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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1

2009-01-15T08:02:43Z

Darksidevrael: /* Chapter 1: The Ostland */

===Chapter 1: The ''Ostland''===

“Huh...”

Louise let out a deep sigh. She was at the deck of the ''Ostland''. In front of her eyes, led by Guiche and Malicorne, the students of the Academy of Magic were creating a commotion.

Colbert was in the center of the circle. Previously, they heard how he had died during the attack of the group of mercenaries from the Albion army; but he was actually alive, and apparently, Kirche had secretly brought him back to Germania.

It was a mystery why Kirche did that. Louise inclined her head.

“Oh my, Louise. How is this ship my Jan made?”

Her hand went around Louise, and Kirche smiled sweetly.

Louise stared at the wings of ''Ostland'' which were protruding from its deck. They are enormous wings, which should be three times larger that the ones of normal ships. Usually, wings which are set up in ships were wood, as the support, with a spreading sail. But this ship is different. To achieve that strength, instead of wood, tall iron masts are used. Amounting to even 100 mails, these straight iron masts could not be produced in Tristain.

In the middle of the wings, there is an engine room with huge propellers! It looks like the “steam engine” Colbert prided in. Apparently, it is something Colbert and the Zerbst family made using the “Happy Serpent” some time ago as a model. From the outer appearance, they look like two long, huge iron boxes with huge chimneys. With the energy from the steam which is generated from the combustion of coals and the heating of water, these huge propellers revolve- this is its mechanism.

Those two things were the product of Germanian mechanics who were excellent metallurgists.

“What a great ship.”

Louise expressed her thoughts briefly, and 

“To manufacture iron which could be of use to make such long and strong masts in Tristain is impossible! Louise, do you understand? For the sake of turning my Jan's design into reality, the fire technology of Germania is indispensable! It was a just like a fated meeting between the fire Zerbst and the Flaming Serpent! In other words, the fruits of love!”

Unabashed, Kirche combed her hair back. Disgusted at Kirche who had now caught a teacher, calling him “My Jan," Louise said,

“So it's a teacher this time? You are really really someone who falls in love irrationally, huh?”

“It is my personality to be attracted to great gentlemen. I am only faithful to that.”

“Then why did you do things like lying that he had dies and brought him away?”

Louise asked. At her words, Kirche displayed a somewhat lonesome look. Yet, she smiled immediately.

“There are a lot of reasons for adults. Complicated reasons.”

While she was waving her hand, she rushed over to Colbert.

Colbert was explaining the ''Ostland'' to the students.

“With the buoyancy acquired using these huge wings, the consumption of wind stoned is minimized, and this ship should be able to travel for a long distance......uwa!”

Suddenly embraced by Kirche, Colbert let out a shout. Laughter escaped from the students. Saito was amongst the students. He was laughing quite innocently.

''I know you are happy that he is still alive, but......'' Louise pouted.

''Explain properly your kiss with princess.''

''Although when I was kissed during the drop, I thought, 'Well, it's fine......,' the kiss between Saito and Henrietta was still an uncommon relationship.'' Louise did not miss the hot atmosphere which was drifting between the two. ''Although I had questioned Henrietta, I still did not know whether that feeling was real or not......'' Louise declared. ''Oh no! Because he had stopped the seventy thousand and became the hero of Tristain, looks like Henrietta's eyes are clouded as well.''

''How would Saito react towards the queen's feelings? Is Henrietta still better after all?''

Louise recalled their kiss. ''Henrietta and Saito were just like characters of a soap opera, having something hot residing in their looks. What eyes! Looks which were as if they had just noticed the sudden destiny which came to them without them knowing it.''

''You had said so many times you like me that much, and yet what is thisssss~!'' Completely agitated, ''Pong!'' Louise kicked recklessly into the side of the ship.

“You are in a bad mood huh?”

Louise looked around, and saw Siesta standing there, holding a tray.

“Why are you here?”

With a voice similar to a snarl, Louise said. Nowadays, Siesta was Saito's exclusive maid. Right now, she was supposed to be cleaning the room.

“Because the students who had gathered had said they wanted to have their lunch on the ship. The workers carrying the meal are not enough, so I was called as well. Nevertheless, this is really an awesome ship, right? This is my first time seeing a ship with such long wings.”

Siesta was not aware of the incident of Louise's attack by Myozunitonirun last night. And looks like she did not recognize at all of this great ship, ''Ostland,'' was made by Colbert who was living at Germania for some reasons. With an innocent expression, her view shifted around restlessly from the deck to the mast and the wings.

