesca quickly changed her tone. "You are a troubled person. I can't force you to say something you want to keep a secret. How about, if I let you sleep in the same room as Chris."

"What are you - I, I have to say, but this is punishment!"

"The reason you don't want to talk, I'll tell you: you don't say it because I wanted to sleep with Chris."

"Fran-!"

Minerva's flaming red hair stood up. She quickly jumped out of the bed, rushing in front of Francesca.

"You really know how to provoke me - well, let's get to the point."

Minerva sat back on the bed, bringing her blankets closer, facing Francesca like a wolf stalking his prey. Francesca clearly played her, even for Minerva's outburst, it's probably just a waste of time.

Even so, Minerva is still trying to fight back, she turned her back to Francesca, and tucked her hands behind her.

After avoiding seeing her face to face, with that raptor-like gaze, Minerva found it easy to say the words from her heart.

"... I dreamed an Oracle prophecy."

She heard the surprise in Francesca, although behind her.

Before, Minerva never said the word "Oracle"; she didn't want to think of herself as Queen, did not want the pain and humiliation, the Dukes treated as a gift from God.

But this dream, apart from "Oracle", there is no other word to call it.

Surprisingly, Francesca has been aware of this.

"Did you dream of the father?"

Minerva sighed. Standing behind her, is such a powerful woman. Fortunately, Francesca is not an enemy, she thought. Hesitating for some time, Minerva answered:

"... Yes, but... well..." stopping halfway, she once again went silent.

"Is it Chris?"

Minerva with a tornado-like momentum suddenly turned around and started throwing parts of the bedding.

"You, why are you -" she pounced Francesca, grabbed her arms and shook violently: "Why did you even know this!"

"Your first reaction was very obvious; if it was anyone else, you might say the person's name, or don't know who the man is, right? Your grip can really strangle a cow, do not pinch so tight, okay?"

"Ah, ah..."

Minerva started heating up, a loose hand gave Francesca the opportunity to break free.

She feebly sat back on the bed, Francesca followed suit and sat beside her. Wearing sleeveless pajamas, the two side by side, slightly touching the skin.

"I have heard many people say that on the Grand Duke<ref group="2-1">'''Grand Duke ''': previously Archduke</ref> Cornelius forehead and back of the hand, there are some patterns." Francesca said.

Minerva clenched her fists.

In the siege of St. Carillon<ref group="2-1">'''St. Carillon''': previously Santcarillon</ref>, Minerva and Chris took a battering ram with other commandos, where everyone witnessed Grand Duke Cornelius power. When Cornelius used the demon sword the back of his hand was engraved in light.

"It's hard to believe, Chris being associated with King candidates." said Francesca.

"Listening to Cornelius talking, it seems that Chris knew something." said Minerva.

"Yes, what the two men have in common ... First it's the stigma. "

The cursed stigma; the good fortune stigma ... Cornelius knew the origin of these two stigma. If a queen's husband must have this engraved, then Chris ...

"Where did Chris come from in the end... Meena, do you know?"

Minerva lowered her eyes, and shook her head ambiguously - or nod, even she did not know how to respond - however, Minerva thought she can no longer keep silent, she told Francesca everything she knows ...

Devouring the stigma of Fortune; What Chris experienced in the past ... Cursed fate thing...

After listening, Francesca's tone remained unchanged, "So this is what you have been keeping from me." She looked up to the ceiling taking a light breath, "I did not think I actually kept a Beast that devoured fortune. "

"You're not going... to drive out Chris..." Minerva looked over her shoulders to Francesca and asked in a whisper.

"I will not. I managed to find such a cute guardian. You and Chris are too reserved, not talking to me about such trivial matters."

"This is not trivial! The curse may put everyone in danger..."

"Are you sure?"

Minerva opened her mouth, staring into Francesca's beautiful eyes.

"Chris will eat everyone's fate? Have you confirmed this? Did you?"

"- But before he......"

"He was by my side for an entire month, did anything bad happen?"

"That's because I stopped him!"

"Really? Is that really the case?" Francesca smiled meaningfully.

"Regarding Chris, you don't know much do you? You don't know why he has a stigma, right?"

Minerva nodded. She thought that Chris himself might not know about it. But if Chris did know and didn't tell her... Minerva felt this thought eating away at her.

Francesca deliberately sighed.

"Truly sad, if every vision causes you pain."

"...You!" Minerva can't help but grab Francesca on the shoulder, "What are you thinking!"

"The Holy Kingdom wants the Queen to give birth to a child with Oracle powers, for this the current Queen has to be killed right?"

Minerva held a blank expression - Francesca was right. Minerva never thought anyone would guess this.

It's not easy to conceive a Oracle Queen from one generation to the next, because you can only give birth to one daughter, the family cannot grow big. Therefore, the Holy Kingdom must do everything to maintain the bloodline, the husband of the Queen must make way for future generations of Oracles, by personally killing his wife.

