Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

User talk:Amazing Buffalo

2011-05-11T01:39:17Z

Imagker:

Go Buffalo,go! My gratutude for taking the time to translate a very special kind of story.

Cheers! / --[[Special:Contributions/83.227.250.155|83.227.250.155]] 15:56, 25 March 2011 (EDT)

Thank you for your kind words! --[[User:Amazing Buffalo|Amazing Buffalo]] 16:14, 25 March 2011 (EDT)

A more complete show of my thanks is on the Mimizuku project page, but I wanted to go ahead and say thank you so much for translating such an engaging story so quickly and so well.

~Blaster

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the book as much as I did. --[[User:Amazing Buffalo|Amazing Buffalo]] 21:49, 23 April 2011 (UCT)

Super awesome work on Mimizuku. Also saw that you are starting on Rental Magica. The best of luck!
-alyu

Awesome to work on Rental Magica! One of my favourites! --[[User:Larethian|Larethian]] 06:55, 24 April 2011 (UCT)

Thanks, alyu and Larethian! I'll do my best. --[[User:Amazing Buffalo|Amazing Buffalo]] 14:33, 24 April 2011 (UCT)

Congrats for Mimizuku and Rental Magica! [[User:Kira0802|Kira0802]] 18:20, 24 April 2011 (UCT)

Thanks, Kira! --[[User:Amazing Buffalo|Amazing Buffalo]] 18:25, 24 April 2011 (UCT)

First, Thanks for translating this series, it is something I've been wanting to read for a long time. Since I like it I tend to like to help.

In that part that I separated into different paragraphs, it really sounds like it is Kagezaki saying something at the beginning then Itsuki inviting him in - that is why I separated it.--[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]] 02:40, 30 April 2011 (UCT)

Thank you so much for working on Rental Magica. I'm very fond of the series due to having watched the anime a long time ago. I hear the LNs are much better (anime was so-so), so I'm happy to see it getting translated. Thank you very much for keeping it unlocalized, as well. Mikan's onii-chan is delicious. I can't wait until you reach Lapis (do keep Lapis' third person speech please). [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 01:39, 11 May 2011 (UCT)

===Rental Magica Typo===
That was no problem for that (to remove such little errors) we all here can edit ;) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 12:36, 8 May 2011 (UCT)

=== Rental Magica Edits ===

At line 88, I was hoping you might be able to elaborate on "a scream of '''''unknown significance'''''" means.

Also, if you'd look over the changes in the Prologue, I'd really appreciate it. I really want to get your feedback on the formatting change to the business card—using "angle brackets" ('''<>''') vs. "brackets" ('''[]''')... But I want to make sure I didn't change the meaning of anything when I made the edits.

I'm also '''Tetsu-nii''' on the forum if you want to contact me that way. 御苦労さん!

That scream of unknown significance, could that instead mean unknown '''source'''?--[[User:Darn2k|Darn2k]] 05:29, 10 May 2011 (UCT)

if I may suggest, how about --> "incomprehensible scream", this is different from "scream of incomprehension", the former being incomprehensible to the listener and not the screamer. --[[User:Larethian|larethian]] 06:04, 10 May 2011 (UCT)

Toaru Majutsu no Index

2010-11-01T10:53:03Z

Imagker:

[[Image:To Aru Majutsu no Index cover.jpg|200px|thumb|Volume 01 cover.]]
To Aru Majutsu no Index (とある魔術の禁書目録) project page.

The ''Aru Majutsu no Index'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index ~ Bahasa Indonesia]]
*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index ~ Russian]]
*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index ~ Español (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

==Story Synopsis==

Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Kamijou Touma's right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers- but not his own bad luck. One day, he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun-in-training from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum- all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation.

===Awards===

:3rd place in このライトノベルがすごい! 2009 Best Male Character (Kamijou Touma)

:1st place in このライトノベルがすごい! 2009 Best Female Character (Misaka Mikoto)

:Counting both categories, Touma ranked 3rd, with Mikoto ranking 6th.

== Translation ==

'''Translators Needed'''

If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=3505 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

==Updates==
*February 27, 2009 - project page created.
*March 1, 2010 - Volume 12 completed
*March 13, 2010 - Volume 7 completed.
*April 13, 2010 - Volume 9 completed.
*June 27, 2010 - Volume 10 completed.
*August 27, 2010 - Volume 8 completed.
*September 25, 2010 - Volume 13 completed.
*October 31, 2010 - Volume 11 completed.

==Terminologies==

All terminologies, character information and whatsoever are hosted on [http://toarumajutsunoindex.wikia.com/wiki/Toaru_Majutsu_no_Index_Wiki this wikia].

==The ''To Aru Majutsu no Index'' series by Kazuma Kamachi==

===Volume 1===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue: The Imagine-Breaker.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume1_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: FAIR, Occasionally GIRL.]] (35%)
::*Chapter 2: The 7th-Egde.
::*Chapter 3: "Forget me not."
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume1_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: (N)Ever Say Good bye.]] (6%)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue: Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum.]] (0%)

===Volume 2===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: The Beginning of The End.
::*Chapter 1: The Tower of BABEL.
::*Chapter 2: DEUS EX MACHINA.
::*Chapter 3: "Forget me not."
::*Chapter 4: Deadly Sins.
::*Epilogue: Devil or God.

===Volume 3===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue: Level2]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume3_Chapter1|Chapter 1: Level0(and More)]]
::*Chapter 2: Level2(Product Model)
::*Chapter 3: Level5
::*Chapter 4: Level5(Extend)
::*Epilogue: ID NoT Found

===Volume 4===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] (5%)
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Epilogue

===Volume 5===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue: Good Bye Yesterday.]]
::*Chapter 1: Last Order.
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu no Index:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2: Doubt Lovers.]]
::*Chapter 3: Tender or Sugary.
::*Chapter 4: Arrow Made of AZUSA.

===Volume 6===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
::*Chapter 1: Baby Queen.
::*Chapter 2: Break Time.
::*Chapter 3: Battle Cry.
::*Chapter 4: Beast Body,Human Heart.
::*Epilogue

===Volume 7 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue: The page is opened.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: Science Worship.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Chapter_2|Chapter 2: The Roman Catholic Church.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Chapter_3|Chapter 3: Anglican Church.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Chapter_4|Chapter 4: AMAKUSA Style Remix of Church.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue: The page is shut.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume7_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 8 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Prologue|Prologue: A TOKIWA-DAI's World.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: After School of Angels.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Chapter_2|Chapter 2: Space and Point.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Chapter_3|Chapter 3: “Remnant”]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Chapter_4|Chapter 4: Break or Crash?]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue: One Place,One Scene.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume8_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 9 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Prologue|Prologue: Parent's View Point.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Commence Hostilities.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Chapter 2|Chapter 2: "Stab Sword."]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Worst Counter.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Being Unsettled.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume9_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 10 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Resumption of Hostilities.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Accidental Firing.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Chapter 7|Chapter 7: Parabolic Antenna.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Light of a Night Sky.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Epilogue|Epilogue: Those Who Hold Out a Hand.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume10_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 11[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Prologue|Prologue: Un Viaggio in Italia.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Il Vento di Chioggia.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Chapter 2|Chapter 2: Un Frammento di un Piano.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Il Mare e la Sconfitta.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Lotte di Liberazione.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Chapter 5|Chapter 5: La Regina del Mare Adriático.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Epilogue|Epilogue: L'inizio Nuovo…….]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume11_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 12 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Prologue|Prologue: Suffering of a Negligee.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Chapter1|Chapter 1: Winter Clothes.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2: Pair Contract.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Chapter3|Chapter 3: Sister and Sisters.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4: Boy meets Girl(x2).]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Chapter5|Chapter 5: Hard Way,Hard Luck.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume12_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 13 [[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Chapter6|Chapter 6: Battle Preparation.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Chapter7|Chapter 7: Revival of Destruction.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Chapter8|Chapter 8: Fuse=Kazakiri.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Chapter9|Chapter 9: Two Kinds of Enemies.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Chapter10|Chapter 10: The Way of Light and Darkness.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Epilogue|Epilogue: The Branch Road.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume13_Afterword|Afterword]]

===SS Volume 1===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:SSVolume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:SSVolume1_Prologue|Prologue: Breakfast.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:SSVolume1_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: A Required Thing.]]
::*Chapter 2: Skill Out.
::*Chapter 3: Russian Roulette.
::*Chapter 4: The Two Leading Roles.
::*Epilogue: The Present Target.
::*Afterword

===Volume 14===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume14_Prologue|Prologue: Bread and Wine.]]
::*Chapter 1: In a Long Distance Country.
::*Chapter 2: Muzzle of a Gun.
::*Chapter 3: Power Instigation.
::*Chapter 4: Cruel Troopers.
::*Epilogue: Question.
::*Afterword

===Volume 15===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume15_Prologue|Prologue: Management.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume15_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: Compass.]] (5/12 parts.)
::*Chapter 2: Hikoboshi II.
::*Chapter 3: Reformatory.
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume15_Chapter_4|Chapter 4: Enemy Level5.]] (0%)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume15_Chapter_5|Chapter 5: Dark Matter.]]
::*Epilogue: Nano Size Data.
::*Afterword

===Volume 16===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: Stage in Roma.
::*Chapter 1: Battle of Collapse.
::*Chapter 2: Flere210.
::*Chapter 3: Saint VS Saint.
::*Chapter 4: Leader is All Members.
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume16_Epilogue|Epilogue: True Target is......]] (part ?)
::*Afterword

===SS Volume 2===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:SSVolume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Chapter 7
::*Chapter 8
::*Chapter 9
::*Chapter 10
::*Chapter 11
::*Chapter 12
::*Chapter 13
::*Chapter 14
::*Chapter 15
::*Chapter 16
::*Chapter 17
::*Chapter 18
::*Chapter 19
::*Chapter 20
::*Chapter 21
::*Chapter 22
::*Afterword

===Volume 17===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume17_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Irregular Spark.]](Part 1)
::*Chapter 2: Sky Bus 365.
::*Chapter 3: N∴L∴
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume17_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Sword of Mercy.]](1/8)
::*Epilogue: War in Britain.
::*Afterword

===Volume 18===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume18_Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Another Hero.]] (Part 9)
::*Chapter 6: Safety in Subway.
::*Chapter 7: Curtana Original.
::*Chapter 8: Union Jack.
::*Epilogue: Next Step.
::*Afterword

===Volume 19===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Prologue|Prologue: Key Shop.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Dark Hero.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Chapter 2|Chapter 2: V.S. Calamity.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Battle to Die.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Dragon(≠Angel).]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Epilogue|Epilogue: Brave in Hand.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume_19_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 20===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume20_Declaration of War|Declaration of War]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue: Shooting Game.]]
::*Chapter 1: World War III.
::*Chapter 2: Angel Stalker.
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume20_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Great Complex.]] (1/10)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume20_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Heroes Congregate.]] (1/7)
::*War Report 1
::*Afterword

===Volume 21===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume21_War_Report_2|War Report 2]]
::*Chapter 5: Enter Project.
::*Chapter 6: Up the Castle.
::*Chapter 7: MISHA the Angel "GABRIEL".
::*Chapter 8: Combination.
::*War Report 3
::*Afterword

===Volume 22===
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*War Report 4
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Chapter 9|Chapter 9: Broken Right Hand.]] (Section of Part 3, + Intermission 6)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Rebirth the...]] (Only a section of part 3.)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Chapter 11|Chapter 11: Star of Bethlehem.]] (Part 2)
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Chapter 12|Chapter 12: Last Fight.]]
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Epilogue|Epilogue: Silent to Small Fire.]] (4 Parts out of 7.)
::*Proclamation of the War's End.
::*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index:Volume22_Afterword|Afterword]]

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:*[[user:Joay|Joay]]
:*[[user:Teh_Ping|Teh Ping]]
:*[[user:MerrickXasis|MerrickXasis]]
:*A ''anonymous'' imageboard user
:* ''The Observer'' from OneManga forums, aka [[user:Flere821|Flere821]]
:*[[user:pikachuwei|pikachuwei]]

'''INACTIVE'''

:* ''Twi'' from OneManga forums
:*[[User:Wilfriback|Wilfriback]]

'''M.I.A'''
:*[[User:Holy|Holy]]
:*[[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]

===Editors===

:*[[User:EnigmaticRepose|EnigmaticRepose]]
:*[[User:Tactician J|Tact]]
:*[[User:Snorca|Snorca]]

Also, all editors that speak English proficiently are welcomed.

==More Information==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index The wikipedia article].
* [http://www12.atwiki.jp/index-index/ とある魔術の禁書目録　Index] (日本語、そしてネタバレの危険性がある！)
* [http://toarumajutsunoindex.wikia.com/wiki/Toaru_Majutsu_no_Index_Wiki ToAru Majutsu no Index Wikia]

Talk:Utsuro no Hako:Volume1 2601st time

2010-09-02T20:14:28Z

Imagker:

Question:

'''My friend Haruaki Usui, who's sitting on the seat beside mine, said so in quite a high voice, although it's still class, and slapped me vigorously on the back.'''

Is this refering to the volume of his voice? Or the pitch? Context of the sentence seems to indicate volume, but...?--[[User:Macavity|Macavity]] 03:18, 15 February 2010 (UTC)

Also, word choice:

"Hoshii, you lack aspiration."

Gah. Going in a bit of grammar and word choice. >_< Is this sentence refering to something specific or general? If it specific, it needs to be 'an aspiration.' If it's general, it should probably be replaced with 'goal' or 'ambition'. Aspiration isn't really used that way. Well, I suppose you could say something like 'You lack aspirations for the future.' But thats plural. Gah. Hard to explain. --[[User:Macavity|Macavity]] 03:45, 15 February 2010 (UTC)

This one just kind of threw me through a loop.

"The good appearance of a born child directly relates to a prospering offspring, hence it's instinctual to get attracted to someone with good looks."

I'm not quite sure what the beginning of this sentence is trying to say. Is it 'The good appearance of a NEWborn child directly relates to having a prosperous offspring?" Or is it refering possibly to the fact that a child born from the union? I'm pretty sure the intent of the sentence is to say that a good-looking child will become prosperous, so instinct is to marry someone pretty. Am I reading the intent of the sentence correctly? o.O --[[User:Macavity|Macavity]] 04:02, 15 February 2010 (UTC)
:1: high volume.
:2: In Japanese it's ロマン. Haruaki is unhappy with Kazuki's cool attitude and says that he should have the "dream of men!", or something. The dictionary says "The strong longing for a dream/adventure". Something like spirit? Temperament? I don't find a suitable word. =/
:3: Exactly. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 05:34, 15 February 2010 (UTC)

In regards to 2: Gah, that word. It's come up elsewhere. >_< It's the romaji version of the first few definitions of romance. >_< Not the ones to do with love, but the adventure stories of yore. Gah. Maybe we can substitute manly spirit? Or something like that.

3: Proposed change to that sentence. "Since the appearance of a child is directly related to it becoming prosperous, it's instincual to be attracted to someone with good looks." Does that fit the meaning of the sentence well enough? Gah. Any suggestions?

I know what this is trying to say, but can we consider another way of saying it? o.O I'm not sure if most people will get this metaphor or saying or whatever. o.O

'''Shall I treat you with a big onion that exceeds your imagination, so you get a post-traumatic stress disorder to a degree that makes you get nettle rash just by seeing an onion?"'''

:Yeah, that sounds kinda awkwardly. Feel free to change it. :D He just has to sound like a conceited know-it-all. And manly spirit works for me. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 20:57, 19 February 2010 (UTC)

Gah, must find a phrase to fit that. I think it's referring to the folk remedy of well...sticking an onion up one's anus to cure colds...Thus saying essentially he's going to sodomize the main character. >_< --[[User:Macavity|Macavity]] 18:43, 26 February 2010 (UTC)

== Manly spirit and conceit, explanation ==

Guess I should just explain here, so people don't get confused:

In the Japanese text, there is neither "manly spirit" nor "destiny", but "roman" (ロマン). It means something along the lines of romance but also adventure and crap. In short, it's totally ridiculous and Haruaki's an idiot. Over the course of earlier editing, someone suggested "manly spirit", and it got approved at that time. Well, I never really liked it, so I asked Eusth and we changed it for "destiny" in caps for a similar level of ridicule in English. Imagine the idiot, standing up in the middle of class, with burning eyes, shouting stupid stuff. That's the image we wanted to transmit, more or less.

Something similar should apply to "What's with that conceited guess" => "How cocky", although I don't remember the exact Japanese phrasing. But there as well (and on several other accounts), I asked for Eusth's okay, and I got it. So yes, basically, 100% of my critical, sense-changing edits are approved by Eusth. And I hope for everyone to see how they work better in any given place.