The meal which was on the tray consisted of sliced bread, ham, and vegetables- a light meal. Louise took one of them, and started stuffing her mouth quietly.

Siesta whispered near Louise's ears,

“Was Miss Valliere found by Saito-san during the ball?”

''Ugh!'' the bread she was eating got stuck at her throat. At her reactions, Siesta narrowed her eyes and whispered,

“Soooooo what's the maaatter? Oh my oh my oh my. Looking at that expression, looks like he did not, huh? If that's the case, I won the bet. If I won, that means......”

Siesta's face shone brightly.

“So I will borrow Saito-san for one day, right? As for Miss Valliere, please say that you have things to do and leave the room. It's all right! I won't do anything strange like what Miss Valliere is thinking. I'll just practice a play, only that. A novel with the title 'A Maid's Afternoon,' just only practice one scene. So......”

However, Louise did not reply. Whilst trembling, she was staring intently at a dot.

“Are you listening? Miss...”

Siesta recognized the target of Louise's gaze, and her eyes bulged.

“Isn't that Her Majesty, The Queen!?”

Just as she said, taking along some guards, Henrietta was about to go towards the students. In order for her to attend the Ball of Sleipnir, she had to stay at the Academy of Magic. Cheers could be heard from amongst the students who had gathered at the deck. Noticing Henrietta who had appeared suddenly, Colbert bowed deeply.

“A magnificent ship, right? Mister.” 

“Thank you.”

Looking at the conversation between Colbert and Henrietta, Siesta sighed. The beauty of Henrietta which was described as “The Flower of Tristain” would stand out even amongst other noble ladies. The noble atmosphere drifted even to Siesta, a commoner, pressurizing her.

However...... despite being in such a position, Henrietta still had this amiable feeling. Usually, noble ladies would always appear to be puffed up and aloof. Yet, Henrietta who reigned at the top did not make one feel like that. Was it because no one rivalled her?

“This is the first time I've seen Her Majesty, The Queen, so closely. If my family in my home town heard about this, they will definitely be envious......”

Yet, Louise did not respond. Motionless, her gaze was fixated straight ahead at Henrietta. ''What one earth is wrong with Miss Valliere?'' Siesta inclined her head. Eventually, her face lightened up. The person she liked was pushing his way among the crowd.

“Saito-san......”

Sure enough, it was Saito, wearing an Ondine mantle. Although Guiche's figure could be seen beside him, Siesta's eyes were only on Saito.

Guiche came up to Henrietta's front, and bowed elegantly. Saito who was standing half a step behind followed suit, bowing down in an unrefined manner of a knight. The clumsiness which was brought up from amongst the commoners made Siesta's heart beat more.

“Your Majesty, the preparation of the coach is already done.”

With a respectful bow, Guiche said. Because of his delight of directly serving the queen he admired, he showed a proud look never seen before this. It was a contrast to Saito who looked embarrassed somehow.

“Thank you for the trouble.”

She said so, and as if rewarding their work, held out her right hand. At such an action, Guiche froze.

“Guiche-san?”

“Oi......”

Saito prodded him lightly. Because of that, Guiche fell sidewards. Surprised, Henrietta took a step back.

“Wh-what happened?”

“He fainted.”

Saito said wistfully, and the other students who had gathered exploded into laughter.

Looks like Guiche was overcome by emotion and had lost his consciousness.

“Well then, I will just express my gratitude to the Assistant Commanding Officer instead.”
[[Image:ZnT10-019.jpg|thumb]]
Henrietta said in a slightly anxious tone. Around her, tension spread rapidly. Although Saito is a chevalier, he is still of a commoner origin (the truth is that he is a person of a different world). Previously, despite knowing that he was permitted to kiss Her Majesty's hand at Tristain, for him to do so right now before everyone's eyes, was something he could not even imagine, and this made him dizzy.

Saito involuntarily looked up at Henrietta's face, and blushed, lowering his head slightly. The surrounding noble students thought, ''Aren't you a little too nervous in kissing the queen's hand?'', but that thing was reflected in Siesta's eyes as well. Squinting her eyes, she stared at the queen's and Saito's faces alternately.

“......Eh?”

From Siesta's mouth, a surprised sound leaked out. As might be expected of a girl in love, Siesta did not miss the hot feeling glimmering in Henrietta's eyes, even if it was only for a moment.

“Ho-how could this be? Don't tell me......”

''Impossible'', while thinking that, she turned towards Louise. Something grave was happening here as well. Clenching her fists tightly, with her face looking down, standing stiffly, she was murmuring something continuously.