The Oracle Queens can only predict their own painful experiences, so they can see the future where they are killed, and the person who kills her becomes the husband.

"Giving birth is also a painful experience, you can't predict this kind of pain right? And if you can, wedding Chris will make you happy right?" said Francesca.

"Y-Y-You -- what are you saying! What happiness!"

"If two people lived together raising children, the woman would be happy right?"

"You didn't even listen to me!" Minerva could not help but shout: "Chris is - because he can devour the future where I die, I stay close to him! Not because I wanted to be with him! "

"Really?" Francesca turned around and looked at her.

"Of course I'm not lying!" Minerva begins.

"In this case..." Francesca closed to Minerva's ear, and quietly asked: "If he's not marked, no Oracle -- Chris not staying by your side does not matter, then? "

Minerva stared at Francesca, words echoing in her mind -- if one day, she and Chris could break the shackles of their fate, what would happen then?

"This... This assumption..." Minerva's voice stopped in the throat, barely managing to spit it out. "I do not know... I never thought I -- no, I should say I could never have imagined it."

Since Minerva was born, she had this power. She can't imagine. What the idea that "if it weren't for this power" could mean. But after listening Francesca laughed:

"I don't know either... However, I think this is the answer you need to find."

"What are you saying?"

"No, ah. " Francesca laughed, put her hands on the shoulders of Minerva, and stood up.

"If Chris can devour the future where you die, then he can also find a way to distort the Oracle, isn't that right?"

"Ah... ah..."

"Then you have to tell him why."

Francesca said all this with a clear voice, Minerva looked up to see her sincere smile, the devilish smile all gone now.

(I know... I know I'm supposed to tell Chris about it, but... ）

(But for this to happen, I have to... Chris has to become my husband... making kids... together... tell him...)

How should she approach him to say this? Minerva did not know, it was hard to figure it out.

After bowing to Minerva, Francesca left the room. But she suddenly stopped in front of the door, and murmured: "... Your highness I don't not know if Silvia, might have also had a similar vision from the Oracle. "

Minerva was shocked.

(Yes! I never thought about it -- but it is possible!)

Before, Minerva had another vision where Chris killed her. And later, it even replaced her on the throne with her sister - Silvia also had the same Oracle. So now...

(For Christopher<ref group="2-1">'''Christopher''': previously Cristoforo (FYI: yes i know the author wanted the name to be cristoforo to sound italian. I'm still gonna use Christopher.)</ref> to become her husband, Cornelius had to die, that's why now she could see the new Oracle, such speculation was reasonable.)

This means that, Chris will replace Cornelius, to become the person the new queen has to marry. But why is it Chris...

Francesca had walked out of the room. From the corridor came a man's voice, which turned out to be Chris asking about Minerva. Minerva hastily closed the door, then went back to bed hugging her knees.

(Why... Why is Chris...）

(If Silvia also had the same Oracle vision...)

(What am I supposed to do...）

She closed her eyes, a touch of red floating in the dark.

That baby's eyes, and the tears on Chris' face...

(Why did I meet with Chris in such a cruel way - if we had met in different circumstances, or if one day we escape this fate...)

If so, what will happen...... Minerva did not know, but her chest was throbbing.

(...He - Chris with me, in the end that's what people do...)

A vivid memory came into her chaotic thoughts.

She remembered that moment, when Chris grasped her hand.

==Translator's notes & references==
<references group="2-1"/>

{{SimpleNav}}

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-12-16T15:36:29Z

Darklight01:

==At the Threshold of Trust and Reunion==

===Part 1===

The Master and Servant Contract immediately activated the curse when the Servant betrayed the Master.

After almost a month--- On the next full moon, it was possible to annul it.

At first they believed it to be hopeless, but they somehow managed to overcome the first week.

---Regardless of how it came to be, the contract was bound, so they had to deal with the situation.

To successfully avoid the curse from activating, they persuaded Mio now and little by little they confirmed the activation conditions for the curse and other effects.

And as of now, they had a good understanding about the contract magic.

First--- The servant wasn't forced into absolute obedience and could defy an unreasonable order. Apparently it was done, so that the contract wouldn't be used one-sided, but interactive.

Consequently, the master needed to reward his servant with an adequate attitude as a master.It was close to the "Reward & Service" relationship between the Shogun and Samurai, which takes it origin during the Kamakura period.

That said, even if the Master makes an unreasonable order, the curse will not activate for him due to the superior stance in the contract. Still, the fact that the servant could disobey an strange order was a salvation for Basara and Mio.

---Then what determined a betrayal from the servant, leading to the activation to the curse?

It was a bit complicated, as the condition for the curse's activation was "a mental betrayal".

That said, the servant wasn't forced into absolute obedience. He had the right to "oppose" an unreasonable order.

Also, actions that appeared like a "rebellion" or "betrayal", but were for example to "correct" a mistake, meaning an action for the sake of the master, were apparently forgiven.