Should there ever be questions regarding my edits, feel free to use the talk-pages or write me a pm.--[[User:Kadi|Kadi]] 18:55, 2 September 2010 (UTC)

I see. Well, okay then. Thanks for clearing that up. [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 20:14, 2 September 2010 (UTC)

User talk:EusthEnoptEron

2010-08-24T21:46:06Z

Imagker: /* Edits */

Hehe, that was the reason behind that ;) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 20:59, 22 December 2009 (UTC)
:The page contents box? I don't know if it's useful, really. The reasons I removed it:
:# it blows up the layout (admittedly not badly)
:# the titles looked like "1.1 1", "1.1 2" (could be fixed, thought)
:# I haven't seen anything like this on any other BT project.
:On the other hand, it might not be a bad thing and reflects the content of the chapter. Freshness and accessibility. So I don't mind either way. ;)
:[[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 22:33, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Ah, but I have seen it in some projects (like [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter1|here]] and [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|here]] and I believe also somewhere else if the chapters were divided in subsections (so I thought its custom ;)) (I think for some its for a easier navigation in the chapter or to differentiate the pages - who knows for sure) Also I dont know if much could be done to change the titles of the subsections (but also one can hide the content) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 23:59, 22 December 2009 (UTC)
:You got me. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 11:26, 23 December 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for your work on Utsuro no Hako. I'm enjoying it.

Want to second that emotion! Thanks so much EEE!

What? Who? When did you translate this and why haven't I noticed it from the beginning? This is an excellent series and you translated an entire volume a month...that's ungodly. I just wanted to write here to say how awesome it's been reading this series (just finished the first book--I hated the way the author had me with the 'owner' mystery because of his cheap shot) and that I seriously congratulate you on your translations. Sure, they aren't perfect, but you clearly tell this wonderful story, and I'm definitely glad I read it. I truly hope you continue translating ^^.

Totally not trying to butter you up into translating more,

~Blaster

:Thanks for the positive messages Blaster and anon IPs. :D I'm really glad you guys enjoyed the story as much as I did, which is what drove me to translate the whole thing. Though, I'm still not sure just how readable I can translate an already quite complicated book like this. But for now, I think I'll keep translating at least until volume 4 (since volume 3 is my favorite one and hell of a cliff-hanger). [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 17:53, 25 March 2010 (UTC)

Hey, is there any way to contact you (skype/msn/whatever)? --LoSs 09:18, 13 April 2010 (UTC)
:Email (Romanize without spaces): 海からやって来た[_at_]yahoo.co.jp [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 13:14, 13 April 2010 (UTC)

Also for registered users is down in the toolbox an option to email another user if the other user has allowed that ;) also there are PM's possible at the forum (for registerd users) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 13:27, 13 April 2010 (UTC)

Great job. This novel is very good and I'm really happy that you're translating it. Keep up the good work.

The reason why I signed up to edit was mainly because of your awesome work with Utsuro no Hako, since I wanted to help out by doing whatever I could. Looking forward to working on more in the future! --[[User:Enthormw|Enthormw]] 20:53, 19 April 2010 (UTC)
:Thanks a bunch for the great edits! The awkward English I use is always my biggest worry, so I'm glad someone improves the flow and gets rid of some spelling mistakes for me. ;) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 21:04, 19 April 2010 (UTC)

== Asking permission for Vietnamese translation of Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria ==

Hi, EusthEnoptEron.

I find this novel interesting with a bit mysterious. Therefore, I would like to translate Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria into Vietnamese based on your translation. Would you mind if I use this as source?

Thank you for reading.
:Feel free to use it. Also, just ask if you need some help understanding a part. (It's not edited yet, so things might be more confusing than they are already.) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 04:19, 23 April 2010 (UTC)

== Spanish translation/Praise ;) ==

Hi! I've just finished reading the first volume, with it's many twists and turns in a way that is almost unbelievable, this has definitely gotten to be another one of my favorite series here at B-T. For that, I'd like to thank you for translating it into a language I can read! So, thank you very much!

I've liked this so much that I hope you won't mind me translating this into spanish!! (After I can peel my eyes off of it... or rather, I get to the last translated chapter)

Again, thanks for making this awesome light novel available in english. :)

-[[user:Mertius|Mertius]]

:I'd love to see UnH in Spanish, so please go for it! :D Spread the Maria-love~ Good luck if you're going to tackle it (I hope you like the other volumes as well). [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 04:28, 12 July 2010 (UTC)

== Hidan no Aria/Praise ==

Thanks for the edits on Hidan no Aria most of the time I do the translations at night before I go to sleep so mistakes are often made especially since Japanese is my third language.

I would also like to thank you for your translation of Utsuru no hako to zero no maria because I have read it, and it was a great novel.

== great novel i've ever read ==

arigatou for translating this series of novel, you manage to update this series very fast(heard the 4th volume in japan just came this june). i very like it. and i hope u never get bored o translate this series(i'm beging on you please he..he, and i wonder how u can learn japanese language? i too want to learn japanese as well, but i don't know the effective way to learn it, so i hope u can give some tips or advise to us what is the effective way to learn japanese.

:Nice that you liked it! As for Japanese, I present you the Eusth's four steps to Japanese:
:# Read the [http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/all-japanese-all-the-time-ajatt-how-to-learn-japanese-on-your-own-having-fun-and-to-fluency stuff on here]
:# Meditate for a few days if you '''really''' want to sacrifice ''a lot'' of time for Japanese. That's what the Japanese call 覚悟!
:# Fight yourself through the 3000 Kanji and the Kana as mentioned on AJATT
:# Read, listen, live Japanese. Maybe even set a limit of how long you allow yourself to read something other than Japanese (I used [http://www.proginosko.com/leechblock.html LeechBlock]. 
:Well, that's one way. What's most important is that you get started. :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 10:46, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

== Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria ==

Hi, EusthEnoptEron.

I've found many positive comments about this novel. Could you tell me where I can read this novel in japanese language?
: Either buy the novels at YesAsia / bk1 or you should find the raws without much trouble through google. (except of volume4. There are no scans yet) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== My most sincere thanks ==

Really, I must say that I love how Eiji Mikage develops his characters. As soon as I noticed that you had uploaded the rest of the volume 4, I couldn't stop reading it until I was finished. Koudai Kamiuchi didn't dissapoint me in the least. Oh well, later I'll see if I can help a little bit with the editing (I'm not adept at rephrasing sentences since I learnt english by myself). Oh and thanks for the Eusth's way to Japanese, eventually I plan to learn it too lol. [[User:Lne|Lne]] 04:20, 3 August 2010 (UTC)
:I agree. Whew, I need to read his other works one of these days. Ah, and I noticed that you already corrected some of my edits, thanks for that! :D And good luck if you ever start learning Japanese. You'll discover its beauty～ [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Haha, once again ==
I commented on how awesome you were at translating, and how awesome this series was, so I wanted to do something for when you finished, too. Honestly--you rock. That story made my day. I even figured out the ending of the 'Game of Idleness' early! God, I think that was the only thing I figured out early. I mean, really. How hard is this book to catch on early anyway? :/ Anyway, thank you so much! Haha, I'd love to talk more but you have no email or instant messenger to contact you D: Oh well. It was an epic, amazing, awesome read.

Thanks again,

~Blaster

:Glad you liked it! Finally I've accomplished what I announced in my previous answer to you ("translate until volume 4") but I guess, I'll also translate volume 5 when it comes out (and I still have time on my hands). :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== ONCE AGAIN!! ==

Thankyoou!!!.... finally all the chapter have been translated. thanks for your hard word, and thanks for your tips that you mentioned above(topic: great novel i've ever read, i'm the same person). BTW, do u know when the next chapter come out and another series that the author mentioned is?? i want to read it so badly >_<.
anyway thankyou for your hard work.(seriously ^_^) i can't wait for you next project, so gambattene..!!
:No idea when the new one comes out (maybe end of this year, beginning of next?), but his other project could possibly be [[Talk:Utsuro_no_Hako:Volume4_Author's_Notes|冥王星O]]. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Dantalian no Shoka/Vietnamese Translation/Praise ==

I'm quite a fan of dark fantasy, mystery so I find this novel great. Would you mind if I translate it into vietnamese?

Anyway thank you so much for translating HakoMari and this novel! I love them both! Hope you can finish vol 1 soon :D.

P/s: I can't find the raw of vol 1 anywhere. If you got 1 pls pm me at diablofanno1@yahoo.com.
:I sent you an e-mail if you didn't see it yet. But as I mentioned there as well: feel free to translate it. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Thank you post ==

I want to say thank you. I just finished reading Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria vol.1. While I couldn't scream awesome on the novel itself just yet, It's great. And I can honestly say you're awesome. Thanks for your work.
--[[User:Hypernova|Hypernova]] 01:36, 11 August 2010 (UTC)

== Edits ==

For Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, why edit "fufu" to "hehe"? The former is more of a sinister/evil strange laugh, and it doesn't translate to "hehe". For this series, that kind of laugh is fitting of the characters. I hope you didn't change all the fufu to hehe in your translations! (including Dantalian no Shoka) [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 19:38, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

:Mh, actually I was planning to change most of them. Fufu just seems so non-English. But I agree that it's not really replaceable 1:1. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 19:41, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

In anime/manga/games/LN/etc, "fufu/fu fu fu" is normally associated with maniacal characters or evil to smugged, cold, sadistic, just plain amused characters who are devising a plan, etc. It'd be betraying their archetype design if we had them say hehe or something else entirely. I'll go through each chapter to see if there are any more changes and will revert them back to fufu... If that's fine with you. If yes, then, if you can recall any part where you originally went with hehe instead of fufu during your draft, can you change those too? [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 21:46, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

User talk:EusthEnoptEron

2010-08-24T19:38:12Z

Imagker: /* Edits */

User talk:EusthEnoptEron

2010-08-24T19:29:46Z

Imagker:

Hehe, that was the reason behind that ;) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 20:59, 22 December 2009 (UTC)
:The page contents box? I don't know if it's useful, really. The reasons I removed it:
:# it blows up the layout (admittedly not badly)
:# the titles looked like "1.1 1", "1.1 2" (could be fixed, thought)
:# I haven't seen anything like this on any other BT project.
:On the other hand, it might not be a bad thing and reflects the content of the chapter. Freshness and accessibility. So I don't mind either way. ;)
:[[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 22:33, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Ah, but I have seen it in some projects (like [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter1|here]] and [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume1_Chapter1|here]] and I believe also somewhere else if the chapters were divided in subsections (so I thought its custom ;)) (I think for some its for a easier navigation in the chapter or to differentiate the pages - who knows for sure) Also I dont know if much could be done to change the titles of the subsections (but also one can hide the content) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 23:59, 22 December 2009 (UTC)
:You got me. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 11:26, 23 December 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for your work on Utsuro no Hako. I'm enjoying it.

Want to second that emotion! Thanks so much EEE!

What? Who? When did you translate this and why haven't I noticed it from the beginning? This is an excellent series and you translated an entire volume a month...that's ungodly. I just wanted to write here to say how awesome it's been reading this series (just finished the first book--I hated the way the author had me with the 'owner' mystery because of his cheap shot) and that I seriously congratulate you on your translations. Sure, they aren't perfect, but you clearly tell this wonderful story, and I'm definitely glad I read it. I truly hope you continue translating ^^.

Totally not trying to butter you up into translating more,

~Blaster

:Thanks for the positive messages Blaster and anon IPs. :D I'm really glad you guys enjoyed the story as much as I did, which is what drove me to translate the whole thing. Though, I'm still not sure just how readable I can translate an already quite complicated book like this. But for now, I think I'll keep translating at least until volume 4 (since volume 3 is my favorite one and hell of a cliff-hanger). [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 17:53, 25 March 2010 (UTC)

Hey, is there any way to contact you (skype/msn/whatever)? --LoSs 09:18, 13 April 2010 (UTC)
:Email (Romanize without spaces): 海からやって来た[_at_]yahoo.co.jp [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 13:14, 13 April 2010 (UTC)

Also for registered users is down in the toolbox an option to email another user if the other user has allowed that ;) also there are PM's possible at the forum (for registerd users) --[[User:Darklor|Darklor]] 13:27, 13 April 2010 (UTC)

Great job. This novel is very good and I'm really happy that you're translating it. Keep up the good work.

The reason why I signed up to edit was mainly because of your awesome work with Utsuro no Hako, since I wanted to help out by doing whatever I could. Looking forward to working on more in the future! --[[User:Enthormw|Enthormw]] 20:53, 19 April 2010 (UTC)
:Thanks a bunch for the great edits! The awkward English I use is always my biggest worry, so I'm glad someone improves the flow and gets rid of some spelling mistakes for me. ;) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 21:04, 19 April 2010 (UTC)

== Asking permission for Vietnamese translation of Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria ==

Hi, EusthEnoptEron.

I find this novel interesting with a bit mysterious. Therefore, I would like to translate Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria into Vietnamese based on your translation. Would you mind if I use this as source?

Thank you for reading.
:Feel free to use it. Also, just ask if you need some help understanding a part. (It's not edited yet, so things might be more confusing than they are already.) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 04:19, 23 April 2010 (UTC)

== Spanish translation/Praise ;) ==

Hi! I've just finished reading the first volume, with it's many twists and turns in a way that is almost unbelievable, this has definitely gotten to be another one of my favorite series here at B-T. For that, I'd like to thank you for translating it into a language I can read! So, thank you very much!

I've liked this so much that I hope you won't mind me translating this into spanish!! (After I can peel my eyes off of it... or rather, I get to the last translated chapter)

Again, thanks for making this awesome light novel available in english. :)

-[[user:Mertius|Mertius]]

:I'd love to see UnH in Spanish, so please go for it! :D Spread the Maria-love~ Good luck if you're going to tackle it (I hope you like the other volumes as well). [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 04:28, 12 July 2010 (UTC)

== Hidan no Aria/Praise ==

Thanks for the edits on Hidan no Aria most of the time I do the translations at night before I go to sleep so mistakes are often made especially since Japanese is my third language.

I would also like to thank you for your translation of Utsuru no hako to zero no maria because I have read it, and it was a great novel.

== great novel i've ever read ==

arigatou for translating this series of novel, you manage to update this series very fast(heard the 4th volume in japan just came this june). i very like it. and i hope u never get bored o translate this series(i'm beging on you please he..he, and i wonder how u can learn japanese language? i too want to learn japanese as well, but i don't know the effective way to learn it, so i hope u can give some tips or advise to us what is the effective way to learn japanese.

:Nice that you liked it! As for Japanese, I present you the Eusth's four steps to Japanese:
:# Read the [http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/all-japanese-all-the-time-ajatt-how-to-learn-japanese-on-your-own-having-fun-and-to-fluency stuff on here]
:# Meditate for a few days if you '''really''' want to sacrifice ''a lot'' of time for Japanese. That's what the Japanese call 覚悟!
:# Fight yourself through the 3000 Kanji and the Kana as mentioned on AJATT
:# Read, listen, live Japanese. Maybe even set a limit of how long you allow yourself to read something other than Japanese (I used [http://www.proginosko.com/leechblock.html LeechBlock]. 
:Well, that's one way. What's most important is that you get started. :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 10:46, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

== Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria ==

Hi, EusthEnoptEron.

I've found many positive comments about this novel. Could you tell me where I can read this novel in japanese language?
: Either buy the novels at YesAsia / bk1 or you should find the raws without much trouble through google. (except of volume4. There are no scans yet) [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== My most sincere thanks ==

Really, I must say that I love how Eiji Mikage develops his characters. As soon as I noticed that you had uploaded the rest of the volume 4, I couldn't stop reading it until I was finished. Koudai Kamiuchi didn't dissapoint me in the least. Oh well, later I'll see if I can help a little bit with the editing (I'm not adept at rephrasing sentences since I learnt english by myself). Oh and thanks for the Eusth's way to Japanese, eventually I plan to learn it too lol. [[User:Lne|Lne]] 04:20, 3 August 2010 (UTC)
:I agree. Whew, I need to read his other works one of these days. Ah, and I noticed that you already corrected some of my edits, thanks for that! :D And good luck if you ever start learning Japanese. You'll discover its beauty～ [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Haha, once again ==
I commented on how awesome you were at translating, and how awesome this series was, so I wanted to do something for when you finished, too. Honestly--you rock. That story made my day. I even figured out the ending of the 'Game of Idleness' early! God, I think that was the only thing I figured out early. I mean, really. How hard is this book to catch on early anyway? :/ Anyway, thank you so much! Haha, I'd love to talk more but you have no email or instant messenger to contact you D: Oh well. It was an epic, amazing, awesome read.

Thanks again,

~Blaster

:Glad you liked it! Finally I've accomplished what I announced in my previous answer to you ("translate until volume 4") but I guess, I'll also translate volume 5 when it comes out (and I still have time on my hands). :D [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== ONCE AGAIN!! ==

Thankyoou!!!.... finally all the chapter have been translated. thanks for your hard word, and thanks for your tips that you mentioned above(topic: great novel i've ever read, i'm the same person). BTW, do u know when the next chapter come out and another series that the author mentioned is?? i want to read it so badly >_<.
anyway thankyou for your hard work.(seriously ^_^) i can't wait for you next project, so gambattene..!!
:No idea when the new one comes out (maybe end of this year, beginning of next?), but his other project could possibly be [[Talk:Utsuro_no_Hako:Volume4_Author's_Notes|冥王星O]]. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Dantalian no Shoka/Vietnamese Translation/Praise ==

I'm quite a fan of dark fantasy, mystery so I find this novel great. Would you mind if I translate it into vietnamese?

Anyway thank you so much for translating HakoMari and this novel! I love them both! Hope you can finish vol 1 soon :D.