“Miss? Miss?”

Siesta hastily shook Louise. From the Louise's mouth which was mumbling something, curse-like words could be heard.

“Though you're a dog though you're are dog what are you thinking about that is impossible so there is nothing more dreadful than this or is it Princess-sama is Princess-sama there is nothing less honorable than this you're not serious right you're joking right you don't know what this feeling is an unforgivable dog is really unforgivable yet you and the queen? How amusing...”

“Miss! Miss!”

Paling, Siesta shook Louise harder.

“What!?”

“......That! That, what does it mean!?”

Whilst whispering softly, Seista pointed at Henrietta and Saito.

“No matter whether it means like this sort or that sort of thing, what you see is true.”

Siesta dropped to the ground clumsily.

“I can't believe it.”

“Even I don't believe it.”

Looks like Henrietta noticed Louise. Displaying a smile devoid of any ill will, she drew near her.

Behind her, with an expression as if he had did something wrong, Saito came as well. Guiche, who had come to, came along as well. Louise turned her back roughly against Saito's face, and greeted Henrietta awkwardly.

“I am going back to the palace after this...... Before that, I would like to have a meal with you. Is it okay?”

“Be it okay or not okay, no objections. Just do as Your Majesty wishes.”

Henrietta laughed sweetly, after which she turned towards Saito.

“Would you like to join us as well?”

“That, that is...Gladly! Yes!”

Standing stiffly, Guiche replied, "If Montmorency were present at that time, she would definitely not hesitate to punish him with her magic.”

However, Saito shook his head apologetically.

“Sorry......I'm afraid I have some things to do for a bit.”

From the students who were watching him attentively, amazed voices could be heard. It was generally unimaginable for someone to turn down the invitation of a queen. Especially a lunch with the queen, a privilege which could not be acquired even if nobles were to wish for it.

Henrietta displayed a seemingly lonely look for an instant, but immediately changed that with a smile.

“It's alright. After becoming a knight, you would be busy with various things.”

The queen and those invited for the lunch descended the ''Ostland'' successively. Guiche, Louise, Henrietta......Feeling that the help of a waiter was necessary, Siesta followed behind Louise as well.

After that, Saito, who was left behind, looked up towards Kirche and Colbert.

The people surrounding the two of them until a while ago could not really attend the lunch as well, but still followed the queen's party. Thanks to them, Colbert was released with difficulties.

“What's the matter, Saito? Why did you turn down the queen's invitation? Aren't you too proud?”

“I have something I would like to ask.”

“Yeah yeah. I have something I want to ask as well. Who were both of you attacked by last night? Who was that?”

“I don't really know as well.”

“What is that? After that, what happened to Tabitha? She had been with you guys last night, but today I didn't see her figure at all......”

"What I want to ask is Tabitha.”

Saito told Kirche what happened last night.

Louise was attacked by a mysterious lady who called herself “Myozunitonirun,” and she was abducted. He had tried to go along to save her, and somehow Tabitha started attacking him.

“Really?”

Kirche's eyes bulged.

“Yeah. But I could not hurt her. When I realized, I had already pointed the tip of my sword away. Though I received a blow at my stomach, she could not aim at my weak spots. So it was not a fatal wound.”

Saito removed his shirt, and showed the wound Tabitha inflicted on him last night. Thanks to the users of Water of the Knight Corps, the wound had closed up......but there are still traces left by the “Javelin” incantations.

“I don't know why she had a change of heart......but after that, she attacked that ally of hers until then. So, we rode on Sylphid together, and chased after the enemy which had carried Louise off, and were saved by the teacher.”

Kirche seemingly pondered on it......and turned her face around swiftly. And then, she started to run away.

“Kirche, where are you going?”

Saito and Colbert exchanged glances, and followed Kirche.

Kirche's destination was Tabitha's room in the tower of the dormitory.

Nonetheless, that was an empty shell. Tabitha's figure could not be seen anywhere at all. Kirche folded her arms, and started pondering about it. After that, she asked Saito, with a serious look,

“That girl, when did she come back to the academy?”

“Umm......ten days ago I think.”

Kirche frowned.

“Damn......If it's that girl, she won't say anything at all. Really fishy, huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“That girl went to Germania together with me, but......after confirming Jan's safety, she said “I'm going back,” and really came back.”

“Oi oi! But, she just came back around ten days ago!”

“That's why! During that period, she must have received some 'mission' again. Dammit......”