But on the other hand, if the Servant disobeyed a legit order or took an unreasonable attitude, the curse activated without mercy.

And it seemed that the power of the curse was determined on the Servant's feeling of "guilt"--- in other words, his "mental betrayal".

When the curse activated, a mark appeared on Mio's neck like a collar as proof.

But--- Basically the curse wouldn't activate as long as she trusted and believed him.

Because the contract between Basara and Mio was conducted uncommonly, there had been confusion in the beginning, but originally it was a magic that strengthened the trust between Master and Servant, allowing them to keep track of each other"s positions.

Therefore there was no problem. A week passed while desperately convincing themselves like that.

And then--- summer vacation came to an end.

That said, even with summer vacation ending, it was not the end of summer.

On sunny days, the temperature easily crossed 30°C.

A day with boiling heat from the morning on. Toujou Basara walked the street to school for the first time.

The second term from today onward. The start of his new school life.

"Aw, so hot… Damn."

He was wearing the summer uniform, but that didn't mean that his trousers were shorts. Additionally the surroundings were full of students with the same uniform. He hated crowds.

"Girls have it good… They get to wear short skirts."

"---Hey, could you stop being so egoistic? In exchange for that, it's cold in the winter."

A cold voice beside him answered the grumbling Basara. It was Mio wearing the same school uniform.

Since they mostly made sure of the activation boundaries of the curse, making an impudent remark in the middle of a normal conversation was no problem.

Malice or a guilty conscious were the problematic ones.

"But, in winter you can easily wear shorts or at worst tracksuits pants under your skirt, right."

Each of them cold-blooded spoiled a boy's pure heart. Upon that,

"That goes without saying. What's the point of letting yourself freeze."

"Then in the end, you're warm in winter!"

Not good. He inadvertently retorted, but what good was it to even get hot-blooded himself. There,

"Right, please calm down, Basara-san."

A young voice from behind. When he turned around, Maria was following behind them.

Needless to say she didn't wear a school uniform, but a refreshing dress.

"It is hot, because you think it is hot. At time like these, just look at me."

Saying so, Maria searched rustling in the convenience store bag in her hand.

Then she pulled out a pet bottle, drinking it with big gulps.

Next she ripped open a popsicle wrapping, taking a mouthful. Narrowing her eyes pleased, she faced him with a smile.

"How is it? When watching a refreshing scenery, you feel refreshing yourself, right?"

"As if!"

"Muh, I just wanted to cheer you up a bit, since I am asking you to guard Mio-sama at school."

While feeling despondent, Maria licked her ice. That appearance looked unnecessarily erotic.

In casual moments like this, he was reminded that she was a succubus.

"…I'll just be grateful for the idea."

Basara wearily faced frontward again. Upon that, his gaze fell on the wave of students with the same school uniform that flowing through the gate. Shortly thereafter, Basara and the girls arrived there as well.

"Oh, so this is it."

Basara stopped in front of the gate and looked up the big building.

Private [Hijirigasaka Academy]. That was the school Mio attended and which Basara would attend from today onward.

"Well then, Mio-sama, I will be on standby nearby."

"Yeah, thanks."

On the night of the screwed up Master and Servant contract, she had been filled with rage, but after a week, Mio's anger certainly had subdued. Mio and Maria had returned to their quite close sister relationship.

When Maria showed a smile on Mio's "Yes", she suddenly looked up to Basara.

"Okay, Basara-san, I leave Mio-sama to you. Though I doubt there will be any troubles in a place with so many people."

"Yeah, if anything comes up, I'll let you know right away."

However, suddenly doubt arose in him.

"But… You said you would be on standby nearby, but it's a weekday, you know? Won't it be troublesome if the police finds you loitering around here?"

Upon that, "Fufufu. Do not worry. It will be completely fine."

Maria laughed with Fufufu and pulled out a single card from the pouch she was carrying over her shoulder.

"Look, in preparation for such cases, I have a fake ID that testifies me as 18 years old. 18 years, you hear? With that I can loiter around during noon all I want."

"Oh really…"

Basara lost his strength. Just because she was 18 didn't mean she could loiter around all she wanted.

Or rather, normally anyone would doubt that age from her appearance--- even when she was smiling so radiant.

===Part 2===

Upon entering the school grounds, the flood of students got to it's peak and the hallways were crowded with students.

Basara, a transfer student, parted from Mio and headed to the staff room first. When he told them at the door that he was the new transfer student today, he was told to wait for a bit in the waiting room next door. And after the chime rang a few times, a young male teacher came to pick him up with a class register in his hands. He held out his hand with a brilliant smile.

"I'm Sakasaki Mamoru, your homeroom teacher. Nice to meet you, Toujou."

"Yes, hello…"

Even while being overwhelmed by the unnecessary refreshing aura, Basara replied to the handshake.

Since the morning home room followed right after the staff meeting, they moved to the class room right away.