P/s: I can't find the raw of vol 1 anywhere. If you got 1 pls pm me at diablofanno1@yahoo.com.
:I sent you an e-mail if you didn't see it yet. But as I mentioned there as well: feel free to translate it. [[User:EusthEnoptEron|EusthEnoptEron]] 09:28, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

== Thank you post ==

I want to say thank you. I just finished reading Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria vol.1. While I couldn't scream awesome on the novel itself just yet, It's great. And I can honestly say you're awesome. Thanks for your work.
--[[User:Hypernova|Hypernova]] 01:36, 11 August 2010 (UTC)

== Edits ==

Why edit "fufu" to "hehe"? The former is more of a sinister/evil strange laugh, and it doesn't translate to "hehe". For this series, that kind of laugh is fitting of the characters. I hope you didn't change all the fufu to hehe in your translations! [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 19:29, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Toaru Majutsu no Index

2010-08-21T08:05:30Z

Imagker:

[[Image:To Aru Majutsu no Index cover.jpg|200px|thumb|Volume 01 cover.]]
To Aru Majutsu no Index (とある魔術の禁書目録) project page.

The ''Aru Majutsu no Index'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[To Aru Majutsu no Index ~ Bahasa Indonesia]]

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

==Story Synopsis==

Set in a city of scientifically advanced superhuman students, but in a world where magic is also real. Kamijou Touma's right hand, the Imagine Breaker, will negate all magic, psychic, or divine powers- but not his own bad luck. One day, he finds a young girl hanging on his balcony railing. She turns out to be a nun-in-training from the Church of England, and her mind has been implanted with the Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum- all the magical texts the Church has removed from circulation.

===Awards===

:3rd place in このライトノベルがすごい! 2009 Best Male Character (Kamijou Touma)

:1st place in このライトノベルがすごい! 2009 Best Female Character (Misaka Mikoto)

:Counting both categories, Touma ranked 3rd, with Mikoto ranking 6th.

== Translation ==

=== [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

===Format Standards===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

==Updates==
*February 27, 2009 - project page created.
*March 13, 2010 - Volume 7 completed.
*April 13, 2010 - Volume 9 completed.
*June 27, 2010 - Volume 10 completed.
*July 5, 20010 - Volume 8 started.

==The ''To Aru Majutsu no Index'' series by Kazuma Kamachi==

===Volume 1===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume1_Prologue|Prologue: The_Imagine-Breaker.]]
::*Chapter 1: FAIR,_Occasionally_GIRL.
::*Chapter 2: The 7th-Egde.
::*Chapter 3: "Forget_me_not."
::*Chapter 4: (N)Ever_Say_Good_bye.
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue: Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum.]]

===Volume 2===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: The_Beginning_of_The_End.
::*Chapter 1: The_Tower_of_BABEL.
::*Chapter 2: DEUS_EX_MACHINA.
::*Chapter 3: "Forget_me_not."
::*Chapter 4: Deadly_Sins.
::*Epilogue: Devil_or_God.

===Volume 3===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume3_Prologue|Prologue: Level2]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume3_Chapter1|Chapter 1: Level0(and_More)]]
::*Chapter 2: Level2(Product_Model)
::*Chapter 3: Level5
::*Chapter 4: Level5(Extend)
::*Epilogue: ID_NoT_Found

===Volume 4===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] (5%)
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Epilogue

===Volume 5===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume5_Prologue|Prologue: Good_Bye_Yesterday.]]
::*Chapter 1: Last_Order.
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2: Doubt_Lovers.]]
::*Chapter 3: Tender_or_Sugary.
::*Chapter 4: Arrow_Made_of_AZUSA.

===Volume 6===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
::*Chapter 1: Baby_Queen.
::*Chapter 2: Break_Time.
::*Chapter 3: Battle_Cry.
::*Chapter 4: Beast_Body,Human_Heart.
::*Epilogue

===Volume 7 [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Prologue|Prologue: The_page_is_opened.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: Science_Worship.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Chapter_2|Chapter 2: The_Roman_Catholic_Church.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Chapter_3|Chapter 3: Anglican_Church.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Chapter_4|Chapter 4: AMAKUSA_Style_Remix_of_Church.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue: The_page_is_shut.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume7_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 8===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Prologue|Prologue: A_TOKIWA-DAI's_World.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Chapter_1|Chapter 1: After_School_of_Angels.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Chapter_2|Chapter 2: Space_and_Point.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Chapter_3|Chapter 3: “Remnant”]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume8_Chapter_4|Chapter 4: Break_or_Crash?]] (50%)
::*Epilogue: One_Place,One_Scene.

===Volume 9 [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Prologue|Prologue: Parent's_View_Point]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Commence_Hostilities.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Chapter 2|Chapter 2: "Stab_Sword."]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Worst_Counter.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Being_Unsettled.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume9_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 10 [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Chapter 5|Chapter 5: Resumption_of_Hostilities.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Chapter 6|Chapter 6: Accidental_Firing.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Chapter 7|Chapter 7: Parabolic_Antenna.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Light_of_a_Night_Sky.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Epilogue|Epilogue: Those_Who_Hold_Out_a_Hand.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume10_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 11===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume11_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: Un_Viaggio_in_Italia.
::*Chapter 1: Il_Vento_di_Chioggia.
::*Chapter 2: Un_Frammento_di_un_Piano.
::*Chapter 3: Il_Mare_e_la_Sconfitta.
::*Chapter 4: Lotte_di_Liberazione.
::*Chapter 5: La_Regina_del_Mare_Adriático.
::*Epilogue: L'inizio_Nuovo…….

===Volume 12 [[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Prologue|Prologue: Suffering_of_a_Negligee.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter1|Chapter 1: Winter_Clothes.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter2|Chapter 2: Pair_Contract.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter3|Chapter 3: Sister_and_Sisters.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter4|Chapter 4: Boy_meets_Girl(x2).]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume12_Chapter5|Chapter 5: Hard_Way,Hard_Luck.]]

===Volume 13===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Chapter6|Chapter 6: Battle_Preparation.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Chapter7|Chapter 7: Revival_of_Destruction.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Chapter8|Chapter 8: Fuse=Kazakiri.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Chapter9|Chapter 9: Two_Kinds_of_Enemies.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume13_Chapter10|Chapter 10: The_Way_of_Light_and_Darkness.]] (5/10)
::*Epilogue: The_Branch_Road.

===SS Volume 1===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:SSVolume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:SSVolume1_Prologue|Prologue: Breakfast.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:SSVolume1_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: A_Required_Thing.]](35%)
::*Chapter 2: Skill_Out.
::*Chapter 3: Russian_Roulette.
::*Chapter 4: The_Two_Leading_Roles.
::*Epilogue: The_Present_Target.
::*Afterword

===Volume 14===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume14_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: Bread_and_Wine.
::*Chapter 1: In_a_Long_Distance_Country.
::*Chapter 2: Muzzle_of_a_Gun.
::*Chapter 3: Power_Instigation.
::*Chapter 4: Cruel_Troopers.
::*Epilogue: Question.
::*Afterword

===Volume 15===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume15_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: Management.
::*Chapter 1: Compass.
::*Chapter 2: Hikoboshi_II.
::*Chapter 3: Reformatory.
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume15_Chapter_4|Chapter_4: Enemy_Level5]] (0%)
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume15_Chapter_5|Chapter_5: Dark_Matter]]
::*Epilogue: Nano_Size_Data.
::*Afterword

===Volume 16===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume16_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Prologue: Stage_in_Roma.
::*Chapter 1: Battle_of_Collapse.
::*Chapter 2: Flere210.
::*Chapter 3: Saint_VS_Saint.
::*Chapter 4: Leader_is_All_Members.
::*Epilogue: True_Target_is......
::*Afterword

===SS Volume 2===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:SSVolume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Chapter 7
::*Chapter 8
::*Chapter 9
::*Chapter 10
::*Chapter 11
::*Chapter 12
::*Chapter 13
::*Chapter 14
::*Chapter 15
::*Chapter 16
::*Chapter 17
::*Chapter 18
::*Chapter 19
::*Chapter 20
::*Chapter 21
::*Chapter 22
::*Afterword

===Volume 17===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume17_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume17_Prologue|Prologue.]]
::*Chapter 1: Irregular_Spark.
::*Chapter 2: Sky_Bus_365.
::*Chapter 3: N∴L∴
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume17_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Sword_of_Mercy.]](1/8)
::*Epilogue: War_in_Britain.
::*Afterword

===Volume 18===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume18_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 5: Another_Hero.
::*Chapter 6: Safety_in_Subway.
::*Chapter 7: Curtana_Original.
::*Chapter 8: Union_Jack.
::*Epilogue: Next_Step.
::*Afterword

===Volume 19===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume19_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Prologue|Prologue: Key_Shop]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Chapter 1|Chapter 1: Dark_Hero.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Chapter 2|Chapter 2: V.S._Calamity.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Battle_to_Die.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Dragon(≠Angel).]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Epilogue|Epilogue: Brave_in_Hand.]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume_19_Afterword|Afterword]]

===Volume 20===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume20_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume20_Declaration of War|Declaration of War]]
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume20_Prologue|Prologue: Shooting_Game.]]
::*Chapter 1: World_War_III.
::*Chapter 2: Angel_Stalker.
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume20_Chapter 3|Chapter 3: Great_Complex.]] (1/10)
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume20_Chapter 4|Chapter 4: Heroes_Congregate.]] (1/7)
::*War Report
::*Afterword

===Volume 21===
::*[[To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index:Volume21_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*War Report
::*Chapter 5: Enter_Project.
::*Chapter 6: Up_the_Castle.
::*Chapter 7: MISHA_the_Angel_"GABRIEL".
::*Chapter 8: Combination.
::*War Report
::*Afterword

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:*[[user:Joay|Joay]]
:*[[user:Teh_Ping|Teh Ping]]

'''INACTIVE'''
:* ''The Observer'' from OneManga forums, aka [[user:Flere821|Flere821]]
:* ''Twi'' from OneManga forums

'''M.I.A'''
:*[[User:Holy|Holy]]
:*[[User:Nera Sleith|Nera Sleith]]

===Editors===

:*[[User:EnigmaticRepose|EnigmaticRepose]]
:*[[User:Tactician J|Tact]]

Also, all editors that speak English proficiently are welcomed.

==More Information==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Aru_Majutsu_no_Index The wikipedia article].
* [http://www12.atwiki.jp/index-index/ とある魔術の禁書目録　Index] (日本語、そしてネタバレの危険性がある！)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3

2010-08-04T22:13:33Z

Imagker: User talk:Wolfpup/discussion

===Chapter Three: A Childhood Friend's Request===

Princess Henrietta, who had just appeared in Louise's room, looked like she had been overcome with emotion, and hugged the kneeling girl.

"Oh, Louise, Louise, my dear Louise!"

"This won't do, Your Highness. Coming to a humble place like this......."

Louise said ceremoniously.

"Oh! Louise! Louise Françoise! Please stop acting so formally! You and I are friends! We are friends, are we not?"

"I am not worthy of such kind words. Your Highness."

Louise replied with a steely, strained voice. Saito, stupefied, just stared as the pair of beautiful girls embraced.

"Stop that, please! Neither the Cardinal, my Mother, or those greedy court aristocrats who buzz around wearing friendly faces are here! Oh, don't I have any friends who will open up to me? If even Louise Françoise, my old friend whom I've missed dearly, acts so distant, I would just die!"

"Your Highness......"

Louise lifted her face.

"When we were little children, didn't we get together and chase butterflies at the palace courtyard? And got all muddy?"

With a shy face, Louise answered.

"......Yes, and La Porte-sama the chamberlain told us off for getting our clothes so dirty."

"Yes! That's right, Louise! We were arguing over those puffy cream cakes, and ended up having a real scuffle! Oh, whenever we fought, it was me who always lost. You would grab my hair, and I'd just start crying."

"Not at all, princess achieved victory on at least one occasion."

Louise said, looking sentimental.

"You remembered! Looking at the two of us, one could call that battle the Siege of Amiens!"

"That was when we were fighting over a dress in princess' bedroom, wasn't it?"

"Yes, in the middle of our 'Make-Believe Royal Court', we ended up fighting over who would play princess! And it was my blow to your stomach, Louise Françoise, that successfully decided it."

"I'd fainted in the presence of princess."

After that, the two of them exchanged glances and broke out in laughter. Saito, amazed, just kept watching them in that state. The princess may have looked like a lady, but she was actually a tomboy.

"That's more like it. Louise. Ah, I'm getting so nostalgic, tears are coming out."

"So how do you guys know each other?"

Saito asked, as Louise closed her eyes in reminiscence before answering.

"I had the pleasure of serving as princess' playmate back when we were children."

After that, Louise turned back to Henrietta.

"But, I am deeply moved that princess would remember such things....... I thought you'd already forgotten about me."

The princess gave a deep sigh and sat down on the bed.

"How could I forget? During those times, every day was fun. There was nothing at all to worry about."

There was a profound sadness in her voice.

"Princess?"

Louise looked worried as she peered into Henrietta's face.

"How I envy you. Freedom is such a wonderful thing, Louise Françoise."

"What are you saying? You're the royal princess, are you not?"

"A princess born in her kingdom is like a bird being raised in a cage. You go here and there on your master's every whim......."

Henrietta said, looking lonely as she gazed at the moon outside the window. She then held Louise's hands and gave a sweet smile before speaking.

"I... I'm getting married."

"......You have my congratulations."

Louise, who somehow felt the sadness in that tone, spoke in a subdued voice.

It was at that moment that Henrietta noticed Saito, who had been sitting on his bundle of straw.

"Oh, forgive me. Was I intruding?"

"Intruding? How would that be?"

"Well, isn't he your lover? Oh no! It seems I was so caught up reminiscing that I didn't realize my blunder!"

"Huh? Lover? That creature?"

"Stop calling me that."

Saito said with a disappointed voice.

"Princess! That's just my familiar! Don't even joke about it being my lover!"

Louise shook her head wildly, denying Henrietta's words.

"Familiar?"

Henrietta looked at Saito with a blank expression on her face.

"But he looks like a human......"

"I am a human, Princess."

Saito gave a strained greeting to Henrietta.

And he was even more hurt by how hard Louise had denied they were lovers. Even though that really was the case, it hurt all the same.

He recalled Louise's profile as she gazed at the other young noble during the day.

''At any rate...... I'm a familiar. An earthling. Not a noble.''

''And I want to go home. I want to eat a teriyaki burger. Yeah, and I might even receive an answer at the online dating service.'' Painful thoughts like these were swirling together into a chain.

Feeling a great weight upon him, he put his hand on the wall. As fast as Saito had become elated, his feelings fell just as soon. What a hectic personality.

"True, true. Oh, Louise Françoise, you may have changed since our younger days, but you are still quite the same."

"I didn't make it my familiar because I wanted to."

Louise looked disappointed. Henrietta gave off another sigh.

"Princess, what happened?"

"No, it's nothing. Forgive me, oh, I'm so ashamed of myself. It's not something I should tell you...... but I am just so......"

"Please tell me. What troubles are they that cause princess, as cheerful as she is, to sigh like this?"

"......No, I cannot tell you. Please forget I said anything. Louise."

"I will not! Didn't we use to talk about everything? Princess was the one who had called me a friend. Won't you share your worries with your friend?"

After Louise spoke, Henrietta gave off a cheerful-looking smile.

"You've called me a friend, Louise Françoise. That makes me so happy."

Henrietta nodded her head in determination, and began to talk.

"You must not speak to anyone about what I am about to tell you now."

After that, she gave a quick glance in Saito's direction.

"Should I step outside?"

Henrietta shook her head.

"A mage and her familiar are as one. I see no reason for you to leave."

And with a sad tone, Henrietta started talking.

"I am to marry the Emperor of Germania......."

"Germania, you say?!"

Louise, who hated Germania, spoke out in astonishment.

"That country of barbaric upstarts?!"

"Yes. But it can't be helped. It must be done to solidify our alliance."

Henrietta explained the political climate of Halkeginia to Louise.

There was an insurrection among the nobles of Albion, and it looked like the Royal Family would soon be overthrown. If the rebels won, then the next thing would be the invasion of Tristain. To defend against this, Tristain was looking to form an alliance with Germania. For the alliance's sake, it was decided that Princess Henrietta would be married into the Germanian Imperial Family.......

"So that's why......"

Louise said with a depressed voice. It was clear from Henrietta's tone that she did not desire this wedding.

"It is alright. Louise, I have long since abandoned the notion of marrying the one whom I love."

"Princess......"

"Those two-faced Albion nobles do not want Tristain and Germania to become allies. Two arrows are easier to break when they are not tied together."

Henrietta murmured.

"......Therefore, they have been searching frantically for anything that would interfere with the marriage.

"And they've found something......"

Saito didn't know anything about the alliance or Albion, but in any case, it seemed like it was something serious. ''Yup, as big as another Yagoto'', Saito thought with a nod.

"Then this is about that thing that could get in the way of princess' wedding?"

Louise asked, her face looking pale, and Henrietta gave a regretful nod.

"Oh, Founder Brimir... please save this unfortunate princess......"

Henrietta covered her face with her hands, and crumbled on the floor. Saito was a little shocked at the dramatic gesture. He'd never seen anything so grandiose in his life.

"Tell me, please! Princess! Just what is it that could interfere with the princess' wedding?"

Louise, like she had also been infected, rattled off with an agitated look. With both hands still on her face, Henrietta looked like she was in pain as she began muttering.

"......It is a letter that I had written some time ago."

"A letter?"

"Yes. If those Albion nobles get their hands on it...... they would probably send it forward to the Germanian Imperial Family as soon as they could."