“What do you mean by 'mission!?' Isn't she a quiet person? Oh yeah, she had also said......'I'll tell you the reasons after this fight.' Hey, Kirche! Tell me!”

''Nnnnn~'' Kirche placed her hand at her forehead.

“Well... It's inevitable that this fact is hidden from you for such a long time. Do you know that she is a Gallian?”

Saito nodded. He had heard it directly from Tabitha during their invitation for her to join the Knight Corps.

“She is not just a normal noble. That girl is a Gallian royalty.”

“Hah!? Royalty?”

“That's right.”

Kirche explained to Saito. The whole sad story of Tabitha studying abroad at Tristain Academy of Magic......

The Orleans officials of the younger brother of the ruling king, who is Tabitha's father, was killed by people of the ruling king. To protect Tabitha, Tabitha's mother drank poison, and became mentally ill.

And then, Tabitha was being sent to Tristain to study abroad, as if getting rid of her......

“But, what is the thing the Gallian royal family don't allow......?”

Kirche bit her lips. In her usually taunting look, as if she was made to recollect that family line, fiery anger could be seen on her face.

“While treating her so poorly, troublesome incidents happened, forcing that girl.”

“......Troublesome incidents?”

“Still remember the Ragdorian incident?”

Saito recalled the incident at that beautiful Ragdorian lake. Depressing memories were revived. Wales' death......Henrietta's tears. And, the promise with the water spirit......

''I had forgotten about the ring......'' After murmuring that, Saito lifted his face.

“Yeah, I remember. The fight with both of you.”

“That was also the command of the Gallian royal family.”

“Then, the attack on us yesterday......”

“Should be an order from the Gallian royal family as well.”

Anger surged up to Saito's face.

“Unforgivable!!”

“Before that, shouldn't we worry about Miss Tabitha first?”

Colbert, who had been listening to their words silently until then, frowned seriously and spoke.

“She isn't in her room, could it mean that she was kidnapped......?”

Equally worried, Saito said. But Kirche shook her head.

“That girl won't be so stupid to be caught. She must've hidden herself, I think. Not bothering anybody. That girl is like that.”

“But still......”

“Eventually she'll get in touch with us, I think. It's best that we don't move around. Let's believe in her and wait.”

Staring outside the window, Kirche said. Saito was moved by the complete faith in her heart.

“Is it okay to tell Louise?”

Saito asked, and Kirche nodded.

“It's better to tell her. That girl is involved as well. Really respect her, becoming a legendary user...... That Valliere carries too heavy a responsibility. 'Void,' huh? Damn...”

“You knew it!?”

In a shocked voice, Saito cried out.

“During that time, when that handsome Albion prince was revived and abducted Princess-sama, Saito, didn't you say it yorself? 'I am just mimicking the legend.' But that incantation which Louise chanted to nullify the magic used to revive the dead...... was not of the Four Elements of Magic. Legendary......and a magic not of the Four Elements. Isn't it 'Void'......? But looking at your behavior, seems that it is true.”

Kirche squinted her eyes, and smiled.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6

2009-01-04T14:33:31Z

Darksidevrael: /* Chapter Six: The Feelings of The Queen */

===Chapter Six: The Feelings of The Queen===

As time flowed, winter had passed, and spring came along.

Tristain was embracing the warm season.

Was it because of the reaction of the end of the war which had prolonged for 8 months? Be it in the streets or the royal palace, a somewhat gentle atmosphere was hanging in the air. The sentinels who were standing guard at the gate of the royal palace unintentionally yawned. The officers who should find fault with them were also gazing absent-mindedly at the sky, showing relieved expressions.

People walking down the streets brimming with liveliness. Although Tarbes was burned down completely, most of the territory of Tristain was not involved in the war. The atmosphere due to the war was improving, various things started to overflow in the streets. As if to enjoy the transient festive, merchants at the streets shouted at the top of their voice, and all the customers fished for and bought goods from Albion or imported ones.

At Bourdonné Street which was crowded with people walking about, a pure white carriage sped past them.

Caught in between black coaches in front and at the back, with a grand procession of knights making its way, the crowd knew that it had to be a majestic, high-class gentleman or lady.

Recognizing the lily crest across the coachman seat of the carriage, the citizens of Tristain rejoiced loudly.

“Her Majesty The Queen! Long live Her Majesty The Queen!”

It was the carriage of the queen of Tristain, Henrietta.

She was just returning from the luncheon with the King of Germania at the frontier city.