"Well, we often get transfers due to family circumstances, but your case seems a bit more complicated, Toujou."

"Yes, kind of…"

Nothing would come from hiding the fact that he was living with Mio. Therefore Basara told just the school that they were currently living together to see if they could be a family before the remarriage, when he was asked at the beginning. That said, he wouldn't announce that to the classmates though.

"But making a trial period like that shows that your parents are good people, who properly consider the feelings of their children."

Basara replied with the vague answer "Sure". He couldn't tell him that all of that was made up.

Although, it all happened from Jin's considerations, so Sakasaki's words weren't wrong.

…Ah, reminds me.

Basara asked Sakasaki what he suddenly remembered.

"Uhm… I heard that a friend of my father is at this school, but do you know anything of it?"

Jin might have received a favor from that person when he took care of the transfer papers.

Then it would be better to express gratitude to that person. However,

"Is that so? Well, I haven't heard anything in particular about that. Should I look into it later?"

"Ah, no, thank you."

If the homeroom teacher Sakasaki didn't hear about it, it might be better not to pry into it.

When he politely turned him down, they arrived in front of the classroom.

"This is our class. A new family and new school might bring various hardships, but you'll get used to it in no time. Besides, we have Naruse in our class."

Ohh, Basara was a bit surprised. It was rare that siblings or relatives were put in the same class. He thought for sure he would end up in a different class than Mio. They must have been considerate.

"Moreover there is our serious class rep and me as your homeroom teacher. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask without reservation. Okay, let's go in."

Saying so, Sakasaki moved into the classroom and Basara followed after him. The news of a transfer student coming must have spread already. When he stood in front of the blackboard, he could look over the whole class.

…Geez.

Basara made a sigh at heart. All gazes in the classroom were focused on him and all at once they started to evaluate Basara. That was the unavoidable fate of a transfer student.

First of all, he saw everyone get discouraged, boys and girls alike, just by the fact that he was a boy. He was prepared for it, but before his self-introduction it felt already like a lost battle, which truly depressed him. He believed his looks to be average, but there were still a few girls that hadn't lost interest in Basara yet.

…Ah.

Amongst them was Mio sitting at the window in the back.

…She really stands out after all.

Seeing her like that, he once more realized Mio's cuteness. In the classroom space, everyone wore the same uniform and sat at the systematic ordered desks. The conditions were the same. Due to that, one's characteristic stood out excessively. When he stared at her, she averted her eyes towards the window.

He lost another interested one. Who remained was,

…Mh?

In the same window-row as Mio--- the girl at the very front was looking at him.

It was a pretty girl. Contrary to her vivid presence, similar to Mio's, she had an aura like clear water.

Their types were different, but she was a beautiful girl on par with Mio.

Seeing as the desk next to her was empty, it most likely was going to be Basara's.

Indeed, it was understandable that she was interested in him when he was going to sit next to her. But,

…Ehm, what to do about this?

He considered her a cute girl, but if she stared at him so directly it certainly was a bit awkward.

At that time, Sakasaki, standing besides the teacher's desk, eloquently wrote his name on the blackboard,

"Okay, as you can see, we have a transfer student. ---Toujou, introduce yourself."

"Ah, yes…"

coming to his aid in the silence.

"Ehm, I'm Toujou Basara. My name is a bit showy, but as you can see, I'm an average guy. Please take care of me."

Since they would inquire about it anyway, he made a self-deriding introduction, whereupon the expressions of the guys softened a bit. The atmosphere became somewhat welcome and Basara made a sigh of relief.

Then it was time for questions and with the silly questions and answers repeating numerous times, the chime tolled the end of the homeroom soon enough. Sakasaki clapped his hands together.

"---Okay, that's it for now. Save the rest for after the opening ceremony. Toujou, your desk is the empty one over there. Nonaka, you're the class rep, so look after Toujou."

"…Yes."

The beautiful girl from earlier stood up and nodded short. Apparently she was the class representative.

"Well then, everyone line up in the hallway. We're going to the gym."

On Sakasaki's words, everyone started to stand up from their seats.

"He tells us to line up… but in what order?"

Amidst the students pouring out of the classroom, Basara just stood there with no idea what to do, whereupon

"---Basara."

Suddenly his name was called, and Basara faced it startled.

"Ehm, what is it, class rep…?"

Before he had noticed it, the girl had stood right besides him. He was surprised by suddenly being called by name, but for Basara, the transfer student, she was the one to take care of him. Therefore,

"I hope we get along, class rep. I'll try not to cause any---"

troubles… was what he wanted to say, but couldn't. Because she suddenly hugged him.

"Eh---?"

For a moment, he didn't understand what was happening.

But the soft touch of a girl and the faint, sweet fragrance told him that it was reality.

"W- Wh- What are you two doing!"

Mio, who noticed the two of them before anyone else, pushed the dumbfounded classmates aside and came over with a bright red face. Her eyes were lightly bloodshot.