"What kind of letter could that be?"

"......That I cannot tell you. But if the Germanian Imperial Family were to read it...... they would never forgive me. The marriage will fall through, and with it, the alliance with Tristain. Then Tristain would stand alone against the strength of Albion."

Louise gave a gasp and seized Henrietta's hands.

"Where would that letter be? The letter that would bring crisis to Tristain!"

Henrietta shook her head.

"It is not with us. The truth of the matter is, it is already in Albion."

"Albion! But then...! Is it already in the enemy's hands?"

"No...... the one who holds the letter is not with the rebels of Albion. As the conflict between the rebels and his kinsmen unfolded, Prince Wales of the Royal Family......"

"The Prince Wales? The Prince Valiant?"

Henrietta bent back and laid down on the bed.

"Oh, it's a disaster! Sooner or later, Prince Wales will fall captive to the rebels!! And when that happens, the letter will come to light! And everything would be ruined! Ruined! Without an alliance, Tristain would have to take on Albion by itself!"

Louise held her breath.

"Then, Princess, the favor that you're asking of me......"

"Impossible! It's impossible, Louise! How could I be so terrible? It's all confusing! When I think about it, I couldn't ask you to do such a dangerous thing as to go to Albion while this conflict between the nobles and the royalists is unfolding!"

"What are you saying? Be it the kettles of hell, or into the jaws of a dragon, if it's for princess' sake, I'll go anywhere! There is no way the third daughter of the House of la Vallière, Louise Françoise, could overlook such a crisis for princess and Tristain!"

Louise kneeled down and lowered her head reverently.

"Please leave this matter to me, the one who has captured Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth]."

Saito, who had been leaning on his arm against the wall, turned to look at Louise and spoke.

"Hey, wasn't that me?"

"You're my familiar."

"Woof."

"A familiar's achievement, is its master's achievement."

Louise said with perfect confidence.

"And a familiar's mistake?"

"That would be your mistake, wouldn't it?"

Though he felt somewhat cheated, it was useless to object when Louise got into her usual threatening attitude, so Saito just nodded half-heartedly.

"So you will help me? Louise Françoise! You are a dear friend!"

"Of course! Princess!"

Louise grasped Henrietta's hands, and as the former spoke heatedly, the latter gave in and started crying.

"Princess! I, Louise, forever friend of the Princess, will be your confidante! Have you forgotten my vow of eternal loyalty?"

"Ah, the loyalty. This loyalty and sincere friendship! I'm deeply moved. I will never forget through life your loyalty and friendship! Louise Françoise!"

Saito opened his mouth gaping, and stared half amazed at the two. It was like a conversation between two people who were getting drunk with their own words. ''Ah, so this is how it's like for nobles and princesses, it's troublesome'', Saito was strangely convinced as he watched.

"Louise. Sorry to bother you while you're reaffirming your friendship and everything."

"What?"

"Going to Albion in the middle of a war is fine, but what use am I gonna be?"

"I've bought you a sword. You can use that, at least."

"Yeah. I'll do my best......"

Saito lowered his head gloomily. Come to think of it, they haven't talked about the Legendary Familiar Gandálfr's rune that had appeared on the back of his left hand yet. ''But even if I say it, it's just going to be a waste'', Saito thought.

''Legendary or not, she still treats me like a dog.''

"Then shall we go to Albion, find the Crown Prince of Wales, and get the letter back, princess?"

"Yes, that is correct. I feel confident that you, the ones who have caught Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth], should be able to accomplish this difficult mission."

"As you wish. How urgent is this task?"

"I've heard that the nobles of Albion have managed to drive the royalists into a corner of the country. It will just be a matter of time before they are defeated."

Louise's face looked serious as she bowed to Henrietta.

"Then tomorrow, we shall depart."

Afterwards, Henrietta turned her gaze towards Saito. Saito's heart skipped a beat. Though Louise was also foolishly lovely and neat, Princess Henrietta was so beautiful that he almost gasped. Her millet-colored hair, trimmed right above her eyebrows, was swimming gracefully. Her blue eyes shone brilliantly like the southern seas.

White skin, on which floated a feeling of purity, a nose like a priceless and finely shaped sculpture.......

Saito stared at Henrietta as if he was in a trance. Louise looked at this with a chilly gaze. It didn't seem like she was in a good mood.

''Why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I'm staring at the princess with admiration? Could you possibly be getting jealous? But weren't you blushing when you saw that noble with the feathered hat? And weren't you completely out of it after that?''

''It's funny how jealous you're getting, Louise.'' Saito shook his head.

''Rather than your lover, aren't I just your familiar?''

''Will I never be more than a dog for you?''

''I'm just your dog, so why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I am a dog? Is it because someone like me, who's just at the level of a dog, is looking at her? My apologies. Please forgive me for ever being born. Woof.''

Saito's head spun for a mere two seconds.

Louise looked away from Saito with a "Hmph". Saito turned away as well.

Henrietta didn't notice the subtle exchange between Saito and Louise, and she began speaking in a cheerful voice.

"Dependable familiar-san."

"Yes? You mean me?"

After Henrietta called him dependable, the slumping Saito became happier.

"Naw, that's too much. Just treat me like a dog."

"Please keep taking care of my most precious friend."

And then she gently held out her hand. A handshake? he thought, but the back of her hand was turned upwards. What sort of gesture was this?

Louise spoke up with an astonished voice.

"That won't do! Princess! To offer your hand to a familiar!"

"It is alright. This person will be acting for my sake, and without a reward, I won't have his loyalty."

"Ah......"

"Offering a hand? The way someone does to a dog? Is that how you treat your dogs?"

Saito stooped and lowered his head.

"That's not it. Ooh, this is why you're a dog......, a commoner dog who doesn't know anything. When she offers her hand, it means you can kiss her. That's saying it plainly."

"That's...how aggressive......"

Saito's mouth opened widely. He'd never thought that he'd be allowed to kiss a princess from another world.

Henrietta smiled sweetly at Saito. His smile appeared business-like to other people, but Saito was thinking 『''I'd love to''』. To be liked by such a princess wouldn't be half bad, he thought.

Saito grinned deliberately at Louise. Louise muttered under her breath and turned her face away.

''Ah, what, so you *are* getting jealous. Just look at yourself. This is what you get for getting charmed by that noble with the plumed hat and blushing'', Saito thought.

Saito caught Henrietta's hand, and then firmly pulled her to him.

"Eh?"

Henrietta absentmindedly opened her mouth in surprise. Then before they could blink, Saito pushed his lips against Henrietta's.

"Mmph......"

What tender, tiny lips they were. Henrietta's eyes opened widely into circles.

The circles went white. The strength left Henrietta's body, and, slipping through Saito's hands, she fell to the bed.

"She fainted? Wh-why's that?"

"What are you doing to her highness?! You d-d-d-dog!"

"Woof?"

When Saito turned around, the bottom of Louise's shoe was flying towards him.

Saito took Louise's jump kick in the face and tumbled to the floor.

"What was that for?!"

When Saito said that, Louise stamped angrily on his face.

"It was on her hand she gave you permission, the back of her hand! A kiss on the back of the hand! Why'd you give her an all-out kiss on the lips?!"

Louise was so mad, it looked like she was going to catch fire.

"How should I know! I don't know anything about your rules here."

As his face was getting trampled, Saito spread his hands and spoke plainly. Getting stepped on was something Saito had experience with.

"Y-y-y-you, you, you dog......"

Louise's voice began trembling in fury.

Henrietta rose from the bed while shaking her head. Louise rushed to kneel beside her. She then grabbed Saito's head and pushed it down to the bed.

"I-I'm sorry! My familiar's misconduct, is my own misconduct! And you say it, too! Apologize!"

The ever-prideful Louise was apologizing to someone. On top of that, she was shaking all over. ''If I don't do what she says, she'll probably give me hell for it later.''

"Sorry. I only did it since you told me I could kiss you."

"And where can you find someone who would go for the lips when they hear that?!"

"Right here."

Louise struck Saito with her fist.

"How forgetful. Who gave you permission to use human language? Just bark. Dog. Come on, bark, I say. Everyone look at the doggie. Stupid dog."

Then she stamped stamped on Saito's head and ground it against the floor.

"I-it's alright. Loyalty must be rewarded, after all."

Henrietta bowed her head, giving real effort to appear calm.

At that time, the door slammed open and someone came flying in.

"You! The princess! What do you think you're doing?!"

It was the one who had dueled with Saito before, Guiche de Gramont.

With an ever-present imitation rose in his hand.

"What do you want?"

Saito said from where he lay on the floor as Louise continued stepping on his face.

"Guiche! You! Were you eavesdropping? Did you hear our conversation just now?!"

Guiche, however, didn't answer the pair's questions and just stood in a daze.

"For my hunt of the rose-like, lovely princess bringing me to this place...... and then seeing a theft, so to speak, occur through the door's keyhole...... that idiot commoner taking a kiss......."

Guiche flourished his imitation rose and cried.

"Duel with me! You scoundrel!"

Saito sprang up and drove his fist into Guiche's face.

"Agah!"

"Duel away then, stupid! I still remember how you broke my arm! Let's go!"

Saito gave Guiche, who had fallen to the floor, a hard kick, then he sat on him and started wringing his neck.

"Th-that's not fair! You! Gah!"

"So, what now? This guy overheard princess' story. Shall we have him hanged?"

If the opponent was a guy, Saito could be very serious.

"That might be best...... it's really too bad he had to hear our conversation just now......"

Guiche caught Saito off-guard, and stood up.

"Your Highness! By all means, please appoint me, Guiche de Gramont, to this difficult mission."

"Oh? You?"

"You go to sleep."

Saito swept Guiche's legs. Guiche fell down gaudily.

"Let me join your group!"

Guiche yelped as he collapsed.

"Why?"

Guiche's face reddened.

"I wish to be of use to Her Highness......"

Saito was sensing something from Guiche's appearence right then.

"You, are you in love? With the princess?!"

"Don't say such rude things. I am, absolutely, just wanting to be of use to Her Highness."

However, Guiche's face was burning intensely as he said this. Telling by the passionate look he was giving Henrietta, he was certainly under her charm.

"But you have a girlfriend. Who was that again? Uh, Monmon-something......"

"It's Montmorency."

"So what's going on?"

But Guiche was silent. ''Ah, I see'', Saito thought.

"Did you get dumped? She completely dumped you, I bet?"

"Q-quiet! It was all your fault!"

It was the matter of the perfume in the dining hall. When he was caught two-timing, Guiche was dripping with wine from the top of his head courtesy of Montmorency.

"Gramont? Ah, of General Gramont?"

Henrietta fixed her eyes on Guiche's vacantly looking face.

"I am his son, Your Highness."

Guiche stood up and gave a reverent bow.

"Are you also saying that you wish to help me?"

"It would be an unexpected blessing for me if I were to become a part of that mission."

Henrietta smiled at Guiche's enthusiastic expression.

"Thank you. Your father is a great, brave noble, and it seems you have inherited his blood. Then, please. Would you help this unfortunate princess, Sir Guiche?"

"Her Highness has called my name! Her Highness! Tristain's lovely flower, has smiled her rosy smile at me!"

Guiche, having felt too much excitement, fell on his back in a faint.

"Is he alright?"

Saito poked at Guiche. Louise paid no mind to the disturbance and spoke in a serious voice.

"Well then, tomorrow morning, we shall depart for Albion."

"We have heard that Prince Wales has set up camp somewhere around Newcastle in Albion."

"Understood. I've travelled through Albion with my sisters before, so I'm familiar with the geography."

"It will be a perilous journey. If the nobles of Albion discover your mission, they will do everything in their power to get in your way."

Henrietta sat at the desk and, with Louise's feather quill and some parchment, wrote a letter out.

Henrietta quietly gazed at the letter she had written herself, before she began shaking her head sadly.

"Princess? What's the matter?"

Louise, thinking something was up, called out.

"I-it's nothing."

Henrietta blushed, gave a nod as if she had settled on something, then added another line at the end. After that, she murmured in a soft voice.

[[Image:ZnT02-087.jpg|thumb]]

"Founder Brimir....... Please forgive this selfish princess. Even though my country is in distress, I cannot help but write this one sentence....... I cannot lie about my own feelings......."

Henrietta's facial expression made it seem like she had written a love-letter rather than a secret message. Louise couldn't say anything more, and just looked at Henrietta quietly.

Henrietta rolled up the letter she had written. She waved her staff. Out of nowhere, sealing wax appeared on the rolled-up letter, and a seal pressed down on it. Then she handed the letter over to Louise.

"When you meet the Crown Prince Wales, please pass this letter to him. He should then return the letter in question immediately."

After that, Henrietta removed a ring from the ring finger on her right hand, and gave it to Louise.

"This is a 『Water Ruby』 that I had received from my mother. It should work as a good-luck charm, at least. If you have any money concerns, please sell this to get some travel funds."

Louise bowed her head in silence.

"This mission is for the future of Tristain. For that, my mother's ring will protect you from the harsh winds blowing in Albion."

----

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Back to Chapter 2]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Forward to Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:Wolfpup

2010-08-03T19:41:31Z

Imagker:

== Decided? Where? ==

I did check before editing, and I don't see it being decided on to leave them out. But even if it was agreed upon, "princess" should still be left intact since Louise calling her "hime-sama" is important to show the character relationship between her and Henrietta. Also, the fact that Henrietta doesn't want Louise to be so formal with her is blatant enough. [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 16:20, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

== RE: Consensus ==

Consensus wasn't reached in there. The discussion there really isn't up-to-date either. Throughout the whole ZnT project that has been translated so far, there are still honorifics being used here and there. Some edits have been made by a couple of editors and lurkers, so there are quite a number of inconsistencies. I went through every volume/chapter and scrutinized each of their history page, and mostly, princess-sama and master-sama were edited without keeping the -sama...which seems alright, I guess. But until an agreement is reached, it's best to leave the typical honorifics (including pronouns) alone. For now, though, I'll edit out -sama, but princess definitely should be left alone since that's what was said in the original text, so there's no reason for the change. The context of the dialogue alone practically goes against it... [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 19:41, 3 August 2010 (UTC)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3

2010-08-03T06:57:07Z

Imagker: Undo revision 70968 by Wolfpup (Talk) User talk:Wolfpup/discussion

===Chapter Three: A Childhood Friend's Request===

Princess Henrietta, who had just appeared in Louise's room, looked like she had been overcome with emotion, and hugged the kneeling girl.

"Oh, Louise, Louise, my dear Louise!"

"This won't do, your Highness. Coming to a humble place like this......."

Louise said ceremoniously.

"Oh! Louise! Louise Françoise! Please stop acting so formally! You and I are friends! We are friends, are we not?"

"I am not worthy of such kind words. Your Highness."

Louise replied with a steely, strained voice. Saito, stupefied, just stared as the pair of beautiful girls embraced.

"Stop that, please! Neither the Cardinal, my Mother, or those greedy court aristocrats who buzz around wearing friendly faces are here! Oh, don't I have any friends who will open up to me? If even Louise Françoise, my old friend whom I've missed dearly, acts so distant, I would just die!"

"Your Highness......"

Louise lifted her face.

"When we were little children, didn't we get together and chase butterflies at the palace courtyard? And got all muddy?"

With a shy face, Louise answered.

"......Yes, and La Porte-sama the chamberlain told us off for getting our clothes so dirty."

"Yes! That's right, Louise! We were arguing over those puffy cream cakes, and ended up having a real scuffle! Oh, whenever we fought, it was me who always lost. You would grab my hair, and I'd just start crying."

"Not at all, princess-sama achieved victory on at least one occasion."

Louise said, looking sentimental.

"You remembered! Looking at the two of us, one could call that battle the Siege of Amiens!"

"That was when we were fighting over a dress in princess-sama's bedroom, wasn't it?"

"Yes, in the middle of our 'Make-Believe Royal Court', we ended up fighting over who would play as princess-sama! And it was my blow to your stomach, Louise Françoise, that successfully decided it."

"I'd fainted in the presence of princess-sama."

After that, the two of them exchanged glances and broke out in laughter. Saito, amazed, just kept watching them in that state. The princess may have looked like a lady, but she was actually a tomboy.

"That's more like it. Louise. Ah, I'm getting so nostalgic, tears are coming out."

"So how do you guys know each other?"

Saito asked, as Louise closed her eyes in reminiscence before answering.

"I had the pleasure of serving as princess-sama's playmate back when we were children."

After that, Louise turned back to Henrietta.

"But, I am deeply moved that princess-sama would remember such things....... I thought you'd already forgotten about me."

The princess gave a deep sigh and sat down on the bed.

"How could I forget? During those times, every day was fun. There was nothing at all to worry about."

There was a profound sadness in her voice.

"Princess-sama?"

Louise looked worried as she peered into Henrietta's face.

"How I envy you. Freedom is such a wonderful thing, Louise Françoise."

"What are you saying? You're the royal princess, are you not?"

"A princess born in her kingdom is like a bird being raised in a cage. You go here and there on your master's every whim......."

Henrietta said, looking lonely as she gazed at the moon outside the window. She then held Louise's hands and gave a sweet smile before speaking.

"I... I'm getting married."

"......You have my congratulations."

Louise, who somehow felt the sadness in that tone, spoke in a subdued voice.

It was at that moment that Henrietta noticed Saito, who had been sitting on his bundle of straw.

"Oh, forgive me. Was I intruding?"

"Intruding? How would that be?"