In the carriage, Henrietta opened the small window, and waved to the people outside. Having won the war, Henrietta was the popular focus of the citizens right now. These selfish citizens who were complaining due to Henrietta's heavy taxation; after the tax cut accompanying the end of the war, their lives started becoming more comfortable, and they started supporting Henrietta once again.

“Long live Queen Henrietta of <span id="honorable">[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Translator's Notes#Honorable Poverty|Honorable Poverty]]</span>!”

One of the crowd shouted, and that cheer spread all over in a flash.

“Long live Queen Henrietta of honorable poverty! Long live Tristain!”

Being called 'Queen of Honorable Poverty' every time, Henrietta's face darkened a little. For the sake of easing the poverty of the country, she had abandoned all the personal belongings of the royal family- this move had made Henrietta even more famous. Henrietta hated to announce that to the people... but Mazarin who had heard this from the finance minister had spread the report out without hesitating.

Her face left the window... The curtains were closed, and Henrietta mumbled to Mazarin beside her,

“Isn't this is just like... a cheap play sold to flatter the people?”

“Is this not good? No one is going to lose from it, after all.”

Mazarin said with a composed face.

“I do not want to use such things to garner popularity.”

With ladylike fastidiousness, Henrietta muttered. But she did not say it out, it was merely her lips moving slightly.

“I have been saying this all the while.”

“''Using whatever things which can be used is the basis of politics'', right? Do you still remember it?”

“If that's the case, fine.”

Henrietta closed her eyes. Even my kind heart had to be use as a tool to rule over the people... This world I plunged into, what a foul place it is.

Despite the fact that the war had ended, Henrietta didn't have any leisure time because of it. Instead, in the present time at which international relations flourished compared to the former days, she was pursued by affairs which were more than the war time.

Uu... Henrietta lightly clasped her mouth. Apparently worried, Mazirini looked into her face.

“Your Majesty, what's wrong?”

“No... I feel a little...”

“Should I summon the water healers?”

With a seemingly anxious face, Mazarin asked. Henrietta shook her head.

“I'm fine. Sorry for making you worried.”

Her heart gradually could not stand the affairs and the pressure, and started shrieking. I want to take a break somewhere, even if she thought that, living as a queen, that could not be done.

During the war, she was sustained by the word 'revenge.' But it had ended......and what's left was only time with a gaping wide hole. Pressures were merely pressures, it could only be buried with time, nothing else.

At any rate, Henrietta was completely exhausted.

The townspeople's cheer towards a certain person continuously flew into the ears of the queen. By merely hearing that name, the gloom inside her heart cleared... Henrietta's cheeks lightly colored.

Ondine • The Knight Corps of The Water Spirit which were being led by Guiche and Saito was also given the duty of escorting the return journey of the queen from the luncheon.

Although it was an 'escort', it contained a substantially formal factor. In short, it was the debut of the newly established knight corps.

At the gate of Tristain, they combined with the Henrietta's troops, according to the plan they planned some time ago, and marched to the palace together.

In accordance to the hierarchy of the royal palace, that array of troops was at the end of the queen's troupe, but the group members were full of vigor.

The head of the line was Guiche, the commanding officer. Saito's horse was in the line with the distance of a horse's head from the front.

“Ah... But this is... huh...”

Lining at both sides of the road, Saito looked at the figures of the citizens, whispering. A chevalier's crest... Clad in the dazzling mantle on which a silver embroidery was sewn, with his features, Saito appeared to be an extremely weird existence. The people at the street stared intently at Saito who was carrying a sword at his shoulder instead of a wand and for some reasons, spreading rumors sneakily together.

Beside him, Guiche turned towards Saito.

“What's the matter? Assistant Commanding Officer.”

“None of your business.”

Blushing, Saito muttered. Changing suddenly from when they practiced, at this sort of place where everyone's attention was focused on them, Guiche became more unreserved. An exhibition of his showing off character.

“Just like this. Look!”

Saying that, Guiche waved his rose. The dancing, dropping petals fluttered in the air, drifting about... Afterwards, they transformed into doves. Rustling, the doves flew about in the air.

Cheers spread forth from the spectators along the street.

Triumphant, Guiche inclined his head. Upon which one of the onlookers shouted.

“Isn't that gentleman the fourth son of the Gramont household, Guiche-sama?”

At which someone 'uhuh-ed' in approval.

“That's right! The one who achieve the huge feat of capturing some city, the commanding officer of the knight corps who is being inaugurated!”

Cheers rose from everywhere, subsequently Guiche's name was called out repeatedly.

“Long live Gramont family, Long live Guiche!”

At those cheers, Guiche waved his hand at them. And for this, he had specially prepared sakura flowers.