"Ohh!? Class rep, can you get away? Otherwise I think it'll be dangerous!"

Mostly for my own body though.

"Moreover, you call me by my first name and hug me, could it be you lived overseas?"

"…No."

On the question, Nonaka raised her face while still hugging onto Basara.

"Basara… have you really forgotten?"

Then she showed him a little sulking expression.

"Mh? Reminds me, the name Nonaka… Don't tell me,"

Basara remembered the last name of the class rep, which the homeroom teacher had called, very well.

"You're… Yuki?"

Upon saying the name of his childhood friend after a few years, the girl in front of his eyes nodded short with "Mm".

"Basara, it's been a while…"

[[Image:Shinmai Vol1 0086.jpg|thumb]]

Saying so happily, Nonaka Yuki showed a smile. Then,

"Get off him already!"

Mio forcefully got between them. When she pulled Basara and Yuki apart,

"H- Hugging him out of nowhere… A- Are you nuts?"

She flared up at Yuki with a bright red face. However Yuki stayed composed.

"Not really. This is normal between Basara and me."

"N- Normal…? H- Hey, Basara, what does she mean?"

Basara was troubled by Mio's ogre-like glare.

"Well, Yuki's my childhood friend… She was quite attached to me."

"Attached… You aren't a dog or cat!"

"Well yeah…"

But the fact remained that it was true. They were of the same age and lived nearby, so they grew up like siblings. Actually, it hurt. The gazes of his classmates, Mio's included, that is. Specially the ones from the boys.

Well, obviously. For a bystander it only looked like Mio and Yuki were fighting over Basara.

…Not good. At this rate, the friendly atmosphere I created with my introduction will…

But, how to explain it? While he was like that, the situation kept getting worse.

"…It doesn't concern you, Naruse-san."

At last, Yuki declared coldly--- But it provoked Mio's emotions.

"It, It does concern me!"

Before Basara could stop her, Mio shouted with a voice that reached down the hallway. The all decisive sentence.

"I'm… living together with him after all!"

===Part 3===

The opening ceremony ended and it became lunch break after a couple of classes.

A happy lunch-time atmosphere spread over the school.

Basara sat bored and alone at his own seat in the classroom. Inadvertently he mumbled.

"……For real?"

Wow. This was beyond his expectations. Could a person on his first day of transfer become this isolated?

First of all, it seemed like he made an enemy out of every boy. Just getting hugged by Yuki was bad enough, but Mio's declaration of their living together totally ruined everything.

For example, the girls showered Basara with question without mercy once they returned to the classroom from the opening ceremony. He got information about Mio or Yuki, but they sucked out all the information from him they wanted, then left satisfied and never spoke to him again.

Therefore Basara had no longer anyone to speak with, except Mio and Yuki.

---However these last two rays of hope weren't here either right now. Yuki left after being called by the teacher for some class representative work. When he then invited Mio to eat lunch together, she said "You finally reunited with your childhood friend, so eat with her for all I care" and left with the girls from class to somewhere. Probably because it was a suggestion that was considerate to him in a way, the curse of the Master and Servant contract didn't activate in particular.

And this--- led to his current solitude. Basara sighed wearily.

"Guess I should get going…"

There was no point in staying here. As he didn't have a lunch box with him, his choices were either the cafeteria or the school store. And when he stood up from his seat and left the classroom, Basara was suddenly called out to.

"Yo. Making most of the boys in class your enemy in an instant, you have some tough luck, Mr. Transfer Student."

When he turned around, there stood a boy, showing a friendly smile. One of his classmates.

"Ehm… Takigawa, was it?"

"Oh, you could tell? Have we met before somewhere or what?"

Takigawa made a puzzled face. Only Basara had introduced himself in front of the class. Needless to say, the other classmates,

Takigawa included, didn't name themselves.

"Well, it's thanks to this from Sakasaki-sensei."

Basara pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and held it out. It was a copy of the seating chart that his homeroom teacher Sakasaki prepared from him, so that he could memorize his classmates' names as fast as possible.

"Hee, Sakasaki is perceptive as ever."

Takigawa nodded once he told his understanding, then placed his hand over-familiar onto Basara's shoulder.

"For that reason, let's grab a bite together, Mr. Transfer Student. You didn't have lunch yet, right?"

"Yeah… but how do you get to 'For that reason' from our conversation?"

"Because the transfer student, who's all alone after making an enemy out of all the guys in class on his first day, was hanging his head super depressed. It was just too pitiful, so I inadvertently had to call out to you. Besides, I moved near here just last year. So I can understand a bit the troubles and melancholy of a transfer."

He appreciated the concern, but couldn't he have said it better?

Well, he didn't seem like a bad guy.

"Just call me Basara then… I'll call you Takigawa too."

"Kay. So Basara, cafeteria or school store?"

"Let's see… The school store today, I guess."

Not to forget the incident during class break. It was unlikely he could calm down in the crowded cafeteria.

He wanted to buy something at random and eat at an isolated place.

"Then we better hurry. If we don't, there won't be anything decent left."

Saying so, Takigawa started walking. When Basara caught up next to him,

"Still, to be the brother-in-law with our Princess Mio and childhood friends with our Princess Yuki… Raising flags with both idols that our school is so proud of, that's one damn King position."

"Princess…? They are called like that?"

He thought that their appearances certainly stood out.

"Yeah, that's why I think you made other classes and seniors your enemy too. I mean, these two are really popular here and they seem to have a lot of passionate fans."

Takigawa shrugged his shoulders while smiling.

"Surprisingly a man's jealously is even greater than a woman's. And to be honest, it's quite lasting."

Indeed. No wonder then that the boys of the other classes glared at him with hostility when he left the classroom to go drink some water and that he felt a vague killing intent in the toilet.

"Aw, we're too late after all."

When they arrived at the school store, there was already a long line before the food.

Along with Takigawa, whose expression had turn bitter, Basara lined up at the end of the line, where he casually probed.

"Hey… About these passionate fans, ''has there ever been some kind of incident so far with them involved?''"

"Woah, creepy… So, for example like what?"

Said Takigawa while looking at the beginning of the line. "Let's see" said Basara as a prelude.

"For example, someone tried to aggressively get at them… Or contrary, a girl, jealous of their popularity, did some kind of harassment?"

"No way. To begin with, the other fans wouldn't keep quiet if anyone tried to steal a march. Even the girls know of Naruse and Nonaka's popularity. They're aware that they would make the boys angry if they were to pull some kind of careless harassment."

"I see…"

In other words, Mio was the center of attention to some kind of extent at school.

There had been a risk of an enemy being mixed in the school, but it was unlikely that any flashy measures would be taken in that situation.

…Well, the first term actually did go by normally.

Of course it couldn't be asserted that the school was perfectly safe because of that, but at least it narrowed down the places and times, where they had to be wary.

When Basara pondered like that, Takigawa, next to him, suddenly showed a nasty smile.

"Well, there was once a sophomore boy that tried to steal a march, but was put through the mill by a couple of seniors… Going by that, you're probably in the most danger."

"Guess so…"

He got the feeling that it was true. After all, ever since he showed up at the school store, some guys had been glaring at him. It was good that Mio was relatively safe, but it made him worry about his school life.

"But are you going to be fine, Takigawa? Won't the passionate fans have an eye on you too when you hang out with me?"

On Basara's question, Takigawa smiled.

"Don't fret it. I have fast legs. If it comes down to it, I'll abandon you and run away."

Such a reliable classmate. Then Takigawa added "Besides" happily.

"Raising flags with our school's two beauties is quite the feast. The so called protagonist potential? If I hang out with a guy that has such ‘luck' or ‘invisible power', I think my school life will get quite lively. Let's get along from now on."

"Same here. But… I'm afraid I don't have such luck or power."

Basara made a wry smile. He already--- lost his qualifications to be a hero and was nothing more than a side-character.

===Part 4===

After school.

Mio, who had been silent ever since leaving the classroom, finally opened her mouth when they left the entrance hall.

"…Why are you following me?"

"Well, I'm just trying to go home…"

A sullen voice. Apparently the incident from after this morning's homeroom still had after-effects.

Well, it had certainly surprised him too.

---However, couldn't she fix her mood already? He had already been at the verge to be all alone at school, yet even on the way home it seemed that he wouldn't get a proper conversation.

In his opinion, it was time to remind her again about idea behind the Kanji 人.

Supporting each other.

"Hey Mio… What do you think about the Kanji ‘人'?"

"It looks like Nonaka and you hugging."

Not good. Impossible. He couldn't count on her. Like this, he could only hope for the meddling of a third person.

Walking towards the school gate, Basara shifted his gaze to the far in front. Upon that,

"Mio-chaan, Basara-saan."

Maria, waiting outside the gate, waved her hand greatly. Apparently she was carrying out their setting as sisters in public. Well, it certainly would be weird when she called her "Mio-sama".

"Good job on sitting out your time… you two."

"Thanks for waiting for us, but your remark is a bit wrong."

Don't make it sound like we came out of prison. The counselling teacher is looking.

There Maria noticed Mio's bad mood and alternating looked at Mio and Basara's expression, then

"Basara-san, Basara-san…"

Pulling on his sleeve and taking a bit of a distance from Mio, she whispered into his ear.

"What is up with Mio-sama? It appears that her mood is kind of foul."

"Well, stuff happened…"

"? …Ah, I see. So that is how it is. That is not good, you have to use contraception."

"Hey… what did you think of in these mere seconds just now?"

Seemed it wasn't good to rely on someone else. He should do something about it himself. At that time,

…Mh?

Suddenly he noticed that Mio across of him looked at him.

"……….."

Her expression looked like she was waiting for Basara's words.

…Figures.

Of course it worried her when the one, who promised to protect her, showed an expression she didn't know.

It was nothing to be surprised about. A trust between Mio and him hadn't been properly established yet.

Neither as a family--- nor as comrades.

…Worrying my little sister, I fail as a big brother…

When he thought so self-instructing, Basara returned to Mio's side.

"…….What?"

Mio faced sideways sulking and gave him a side-glance.

At the time he tried to find words to reassure her then.

"---Basara."

A quiet voice called his name from the side interrupting. Before he had noticed, Nonaka Yuki had stood right beside him. And ignoring Mio, whose expression instantly turned sour, she declared.

"I have something important to discuss… just between us two."

===Part 5===

Basara decided to accept Yuki's request to talk with just the two of them.

As expected, the bad-tempered Mio had left Basara behind and went home, but she had Maria with her.

Befitting the season, the sun was still up high and there were a lot of students, since it was time to go home.

It should be safe to leave the two of them alone for a bit.

Basara and Yuki moved to a café in front of the station. It was all fine up to the point where they got guided to an empty table at the back, but

"…Hey, Yuki. We're sitting at a table, not at the counter, so wouldn't you normally sit down across?"

Regardless of the table for four people, Yuki sat down besides Basara for some reason. Upon that,

"No. It's better when no one hears what we're discussing now."

There wasn't much of a distance to begin with, yet Yuki shifted her chair even closer to Basara.

A thin distance, where their arms could touch. The soft sensation from smooth bare skin and the sweet fragrance of a girl coming from Yuki.

…Ugh. This is bad…

During the time they had been apart, their intimacy had vanished and Basara was strangely conscious of the gap to his feminine-matured childhood friend. But in regards, Yuki took the menu card with a cool face and looked at it.

Then they both simply ordered drinks and when they dampened their dry throats,

"…Thanks, for coming."

Yuki slowly opened her mouth.

"No prob. I wanted to talk to you too anyway."

The glares at school were so heavy that he couldn't get a decent conversation going in the end.

"Good…"

Yuki made a sigh of relief.

"I thought for sure, you were angry, Basara."

"Mh? Why?"

"I mean… You didn't look all that happy, even though I hugged you."

"No, I just didn't realize it was you at that time…"

It had been already five years since he met Yuki last at the age of ten. They were both in their growing periods right now. It was understandable he wouldn't recognize her at once. And anyone would be troubled if a girl on the supposed first meeting hugged onto one. Besides,

"…You sure have changed."

What he first thought was, how surprisingly pretty she got. The Yuki Basara knew had the smallest and childish body amongst their old playmates, but now she looked more mature than her age.

Yuki said that it might be due to the change of her hairstyle. Surely, the old Yuki had grown out her hair.

But--- That wasn't the reason Basara didn't notice it right away that it was Yuki on their reunion.

He thought back.

…She wasn't the type to make such a face…

She had been sparing with words since forever, but had a great variety of expressions. But, Yuki's face, as she was looking at him awaiting from besides, looked completely inexpressive.

…Five years, huh.

Most likely she had changed in Basara's absence. The current Yuki might be no longer the Yuki he used to know. Just like the current Basara was different from his self five years ago now.

"…Actually, did I look happy in the past?"

Basara felt his thoughts going into a bad direction, so he got back on the previous topic.

Upon that, Yuki nodded a "Mm".

"When I hugged you, you would tightly hug me back."

"Mhm, is that so…"

"---Also, you often took advantage of the situation to touch my butt."

"Eh, seriously!?"

He didn't remember at all, but he was just a perverted kid then. What was his younger self doing?

…Ah.

Looking at his flustered self, Yuki finally brightened her expression.

That faint smile matched the Yuki in his memories.

It finally felt real to him--- That he reunited with his childhood friend Nonaka Yuki.

He was quite happy about that. But, that specially was the reason why he couldn't avert his eyes now.

"…So? What do you want to talk about?"

Yuki didn't answer Basara's question right away.

And the faint smile she was showing reverted back to the cold expression.

"…It's about Naruse Mio."

She said whispering. It were words he had expected.

"Basara… Don't get involved with her any more."

"So it's you after all… ''Her observer sent by the village''."

Yes. Originally, it was strange for Yuki to be here.

For Basara's childhood friend--- a girl from the Hero tribe to be here, away from the village.

"Well she did get a surveillance rank S-…"

"…You knew?"

"My dad told me. I believe I know most of their circumstances too."

"Then I'll cut to the chase. Leave Naruse Mio at once."

Yuki overlapped her hand with Basara's, which rested on the table.

Then she softly leaned over and looked at him.

"She's being sought by the current Devil Lord--- At this rate you and Jin-san will be dragged into it."

---There were two people secretly watching Basara and Yuki from a few seats afar.

It were Mio and Maria. They wanted to go home ahead of him, but followed him after all because they were worried. They could barely hear their conversation.

"…It seems she is from the Hero Tribe just like Basara-san after all."