"Well, isn't he your lover? Oh no! It seems I was so caught up reminiscing that I didn't realize my blunder!"

"Huh? Lover? That creature?"

"Stop calling me that."

Saito said with a disappointed voice.

"Princess-sama! That's just my familiar! Don't even joke about it being my lover!"

Louise shook her head wildly, denying Henrietta's words.

"Familiar?"

Henrietta looked at Saito with a blank expression on her face.

"But he looks like a human......"

"I am human, Princess-sama."

Saito gave a strained greeting to Henrietta.

And he was even more hurt by how hard Louise had denied they were lovers. Even though that really was the case, it hurt all the same.

He recalled Louise's profile as she gazed at the other young noble during the day.

''At any rate...... I'm a familiar. An earthling. Not a noble.''

''And I want to go home. I want to eat a teriyaki burger. Yeah, and I might even receive an answer at the online dating service.'' Painful thoughts like these were swirling together into a chain.

Feeling a great weight upon him, he put his hand on the wall. As fast as Saito had become elated, his feelings fell just as soon. What a hectic personality.

"True, true. Oh, Louise Françoise, you may have changed since our younger days, but you are still quite the same."

"I didn't make it my familiar because I wanted to."

Louise looked disappointed. Henrietta gave off another sigh.

"Princess-sama, what happened?"

"No, it's nothing. Forgive me, oh, I'm so ashamed of myself. It's not something I should tell you...... but I am just so......"

"Please tell me. What troubles are they that cause princess-sama, as cheerful as she is, to sigh like this?"

"......No, I cannot tell you. Please forget I said anything. Louise."

"I will not! Didn't we use to talk about everything? Princess-sama was the one who had called me a friend. Won't you share your worries with your friend?"

After Louise spoke, Henrietta gave off a cheerful-looking smile.

"You've called me a friend, Louise Françoise. That makes me so happy."

Henrietta nodded her head in determination, and began to talk.

"You must not speak to anyone about what I am about to tell you now."

After that, she gave a quick glance in Saito's direction.

"Should I step outside?"

Henrietta shook her head.

"A mage and her familiar are as one. I see no reason for you to leave."

And with a sad tone, Henrietta started talking.

"I am to marry the Emperor of Germania......."

"Germania, you say?!"

Louise, who hated Germania, spoke out in astonishment.

"That country of barbaric upstarts?!"

"Yes. But it can't be helped. It must be done to solidify our alliance."

Henrietta explained the political climate of Halkeginia to Louise.

There was an insurrection among the nobles of Albion, and it looked like the Royal Family would soon be overthrown. If the rebels won, then the next thing would be the invasion of Tristain. To defend against this, Tristain was looking to form an alliance with Germania. For the alliance's sake, it was decided that Princess Henrietta would be married into the Germanian Imperial Family.......

"So that's why......"

Louise said with a depressed voice. It was clear from Henrietta's tone that she did not desire this wedding.

"It is alright. Louise, I have long since abandoned the notion of marrying the one whom I love."

"Princess-sama......"

"Those two-faced Albion nobles do not want Tristain and Germania to become allies. Two arrows are easier to break when they are not tied together."

Henrietta murmured.

"......Therefore, they have been searching frantically for anything that would interfere with the marriage.

"And they've found something......"

Saito didn't know anything about the alliance or Albion, but in any case, it seemed like it was something serious. ''Yup, as big as another Yagoto'', Saito thought with a nod.

"Then this is about that thing that could get in the way of princess-sama's wedding?"

Louise asked, her face looking pale, and Henrietta gave a regretful nod.

"Oh, Founder Brimir... please save this unfortunate princess......"

Henrietta covered her face with her hands, and crumbled on the floor. Saito was a little shocked at the dramatic gesture. He'd never seen anything so grandiose in his life.

"Tell me, please! Princess-sama! Just what is it that could interfere with the princess-sama's wedding?"

Louise, like she had also been infected, rattled off with an agitated look. With both hands still on her face, Henrietta looked like she was in pain as she began muttering.

"......It is a letter that I had written some time ago."

"A letter?"

"Yes. If those Albion nobles get their hands on it...... they would probably send it forward to the Germanian Imperial Family as soon as they could."

"What kind of letter could that be?"

"......That I cannot tell you. But if the Germanian Imperial Family were to read it...... they would never forgive me. The marriage will fall through, and with it, the alliance with Tristain. Then Tristain would stand alone against the strength of Albion."

Louise gave a gasp and seized Henrietta's hands.

"Where would that letter be? The letter that would bring crisis to Tristain!"

Henrietta shook her head.

"It is not with us. The truth of the matter is, it is already in Albion."

"Albion! But then...! Is it already in the enemy's hands?"

"No...... the one who holds the letter is not with the rebels of Albion. As the conflict between the rebels and his kinsmen unfolded, Prince Wales of the Royal Family......"

"The Prince Wales? The Prince Valiant?"

Henrietta bent back and laid down on the bed.

"Oh, it's a disaster! Sooner or later, Prince Wales will fall captive to the rebels!! And when that happens, the letter will come to light! And everything would be ruined! Ruined! Without an alliance, Tristain would have to take on Albion by itself!"

Louise held her breath.

"Then, Princess-sama, the favor that you're asking of me......"

"Impossible! It's impossible, Louise! How could I be so terrible? It's all confusing! When I think about it, I couldn't ask you to do such a dangerous thing as to go to Albion while this conflict between the nobles and the royalists is unfolding!"

"What are you saying? Be it the kettles of hell, or into the jaws of a dragon, if it's for princess-sama's sake, I'll go anywhere! There is no way the third daughter of the House of la Vallière, Louise Françoise, could overlook such a crisis for princess-sama and Tristain!"

Louise kneeled down and lowered her head reverently.

"Please leave this matter to me, the one who has captured Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth]."

Saito, who had been leaning on his arm against the wall, turned to look at Louise and spoke.

"Hey, wasn't that me?"

"You're my familiar."

"Woof."

"A familiar's achievement, is its master's achievement."

Louise said with perfect confidence.

"And a familiar's mistake?"

"That would be your mistake, wouldn't it?"

Though he felt somewhat cheated, it was useless to object when Louise got into her usual threatening attitude, so Saito just nodded half-heartedly.

"So you will help me? Louise Françoise! You are a dear friend!"

"Of course! Princess-sama!"

Louise grasped Henrietta's hands, and as the former spoke heatedly, the latter gave in and started crying.

"Princess-sama! I, Louise, forever friend of the Princess-sama, will be your confidante! Have you forgotten my vow of eternal loyalty?"

"Ah, the loyalty. This loyalty and sincere friendship! I'm deeply moved. I will never forget through life your loyalty and friendship! Louise Françoise!"

Saito opened his mouth gaping, and stared half amazed at the two. It was like a conversation between two people who were getting drunk with their own words. ''Ah, so this is how it's like for nobles and princesses, it's troublesome'', Saito was strangely convinced as he watched.

"Louise. Sorry to bother you while you're reaffirming your friendship and everything."

"What?"

"Going to Albion in the middle of a war is fine, but what use am I gonna be?"

"I've bought you a sword. You can use that, at least."

"Yeah. I'll do my best......"

Saito lowered his head gloomily. Come to think of it, they haven't talked about the Legendary Familiar Gandálfr's rune that had appeared on the back of his left hand yet. ''But even if I say it, it's just going to be a waste'', Saito thought.

''Legendary or not, she still treats me like a dog.''

"Then shall we go to Albion, find the Crown Prince of Wales, and get the letter back, princess-sama?"

"Yes, that is correct. I feel confident that you, the ones who have caught Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth], should be able to accomplish this difficult mission."

"As you wish. How urgent is this task?"

"I've heard that the nobles of Albion have managed to drive the royalists into a corner of the country. It will just be a matter of time before they are defeated."

Louise's face looked serious as she bowed to Henrietta.

"Then tomorrow, we shall depart."

Afterwards, Henrietta turned her gaze towards Saito. Saito's heart skipped a beat. Though Louise was also foolishly lovely and neat, Princess Henrietta was so beautiful that he almost gasped. Her millet-colored hair, trimmed right above her eyebrows, was swimming gracefully. Her blue eyes shone brilliantly like the southern seas.

White skin, on which floated a feeling of purity, a nose like a priceless and finely shaped sculpture.......

Saito stared at Henrietta as if he was in a trance. Louise looked at this with a chilly gaze. It didn't seem like she was in a good mood.

''Why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I'm staring at the princess-sama with admiration? Could you possibly be getting jealous? But weren't you blushing when you saw that noble with the feathered hat? And weren't you completely out of it after that?''

''It's funny how jealous you're getting, Louise.'' Saito shook his head.

''Rather than your lover, aren't I just your familiar?''

''Will I never be more than a dog for you?''

''I'm just your dog, so why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I am a dog? Is it because someone like me, who's just at the level of a dog, is looking at her? My apologies. Please forgive me for ever being born. Woof.''

Saito's head spun for a mere two seconds.

Louise looked away from Saito with a "Hmph". Saito turned away as well.

Henrietta didn't notice the subtle exchange between Saito and Louise, and she began speaking in a cheerful voice.

"Dependable familiar-san."

"Yes? You mean me?"

After Henrietta called him dependable, the slumping Saito became happier.

"Naw, that's too much. Just treat me like a dog."

"Please keep taking care of my most precious friend."

And then she gently held out her hand. A handshake? he thought, but the back of her hand was turned upwards. What sort of gesture was this?

Louise spoke up with an astonished voice.

"That won't do! Princess-sama! To offer your hand to a familiar!"

"It is alright. This person will be acting for my sake, and without a reward, I won't have his loyalty."

"Ah......"

"Offering a hand? The way someone does to a dog? Is that how you treat your dogs?"

Saito stooped and lowered his head.

"That's not it. Ooh, this is why you're a dog......, a commoner dog who doesn't know anything. When she offers her hand, it means you can kiss her. That's saying it plainly."

"That's...how aggressive......"

Saito's mouth opened widely. He'd never thought that he'd be allowed to kiss a princess from another world.

Henrietta smiled sweetly at Saito. His smile appeared business-like to other people, but Saito was thinking 『''I'd love to''』. To be liked by such a princess wouldn't be half bad, he thought.

Saito grinned deliberately at Louise. Louise muttered under her breath and turned her face away.

''Ah, what, so you *are* getting jealous. Just look at yourself. This is what you get for getting charmed by that noble with the plumed hat and blushing'', Saito thought.

Saito caught Henrietta's hand, and then firmly pulled her to him.

"Eh?"

Henrietta absentmindedly opened her mouth in surprise. Then before they could blink, Saito pushed his lips against Henrietta's.

"Mmph......"

What tender, tiny lips they were. Henrietta's eyes opened widely into circles.

The circles went white. The strength left Henrietta's body, and, slipping through Saito's hands, she fell to the bed.

"She fainted? Wh-why's that?"

"What are you doing to her highness?! You d-d-d-dog!"

"Woof?"

When Saito turned around, the bottom of Louise's shoe was flying towards him.

Saito took Louise's jump kick in the face and tumbled to the floor.

"What was that for?!"

When Saito said that, Louise stamped angrily on his face.

"It was on her hand she gave you permission, the back of her hand! A kiss on the back of the hand! Why'd you give her an all-out kiss on the lips?!"

Louise was so mad, it looked like she was going to catch fire.

"How should I know! I don't know anything about your rules here."

As his face was getting trampled, Saito spread his hands and spoke plainly. Getting stepped on was something Saito had experience with.

"Y-y-y-you, you, you dog......"

Louise's voice began trembling in fury.

Henrietta rose from the bed while shaking her head. Louise rushed to kneel beside her. She then grabbed Saito's head and pushed it down to the bed.

"I-I'm sorry! My familiar's misconduct, is my own misconduct! And you say it, too! Apologize!"

The ever-prideful Louise was apologizing to someone. On top of that, she was shaking all over. ''If I don't do what she says, she'll probably give me hell for it later.''

"Sorry. I only did it since you told me I could kiss you."

"And where can you find someone who would go for the lips when they hear that?!"

"Right here."

Louise struck Saito with her fist.

"How forgetful. Who gave you permission to use human language? Just bark. Dog. Come on, bark, I say. Everyone look at the doggie. Stupid dog."

Then she stamped stamped on Saito's head and ground it against the floor.

"I-it's alright. Loyalty must be rewarded, after all."

Henrietta bowed her head, giving real effort to appear calm.

At that time, the door slammed open and someone came flying in.

"You! The princess! What do you think you're doing?!"

It was the one who had dueled with Saito before, Guiche de Gramont.

With an ever-present imitation rose in his hand.

"What do you want?"

Saito said from where he lay on the floor as Louise continued stepping on his face.

"Guiche! You! Were you eavesdropping? Did you hear our conversation just now?!"

Guiche, however, didn't answer the pair's questions and just stood in a daze.

"For my hunt of the rose-like, lovely princess bringing me to this place...... and then seeing a theft, so to speak, occur through the door's keyhole...... that idiot commoner taking a kiss......."

Guiche flourished his imitation rose and cried.

"Duel with me! You scoundrel!"

Saito sprang up and drove his fist into Guiche's face.

"Agah!"

"Duel away then, stupid! I still remember how you broke my arm! Let's go!"

Saito gave Guiche, who had fallen to the floor, a hard kick, then he sat on him and started wringing his neck.

"Th-that's not fair! You! Gah!"

"So, what now? This guy overheard princess-sama's story. Shall we have him hanged?"

If the opponent was a guy, Saito could be very serious.

"That might be best...... it's really too bad he had to hear our conversation just now......"

Guiche caught Saito off-guard, and stood up.

"Your Highness! By all means, please appoint me, Guiche de Gramont, to this difficult mission."

"Oh? You?"

"You go to sleep."

Saito swept Guiche's legs. Guiche fell down gaudily.

"Let me join your group!"

Guiche yelped as he collapsed.

"Why?"

Guiche's face reddened.

"I wish to be of use to Her Highness......"

Saito was sensing something from Guiche's appearence right then.

"You, are you in love? With the princess-sama?!"

"Don't say such rude things. I am, absolutely, just wanting to be of use to Her Highness."

However, Guiche's face was burning intensely as he said this. Telling by the passionate look he was giving Henrietta, he was certainly under her charm.

"But you have a girlfriend. Who was that again? Uh, Monmon-something......"

"It's Montmorency."

"So what's going on?"

But Guiche was silent. ''Ah, I see'', Saito thought.

"Did you get dumped? She completely dumped you, I bet?"

"Q-quiet! It was all your fault!"

It was the matter of the perfume in the dining hall. When he was caught two-timing, Guiche was dripping with wine from the top of his head courtesy of Montmorency.

"Gramont? Ah, of General Gramont?"

Henrietta fixed her eyes on Guiche's vacantly looking face.

"I am his son, Your Highness."

Guiche stood up and gave a reverent bow.

"Are you also saying that you wish to help me?"

"It would be an unexpected blessing for me if I were to become a part of that mission."

Henrietta smiled at Guiche's enthusiastic expression.

"Thank you. Your father is a great, brave noble, and it seems you have inherited his blood. Then, please. Would you help this unfortunate princess, Sir Guiche?"

"Her Highness has called my name! Her Highness! Tristain's lovely flower, has smiled her rosy smile at me!"

Guiche, having felt too much excitement, fell on his back in a faint.

"Is he alright?"

Saito poked at Guiche. Louise paid no mind to the disturbance and spoke in a serious voice.

"Well then, tomorrow morning, we shall depart for Albion."

"We have heard that Prince Wales has set up camp somewhere around Newcastle in Albion."

"Understood. I've travelled through Albion with my sisters before, so I'm familiar with the geography."

"It will be a perilous journey. If the nobles of Albion discover your mission, they will do everything in their power to get in your way."

Henrietta sat at the desk and, with Louise's feather quill and some parchment, wrote a letter out.

Henrietta quietly gazed at the letter she had written herself, before she began shaking her head sadly.

"Princess-sama? What's the matter?"

Louise, thinking something was up, called out.

"I-it's nothing."

Henrietta blushed, gave a nod as if she had settled on something, then added another line at the end. After that, she murmured in a soft voice.

[[Image:ZnT02-087.jpg|thumb]]

"Founder Brimir....... Please forgive this selfish princess. Even though my country is in distress, I cannot help but write this one sentence....... I cannot lie about my own feelings......."

Henrietta's facial expression made it seem like she had written a love-letter rather than a secret message. Louise couldn't say anything more, and just looked at Henrietta quietly.

Henrietta rolled up the letter she had written. She waved her staff. Out of nowhere, sealing wax appeared on the rolled-up letter, and a seal pressed down on it. Then she handed the letter over to Louise.

"When you meet the Crown Prince Wales, please pass this letter to him. He should then return the letter in question immediately."

After that, Henrietta removed a ring from the ring finger on her right hand, and gave it to Louise.

"This is a 『Water Ruby』 that I had received from my mother. It should work as a good-luck charm, at least. If you have any money concerns, please sell this to get some travel funds."

Louise bowed her head in silence.

"This mission is for the future of Tristain. For that, my mother's ring will protect you from the harsh winds blowing in Albion."

----

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Back to Chapter 2]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Forward to Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL

2010-08-02T17:58:22Z

Imagker: Epilogue

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

=== Epilogue ===

“My name is Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière. Pentagon of the Five Elemental Powers, bless this humble being, and make him my familiar.”

In the living room of Tiffania's house, Contract Servant was completed.