But... after all, the scattering golden flowers which had acquired cheers, at the next moment, was replaced by something else. All the eyes focused at Saito beside Guiche, who was carrying a sword at his back.

“Who is that guy? Isn't he carrying a sword at his back? A commoner?”

“A normal commoner like that, why is he mingling with the knight corps?”

Gossips started to fly about everywhere.

Eventually, an audacious feminine voice could be heard.

“What nonsense are you talking about! Everyone! Isn't that boy SAITO-KUN! Because he held back the seventy thousand army alone, the allies were saved!”

It was Scarron. Swaggering, he looked towards Saito and waved at him. At one look, Jessica and the other girls of the 'Charming Fairies' Inn was beside him, in a line. Scarron who was running a bar business had probably heard this rumor from the officers who went to his bar for a drink. Or maybe it could be Siesta who had told him.

Anyway, at Scarron's words, the stir in the midst of the onlookers subsided.

Almost all the people knew about the evacuating allied forces and how they got rescued by Gallia army who had suddenly participated in the war. And the fact that before Gallia's participation, someone stopped the onslaught of the 70,000 army which was like a raging billow......

Which unit of the soldiers stopped them? Or was it some magic soldiers who participated in secret? Or was it the reluctant bodyguards of Germania? Or was it really a knight who had stopped it, and that he was an elf? And it went on. All kinds of rumors flew about.

But how could it be that it was that youth who did that...?

Sniggers escaped from among the onlookers.

“But, for a swordsman to become a knight... he must have achieved quite some feat!”

At that voice, the laughter lessened. Upon which, noisy and boastful arguments rose.

“Impossible! No matter how you think of it, he is just a commoner. He could not have done such a great thing!”

“Recently Agnes-sama who had become the commanding officer of the musketeer squad, wasn't she of a commoner's origin!”

At the townspeople's dispute, the owner of the white carriage decided to settle it.

A soldier who was waiting on the queen beside it went near the window, and looked like he received a message... He rushed over to Saito, whispering something, two words, three words, and Saito who was in the maelstorm nodded.

He approached the white carriage with a tensed look.

As the attention of the onlookers and the escorting guards focused on it, from the window, a white and graceful hand held out. It was Queen Henrietta's hand.

Saito took that hand, and awkwardly kissed it.

A commotion rose from the onlookers.

As expected, that hearsay was really correct. If he did not achieve something like that deed, it was impossible for the queen to allow a guard from amidst the commoners to kiss her hand.

The onlookers' started shouting repeatingly.

“Long live Chevalier Saito!”

Receiving the cheering voices from the townspeople, Saito displayed a bewildered look. After returning to the rank of troops, Guiche whispered in Saito's ears.

“Hey, hey! Everyone is praising you right? You have to be up to their expectations!”

Nervously, Saito waved his hand.

At which the shouts of joy became louder still.

“I give up... If this is the case, I won't even step out to the streets.”

“Whhhaaat. The people would be weary of this soon. Tomorrow, they may somehow forget about you.”

Guiche whispered, as if he understood.

Henrietta, who closed the window, stared at the back of her hand at which she had allowed Saito to kiss some time ago, and at that moment, heaved a sigh. Looking at Mazarin who was taken aback, as if she was tired sitting inside the carriage, starting to twitch. Henrietta's teacher was no longer matching. Henrietta had fixed the aging prime minister's round hat.

I have to be more firm. Firmer, firmer.

Her heart was suffering from this heavy pressure again... Gazing at the back of her hand, her faint courage sprung up.

They arrived at the palace, and except for one part which was on duty, the rest of the escorting knight corps dispersed. Unconsciously, she was searching for the Ondine with her eyes.

The Imperial Guard corps which was established by Henrietta not long ago was having a friendly chat at a corner of the palace. Having just completed their debut, they were going to return to the Academy after that. Because it was planned that they had to undergo a year's training period before taking up any formal duty in the royal palace, they were not going to linger in the palace.

Amongst the knight corps, she discovered the black hair of Saito, whom she permitted a kiss at her hand. She was driven by the unexpected approach of that urge, but she changed her mind.

Cabinet ministers and servants welcomed Henrietta who had arrived.

Without losing the dignity of a queen, she displayed a smiling face, and thanked their efforts.

While Henrietta walked down the corridor of the palace at which ministers were standing in a line, she gave each one his or her approval. In the middle of walking up, duties befell upon her. No matter how pressurizing her work as a queen was, Henrietta had come to her duties, if not accustomed to them.

She approached one of the court ladies.

“A visitor is waiting.”

“Visitor? Any visitor, no, be it an emperor or the Pope, invite them to the waiting room.”

At Henrietta's ears, the court lady whispered something. Hearing that name, Henrietta displayed a smile of relief.

When Henrietta saw the person who was waiting in the living room, Henrietta's face brightened up suddenly. A smile which was rarely seen lately was displayed, and Henrietta tightly embraced the visitor who was waiting for her since some time ago.

“Aah, Louise! Louise! You should come once in a while to show me your face!”

“I want to do that very much as well. But Princess-sama is busy, I think...”

“If it's you, I grant you the privilege to come to this room at any time you want, Louise. Isn't that natural? You are my friend.”

Louise surveyed the room which had nothing.

“Everything here had really been sold, huh?”

She said in a lonesome voice.

“Yeah, that's right. For the duties of a queen, a place to sleep and a desk are enough.”

She said that, but the bed was left behind because of the Finance Minister's insistence that “he would oppose her sleeping on the floor, as expected.”

Louise realized the absence of the glittering 'Wind Ruby' on Henrietta's finger, and her eyes bulged.

“Princess-sama. What happened to the 'Wind Ruby'?”

“Ah, I have sold it.”

“What!”

“Because when I looked at it, I recall things... Because of the feelings in the ring, I was spurred to go into a war. Therefore, now that the war had ended, so I release...”

“What do you mean!”

Louise let out a shocked voice.

“What's the matter? Louise.”

“That ring is... a ring necessary for the “Bearer of Void”.”

“What do you mean?”

“Once I insert the ring, I become able to read the Founder's Prayer Book.”

“Aren't you the only one who could do that?”

While saying those words, Henrietta paled.

“Recently, didn't you receive a notice? At Albion, we were attacked by a 'familiar of Void', and we met another 'Bearer of Void'. There is a possibility for other 'Bearers of Void' to exist. And that person is unlikely to have a pure heart. If the ring goes to the hands of those who has a reason to use the power of Void...”

Henrietta was distraught.

“Aa, what should I do! If it's me!”

“Is it possible to go into the hands of anyone?”

The one to which this was passed was Finance Minister De Muri. Henrietta quickly summoned him.

“Did you call me? Your Majesty.”

It seemed that he sensed something unusual about Henrietta's expression. It was an anxious voice.

“Finance Minister, the ring I pass to you...”

The Finance Minister grinned.

“Is it that ring? The memento of the Albion royal family, 'Wind Ruby'?”

“That's it! The one I commanded you to sell, the 'Wind Ruby' I handed to you. Do you remember who you sold it to?”

The Finance Minister produced a small box from his breast pocket.

“Is it this?”

The thing which appeared from the small box was the 'Wind Ruby', as expected.

“When your majesty handed this to me, your majesty's face was not normal. Because of that, I held onto it. At any rate, I wanted to return this to your majesty some time.”

“...Aah, you are a splendid person, De Muri minister.”

“No... Because that is something filled with memories, I will never sell such a valuable thing. This is just like a part of the body.”

Leaving those words, the Finance Minister withdrew.

Henrietta gazed at the 'Wind Ruby' which had returned to her hand once again. From those eyes, a drop of tear trailed down her cheek. From that moment when it was going to appear, Henrietta displayed a befuddled look.

After realizing that she was overflowing with tears, Henrietta hid her face with both her hands.

“What am I... After my tears fell, only I realized that I was relieved.”

Louise's face became serious, and placed her hand at Henrietta's shoulder.

“Princess-sama, you are getting tired. Just once more, if you could relaxingly rest...”

“Thank you. The one who would call me to 'rest' is only you alone. But, I cannot do that. If I were to rest for a day, it is just as if some part of the country has stopped.”

Henrietta said, while patting Louise's hair.

“You make me envious, Louise.”

“What are you talking about? Princess-sama, don't you own everything else I don't possess?”

“It is for sure that someone who doesn't have anything is a few times happier than those who owned everything. Looking at this ring, I really think so.”

Henrietta gazed at the 'Wind Ruby' in her hand and said. For a short while, she gazed at it...

“I haven't listened to the reason you came here for.”

Louise looked hesitating as if it became difficult for her to speak, before displaying a resolute expression.

“Um... It's about Saito.”

Henrietta, who was taken aback for a moment, returned to normal immediately.

“Even today, I have borrowed him. He is good and hardworking. A magnificent, gallant man. Aah, I should offer him an expression of gratitude...”

“It is about that gratitude. To receive Saito alone, sending the Varsenda vessel; conferring the rank of 'Chevalier'... giving the instructions for him to be your servant, and allowing him to kiss your hand in the middle of the city...”

“....”

“Although this might not be appropriate... as a treatment to a mere chevalier, this is too kind. Your majesty treating him like that, do you have any other ulterior motives? This is what I am suspicious of.”

“...For example?”

“Using him for some dangerous duties...”

Dumbfounded, Henrietta stared at Louise.

“I? Using him for dangerous duties!? Never! How could I do such a thing! He is your valuable familiar right? Even if he becomes a noble, that would not change. The valuable person of you who is valuable to me, there's no way I would make him do dangerous things.”

“If that's the case, then it's fine, but...”

Henrietta hugged Louise tightly.

“As I thought, you are a gentle child, right? Same as during those days. He is... a great person, to me and the country... Yeah, he had displayed unparalleled loyalty. As a queen, I should reward this loyalty.”

“...But, Saito is someone from a different world. Someone who has to leave here sooner or later. Is it a good thing granting such an important task to such a person?”

“...That is something he had decided, Louise. To me, he is a necessary... errr, oh yeah, a necessary person. Because of that, I had done what I could. Even if he had accepted them, he has the freedom to repudiate them. When he was conferred the title of a knight, I had already said that.”

Louise nodded. During the ceremony in which Saito was conferred the title of a knight, he swore allegiance to Henrietta and the mother country. So to speak, he was a free knight... if those words were the case... At any rate, Saito was not an ordinary knight.

Anyway, if he won't be going through anything dangerous, she had no objections any more. Louise bowed her head quickly, and withdrew.

“Aren't you returning together with Saito-dono? Now, he might possibly still be in the courtyard.”

Louise shook her head.

“No... because I did not tell him that I was coming. So, I return alone as well.”

“I see. Take care. When you are free, come visit again.”

With a respectful bow, Louise withdrew.

When Henrietta sat down on her chair, she lifted her hand. Gazing at the Wind Ruby at the center of her palm, the exhausted, young queen murmured,

“...Go love somebody else, you had said that. I had thought that I would not love anyone ever again. But...”

Mixed with sighs, Henrietta muttered,

“Whether this is love or not, I don't know. Just that, sometimes when I think of this, in my chest, a little fire is lit up.”

The door was knocked.

“Who is it?”

“It is me.”

It was the voice of the secretary who manages Henrietta's schedule. "Please enter," she prompted. A lady in her thirties with her hair tied into a bun and glasses on her face entered the room.

“I would like to have the privilege of confirming your majesty's plans for the next two weeks...”

“Please.”

The secretary read out the plans one by one. The worst ones were back to back plans. Not being able to catch my breath, surely I would be like that. One of these days, my sleeping time would be scraped off as well, she muttered in her heart.

“Well then, on Freya's Day of the first week, there is a dining meeting with the ambassador of Romalia... In this occasion, please put on the Romalian formal dress. Consequently, within thirty minutes, please change your clothes.”

“Yes.”

Henrietta heaved a sigh, restrained her feelings, and as if she was not feeling even the tiniest speck of fatigue, answered.

“For the next day, the Day of Void... what do you plan to do?”

The secretary lifted up her spectacles, displaying a worried gesture.

“What do you mean, 'What do you plan to do?'”

“Umm... The plan is to attend the Ball of Sleipnir... should we cancel it?”

“Is it okay?”

With a tone as if feeling relieved, Henrietta asked. A resting day was more valuable than gold,

“Yeah. Because it is just the welcome party of the new students at the Academy of Magic. Besides, your visitor had invited your majesty... Mr. Osman had probably misunderstood between the affairs of the Academy and those of the country.”

A ball in the Academy of Magic...

Moreover, the Ball of Sleipnir was not an ordinary ball. Participants would masquerade as others. Further still, it was not disguise by means of a mask and costumes.

Henrietta lifted her face.

“I will attend. Please plan it that way.”

“If Your Majesty could attend it, certainly everyone would be happy... but if you take the day off as rest-”

The secretary, who knew above anyone else how heavy Henrietta's work was, said in a seemingly worried expression.

“The Academy of Magic is the place where the younger generation of nobles who carry the future of the country is educated... For those freshmen, there is a need to encourage them as well.”

She said this, and the secretary did not have any disagreements after that.

"So it will be done that way."

With those words, she withdrew.

Henrietta sat on her chair once again, lifting up her hand. She touched her reddened cheek with her hand, and bit her fingernails.

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