"Y- Yes… Looks like it."

On Maria's words, Mio nodded so a bit awkward.

…

She was Basara's childhood friend. With a bit of thought she could have figured it out, but agitated by the hug in front of her eyes this morning, where she ended up blowing up and revealing their living together, she just couldn't muster any sober thoughts.

Even now, she had thought for sure that they were having a date.

But--- Now that she thought back on it, she got the feeling that Nonaka Yuki had always kind of avoided her.

Of course everyone had own interests. If she was avoiding her, there was no need for Mio to forcefully befriend her, so she had kept her distance, but

''…So that's the reason I felt her look on me despite that.''

That said, there was no need for Mio to act as long as she wasn't challenged.

At any rate, her enemies were the ones, who killed her parents. Making an enemy out of the Hero Tribe could really foil her plans.

"Mio-sama, what do we do? It seems she is trying to separate Basara-san from us…"

"…Mhm, let's watch a bit longer."

If all went well, they might get to know about the intentions of the Hero Tribe.

…Besides, it could be that…
She might get to hear Basara's true feelings. How he, who said he would protect her, felt at heart. It was an unforeseen chance, but the perfect one for Naruse Mio to make sure of the boy called Toujou Basara. Therefore Mio tried to perk up her eyes to the conversation between them.

"---Mm."

The eaves-dropping behaviour probably made her feel a bit guilty. Due to that, Mio trembled her body with a shiver on the sweet sensation that arose from inside her body. The curse of the Master and Servant Contract.

"…Mio-sama?"

Maria, next to her, was puzzled, whereas Mio repeated "I'm not eavesdropping" in her heart while turning red. Convincing herself that she wasn't betraying her master, but only worrying about him. Upon that, the sweet sensation faded soon enough and Mio made a sigh of relief.

While observing Basara and Yuki again,

…Still,

Suddenly hugging onto him regardless of the place and now even leaning over and holding his hand, this girl--- even for a childhood friend, she was being way too clingy.

Don't get involved with Mio any more--- To these words from Yuki that resembled a request,

"Too late… I'm afraid I'm already dragged into it."

Basara slowly shook his head and declared his resolve.

"Both my dad and I have already decided to protect them."

"---But!"

Yuki raised an unusual loud voice. After gulping briefly, she squeezed out.

"In the incident five years ago, you…"

"……Yeah."

He knew what Yuki wanted to say. Due to the incident five years ago, Basara had to leave the village. Toujou Basara hadn't forgotten what he did back then, nor what he had lost. But,

"Still… I want to protect Mio. Mio doesn't wish for the power she holds. She just wants to live as a normal human, a normal girl. It led to the death of her parents by the ulterior motives of devils and right now--- she herself is in danger of being killed for her power."

He couldn't overlook that. He had a reason not to.

"She's innocent. If you guys, the village is willing to protect her---"

"…That alone is impossible. You should know that."

"Yeah…"

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| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
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</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-12-02T23:01:35Z

Darklight01:

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-12-02T23:00:14Z

Darklight01: Missed some

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-12-02T22:56:10Z

Darklight01: Changed multiple occurrences of " to '. " was used for contractions instead of '.

Talk:Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Volume 8 Chapter 14

2013-03-15T07:08:42Z

Darklight01:

(Regarding the Manzai footnote: 'Heiwa-boke' is in fact unrelated to manzai, though from the same root. It's probably closer to 'shougatsu-boke', in terms of describing a state of stupor. Shougatsu-boke is a stupor from late-night activities to celebrate the year changing, while heiwa-boke is a stupor from becoming too used to a peaceful environment (that is, losing one's sense of caution regarding possible dangers).)

Ah, thanks. I knew boke could also mean spacing out, but couldn't for the life of me see how to fit that in and went for something which I thought marginally kinda made sense in context if you made really generous allowances. Clears up a lot. [[User:Seitsuki|Seit]] ([[User talk:Seitsuki|talk]]) 04:08, 14 March 2013 (CDT)

I'm not exactly sure what this sentence is supposed to try to say so I haven't edited it, but it doesn't appear to be written correctly, "Bring matters to a close was Okaa-sama." Could someone please enlighten me on the meaning of the sentence? [[User:Darklight01|Darklight]] 03:08, 15 March 2013 (EST)

Talk:Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Volume 8 Chapter 14

2013-03-15T07:08:16Z

Darklight01:

User:Darklight01

2013-03-14T07:45:32Z

Darklight01: Created page with "A long time lurker of the Baka-Tsuki site who has recently decided to help with editing for the series Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. I very strongly love series that revolve a..."

A long time lurker of the Baka-Tsuki site who has recently decided to help with editing for the series Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei.

I very strongly love series that revolve around fantasy, magic and science fiction.

An avid reader of both many series in both their manga and light novel forms, I started reading on Baka-Tsuki many, many moons ago and deeply appreciate all the work that has been done on this site.