Though they searched in the forest… the woman in a black robe, who introduced herself as Sheffield, was gone. Only a large number of Alviss' were lying around.

When Louise and the others returned to Tiffania’s house… they decided to give another "contract" to Saito. If they were attacked again like a few moments ago, it might get serious after all.

Siesta and Tiffania watched Saito's contracting with Louise with worried expressions. Agnes, with her arms crossed, was nonchalantly watching what the mage was doing.

“I guess he's willing to become a mage’s tool again. The runes make the sword training useless.”

“Maybe…”

Derflinger, who was leaning against the sofa, said in a somewhat painful voice. Agnes looked up at Derflinger surprised.

“Why so gloomy. Isn’t your partner coming back?”

Not answering Agnes’ question, Derflinger remained silent.

Once the spell ended, Louise brought her lips to Saito’s.

Saito watched at her thin, but nicely shaped lips.

When you think about it… everything started from here.

Various adventures crossed his mind.

After this, a new adventure might start from here. With his hopes and fears in turmoil, Saito stirred a little. Seeing Saito acting this way, Louise asked him.

“You won’t regret it?”

Saito, gazing straight into Louise’s eyes, said.

“I have already decided it when I passed the gate.”

Louise nodded, and slowly pressed her lips against Saito’s.

At once… a burning pain hit his body.

“Guaaaaaah!”

Siesta tried to run up to Saito, who was rolling in agony.

“S-Saito-san!”

“I-it’s all right… it’s just the runes of the familiar being carved in…”

Both, Saito and Louise, said at the same time.

And at once the pain subdued.

Saito watched curves appearing on his left hand.

“Haah…” he moaned. Louise shut her eyes and pressed herself closer to Saito.

“D-did it fail?”

“No… it succeeded.”

Saito showed Louise his left hand’s top.

Gandálfr's runes were firmly carved.

Louise gently traced each rune with her finger. ''This character string… is a bond between me and Saito.'' While caressing them… the amount of time when they were separated, the despair she felt, she was overflowed by the feelings.

Though everyone were still there, Louise desperately clung tightly onto Saito… and buried her face below his chest. And stayed like that, not moving. Saito gently held Louise’s shoulders.

Everyone stared at the couple.

“Well, as I said, I need to sharpen my sword for the battle,” Agnes muttered.

Though Siesta lifted up her eyes for a moment, she gave out a smile in the end.

The innocent Tiffania blushed.

“Your left hand… don’t stress it too much… I can’t help but worry.”

Derflinger muttered so silently that no one heard.

For a while, it will be very sensitive…　

Tiffania, after saying, “Well, I’m sure you need various things to discuss,” hurriedly dashed out of the bedroom.

Siesta came up to Louise and muttered quietly in her ear.

“…Only for today, I will lend him to you.”

…And left as fast as Tiffania left the room.

When Derflinger tried to say something, he was gripped by Agnes.

“All right, you also have to go.”

Finally alone, Saito and Louise gazed at each other in silence.

While they were looking at each other… tears started to fall from Louise’s eyes.

“Louise.”

When Saito unconsciously hugged her shoulders tighter, even more tears started to fall from her eyes. Not wiping them, Louise opened her mouth.

“Th…”

“Th?”

“Thth….”

“Thth?”

“Th-thought I will never be able to meet you again…”

While looking straight at him Louise sobbed.

“I-I…thought I, gu, had something important to t-t-tell, you, gu, went somewhere…”

Her speech overflowed with her feelings.

“You didn't show up on the ship, you didn't show up in the bed, back at home… Do you know how worried I was?.. I couldn’t take it anymore… I couldn’t take it because…”

Louise was heavily pulling out words mixed with tears. Though she was incoherent and hard to understand, Louise’s feelings poured right into Saito’s heart.

“But y-you visited me in my dreams… you were gentle, and, and…”

“D-don’t cry…”

Saito hugged Louise tightly, encircling her head with his hand. Louise started to weep stronger.

[[Image:ZnT08-283.jpg|thumb]]

“Cruel… You left me alone, cruel…”

“I won’t leave,”

Saito said.

“I won’t leave you any more.”

When he said those words… he remembered how it hurt him so badly as well, since the runes disappeared.

“Don't go anywhere again.”

“Aye.”

“S-stay by me.”

“Aye.”

Saito nodded many times.

The inside of his nose started to tickle.

''That’s right, this is what I really wanted to do from the beginning.''

''Since I was not Louise’s Gandálfr, though I wanted to protect her… I misunderstood. I thought that not being a Gandálfr, I couldn't protect her.''

''But, I was wrong.''

''I can protect you, Louise.''

''Not someone else, me… I want to protect you.''

As he thought this, something warm spread inside Saito’s heart.

This warmth made Saito more determined.

''Some day, I might return.''

''But… not until I make Louise happy.''

''For the master who needs me so much, I will pursue her dreams.''

When he was determined like that, everything seemed simple.

Louise was still crying.

“Y-you can look at other girls… You can touch them… You can k-k-k-kiss them, but… don’t go anywhere…”

Louise kept on crying for a while.

Louise, who finished crying some time ago and now had red and puffy eyes, was silent.

When he laid her down in bed, she laid down obediently. Yet, she gripped onto Saito’s sleeve and did not let it go. And pulled it down while biting her lips. So, Saito had to lie down next to her. Louise immediately placed her head gently on his shoulder.

He could smell the nostalgic aroma of Louise’s hair.

Louise silently drew her lips to Saito's ear.

“W-what?”

Saito asked looking at her burning eyes.

“Please.”

“Y-yes?”

“Till the morning breaks, be gentle.”

In the middle of this intimate… dangerous atmosphere, Saito stroked Louise’s head.

“…Ngh!”

Louise leaked out a moan.

Such an act from Louise made Saito almost die on the spot.

''What I want to do, I cannot do.'' What about the others, who are in a room next to theirs?

So, Saito torn by such conflict, desperately endured… until Louise said in an angry tone.

“Hey you…”

“Eh?”

“You put your tongue in that maid’s mouth, didn’t you?”

''It wasn’t really me putting it in, but Siesta…''

But saying that makes no difference, at least when your opponent is Louise.

Oh no, he will be punched! Or maybe kicked!

Guard! Guard guard!

Saito frantically tried to protect his groin, after hearing Louise saying that in a sulky voice. Neither a kick, nor a slap followed.

Instead, a bullet of pink flew and knocked Saito down.

Louise, with a blush on her cheeks, lifted her moist eyes up to Saito and said in a sulky voice,

“I want to have the same thing to gloss over.”

''Alright?''

''Not alright?''

The switch was triggered.

"Alright."

Saito framed her face with his hands, and, in trance, pressed his mouth against hers.

“Nh…” Louise closed her eyes.

Taking the opportunity, his hand sneaked beneath her shirt and touched her breast. However, Louise Françoise did not show any of the resistance she had a while ago in the shallop.

''Why doesn’t she?''

''Maybe this is a dream?''

''How do I confirm that?''

“Ah, indeed. If one feels pain, then one can’t be sleeping!”

''Well, to feel pain, I only need Louise to hit me.''

''Hm, what should I do to make her hit me?''

''Ah, say bad words!''

Saito, lost in his excitement, said, pressing his hand against her chest.

“Is this a breast?”

The sweet atmosphere disappeared immediately.

It was as if someone chanted Dispel Magic and blew it off like smoke…

“Is it bad?”

Slap.

Louise’s palm slapped him.

“Yup…”

“Are my breasts bad?”

Slap slap.

Her palm continued to hit.

Slap slap slap.

“They are flat and no good.”

He muttered in a silent voice as Louise’s palm continued to slap him.

“Aaah…”

The pain helped him to realize that it was reality.

So, this was not a dream.

But…

“No, stop, I was wrong.”

Slap slap slap slap slap slap.

Weren’t there other ways to confirm whether it was a dream or not? He realized too late.

“Wait. T-they are small but firm…”

“Hold your tongue!”

Louise’s knee flew up.

As it hit straight into his belly; Saito fainted.

In Tiffania's bedroom, Siesta was sleeping on the bed. A jar of wine was rolling next to her.　

Tiffania, leaving Siesta, took her harp and went out of the room.

Sitting on a chair in the courtyard, Tiffania began to play the harp.

And the sounds of the Founder's homesickness… melted with the night wind and wrapped Westwood Village up.

Agnes sat on a chair of in the living room, drinking sake.　

She heard the sounds of a harp coming from the courtyard.

Agnes closed her eyes and submerged herself into Tiffania’s performance.

“What’s the matter, Commander-san?”

Asked Derflinger, who she had as her drinking partner. Agnes opened her eyes.

Instead of the usual musketeer commander’s steel, one could see a girl's anxiety in her eyes.

“No… I just recalled my hometown. I can’t return there… such a useless memory.”

“You can’t return there?”

Self-mockingly, Agnes murmured,

“It doesn’t exist anymore. It exists only in the corner of my memories.”

After a while, Derflinger said…

“What? A hometown is just a word. Find a new hometown.”

Agnes became silent and continued listening to the tune, settled, in the course of time; a gentle smile appeared on her face and she nodded.

Louise watched the unconscious Saito, who had started a journey into the world of sleep. ''If only he had not made that remark about my breast size,'' she thought passionately…

“…Melody?”

She noticed a tune playing outside the window.

Who?

Was that Tiffania?

Somehow, she started to feel nostalgic. While listening to the sounds… Louise recalled the other Void user.

Then felt uneasy…

That Myoznitnirn from before…

Though she could not understand why, she seemed to aim at Louise.

This Void’s familiar was not an ally…

And if there are Void familiars besides Saito, then there should be Void users as well…

It was an unknown, big flow of events. ''I myself, am only driftwood in this big flow.''

But… looking at the familiar breathe in his sleep, Louise thought…

''I have Saito.''

''At that time, it was Saito who saved me.''

''Aye, I may be just driftwood in a rapid stream. But… I am tightly tied with a rope.''

She thought…

The whole "noble pride" thing was long ago rooted out of Louise.

She wanted to use her God given powers on far more important things. Like… for the clueless familiar.

Louise quietly whispered to Saito.

''First of all, I’ll look for the way to bring you home.''

At that moment, she did not say those important words.

If she did… Saito would be chained to her by those words.

Sounds of harp continued.

''…This Tiffania, just who is she?''

She looked like she was hiding something deep inside.

And she cured Saito’s near-to-death injuries.

''Tomorrow, I’ll ask for details…'' Louise closed her eyes.

“N…” Stirring, Saito woke up.

Next to him Louise was sleeping.

Her face, pressed closely against Saito’s chest, looked relaxed as she continued to sleep.

Seeing Louise like that… reminded him of a beautiful girl, carrying Elfin blood.

She, like Louise, was a Void user. Still, he’d have to talk about this with Louise. ''Tomorrow, I will speak with her,'' Saito thought.

On the other side of window, under the moonlight… he heard the half-elf girl, Tiffania, playing her harp.

On the other day, when he heard these sounds, he was reminded of his hometown, and it was painful…

But now it was different.

Because Louise’s head rested on his chest.

Something dear spread in his heart.

Even though dawn started to break… Tiffania's playing continued.　

The serenade of dreaming lovers echoed throughout the forest near Saxe-Gotha, soothing its listeners and healing their hearts.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter10_%7EPreview%7E|Back to Chapter 10]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Forward to Volume 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:Wolfpup

2010-08-02T16:48:24Z

Imagker:

User talk:Wolfpup

2010-08-02T16:20:00Z

Imagker:

== Decided? Where? ==

I did check before editing, but I don't see it being decided on to leave them out. But even if it was agreed upon, "princess" should still be left intact since Louise calling her "hime-sama" is important to show the character relationship between her and Henrietta. Also, the fact that Henrietta doesn't want Louise to be so formal with her is blatant enough. [[User:Imagker|Imagker]] 16:20, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3

2010-08-02T07:02:37Z

Imagker: Chapter Three: A Childhood Friend's Request

===Chapter Three: A Childhood Friend's Request===

Princess Henrietta, who had just appeared in Louise's room, looked like she had been overcome with emotion, and hugged the kneeling girl.

"Oh, Louise, Louise, my dear Louise!"

"This won't do, your Highness. Coming to a humble place like this......."

Louise said ceremoniously.

"Oh! Louise! Louise Françoise! Please stop acting so formally! You and I are friends! We are friends, are we not?"

"I am not worthy of such kind words. Your Highness."

Louise replied with a steely, strained voice. Saito, stupefied, just stared as the pair of beautiful girls embraced.

"Stop that, please! Neither the Cardinal, my Mother, or those greedy court aristocrats who buzz around wearing friendly faces are here! Oh, don't I have any friends who will open up to me? If even Louise Françoise, my old friend whom I've missed dearly, acts so distant, I would just die!"

"Your Highness......"

Louise lifted her face.

"When we were little children, didn't we get together and chase butterflies at the palace courtyard? And got all muddy?"

With a shy face, Louise answered.

"......Yes, and La Porte-sama the chamberlain told us off for getting our clothes so dirty."

"Yes! That's right, Louise! We were arguing over those puffy cream cakes, and ended up having a real scuffle! Oh, whenever we fought, it was me who always lost. You would grab my hair, and I'd just start crying."

"Not at all, princess-sama achieved victory on at least one occasion."

Louise said, looking sentimental.

"You remembered! Looking at the two of us, one could call that battle the Siege of Amiens!"

"That was when we were fighting over a dress in princess-sama's bedroom, wasn't it?"

"Yes, in the middle of our 'Make-Believe Royal Court', we ended up fighting over who would play as princess-sama! And it was my blow to your stomach, Louise Françoise, that successfully decided it."

"I'd fainted in the presence of princess-sama."

After that, the two of them exchanged glances and broke out in laughter. Saito, amazed, just kept watching them in that state. The princess may have looked like a lady, but she was actually a tomboy.

"That's more like it. Louise. Ah, I'm getting so nostalgic, tears are coming out."

"So how do you guys know each other?"

Saito asked, as Louise closed her eyes in reminiscence before answering.

"I had the pleasure of serving as princess-sama's playmate back when we were children."

After that, Louise turned back to Henrietta.

"But, I am deeply moved that princess-sama would remember such things....... I thought you'd already forgotten about me."

The princess gave a deep sigh and sat down on the bed.

"How could I forget? During those times, every day was fun. There was nothing at all to worry about."

There was a profound sadness in her voice.

"Princess-sama?"

Louise looked worried as she peered into Henrietta's face.

"How I envy you. Freedom is such a wonderful thing, Louise Françoise."

"What are you saying? You're the royal princess, are you not?"

"A princess born in her kingdom is like a bird being raised in a cage. You go here and there on your master's every whim......."

Henrietta said, looking lonely as she gazed at the moon outside the window. She then held Louise's hands and gave a sweet smile before speaking.

"I... I'm getting married."

"......You have my congratulations."

Louise, who somehow felt the sadness in that tone, spoke in a subdued voice.

It was at that moment that Henrietta noticed Saito, who had been sitting on his bundle of straw.

"Oh, forgive me. Was I intruding?"

"Intruding? How would that be?"

"Well, isn't he your lover? Oh no! It seems I was so caught up reminiscing that I didn't realize my blunder!"

"Huh? Lover? That creature?"

"Stop calling me that."

Saito said with a disappointed voice.

"Princess-sama! That's just my familiar! Don't even joke about it being my lover!"

Louise shook her head wildly, denying Henrietta's words.

"Familiar?"

Henrietta looked at Saito with a blank expression on her face.

"But he looks like a human......"

"I am human, Princess-sama."

Saito gave a strained greeting to Henrietta.

And he was even more hurt by how hard Louise had denied they were lovers. Even though that really was the case, it hurt all the same.

He recalled Louise's profile as she gazed at the other young noble during the day.

''At any rate...... I'm a familiar. An earthling. Not a noble.''

''And I want to go home. I want to eat a teriyaki burger. Yeah, and I might even receive an answer at the online dating service.'' Painful thoughts like these were swirling together into a chain.

Feeling a great weight upon him, he put his hand on the wall. As fast as Saito had become elated, his feelings fell just as soon. What a hectic personality.

"True, true. Oh, Louise Françoise, you may have changed since our younger days, but you are still quite the same."

"I didn't make it my familiar because I wanted to."

Louise looked disappointed. Henrietta gave off another sigh.

"Princess-sama, what happened?"

"No, it's nothing. Forgive me, oh, I'm so ashamed of myself. It's not something I should tell you...... but I am just so......"

"Please tell me. What troubles are they that cause princess-sama, as cheerful as she is, to sigh like this?"

"......No, I cannot tell you. Please forget I said anything. Louise."

"I will not! Didn't we use to talk about everything? Princess-sama was the one who had called me a friend. Won't you share your worries with your friend?"

After Louise spoke, Henrietta gave off a cheerful-looking smile.

"You've called me a friend, Louise Françoise. That makes me so happy."

Henrietta nodded her head in determination, and began to talk.

"You must not speak to anyone about what I am about to tell you now."

After that, she gave a quick glance in Saito's direction.

"Should I step outside?"

Henrietta shook her head.

"A mage and her familiar are as one. I see no reason for you to leave."

And with a sad tone, Henrietta started talking.

"I am to marry the Emperor of Germania......."

"Germania, you say?!"

Louise, who hated Germania, spoke out in astonishment.

"That country of barbaric upstarts?!"

"Yes. But it can't be helped. It must be done to solidify our alliance."

Henrietta explained the political climate of Halkeginia to Louise.

There was an insurrection among the nobles of Albion, and it looked like the Royal Family would soon be overthrown. If the rebels won, then the next thing would be the invasion of Tristain. To defend against this, Tristain was looking to form an alliance with Germania. For the alliance's sake, it was decided that Princess Henrietta would be married into the Germanian Imperial Family.......

"So that's why......"

Louise said with a depressed voice. It was clear from Henrietta's tone that she did not desire this wedding.

"It is alright. Louise, I have long since abandoned the notion of marrying the one whom I love."

"Princess-sama......"

"Those two-faced Albion nobles do not want Tristain and Germania to become allies. Two arrows are easier to break when they are not tied together."

Henrietta murmured.

"......Therefore, they have been searching frantically for anything that would interfere with the marriage.

"And they've found something......"

Saito didn't know anything about the alliance or Albion, but in any case, it seemed like it was something serious. ''Yup, as big as another Yagoto'', Saito thought with a nod.

"Then this is about that thing that could get in the way of princess-sama's wedding?"

Louise asked, her face looking pale, and Henrietta gave a regretful nod.

"Oh, Founder Brimir... please save this unfortunate princess......"

Henrietta covered her face with her hands, and crumbled on the floor. Saito was a little shocked at the dramatic gesture. He'd never seen anything so grandiose in his life.

"Tell me, please! Princess-sama! Just what is it that could interfere with the princess-sama's wedding?"

Louise, like she had also been infected, rattled off with an agitated look. With both hands still on her face, Henrietta looked like she was in pain as she began muttering.

"......It is a letter that I had written some time ago."

"A letter?"

"Yes. If those Albion nobles get their hands on it...... they would probably send it forward to the Germanian Imperial Family as soon as they could."

"What kind of letter could that be?"

"......That I cannot tell you. But if the Germanian Imperial Family were to read it...... they would never forgive me. The marriage will fall through, and with it, the alliance with Tristain. Then Tristain would stand alone against the strength of Albion."

Louise gave a gasp and seized Henrietta's hands.

"Where would that letter be? The letter that would bring crisis to Tristain!"

Henrietta shook her head.

"It is not with us. The truth of the matter is, it is already in Albion."

"Albion! But then...! Is it already in the enemy's hands?"

"No...... the one who holds the letter is not with the rebels of Albion. As the conflict between the rebels and his kinsmen unfolded, Prince Wales of the Royal Family......"

"The Prince Wales? The Prince Valiant?"

Henrietta bent back and laid down on the bed.

"Oh, it's a disaster! Sooner or later, Prince Wales will fall captive to the rebels!! And when that happens, the letter will come to light! And everything would be ruined! Ruined! Without an alliance, Tristain would have to take on Albion by itself!"

Louise held her breath.

"Then, Princess-sama, the favor that you're asking of me......"

"Impossible! It's impossible, Louise! How could I be so terrible? It's all confusing! When I think about it, I couldn't ask you to do such a dangerous thing as to go to Albion while this conflict between the nobles and the royalists is unfolding!"

"What are you saying? Be it the kettles of hell, or into the jaws of a dragon, if it's for princess-sama's sake, I'll go anywhere! There is no way the third daughter of the House of la Vallière, Louise Françoise, could overlook such a crisis for princess-sama and Tristain!"

Louise kneeled down and lowered her head reverently.

"Please leave this matter to me, the one who has captured Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth]."

Saito, who had been leaning on his arm against the wall, turned to look at Louise and spoke.

"Hey, wasn't that me?"

"You're my familiar."

"Woof."

"A familiar's achievement, is its master's achievement."

Louise said with perfect confidence.

"And a familiar's mistake?"

"That would be your mistake, wouldn't it?"

Though he felt somewhat cheated, it was useless to object when Louise got into her usual threatening attitude, so Saito just nodded half-heartedly.

"So you will help me? Louise Françoise! You are a dear friend!"

"Of course! Princess-sama!"

Louise grasped Henrietta's hands, and as the former spoke heatedly, the latter gave in and started crying.

"Princess-sama! I, Louise, forever friend of the Princess-sama, will be your confidante! Have you forgotten my vow of eternal loyalty?"

"Ah, the loyalty. This loyalty and sincere friendship! I'm deeply moved. I will never forget through life your loyalty and friendship! Louise Françoise!"

Saito opened his mouth gaping, and stared half amazed at the two. It was like a conversation between two people who were getting drunk with their own words. ''Ah, so this is how it's like for nobles and princesses, it's troublesome'', Saito was strangely convinced as he watched.

"Louise. Sorry to bother you while you're reaffirming your friendship and everything."

"What?"

"Going to Albion in the middle of a war is fine, but what use am I gonna be?"

"I've bought you a sword. You can use that, at least."

"Yeah. I'll do my best......"

Saito lowered his head gloomily. Come to think of it, they haven't talked about the Legendary Familiar Gandálfr's rune that had appeared on the back of his left hand yet. ''But even if I say it, it's just going to be a waste'', Saito thought.

''Legendary or not, she still treats me like a dog.''

"Then shall we go to Albion, find the Crown Prince of Wales, and get the letter back, princess-sama?"

"Yes, that is correct. I feel confident that you, the ones who have caught Fouquet the [Crumbling Earth], should be able to accomplish this difficult mission."

"As you wish. How urgent is this task?"

"I've heard that the nobles of Albion have managed to drive the royalists into a corner of the country. It will just be a matter of time before they are defeated."

Louise's face looked serious as she bowed to Henrietta.

"Then tomorrow, we shall depart."

Afterwards, Henrietta turned her gaze towards Saito. Saito's heart skipped a beat. Though Louise was also foolishly lovely and neat, Princess Henrietta was so beautiful that he almost gasped. Her millet-colored hair, trimmed right above her eyebrows, was swimming gracefully. Her blue eyes shone brilliantly like the southern seas.

White skin, on which floated a feeling of purity, a nose like a priceless and finely shaped sculpture.......

Saito stared at Henrietta as if he was in a trance. Louise looked at this with a chilly gaze. It didn't seem like she was in a good mood.

''Why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I'm staring at the princess-sama with admiration? Could you possibly be getting jealous? But weren't you blushing when you saw that noble with the feathered hat? And weren't you completely out of it after that?''

''It's funny how jealous you're getting, Louise.'' Saito shook his head.

''Rather than your lover, aren't I just your familiar?''

''Will I never be more than a dog for you?''

''I'm just your dog, so why are you looking at me like that, Louise? Ah, is it because I am a dog? Is it because someone like me, who's just at the level of a dog, is looking at her? My apologies. Please forgive me for ever being born. Woof.''

Saito's head spun for a mere two seconds.

Louise looked away from Saito with a "Hmph". Saito turned away as well.

Henrietta didn't notice the subtle exchange between Saito and Louise, and she began speaking in a cheerful voice.

"Dependable familiar-san."

"Yes? You mean me?"

After Henrietta called him dependable, the slumping Saito became happier.

"Naw, that's too much. Just treat me like a dog."

"Please keep taking care of my most precious friend."

And then she gently held out her hand. A handshake? he thought, but the back of her hand was turned upwards. What sort of gesture was this?

Louise spoke up with an astonished voice.

"That won't do! Princess-sama! To offer your hand to a familiar!"

"It is alright. This person will be acting for my sake, and without a reward, I won't have his loyalty."

"Ah......"

"Offering a hand? The way someone does to a dog? Is that how you treat your dogs?"

Saito stooped and lowered his head.

"That's not it. Ooh, this is why you're a dog......, a commoner dog who doesn't know anything. When she offers her hand, it means you can kiss her. That's saying it plainly."

"That's...how aggressive......"

Saito's mouth opened widely. He'd never thought that he'd be allowed to kiss a princess from another world.

Henrietta smiled sweetly at Saito. His smile appeared business-like to other people, but Saito was thinking 『''I'd love to''』. To be liked by such a princess wouldn't be half bad, he thought.

Saito grinned deliberately at Louise. Louise muttered under her breath and turned her face away.

''Ah, what, so you *are* getting jealous. Just look at yourself. This is what you get for getting charmed by that noble with the plumed hat and blushing'', Saito thought.

Saito caught Henrietta's hand, and then firmly pulled her to him.

"Eh?"

Henrietta absentmindedly opened her mouth in surprise. Then before they could blink, Saito pushed his lips against Henrietta's.

"Mmph......"

What tender, tiny lips they were. Henrietta's eyes opened widely into circles.

The circles went white. The strength left Henrietta's body, and, slipping through Saito's hands, she fell to the bed.

"She fainted? Wh-why's that?"

"What are you doing to her highness?! You d-d-d-dog!"

"Woof?"

When Saito turned around, the bottom of Louise's shoe was flying towards him.

Saito took Louise's jump kick in the face and tumbled to the floor.

"What was that for?!"

When Saito said that, Louise stamped angrily on his face.

"It was on her hand she gave you permission, the back of her hand! A kiss on the back of the hand! Why'd you give her an all-out kiss on the lips?!"

Louise was so mad, it looked like she was going to catch fire.

"How should I know! I don't know anything about your rules here."

As his face was getting trampled, Saito spread his hands and spoke plainly. Getting stepped on was something Saito had experience with.

"Y-y-y-you, you, you dog......"

Louise's voice began trembling in fury.

Henrietta rose from the bed while shaking her head. Louise rushed to kneel beside her. She then grabbed Saito's head and pushed it down to the bed.

"I-I'm sorry! My familiar's misconduct, is my own misconduct! And you say it, too! Apologize!"

The ever-prideful Louise was apologizing to someone. On top of that, she was shaking all over. ''If I don't do what she says, she'll probably give me hell for it later.''

"Sorry. I only did it since you told me I could kiss you."

"And where can you find someone who would go for the lips when they hear that?!"

"Right here."

Louise struck Saito with her fist.

"How forgetful. Who gave you permission to use human language? Just bark. Dog. Come on, bark, I say. Everyone look at the doggie. Stupid dog."

Then she stamped stamped on Saito's head and ground it against the floor.

"I-it's alright. Loyalty must be rewarded, after all."

Henrietta bowed her head, giving real effort to appear calm.

At that time, the door slammed open and someone came flying in.

"You! The princess! What do you think you're doing?!"

It was the one who had dueled with Saito before, Guiche de Gramont.

With an ever-present imitation rose in his hand.

"What do you want?"

Saito said from where he lay on the floor as Louise continued stepping on his face.

"Guiche! You! Were you eavesdropping? Did you hear our conversation just now?!"

Guiche, however, didn't answer the pair's questions and just stood in a daze.

"For my hunt of the rose-like, lovely princess bringing me to this place...... and then seeing a theft, so to speak, occur through the door's keyhole...... that idiot commoner taking a kiss......."

Guiche flourished his imitation rose and cried.

"Duel with me! You scoundrel!"

Saito sprang up and drove his fist into Guiche's face.

"Agah!"

"Duel away then, stupid! I still remember how you broke my arm! Let's go!"

Saito gave Guiche, who had fallen to the floor, a hard kick, then he sat on him and started wringing his neck.

"Th-that's not fair! You! Gah!"

"So, what now? This guy overheard princess-sama's story. Shall we have him hanged?"

If the opponent was a guy, Saito could be very serious.

"That might be best...... it's really too bad he had to hear our conversation just now......"

Guiche caught Saito off-guard, and stood up.

"Your Highness! By all means, please appoint me, Guiche de Gramont, to this difficult mission."

"Oh? You?"

"You go to sleep."

Saito swept Guiche's legs. Guiche fell down gaudily.

"Let me join your group!"

Guiche yelped as he collapsed.

"Why?"

Guiche's face reddened.

"I wish to be of use to Her Highness......"

Saito was sensing something from Guiche's appearence right then.

"You, are you in love? With the princess-sama?!"

"Don't say such rude things. I am, absolutely, just wanting to be of use to Her Highness."

However, Guiche's face was burning intensely as he said this. Telling by the passionate look he was giving Henrietta, he was certainly under her charm.

"But you have a girlfriend. Who was that again? Uh, Monmon-something......"

"It's Montmorency."

"So what's going on?"

But Guiche was silent. ''Ah, I see'', Saito thought.

"Did you get dumped? She completely dumped you, I bet?"

"Q-quiet! It was all your fault!"

It was the matter of the perfume in the dining hall. When he was caught two-timing, Guiche was dripping with wine from the top of his head courtesy of Montmorency.

"Gramont? Ah, of General Gramont?"

Henrietta fixed her eyes on Guiche's vacantly looking face.

"I am his son, Your Highness."

Guiche stood up and gave a reverent bow.

"Are you also saying that you wish to help me?"

"It would be an unexpected blessing for me if I were to become a part of that mission."

Henrietta smiled at Guiche's enthusiastic expression.

"Thank you. Your father is a great, brave noble, and it seems you have inherited his blood. Then, please. Would you help this unfortunate princess, Sir Guiche?"

"Her Highness has called my name! Her Highness! Tristain's lovely flower, has smiled her rosy smile at me!"

Guiche, having felt too much excitement, fell on his back in a faint.

"Is he alright?"

Saito poked at Guiche. Louise paid no mind to the disturbance and spoke in a serious voice.

"Well then, tomorrow morning, we shall depart for Albion."

"We have heard that Prince Wales has set up camp somewhere around Newcastle in Albion."

"Understood. I've travelled through Albion with my sisters before, so I'm familiar with the geography."

"It will be a perilous journey. If the nobles of Albion discover your mission, they will do everything in their power to get in your way."

Henrietta sat at the desk and, with Louise's feather quill and some parchment, wrote a letter out.

Henrietta quietly gazed at the letter she had written herself, before she began shaking her head sadly.

"Princess-sama? What's the matter?"

Louise, thinking something was up, called out.

"I-it's nothing."

Henrietta blushed, gave a nod as if she had settled on something, then added another line at the end. After that, she murmured in a soft voice.

[[Image:ZnT02-087.jpg|thumb]]

"Founder Brimir....... Please forgive this selfish princess. Even though my country is in distress, I cannot help but write this one sentence....... I cannot lie about my own feelings......."

Henrietta's facial expression made it seem like she had written a love-letter rather than a secret message. Louise couldn't say anything more, and just looked at Henrietta quietly.

Henrietta rolled up the letter she had written. She waved her staff. Out of nowhere, sealing wax appeared on the rolled-up letter, and a seal pressed down on it. Then she handed the letter over to Louise.

"When you meet the Crown Prince Wales, please pass this letter to him. He should then return the letter in question immediately."

After that, Henrietta removed a ring from the ring finger on her right hand, and gave it to Louise.

"This is a 『Water Ruby』 that I had received from my mother. It should work as a good-luck charm, at least. If you have any money concerns, please sell this to get some travel funds."

Louise bowed her head in silence.

"This mission is for the future of Tristain. For that, my mother's ring will protect you from the harsh winds blowing in Albion."

----

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Back to Chapter 2]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Forward to Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1

2010-08-02T00:25:44Z

Imagker: Chapter One: A Secret Boat

===Chapter One: A Secret Boat===

Louise was lying on her bed. She was dreaming that she was back in her homeland, a three day ride away from the Tristain Academy, where she was born.

The young Louise in her dream was running around near the house, eventually hiding in the bushes of the labyrinth-like vegetation to hide from her pursers.

“Louise, where are you? Come out now!” shouted her mother. In her dream, Louise was being reprimanded due to her poor results in magical studies. She was constantly being compared with her sisters, who had much better results than her.

Louise saw a pair of shoes that appeared below the bushes.

“Miss Louise really is hopeless at magic.”

“I completely agree. Why can’t she be like her two older sisters who are very good with magic?”

Louise, upon hearing those words, felt sad and dejected as she bit her lips. The servants have started looking for her in the vegetation. Louise tried her best to escape. She retreated to the place she called the “Secret Garden” – the central lake.

The Secret Garden was the only place where Louise felt at ease. It was tranquil, with no one else around. Flowers bloomed everywhere and birds gathered on the benches near the lake. And in the middle of the lake there was a small island on which a small house made of white marble rested.

Next to the island was a small boat originally used for leisure, but now derelict and forgotten. Her older sisters had grown up, and were busy studying magic. Her father, who had retired from his military duties, now spends his time mingling with the nobles nearby. Her father's only pastime was hunting wild game. Her mother's only interest was to teach her daughters and could not care less about anything else.

Therefore, besides Louise, no one ever came to the forgotten lake anymore, much less remembered that small boat. That is why whenever Louise was reprimanded, she would come to this place.

In Louise’s dream, the younger version of her jumped onto the boat and snuggled into a blanket that was prepared earlier.

As she hid inside her blanket, a noble clad in a cloak appeared from the mist-covered island.

The noble was about sixteen years old. In Louise’s dream, she was only six years old, a ten year difference lay between them.

“Have you been crying, Louise?” His face could not be seen as it was covered by a large hat.

But Louise knew exactly who he was: he was the Viscount, the noble who had just inherited the lands around her homeland. Louise felt warm and fuzzy inside; the Viscount was the man of her dreams. They had often frequented banquets together and, furthermore, their fathers had already made an engagement.

“Is that you, Viscount-sama?”

Louise haphazardly covered her face; she did not want the man of her dreams to see her crying. It would be embarrassing.

“I was invited by your father today regarding the engagement.”

Hearing this, Louise was even more embarrassed to the point that she did not even dare lift her head up.

“Really? But that would not be possible, Viscount-sama.”

“Louise, my small and dainty Louise, do you dislike me?” the Viscount said in jest.

Louise gently shook her head and said abashedly, ”No, it’s not that. It's just that I’m still young and unready ...”

The face hidden underneath the hat revealed a smile and extended a hand out to Louise.

“Viscount-sama.”

“Lady, please take hold of my hand. Quickly, the banquet is about to start.”

“But…”

“Have you been scolded again? Don’t worry. I’ll talk to your father.” the Viscount said.

Louise nodded, stood up and reached for the Viscount’s hand. What big hands, aren't those the hands that she had always dreamed of holding?

Just as she was about to grasp the Viscount’s hand, a sudden gust of wind blew the hat from the Viscount’s head.

“Eh?!” Louise looked at his face, perplexed. Because it was a dream, Louise had returned to her sixteen year old self.

“What... What are you doing?”

The person underneath the hat was not the Viscount, but her familiar, Saito.

“Louise, come quickly.”

“It doesn’t matter whether I come or not, why are you here?”

“Don’t be so narrow minded, haven’t you fallen for me already?” replied Saito, who was impudently dressed in the Viscount’s clothes.

One has to wonder where he got that much confidence from.

“Don’t be stupid, I was just muddle-headed that time, you better stop dreaming!”

“Stop making up excuses, my Louise.”

“Who is 'your Louise'?!”

Saito pretended not to hear her at all, and instead, came closer to Louise.

“What are you trying to do, you idiot?!”

Ignoring her complaints, Saito proceeded and lifted Louise, who was in the boat, into his arms.

“Why is it you?” Louise asked in frustration while punching Saito. But Saito did not get angry at all, instead his grin became wider. This made Louise slowly turn red from embarrassment. She did not know the exact reason, but she felt good in Saito’s arms. This made Louise even more anxious.

Saito, lying in his bed, slowly opened his eyes. The twin moons in full circle shone onto the room, lighting it up brightly. Louise, sleeping in her bed, moaned as though she was having a nightmare.

Saito prayed that she would continue to sleep. He quietly got up and slowly approached the sleeping Louise.

“What is it partner? Not Sleeping?” Derflinger asked Saito quite abruptly.

“Shhhh...” Saito turned around and put his index finger onto his lips.

“Don't want me to speak? Why not?”

“Shhhh...” Saito shook his head, once again drew his middle finger across his lips and stared at his partner, Derflinger, with annoyance.

“I won’t forgive you for giving me the cold shoulder. My partner wakes up in the middle of the night without telling me a reason. This makes me angry and depressed!”

After saying this, Derflinger moved and shook his body, like he was really angry. What a difficult sword.

Awakened by the rattling of the sword, Louise turned around and opened her eyes.

Saito’s heart skipped a beat.

Sitting up, Louise started to scold Saito.

“Don’t be so full of yourself! You better do some cleaning up, don't you see the dust gathered everywhere? Don’t tell me that you have done it already, you slow-witted fool. You’re such a dimwit!”

Saito’s body was frozen solid, as though the “Harden” spell had been casted on him.

But after Louise finished scolding Saito, she lay down once more and slept. Apparently, she was just talking in her sleep. Even in her sleep, Louise was ordering Saito about. Saito felt simultaneously relieved and saddened.

Derflinger, who was watching Saito all this time, gave a hapless sigh.

“She’s talking in her dreams, huh? But it doesn’t seem to be music to your ears, Saito.”

Saito stared angrily at Derflinger, who had almost spoiled his plan and quickly walked towards him and said, “You better keep quiet, you idiot!”

“You’re really too much, I shall not forgive you! If my partner wants me to be silent, then I will definitely be silent! But for suddenly waking up in the middle of the night and being so sneaky about it, you’ll definitely suffer retribution even if you tell me your reason now.”

Derflinger’s sense of curiosity is the same as his partner's. It seems he wants to know Saito’s reason for waking up in the middle of the night no matter what it takes.

Saito sighed, and then pointed to the sleeping Louise.

“What about the Noble’s daughter?”

“What do you think partner?”

Saito used his hands and made a gesture resembling a heart.

“What does that mean?”

“It represents love.”

“That girl likes you, partner?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know?”

Saito stood up, and danced while not making any noise.

“Ah... you are referring to the ball?”

“You saw Louise’s expression while we were dancing, right?”

“Yeah, I saw it.”

“Her face was so red...” Saito said while in a daze.

“Yeah, it was very red.”

“She seemed to want to hold my hands and not let them go.”

“Are you sure!?”

“Derf, you’re just a piece of metal, so you’ll never understand a girl’s heart. If a girl looks at a boy like that, it means she’s indirectly telling him that she likes him.” Saito said, while knocking on the sword.

“True, I’m but a sword, and I don’t understand interpersonal relationships at all. But since you say so partner, it must probably be true.”

Saito nodded happily and said, “You’re really sensible, Derflinger!”

“Then, my good partner, since you’re sure that she likes you, are you going to ravish her?”

“Yes! I’m sure that she likes me, and I think I'm gonna ravish her!... Err, what does 'ravish' mean?”

“That’s impossible. I’ve been around for a long time and this is the first time I’ve heard of a familiar ravishing its master. You’re incredible!”

“Ah... that feels good. Come, praise me again.”

“My partner, you’re fantastic!”

Saito stood up and buoyantly asked, “Derf, who's the most handsome man in the world?”

“Of course it’s you, partner.”

“Who is the greatest person in this world without magic?”

“Of course it’s you, partner.”

The praises went straight to Saito's head. He felt as if the whole world was cheering for him. One has to wonder if he has a problem with his IQ.

“Louise is really fortunate that I have taken a liking to her. The great and handsome me.”

“If that haughty girl really likes you, then why did she have to scold you even in her dreams?”

Derflinger wanted to continue voicing his opinions, but was stopped by Saito. “Louise is in reality extremely stubborn. She would not bare her heart that easily.”

“Is that so?”

“If I went over and asked her, she would definitely reply: 'What are you saying? You stupid familiar!' “

“Like you said, do you really know her inside out, partner?”

“Of course! Although she’s always denying it, in reality she desperately wants me to ‘conquer’ her. She’s already deeply in love with me, but Louise is a very headstrong girl, she won’t tell me that she likes me directly due to her pride.”

“Partner, you must be a genius to have deduced this.”

“So now, I’m to represent planet Earth and 'ravish' this [[Talk:Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1#Bishoujo|Bishōjo]] from Halkeginia. You understand don’t you, Derf? So could you do me a favor and keep your mouth shut?”

Derflinger shook his body, signifying agreement.

“If that’s the case, I will remain silent then.”

Saito thanked Derflinger and once again approached Louise.

Louise was still in deep sleep. No matter from what angle you look at the sleeping Louise, she still looks as beautiful as ever. Saito took a deep breath; the room was filled with a nice fragrance.

Saito, trembling slowly, lifted Louise’s blanket.

Moonlight shone onto Louise who was wearing a nightgown. Even though Louise was wearing her nightie, one could still feel her smooth and supple skin through it. Although just slightly, her breasts had developed. Also, Louise did not like to wear undergarments when sleeping. Saito knew this extremely well - he was the one who prepared her undergarments every morning.
[[Image:ZnT_B2_C1_01.jpg|thumb|''"Moonlight shone on the sleeping Louise ."'']]

Saito was so touched that tears nearly came out of his eyes. ''From now onwards the petite and cute girl will finally be mine,'' he thought to himself. He has been waiting for this moment for a week, ever since the ball.

Rubbing his hands together, Saito approached the sleeping Louise and said,[[Talk:Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1#Itadakimasu|“Itadakimasu… ”]] saying that, he snuggled under Louise’s blanket.

“Ah, Louise, Louise your skin is really so smooth and supple. Haha… Saito you idiot…”

Saito did not know why he called himself an idiot, but nonetheless he was becoming more and more aroused.

He hugged Louise without thinking twice and kissed her cheek. Louise did not look like she would wake up anytime soon; she was quite a sound sleeper.

“Louise, my dear Louise, your face; you have the cutest face in the world...” Following that, just as Saito was about to lift up Louise’s nightgown, she suddenly awoke. Saito was initially shocked, but he recovered quickly and hugged Louise tightly.

“What... What are you doing?!”

Louise immediately realized what was going on and struggled to break free from Saito’s arms.

“Can’t you just stay still?”

“Why... why... are you hugging me?

“What are you saying? I thought that you liked me!?” Saito stared at Louise in frustration; Louise felt the anger and stopped struggling.

“What?”

Saito placed his hands on Louise’s shoulder and asked, “Aren’t you in love with me?”

“What... what... nonsense are you blabbering?”

“It’s all right Louise, I understand how you feel. I’m the one that understands you the most. Don’t be nervous, just relax.”

Saito slowly moved his lips towards Louise’s; Louise’s face became paler and paler.

''Me, in love with you??''

Louise’s dream just now flashed before her eyes again. Saito was exactly the same as in her dream, speaking to her in that audacious manner. Thanks to that, the more Louise looked at Saito, the angrier she became. Both the Saito in her dream and the Saito in reality made her mad, really mad. You could say it was pure rage.

Louise was now trembling in anger, but Saito mistook it for shyness, as Louise had had no prior experience.

“Are you still nervous, this is my first time too. Relax while I take off my pants...”

Louise felt Saito holding up her waist...

As swift as a flame salamander catches its prey, Louise shot her right leg upward and struck Saito between the legs.

"Arhhh!"

Saito immediately felt his spine carry the excruciating pain from his groin all the way to his brain. Saito, not able to take the pain, began foaming at the mouth and rolled off of Louise’s bed. Louise slowly got up and grabbed the horse whip which was placed next to her bed.

Saito, seeing the whip, tried to escape, but the whip-bearing Louise already had her foot on Saito’s head.

“What did you want to do to me just now?!”

Saito, slowly recovering from his pain, managed to speak, ”Aren’t we just like lovers whispering sweet nothings to each other just now?”

Louise using her foot to apply more pressure on Saito’s head replied, “That’s only wishful thinking on your part.”

“Does it mean that I’m mistaken…? Aren’t you fond of me?”

“Who is fond of whom?”

“Well, don’t you like me, Miss Louise?”

“Haha… Please tell me the reason for you believing that, but you’d better make it simple to understand, otherwise I will not be able to tell what will happen to you…”

“Well, during the ball, you looked at me, your familiar with those lovelorn eyes.”

Louise with her face turning red replied, “So that’s why you thought that I’m fond of you and climbed into my bed?”

“That’s correct, Miss Louise. Is your humble familiar really mistaken?”

“You’re definitely mistaken, I have never heard of a familiar climbing into its owner’s bed.”

“I will take note of it the next time.”

Louise gave a sigh and said in a tone that seems to pity Saito, “There won’t be a next time.”

“Master, Look! Look! The twin moons are shining so beautifully tonight!” Saito said in desperation.

“Anyway, it’s too late…” Louise said in a voice trembling in anger. Under the twin moon’s moonlight, Saito’s cries of pain could be heard many miles away…

The same time that Saito was being badly beaten up, Fouquet was staring idly at the ceiling somewhere far way from the academy in the City of Tristain’s [[Talk:Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1#Genoa|Genoa]] prison. She was the triangle earth mage, who was apprehended by Saito and Co. two days ago for the theft of the “Staff of Destruction”. As she was infamous for stealing valuable treasure from various nobles she was placed in Genoa prison, the maximum security prison located in the City of Tristain.

She would be charged in court the following week. As she had caused a great deal of shame to nobles all over the country, she would most probably either be exiled or be given the death sentence. Either way, she wouldn't be allowed in Tristain anymore. At first, she thought of escaping, but she later gave up that thought.

Inside her cell, there was nothing except for shoddy looking bed and a table that was made of wood. Even the utensils she used were made of wood. Things would be quite different if there was just something made of metal… Like a spoon.

She had wanted to turn the prison walls and iron bars into soil using alchemy. Without her wand, which was confiscated, that would not be possible. Magicians were helpless without their wands. Furthermore, the prison walls and iron bars are specially enchanted to resist magic. Even with the use of alchemy, she would not be able to escape.

“It’s really mean of them to lock up a feeble female like myself here.” Fouquet grumbled to herself. Then she thought about the youth that had apprehended her, ''That boy is quite strong, can’t believe that he’s an ordinary human. Who exactly is he? Then again, it doesn’t concern me anymore.''

“Time to sleep...” Fouquet closed her eyes and laid down. Just as she had closed her eyes, she quickly opened them again.

Fouquet heard someone walking down to the dungeon where she was held. She heard peculiar noises that sounded like a spur. She deduced it could not be a warden, as they did not wear spurs on their boots. Fouquet quickly sat up.

A person wearing a cloak appeared next to her cell, his face unseen as it was covered by a white mask. Judging from the long wand visible beneath his cloak, he was a mage.

In a rather scornful manner, Fouquet exclaimed “I’m surprised to see a visitor in the middle of the night!”

The man in the white mask did not reply, and instead gave Fouquet a cold stare.

Fouquet instinctively knew that this person was hired to kill her. Some nobles she had stolen from must have thought that sentencing her in court was too much of a hassle and had decided to hire an assassin to kill her. Some of the items she had stolen from the imperial family were likely stolen goods to begin with, and in order not to let such a truth surface the imperials had probably decided to silence her.

“Well, as you can see, this doesn’t look like a place to entertain someone. But I think you’re not here just for a cup of tea, right?” Fouquet said.

She began to think, ''Though I’m without my wand, I will not easily give up without a fight. I’m not only well versed in magic; I’m pretty good in close combat too. However, I’m powerless to stop him should he use magic. Therefore, I must somehow lure him inside my cell.''

Just then, the man in the cloak spoke, “Are you Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth?”

His voice sounded strong and youthful.

“I’m not sure who gave me this nickname, but yes, I am Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth.”

The man in the cloak raised both of his hands, implying that he did not intend hostility.

“I have something that I would like to tell you.”

“What is that?” Fouquet replied in a rather surprised tone. “Don’t tell me that you’re going to speak on my defense. What a weirdo.”

“I’d be happy to speak in your defense, my dear Mathilda of Saxe-Gotha”

Fouquet’s face became pale. “That’s a name I had forgotten, or rather, was forced to forget. There should be no one in this world that knows that name anymore…”

“Who exactly are you?”

The cloaked man did not answer her question and instead asked, “Mathilda, do you wish to serve Albion again?”

Fouquet, who had lost her cool, replied, “That’s impossible! I will never serve those who had murdered my father and annexed my home!”

“Don’t be mistaken, no one is asking you to serve the Albion royal family. They’re going to be overthrown soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“A revolution is taking place. We’re going to overthrow the weak and powerless Imperial family, and succeeding them will be more capable nobles like ourselves.”

“But aren’t you part of Tristain’s nobility? What has Albion’s revolution got to do with you?”

“We are a consortium of nobles without borders who are worried about Halkeginia’s future. We wish to unify Halkeginia and regain the holy land that founder Brimir had once set foot on.“

Fouquet smirked, “Please stop talking nonsense. If that’s the case, why does your consortium of nobles without borders need me? I’m just a prisoner.”

“We need skilled magicians now more than ever. Will you lend us your help, Fouquet of the Crumbing Earth?”

Fouquet waved her hands and replied, ”Please stop dreaming…”

“You wish to unify Halkeginia? The Kingdoms of Tristain, Germania, Albion, Gallia, and a number of smaller kingdoms which are constantly at war with each other? Unifying them would be like a midsummer night's dream.” [[Talk:Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1#proverb|↓]]

“Hmm! Getting the holy land back… how would you fight against the all-powerful elves?”

For hundreds of years, the holy land had been in the possession of the elves living north of Halkeginia. Humans had attempted countless crusades to get back the holy land, but failed miserably each time.

The elves, distinguished by their distinctly pointed ears and unique culture, had long life spans and were highly proficient with magic. As such, they were highly effective warriors. Defeating them would be an uphill battle.

“I have no love for nobles and I have no interest in Halkeginia. As for regaining the Holy land, the elves can stay there for all I care!”

The man in the black cloak took out his wand and replied, “I’ll give you a choice, Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth.”

“Let’s hear it out.”

“Either you become our comrade or…”

Fouquet finished the sentence for him, “Or I would immediately perish here? Am I correct?”

“That is correct. Since you already know our secret, I cannot let you live.”

“You nobles are really a conceited bunch. You’ll never consider other people’s feelings,” Fouquet said with a chuckle, “To put it nicely, you’re inviting me to join you, but in reality there is no other choice, is there?”

The man in the black cloak too replied with a chuckle, “That’s correct.”

“Let me be a part of your consortium then. I hate people who do not know how to give orders.”

“Let’s go then.”

Fouquet placed both her hands onto her chest and asked, “What's the name of your organization?”

“Do you really wish to join us, or are you just toying with me?”

“I just want to know the name of the organization I will work for from now on.”

The man in the black cloak removed a key from his pocket, unlocked Fouquet’s cell and answered, “The Reconquistadors.”

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Back to Volume 1]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:Imagker

2010-06-02T05:03:07Z

Imagker: New page: ...

...

User:Imagker

2010-06-02T05:02:46Z

Imagker: New page: . . .

. . .

Toaru Majutsu no Index

2010-03-14T11:09:13Z

Imagker:

Toaru Majutsu no Index

2010-02-15T03:06:51Z

Imagker: Volume 12

Toaru Majutsu no Index

2010-02-13T23:57:10Z

Imagker: