Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2026-07-22T07:31:48Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ */

__NOTOC__

*To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Purean|Purean]] [Previously translated by [user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] ([[User:TheDefend|TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

::*Afterword

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:R6|R6]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[User:Tomojo|Tomojo]]+[[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - None (Previously completed by [[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%))
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None (dropped by [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%) ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Iro Daijoubu|Iro Daijoubu]] (Replaced Zyzzyva's MTL) / [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Iro Daijoubu|Iro Daijoubu]] (Replaced Zyzzyva's MTL) / [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===
::*Prologue - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
'''Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
'''Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
'''Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day'''
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

::*Afterword

===Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Jima|jima]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] -'''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Tomoya13|Tomoya13]] - '''Completed''' Retranslation: [[User:JeruTz|JeruTz]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮===
::*Chapter 1 -[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Chuta|Chuta]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]]; Dropped by [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - 30%, taken over by [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡===
::*Summary - [[User:Pie|Pie]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]] - 20% [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue -
::*Afterword

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] (Taken over by [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 13 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 14 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

===Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*Story 1 - [[User:RonnieCorny|RonnieCorny]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 2 -
::*Story 3 - [[User:Sharpestlives|Sharpestlives]]
::*Story 4 -
::*Afterword

===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[User:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 6 -
::*Extra Chapter - [[User:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 7 -
::*Story 8 -
::*Afterword

===Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
::*Story 9 -
::*Story 10 -
::*Story 11 -
::*Story 12 -
::*Afterword

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] / [[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]] (Taken over by [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]]) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''

=== Memorial Book ===
::*Eight Years Ago -
::*Louise’s Room 1 -
::*Five Years Ago -
::*Louise’s Room 2 -
::*The Birth of Louise the Zero -
::*Louise’s Room 3 -
::*On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid -
::*Louise’s Room 4 -
::*Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs -
::*Louise’s Room 5 -
::*Louise's Tart -
::*Louise’s Room 6 -
::*Tiffania's Troubles -
::*Undisclosed Character Design Collection -
::*Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru - Translating Volume 22 Plot - [[User:Ailtin|Ailtin]]
::*From the Author -
::*Illustrator Comment -

=== Single Side Stories ===
::*Wardrobe of the Past -

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[[index.php?title=Category:Registration Page]]

Kaze no Kishihime v2a

2026-07-22T07:30:32Z

Ltrf: Created page with "How did you enjoy Volume 2 of ''The Heavy Wind''? This is Yamaguchi. This volume put the spotlight on Cendrillon. He's so pathetic here that you almost want to ask, "Just how pathetic can one man be?" But honestly, men really are that pathetic. People often say that a man's love works like overwrite saving. Personally, I don't entirely think that's true, but that's the conventional wisdom. To put it simply, we just can't forget. Old loves get tucked away into a little..."

How did you enjoy Volume 2 of ''The Heavy Wind''? This is Yamaguchi.

This volume put the spotlight on Cendrillon. He's so pathetic here that you almost want to ask, "Just how pathetic can one man be?" But honestly, men really are that pathetic.

People often say that a man's love works like overwrite saving. Personally, I don't entirely think that's true, but that's the conventional wisdom. To put it simply, we just can't forget. Old loves get tucked away into a little pocket in the heart, and they stay there, heavy and solid. And as time passes, they become beautified by a magical spell called nostalgia. So try asking someone about an old romance sometime. You'll be amazed at how dramatic it has become. Every little gesture turns into a scene from a movie. To the point where you want to say, "Come on, no way that really happened."

But the truth is, it's an illusion. In the end, what matters is the present. The "now" is everything. If you fail to see what is right in front of you, a person—or perhaps men in particular—becomes a prisoner chained to the past.

Will Cendrillon be able to brush away the ashes that have settled over his heart?

...Oh no. I wrote all that, and now I realize it's kind of gross. Grossness alert. Pikon. "A prisoner chained to the past"—I actually wrote that with a straight face.

Ah! My editor has just issued the command: "Write it with the spirit of Twitter!" Which is his roundabout way of saying, "This isn't very funny, is it?" I could cry.

Writing the afterword now! I'll put my Twitter account here too, so please follow me: "hexagonzero." Thanks in advance.

Now then, my heartfelt thanks to Usatsuka-san for once again producing such wonderful illustrations despite a brutal schedule. Eustache's face came out perfectly. A true villain face!

And to my editor, S-san—I hope your stomach is holding up. I'm truly sorry. Next time, I swear I'll try not to put your digestive system under so much strain. I want to be the kind of author who soothes the stomach like medicine.

And finally, to all of my readers: thank you very much! I'll make sure Volume 3 is even more entertaining!

Noboru Yamaguchi

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-07-22T07:30:07Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].


*May 7, 2026:
:::*Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain Spin-Off Volume 1 has been completed.
*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2c0|Prologue]]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c1|Report for the King]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c2|Dream Place of Memories]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c3|Secret Meeting]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c4|Eustace's Manor]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c5|Dark Truth]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c6|Dulcinea the Vampire]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c7|Karin's Infiltration]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c8|Duty of the Knight]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c9|King's Decision]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2e|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2a|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime v2e

2026-07-22T07:29:10Z

Ltrf: Created page with "Although The Grand Duke Eustache committed crimes bordering on high treason, he was not sentenced to death. His many conspiracies had been exposed, but because no charge could be brought proving that he had directly plotted against King Philip III, a capital sentence could not be justified. Of course, given that he had nearly succeeded in destroying the royal Magic Guard, Philip III could have ordered his execution with a single word. But the High Court, packed with Eus..."

Although The Grand Duke Eustache committed crimes bordering on high treason, he was not sentenced to death. His many conspiracies had been exposed, but because no charge could be brought proving that he had directly plotted against King Philip III, a capital sentence could not be justified.

Of course, given that he had nearly succeeded in destroying the royal Magic Guard, Philip III could have ordered his execution with a single word. But the High Court, packed with Eustache's allies, and numerous nobles petitioned for clemency, and in the end even the king was forced to yield.

In consideration of his past service, Eustache was stripped of all his offices and most of his wealth, and was exiled to his reduced domain as a mere provincial noble.

He was also forbidden to leave that shrunken territory for the rest of his life.

The Magic Guard, their honor restored, were finally able to return to duty without reservation.

And at Cendrillon's house, a celebration was being held in honor of Karin's knighthood.

"Karin! Congratulations on becoming a chevalier!"

With that cry, Bacchus drained his cup in one gulp.

Cendrillon's room, usually so bare and dreary, was transformed into something unexpectedly festive. Decorations made from paper and clay were scattered throughout the room, and on the wall, painted in large letters, was the message:

Congratulations, Sir Karin!

The table was covered not only with wine, but also with dishes ordered from their favorite tavern.

In front of a cake, Karin sat trembling, her fists clenched tightly on her lap.

Beside her sat the vampire sisters, Dulcinea and Armais.

They had been entrusted to Cendrillon and the others by Philip III as their "prisoners," with the king remarking that they were free to boil them, roast them, or do whatever they pleased.

Naturally, that had only been a figure of speech.

What the king really meant was: if they could be useful, then use them.

Philip III could sense that difficult times were approaching—times so harsh that even demons might have to be turned into tools.

In any case, aside from the inconvenient fact that they needed human blood to survive, the two sisters were gentle and mild-mannered, and so Cendrillon and the others agreed to take them in.

The drunken Bacchus shoved his way between the two vampire girls.

"So, you two drink human blood, huh?"

"Y-Yes..." Dulcinea replied nervously. "But we don't need very much. Just a little."

"Right," the sisters said together, nodding shyly.

Their timid manner was so innocent and adorable that Bacchus's nostrils flared.

"What, just a little? Then drink mine! Oh, but don't overdo it! Ha!"

With that, he dramatically tore off his jacket.

The two sisters recoiled with little gasps.

"What's wrong? Don't be shy!"

"U-Um! Only once in a while is enough! We appreciate the thought, but..."

"That's right!" said Armais. "We can usually get by on sweat."

The moment she said it, she realized she had gone too far and clapped both hands over her mouth.

Too late.

Bacchus's eyes widened, bloodshot with excitement, and his entire body began to tremble.

"...Sweat is enough? In other words... licking? You mean licking sweat? For example, sweat from around... here?"

He stared blankly at his own chest and pointed to it.

"W-What do you mean, 'for example'? We said sweat and nothing else..."

"Don't make me say it out loud!"

Bacchus cried joyfully as he threw his arms around their shoulders.

"Are you two angels?"

"N-No, really! Please forget I said anything!"

"Never mind the details. If it's sweat you need, I've got plenty! As much as you want!"

"Hnnngh!"

He flexed dramatically, spraying sweat everywhere.

Some of it landed on Karin's cake.

Her face twisted with fury, and she kicked Bacchus with all her strength.

"GUWAH!"

"Die, you pervert! Why are you alive?!"

Muttering those words under her breath, Karin continued kicking him, eyes blazing.

Meanwhile, Bacchus, his face melting into bliss, shouted ecstatically:

"Now! Lick my sweat! Lick it! Do it now!"

Dulcinea and Armais shrank back in tears.

Cendrillon, meanwhile, sat apart from the others, quietly drinking with a troubled expression. Narcissus, who had been watching the commotion with amusement, noticed his friend's mood.

"What's wrong? You look gloomy."

"Hm? Ah..."

Cendrillon emptied his cup.

But he couldn't get drunk.

The woman who had delivered the notebook to Philip III remained on his mind. She had been arrested and placed in a carriage. Yet during the transfer, she had vanished as if into thin air. The knight assigned to guard her was later found dead in an alley. Despite Philip III's determined investigation, no trace of the woman was ever found.

There was no doubt in Cendrillon's mind. The woman calling herself Noir was Karina. What he couldn't understand was why she betrayed Eustache and saved them. The question tormented him so much that he could no longer taste his wine.

"Still thinking about that woman?"

At Narcissus's question, Cendrillon gave a silent nod.

"Forget her. Her name wasn't in the notebook at all, was it? She may have been a terrifying woman, but now that Eustache has fallen, she has no reason to interfere with us anymore."

That was true.

The notebook delivered to Philip III had not mentioned Karina even once. She had deliberately omitted herself.

That much was understandable.

But why betray Eustache?

Why save them?

"Don't brood over it too much," Narcissus said. "For now, be satisfied that the clouds in front of us have finally cleared. If she has business with us, she'll come on her own."

Cendrillon let out a long sigh.

"You're right."

And, for the moment, Narcissus was probably right.

There was no point in thinking about it any further. It was something he could never understand. And even if he did understand, it would change nothing. If they met again, he would capture her and make her atone for her crimes. That was all he had to do.

In front of him, Karin was still making a racket with Bacchus and the others. Watching her, a smile rose to his lips before he even realized it. He's a strange one, he thought. To become friends even with vampires...

There was simply something about that knight that drew people in. The wind he summoned was sharp and unforgiving, yet somehow gentle as well. That was probably what had won over those vampires, that mischievous princess—and perhaps himself too.

As he watched Karin, the taste of the wine gradually returned.

Cendrillon tilted his cup and drank. The party finally broke up sometime after midnight.

Once Narcissus left, dragging the thoroughly drunk Bacchus with him, peace at last returned to the room.

Dulcinea and Armais went to return the dishes they borrowed from the tavern.

As Karin began cleaning up, Cendrillon said:

"Congratulations on becoming a knight."

Karin felt her cheeks grow hot.

More than anyone else's words, hearing that from him made her happiest.

"S-So now you admit it, right? That I'm a full-fledged knight."

"Yeah."

After saying that, Cendrillon continued.

"But you've still got a lot to learn. Don't get carried away."

Karin puffed out her cheeks.

Honestly. He always has to add one unnecessary remark.

"Well then, I suppose tomorrow we'll have to start looking for a room."

"Huh?"

Karin blinked.

"Huh? What do you mean, 'huh'? Your room. You're officially a knight now, so you'll be getting a salary. You'll be able to rent a place of your own. Good for you."

Right.

Karin nodded slowly.

Because the vampire sisters were nocturnal and stayed awake all night, they had effectively taken over the sitting room. As a result, Karin had been sleeping in Cendrillon's bedroom.

Cendrillon climbed into bed early and soon began breathing softly in his sleep.

Beside the bed, Karin spread out a bundle of straw and lay down under a blanket, but sleep would not come.

She had finally achieved her dream of becoming a knight. And yet, for some reason, her heart felt heavy.

Then she realized why.

I don't want to leave Cendrillon. Karin sat up and looked at him. Since he was lying on his side facing the wall, all she could see was his back. If he had not descended from the sky that day, she would have burned to death.

When she was little, the knight who had rescued her from the Dragon's Footprint had taught her a charm to summon courage. But she no longer needed that spell.

Because he was here.

A master with a wand.

A swordsman who wielded ''Blade'' like a demon.

And a pathetic man still haunted by his former lover.

I... still haven't learned everything I need from him.

Karin took a deep breath and steadied herself.

Then she slowly rose to her feet.

"Hey, Cendrillon."

"...Mmm... huh? What is it?"

"Can I stay here?"

"A-Actually, I mean... even if I do get paid, it won't be much. And there are lots of things I need to buy. A saddle, for one. And I need a new wand too. And, and..."

She couldn't say any more. Emotion suddenly overwhelmed her, and tears welled in her eyes. It had only been a short time, but this room was already filled with memories. And so was the man before her.

"...Mm. Sure."

"Really?"

Karin leaned forward—and Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her hand. In the next instant, he pulled her into the bed.

"W-What?! Not again! You're sleepwalking!"

Cendrillon caught her by the chin and drew her closer. Blood rushed to Karin's face. T''his idiot!'' Did he have any idea how much it had taken for her to say those words?

And now he was mistaking her for his former lover again?

She raised her fist, fully prepared to punch him.

But this time was different.

Instead of pressing his lips to hers as he always did, Cendrillon looked at her from inches away and murmured:

"...Mmm... You idiot. Just stay back. You're still not ready yet..."

"Huh?"

"Karin."

He said her name clearly. Karin's cheeks turned crimson. He's dreaming about me… Until now, he had never called her by name even once. Of course, she knew it wasn't love. He didn't even know she was a girl.

But right now, that was enough.

And before she could stop to ask herself why, her heart trembled.

It's just because we're celebrating my knighthood, she told herself.

I drank too much. That's why I'm not thinking straight. Of course this isn't love.

It's not.

And yet, there was a part of her that wanted this. Karin gently cupped Cendrillon's face in both hands, leaned closer, and pressed her lips to his.

Something soft and deeply comforting filled her heart.

And in that dreamlike moment, one calm part of her mind reached a firm decision.

Tomorrow morning...

Whether he was half-asleep or not, she was absolutely going to insist that he had said she could stay.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c9

2026-07-22T07:28:39Z

Ltrf:

Kaze no Kishihime v2c9

2026-07-22T07:27:36Z

Ltrf: Created page with "The brawl in the central square was reported to the royal palace almost immediately. Philip III had been in the middle of a meal, but the moment he heard the news, he spat out what he was eating. "W-What did you say? Repeat that!" The page who delivered the message trembled. "I-In the central square, Your Majesty! The Mage Guard is presently engaged in combat with the Unicorn Corps!" The central square—was that not where Karin's execution was to take place? Those f..."

The brawl in the central square was reported to the royal palace almost immediately. Philip III had been in the middle of a meal, but the moment he heard the news, he spat out what he was eating.

"W-What did you say? Repeat that!"

The page who delivered the message trembled.

"I-In the central square, Your Majesty! The Mage Guard is presently engaged in combat with the Unicorn Corps!"

The central square—was that not where Karin's execution was to take place? Those fools... they defied his orders and rushed to the rescue.

Even after he had warned them so sternly...

Philip III let out a deep sigh. Then a faint smile appeared on his lips.

In a way, he could not say he disliked such conduct. He too had once ridden across battlefields. Being king alone was not enough to make nobles and soldiers follow.

It was because he stood at the front and found the courage not to abandon his subordinates needlessly that he achieved the deeds that earned him the title of the Hero King.

But sentiment went no further than that.

If they had disobeyed his orders, they had to be punished.

Above all, this was not the time to clash openly with Eustache. Their preparations for "war" were still incomplete. Under no circumstances could he afford to hand Eustache any advantage.

What a waste of fine knights, he thought. What exploits they might have performed on the battlefield. Suppressing the pity of the soldier within him, Philip III rose to his feet.

"Bring me my wand."

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty!"

The page, making no effort to hide his frightened expression, hurried away. At that moment, another noble entered.

"Your Majesty! A lady requests an audience!"

Philip III waved his hand irritably. He did not know which noblewoman it was, but this was hardly the time.

"Have not all nobles of the realm been instructed to follow the proper procedures and wait in the audience antechamber?"

Holding back the urge to scold the man for not knowing even that, Philip III spoke.

"Y-Yes, but... she claims to be a messenger from The Grand Duke Eustache."

"A messenger from Eustache?"

When the woman was shown into the private audience chamber, Philip III widened his eyes. The woman was extraordinarily beautiful. Wrapped in a black nun's habit, she looked at first glance like a woman of the cloth, but the sensual allure spilling from the gaps in her clothing made her true nature impossible to discern.

"My name is Noire."

A name as black as the clothes she wore. Philip III thought her rather impertinent, but since she claimed to be Eustache's envoy, he could not treat her lightly.

"And what is your business? Be quick. I am very busy."

At that prompt, the woman called Noire handed him a single notebook.

"And what is this?"

Noire smiled.

It was a smile in which compassion and sensuality coexisted, the sort of smile that could melt a man's heart.

"It contains an account of the many conspiracies The Grand Duke Eustache has been carrying out."

Philip III turned the pages. Indeed, they contained detailed descriptions of those conspiracies—whom he ordered, what he commanded, and what he set in motion against the Mage Guard over the past six months.

Philip III looked up and faced Noire.

"You have my thanks for betraying Eustache and delivering this notebook. However, I must place you under arrest. I trust you understand."

Philip III clapped his hands. Two knights appeared immediately.

"Arrest this lady and escort her to suitable quarters for an honored guest. And see that she is treated with every courtesy."

The knights nodded, bowed to Noire, and bound her hands behind her back. Without showing the slightest sign of resistance, Noire allowed herself to be led away.

Philip III burst out of the private audience chamber and shouted.

"Saddle my horse! Anyone not otherwise occupied is to arm for battle and follow me!"

On the execution platform, the three guards were breathing hard. Around them lay several dozen fallen Unicorn knights.

As the fighting spread, Eustache's forces had swelled as reinforcements arrived from every direction. They now numbered several hundred.

Against that, they had only three men.

They were completely isolated.

Even the light of the ''Blade'' spells on their wands had grown weak. Before long, their mental strength would be exhausted, and they would no longer be able to maintain them. On top of that, they suffered wounds all over their bodies. They were battered nearly to the point of collapse.

"Well then... I suppose this is as far as we go."

Narcissus, his cheek smeared with blood, spoke in a voice that somehow sounded cheerful.

"What are you talking about? We can still fight. Look at them. They've finally stopped coming at us."

Bacchus laughed boldly.

But no matter how one looked at it, this was the end. The enemy was simply waiting for their magic to run out. Once it did, they would charge, and everything would be over.

Cendrillon walked over to Karin, who was sitting on the platform.

"Karin."

"Y-Yes."

"Take those vampires and run. Now that they've dismounted, you may still be able to escape. Athenais, I'm counting on you."

The old manticore chuckled.

"Are you three planning to die here?"

"Of course not. We'll wipe them out and follow after you."

Cendrillon said it in a tone so matter-of-fact it was almost bored.

Bacchus and Narcissus slapped him on the shoulders.

"You bet! We'll have a drink afterward! Right, Karin?"

But Karin, her eyes brimming with tears, shook her head.

"No. I'm staying too."

Cendrillon smiled.

Then he gently patted her on the head.

"You're going to become a knight, aren't you?"

"W-What about you?"

"We'll be fine."

Bacchus said it, and Narcissus nodded.

"This is exactly the kind of day we spend our lives fooling around for. So we won't have any regrets."

Even then, Karin would not nod.

"No! I don't want to be the only one left alive!"

"What a stubborn child."

Watching the scene in silence, Dulcinea suddenly realized why Karin was being so obstinate.

A moment earlier, she was the way Karin stared blankly at Cendrillon.

Clearly, something needed to be said.

"U-Um!"

The vampire, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke, and everyone turned to look at her.

"What is it, vampire?"

Bacchus asked, curling his lip.

"You there! Sir Cendrillon! You're terrible!"

"What's so terrible?"

Being called "terrible" by a vampire made Cendrillon grimace.

"This kid is expressing the desire to die with you! Don't you understand? Don't you understand the feelings?"

Karin turned scarlet all the way to the tips of her ears.

Bacchus and Narcissus went pale.

Cold sweat ran down Cendrillon's face.

"...Is that true? So you really are like that?"

Karin shook her head frantically.

"N-No! The reason I was staring at you earlier was because you looked a little like the knight who saved me when I was younger! But you're completely different people! It was just that they overlapped a little in my mind! It's not like I feel that way about you or anything!"

"How tsundere. You see, Sir Cendrillon, I think this knight simply can't be honest, so—"

Before Dulcinea could finish, Karin tackled her and began kicking her mercilessly.

"Shut up! You worst fiend in all of Halkeginia! Vampireeeee!"

"Stop! Please stop!"

The peace-loving Dulcinea curled up, covering her head. Since she had no idea Karin had never told Cendrillon she was actually a girl, she had no idea what was happening.

Armais tried to pull Karin off her sister.

Bacchus and Narcissus looked at Cendrillon with deeply sympathetic eyes.

"Man... that's not something you want to witness right before you die."

"...So you really went and did it, huh? With a boy."

"I told you, nothing happened."

"Only up to a point," Narcissus added.

"Don't say that."

As if to compose himself, Cendrillon raised his wand.

"All right then, gentlemen! If the enemy won't come to us, then we'll go to them! We of the Magic Guard shall fight until we fulfill a knight's highest duty!"

"This is the least dignified charge I've ever been part of."

Narcissus let out a sigh. Even so, he raised his wand and took his place beside Cendrillon.

"Well, isn't it fitting?" said Bacchus. "It's exactly like us."

"We'll charge in and keep them busy. Athenais, grab them and get them out of here. I'm counting on you."

Even then, Cendrillon left those words behind before lowering his stance and gripping his wand. He measured the perfect moment to attack.

The instant Cendrillon sprang forward, the Unicorn Corps charged as well. So, they had finally lost patience. It seemed that, at their core, they too were knights.

Cendrillon swung his wand down at the foremost knight. But his movements had slowed, and the strike was caught cleanly.

Another knight attacked from the side. The blow struck him, and Cendrillon tumbled to the ground. As he looked up from where he lay, he saw three knights raising their wands over him.

At that moment, Karina's face rose in his mind.

Ah.

So in the end, I was never able to escape her shadow.

And somehow, he didn't mind.

Even if I die, Karin will find a way.

For some reason, he was certain of it.

Then—

"Cendrillon!"

Karin, unarmed, hurled herself forward and planted herself in front of him.

"You idiot. I told you to run!"

"No!"

Even the knights hesitated for an instant, unwilling to strike someone who wasn't holding a wand.

"What are you doing? Finish this at once!"

Eustache's voice rang across the square. At their commander's order, the knights raised their wands as one.

At that very moment, a thunderous voice boomed across the central square.

"That is enough!"

It was a resonant, authoritative voice, one accustomed to commanding armies of thousands on the battlefield. At that voice, both the three guardsmen and the Unicorn Corps froze.

Staring in astonishment, Cendrillon murmured:

"Your Majesty..."

The man who appeared astride a horse was King Philip III, clad in full battle regalia.

Behind him stood a large force of soldiers—most likely a regular regiment. The royal guard, who should have handled such a situation, were too busy fighting one another, so there had been no choice but to bring another unit.

At the sight of the king himself arriving to restore order, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Throw down your wands! At once, you fools!"

At his command, both the Unicorn Corps and the three guardsmen dropped their wands. Eustache hurried over to the king and raised his voice in protest.

"Your Majesty! What is the meaning of this? As I was carrying out the execution, those members of the Magic Guard interfered!"

King Philip III shook his head.

"Execution? You mean the matter of the former Magic Guard apprentice who infiltrated your estate?"

"Precisely, Your Majesty."

"In that case, I was the one who gave the order. That one may have failed, but another of my agents succeeded. Therefore, the execution is canceled."

Everyone present stared in disbelief.

"Y-Your Majesty ordered it...?"

The unexpected statement left Eustache speechless. But he quickly regained his composure.

Steady now. This could still be turned to my advantage.

"Then was it by Your Majesty's command that I was to be assassinated in collusion with vampires? Truly, if I had become such an inconvenience, a single word would have sufficed. I would have resigned at once."

"Enough with the theatrics, Eustache."

"W-What? Theatrics?"

King Philip III held up the notebook that Noir delivered to him.

"That vampire there was captured in your territory and, until recently, kept under your control."

At the sight of the notebook, Eustache's eyes widened. It contained not only details about the vampires, but a meticulous record of all the schemes he orchestrated.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Realizing that further resistance was futile, Eustache smiled unpleasantly and shook his head.

"I was never serving Your Majesty. I was serving the Fatherland. I ask only for your mercy."

"You viper. So you finally speak honestly. Those are the words I wish I had heard while you still held office. Eustache, in the name of Founder and God, I hereby remove you from your position as Chancellor. Guards! Arrest this man!"

Soldiers rushed forward and bound Eustache. The citizens watching the scene were so stunned by the turn of events that they could only gape in silence.

After Eustache was led away, King Philip III ordered that the wounded be treated and the dead removed. Once those tasks were swiftly carried out, he approached the three guardsmen and Karin, who still stood there in a daze.

Cendrillon snapped to attention and declared in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty! If punishment must be given for disobeying your orders, I beg that it fall upon me alone! My comrades merely followed my command!"

At once, Bacchus and Narcissus stepped forward as well.

"No, Your Majesty! I came of my own will because I could not abandon a comrade in danger!"

"As did I!"

Karin hurriedly joined them.

"I-It was my fault for sneaking in on my own! Please, I beg you, spare my comrades!"

King Philip III grimaced and muttered under his breath:

"Get your stories straight, you idiots."

The three guardsmen and Karin only blinked in confusion. They still could not comprehend the king's sudden change of heart. How had he managed to outmaneuver Eustache? That question filled all their minds.

The king looked over them with exasperation. Dozens of Unicorn Corps knights lay sprawled across the ground.

Against hundreds of enemy knights, they had accomplished this. It was an unbelievable feat. Yet each of the three guardsmen were in miserable condition, covered in cuts and stab wounds and barely able to stand.

And beside them stood Karin, who had infiltrated Eustache's heavily guarded mansion. The king had heard rumors of its defenses, even vague reports of the "guardians" that lived beneath it.

And this fifteen-year-old boy—not even a knight yet—had overcome them.

Sensing the stirrings of a turbulent age, King Philip III felt a sigh rising in his chest.

Hmph. With so many heroes gathered in one place, perhaps my reign was never destined to be ordinary.

He shook the thought away.

"Very well. I will explain everything later. For now, get your wounds treated."

"Th-Then... there will be no punishment?"

"No punishment? You were acting under my orders. That is the official story, and you will stick to it."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

All of them bowed deeply.

"I must go. Report to Vivian's estate afterward and wait there."

The king turned on his heel and began to leave.

Relief washed over the group, and they let out a collective sigh.

But matters were not going to end so neatly.

King Philip III stopped and turned back.

"W-What now?" Bacchus muttered. "Don't tell me His Majesty decided to scold us after all."

"Quite right. I almost forgot."

The king beckoned Karin over. Trembling, she stepped forward. He instructed her to kneel.

Then he drew his wand.

I knew it! He's going to take my head off after all!

Karin squeezed her eyes shut.

Instead, the king rested the wand lightly upon her shoulder and spoke words she never could have imagined.

"I, Philip, King of Tristain, in the name of Founder and God, do hereby dub this youth a knight."

For a moment, Karin could not understand what he said.

Eh?

Eh?

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHH?!

"You all seem to get along so well that it would be a shame for your ranks to differ. Now that you are equals, you will obey my orders properly from this day forward."

The knighthood had descended from heaven itself. Karin completely lost her composure. She leapt to her feet, her face blazing red, and offered the deepest salute she could manage.
[[File:ZNTso2 247.jpg|thumb]]
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty! I swear to devote both body and soul to Your Majesty's service!"

"A-a knight? Me? I'm a kniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight?!"

"Hey! You did it!" cried Bacchus and Narcissus, grabbing Karin by the head and ruffling her hair mercilessly.

Not entirely sure what was happening but sensing that it was something worth celebrating, Dulcinea and Armais rushed over and threw their arms around Karin as well.

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

"He's got all the luck..."

But Karin never heard him.

Overwhelmed by shock and happiness, she had already fainted.

'''Epilogue'''

Although The Grand Duke Eustache committed crimes bordering on high treason, he was not sentenced to death. His many conspiracies had been exposed, but because no charge could be brought proving that he had directly plotted against King Philip III, a capital sentence could not be justified.

Of course, given that he had nearly succeeded in destroying the royal Magic Guard, Philip III could have ordered his execution with a single word. But the High Court, packed with Eustache's allies, and numerous nobles petitioned for clemency, and in the end even the king was forced to yield.

In consideration of his past service, Eustache was stripped of all his offices and most of his wealth, and was exiled to his reduced domain as a mere provincial noble.

He was also forbidden to leave that shrunken territory for the rest of his life.

The Magic Guard, their honor restored, were finally able to return to duty without reservation.

And at Cendrillon's house, a celebration was being held in honor of Karin's knighthood.

"Karin! Congratulations on becoming a chevalier!"

With that cry, Bacchus drained his cup in one gulp.

Cendrillon's room, usually so bare and dreary, was transformed into something unexpectedly festive. Decorations made from paper and clay were scattered throughout the room, and on the wall, painted in large letters, was the message:

Congratulations, Sir Karin!

The table was covered not only with wine, but also with dishes ordered from their favorite tavern.

In front of a cake, Karin sat trembling, her fists clenched tightly on her lap.

Beside her sat the vampire sisters, Dulcinea and Armais.

They had been entrusted to Cendrillon and the others by Philip III as their "prisoners," with the king remarking that they were free to boil them, roast them, or do whatever they pleased.

Naturally, that had only been a figure of speech.

What the king really meant was: if they could be useful, then use them.

Philip III could sense that difficult times were approaching—times so harsh that even demons might have to be turned into tools.

In any case, aside from the inconvenient fact that they needed human blood to survive, the two sisters were gentle and mild-mannered, and so Cendrillon and the others agreed to take them in.

The drunken Bacchus shoved his way between the two vampire girls.

"So, you two drink human blood, huh?"

"Y-Yes..." Dulcinea replied nervously. "But we don't need very much. Just a little."

"Right," the sisters said together, nodding shyly.

Their timid manner was so innocent and adorable that Bacchus's nostrils flared.

"What, just a little? Then drink mine! Oh, but don't overdo it! Ha!"

With that, he dramatically tore off his jacket.

The two sisters recoiled with little gasps.

"What's wrong? Don't be shy!"

"U-Um! Only once in a while is enough! We appreciate the thought, but..."

"That's right!" said Armais. "We can usually get by on sweat."

The moment she said it, she realized she had gone too far and clapped both hands over her mouth.

Too late.

Bacchus's eyes widened, bloodshot with excitement, and his entire body began to tremble.

"...Sweat is enough? In other words... licking? You mean licking sweat? For example, sweat from around... here?"

He stared blankly at his own chest and pointed to it.

"W-What do you mean, 'for example'? We said sweat and nothing else..."

"Don't make me say it out loud!"

Bacchus cried joyfully as he threw his arms around their shoulders.

"Are you two angels?"

"N-No, really! Please forget I said anything!"

"Never mind the details. If it's sweat you need, I've got plenty! As much as you want!"

"Hnnngh!"

He flexed dramatically, spraying sweat everywhere.

Some of it landed on Karin's cake.

Her face twisted with fury, and she kicked Bacchus with all her strength.

"GUWAH!"

"Die, you pervert! Why are you alive?!"

Muttering those words under her breath, Karin continued kicking him, eyes blazing.

Meanwhile, Bacchus, his face melting into bliss, shouted ecstatically:

"Now! Lick my sweat! Lick it! Do it now!"

Dulcinea and Armais shrank back in tears.

Cendrillon, meanwhile, sat apart from the others, quietly drinking with a troubled expression. Narcissus, who had been watching the commotion with amusement, noticed his friend's mood.

"What's wrong? You look gloomy."

"Hm? Ah..."

Cendrillon emptied his cup.

But he couldn't get drunk.

The woman who had delivered the notebook to Philip III remained on his mind. She had been arrested and placed in a carriage. Yet during the transfer, she had vanished as if into thin air. The knight assigned to guard her was later found dead in an alley. Despite Philip III's determined investigation, no trace of the woman was ever found.

There was no doubt in Cendrillon's mind. The woman calling herself Noir was Karina. What he couldn't understand was why she betrayed Eustache and saved them. The question tormented him so much that he could no longer taste his wine.

"Still thinking about that woman?"

At Narcissus's question, Cendrillon gave a silent nod.

"Forget her. Her name wasn't in the notebook at all, was it? She may have been a terrifying woman, but now that Eustache has fallen, she has no reason to interfere with us anymore."

That was true.

The notebook delivered to Philip III had not mentioned Karina even once. She had deliberately omitted herself.

That much was understandable.

But why betray Eustache?

Why save them?

"Don't brood over it too much," Narcissus said. "For now, be satisfied that the clouds in front of us have finally cleared. If she has business with us, she'll come on her own."

Cendrillon let out a long sigh.

"You're right."

And, for the moment, Narcissus was probably right.

There was no point in thinking about it any further. It was something he could never understand. And even if he did understand, it would change nothing. If they met again, he would capture her and make her atone for her crimes. That was all he had to do.

In front of him, Karin was still making a racket with Bacchus and the others. Watching her, a smile rose to his lips before he even realized it. He's a strange one, he thought. To become friends even with vampires...

There was simply something about that knight that drew people in. The wind he summoned was sharp and unforgiving, yet somehow gentle as well. That was probably what had won over those vampires, that mischievous princess—and perhaps himself too.

As he watched Karin, the taste of the wine gradually returned.

Cendrillon tilted his cup and drank. The party finally broke up sometime after midnight.

Once Narcissus left, dragging the thoroughly drunk Bacchus with him, peace at last returned to the room.

Dulcinea and Armais went to return the dishes they borrowed from the tavern.

As Karin began cleaning up, Cendrillon said:

"Congratulations on becoming a knight."

Karin felt her cheeks grow hot.

More than anyone else's words, hearing that from him made her happiest.

"S-So now you admit it, right? That I'm a full-fledged knight."

"Yeah."

After saying that, Cendrillon continued.

"But you've still got a lot to learn. Don't get carried away."

Karin puffed out her cheeks.

Honestly. He always has to add one unnecessary remark.

"Well then, I suppose tomorrow we'll have to start looking for a room."

"Huh?"

Karin blinked.

"Huh? What do you mean, 'huh'? Your room. You're officially a knight now, so you'll be getting a salary. You'll be able to rent a place of your own. Good for you."

Right.

Karin nodded slowly.

Because the vampire sisters were nocturnal and stayed awake all night, they had effectively taken over the sitting room. As a result, Karin had been sleeping in Cendrillon's bedroom.

Cendrillon climbed into bed early and soon began breathing softly in his sleep.

Beside the bed, Karin spread out a bundle of straw and lay down under a blanket, but sleep would not come.

She had finally achieved her dream of becoming a knight. And yet, for some reason, her heart felt heavy.

Then she realized why.

I don't want to leave Cendrillon. Karin sat up and looked at him. Since he was lying on his side facing the wall, all she could see was his back. If he had not descended from the sky that day, she would have burned to death.

When she was little, the knight who had rescued her from the Dragon's Footprint had taught her a charm to summon courage. But she no longer needed that spell.

Because he was here.

A master with a wand.

A swordsman who wielded ''Blade'' like a demon.

And a pathetic man still haunted by his former lover.

I... still haven't learned everything I need from him.

Karin took a deep breath and steadied herself.

Then she slowly rose to her feet.

"Hey, Cendrillon."

"...Mmm... huh? What is it?"

"Can I stay here?"

"A-Actually, I mean... even if I do get paid, it won't be much. And there are lots of things I need to buy. A saddle, for one. And I need a new wand too. And, and..."

She couldn't say any more. Emotion suddenly overwhelmed her, and tears welled in her eyes. It had only been a short time, but this room was already filled with memories. And so was the man before her.

"...Mm. Sure."

"Really?"

Karin leaned forward—and Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her hand. In the next instant, he pulled her into the bed.

"W-What?! Not again! You're sleepwalking!"

Cendrillon caught her by the chin and drew her closer. Blood rushed to Karin's face. T''his idiot!'' Did he have any idea how much it had taken for her to say those words?

And now he was mistaking her for his former lover again?

She raised her fist, fully prepared to punch him.

But this time was different.

Instead of pressing his lips to hers as he always did, Cendrillon looked at her from inches away and murmured:

"...Mmm... You idiot. Just stay back. You're still not ready yet..."

"Huh?"

"Karin."

He said her name clearly. Karin's cheeks turned crimson. He's dreaming about me… Until now, he had never called her by name even once. Of course, she knew it wasn't love. He didn't even know she was a girl.

But right now, that was enough.

And before she could stop to ask herself why, her heart trembled.

It's just because we're celebrating my knighthood, she told herself.

I drank too much. That's why I'm not thinking straight. Of course this isn't love.

It's not.

And yet, there was a part of her that wanted this. Karin gently cupped Cendrillon's face in both hands, leaned closer, and pressed her lips to his.

Something soft and deeply comforting filled her heart.

And in that dreamlike moment, one calm part of her mind reached a firm decision.

Tomorrow morning...

Whether he was half-asleep or not, she was absolutely going to insist that he had said she could stay.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c8

2026-07-22T07:26:25Z

Ltrf: Created page with "The news that Karin had infiltrated Archduke Eustache's mansion, been captured, and was to be executed reached Cendrillon and the others the very next day, shortly after her infiltration. Cendrillon and his companions immediately gathered at Vivian's residence to discuss what should be done. Eustache had made a great spectacle of the affair. Newspapers under his influence had printed sensational broadsheets, and before long the entire city was talking about the incide..."

The news that Karin had infiltrated Archduke Eustache's mansion, been captured, and was to be executed reached Cendrillon and the others the very next day, shortly after her infiltration.

Cendrillon and his companions immediately gathered at Vivian's residence to discuss what should be done.

Eustache had made a great spectacle of the affair.

Newspapers under his influence had printed sensational broadsheets, and before long the entire city was talking about the incident.

The contents were highly sensational. "Former Mage Guard apprentice Karin infiltrates Archduke Eustache's mansion in league with vampires!" proclaimed the headline in enormous letters. Beneath it was a "speculation" regarding Karin's motives.

The substance was almost identical to the story Eustache had told Karin, but it was written in such a skillful way that the reader was led to wonder whether this might not be part of a broader conspiracy by the Mage Guard.

"'Where, one wonders, did he first make common cause with vampires?' That's what it says here."

With a face like he bit into something bitter, Bacchus read the line aloud and flung the broadsheet aside.

"It even goes on to say, 'The Mage Guard has long been entangled in a series of mysterious incidents. It is difficult to believe that those incidents are unrelated to the present affair. Perhaps the Mage Guard has joined forces with the demi-humans and is plotting something so monstrous that it would make even God tremble.'"

Narcissus picked up the broadsheet and read from it.

"At this rate, all the incidents we've been dealing with will be seen as nothing more than an internal power struggle within our own organization."

Cendrillon muttered the words under his breath.

Honestly...

The whole situation made him want to bury his head in his hands. Of course, he did not believe a word of what was written there.

Knowing Karin, she had probably snuck into Eustache's mansion hoping to obtain proof of the conspiracy.

But where did she meet a vampire?

In any case, the timing could not have been worse. And her method was disastrous. It was exactly the sort of reckless stunt a simple-minded fool who knew only how to charge straight ahead would pull.

And, as a result, she walked straight into Eustache's trap.

That idiot...!

If she had been standing in front of him at that moment, he would have slapped her.

"The execution is the day after tomorrow."

"A public execution. Eustache is serious."

The two men looked at Cendrillon.

Their expressions plainly asked, So what are we going to do?

"What else is there to do? We have to stop it."

Both men visibly relaxed.

At this point, their only hope was His Majesty. Even if Karin was dismissed, surely the king would not stand by in silence while one of his daughter's favorite nobles was executed.

At that moment, Vivian appeared in the guardroom.

"His Majesty wishes to see you concerning this matter. Prepare yourselves."

"What is the meaning of this?!"

The moment they entered the familiar audience chamber, Philip III shouted at them in open fury.

"W-We had absolutely nothing to do with this..."

Bacchus and Narcissus had already gone pale. Cendrillon's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he was no calmer than they were.

"Did I not tell you? At present we are preparing to install a new prime minister! We cannot allow Eustache the slightest opportunity to exploit our weakness! And yet one of your own sneaks into his mansion and attempts to assassinate him! What do you have to say for yourselves?!"

As Philip III raged, Vivian spoke in her usual calm tone.

"Has Your Majesty personally confirmed that point? That she truly attempted to take his life?"

"How exactly was I supposed to confirm such a thing? Should I say to Eustache, 'My good Eustache, regarding the intruder who broke into your home, I should investigate the matter personally, so kindly hand the culprit over to me'? Nonsense. The incident occurred within Eustache's residence. Unless it is formally a political matter, judicial authority belongs to him. And what would happen if I overturned that? It would only embolden the great nobles."

"Then Your Majesty intends to..."

"We have no choice but to let Eustache do as he pleases."

Those words were effectively the same as signing Karin's death warrant.

Bacchus immediately stepped forward.

"Your Majesty! Karin once had the honor of serving as an apprentice in the Royal Guard—"

"And that is precisely the problem! Good grief, how much trouble does that headstrong child intend to cause me?"

"And how deeply will Her Highness grieve? Ah, what a pity..."

Narcissus invoked Marianne in a last attempt to change the king's mind.

"I know that very well. This pains me too. But my daughter must grow up. She must take a husband who will one day inherit the throne after me."

Philip III spoke with the expression of a commander deciding which troops must be abandoned on the battlefield.

Then he looked over the assembled guards.

"Listen well. I know the Mage Guard prides itself on its iron solidarity, but this time you are not to interfere. We cannot allow Eustache to gain any further advantage. If any of you become involved, everyone concerned will be sentenced to death. Is that understood?"

The three guards and Vivian left the palace in complete silence. After escorting Vivian back to her residence, the three men continued on together.

Without discussing it, their steps carried them to Cendrillon's room.

Once inside, Cendrillon dropped heavily into his chair. Narcissus sat in the chair Karin used to occupy. Bacchus leaned against the wall, visibly agitated.

Bacchus was the first to speak.

"...We're going to save him."

"How?"

Narcissus asked, twisting his lips into a grim smile.

Bacchus clutched his head for a while, thinking furiously. Then he suddenly broke into a broad grin.

"Look! He'll have to be transported on the day of the execution, right? So if we strike when he comes out of Eustache's mansion..."

"How many soldiers and knights do you think will be guarding him? At least two full companies. Naturally they'll be expecting exactly that."

"S-So what? If we fight seriously—"

"You think the three of us can handle that? Two companies of knights. The moment we make one suspicious move, they'll fill us with spells. If we're lucky."

"It won't just be the three of us! Our comrades will—"

At that point, Cendrillon cut in.

"Have you already forgotten what His Majesty said? Anyone who interferes will be executed. Even if the entire Mage Guard joins in, all we'll do is hand Eustache exactly what he wants."

Silence fell.

A tremendous crash echoed through the room.

Turning, they saw a large hole in the plaster wall. Bacchus punched it with all his strength.

"Then... then what are you saying? That we should let him die? That we should abandon someone as brave as him?"

"..."

"Do you two understand? He's only fifteen years old! Fifteen! He doesn't even know women, and he's only just begun to appreciate the taste of wine! He hasn't experienced a single good thing this world has to offer, and you're telling me we should let him die?"

Bacchus seized Cendrillon by the front of his shirt.

"Didn't he basically do it in our place? I wanted to make that Eustache suffer a setback too!"

"Stop it," Narcissus cut in.

"...We cannot drag everyone into danger for the sake of one person," Cendrillon said in a weary voice. With a "damn it!" Bacchus stormed out. Narcissus shook his head as well and went outside.

Cendrillon held his head in his hands for a while, then slammed the table. "Damn it! That idiot... honestly! I told him over and over to restrain himself!"

But there was another feeling in him too.

Somewhere in his heart, there was a part of him that applauded Karin for it.

Whatever else could be said about him, he had judged right and wrong for himself and acted accordingly. For him, that was probably what "becoming a knight" meant.

Compared to that, what about himself?

Unable to bear the guilt of having killed his lover, he left home and somehow drifted into the knight corps. And then had lived without ever taking anything seriously.

Drowning himself in drink, dragging that shadow behind him all the while...

And yet that lover still existed even now.

And come to commit acts like some kind of devil.

Even so, he was such a soft fool that he thought, "I'm happy you're alive."

And the moment he learned she never loved him, he was selfish enough to lose himself in hatred.

In other words, to the very core, he depended on Karina. That alone was him. That dependence alone had been his self.

How could someone like him blame Karin?

In the end, he never had the slightest intention of solving this incident. Eustache, his conspiracy—none of it had mattered to him.

The only thing in his head was Karina.

The reason she returned to life.

And... what she thought of him.

He only wanted to know what had been in her heart.

Cendrillon bit his lip.

He muttered inwardly.

"How far do I have to drift before I'm satisfied?"

No wonder Karina deceived him.

Cendrillon looked at the wand hanging on the wall. It was an heirloom passed down through his family. He did not know why he felt like taking it with him when he left home.

Before he knew it, it was in his hand.

Usually, nobles like Cendrillon contracted with only one wand. Unless it was contracted to them and grown familiar in their hand, they could not cast spells with it.

Cendrillon usually used another military wand. His natural dexterity made it possible for him to contract with two.

That ancestral wand was one he gripped and used to cast spells since childhood. He was confident he could handle it as well as the one he used in daily life. It was simply a wand he refused to hold out of guilt toward his ancestors.

It was with this wand, too, that he pierced his lover's chest.

His lover?

Cendrillon gave a self-mocking smile.

He, who did nothing but watch Karina's mood, wwas her lover?

He, who even when taking her hand and running away was thinking only of confirming her feelings, was whose lover exactly?

Had he ever, even once, no matter what it was, just once, judged something by his own will and acted on it?

Quietly, Cendrillon murmured.

"A knight, huh..."

Karin's face rose in his mind.

The fifteen-year-old who had cried out, sobbing, that he wanted to become a knight.

The knight apprentice entrusted to him.

Cendrillon thought.

Had he ever shown him anything even once that was worthy of a knight?

The morning two days later...

In a dim haze of consciousness, Karin opened her eyes. It was dark around her. Since everything was creaking and swaying, she realized she had apparently been put into a carriage. Her body was tied with rope, and a gag was placed in her mouth.

Beside her, she saw Dulcinea and Armais lying in much the same state. When the two met Karin's eyes, they bowed their heads apologetically.

It's all right, she signaled with her eyes.

...Because this was something she decided to do herself.

The carriage rumbled along the road. Through the window she could see familiar spires, but it did not feel like the usual Tristania.

She had probably been given some kind of drug. Her consciousness remained blurred and hazy. Um... what was going to happen now?

Eustache said, she was fairly sure, that he would have her publicly executed in the central square...

"Public execution."

Only then did the fear of death come rushing over her all at once.

Am I going to die?

I'm going to die.

With a start, her mind became clear. Her eyes snapped open, and she began to struggle violently. But the tightly bound ropes did not budge.

"I don't want to die."

She hated the thought of dying so suddenly, so pointlessly. Somehow, somehow, was there no way to be saved?

Was she naive?

Did she think that, carried away by a moment's passion like that, she could charge in and succeed?

Why did she not think about what would happen if she failed?

Regret and terror surged together and seized Karin's heart in one mass. Cendrillon's warning returned to her.

"Courage and recklessness are not the same."

When the carriage carrying Karin left Eustache's mansion, the knights who were waiting immediately surrounded it. More and more knights followed behind. It was a guard detail so elaborate that even a royal procession might have admired it.

Standing in an alley, Bacchus pulled his hood low and gave a firm nod to Narcissus beside him. The two turned their horses' heads and began following the procession while keeping some distance from it.

"So Cendrillon isn't coming after all?"

"No," Narcissus nodded.

"Cold bastard!" Bacchus spat.

Narcissus shook his head.

"He has a point."

"So his life is that precious to him? He was the one who looked after him the most. And Karin's saved him before too."

Narcissus did not answer. Their plan was this: when the procession reached a certain crossroads, barrels of gunpowder and smoke bombs planted in the road would explode.

Taking advantage of the confusion, they would rescue Karin from the transport carriage.

"Well, this is the best we can do," Bacchus said, as though consoling himself. After all, they didn’t have enough time. Just preparing this much of a plan pushed them to their limits. They didn’t tell any of the other Mage Guard members. It was to avoid increasing the number of sacrifices if they failed, but...

"I wish Cendrillon had at least helped us," Bacchus said, still lingering on it. They told Cendrillon the plan, but he gave no answer.

And then... the carriage approached the point where the trap was laid.

The magical device Narcissus, an expert in earth, set up reacted to the carriage and exploded. That said, it was only a diversion, so it was not especially powerful. Even so, the carriage lifted for an instant. The knights around it were thrown into confusion.

Then the smoke bombs exploded, and the area was wrapped in smoke.

"Now!"

Bacchus and Narcissus pulled their hoods low and spurred their horses into a gallop.

"Intruders!"

Scattering the knights who shouted and tried to block their way, they raced toward the carriage. In front of the stopped carriage, two knights stood side by side, blocking the way.

"Uooooooooh!"

With a roar, Bacchus cast a spell. Flames danced and engulfed the knights. Ignoring the screaming knights as they writhed on the ground, Narcissus reached for the door.

At that instant...

Like a gust of wind, a single knight rushed toward Narcissus.

"Nrgh!"

A flash like a whirlwind flickered, and the back of Narcissus's hand was cut open. Narcissus immediately drew his wand and tried to counterattack. But the knight was too quick, and moved to strike Narcissus in the chest with ''Blade''.

"Get back!"

Shouting that, Bacchus forced himself between Narcissus and the knight. The knight's ''Blade'' slashed Bacchus across the abdomen.

"Bacchus!"

Narcissus caught Bacchus as he nearly collapsed. A veteran of countless battles, Narcissus understood the situation instantly. It was no good. The other knights recovered their formation and were coming toward them.

To remain here any longer would be suicide.

Narcissus adjusted his grip on Bacchus and unleashed earth magic. A wall of earth rose around them. An instant later, attack spells flew into it, blocked by the wall and throwing up clouds of dust.

"We're pulling back!"

Narcissus shouted this to Bacchus, who was groaning in pain.

"B-But Karin..."

"It's no good! It's impossible now!"

"Damn it!"

The two retreated while raising walls with earth magic.

Watching Bacchus and Narcissus flee, the knight who stabbed Bacchus in the belly with ''Blade'' lifted the hood of his helmet.

The face that appeared beneath it was none other than Eustache himself.

He was hidden among the escorting knights. But what was truly terrifying was the skill with which he handled ''Blade''.

"So they came after all. Fools."

As Eustache smiled, his subordinate knights rushed over to him.

"Your Excellency! Are you unharmed?"

"Enough! Chase them! Do not let them escape!"

Eustache shouted.

Those men were most likely members of the Mage Guard. They could not abandon a comrade, it seemed. But that was exactly what Eustache wanted. He would capture them too and punish them all together for trying to rescue criminals who attacked him. This time, the Mage Guard would probably not escape dissolution. And in turn, this incident would fall upon Philip III, who had permitted the Mage Guard's reinstatement.

He really was a genius of conspiracy.

To think he could so easily accomplish the work that Noire had utterly failed to do...

"Today marks the Mage Guard's death."

With a fearless smile to the end, Eustache boasted.

The carriage arrived at the central square.

For the citizens, public executions were one of the few forms of "entertainment." Out of curiosity and a desire to see something frightening, the central square was packed to overflowing.

An execution platform was erected before the fountain in the middle of the square, and around it stood still more escorting knights. They were the Unicorn Corps, Eustache's own private men.

Their number easily exceeded a hundred riders. They kept vigilant watch over the area to prevent the excited citizens from approaching the execution platform.

As the carriage pushed through the crowd and arrived before the execution platform, the knights made space for it. The door opened, and when the vampire twins and Karin were dragged out, jeers flew from the spectators. Some of them were plants hired by Eustache, but even so, it was enough to show how deeply "vampires" were hated.

Karin, who had been reported to have conspired with those vampires, was mercilessly showered with curses as well. Karin was once something of a celebrity for rescuing the princess, but now she was already being treated like a vicious criminal. Truly, the hearts of the masses were fickle.

Thirty minutes before the carriage arrived at the central square.

At Vivian's mansion, now deserted and quiet with everyone gone, a lone "knight" suddenly appeared. Vivian, who greeted him at the entrance, gave a wry smile.

The man who appeared was dressed in the formal uniform of the Mage Guard. On the breast of his black cloak danced the emblem shaped like the phantom beast that represented his unit, along with the silver lily crest that marked him as a "Chevalier."

It was the mark of honor the man earned on a past battlefield.

The blue jacket was the color that showed his unit.

His riding boots were polished to a shine, and from every angle he looked like the very image of an ideal knight.

"You've certainly dressed yourself up, Cendrillon."

Cendrillon bowed elegantly to Vivian and said,

"I have come to receive my mounted phantom beast."

Vivian tossed him the key to the phantom beast cage.

"Use Athenais."

"Are you sure?"

To Cendrillon, who showed a faint look of suspicion, Vivian said,

"I don't mind. I have plenty of things I would like to say to that Eustache myself. Don't worry, I'll gather your bones. Go and rampage to your heart's content."

Cendrillon bowed his head once more, then headed for the phantom beast cages behind the mansion.

There, the riding phantom beasts were shrieking and squawking noisily. Cendrillon walked straight toward the cage of the phantom beast whose image was displayed on his chest.

The body and head of a lion, with the wings of an eagle. Its extended tail was shaped like a snake. It was the cage of the phantom beast known as a manticore.

When Cendrillon unlocked it, the young manticores cried and clamored. Ignoring them, Cendrillon addressed the mature female sitting calmly at the back of the cage.

"Athenais. It's your turn."

At that, the manticore called Athenais slowly rose. All at once, the young manticores fell quiet.

"War, is it, Cendrillon?"

Astonishingly, the manticore spoke. Mature individuals developed intelligence, and in this way grew into terrifying phantom beasts capable of using speech and even magic.

"Something like that."

Cendrillon took the saddle and set it on Athenais's back.

"Hohohoho, my claws are itching. And who is the enemy? The Germanians? Or Gallia?"

"No, the Prime Minister."

At that, the manticore let out a hoarse laugh.

"Ho ho ho! How amusing! You even kill among your own tribe! You humans are truly amusing creatures!"

Cendrillon mounted her and drove in his spurs.

"Laugh later, Athenais. We don't even know whether we'll survive."

The old manticore leapt into the sky.

Karin, placed upon the execution platform, was trembling. Beside her, three logs stood upright like candlesticks.

By the hands of several powerful men, Karin was lifted up and tied to one of the logs. Beside her, Dulcinea and Armais were bound in the same way.

Even if she wanted to resist, her hands and feet were tied, and there was nothing she could do. Just what method were they planning to use to execute them?

Firewood was piled at the base of the logs. When she realized how they intended to execute her, Karin could not stop trembling.

One knight climbed onto the platform and read out the charges.

"To all gentlemen gathered here, I shall announce the crimes of this person! Though formerly a member of the Mage Guard, this person plotted the assassination of The Grand Duke Eustache, Prime Minister of the Kingdom! Moreover, he conspired with vampires, the enemies of mankind! Such a crime cannot be atoned for even by ten thousand deaths! It is truly an act that fears neither the Founder nor God! Therefore, he shall be sentenced to death by fire!"

Screams rose from the gathered spectators.

It would not be an exaggeration to call burning at the stake the harshest method of execution. After all, one was burned alive. The terror and suffering were beyond imagination.

Oil was poured over Karin and the others, bound to the logs. The slick sensation of oil running over her skin crushed Karin's heart.

She would be burned to death.

No.

This was absurd.

Tears overflowed, and incomprehensible cries spilled from her mouth.

Unable to keep her eyes open, she squeezed them shut.

The memory of when she felt into the deep vertical pit known as the "Dragon's Footprint" as a child crossed her mind. The same fear of death, like a hand clamping around her heart, attacked Karin.

Back then, a knight who descended from the sky saved Karin. But, but... now there was no knight who would save Karin.

Right now, she was a criminal. To save her would be the same as throwing one's life away...

A man with his face hidden beneath a triangular hood approached, carrying a torch. Seeing him, Karin cried and screamed.

"No... no. Stop. I don't want to die."

She could not endure it. Shameful words spilled from her mouth. She had not done anything yet. She had not fulfilled her dream.

And then...

Cendrillon's face rose in her mind.

She did not want to die while he still thought of her as a child.

She wanted to see him.

All sorts of emotions mixed together like ingredients thrown into a bowl.

The torch was carelessly tossed at her feet.

With a roar, the flames rose up.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

It was at that instant that a vast amount of "water" poured down onto the execution platform like a torrential rain.

Splash! Splashashashash!

The sudden downpour of "water" extinguished the fire in an instant.

Water?

Drenched from head to toe, Karin instinctively looked up at the sky.

With the sun at his back, a knight mounted on a phantom beast descended from the sky.

What... was that?

First, the head and body of a lion came into view. Then the great wings spread wide like those of an eagle.

A manticore?

The image of the "knight" she had seen as a child overlapped with the knight now falling from the sky.

Who?

With a heavy thud that seemed to shake the pit of her stomach, Cendrillon, mounted on the manticore, landed on the execution platform.

At the same time, arrows of ice rained down and cut through the ropes binding Karin and the others. It was ''Windy Icicle'', which Cendrillon had cast in midair after ''Waterfall''.

The scene erupted into chaos.

Facing the panicking spectators and the Unicorn Knights, Cendrillon announced himself in a splendid formal declaration.

"I am Cendrillon, knight of the Manticore Unit of the Mage Guard! I have come here today to put a stop to this unjust execution!"

The gathered spectators broke into an uproar. It was only natural, since a royal Mage Guard had suddenly stepped in to stop an execution.

Seeing this, one of Eustache's subordinate knights cried out gleefully.
[[File:ZNTso2 225.jpg|thumb]]
"Look! The Mage Guard has come to protect the criminal! Now it is clear who has been causing this series of incidents! They have been committing evil deeds all this time in order to eliminate Archduke Eustache!"

Cendrillon did not flinch at all, and shouted back.

"Can you still call yourselves knights?! Who was it that used suspicious magic and made us suffer?!"

From among the knights, the very man himself, Eustache, appeared.

"How amusing. And where is this evidence of yours? Since you say such things before all these people, I assume you have proof enough to match your claim, Cendrillon."

"If I am granted a chance to explain myself, I shall refute you in whatever manner is required."

Cendrillon said so. It was a bluff, but Eustache's expression changed. Apparently, he believed they got a hold of something.

This bastard... for a villain, he seems rather small-minded.

Eustache shouted his order.

"Enough! You lot! What are you doing?! I have given no order to halt the execution! Carry it out, along with that ridiculous guardsman!"

The Unicorn Knights attacked all at once.

In a low voice, Cendrillon told Karin,

"Stay back. Athenais, I'm counting on you."

Trembling, Karin nodded. Together with Dulcinea and Armais, she crouched beside the manticore.

Watching the Unicorn Knights rushing toward him, Cendrillon smiled.

Indeed, petty tricks did not suit a knight after all.

To meet the enemy head-on like this was the true path.

Then he would simply give himself to that path.

He cast ''Blade''.

A pale-blue blade of "water" wrapped itself around his wand.

The urge to roar at the top of his lungs filled his whole body.

Everything that had built up within him until now surged inside him, seeking an outlet. That surge became magical power, making Cendrillon's ''Blade'' shine in layer upon layer.

"Karin, I'll show you how a 'knight' fights."

Shouting that over his shoulder, Cendrillon charged into the mass of Unicorn Knights.

From behind the manticore, Karin watched Cendrillon fight, trembling.

Moving in a way impossible to imagine from his usual absent-minded face, he sprang at the enemy, dodged the wand thrust out by the man at the front, and cut that arm in two. Then he gouged deeply into the stomach of the next man who leapt at him, kicked him down, snapped his wand upward, and cut down another.

He fought like an ogre.

Every time Cendrillon swung his wand, blood sprayed, and members of the Unicorn Corps collapsed to the ground.

The Unicorn Corps, supposedly famed for its strength, was no match for him at all.

Karin could not tear her eyes away from the fighting of the man once hailed as the greatest in the kingdom.

In the blink of an eye, Cendrillon had cut down more than ten knights.

"Magic! Use magic!"

Eustache shouted. The Unicorn Corps spread out around Cendrillon and began chanting attack spells.

But before their spells could be completed, flames and magical arrows gouged into their throats, and they fell to the ground.

"Who goes there?!"

At the end of Eustache's gaze as he turned were the battered figures of Bacchus and Narcissus. Thanks to the attack spells their pursuers fired at them, both were in terrible shape, but they were still standing firmly on their own two feet.

"You're using attack magic in front of a crowd this size? What kind of bastards are you?!"

Bacchus, having given himself first aid, came stomping over and lined up beside Cendrillon.

"Hey, Cendrillon! Aren't you doing something awfully cool here!"

Narcissus lightly stepped into place beside them as well and held his wand at the ready.

"To think you would appear in full uniform and announce yourself. You're even more of a show-off than I am."

Cendrillon, whose mouth had fallen open, tried to say something. But then he snapped his gaze forward again and shouted in a dignified voice.

"Very well, Bacchus, Narcissus. Can you still fight?"

"Naturally."

"Yeah."

"Then advance!"

The three of them charged as one into the Unicorn Corps. Like incarnations of war gods, they rampaged freely in every direction.

Karin stared at Cendrillon and the others in a daze. Without a wand, she could not take part in the fight. That frustrated her, but...

For now, she wanted to keep watching Cendrillon's back as he swung his wand.

That man came to save her.

Her, who had acted so selfishly...

"...Thank you."

Before she knew it, Karin had spoken those words of gratitude.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c7

2026-07-22T07:25:02Z

Ltrf: Created page with "After the incident at the Angel's Ark Inn, Karin vanished without a trace. Even if Cendrillon wanted to look for her, he had no time to spare. After reporting to Philip III that he made contact with Noire, he was, as expected, subjected to an endless barrage of questions, and three full days disappeared into the writing of reports. Bacchus and Narcissus, for their part, seemed unconcerned. According to them, boys were complicated creatures, so these things simply happe..."

After the incident at the Angel's Ark Inn, Karin vanished without a trace. Even if Cendrillon wanted to look for her, he had no time to spare.

After reporting to Philip III that he made contact with Noire, he was, as expected, subjected to an endless barrage of questions, and three full days disappeared into the writing of reports.

Bacchus and Narcissus, for their part, seemed unconcerned. According to them, boys were complicated creatures, so these things simply happened. Esmeralda, the woman who entertained Karin, reported that she ran out without doing anything at all.

"That idiot... what on earth is he thinking?

Staring at the growing pile of laundry, Cendrillon muttered helplessly. Bacchus and the others said he would come back sooner or later, but...

Only after Karin disappeared did Cendrillon realize just how large a place she occupied in his life.

Every morning, when he awoke, Karin was already up, stuffing something into her mouth.

"What's on the menu today?" he would ask.

"Same as always. Why bother asking?" she would snap back in that slightly irritated tone of hers.

Now breakfast was a solitary affair once again, just as it was before. She did little but grumble and complain, but now that he could no longer hear those complaints, he found the silence strangely lonely.

I thought I was the one taking care of him, but perhaps I was the one relying on him more than I realized...

Looking at the chair with no one sitting in it, Cendrillon could not help but think so.

But even that loneliness was, honestly, insignificant compared to the anger and emptiness he felt now.

Karina had never loved him.

That fact twisted Cendrillon's stomach into knots. It felt as if someone spat upon the sentimentality in which he wallowed, upon the three years he drowned in alcohol.

At times, he found himself thinking that if he did not accidentally pierced her chest that day, he had no idea what would have become of him.

Philip III's indecisive attitude only deepened his frustration.

Cendrillon reported to the king that Karina was clearly connected to The Duke Eustache.

And yet Philip III made no move to summon Eustache and confront him. Apparently, he decided to refrain from taking any action until a new prime minister was selected.

Cendrillon felt maddeningly powerless. But a mere knight could hardly oppose the king's decision, and so he ultimately did the only thing he knew how to do.

He drowned himself in drink.

With an expression like a sulking child, Cendrillon muttered,

"...I'm never trusting women again."

At that moment, someone knocked at the door.

For a brief instant he thought Karin had returned.

But he was mistaken.

The ones who burst noisily into the room were Narcissus and Bacchus.

The moment Narcissus saw Cendrillon's drunken face, he burst out laughing.

"W-What's so funny...?"

"I knew it! I win!"

"Damn it..."

Bacchus reluctantly handed Narcissus an ecu gold coin.

"What the hell is going on?"

When Cendrillon asked, Narcissus replied with a grin.

"We made a bet."

"What kind of bet?"

"I wagered one ecu that you'd still be moping."

"And I wagered one ecu that you weren't nearly as heartbroken as all that."

"Why were you betting on me in the first place?"

"Oh, come on. You ran into your old lover again."

Cendrillon's face went pale.

"...So what?"

"So naturally I bet that you'd be depressed. You're still hung up on her, after all."

"I bet the opposite. I figured there was no way you'd still be carrying a torch for a devil like that."

Cendrillon's expression turned bitter.

"Bacchus loses. I'm not hung up on a woman like that."

"Really?"

Narcissus leaned in and peered into his face.

"Yeah. Next time I see her, I'm arresting her."

Apparently noticing something in his expression, Narcissus patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't push yourself."

"I'm not pushing myself."

At that, Narcissus looked around the room.

"He still hasn't come back?"

"Hm? Oh..."

As Cendrillon answered, Bacchus gave him a reproachful look.

"Cold-hearted bastard. At least worry about him."

"I am worried. But you were the ones who said he'd come back sooner or later."

Just then, the door flew open once more.

Standing there, dressed as her usual town-girl self, was Princess Marianne.

"Kariiin!"

The three guards covered their faces.

Of all people, she was the last person they wanted to see right now.

When Marianne noticed Karin was nowhere to be seen, she tilted her head and asked,

"Where's Karin?"

"Well... actually... he's gone out to do a bit of shopping."

"Then I'll wait."

Marianne sat down in a chair, propped her elbows on the table, and stared blankly into space.

Seeing her like that, Cendrillon spoke with obvious discomfort.

"Your Highness... the truth is, Karin has run away from home."

"Whaaat?! What do you mean?!"

Marianne's eyes widened in shock.

Faced with the innocent gaze of the young princess, Cendrillon scratched his head awkwardly.

"Well, you see... we were trying to toughen him up. Right?"

He looked uneasily at Bacchus and Narcissus.

Both men nodded, beads of sweat forming on their brows.

"R-Right! Perhaps we pushed him a little too hard."

"Yeah! Who'd have thought he'd crack over something so minor!"

Unable to admit that they took her to a brothel, the three men spoke with exaggerated nonchalance.

Marianne's eyes widened in outrage.

"How awful! You bullied Karin just because you're senior to her, didn't you?!"

Bacchus turned pale.

After all, he harbored the rather troublesome desire to serve a delicate young maiden, and when Marianne looked at him like that, he became utterly defenseless.

"N-No! We only wanted to let him experience something nice— Gah!"

Before he could finish, Cendrillon drove his fist into Bacchus's stomach while Narcissus smacked him on the back of the head.

Bacchus crumpled to the floor.

"What do you mean by 'something nice'?"

Marianne asked, blinking innocently.

Narcissus stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Nothing, Your Highness. Merely a poor choice of words."

"Never mind that! What are you three standing around for?!"

Marianne shot to her feet and shouted at the three guards.

"Y-Yes, Your Highness!"

"Find Karin at once! This is an order!"

The three men split up and searched all across Tristania. Idle members of the Mage Guard were also called in, and before long the search for Karin grew into a fairly large-scale operation.

Cendrillon, too, set out to look for Karin with no real idea where to begin. For the time being, he checked inns one by one, but there was no end to them.

"That idiot... where in the world is he, and what is he doing...?"

Could he have left Tristania altogether? No, that seemed unlikely. He should not have any money with him...

At that very moment, Karin and Dulcinea were together in an inn, drawing up their plan. Members of the Mage Guard even came to the inn where they were staying, but because they assumed Karin would naturally be staying alone if he were there at all, they failed to discover Karin and Dulcinea together.

Their plan was simple: infiltrate Eustache's mansion, rescue Armais, and obtain proof of the conspiracy Eustache was carrying out.

Of course, it would not be so easy.

"It is not easy to sneak into Lord Eustache's mansion."

That was how Dulcinea explained it to Karin.

"So it's not an ordinary mansion?"

Karin already knew that Eustache's residence, known as the "New Palace" and located near the Champ de Mars training grounds, was no ordinary estate, but what exactly did Dulcinea mean by saying it could not be infiltrated so easily?

"It is filled with human soldiers and knights. And that's not all."

"Not all?"

"That Eustache has turned demi-humans like us into 'undying monsters' as well."

Demi-humans were the races other than humans: orcs and trolls, winged people and elves who wielded powerful magic, and vampires like Dulcinea.

Their numbers were far smaller than those of humans, but because they possessed immense strength or commanded potent natural magic, they were feared by mankind.

And Eustache was turning even such beings into immortal monsters. What in the world was he planning to use them for?

"They are kept in underground cells, hidden away from prying eyes. When I was brought there, I was imprisoned in those dungeons too."

If they could uncover that and make it public somehow...

Eustache would be ruined.

Karin swallowed hard.

"Is there any place we can get in from?"

When she asked, Dulcinea shook her head.

"I only know the dungeon and part of the mansion. Whenever there is some task for me, I am summoned to Eustache's room and then sent outside through a secret passage."

"A secret passage?"

"Yes. There seem to be many such passages running from Eustache's mansion to various places throughout the city. I only know one of them."

"That's it! We'll use that to get inside."

Karin leaned forward excitedly, but Dulcinea shook her head.

"It won't work..."

"Why not? We can't exactly storm in through the front gate. We'd be captured in an instant."

"The secret passages are naturally guarded against intruders. That is why we are given one-time 'passes.'"

"One-time passes?"

"Yes. This censer is one."

Dulcinea pulled a plain-looking censer from her clothing.

"It contains incense, and while the scent is being released, the 'guardian' will not react."

"Then if we carry this..."

"It won't be enough. There is only enough incense for a one-way trip. To return, we have to send a letter from inside. Then someone comes to retrieve us."

Naturally, asking to be picked up was out of the question.

Karin thought for a while, then raised her head.

"What is this 'guardian'?"

At that, Dulcinea drew in a sharp breath.

"I-I don't know..."

"...What do you mean?"

"I don't know what it is. But... whenever I pass through that corridor, I can feel it."

"Feel what?"

"...That someone is watching me."

Those words made Karin shudder.

Dulcinea lowered her face, visibly frightened.

A vampire... the most feared fiend in all of Halkeginia... trembling under the gaze of something unseen?

A chill spread through Karin's body.

But... I'm fine now. I'm not the timid girl I used to be. I've already overcome that old charm.

And besides… Noire's face rose before her mind's eye. That voluptuous, unmistakably feminine body. That devil of a woman, Cendrillon's former lover.

The thought ignited a spark of anger.

S-So that spineless Cendrillon used to kiss her with those eyes...

Remembering the way Noire looked at him and touched him night after night, Karin trembled.

Then she remembered the expression on Cendrillon's face when he offered her his hand on the narrow forest path leading to the spring.

S-So he looked at her like that too.

A strange choking sound escaped Karin's throat.

She could feel her whole body filling with fury.

"You're happy she is alive," are you?

ARE YOU?!

Cowardly Cendrillon.

A man weaker than any woman.

Don't worry. I will personally send that devilish, voluptuous woman straight to the afterlife. That was what Karin thought, her mind boiling with anger.

"Are you all right?"

Dulcinea peered at Karin with concern.

"Yes."

Feeling hungry, Karin reached for a piece of bread on the table.

As she chewed, Dulcinea's stomach let out a loud growl.

"Are you hungry? Why don't you eat something?"

The moment she said it, Karin froze.

Right. Dulcinea was a vampire.

"I-I mean... I can give you a little blood, if you want."

At that, Dulcinea shook her head.

"I cannot take blood from someone who is about to risk herself to save my sister."

"But you're starving, aren't you?"

Vampires were masters of powerful nature magic. If Dulcinea became a burden because she was too weak, that would be a problem. Thinking so, Karin pressed the issue.

Then Dulcinea said something unexpected.

"Then... if you would... give me your sweat."

"...Sweat?"

Karin blinked in surprise.

"Yes. You see, sweat is something like a component of blood."

"I-Is that so?"

"Of course, it contains nowhere near enough of the necessary components to replace blood, but it is enough to tide me over for the moment."

I see, Karin thought, genuinely impressed.

"Well then..."

As Dulcinea leaned closer, Karin stiffened.

"U-Um... directly?"

"Yes."

Dulcinea nodded.

"If possible, I would like you to remove your clothes."

The request, delivered with complete seriousness, left Karin frozen.

If I do that, she'll know I'm a girl!

As Karin began to fidget, Dulcinea smiled reassuringly.

"Oh, it's all right. I already know that you're a girl."

"Huh?"

"I could tell from the taste of your blood. From the little I drank earlier."

The color drained from Karin's face.

"It's all right. I won't tell anyone. I'm sure you have your reasons."

No sooner had she said that than Dulcinea pounced on Karin, knocking her to the floor.

"Huh? Huh? Huh?"

While Karin floundered in confusion, Dulcinea skillfully began removing her clothes. In moments, Karin's jacket had been stripped away, and Dulcinea's hands were already reaching for her undergarments.

"W-Wait, wait..."

At some point, Dulcinea had adopted a sultry smile. The timid, nervous girl from before was nowhere to be seen.

Her fingers slid over Karin's slender chest.

"Eep."

Her lips traced along Karin's neck, licking it gently.

"Delicious. Your skin is truly beautiful. Sweat from such lovely skin is exquisite."
[[File:ZNTso2 183.jpg|thumb]]
"Ah... th-thank you... ngh!"

As a creature of the night, Dulcinea now revealed her true talents and began to tease Karin's body. Unlike Cendrillon's rough, forceful manner, her touch was delicate, yet undeniably sensual.

Is this really all right?

Isn't this, in a way... that?

Isn't this exactly the sort of thing Cendrillon used to try with her night after night?

Or perhaps it did not count as that because they were both girls? Then again, Dulcinea was a vampire...

"Please close your eyes. I'm about to make you sweat quite a bit."

At those words, Karin obediently nodded.

"All right."

Questions such as ''What is happening?'' and ''What should I do?'' vanished from her mind. Every time Dulcinea's fingers and tongue traced across her skin, Karin's body grew hotter.

After she had been thoroughly made to sweat...

Dulcinea bowed her head politely.

"Thank you for the meal."

But Karin did not hear her.

She fainted long ago.

The following night...

Under cover of darkness, Dulcinea and Karin arrived at the entrance to the so-called "secret passage." It was nothing more than a hole behind a tavern in the entertainment district, leading down into the sewers. Beneath Tristania stretched a vast, maze-like sewer system created by earth magic.

One of those tunnels evidently connected to the secret passage.

When Karin lifted the iron cover, the sharp stench of stagnant sewage assaulted her nose. She cast the ''Light'' spell, and the tip of her wand began to shine like a torch.

"I will lead the way."

With that, Dulcinea climbed down first. Karin followed after her. Wading through foul water up to their ankles, they moved forward slowly. After about thirty meters, Dulcinea pointed to part of the wall. The bricks there were a different color.

When Dulcinea reached out, one of the bricks came free. Apparently it wasn’t sealed with mortar. After removing about twenty bricks, they created an opening large enough for a person to crawl through. A current of air flowed from within.

As a wind mage, Karin could immediately tell that the tunnel extended far into the distance. Stooping down, they crawled through the opening and emerged into a corridor about as wide as the sewer they had just left. In the dim light, the walls were not made of brick but of ancient stone.

"It looks as though this place has stood for thousands of years."

As soon as Karin said that, Dulcinea pressed herself tightly against her.

"W-What are you doing?"

"W-Well... I'm scared."

"If you cling to me like that, I won't be able to cast spells. Move away. And for that matter, how is it that a vampire is so frightened?"

"Even vampires are afraid of things."

"Just let go."

"How cold of you. We were pressed skin to skin last night, weren't we?"

Karin trembled as she raised a fist, and only then did Dulcinea reluctantly back away.

"Karin."

"What?"

"Would you mind dropping the masculine speech? You're such a cute girl, after all..."

"...Mind your own business."

With that, Karin turned and began walking forward again.

Ancient runes were carved here and there into the stone. Eustache was evidently making use of these ruin-like underground corridors as his secret passageways.

Carefully avoiding any unnecessary noise, Karin advanced.

She remained on guard for an ambush.

Since they had no idea what the "guardian" lurking in this passage might be, there was little else she could do. Drawing the air toward her, she kept constant watch over every movement in the currents around them.

If anything approached, she would know immediately.

And then...

After about fifteen minutes of walking, the "presence" made itself known. From ahead came a faint scraping sound. Dulcinea, whose hearing was nearly as sharp as Karin's, let out a frightened ''"Hii!"'' behind her.

"Quiet!"

Karin snapped, then fired an arrow of ice toward the approaching presence. She felt it hit.

...And yet, the creature did not stop. Before Karin had time to prepare another spell, the figure of what appeared to be the "guardian" emerged into the light.

Two enormous pincers, each as large as a cleaver, came into view. Beneath them was a body like a suit of armor laid on its side. From the rear extended a long segmented tail ending in a slender stinger, from which a viscous liquid dripped.

"A giant scorpion!"

That was exactly what it was. With a rapid skittering motion, the giant scorpion closed the distance and thrust its sharp pincers at them. Karin instantly shoved Dulcinea aside and sprang backward, narrowly avoiding the attack.

There was no time to cast another spell. At once she cast ''Blade'' on her wand and struck back. Dodging the poisonous stinger, which looked capable of killing with a mere scratch, she severed the creature's tail.

Then she drove her wand into its back. Even so, the giant scorpion's vitality was remarkable. Swinging its pincers wildly, it tried to tear Karin to pieces.

"Stones!"

At that moment, Dulcinea cried out. The scattered rocks around them responded to her spell and pummeled the giant scorpion mercilessly. The creature withdrew the pincers aimed at Karin and tried to shield itself from the barrage.

Karin seized the opening. Pulling back the wand she had driven into its body, she split its head open.

Even then, the giant scorpion continued to thrash its pincers wildly. But with its head destroyed, it could no longer aim properly. Once Karin severed both pincers at the joints, the creature finally stopped moving.

Karin looked down at her cloak. One of the razor-sharp pincers had sliced it wide open. The thought of what might have happened if that had been her arm or leg sent a chill through her.

Turning to the trembling Dulcinea beside her, Karin said,

"Thank you."

If Dulcinea didn’t hurl those stones, Karin might not have been able to block the creature's pincers.

But Dulcinea's trembling did not stop.

"The guardian is dead. It's all right now."

Dulcinea shook her head.

"What?"

Karin peered into the darkness ahead. She saw nothing. Swallowing hard, she focused on the movement of the air.

Skrrt... skrrt... skrrt...

The scraping sound echoed again and again, layered over itself.

Not just one?

Before she could fully grasp the implication, a mass of giant scorpions emerged from the darkness. There were enough of them to be called a swarm.

"Dulcinea! Get back!"

Karin started to retreat.

She could escape by flying. If she did, they would surely be able to make it back to the sewers before the creatures caught them.

There were more than ten of them. She struggled against a single scorpion. There was no way she could defeat so many. And in this narrow underground corridor, she could not even make use of the aerial combat at which she excelled.

But... if she ran away now?

Cendrillon's face rose in her mind. He would undoubtedly scold her.

You always stick your nose into things you can't handle!

Yes.

She had already decided to see this affair through to the end.

And if that was the case...

Karin turned around.

From deeper in the passage came Dulcinea's desperate cry.

"Karin! Run!"

It’s not about courage. I don't need courage.

Calm down. Stay calm, and think about the enemy's weakness.

Karin recalled the giant scorpion's attack from a moment ago.

Fast. Yes, definitely fast. But those stingers...

Karin's eyes widened, and she leapt toward the wall. In the spot where she had been standing only a moment before, a dozen stingers shot out all at once.

They can only attack straight ahead!

Because of the structure of their joints, the scorpions could only swing their deadly stingers directly in front of themselves. If she stayed to the side, they had to turn in order to face her.

And no matter how many there were, that remained true!

Karin swung her wand. She sliced through the tails of two scorpions at once. Without lingering there, she sprang to the left. As if they were connected by chains, the giant scorpions all tried to turn toward her at the same time. Their movements were simple, almost like mechanical dolls.

Again and again, Karin shifted to the side of the swarm, carefully cutting off their tails.

"Haa... haa... haa..."

Karin dropped to one knee, breathing hard. Even after figuring out their attack pattern, cutting off the tails of more than ten giant scorpions and then disabling their claws had been exhausting work.

Dulcinea stared at Karin with eyes full of admiration.

"Amazing! Human mages really are incredible!"

"Thank you."

Karin stood up and moved on.

"This is the place. I always came and went through here."

Ahead, where Dulcinea pointed, was a staircase. At last, they were about to enter Eustache's mansion. They climbed the stairs cautiously, and at the top Karin saw an iron door set into the ceiling.

When she extinguished the ''Light'' spell, everything around them was plunged into complete darkness.

After waiting for her eyes to adjust, Karin slowly lifted the hatch and slipped through the opening. A sharp smell of fresh vegetables and dried meat greeted her.

Apparently, this was a food storeroom.

She gave Dulcinea a hand and pulled her up inside.

"Do you know where your sister is?"

When Karin asked, Dulcinea nodded with a tense expression.

"Good. Lead the way."

The darkness was so complete that Karin could scarcely see anything at all. Their only guide was Dulcinea's night vision. Once they left the storeroom, they entered an underground corridor.

Holding onto Dulcinea's hand, Karin walked forward. Dulcinea lost none of her sight in the darkness. How long they walked through the blackness, Karin could not tell. Right, then left... Dulcinea led her steadily onward.

After about five minutes, Dulcinea stopped. Turning toward Karin, she placed a finger to her lips.

A faint light glimmered off to the right. Karin could make out a chair, and seated in it was someone wearing armor.

At the edge of the light, she saw iron bars. That appeared to be the dungeon. And the seated figure must be the guard.

Karin gestured to ask whether he was the only one. Dulcinea stared toward the dungeon for a while, then gave a small nod.

Then it was Karin's turn. She whispered a spell.

A rope formed from solidified air shot forward and, in an instant, wrapped itself around the armored man.

Unable to cry out because his mouth was covered at the same time, the man toppled to the floor.

Karin and Dulcinea rushed to the dungeon. The moment Karin saw what was inside, she covered her mouth.

Various demi-humans were crammed into the cells.

Orcs. Winged folk.

They looked up at Karin with exhausted eyes.

Dulcinea ran to the cell at the very end. Inside, a vampire girl who looked exactly like her trembled violently.

"Big Sister..."

"I'm going to get you out!"

Dulcinea hurried to the fallen guard and searched him, but no key was to be found. Apparently it was kept somewhere else. Karin began to cast a spell.

A sharp ''Air Cutter'' flew toward the bars.

Clang!

But the ''Air Cutter'' was deflected. The bars were apparently protected by a ''Hardening'' spell. That was only to be expected. If one intended to imprison users of indigenous magic, some sort of magical protection was inevitable.

Next, Karin cast ''Blade''. Without holding back, she drove the power of wind to its limits. Her wand shone with a pale bluish light as she carefully ground it against the bars, trying not to make too much noise. At last, the iron bars gave way.

Armais crawled through the opening. The more Karin looked at her, the more she resembled Dulcinea exactly. The two sisters bowed to Karin again and again.

Karin then cut through the bars of the cells holding demi-humans who seemed capable of understanding her. She searched for something that might serve as evidence, but she could not find anything immediately.

Still, she could not leave empty-handed. Everything had to be settled during this one infiltration. Once Eustache was on guard, there was no doubt a second attempt would fail.

What should she do?

As she struggled with that question...

A voice echoed from the direction they had come.

"My, my. A common thief. Then again, perhaps that is a fitting occupation for a member of the Mage Guard."

Tension shot through Karin's body.

That voice belonged to Eustache.

We've been discovered? But why is Eustache here?

At once, one possibility came to mind.

Was this a trap?

Karin looked toward Dulcinea. She shook her head. Karin felt ashamed that she had doubted her even for an instant. Thinking about it, Dulcinea hardly seemed capable of devising such a scheme.

Karin raised her wand and charged toward the voice.

If it had come to this, she would take Eustache hostage and force their way out.

Several magical arrows flew out of the darkness. Despite the narrow corridor, Karin dodged them with her exceptional agility.

But there were far too many.

There was more than one enemy mage!

By the time she realized that obvious fact, it was too late. One magical arrow pierced her leg. Karin collapsed to the floor and groaned in pain.

Eustache emerged from the darkness, dressed in black. Behind him, his subordinate knights appeared and began capturing the fleeing demi-humans one after another.

A cruel smile played across Eustache's lips.

"To think you really came."

Karin tried to stand with her wand raised, but Eustache cast a spell. An ice arrow pierced her slender arm, and Karin cried out.

Even so, Karin glared up at him with hatred. Eustache spoke.

"You're wondering how I knew you would come, aren't you? That is the look on your face. Tell me, do you play billiards? Carom billiards."

As he mimed handling a cue stick, Eustache continued.

"If you cannot predict the path of the ball after striking it, you will never score. I happen to be rather good at that. The trick to billiards is to arrange matters so that no matter which way the balls roll, you still achieve a result."

Eustache stepped on Karin's hand as she tried to grasp her wand. A sharp pain shot through her fingers, and her face twisted.

"I know Dulcinea's personality well. If she carried out my orders exactly as instructed, so much the better. If she failed, it was only natural to imagine where the balls would roll. Still, I did not expect you to defeat that swarm of giant scorpions. Impressive work. I will gladly praise you for it."

At last, Karin forced words through her throat.

"Y-You coward... All you do is use dirty tricks! Fight me fairly!"

"Fairly? What a curious thing to say. Do you call it 'fair' only when one fights according to your rules and under conditions favorable to you? Or do you call it 'fair' when one intoxicates oneself with notions of life and honor and throws oneself into a hopeless battle? I have no interest in either."

Eustache crouched down and peered into Karin's eyes.

"Now then. Since I would rather not hear any more complaints about cowardice, let me explain your current situation. You resented being dismissed from the Mage Guard and came to hate the Unicorn Corps, whom you held responsible. Seeking revenge against me, their commander, you infiltrated this mansion."

"What?!"

Eustache pointed with amusement.

There, Dulcinea and Armais were being restrained by knights, gazing at Karin with sorrowful expressions.

"You conspired with the vampires over there. Together, you infiltrated this mansion in order to assassinate me, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom. Worse still, you allied yourself with vampires, creatures who can rightly be called enemies of humanity. No matter how one looks at it, your crime deserves death ten thousand times over."

"That's a lie! Who was it that used those vampires to try to kill me? Who was it that planned to control me and destroy the Mage Guard?!"

"And who do you imagine would believe such ravings? Between the word of the Prime Minister and that of a boy who is no longer even an apprentice knight, do you truly think anyone would harbor doubts? This is my estate, and judicial authority here belongs to me as its lord. Now then, let us hold a summary trial. Guilty! Guilty from every conceivable angle! Your execution will take place in three days."

"You..."

"I am a politician, and naturally I intend to make political use of this situation as well. Your execution will be carried out in the central square, before the eyes of the public. There your 'crimes' will be read aloud, and it will be suggested that this was part of a conspiracy by the Mage Guard. I will make use of that opportunity. Fairly and squarely, of course."

Karin cried out and tried to rise.

Eustache kicked her in the chin.

She was sent flying and slammed into the wall.

"I, too, am capable of mercy."

Snapping Karin's confiscated wand cleanly in two, Eustache said,

"If there is anything you would like to eat, speak freely. I will provide a meal that a poor noble like you could never even dream of tasting. Spend your remaining days consoling yourself, at the very least, with fine food."

Kaze no Kishihime v2c6

2026-07-22T07:23:42Z

Ltrf: Created page with "Dulcinea had a personality unusual for a vampire. This young vampire girl was, simply put, the sort who could not bring herself to kill. In human terms, one might call her a vegetarian. She simply could not bring herself to kill humans, who all looked the same to her. Among vampires, who existed as an independent race, she was one of those rare "heretics" born from time to time. The same was true of her twin younger sister, Amais. As a result, the two of them had a rat..."

Dulcinea had a personality unusual for a vampire. This young vampire girl was, simply put, the sort who could not bring herself to kill. In human terms, one might call her a vegetarian. She simply could not bring herself to kill humans, who all looked the same to her.

Among vampires, who existed as an independent race, she was one of those rare "heretics" born from time to time.

The same was true of her twin younger sister, Amais. As a result, the two of them had a rather unusual way of "hunting." Ordinary vampires used what was known as "nature magic"—magic that harnessed the forces of nature—to capture their human prey.

In forests, they would use branches to entangle humans; in villages, they would kill people with stones and drink their blood. Or they would rely on cunning to lull their prey into dropping their guard.

Dulcinea and Amais excelled at the latter approach: making their targets let down their guard completely. The two looked like nothing more than innocent young girls, and if they dressed appropriately, they could pass for wandering nuns. There were always wealthy men eager to "help" them, and the sisters would use that opportunity to gain entry into their homes and skillfully drink the blood of any man who tried to take advantage of them.

But they never drained anyone to the point of death. They would flee once the victim merely began to think, ''Hm, I do not feel very well''..., and then repeat the same trick elsewhere. Because they lived that way, their true identities were discovered fairly often, and each time they would have to run.

The last time they were captured by Eustache's men, they had infiltrated the village chief's house as servants. Strangely enough, when the chief learned what they really were, he showed them sympathy and promised to let them drink his blood regularly. Since vampires were beings despised by all, a man like him was rare.

However, one day his family caught them in the act of feeding. Having been careless, Dulcinea and Amais were quickly seized and brought before their lord, The Grand Duke Eustache. With Amais taken hostage, Dulcinea had no choice but to obey whatever the Duke commanded...

"...I can't do it. There's no way I can unleash a corpse thrall and make it rampage."

Vampires could turn one person whose blood they had drunk into a familiar called a corpse thrall, controlling them like a golem.

Eustache's order was simple: turn a designated individual into a corpse thrall and use them to annihilate the Mage Guard.

"...How am I supposed to do that?"

Dulcinea let out a weary sigh.

Night was beginning to fall, and the road was crowded with people returning home after finishing their work.

As she watched them pass by, Dulcinea thought that she and these people looked no different at all.

And yet, why were they forced to drink only human blood...?

The moment that thought crossed her mind, her stomach growled.

"Auu... I'm hungry..."

Without thinking, Dulcinea clutched her stomach and crouched down. Her neatly trimmed black hair fluttered in the breeze, brushing against her cheeks. Her drooping eyes were so charming they could make one's heart skip a beat, and in that posture she drew the attention of every man nearby.

"What's wrong, little miss? Feeling sick?"

One man crouched down and peered into Dulcinea's face. She glanced at him. Would it be all right if she took a little blood from this man?

He was powerfully built. Dulcinea shook her head internally.

Impossible. Absolutely impossible.

He did not look very bright, so she could probably pretend to go to bed with him, put him to sleep with a ''Sleep'' spell, and drink his blood without difficulty.

But if he happened to wake up...

Looking at his arms, thick as tree trunks, Dulcinea began to tremble.

"I-I'm fine."

Forcing a smile, she shook her head. But perhaps taking her for an easy mark, the man suddenly grabbed her arm.

"Come on, don't say that. I'll buy you something good to eat."

Oh no, what should I do?

Still, Dulcinea looked at the man's face. She had her own preferences when it came to taste. His cheeks were flushed, and he clearly looked like a heavy drinker. The blood of drunkards was thick and unpleasant.

Just imagining the taste made her cover her mouth.

"I'm really fine..."

She said it timidly, but the man ignored her, dragged her by the arm, and hauled her into a tavern. Then he began ordering dish after dish.

"Here! Eat!"

The moment Dulcinea saw the food laid out before her, nausea rose in her throat.

To humans, it might have looked like a delicious feast. But to Dulcinea, a vampire, it looked like nothing more than the corpses of animals and plants. Those corpses had been boiled and roasted into grotesque forms.

And yet Dulcinea envied humans.

Why was I born a vampire?

If only she was born human, like the man before her and all the other people around them...

Then she would not have had to struggle so much over something as simple as food...

"Eat. Go on."

"N-No, thank you..."

When Dulcinea still refused to touch the food, the man finally lost his temper.

"You're a spoiled little thing! What kind of pampered princess are you?!"

Apparently, he intended to feed her and then have his way with her. Without warning, he grabbed Dulcinea by the hair.

"Auu! Auuuu!"

"I said eat! You can't turn down a meal I'm paying for!"

"B-But I'm already full..."

"That's a lie! Your stomach was growling!"

This is exactly why I hate cities..., Dulcinea grumbled inwardly.

Karin burst out of the Angel's Ark Inn and trudged down the street. By now, all her energy had drained away, and she didn't care what happened anymore.

Had she done something wrong? She could not help asking herself that.

No... if she didn’t draw her wand back there, she felt she would no longer be herself. The outfit had certainly been ridiculous enough to invite laughter, but it was filled with Marianne's heartfelt feelings. As a woman, Karin simply could not forgive what had happened.

But because of that, she lost her dream of becoming a knight.

Maybe I really was wrong...

More importantly, what was she supposed to do now?

Become Cendrillon's servant and let him work her to the bone?

Np way. It’s all his fault...

No, that's not it! It's because he's so pathetic!

Karin was seized by the urge to scream. Anger welled up inside her. Because he refused to acknowledge her. Because he kept dragging around the memory of some woman from the past, brooding over her forever.

"Glad she’s alive," huh?

That phrase echoed through Karin's mind again and again. She could understand the feeling. But it was not the sort of thing one should say right in front of Karin after she had nearly been killed by that woman.

And then there were Bacchus and Narcissus. Where on earth did they take her? Did they seriously think that sleeping with a woman would somehow make her feel better?

What simple-minded idiots!

Truly idiots! You call yourselves knights, acting so mighty, but all your worries disappear just as soon as you sleep with a woman? I'm not that simple!

She felt an almost irresistible urge to shout those words at them. If they were standing in front of her, she might have drawn her wand again.

Uh.

Were the knights she admired really nothing but pathetic men like that...?

Still feeling deeply disillusioned, Karin was walking along when a scream reached her ears.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Looking over, she saw a black-haired girl of about sixteen or seventeen being manhandled by a drunken man in front of a tavern.

It was Dulcinea.

"You little brat! After I was nice enough to buy you food, what gives you the right to run away?!"

Already in a foul mood, Karin could not stand the sight.

She strode over and, without the slightest hesitation, kicked the man in the backside.

The man turned and looked at Karin with open contempt for a moment, but the instant he noticed the wand hanging at her waist, he quickly fled.

"Are you all right?"

When Karin offered her a hand, Dulcinea looked up at her with tearful eyes.

"Thank you so much..."

Karin was about to leave after saying, "Be more careful."

"U-Um! Your name!"

"Karin."

The moment she gave that curt reply, Dulcinea's expression changed.

"Ah, so you're—!"

"You know me?"

Karin asked suspiciously, and Dulcinea immediately put on an innocent expression.

"Huh? N-No, well, um! It's just that Apprentice Karin of the Mage Guard is famous, after all! You distinguished yourself in the duel, and you rescued the princess—you're a real hero!"

Her eyes sparkling, Dulcinea exclaimed excitedly.

"Well..."

Scratching her head awkwardly, Karin tried to walk away. At once, Dulcinea latched onto her from behind.

"Please let me repay you!"

"No need."

Karin answered coldly, but Dulcinea refused to let go.

"I cannot allow that! I must thank you for helping me!"

At that moment, Karin's stomach growled.

"Are you hungry?"

That was undeniably true. Come to think of it, she had not eaten a proper meal in several days. Until now, despair kept her hunger at bay, but perhaps her anger reminded her body of what it needed.

Karin's knees gave way beneath her.

"I'll treat you to anything you want!"

Dulcinea promptly dragged Karin into the very tavern where she herself was taken.

"Is it... good?"

Watching Karin devour the food with total concentration, Dulcinea asked hesitantly. Her mouth stuffed full of food, Karin nodded vigorously.

After draining a cup of wine, Karin let out a satisfied breath.

"Here, please, have some more."

Without missing a beat, Dulcinea refilled her cup.

"I see... So that's how you ended up getting kicked out of the Mage Guard..."

Before she knew it, Karin told Dulcinea everything: how she came to Tristania dreaming of becoming a knight, and how the recent duel incident finally costed her her position.

Dulcinea was such a good listener that Karin found herself telling her anything and everything.

"So, what are you planning to do now?"

Asked that question, Karin was at a loss for words. For the moment, she had just run out of the brothel, but she had no desire to return to Cendrillon. More importantly, what was this nonsense about becoming his servant?

And yet she could not simply go home to her homeland either. She was completely trapped, with nowhere to turn.

Karin's small heart felt as though it were on the verge of being swallowed by despair. And if she let herself be consumed by that deep darkness, she had the unsettling sense that she would never return.

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

But she must not cry.

If she cried, it would mean admitting defeat to despair.

Biting her lip, Karin fought desperately to hold back her tears.

Seeing her like that, Dulcinea seemed deeply moved.

"How awful..."

She began to cry herself.

"M-Don't cry," Karin murmured as she took another drink of wine.

Before long, her consciousness began to drift away.

After carrying Karin up to a room on the second floor, Dulcinea let out a long sigh.

What luck. To encounter her target so quickly...

Now all she had to do was drink Karin's blood, kill her, and turn her into a corpse thrall.

But as she looked at Karin's innocent sleeping face, all strength drained from her body.

"I can't," Dulcinea whispered.

There was no way she could do such a thing. She had never created a corpse thrall even once. To her, it was a desecration of life itself.

And yet, unless she transformed this girl into a corpse thrall and unleashed her upon the Mage Guard, she would never see her twin sister Armais again.

Knowing the cruel Eustache, it was entirely possible he would take Armais's life.

Resolving herself, Dulcinea lowered her mouth toward Karin's neck.

At once, sharp fangs extended from between her lips. Vampires like her could conceal their fangs until the very instant they fed.

That was why they were known as the most terrifying fiends in all of Halkeginia.

After all, they were indistinguishable from humans.

Her fangs touched the smooth skin of Karin's neck.

Closing her eyes, Dulcinea drove them in.

A bead of blood welled up against Karin's pale skin and moistened Dulcinea's tongue with exquisite sweetness.

And then Dulcinea realized something.

This taste... this isn't a boy's blood.

What?

This child is a girl?

She stared closely at Karin's sleeping face, but it matched the appearance she had been told to expect. The name was correct. So was her status as an apprentice of the Mage Guard.

Then it struck her.

There must be some reason Karin had to conceal her sex.

A woman living as a man...

Suddenly, Karin's circumstances overlapped with her own.

I am the same.

I cannot survive unless I hide what I truly am.

Otherwise, I would be killed at once.

The moment she thought that, she could go no further.

Dulcinea pulled her mouth away from Karin's neck with a soft gasp.

At that instant, Karin's eyes snapped open.

"Huh?"

She stared at Dulcinea.

Then she noticed the blood on her lips.

"...What? ...Blood?"

Touching her neck and feeling the dampness there, Karin's face went pale.

"A v-vampire..."

Even Karin knew what that word meant.

Vampires.

The most dreaded fiends in the world.

Dulcinea saw the flash of revulsion in Karin's eyes and recoiled with a frightened squeak. An ordinary vampire would have instinctively cast a spell, but timid Dulcinea only thought of running away.

Karin reacted instantly.

She cast Blade and thrust her wand against Dulcinea's throat.

"Don't move."

Nobles were taught that vampires were to be killed on sight.

To them, it was as natural as swatting a mosquito.

The moment Karin raised her wand to strike, Dulcinea broke down in tears.

"...Ugh... ngh... waaah..."

Vampires looked exactly like humans.

Karin's hand hesitated.

But she had no reason to show mercy.

They were a cruel and cunning race.

Entire towns were wiped out by them.

No matter how meek and shy Dulcinea appeared, Karin's father had taught her that such appearances were merely tools used to lull humans into a false sense of security.

"U-Um... I don't mind if you kill me. I really am a vampire. But... but..."

"But what?"

The fact that they could understand one another only made things more difficult.

Predator and prey.

There could never be any true understanding between them.

And yet language still remained.

"Please... save my sister. I beg you... ugh..."

"Your sister?"

Dulcinea nodded tearfully.

"M-My sister has been captured... I have to obey them... sniff... Why was I ever born a vampire? I hate it. I hate having to drink the blood of humans who all look exactly the same... So please, kill me. But... but... please save Armais..."

Something about her demeanor felt strangely sincere.

Karin lowered her wand.

She had heard that vampires were cunning deceivers.

But there was something about Dulcinea that felt different.

"Can you tell me exactly what's going on?"

Still sobbing, Dulcinea explained everything to Karin.

When she finished hearing the story, Karin clenched her fists.

"Eustache!"

He had intended to turn her into a corpse thrall and unleash her against the Mage Guard.
[[File:ZNTso2 165.jpg|thumb]]
The sheer vileness of it made Karin feel dizzy.

"You're willing to believe my story?"

Looking up at her, Dulcinea searched Karin's face. Karin gave a firm nod.

"I don't really have much choice, do I? If you had truly wanted to, it would have been effortless for you to drain all of my blood while I was asleep. The fact that you couldn't do it means you're exactly the kind of person you say you are."

Karin found it hard to believe that a vampire could exist who was incapable of killing humans, but after seeing Dulcinea's actions, she had little choice but to accept it.

At those words, Dulcinea nodded in visible relief.

Just as there are all kinds of humans, there must be all kinds of vampires as well, Karin thought.

In any case, the one she could not ignore was Eustache.

Should she report this to His Majesty?

But...

At the moment, the only evidence she had was the testimony of this vampire, Dulcinea. Even if she told the king, there was no guarantee he would believe her. As a noble, Karin knew all too well how deeply vampires were hated in this world.

Which meant...

If she were to rely on anyone, it would have to be Cendrillon and his companions?

Karin shook her head.

They would certainly tell her to leave it alone. Worse, they might lock her away somewhere to prevent her from acting on her own.

As she recalled Cendrillon's face, Karin frowned.

That overly cautious man was exactly the sort who might do something like that. In any case, her whole body still burned with anger.

In that case, she would do it alone.

Even now, her heart was still that of a knight.

And a true knight could never overlook injustice happening before her eyes.

More than that, this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strike back at Eustache, who had been toying with her all this time.

I will expose him, no matter what.

And to do that...

Karin began thinking as hard as she could.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c5

2026-07-22T07:21:54Z

Ltrf: Created page with "“Do you think this one’s going to be okay?” Bacchus said, pointing at Karin, who was writhing around on the floor. Karin lay sprawled on her stomach, listlessly scratching drawings across the floor. “No idea. Leave him alone.” Cendrillon shook his head in resignation. “What are you drawing, anyway?” Narcissus crouched down to look. “Go, Knight Karin. Defeat the evil dragon...” Karin muttered to herself. “So this vaguely human-shaped thing is..."

“Do you think this one’s going to be okay?”

Bacchus said, pointing at Karin, who was writhing around on the floor.

Karin lay sprawled on her stomach, listlessly scratching drawings across the floor.

“No idea. Leave him alone.”

Cendrillon shook his head in resignation.

“What are you drawing, anyway?”

Narcissus crouched down to look.

“Go, Knight Karin. Defeat the evil dragon...”

Karin muttered to herself.

“So this vaguely human-shaped thing is the knight?”

Karin nodded.

“And this four-legged creature is the dragon?”

Karin nodded again.

“Apparently he’s drawing a knight slaying a dragon.”

As Narcissus said this, Cendrillon and Bacchus both let out deep sighs.

Three days had passed since Karin had been expelled from the Magic Guard.

And throughout all that time, she had done nothing but this—lying on the floor and drawing. By now, nearly every inch of the floor was covered with crude pictures of what were presumably knights.

At first, Cendrillon tried to stop her and took away her pen, but each time she somehow procured another one from who knew where, so eventually he gave up.

“He really wanted to become a knight, didn’t he...”

Soft-hearted as ever, Bacchus spoke with tears in his eyes. Then he turned to Cendrillon.

“Hey, Cendrillon! Why didn’t you plead his case with His Majesty?”

“I did. But he shot me down immediately. There was nothing I could do.”

Narcissus stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“At this rate, he’ll become a complete wreck.”

“That’s exactly the problem...”

“Can’t you arrange for him to join another order? There are plenty, aren’t there? Come to think of it, the Count of Montmorency is recruiting guards.”

At that, Karin shook her head.

“I don’t want some random place. I want the Magic Guard.”

“What a picky brat. The House of Montmorency is one of the most distinguished families in the kingdom.”

Narcissus spoke in an exasperated tone, but Karin had already returned to drawing on the floor with a vacant expression.

“He’s completely fixated on the Magic Guard. Cendrillon, isn’t there anything you can do? I’m starting to feel sorry for him. Besides, if he hadn’t been there, there’s no telling what would have happened in that brawl. He’s become an indispensable asset to the Magic Guard.”

“I want to help him too. If it weren’t for his wind magic, I’d be dead in Deauville.”

After a moment of thought, Narcissus clapped his hands.

“Then make him your attendant.”

“My attendant?”

“Exactly. Your personal attendant. The Magic Guard has nothing to do with it. Nobleman Cendrillon has simply hired him for private service. Then, when the time is right, you can petition His Majesty again. Once this affair is resolved, I’m sure he’ll reconsider.”

Cendrillon and Bacchus exchanged glances.

“I see. That might actually work. Hey, Karin. Starting today, you’re my attendant. Understood?”

Karin looked up at him resentfully.

“I don’t want to be your attendant.”

“You really are a difficult one! Right now, that’s the only way you can stay involved with the Magic Guard.”

“I want to be a knight.”

“He really is just a child.”

Narcissus said it with an exasperated sigh.

“Well, he is a child. What do you expect?”

Cendrillon just said that when the front door burst open with a bang, and a small girl swept into the room like a whirlwind.

“Kariiiin!”

“Wah! Your Highness!”

Narcissus cried out in surprise.

It was Princess Marianne herself, dressed in her usual town-girl disguise. Sobbing uncontrollably, she threw herself at Karin and shook her head.

“Why? Why do you have to leave the Magic Guard? It’s not fair!”

“...I-I am deeply sorry. It is entirely due to my own failings.”

Marianne turned to Cendrillon and the others.

“Please. Would you leave us alone for a moment?”

She spoke in a pleading tone.

The three knights were in no position to refuse, so Cendrillon and the others retreated to the bedroom.

Naturally, they were too curious to stay away entirely, so they peered through the keyhole.

“Listen to me, Karin! Father is so cruel! I explained everything to him! You drew your wand because they mocked the outfit I gave you, didn’t you? That means you fought the duel to defend my honor!”

The three men exchanged glances.

“So that was why?”

“No idea.”

They returned to spying through the keyhole.

Marianne, her emotions swelling once more, burst into tears.

“I told him all of that! But all Father said was, ‘Even so, no.’ He wouldn’t listen! I hate him! I hate Father!”

She dissolved into sobs.

Karin was deeply moved by Marianne’s tears.

Ah... maybe my dream has been crushed. But if I managed to protect the honor of such an adorable princess, then surely that is an honor worthy of any knight...

With that thought, she felt some of the heaviness in her heart lift.

For the first time in three days, a gentle expression appeared on her face, and she reached out to stroke Marianne’s head.

“I am sorry for causing Your Highness such concern. But Karin is all right. If it is to protect Your Highness’s honor, then I would gladly give my life.”

At those words, Marianne threw her arms around Karin.

“Oh, Karin!”

Then she puckered her lips and leaned in for a kiss.

N-nooo...

Cold sweat ran down Karin’s back.

Marianne was adorable, but that was still a step too far. Besides, this sort of energy was overwhelming when she was already emotionally exhausted.

Karin shook her head and gently pushed Marianne away.

“...Karin?”

“Well... after all, I am your subject, and you are Her Highness...”

Marianne’s eyes immediately filled with tears.

“Was it because you didn’t like the clothes? Did I put too much of my own taste into them?”

That was hardly the issue.

“I am your subject, and you are Her Highness,” Karin repeated firmly.

Marianne gave her a sad smile.

“You’re right. Because of me, you were forced to leave the Magic Guard...”

With those words, she rose to her feet.

“But... you won’t start hating me, will you?”

Karin nodded. In any case, that was not the issue at all.

“Then that’s enough for me. To tell you the truth, I just wanted to see your face. May I come again?”

“As Your Highness wishes.”

Apparently satisfied with that answer, Marianne said, “Thank you,” and departed.

Left behind, Karin felt all the tension drain from her body, and she collapsed limply onto the floor. Then despair washed over her once more. Somewhere deep inside, she was hoping that Marianne’s plea would change the king’s mind.

''What? You defended my daughter’s honor? Then I have wronged you! Return to the Magic Guard at once! Better yet, I shall knight you while I’m at it...''

“How naive of me...”

She really ought to stop entertaining any thoughts of becoming a knight. After all, she managed to anger the king this badly.

As she lay there in a boneless heap, the three knights emerged from the bedroom and immediately began talking all at once.

“Well, if you’re still dismissed even after the princess came all this way to plead for you, His Majesty must be truly furious.”

Don’t say it. I know.

“More importantly, Karin, your attitude just now was unacceptable.”

Narcissus shook his head as he spoke.

“...What do you mean?”

“Her Highness came all this way to see you, and that was how you treated her.”

“...But she’s the princess, and I’m her subject.”

“That’s true. But before she is a princess, she is also a woman. And when a woman offers her feelings to you, a man ought to respond.”

“D-Don’t be ridiculous.”

Karin’s cheeks flushed faintly, and she pouted.

Narcissus tilted his head.

“Hm?”

Then he draped an arm around Bacchus and Cendrillon and turned them aside.

“Say, Cendrillon.”

“What?”

“Do you think... he might not know anything about women?”

“...How should I know?”

As soon as Cendrillon said that, Bacchus nodded.

“My instincts say he doesn’t.”

Narcissus nodded in agreement.

“Your instincts are usually worthless, but for once I think you’re right. He doesn’t.”

Bacchus furrowed his brow.

“That won’t do. That absolutely will not do.”

“Oh, leave it alone.”

Cendrillon sounded thoroughly exasperated.

“This is important.”

“Why?”

“Because Karin undeniably has talent. I’ll grant him that. But he’s too rigid. Too inflexible. I think that’s what’s holding him back.”

Bacchus nodded.

“Mm-hm. Even I can tell he’s terrible at handling things.”

“And?”

Cendrillon asked.

Narcissus grinned.

“Then let’s make a man out of him. Once he becomes a real man, he’ll loosen up a little and become easier to deal with.”

“Huh?”

Cendrillon stared at him in disbelief, but Bacchus nodded emphatically.

“He’s right. You can’t reason with children. Children!”

Coming from you, that’s rich, Cendrillon thought, but he was too tired to say it aloud.

“Excellent.”

Bacchus and Narcissus exchanged looks, then seized Karin by both arms and hauled her to her feet.

“Funya?”

“Not ‘funya.’ All right, Karin. We’re going to make an adult out of you tonight. Cendrillon, you’re coming too.”

“I’ll pass.”

Cendrillon had a very good idea where this was headed.

“Too bad. I don’t like that attitude of yours. We fight duels together, we fight battles together, and that means we play together too!”

Bacchus grabbed him by the arm, and Cendrillon was dragged along despite himself.

As he had expected, Bacchus and Narcissus brought them to one of the establishments in the Chictonne district where women of the night gathered.

The moment they stepped inside, the proprietress hurried over, rubbing her hands together.

“My, my! Sir Bacchus and Sir Narcissus! What a honor to have you visit so early in the evening. The Angel’s Ark could not be more delighted.”

“Yeah, but we’re not the only ones playing tonight. Take care of this one too.”

With that, Bacchus lifted Karin under the arms and presented her to the proprietress.

“Well now! What an adorable young gentleman. Why, he looks like a girl.”

She studied Karin more closely.

“Could this be the young favorite of the princess? Karin, Corin, Keron, or whatever his name was?”

“That’s him. It’s his first time. Make a man out of him.”

The proprietress nodded without hesitation.

“I understand. Rest assured, not a word will leave this establishment. The Angel’s Ark is famous for its discretion.”

And that was true. It was precisely why so many aristocrats were regular patrons.

“Leave everything to us!”

At once, the women of the establishment poured into the room.

“Me! Pick me!”

“Out of the way! He’s mine!”

“You shameless hussy!”

Because Karin was an extraordinarily beautiful boy—and, on top of that, the princess’s favorite—her value was beyond measure. The women instantly began fighting over her.

Karin herself, however, was so lost in despair that she paid almost no attention to what was happening. She simply allowed herself to be jostled about like a rag doll.

Before long, a booming voice rang out from the second floor.

“Leave that boy to Esmeralda!”

Cendrillon looked up to see a massive woman leaning over the stair railing, built like an orc.

“Esmeralda!”

The women swarming around Karin immediately backed away. Apparently, this orc-like woman was the star attraction of the establishment. She stomped down the stairs and cupped Karin’s cheeks in her thick hands. Cendrillon was suddenly reminded of those deep-sea fish where the female is a hundred times larger than the male.

“What a lovely face. You’re going to become a splendid knight, my dear. Listen well—the Count of Beaufort, Baron Nord, all of them became men thanks to Esmeralda. Every young man whose cherry I’ve popped has gone on to great success.”

Here she goes again… The other women exchanged weary glances. Esmeralda was evidently notorious for her outrageous boasting. As for Karin, she still had no idea what was happening. She simply stared vacantly into the distance.

“Heave-ho.” With that, Esmeralda scooped Karin up and carried her off toward one of the upstairs rooms.

Bacchus and Narcissus also disappeared upstairs with their favorite women. Cendrillon was invited as well, but he merely pointed at a bottle of wine.

“I’ll stick with this.” The first floor also functioned as a tavern, so he stayed behind to drink.

The room was filled with drunken male laughter and the coquettish voices of women. Desire flowed through the place openly, without even the pretense of concealment.

And somehow, Cendrillon did not dislike the noise. To a man weighed down by troubling thoughts, it felt almost soothing. Yet once the wine took hold, his thoughts inevitably returned to Karina.

In the end, all my investigation revealed nothing. But even if I found her... what exactly would I do?

He asked himself that question.

Stop her.

That was what he had decided. But how?

There was only one answer. I’d have to kill her.

But could I really kill Karina?

He did not think so. Vivian’s words resurfaced in his mind.

“You could never bring yourself to hate a woman you once loved.”

I loved her. That much is true...

And Karina loved me… The thought faltered there, crashing into a wall inside his heart.

Why can’t I forget Karine?

Another reason surfaced. No—that was not quite right. It was not something newly remembered, but a question that had always lain submerged at the bottom of his heart.

Because whenever he allowed himself to think about it, he felt as though his mind might shatter. Whenever he called for Karina, she always came. If her words were to be believed, she had even given him her first time. Whenever he told her, “I love you,” she smiled and replied, “I love you too.”

And yet… Cendrillon buried his face in his hands.

She always seemed lonely. No matter how many times she said she loved him, some part of him had always felt that her heart was not fully in those words.

That’s right... He clutched his head.

Even on that day, when his father discovered their relationship...

His mind drifted back three years.

“After all... we never should have been together.”

Karina said those words beside the spring.

“Why would you say that?”

“Because... our stations are too different.”

He desperately tried to persuade her, and in the end they had fled together.

Looking back, perhaps he was acting recklessly. More than his father, more than anyone, it was Karina’s words that had angered him.

“Then take me away with you.”

That was what he wanted her to say. Perhaps Karine was not the woman he thought she was.

Draining his cup, Cendrillon muttered to himself.

“Maybe she just wanted to see what it was like to be with a nobleman...”

“Who? Me?”

Cendrillon jerked his head up.

At some point, a beautiful blonde woman in black nun’s robes had taken the seat across from him.

Noir.

For an instant, Cendrillon could not comprehend what he was seeing. He had searched everywhere for her and found not a single clue. And now she was sitting directly in front of him.

“You...!”

“My, what a frightening face.”

Noir laughed softly. Cendrillon drew his wand and leveled it at her.

The tavern on the first floor erupted into chaos.

“I’m not letting you escape this time. Don’t move.”
[[File:ZNTso2 135.jpg|thumb]]
“Oh, I have no intention of running away.”

“Then I suppose you’ll come quietly?”

“What are you saying? I’ve always been your captive.”

Noir looked straight at Cendrillon. At that moment, the proprietress hurried over.

“Hey now, this isn’t the kind of place where some outsider can come in and steal business! And you there, put away that dangerous-looking thing!”

At her words, Cendrillon motioned for Noir to rise.

“Get up.”

Noir stood. Cendrillon chanted a spell, and ropes of water coiled around her wrists, binding them.

“Why are you treating me like this? I came here to talk to you.”

Once he led her outside, Cendrillon walked on in silence.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To the royal palace. You’re under arrest. You’ll stand trial and receive the punishment your crimes deserve. But before that, you’re going to tell me everything—who ordered you to do all this.”

His voice was cold, stripped of emotion. This woman is not my former lover. She’s a devil who turned an entire town into living corpses. He repeated that to himself over and over.

And yet, another thought rose within him. A fragile hope.

That’s right. She isn’t the Karina I knew.

What if, when she was revived by magic, some other “heart” was born within her?

If that were true, then the sins were not Karina’s. They belonged to this false personality that came into being afterward. Somewhere inside this body, Karina’s real heart might still be sleeping.

Not just her memories… Karine herself.

And if he could awaken that heart...

Cendrillon’s chest throbbed. Then—

Then he could find the one who did this to her and make that person atone.

And then...

He might be able to reclaim the three lost years he spent without Karina.

The temptation was almost unbearably sweet.

“...Who brought you back to life?”

“Someone you don’t know.”

“Take me to them.”

“And what do you intend to do?”

“I’m going to return the body you’re using to its rightful owner.”

Noir smiled.

“I am myself. Who do you think I am?”

“A demonic heart implanted by magic. Something that has taken over Karina’s body.”

“And where, then, is the woman you once knew?”

“The Karina I knew died that day, when my spell pierced her chest. But if the memories remain... then perhaps her heart...”

Still smiling, Noir asked softly:

“How much did you really know about me?”

Those words made Cendrillon freeze.

It felt as though an icy blade had been driven into his chest.

How much did I know about Karina?

Everything. The woman who seemed so gentle, yet danced with fierce passion. The way the corners of her eyes crinkled when she smiled. Her soft body. The faint fragrance that clung to her when he held her. She was one year older than him. And… And...

A woman he had known for only a few weeks.

''What did I truly know about Karina?''

It was in that moment of stunned hesitation that a carriage came barreling down the road.

The window flew open. An arm shot out, seized Noir, and pulled her inside. The carriage thundered away. Caught off guard, Cendrillon stood frozen for only an instant. Then he reacted, chanting a spell and lashing out with a whip of water that wrapped around the carriage railing.

“You’re not getting away!”

The watery rope contracted like a spring, launching him onto the roof of the carriage. Clinging to the top, Cendrillon fired a spell, trying to blast off one of the wheels.

“!”

But the carriage was swaying too violently, and his aim was unsteady. If his spell went astray in the middle of the city… The consequences would be disastrous.

And if he overturned a carriage this large, innocent bystanders could be crushed.

“Damn it!”

He decided to wait until they were outside the city.

The carriage sped onward.

It passed through the gate and onto the highway leading into the countryside. Evening shadows were beginning to gather. Once the roadside houses had disappeared, Cendrillon began to chant again. The wheels were still too difficult to target, so instead, he aimed at the harness connecting the horses to the carriage. His magical arrow flew.

Crack!

With a sharp report, the connection snapped. The horses tore off into the darkness. Suddenly deprived of its motive force, the carriage lurched violently to the right. It veered off the road and onto the grass, struck a large stone, and was thrown into the air.

Cendrillon leapt free and cast ''Levitation'', descending gently to the ground.

The carriage crashed onto its side in a cloud of dust.

Wand at the ready, Cendrillon stood on guard.

“...”

But no one emerged. Then he sensed movement behind him and quickly spun around.

“Ghn!”

Three orcs were charging at him with spears. Why are there orcs here? He had no time to wonder. Cendrillon instantly cast ''Windy Icicle''. Three razor-sharp ice bolts shot forth, piercing each orc through the throat.

The wounds were unquestionably fatal, but the orcs came on as though nothing had happened.

“So they’re undead after all!”

Cendrillon pressed his left hand against his wand and chanted. Fshh! The moisture in the air condensed in an instant, forming a high-speed rotating blade of water around the wand.

Three undead orcs. Each gripped a massive club. An orc possessed five times the strength of a human, and the clubs they wielded were like cannons. One direct hit would tear him apart.

But to Cendrillon—hailed as the finest practitioner of Blade magic in the kingdom—their attacks were as easy to read as if someone announced their trajectories in advance.

The first orc swung in a straightforward blow, devoid of any feint. Cendrillon slipped inside its guard and cleaved its torso in two. He then sprang lightly into the air and slashed through the second orc’s neck from above. The third he cut apart together with its arm.

The corpses rolled across the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Noir stepping from the overturned carriage.

“Amazing! You really are as strong as ever.”

She sounded genuinely delighted.

Staring at her, Cendrillon shouted:

“You’re not really Karina, are you?! You’re some other thing—something brought back by some twisted magic!”

Noir shook her head.

“I’m exactly the same as I was before. I haven’t changed at all.”

“Prove it.”

“I remember every conversation we ever had. Why, I told you just the other day, didn’t I?”

Cendrillon’s face twisted hideously.

“Don’t forget that I’m here.”

Karina had always said that with a smile. No one else knew of that private exchange between them.

“It’s just memory! Only the memories remain!”

“You say the strangest things. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be. Can memory and personality really be separated?”

Cendrillon shook his head. He refused to believe it. He refused to accept that the woman standing before him was truly the same Karina he had once loved.

And yet, some cold and rational part of his mind began to connect Noir’s words with his own memories. Karina had always seemed a little lonely. Whenever he told her he loved her, she would answer, “I love you too.” But somehow, her words always seemed just a little hollow.

Even when they ran away together, she had never seemed entirely committed...

''What did I really know about Karine?''

“What could I say to make you believe me? Ah, yes. You always bite my lower lip when we kiss, don’t you?”

Cendrillon looked as though he were about to cry.

“...You.”

“What a terrible expression. What’s wrong? Are you hurt? You were always like that. Always worrying about what I was thinking. About how I felt about you.”

“...You.”

“You never understood anything. Not about me. Not about yourself. Not even about what you were doing.”

This woman...

A primitive, childish rage surged through him. More unforgivable than slaughtering the people of Deauville. More unforgivable than trying to kill him.

“You... you were deceiving me all along, weren’t you?”

Noir did not answer. She merely looked at him with eyes overflowing with gentle compassion.

“You only got involved with me because I was a nobleman. Isn’t that right?”

“That was a long time ago. I hardly remember.”

“So this is your true nature. You were a devil from the very beginning. You probably seduced me back then because you were after my family’s wealth!”

Noir smiled sweetly.

“If believing that makes you feel better, then by all means believe it. If it brings you peace, I don’t mind.”

“Stop dodging the question! What are you plotting with Eustache this time?”

Noir’s smile turned teasing.

“Oh? Are you jealous of the Duke of Eustache and me? It’s true that he provides me with financial support. But not in the way you’re imagining.”

Cendrillon’s face flushed bright red. The truth was, the idea of Noir and Eustache sharing that kind of relationship indeed wounded him, and she saw straight through him.

His imagination ran wild, picturing what Noir might be doing in Eustache’s bed in exchange for his “support.”

“You’re lying!”

The jealous words escaped before he could stop them.

Cendrillon brought his wand down, still wrapped in ''Blade'' spell. The spinning water edge slashed toward Noir.

But she floated lightly into the air and avoided the attack with an agility no ordinary human could possess.

“Demon!”

He lunged forward, but suddenly his feet were caught. Grass had wound itself around his legs in multiple layers.

Magic that drew upon the power of nature itself, not the kind of magic practiced by the nobility, but the primal sorcery of the indigenous peoples.

“Damn it!”

He sliced through the grass with his wand.

But when he looked up again, Noir had vanished into the night, he rushed to the carriage and looked inside. Empty. And the carriage itself was nothing more than an ordinary post coach.

Cendrillon’s face twisted with fury, and he kicked the carriage with all his strength.

“She was a devil from the very beginning. And I was too blind to see it... Damn it!”

Meanwhile, Karin was trembling inside the Angel’s Ark. Before she realized what was happening, she had found herself in a truly horrifying situation. The only way she could describe it, with her limited vocabulary, was as an “indecent place.”

The bed she lay on was perfectly ordinary, but the room was filled with an unfamiliar incense—an adult scent, sensual enough to seem as though it were stimulating the deepest recesses of her brain. Sultry music played softly, probably from a magical gramophone. The fact that such a thing could be installed in a private room was proof enough that this establishment catered to aristocratic clientele.

And to that music, a “cow” was dancing. No, “cow” was a charitable description. It was more like an enormous mass of flesh, swaying from side to side in time with the music while peeling off her clothes one by one.

“W-What are you doing?”

Karin’s voice trembled.

“I’m going to do something very nice.”

The reply came in a voice as deep as a war drum.

“Who are you? And where am I?”

“This is the Angel’s Ark, and I am Esmeralda.”

Using every scrap of knowledge she possessed, Karin pieced together the truth. This was an establishment where women entertained men. And the mountain of flesh before her was one such woman. Having reached that conclusion, there was only one course of action—escape.

“I’m leaving. Thank you.”

She bowed politely and leapt off the bed, only to be seized instantly. Esmeralda wrapped her in an embrace and pinned her back onto the mattress.

“Mmph! Mmgh!”

“It’s all right. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just leave everything to Esmeralda.”

Esmeralda’s sausage-thick fingers reached for Karin’s jacket. My wand! Where’s my wand?! Karin frantically darted her eyes around the room until she spotted it propped against the wall.

She stretched out her hand, but Esmeralda’s enormous body blocked her reach. As Karin flailed helplessly, Esmeralda gazed into her eyes.

“There, there. Nothing to fear.”

The whole situation was so humiliating and miserable that tears spilled from Karin’s eyes.

At once, Esmeralda froze.

“Do you have someone you love?”

“N-No, it’s not like that...”

There was no way Karin could admit that she was terrified because she was secretly a girl.

Esmeralda, however, drew her own conclusion.

“Protecting your chastity for the sake of the woman you love, eh? Men like you are rare these days.”

She withdrew her massive body and moved to the corner of the room, where she took a long draw from a water pipe and exhaled an enormous cloud of smoke.

“You’re going to become a fine knight. Esmeralda guarantees it.”

At any rate, she seemed to be free. Karin scrambled upright, snatched her wand, and rushed out of the room, not even bothering to straighten her disheveled clothes.

She sprinted through the tavern and burst out into the night. The moment she stepped outside, tears began streaming down her face, as Esmeralda’s words echoed in her mind.

“You’re going to become a fine knight.”

“There’s no way...”

Feeling more pathetic than ever, Karin trudged down the street alone.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c4

2026-07-22T07:20:35Z

Ltrf: Created page with "Duke Eustache’s residence stood not far from the Champ de Mars parade grounds. Built upon an enormous tract of land that dwarfed the estates of ordinary nobles, the mansion was so vast that one might easily mistake it for a royal palace. Foreign visitors unfamiliar with the city sometimes did exactly that, assuming this was the true seat of power. Indeed, the lavish four-story manor was known among the citizens of Tristain in hushed tones as the “New Palace.” Its..."

Duke Eustache’s residence stood not far from the Champ de Mars parade grounds. Built upon an enormous tract of land that dwarfed the estates of ordinary nobles, the mansion was so vast that one might easily mistake it for a royal palace. Foreign visitors unfamiliar with the city sometimes did exactly that, assuming this was the true seat of power.

Indeed, the lavish four-story manor was known among the citizens of Tristain in hushed tones as the “New Palace.”

Its master, Duke Eustache, sat upon a sofa, listening to music emanating from a magical phonograph. The melody that filled the room was warm and gentle, like a brook flowing through spring fields, but Eustache’s brow remained furrowed. With his irritation mounting, he abruptly picked up the machine and removed the glass vial inside. Water shimmered within it, carrying the information that reproduced the music. He selected another vial and inserted it into the phonograph. A mournful tune began to play. He listened to it in silence for a while, but soon blue veins rose on his pale face, and with a violent motion he hurled the phonograph against the wall.

The crash of shattering glass and splintering wood echoed through the room as the broken remains scattered across the floor.

“Damn it all! Is there not a single piece of music that matches my present mood?”

At that moment, a hidden door in the wall behind him slid open, and a beautiful blonde woman dressed in black shrine maiden robes stepped into the room.

“My, my. What a waste.”

It was Noir. Wearing her usual benevolent smile, she looked every bit the picture of a devout priestess.

“And whose fault do you think it is that I smashed it?”

Eustache turned and fixed Noir with a cold glare.

“Oh? Has something happened?”

“Has something happened? Don’t play coy! Who told you to turn an entire town into puppets? Thanks to that, there has been an uproar!”

“But, Your Grace, you did say to leave the method to us.”

“There are limits! And what was the meaning of targeting them while they were accompanying the princess? On top of that, you failed!”

Eustache shouted at her in anger, but Noir remained perfectly composed. Her serene smile never faltered as she gazed at him as though soothing a child throwing a tantrum.

“And because of your blunder, I was forced to relinquish the guard assignment I had worked so hard to obtain. How do you intend to take responsibility for that?”

“What is it that Your Grace truly desires?”

“Haven’t I told you? I intend to become king of this country.”

“So you were serious.”

Noir laughed lightly.

“Of course I am. Who do you think is truly running this kingdom? Me. Who is the man wearing the crown in that palace? What has he ever done? He nearly bankrupted the realm. At heart he is nothing more than a soldier. And yet, merely by virtue of his bloodline, he sits upon the throne. I cannot tolerate it.”

“Then why not simply take it? That is what you always do.”

“If it weas that simple, I would have done it long ago. But when the prize is the throne itself, matters are not so easy. Whether it is made to look like an accident, or accomplished with poison, the scent of murder always lingers somewhere. And when that happens, the first person to be suspected is the one who inherits the crown. I have many enemies. Rebellion would erupt immediately. That is why everything must be carried out with the utmost care.”

“How timid you are.”

“And what is wrong with caution? I fight only battles I am certain to win.”

Prudence was Eustache’s greatest weapon. That was why he had moved against the Magic Guard in the first place. By securing the royal protection detail for his own trusted knights, he had increased the chances of his plan succeeding.

“So your intention was to manipulate the king into surrendering the crown?”

“Hmph. I have devised a better method. I will make him kill his own daughter.”

A smile spread across Eustache’s face, chilling in its coldness.

“And in full view of the public, no less. Once he is declared mad, the crown will roll neatly into my hands. And as an added bonus, the troublesome princess will be removed as well. Two birds with one stone. But your current methods are inadequate. Anyone can see those corpses are animated by magic. This affair demands subtlety. There must not be even the slightest hint that they are being controlled.”

He waved a dismissive hand.

“Go back and tell your uncle this level of craftsmanship is unacceptable. Create puppets so flawless that no one can detect they are being manipulated. If you cannot do that, your funding will be cut off.”

Still smiling, Noir bowed and withdrew through the hidden door.

“Honestly. I can never tell what that woman is thinking.”

After muttering to himself, Eustache rang a bell.

A moment later, another woman entered from the adjoining room.

She was a girl of perhaps sixteen or seventeen, with shoulder-length black hair. Her drooping eyes and slightly rounded face gave her an appealing softness. She was not strikingly beautiful, but she possessed a warm, approachable charm.

She looked at Eustache with fear in her eyes.

Manacles bound her wrists. Upon closer inspection, iron shackles and a heavy ball-and-chain were fastened to her ankles as well.

She looked like a prisoner.

“Um...”

“What is it?”

“Please... take these off...”

Tears spilled from her eyes.

“That cannot be done.”

The girl collapsed to the floor. She seemed utterly exhausted, her face pale and her breathing ragged.

“...What about her? About Amias?”

“She is fine. Alive, and properly fed.”

The girl let out a sigh of relief before slumping fully onto the floor.

“Hey. What’s wrong? It would be inconvenient if you died. I have work prepared for you.”

“...I’m hungry.”

Her voice was barely audible.

“Well, you have gone without for an entire month. What an inconvenient creature.”

Muttering irritably, Eustache chanted a spell and made a small cut on his fingertip.

He held out his bleeding finger.

The girl extended her tongue. She caught the dripping blood upon it.

A strange light flickered in her eyes, and fangs emerged between her lips.

“What troublesome creatures vampires are. Human blood is the only thing they can stomach.”

The girl narrowed her eyes, as though enduring humiliation, but she could not suppress her hunger. Her tongue remained outstretched.

“That is enough. I cannot afford to lose too much blood.”

Eustache cast a brief healing spell, sealing the wound on his finger.

The girl looked up at him with a pleading expression.
[[File:ZNTso2 111.jpg|thumb]]
“Please... let Amias go... let my little sister go...”

“Dulcinea. If you succeed in your next assignment, I will set you free.”

“...Really?”

Dulcinea looked up at him with a pleading expression. Her face was that of an innocent girl who knew nothing of the world. Eustache smiled.

Vampires often possessed remarkably alluring faces. They were tools meant to lull prey into lowering their guard and drawing near. Eustache loved that duality. Then again, strip away the thin veneer, and human beings were much the same.

It had been about a year since Eustache acquired the vampire sisters. He had captured them using his own men. Whenever some troublesome matter arose, he would occasionally assign “work” to the elder sister, Dulcinea.

Could Uncle truly create a more convincing puppet?

Until then, this girl would serve as a temporary measure. If the target was the Magic Guard, she might actually be the more convenient option.

“...Who do you want me to go after?”

Dulcinea asked in a weary voice.

“Hm.”

Eustache tilted his head in thought.

Beneath Duke Eustache’s mansion stretched numerous secret passageways, known only to the duke himself and his closest confidants. These tunnels reached all across Tristania and were one of the tools that enabled Eustache to act as a king in the shadows.

Noir emerged from one such underground route into the cellar of a certain inn. When she ascended to the first floor, the innkeeper glanced at her and immediately lost interest. It was an establishment under Eustache’s protection.

Outside, evening already began to descend. The streets were nearly deserted, and the only sound was the cawing of crows returning to the forest.

Pulling up her hood, Noir walked down the empty road. Despite the deepening darkness, her steps remained steady. Leaving the main street behind, she turned onto a side path and continued onward.

Soon a small forest appeared before her. The dark woods loomed like some giant beast sleeping beneath the night sky. Noir stepped into the forest.

After walking for some time, the trees opened up to reveal a large communal cemetery. It was a burial ground for commoners, marked by rows of simple gravestones. Under the cover of night, the cemetery radiated an unmistakable eeriness.

Any ordinary woman would have been too frightened to enter.

Noir, however, did not change expression in the slightest as she made her way between the tombstones. At last she stopped before a particular grave marker and crouched beside it.

Feeling for a cleverly concealed switch hidden beneath the stone, she pressed it. A series of mechanical clicks sounded, and the gravestone slowly shifted aside. Perhaps out of fear of Detect Magic, no sorcery had been used in its construction.

Beneath the gravestone lay a staircase descending into darkness.

Noir started down. After descending quite a distance, she reached a corridor. At its end was a chamber about the size of a modest dance hall. Large glass containers stood in rows. Shelves overflowed with bottles of strange elixirs. A foul smell drifted all the way to the entrance. Smoke filled the air, though magical ventilation devices placed throughout the room wriggled ceaselessly, drawing in the polluted air and replacing it with clean air. The hum of those devices mingled with the sounds of countless magical instruments, producing a discordant noise that grated upon the ears.

In the midst of the experimental apparatus stood a short elderly man.

Noir approached him.

“I have returned, Count.”

The old man known as the Count turned around.

Perhaps because he spent all his time underground, his face was deathly pale. His white skin was deeply lined with wrinkles, giving him the appearance of a wax figure. His hands were rough and permanently reddened by chemicals. Long white hair hung down to his waist.

He looked less like a man than a ghost.

This was Count Ghouville, Eustache’s uncle.

Since his youth, he had devoted himself to necromancy—the art of reviving the dead. Even after being cast out from his house, he had continued his research in secret. Recently he had reunited with his nephew Eustache, who now funded his work.

“Oh? And how did it go?”

His voice emerged from his throat as a rasping croak.

“He says creations of this quality are useless.”

Count Ghouville’s face twisted.

“That boy. Even as a child he was absurdly demanding.”

“He says that if we cannot create better puppets, he will cut off all funding...”

Ghouville’s eyes flew wide open.

“What? What nonsense is he talking about? I am so close! So very close! My research is nearly complete! And at a time like this...”

Noir placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

“You have my sympathies.”

Ghouville shook his head in anguish.

“...Why? Why is it not enough? I know. I know, even without my nephew saying so. Those things are nothing more than living corpses. They are moved only by the power of Water. They have no will of their own. They cannot think or act independently. They simply pursue their objective like ants.”

Ghouville looked up at Noir with a wistful gaze.

“You, however, are different. Perfect. My masterpiece.”

“You honor me.”

“Something is missing. But I do not know what it is. If only I had the Andvari Ring, would things be different?”

Then he shook his head.

“No, no use dreaming of the impossible. I could never obtain the Andvari Ring. There is something else. Something needed to restore the heart. If I only had that... my kingdom would be complete.”

“A world where no one ever fights.”

“Exactly.”

“A wonderful world overflowing with nothing but love.”

“Yes! In that world, no one would quarrel or despise one another. They would cherish and care for each other. A true utopia. But without a heart, it is meaningless. Nothing but an illusion. Utterly worthless. Ironically, just as that fool Joshua Eustache says.”

Ghouville looked up at Noir.

“I want the former lover who killed you. There may be some kind of key hidden within him.”

Noir smiled serenely.

“Thank you for giving me such a delightful assignment.”

Kaze no Kishihime v2c3

2026-07-22T07:19:42Z

Ltrf: Created page with "After returning from Karina’s grave, Cendrillon became even more reserved. He drank less than before, but he also spoke less. Less, however, did not mean that he had stopped drinking completely. Every night he would drink, and when morning came he would head off somewhere. Then, when night fell, he would return and drink again. He had also removed himself from the palace guard rotation. Nor had he shown his face at Vivian’s mansion. Apparently he was investigating so..."

After returning from Karina’s grave, Cendrillon became even more reserved. He drank less than before, but he also spoke less. Less, however, did not mean that he had stopped drinking completely. Every night he would drink, and when morning came he would head off somewhere. Then, when night fell, he would return and drink again. He had also removed himself from the palace guard rotation. Nor had he shown his face at Vivian’s mansion. Apparently he was investigating something, but he offered Karin no explanation.

One day, having finally run out of patience, Karin asked him directly.

“What are you investigating?”

“I’m looking into the troupe of traveling performers Karine belonged to,” he replied.

“Why won’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s not the kind of work that suits you, and I can handle it perfectly well on my own.”

Those words made Karin feel as though he was rejecting her. ''I’ll handle it myself. Stay out of this...'' A sudden loneliness welled up inside her, and she pouted. Cendrillon and Karina... there was some kind of bond between them that seemed to transcend good and evil, morality and reason alike, and it felt like something she could never enter.

''I’m your partner, aren’t I? Maybe I’m only an apprentice, but still... More than that, I actually thought I could help you. So what do you mean, you’ll do it alone? You’re weak... and I’m the one who saved you!''

Like a sulking child, Karin stubbornly insisted.

“Take me with you.”

Cendrillon looked at her with an exasperated expression.

“You have your own duties, don’t you?”

He was right. Ever since that incident, Marianne began assigning Karin to guard her every day. Marianne trusted Karin completely after Karin saved her in Deauville, and the degree of her favor already became famous throughout the court.

Wearing a gloomy expression, Karin reported to the palace, and she was immediately shown to the princess’s bedchamber. Though she was still no more than a knight apprentice, Karin already became a notable figure at court. Even the guards assigned to the princess greeted her with warm smiles. As the princess’s favorite, everyone was eager to curry favor with her.

That very eagerness, however, was one of the things Karin found most irritating. Advancement was gratifying, certainly, but being fussed over for reasons that went beyond her actual abilities was not especially pleasant. Of course, she performed deeds worthy of recognition, so in that sense the praise was deserved. Even so, it left her feeling strangely embarrassed.

''Besides, that achievement wasn’t mine alone.''

It was a victory made possible by Cendrillon’s water magic and her own wind magic. But Cendrillon, who hated being in the spotlight, quietly allowed all of the credit to fall to Karin alone.

While Karin stood there wearing such a gloomy expression, the bedroom doors suddenly burst open with a bang, and Marianne appeared.

“Karin! Karin!”

Crying out her name, she ran over and threw her arms around her with obvious delight. The attendants standing nearby responded with wry smiles.

“Y-Your Highness... there are people watching...”

Karin said this with an awkward expression, and Marianne puffed out her cheeks.

“My! Are you saying you’re not happy to see me?”

“N-no... it’s not that...”

“I spent all last night thinking about you, you know? I even wrote a poem! And yet why are you making such a face?”

The ladies-in-waiting covered their mouths, apparently finding Marianne’s innocent lovestruck behavior charming. Karin herself, however, was in a panic. ''What am I supposed to do if she gets this attached to me...?'' she thought, feeling as though her head were about to explode.

“Will you listen? To my poem?”

“Your Highness, it is nearly time for breakfast,” one of the attendants said in a troubled voice.

“Oh, that’s fine! I’ll only read a little!”

Marianne rummaged through her papers, pulled out a sheet of parchment, and began to recite.

“O Karin, when I call your name,

stars fall, rain falls, and cats fall too.

And the fallen cat meows.

Meow.”

It was an utterly hopeless poem.

After a brief, heavy silence, the attendants offered a halfhearted round of applause.

Clapping... clapping... clapping.

Beaming proudly, Marianne looked up at Karin.

''She’s adorable, but... I’m not very good with this girl...''
[[File:ZNTso2 075.jpg|thumb]]
As Karin stood there rigid and unable to move, large tears began to gather in Marianne’s eyes

“I put so much thought into it... and cats are cute...”

“Th-they are! Cats are adorable! Absolutely!”

The moment Karin blurted that out, Marianne broke into a delighted smile.

Once breakfast was over, Marianne had to attend her etiquette lessons, and Karin remained by her side the entire time. Afterward came a period of free time, and Marianne leaned over and whispered into Karin’s ear.

“I want to go into town.”

“Oh...”

Karin immediately felt her spirits sink. What in the world was this princess thinking? After everything that happened so recently, she still seemed desperate to go out and have fun.

“It’s dangerous.”

Karin tried to reason with her, but Marianne had no intention of listening.

“It’ll be fine. No matter what happens, you’ll protect me, won’t you, Karin?”

“I am not confident that I could handle everything by myself if something were to happen.”

Karin answered honestly, but Marianne remained unmoved.

“It’ll be all right. I’ll have additional guards follow us. They’ll keep their distance.”

That would make them quite a spectacle.

“His Majesty will be furious...”

“No! Then kiss me!”

A kiss.

A shiver ran through Karin’s entire body. She did ''not'' want to kiss another girl.

Karin bowed her head.

“Very well. We shall go out. But if I sense even the slightest danger, we will return immediately.”

Marianne puffed out her cheeks.

“...Do you have some objection?”

“Don’t you want to kiss me?”

“W-well, that’s...! I am merely a knight apprentice, while Your Highness is the princess of this kingdom! It would be far too presumptuous!”

Karin hurriedly explained, but Marianne folded her arms as if refusing to accept such an excuse.

“It hurts my feelings that you dislike the idea of kissing me so much.”

''You were the one who offered it as a condition,'' Karin thought. What a princess. And yet that selfishness suited thirteen-year-old Marianne perfectly. In a way, Karin even envied her. Even if she were to fall in love with someone, she could never imagine expressing her feelings so openly.

Marianne gazed at Karin. Then her face crumpled, and tears began to well in her eyes.

“Please don’t hate me...”

“I-I don’t hate you!”

Karin waved her hands frantically. Marianne clenched her fists tightly in front of her chest.

“Then kiss me. And take me on a date.”

''I’ve been adored by a truly outrageous girl,'' Karin thought, finally surrendering. Closing her eyes, trembling all over, she puckered her lips. Marianne’s soft lips touched hers lightly for a brief moment, then pulled away.

When Karin opened her eyes, Marianne was looking down with her face completely flushed.

“...Thank you. I’m very happy.”

Karin felt her own cheeks redden.

“Ahem. Shall we go, then...?”

Changing into her usual town-girl outfit, Marianne slipped out through the back gate of the palace. Grasping Karin’s hand, she set off at a lively pace, her face radiant with excitement.

For a thirteen-year-old princess, simply stepping beyond the palace walls was probably an adventure dazzling enough to make her dizzy. She wore a bright, carefree expression that Karin had never once seen within the court.

“Your Highness! Where are we going?”

“Oh, honestly! Don’t call me ‘Your Highness’! You’ll reveal who I am. What was the point of dressing like this?”

“Ah... then what should I call you?”

“Marie is fine. Isn’t it lovely? Just like a real town girl!”

Linking arms with Karin, Marianne practically skipped down the street. Such a stunning pair—a beautiful girl and a beautiful boy—naturally drew admiring glances from everyone they passed.

''We’re conspicuous enough already...'' Karin thought gloomily.

But Marianne was astonishingly bold. Though she changed her hairstyle, she wore no real disguise at all. Very few people had ever seen the princess up close, but even so, this was reckless.

“If someone from the court sees us like this... there will be trouble.”

“Oh? At this point, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t know about you and me.”

Now that she mentioned it, that was probably true.

As she walked through the city beside Marianne’s cheerful figure, Karin gradually found herself enjoying the outing as well. Filled with boundless curiosity, Marianne darted into every shop they passed, chattering to the merchants in the local dialect and buying whatever caught her eye.

The basket Karin carried soon overflowed with an assortment of odds and ends: fruit, stuffed animals, hats, tableware... and countless other things besides.

“What a handful you are, young man.”

Balancing a cream pastry on top of the mountain of packages Karin was carrying, the old confectioner said this with a grin. Karin gave an ambiguous nod, and Marianne cried out happily.

“Do we really look like that?”

“Indeed you do. You make a lovely couple.”

“Eek! What should I do, Karin? He says we suit each other!”

“I-I am very pleased to hear that... Y-Your Highness... no, rather, Marie.”

“Say it in a more natural tone.”

“I’m happy, Marie.”

Karin recited the line in a completely flat voice, which only made Marianne squeal and throw herself into her arms.

Their next stop was a certain tailor’s shop.

“What is this place?”

“I’m having some clothes made for you.”

“That’s really not necessary.”

“But you only have one outfit.”

Marianne pointed at Karin’s knight uniform.

“Well... that’s true, but...”

“If that’s all you have, you won’t even be able to attend a ball. That would be a problem.”

“It would not be a problem. I am a warrior.”

“It would be a problem for me!”

The shop appeared to be quite popular, because the interior was crowded with customers.

“The clothes here are the height of fashion in the capital right now. The designs are so bold that if you don’t wear this shop’s creations, society won’t take you seriously.”

Karin looked around and had to admit that the garments were certainly unusual. She found herself wondering how anyone wearing bows that large could possibly see where they were going, when a boy who looked to be an apprentice hurried over to them.

“Welcome!”

But the moment he took in Marianne and Karin’s appearance, he apparently decided they were just a town girl and a poor young nobleman. His attitude instantly turned cold.

“We’re rather busy right now. We’re not taking new customers.”

Marianne, however, remained completely unfazed.

“Please fetch the proprietor.”

“He’s busy. He can’t come down.”

“Just go get him.”

“I told you, that’s impossible!”

“You’re going to be scolded later if you don’t.”

Clicking his tongue, the boy disappeared upstairs. A moment later, a fussy-looking middle-aged man descended.

“Didn’t I tell you to turn away new orders?”

“It’s this strange girl, sir...”

“I said we’re fully booked at the moment... h-huh?”

The moment the proprietor saw Marianne’s face, he went pale. His throat bobbed, and he immediately bowed deeply.

“M-my, my... Y-young... no, milady!”

“I’d like to have some clothes made. Is that possible?”

“Y-yes! At once!”

The proprietor spun around and shouted at the apprentice, who was still standing there in stunned silence.

“You! Quickly! Bring the pattern templates from the top drawer!”

“That won’t be necessary. I’d like you to make clothes for him today.”

Marianne pointed at Karin.

“For this gentleman?”

The proprietor blinked in surprise.

“That’s right. Make him something splendid. Something he can wear anywhere without embarrassment.”

“Certainly. This way, please.”

Karin and Marianne were led upstairs.

When it came time to take measurements, Karin panicked.

''Will this be all right?'' she thought. ''I have a woman’s body, after all. If a professional touches me, there’s no way they won’t notice.''

As a result, Karin put up an extraordinary amount of resistance.

“No! That won’t be necessary! Truly, there’s no need!”

“I’m afraid that is impossible. We cannot make clothes without taking your measurements.”

“That’s right, Karin. What are you unhappy about?”

The proprietor clapped his hands as if he had suddenly understood.

“Ah, I see! You dislike having your measurements taken, is that it?”

Karin’s heart nearly exploded.

''Have I been found out? Does he know I’m a woman?''

“Why? Why don’t you want to?”

Marianne asked innocently.

''It’s over...''

Karin sank into despair. If Marianne discovered that she was actually a girl, she would never forgive her. At best, it would be the dungeon. At worst... the executioner’s block.

Just as she reached for her wand, ready to flee—

“Many noblemen dislike being touched by commoners!”

The proprietor said this with a cheerful smile.

“Huh?”

“Allow me to reveal the secret behind why so many aristocrats favor the House of Bolbadeur!”

With that, he produced a measuring tape. At first glance it looked perfectly ordinary, but when he tapped it, the tape unfurled on its own. The marked ribbon wriggled through the air like a snake.

“This magical measuring tape takes all measurements by itself.”

Karin felt a wave of relief so intense she nearly died.

The clothing would be finished in four days at the earliest. Marianne, after all, had poured all of her taste and enthusiasm into designing Karin’s new wardrobe. The other customers, who had no idea who they were, could only stare at the two of them in bewilderment.

One noble customer muttered quietly,

“Good heavens. Doesn’t that town girl look exactly like Lady Marianne?”

Karin froze.

But another customer immediately replied,

“Now then, don’t say such disrespectful things. Lady Marianne is far more refined. Only the face resembles her.”

Marianne stuck out her tongue at Karin.

Karin could not help but laugh.

By the time they left the shop, evening had already fallen. Marianne slipped her arm through Karin’s. Karin gave a small start, but in the end she allowed it.

At that moment, Marianne said softly, almost to herself.

“Thank you for today. And I’m sorry for always asking so much of you.”

“N-not at all... I had fun as well.”

“It’s all right. I understand. You only indulge me because of your position, don’t you, Karin?”

“Huh?”

When Karin turned to her in surprise, she saw not the spoiled child she was used to, but the face of a princess staring straight ahead.

“You’re my retainer. Of course you have to put up with a princess’s selfishness. The same goes for all those people. They made my clothes out of order because I’m a princess. But I want you to understand something. Just because everyone grants my every whim doesn’t mean I’m happy at all. This is the only time I have. Sooner or later, a prince from some foreign kingdom will arrive, and they’ll tell me, ‘Marianne, this is to be your husband.’”

Karin looked at Marianne in silence.

“Everything I’m doing now is preparation for that day. Lessons so that I can become Marianne, Queen of Tristain. And when that happens, I won’t be able to walk with you like this anymore. Flowers bloom only briefly. Not that I’m beautiful enough to be called a flower.”

Karin shook her head.

“Your Highness is the loveliest lady in the kingdom.”

“Thank you, Karin. Hearing you say that makes me very happy.”

Then Marianne smiled—a full, radiant smile, like a flower in bloom—and Karin felt a painful tightness in her chest.

Her eyes grew unexpectedly warm.

Before she knew it, she had dropped to one knee.

Marianne responded with graceful elegance, extending her hand. Taking it reverently in both of hers, Karin pressed her lips to it.

After escorting Marianne safely back to the palace, Karin remained on duty for a while longer. Once she had handed over her post before dinner, she began the walk home.

On the way back, her thoughts remained fixed on Marianne.

''I thought she was just a carefree child who never thought about anything. But she does think. I looked down on her as nothing more than a spoiled princess.''

Karin felt ashamed of herself.

''For her sake... I have to solve this incident, no matter what. I can’t be her lover, but at the very least, I want to protect the future waiting for her. As a true knight should.''

Four days later, Karin went to the tailor to collect the outfit that was completed. The moment she saw it, she gasped. In a word, it was spectacularly tasteless.

The jacket was made of glittering satin yellow. It was covered from top to bottom in feathers and lace, and on the back was a massive manticore embroidered in all its glory. Then there were the trousers. Pure white, which would have been fine, except that dragons danced along both outer seams. For some reason, their eyes were actual gemstones. But the hat was the true masterpiece. A wide brim was one thing, but why did it shimmer in seven colors? What was the purpose of the skull that appeared depending on the angle of the light? And the crystal skull mounted on the crown went far beyond excess and entered the realm of utter incomprehensibility. It even glowed. And as if that weren’t enough, there was a butterfly-shaped mask encrusted with jewels. Only after putting the whole ensemble on did Karin discover that it also had a tail. She had absolutely no idea what she was looking at.

''I’m really going to wear this...''

Karin had never cared much about clothing. Her tastes were entirely ordinary. For someone like her, this outfit was a form of torture.

But when she remembered Marianne’s smiling face, even this absurd costume began to seem strangely endearing.

The shopkeeper clapped a hand over his mouth the moment he saw her.

“Oof.”

“It is fine.”

“W-we merely made exactly what was ordered!”

“I know.”

Wearing the outrageous outfit, Karin stepped outside. She carried herself with dignity, back straight and chest proud. Passersby stared at her in shock, but she paid them no mind.

Then a group of mounted knights came into view and at that moment Karin’s eyes narrowed.

Approaching from the opposite direction was none other than the Unicorn Corps. Her hand instinctively moved to her wand, but she restrained herself and stepped to the side of the road, intending to let them pass.

Unfortunately, one of the unicorn-mounted knights spotted her at once.

“Well, well! If it isn’t Karin of the Magic Guard!”

At his shout, every rider turned to look.

“It really is him! Good grief, what is that outfit?”

The knights burst into loud laughter. Karin nearly drew her wand.

But Cendrillon’s words flashed through her mind.

''Don’t cause trouble.''

Biting her lip hard, Karin turned to leave, but then one of the knights flicked his wand and tore off the tail from her costume.

“Look at this! It even has a tail!”

“Perfect for an apprentice!”

Before she knew it, Karin had turned back and drawn her wand in one smooth motion.

“I don’t care if you mock me. But I will not forgive anyone who mocks this outfit.”

To her, insulting these clothes was the same as trampling on Marianne’s heartfelt feelings. That, Karin could not allow.

The smiles vanished from the Unicorn knights’ faces.

“So, you’ve drawn your wand.”

“I have.”

The knights wheeled their mounts to face her. At that point, Cendrillon’s warning had been blown completely from Karin’s mind. All that remained was blazing anger.

That anger stirred the wind. It swirled around her in tightening circles until a miniature cyclone formed, whipping around her body. Signs rattled. Doors slammed. Pedestrians stopped and watched from a safe distance.

“Listen carefully, boy. We are nobles, and so are you. Once wands are drawn, this ends only when one of us is struck through the chest with magic. Understood?”

“Gladly.”

With that, the knight began chanting despite being in the middle of a crowded street. A massive sphere of flame hurtled toward Karin, but before it could strike her, she swept her wand through the air.

A fierce gust erupted and snuffed out the fireball instantly.

“In the middle of the city!”

Karin shouted furiously. Wrapping her wand in ''Blade'', she launched herself straight into the center of her enemies. The Unicorn knights responded in unison, chanting ''Blade'' and lunging forward to skewer her. But Karin, driven by righteous fury, danced through the air with flawless control over the wind. She leapt from rooftop to rooftop, evading every attack without allowing a single blow to touch her.

Soon the street was packed with spectators, and the commotion grew even louder.

Members of the Magic Guard who happened to witness the fight sprinted to the tavern where the squad often gathered and informed everyone there that Karin was in danger.

Bacchus and Narcissus were among those present.

“Hurry and back him up! He’ll get himself killed!”

Bacchus roared, and the Magic Guard members immediately rushed out of the tavern.

“Someone go fetch Cendrillon!”

Narcissus shouted, and one man broke away and ran toward Cendrillon’s house.

By the time ten members of the Magic Guard arrived, the battle had become even more chaotic.

Three Unicorn knights were already sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
[[File:ZNTso2 093.jpg|thumb]]
At the center of the crowd’s attention stood Karin. Using her wind magic with extraordinary skill, she bounded from rooftop to rooftop, effortlessly avoiding the spells hurled at her.

The knights of the Unicorn Corps now numbered close to twenty. They unleashed spell after spell at Karin all at once, but with the wind at her side she evaded them effortlessly. From time to time one of the knights would take to the air in an attempt to corner her, but no one in the Unicorn Corps could match Karin in aerial combat. Each challenger was swiftly beaten back and sent crashing to the ground. The knights groaning below were the casualties of those failed attempts.

“Damn it! If that’s how it’s going to be, we’ll all go up and capture him together!”

Just as one of the knights shouted this, Bacchus and the rest of the Magic Guard came flooding into the street.

“Support Karin!”

The sudden arrival of the Magic Guard made the Unicorn Corps hesitate for an instant, but they quickly recovered and answered by casting ''Blades''.

The battle that followed was spectacular and lasted for more than ten minutes. The Unicorn Corps held a slight advantage in numbers, but the efforts of Karin, Bacchus, and Narcissus turned the tide.

At last, the Unicorn Corps gathered up their wounded and fled. The Magic Guard raised a victorious cheer, and the citizens who had been watching rewarded them with applause. Clashes like this between the Unicorn Corps and the Magic Guard were so common that they became a form of entertainment for the townspeople.

In the middle of all the commotion, Cendrillon came running up.

“What is the meaning of this?”

At the fury in his voice, the members of the Magic Guard fell silent as if doused with cold water.

“Hey, Cendrillon! We won! Those bastards were nothing! See? If you just face them head-on—”

“You idiot! I told you not to lay a hand on them!”

Cendrillon shouted, his face contorted with anger and Karin’s expression twisted with shock.

“But... they were the ones who provoked us...”

“And why does that matter? Responding is exactly what they wanted! Do you understand that?”

''What’s with him...? We won. He could at least praise me. They insulted the princess’s feelings. Does he even understand that? And the incident in Deauville—those people are obviously behind it. Yet all he can talk about is investigating.''

''And he still can’t forget his former lover.''

''You said you were happy she was alive...''

“You—you couldn’t solve this case if your life depended on it! Not a coward and a weakling like you!”

The instant the words left her mouth, a sharp crack rang out. Cendrillon had slapped her across the face. His own face was deathly pale. Karin’s eyes widened in disbelief. Then her expression crumpled, and a single tear slid from the corner of her upturned eye. Pressing a hand to her cheek, she turned and ran.

Bacchus, who had witnessed the entire exchange, rounded on Cendrillon.

“Hey, Cendrillon! Why are you yelling at Karin? He took on the Unicorn Corps by himself! If he hadn’t held them off, we’d have lost!”

“What good does it do to decide winners and losers over something like this? No matter how you look at it, we were the ones who took the bait. He was the first to draw her wand. Isn’t that right?”

“Ugh...”

Bacchus turned pale.

“There’s no telling what kind of trap they’re setting for us. And He had to make such a spectacle of it...”

As Cendrillon glared around and muttered under his breath, Narcissus said calmly,

“The one who seems emotional here is you. Though I agree—this was the wrong time to start a fight.”

Cendrillon clenched his fist and addressed everyone present.

“In any case, we’re going to Lady Vivian’s estate. We need to report what happened. And if I had to guess, we’ll be summoned to the palace before the night is over.”

When they reported the matter to Vivian, she listened with an air of complete indifference.

“It will turn out however it turns out,” was her only comment.

Just as Cendrillon had predicted, they had scarcely arrived at Vivian’s estate before an order came from the palace summoning them at once.

Since Karin herself disappeared, Vivian, Bacchus, and Narcissus were the ones who appeared before the king. Philip III was in an exceptionally foul mood.

“So Marianne’s favorite little apprentice was the one who struck first, was he? I can already see Eustache’s smug face before my eyes! I know exactly what that man will say. ‘Your Majesty, this makes it perfectly clear which side are the true ruffians!’”

Vivian, who had heard the whole story, interjected in a conciliatory tone.

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, it was the Unicorn Corps who provoked them first.”

“That may be so. But the timing could not have been worse! At any rate, punishment must be handed down. It was our side that drew a wand first. Eustache punished his men the other day, and if I do not do the same, the scales will not balance. First, every guard who took part in the disturbance will have his pay docked for three months. In consideration of their service in saving Marianne, I believe that is an appropriate measure.”

Narcissus and Bacchus both went pale.

“And as for the apprentice boy who started the entire affair... he will be dismissed from the Magic Guard.”

Everyone present stared in shock.

“Even if he is Marianne’s favorite, I cannot show favoritism. Hm... my daughter will surely resent me for this, but my hands are tied.”

“Your Majesty, I beg you to show mercy!”

Bacchus, ever soft-hearted, cried out.

“No. This pains me as well. I am being forced to cut short the future of a promising young man.”

Philip III then ordered everyone except Cendrillon to leave.

Once they were alone, he asked:

“Well then, have you learned anything about that woman?”

“I confirmed the grave where I buried her. It was empty.”

“And what of her trail afterward?”

“I investigated the troupe of traveling performers she belonged to... but it had long since disbanded. I managed to speak with several former members, but none of them knew anything about Karina.”

“So the woman remains hidden in darkness.”

Cendrillon nodded silently.

Philip III sat in thought for some time before shaking his head.

“Then there is nothing more to be done on that front for the moment. No information has reached me either.”

“I regret that.”

The king leaned forward.

“Now then, putting that aside. I have done some thinking about this matter, and I would like you to hear my conclusions. Come to think of it, I have never had anyone I could truly call a trusted confidant. I cannot bring myself to trust the people at court.”

“As Your Majesty commands.”

Philip III glanced around to make certain they were alone, then lowered his voice.

“If this series of plots is truly Eustache’s doing, what do you believe his aim to be?”

It was a testing gaze. Without changing expression, Cendrillon replied.

“This is merely my personal opinion, but... I believe the object of his desire is the crown Your Majesty wears.”

Philip III nodded.

“Just so. That is my conclusion as well. The man has obtained everything in this kingdom. If there is one thing he still lacks... it is the title of king itself. But then why does he not strike directly at me? If he were to kill me, everything would be his.”

“Duke Eustache is a very intelligent man. If Your Majesty were to die by so obvious a method, it would amount to publicly proclaiming that he was responsible for the assassination. If he were branded a traitor, he would lose everything he has gained.”

Philip III smiled.

“If this were wartime, I would appoint you as my chief strategist.”

“You honor me beyond measure.”

“Even so, I cannot simply banish Eustache. Without that man, this country would scarcely function. A body cannot move without its heart.”

Cendrillon found himself at a loss for words. That was exactly the problem. Even if Eustache was indeed the mastermind behind these events... they could not simply destroy him. That was why he urged Karin and the others to be cautious and to restrain themselves.

“What would you do?” the king asked suddenly.

Caught off guard, Cendrillon scratched his head.

“Well... I believe the best course would be for Your Majesty to govern directly.”

Philip III burst into loud laughter.

“Don’t be absurd. No one understands his own limitations better than the man himself. I am not suited to politics. This affair has made that abundantly clear.”

The king nodded as though he had reached a firm decision.

“I shall bring in a new chancellor... and a new heir apparent.”

Cendrillon’s eyes widened.

“The problem is that there is no one to replace Eustache. That fact alone has made him arrogant. Then the answer is simple: we must create a replacement. This is war, Cendrillon. The moment I began to think of it as war, everything became clear. First, we must strengthen our own position beyond all doubt. Only then will we strike back.”

Cendrillon bowed deeply. Indeed, there seemed to be no other way.

“For now, we endure. There is no telling what methods they may use. Endure until the day comes for us to retaliate, Cendrillon.”

Philip III extended his hand. Cendrillon reverently took it and pressed his lips to it.

As he was about to leave, Cendrillon bowed once more.

“I have one request.”

“What is it? I intend to grant you anything within my power, so speak freely.”

“It concerns Karin, the apprentice of the Magic Guard...”

“No. On that matter, I cannot yield. We must not give our enemies any opening.”

Cendrillon said nothing more and left the room.

When he returned to his quarters, he found Karin in the sitting room, buried beneath a blanket like a small hill. Seeing her like that, Cendrillon let out a deep sigh. He poured himself a drink first and downed it in one gulp.

“Karin.”

No answer.

“I need to talk to you.”

From beneath the blanket came the sound of a sniffle, followed by a small, shaky voice.

“...I have nothing to say to you.”

“Maybe not. But I have something to say to you.”

At that, a cup flew out from under the blanket and struck him squarely on the head. Like a child. Well, she was a child. And now he had to force a painful reality on that child.

Cendrillon held his head in his hands. But he had to say it.

“Listen... don’t be shocked. Absolutely do not be shocked. All right...? Well... um...”

He shook his head awkwardly, struggling to get the words out.

“You... don’t have to go to the palace anymore starting tomorrow.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean exactly what it sounds like...”

Karin slowly poked her face out from under the blanket.

Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

“Say it.”

“...You’ve been dismissed from the Magic Guard.”

“W-Why?”

“Why? Because I told you! I warned you over and over that this was dangerous and that you had to keep your head down! I told you not to make the first move! Eustache had already dismissed one of his own men over the previous incident, remember? His Majesty says he has to do the same or it won’t look fair!”

Karin stared at him, mouth hanging open. For several moments she remained completely motionless.

“...Damn it. There’s nothing I can do about it now. You’ve got nowhere else to go, so stay here for the time being. Maybe another chance will come for me to plead your case before the king...”

But Karin still did not move.

When Cendrillon lightly shook her shoulder, she toppled backward.

“Karin!”

He cried out in alarm. There was no response. Karin had fainted dead away.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c2

2026-07-22T07:14:15Z

Ltrf: Created page with "That night... When Cendrillon and the others returned from the palace and reported everything that had happened, Vivian’s residence erupted into celebration at the news that the Royal Mage Guard had been restored to its duty of protecting the king. Amid the revelry of the drunken guardsmen, Karin alone wore a troubled expression. ''This is no time for celebrating!'' The king was no better. It was obvious to anyone that Eustache and the Unicorn Guard were the prime..."

That night...

When Cendrillon and the others returned from the palace and reported everything that had happened, Vivian’s residence erupted into celebration at the news that the Royal Mage Guard had been restored to its duty of protecting the king.

Amid the revelry of the drunken guardsmen, Karin alone wore a troubled expression.

''This is no time for celebrating!''

The king was no better.

It was obvious to anyone that Eustache and the Unicorn Guard were the prime suspects. And yet he had allowed himself to be talked around almost instantly. At this rate, Eustache would be free to do whatever he pleased. One had to wonder who the real king was.

And as for Narcissus and Bacchus, they seemed interested only in drinking and rejoicing over the restoration of their duties.

As far as Karin was concerned, if they had time to drink and make merry, they ought to be using it to uncover Eustache’s secrets. But because she had no idea how to go about doing that, she wanted to discuss it with the others.

“...Honestly, where has that drunkard wandered off to?”

Karin searched for Cendrillon, but he was nowhere to be seen. Looking around with a glass still in her hand, she finally spotted him standing beside the staircase, drinking alone with a deeply pensive look on his face.

She approached and called out to him.

“Hey, Cendrillon.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“What were you talking about with the king?”

“He ordered me to investigate.”

“Investigate whom?”

“That woman. My former lover.”

“Do you have any leads?”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“Then we should confront Grand Duke Eustache immediately!”

“Now, now. Don’t say things like that so loudly.”

Cendrillon lowered his voice as he spoke.

“No matter how you look at it, Eustache and the Unicorn Guard are obviously suspicious. What do you mean by simply letting them be?”

“We have no proof. No conclusive proof.”

After everything that happened, to say that they could do nothing simply because there was no proof—Karin found that impossible to accept.

Her feminine intuition was screaming at full force that Eustache and the Unicorn Guard were guilty.

“At this rate, they’ll get the better of us again.”

“Then what would you have us do? Pick a fight with the Unicorn Guard ourselves? That would be civil war.”

“But still!”

“Calm down. Right now, we have no evidence. If they say Angelo was merely a former member, that is the end of the matter.”

“That’s just an excuse!”

“If you want to put it that way, Angelo once wore the uniform of the Royal Mage Guard as well. To speak plainly, neither the Unicorn Guard nor our Royal Mage Guard can boast too much about the backgrounds of all their members. Quite a few are impoverished nobles, and others are former mercenaries. It is not unusual for a former member to cause trouble.”

“Ugh...”

“Yes, they are suspicious. But that is all. Nothing more and nothing less. If we decide they are guilty and strike first, we will be doing exactly what the enemy wants. And for all we know... the Unicorn Guard and Grand Duke Eustache may have nothing to do with this.”

He paused, then added with a faint smile.

“Though, to be honest, I doubt that myself. In any case, our priority is to determine the enemy’s objective. Why is the Royal Mage Guard such an obstacle to them? What are they truly after? Until we know that, there is no way to act.”

Hearing Cendrillon state it so matter-of-factly, Karin fell silent with a frustrated groan.

The reality before her felt nothing like the glamorous world of knights she had imagined.

And yet, even after hearing his reasoning, Karin had no intention of backing down.

“Don’t look so disappointed. For now, let us be satisfied that we have at least been reinstated. Listen to me carefully: under no circumstances are you to act on your own. Carry out your duties as usual. Understood?”

Cendrillon reached out and ruffled Karin’s hair as she stood there, clearly unconvinced.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of letting this matter be swept aside. Absolutely none.”

Even after hearing those words, Karin could not bring herself to nod.

''Hmm... Is this man really just a coward after all?''

The thought crossed her mind.

The other day, he seemed to reach some kind of resolution. But perhaps he was still the same timid man as before...

Perhaps he intended to let this matter quietly fade away.

''Don’t be ridiculous,'' Karin thought.

An entire town of innocent people died.

If they simply waited for the enemy to make the next move, there was no telling how many more would perish.

“And you still call yourself a nobleman!”

“Karin...”

Cendrillon scratched his head helplessly.

“That’s enough! I was a fool to expect anything from you!”

“H-hey!”

Karin turned on her heel and strode away in long, angry steps.

“Honestly... does she know no strategy other than charging straight ahead?”

Left behind, Cendrillon let out a sigh and muttered to himself.

Next, Karin marched over to Bacchus, who was drinking and laughing loudly with the other guardsmen.

“Hey, Bacchus!”

“Hm? Oh, Karin. What is it?”

His easygoing manner only irritated her further.

“What do you mean, ‘what is it’? How can you possibly be this relaxed?”

“Well, when I’m drinking, I like to relax.”

With that, Bacchus drained his cup.

Something about his attitude made Karin’s temper flare.

“Don’t you think Grand Duke Eustache and the Unicorn Guard are suspicious?!”

“Of course I do.”

“Then this is no time to be drinking!”

Bacchus blinked and asked in genuine surprise.

“What did Cendrillon say?”

“He said there’s no proof and that we should leave it alone for now. He really is a coward!”

Bacchus stroked his chin and gave a large nod.

“Then that must be the right answer.”

“What?! He’s a coward!”

“No. I mean Cendrillon is right.”

“What did you say?!”

“I’m not very clever, you know. I leave the thinking to Cendrillon. If he says this is what we should do, then that’s what we should do.”

''What kind of answer is that?!''

Exasperated, Karin decided to go argue with Narcissus next.

But Narcissus was nowhere to be seen.

After searching for him, she found him in the kitchen, busily flirting with one of the maids.

“Please, Lord Narcissus... Lady Vivian will scold me.”

“It’ll be fine. Lady Vivian would never come somewhere like this. Come on, accept my love. Here.”

“This is not love... ah!”

“Come now, tell me how handsome and irresistible I am. Go on.”

“Y-yes, Lord Narcissus, you are indeed very handsome... mm!”

“See? And look at all this love. Love, my dear. It’s overflowing, isn’t it?”

Karin, her face bright red, strode over and brought her fist down on Narcissus’s head with a loud ''whack!''

“W-what was that for?!”

“Lewd behavior is prohibited.”

Seizing the opportunity, the maid hastily straightened her disheveled clothing and fled.

“Hey! Wait, Julietta! Karin! What possible grudge do you have against me?!”

But the moment he saw Karin draw her wand, Narcissus panicked.

“W-wait! Why are you so angry?”

“Y-you... at a time like this... how can you be flirting with women so casually?!”

“At a time like this? What exactly do you mean?”

“Can we really afford to ignore Grand Duke Eustache and the Unicorn Guard?!”

At once, Narcissus’s expression turned serious.

“What did Cendrillon say?”

“Again with him! He said we should leave it alone for now. He’s a coward!”

“Then that settles it.”

“Don’t you think they’re suspicious?! You really think it’s fine to leave things as they are?!”

“Of course I think they’re suspicious.”

“Then why?!”

“Because if Cendrillon says that is the right course of action, then we should follow his judgment. I’ve never known him to be wrong.”

“You too?!”

Karin’s shoulders slumped, and she let out a deep sigh.

Meanwhile, Vivian approached Cendrillon, who sat drinking as usual with his customary air of weary detachment.

She stood there for a moment, silently watching him lift his cup to his lips.

Then she asked:

“Is it true that your former lover is involved in this?”

Cendrillon gave a single nod.

“Hmm... And you told His Majesty everything?”

“Yes.”

“Honest as ever. In this case, that may have worked in your favor.”

Vivian studied him for a moment longer.

Then she said:

“You are to withdraw from this matter.”

“Why?”

Cendrillon looked genuinely surprised.

Vivian sighed.

“Because it will be difficult for you to deal with someone who was once the woman you loved.”

“What are you talking about? His Majesty himself ordered me to investigate this. This is something I must resolve with my own hands—”

“Don’t be foolish. Your emotions will cloud your judgment.”

Cendrillon frowned.

“Surely you don’t think I’m that kind of man.”

“You are exactly that kind of man. You could never bring yourself to hate a woman once you had truly loved her.”

“...”

Without answering, Cendrillon drained his cup.

“If you involve yourself in this affair,” Vivian said quietly, “I suspect you are going to see something you would rather not see. That is what my instincts tell me.”

“A woman’s intuition?”

“Something like that.”

Vivian let out another weary sigh.

“Take any horse you like from the stables.”

Leaving those words behind, Vivian turned and walked away.

Cendrillon bowed his head slightly toward her retreating back, then poured himself another cup of wine.

The next morning… Karin awoke with a throbbing head. Apparently she had drunk herself to sleep at Vivian’s mansion.

After getting angry at her pathetic comrades the night before, she ended up drinking far more wine than she was used to. In the mansion’s sitting room, the members of the Guard were sprawled across the floor, dead drunk.

''Honestly, can these people really be trusted with protecting His Majesty?''

As she was thinking that, she saw Cendrillon leaving through the front entrance.

She hurried after him.

He went around to the stables and was fastening a saddle onto a horse.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“There’s something I want to look into. I’m counting on you to hold down the fort.”

With that, he swung lightly into the saddle.

Karin stared at him blankly for a moment, then shouted:

“I’m coming too!”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“No. You’re staying here.”

Ignoring him, Karin suddenly climbed up onto the horse behind him.

“No way!”

Cendrillon stared at her for a while, then slowly shook his head.

“There are things there I’d rather you didn’t see.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re always mistaking me for Karina.”

At those words, Karin’s face turned bright red.

“T-then that gives me even more right to see it!”

“Maybe so.”

With that, Cendrillon dug in his heels, and the horse sprang forward.

“Where are we going?”

Cendrillon did not answer.

On the second day after leaving Tristain and riding northeast along the highway, they arrived in a peaceful rural district. To Karin, who had grown up on the western edge of Tristain, it was a completely unfamiliar place. But the richness of the harvests made it obvious that this was a prosperous region. A lazy, tranquil atmosphere hung over everything.

“Could this be where you were born?”

“More or less around here,” came the vague reply.

His evasive tone suggested that he did not want her to know exactly where his family estate was. Even at the inn where they spent the previous night, Cendrillon refused to answer any of her questions. As soon as he finished eating, he went straight to bed without even touching any wine.

Karin decided not to press him any further. Before long, Cendrillon pulled his hood low over his face, as though trying to hide himself, and stopped speaking altogether. He had never been a particularly talkative man to begin with, but now he did not even bother answering when Karin spoke to him.

In front of her was Cendrillon’s back.

At first glance he looked slender, but Karin knew that beneath his clothes was a body of solid, well-trained muscle.

Seen from behind like this, his shoulders looked broad.

''He really is a man.''

Karin thought to herself.

''Must be nice.''

He was free to chase his dreams. And yet he remained trapped in the past, spending his days drowning himself in alcohol. ''Does he really intend to solve this case?''

Perhaps, now that he knew their enemy might be Grand Duke Eustache—the man feared even by the king himself—he had lost his nerve.

What exactly was he planning to do by returning to his homeland?

Surely he was not intending to run away and hide there.

''And he calls himself a man.''

Karin felt an almost irresistible urge to shout those words at his back. This was no time to retreat. Investigating the Unicorn Guard should have been their first priority. So what if they were discovered? Then they would simply fight. Civil war? If they settled it quickly, there would be no problem. If they left the enemy alone, there was no telling what they might do next.

Karin looked down at her left hand.

In the past, she wasn't able to summon courage unless she wrote the word ''courage'' on her palm.

But she was different now. She no longer needed such a suggestion. She was strong enough to fight on her own.

''Proceed carefully, proceed carefully... isn’t that just another way of saying you’re afraid?''

A knight was supposed to confront her enemy openly and honorably.

As she was thinking that, Cendrillon left the highway and led the horse into the forest. After some time, he brought the horse to a stop.

“...Is this your family estate?”

No matter how she looked at it, they were deep within a dense, overgrown forest.

A hunter’s hut or a woodcutter’s shack would have made sense here, but certainly not the manor house of a noble family.

Still, Cendrillon did not answer.

Parting the undergrowth, he revealed a narrow path so faint it was barely recognizable as a trail at all.

Without a word, he stepped onto it.

“Wait! Where are you going?”

Karin hurried after him. Cendrillon moved with easy familiarity, picking his way through the woods as though he walked this path many times before. Karin, unaccustomed to forest travel, nearly slipped again and again on roots and moss.

“Hey, wait... don’t go so fast... wah!”

Trying to catch up, Karin stumbled over a root and nearly fell. Cendrillon immediately turned and caught her by the hand.

“...Ah.”

Karin felt her face flush. Cendrillon’s expression was utterly serious. His usually sleepy eyes were wide open, filled with unmistakable concern for her.

“Are you all right?”

“Y-yeah...”

Karin nodded before she even realized it. Then Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh and shook his head. The serious look faded from his face. At that moment, Karin realized something.

''He just mistook me for Karina.''

''So that was the face he used to make when he looked at her...''

For some reason, the thought irritated her.

He never looked at her that way. Of course he didn’t.

And yet, for some reason, she found that impossible to forgive. With a faint pout, Karin continued following him.

After walking for nearly an hour, they suddenly emerged into an open clearing. It was like stepping from darkness into a fragment of heaven.

A spring bubbled at the center, and stones encircled it. Flowers bloomed in abundance, and butterflies danced through the air. The scene seemed like life itself distilled into its purest essence.

Karin stood there for a long moment, utterly captivated.

“This,” Cendrillon said in a distant voice, “is my ‘homeland.’”

The way he said the word carried countless emotions.

“What exactly is here?”

“Karina’s grave.”

For an instant, Karin was speechless. Without hesitation, Cendrillon walked to a stone by the spring, then he knelt and began digging at the moss-covered base.

Karin immediately understood what he was trying to do and rushed to his side.

“What are you doing?”

“I buried Karine here.”

Apparently, he intended to dig up his former lover’s grave.

“Stop!”

Before she knew it, Karin had shouted. Digging up a grave... the very thought of it was enough to make her skin crawl.

“I have to see for myself. I have to know whether that was really Karina, or whether it was some imitation. Whether it was truly her. Whether she was brought back by magic... or not.”

Cendrillon began to chant. Using the common magic spell ''Levitation'', he started digging up the earth. Karin squeezed her eyes shut.

What if bones appeared? What if there was nothing there?

Either possibility promised a sight crushing enough to break one’s heart.

Cendrillon still loved her.

Watching the dreams that haunted him night after night, and remembering the expression on his face when he had taken her hand earlier, Karin was certain of it.

That was why she wanted Karina to be alive. And yet, that same woman had become someone capable of acts worthy of a demon.

So she also wanted that figure not to be Karina at all.

In other words, she wanted Karina to remain sleeping peacefully in this place. Those conflicting desires were surely tearing Cendrillon’s heart. Either way, there was no doubt that what lay ahead was something he did not want to see.

Which outcome would bring Cendrillon greater happiness?

Surely not even God Himself could answer that question.

Before long, the answer revealed itself. No matter how much he dug... there was nothing there. Only dirt and scattered stones.

“...Are you sure this is the right place?”

Cendrillon gave a small nod.

“I see...”

Without a word, he began filling the grave back in. When he finished, Cendrillon slowly began walking around the spring. His reflection appeared in the clear water, and his face was terrifyingly expressionless. No emotion whatsoever could be read there.

Karina’s bones were gone.

Karin could not begin to imagine the force with which that fact was crashing down upon his heart.

“This is where I always met Karina. In fact, we almost never met anywhere else. This is the first time I’ve come back here... since I buried her there.”

He spoke as if talking to himself, and his voice was perfectly calm.

“The spring, the flowers, the trees... nothing has changed. But she has changed. Isn’t that right, Karin?”

Hearing her name spoken so suddenly, Karin hurriedly nodded.

“...Yeah. I suppose she has.”

“When I buried her here, I intended to follow her. But I couldn’t.”

He gave a faint shake of his head.

“That’s right. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t take my own life. It wasn’t because I owed anything to God. It wasn’t even some sentimental excuse like, ‘She wouldn’t want me to.’ Nothing so noble. I was simply afraid. I was afraid to die, and so I couldn’t do it. I said countless times that I loved her enough to die for her, and yet... I couldn’t even follow her into death.”

Cendrillon sat down on one of the stones. Then he shook his head and said:

“Hey, Karin.”

“...What is it?”

“Just while I’m here... am I allowed to be happy? No matter what form she’s taken, she was alive. Even if she’s become something like that... I’m truly glad. I hate myself for feeling that way. But I’m happy.”

Cendrillon covered his face with his hands.

“...I’m a coward. A coward to the marrow of my bone”

Karin could not think of anything to say, she simply tilted her head back and looked up at the sky. The warm spring sky stretched endlessly above them, clear and blue. That pure blue only made her feel more keenly how powerless she was. She wanted to help this man, but she had no idea how.

''Cendrillon.''

The ashes covering him were deep, layer upon layer having built up over the years, until they seemed so thick that Karin’s small hands could never hope to brush them away.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c1

2026-07-22T07:13:38Z

Ltrf: Created page with "Cendrillon opened his eyes, enduring the pounding in his head. “Again… that dream about Karina…” His former lover… the only woman he had ever loved. And the woman he had killed with his own hands. And yet… she was now a woman shrouded in mystery. A woman like a demon, who turned an entire town into an army of the undead… The Karina he had seen in his dream was impossible to reconcile with the woman he encountered before. Her appearance was exactly the..."

Cendrillon opened his eyes, enduring the pounding in his head.

“Again… that dream about Karina…”

His former lover… the only woman he had ever loved.

And the woman he had killed with his own hands.

And yet… she was now a woman shrouded in mystery.

A woman like a demon, who turned an entire town into an army of the undead…

The Karina he had seen in his dream was impossible to reconcile with the woman he encountered before. Her appearance was exactly the same, yet inside she was an entirely different person. What in the world had happened to her?

As he sat there clutching his head in anguish, he sensed something trembling beside him.

Hm?

He turned to look. Is it Karin curled up next to him trembling all over?

…Wait. Why was this girl sleeping here? He glanced around the room. This was an inn. Right, they were currently escorting Marianne back to Tristania. A military encampment was stationed outside, and Marianne’s room was under heavy guard.

The members of the escort each were assigned rooms so they could rest and recover from the journey. If he remembered correctly, Narcissus and Bacchus were sleeping in the room next door, while he and Karin were assigned to this room.

But why was Karin sleeping beside me?!

Wasn’t Karin supposed to be in the other bed?

Cendrillon covered his mouth and recalled last night’s dream once more.

That kiss…

And then what followed was something far more adult.

Don’t tell me I lost myself in my sleep again and did something to this guy…

Clutching his head, Cendrillon spoke to Karin in a strained voice.

“Why… are you here?”

Karin, sounding on the verge of tears, shot back:

“W-Well, because you were moaning like you were having a nightmare! I-I got worried and came to wake you up!”

The blood drained from Cendrillon’s face.

N-No… not again…

Not to a “boy”…

“I asked if you were all right! And this time I was careful! I stayed at least one mail away! But then you…”

“I did what…?”

“You grabbed my hand and yanked me over here! Really hard! And then you pulled me onto the bed!”

“…And then?”

“You k-k-k-kissed me!”

“…I am truly sorry. I think I should just die.”

“You are absolutely not allowed to dieeeeeeeeeeeee!”

Karin spun around, her pink hair bristling with fury, fists clenched as she glared at him.

“You are going to listen to the rest before you die, got it?!”

Overwhelmed by her ferocity, Cendrillon could only nod.

“W-What was with those fingers of yours?! Like this—on my chest—how do I even describe it… drawing circles, l-like that… deliberately avoiding the center, and th-th-th-that, th-that…”

Cendrillon’s face turned scarlet.

“I… I actually used that kind of technique on you…”

Karin pounded on him with her fists like an embarrassed young girl.

“It’s your fault I couldn’t sleep! And my body started trembling for some reason! What is wrong with you?!”

“…From now on, even if I moan in my sleep, just ignore me. Honestly, I can’t be held responsible for what I do while unconscious.”

Karin blinked.

“Ah…”

Then she nodded vigorously.

Cendrillon rose to change, but since he slept in his clothes, he was ready in moments. Karin, who went to bed in her usual outfit as well, simply threw on her cloak.

The two of them headed downstairs and stepped outside.

The streets were already packed with soldiers.

Bacchus and Narcissus, who were up before them, approached.

“Hey!”

The two men immediately noticed Karin’s bright red face.

“What’s wrong, Karin? Your face is all red.”

“I-It’s nothing.”

“Do you have a fever?”

Karin remembered Cendrillon’s fingers from the night before and shook her head frantically.

“What is it?” Bacchus asked with a grin. “Don’t tell me Cendrillon did something to you. It would be a shame for a face as pretty as yours to go to waste on a man!”

The moment Bacchus said that, Karin covered her face and ran off.

“Huh?”

Bacchus and Narcis exchanged puzzled glances, then turned to Cendrillon.

For some reason, he went deathly pale.

The blood drained from Bacchus and Narcissus’s faces as well.

“Y-You… don’t tell me… We knew you weren’t interested in women, but… are you actually… one of those?”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“No, no! That’s not it!”

“But you definitely did something! Just look at his reaction! That’s really bad, you know! If the gods heard about this, they’d be furious!”

The two men clung to each other, trembling as they shouted.

“That’s not what happened. Listen.”

Cendrillon cleared his throat and desperately forced his expression to calm down.

“I was confused in my sleep.”

“You… hate women, don’t you…?”

Then Narcissus’s expression turned serious.

“Did you mistake her for your former lover? In your sleep?”

“That’s exactly what happened.”

“Your former lover looked like a little thing like that?”

Narcissus, who had heard about Cendrillon’s past lover but did not know what she looked like, asked the question.

“No… she looked nothing like Karin.”

“I thought not… From what you told us, that suspicious ex-lover of yours was a voluptuous and gentle beauty.”

Cendrillon fell silent.

“Don’t tell me you still…?”

Narcissus looked at him with concern.

“No. It’s not like that.”

“Well, in any case… whatever you do, don’t report any of this to our superiors. Let’s keep this conversation strictly between us, understood?”

Cendrillon gave no reply.

Bacchus, who did not entirely understand what the two of them were talking about, merely nodded along at the side with an expression that suggested he understood perfectly.

Meanwhile, Karin, who ran off with her face burning red, finally stopped once she had reached a spot far away from the others, gasping for breath.

Ugh… After having something like that done to me, there’s no way I could act normal when I run into people I know…

Karin muttered this to herself under her breath.

“What is wrong with that guy?!”

After shouting at the top of her lungs, Karin looked around in all directions. The soldiers gathered in the street were staring at her in surprise.

Oh no!

“I’m a man, you know!”

Straightening her back in a hurry, she made the declaration.

The soldiers seemed to decide that getting involved with a strange young noble was more trouble than it was worth, and quickly averted their eyes.

But the pounding in her chest still refused to subside. What kept resurfacing in her mind were Cendrillon’s kiss and his fingers…

Ugh…

Karin clenched her fists tightly.

What made her feel so frustrated was not the fact that Cendrillon did those things to her.

If shereally wanted to get away, she could have escaped no matter what.

When he grabbed her hand, she could have pulled free if she truly wanted to. But in that moment, the thought that crossed her mind was, “Ah, so it’s happening again…”

And if she thought about it carefully, when Cendrillon started moaning in his sleep, she could simply have left him alone.

The color gradually drained from Karin’s face.

Somewhere deep in her heart, she was hoping for something like this to happen…

And on top of that, there was something else she could not forgive.

When he kissed her, she thought, “Here we go again!” and felt indignant, because he was confusing her with another woman. He did not have any feelings for her at all!

And yet, even so, when he stroked her head, her whole body was filled with a sense of happiness.

“Is it really all right for me to be this happy?”

When he whispered those words in a gentle voice unlike any Karin had ever heard from him, and she felt the touch of his hand on her head, her mind went completely blank.

So that was the kind of tender voice he used with his former lover.

''Fine! It doesn’t matter! I’m not your lover anyway! You think I’m a man, and in the end you even called me some kind of freak!''

And yet, despite all that, her mind still went blank, as if flowers were blooming everywhere inside her head. She was deeply ashamed of herself for reacting that way.

And then… after that, the movement of Cendrillon’s fingers…

The moment she remembered his fingers gliding smoothly across her chest, Karin felt as though she might faint.

If becoming an adult meant doing things like that, then she absolutely did not want to become one.

If she had to experience that sort of thing every day and feel that way all the time, then surely even the gods would never forgive her.

That guy really is hopeless.

If I don’t help him, there’s no way this incident will be resolved!

That’s right!

Karin proudly lifted her head.

I’m going to become a knight!

A splendid knight.

The greatest knight in the kingdom!

This… how should I put it?

This is no time to be swooning just because that pathetic drunk, still hung up on his former lover, touched my body by mistake.

This is no time to be getting flustered over something like that!

With a sharp motion, Karin drew her wand, causing the soldiers around her to yelp.

“I’m going to become a knight!”

“P-Please do your best!”

Karin responded with a flawless knightly salute. In that moment, she looked every bit the gallant and spirited young knight.

Whenever she struck that pose, courage and dreams welled up inside her.

I’ll be fine… I can do this!

Just as she was reassuring herself, a lady-in-waiting came to summon her.

“Ah, there you are, Lord de Maillart!”

“What is it?”

“Her Highness wishes to see you.”

Led by the attendant to the princess’s room, Karin had barely stepped inside when Marianne sprang from the bed. Dressed in a cream-colored nightgown, the princess looked so adorable, like a little rabbit, that Karin felt some of her tension melt away.

“Karin! Karin! Why weren’t you by my side?”

Crying out, Marianne threw herself into Karin’s chest.

“A mere knight should not disturb Your Highness’s rest.”

Karin replied awkwardly.

“But you’re different! I told you it was all right! Especially at a time like this, how could you not stay with me?! Waaaaah!”

Marianne burst into tears.

At last, even the lady-in-waiting could not remain silent.

“Your Highness, Lord de Maillart is tired as well. He risked his life to save you.”

Marianne looked up at Karin, deeply moved.

“That’s true! If it wasn’t for Karin, I…”

“N-No, this was not my accomplishment alone! It was only possible because the other three also fought bravely…”

Before Karin could finish, Marianne wrapped her arms tightly around her.

“W-What?!”

Marianne clung to Karin.

The lady-in-waiting widened her eyes and hurriedly pulled them apart.

“Your Highness! If His Majesty were to hear of this, there would be trouble!”

Marianne reluctantly let go, her cheeks faintly flushed.

Even Karin, as a woman herself, found that shy expression irresistibly cute. If she was a man, she might have fallen for Marianne on the spot.

Marianne looked up at Karin with sparkling eyes.

It was the trusting gaze of a puppy, one that placed absolute faith in her.

“…”

Whenever Marianne looked at her that way, Karin felt an inexplicable sense of guilt.

I’m a girl…

The urge to confess the truth rose within her, but at the same time so did fear.

What would happen if Marianne, who adored her this much, discovered that she was actually a woman?

Would that affection turn to hatred?

Would something terrible happen?

“How dare you toy with Her Highness’s pure heart!”

Karin could almost hear the accusation.

Then imprisonment.

Beheading.

Hanging.

As Marianne gazed at her so innocently, Karin shivered.

The incident at Deauville—the dead rising again and attacking the princess—soon spread throughout Tristain, causing a tremendous uproar.

The princess’s procession carried the grim atmosphere of a wartime march, and the people lining the streets trembled in fear.

Watching the imposing column pass by, they wondered what disaster might come next and offered prayers to the Founder and the gods.

When they arrived in Tristania, anxious citizens surged toward them.

“Your Highness! Thank goodness you’re safe!”

“What in the world happened?”

The fact that the residents of an entire town turned into the undead was enough to send even the distant capital into panic. Every face was marked by fear.

Watching the crowd, Karin leaned toward the seemingly untroubled Cendrillon and whispered:

“It feels like war has broken out.”

In an effort to distract herself from her lingering embarrassment around him, Karin spent the journey thinking about the incident.

“That’s only natural,” Cendrillon replied. “The one who was attacked was the princess.”

“…What was the enemy’s objective?”

“Hm?”

“I’ve thought about it seriously, but I still don’t understand. Her Highness is only thirteen. What could they hope to gain by attacking a little princess? Were they trying to kidnap her?”

Cendrillon narrowed his eyes. It seemed he had been pondering the matter as well.

“…Then again, perhaps we were the real targets. It’s hard not to connect this with the series of incidents aimed at weakening the Royal Mage Guard.”

Karin turned pale.

“I-I see… This is getting rather interesting.”

“Stop pretending. Just admit that you’re scared. This is no trivial matter.”

Cendrillon said this, and Karin squeezed her eyes shut and shouted:

“I-I’m not scared at all!”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Cendrillon replied. “Stop pretending.”

Having been overwhelmed by Karin’s forceful attitude, Cendrillon said so with a helpless expression, but Karin only leaned even closer. She did not fully understand why herself, but whenever Cendrillon treated her like an immature child, an inexplicable irritation welled up inside her.

“I beat that woman without using the spell of courage! I was scared, that is true, but I am not afraid anymore. How should I put it? I overcame my cowardice. I am no longer the same person I used to be. It will be the same with this incident. I will resolve it, just you watch! And I am going to become an excellent knight!”

“I told you, I truly admire what you did. But... this matter is not that simple...”

“Who cares whether it is simple or not? You were the one I saved, so how can you still act so high and mighty!”
[[File:ZNTso2 037.jpg|thumb]]
“What are you two arguing about?”

Startled by Karin’s intensity, Narcissus approached them. Looking around, Karin realized that the surrounding soldiers were also staring at the two of them in astonishment.

“No, it’s nothing serious. This apprentice is just throwing a little tantrum.”

With practiced ease, Cendrillon straightened his collar as he said it.

The sight of him acting so composed only made Karin even angrier.

''This idiot! He still thinks I’m a child, doesn’t he? And just who was it that this “child” had to save?''

When their party arrived at the royal palace, Philip III came rushing toward them in a state of utter panic. He paid no attention whatsoever to Cendrillon and the others. Forcing his way through the crowd of soldiers, he practically threw himself at Marianna’s carriage and personally flung open the door.

“Marianne!”

“Father!”

Father and daughter embraced each other tightly. Even though Karin had comforted her, Marianne must have still been frightened. Tears streamed down her face without end. It was only natural. Princess or not, she was still only a thirteen-year-old girl.

Philip III, too, cast aside the mask of the Hero King and became simply a father as he held his daughter close.

“Oh, Marianne… You must have been terrified. But everything is all right now. Your father is here in this castle, and I swear that I would do anything to protect you.”

Watching the two of them, Karin felt her own eyes grow hot. Around them, more than a few soldiers were wiping away tears of their own.

After personally escorting Marianne to her chambers and assigning his most trusted knights to guard her, Philip III summoned Cendrillon and the others to the familiar audience chamber and demanded a full report of what had happened.

The moment Karin entered the room, she gave an involuntary start.

Philip III’s expression was so fearsome that it made her shudder.

“What in the world happened? Explain everything to me. At once!”

The face he wore was the face of a warrior—the same expression he must have shown on the battlefield and in the dueling grounds. Bacchus and Narcissus seemed intimidated, and both turned to look at Cendrillon. Cendrillon alone remained perfectly composed as he began to explain the course of events.

When Philip III had heard his report, he asked in a stern voice:

“So, among the corpses that attacked you, you claim there was Angelo of the Unicorn Guard?”

“Yes. The men who later came to investigate examined the body as well. They would undoubtedly identify him as Angelo.”

“And who was controlling those accursed corpses?”

Karin, Bacchus, and Narcissus kept their expressions neutral as they glanced sideways at Cendrillon.

''Don’t say it,'' their eyes seemed to plead.

But Cendrillon gave a different answer.

He stated it plainly.

“My former lover.”

“What?”

Philip III’s eyes widened.

Bacchus and Narcissus covered their faces as if to say, ''Oh no.''

“What do you mean by that?”

Philip III placed a hand on his wand and fixed Cendrillon with a piercing stare. Depending on his answer, it seemed entirely possible that he would strike him down on the spot.

“Or rather… I should say that she was a woman whom I accidentally killed with my own hands.”

“Your former lover, slain by your own hand? What are you saying? Are you claiming she returned from the dead?”

“I do not fully understand it myself. In any case, my resurrected former lover transformed Angelo and the people of Deauville into living corpses and used them to attack Her Highness and us.”

“Then are you saying that you are somehow connected to this?”

“No. I had no idea that she had been brought back to life. There may be some connection to me. There may not be. Even that I do not know. In any event, that is everything I know.”

Philip III’s hand moved, and he began slowly drawing his wand.

Karin’s face turned pale.

Narcissus and Bacchus closed their eyes, tilted their heads toward the heavens, and muttered brief prayers under their breath.

Cendrillon stood at attention, his gaze raised only slightly.

There was neither affectation nor bravado in his posture.

He was simply an officer reporting everything he knew to his sovereign and awaiting judgment.

Philip III fixed Cendrillon with a sharp, penetrating gaze.

“You seem to be a veteran warrior, Monsieur Cendrillon.”

“Your Majesty’s praise is more generous than I deserve. I am deeply honored.”

“I have won many victories on the battlefield. Do you know why?”

“How could a mere man such as myself presume to understand the thoughts of one as great as Your Majesty?”

“Because I have an eye for officers. I, too, am a warrior. And because you are one as well, you should understand. A warrior who possesses absolute confidence in his own courage does not stoop to petty lies. If you say you do not know, then you do not know. If you say you do know, then you do know. And the words that leave your mouth are the truth.”

Philip III removed his hand from his wand.

Karin and the others visibly relaxed.

Then Philip III raised his voice.

“Summon Eustache!”

Eustache hurried into the chamber in such haste that he was almost breathless. The moment he arrived, he exclaimed:

“Your Majesty! Whatever has happened?!”

His expression was one of genuine astonishment.

Philip III, his anger barely contained, shouted at him.

“Eustache! I am told that the men who attacked my daughter were members of the Unicorn Guard! Explain yourself!”

Eustache gave a large nod.

“I was equally shocked when I heard the news!”

“Shocked, were you? Enough, Eustache. Speak plainly. If you are a nobleman at all, then tell me everything with honor. What exactly are you plotting?”

This time, Philip III drew his wand in one smooth motion.

Grand Duke Eustache turned pale.

Even so, he answered in a calm voice.

“If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, then I shall submit willingly. Angelo was once a member of my guard. Formerly, yes, but he wore the uniform of my personal guard all the same. It would not be unreasonable to say that the blame lies with me, his master.”

Philip III widened his eyes.

“What do you mean by ‘former’?”

“I had already dismissed him from service.”

“What?”

“You recall the incident involving the Royal Mage Guard? When we conducted our own investigation, it became clear that the fault lay on our side. It seems that the ones who aggressively provoked them were members of the Unicorn Guard.”

Grand Duke Eustache cast a brief glance toward Cendrillon and the others as he spoke.

“Why was I not informed of this?”

At Philip III’s question, Eustache lifted his head.

His features were refined and almost delicate, but in that moment his eyes gleamed, and he looked every bit the seasoned soldier.

“Your Majesty is a man of perfect fairness. Had I reported the matter, you might have chosen to punish the innocent members of the Royal Mage Guard as well, in the name of impartial justice. That was not my intention.”

Cendrillon thought to himself, ''He has turned the situation completely to his advantage.''

Sure enough, Philip III’s face showed clear admiration.

This king had always been vulnerable to displays of such forthright and honorable rhetoric.

“You speak nonsense. I would never have done such a thing. The fault lay entirely with your side. Still, I will give proper credit to such an honorable attitude. I do strive to be a just and fair ruler.”

Sensing that the moment was right, Cendrillon pressed forward with one more crucial fact.

“Your Grace Eustache, this concerns the time when I crossed wands with your personal guard. Among the Unicorn Guardsmen, there was one of the living dead. A gloomy fellow named Pedro. I pierced him through the chest with my magic, and yet he fled as though the wound were nothing.”

“What is the meaning of this?” Philip III demanded, glaring at Eustache.

But Eustache was more than capable of defending himself.

“Then why did you not report this to His Majesty at the time?” he asked in return.

Cendrillon was left momentarily speechless.

“Yes,” said Philip III. “Why did you not inform me?”

“That is because… my companions insisted that I must have been mistaken.”

Grand Duke Eustache frowned.

“Well, that puts me in a difficult position. Would it not be more reasonable to trust the judgment of your own comrades?”

“Is that true, Cendrillon?”

Philip III, too, began to look at Cendrillon with suspicion. If he were thought to be fabricating lies in order to implicate Eustache, everything would be lost.

“I had consumed a certain amount of wine at the time…”

When he answered honestly, Eustache smiled.

“Wine has been known to make men mistake lizards for dragons. In any case, Pedro was also dismissed from my service. I, for one, never thought he looked anything like a corpse.”

At that point, Cendrillon could say nothing further.

Without proof, he could hardly object if his accusation was dismissed as slander.

Eustache continued smoothly.

“As for the present incident, I believe Angelo acted of his own accord. It seems more likely that he attacked these men out of personal resentment than that he was truly targeting Her Highness.”

At this, Karin raised her voice.

“I do not believe that is the case! Angelo had become a corpse himself and was being controlled by someone else!”

“In that case,” Eustache replied, “the true culprit would be whoever was controlling him. If young Cendrillon’s account is correct, then Pedro may also have been a victim. Perhaps it is the Unicorn Guard itself that is being targeted.”

''So now he is trying to cast himself as the victim,'' Karin thought bitterly.

Philip III nodded thoughtfully.

“Eustache, do you have any idea what might have caused members of the Unicorn Guard to become living corpses?”

Eustache shook his head as though the very suggestion were absurd.

“If I had any such knowledge, I would have reported it to Your Majesty at once.”

Karin’s expression darkened.

There was not the slightest flaw in Eustache’s words or demeanor. He was so perfectly composed that he almost seemed genuinely innocent.

And that very perfection only deepened Karin’s conviction.

''This man is absolutely involved.''

Untroubled by Karin’s suspicious glare, Eustache continued.

“I shall conduct my own investigation to find the true culprit.”

“…See that you do,” Philip III said.

“Furthermore,” Eustache added, “I believe the Unicorn Guard should be relieved of its duties as Your Majesty’s personal guard.”

“What?!” Philip III exclaimed in astonishment.

“Even if the perpetrator was only a former member, I cannot in good conscience allow a unit associated with an attack on Her Highness to remain responsible for Your Majesty’s safety.”

His tone was firm and unequivocal.

“Then… who is to take charge of my protection?”

“The Royal Mage Guard would be the most suitable choice. Judging by the manner in which they defended Her Highness, there can be no objection to restoring them to service.”

Philip III stared at him, mouth slightly open.

It was no wonder. The very man who had so stubbornly opposed the Royal Mage Guard’s reinstatement was now endorsing it without hesitation.

“Y-you truly mean that?”

“My only concern is for Your Majesty’s safety. I have merely concluded that they are capable of protecting you properly.”

With those words, Eustache excused himself, saying that affairs of state required his attention, and took his leave.

Watching his retreating back, Philip III murmured,

“...A man as flawless and unyielding as iron.”

No matter how suspicious Eustache might be, there was no way that mere knights could press the matter any further.

Seeing the four of them still standing rigidly at attention, Philip III finally allowed the sternness to leave his face.

“Ah, yes, of course. You protected Marianne. I ought to have thanked you before anything else, but I was too shaken.”

Philip III summoned a page and had a pouch filled with gold coins placed into each of their hands.

“Now then, go to Vivian’s residence and inform her that you are to be restored to active duty.”

Philip III then stopped Cendrillon.

“You alone will remain. There are several matters I wish to ask you about.”

Once they were alone, Philip III said,

“Tell me everything you know about this former lover of yours.”

There was no point in concealing anything now.

Cendrillon spoke honestly of everything.

He told of how he met Karina, the daughter of traveling performers. Of how his father, the local lord, had discovered their relationship and tried to separate them. Of how they had fled together. Of how Karina was captured by the pursuing men, and how the magical arrow he fired to save her had instead pierced her chest.

When Philip III had heard the entire story, he stared at Cendrillon for a long moment.

“That was conduct unbecoming of a nobleman. Even allowing for your youth, it was recklessly irresponsible in the extreme. To become infatuated with a wandering girl, and then to kill her with your own hand…”

“You are entirely correct, Your Majesty.”

Cendrillon bowed his head deeply.

“And what family does your father belong to?”

“...”

Cendrillon lowered his head uneasily.

“What is the matter? Speak. Since you are using an assumed name, I take it you come from a very distinguished house. Whom are you trying to protect? I am the head of this kingdom’s nobility. There is no need for hesitation.”

“I am a man who abandoned his family.”

“That is inconvenient. In that case, I may have no choice but to place you in prison until you feel inclined to answer.”

Cendrillon lowered his head.

He could not afford to be imprisoned now. Nor did he intend to lie.

That left him with only one option.

“...Very well.”

Cendrillon leaned closer and quietly whispered the name of his family into Philip III’s ear.

Philip III’s eyes widened.

“What! From a house of such illustrious standing!”

Philip III grasped Cendrillon’s hand.

“I knew your father well. We fought side by side on many battlefields. He once saved my life. I had heard rumors of a son who had left home. So it was you…”

“That connection has no meaning to me now.”

“What are you saying? A man’s family follows him for all his life. All the more so when he comes from a house of such renown. Listen… your father is a man to whom I owe a debt. If you wish, I would gladly intercede on your behalf.”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“...I see. But if you ever wish to return home, you need only tell me.”

Then Philip III seemed to remember something.

“No, this is hardly the time for that discussion. Your former lover is another matter entirely. This cannot be ignored. You understand, do you not? At present, you are the only person who knows anything about her. I want you to investigate this matter. I shall provide you with separate funds for the task. Take them.”

With that, Philip III summoned a page once more and had another pouch heavy with gold coins placed in Cendrillon’s hands.

Kaze no Kishihime v2c0

2026-07-22T07:11:00Z

Ltrf: Created page with "“Are you sure this is really all right?” Karina asked with an anxious expression, and the sixteen-year-old Cendrillon nodded in response. All around them stretched a lush green forest. As roots and weeds hindered their steps, the two walked down the narrow woodland path, leaning close against one another. Beneath her beautiful hair, shining like gold, her blue eyes were filled with worry. Karina clung uneasily to Cendrillon’s arm. “Pierre, are you certain this..."

“Are you sure this is really all right?”

Karina asked with an anxious expression, and the sixteen-year-old Cendrillon nodded in response. All around them stretched a lush green forest. As roots and weeds hindered their steps, the two walked down the narrow woodland path, leaning close against one another.

Beneath her beautiful hair, shining like gold, her blue eyes were filled with worry. Karina clung uneasily to Cendrillon’s arm.

“Pierre, are you certain this is all right? I’m worried.”

Through the gaps between the trees, the spires of the castle could be seen in the distance. Cendrillon glanced toward them and smiled.

“As long as we’re in this forest, we’ll be fine. The trees hide lovers who carry secrets.”

“Really? Don’t nobles have magic that lets them know where someone is even if they’re far apart?”

“There’s no magic that’s convenient! You really do worry too much. You were so passionate when we were dancing!”

Even so, Karina remained uneasy. She made herself small and pressed even closer against him. Through his sleeve, Cendrillon could feel the softness of her body.

The Karina before him was nothing like the radiant confidence and goddess-like presence she possessed while dancing. Here, she was simply a timid seventeen-year-old girl.

Cendrillon never tired of gazing at the beautiful girl who was a year older than he was. Anxiety shimmered in her slightly drooping eyes, dimming them like a moonlit lake. Yet that did nothing to diminish her beauty. The shadow of unease dwelling in her gaze captured his heart more strongly than at any other moment since they had met.

Even merely walking beside her made him so nervous it felt as though his stomach might leap up through his throat. His palms were slick with sweat, and he kept swallowing nervously.

“Pierre... if your father or the servants find us, they’ll kill me.”

“That’s an exaggeration!”

Cendrillon laughed, but Karina could not.

“Because I’m the daughter of a traveling performer, and you’re the son of a noble lord.”

“My father is the lord, not me.”

“That’s practically the same thing.”

“You can dance so beautifully, and yet you’re this timid?”

At those words, Karina’s troubled eyes drooped even further. Even though she was a year older than he was, she looked three or four years younger when she made that face.

They had met only about a week earlier. A troupe of traveling performers had arrived at the post town within the territory governed by Cendrillon’s father, and the star attraction among them had been Karina.

Karina, with her composed expression and passionate dancing, quickly became the talk of the territory, and before long word of her beauty reached the ears of the lord’s son, Cendrillon.

“My dancing isn’t anything special. Nobles are just very good at flattering people.”

“I’m not flattering you. I really mean it.”

The dance Cendrillon saw in the post town was something he knew he would never forget. It seemed to overflow with life itself. Whenever Karina flung her arms through the air, the very atmosphere around her seemed to fill with color; whenever she stepped lightly across the floor, each movement left an indelible mark upon his heart.

Lost in thought as he walked, Cendrillon caught his foot on a tree root and stumbled.

Karina quietly reached out and caught him.

“I'm sorry.”

“It’s all right. You really are reckless, just like you were the night we first met.”

With those words, Karine showed her first smile of the day.

Cendrillon’s cheeks flushed red.

“But I’m glad I was so reckless”, Cendrillon said.

“Why?”

“Because thanks to that, I was able to meet you.”

After watching Karine dance, Cendrillon was so intoxicated by a surge of passion that, after changing his clothes, he went to the troupe’s tent and waited there for her to appear.

The troupe leader came out and asked what he wanted. Dressed in rough, common clothes, Cendrillon was mistaken for a beggar looking for scraps, and the man haughtily tried to drive him away.

“We have nothing to give you! Get out of here!”

Just as Cendrillon was at a loss, unable to reveal that he was the son of the lord of these lands, the members of the troupe surrounded him with improvised weapons in hand.

Without thinking, he blurted out, “Hey, stop that! Insolent fools!”

The agitated performers raised their brooms, clubs, and even drumsticks, ready to beat him. Revealing his noble status would have caused trouble, so Cendrillon didn’t bring his wand with him. Even so, he was well trained in hand-to-hand combat, and swiftly evaded their attacks.

Unable to state his name and unable to fight back, he continued dodging their blows until the tent flap was suddenly thrown open, and Karina appeared.

The instant his heart skipped a beat, his body froze.

In that single moment of hesitation, a club struck the back of his head with tremendous force, and Cendrillon lost consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Karina’s anxious face.

Her drooping eyes, blue irises, and full lips hovered above him. He found himself lying on a tattered cloth spread beside the tent.

Karine’s beautifully shaped lips moved as she asked:

“Are you all right?”

When she saw that he was too stunned to answer, she asked another question.

“Why did you come here?”

Enduring the pain coursing through his body, Cendrillon replied:

“I came to see you.”

Karina’s eyes widened.

Then she said to him:

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

Those words made Cendrillon feel as though he had taken flight.

“Can I see you tomorrow night?”

Karina lowered the corners of her eyes slightly and tilted her head with a troubled expression.

Then she smiled and nodded.

And so, the following night, Cendrillon met Karine in the very forest path they were walking through now. There, he revealed his true identity and confessed his love to her.

“Even now, I still find it hard to believe.”

Carefully watching the ground so as not to trip again, Cendrillon spoke.

“What do you mean?”

“That you were able to remember each person’s face while dancing so passionately like that.”

“Well, there weren’t that many guests to begin with… and besides, it was the first time anyone had ever looked at me with such fascination.”

After saying this, Karina looked away bashfully.

Cendrillon found her unbearably adorable. Just as he fell in love with her at first sight, she too felll in love with him the moment she first saw him.

Then Karina lowered her eyes again, unease returning to her expression.

For the past week, the two of them met only at night, when the darkness could conceal them from prying eyes… but today, unusually, they were meeting in broad daylight.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“We’re almost there.”

There was a reason Cendrillon chose to lead her deep into the forest on the troupe’s day of rest.

At last, the mountain path came to an end, opening into a wide clearing.

The sight before her was so radiant that Karina let out a breath of wonder.

“How beautiful…”

It was a forest oasis roughly twenty square mails in size. At the center of the clearing welled up a small, crystal-clear spring, encircled by moss-covered stones. Flowers bloomed all around the edges, and butterflies fluttered from blossom to blossom in search of nectar and water.
[[File:ZNTso2 019.jpg|thumb]]
“This is my secret place.”

Cendrillon said with a proud smile.

“This is wonderful! It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a place this beautiful!”

Karina could not help clapping her hands. The anxiety she had shown moments ago vanished without a trace, and her usual bright smile returned. Seeing that expression, Cendrillon felt a sense of relief.

“This is the first time I’ve ever brought anyone here.”

As he said that Karina's eyes lit up.

“Oh!”

With a delighted cry, she threw her arms around him. Her radiant smile made it hard to believe that only moments before she had looked ready to burst into tears.

“So that means only you and I know about this place?”

“That’s right.”

“It feels like something out of a dream.”

“Girls really are mysterious.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Just a moment ago you looked as if you were about to cry, and now you’re smiling like a flower in bloom.”

Karina sat down on a suitably sized stone and gazed into the spring.

“That’s because I fell in love with this place the moment I saw it.”

Cendrillon placed a hand on her shoulder, and Karina turned toward him, the corners of her eyes drooping softly.

“Hey, make me a promise.”

“Of course. I’ll make as many promises as you want.”

“No, just one. One is enough.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Only when you’re here… I want you to remember me.”

Karina closed her eyes as she spoke.

“I could never forget you.”

But Karina shook her head.

“No. Only when you are here is enough. And let this place become somewhere that belongs only to you and me. If you can do that, then I ask for nothing more.”

For reasons he could not explain, Cendrillon was overcome by a feeling in which loneliness and joy were strangely intertwined. Before he realized it, he pulled Karina tightly into his arms.

“I love you.”

“I love you too. I love you more than anything.”

Cendrillon leaned in, and Karina gently kissed him, as though wrapping his lips in her own.

Only a week had passed since they first met, yet Cendrillon felt as though he had already come to this place to meet Karina many times over the course of years.

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-07-22T07:08:46Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].


*May 7, 2026:
:::*Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain Spin-Off Volume 1 has been completed.
*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2c0|Prologue]]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c1|Report for the King]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c2|Dream Place of Memories]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c3|Secret Meeting]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c4|Eustace's Manor]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c5|Dark Truth]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c6|Dulcinea the Vampire]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c7|Karin's Infiltration]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c8|Duty of the Knight]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c9|King's Decision]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2e|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-07-22T07:05:37Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 (Full Text) */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].


*May 7, 2026:
:::*Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain Spin-Off Volume 1 has been completed.
*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2c0|Prologue]]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c1|Report for the King]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c2|Dream Place of Memories]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c3|Secret Meeting]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c4|Eustace's Manor]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c5|Dark Truth]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c6|Darsini the Vampire]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c7|Karin's Infiltration]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c8|Duty of the Knight]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v2c9|King's Decision]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v2e|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime volume 1

2026-05-09T01:12:40Z

Ltrf:

'''Prologue'''

The girl was running.

She looked to be about ten years old. Her vivid peach-colored hair swayed beside a face as cute as a porcelain doll.

Ahead of her, she spotted another girl, about two years older, running in front.

“Wait! Big Sister, wait!”

“Hurry up, Karine! This way!”

After running for a while, the surrounding grassland disappeared, replaced by a sheer cliff. It was a massive crater known throughout the region as the “Dragon’s Footprint.” Some said it had been formed in ancient times by a meteor falling from the sky; others claimed it was the birthplace of a primordial dragon. Why such a beautiful crater existed, no one knew. All that was certain was that, right in the middle of the plains, there lay a hollow as if a giant dragon had stepped there.

The crater had a diameter of roughly three hundred mails and a depth of about two hundred. Its walls were almost perfectly vertical, dropping straight down. If you leaned over the edge and looked below, the light would already fade after a few dozen mails—beyond that lay unfathomable darkness. Staring into it gave the impression that the hole extended endlessly into the depths of the earth.

Their parents had strictly forbidden them from coming near this place. But the sisters’ curiosity was impossible to suppress, and so they had secretly come here anyway.

“Hey, Karine! Look at that.”

The older sister pointed toward the crater wall. In a spot where the light barely reached, a single beautiful flower glowed faintly blue.

“What a pretty flower!”

Karine exclaimed, while her sister smiled with a hint of mischief.

“Right? So, Karine… I have a little wish.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to go pick that flower for me.”

“Whaaaat?! No way! It’s way too far!”

The flower was at least twenty mails away. Climbing down a nearly vertical cliff just to pick it was obviously impossible.

Even as Karine protested, her sister remained completely unfazed.

“It’s fine. Karine, didn’t you just learn Float recently?”

That was true.

Karine was born into a family of mages—nobles who could wield the miraculous power granted by the gods: magic. Magic was primarily divided into four systems:

Fire, water, wind, and earth.

Among them, Karine had awakened and inclined to the wind aspect at a very young age.

Just recently, she had even learned Float, a spell her sister still couldn’t use. It was something that had made their parents very happy.

Float was a spell that freed the caster from the pull of gravity, allowing them to hover in midair.

But…

Karine hesitated.

Seeing this, her sister snapped at her.

“Seriously, Karine, you’re such a coward! Why are you always so timid?”

It was true.

Karine was more timid than most people. Despite having the talent to learn a spell like Float at just ten years old, she was extremely easily frightened. Even now, if a window was left slightly open at night, she would get scared. And whenever she saw the narrow gap between a wall and a piece of furniture, she would worry something might be hiding there—she wouldn’t even dare go near it.

“You can float so well already, right? Grabbing a flower like that should be nothing! Honestly, you’re such a scaredy-cat!”

Being called a coward again and again made Karine angry. If one more trait were to be added to her personality…

Competitive. That would be it.

A timid yet competitive girl.

That was Karine.

“I-I’m not a coward!”

“Oh really? Then go get it.”

Her sister said it with an innocent smile, but Karine felt that if she backed down now, she’d be made a fool of. Steeling herself, she gripped her small wand and began to chant.

“Vor… Sol… Wind…”

And then, her body lifted into the air.

Adjusting her altitude with small movements of her wand, the vast abyss opened up before her.

Her legs instinctively trembled.

The crater looked as if it led straight to hell. A primal fear of the darkness, along with the simple truth that if she fell, she would die, shook Karine to her core.

“What’s wrong? Getting scared already?”

''It’s fine. I’m good at magic.''

''As long as I don’t look down into the pit… if I just focus on the wall, I can definitely do this…''

Telling herself that, Karine leapt into the crater. Reducing the effect of Float, her body slowly began to descend.

With her left hand pressed against the wall, she carefully moved closer to the flower…

“Amazing, amazing! You can do it!”

Her sister’s voice echoed from above.

Karine did her best not to look down, descending little by little. She focused only on the wall and the flower…

But at the very moment she reached out her hand, she glanced downward.

“Eek.”

Beneath her feet was an abyss of darkness.

A world of pure, absolute black.

That darkness seized Karine’s heart. In an instant, her concentration shattered, and the spell broke.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Her body suddenly grew heavy.

It was nothing short of luck that she managed to grab onto a protruding rock.

Her wand slipped from her right hand and vanished into the darkness below. Without a wand, mages like her couldn’t cast spells.

She will die.

Karine clung desperately to the wall.

“Karine! Karine!”

Her sister’s desperate cries rang through the air. But there was no way her small hands could support her weight forever—her strength would soon give out.

''Why… am I such a coward…''

''I have talent for magic… and yet I can’t even do something this simple…''

Karine cursed her own fear. All it took was a moment of hesitation, and she had lost her focus…

The last of her strength slipped away.

Her body fell from the wall.

Karine shut her eyes tight.

''I’m going to die.''

Despair, as deep as the darkness itself, crushed her heart.

And in that instant…

Someone grabbed her hand.

“…Huh?”

Her falling body came to a stop, suspended in midair.

“Don’t move.”

A strangely gentle voice reached her ears, and Karine slowly opened her eyes.

A knight was firmly holding her left hand. The lower half of their face was hidden behind an iron mask, and above it, a pair of narrow eyes gleamed.

It was impossible to tell whether they were male or female, but they were clearly young.

In their right hand, a military wand glimmered in the sunlight.

“Hold on tight.”

The knight lightly waved the wand, and both of them began to rise.

After being brought back outside, Karine and her sister bowed again and again to the knight.

“Good thing I happened to pass by… You should really be more careful with reckless adventures like this.”

With that, as if nothing had happened, the knight mounted a massive phantom beast. It had the head of a lion and the wings of an eagle—a manticore. It seems like the knight had spotted Karin’s danger from the sky and rushed to save her.

Just as the knight was about to depart, Karine called out.

“Um! Please come to our home! Let us properly thank—”

“No need for thanks. I simply did what a knight ought to do.”

“Then at least… please tell me your name!”

Beneath the mask, the knight seemed to smile. Their eyes softened slightly.

“There’s no name worth giving. Farewell.”

But Karine called out once more.

“W-wait! Then at least—please tell me one thing!”

“What is it?”

“Aren’t you afraid?”

Her sister, who until now had stood silently with an awkward expression, finally snapped.

“That’s so rude, Karine!”

Even so, Karine refused to stop. She clung stubbornly to the knight—her savior—and pressed on.

“Aren’t you scared? Seeing… seeing such deep darkness! Don’t you worry about what would happen if you fell? Don’t you feel afraid at all?”

The knight took Karine’s right index finger. Then… after chanting a brief spell, they held that finger tightly.

A warmth spread through her fingertip.

“What is this…?”

She looked at it uneasily, but there was no visible change.

“I’ve placed a spell on your finger.”

“A spell?”

“Yes. A spell to give you courage. When you’re so scared you can’t bear it, use that finger I just enchanted to write the word ‘courage’ on your left palm. Then, like this—lick it.”

Karine tried doing it once.

“Does your chest feel warm?”

And strangely, her chest really did begin to feel warm…

Karine nodded in a surprise.

“That’s all you need. Whenever you feel afraid, just do what I told you.”

The knight looked at Karine for a moment, then suddenly kicked the manticore lightly in the belly. Carrying its master, the phantom beast soared into the sky.

Even after the knight disappeared into the distant horizon, Karine kept staring into the sky.

Her sister called out to her several times.

“Hey, Karine, let’s go home already.”

But it was as if the words never reached her. In a daze, almost like she was dreaming, Karine murmured:

“I’m going to become a knight.”

“What are you saying? That’s ridiculous—girls can’t become knights!” her sister laughed.

Karine looked at her index finger. Even now, the tip still held a faint warmth. Staring at it, she thought:

''I’ve found my destiny.''

!(Prologue on the main page was translated by the Silvered Tongue group and leads to their external website. In the full text, it's my translation)!

'''Chapter 1 — Karin goes to the Capital'''

When the youth dressed as a knight passed through the capital’s gates, people along the street let out murmurs of admiration.

They looked about fourteen or fifteen. A cheap-looking blue coat, a white shirt with overly decorative frills, outdated knee-length riding pants, and a pair of faded black boots.

Only the wand hanging at the waist shone brightly, but even its design could hardly be called high-class. Still, it had clearly been used for a long time; the countless scratches carved into it offered a glimpse of the many battles it had seen.

Every single piece of clothing was out of fashion. In the capital, such a rustic outfit should have invited ridicule.

And yet, not a single person laughed.

What kind of face could someone wearing such clothes possibly have?

The moment people caught a glimpse, any thought of mockery vanished instantly.

Vivid peach-colored hair, and a face that shone with youth, could only be described as beautiful. Together they gave this young noble an air of overwhelming elegance and nobility.

And then… what drew the most attention of all was the question of this poorly dressed noble’s gender.

Yes, the face was undeniably beautiful, almost the embodiment of beauty itself. If dressed in formal attire and taught proper etiquette, they would surely feel no shame attending any ball or banquet.

But the outfit, no matter how one looked at it, was that of a man.

At the same time, they could also be mistaken for a beautiful girl in men’s clothing… yet the lingering elegance of the face made it impossible to tell—

Was this a beautiful girl? Or a beautiful boy?

That ambiguity only deepened the strange aura surrounding the figure. A mysterious charm radiated from their entire being, drawing in everyone who looked, and at the center of it all were those slightly upturned eyes. Light brown eyes, filled with unwavering will, shimmered under the twin moons like a glistening spring, asserting their presence. They transformed the impression of this small noble into something striking and intense.

But most importantly, though... The chest was perfectly flat. Completely devoid of the two gentle curves one would expect of a woman.

Thus, the passersby whispered among themselves, unable to decide whether this almost unreal, beautiful and dignified young noble was male or female.

If one were to reveal the answer plainly—

This noble ''was'' a girl.

Beneath that worn-out knight’s attire was the slender body of a fifteen-year-old.

Her name was Karine Désirée de Maillart.

However, she could not give that name. So she shortened its pronunciation and made it more masculine “Karin.” Because she absolutely could not let anyone realize that she was a girl.

So why did Karin come to the capital dressed like this?

Of course.

She has a dream.

Ever since that day… when she was saved by a passing knight in her hometown, that dream had quietly taken root within her.

“To become a knight.”

And if she was going to do it, then she would become the greatest knight in the country…

When speaking of the finest knights in this nation, there was only one answer: the Royal Guard’s Magic Knight Corps, entrusted with the honorable duty of protecting the king.

Every young noble admired that black cloak, the prestigious Magic Knight Corps. But as a woman, even stepping through the gates of knighthood was forbidden.

And so, Karin disguised her girl’s body in male attire and came to this city.

Of course, her family was against it.

But in the end, they were overwhelmed by Karin’s determination and reluctantly allowed her to leave.

With forty common gold coins given by her parents, and only a small amount of luggage, the young noble girl set out for the capital.

Before her departure, her father—himself a poor noble—had spoken in a voice that sounded almost resigned:

“Among my children, you’re the only one who would seriously say you want to become a knight, so I have no choice but to accept your journey. But Karin, you are trying to become a knight as a woman. You must be prepared to endure hardships far greater than those faced by men. Of course, you have excellent aptitude and great talent for magic, but that alone will not be enough. What you need to succeed is not just talent in magic. More than anything, you need courage. Listen well, my daughter. It’s fine to be stingy with money… knights and money are incompatible, so that can’t be helped! But listen carefully—courage is the one thing you must never be stingy with. No matter what happens, no matter who you face, you must never take a single step back. Well… unless your opponent is His Majesty the King or the Captain of the Guard, that is… but still, you carry the name of House de Maillart. You must never be timid or shrink away. No matter what, you must always muster your courage! Courage! You do have a timid side, and that worries me…”

Only then did her father realize he got carried away, and he looked slightly embarrassed.

“And one more thing, you must conceal the fact that you are a woman at all costs. Until you achieve some degree of success, you must never let it be known. These days, female knights are no longer unheard of, but as you know, the Royal Magic Knight Corps, which prides itself on tradition and honor, does not permit women to join. If that were to be exposed, you wouldn’t simply be expelled. You must always keep this firmly in mind.”

Holding those words in her heart, Karin set out for the capital.

She hated her timid self. She could not forgive herself for having talent in magic, yet trembling and faltering at crucial moments. That was why Karin longed for something different.

That knight who saved her that day…

She wanted to become a knight like that, and beyond that, to become someone worthy of being called a hero.

That was Karin’s one great dream.

The capital, which she was seeing for the first time, was full of noise and life.

Though the crowds initially made Karin shrink back, she soon grew accustomed to them.

Stalls lined both sides of the street, each one tempting her to stop and take a look, but she quickly regained her composure.

“No matter what, I need to go see Lord Dragignian of the Magic Knight Corps first…”

But where exactly was she supposed to find this Lord Dragignian?

Though reluctant, her father must have felt guilty about sending his daughter off empty-handed. Before she left, he told her: if she wished to join the Magic Knight Corps, she should visit his old friend, Lord Dragignian, and he gave her a letter.

She took the letter out from her chest. It seemed to be double-layered; the seal had not been waxed. Inside was an envelope addressed to “Lord Dragignian,” along with a slip of paper bearing an address.

“Fusoviar Street, District Three, Jeviel Dragignian.”

After asking a passerby, she learned that Fusoviar Street was some distance away. She followed the directions she had been given, but the capital’s maze of narrow, tangled streets quickly caused the countryside-raised Karin to lose her way.

''Where… am I?''

Glancing around as she hurried forward, Karin failed to notice the large man approaching from ahead.

The man, for his part, was loudly chatting with his companions while gnawing on a piece of bone-in chicken and didn’t notice Karin either.

The two collided violently in the middle of the street.

Naturally, the one who was sent flying was Karin, whose body weighed barely a third of the man’s.

The giant didn’t budge at all. Looking down at Karin sprawled on the ground, he burst into laughter.

“Wahaha! What’s the matter, kid? If you don’t watch where you’re going, you’re gonna get hurt!”

Still laughing loudly, he turned as if to leave.

For most people, being mocked like that by such a hulking man would crush any thought of protest. Karin was no exception. Her innate timidity stirred, and she couldn’t help but begin to tremble.
[[File:ZNTso1 027.jpg|thumb]]
But at that moment, her father’s words flashed through her mind.

No matter what, you must have courage!”

That’s right. She had only just arrived, so there was no way she could let herself be looked down on already.

A coward could never become a knight, Karin!

Karin immediately glared at the man and shouted:

“Y-you knock someone over and just try to walk away like nothing happened?!”

The large man stopped instantly and turned around.

His body was packed with muscles, like a warrior from ancient arenas. A massive jaw that looked like it could crush bone, paired with slicked-back blond hair and a head as rough and solid as stone…His wrist might well have been as thick as Karin’s waist. If not for the wand at his side, he would have looked more like a swordsman or a spearman.

“What? If you’ve got something to say, then say it.”

The townspeople watching from a distance couldn’t help but shiver. Complaining to a brute like that, this young noble must be an idiot.

No one present thought Karin was a “girl.” With her flat chest and masculine clothing, they all simply saw her as an unusually beautiful boy.

“Someone as big as you should walk at the side of the road so you’re not in the way.”

At this point, there was no backing down. Even as she tried to steady her trembling body, Karin forced the words out.

The large man, on the other hand, broke into a nasty grin.

“Someone like me—a hero—belongs right in the middle of the road. You, on the other hand, should scurry along the edges like a rat… unless you want to get crushed.”

Karin, forced herself to keep complaining, with a cold sweat running down her back.

“Don’t be ridiculous… the one who’ll get crushed is you.”

The large man’s expression changed. But in the very next moment, it twisted into a smug grin.

A beautifully dressed young noble girl happened to pass by. She looked like the daughter of some aristocratic house, as she was accompanied by several attendants.

In an instant, the large man suddenly dropped to his knees at her feet.

“Eek!”

“Please! allow me to serve you!”

“What is going on?!” The attendants of the noble girl immediately fell into an uproar. But as if none of it mattered, the man continued rubbing his head against her feet.

“I became a knight for the sake of serving a beautiful young lady like you! Please, please, let me become one of your attendants!”

The noble girl looked on the verge of tears, but the man did not stop his pleading.

“With all my heart! I beg of you!”

“Aaaahhhhhh!!”

As his head nearly brushed her feet, she kicked him straight in the face. He flipped over and collapsed onto the ground. Seizing the chance, the noble girl fled with her attendants.

Under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the large man slowly stood back up.

“…What exactly was that supposed to be?”

Karin muttered in exasperation.

The man, however, smiled cheerfully.

“I just can’t resist cute girls! I came to the capital to serve beautiful maidens, but things never go my way! Ah, good thing you’re a pretty boy! If you were a girl, this would’ve been a real problem! Someone as good-looking as you is rare even among women!”

His teeth flashed as he spoke, growing more animated with every word.

“…Pervert.”

The word slipped out before she could stop herself.

The man’s face changed.

“Pervert? You call ''this'' a perversion? My devotion to lovely young ladies?! Unforgivable! That, of all things, I absolutely cannot forgive! Just for that one word, I ought to run you through!”

“Shut up, pervert. Pervert, pervert.”

Karin pushed her luck further.

Even though she was quite a coward, she had a tendency to get carried away once she gained momentum. It often led to trouble, but she herself never realized it.

“I’m not a pervert! I just have a lot of love!”

“A pervert like you shouldn’t be walking in the middle of the road. Actually, you shouldn’t even be outside. You’re a nuisance to everyone. More importantly, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

Karin fired off her insults in rapid succession.

“Y-you!”

The giant’s face flushed bright red. Pointing at the wand hanging at Karin’s waist, he roared:

“Fine! Then prove whether I’m a pervert or not with that!”

Karin’s body trembled.

Ah… this is a duel challenge.

Back in the countryside, she sparred a few times with the children of nearby nobles… but never against someone who looked this strong.

This is bad… I let my guard down because I thought he was just some pervert…

While she was panicking, the man continued:

“Tomorrow, two o’clock. Behind Saint Christ Temple. Don’t think you can run, I’ve got plenty of friends in this capital. I’ll find you in no time!”

Shaking with anger, the giant turned and walked away.

This is bad…

She felt like she might cry, but it was too late now. Still… at least she had shown her courage.

Trying to reassure herself, she straightened her back and started walking again.

The passersby had no idea what was going through Karin’s mind, yet they simply admired a bold young noble they’ve just witnessed.

Karin resumed her search for Fusoviar Street.

Even after wandering for thirty minutes, she still couldn’t find it, and unease began to creep in. Thinking she should ask someone for directions, she looked around for a suitable person.

She found herself in a small square nestled between temple buildings. Nearby taverns had set up tables outside, turning the space into an open-air drinking area. Under the blue sky, alcohol seemed to taste especially good, and such places were quite popular.

Thinking she might find someone to ask here, she approached, and suddenly heard a striking voice.

“Allow me to dedicate a song to you.”

“Oh my! Narcis, how wonderful!”

Turning toward the sound, she saw a young noble seated in a chair, surrounded by several women.

His outfit was… overwhelming. The shirt he wore underneath wasn’t just flashy—it was absurd: a shimmering purple garment woven with gold thread, reflecting the light in every direction.

And his face matched it.

Or rather, it was strange in its own way.

Narrow eyes, a sharp nose, and thin, angular cheeks.

He had the features of a beautiful young man, but wore makeup like a stage actor.

The women gathered around him didn’t even seem to know what was so appealing about him, yet each of them squealed in delight.

“Just as stars shine in the heavens, so too you shine upon this earth, those stars are your eyes. Like rosebuds that irresistibly draw one in… rose-colored cheeks, lips like roses…”

Aren’t those all just roses? Setting aside the face for a moment, how could a man have such a limited vocabulary?

Thinking that, Karin couldn’t help herself and she blurted it out as if she might gag.

“That’s a terrible song.”

The man seemed to catch the remark instantly and turned his gaze toward her.

At first, his eyes widened at Karin’s beauty, but the moment he noticed her outfit, his sharp expression returned. It seemed he had briefly mistaken her for a beautiful girl, then judged her to be male based on her clothing. A very easy man to read.

“A terrible song, is it? I believe I heard someone say that. Was that you just now?”

With a sharp motion, he crossed his legs.

This is bad.

Karin’s face turned pale. Isn’t this turning into another pointless conflict?

But she couldn’t let someone like this see her fear. Gathering all her courage, she spoke boldly:

“Yes. That was me.”

“Hmph!” The man known as Narcis snorted.

This guy… dared to insult me. But with ladies watching, best to respond with refined sarcasm.

That seemed to be his thought process. Then he noticed Karin’s clothes and burst out laughing.

“Just look at that outfit! I don’t know where you picked it up, but it’s terribly outdated! In this day and age, you wouldn’t see something like that even in the most remote countryside of Gallia!”

Even so, the women didn’t laugh at all.

Instead, they stared at Karin, entranced by the presence of such a strikingly beautiful youth.

Narcis seemed to notice that subtle shift in their attention.

His face twitched with anger.

“Indeed, a beautiful boy. If you were a woman, even His Majesty might take you as a concubine. But unfortunately, you’re a man! And worse, you can never be number one. After all, here in the capital… you have ''me'', Lord Narcis!”

With that, he began striking dramatic poses, one moment resting a hand against his chin, the next biting down on a flower taken from a vase.

But the women, like devoted fans, ignored him completely and instead gathered around Karin, staring at her intently.

“What a lovely boy! Your skin is so beautiful! Are you wearing makeup?

“Where are you from? What kind of place produces such beauty like you?”

Karin looked at them coldly.

“That’s none of your business.”

Seeing this, something in Narcis seemed to snap.

You could expect that. He clearly had immense confidence in his appearance.

At last, he pointed at Karin.

“My dear flowers, tell me. Between that boy and myself, who is more beautiful? Though, of course, the answer is obvious.”

The women exchanged troubled glances. It seemed they didn’t want to hurt Narcis by telling the truth.

Thanks to the male attire and flat chest, none of them realized that this young noble was actually a girl.

At that moment, Karin spoke again. In any case, she should avoid pointless conflict if possible.

“Who’s more beautiful has nothing to do with one’s ability as a knight, does it? From my perspective, you’re already quite beautiful. There’s no need to compete with anyone in that regard.”

“That’s right, that’s right! Such a well-spoken young man!” the women chimed in.

“Y-you all… that’s enough…”

Watching Narcis tremble, Karin began to find it a little amusing.

And once that happened, she couldn’t resist pushing a little further.

“That’s quite a shirt you’re wearing.”

“…What?”

Narcis blinked in confusion at the sudden remark.

“I mean your shirt. Where did you even find something that shiny? What exactly are you trying to do, wearing that? Performing in some kind of stage play? Even clowns don’t dress like that.”

Having his prized shirt criticized like that, Narcis’s face darkened to a deep red. Clenching his fists, he began to pant heavily.

“Y-you… you—you—you… are you making a fool of me?!”

For some reason, that reaction only made it more entertaining, and Karin couldn’t help herself.

“Of course not. I’m not that bored. Besides, I have no interest in you, so there’s no reason for me to make fun of you. I just think that shirt is a bit too much, that’s all.”

The women burst into laughter.

“That’s true, Narcis, that shirt is too much!”

“It’s so bright even the sun would run away!”

As his beloved shirt became the butt of jokes, the veins at Narcis’s temples throbbed violently.

…This is bad. I got carried away again.

Karin quietly decided to slip away.

“…Well then, excuse me.”

“Hold it right there.”

“What is it?”

“I rather like that shirt.”

“Then cherish it properly. Farewell.”

“Hold it.”

“…Now what?”

“Could you give my shirt a chance to restore its honor? Don’t worry, it won’t take much of your time.”

Another duel.

''I messed up…'' Karin clutched her head in her mind.

“Tomorrow at two, behind Saint Christ Temple. Sounds good? And don’t even think about running, I’ve got plenty of friends in this city.”

She wanted to say “no thanks”, but to become a knight, courage mattered above all else. That was what she was told before leaving home.

So, with a strained expression, Karin nodded.

''What am I going to do…?''

She had only just arrived in the capital, and already she’d been challenged to two duels. It was terrifying—terrifying enough to make her feel like she might die.

With a gloomy expression, Karin kept walking.

After asking many people for directions, she finally reached Fusoviar Street by evening.

Bathed in the light of the setting sun, it was an old residential district lined with brick apartment buildings. The brown brick walls, coated with white plaster, were faded, but gave off a calm and refined atmosphere. The people walking along the street were all elegantly dressed nobles.

''Wow… as expected of nobles in the capital. So refined…''

Just as she was thinking that, a dazzling procession appeared before her.

A group of knights in pure white uniforms, emblazoned with red sacred emblems. Looking closer, they weren’t riding horses, but unicorns with brilliant white coats.

Karin couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.

Like something out of a painting, the knights advanced in perfect order, silently passing by her. Their stern, disciplined faces stared straight ahead, never wavering.

Each of them radiated an overwhelming presence—it felt as if any one of them could stand against an entire unit of soldiers.

Karin watched them with shining eyes.

“…The Magic Knight Corps.”

She whispered it under her breath.

There was no doubt, these were the very knights she had long admired. The royal guard of the Tristan Kingdom, the object of every noble’s admiration. She had heard that the Corps was divided into several squads, each mounted on a different kind of phantom beast bearing the squad’s name.

Which meant, this was the Unicorn Squadron.

Ah… Karin let out a quiet sigh of wonder.

Just imagining herself wearing that uniform and riding a pure white unicorn made her too excited to stand still.

“Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron!”

Murmuring it to herself, she resumed her search for Lord Dragignian’s residence.

What kind of noble could someone be to be capable of introducing her into such an extraordinary order of knights?

Filled with anticipation, her heart trembling, Karin checked one address after another, but…

Although she reached District Three, there was nothing there except a restaurant.

“…………”

Karin stared blankly at the building.

Did I get it wrong?

No… that couldn’t be. This was definitely District Three of Fusoviar Street.

She pushed open the door, and a friendly young waiter hurried over.

“Welcome! Um…”

He seemed unsure whether to address her as “miss” or “sir.”

Karin spoke casually.

“I’m a man. Though I do get mistaken for a girl a lot. Also, isn’t this supposed to be Lord Dragignian’s residence?”

The boy looked puzzled.

“This is our establishment—the ‘Breeze Pavilion’…”

Seeing this, a well-built man, likely the owner, approached.

“Is there a problem?”

“This customer is asking whether this used to be Lord Dragignian’s residence.”

The owner nodded.

“I see. Lord Dragignian transferred ownership of this estate… hmm, about ten years ago. After we took it over, we turned it into a restaurant, as you can see.”

“Then… where is Lord Dragignian now?”

The owner shook his head.

“I don’t know… perhaps he returned to the countryside, or… well, he was quite old.”

Stepping out of the restaurant, Karin stood there, frozen. A shadow slowly fell across her beautiful face, enveloping her figure into the dark clouds.

Unease filled her chest, and Karin nearly dropped to her knees.

She had only just arrived, and already, in the blink of an eye, she’d been challenged to two duels.

And the one person she could rely on—Lord Dragignian—was nowhere to be found.

It was hopeless.

She stood there, dejected for a while… then slowly clenched her fist.

“I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose…”, she muttered.

But just telling herself that wasn’t enough.

There was only one thing left to do.

That “magic.”

It was Karin’s secret spell. She didn’t know how it worked, but whenever she used it, courage would well up inside her.

With her left index finger, she wrote the word “courage” in her palm, then licked it. At once, warmth spread through her chest… and courage surged up from within.

It was the “magic to summon courage” taught to her long ago… by the knight who had saved her.

Back in the countryside, she relied on this spell many times. Before things like duels, she would always use it once. When she did, her fear would vanish, and her body would fill with a sense of invincibility. Mysterious masked knight… as long as I have this spell, I’ll be fine!

The situation was, without a doubt, desperate.

But, “To become a knight.”

There was no way she could abandon that dream. No matter what, she had to find her courage. Courage!

Repeating those words like a spell, Karin stepped forward.

'''Chapter 2 — Cendrillon'''

While Karin continued searching for Lord Dragignian’s residence…

In a corner of Midsummer Street, inside the duty room of the Magic Knight Corps of Lord Jervul’s estate, a woman sat with her elbow on the desk, frowning in frustration.

She looked to be around twenty-two or twenty-three. Long, beautiful black hair, blue eyes, and glasses, her features were undeniably attractive. And yet, there was an atmosphere about her as sharp and severe as a drawn blade.

This was Vivian Jervul, acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps.

She tapped her fingers impatiently against the desk, clearly irritated by something. At that moment, a servant opened the door and peeked inside.

“Lord Cendrillon has arrived.”

“Send him in at once.”

Vivian replied in a voice that perfectly matched the room: cold, and devoid of any warmth.

The servant nodded and ushered the man waiting outside into the room.

The man who entered was… peculiar.

His face looked young, yet his grayish-silver hair and the monocle over his melancholic eyes gave off an ageless, almost unsettling impression.

And yet, his features were so strikingly well-formed that the strangeness seemed to vanish, replaced by a dangerous kind of charm. Any woman would likely gasp in admiration and find herself drawn in…

But… The stern expression he wore, as if enduring some kind of pain, dulled that charm considerably.

Vivian fixed him with a cold glare.

“Well then… you’ve caused trouble again, haven’t you, Cendrillon?”

The man called Cendrillon averted his gaze, his lips tightening awkwardly.

“My father’s away because of his illness, so don’t cause trouble… How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?”

“Um… what exactly are you referring to? I have no idea what you mean.”

Cendrillon replied, cold sweat forming on his brow. He didn’t seem particularly good at lying.

“Last night, on Ziktony Street… Who was it that got into a fight with the knights of Germania at the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t go anywhere near that place. I spent the evening peacefully playing cards at the Bacchus household.”

As he said that, his face turned even paler.

“Don’t you lie. I have evidence. To begin with, it was you with those two idiots, playing cards against the Germanian knights. You were not at the Bacchus’s house, it was the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern. At first, it seems it was just an ordinary game, but it happened that you started losing and refused to pay the Germania knights. When they got angry, you drew your wands.”

Vivian spoke with a vein visibly throbbing on her forehead.

“You apparently made quite a mess of the Cavern Torch. What do you intend to do about it?”

With a sharp motion, she handed a sheet of paper to Cendrillon.

“What’s this?”

“A repair invoice from the establishment.”

Cendrillon immediately panicked.

“I-it’s a misunderstanding! First of all, I’d like to clarify! We didn’t lose under normal circumstances! Those Germanian knights were cheating! Seriously, what underhanded bastards!”

“Oh? And then?”

“When we exposed it, they drew their wands first, so we had no choice but to fight back. Besides, you know I hate fighting. It’s impossible that we would’ve attacked first.”

“You say you had no choice, but it seems you went a bit too far. Two people are unable to stand, and five more are injured to varying degrees. We’ve already received a formal protest from the embassy.”

“We were injured too.”

“Oh? Who?”

“Me.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his shirt. His torso was wrapped in bandages.

Vivian’s expression stiffened.

“What? Let me see that properly.”

“Yes,” he said, letting her examine the wound. Sure enough, there was a faint stain of red seeping through.

“That’s not a light injury. Are you alright?”

“Yes. I was struck directly by a magical arrow. If I weren’t a water mage of my level, I would have bled out.”

“Should you even be standing?”

“I was lying down until just now, but since Lady Vivian summoned me…”

At that, Vivian bit her lip and took hold of his hand.

“Honestly… don’t make me worry like that… If something happened to you, what would I do? There’s no one else in this corps I can rely on. If only you would take things a little more seriously…”

A subtle, intoxicating charm drifted from her. It was enough to unsettle anyone who wasn’t careful. Seeing such a change from Vivian, who was always stern and composed, left Cendrillon momentarily confused.
[[File:ZNTso1 045.jpg|thumb]]
Vivian looked at him with heated eyes.

Then she closed them, and slowly leaned her lips closer.

Cendrillon panicked.

“W-wait… um! Lady Vivian! I, Cendrillon, have sworn never to give my heart to a woman!”

But faced with Vivian’s beauty, he couldn’t hold out, he found himself closing his eyes.

And then… a sharp pain shot through his abdomen.

“Gyaaaaaah!”

His wound had been mercilessly squeezed, and he let out a scream.

“W-what are you doing…?”

“Just kidding, idiot. That’s exactly why you got baited by such an obvious trick.”

Vivian returned to her seat as if nothing happened, shaking her head.

“I understand the situation now. But what are you going to do about the tavern you wrecked?”

Cendrillon, sweating, clutched his aching stomach and spoke through the pain.

“They brought it on themselves.”

“Oh?”

“The place was helping the Germanian knights cheat. They had magic cast on the table so they could see our hands.”

“…You really are fools.”

“So that invoice can be ignored. Filing a complaint like that would be as useful as a thief crying foul.”

“Then why did you lie in the first place?”

Faced with such a straightforward question, Cendrillon could only sweat nervously.

“B-because… I don’t like getting scolded…”

“How honest.”

Vivian smiled and beckoned him closer.

But Cendrillon shook his head, looking like he was about to cry.

“N-no, I’m good.”

“What’s wrong? I’m about to reward you. The acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps, Vivian Jevre herself, is going to personally reward you. Now come here.”

“I refuse.”

He shook his head again.

Vivian’s tone shifted into a command.

“Come here.”

In the end, it was still an official order he couldn’t defy. With no choice, Cendrillon stepped closer to Vivian.

The next moment, she grabbed him firmly by the neck and began pressing his wound again and again with her fingers.

“Gyaaaaaaaahhh!!”

“Now, Cendrillon… didn’t I tell you? The Magic Knight Corps is in a delicate situation right now. So behave yourself. I ''did'' say that, didn’t I?”

“P-pain! Please—stop!”

“You and those two idiots… honestly, raising fools is exhausting. Don’t you think so? My dear subordinate, my precious retainer? You agree, don’t you?”

“Y-yes! Exactly as you say, Lady Vivian!”

“Good. Then consider this your lesson. You’ll be taking a pay cut for three months. Make sure you inform those two you’re always with as well.”

After being thoroughly disciplined, Cendrillon stepped out of the estate, clutching his aching abdomen.

He still looked half-dead.

“Is she trying to kill a wounded man…? Honestly… I’d just managed to heal…”

On the verge of tears, he began chanting his specialty, water magic.

Using ''Heal'', he managed to close the wound, but it wasn’t completely restored. In this world, those who could use magic were called nobles, and though they were feared and respected, magic wasn’t nearly as convenient as people believed.

“Damn it… that cold-blooded woman… one day I’ll make her cry.”

Even though he said that, it was almost impossible to imagine Vivian crying.

“…Sigh. A pay cut… I’m already barely scraping by!”

These days, for various reasons, the Magic Knight Corps’ salaries were already harshly limited. And now a three-month reduction? That was no joke.

His mood was in ruins.

“…What should I do now…?”

He didn’t feel like going straight home to sleep. In the end, Cendrillon decided to go have a drink.

He headed to the bustling Ziktony Street in the capital, Tristania, and entered a tavern called the “Silver Barrel.”

Despite its name, it was a cheap establishment, run by a quiet father and his lively daughter. It was the kind of place with a relaxed, unrestrictive atmosphere. Whenever Cendrillon was short on money, he came here, because they let him run a tab.

Today was no different.

As he pushed open the door, the tavern’s poster girl, Tanya, came over to greet him.

“Oh! Isn’t that Cendrillon? Welcome!”

She looked about sixteen, a cheerful girl with a bright smile and shining chestnut-colored short hair. She was quite popular; many customers came just to see her.

Cendrillon took his usual seat at the far end of the counter and ordered wine.

“Give me a bottle of Dorf vintage.”

“The usual, then?”

Tanya said that, then leaned in close to whisper in his ear.

“Your tab’s getting pretty big, you know.”

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

Not even being able to drink what he liked freely, was there anything more depressing?

Especially now that his pay had been cut, expensive wine would be out of reach for a while.

“…Then just something cheap.”

“Even then, it’s still going on your tab, right?”

Tanya stared at him.

“W-well… yeah.”

“Well, I’ll let it slide this time. But in return…”

“What?”

“Next time, will you take me to see a play?”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Cendrillon glanced at her, then shook his head.

“Go with your friends.”

“Hey! Come on! I’m inviting ''you''!”

“I’m busy.”

“That’s a lie! You’re always just drinking!”

Tanya puffed her cheeks in annoyance, but soon her expression turned curious.

“Hey, Cendrillon… why don’t you ever go out with women? Your friend Narcis always has a different girl with him.”

“I’m not interested in women. Quit talking and bring the wine.”

“What a waste. You’re actually quite charming, you know.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah… how should I put it? It’s like you’ve got a shadow over you. A lot of girls are drawn to that.”

''I see… a shadow, huh.''

Cendrillon gave a wry smile.

But if they knew the truth behind that “shadow”… their illusions would surely shatter.

The reason he came to “dislike women” was due to a certain incident.

It wasn’t that he truly hated women.

It was just that, ever since that incident, he couldn’t bring himself to take anything seriously. No… more than that, he felt he had no right to love anyone at all.

And so, whenever the topic of women came up, Cendrillon would fall silent. Ironically, that only drew in women like Tanya, who were fascinated by that very attitude.

At times like those, he would simply claim that he “hated women.”

Tanya tried for a while to keep him engaged, bringing up different topics, but before long she seemed to give up.

She set down the cheap wine and snacks she had prepared in front of him.

Taking slow sips of the low-quality wine, Cendrillon reflected on his situation. Joining the Magic Knight Corps was a good thing, but day after day, his life consisted of drinking, gambling, or dueling…

It was, in its own way, enjoyable.

And yet… it felt as though something inside him was gradually being worn away.

''I wasn’t like this before. Back then, I was full of energy… full of hope for the future.''

Of course he was

Because back then, he had been the happiest man in the world. Born into an enviable family, together with the woman he loved…

So why was he now sitting here, drinking cheap wine in a place like this? The answer was simple.

It was his own fault.

The reason he could no longer love women. And the reason he had left home…

Back then… if these hands didn’t cast that ''spell'', his life would surely have been shining brightly.

Just a small mistake… and everything had been taken from him.

It was his doing.

These hands… “Forgive me.”

He murmured it under his breath, then took another deep drink of the cheap wine. The burning liquid slid down his throat, setting his stomach ablaze. Only like this could he dull the pain of the past.

“My life really is… covered in ash. Oh, Cendrillon…”

Staring into the dark red liquid in his glass, he muttered to himself.

He was only nineteen, and yet already, he was completely steeped in a ruined life.

His life, like the color of his hair, was shrouded in gray clouds.

Cendrillon recalled the paintings of the “Saint” he had often seen as a child. A sacred girl, both gentle and stern, depicted in religious art, he could never grow tired of gazing at her.

In the painting, the saint extended her hands, saving the weak from the depths of the water. Did such a beautiful woman truly exist in this world?

If he could meet a saint like that… perhaps the gray clouds covering his life would finally disperse.

“But the sin I’ve committed won’t disappear because of that.”

He muttered, tilting his glass.

The “Saint” didn’t exist. And even if she did, his sins would not vanish. For the rest of his life, he would have to carry that burden.

And yet… perhaps God pitied Cendrillon, and listened to that small, insignificant wish. The door opened, and a young noble stepped inside.

The moment he saw them, Cendrillon caught his breath.

Then his heart jolted, as if struck by lightning.

Before him stood a face, dignified and beautiful, just like the saint from those paintings. The figure looked about fourteen or fifteen. Beneath soft peach-colored hair were slender eyes, their pale brown irises gleaming like clear gemstones. A perfectly shaped nose, neither too high nor too low. Lips like small cherries, gently curved downward.

Everything about that face was arranged with flawless symmetry, as if crafted by the hand of a god.

What… such an unbelievable beauty… A girl like this exists on this street…?

That overwhelming beauty drew not only Cendrillon’s gaze, but the attention of everyone in the tavern.

But… it seemed that God was not smiling upon him after all.

“Huh? A boy?” Those words, spoken by another customer, snapped him back to reality.

Yes, the noble was dressed in a man’s knight attire, a crude military wand hanging at the waist. It was the sort of outdated thing any woman would dislike.

And on top of that, the chest was perfectly flat.

The slender figure could easily be mistaken for a girl… but if they truly were a woman, there should at least be some slight curve, even if undeveloped.

A “boy.” Oh… so it’s a boy.

A disappointed sigh spread through the tavern, and Cendrillon let out a deep breath as well.

Of course. There was no way God would grant his wish.

Thinking that, he gave a wry smile.

Come on, Cendrillon, even if that was a beautiful girl instead of a beautiful boy… what would it change?

Just a stranger in a tavern, nothing more.

The idea that a saint would descend to wash away the ash clinging to him

was nothing more than a foolish delusion.

That “boy” was, in fact, Karin Désirée de Maillart, the cross-dressing girl who came here, lost in despair, thinking she should at least fill her stomach first.

But Cendrillon was not a god, he had no way of knowing that.

Karin slowly looked around the tavern, as if choosing a seat. It seemed that she preferred somewhere deeper inside, and without hesitation, she walked straight in and sat down two seats away from Cendrillon.

Tanya approached, looking completely captivated.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a beautiful guest! W-what would you like to order?”

Her voice was already trembling.

Karin spoke in a clear, composed tone:

“Milk. And something good to eat.”

The “boy’s” voice was as beautiful as a hymn.

Cendrillon stared at Karin, stunned.

What a vast world this is… To produce such a beautiful boy, this world really is something.

He found himself admiring it sincerely.

However, just as such beauty naturally drew attention, it also invited trouble.

Tanya, practically dancing with excitement, brought over the milk and set it down in front of Karin. Just then, a drunken man shouted loudly:

“Hey! Kid! This is a bar! If you want milk, go home and drink your mother’s!”

Cendrillon went pale.

Such a cliché line, it wouldn’t even appear in a stage play. It was almost embarrassing just to hear it.

An awkward murmur spread through the tavern.

Karin slowly stood up.

Her face had turned slightly pale, that remark clearly irritated her. It wasn’t just her beauty; her presence itself was striking.

With all eyes on her, Karin spoke:

“Was that you just now?”

Her tone was calm, but beneath it lay unmistakable anger.

Sustained by the “magic of courage” she just used, Karin felt invincible. There was nothing she feared.

The drunk, clearly the type who couldn’t read the room, kept mocking her:

“Yeah, that was me, you little noble brat. Seriously, pick a better place to drink. A beauty like you sitting here sipping milk ruins the mood completely. Or what, you gonna pour drinks for me? Maybe sway those hips while you’re at it?”

“He’s a boy.”

Someone muttered it, but the drunk only got more carried away.

“Doesn't matter! If you look that good, who cares if you’re a boy or a girl? Come on, kid… why don’t I—”

Before he could finish, Karin spoke again.

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Her voice was flat, like she was simply stating a fact.

The entire tavern fell silent, as if something had been abruptly cut off.

The drunk forced a laugh.

“H-hey now, just kidding. Listen, kid, there’s a beautiful world out there you don’t know about. I was just trying to show you—”

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Karin repeated it, without the slightest exaggeration.

A vein bulged on the man’s forehead as his irritation boiled over.

“Who do you think you’re killing?”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Don’t screw with me! Who do you think is getting killed here?”

In one swift motion, the man drew a pistol from his belt. He looked like a former mercenary.

He pointed the gun at Karin and cocked it.

Screams broke out in the tavern.

“Hey, kid… didn’t I tell you to pick your place? Maybe a country bumpkin like you doesn’t know, but this area isn’t exactly well-behaved. Proper nobles don’t come here. Even if I kill you, no one important is gonna notice.”

Even so, Karin didn’t change her expression. She looked at the gun as if it were nothing more than a stick.

It wasn’t bravery. It was recklessness.

“If you don’t want to die, toss your wand over here. Slowly. And don’t even think about chanting a spell, I’ll shoot without hesitation. Don’t get any ideas. At this distance, no matter how fast you chant, gunpowder and bullets are faster.”

Cendrillon swallowed.

Having served in the Magic Knight Corps for years, having seen battle and duels, he knew the man was absolutely right.

But Karin shook her head.

“I refuse.”

“…What?”

She placed her hand on the military wand at her waist.

“If I throw this away, then I won’t be myself anymore. So I refuse.”

“You wanna die?!”

“I refuse that too.”

“Didn’t I just tell you?! The gun is faster!”

Then, in a firm and composed tone, the “boy” declared:

“Your bullet won’t hit me.”

“At this distance, there’s no way I’d miss! I’m a mercenary, you know! I’ve fired more shots than I’ve had meals!”

“It won’t hit.”

“Are you an idiot?!”

“I have a dream. Until that dream comes true, I won’t die no matter what happens. So your bullet won’t hit me. Go ahead, aim carefully. I don’t know how many times you’ve fired a gun, but this will be the last bullet you ever fire.”

Cendrillon was stunned.

What kind of nonsense logic was that?

And yet, coming from this boy, it somehow sounded convincing.

Just as the tension in the tavern reached its peak…

the man backed down.

“Tch! I don’t have time to deal with idiots!”

He threw the gun aside and scrambled out of the tavern. The tension instantly dissolved.

Karin returned to her seat as if nothing had happened and calmly resumed drinking her milk. The patrons all looked at her with admiration. Tanya, in particular, stared at her as if she were gazing at a god.

Cendrillon picked up the gun from the floor and placed it in front of Karin.

“Hey, you. This is your trophy.”

Karin glanced at him, then quickly lost interest and looked away.

Feeling ignored, Cendrillon frowned.

“Looks like you’re training to be a knight, but about this… I can’t praise it. Sure, it worked out, but that man was right. At that distance, the gun is faster.”

Speaking as an older noble, he offered his advice.

“There were no bullets in it.”

…What?

Cendrillon looked at Karin with a hint of unease.

She figured that out instantly? She looks four or five years younger than me, what kind of observation is that?

“…That’s impressive.”

He muttered, then picked up the gun to check.

The hammer had been cocked… but the pan cover was shut, so he couldn’t see inside. Did she look through the barrel? That’s impossible.

How did she figure it out?

He couldn’t make sense of it.

“That’s incredible.”

Absentmindedly, Cendrillon pulled the trigger toward the wall.

''Bang!''

A deafening gunshot rang out.

Cendrillon jumped, and the tavern fell into chaos.

Gun smoke filled the air as he coughed violently. Looking at the wall, he saw a large hole blown through it.

“…So there ''were'' bullets.”

He muttered in disbelief.

Karin looked at him with a completely indifferent expression.

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Don’t guess like that. Seriously, one small mistake and you’d be dead.”

“I told you. The bullet wouldn’t hit me.”

With that, Karin finished her milk in one gulp.

“You look like you’re training to be a knight, but with that attitude, one life won’t be enough. If you confuse courage with recklessness, you’ll end up shortening your own lifespan.”

Karin set the ceramic cup down on the counter.

“Could you keep quiet?”

“…Huh?”

“I’m in a bad mood right now.”

What is with this kid?

That attitude rubbed him the wrong way. Being talked to like that made him want to provoke her.

A smirk crept onto Cendrillon’s lips.

“Oh? In a bad mood, are we? And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Karin turned to face him.

“Depending on your attitude, you might end up with some unnecessary injuries.”

Pretty bold words for a kid.

Cendrillon couldn’t help but tease her.

“Injuries? From you? That pretty face of yours would be in real trouble if it got hurt.”

A faint blush appeared on Karin’s porcelain-like cheeks.

“Sounds like you really want to get hurt.”

“Of course not. I hate pain.”

“So you’re just a coward, then. In that case, be quiet, you useless idiot.”

Karin glared at him coldly, a hint of contempt in her eyes.

…Right. To someone who still believes in their future without question, I must look like nothing but a failure.

Normally, being spoken to like that would provoke anger.

But Cendrillon simply backed off.

“Yeah, yeah… maybe you’re right. Sorry for bothering you.”

Seeing that attitude, Karin’s expression changed.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Not at all. I admire you.”

“…You, do you even count as a noble? Is there such a thing as a noble who gets called a coward and doesn’t get angry?”

“There is. You’re looking at one.”

“What a disgrace.”

“Yeah. I am.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his glass.

Karin grabbed the bottle of red wine and poured it straight over his head. The liquid splashed down over him, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

“Hey, what are you doing? What a waste.”

“Get angry already! You call yourself a noble?!”

Karin shouted, clearly irritated.

“Pointless. Getting angry never leads to anything good.”

At that moment, two men pushed open the door and walked in.

One of them was dressed in such extravagant clothing that it almost felt like someone had distilled the very concept of “gaudy” into a dye and painted it onto him. A doll-like beauty, with narrow eyes that suggested how many women he had made cry.

The other was a towering, muscular man, even larger than the one from before. Long golden hair, a rugged jaw that looked like it could crush iron, and a broad chest like that of an ancient arena fighter.

An overwhelming, dominating presence radiated from him, one that made everyone else seem insignificant.

These two were Narcis and Bacchus.

They were also members of the Magic Knight Corps, and Cendrillon’s closest companions.

The three of them were always together, eating, drinking, fooling around, working… and when it came to duels, they would act as each other’s seconds.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Cendrillon—the three knights were famous throughout Tristania.

Though not in a particularly flattering way.

The most troublesome trio in the history of the Magic Knight Corps. Constant instigators of chaos. The three fools who were always giving Acting Commander Vivian headaches.

Bacchus and Narcis spoke at the same time:

“Cendrillon! So you ''are'' here!”

“What is it, Bacchus? And Narcis, you’re with him too?”

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you! I’ve got a duel tomorrow, and I need you to be my second!”

“A duel? You too?” Narcis asked, surprised.

“What, you as well? So that’s why you were looking for him! You should’ve said so earlier!”

“I was going to tell you when we found Cendrillon.”

Cendrillon shouted in frustration:

“Don’t joke around! Lady Vivian’s going to kill us!”

At that moment, both Narcis and Bacchus noticed Karin sitting beside him and their eyes widened.

“Why is ''this guy'' here?!”

“You know him?” Cendrillon asked.

“What do you mean, know him? He’s my opponent tomorrow,” Bacchus replied blankly.

“Mine too.”

The three of them turned to stare at Karin.

Karin calmly glanced between Narcis and Bacchus.

“What, you all know each other?”

“You know these two?” Cendrillon asked in disbelief.

Karin nodded.

“We’ve agreed to duel tomorrow. Though I don’t mind doing it now. I don’t really have anything else planned tonight except sleeping.”

She said it as casually as if suggesting dinner.

Cendrillon stared at her, stunned.

This personality…

It was like she had a sign on her back that said ''“Open for duels.”''

Bacchus, face flushed, shouted:

“Fine! Then I’ll fight you right now!”

Narcis nodded in agreement.

Karin replied calmly:

“Then give me a moment. I’ll finish eating first.”

And she began quickly finishing the food in front of her.

With the three knights in tow, Karin made her way behind Saint Christ Temple.

The moonlight was bright enough that, even with only torchlight, the area wasn’t too dark.

“Nice and quiet here.”

Karin said, almost to herself.

The three exchanged glances.

“Hey… Cendrillon,” one of them muttered. “What exactly is this kid? Is he fearless… or just an idiot?”

“How would I know?”

“I’d say he’s so scared he can’t think straight anymore.”

Cendrillon thought about it too, but shook his head inwardly.

No… that wasn’t it.

This guy… he probably truly believed what he’d just said.

''“The bullet won’t hit me.”''

He must believe that not even magic could touch a single hair on his head.

On the battlefield, people who believe “bullets won’t hit me” are always the first to die…

But this one felt different.

That statement didn’t feel like a lie.

No… more accurately, it felt like he ''wouldn’t allow it to become a lie.''

Just as that thought crossed his mind, something felt off.

Karin, who until just now had seemed completely at ease, suddenly changed. Her face turned pale as if struck by a fever, her lips clenched tightly, her body trembling.

“What? What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?”

“N-no! It’s nothing! Just… a little cold!”

Karin snapped hurriedly, turning her back as she fumbled with something out of sight. The “magic of courage” had a time limit.

After a while, it would fade, just like heat escaping from the body, and the courage would vanish with it.

But in moments like this, all she had to do was use it again.

Trace the word on her palm.

Then lick it.

And once more, courage would fill her body.

When Karin turned back to face them, the trembling had stopped.

Wrapped once again in that overwhelming sense of invincibility, she placed her left hand on her hip.

Bathed in moonlight, her figure almost looked as if it had been enchanted by a spell of charm.

A beauty so striking, so sacred, it made one catch their breath.

“What are you muttering about over there? Come on, let’s begin.”

With that, she swiftly drew her wand.

The hesitation from before was gone, her movements were smooth, almost flowing.

Just from that alone, Cendrillon understood—this was no ordinary opponent.

At such a young age, to handle a wand like that…

How much effort had she put in?

The same thought crossed Bacchus and Narcis’s minds, and a tense chill settled over them.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re scared. There’s three of you and only one of me, surely not?”

That line made Bacchus’s face flush red.

“Tch… listen to this brat! Fine, I’ll take you on. I was the first to challenge you, after all.”

“No,” Narcis cut in, shaking his head. “That agreement no longer applies, so I have the right as well. Don’t you agree, Cendrillon?”

Cendrillon grimaced.

“…Hold on.”

“What is it?” Bacchus asked.

“Didn’t Lady Vivian strictly forbid us from dueling? And didn’t we just get into a fight with the Germanian knights? I was just scolded and got my pay cut.”

“If no one finds out, it’s fine. Besides, silencing a kid like that isn’t exactly difficult.”

“And really, look at him, he’s just a child. There’s no way he’s a match for you. You should stop.”

Cendrillon thought so too.

No matter how confident the boy seemed, Bacchus and Narcis were seasoned fighters. There was no way he could win.

“Being talked down to by a kid like that, doesn’t it bother you?” Karin provoked.

A vein bulged on Bacchus’s forehead.

“There are kids you can forgive, and kids you can’t.”

Karin shot back immediately:

“And there are perverts you can forgive, and perverts you can’t. You’re overwhelmingly in the latter category.”

“Yeah… I’m definitely going first. If I don’t kill this guy, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

“No, I said I’m first!”

“Just wait—”

The three of them argued among themselves.

Watching them, Karin’s body began to tremble slightly.

Then… a violent pressure filled the air.

WHOOSH—!

A fierce wind burst forth.

It tore past Cendrillon’s cheek. The three men stared at Karin in shock. There was no need to ask, they already knew that guy is not ordinary. It was wind magic.

The force swirling around Karin took form as wind even before any incantation could be spoken. Her emotions manifested directly, whipping into a small storm.

Raising her wand, Karin spoke:

“Before we begin, there’s something I need to say.”

“Go on,” Bacchus urged.

“First, I apologize for going too far.”

…An apology? That didn’t match her attitude at all. The three exchanged glances.

Karin pointed her wand at Bacchus.

“You over there, the big idiot. Bacchus, right? I apologize for calling you a pervert. You’re rather an ''excellent'' pervert, and I hate perverts like you the most.”

Bacchus flushed even deeper with anger.

Then Karin turned her wand toward Narcis.

“And you, the delusional one. Half-baked pretty boy. Narcis, right? I apologize for insulting your shirt. But no matter how I look at it, that color is still too much. It’s excessively gaudy. And of course, I hate you too.”

Narcis’s face turned pale with fury.

Then Karin performed a perfect knight’s salute.

“That concludes my apology.”

“That wasn’t an apology at all!”

Bacchus shouted—but Karin was already too focused to hear him.

The way she stood, staring them down with a commanding presence, was like a beautiful apex predator. There wasn’t a trace of carelessness in her stance, it stirred something in the three men.

Cendrillon, caught up in the strange exhilaration of the moment, found himself honestly thinking this “boy” is in fact beautiful.

“Well then, you seem to be arguing over who goes first. In that case, I’ll decide. No objections?”

“Let him decide,” Narcis said.

Bacchus nodded.

“Fine. No hard feelings, no matter who he picks.”

Both of them puffed out their chests as if to say ''choose me''.

“That one over there—the pretentious one!”

But Karin pointed her wand at Cendrillon.

On her otherwise composed, beautiful face, anger, absent until now, began to surface.

“You had a lot to say earlier, didn’t you? People like you are what you call meddlers. I don’t know if it comes from kindness or what, but every word of it was irritating. And that roundabout way of talking… it’s infuriating! If you’re a man, say what you mean clearly! And on top of that—you’re a coward! I can overlook everything else, but I won’t forgive cowardice! You’re a disgrace to nobles! I’m going to beat that out of you from start to finish—come at me!”

Cendrillon let out a tired sigh and shook his head.

“I don’t mind, but I’m just an observer.”

“If you don’t fight, I won’t fight anyone.”

Bacchus and Narcis both looked at him, troubled.

“That’s a problem.”

Urged on by his friends, Cendrillon sighed again.

“I really don’t like these kinds of things…”

He glanced at Karin.

She stood there, brimming with fighting spirit. If Bacchus or Narcis fought her…

she might get hurt.

No, at this point, with how angry they were, it wouldn’t just end with an injury.

… Seems like he had no other choice.

Cendrillon stepped forward and drew his wand—a black iron military wand, polished from years of use.

“Hey, I was the one who challenged him first,” Bacchus protested.

But Narcis stopped him.

“Leave it to Cendrillon. He’s serious.”

The man standing there now was no longer the lazy, half-asleep Cendrillon from before. There was focus in his eyes. His stance was flawless. It was the posture of someone who had undergone considerable training.

Seeing that, Bacchus nodded.

“Same as always… a solid stance.”

And not just his stance, his strength was also well known. The two of them had witnessed it many times on both the battlefield and in duels.

“Well then, as courtesy demands, let me introduce myself first. My name is Cendrillon. I will be your opponent.”

He spoke in a tone that still lacked enthusiasm.

Karin gave her name in return.

“My name is Karin de Maillart. My specialty is wind. The problem with my wind… is that it’s too strong. It might even kill you. So don’t hold it against me.”

Her voice wasn’t pompous, it was completely sincere.

Cendrillon smiled.

“I use water. Sorry for mentioning it late, but facing water can be quite troublesome.”

“Thank you for the concern, but I’ve never paid attention to my opponent’s element. No need.”

The two stood facing each other, about fifteen mails apart.

“Well then—let’s begin.”

Just as he was about to chant, a sharp pain shot through Cendrillon’s abdomen.

''Damn… right. The wound from last night’s duel isn’t fully healed…''

The emergency treatment earlier had dulled the pain enough for him to forget, but now it flared up again. He’d already done what he could with water magic; all that remained was time. But if he fought now, the wound might reopen.

“What’s wrong?”

Karin looked at him, puzzled.

“N-nothing.”

Seeing that, Narcis muttered quietly:

“That guy… could it be his injury from last night…?”

“Ah, that stab wound from the Germanian knights! Don’t tell me it hasn’t healed yet…”

Bacchus’s face turned pale.

Cendrillon stopped the two of them from stepping forward.

“It’s fine… really… nothing.”

“But… you… I mean…”

“I’ll manage. Sorry to keep you waiting. Here I come.”

Enduring the pain, Cendrillon began his chant.

“Il… Votar… Nid… Is…”

Moisture in the air condensed, forming water that coiled and gathered. In front of his wand, it took the shape of several whip-like strands.

More than a dozen whips of water, it was the spell called ''Water Whip''.

With sharp whipping sounds, they lashed through the air at high speed.

Karin, in contrast, didn’t chant at all.

Cendrillon extended the whips freely, closing in as if to surround her. Fine droplets of water splashed against his face.

''I like water…''

He always believed that.

Water felt like it could soothe his dried, worn-out heart.

Water can heal me… But only that. It cannot save me.

''Then what can save me?''

''What can wash away the ash that covers my heart?''

He didn’t know.

He swung his wand. The water whips struck from all directions.

In that instant, Karin gave a short chant and moved her wand.

''Crack!''

A sharp gust exploded outward, instantly shattering the incoming whips.

Cendrillon let out a low whistle.

I see… so she really does have the skill to match that attitude.

But it’s just finesse. I’ve seen plenty of wind users at that level.

Then, he prepared to chant the next spell—

BOOOOM—

A thunderous roar erupted as the wind surged. It was a gale like a tidal wave.

The blast didn’t just hit Cendrillon, it sent Bacchus and Narcis, who were standing behind him, flying into the wall.

Cendrillon immediately cast water magic, forming a cushion between himself and the wall. A soft, gel-like mass of water absorbed the impact.

But Bacchus and Narcis, merely spectators, were slammed into the wall and collapsed, groaning in pain.

“Sorry, I can’t control the output very well. If you can, please stand farther back while watching.”

It was just a basic wind spell, nothing more than making air move. And yet, the sheer force of it was overwhelming.

He had never seen wind with that kind of power before. And she cast it so casually.

''I see… this one’s no ordinary opponent.''

If that’s the case, then better end this quickly.

Cendrillon chanted the spell ''Blade''. High-speed rotating water coiled around the tip of his wand. A water blade was not something to take lightly, those who underestimated it often lost their lives.

The tightly compressed, rapidly spinning water became a razor-sharp edge, capable of slicing through iron in a single stroke. Even the scattered droplets flew like pellets.

Seeing Cendrillon’s ''Blade'', Karin cast the same spell.

At the same moment, the two rushed forward, clashing in a brilliant exchange at the center of the temple courtyard.

Karin used wind magic to lift herself into the air and attack from above, one could really admire her affinity for wind.

Elusive as a butterfly dancing through the sky, striking with the speed of a hawk. Her small frame was perfectly suited for aerial combat.

So young, and yet her wand technique was incredibly refined.

Bacchus, who had just managed to get back on his feet, spoke with concern, while Narcis checked his face in a mirror beside him.

“Hey… is Cendrillon gonna be okay? Isn’t he getting pushed back?”

Narcis, still staring into his mirror, replied in a voice almost like singing:

“His water magic isn’t really suited for combat, I’ve always thought that.”

“Then why let him fight?! He’s gonna lose! Damn it! Does this mean the legendary winning streak of the Magic Knight Corps’ three knights is about to end?!”

“Don’t worry about it,” Narcis said lightly. “That guy’s wand technique is the real deal, best in the kingdom. I’ve never once seen him lose with ''Blade''.”
[[File:ZNTso1 079.jpg|thumb]]
''I see…'' Cendrillon thought.

The boy was fast, ''very'' fast. And his spells carried real power. But perhaps due to lack of battle experience, his movements followed a few fixed patterns.

Cendrillon, who had been purely on the defensive, shifted the moment he spotted an opening, as if he had become a different person.

Whenever Karin attacked from above, there was a brief instant where her motion stalled. That was the moment.

He thrust his wand in.

It sounded simple, but in reality, it was like threading a needle. Even calling it an “opening” was misleading, no ordinary fighter could have noticed it.

“What—?!”

Her leg was cut.

Karin’s composed expression cracked. The attack had clearly caught her off guard and fear flickered across her face, just for an instant.

Seeing that expression, so fitting for her age, Cendrillon’s own face softened slightly. One more strike, and he could end it.

Of course, he had no intention of doing that.

''He is just a kid. And besides,'' ''Why is he so beautiful?''

The way he moved through the air, like a spirit of the wind.

No… not a spirit. More like—

Cendrillon cut the thought short with a wry smile. ''Come on. He’s a boy.''

There’s no way—

He aimed for her right hand, the one holding the wand, planning to knock it away and end the match cleanly.

But in that instant… He twisted his body too forcefully in order to make the strike, and his wound tore open.

A sharp pain ripped through his abdomen.

“Gah—!”

His body froze for just a moment. Cendrillon’s eyes widened from the pain, and what filled his vision was…

A ''gale''. A violent, surging wind.

Karin’s quick burst of wind lifted his body clean off the ground and he hit the ground hard, his wand slipping from his hand.

“What the hell?! He lost?! That’s not what you promised!”

Bacchus shouted.

Karin slowly approached the fallen Cendrillon, pointing her wand at his face.

Through the pain, Cendrillon smiled.

''Guess I failed at just teaching her a lesson…''

“I lost. I surrender.”

But Karin didn’t lower her wand.

In her eyes burned something new. Anger.

“You! You changed your target at the last second, didn’t you?! If you’d driven that wand through me, the match would’ve been decided! What was that supposed to mean?! Are you mocking me?!”

Her voice trembled with fury.

Outwardly she still looked composed, but underneath, her emotions were boiling.

“There’s no way I’d kill a kid. And besides…”

“And besides what?!”

“You’re beautiful.”

He said it plainly.

Karin’s face flushed bright red, then twisted into something fierce.

“Y-you…! What do you think a sacred duel is?!”

“…Huh?”

Cendrillon blinked, stunned.

What is wrong with this kid? Didn’t I surrender? Didn’t I just compliment him?

Why is he angry?

“H-hey, wait a second. What are you doing? I already surrendered.”

“This doesn’t count as a victory! It’s a draw! And I will absolutely, absolutely never forgive someone like you who mocks others!”

Karin’s body trembled violently.

“H-hey, wait, it’s already decided! It’s over!”

Bacchus and Narcis, who had stepped closer to check what was happening, were blown away in an instant.

“Hey, wait! Stop!”

And despite having just unleashed such a powerful spell, Karin began chanting again.

A massive sphere of compressed air churned violently at the tip of her wand.

“W-wait! What are you planning to do with that spell?! I told you, I surrender!”

Cendrillon scrambled backward, trying to get away. But it was pointless. The giant mass of air struck his body, and he blacked out.

“…Ugh…” With a groan, Cendrillon opened his eyes. Narcissus and Bacchus were looking down at him, both visibly worried.

“…What happened to that brat?”

Clenching through the pain coursing through his body, he asked.

Narcis replied: “After unleashing that spell, he just… disappeared. No idea where he went.”

“I see… What the hell is wrong with that guy…”

What kind of kid loses his temper that easily? At this rate, he’ll never turn into a decent adult…

Cendrillon thought.

“Want us to track him down and teach him a lesson?” Bacchus offered.

But Cendrillon shook his head.

“No… forget it. Honestly, I don’t want anything to do with him anymore.”

That’s what he said, but they would definitely be entangled again. Completely unaware of what kind of turn things would take, Cendrillon muttered in annoyance.

'''Chapter 3 — Lord Jervul’s Residence'''

The next morning…

After waking up in her inn room, Karin recalled what happened the night before, and her face flushed bright red.

“Uwaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!”

She rolled around on the bed, letting out a completely unladylike groan that didn’t match her refined appearance at all.

She looked like a completely different person from the calm figure she had been the night before. Because she had sworn never to let anyone discover she was a girl, she always forced herself to stay composed in front of others.

But now, alone, it was different.

“…I lost.”

The words slipped out in a feminine tone.

Karin had never truly wanted to become a boy, so when she was by herself, she naturally returned to her normal way of speaking.

“To think I’d lose to someone like that!”

Even though it had been called her victory, anyone could see that she had lost that duel. The moment her leg was cut, the outcome had already been decided. If he had struck her body then, she wouldn’t be standing here now. Even the wound on her leg was nothing more than a shallow cut that wouldn’t even leave a scar.

Frustrating.

Not even being treated as a proper opponent, why did that feel so frustrating?

That gray-haired man… his name was Cendrillon, right?

That roundabout way of speaking. That mocking gaze. That attitude like he was looking down on her… and on top of that, he was a coward.

“…To lose to someone like that… I guess I’m still not good enough…”

Her confidence, which had been so firm until now, began to waver.

After all, up until now, as long as she used the “magic of courage” taught to her by that knight, she never lost, no matter the opponent.

But the world really was vast. In a city like this, people of that level must be everywhere.

The fact that he held back and spared her was proof that her training was still lacking.

And on top of that…

he said she was ''beautiful''.

Unforgivable.

To think about something like that in the middle of a duel, what kind of disgraceful knight was that?! Whether someone was beautiful or not, that kind of thing had nothing to do with it!

Karin grabbed the blanket, imagining it was that damn knight Cendrillon, and beat it repeatedly.

Only after venting her anger did she finally calm down and start thinking clearly.

Even if she had lost, her dream of becoming a knight would not waver.

Although she didn't manage to meet Lord Dragignian, the very person who was supposed to introduce her, it still felt too early to give up.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Karin finally decided to go directly to visit the captain of the Magic Knight Corps, Lord Jervul. She had no introduction, but at this point, her only option was to explain her situation honestly and ask for permission to join.

Returning to the countryside was out of the question, but she also had no intention of drifting aimlessly around the capital. In the end… she would just have to face the difficulty head-on.

After worrying over various things, preparing herself, and thinking through how to explain everything, it was already nearing evening. If she didn’t hurry, it would be dark soon. Karin quickly rushed out of her room.

When she asked the innkeeper for the address of Lord Jervul’s residence, his eyes widened.

“Oh! A noble as beautiful as you?”

Thinking he was mocking her as some “pretty little kid,” Karin shot him an irritated look. The innkeeper, sensing that, said nothing more and simply gave her the directions.

Apparently, it was on Midsummer Street nearby.

Following the route she received, she soon found Lord Jervul’s estate. As expected of the royal guard entrusted with protecting the king, it was a large and imposing mansion.

She knocked nervously on the door.

No response.

She waited for a while, but no one came. Just as she began to wonder what was going on, a nobleman approached from behind, casually opened the door, and walked inside.

“…?”

Was this the kind of place people could just enter freely?

It was hard to imagine in the countryside, but perhaps things worked differently in the capital. Karin did the same, she opened the door and stepped inside.

A narrow courtyard lit by torches came into view, leading to the entrance hall. She knocked again. Still no response. However, she could hear noise from inside.

So someone ''was'' there.

Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open.

What greeted her was chaos.

A large group of men who looked like knights were gathered together, drinking heavily in broad daylight and shouting loudly. Every single one of them looked rough and ill-mannered.

What is this…? Some kind of party?

Lavish nobles holding banquets for days wasn’t unusual, but what was with these people? Listening closely, they weren’t even talking about anything important.

It was all love talk. Stories about flirting with maids, making promises with noble girls…

Karin frowned deeply. She hated this kind of talk.

She was infatuated… falling in love… Those weren’t things a knight should concern themselves with. A knight should devote themselves to the king and country, earn glory, and become a hero.

What could possibly be more important than that?

The men turned sharp eyes toward her.

“Well well! What a high-quality catch! What’s this, little lady? Playing dress-up as a knight?”

“This is not a game. I have come to apply for entry into the Magic Knight Corps.”

Her outdated, overly formal tone made the nobles burst out laughing.

“It’s a boy! Now this is a ridiculous applicant!”

“Sending someone who looks like a girl! This corps really is finished!”

Karin felt anger rise in her chest. If this weren’t the captain’s residence, she would’ve drawn her wand already.

“These must be knights from other units invited here…” she thought.

“May I meet the captain?”

“The acting captain is upstairs.”

One man jerked his chin lazily as if to say “go ahead.”

Karin went up the stairs and knocked on the door at the end.

“Come in.”

A young woman’s voice.

Karin hesitated for a moment. A secretary…?

She opened the door. Inside sat a woman in her early twenties, leaning on a large desk, staring straight at her.

Karin froze.

The room itself radiated with severity—tapestries depicting battles, multiple military wands mounted on the wall, shelves filled with medals and decorated hats.

It was unmistakably the room of a seasoned warrior.

But…The one sitting there was a young woman.

She had long, straight black hair and deep blue eyes. Her face was undeniably beautiful, but the aura she gave off was sharp, like a blade.

“…Wait.”

Was ''this'' the acting captain?

“I heard Lord Jervul was an elderly warrior…”

The woman brushed back her hair and looked at Karin coldly.

“Who are you?”

Her tone was blunt, almost rough, completely at odds with her appearance.

Straightening her posture, Karin answered.

“My name is Karin du Maillart.”

The situation was unexpected, but at the very least, the woman was sitting in the captain’s seat. Proper etiquette had to be observed.

“What is your business?”

“I have come from my homeland to apply for entry into the honorable Magic Knight Corps.”

The young woman said nothing. She simply stared at Karin.

One minute… two minutes…

Time passed in silence. That gaze, like she was being evaluated, was deeply uncomfortable.

She’s going to say I’m ridiculous… probably.

Showing up unannounced, without any recommendation… Karin, already timid by nature, began to grow extremely uneasy. Just as she was thinking she might not last without writing “courage” on her palm, the woman smiled.

“Very well. I’ll allow you to join.”

Karin’s mouth fell open.

“…What?”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean ‘what is it’?! You don’t even know who I— I mean, what kind of person I am!”

“Because you have a good face,” the woman replied flatly.

“…Excuse me, is that really all?”

One surprise after another, Karin could only stare at her in disbelief.

“It’s not just about beauty. You can tell a lot about a person from their face—what they’re thinking, what kind of person they are. It’s more reliable than some half-baked paperwork. Or… are you someone suspicious?”

“I’m not, but…”

“My name is Vivian du Jerval. I am acting captain in place of my father, who has fallen ill.”

It all happened far too easily.

And besides, weren’t women not allowed to join? That was why Karin had gone to such lengths to disguise herself as a man.

“I heard that women are not allowed to enlist.”

“I am the ''acting'' captain, not a regular member.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but Karin had no authority to argue further. In any case, it seemed that women still weren’t permitted to join.

A bad feeling crept over her, and she spoke up.

“Lady Vivian, may I ask something?”

“Just call me Vivi.”

“That would be far too disrespectful! To address the acting captain so familiarly—”

“It’s fine.”

Vivian smiled. Karin had no choice but to comply.

“Th-then… Lady Vivi. I’m grateful, but… is it really alright to accept me so easily?”

“It’s nothing. We’re short on personnel right now. As long as there aren’t any major issues, we accept people.”

Short on personnel? What did that mean? The Magic Knight Corps was supposed to be the dream of every noble in the country.

“Of course, not just ''anyone'' can get in.”

…Really?

At this point, it felt like anyone who applied would be accepted. Otherwise, there was no way it would be this easy.

That uneasy feeling swelled inside Karin, threatening to overwhelm her.

Come to think of it…

“Um… the people on the first floor…”

“Our elite Magic Guards—the Griffin Squad.”

A bead of cold sweat ran down Karin’s forehead.

Something was clearly off. This Magic Knight Corps was nothing like what she had heard about.

B-but…

She recalled the noble figures of the Unicorn Squad, clad in pure white cloaks, and nodded to herself. Yes, there ''were'' units like that. And the Unicorn Squad still existed.

No matter what, she would find a way to join that distinguished unit.

Then, she could still become the knight she dreamed of.

“Now then, sign the enlistment form. According to regulations, you’ll start as a knight apprentice. Once you achieve notable merit, or after serving the required time, you can be formally recognized as a knight.”

Karin signed the document, filling in her date of birth, the name of the priest who witnessed her baptism, and the names of her father and grandfather. There was no field for gender.

She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Even though she had resolved to keep up the lie, putting it into writing still made her uneasy.

Then, as minimal proof of identity, she took out the letter of introduction she didn’t use.

Vivian glanced at it briefly and immediately put it away in a drawer. It seemed she had no interest in Karin’s background.

“Then report for duty starting tomorrow as a knight apprentice. You’re aware that there’s no pay during the training period, correct? Do you have enough money?”

“I still have about thirty gold coins left, the ones my father gave me.”

Karin answered honestly.

“In that case, even renting a room would be difficult.”

“Eh? Is that so? Back in the countryside…”

“I don’t know how things are in the countryside, but this is the capital of the kingdom Tristania. Even the most rundown room costs five gold coins a week.”

Karin’s face went pale.

Now that she thought about it, even the inn was quite expensive…

“Well, don’t worry. I’ll figure something out for your lodging and meals. Anything else?”

At that moment, Karin decided to voice her wish honestly.

“I’ve already received such generous treatment, so I hesitate to ask…”

“What is it?”

“I would like to be assigned to the Unicorn Squad.”

Vivian’s brow twitched slightly.

“The Unicorn Squad?”

“Yes.”

“That unit doesn’t exist in the Magic Knight Corps. We have the Manticore Squad, the Griffin Squad, and the Hippogriff Squad. That’s all, and each squad has a fixed number of members.”

Karin’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean? Just yesterday, I saw a unit of knights riding unicorns in the city.”

“A unit riding unicorns? Ah… that would be the personal guard of Duke Eustache.”

Duke Eustache.

The prime minister of the Tristain Kingdom, a man said to be a once-in-a-century political genius. Though still young, he was known to handle the affairs of the entire government.

Even Karin knew that much, so hearing that it was his personal guard came as a shock.

“The Duke’s personal guard?”

“That’s right. The one who assists His Majesty as prime minister, Duke Eustache. The unit assigned to protect him is the Unicorn Squad.”

So… that wasn’t the Magic Knight Corps at all? Then… didn’t everything already go wrong?

The Magic Knight Corps she had dreamed of was nothing like she imagined. And the knights she had admired with her own eyes… belonged to someone else entirely.

Sensing the subtle shift in Karin’s thoughts, Vivian smiled knowingly.

“You’re Karin, correct? I’m very grateful that a young and… beautiful noble like yourself has joined the Magic Knight Corps. As acting captain, I have high expectations for you.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

“Right now, the Corps is in a rather difficult situation… though that’s not something I should be telling you. In any case, do your best. That’s all.”

At this point, there was no way she could say something like ''“I quit.”''

It seemed that this Corps possessed nothing but the remnants of past glory. At this rate, it probably didn’t hold a very good reputation in His Majesty’s eyes either…

Could she really become a great knight by joining a unit like this?

Karin’s misfortune didn’t end there.

Vivian suddenly called out:

“Cendrillon!”

“…Huh? What did she just say?”

The door to the adjoining room opened, and a man stepped inside.

“You called for me?”

Karin couldn’t help but let out a small cry.

“Y-you—!”

Standing there was the silver-haired young man, the very same Cendrillon she dueled the night before.

The anger that had been simmering inside her suddenly boiled over.

“Y-you…!”

This guy… this guy who made a fool out of her was actually a member of the Magic Knight Corps?!

“You! Why are you here?!”

Cendrillon’s eyes widened in surprise as well.

Watching the two of them, Vivian spoke with amusement:

“Oh? So you know each other? Even better. Cendrillon, this is Karin, he just joined us as a knight apprentice.”

“What?”

Cendrillon looked at the agitated Karin, clearly confused.

“And I’d like you to look after him. It seems he doesn’t have a place to stay, so let him lodge at your house for the time being.”

“I refuse.”

Cendrillon rejected the idea immediately.

If someone like that violent brat started living in his house, there was no telling what might happen.

Keeping her smile, Vivian turned to Cendrillon.

“Why?”

“Please listen. This Karin… how should I put it… If I’m being polite, he’s not exactly well-mannered.”

“Sounds like he’ll fit right in with you.”

“He won’t. My body won’t survive it.”

Cendrillon said flatly.

Vivian’s voice turned cold.

“This is an order.”

“That is the one thing I cannot obey.”

“Then I’ll dock your pay for insubordination. Normally, it would be a death sentence.”

It was like a spell.

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

“…Understood. I will comply.”

“Good. Disobeying orders isn’t something a knight like you should be doing,” Vivian said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Karin panicked.

“I’ll find a way to rent a room! So please, anything but staying with this guy. No, at his place—”

“Rent a room? Didn’t I just say that’s impossible?”

“Then I’ll sleep in the stables!”

''There’s no way I can live with a man! My identity will be exposed! And of all people, it has to be this Cendrillon?!''

Vivian frowned slightly.

“I can’t have a noble sleeping in a stable. And this residence is already full.”

Karin cried out:

“Then please revoke my enlistment! I’ll gather money somehow and apply again later!”

“You do realize, you’ve already become a member of His Majesty’s guard. If you wish to leave, you’ll need His Majesty’s permission. If you leave by any other means…”

“…What happens?”

“You’ll be considered a deserter. Under normal circumstances, desertion is punishable by death. It would be such a shame for a promising young noble like yourself to be executed… but the law must be upheld.”

That was it.

Karin felt her last hope vanish. This Vivian… she was dangerous.

“Now then, Cendrillon. Why are you refusing?”

“Because I prefer living alone.”

“I know.” Vivian smiled.

“That’s precisely why I’m assigning this to you.”

Both Cendrillon and Karin slumped in defeat.

Vivian waved her hand dismissively.

“That’s all. Karin, ask Cendrillon for the details. You may go.”

Cendrillon’s home was on Chekton Street, near Lord Jervul’s estate. The entire walk back, he remained silent.

Only occasionally scratching his head in irritation.

Karin, on the other hand, was restless the whole way.

''I have to live alone.'' That’s non-negotiable.

If she were to live with someone, her identity as a woman would inevitably be exposed.

And of all people… it had to be ''him''.

The bitterness of last night’s defeat lingered in her mouth.

''I actually lost to a guy like that…''

“This is it.”

Cendrillon pointed at a building with a grocery shop on the first floor. Karin finally raised her head.

“Your place is a food shop?” She glanced at the goods on display.

Cendrillon shook his head.

“Of course not. I rent a room upstairs.”

It seemed the third floor of the building was where Sandurion was renting his room. Just as they started up the stairs, he muttered:

“Seriously… what a joke. Why do I have to take care of a violent maniac like you?”

Karin immediately snapped back.

“Who are you calling a maniac?”

“You, of course! You, with that drunken-looking pink hair!”

He pointed at her with his finger as he spoke, and Karin shook her head.

“I am not violent. If you want to say that, then what are you supposed to be? Holding back in a duel, who do you think you are? Th-that, that kind of attitude, treating people like fools… that is what makes me the most angry!”

“How could I possibly go all out against a child?”

Cendrillon said this with a troubled expression, and Karin immediately drew her wand.

“Y-you dare say that! Then this time I will definitely settle things with you! Last night I was simply careless! If I fight seriously, someone like you—”

Just as they were arguing, the shop owner, who had been weighing beans, spoke up. He was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes.

“Well now, young master, is this a guest?”

“…He will be staying at my place.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The shop owner looked Karin up and down, then let out a sound of admiration.

“My, how beautiful! Even Lord Narcis would pale in comparison! What a waste that you are a man!”

Ugh…

Really, why does everyone have to praise my appearance like that? Being complimented for that does not make me happy at all.

I just want to be acknowledged as a knight as soon as possible. If that happens, this man, Cendrillon, will not keep treating me like a fool.

It seemed that Cendrillon had rented out the entire third floor. That said, there were not many rooms, just a living room and a bedroom, nothing more.

After entering the room, Cendrillon dropped himself into a chair. Karin looked around, but there were no other chairs.

As she stood there awkwardly, Cendrillon said with exasperation:

“You… do you not even know how to say ‘I will be in your care’?”

“I am not staying here because I want to. It is because of an order, so I have no choice but to comply.”

Karin replied in a trembling, angry voice. Though timid by nature, she was also quite competitive. She could not stand being looked down on by this man, there was no way she would bow her head to him.

Then Cendrillon spoke in a cold tone.

“Hey, kid. That is enough.”

“What! You dare call me a kid!”

“You are a kid, so I call you a kid. I do not know what backwater you came from, but did your parents not teach you even the slightest bit of manners? In a situation like this, no matter how much you dislike the other person, you are supposed to lower your head politely. Otherwise, you will never become a knight, nor even a proper adult.”

Ugh… Karin had no response. What Cendrillon said was completely correct. Reluctantly, she lowered her head.

“P-please take care of me, Lord Cendrillon.”

“You mean, ‘I will be in your care.’”

“I—I will be in your care.”

There was not the slightest trace of gratitude in her expression.

Cendrillon sighed and shook his head.

“Honestly, joining the Magic Guard at a time like this… You look like some sheltered young noble. Why would you even come to a unit like ours?”

“…Is it wrong to want to become a knight?”

“You must have read some hero stories, found them lacking, and decided you wanted to become one yourself, right?”

Mm… not entirely wrong. Karin’s face flushed red.

“Listen. I am not trying to harm you. Go back to the countryside tomorrow.”

Cendrillon waved his hand dismissively.

“What did you say?”

“I said, if you value your life, go back.”

He took a bottle of red wine from the shelf and poured himself a glass.

“Would that not count as desertion?”

“That is just meant to scare you. If a mere trainee runs away, no one will care. Honestly, Lady Vivi is causing trouble again, what is she thinking? Letting someone like you join… What is the point? Listen carefully, if you value your life, go back.”

Karin clenched her fists.

“Do not joke with me.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, do not joke with me. If I can become a knight, then I do not care what happens to my life. ”

Cendrillon shook his head. He had seen too many young nobles say things like that, only to die on the battlefield. Spirit was important, but…

“You saw it yourself, didn’t you? The state of the Magic Guard. I am not trying to frighten you.”

Right.

Why did the once-glorious Magic Guard end up like this, like some den of vagrants?

“It was not like this half a year ago. They were not exactly paragons of virtue, but there was still a group of reasonably decent people. But…”

Karin swallowed hard.

What Cendrillon was describing was something genuinely frightening.

“It all began when the commander, Lord Jervul, fell ill. After that, one by one, the captains of each squad started to die. There were all kinds of causes, some lost in duels, some were attacked by bandits while traveling, others were struck down by shadowy assassins who appeared out of nowhere…”

A bead of sweat slid down Karin’s forehead.

“From that point on, rumors began to spread, that the Magic Guard was cursed, that it was abandoned by the gods. And as if to prove those rumors true, misfortune started befalling the members as well—falling from horses, injuries during training. That much would be one thing, but there were even deaths. Some were attacked in the dead of night by unknown murders, others were killed in their sleep by thieves… the causes varied. In the end, those who had ability—or at least some sense—could not endure it any longer and left, one after another. And what remains is what you see now. There are not even a third of the original number left. At this rate, the unit will be disbanded, so they have reached a point where they accept anyone who volunteers. I am hardly in a position to criticize, but there really are a lot of strange people now. The reason you were able to join so easily is precisely because of that.”

“…………”

Seeing Karin fall silent, Cendrillon smiled.

“I am serious. Things have calmed down a bit recently, but those who left are not coming back. That is how it is.”

Karin felt as though she could not bear the fear.

What did that mean… would she be cursed too? Her face turned pale, and her legs began to tremble.

“What is it? Are you scared?”

“I am not. I am simply steadying myself.”

Karin quickly turned her back to him, traced the characters for “courage” on her left palm with her index finger, and licked it.

Then her mind settled… and courage welled up from withinю She already decided, on that day, to become a knight.

To become the greatest knight in the kingdom.

When she turned back again, she was no longer trembling. A bold smile appeared on her face.

“How interesting. So this is the adversity granted by the gods. Perhaps even this situation is part of it.”

Seeing Karin look around the room as she said that, Cendrillon shook his head.

“…Honestly. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing. Well, there is no point saying that to someone as young as you. You would not listen anyway.”

“And what about you, then?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Why are you still in the unit?”

“Because I have nowhere else to go.”

Cendrillon leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, and laughed.

“In any case, I will not give up. I absolutely will not.”

“I see. Then I will not try to stop you anymore. Do as you like.”

Saying that, Cendrillon stood up.

“What is it?”

“I am going to sleep.”

Just like that, ignoring her presence, he moved toward the bedroom. Karin hurriedly spoke up.

“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Listen. Let me make one thing clear, I am not your father, and I am not your brother. I am only letting you stay here because of Lady Vivi’s request. Where you sleep is something you can figure out yourself.”

As he said that, Cendrillon began taking off his clothes. His bare chest came into view, and Karin immediately panicked.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“I am going to sleep, so I am taking off my clothes.”

With a look that said ''what are you talking about?'', Cendrillon continued undressing. He looked slender, but his body was well-built.

“D-don’t undress in front of other people, you idiot!”

Karin’s face flushed bright red as she turned away. Cendrillon looked at her, puzzled.

“Aren’t we both men? What are you talking about?”

“Th-that may be true, but…”

At that moment, Karin suddenly realized something. If she was going to live here with Cendrillon, then that meant…

There was a real possibility that her body could be seen.

How could this be? This was a serious problem.

Karin, who had never once imagined being seen by a man, could not contain her emotions. Her face burned red.

The problem did not end there. The unease from earlier rose up in her mind once again.

If the fact that she was a woman were exposed… even if the Magic Guard was short on manpower, she would probably be expelled. No, she might even be thrown into prison. She already prepared herself for that possibility, but if it could be avoided, she wanted to avoid it.

Fortunately, her body was very slender, lacking the softness typical of women. As for her chest, honestly, it could be called flat. That was precisely why she had been able to pass as a boy like this, but…

''If we live together in such a cramped room, it will definitely be exposed.''

As Karin was worrying about this, Cendrillon continued taking off his clothes one by one.

Naked.

Na—ked!

“Do not take them off! Do not do it here! Go outside if you are going to undress!”

Panicking, Karin lunged at Cendrillon.

“H-hey! What are you doing!”

“I am begging you, do not undress in front of me!”

At that moment, Karin noticed it. Around Cendrillon’s abdomen, there were bandages, faintly stained with red, it was a fairly serious wound.

“Th-this… could it be from my magic yesterday?”

Although she unleashed her magic in anger after the duel, she had not intended to injure him this badly, and so she asked anxiously.

“Of course not. This is a wound I already had.”

At that, Karin realized. This man… he was not only holding back, he was fighting while injured! And even under those conditions, he demonstrated that level of skill with Blade. Contrary to his flippant attitude, he was actually a frighteningly capable fighter.

But at the same time, a surge of anger rose within her.

“So I lost to someone who was injured! It was not just that you held back! How can this be!”

The wind around her began to stir.

Not wanting a repeat of last night, Cendrillon quickly said,

“Hey, stop that! I already said that counts as your win. That should be enough, right?”

“Not at all! How long do you intend to make a fool of me!”

Without thinking, she lunged at him, ending up clinging tightly to his bare body, and Karin flushed bright red.

“D-do not come any closer! Let go of me, you idiot!”

“You are the one who jumped at me! Enough already! I am injured, you know!”

Karin lowered her head silently. Seeing that, Cendrillon looked at her in surprise.

“Wait… are you that type? A man who likes men…”

“N-no, it is not like that! It is just… I am not used to seeing other people’s bodies, or having mine seen…”

Mumbling excuses, Karin made Cendrillon stare at her in exasperation.

“You… and you still want to join the knights? If war breaks out, what do you plan to do?”

Having finished undressing, Cendrillon tossed his clothes onto a chair and took a set of sleepwear from the wardrobe.

Then he went into the bedroom and brought out a blanket.

“Here, use this. As for where you sleep, on the floor or on a chair, that is up to you. Though if you want my advice, go downstairs and grab some straw from the stable.”

With that, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom.

Karin stared at the worn-out blanket for a moment, then obediently went down to the stable and brought back a bundle of straw piled there.

The strong animal smell made her uncomfortable, but she had no choice but to spread it out in a corner of the living room. Then… after taking a deep breath, she took out her sleepwear from her luggage and groaned, clutching her head.

It was a frilly women’s nightgown, extravagantly decorated with ruffles. If she were seen wearing something like that, Cendrillon might faint on the spot.

“I might actually be an idiot…”

When preparing her things, she didn’t think about sleepwear at all. She had never intended to show it to anyone, so in that sense, it could not be helped…

In any case, there was no way she could sleep in that. But sleeping in her only set of knight’s clothes was also troublesome. If she did that, they would get wrinkled, and if she ever met someone of high standing in that state, it would leave a bad impression.

After thinking it over, Karin decided she would just sleep in her undershirt for now.

While telling herself that she would buy proper sleepwear first thing tomorrow, she carefully began to undress. Boots, jacket, then trousers… just as she was down to her undershirt, the bedroom door opened.

“Hey, Karin, before going to sleep you need to put out the candle on the table—whoa!”

Water from a pitcher splashed over him, and Cendrillon let out a shout.

“What are you doing!”

“D-do not come in when I am changing, you idiot!”

Karin quickly covered her body with both hands and let out a shout.

“What a strange person…”

Muttering that in exasperation, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom. Karin wrapped herself tightly in the blanket and collapsed onto the bundle of straw.

Then she closed her eyes.

She had finally joined the Magic Guard she had long admired… and yet, the road ahead already seemed difficult.

The Magic Guard itself appeared to have fallen into disarray, and she could not even live on her own.

In any case, no matter what, she had to find a way to become a full-fledged knight, Karin made that resolve firmly.

If she did, she would receive a salary, and she would be able to rent a room. Until then, she absolutely had to keep the fact that she was a woman hidden.

And then… what was with that man? The one she was forced to rely on—Cendrillon! There should be a limit to how much someone could mock another person!

Karin’s competitive nature made it impossible for her to accept being held back against. No matter how much she tried to forget it, she could not.

“One day, I will definitely defeat him.”

Completely…

Whispering that, her small body, already exhausted, was soon overtaken by deep sleep.

And so, just like that, the strange cohabitation between Karin, the cross-dressing knight trainee, and Cendrillon, the knight who disliked women, began.

'''Chapter 4 — Dormitory'''

The next morning…

When Karin opened her eyes, Cendrillon was already awake and eating breakfast.

“Mm… good morning.”

She said this as she started to get up, then suddenly remembered she was only wearing a thin undershirt. She quickly hugged the blanket to herself, letting out a muffled groan.

At that, Cendrillon merely glanced at her.

“Hey, listen.”

“What?”

“I want to change. Could you step outside for a moment?”
[[File:ZNTso1 115.jpg|thumb]]
Cendrillon stood up. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to leave the room, but he did not. Instead, he walked step by step toward Karin and suddenly grabbed the blanket, trying to pull it away.

“What! What are you doing! Stop!”

Karin desperately clung to the blanket. Beneath it, she had nothing on but her undershirtno matter how flat her chest might be, if he saw her like that, her identity as a woman would be exposed.

Cendrillon folded his arms and looked down at her.

“How long do you plan on sleeping? What kind of subordinate wakes up later than their superior? I was lenient with you yesterday, but starting today, I will be strict. After all, you are still just a trainee.”

As he said that, he yanked the blanket away.

“Ugh!”

In that instant, Karin became as fast as a gust of wind.

The moment the blanket was pulled away, she snatched up the wand lying beside her and cast a wind spell.

“Whoa!”

The blanket wrapped itself around Cendrillon’s face. In a flash, Karin grabbed her folded clothes, dashed into the bedroom, and slammed the door shut.

Then, in barely five seconds, she changed. The buttons were not even fully fastened yet…

“Hey! What do you think you are doing!”

When Cendrillon opened the bedroom door, Karin had her back to him, frantically fastening her buttons. Once she finished, she turned around.

Her beautiful face was filled with anger.

But Cendrillon remained completely at ease in the face of it.

“I told you already, did I not? I do not like people seeing my body!”

“Oh, you did say that. But so what?”

“What do you mean, ‘so what’?”

She was a young girl, being seen like that was as embarrassing as death itself. But she could not say that out loud, and the frustration building inside Karin became unbearable.

“Th-then name your conditions!”

“My conditions?”

“Yes. From now on, when I am changing, you must absolutely not enter the room. In exchange, I will do anything.”

“Are you serious?”

Cendrillon looked exasperated for a moment, then immediately smiled.

“In that case, I will leave all the housework to you.”

“Housework?”

“Yes. Laundry, cleaning… and shopping as well.”

She had never done housework before, but there was no other choice.

“…All right.” Karin nodded.

When they arrived at Lord Jervul’s residence, it was already crowded early in the morning. Just like yesterday, a rough-looking group gathered, loudly chattering about trivial nonsense.

As Cendrillon and Karin entered the mansion, two familiar faces emerged from the crowd—Bacchus and Narcis.

“Hey, Cendrillon, I heard you are in charge of a trainee.”

As Bacchus said that, he noticed Karin behind him and widened his eyes.

“What? You are the trainee knight?”

“That is right.”

Karin crossed her arms and nodded.

Narcis also widened his eyes.

“H-hey… Cendrillon, are you serious? This one? You are not joking, are you?”

“…No. I wish it were a joke too, but it is not.”

“Speaking of which, brat. You sure ‘took care’ of me the other night.”

Bacchus stepped forward. Karin felt a bit intimidated, but she quickly licked her left hand and then spoke boldly.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Thinking back, she did lose to Cendrillon, but not to this man. Besides, wasn’t he blown away beautifully by her wind magic the other night?

If this was her opponent, he was nothing.

Karin fixed Bacchus with an extremely cold stare. Being looked at like that by someone as overwhelmingly beautiful as her created a strange, irresistible pressure.

A bead of sweat ran down Bacchus’s forehead.

“Th-this is strange… really strange… why do I feel like this… I…”

Clutching his chest in distress, Bacchus suddenly dropped to his knees before Karin.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

This man, Bacchus, was someone with the rather troublesome ambition of wanting to become “a knight who serves a beautiful princess.” Cendrillon muttered dryly:

“Bacchus, this one is a boy.”

“Ah!” Bacchus snapped back to his senses and immediately stood up.

“That is right… hm. I do not know why I reacted like that… my training is still insufficient.”

“Rather than training, it is more like your brain capacity is insufficient, is it not?”

Karin said coldly, and Bacchus flushed red.

“Hey! You! Think about it, I am your superior! What’s with that attitude!”

Though Bacchus shouted angrily, Karin did not change her expression at all. She already completely dismissed him.

She stared at him in silence. Her gaze was utterly cold, more like she was looking at a stray dog by the roadside, completely devoid of emotion. A strange silence filled the air. Before long, Bacchus seemed unable to endure it any longer, took a deep breath—

“Haahhh—!”, and once again dropped to his knees.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

“I told you, he is a boy.”

Cendrillon said with a troubled voice.

“Ah! What is happening… my body just moves on its own…”

“You are my friend, but sometimes I genuinely think it would be better if you were dead.”

Then Narcis shook his head in a somewhat alluring manner.

“I see… so now that you have joined, that means the Magic Guard now possesses the two most beautiful people in the history of Tristain. Of course, I am first, and you are second.”

“I do not care about rankings.”

“Anyway! That makes you one of us now! From here on out, let us get along! Boy!”

Laughing heartily, Bacchus threw an arm around Karin’s shoulders, as if he had completely forgotten being blown away by wind magic the other night.

“Your attitude changes quickly for someone after just one day…”

“Well, strong people are popular! They are reliable in battle and duels! Your wind magic was incredible! I was shocked!”

I see… he is a simple, good-natured person, though quite foolish, Karin thought, slightly revising her opinion of Bacchus.

“What a waste that you are a man! If you were a woman, I would immediately serve you! The heavens truly are cruel, to create such irony!”

As he said that, he looked at her with an oddly heated gaze. Being stared at like that by a dull-witted giant filled Karin with intense discomfort, and a faint killing intent stirred within her.

Then Narcis spoke again.

“Second place.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beauty.”

“I told you, I do not care about rankings.”

Hearing that, Narcis shook his head in frustration.

He, too, seemed rather simple at heart.

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. At some point, he moved away and was casually chatting with other members at a slight distance. That effortless composure irritated her for some reason.

He held back.

Just that alone was enough for Karin to be unable to forgive anything about him.

But… looking around, the hall of the mansion was packed with members. They said the numbers were decreasing, so why were there so many people here? As the royal guard, should they not normally be working in the city or out on assignments?

“There sure are a lot of people.”

As she muttered that, Bacchus laughed.

“Well, we have nothing to do, so we just kill time here.”

“Aren’t there various duties? Like guarding His Majesty…”

“Because of the reduced numbers, even the guard duties have been dismissed,” Narcis said with a sigh.

“What did you say?”

They were supposed to be the royal guard, yet it was as if they were told, “You are no longer needed to protect the king.” Was that really acceptable? In other words, the members who should have been stationed at the palace gathered here because they had no work to do.

“No wonder it is so crowded,” Karin muttered to herself.

“Then… who is in charge of guarding His Majesty?”

At that, Narcis and Bacchus both grew serious.

“…The Duke of Eustache’s personal guard.”

I see, the pure white Unicorn Corps is the one protecting the king… that certainly is a formation worthy of guarding His Majesty.

…I still want to join them.

She was lost in thought when—

“What is that look? Like you would rather be over there,” Bacchus teased.

“N-no, that is not the case,” she said, a bit flustered.

“Ah, those people are all just for show,” Narcis said as if he knew everything.

“You are talking about yourselves, are you not?”

“Anyway, that is why we just spend all day killing time. Ahh, is there nothing fun to do?”

“We really are bored.”

Karin muttered gloomily.

But only the official knights could afford to idle around. For Karin, who was merely a trainee, there were all sorts of chores waiting for her. First of all, she had to go to the stables behind the mansion to take care of the mounted beasts tied there.

The members of the Magic Guard each had their own mounts—manticores, hippogriffs, and griffins… If they were personal familiars, it would not be so troublesome, but ordinary riding beasts were a complete nightmare.

No matter how one looked at it, they were unruly, and up close, every single one had a ferocious appearance that made them frightening. When she brought them chunks of food, they would roar loudly and nearly bite Karin along with it.

After feeding them came the cleaning. Whether they wanted to play or something else, whenever Karin approached, the beasts would lick her, claw at her, and even try to bite her, leaving her completely disheveled.

In any case, taking care of these creatures was extremely troublesome. Karin hasn’t yet summoned her own familiar, but if she ever ended up with something like this, it would be a disaster. Just the cost of meat alone would be enormous. No wonder trainees were not given a salary, Karin thought.

After taking care of the beasts, next came cleaning the mansion.

Since she had been working alone the entire time, she asked Acting Captain Vivian whether there were no other trainees, and the answer was yes.

Apparently, it was because most could not endure the harsh life of a trainee and quickly quit. On top of that, the current state of the Magic Guard was very deplorable, as she saw.

It seemed she joined at quite a disastrous time.

And then, by evening…

Karin returned to Cendrillon’s room, completely exhausted, but more work was waiting for her.

She had all the housework to herself.

Since it was in exchange for the condition that he would leave the room when she changed, there was nothing she could do. But once she actually started doing it, she began to regret it. This deal really did not seem to worth it…

Since he lived here alone, the living room was not too bad, but the bedroom was terrible. First of all, between the bed and the wall there was a pile of unwashed clothes, like a small mountain.

She did not even want to touch them, but she had no choice but to endure it and carry them to the shared water area behind the building. However, she had never done laundry before and had no idea how to do it. Even poor nobles usually hired a few servants.

For now, she filled a bucket with water, threw the clothes in, let them soak, then took them out and wrung them dry. She was not entirely sure, but it should be something like that.

As she continued this process, she suddenly came across something outrageous, and her eyes shot wide open. Wrapping it in a towel, she rushed back into the room and shoved it at Cendrillon, who was sitting in a chair reading.

“Hey! You! What is this!”

Cendrillon glanced at it.

“Oh, it is just underwear,” he said casually.

“Do not make me wash something like this!”

Karin threw the undergarment at him. Cendrillon peeled it off his face and replied in an annoyed tone.

“It is laundry. Of course there is going to be underwear.”

“How am I supposed to wash that! I do not even want to touch it!”

“I accepted your condition. If you are a noble, then you should honor your word.”

At that, Karin had nothing she could say. Dejected, she took it back. However, there was no way she could wash something like that with her hands.

After casting a wind spell, she threw it into the water. That way, the clothes could be agitated and washed as they were spun around.

As she watched the clothes turning, her irritation gradually began to rise.

Why do I—Karin Désirée de Maillart—have to wash that man’s underwear…!

“He held back… He ''held back''!”

“He—he ''insulted'' a sacred duel!”

“He trampled—trampled my pride into the ground, completely!”

“What the hell! Acting all superior! You are only four years older than me!”

Even as she shouted, her agitation did not settle, if anything, it only grew stronger. Karin’s frustration turned into pressure, whipping up into a gust of wind, until even the water in the bucket churned like a storm.

“Wah!”

She hurriedly weakened the spell, but it was already too late.

A shirt was torn apart.

“The shirt tore… but it is not my fault. It was already worn out.”

She reported it awkwardly, and Cendrillon’s expression immediately changed.

“Which shirt?”

Faced with that intensity, Karin instinctively shrank back. There was a faint sharpness hidden in those usually drowsy-looking eyes.

“…This one.”

When she reluctantly held up the torn shirt, Cendrillon seemed to relax.

“I see. Be more careful.”

He stood up, walked over to the wardrobe, checked inside, and took out a shirt. It was just a plain white one, nothing special, but he looked at it with clear care.

At that moment…

There was something warm in his distant, unfocused gaze. Karin could not help widening her eyes.

“…………”

After staring at the shirt for a while, he quietly put it back.

“The shirts in here do not need washing. I do not wear them anyway.”

“G-got it.”

Cendrillon sat back down and resumed reading. With nothing to do, Karin dropped onto the bundle of straw and watched him.

Where exactly was that strength hidden in this absent-minded man?

Cendrillon seemed to be quite the reader. In the living room stood three large bookshelves, all packed with difficult-looking books.

On the wall opposite the shelves was a fireplace, and above it was a wand on display. Just from its design, one could tell it was both old and expensive.

Sitting beneath it and reading, Cendrillon looked like a scholar. But the moment he picked up a wand, he became a first-rate fighter. Karin had personally realized that during their duel. Back in the countryside, there was no one that skilled.

He really was the ideal noble, refined in both intellect and martial ability…

That was the impression he gave off in silence.

And yet, he lived in this creaking, run-down place.

Just who was this man?

Karin found herself wondering.

About a week later, Karin had gradually grown used to living with Cendrillon, and had also managed to gather some of the things she needed.

First was sleepwear.

To save money, she hesitantly borrowed one of Cendrillon’s undershirts. Compared to her, it was far too large, hanging off her like a nightgown. She hated the idea of wearing that man’s clothes, but there was no alternative.

Next was a chair.

This one she brought from Lord Jervul’s residence, something that was already discarded. It was a small folding chair, probably meant for outdoor use, perhaps even for the battlefield. But for someone as small as Karin, it was more than enough.

And little by little, she began to understand what kind of person Cendrillon was.

Basically, he had no interest in other people. As long as Karin quietly did the housework, he would not say anything unnecessary, and as promised, he always left the room when she was changing.

Karin was grateful for that indifferent attitude. It was best that he did not pry into her affairs.

However, there were still three things that dissatisfied her.

The first was the food.

Karin was still growing, and if possible, she wanted to eat something better. But in this house, the meals consisted of nothing but hard bread and bean soup, day after day. At first, she wondered if it was some kind of bullying or mistreatment, but Cendrillon ate the same thing.

She had once asked him why.

The answer was simple.

“I do not have money.”

I see. There was nothing of value anywhere in this room.

Well, I guess I'll just have to accept it.

And the second thing was alcohol.

Cendrillon spent most of his time reading, but as he did, his hand would absentmindedly reach for the glass on the table.

Then he would bring it to his lips and drink.

While reading, he repeated that motion over and over again.

It was not wine, but a rather strong liquor. It seemed to be distilled from the leaves of some Yomongi tree, with a distinctive scent and color.

In any case, Cendrillon drank that strong liquor as if it was water. Bottles of the same brand were piled up on the shelf like a small mountain, and several empty ones were scattered in the corner.

When she saw him at the tavern before, he was drinking in the same way.

It was not the way someone drank for enjoyment. The more he drank, the more he fell silent, as if the world had already ended, pressing his thumb against his forehead with a troubled look.

Karin always thought drunkards were supposed to be loud and cheerful, so the way Cendrillon drank felt strangely unfamiliar to her.

As she stared at him, Cendrillon noticed her gaze and looked up.

“What?”

“Even if you do not have money for food, you still have money for alcohol?”

“Yes. Because this is a necessity.”

Is that not backwards? she thought, but he probably understood that himself. In simple terms, he just could not live without alcohol.

“You drink a lot.”

“Yes.”

Cendrillon answered plainly.

“You must like it.”

“Not really.”

It did not sound like something he enjoyed.

And then… before long, he would prop his elbow on the table and doze off. If he fell asleep in the living room, it would be troublesome, so Karin would help him up and carry him to the bedroom.

Every time she did that, she would think, ''why did I lose to someone like this?'' and feel deeply frustrated.

And finally, the last thing she disliked… was his attitude.

Cendrillon showed no interest in Karin at all. At first, he would scold her now and then, but at some point—perhaps he had given up—he stopped saying anything altogether.

It seemed he saw her as just a child and could not be bothered dealing with her. Karin could not forgive that attitude no matter what, and it always left her irritated.

Her worry about being exposed as a woman had lessened, so there should have been no reason to complain, but it still angered her. Even a drunk like him treated her like a child. Karin was filled with a humiliating sense of frustration.

And then, one day…

As usual, after laying the passed-out Cendrillon on the bed, Karin suddenly felt her hand being gently grasped.

“What—!”

Her heart jumped for a moment. It was the kind of grip one might use to hold a lover’s hand. And besides, it was the first time she had ever had her hand held by a man, her heart nearly leapt out of her throat.

But it seemed he was only half-asleep from the alcohol, and his grip quickly loosened. This guy… Karin trembled with anger.

What did he think he was doing, grabbing a girl’s hand like that!

She felt the urge to hit him, but since he usually did not pry into her affairs, she wanted to avoid being asked, “Why are you getting angry over something like this?”

Then she would just go back to the living room

“…Na.”

Cendrillon seemed to murmur something, then began snoring.

“…………”

I must have imagined it…

For a moment, it had sounded like he called her by her real name.

That could not be possible. There was no way Cendrillon could know it. In front of him, the name “Karina” was never once spoken.

Karin looked at his sleeping face. Sharp yet delicate features… he looked older, but he was only nineteen.

Why did he drink so much?

The question crossed her mind.

Was there some reason? Did it have something to do with that weary, world-worn air about him?

…No point thinking about it. It did not matter.

Karin crawled into her straw bed.

So this is what the knight’s life I dreamed of is like…

A faint sadness settled in her chest.

It was expected, but no one was kind to her. Everyone was strict, always pushing troublesome work onto her, and every day was filled with chores. There was no time at all for training.

It looks like days like this will go on forever… without even a single day to rest…

Images of her warm home in the countryside rose in her mind, her kind parents, her cheerful siblings… She almost started to cry, and Karin pinched her cheeks hard with her fingers.

She must not cry.

She left home with the resolve to become a knight. When she imagined herself in shining armor, riding a magnificent beast, for some reason the image that came to mind was the Unicorn Corps she saw before. If she was going to join anywhere, it had to be there… she could not help thinking that.

…Ah, I really need to earn some merit soon.

Or make a name for myself in a duel!

Once she became a knight, Cendrillon would surely stop treating her like a child. And when that happened, she would defeat him with everything she had. Imagining the look of frustration on his face, Karin let out a small, private laugh.

But…

Each day passed in the same dull routine.

No chances to earn merit, no events to make a name for herself—nothing happened at all.

Was she really going to remain stuck here like this…?

A sense of sadness crept over her.

However, that opportunity came sooner than she expected.

'''Chapter 5 — Four vs Four Duel'''

As usual, after finishing her work at Lord Jervul’s residence, Karin was resting in the hall when Bacchus and Narcis showed up, both looking unusually pleased. Their faces practically radiated happiness.

“You two look like you are in a good mood.”

“Of course we are! Today is the payday!”

The full knights received a stipend from the palace according to their rank. It was divided into twelve parts and paid out once a month on a fixed day. And today was that day.

“So we are heading out for a drink now. Want to come along? Cendrillon is coming too.”

At that moment, Cendrillon walked over.

“This one is not coming.”

He shut it down immediately, and Karin clenched her fists.

“Why not?” Bacchus asked in surprise.

“It is too early for drinking,” Cendrillon said flatly.

“I was already drinking a bottle a day when I was nine.”

“If he does not take a break now and then, he will collapse.”

With Bacchus and Narcis both speaking up for her, Karin straightened her posture as if to back them up.

Cendrillon glanced at her and muttered, “I suppose it cannot be helped.”

That one line filled Karin with joy, finally, she would get to eat something decent!

For the past week, all she had eaten was hard bread and bean soup, with a bit of dried meat, raw vegetables, and apples. That was it. It was not as if Cendrillon treated himself any differently, he simply had no interest in anything but alcohol, so his meals never changed.

Back in the countryside, at least the food was normal. Living like this was exhausting.

At last, something proper to eat! Just thinking about it made her smile.

The place the four of them went to was the same tavern Karin visited before, the “Breeze” tavern, which had once been Lord Dragignon’s residence.

Bacchus seemed particularly fond of the place, going on and on about the food.

“The mussels here are incredible. They say they are shipped from the northeastern sea using ice magic. Steamed in red wine, it’s so good your tongue melts.”

They were led to a table, and the dish was brought out right away.

“Here, Karin, try some.”

Bacchus urged her on.

She took a bite, and was stunned. He was right, it was so good it felt like her tongue would melt. The garlic and the taste of the sea blended perfectly, it was truly a fine dish.

“This is amazing!” she blurted out, and Narcis smiled.

“So Cendrillon has not been feeding you properly, has he?”

“That man only cares about alcohol. What a strange person.”

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. He did not touch the food at all and continued drinking silently. Even with something this good right in front of him… she could not help feeling exasperated.

Bacchus downed his wine in one gulp and laughed heartily.

“And on top of that, he hates women! The two greatest pleasures in life—women and good food—and he enjoys neither. Honestly, it is unbelievable!”

Even when he was told that, Cendrillon showed no reaction.

As the alcohol went down, the atmosphere gradually grew livelier.

Bacchus burst into loud laughter and began bragging about his exploits—stories of duels he had won, nobles he had defeated, things like that. Some of the names he mentioned were well-known, which surprised Karin.

Narcis was not about to lose either. His stories were all about romance—being pursued by some noble lady, spending the night with some young noblewoman… the kind of talk that made one dizzy just listening.

After they finished, they turned to Cendrillon for his opinion, and he would always reply the same way:

“Impressive. That is quite something.”

That alone was enough to please them, and they only grew more enthusiastic.

Karin leaned closer to Cendrillon and asked quietly,

“Are those stories true?”

Cendrillon answered in a low voice:

“They are, more or less. Just replace ‘marquises and counts’ with street thugs, and ‘duchesses and noble ladies’ with women off the street.”

I see… so they have been embellishing quite a bit.

Still, since the two of them were clearly enjoying themselves, Karin found herself enjoying it too, regardless of how true it was.

“So, Karin! I am strong, right?”

“You are a pervert, though.”

“Karin, now you understand, do you not? I am the most beautiful man in the history of the Magic Guard.”

“Your taste is terrible, though.”
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Even though she kept replying sharply, the two of them were too drunk to notice. “I see, I see, you are a good one!” they said, urging her to eat more. They were not listening at all, but thanks to that, Karin was able to fill herself with food.

“Why are you two so close?”

Karin voiced the question that was on her mind. From the outside, the three of them had completely different personalities and appearances, yet they got along like brothers.

“We just clicked,” Bacchus said.

“At first, we could not stand each other, though,” Narcis added.

When Karin asked their ages, she was surprised to learn that both of them were still under twenty, they were only eighteen.

Setting Narcis aside, Bacchus did not look eighteen at all. When she said that honestly, Bacchus puffed out his chest and replied, “That is just because of the difference in experience.”

While they were enjoying their meal, the door to the tavern opened, and a group of four splendid knights dressed in pure white entered.

A hush fell over the place. Karin stared at them and immediately recognized them as the Unicorn Corps saw before. Seeing them up close, their appearance was truly dazzling.

In contrast to the Magic Guard, whose outfits were all mismatched except for their black cloaks, their white uniforms were perfectly unified, as if they stepped out of a painting. Their wands were sheathed in scabbards woven with gemstones and silver chains. Karin could not take her eyes off them, completely captivated, but Bacchus and Narcis both wore bitter expressions.

What was going on? As she wondered, one of the Unicorn Corps members who had taken a seat spoke up.

“Hey, it smells in here.”

He was a young man, about the same age as Karin and the others. The other knights nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it smells like mold.”

The innkeeper rushed over and bowed his head.

“I do not notice any particular smell… If there is anything lacking in our service, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”

“Oh, it is not the tavern’s fault,” the knight said lightly. “It is certain customers.”

That line made Bacchus’s face change instantly. He rose with a low growl, but Cendrillon stopped him.

“It is not worth it.”

“But—”

Karin could feel that something was off.

“Our guests here are all fine people…” the innkeeper said nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. The Unicorn Corps were clearly important patrons, but he could not afford to anger the others either.

“Fine people? Perhaps. To be dismissed from guarding His Majesty and still walk around like that… yes, that is quite impressive.”

Narcis placed a hand on his wand and moved as if to stand, but once again Cendrillon stopped him.

“Ignore them.”

“But we cannot just sit here and take that!”

Cendrillon, however, remained unconcerned.

“Did not Lady Viviane already warn us to behave? We just had a clash with the Germanians recently, did we not?”

I see… So the Magic Guard and the Unicorn Corps, who served as the Duke of Eustache’s personal guard, did not get along. Come to think of it, the Unicorn Corps had been assigned to protect the king, which meant the Magic Guard had been pushed aside and mocked for it.

“Look at those black cloaks! It is hard to believe nobles once admired them. They look like crows!”

Karin felt anger rising. What kind of Unicorn Corps is this? Just a flashy name… she thought, though she did not have the courage to say it aloud.

The Unicorn Corps knights grew increasingly brazen.

“Throw those people out,” one of them told the innkeeper. “It ruins the meal.”

Both sides were nobles, and the innkeeper was at a complete loss.

“P-please, have mercy…” he pleaded, bowing again and again. One of the knights, apparently irritated by the sight, kicked him hard, and a loud crash echoed through the tavern.

That was enough.

Karin quickly wrote “courage” on her palm with her finger and made a motion as if swallowing it. Then she stood up and pointed straight at them.

“Do you call yourselves nobles?”

“Who is this?” the knights said, looking at her in surprise.

“Karin, stop,” Cendrillon said.

“Why should I stop? Does it not anger you? They are mocking you!”

Cendrillon replied calmly,

“If we cause trouble again, our pay will be cut.”

“Are we not already poor enough? What is there left to worry about?”

Cendrillon answered seriously,

“I would not be able to afford alcohol.”

Karin stared at him in disbelief.

“You… is alcohol all you think about?!”

She shook off his hand and glared fiercely at the knights, who were sneering at her.

These were the Unicorn Corps she had once admired? Her disillusionment turned into burning anger. To think she had believed people like this were admirable…!

“Who is this kid?”

“Just a child, is he not?”

“So the Magic Guard has fallen so far that even children can join!”

The knights burst into laughter.

Karin’s expression changed. Her eyes sharpened, and her body began to tremble slightly. The air around her stirred, turning into a wind that wrapped around her.

“What is this? Too scared to say it to my face? I thought so. You are cowards, rotten people who can only whisper insults from a distance like women!”

“…Cowards.”

At that word, the laughter stopped.

The innkeeper, realizing he could do nothing, had already retreated, and the other customers sat in silence, sensing the tension.

One man stood up. He was a large man, not quite Bacchus’s size, but still imposing. Under his arm he carried a wand as large as a spear. His face was flat, almost snake-like.

“Oh? So you are hiding behind a child now. It has been a while.”

“Hey, that is Angelo,” Bacchus muttered.

“You are right,” Narcis said in surprise.

“Who is that?” Karin asked.

“He used to be in our unit,” Bacchus explained. “But he caused too much trouble and got kicked out… Looks like he joined the Unicorn Corps. Clever bastard.”

“So, a traitor,” Karin said.

“But he is strong,” Bacchus added quietly. “Be careful.”

Karin’s eyes grew even sharper.

“The Magic Guard really has fallen,” Angelo sneered. “All that is left are fools like you and children. No wonder it is headed for dissolution.”

The knights burst into laughter again.

“Shut up, you traitor. You will get what is coming to you.”

At last, Karin’s hand moved to her wand.

“Hey. If you draw that, even a child will not be forgiven.”

In the suddenly silent tavern, the knight’s voice echoed.

Cendrillon grabbed Karin’s wrist.

“That is enough, Karin.”

“Let go!”

He tried to stop her from causing a scene, but another hand intervened.

“Do not stop him, Cendrillon. He is right. Those people are unforgivable.”

It was Bacchus. Narcis also stood, placing a hand on his wand.

“There are things more important than a pay cut.”

“I challenge you to a duel,” Karin declared, drawing her wand.

For a moment, even the fear in the tavern was forgotten. All eyes were drawn to her poised figure. She stood there with such dignity, it was almost beautiful.

Bacchus and Narcis stepped forward, taking positions at her sides.

“I will issue a challenge as well.”

“As will I.”

The Unicorn Corps members rose to their feet.

“Four on your side, four on ours. Very well, we accept.”

Cendrillon stood up with a weary expression.

“…What a pain. Lady Viviane is going to scold us again.”

Both groups made their way to the courtyard of Saint Christophe Monastery, the same place as before. At this hour, few people passed by, making it an ideal location for a duel.

They stood facing each other at a distance of about fifteen paces.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Karin glared at the Unicorn Corps, ready for battle.

Cendrillon, on the other hand, stood slightly behind them, arms folded, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“Then let us begin. Let me remind you, it was you who issued the challenge. If you die, you have only yourselves to blame,” Angelo said.

Karin stepped forward slowly.

“Enough talk. Come at me.”

“For a child, you have quite the presence. I would enjoy teaching you a lesson, but… my opponent is him— Cendrillon!”

Angelo pointed his wand toward Cendrillon, who stood at the back looking bored.

“I have disliked you for a long time. Always acting so high and mighty! Today, I will send you to your grave.”

He raised his spear-like wand.

Cendrillon was about to sigh and say “What a pain,” when Karin stopped him.

“Hm?”

“I am your opponent!”

“You cannot beat him,” Cendrillon said.

But Karin had already raised her wand and rushed forward. Thanks to the courage spell, she felt invincible. If she defeated Angelo, then Cendrillon would finally stop treating her like a child.

“Right! After Karin!”

Bacchus and Narcis followed.

Angelo clicked his tongue and swung his wand. A massive sphere of air surged forward, threatening to engulf Karin.

But in an instant, she leapt upward, evading it, and came down from above with her wand imbued with “Blade.”

“She is fast!”

Her relentless assault forced Angelo onto the defensive.

At the same time, Bacchus and Narcis engaged their own opponents.

The battle unfolded in dazzling exchanges.

Cendrillon let out a sigh, drew his wand, and faced his opponent, a young man with a dull expression.

Without even stating his name, the man launched a spell. It was water magic, just like Cendrillon’s. In a place without natural water, one had to draw upon moisture in the air.

Several ice arrows shot toward him. Cendrillon, looking annoyed, cast “Blade” and deftly knocked them aside.

The first to finish was Narcis, who specialized in earth magic.

His opponent raised several golems from the ground. Narcis smiled and cast his own summoning spell.

But his golem was not made of earth.

A shining golden figure appeared.

“My Golden Lady! Crush them!”

The three-shaku-tall golem, shaped like a noblewoman, wielded a fan and effortlessly destroyed every earthen golem.

Seeing his constructs annihilated, the opponent immediately raised both hands in surrender.

“Ha! How is that? My Golden Lady! A noblewoman of pure gold!”

“Pure gold? That is brass,” Cendrillon muttered under his breath, then moved.

His own duel ended quickly. With “Blade,” he closed in, his opponent responding in kind. But against a master, it was hopeless. Within three exchanges, the opponent was pushed to the brink.

One more strike would end it.

Cendrillon feinted, thrusting toward the body to force a block, intending to follow up with a strike to the wrist.

That should have decided it.

But instead, the opponent did something unexpected, he leaned forward, completely unguarded.

“You idiot!”

Cendrillon’s strike pierced his chest.

It drove deep into the heart. A fatal blow.

“Damn it… I messed up.”

At that moment, the man, expression unchanged, swung his wand.

“What?”

Cendrillon jumped back. The knight, with a hole in his chest, suddenly sprinted away and vanished into the darkness.

“…What was that?”

There was no mistake, his wand had pierced the man’s heart. Yet the man had moved as if nothing had happened. Even water magic, which governs the body, could not do that.

Cendrillon stood there, stunned.

Bacchus finished next. His opponent, a fire user, was badly burned, and though Bacchus himself was scorched, the other man could not endure it and surrendered.

Bacchus crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

That left Karin.

Angelo was strong. His wind magic, manipulated with surprising finesse for such a large man, sent blades of air slicing toward her. But Karin’s “Gale” was overwhelming, scattering every attack. She toyed with him in the air, using her superior mobility.

Covered in cuts, Angelo finally dropped to one knee.

“Is it over?” Karin asked.

“Not yet!”

Driven into a corner by someone who looked like a child, Angelo’s eyes were bloodshot with frustration.

Certain of her victory, Karin surged forward, her wand wrapped in “Blade.”

But she made a mistake.

“What?!”

Assuming he would only use wind, she had not expected earth magic.

A hand of soil burst from the ground and seized her leg. Angelo, it seemed, could use a bit of earth magic as well.

“Fool! A child like you knows nothing of tactics!”

A massive scythe of air came swinging toward her neck.

“This is bad—!”

At that instant, her courage vanished. The memory of the abyss she had nearly fallen into as a child overlapped with the image of the blade.

“I am going to die—!”

Then suddenly, the weight on her leg disappeared. She felt her body lifted, and then she was on the ground.

“Idiot! Do not get careless!”

Cendrillon.

“You—”

Angelo tried to continue, but the blood loss robbed him of strength. He staggered to his feet, only to collapse again.

Bacchus and Narcis cheered.

“Nice one, Karin!”

“You are incredible! You actually beat Angelo!”

But Karin only bit her lip in shame.

At the very end, she made another mistake. If not for Cendrillon, she would have died.

Beside her, Cendrillon glanced once, then seemed to lose interest, sinking into thought.

The defeated knights gathered around Angelo and began treating his wounds. It looked like his life had been saved. Finally, he let out a weak breath.

But even so, being defeated by someone younger than himself still seemed hard for him to accept; his face remained completely blank.

Bacchus and Narcis picked up their opponents’ wands, snapped them in half, and warned the knights, who were watching in frustration.

“Do not speak ill of the Magic Guard again.”

Karin, her face mixed with regret and the shame of being saved, lowered her head to Cendrillon.

“…Thank you. You saved me.”

But Cendrillon seemed distracted. Only when she spoke did he come back to himself, then he hurried over to Angelo, who was sitting there in a daze.

“Hey! Angelo!”

“…Hmph. What, come to mock me?”

“No! The guy who fought me, what was his name?”

“Oh, Pedro. What was that guy doing, running off like that?”

“Who exactly is he?”

“How should I know? He only joined recently. I am not even sure if that is his real name.”

That was not unusual. Many knights used false names to avoid bringing shame to their families. Cendrillon did the same, and so did Narcis and Bacchus. Even though Cendrillon was close with them, he did not know where they were from.

Cendrillon looked toward the direction where Pedro had disappeared and let out a sigh.

“Hey, what is wrong with you?” Karin asked, puzzled.

“That guy… I stabbed him straight through the chest… but he ran away like nothing happened.”

“Come on! That is impossible!”

“I am not lying. It is true.”

Cendrillon’s serious expression made the others look at each other. Bacchus patted him on the shoulder.

“You are just tired. It probably slipped past his side and looked like that.”

“…And besides, you always drink too much,” Narcis added.

Karin, clearly annoyed, spoke up as well.

“Right. That must be it.”

His complete disregard irritated her, even after he saved her.

“No, that is not it! I am telling you—it went straight through the center of his chest!”

He tried to explain, flustered, but no one listened.

Bacchus and Narcis threw their arms over each other’s shoulders and shouted:

“We are the proud Magic Guard! Oh—!”

“Alright! Let us gather the others and report our victory!”

Narcis shouted, and Bacchus immediately agreed. They picked up the captured wands and started off, with Karin following behind them.

“Hey! Wait for me! You idiots!”

Cendrillon hurried after them.

That night… the members of the Magic Guard were in high spirits over the long-awaited good news. Everyone had been craving a taste of victory. And the fact that their opponents had been the arrogant and detestable Unicorn Corps made it even more satisfying.

Among the stories, Karin’s performance as a trainee became the highlight. “You defeated Angelo! That is incredible!” they said, congratulating her and constantly raising their glasses in her honor.

In that way, Karin was welcomed by the Magic Guard and accepted as one of them.

But…No one believed what Cendrillon said.

Left with no choice, he sat alone and drank quietly.

And then… for some reason, the sensation of stabbing someone earlier that day brought back memories of the past. That “incident,” tucked away in the corner of his mind, began to surface again and again.

“…Damn it.”

He muttered as he kept drinking, but once awakened, the memory would not let him go. Before he knew it, he was completely drunk.

Karin, sipping her drink by herself, noticed Cendrillon had collapsed in a corner of the tavern.

“That guy…”

She felt a headache coming on. Even in a moment like this, he remained shut inside his own world. Looking at his face, a sense of frustration welled up inside her. He held back in their duel, and today, he saved her life.

She could not bring herself to celebrate with everyone else.

At least today… she was the one who lost.

She thought that as long as she used “courage,” there would be no opponent she could not defeat. But that was not true. She could not beat Cendrillon, and she could not beat Angelo.

With that realization, doubt crept into her heart.

…Could she really become a knight like this?

Even as those thoughts filled her mind, Cendrillon lay there, drunk and unconscious.

Karin walked over to Cendrillon and shook his shoulder.

“Hey, who falls asleep in a place like this? Wake up.”

“Mm…”

But he only groaned, as if uncomfortable.

If he threw up here, it would be a complete spectacle. Karin helped him up.

“Come on, let us get some air.”

Saying that, she led him outside.

In his drunken sleep, Cendrillon drifted back into the past.

In the forest of his hometown…

By the spring he loved, resting his head on “her” lap, basking in the sunlight. Strands of bright golden hair brushed against his face, and in his dream, Cendrillon smiled.

“Pierre, what is it? Does it tickle?”

Pierre was his real name, a name he had abandoned in the past… a name no one spoke anymore.

In the dream, he spoke to the golden-haired woman.

“Karinā, your hair is teasing me.”

“Karinā.”

His lover from long ago.

The only woman he had ever loved.

By coincidence, it was also the true name of the girl now calling herself Karin—but Cendrillon did not know that.

In his dreams, she was always wrapped in light. The woman who led him toward paradise, her skin carried a warmth like the sun itself.

In that hazy state, under her gentle, tender gaze, Cendrillon could think of nothing.

“Oh, it is not teasing. I am doing it on purpose.”

“Why?”

“So you will not forget that I am right here.”

Those words pierced his chest. He reached out, and “Karinā” gently took his hand. He lifted himself, drawing his lips closer to hers…

Karin led Cendrillon into a deserted alley. She did not want passersby to see a member of the Magic Guard in such a disgraceful state. Their reputation was bad enough already.

“Hey, get it together.”

She scolded him as he staggered. Honestly… why did this man have to drink so much?

He had so much ability… was he not just wasting it like this?

If only he drank less.

As she was thinking that, Cendrillon suddenly murmured:

“…na.”

Karin froze.

“Hey, what did you just say?”

She leaned closer, wanting to be sure. Her pink hair brushed against his cheek.

“…Karina.”

This time, she heard it clearly.

There was no mistake, he called her by her real name. Why? How did he know? As those thoughts ran through her mind, her heart began to race.

“How do you know that name—”

Just as she asked, Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her by the neck.

“Mm—!”

It took her a moment to understand what was happening.

His lips… were pressed against hers.

By the time she realized it, a full ten seconds had already passed.

Her lips felt sealed.

Sealed… by his lips.

What? A kiss? What was happening? Was she… being kissed?

The meaning of the word finally caught up with her and exploded in her mind. Her face burned.

A kiss… she was being kissed… no, more precisely—her first kiss was stolen.

It was the first kiss of her life. She had never imagined something like this would happen, and her thoughts spun into complete chaos.

Anyway—!

Now was not the time to blush or panic!

Karin twisted her body, trying to break free, but the more she struggled, the tighter Cendrillon held her, pressing her firmly against himself.
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“Ughhhhhhhhh…!”

As expected of a man’s strength, if she could use magic it would be another matter, but as she was now, she could not escape at all. As she struggled, Cendrillon held her down with force and precision, then pushed her onto the ground.

“Stay by my side… always.”

Cendrillon said it with intense eyes. Struck by that gaze, Karin found herself nodding before she realized it.

But the next instant, understanding what that meant, she hurriedly shook her head.

“N-no… that did not count!”

In the dim alley, Cendrillon’s hand moved.

“—!”

Karin’s eyes went wide.

In his dream, Cendrillon lost himself in Karinā’s lips, hungrily deepening the kiss, his tongue tracing inside her mouth. It was a kiss so vivid and intense it hardly felt like a dream. Karinā’s lips responded just as fervently, her body seeming to try to slip free from his grasp.

When he finally pulled back, he murmured:

“Stay by my side… always.”

Karin’s body froze.

Cendrillon’s hand moved to Karinā’s chest—

—but there was no soft fullness. Only a flat, smooth plane.

“Karinā?”

The moment he said it, the haze of drunkenness shattered, and reality came rushing back.

“…Ka… Karin?”

Karin trembled beneath his hand—his housemate, the “boy” apprentice of the Magic Guard. All color drained from Cendrillon’s face.

“N-no way… I…”

Karin’s face trembled, on the verge of tears.

I messed up…!

Mistaking him for his past lover, he had kissed this “boy”… and even—

“My… my chest… you touched it…”

“I—I am sorry.”

“And… and you kissed me…”

Karin said, her voice shaking.

“I am really… sorry.”

This was bad. Even if it was a drunken mistake… it was still with a boy! No matter how beautiful he looked—he was still a boy!

Karin shoved Cendrillon away.

Then, clutching her chest, she ran off.

…This is bad. He must have been completely shocked.

I have to clear this up later.

But… what was that dream?

The memory of it lingered in his mind.

Cendrillon let out a long breath.

It felt too real.

“Karinā.”

That name carried so much within it—joy, despair… and a sin that refused to fade.

A sin he could never forget.

Something like a lump rose in his throat, making it hard to breathe.

''Forgive me.''

He whispered it, but knowing those words would never reach her only drove him deeper into despair. Cendrillon buried his face in his hands and let out a heavy sigh.

'''Chapter 6 - Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache'''

Within the royal palace of Tristainia, the current king, Philip III, stared gloomily at the chessboard before him. A man in his late thirties, he possessed gleaming golden hair, carefully groomed beard, and a powerfully built frame befitting his epithet: the ''Hero King''.

His sharply carved features resembled an ancient marble sculpture, radiating an imposing dignity.

The heroic figure who had once personally led an army and crushed the mighty Germanian forces upon the lands of La Valliere still remained unmistakable.

And yet, that face now lacked vitality.

His brows remained tightly furrowed as he occasionally nodded, pretending to listen to the words of the chancellor. In truth, however, not a single sentence carried meaning inside Philip III’s mind. The man’s speech flowed through one ear and out the other like the prayers of some foreign religion.

“Your Majesty, are you truly listening to what I am saying?”

The one who spoke was a narrow-eyed man with black hair slicked neatly backward, around twenty-five or twenty-six years of age.

Though he wore black clerical robes that made him resemble a priest, the military wand hanging from his waist and the sharpness in his gaze gave him the aura of a battlefield commander rather than a holy man. And upon closer inspection, every piece of clothing he wore was clearly a luxurious custom-made article. Even the silver-glimmering wand at his side was finer than the one possessed by the king himself.

This man was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, Chancellor of the Kingdom of Tristain.

“If there is anything Your Majesty finds questionable, I ask that you please say so openly.”

He bowed respectfully, his tone perfectly courteous.

“No matter whether I find something questionable or not, there is hardly any room for me to interrupt, is there?”

“How could Your Majesty say such a thing? You are the king of this nation.”

“The king? You mean me? A man whose only role is nodding approval at whatever policies you present is called a king?”

Philip spoke with open sarcasm, while Eustache merely smiled.

“Without the glory of Your Majesty, the kingdom could never prosper as it does. Especially not through the efforts of someone as insignificant as myself...”

The king grimaced bitterly at those words.

Philip III was an unparalleled warrior. Wand in hand, he could scatter armies single-handedly. Leading troops, he had never once known defeat. He was a Hero King destined to be recorded in the history of Halkeginia itself.

But Heaven withheld from him a talent for politics.

Under Philip III’s reign, the strength of Tristain had steadily declined year after year. Naturally so, when his policies consisted of little more than reckless improvisation: introducing laws on a whim, increasing taxes without foresight, even waging wars merely to preserve appearances...

And just as the fury of the people neared its breaking point.

The man who slammed the brakes on the kingdom’s collapse appeared. It was Eustache.

With astonishing dexterity, the Grand Duke took control of Tristain’s politics, diplomacy, and economy, carrying out reform after reform until the kingdom finally regained its former prosperity.

Yet none of that amused Philip III in the slightest.

The Hero King possessed pride worthy of his title.

But no matter what argument he raised, he could never outtalk Eustache. Eventually, their disputes had devolved into little more than childish sulking, and by now Philip scarcely even wished to voice opinions anymore.

Still, resentment lingered in his heart, leading him to occasional acts of childish rebellion. During gambling nights, for instance, he became absurdly competitive over cards. Or at ballroom festivals, he would try to outshine the Grand Duke.

Yet even if he managed to defeat Eustache in such trivial matters, the satisfaction lasted only moments before the inferiority returned once again.

“That is enough. Handle all political matters however you please. More importantly, it is your move.”

Philip III gestured toward the chessboard.

Eustache moved a piece with complete indifference, whereupon the king once more sank into thought.

“Your Majesty, there is another proposal I wish to present—”

“Stop dancing around it. Call it what it really is: an order.”

Philip snapped irritably.

Eustache narrowed his eyes. Though still young, his face possessed frightening sharpness.

“You wound me with such words... What I wished to discuss concerns the Unicorn Guard currently responsible for protecting Your Majesty.”

“Oh? That rigid bunch who act like templars? What about them?”

“I wish to offer them to Your Majesty.”

“What?”

Philip raised his head, only to shake it immediately with displeasure.

“No need.”

“And why is that?”

“I already have the Royal Mage Guard.”

“Is that not the force whose numbers now resemble a comb with missing teeth?”

“That is why they are currently being reorganized, or so I have been told. Once sufficient numbers have gathered again, I intend to return them to active guard duty. I have no need for a new royal guard.”

“I have heard the recruits consist mostly of thugs and street rabble. Frankly speaking, I often wonder whether a collection of criminals can truly serve as Your Majesty’s protectors. If they were dissolved entirely, the kingdom could even spare itself unnecessary expenses.”

Philip III’s brows tightened sharply.

He still held deep attachment toward the Royal Mage Guard that had protected him for so many years. It was a knightly order passed down from his ancestors, steeped in tradition. Furthermore, although its captain Jervul now lay ill, he had once been Philip’s own mentor in the art of the wand.

Disbanding them had never once crossed his mind.

“Do not be ridiculous! Listen well, Eustache. I will tolerate almost anything you say because I know well enough that you are smarter than I am. But the Royal Mage Guard is another matter entirely! Once their numbers recover, they will return to guard duty. On this point alone, I will never compromise.”

Grand Duke Eustache slowly shook his head.

“Even so... if they are to guard Your Majesty, they must be an elite force. Even after reorganization, there is no guarantee the old veterans will return. My Unicorn Guard, on the other hand, consists solely of carefully selected warriors. I understand Your Majesty’s attachment to the Royal Mage Guard, but if something were to happen to your safety, the consequences would be irreparable.”

Philip fell silent with a low grunt.

Everything Eustache said was correct.

And yet, his pride could not bear the thought of even his personal guard being manipulated at the Grand Duke’s whim.

“There is no need to worry. True warriors still remain among them.”

“Warriors, you say? Does Your Majesty know what members of the Royal Mage Guard did at an inn just the other day? They violently attacked innocent Germanians. To avoid causing an international incident, the Germanians reportedly did not even draw their wands. Truly pitiable. And yet your guards continued beating them regardless. Counting both serious and minor injuries, there were over ten victims. The ambassador has lodged severe protests.”

Philip stroked his beard with obvious annoyance.

“They have already been punished. I ordered their wages reduced. Besides, calling the Germanians innocent is nonsense. I heard they struck first.”

“Ah, well, these matters always become a matter of conflicting stories. Neither side ever admits fault. In any case, if your guard consists merely of violent men eager to brawl with foreigners, that is rather troubling...”

At that very moment, a young page burst into the chamber.

“Your Majesty! Terrible news!”

“What is it, Dipere?”

The page glanced nervously toward Eustache.

“There is no need to hesitate,” Philip said mockingly. “Even if you tried hiding something from the Chancellor, he would discover it soon enough anyway.”

Even such blatant sarcasm failed to disturb Eustache’s calm expression.

“T-Then I shall report it! It seems members of Your Majesty’s Royal Mage Guard have violently clashed with Grand Duke Eustache’s Unicorn Guard!”

“What?”

Philip III’s eyes widened in shock.

And for the first time, even Grand Duke Eustache’s brows drew sharply together.

“And then? What happened afterward? Which side won?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! It appears the Royal Mage Guard emerged victorious. Four against fourб and every one of them won! They even displayed the enemy wands they seized as trophies and held a celebration afterward!”

Light gradually returned to Philip III’s face, though he quickly forced himself back into a stern expression.

“Hmph! I see! But fighting against the personal guard of our greatly esteemed Chancellor is unacceptable! And holding a celebration afterward is even worse! Put a stop to it immediately! At once!”

Even so, the delight in his heart could not quite be concealed, and he kept sneaking glances toward Grand Duke Eustache.

“I see now, Chancellor. Perhaps you truly were correct after all! What an utterly troublesome group they are!”

The page seemed to grow more excited as well, puffing out his chest as though boasting about his own achievements while continuing the report.

“Yes! And among them was apparently a mere trainee boy! Yet he moved like the wind itself and even defeated Sir Angelo!”

“What? Angelo? I have heard he was an exceptional fighter!”

“That is exactly the case! And this youth may not even have reached fifteen years of age yet!”

Philip III could not help clapping his hands.

“What a splendid young man! He sounds exactly like I did in my youth!”

Then he turned toward Eustache with open pride still written across his face. The king seemed overwhelmingly delighted that his own royal guard defeated the Grand Duke’s elite force.

“Honestly, the Royal Mage Guard are nothing but violent brats who constantly cause trouble. But yes, I see it now—if they were weak, they could never hope to protect me. Just as you said earlier.”

Grand Duke Eustache lowered his head deeply, while Philip III turned toward Dipere.

“This troublesome bunch clearly requires personal discipline from me. Tomorrow, bring those brave warriors... no, those unruly ruffians before me. Understood?”

Dipere bowed and hurried out of the chamber at once, while Eustache himself also prepared to leave.

“Then, Your Majesty, it is nearly time for you to rest. I shall take my leave now...”

“Mm. Good work! Ah, Eustache—provide some compensation in my name to the wounded members of your guard. Tell them to rest well!”

Philip III said this with a broad smile.

After leaving the palace, Grand Duke Eustache stepped into the waiting carriage at the royal coach station. Heavy curtains covered the windows so that nobody could peer inside.

The carriage began moving silently the moment he sat down. Behind it rode two unicorn knights serving as escorts.

“Have you finished saying everything you needed to say?”

The woman seated opposite him spoke once they left the palace grounds.

She was a beautiful young woman around eighteen or nineteen years old. Her long golden hair fell in soft curls nearly to her waist. Gentle drooping eyes and soft, supple cheeks gave her an irresistibly warm charm.

Her full feminine figure was wrapped in black nun’s robes, and the overall image radiated maternal tenderness... like a saint stepping forth from a religious painting.

“Novelle, things have become troublesome. It seems the Royal Mage Guard actually won. That fool Angelo knew only how to boast.”

The woman called Novelle smiled sweetly. It was the sort of warm and gentle smile capable of capturing the heart of any man who saw it.

“My, just as I expected. Those three cannot really be dealt with through ordinary means.”

“So it is them again...”

“Yes, those same violent little troublemakers from before. There are hardly any spirited people left besides them anymore. As long as they remain, it will be difficult to completely uproot the Royal Mage Guard.”

Her expression resembled that of an older sister delighted by the exploits of her younger brothers.

“And the ‘puppet’ I borrowed from you turned out to be useless.”

“What?! You already deployed him? How impatient you are!”

A strange glimmer shone briefly in her eyes, causing Eustache to shake his head.

“Of course I did not reveal his true nature to anyone. I simply had him mixed into the ranks disguised as a knight. It was also meant as a form of experiment.”

“Honestly... I kept wondering how you intended to use him. Did I not already tell you? ‘Puppets’ are only effective when used in groups. Sending out a single one accomplishes nothing at all.”

“I know,” Eustache replied bitterly.

“But how marvelous! Men like them truly deserve to be called heroes!”

Novelle sounded genuinely delighted.

“You seem awfully fond of them.”

“Yes, I rather like them. Despite possessing such strength, they still stubbornly remain with the Royal Mage Guard instead of abandoning it. Everyone else fled long ago.”

“What incomprehensible fools. If they were merely a little more clever, they could live far better lives...”

“But is that not exactly what makes them charming? To ignore profit and loss for the sake of something more important. Men ought to be like that.”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“Still, it seems it is not only those three.”

“What do you mean?”

“There appears to be another—a trainee boy. Apparently he was the one who defeated Angelo.”

“My! What an extraordinary child! To defeat Sir Angelo... I would dearly love to meet him.”

Watching Novelle’s innocent delight, Eustache could only smile wryly.

“Honestly, sometimes I cannot tell which side you belong to.”

“What are you saying? Of course I stand on Your Grace’s side. Though enjoyment is an entirely separate matter... that is all.”

“This is not some game. In any case, the Unicorn Guard must become the official royal guard as quickly as possible.”

Eustache glanced sideways toward the woman beside him.

“I am an impatient man, Novelle. That is why I wish to entrust something to you.”

“I am not particularly good at staging ‘accidents’ or manipulating people into provoking riots and brawls, you know. I am not nearly clever enough for such things.”

For a brief moment, Novelle wore the innocent expression of an ordinary young woman while saying something utterly horrifying.

“There is no need to worry about details. We no longer have time. How you accomplish it is up to you, but failure is unacceptable.”

“Plans are always vulnerable to the whims of the god known as ‘disharmony.’ For humans to pursue perfection is rather beyond our place, don’t you think?”

“And yet, I know you can do it.”

Eustache spoke those words because he fully understood that the woman sitting before him was among the most terrifying individuals on the continent of Halkeginia.

“My, my... it seems I have been greatly overestimated.”

Novelle replied in a voice overflowing with delight.

'''Chapter 7 - Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience'''

The morning after Cendrillon and Karin dueled with Angelo and the Unicorn Guard, then ended up kissing after Cendrillon got completely drunk at the victory celebration…

Enduring a pounding headache, Cendrillon dragged himself into the living room. Last night, after a messenger from the palace arrived and forced the celebration to disperse, he returned home and immediately collapsed into bed.

In the living room, Karin silently gnawed on a piece of bread. Ever since what had happened the night before, she ignored everything Cendrillon tried to say.

“H-hey…”

Cendrillon awkwardly greeted her, while Karin bit her lip, fists clenched on her knees, cheeks slightly red.

This is bad… he thinks I am into men…

That was the misunderstanding Cendrillon arrived at. Well, after the way he acted last night, he could hardly blame her.

At any rate, he had to clear things up.

“Listen, Karin. I was really drunk last night. I am sorry for doing something so disrespectful to you.”

“…………”

Karin silently chewed her bread and turned her face away.

“It is true that I dislike women… but that does not mean I like men. I want you to understand that.”

After saying only that much, Cendrillon began eating his bread as well.

“Th-then…”

Karin asked in a trembling voice.

“Why would you do something like that to me?”

Cendrillon hesitated over how to answer. He had no intention of speaking about his former lover, much less admitting that he mistook the boy before him for the woman from his dreams.

“Well… I was drunk. For a moment, I mistook you for a woman.”

“…But you hate women, do you not?”

“That is true…”

“So actually you really like women after all. Liar.”

Cendrillon replied helplessly:

“…It is not that I like just anyone.”

Karin glanced at him and felt her face heating up again.

After all, he had suddenly done something like that to her. Of course she could not stop thinking about it.

And on top of that, he had touched her chest at the end. Unforgivable…!

But at the same time, the frustration of not being able to get angry openly irritated her even more. A man would not get angry over having his chest touched.

“Karina.”

Cendrillon had definitely said that name.

Could it be… that he really knew her true name?

If he knew, and liked her despite that, was that why he did such a thing?

But if that was true, then her identity as a woman had already been exposed… and surely he would have asked why she was pretending to be a boy.

Yet judging from his attitude, he did not seem to suspect her real identity at all.

So then… was it really another woman’s name?

The thought alone irritated her. Why am I even worrying about something like this? Whatever!

Karin turned away and left the room to head for duty.

“H-hey! I am coming too!”

A flustered Cendrillon hurried after her.

When the two of them arrived at Lord Jebal’s estate, something unexpected awaited them. Vivian suddenly summoned them over and informed them of something almost dreamlike.

“What did you say? His Majesty wishes to see us?”

Even Cendrillon sounded surprised. Beside him stood Bacchus and Narcis, who have also just arrived and been called in.

All of them wore tense expressions. That was only natural—a mere knight being personally summoned by King Philip III was an extremely rare thing.

“That is right. It seems he has something to say about last night’s incident.”

Karin’s face turned pale. Did they anger the king with their duel with the Grand Duke’s Unicorn Guard? Even Cendrillon looked confused.

Watching them, Vivian smiled bitterly.

“Honestly… this is why I told you all to behave yourselves.”

It was possible that everyone present would be punished because of what she had done. Karin stepped forward and declared loudly:

“The duel was proposed by me! The other three only became involved because of me! If there is blame to be placed, then place it on me alone!”

Vivian merely smiled.

“You can tell that directly to His Majesty. Honestly, do not stiffen up so much. What is done is done. I understand His Majesty’s temperament well enough, this might even turn out to be interesting.”

The four of them, together with Vivian, boarded a carriage sent from the palace and headed toward the royal court.

Karin could barely sit still. Her fate was about to be decided. If she displeased the king… wouldn’t everything come crashing down?

With a mixture of admiration and anxiety, Karin gazed at the royal palace she was seeing for the first time. Beyond the gates stretched a vast courtyard. The hedges and trees were carefully trimmed into the shapes of knights and dragons, and at the center of the circular carriage court stood a fountain rhythmically spraying water into the air.

The palace itself towered overhead with overwhelming grandeur. Streams of water—deeply tied to the royal family of Tristain—flowed down the walls and connected with the fountain below.

A palace of water…

That was the impression Karin had.

After stepping out of the carriage, the four were not taken to an audience chamber, but instead guided to what seemed to be a back room near the attendants’ quarters.

Passing through a low doorway, they entered a space that resembled a hidden chamber. The walls were draped with layers of satin, and inside stood several chairs and a small desk. Everything was luxurious enough to belong within a palace.

Vivian looked perfectly calm, as though she was here many times before, while Karin felt as if her heart might leap from her chest.

In any case, her fate would be decided within the next few minutes. Even if she angered the king, she at least wanted to stand proudly before him, so she forced herself to straighten her posture.

Beside her, Bacchus and Narcis also looked extremely nervous, while Cendrillon wore the same sleepy expression he always did.

Then, suddenly, the moment arrived.

The satin curtain was drawn aside, and the king appeared.

For the first time in her life, Karin saw Philip III.

The figure of the “Hero King” she has always admired matched her imagination perfectly—a magnificent and imposingly handsome man. Behind him stood a young black-haired man in priestly robes, with a cold and severe expression.

Philip III slowly swept his sharp gaze across the four of them. That alone was enough to make Karin feel as if she might die from tension.

“Vivian, are these the troublesome little hooligans you spoke of? The violent criminals who beat up the poor Unicorn Guards?”

Philip III asked in a strong voice. It was slightly higher-pitched than Karin imagined. Just hearing those words made her feel as though she was cast straight into hell.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

After Vivian answered calmly, Philip III frowned.

“What audacious fools! To think that knights belonging to ''my'' royal guard would use violence against the Grand Duke’s honored retainers! Apologize to the Grand Duke at once and accept your punishment!”

Karin’s face went pale. She did anger the king!

But just as Cendrillon stepped forward, about to apologize, Karin remembered Vivian’s earlier words:

“Tell His Majesty directly.”

So Karin stopped him.

“Karin?”

Then, gathering her courage, she straightened her back proudly and declared:

“Please direct the punishment at me alone! I was the one who proposed the duel! The other three were only dragged into it because of me!”

At the sight of the beautiful young knight standing there so boldly, Philip III seemed barely able to contain himself. The strict mask he had been forcing onto his face cracked for a moment, and he let out an admiring exclamation.

“What an excellent young person! Well, Grand Duke, what do you think? Do you truly wish to punish such a splendid youth? Hmm? What is your opinion?”

At the word “Grand Duke,” Karin realized that the black-haired young noble before her was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, the Chancellor himself.

The two greatest men in the kingdom stood before her.

Karin bowed deeply to the Grand Duke.

“I sincerely apologize for injuring your guards.”

The Grand Duke gave a bored snort and turned his gaze away from Karin toward Philip III.

“I never intended to punish them in the first place. Interfering in quarrels between knights would only make me appear petty. Besides, was it not Your Majesty who summoned me here demanding apologies?”

“So then, we may call the matter settled, yes? Ah, I would never show favoritism simply because they are my own guards. One cannot set a good example that way.”

“As Your Majesty wishes. Now then, I still have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

The Grand Duke departed coldly.

It seemed the danger passed, and Karin quietly pressed a hand to her chest in relief. Vivian, Bacchus, and the others looked much the same.

Then, the moment the Grand Duke disappeared from sight, Philip III’s attitude changed completely. Overflowing with excitement, he practically bounced around the room.

“Now then! My brave warriors! Tell me everything about the duel!”

He eagerly demanded every last detail.

Karin and the others were dumbfounded by the king’s sudden change in demeanor. The four of them described the duel, while Philip III repeatedly urged them to go into even greater detail.

Apparently, the king—who was constantly overshadowed by the Grand Duke—was absolutely delighted that his own royal guards defeated the Grand Duke’s retainers. His earlier anger had merely been an act. As he listened, it was as though memories of charging across battlefields in his youth had resurfaced, and he listened with the enthusiasm of a child.

The part he enjoyed most was Karin defeating Angelo.

“Ohhh! So it truly was you who defeated Angelo!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Though still young, this one possesses extraordinary mastery over wind magic. I heard he danced through the air while cutting Angelo to pieces…”

Vivian spoke as though she had witnessed it herself.

“I too excel in wind magic. I see now—truly the element of heroes.”

Receiving such praise from the king filled Karin with joy.

To think she would actually be praised by the king himself…

“Listen well, my brave warriors. I adore young nobles such as yourselves—strong, spirited, and loyal. From this day onward, continue to stand as my friends. I ask this of you.”

As he spoke, Philip III extended his hand to each of them. The honor of kissing the king’s hand was exceedingly rare, and the members of the Magic Guard nervously kissed the back of it one by one.

“You have all shown exceptional courage and loyalty to me. Therefore, accept this.”

Philip III summoned an attendant and personally handed Karin a leather pouch.

Inside was a heap of gold coins.

Karin bowed deeply.

“Well then… I still have matters to attend to… I must be going now. Ah, yes!”

Apparently remembering something, Philip III called for another attendant.

“Bring Mariana here.”

A young girl of around twelve or thirteen was soon led into the room. She had brilliant chestnut hair and large bright eyes. Yet at a glance, it was obvious she was no ordinary girl. Every movement carried the natural grace and gentleness of someone born to be served by others.

“Father, you called for me?”

The girl lifted her skirt and curtsied politely.

Standing beside Karin, Narcis murmured quietly:

“…Princess Mariana.”

Karin nearly let out a startled yelp. This girl was none other than Princess Marianna, the only daughter of Philip III, said to be showered with endless affection.

“...She’s truly beautiful.”

Bacchys spoke in a tone as if he were witnessing a dream. He looked ready to throw himself to the ground before her at any second, so Karin forcefully stomped on his foot.

Indeed, though she was only just about to turn thirteen, her beauty already stood far above others her age. The princess noticed the knights standing nearby and smiled.

“Father, who are these people?”

“They are the knights who will be serving as your guards starting today.”

At those words, the members of the squad exchanged stunned looks.

They were going to guard the princess?

“You are currently being reorganized anyway, are you not? I cannot yet assign you to serve as my own royal guard, but protecting the princess should pose no problem.”

Then he turned toward Marianna.

“My daughter, did you not say you wanted your own guards?”

“Yes! Because I really dislike that Eustache fellow, so naturally I dislike his guard corps too. Just having them come near me is unpleasant enough, and then they shamelessly ride unicorns on top of that! Besides, shouldn’t unicorns belong exclusively to me? Why would Father ever approve something like that?”

What a blunt princess.

Originally, unicorns were meant to be used only by princesses of the kingdom, generally for royal carriages and similar purposes. However, when Grand Duke Eustache established his personal guard corps, he requested permission from Philip III to use unicorns as riding beasts.

Considering the Grand Duke’s achievements, Philip III had little choice but to grant the request.

“There are various reasons for it. You will understand someday.”

“He’s such an unpleasant man!”

“You must not say such things so loudly. The Chancellor has done a great many things for me and for our kingdom.”

Marianna turned her gaze toward the knights.

The moment she noticed Karin, her cheeks gradually flushed red. Karin’s appearance, beautiful enough to resemble a remarkably handsome young nobleman, seemed to capture Marianna’s heart instantly.

Walking up close to Karin, Marianna tilted her head slightly.

It was a gesture meaning: ''State your name.''

“My name is Karin Désirée de Maillart. It is the greatest honor to be entrusted with the protection of Your Highness.”

Karin spoke with utmost seriousness.

“How wonderful! So your name is Sir Karin? What a beautiful guardian knight! I’ve already taken a liking to you! Father, thank you very much!”

Marianna declared this with a radiant smile.

“But Karin is still only a trainee. Is it truly acceptable to entrust such an important duty to him?”

Vivian said this, and Philip III nodded.

“Did he not defeat Angelo? If he possesses the skill, what problem is there? If he serves well as the princess’s guard, he will surely rise quickly through the ranks. Before long, he should become a proper knight. Work hard.”

Hearing such words from the king himself, Karin felt as though she might float into the sky. At that moment, it felt as though a glorious future was already decided for her.
[[File:ZNTso1 188.jpg|thumb]]
“Y-Yes! I would gladly give my life for this duty!”

“M-M-M-My name is Bacchus! Thank you so much for this supreme honor!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bacchus could no longer contain himself and dropped to his knees at the princess’s feet, tears already streaming down his face. Most people would probably have been frightened by such behavior, yet Marianna, worthy of being a princess of an entire kingdom, merely smiled calmly.

“I look forward to working with you,” she said.

'''Chapter 8 — Cendrillon’s past'''

Ever since being assigned to guard Princess Marianna, Karin’s arrogance had reached unbearable levels.

After all, the Royal Mage Guard still stood on the verge of dissolution, and because of that, the other members constantly praised and flattered him. Karin herself seemed to enjoy the treatment, gradually carrying herself with ever greater confidence.

Cendrillon, however, could not help feeling uneasy about it all.

Certainly, Karin possessed remarkable talent, and her judgment in battle was excellent.

But… the inexperience that came with youth gave off an unmistakably dangerous feeling. It was the same during their duel, and the same during the fight with Angelo.

''If I didn’t save him back then, he would already be dead.''

And there was something else that bothered him.

Before every duel, Karin would always lick the palm of his left hand. The moment she finished that motion, the trembling appropriate for someone her age would vanish instantly, replaced by eerie calmness.

Cendrillon had no idea what kind of spell it might be, yet the gesture lingered unpleasantly in his mind.

In any case, so far the guard duty itself did not involve any real danger. Once they reached the palace, all they really did was trail after the princess wherever she pleased.

There were no signs of imminent war, and thanks to Grand Duke Eustache’s political skill, the citizens showed little unrest. There was no particular danger to speak of, and yet…

Today as well, Princess Marianna specifically requested Karin accompany her on a walk through town. The princess seemed extremely fond of sneaking out incognito.

Accompanied by only a handful of guards, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. She was remarkably good at disguises too—dressed as an ordinary street girl and with her hairstyle changed, she looked exactly like a native child of Tristainia.

Cendrillon and Karin followed several paces behind her. Meanwhile, the princess darted around restlessly like a puppy, constantly making them nervous.

Suddenly, Marianna tried to enter a particularly unsavory-looking area, prompting Cendrillon to step closer and whisper quietly into her ear.

“Your Highness, this is not exactly a respectable district, so…”

But Marianna merely smiled and grabbed Karin by the wrist.

“With Karin here, there is nothing to worry about.”

“Hm?”

Marianna looked up at Karin with innocent eyes.

“No matter what kind of enemy appears, Karin will defeat them all, won’t he?”

Karin puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

After the mission ended, Cendrillon spoke to Karin with a bitter expression the moment they returned home.

“You need to stop getting carried away.”

“What do you mean?”

“What would you have done if something happened after bringing the princess into such a place?”

“There’s no way I’d lose to people like that.”

Karin answered stubbornly.

“Under normal circumstances, a mere knight apprentice would never be entrusted with guarding the princess. It’s better to remain cautious. Be careful.”

Hearing that, Karin lowered his head resentfully.

There was another source of unease weighing on Cendrillon’s mind.

The knight whose chest had been pierced during the duel with Angelo’s group, yet continued fighting as though nothing had happened. Nobody believed that story no matter how many times he told it. Afterward, he had even asked Lady Vivian to investigate the Unicorn Corps, but the knight named Pedro vanished completely after that night.

No matter how he thought about it, something was wrong.

Something bad was happening.

And yet if he spoke about it, everyone merely dismissed it as “the ramblings of a drunkard.” That frustrated him deeply.

Karin, meanwhile, found herself dissatisfied with Cendrillon for entirely different reasons.

For all the lofty things the man said, he was still just a drunkard. Worse, whenever he got drunk, he mistook Karin for someone named “Karina.”

Tonight, the same thing happened again.

As usual, by midnight Cendrillon became completely dead drunk, forcing Karin to drag him onto the bed.

And once again, Cendrillon murmured:

“...Karina…”

''There he goes again.''

Karin glared down at him coldly.

“Who exactly is that supposed to be?”

Me? Or someone else?

The question bothered her unbearably.

“Hey… why do you know that name?”

The demand slipped out before she could stop herself.

Then Cendrillon muttered softly:

“...I’m sorry…”

His face burning hot as he apologized.

“W-Why are you apologizing? Why do you know that name…?”

Karin tried to continue, only for her words to be abruptly cut short as Cendrillon nearly pressed their lips together.

Startled, Karin shoved him away.

“You… what exactly are you…”

“Forgive me…”

“Y-You idiot… if you’re going to apologize, then don’t do things like that.”

Karin’s voice trembled, but before she knew it, Cendrillon had already pulled her tightly into his arms.

“...Who exactly is Karina?”

There was no answer.

''So that means… it really is me?''

“W-Why are you doing this?”

The question escaped her again.

This infuriating man who treated her carelessly despite her incredible skill… this hopeless drunkard who acted as though everyone around him were fools…

And yet now he clung to Karin with the defenselessness of a child.

“...Do you know my true identity?”

“...I do.”

''What? He knows?''

Which meant her secret really had been exposed?

But how?

D-Don’t tell me…

Karin’s imagination immediately spiraled out of control.

The drunken Cendrillon, deeply curious about the gender of someone as beautiful as Karin…

Karin herself, fast asleep…

A hand quietly reaching over… pulling aside her clothes…

“...!”

'''Unforgivable.'''

“T-This… pervert… you degenerate man-eating monster…”

Karin trembled with fury. ''I’ll beat him senseless, freeze him solid, boil him alive with magic, tear him apart with wind spells—''

Just as those thoughts filled her mind—

“Don’t leave… Please… it’s my fault…”

The near-tearful voice stopped Karin’s hand.

“D-Don’t say things like that in that sort of voice…”

A pathetic man with drunken, unfocused eyes.

Someone who once said he had “nowhere left to go.”

“...D-Don’t tell anyone… about me…”

Karin whispered that quietly, and Cendrillon nodded.

For some reason, seeing him behave with such childlike innocence caused Karin’s anger to fade.

And then suddenly, their lips met again.

Karin desperately tried to pull away, but Cendrillon was far too skilled at kissing. Every movement of his tongue gradually drained the strength from Karin’s body little by little.

Before long, all strength left him entirely, and Karin collapsed back against the bed.

“N-No…” she protested weakly, but Cendrillon’s body pressed down over her. Karin wanted to blast him away with magic, kick him off, punch him, yet her limbs refused to obey him.

Still, she absolutely did ''not'' want to be attacked like this. It wasn’t as though she liked Cendrillon or anything. Her body simply froze every time the man suddenly forced himself close like this.

Just as tears threatened to spill—

“Grrr…”

Snoring.

Cendrillon fell asleep directly on top of her.

Face burning bright red, Karin smacked Cendrillon on the head repeatedly, but the drunken man never even opened his eyes.

And once morning came, Cendrillon would inevitably forget everything that happened the night before. He probably had no awareness whatsoever that every night, once drunk, he ended up embracing Karin like he had during the victory celebration.

But had he truly discovered Karin’s real identity, and then unconsciously embraced her in his drunk state?

Or…

Was he really mistaking Karin for somebody else after all?

Unable to stop thinking about it, Karin finally decided to ask Bacchus and Narcis directly.

“Do either of you know someone named Karina?”

At Lady Vivian’s estate, Karin asked the question while Cendrillon was absent.

“Who’s that supposed to be?” Bacchus asked.

“...Every night, Cendrillon keeps saying that name.”

“Hm. Well, it sounds like a woman’s name, so it’s probably a woman, right?”

“That much is obvious.”

Then Narcis gave a more thoughtful answer.

“Maybe it’s the name of a woman from his past?”

“I-Is that so?”

Narcis tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Come to think of it, I vaguely remember hearing something about why he joined the Royal Mage Guard... Though he was drunk at the time, so he probably doesn’t even remember talking about it himself.”

“Tell me.”

Karin urged him on eagerly, and Narcis continued.

“Apparently, he was betrayed by the woman he was engaged to, and then ran away from home because of it... Though I don’t know the details.”

Hearing that, Karin clenched his fists.

''What a pathetic man.''

To think his reason for joining the Royal Mage Guard was getting dumped by a lover!

And this was the same man who lectured her about immaturity.

Then came the realization that “Karina” was not referring to her, but to another woman instead, and anger began welling up endlessly inside her. She had vaguely suspected as much already, but hearing it stated outright somehow made it far more infuriating.

If Cendrillon mistook her for another woman and because of that not only kissed her, but even touched her chest…

'''Unforgivable.'''

Because of such a misunderstanding, even her first kiss had been tainted!

No, wait. She had already decided long ago that she would never lose her head over something as foolish as romance, didn’t she? So why should something like a first kiss matter?

That was what her mind insisted.

And yet she was still furious.

But even if she confronted Cendrillon about it, what would happen?

''Why are you angry? I already apologized for the kissing. Besides, you’re a man, aren’t you? Stop making such a big deal out of it.''

Most likely, Cendrillon would just say something like that and end the conversation.

Once Karin imagined that, she found herself unable even to complain properly, left to silently stew in frustration alone.

While she was lost in those thoughts, Lady Vivian suddenly appeared and called out to them.

“Karin! Narcis! Bacchus! And Cendrillon too! Are you all here?!”

“Y-Yes!”

The three of them straightened immediately.

“A messenger from the princess has arrived. You are to accompany Her Highness to Deauville tomorrow.”

Deauville was a health resort near the sea, roughly three days away by horseback.

“Deauville? What for?” Bacchus asked.

“It seems to be a pleasure trip. Since Her Highness intends to travel incognito, you will not be using magical beasts. You will ride there on horseback instead. Command authority will belong to Cendrillon. Make sure he understands that. That is all.”

After relaying only those instructions, Vivian hurried away.

To be chosen as attendants on a royal journey!

That could only mean they were deeply trusted.

Karin felt excitement burning hot inside her chest.

After returning home and reporting the matter, the very first thing Cendrillon said was:

“Good. Since I’ll be commanding the mission, my first order is this: you stay behind.”

“W-What?! What did you just say?! Why?!”

“I already told you before, didn’t I? You still lack experience. On a short trip like this, guards must remain constantly alert. If something happens, it will already be too late.”

“I can handle guard duty perfectly well! Stop treating me like an idiot!”

“I’m not treating you like an idiot.”

Cendrillon answered in a troubled voice.

''How am I supposed to explain this so this arrogant knight apprentice actually understands?'' he wondered bitterly.

In the end, he decided he had no choice but to speak plainly.

“I have a bad feeling.”

“A bad feeling?”

“Yes. That knight named Pedro... despite having his chest pierced through, he remained alive. And the Royal Mage Guard was weakened far too quickly afterward. I suspect the two things are connected somehow.”

Karin sighed in exasperation.

“I already told you, you were drunk—”

“No.”

Cendrillon interrupted her sharply.

“It wasn’t that. I wasn’t seeing things because I was drunk. Something is wrong. Someone is plotting something dangerous... To ''that man'', the Royal Mage Guard is an obstacle. I’m certain of it. This is a conspiracy, and for someone still immature like you, the burden is too great.”

“So you expect me to just sit around and wait? Don’t make me laugh!”

At those words, Karin finally snapped.

Seriously, how long was this man going to keep treating her like a child?

Despite doing ''those kinds of things'' to her every night while drunk! Mistaking her for another woman!

“Tell me something—who exactly is the immature one here?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You. Do you even know what you do to me every night?”

Cendrillon’s face immediately paled.

“I already said I was sorry about that—”

“It wasn’t just the night of the celebration.”

Now his cheeks began turning red instead.

“You’re joking…”

“I’m not joking. It’s true. Though of course you probably don’t remember any of it because you’re always blackout drunk, you alcoholic!”

“S-Sorry…”

Cendrillon lowered his head in shame.

“You really do unbelievable things, you know. You hug me tightly like this, and your hands start moving around like this—”

The more Karin spoke, the angrier she became, until her entire body trembled.

“...Couldn’t you just resist?”

Cendrillon asked awkwardly.

“You’re way too strong!”

In reality, it was because her own body lost strength entirely, but saying that out loud felt like it would somehow ruin everything, so Karin deliberately kept silent.

And before she realized it, she got so emotional that she accidentally blurted out what Narcis had told him earlier.

“Honestly! Being unable to forget some woman from your past is what’s truly immature! Her name’s Karina, right?! Even after being betrayed, you’re still hopelessly attached to her!”

“Was it Narcis? That idiot talks too much…”

Cendrillon muttered tiredly.

“Seriously, just how badly were you betrayed? For you to still be this obsessed, it must have been something huge, right?”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“She never betrayed me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was the one who betrayed her.”

“Then why not just apologize?”

“She’s no longer in this world.”

Karin fell completely silent.

“…………”

Cendrillon continued in a calm voice.

“Do you want to know why I keep feeling that you’re in danger whenever I look at you?”

“…………”

“Because you’re exactly like I used to be. Young. Convinced you can do anything. Believing there’s nothing in the world worth fearing. Thinking that as long as you have a ‘dream,’ anything is possible. I was exactly the same… right until that day.”

''That day.''

The day he lost Karina.

“Do you want to hear the story?”

Karin silently nodded.

And slowly, Cendrillon began speaking.

“When I was two years older than you are now, I had a lover named Karina.

I was the son of a territorial lord, while she traveled from place to place performing alongside her father.

Normally, a romance like that could never happen.

But I fell in love with her gentle smile and beautiful golden hair.

When I confessed my feelings, she accepted surprisingly quickly. Being a noble probably played some part in it, but that wasn’t all. She genuinely loved me too.

We began seeing each other, though ours was a forbidden relationship. Secretly… quietly… we would meet over and over again in the forest. It was a small and fragile love.

But something like that could never last forever.

Eventually our parents found out and tried to separate us. Being young and foolish, I decided to abandon everything and run away with her.

Naturally, they sent pursuers after us.

Nearly ten highly skilled knights.

There was no possible way for us to escape.

They caught up to us almost immediately.

And then… they seized her.”

At this point, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly, his expression twisted with pain.

“One of the knights grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away. Several others surrounded me, leaving me unable to move. And I knew… if we were separated there, we would never see each other again.

The moment that thought crossed my mind, I began chanting a spell.

I was overflowing with confidence back then. After all, people praised me as some brilliant prodigy. Even from dozens of arses away, piercing the hand of the knight holding Karina with a magical arrow should have been effortless.

At least, that was what I believed at the time.

But it was nothing more than arrogance.

Was it because I was nervous? Because the pressure made me falter? At this point, I no longer know.

No… perhaps the truth is simply that I was immature.”

Cendrillon spoke in a low murmur, as though all emotion had long since been left somewhere far away.

“The magical arrow that was meant to pierce the knight’s hand instead pierced Karina through the chest.”

“It struck beautifully. Perfectly. Straight through. She died instantly. Even my beloved water magic could not save her.”

Karin stood there speechless while Cendrillon continued calmly.

“A man who killed the woman he loved with his own hands… does not even deserve the right to follow her in death. When I someday stand before her in Valhalla, how am I supposed to apologize?”

“And thus,” he added bitterly, “a man fit only to wander a dust-covered road through life was born.”

Karin bit down hard on her lip.

She could never have imagined that this careless, drifting man carried such a past inside him.

Cendrillon looked at her with complete seriousness.

“You really are extraordinary, Karin. I have never seen anyone use wind magic as skillfully as you do. But precisely because of that, I have to say this: act more carefully. Do not become arrogant. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing.”

''I don’t understand.''
[[File:ZNTso1 207.jpg|thumb]]
Karin still felt like a child.

She could not truly comprehend Cendrillon’s pain or sorrow.

“To kill the person you love most with your own hands…”

What kind of feeling was that supposed to be?

Karin could not understand it.

She clenched her fists tightly.

And before she realized it, tears were already flowing from her eyes.

“...Take me with you too.”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“Understood,” he said at last, gently patting Karin on the head.

“You really are kind, Karin. Someday you’ll become someone truly remarkable. But if things become dangerous, fall back immediately. You are to follow my orders. Understood?”

Karin nodded silently.

'''Chapter 9 — Confrontation at Deauville'''

Deauville was a small town with a population of only around two hundred people.

Originally, this lonely settlement by the sea survived only through gathering shellfish and fishing. But every summer, because of the ocean currents, the sea would begin shining with rainbow colors. Tourists wishing to witness the beautiful sight gathered there each year, bringing the town a modest amount of profit.

Now, with summer only just beginning, the townspeople were busy preparing the inns that operated exclusively during the warm season.

And during such a peaceful time, a man and woman suddenly appeared.

One was a tall, powerfully built nobleman.

The other was a young woman with dazzling golden hair dressed in nun’s robes.

The unusual pair drew curious stares from the townspeople as they walked.

An old man approached them kindly and greeted the noble.

“Welcome, travelers. Um… it’ll still be a few more days before the sea turns rainbow-colored—”

A wand suddenly thrust forward and pierced straight through his chest.

Slowly, still smiling faintly, the old man collapsed onto the ground.

Moments later, a woman who had witnessed the scene screamed.

Then red blossomed across her chest as well, a magical blade fired by the nobleman pierced her.

As panic spread and the people of Deauville fled in terror, the nobleman continued slaughtering them one after another without the slightest change in expression.

The massacre unfolded beneath dazzling sunlight with such unreality that it almost resembled some grotesque stage play.

It did not take long for terror to consume the entire town.

Those attempting to flee discovered nobles armed with wands blocking every exit and desperately begged for help.

“Sir Knight! There’s a murderer in town! Please save us!”

The only reply was magic.

Every route out of Deauville was already sealed off.

And so the townspeople were slaughtered one by one by the gathered nobles.

By the time every resident of the town had been killed, roughly two hours had passed.

“Oh.”

Having discovered a man hiding in the grass behind a house and impaled him with a lance of compressed air, Angelo turned toward Novelle, who had silently observed the slaughter from behind.

“So this is enough, then? Sister.”

A bitter expression twisted Angelo’s face, while Novelle merely smiled gently.

“Yes.”

“You really are a terrifying woman. I’ve been a soldier for many years, but even this is new to me. Ordering the massacre of an entire town…”

“You dislike killing?”

Asked that question, Angelo nodded immediately.

“Obviously. Who the hell actually likes killing people?”

“And yet you still did it.”

“Because ''you'' told me to! You said if I did this, I’d definitely be able to defeat those bastards…”

Angelo spoke through a distorted expression, his eyes filled with rage and regret.

“So your resentment runs even deeper than your revulsion toward murder?”

“That’s right. That Cendrillon and that arrogant little knight apprentice… If it means killing them, I’d sell my soul to the devil itself.”

At those words, Novelle smiled with almost saintly warmth.

“But I am not a ‘devil.’”

“Oh, come on. Anyone who says ‘let’s slaughter an entire town’ and means it—if that’s not a devil, then what is?”

“Because these people have been granted eternal life now. They’ve left behind this cruel world and reached a place free of suffering.”

“Hah. Pretty words. Seriously, I’ll never understand the nonsense nuns say.”

“Come now. Let me free ''you'' from this hell as well.”

As she spoke, Novelle gently placed both hands against Angelo’s cheeks.

“What? I don’t need some blessing fro—”

The instant he spoke, something like an electric current surged through Angelo’s body.

“GAAAH!”

His body convulsed as though struck by multiple bolts of lightning. Sparks burst violently from him while the smell of burning hair spread through the air.

Then, gradually, his skin began taking on a pale pink hue…

His eyes rolled back, and Angelo collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.

“Honestly… this world truly is hell, don’t you think? I find myself thinking that so often.”

Novelle placed a hand upon Angelo’s corpse.

And then—

To any ordinary observer, the sight would have been impossible to believe.

Angelo’s body slowly rose back to its feet.

Then, wand in hand, he turned toward Novelle.

“Welcome to our ‘Kingdom,’ Sir Angelo.”

With Princess Marianna surrounded at the center of their group, Karin and the others departed from Tristainia. As usual, Marianna dressed in an inconspicuous manner, resembling nothing more than the daughter of some provincial noble family. Meanwhile, Karin and the rest of the Royal Mage Guard also refrained from wearing the cloaks that would reveal their identities as guardsmen, making them appear to be nothing more than ordinary knights.

Bacchus and Narcis chatted noisily and cheerfully, while Marianna repeatedly dismounted every so often simply to admire the scenery. Yet amidst that lively atmosphere, almost festive in mood, only Karin and Cendrillon followed behind with tense expressions upon their faces.

“You two look awfully gloomy.”

Even when Bacchus teased her like that, Cendrillon’s confession from the previous night still echoed in Karin’s mind, leaving her unable to join the merriment.

Marianna, meanwhile, grew slightly dissatisfied with Karin’s behavior and constantly tried to draw her attention.

“What’s wrong, Karin? You look bored.”

“That is not the case.”

“Yes it is. You look terribly bored. Aren’t you happy to be traveling with me?”

“Of course I am.”

Even though she was still only thirteen years old, Marianna was already surprisingly skilled at attracting the attention of men. Like some flirtatious beauty, she would cast alluring glances or flash charming smiles. Any ordinary man would probably have surrendered instantly.

But unfortunately for her, Karin happened to be a woman.

And because none of her charms seemed to have any effect, Marianna became even more desperate to make this knight apprentice look at her more attentively.

In the small town they had arrived at earlier that day, Princess Marianna reached her hand beneath the table during lunch and took hold of Karin’s hand beside her. Karin, having no real way to refuse, could only helplessly squeeze the princess’s hand back in return, but… Apparently that alone encouraged Marianna too much.

That night, at the inn where they stayed, Marianna summoned Karin to her room and ordered her to read aloud to her, Karin could only comply with resignation. When she arrived, Marianna first warned her that absolutely nobody could learn she had called a young knight to her room late at night. If such a thing became known at court, both she and Karin would surely be punished severely.

After sitting down upon the chair placed in the center of Marianna’s room, Karin began reading from a collection of poems, while Marianna listened in complete fascination to Karin’s beautiful voice. Karin was exceptionally skilled at controlling her voice; if she truly concentrated, she could produce a tone very much like that of a young man. Without that ability, disguising someone with such overwhelming beauty as male would have been impossible to begin with…

After a while, Marianna gazed at Karin with an intoxicated expression and said:

“You’re so beautiful it almost feels as though you stepped straight out of those poems.”

“I am honored.”

The reply carried not even the slightest trace of actual pleasure, making Marianna even more dissatisfied.

“That town we’re heading to next, the one called Deauville, has a truly beautiful sea, you know. The colors are not vivid yet at this time of year… but under the sunlight it shines in rainbow colors.”

Marianna clearly expected some response like ''“But Your Highness is even lovelier.”,'' instead, Karin merely replied:

“That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.”

Such a cold response.

Faced with such complete inability to read the atmosphere, Marianna finally became sulky. No matter how socially unaware someone might be, in a situation like this they would at least offer some sort of flattery. Yet Karin remained perfectly upright and vigilant, seated lightly in the chair as though she would immediately draw her wand the moment something happened, her eyes constantly observing the surroundings.

“I originally hoped that this trip would be just the two of us.”

For thirteen-year-old Marianna, saying something like that required tremendous courage.

Yet Karin simply answered in a regretful tone:

“If only I alone were present, it would not be possible for me to properly protect Your Highness.”

“You could. Aren’t you very strong?”

“I am merely an inexperienced young fool, however…”

“However?”

“I believe that someday I will improve enough that I alone will be able to carry out the duty of protecting Your Highness.”

Because Karin looked directly into Marianna’s eyes and said such words with absolute sincerity, Marianna felt her heart bloom with joy. Slowly, she extended her hand, and Karin rose gracefully to place a kiss upon it. Gathering even more courage after that, Marianna pretended to stumble and threw herself against Karin’s chest. Karin supported her with her slender arms. Only because Marianna was still small like a kitten was she able to hold her up so easily; if the princess grew even a little more, perhaps they would both end up toppling over together instead.

Looking down at Marianna as the girl stared dreamily up at her, Karin inwardly broke into a cold sweat wondering:

What am I supposed to do here…?

Marianna was incredibly cute. Even through Karin’s eyes, the mixture of youthful adorableness and the first budding traces of mature feminine charm made it feel as though something truly dangerous was happening.

And on top of that, the princess clearly seemed to harbor feelings for her. Even Karin, who was terribly slow when it came to romance, could understand at least a little of what Marianna felt after the girl pretended to trip just to throw herself into her arms like this.

But…

''I’m a woman…''

There was no way she could accept those feelings.

Yet neither could she reveal the truth about her gender, Karin could only remain there in complete confusion.

And yet she could not reveal the truth about her gender either, leaving Karin utterly lost and troubled.

“Do you have a lover?”

Asked such a question directly, Karin had no idea how she should answer.

If she answered “no,” then Marianna would probably pursue her even more aggressively afterward. But if she answered “yes,” then she would simply be lying.

Troubled, Karin could only put on the attitude of a young warrior and answer:

“It is because I am still training.”

“Even though you’re this beautiful?”

Marianna said so with a genuinely astonished expression, causing Karin to smile faintly.

“I simply do not have the leisure to lose my head over romance.”

“Then… does that mean I still have a chance?”

Marianna closed her eyes and puckered her lips slightly. The princess’s lips were red and glossy like delicate flower petals, but Karin felt absolutely no interest whatsoever.

So after placing a kiss upon her forehead instead—

“It is about time for Your Highness to sleep.”

Karin said so in a troubled voice.

At last, Marianna properly began sulking.

“Then you may leave.”

Turning her face away, she crawled into the blankets.

After bowing and leaving the room, Karin found Narcis standing there with an openly suggestive grin on his face.

“Well now, handsome prince. So? What did Her Highness taste like?”

“Don’t joke around.”

Karin answered with obvious displeasure.

“Still, our princess really has reached that romantic age… If you manage to firmly capture Her Highness’s heart, your rise to glory will happen quickly enough, young man.”

Even after being told that by Narcis, Karin merely shook her head.

“If one does not possess the strength to match such status, then rising to glory has no meaning.”

Nearby, Bacchus was rolling around on the floor crying dramatically.

“Ahhh! Ahhh! I’m so jealous! Ahhh! Ahhh! Why didn’t Her Highness choose me?! AAAAAHHH!”

“Where’s Cendrillon?”

Karin asked, only to receive the answer:

“Downstairs.”

Was he drinking again?

At first Karin worried that was the case, but she quickly realized she was mistaken. Cendrillon was simply sitting in a chair, silently watching the entrance in case anyone suspicious tried to come inside.

After Karin sat down beside him—

“And the princess?”

He asked that immediately.

“She’s already resting.”

“I see.”

After answering briefly, he once again turned his gaze back toward the doorway.

“This is honestly troublesome. Her Highness seems extremely fixated on me.”

“That sounds like the highest possible honor.”

Cendrillon said so with a smile.

“I’m not joking.”

Karin answered in an irritated voice.

“What’s the problem? Just humor her a little. Think of yourself as her play-romance partner.”

“You make it sound very simple.”

“I’m not joking either. Someday, Her Highness will have to marry royalty from another country… Before that day comes, wouldn’t she naturally want to experience romance at least once during that brief period of freedom?”

“And what about you?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“I can no longer fall in love with anyone.”

“...I see.”

Looking at him like that, Karin tried offering to take over the watch duty instead.

“You probably want to drink by now, don’t you?”

“That’s honestly surprising. You’re the first person who’s ever told me ‘go ahead and drink.’”

Even so, Cendrillon still made no attempt to stand up, continuing to stare toward the entrance.

“You really think something bad is coming?”

Karin asked worriedly.

“I don’t know. If this is merely paranoia on my part, then that would be best. But there are definitely people who consider the Royal Mage Guard an obstacle. To people like that, this journey is the perfect opportunity.”

“If something really does happen… then I’ll become everyone’s shield. While you escape with the princess, I’ll hold them back. Understood?”

Because she had selfishly insisted on accompanying them, Karin at least wanted to accomplish that much.

Though if such a situation truly occurred… she would probably tremble so badly she could not move at all.

''No, it’ll be fine. As long as I lick my left palm.''

The only reason she lost to Cendrillon and Angelo before was because she became careless.

Karin desperately tried convincing herself of that, causing Cendrillon to smile.

“Don’t laugh. You were right when you said I’m still immature. That’s probably the only thing I’m capable of doing.”

“It’s too difficult for you.”

“What?! Stop treating me like a child! It’ll be fine! As long as I have courage, I can definitely do it!”

“Courage…”

The moment he heard that word, Cendrillon smiled faintly.

“Licking your left palm? What kind of spell is that supposed to be?”

Karin’s face immediately reddened.

Still, she had no intention of hiding it anyway…

“...There’s magic placed upon my left hand. If I perform that action, I can summon courage and stop feeling fear entirely. That’s why I can do anything. Before, I only lost because I got scared, so…”

“That,” Cendrillon interrupted in a serious voice, “is exactly the problem.”

Cendrillon spoke in a serious voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s nothing more than your own wishful thinking. Convincing yourself that you ‘can do it’ and then attempting things beyond your own abilities—it’s nothing but that sort of foolish self-delusion.”

Karin’s expression immediately changed.

“What?! Don’t be ridiculous! For a knight, courage is more important than anything else!”

“What exactly is necessary for a knight, I don’t know… But in missions like this, where someone must be protected, the thing that matters more than anything else is probably cowardice.”

Cendrillon continued calmly.

“When you don’t know what may happen, don’t know where an attack may come from, or who might strike at you, then you should shrink your head in like a frightened turtle and carefully observe your surroundings. Otherwise, irreversible mistakes happen. Courage that’s merely forced out of yourself only gets in the way.”

Unable to understand what Cendrillon was trying to say, Karin answered roughly:

“My courage is real! It was given to me by that knight! Real ‘courage magic’!”

Cendrillon suddenly grabbed Karin’s hand. Closing his eyes, he remained silent for a few moments before eventually shaking his head.

“There is no magic placed upon your left hand at all. It’s merely a suggestion.”

“W-What did you say?”

“I’m a water mage, so I can immediately tell what parts of a body have magic placed upon them. Your left hand is completely clean. There are absolutely no traces of magic there. I don’t know who told you that story, but they probably only said it because they wanted to help a frightened child gather courage.”

Karin stared blankly at her own left hand.

The “courage” that knight had supposedly given her… had been fake all along…

“How can that be…”

Looking at the stunned Karin as she continued staring down at her hand, Cendrillon spoke again.

“I’ll say it clearly. You merely convinced yourself that you possessed ‘courage,’ became intoxicated by that belief, and therefore acted recklessly. And because you lacked the corresponding strength, you lost to both me and Angelo.”

“…………”

Faced with Karin’s silence, Cendrillon continued:

“Don’t look away from the fear inside yourself. Face it properly. Otherwise, you’ll make irreversible mistakes just like I did.”

Looking at the troubled Karin, Cendrillon smiled softly.

“You’re a good person. I’m sure you’ll become an excellent knight someday. That’s exactly why I don’t want you to end up becoming like me.”

The group arrived at Deauville the following day… precisely the afternoon of the third day since their departure.

The first person to react upon seeing the town was Bacchus, who let out a cheerful shout.

“Ohh! For a countryside town, this place is actually pretty beautiful!”

After lightly kicking her horse onward, Princess Marianna quickly rode ahead.

“Your Highness! Wait! Please wait!”

Narcis hurried after her.

However, something about the town felt strangely wrong.

Even though it was broad daylight, there was not a single person visible in the streets.

“What’s going on?”

Marianna tilted her head in confusion.

“What, is there some kind of festival happening somewhere?”

Bacchus joked awkwardly, after which Marianna said:

“Let’s check the inn we always stay at.”

The inn Marianna had chosen was a beautiful building standing atop a hill overlooking the surrounding scenery. After arriving at the small riding area before the entrance and dismounting, the group tied their horses to the wooden posts there.

Without even waiting for the horses to be secured properly, Marianna released her reins and immediately tried running into the inn.

“Your Highness, please wait. Allow me to investigate first.”

After stopping her, Cendrillon opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was silent like a cathedral at dawn.

“Hello—? Is anyone here?”

Even after raising his voice, no answer came.

Cendrillon crossed through the entrance hall and checked the kitchen as well, but that place too was completely deserted.

Feeling a terrible premonition, he returned outside and reported to the others.

“Something is wrong. There’s nobody here.”

The tension in Cendrillon’s voice caused unease to appear upon Marianna’s face.

“What exactly is happening…?”

At that moment, Karin’s voice suddenly called out from behind the inn.

“Hey—! Come over here!”

“What happened?!”

It was the stable area.

Looking toward the direction Karin pointed, they saw something smeared across the stable wall.

Something that looked very much like blood.

“KYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The moment Princess Marianna saw it, she fainted on the spot, causing Cendrillon to hurriedly catch her collapsing body.

“For now, we should retreat. This town feels dangerous.”

Karin proposed that immediately, but after looking into the distance, Cendrillon quietly said:

“...Looks like we’re already too late.”

From below the hill, a large crowd could be seen slowly approaching them.

It was not the atmosphere of people coming to welcome visitors. Some carried spears, others pistols or swords. There were even people holding hoes and clubs… each of them gripping some sort of weapon as they slowly advanced toward the inn.

When they checked the opposite side as well, they discovered another massive crowd climbing up the hill from there too. And they were likewise armed with all kinds of weapons.

The building atop the hill already seemed to be surrounded from all directions by a crowd of well over a hundred people.

“What the hell is wrong with these people…”

Bacchus muttered before stepping forward and shouting loudly:

“HEY! What exactly are you people trying to do?! There’s a person of extremely high status here! I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but don’t you dare do anything stupid!”

Completely unmoved by Bacchus’s warning, the armed townspeople continued advancing silently.

“Those people aren’t soldiers or thugs… They’re the residents of this town.”

Sure enough, there were men and women of all ages mixed among them, all dressed in completely ordinary clothing. The only strange thing was that every single face lacked vitality, while their wandering, unfocused eyes remained fixed in this direction.

“If you keep coming any closer, we’re not going to hold back!”

The instant Bacchus roared that warning, the people at the front raised their pistols.

“Bacchus! Get down!”

At the exact same moment Cendrillon shouted, gunshots rang out.

“WHOA!”

Bacchus instinctively crouched down while clutching his head as several bullets whistled past above him.

“You bastards!”

Enraged, Narcis began chanting a spell. The earth and stones nearby immediately hardened into fist-sized projectiles before flying toward the men holding pistols.

The “Earth Bullets” struck their targets perfectly in the chest, blasting open enormous holes with sickening sounds.

“W-What?!”

Narcis stared at the men in shock.

Despite having massive holes blown clean through their chests, not a single one of them fell over. They simply continued walking forward.

“What the hell is this…”

Cendrillon immediately turned toward the others.

“For now, get inside the building.”

After the group rushed into the inn, they locked the front doors shut.

“What the hell is going on?! Who ''are'' those people?! Why are they attacking us?!”

“They’re not normal humans.”

Narcis answered in a strained voice.

“They’re exactly like my opponent during that duel earlier. Even after having a hole blasted through his chest, he kept moving.”

Cendrillon spoke calmly.

“What kind of magic could possibly create monsters like that?!”

Bacchus shouted furiously, causing Cendrillon to shake his head.

“Right now isn’t the time to think about that. We need to escape this town.”

“Can’t we use Flight and escape through the air?”

Karin proposed.

Cendrillon glanced toward Narcis.

“I’m counting on you to scout ahead.”

Narcis nodded before chanting a spell and floating upward through the window.

And then—

Gunshots rang out simultaneously.

“GH—!”

Narcis immediately dropped lower.

At that same instant, magical arrows came flying out from the forest. Hastily, Narcis slipped back through the window.

“So there are mages out there too.”

“In that case, escaping through the air is impossible.”

Cendrillon said grimly.

A mage floating slowly through the sky would obviously become a perfect target for long-range attacks. While maintaining Flight, they could not cast other spells, meaning they would quickly be riddled full of bullets and magic.

“What do we do, Cendrillon?”

Karin asked anxiously.

The moment Cendrillon noticed one of the approaching townspeople carrying a brightly burning torch, he made his decision immediately.

“Narcis, use a golem to delay them for ten seconds. During that opening, everyone will mount up and break out of the town, Bacchus will take the lead. Once the golem is deployed, Narcis will carry Her Highness and follow directly behind him. Karin, you’ll support Narcis, and I’ll stay behind to cover the rear.”

The three of them immediately began moving.

After Narcis finished chanting his spell, a golden-glowing golem appeared and began running off in the opposite direction from where the horses were tied. Gunshots immediately rang out from that direction, several bullets striking the brass golem with heavy metallic thuds.

The residents of Deauville climbing up the hill had their attention drawn toward it.

“Now!”

With Bacchus leading the way, Narcis carrying the unconscious Princess Marianna followed behind him, with Karin immediately after that. Cendrillon brought up the rear, sprinting forward while keeping his wand raised without relaxing his guard for even a moment.

While Narcis’s golem distracted the townspeople, the four of them quickly mounted their horses.

The instant a gap opened in the road leading toward the town streets, Bacchus struck his horse forward, and the four riders burst out in a straight line.

Several people noticed their movement and immediately changed direction toward them.

Swinging his wand, Bacchus released flames from its tip, surrounding the approaching townspeople within a sea of fire.

From the shadows of the forest, men resembling hunters carrying bows appeared.

“Karin! Wind magic!”

Narcis shouted loudly, causing Karin to immediately chant a wind spell. Violent gusts wrapped themselves around the group, causing the incoming arrows to veer off course.

Then gunshots rang out once more. It seemed armed townspeople were hiding somewhere nearby. Unlike arrows, the lead bullets could not be deflected by the wind, and shots began striking around Karin’s group one after another. Blood suddenly sprayed from Bacchus’s shoulder.

“Bacchus!”

“It’s nothing! Just a graze! We’re escaping exactly like this!”

It seemed he intended to use his massive body as a shield while forcing their way out of town in one charge.

The four horses burst onto the main street running through the town. Most of the townspeople appeared to have gathered around the inn, leaving only a handful of figures visible here.

“We’re escaping straight through!”

But unfortunately, things were not going to proceed that easily.

From behind them, a horse approached at terrifying speed.

“They’re catching up!”

Karin shouted.

As Narcis was carrying the unconscious Marianna, they could not increase their speed any further.

At this rate, they would be overtaken. And at that moment…

Cendrillon suddenly pulled on his reins, turning his horse around.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin cried out, instinctively trying to turn her horse around as well. But Cendrillon shouted sharply:

“Don’t come back!”

“B-But!”

In the instant Karin hesitated, Cendrillon cast a spell. An arrow of ice lightly struck the rear of Karin’s horse.

Startled, the horse abandoned its attempt to turn around and instead continued sprinting straight ahead.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin shouted once more, only for Narcis to roar back at her:

“That’s enough! Leave him to handle it! Our mission is protecting the princess! Have you forgotten that?!”

Karin gritted her teeth tightly and clenched the reins.

“Damn it!”

Watching the three riders safely disappear down the street, Cendrillon turned back toward the approaching knight and faced him directly.

The knight wore a hat…

But the instant Cendrillon saw the face beneath it, he felt himself drawing one step closer to understanding the truth behind everything happening here.

“...Angelo.”

The rider was none other than Angelo of the Unicorn Guard.

However…

Something about him felt different from before. There was no life in his expression whatsoever. He looked exactly like the townspeople from earlier… and exactly like Pedro, the knight whose chest had already been pierced through before.

Cendrillon raised his wand and cast ''Water Whip''.

Curved whips formed from water surrounded Angelo from all directions before piercing directly through his body.

And yet Angelo did not stop.

Without the slightest change in expression, he continued charging directly toward Cendrillon.

Wind blades wrapped themselves around Angelo’s enormous lance-like wand as he swung it toward him.

Cendrillon immediately leapt down from his horse to evade the attack. The momentum of Angelo’s ''Blade'' instantly sliced Cendrillon’s horse clean in half.

What terrifying power.

Ordinary magic would not work against that thing.

If he could blast Angelo full of holes, perhaps it would stop moving. But before that happened, his own mental strength would likely run out first.

Cendrillon likewise began chanting ''Blade''.

After turning his horse around once more, Angelo lowered his wand again and charged forward.

And through the sensation transmitted by the ''Water Whip'' still piercing Angelo’s body, Cendrillon realized something abnormal about the water circulating inside him.

That sensation was one only a corpse could possess.

That man was already dead.

Then why was he still moving?

It had to be the work of some kind of magic.

And yet, Cendrillon had never seen nor even heard of such magic before.

“So you really are dead already, aren’t you?”

Back when he was alive, Angelo had been an irritating man who constantly picked fights with him… and yet, seeing him continue attacking even after death filled Cendrillon with a strange sense of loneliness.

Angelo swung down the wand enhanced by ''Blade'', while Cendrillon leapt backward to evade it. Then, in one motion, he closed the distance and drove his own attack deeply into Angelo’s chest.

From there, he slashed upward through the armpit.

And yet Angelo still continued moving.

The upper half of his body, already nearly severed in two, twisted violently toward Cendrillon as he continued attacking. At this point, it seemed he could probably continue moving even if only fragments of his body remained.

Burning him away with flames would probably be the fastest solution, but unfortunately Cendrillon was poor at fire magic.

Once more, Cendrillon cast ''Water Whip''.

However, this time the whips were different from before.

Each strand was as thin as paper itself, sharp enough to resemble razors.

While avoiding Angelo’s attacks, Cendrillon wrapped the water whips around his body.

“Don’t resent me for this, Angelo.”

The razor-like water whips wrapped around Angelo instantly carved his body into pieces. His wrists, legs, and torso fell apart with wet sounds as they struck the ground, finally ceasing movement.

But the danger had not disappeared.

At some point, the townspeople surrounding the inn had already arrived nearby. From both the front and rear of the street, they slowly closed in around Cendrillon.

It seemed he had been completely surrounded.

His battle against Angelo had already exhausted nearly all of his mental strength. Facing an undead mob armed with weapons, there was no possibility of breaking through.

And yet…

He did not feel afraid.

Instead, as the townspeople slowly approached him, Cendrillon felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward them.

Thinking about it carefully, wasn’t he himself much the same?

Even though he was technically still alive, he had long felt as though he were already dead.

No hopes.

No dreams.

No reason to live, nor anyone who truly needed him.

Only at the very end had he managed to be of some use to those children.

That being said… who exactly had transformed Angelo and these townspeople into living corpses like this?

Being unable to learn the answer to that question was his only regret.

“At last… I can finally go to your side, Karina…”

Just as Cendrillon murmured those words, the townspeople suddenly parted to form a path.

And from within that opening, a woman slowly appeared.

Dazzling golden hair.

A gentle smile, and the robes of a nun…

At that moment, Cendrillon felt as though his mind had finally broken.

There was no way this could be possible.

“She” could not possibly be standing here.

And yet at the same time, another thought surfaced in his mind:

''Perhaps it is merely someone who resembles her…''

No.

There was no way he could mistake that face.

It was unquestionably her.

Novelle gazed directly at Cendrillon, a smile slowly appearing upon her face.

That smile connected violently with the memories buried inside him.

Three years ago.

A beauty so overwhelming that merely looking at her had felt like dreaming.
[[File:ZNTso1 233.jpg|thumb]]
That smiling expression…

The one he would have never forgotten, not even for a single moment…

“It has been quite a long time, Pierre.”

There were very few people left in this world who knew his real name.

And among them, there had only ever been one—

“Karina…? Is that really you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, utterly unable to believe the scene before his eyes.

“Yes. It has been three years since we last met, hasn’t it? You look much more like an adult now.”

Joy and shock mixed together inside him, and Cendrillon nearly gave in to the impulse to rush forward and embrace her.

And yet, the feet that tried to move suddenly stopped.

He himself… He has personally buried Karina with his own hands. There was no mistake about it. He carried her corpse into that forest himself and erected a small gravestone beside the spring.

“What is wrong? It has been so long since we last saw one another…”

“...Who are you?”

“I’m Karina, of course. Goodness, why are you making such a frightening face?”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“She should already be dead.”

“But I came back to life… Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say I was reborn. Though truly, I have not changed at all. Just as before, I still love you deeply.”

“You’re the same as Angelo and the people of this town. A walking corpse animated by some twisted magic.”

Novelle slowly approached Cendrillon. His body trembled slightly, and yet he could not move. ''This is impossible'', his reason screamed that conclusion at him, but his emotions refused to listen.

Novelle reached out toward him and gently touched his cheek.

“Does this feel like the hand of a corpse to you?”

Her hand was warm, a living human hand, filled with flowing blood. The moment that warmth touched him, Cendrillon became unable to think at all.

Heat surged upward from deep within his stomach.

“No… impossible… this can’t…”

“Accept the reality before your eyes. This is the truth.”

Reality. Yes. This was reality. She was standing here before him now. He could even hold her like this… The instant he wrapped his arms tightly around her, overwhelming joy flooded through his entire body.

“I wanted to see you so badly.”

“I felt the same way.”

“I-I wanted to apologize to you…”

“There is no need.”

“I’m sorry… I made a mistake… Please forgive me…”

“It’s all right. It’s all in the past now.”

Novelle gently embraced Cendrillon’s head.

A deeply familiar scent reached his nose.

It was her scent.

A gentle, nostalgic fragrance, as though the warmth of sunlight itself had been turned into perfume…

“I wanted to see you so badly. Truly… truly, I wanted to see you again.”

She pressed her face close against his cheek, her long golden hair brushing softly across his skin.

“It tickles… so much it almost makes me cry.”

“I’m doing it on purpose.”

“Yes… that does sound like you.”

Novelle smiled with overflowing tenderness before softly whispering:

“So that you would never forget that I am here.”

After escaping from the town, Karin suddenly pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a stop.

Bacchus and Narcis stopped as well.

“What are you doing, Karin?!”

“We should be safe once we’ve made it this far, right? I’m leaving Princess Marianna to you two.”

The instant they heard those words, both men realized what Karin intended to do and shouted at once.

“Wait! Even if you go back now, it’s already too late!”

“You’ll die too!”

“I still haven’t seen that idiot make his frustrated face yet!”

The moment she shouted those words, Karin turned her horse back toward Deauville and spurred it into a full sprint.

As she rode, she shouted at the top of her lungs:

“What the hell… acting all cool like that! Don’t tell me you think sacrificing your own life so everyone else can escape somehow counts as redemption?! That’s nothing but your own selfish wishful thinking!”

Novelle gently stroked Cendrillon’s head and softly whispered:

“Pierre… would you like to come with us?”

“...Go where?”

“To our kingdom.”

“Kingdom?”

“Yes. Right now, I’m working very hard to create one.”

A kingdom?

At those words, Cendrillon suddenly remembered the residents of Deauville writhing around them. Every one of them had lost the vitality in their expressions and merely stood there blankly.

“Will I… become like them as well?”

“Of course not. You are not some ‘puppet’ like these people…”

Slowly, Cendrillon pushed Novelle away.

“Pierre?”

“...Who are you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a voice that sounded close to tears, because at that moment, he remembered another “truth” standing before him. The woman before his eyes truly ''was'' Karina. There was no mistake about that. But then… What exactly was she doing?

Creating living corpses.

An act so monstrously evil that even demons themselves would fear it. The Karina he had known was not someone capable of such things.

Could it be… That Karina, whose life had been taken by the magic he himself unleashed, had somehow been revived through some grotesque and forbidden spell? He had never even heard of such magic before…

And yet somehow, that explanation felt closest to the truth.

Tears overflowed from his eyes.

If that really was the case… Then just how great a sin had he committed?

Not only did he killed the woman he loved most, he turned her into a demon.

Cendrillon slowly fell to his knees.

“...Forgive me, Karina.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because of me… you became…”

Then Novelle stepped closer and reached out toward his cheek once more.

“You’ve suffered so much, haven’t you? Let me take you away. To a world without pain. A world without sorrow. A place ruled only by kindness and love…”

The spot touched by Novelle burned with a pain like electric current.

“I’m going to die.”

He had no way of knowing what had happened to her, nor what sort of conspiracy was unfolding here. He would never see his companions again.

And now, without understanding anything at all, he was about to be killed by the hands of the lover he once believed dead.

And yet… if he could go to the same place as her, perhaps that too could be called a kind of happiness.

“Karina…”

Tears streamed down his face as he prepared to accept the final moment—

At that instant, Cendrillon’s body was violently blasted away by a fierce gust of wind, sending him tumbling across the ground.

“Don’t just casually say that name. It’s irritating.”

Together with the sound of an annoyed click of the tongue came a sharp voice overflowing with anger.

Cendrillon’s eyes widened.

The first thing he saw was long peach-colored hair dancing wildly in the wind, shining with vivid color. The figure standing straight-backed before him looked almost exactly like the saintesses from the religious paintings he had seen as a child.

“Karin…”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, causing Karin to immediately shout back at him.

“Who exactly was the immature one here?! Who was it that confused courage with recklessness, huh?!”

Cendrillon tried to force himself back to his feet, but… a sensation of numbness still wrapped around his entire body. It had to be because of Novelle’s magic from earlier. If she continued using it on him like that, then he would already—

“If I didn’t come back, you would’ve died!”

“My, Pierre, is this a friend of yours? You should introduce her to me.”

Novelle spoke as though they were attending some refined social gathering. Karin immediately raised her wand.

“Who’s Pierre?”

“My lover, of course. Though nowadays he seems to be using a very strange name. ‘Cendrillon’—is it? Is that hair dyed too? To match the name? You always did love little jokes like that.”

Novelle spoke with a voice full of affection.

“You…”

Those words made Karin realize the true identity of the nun standing before them.

Could this woman… really be Cendrillon’s former lover?

But didn’t he say she was dead?

Novelle, meanwhile, seemed to have realized Karin’s true identity as well.

“You… could it be that you’re his lover? Did you come running back because you didn’t want me stealing him away from you?”

Karin stared directly at the golden-haired woman controlling the people of Deauville. Dressed in black nun’s robes, she looked exactly like a devout sister of the church, and there was even a gentle atmosphere of compassion surrounding her.

And yet, hidden beneath that compassion, this woman transformed an entire town into an army of the dead.

And more than that, she herself should already have been dead as well.

And yet now she stood there smiling before them.

Hidden beneath that gentle smile was something that could only be described as evil…

“What… is this woman…?”

She was terrifying.

A fear that felt as though it were clutching at her heart made Karin’s entire body tremble.

There was nothing more frightening than an opponent whose true nature remained unknown. The bottomless abyss of the “Dragon’s Footprints” she saw as a child overlapped with the woman standing before her now.

The fear was so overwhelming that Karin felt herself close to breaking down. Instinctively, she almost moved to write “courage” upon her left hand.

Her index finger began moving toward her palm—

“...Ngh.”

But at that exact moment, Cendrillon’s words flashed through her mind.

“Don’t avert your eyes from the ‘fear’ inside your own heart.”

Karin slowly lowered her left hand.

Against this woman, mere courage alone would never be enough to win…

With her entire body trembling, Karin glared directly at Novelle.

She was so frightened she could hardly bear it, and tears began spilling uncontrollably from her eyes. A choking sound escaped Karin’s throat.

“Uu… uuwaa… ugh…”

Even while sobbing miserably, Karin still gripped her wand tightly.

And continued facing Novelle.

“My, my, you’ve started crying. Am I really that frightening? There’s nothing to be afraid of, you silly little thing.”

“Of course you’re frightening! How could someone like you ''not'' be terrifying?! I can’t even understand what you are!”

Karin shouted through tears, having already lost any composure necessary to maintain her masculine tone.

“Run away! Karin!”

Cendrillon shouted desperately toward the panicking Karin.

“Shut up already! Just shut up and watch! It’s not like I came back to save you or anything! It’s just that if I left you behind like this, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night! Seriously… acting all high and mighty! You have no idea how hard things have been for me! Calling me reckless… What’s wrong with relying on magical courage anyway?! I can’t help it! Because… because I…”

Karin began chanting a spell.

It was merely simple wind magic, and yet its power was extraordinary.

The violently rising gale caused Novelle’s nun robes to flutter wildly.

“My, what a frightening expression. Don’t be so angry. Such a beautiful face would go to waste.”

Novelle smiled with genuine delight before quietly retreating backward. The residents of Deauville surrounding her immediately began closing in.

There were over a hundred of them.

Seeing them raise pistols and bows—

“They’re terrifying… There’s no way we can fight that many.”

The moment she finished chanting, Karin leapt upward at incredible speed. In one motion she flew to Cendrillon’s side, grabbed his body, and launched herself into the air.

Karin retreated behind a nearby building.

“H-Hey… Karin, run away already… Leave me behind.”

“Shut up! Be quiet for a second! I’m trying to think!”

Suppressing the panic caused by her fear, Karin desperately forced herself to think.

Escaping while carrying a completely paralyzed Cendrillon was impossible.

Which meant…

She had to find some way to deal with those things.

“Those people… are they being controlled?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“No… I can’t sense any sign of life from them. Perhaps some sort of evil magic is animating their corpses.”

Karin bit her lip tightly.

Those people…

They did nothing wrong. They had merely been living ordinary lives.

And then those ordinary lives were cruelly stolen away from them, leaving them manipulated by that woman and forced to attack others…

Sorrow mixed together with frustration, and tears once more flowed from Karin’s eyes.

Those tears washed the fear away from inside her.

She could not continue trembling like this, nor did she have time to lose herself in confusion.

She had to dedicate victory to the souls of those people.

Karin tightened her grip on her wand and slowly raised her head. By then, tears no longer flowed from her eyes.

“Karina… why…? What in the world happened to you…?”

Hearing Cendrillon mutter those words, Karin glared fiercely at him.

“Cendrillon, listen carefully. That woman is not your former lover anymore. She’s something else now. You understand that too, don’t you?”

“...I know.”

“If you understand that, then start by healing your injuries. You can at least manage that much, can’t you?”

That enormous horde of corpses.

They had already died once, which meant they would not stop unless their bodies were completely torn apart with magic. But against numbers like that, tearing every single one of them apart with magic was impossible. Their mental strength would run dry first.

“Wouldn’t the magic animating them be purified by ‘Healing’?”

The instant Cendrillon heard those words, realization flashed across his face.

“I see… It’s definitely worth trying.”

“There’s no time for you to keep hesitating. Listen carefully—I’m going to pull up the seawater, and you’ll cast ‘Healing’ onto that water. Water magic resides within water itself, right? Just like Wind resides within the wind. That’s how it works, isn’t it?”

Cendrillon nodded.

“But there are over a hundred of them. Can we really scatter water over every single one?”

“Don’t underestimate ''my'' wind.”

The moment Karin said that, she began chanting a short incantation.

''Il Wind.''

Then she spun her wand in a sweeping motion.

“Tempest.”

It was merely a simple spell meant to create a tornado.

And yet its power was utterly overwhelming.

A colossal vortex of air nearly two hundred feet tall erupted from the tip of her wand, while violent winds lashed against Cendrillon’s face. Had they not been standing at the very center of the vortex, they would already have been blown away.

Effortlessly controlling that monstrous “wind,” Karin looked almost like a child of the wind itself.

Commanding the gale while standing above it all…

At that moment, she resembled the legendary “Wind King” from myth.

Cendrillon became so captivated by the sight that he nearly forgot to continue chanting.

“Hurry up and cast ‘Healing’ already!”

Startled back to his senses, Cendrillon hurriedly began chanting the spell for “Healing,” aided by the immense quantities of seawater surrounding them. The sea, said to be the birthplace of life itself, was naturally an exceptional catalyst for water magic. The spiritual energy he consumed was replenished by the abundant seawater.

The child of the wind fearlessly drove that gigantic tornado directly into the sea itself. Enormous masses of seawater were swept high into the sky, scattering seven-colored light beneath the rays of the sun.

Spray from the sea splashed across Cendrillon’s cheeks.

And every time he felt the touch of water, Cendrillon always found himself thinking the same thing.

''I love water.''

Water could heal him.

But only that much.

It could not save him.

The one capable of truly saving him…
[[File:ZNTso1 248.jpg|thumb]]
The one who could sweep away the “dust” covering his heart…

“Now! Cast ‘Healing’ onto all of this water!”

Seeing the residents of Deauville gathered along the shore, Karin shouted loudly.

Cendrillon released “Healing” into the enormous masses of seawater being drawn upward by the tornado. Filled with the power of life, the seawater began shining even more brilliantly.

Then Karin unleashed the tornado containing that immense quantity of seawater imbued with “Healing” toward the gathered residents of Deauville, or more accurately, toward the entire town itself.

From behind the residents of Deauville who had become “puppets,” Novelle looked toward the shore, where a gigantic tornado had appeared within her sight.

“My… what is that? A tornado? Goodness, it’s enormous.”

Before her eyes, the tornado continued growing larger and larger until it completely engulfed the residents of Deauville. And then… The transformed townspeople began collapsing one after another.

“What is happening?”

The tornado reached the skies above the town and scattered seawater downward like rain. The moment the water touched her skin, Novelle understood.

It was “Healing.”

The two of them had infused the seawater itself with “Healing,” then used that gigantic tornado to shower it down over all of them.

“I see. That was quite clever. It seems today’s victory belongs to you.”

Smiling gently, Novelle turned around. Around her, several magicians appeared from seemingly nowhere and followed behind her like shadows.

Humming happily as though she were about to break into song, Novelle walked away in the direction opposite the shore…

Watching the residents of Deauville collapse like puppets with their strings cut, Cendrillon let out a relieved breath. Beside him, meanwhile, Karin collapsed onto the sand while gasping heavily for air.

Cendrillon hurriedly rushed over to her side.

“H-Hey! Karin! Are you all right?!”

He lifted Karin into his arms and prepared to cast “Healing.”

But in the very next moment, the sound of snoring escaped from Karin’s mouth.

She had probably exhausted every last bit of her mental strength.

That sleeping face looked so innocent and beautiful that it was difficult to believe she was the very person who had created such a colossal tornado moments earlier.

As he stared at that sleeping face…

Something resembling a premonition quietly appeared within Cendrillon’s heart.

And as he thought that, the young wind-user with such an immature-looking face suddenly seemed—

Cendrillon’s cheeks flushed red.

After watching her quietly for a while, Karin slowly opened her eyes.

“Mm…”

“Are you okay?”

“What about the townspeople?”

“...None of them are moving anymore.”

“I see…”

Karin closed her eyes sorrowfully. Cendrillon likewise lowered his gaze and offered a prayer for the innocent victims.

Simply because they happened to live in this town, they transformed into walking corpses.

Compared to the fate those people suffered, his own misery suddenly felt no more significant than childish playacting.

“What happened to that woman?”

“...Judging from the fact that nothing else has happened since then, I think she probably disappeared.”

The moment Cendrillon answered, Karin slapped him across the face.

“W-What was that for?!”

“Idiot! Stop worrying about me and go after her already!”

“T-That’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m worried about you.”

Hearing him answer so seriously caused Karin’s face to flush bright red.

And at that exact moment, she realized something.

''Ah… did I just use a feminine tone?''

''This is bad. Did I let something slip?''

Trying to cover it up, Karin quickly said:

“You’re not planning to let her go just because she was your former lover, are you?”

“...That’s not it.”

Cendrillon shook his head as he answered.

Fortunately, he did not seem to have noticed.

Perhaps he simply lacked the composure to notice right now.

Quietly pressing a hand against her chest in relief, Karin continued:

“Let’s regroup with Bacchus and the others. This still isn’t over yet. We still have to safely escort Princess Marianna back to Tristania.”

Cendrillon nodded before turning his gaze toward the sea.

Watching the ocean continue its tides as though nothing had happened at all, the emotions he suppressed until now suddenly surged violently within his chest.

His former lover.

Why? How could she still be alive?

And yet the truth remained, Karina had truly appeared before his eyes.

As a cruel demon…

He did not know what happened to her, but surely what he himself did was part of the reason.

With these very hands, he would have to defeat her himself.

Only by doing that—

Only by doing that could he offer some measure of consolation to the dead of this town.

Cendrillon made that vow within his heart.

And yet... even after making up his mind, tears still streamed from his eyes. Never, even in his dreams, had he imagined that their “reunion” would happen like this. He could no longer imagine anything more tragic than this.

The woman he loved most became the worst kind of monster...

The tears would not stop falling.

Like a helpless child, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly. He grieved for the people she killed, and he grieved for Karina, who became a demon.

Watching Cendrillon continue to cry, Karin felt an indescribable emotion rise within her. Until not long ago, she thought of him as nothing more than a thick-headed drunkard… But that was wrong.

''He’s just... a weak person too.''

Despite being so weak that he looked ready to collapse at any moment, he refused to lean on anyone. Instead, he drank alone, called himself “Cendrillon,” the man covered in ashes, and abandoned everything.

But now, something was different.

Though tears still streamed from his eyes, there was now a light of determination within them. Surely what happened today did change something inside him as well.

Just like it changed her.

Someday, perhaps, Cendrillon would fight that woman. At the end, he was a master with the wand, a specialist in battle.

But there was no way he could face her alone. Someone would need to stand beside him.

Karin grasped Cendrillon’s wrist and helped pull him to his feet.

“Get up. We’re leaving.”

'''Epilogue'''

When they arrived at the small town where they stayed at the inn only a few days earlier, Bacchus and Narcis were there gathering nearby lords and nobles and organizing a military force.

“Hey! They’re alive!”

The moment they saw Karin and Cendrillon return safely, all three of them were overjoyed. Marianna threw herself into Karin’s arms, saying, “Thank goodness you’re safe...” before bursting into tears.

Cendrillon explained the entire sequence of events to the three of them. About being attacked by Angelo, and about how the former lover who should already have been dead appeared to be the true mastermind behind everything...

“You mean Angelo?”

Narcis and Bacchus both stared in shock.

“In other words...”

“Could it be that the Unicorn Guard is involved behind the scenes as well?”

“Those bastards... do they really hate us that much?”

“Or rather, perhaps it would be troublesome for them if the Royal Mage Guard continued to exist?”

The moment Cendrillon said that, the two men exchanged glances.

“So all those incidents that kept reducing the number of men in our unit...”

“Yeah, it was probably all their doing. Or rather, the Chancellor’s orders.”

The Chancellor—Grand Duke Eustache, the “other king” of Tristain... a man of such overwhelming political power that people referred to him by that title.

And that Grand Duke wanted to eliminate them?

The color drained from both men’s faces.

“In any case, this situation is far too complicated. We should discuss what to do next with Lady Vivian.”

Both men nodded. Afterwards, Bacchus took command of the assembled nobles and set out toward Deauville to investigate the situation there.

Because the princess herself was attacked, the incident escalated into a massive disturbance that even resulted in a corps of dragon knights being dispatched from Tristania.

The gathered regional nobles, together with the dragon knights, once again headed for Deauville. And just as expected, every resident there had been annihilated. All of them were killed by magic.

While the investigation into the incident was still underway, one of the dragon knights arrived carrying a royal decree.

“Are you Sir Cendrillon of the Royal Mage Guard?”

“That’s right.” Cendrillon nodded.

“His Majesty commands that you return to the royal palace immediately and deliver a report regarding the incident.”

Thus, Cendrillon and the others decided to temporarily return to Tristania while escorting the princess. Since the princess herself was placed in danger, an enormous number of guards were assigned around her.

For the sake of Princess Marianna’s protection, Philip III had mobilized an entire company of troops.

Princess Marianna rode inside a specially prepared carriage, dragon knights guarded the skies above, and hundreds of soldiers surrounded the procession from the front and rear as it advanced down the road.

The atmosphere was so tense it felt as though they were marching toward war itself.

On the road back to Tristania...

Narcis rode closer to Cendrillon, who was accompanying the carriage, then leaned in and lowered his voice.

“...Hey, Cendrillon. Is it true?”

“What are you talking about?”

After glancing nervously around to make sure no one was listening, Narcis continued hesitantly.

“...Your former lover was controlling the people of that town?”

Cendrillon answered firmly.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“...You really shouldn’t talk about that so openly.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’ll put you in a terrible position. If things go badly enough, they might even suspect you of being involved and throw you in prison.”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“I’m going to tell the truth exactly as it is. This isn’t something that should be hidden.”

“Hey! I’m saying this because I’m worried about you!”

“Then I appreciate it. But I’m done running away.”

That was what Cendrillon truly believed.

''I won’t run anymore. Not from my fate, and not from the sins I committed...''

If everything that happened began the moment his spell accidentally pierced Karina that day... then he had a duty to uncover the entire truth.

And a duty to bring it to an end.

If this was truly his fate, then he would face it properly. He would confront it with the kind of caution that bordered on cowardice, yet without running away.

“The opponent is Grand Duke Eustache himself, you know? There’s no telling what kind of methods he’ll use. Seriously, you’d need more than nine lives for this.”

Narcis spoke in exasperation.

“You could still leave, you know.”

“Don’t be stupid. We already boarded the same ship, so I’ll stick with you to the end. I think that idiot feels the same way too.”

Narcis pointed toward Bacchus, who was swaying atop his horse ahead of them with a sleepy expression on his face.

“Things will work out somehow.”

“Why?”

Cendrillon looked toward the small figure riding ahead of them on horseback and answered:

“Because we have the ‘Wind.’”

For some reason, the sight of Karin before him overlapped with the image of the saint from the religious paintings he saw as a child. His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself thinking:

''Water can heal me... because I am a user of Water.''

''But that is all it can do.''

''It never truly changed me.''

''Perhaps the thing capable of sweeping away the ashes covering my heart... might actually be this girl’s “Wind.”''

Cendrillon remembered the way Karin spoke earlier. That was completely the manner of speech of a woman.

When cornered, did he naturally revert to speaking that way? That boy...

Could it be that she was actually...

A faint redness gradually spread across Cendrillon’s face.

Meanwhile, Karin, riding ahead of them, was being tormented by fierce regret.

Not writing “courage” on her left hand earlier deserved praise.

But still... still...

''I totally used a feminine tone back there～～～～!''

Karin let out a silent groan and lowered her head.

This was awful.

Maybe she had already exposed herself... If it were discovered that she was actually a woman, she would no longer be able to remain in the Guard. And at a time like this too… when everything was so important, when this was the perfect opportunity to distinguish herself. She absolutely did not want to be dismissed.

However, Cendrillon was not completely himself earlier because his former lover appeared before him, so it was probably fine, right? Just as Karin was thinking that and secretly glancing back over her shoulder, she saw Cendrillon riding closer while, for some reason, blushing faintly.

The moment she saw his face, Karin’s own cheeks flushed red as well.

''This is bad. Did he figure out I’m a woman?''

Cendrillon guided his horse alongside Karin’s and quietly spoke to her.

“Karin, um... about what happened earlier.”

“W-What about it? Go ahead and say it.”

“Well, you know... the way you were speaking earlier. That was the manner of speech of a woman, wasn’t it?”

Karin’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

So he really noticed.

Well, of course he did. Naturally he would have noticed after she had shouted like that...

''It’s over. I’m going to get expelled.''

While she was sinking into despair—

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Eh?”

“You probably have your own reasons, right? Besides, I have no intention of criticizing someone else’s ‘preferences.’”

Preferences?

What was he talking about?

As Karin sat there in growing unease, Cendrillon continued in a low voice.

“Still... I was really surprised. I never imagined you were actually a ‘twink.’¹”

“............”

“For a split second I honestly thought you were a girl. But there’s no way a woman could have a chest that flat... Hm? What’s wrong?”

Cendrillon finally noticed that Karin’s shoulders were trembling violently. Her entire body shook with rage, and wind began swirling around her.

“H-Hey? What’s wrong? Why are you getting angry? I already told you I wouldn’t tell anyone! Hey! Stop!”

“I am NOT a twiiiiiiiiink!”

A violent gale exploded outward.

Cendrillon’s body was blasted high into the air.

1. Quite hard to translate this authentically, as it’s basically “shemale” or “femboy” or “trap”, but not quite "trans".

'''Afterword'''

''Heavy Wind'' is a fantasy romance story about a beautiful girl disguised as a man, struggling over the problem of “I absolutely cannot let anyone find out I’m actually a girl!”—a problem that men naturally never have to worry about—and becoming swept up in love and adventure because of it.

After all, because she cannot reveal that she is a woman, even if she falls in love she cannot convey her feelings. Just imagining the painful emotions of a crossdressing beauty who cannot honestly express what is in her heart is already unbearable for me personally. Cute and cool—an “ikemen beauty,” if you will. If readers are willing to accompany such a girl on her adventures, nothing would make me happier.

When thinking about the world of a story, I often imagine a plaster statue. Normally, a story can only depict things from a single angle. But if you compare it to a plaster figure, then depending on whether you look from above, below, left, or right, you end up seeing entirely different expressions.

So if readers are able to glimpse the “world” through cuts taken from different angles, that would make me very happy.

And naturally, the one who guides the story and pulls it forward is the crossdressing beautiful girl herself! The very phrase “girl in men’s clothing” does not even need something like the Takarazuka Revue as proof—that concept itself is already romance. After all, a crossdressing girl becomes dramatic simply by putting on ordinary girls’ clothing. It’s unfairly powerful. I wonder if I succeeded in portraying that sort of crossdressing heroine properly. I humbly leave that judgment to you.

As always, I would also like to deeply thank Usatsuka-sensei for the beautiful illustrations. Every single time I request artwork under an absurdly tight schedule, yet he still delivers incredible work. I truly am grateful. At this point, Yamaguchi genuinely cannot bring himself to sleep with his feet pointed toward Osaka anymore. To Mr. S and Mr. M from the editorial department as well—thank you for all your hard work. And finally, to all the readers: thank you all so very much.

I hope you will continue accompanying Karin, Cendrillon, and the others in their adventures and exploits as their world continues to expand from here onward.

—Noboru Yamaguchi

Kaze no Kishihime volume 1

2026-05-09T01:01:07Z

Ltrf:

'''Prologue'''

The girl was running.

She looked to be about ten years old. Her vivid peach-colored hair swayed beside a face as cute as a porcelain doll.

Ahead of her, she spotted another girl, about two years older, running in front.

“Wait! Big Sister, wait!”

“Hurry up, Karine! This way!”

After running for a while, the surrounding grassland disappeared, replaced by a sheer cliff. It was a massive crater known throughout the region as the “Dragon’s Footprint.” Some said it had been formed in ancient times by a meteor falling from the sky; others claimed it was the birthplace of a primordial dragon. Why such a beautiful crater existed, no one knew. All that was certain was that, right in the middle of the plains, there lay a hollow as if a giant dragon had stepped there.

The crater had a diameter of roughly three hundred mails and a depth of about two hundred. Its walls were almost perfectly vertical, dropping straight down. If you leaned over the edge and looked below, the light would already fade after a few dozen mails—beyond that lay unfathomable darkness. Staring into it gave the impression that the hole extended endlessly into the depths of the earth.

Their parents had strictly forbidden them from coming near this place. But the sisters’ curiosity was impossible to suppress, and so they had secretly come here anyway.

“Hey, Karine! Look at that.”

The older sister pointed toward the crater wall. In a spot where the light barely reached, a single beautiful flower glowed faintly blue.

“What a pretty flower!”

Karine exclaimed, while her sister smiled with a hint of mischief.

“Right? So, Karine… I have a little wish.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to go pick that flower for me.”

“Whaaaat?! No way! It’s way too far!”

The flower was at least twenty mails away. Climbing down a nearly vertical cliff just to pick it was obviously impossible.

Even as Karine protested, her sister remained completely unfazed.

“It’s fine. Karine, didn’t you just learn Float recently?”

That was true.

Karine was born into a family of mages—nobles who could wield the miraculous power granted by the gods: magic. Magic was primarily divided into four systems:

Fire, water, wind, and earth.

Among them, Karine had awakened and inclined to the wind aspect at a very young age.

Just recently, she had even learned Float, a spell her sister still couldn’t use. It was something that had made their parents very happy.

Float was a spell that freed the caster from the pull of gravity, allowing them to hover in midair.

But…

Karine hesitated.

Seeing this, her sister snapped at her.

“Seriously, Karine, you’re such a coward! Why are you always so timid?”

It was true.

Karine was more timid than most people. Despite having the talent to learn a spell like Float at just ten years old, she was extremely easily frightened. Even now, if a window was left slightly open at night, she would get scared. And whenever she saw the narrow gap between a wall and a piece of furniture, she would worry something might be hiding there—she wouldn’t even dare go near it.

“You can float so well already, right? Grabbing a flower like that should be nothing! Honestly, you’re such a scaredy-cat!”

Being called a coward again and again made Karine angry. If one more trait were to be added to her personality…

Competitive. That would be it.

A timid yet competitive girl.

That was Karine.

“I-I’m not a coward!”

“Oh really? Then go get it.”

Her sister said it with an innocent smile, but Karine felt that if she backed down now, she’d be made a fool of. Steeling herself, she gripped her small wand and began to chant.

“Vor… Sol… Wind…”

And then, her body lifted into the air.

Adjusting her altitude with small movements of her wand, the vast abyss opened up before her.

Her legs instinctively trembled.

The crater looked as if it led straight to hell. A primal fear of the darkness, along with the simple truth that if she fell, she would die, shook Karine to her core.

“What’s wrong? Getting scared already?”

''It’s fine. I’m good at magic.''

''As long as I don’t look down into the pit… if I just focus on the wall, I can definitely do this…''

Telling herself that, Karine leapt into the crater. Reducing the effect of Float, her body slowly began to descend.

With her left hand pressed against the wall, she carefully moved closer to the flower…

“Amazing, amazing! You can do it!”

Her sister’s voice echoed from above.

Karine did her best not to look down, descending little by little. She focused only on the wall and the flower…

But at the very moment she reached out her hand, she glanced downward.

“Eek.”

Beneath her feet was an abyss of darkness.

A world of pure, absolute black.

That darkness seized Karine’s heart. In an instant, her concentration shattered, and the spell broke.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Her body suddenly grew heavy.

It was nothing short of luck that she managed to grab onto a protruding rock.

Her wand slipped from her right hand and vanished into the darkness below. Without a wand, mages like her couldn’t cast spells.

She will die.

Karine clung desperately to the wall.

“Karine! Karine!”

Her sister’s desperate cries rang through the air. But there was no way her small hands could support her weight forever—her strength would soon give out.

''Why… am I such a coward…''

''I have talent for magic… and yet I can’t even do something this simple…''

Karine cursed her own fear. All it took was a moment of hesitation, and she had lost her focus…

The last of her strength slipped away.

Her body fell from the wall.

Karine shut her eyes tight.

''I’m going to die.''

Despair, as deep as the darkness itself, crushed her heart.

And in that instant…

Someone grabbed her hand.

“…Huh?”

Her falling body came to a stop, suspended in midair.

“Don’t move.”

A strangely gentle voice reached her ears, and Karine slowly opened her eyes.

A knight was firmly holding her left hand. The lower half of their face was hidden behind an iron mask, and above it, a pair of narrow eyes gleamed.

It was impossible to tell whether they were male or female, but they were clearly young.

In their right hand, a military wand glimmered in the sunlight.

“Hold on tight.”

The knight lightly waved the wand, and both of them began to rise.

After being brought back outside, Karine and her sister bowed again and again to the knight.

“Good thing I happened to pass by… You should really be more careful with reckless adventures like this.”

With that, as if nothing had happened, the knight mounted a massive phantom beast. It had the head of a lion and the wings of an eagle—a manticore. It seems like the knight had spotted Karin’s danger from the sky and rushed to save her.

Just as the knight was about to depart, Karine called out.

“Um! Please come to our home! Let us properly thank—”

“No need for thanks. I simply did what a knight ought to do.”

“Then at least… please tell me your name!”

Beneath the mask, the knight seemed to smile. Their eyes softened slightly.

“There’s no name worth giving. Farewell.”

But Karine called out once more.

“W-wait! Then at least—please tell me one thing!”

“What is it?”

“Aren’t you afraid?”

Her sister, who until now had stood silently with an awkward expression, finally snapped.

“That’s so rude, Karine!”

Even so, Karine refused to stop. She clung stubbornly to the knight—her savior—and pressed on.

“Aren’t you scared? Seeing… seeing such deep darkness! Don’t you worry about what would happen if you fell? Don’t you feel afraid at all?”

The knight took Karine’s right index finger. Then… after chanting a brief spell, they held that finger tightly.

A warmth spread through her fingertip.

“What is this…?”

She looked at it uneasily, but there was no visible change.

“I’ve placed a spell on your finger.”

“A spell?”

“Yes. A spell to give you courage. When you’re so scared you can’t bear it, use that finger I just enchanted to write the word ‘courage’ on your left palm. Then, like this—lick it.”

Karine tried doing it once.

“Does your chest feel warm?”

And strangely, her chest really did begin to feel warm…

Karine nodded in a surprise.

“That’s all you need. Whenever you feel afraid, just do what I told you.”

The knight looked at Karine for a moment, then suddenly kicked the manticore lightly in the belly. Carrying its master, the phantom beast soared into the sky.

Even after the knight disappeared into the distant horizon, Karine kept staring into the sky.

Her sister called out to her several times.

“Hey, Karine, let’s go home already.”

But it was as if the words never reached her. In a daze, almost like she was dreaming, Karine murmured:

“I’m going to become a knight.”

“What are you saying? That’s ridiculous—girls can’t become knights!” her sister laughed.

Karine looked at her index finger. Even now, the tip still held a faint warmth. Staring at it, she thought:

''I’ve found my destiny.''

!(Prologue on the main page was translated by the Silvered Tongue group and leads to their external website. In the full text, it's my translation)!

'''Chapter 1 — Karin goes to the Capital'''

When the youth dressed as a knight passed through the capital’s gates, people along the street let out murmurs of admiration.

They looked about fourteen or fifteen. A cheap-looking blue coat, a white shirt with overly decorative frills, outdated knee-length riding pants, and a pair of faded black boots.

Only the wand hanging at the waist shone brightly, but even its design could hardly be called high-class. Still, it had clearly been used for a long time; the countless scratches carved into it offered a glimpse of the many battles it had seen.

Every single piece of clothing was out of fashion. In the capital, such a rustic outfit should have invited ridicule.

And yet, not a single person laughed.

What kind of face could someone wearing such clothes possibly have?

The moment people caught a glimpse, any thought of mockery vanished instantly.

Vivid peach-colored hair, and a face that shone with youth, could only be described as beautiful. Together they gave this young noble an air of overwhelming elegance and nobility.

And then… what drew the most attention of all was the question of this poorly dressed noble’s gender.

Yes, the face was undeniably beautiful, almost the embodiment of beauty itself. If dressed in formal attire and taught proper etiquette, they would surely feel no shame attending any ball or banquet.

But the outfit, no matter how one looked at it, was that of a man.

At the same time, they could also be mistaken for a beautiful girl in men’s clothing… yet the lingering elegance of the face made it impossible to tell—

Was this a beautiful girl? Or a beautiful boy?

That ambiguity only deepened the strange aura surrounding the figure. A mysterious charm radiated from their entire being, drawing in everyone who looked, and at the center of it all were those slightly upturned eyes. Light brown eyes, filled with unwavering will, shimmered under the twin moons like a glistening spring, asserting their presence. They transformed the impression of this small noble into something striking and intense.

But most importantly, though... The chest was perfectly flat. Completely devoid of the two gentle curves one would expect of a woman.

Thus, the passersby whispered among themselves, unable to decide whether this almost unreal, beautiful and dignified young noble was male or female.

If one were to reveal the answer plainly—

This noble ''was'' a girl.

Beneath that worn-out knight’s attire was the slender body of a fifteen-year-old.

Her name was Karin Désirée de Maillart.

However, she could not give that name. So she shortened its pronunciation and made it more masculine “Karin.” Because she absolutely could not let anyone realize that she was a girl.

So why did Karin come to the capital dressed like this?

Of course.

She has a dream.

Ever since that day… when she was saved by a passing knight in her hometown, that dream had quietly taken root within her.

“To become a knight.”

And if she was going to do it, then she would become the greatest knight in the country…

When speaking of the finest knights in this nation, there was only one answer: the Royal Guard’s Magic Knight Corps, entrusted with the honorable duty of protecting the king.

Every young noble admired that black cloak, the prestigious Magic Knight Corps. But as a woman, even stepping through the gates of knighthood was forbidden.

And so, Karin disguised her girl’s body in male attire and came to this city.

Of course, her family was against it.

But in the end, they were overwhelmed by Karin’s determination and reluctantly allowed her to leave.

With forty common gold coins given by her parents, and only a small amount of luggage, the young noble girl set out for the capital.

Before her departure, her father—himself a poor noble—had spoken in a voice that sounded almost resigned:

“Among my children, you’re the only one who would seriously say you want to become a knight, so I have no choice but to accept your journey. But Karin, you are trying to become a knight as a woman. You must be prepared to endure hardships far greater than those faced by men. Of course, you have excellent aptitude and great talent for magic, but that alone will not be enough. What you need to succeed is not just talent in magic. More than anything, you need courage. Listen well, my daughter. It’s fine to be stingy with money… knights and money are incompatible, so that can’t be helped! But listen carefully—courage is the one thing you must never be stingy with. No matter what happens, no matter who you face, you must never take a single step back. Well… unless your opponent is His Majesty the King or the Captain of the Guard, that is… but still, you carry the name of House de Maillart. You must never be timid or shrink away. No matter what, you must always muster your courage! Courage! You do have a timid side, and that worries me…”

Only then did her father realize he got carried away, and he looked slightly embarrassed.

“And one more thing, you must conceal the fact that you are a woman at all costs. Until you achieve some degree of success, you must never let it be known. These days, female knights are no longer unheard of, but as you know, the Royal Magic Knight Corps, which prides itself on tradition and honor, does not permit women to join. If that were to be exposed, you wouldn’t simply be expelled. You must always keep this firmly in mind.”

Holding those words in her heart, Karin set out for the capital.

She hated her timid self. She could not forgive herself for having talent in magic, yet trembling and faltering at crucial moments. That was why Karin longed for something different.

That knight who saved her that day…

She wanted to become a knight like that, and beyond that, to become someone worthy of being called a hero.

That was Karin’s one great dream.

The capital, which she was seeing for the first time, was full of noise and life.

Though the crowds initially made Karin shrink back, she soon grew accustomed to them.

Stalls lined both sides of the street, each one tempting her to stop and take a look, but she quickly regained her composure.

“No matter what, I need to go see Lord Dragignian of the Magic Knight Corps first…”

But where exactly was she supposed to find this Lord Dragignian?

Though reluctant, her father must have felt guilty about sending his daughter off empty-handed. Before she left, he told her: if she wished to join the Magic Knight Corps, she should visit his old friend, Lord Dragignian, and he gave her a letter.

She took the letter out from her chest. It seemed to be double-layered; the seal had not been waxed. Inside was an envelope addressed to “Lord Dragignian,” along with a slip of paper bearing an address.

“Fusoviar Street, District Three, Jeviel Dragignian.”

After asking a passerby, she learned that Fusoviar Street was some distance away. She followed the directions she had been given, but the capital’s maze of narrow, tangled streets quickly caused the countryside-raised Karin to lose her way.

''Where… am I?''

Glancing around as she hurried forward, Karin failed to notice the large man approaching from ahead.

The man, for his part, was loudly chatting with his companions while gnawing on a piece of bone-in chicken and didn’t notice Karin either.

The two collided violently in the middle of the street.

Naturally, the one who was sent flying was Karin, whose body weighed barely a third of the man’s.

The giant didn’t budge at all. Looking down at Karin sprawled on the ground, he burst into laughter.

“Wahaha! What’s the matter, kid? If you don’t watch where you’re going, you’re gonna get hurt!”

Still laughing loudly, he turned as if to leave.

For most people, being mocked like that by such a hulking man would crush any thought of protest. Karin was no exception. Her innate timidity stirred, and she couldn’t help but begin to tremble.
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But at that moment, her father’s words flashed through her mind.

No matter what, you must have courage!”

That’s right. She had only just arrived, so there was no way she could let herself be looked down on already.

A coward could never become a knight, Karin!

Karin immediately glared at the man and shouted:

“Y-you knock someone over and just try to walk away like nothing happened?!”

The large man stopped instantly and turned around.

His body was packed with muscles, like a warrior from ancient arenas. A massive jaw that looked like it could crush bone, paired with slicked-back blond hair and a head as rough and solid as stone…His wrist might well have been as thick as Karin’s waist. If not for the wand at his side, he would have looked more like a swordsman or a spearman.

“What? If you’ve got something to say, then say it.”

The townspeople watching from a distance couldn’t help but shiver. Complaining to a brute like that, this young noble must be an idiot.

No one present thought Karin was a “girl.” With her flat chest and masculine clothing, they all simply saw her as an unusually beautiful boy.

“Someone as big as you should walk at the side of the road so you’re not in the way.”

At this point, there was no backing down. Even as she tried to steady her trembling body, Karin forced the words out.

The large man, on the other hand, broke into a nasty grin.

“Someone like me—a hero—belongs right in the middle of the road. You, on the other hand, should scurry along the edges like a rat… unless you want to get crushed.”

Karin, forced herself to keep complaining, with a cold sweat running down her back.

“Don’t be ridiculous… the one who’ll get crushed is you.”

The large man’s expression changed. But in the very next moment, it twisted into a smug grin.

A beautifully dressed young noble girl happened to pass by. She looked like the daughter of some aristocratic house, as she was accompanied by several attendants.

In an instant, the large man suddenly dropped to his knees at her feet.

“Eek!”

“Please! allow me to serve you!”

“What is going on?!” The attendants of the noble girl immediately fell into an uproar. But as if none of it mattered, the man continued rubbing his head against her feet.

“I became a knight for the sake of serving a beautiful young lady like you! Please, please, let me become one of your attendants!”

The noble girl looked on the verge of tears, but the man did not stop his pleading.

“With all my heart! I beg of you!”

“Aaaahhhhhh!!”

As his head nearly brushed her feet, she kicked him straight in the face. He flipped over and collapsed onto the ground. Seizing the chance, the noble girl fled with her attendants.

Under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the large man slowly stood back up.

“…What exactly was that supposed to be?”

Karin muttered in exasperation.

The man, however, smiled cheerfully.

“I just can’t resist cute girls! I came to the capital to serve beautiful maidens, but things never go my way! Ah, good thing you’re a pretty boy! If you were a girl, this would’ve been a real problem! Someone as good-looking as you is rare even among women!”

His teeth flashed as he spoke, growing more animated with every word.

“…Pervert.”

The word slipped out before she could stop herself.

The man’s face changed.

“Pervert? You call ''this'' a perversion? My devotion to lovely young ladies?! Unforgivable! That, of all things, I absolutely cannot forgive! Just for that one word, I ought to run you through!”

“Shut up, pervert. Pervert, pervert.”

Karin pushed her luck further.

Even though she was quite a coward, she had a tendency to get carried away once she gained momentum. It often led to trouble, but she herself never realized it.

“I’m not a pervert! I just have a lot of love!”

“A pervert like you shouldn’t be walking in the middle of the road. Actually, you shouldn’t even be outside. You’re a nuisance to everyone. More importantly, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

Karin fired off her insults in rapid succession.

“Y-you!”

The giant’s face flushed bright red. Pointing at the wand hanging at Karin’s waist, he roared:

“Fine! Then prove whether I’m a pervert or not with that!”

Karin’s body trembled.

Ah… this is a duel challenge.

Back in the countryside, she sparred a few times with the children of nearby nobles… but never against someone who looked this strong.

This is bad… I let my guard down because I thought he was just some pervert…

While she was panicking, the man continued:

“Tomorrow, two o’clock. Behind Saint Christ Temple. Don’t think you can run, I’ve got plenty of friends in this capital. I’ll find you in no time!”

Shaking with anger, the giant turned and walked away.

This is bad…

She felt like she might cry, but it was too late now. Still… at least she had shown her courage.

Trying to reassure herself, she straightened her back and started walking again.

The passersby had no idea what was going through Karin’s mind, yet they simply admired a bold young noble they’ve just witnessed.

Karin resumed her search for Fusoviar Street.

Even after wandering for thirty minutes, she still couldn’t find it, and unease began to creep in. Thinking she should ask someone for directions, she looked around for a suitable person.

She found herself in a small square nestled between temple buildings. Nearby taverns had set up tables outside, turning the space into an open-air drinking area. Under the blue sky, alcohol seemed to taste especially good, and such places were quite popular.

Thinking she might find someone to ask here, she approached, and suddenly heard a striking voice.

“Allow me to dedicate a song to you.”

“Oh my! Narcis, how wonderful!”

Turning toward the sound, she saw a young noble seated in a chair, surrounded by several women.

His outfit was… overwhelming. The shirt he wore underneath wasn’t just flashy—it was absurd: a shimmering purple garment woven with gold thread, reflecting the light in every direction.

And his face matched it.

Or rather, it was strange in its own way.

Narrow eyes, a sharp nose, and thin, angular cheeks.

He had the features of a beautiful young man, but wore makeup like a stage actor.

The women gathered around him didn’t even seem to know what was so appealing about him, yet each of them squealed in delight.

“Just as stars shine in the heavens, so too you shine upon this earth, those stars are your eyes. Like rosebuds that irresistibly draw one in… rose-colored cheeks, lips like roses…”

Aren’t those all just roses? Setting aside the face for a moment, how could a man have such a limited vocabulary?

Thinking that, Karin couldn’t help herself and she blurted it out as if she might gag.

“That’s a terrible song.”

The man seemed to catch the remark instantly and turned his gaze toward her.

At first, his eyes widened at Karin’s beauty, but the moment he noticed her outfit, his sharp expression returned. It seemed he had briefly mistaken her for a beautiful girl, then judged her to be male based on her clothing. A very easy man to read.

“A terrible song, is it? I believe I heard someone say that. Was that you just now?”

With a sharp motion, he crossed his legs.

This is bad.

Karin’s face turned pale. Isn’t this turning into another pointless conflict?

But she couldn’t let someone like this see her fear. Gathering all her courage, she spoke boldly:

“Yes. That was me.”

“Hmph!” The man known as Narcis snorted.

This guy… dared to insult me. But with ladies watching, best to respond with refined sarcasm.

That seemed to be his thought process. Then he noticed Karin’s clothes and burst out laughing.

“Just look at that outfit! I don’t know where you picked it up, but it’s terribly outdated! In this day and age, you wouldn’t see something like that even in the most remote countryside of Gallia!”

Even so, the women didn’t laugh at all.

Instead, they stared at Karin, entranced by the presence of such a strikingly beautiful youth.

Narcis seemed to notice that subtle shift in their attention.

His face twitched with anger.

“Indeed, a beautiful boy. If you were a woman, even His Majesty might take you as a concubine. But unfortunately, you’re a man! And worse, you can never be number one. After all, here in the capital… you have ''me'', Lord Narcis!”

With that, he began striking dramatic poses, one moment resting a hand against his chin, the next biting down on a flower taken from a vase.

But the women, like devoted fans, ignored him completely and instead gathered around Karin, staring at her intently.

“What a lovely boy! Your skin is so beautiful! Are you wearing makeup?

“Where are you from? What kind of place produces such beauty like you?”

Karin looked at them coldly.

“That’s none of your business.”

Seeing this, something in Narcis seemed to snap.

You could expect that. He clearly had immense confidence in his appearance.

At last, he pointed at Karin.

“My dear flowers, tell me. Between that boy and myself, who is more beautiful? Though, of course, the answer is obvious.”

The women exchanged troubled glances. It seemed they didn’t want to hurt Narcis by telling the truth.

Thanks to the male attire and flat chest, none of them realized that this young noble was actually a girl.

At that moment, Karin spoke again. In any case, she should avoid pointless conflict if possible.

“Who’s more beautiful has nothing to do with one’s ability as a knight, does it? From my perspective, you’re already quite beautiful. There’s no need to compete with anyone in that regard.”

“That’s right, that’s right! Such a well-spoken young man!” the women chimed in.

“Y-you all… that’s enough…”

Watching Narcis tremble, Karin began to find it a little amusing.

And once that happened, she couldn’t resist pushing a little further.

“That’s quite a shirt you’re wearing.”

“…What?”

Narcis blinked in confusion at the sudden remark.

“I mean your shirt. Where did you even find something that shiny? What exactly are you trying to do, wearing that? Performing in some kind of stage play? Even clowns don’t dress like that.”

Having his prized shirt criticized like that, Narcis’s face darkened to a deep red. Clenching his fists, he began to pant heavily.

“Y-you… you—you—you… are you making a fool of me?!”

For some reason, that reaction only made it more entertaining, and Karin couldn’t help herself.

“Of course not. I’m not that bored. Besides, I have no interest in you, so there’s no reason for me to make fun of you. I just think that shirt is a bit too much, that’s all.”

The women burst into laughter.

“That’s true, Narcis, that shirt is too much!”

“It’s so bright even the sun would run away!”

As his beloved shirt became the butt of jokes, the veins at Narcis’s temples throbbed violently.

…This is bad. I got carried away again.

Karin quietly decided to slip away.

“…Well then, excuse me.”

“Hold it right there.”

“What is it?”

“I rather like that shirt.”

“Then cherish it properly. Farewell.”

“Hold it.”

“…Now what?”

“Could you give my shirt a chance to restore its honor? Don’t worry, it won’t take much of your time.”

Another duel.

''I messed up…'' Karin clutched her head in her mind.

“Tomorrow at two, behind Saint Christ Temple. Sounds good? And don’t even think about running, I’ve got plenty of friends in this city.”

She wanted to say “no thanks”, but to become a knight, courage mattered above all else. That was what she was told before leaving home.

So, with a strained expression, Karin nodded.

''What am I going to do…?''

She had only just arrived in the capital, and already she’d been challenged to two duels. It was terrifying—terrifying enough to make her feel like she might die.

With a gloomy expression, Karin kept walking.

After asking many people for directions, she finally reached Fusoviar Street by evening.

Bathed in the light of the setting sun, it was an old residential district lined with brick apartment buildings. The brown brick walls, coated with white plaster, were faded, but gave off a calm and refined atmosphere. The people walking along the street were all elegantly dressed nobles.

''Wow… as expected of nobles in the capital. So refined…''

Just as she was thinking that, a dazzling procession appeared before her.

A group of knights in pure white uniforms, emblazoned with red sacred emblems. Looking closer, they weren’t riding horses, but unicorns with brilliant white coats.

Karin couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.

Like something out of a painting, the knights advanced in perfect order, silently passing by her. Their stern, disciplined faces stared straight ahead, never wavering.

Each of them radiated an overwhelming presence—it felt as if any one of them could stand against an entire unit of soldiers.

Karin watched them with shining eyes.

“…The Magic Knight Corps.”

She whispered it under her breath.

There was no doubt, these were the very knights she had long admired. The royal guard of the Tristan Kingdom, the object of every noble’s admiration. She had heard that the Corps was divided into several squads, each mounted on a different kind of phantom beast bearing the squad’s name.

Which meant, this was the Unicorn Squadron.

Ah… Karin let out a quiet sigh of wonder.

Just imagining herself wearing that uniform and riding a pure white unicorn made her too excited to stand still.

“Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron!”

Murmuring it to herself, she resumed her search for Lord Dragignian’s residence.

What kind of noble could someone be to be capable of introducing her into such an extraordinary order of knights?

Filled with anticipation, her heart trembling, Karin checked one address after another, but…

Although she reached District Three, there was nothing there except a restaurant.

“…………”

Karin stared blankly at the building.

Did I get it wrong?

No… that couldn’t be. This was definitely District Three of Fusoviar Street.

She pushed open the door, and a friendly young waiter hurried over.

“Welcome! Um…”

He seemed unsure whether to address her as “miss” or “sir.”

Karin spoke casually.

“I’m a man. Though I do get mistaken for a girl a lot. Also, isn’t this supposed to be Lord Dragignian’s residence?”

The boy looked puzzled.

“This is our establishment—the ‘Breeze Pavilion’…”

Seeing this, a well-built man, likely the owner, approached.

“Is there a problem?”

“This customer is asking whether this used to be Lord Dragignian’s residence.”

The owner nodded.

“I see. Lord Dragignian transferred ownership of this estate… hmm, about ten years ago. After we took it over, we turned it into a restaurant, as you can see.”

“Then… where is Lord Dragignian now?”

The owner shook his head.

“I don’t know… perhaps he returned to the countryside, or… well, he was quite old.”

Stepping out of the restaurant, Karin stood there, frozen. A shadow slowly fell across her beautiful face, enveloping her figure into the dark clouds.

Unease filled her chest, and Karin nearly dropped to her knees.

She had only just arrived, and already, in the blink of an eye, she’d been challenged to two duels.

And the one person she could rely on—Lord Dragignian—was nowhere to be found.

It was hopeless.

She stood there, dejected for a while… then slowly clenched her fist.

“I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose…”, she muttered.

But just telling herself that wasn’t enough.

There was only one thing left to do.

That “magic.”

It was Karin’s secret spell. She didn’t know how it worked, but whenever she used it, courage would well up inside her.

With her left index finger, she wrote the word “courage” in her palm, then licked it. At once, warmth spread through her chest… and courage surged up from within.

It was the “magic to summon courage” taught to her long ago… by the knight who had saved her.

Back in the countryside, she relied on this spell many times. Before things like duels, she would always use it once. When she did, her fear would vanish, and her body would fill with a sense of invincibility. Mysterious masked knight… as long as I have this spell, I’ll be fine!

The situation was, without a doubt, desperate.

But, “To become a knight.”

There was no way she could abandon that dream. No matter what, she had to find her courage. Courage!

Repeating those words like a spell, Karin stepped forward.

'''Chapter 2 — Cendrillon'''

While Karin continued searching for Lord Dragignian’s residence…

In a corner of Midsummer Street, inside the duty room of the Magic Knight Corps of Lord Jervul’s estate, a woman sat with her elbow on the desk, frowning in frustration.

She looked to be around twenty-two or twenty-three. Long, beautiful black hair, blue eyes, and glasses, her features were undeniably attractive. And yet, there was an atmosphere about her as sharp and severe as a drawn blade.

This was Vivian Jervul, acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps.

She tapped her fingers impatiently against the desk, clearly irritated by something. At that moment, a servant opened the door and peeked inside.

“Lord Cendrillon has arrived.”

“Send him in at once.”

Vivian replied in a voice that perfectly matched the room: cold, and devoid of any warmth.

The servant nodded and ushered the man waiting outside into the room.

The man who entered was… peculiar.

His face looked young, yet his grayish-silver hair and the monocle over his melancholic eyes gave off an ageless, almost unsettling impression.

And yet, his features were so strikingly well-formed that the strangeness seemed to vanish, replaced by a dangerous kind of charm. Any woman would likely gasp in admiration and find herself drawn in…

But… The stern expression he wore, as if enduring some kind of pain, dulled that charm considerably.

Vivian fixed him with a cold glare.

“Well then… you’ve caused trouble again, haven’t you, Cendrillon?”

The man called Cendrillon averted his gaze, his lips tightening awkwardly.

“My father’s away because of his illness, so don’t cause trouble… How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?”

“Um… what exactly are you referring to? I have no idea what you mean.”

Cendrillon replied, cold sweat forming on his brow. He didn’t seem particularly good at lying.

“Last night, on Ziktony Street… Who was it that got into a fight with the knights of Germania at the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t go anywhere near that place. I spent the evening peacefully playing cards at the Bacchus household.”

As he said that, his face turned even paler.

“Don’t you lie. I have evidence. To begin with, it was you with those two idiots, playing cards against the Germanian knights. You were not at the Bacchus’s house, it was the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern. At first, it seems it was just an ordinary game, but it happened that you started losing and refused to pay the Germania knights. When they got angry, you drew your wands.”

Vivian spoke with a vein visibly throbbing on her forehead.

“You apparently made quite a mess of the Cavern Torch. What do you intend to do about it?”

With a sharp motion, she handed a sheet of paper to Cendrillon.

“What’s this?”

“A repair invoice from the establishment.”

Cendrillon immediately panicked.

“I-it’s a misunderstanding! First of all, I’d like to clarify! We didn’t lose under normal circumstances! Those Germanian knights were cheating! Seriously, what underhanded bastards!”

“Oh? And then?”

“When we exposed it, they drew their wands first, so we had no choice but to fight back. Besides, you know I hate fighting. It’s impossible that we would’ve attacked first.”

“You say you had no choice, but it seems you went a bit too far. Two people are unable to stand, and five more are injured to varying degrees. We’ve already received a formal protest from the embassy.”

“We were injured too.”

“Oh? Who?”

“Me.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his shirt. His torso was wrapped in bandages.

Vivian’s expression stiffened.

“What? Let me see that properly.”

“Yes,” he said, letting her examine the wound. Sure enough, there was a faint stain of red seeping through.

“That’s not a light injury. Are you alright?”

“Yes. I was struck directly by a magical arrow. If I weren’t a water mage of my level, I would have bled out.”

“Should you even be standing?”

“I was lying down until just now, but since Lady Vivian summoned me…”

At that, Vivian bit her lip and took hold of his hand.

“Honestly… don’t make me worry like that… If something happened to you, what would I do? There’s no one else in this corps I can rely on. If only you would take things a little more seriously…”

A subtle, intoxicating charm drifted from her. It was enough to unsettle anyone who wasn’t careful. Seeing such a change from Vivian, who was always stern and composed, left Cendrillon momentarily confused.
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Vivian looked at him with heated eyes.

Then she closed them, and slowly leaned her lips closer.

Cendrillon panicked.

“W-wait… um! Lady Vivian! I, Cendrillon, have sworn never to give my heart to a woman!”

But faced with Vivian’s beauty, he couldn’t hold out, he found himself closing his eyes.

And then… a sharp pain shot through his abdomen.

“Gyaaaaaah!”

His wound had been mercilessly squeezed, and he let out a scream.

“W-what are you doing…?”

“Just kidding, idiot. That’s exactly why you got baited by such an obvious trick.”

Vivian returned to her seat as if nothing happened, shaking her head.

“I understand the situation now. But what are you going to do about the tavern you wrecked?”

Cendrillon, sweating, clutched his aching stomach and spoke through the pain.

“They brought it on themselves.”

“Oh?”

“The place was helping the Germanian knights cheat. They had magic cast on the table so they could see our hands.”

“…You really are fools.”

“So that invoice can be ignored. Filing a complaint like that would be as useful as a thief crying foul.”

“Then why did you lie in the first place?”

Faced with such a straightforward question, Cendrillon could only sweat nervously.

“B-because… I don’t like getting scolded…”

“How honest.”

Vivian smiled and beckoned him closer.

But Cendrillon shook his head, looking like he was about to cry.

“N-no, I’m good.”

“What’s wrong? I’m about to reward you. The acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps, Vivian Jevre herself, is going to personally reward you. Now come here.”

“I refuse.”

He shook his head again.

Vivian’s tone shifted into a command.

“Come here.”

In the end, it was still an official order he couldn’t defy. With no choice, Cendrillon stepped closer to Vivian.

The next moment, she grabbed him firmly by the neck and began pressing his wound again and again with her fingers.

“Gyaaaaaaaahhh!!”

“Now, Cendrillon… didn’t I tell you? The Magic Knight Corps is in a delicate situation right now. So behave yourself. I ''did'' say that, didn’t I?”

“P-pain! Please—stop!”

“You and those two idiots… honestly, raising fools is exhausting. Don’t you think so? My dear subordinate, my precious retainer? You agree, don’t you?”

“Y-yes! Exactly as you say, Lady Vivian!”

“Good. Then consider this your lesson. You’ll be taking a pay cut for three months. Make sure you inform those two you’re always with as well.”

After being thoroughly disciplined, Cendrillon stepped out of the estate, clutching his aching abdomen.

He still looked half-dead.

“Is she trying to kill a wounded man…? Honestly… I’d just managed to heal…”

On the verge of tears, he began chanting his specialty, water magic.

Using ''Heal'', he managed to close the wound, but it wasn’t completely restored. In this world, those who could use magic were called nobles, and though they were feared and respected, magic wasn’t nearly as convenient as people believed.

“Damn it… that cold-blooded woman… one day I’ll make her cry.”

Even though he said that, it was almost impossible to imagine Vivian crying.

“…Sigh. A pay cut… I’m already barely scraping by!”

These days, for various reasons, the Magic Knight Corps’ salaries were already harshly limited. And now a three-month reduction? That was no joke.

His mood was in ruins.

“…What should I do now…?”

He didn’t feel like going straight home to sleep. In the end, Cendrillon decided to go have a drink.

He headed to the bustling Ziktony Street in the capital, Tristania, and entered a tavern called the “Silver Barrel.”

Despite its name, it was a cheap establishment, run by a quiet father and his lively daughter. It was the kind of place with a relaxed, unrestrictive atmosphere. Whenever Cendrillon was short on money, he came here, because they let him run a tab.

Today was no different.

As he pushed open the door, the tavern’s poster girl, Tanya, came over to greet him.

“Oh! Isn’t that Cendrillon? Welcome!”

She looked about sixteen, a cheerful girl with a bright smile and shining chestnut-colored short hair. She was quite popular; many customers came just to see her.

Cendrillon took his usual seat at the far end of the counter and ordered wine.

“Give me a bottle of Dorf vintage.”

“The usual, then?”

Tanya said that, then leaned in close to whisper in his ear.

“Your tab’s getting pretty big, you know.”

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

Not even being able to drink what he liked freely, was there anything more depressing?

Especially now that his pay had been cut, expensive wine would be out of reach for a while.

“…Then just something cheap.”

“Even then, it’s still going on your tab, right?”

Tanya stared at him.

“W-well… yeah.”

“Well, I’ll let it slide this time. But in return…”

“What?”

“Next time, will you take me to see a play?”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Cendrillon glanced at her, then shook his head.

“Go with your friends.”

“Hey! Come on! I’m inviting ''you''!”

“I’m busy.”

“That’s a lie! You’re always just drinking!”

Tanya puffed her cheeks in annoyance, but soon her expression turned curious.

“Hey, Cendrillon… why don’t you ever go out with women? Your friend Narcis always has a different girl with him.”

“I’m not interested in women. Quit talking and bring the wine.”

“What a waste. You’re actually quite charming, you know.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah… how should I put it? It’s like you’ve got a shadow over you. A lot of girls are drawn to that.”

''I see… a shadow, huh.''

Cendrillon gave a wry smile.

But if they knew the truth behind that “shadow”… their illusions would surely shatter.

The reason he came to “dislike women” was due to a certain incident.

It wasn’t that he truly hated women.

It was just that, ever since that incident, he couldn’t bring himself to take anything seriously. No… more than that, he felt he had no right to love anyone at all.

And so, whenever the topic of women came up, Cendrillon would fall silent. Ironically, that only drew in women like Tanya, who were fascinated by that very attitude.

At times like those, he would simply claim that he “hated women.”

Tanya tried for a while to keep him engaged, bringing up different topics, but before long she seemed to give up.

She set down the cheap wine and snacks she had prepared in front of him.

Taking slow sips of the low-quality wine, Cendrillon reflected on his situation. Joining the Magic Knight Corps was a good thing, but day after day, his life consisted of drinking, gambling, or dueling…

It was, in its own way, enjoyable.

And yet… it felt as though something inside him was gradually being worn away.

''I wasn’t like this before. Back then, I was full of energy… full of hope for the future.''

Of course he was

Because back then, he had been the happiest man in the world. Born into an enviable family, together with the woman he loved…

So why was he now sitting here, drinking cheap wine in a place like this? The answer was simple.

It was his own fault.

The reason he could no longer love women. And the reason he had left home…

Back then… if these hands didn’t cast that ''spell'', his life would surely have been shining brightly.

Just a small mistake… and everything had been taken from him.

It was his doing.

These hands… “Forgive me.”

He murmured it under his breath, then took another deep drink of the cheap wine. The burning liquid slid down his throat, setting his stomach ablaze. Only like this could he dull the pain of the past.

“My life really is… covered in ash. Oh, Cendrillon…”

Staring into the dark red liquid in his glass, he muttered to himself.

He was only nineteen, and yet already, he was completely steeped in a ruined life.

His life, like the color of his hair, was shrouded in gray clouds.

Cendrillon recalled the paintings of the “Saint” he had often seen as a child. A sacred girl, both gentle and stern, depicted in religious art, he could never grow tired of gazing at her.

In the painting, the saint extended her hands, saving the weak from the depths of the water. Did such a beautiful woman truly exist in this world?

If he could meet a saint like that… perhaps the gray clouds covering his life would finally disperse.

“But the sin I’ve committed won’t disappear because of that.”

He muttered, tilting his glass.

The “Saint” didn’t exist. And even if she did, his sins would not vanish. For the rest of his life, he would have to carry that burden.

And yet… perhaps God pitied Cendrillon, and listened to that small, insignificant wish. The door opened, and a young noble stepped inside.

The moment he saw them, Cendrillon caught his breath.

Then his heart jolted, as if struck by lightning.

Before him stood a face, dignified and beautiful, just like the saint from those paintings. The figure looked about fourteen or fifteen. Beneath soft peach-colored hair were slender eyes, their pale brown irises gleaming like clear gemstones. A perfectly shaped nose, neither too high nor too low. Lips like small cherries, gently curved downward.

Everything about that face was arranged with flawless symmetry, as if crafted by the hand of a god.

What… such an unbelievable beauty… A girl like this exists on this street…?

That overwhelming beauty drew not only Cendrillon’s gaze, but the attention of everyone in the tavern.

But… it seemed that God was not smiling upon him after all.

“Huh? A boy?” Those words, spoken by another customer, snapped him back to reality.

Yes, the noble was dressed in a man’s knight attire, a crude military wand hanging at the waist. It was the sort of outdated thing any woman would dislike.

And on top of that, the chest was perfectly flat.

The slender figure could easily be mistaken for a girl… but if they truly were a woman, there should at least be some slight curve, even if undeveloped.

A “boy.” Oh… so it’s a boy.

A disappointed sigh spread through the tavern, and Cendrillon let out a deep breath as well.

Of course. There was no way God would grant his wish.

Thinking that, he gave a wry smile.

Come on, Cendrillon, even if that was a beautiful girl instead of a beautiful boy… what would it change?

Just a stranger in a tavern, nothing more.

The idea that a saint would descend to wash away the ash clinging to him

was nothing more than a foolish delusion.

That “boy” was, in fact, Karin Désirée de Maillart, the cross-dressing girl who came here, lost in despair, thinking she should at least fill her stomach first.

But Cendrillon was not a god, he had no way of knowing that.

Karin slowly looked around the tavern, as if choosing a seat. It seemed that she preferred somewhere deeper inside, and without hesitation, she walked straight in and sat down two seats away from Cendrillon.

Tanya approached, looking completely captivated.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a beautiful guest! W-what would you like to order?”

Her voice was already trembling.

Karin spoke in a clear, composed tone:

“Milk. And something good to eat.”

The “boy’s” voice was as beautiful as a hymn.

Cendrillon stared at Karin, stunned.

What a vast world this is… To produce such a beautiful boy, this world really is something.

He found himself admiring it sincerely.

However, just as such beauty naturally drew attention, it also invited trouble.

Tanya, practically dancing with excitement, brought over the milk and set it down in front of Karin. Just then, a drunken man shouted loudly:

“Hey! Kid! This is a bar! If you want milk, go home and drink your mother’s!”

Cendrillon went pale.

Such a cliché line, it wouldn’t even appear in a stage play. It was almost embarrassing just to hear it.

An awkward murmur spread through the tavern.

Karin slowly stood up.

Her face had turned slightly pale, that remark clearly irritated her. It wasn’t just her beauty; her presence itself was striking.

With all eyes on her, Karin spoke:

“Was that you just now?”

Her tone was calm, but beneath it lay unmistakable anger.

Sustained by the “magic of courage” she just used, Karin felt invincible. There was nothing she feared.

The drunk, clearly the type who couldn’t read the room, kept mocking her:

“Yeah, that was me, you little noble brat. Seriously, pick a better place to drink. A beauty like you sitting here sipping milk ruins the mood completely. Or what, you gonna pour drinks for me? Maybe sway those hips while you’re at it?”

“He’s a boy.”

Someone muttered it, but the drunk only got more carried away.

“Doesn't matter! If you look that good, who cares if you’re a boy or a girl? Come on, kid… why don’t I—”

Before he could finish, Karin spoke again.

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Her voice was flat, like she was simply stating a fact.

The entire tavern fell silent, as if something had been abruptly cut off.

The drunk forced a laugh.

“H-hey now, just kidding. Listen, kid, there’s a beautiful world out there you don’t know about. I was just trying to show you—”

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Karin repeated it, without the slightest exaggeration.

A vein bulged on the man’s forehead as his irritation boiled over.

“Who do you think you’re killing?”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Don’t screw with me! Who do you think is getting killed here?”

In one swift motion, the man drew a pistol from his belt. He looked like a former mercenary.

He pointed the gun at Karin and cocked it.

Screams broke out in the tavern.

“Hey, kid… didn’t I tell you to pick your place? Maybe a country bumpkin like you doesn’t know, but this area isn’t exactly well-behaved. Proper nobles don’t come here. Even if I kill you, no one important is gonna notice.”

Even so, Karin didn’t change her expression. She looked at the gun as if it were nothing more than a stick.

It wasn’t bravery. It was recklessness.

“If you don’t want to die, toss your wand over here. Slowly. And don’t even think about chanting a spell, I’ll shoot without hesitation. Don’t get any ideas. At this distance, no matter how fast you chant, gunpowder and bullets are faster.”

Cendrillon swallowed.

Having served in the Magic Knight Corps for years, having seen battle and duels, he knew the man was absolutely right.

But Karin shook her head.

“I refuse.”

“…What?”

She placed her hand on the military wand at her waist.

“If I throw this away, then I won’t be myself anymore. So I refuse.”

“You wanna die?!”

“I refuse that too.”

“Didn’t I just tell you?! The gun is faster!”

Then, in a firm and composed tone, the “boy” declared:

“Your bullet won’t hit me.”

“At this distance, there’s no way I’d miss! I’m a mercenary, you know! I’ve fired more shots than I’ve had meals!”

“It won’t hit.”

“Are you an idiot?!”

“I have a dream. Until that dream comes true, I won’t die no matter what happens. So your bullet won’t hit me. Go ahead, aim carefully. I don’t know how many times you’ve fired a gun, but this will be the last bullet you ever fire.”

Cendrillon was stunned.

What kind of nonsense logic was that?

And yet, coming from this boy, it somehow sounded convincing.

Just as the tension in the tavern reached its peak…

the man backed down.

“Tch! I don’t have time to deal with idiots!”

He threw the gun aside and scrambled out of the tavern. The tension instantly dissolved.

Karin returned to her seat as if nothing had happened and calmly resumed drinking her milk. The patrons all looked at her with admiration. Tanya, in particular, stared at her as if she were gazing at a god.

Cendrillon picked up the gun from the floor and placed it in front of Karin.

“Hey, you. This is your trophy.”

Karin glanced at him, then quickly lost interest and looked away.

Feeling ignored, Cendrillon frowned.

“Looks like you’re training to be a knight, but about this… I can’t praise it. Sure, it worked out, but that man was right. At that distance, the gun is faster.”

Speaking as an older noble, he offered his advice.

“There were no bullets in it.”

…What?

Cendrillon looked at Karin with a hint of unease.

She figured that out instantly? She looks four or five years younger than me, what kind of observation is that?

“…That’s impressive.”

He muttered, then picked up the gun to check.

The hammer had been cocked… but the pan cover was shut, so he couldn’t see inside. Did she look through the barrel? That’s impossible.

How did she figure it out?

He couldn’t make sense of it.

“That’s incredible.”

Absentmindedly, Cendrillon pulled the trigger toward the wall.

''Bang!''

A deafening gunshot rang out.

Cendrillon jumped, and the tavern fell into chaos.

Gun smoke filled the air as he coughed violently. Looking at the wall, he saw a large hole blown through it.

“…So there ''were'' bullets.”

He muttered in disbelief.

Karin looked at him with a completely indifferent expression.

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Don’t guess like that. Seriously, one small mistake and you’d be dead.”

“I told you. The bullet wouldn’t hit me.”

With that, Karin finished her milk in one gulp.

“You look like you’re training to be a knight, but with that attitude, one life won’t be enough. If you confuse courage with recklessness, you’ll end up shortening your own lifespan.”

Karin set the ceramic cup down on the counter.

“Could you keep quiet?”

“…Huh?”

“I’m in a bad mood right now.”

What is with this kid?

That attitude rubbed him the wrong way. Being talked to like that made him want to provoke her.

A smirk crept onto Cendrillon’s lips.

“Oh? In a bad mood, are we? And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Karin turned to face him.

“Depending on your attitude, you might end up with some unnecessary injuries.”

Pretty bold words for a kid.

Cendrillon couldn’t help but tease her.

“Injuries? From you? That pretty face of yours would be in real trouble if it got hurt.”

A faint blush appeared on Karin’s porcelain-like cheeks.

“Sounds like you really want to get hurt.”

“Of course not. I hate pain.”

“So you’re just a coward, then. In that case, be quiet, you useless idiot.”

Karin glared at him coldly, a hint of contempt in her eyes.

…Right. To someone who still believes in their future without question, I must look like nothing but a failure.

Normally, being spoken to like that would provoke anger.

But Cendrillon simply backed off.

“Yeah, yeah… maybe you’re right. Sorry for bothering you.”

Seeing that attitude, Karin’s expression changed.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Not at all. I admire you.”

“…You, do you even count as a noble? Is there such a thing as a noble who gets called a coward and doesn’t get angry?”

“There is. You’re looking at one.”

“What a disgrace.”

“Yeah. I am.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his glass.

Karin grabbed the bottle of red wine and poured it straight over his head. The liquid splashed down over him, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

“Hey, what are you doing? What a waste.”

“Get angry already! You call yourself a noble?!”

Karin shouted, clearly irritated.

“Pointless. Getting angry never leads to anything good.”

At that moment, two men pushed open the door and walked in.

One of them was dressed in such extravagant clothing that it almost felt like someone had distilled the very concept of “gaudy” into a dye and painted it onto him. A doll-like beauty, with narrow eyes that suggested how many women he had made cry.

The other was a towering, muscular man, even larger than the one from before. Long golden hair, a rugged jaw that looked like it could crush iron, and a broad chest like that of an ancient arena fighter.

An overwhelming, dominating presence radiated from him, one that made everyone else seem insignificant.

These two were Narcis and Bacchus.

They were also members of the Magic Knight Corps, and Cendrillon’s closest companions.

The three of them were always together, eating, drinking, fooling around, working… and when it came to duels, they would act as each other’s seconds.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Cendrillon—the three knights were famous throughout Tristania.

Though not in a particularly flattering way.

The most troublesome trio in the history of the Magic Knight Corps. Constant instigators of chaos. The three fools who were always giving Acting Commander Vivian headaches.

Bacchus and Narcis spoke at the same time:

“Cendrillon! So you ''are'' here!”

“What is it, Bacchus? And Narcis, you’re with him too?”

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you! I’ve got a duel tomorrow, and I need you to be my second!”

“A duel? You too?” Narcis asked, surprised.

“What, you as well? So that’s why you were looking for him! You should’ve said so earlier!”

“I was going to tell you when we found Cendrillon.”

Cendrillon shouted in frustration:

“Don’t joke around! Lady Vivian’s going to kill us!”

At that moment, both Narcis and Bacchus noticed Karin sitting beside him and their eyes widened.

“Why is ''this guy'' here?!”

“You know him?” Cendrillon asked.

“What do you mean, know him? He’s my opponent tomorrow,” Bacchus replied blankly.

“Mine too.”

The three of them turned to stare at Karin.

Karin calmly glanced between Narcis and Bacchus.

“What, you all know each other?”

“You know these two?” Cendrillon asked in disbelief.

Karin nodded.

“We’ve agreed to duel tomorrow. Though I don’t mind doing it now. I don’t really have anything else planned tonight except sleeping.”

She said it as casually as if suggesting dinner.

Cendrillon stared at her, stunned.

This personality…

It was like she had a sign on her back that said ''“Open for duels.”''

Bacchus, face flushed, shouted:

“Fine! Then I’ll fight you right now!”

Narcis nodded in agreement.

Karin replied calmly:

“Then give me a moment. I’ll finish eating first.”

And she began quickly finishing the food in front of her.

With the three knights in tow, Karin made her way behind Saint Christ Temple.

The moonlight was bright enough that, even with only torchlight, the area wasn’t too dark.

“Nice and quiet here.”

Karin said, almost to herself.

The three exchanged glances.

“Hey… Cendrillon,” one of them muttered. “What exactly is this kid? Is he fearless… or just an idiot?”

“How would I know?”

“I’d say he’s so scared he can’t think straight anymore.”

Cendrillon thought about it too, but shook his head inwardly.

No… that wasn’t it.

This guy… he probably truly believed what he’d just said.

''“The bullet won’t hit me.”''

He must believe that not even magic could touch a single hair on his head.

On the battlefield, people who believe “bullets won’t hit me” are always the first to die…

But this one felt different.

That statement didn’t feel like a lie.

No… more accurately, it felt like he ''wouldn’t allow it to become a lie.''

Just as that thought crossed his mind, something felt off.

Karin, who until just now had seemed completely at ease, suddenly changed. Her face turned pale as if struck by a fever, her lips clenched tightly, her body trembling.

“What? What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?”

“N-no! It’s nothing! Just… a little cold!”

Karin snapped hurriedly, turning her back as she fumbled with something out of sight. The “magic of courage” had a time limit.

After a while, it would fade, just like heat escaping from the body, and the courage would vanish with it.

But in moments like this, all she had to do was use it again.

Trace the word on her palm.

Then lick it.

And once more, courage would fill her body.

When Karin turned back to face them, the trembling had stopped.

Wrapped once again in that overwhelming sense of invincibility, she placed her left hand on her hip.

Bathed in moonlight, her figure almost looked as if it had been enchanted by a spell of charm.

A beauty so striking, so sacred, it made one catch their breath.

“What are you muttering about over there? Come on, let’s begin.”

With that, she swiftly drew her wand.

The hesitation from before was gone, her movements were smooth, almost flowing.

Just from that alone, Cendrillon understood—this was no ordinary opponent.

At such a young age, to handle a wand like that…

How much effort had she put in?

The same thought crossed Bacchus and Narcis’s minds, and a tense chill settled over them.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re scared. There’s three of you and only one of me, surely not?”

That line made Bacchus’s face flush red.

“Tch… listen to this brat! Fine, I’ll take you on. I was the first to challenge you, after all.”

“No,” Narcis cut in, shaking his head. “That agreement no longer applies, so I have the right as well. Don’t you agree, Cendrillon?”

Cendrillon grimaced.

“…Hold on.”

“What is it?” Bacchus asked.

“Didn’t Lady Vivian strictly forbid us from dueling? And didn’t we just get into a fight with the Germanian knights? I was just scolded and got my pay cut.”

“If no one finds out, it’s fine. Besides, silencing a kid like that isn’t exactly difficult.”

“And really, look at him, he’s just a child. There’s no way he’s a match for you. You should stop.”

Cendrillon thought so too.

No matter how confident the boy seemed, Bacchus and Narcis were seasoned fighters. There was no way he could win.

“Being talked down to by a kid like that, doesn’t it bother you?” Karin provoked.

A vein bulged on Bacchus’s forehead.

“There are kids you can forgive, and kids you can’t.”

Karin shot back immediately:

“And there are perverts you can forgive, and perverts you can’t. You’re overwhelmingly in the latter category.”

“Yeah… I’m definitely going first. If I don’t kill this guy, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

“No, I said I’m first!”

“Just wait—”

The three of them argued among themselves.

Watching them, Karin’s body began to tremble slightly.

Then… a violent pressure filled the air.

WHOOSH—!

A fierce wind burst forth.

It tore past Cendrillon’s cheek. The three men stared at Karin in shock. There was no need to ask, they already knew that guy is not ordinary. It was wind magic.

The force swirling around Karin took form as wind even before any incantation could be spoken. Her emotions manifested directly, whipping into a small storm.

Raising her wand, Karin spoke:

“Before we begin, there’s something I need to say.”

“Go on,” Bacchus urged.

“First, I apologize for going too far.”

…An apology? That didn’t match her attitude at all. The three exchanged glances.

Karin pointed her wand at Bacchus.

“You over there, the big idiot. Bacchus, right? I apologize for calling you a pervert. You’re rather an ''excellent'' pervert, and I hate perverts like you the most.”

Bacchus flushed even deeper with anger.

Then Karin turned her wand toward Narcis.

“And you, the delusional one. Half-baked pretty boy. Narcis, right? I apologize for insulting your shirt. But no matter how I look at it, that color is still too much. It’s excessively gaudy. And of course, I hate you too.”

Narcis’s face turned pale with fury.

Then Karin performed a perfect knight’s salute.

“That concludes my apology.”

“That wasn’t an apology at all!”

Bacchus shouted—but Karin was already too focused to hear him.

The way she stood, staring them down with a commanding presence, was like a beautiful apex predator. There wasn’t a trace of carelessness in her stance, it stirred something in the three men.

Cendrillon, caught up in the strange exhilaration of the moment, found himself honestly thinking this “boy” is in fact beautiful.

“Well then, you seem to be arguing over who goes first. In that case, I’ll decide. No objections?”

“Let him decide,” Narcis said.

Bacchus nodded.

“Fine. No hard feelings, no matter who he picks.”

Both of them puffed out their chests as if to say ''choose me''.

“That one over there—the pretentious one!”

But Karin pointed her wand at Cendrillon.

On her otherwise composed, beautiful face, anger, absent until now, began to surface.

“You had a lot to say earlier, didn’t you? People like you are what you call meddlers. I don’t know if it comes from kindness or what, but every word of it was irritating. And that roundabout way of talking… it’s infuriating! If you’re a man, say what you mean clearly! And on top of that—you’re a coward! I can overlook everything else, but I won’t forgive cowardice! You’re a disgrace to nobles! I’m going to beat that out of you from start to finish—come at me!”

Cendrillon let out a tired sigh and shook his head.

“I don’t mind, but I’m just an observer.”

“If you don’t fight, I won’t fight anyone.”

Bacchus and Narcis both looked at him, troubled.

“That’s a problem.”

Urged on by his friends, Cendrillon sighed again.

“I really don’t like these kinds of things…”

He glanced at Karin.

She stood there, brimming with fighting spirit. If Bacchus or Narcis fought her…

she might get hurt.

No, at this point, with how angry they were, it wouldn’t just end with an injury.

… Seems like he had no other choice.

Cendrillon stepped forward and drew his wand—a black iron military wand, polished from years of use.

“Hey, I was the one who challenged him first,” Bacchus protested.

But Narcis stopped him.

“Leave it to Cendrillon. He’s serious.”

The man standing there now was no longer the lazy, half-asleep Cendrillon from before. There was focus in his eyes. His stance was flawless. It was the posture of someone who had undergone considerable training.

Seeing that, Bacchus nodded.

“Same as always… a solid stance.”

And not just his stance, his strength was also well known. The two of them had witnessed it many times on both the battlefield and in duels.

“Well then, as courtesy demands, let me introduce myself first. My name is Cendrillon. I will be your opponent.”

He spoke in a tone that still lacked enthusiasm.

Karin gave her name in return.

“My name is Karin de Maillart. My specialty is wind. The problem with my wind… is that it’s too strong. It might even kill you. So don’t hold it against me.”

Her voice wasn’t pompous, it was completely sincere.

Cendrillon smiled.

“I use water. Sorry for mentioning it late, but facing water can be quite troublesome.”

“Thank you for the concern, but I’ve never paid attention to my opponent’s element. No need.”

The two stood facing each other, about fifteen mails apart.

“Well then—let’s begin.”

Just as he was about to chant, a sharp pain shot through Cendrillon’s abdomen.

''Damn… right. The wound from last night’s duel isn’t fully healed…''

The emergency treatment earlier had dulled the pain enough for him to forget, but now it flared up again. He’d already done what he could with water magic; all that remained was time. But if he fought now, the wound might reopen.

“What’s wrong?”

Karin looked at him, puzzled.

“N-nothing.”

Seeing that, Narcis muttered quietly:

“That guy… could it be his injury from last night…?”

“Ah, that stab wound from the Germanian knights! Don’t tell me it hasn’t healed yet…”

Bacchus’s face turned pale.

Cendrillon stopped the two of them from stepping forward.

“It’s fine… really… nothing.”

“But… you… I mean…”

“I’ll manage. Sorry to keep you waiting. Here I come.”

Enduring the pain, Cendrillon began his chant.

“Il… Votar… Nid… Is…”

Moisture in the air condensed, forming water that coiled and gathered. In front of his wand, it took the shape of several whip-like strands.

More than a dozen whips of water, it was the spell called ''Water Whip''.

With sharp whipping sounds, they lashed through the air at high speed.

Karin, in contrast, didn’t chant at all.

Cendrillon extended the whips freely, closing in as if to surround her. Fine droplets of water splashed against his face.

''I like water…''

He always believed that.

Water felt like it could soothe his dried, worn-out heart.

Water can heal me… But only that. It cannot save me.

''Then what can save me?''

''What can wash away the ash that covers my heart?''

He didn’t know.

He swung his wand. The water whips struck from all directions.

In that instant, Karin gave a short chant and moved her wand.

''Crack!''

A sharp gust exploded outward, instantly shattering the incoming whips.

Cendrillon let out a low whistle.

I see… so she really does have the skill to match that attitude.

But it’s just finesse. I’ve seen plenty of wind users at that level.

Then, he prepared to chant the next spell—

BOOOOM—

A thunderous roar erupted as the wind surged. It was a gale like a tidal wave.

The blast didn’t just hit Cendrillon, it sent Bacchus and Narcis, who were standing behind him, flying into the wall.

Cendrillon immediately cast water magic, forming a cushion between himself and the wall. A soft, gel-like mass of water absorbed the impact.

But Bacchus and Narcis, merely spectators, were slammed into the wall and collapsed, groaning in pain.

“Sorry, I can’t control the output very well. If you can, please stand farther back while watching.”

It was just a basic wind spell, nothing more than making air move. And yet, the sheer force of it was overwhelming.

He had never seen wind with that kind of power before. And she cast it so casually.

''I see… this one’s no ordinary opponent.''

If that’s the case, then better end this quickly.

Cendrillon chanted the spell ''Blade''. High-speed rotating water coiled around the tip of his wand. A water blade was not something to take lightly, those who underestimated it often lost their lives.

The tightly compressed, rapidly spinning water became a razor-sharp edge, capable of slicing through iron in a single stroke. Even the scattered droplets flew like pellets.

Seeing Cendrillon’s ''Blade'', Karin cast the same spell.

At the same moment, the two rushed forward, clashing in a brilliant exchange at the center of the temple courtyard.

Karin used wind magic to lift herself into the air and attack from above, one could really admire her affinity for wind.

Elusive as a butterfly dancing through the sky, striking with the speed of a hawk. Her small frame was perfectly suited for aerial combat.

So young, and yet her wand technique was incredibly refined.

Bacchus, who had just managed to get back on his feet, spoke with concern, while Narcis checked his face in a mirror beside him.

“Hey… is Cendrillon gonna be okay? Isn’t he getting pushed back?”

Narcis, still staring into his mirror, replied in a voice almost like singing:

“His water magic isn’t really suited for combat, I’ve always thought that.”

“Then why let him fight?! He’s gonna lose! Damn it! Does this mean the legendary winning streak of the Magic Knight Corps’ three knights is about to end?!”

“Don’t worry about it,” Narcis said lightly. “That guy’s wand technique is the real deal, best in the kingdom. I’ve never once seen him lose with ''Blade''.”
[[File:ZNTso1 079.jpg|thumb]]
''I see…'' Cendrillon thought.

The boy was fast, ''very'' fast. And his spells carried real power. But perhaps due to lack of battle experience, his movements followed a few fixed patterns.

Cendrillon, who had been purely on the defensive, shifted the moment he spotted an opening, as if he had become a different person.

Whenever Karin attacked from above, there was a brief instant where her motion stalled. That was the moment.

He thrust his wand in.

It sounded simple, but in reality, it was like threading a needle. Even calling it an “opening” was misleading, no ordinary fighter could have noticed it.

“What—?!”

Her leg was cut.

Karin’s composed expression cracked. The attack had clearly caught her off guard and fear flickered across her face, just for an instant.

Seeing that expression, so fitting for her age, Cendrillon’s own face softened slightly. One more strike, and he could end it.

Of course, he had no intention of doing that.

''He is just a kid. And besides,'' ''Why is he so beautiful?''

The way he moved through the air, like a spirit of the wind.

No… not a spirit. More like—

Cendrillon cut the thought short with a wry smile. ''Come on. He’s a boy.''

There’s no way—

He aimed for her right hand, the one holding the wand, planning to knock it away and end the match cleanly.

But in that instant… He twisted his body too forcefully in order to make the strike, and his wound tore open.

A sharp pain ripped through his abdomen.

“Gah—!”

His body froze for just a moment. Cendrillon’s eyes widened from the pain, and what filled his vision was…

A ''gale''. A violent, surging wind.

Karin’s quick burst of wind lifted his body clean off the ground and he hit the ground hard, his wand slipping from his hand.

“What the hell?! He lost?! That’s not what you promised!”

Bacchus shouted.

Karin slowly approached the fallen Cendrillon, pointing her wand at his face.

Through the pain, Cendrillon smiled.

''Guess I failed at just teaching her a lesson…''

“I lost. I surrender.”

But Karin didn’t lower her wand.

In her eyes burned something new. Anger.

“You! You changed your target at the last second, didn’t you?! If you’d driven that wand through me, the match would’ve been decided! What was that supposed to mean?! Are you mocking me?!”

Her voice trembled with fury.

Outwardly she still looked composed, but underneath, her emotions were boiling.

“There’s no way I’d kill a kid. And besides…”

“And besides what?!”

“You’re beautiful.”

He said it plainly.

Karin’s face flushed bright red, then twisted into something fierce.

“Y-you…! What do you think a sacred duel is?!”

“…Huh?”

Cendrillon blinked, stunned.

What is wrong with this kid? Didn’t I surrender? Didn’t I just compliment him?

Why is he angry?

“H-hey, wait a second. What are you doing? I already surrendered.”

“This doesn’t count as a victory! It’s a draw! And I will absolutely, absolutely never forgive someone like you who mocks others!”

Karin’s body trembled violently.

“H-hey, wait, it’s already decided! It’s over!”

Bacchus and Narcis, who had stepped closer to check what was happening, were blown away in an instant.

“Hey, wait! Stop!”

And despite having just unleashed such a powerful spell, Karin began chanting again.

A massive sphere of compressed air churned violently at the tip of her wand.

“W-wait! What are you planning to do with that spell?! I told you, I surrender!”

Cendrillon scrambled backward, trying to get away. But it was pointless. The giant mass of air struck his body, and he blacked out.

“…Ugh…” With a groan, Cendrillon opened his eyes. Narcissus and Bacchus were looking down at him, both visibly worried.

“…What happened to that brat?”

Clenching through the pain coursing through his body, he asked.

Narcis replied: “After unleashing that spell, he just… disappeared. No idea where he went.”

“I see… What the hell is wrong with that guy…”

What kind of kid loses his temper that easily? At this rate, he’ll never turn into a decent adult…

Cendrillon thought.

“Want us to track him down and teach him a lesson?” Bacchus offered.

But Cendrillon shook his head.

“No… forget it. Honestly, I don’t want anything to do with him anymore.”

That’s what he said, but they would definitely be entangled again. Completely unaware of what kind of turn things would take, Cendrillon muttered in annoyance.

'''Chapter 3 — Lord Jervul’s Residence'''

The next morning…

After waking up in her inn room, Karin recalled what happened the night before, and her face flushed bright red.

“Uwaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!”

She rolled around on the bed, letting out a completely unladylike groan that didn’t match her refined appearance at all.

She looked like a completely different person from the calm figure she had been the night before. Because she had sworn never to let anyone discover she was a girl, she always forced herself to stay composed in front of others.

But now, alone, it was different.

“…I lost.”

The words slipped out in a feminine tone.

Karin had never truly wanted to become a boy, so when she was by herself, she naturally returned to her normal way of speaking.

“To think I’d lose to someone like that!”

Even though it had been called her victory, anyone could see that she had lost that duel. The moment her leg was cut, the outcome had already been decided. If he had struck her body then, she wouldn’t be standing here now. Even the wound on her leg was nothing more than a shallow cut that wouldn’t even leave a scar.

Frustrating.

Not even being treated as a proper opponent, why did that feel so frustrating?

That gray-haired man… his name was Cendrillon, right?

That roundabout way of speaking. That mocking gaze. That attitude like he was looking down on her… and on top of that, he was a coward.

“…To lose to someone like that… I guess I’m still not good enough…”

Her confidence, which had been so firm until now, began to waver.

After all, up until now, as long as she used the “magic of courage” taught to her by that knight, she never lost, no matter the opponent.

But the world really was vast. In a city like this, people of that level must be everywhere.

The fact that he held back and spared her was proof that her training was still lacking.

And on top of that…

he said she was ''beautiful''.

Unforgivable.

To think about something like that in the middle of a duel, what kind of disgraceful knight was that?! Whether someone was beautiful or not, that kind of thing had nothing to do with it!

Karin grabbed the blanket, imagining it was that damn knight Cendrillon, and beat it repeatedly.

Only after venting her anger did she finally calm down and start thinking clearly.

Even if she had lost, her dream of becoming a knight would not waver.

Although she didn't manage to meet Lord Dragignian, the very person who was supposed to introduce her, it still felt too early to give up.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Karin finally decided to go directly to visit the captain of the Magic Knight Corps, Lord Jervul. She had no introduction, but at this point, her only option was to explain her situation honestly and ask for permission to join.

Returning to the countryside was out of the question, but she also had no intention of drifting aimlessly around the capital. In the end… she would just have to face the difficulty head-on.

After worrying over various things, preparing herself, and thinking through how to explain everything, it was already nearing evening. If she didn’t hurry, it would be dark soon. Karin quickly rushed out of her room.

When she asked the innkeeper for the address of Lord Jervul’s residence, his eyes widened.

“Oh! A noble as beautiful as you?”

Thinking he was mocking her as some “pretty little kid,” Karin shot him an irritated look. The innkeeper, sensing that, said nothing more and simply gave her the directions.

Apparently, it was on Midsummer Street nearby.

Following the route she received, she soon found Lord Jervul’s estate. As expected of the royal guard entrusted with protecting the king, it was a large and imposing mansion.

She knocked nervously on the door.

No response.

She waited for a while, but no one came. Just as she began to wonder what was going on, a nobleman approached from behind, casually opened the door, and walked inside.

“…?”

Was this the kind of place people could just enter freely?

It was hard to imagine in the countryside, but perhaps things worked differently in the capital. Karin did the same, she opened the door and stepped inside.

A narrow courtyard lit by torches came into view, leading to the entrance hall. She knocked again. Still no response. However, she could hear noise from inside.

So someone ''was'' there.

Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open.

What greeted her was chaos.

A large group of men who looked like knights were gathered together, drinking heavily in broad daylight and shouting loudly. Every single one of them looked rough and ill-mannered.

What is this…? Some kind of party?

Lavish nobles holding banquets for days wasn’t unusual, but what was with these people? Listening closely, they weren’t even talking about anything important.

It was all love talk. Stories about flirting with maids, making promises with noble girls…

Karin frowned deeply. She hated this kind of talk.

She was infatuated… falling in love… Those weren’t things a knight should concern themselves with. A knight should devote themselves to the king and country, earn glory, and become a hero.

What could possibly be more important than that?

The men turned sharp eyes toward her.

“Well well! What a high-quality catch! What’s this, little lady? Playing dress-up as a knight?”

“This is not a game. I have come to apply for entry into the Magic Knight Corps.”

Her outdated, overly formal tone made the nobles burst out laughing.

“It’s a boy! Now this is a ridiculous applicant!”

“Sending someone who looks like a girl! This corps really is finished!”

Karin felt anger rise in her chest. If this weren’t the captain’s residence, she would’ve drawn her wand already.

“These must be knights from other units invited here…” she thought.

“May I meet the captain?”

“The acting captain is upstairs.”

One man jerked his chin lazily as if to say “go ahead.”

Karin went up the stairs and knocked on the door at the end.

“Come in.”

A young woman’s voice.

Karin hesitated for a moment. A secretary…?

She opened the door. Inside sat a woman in her early twenties, leaning on a large desk, staring straight at her.

Karin froze.

The room itself radiated with severity—tapestries depicting battles, multiple military wands mounted on the wall, shelves filled with medals and decorated hats.

It was unmistakably the room of a seasoned warrior.

But…The one sitting there was a young woman.

She had long, straight black hair and deep blue eyes. Her face was undeniably beautiful, but the aura she gave off was sharp, like a blade.

“…Wait.”

Was ''this'' the acting captain?

“I heard Lord Jervul was an elderly warrior…”

The woman brushed back her hair and looked at Karin coldly.

“Who are you?”

Her tone was blunt, almost rough, completely at odds with her appearance.

Straightening her posture, Karin answered.

“My name is Karin du Maillart.”

The situation was unexpected, but at the very least, the woman was sitting in the captain’s seat. Proper etiquette had to be observed.

“What is your business?”

“I have come from my homeland to apply for entry into the honorable Magic Knight Corps.”

The young woman said nothing. She simply stared at Karin.

One minute… two minutes…

Time passed in silence. That gaze, like she was being evaluated, was deeply uncomfortable.

She’s going to say I’m ridiculous… probably.

Showing up unannounced, without any recommendation… Karin, already timid by nature, began to grow extremely uneasy. Just as she was thinking she might not last without writing “courage” on her palm, the woman smiled.

“Very well. I’ll allow you to join.”

Karin’s mouth fell open.

“…What?”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean ‘what is it’?! You don’t even know who I— I mean, what kind of person I am!”

“Because you have a good face,” the woman replied flatly.

“…Excuse me, is that really all?”

One surprise after another, Karin could only stare at her in disbelief.

“It’s not just about beauty. You can tell a lot about a person from their face—what they’re thinking, what kind of person they are. It’s more reliable than some half-baked paperwork. Or… are you someone suspicious?”

“I’m not, but…”

“My name is Vivian du Jerval. I am acting captain in place of my father, who has fallen ill.”

It all happened far too easily.

And besides, weren’t women not allowed to join? That was why Karin had gone to such lengths to disguise herself as a man.

“I heard that women are not allowed to enlist.”

“I am the ''acting'' captain, not a regular member.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but Karin had no authority to argue further. In any case, it seemed that women still weren’t permitted to join.

A bad feeling crept over her, and she spoke up.

“Lady Vivian, may I ask something?”

“Just call me Vivi.”

“That would be far too disrespectful! To address the acting captain so familiarly—”

“It’s fine.”

Vivian smiled. Karin had no choice but to comply.

“Th-then… Lady Vivi. I’m grateful, but… is it really alright to accept me so easily?”

“It’s nothing. We’re short on personnel right now. As long as there aren’t any major issues, we accept people.”

Short on personnel? What did that mean? The Magic Knight Corps was supposed to be the dream of every noble in the country.

“Of course, not just ''anyone'' can get in.”

…Really?

At this point, it felt like anyone who applied would be accepted. Otherwise, there was no way it would be this easy.

That uneasy feeling swelled inside Karin, threatening to overwhelm her.

Come to think of it…

“Um… the people on the first floor…”

“Our elite Magic Guards—the Griffin Squad.”

A bead of cold sweat ran down Karin’s forehead.

Something was clearly off. This Magic Knight Corps was nothing like what she had heard about.

B-but…

She recalled the noble figures of the Unicorn Squad, clad in pure white cloaks, and nodded to herself. Yes, there ''were'' units like that. And the Unicorn Squad still existed.

No matter what, she would find a way to join that distinguished unit.

Then, she could still become the knight she dreamed of.

“Now then, sign the enlistment form. According to regulations, you’ll start as a knight apprentice. Once you achieve notable merit, or after serving the required time, you can be formally recognized as a knight.”

Karin signed the document, filling in her date of birth, the name of the priest who witnessed her baptism, and the names of her father and grandfather. There was no field for gender.

She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Even though she had resolved to keep up the lie, putting it into writing still made her uneasy.

Then, as minimal proof of identity, she took out the letter of introduction she didn’t use.

Vivian glanced at it briefly and immediately put it away in a drawer. It seemed she had no interest in Karin’s background.

“Then report for duty starting tomorrow as a knight apprentice. You’re aware that there’s no pay during the training period, correct? Do you have enough money?”

“I still have about thirty gold coins left, the ones my father gave me.”

Karin answered honestly.

“In that case, even renting a room would be difficult.”

“Eh? Is that so? Back in the countryside…”

“I don’t know how things are in the countryside, but this is the capital of the kingdom Tristania. Even the most rundown room costs five gold coins a week.”

Karin’s face went pale.

Now that she thought about it, even the inn was quite expensive…

“Well, don’t worry. I’ll figure something out for your lodging and meals. Anything else?”

At that moment, Karin decided to voice her wish honestly.

“I’ve already received such generous treatment, so I hesitate to ask…”

“What is it?”

“I would like to be assigned to the Unicorn Squad.”

Vivian’s brow twitched slightly.

“The Unicorn Squad?”

“Yes.”

“That unit doesn’t exist in the Magic Knight Corps. We have the Manticore Squad, the Griffin Squad, and the Hippogriff Squad. That’s all, and each squad has a fixed number of members.”

Karin’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean? Just yesterday, I saw a unit of knights riding unicorns in the city.”

“A unit riding unicorns? Ah… that would be the personal guard of Duke Eustache.”

Duke Eustache.

The prime minister of the Tristain Kingdom, a man said to be a once-in-a-century political genius. Though still young, he was known to handle the affairs of the entire government.

Even Karin knew that much, so hearing that it was his personal guard came as a shock.

“The Duke’s personal guard?”

“That’s right. The one who assists His Majesty as prime minister, Duke Eustache. The unit assigned to protect him is the Unicorn Squad.”

So… that wasn’t the Magic Knight Corps at all? Then… didn’t everything already go wrong?

The Magic Knight Corps she had dreamed of was nothing like she imagined. And the knights she had admired with her own eyes… belonged to someone else entirely.

Sensing the subtle shift in Karin’s thoughts, Vivian smiled knowingly.

“You’re Karin, correct? I’m very grateful that a young and… beautiful noble like yourself has joined the Magic Knight Corps. As acting captain, I have high expectations for you.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

“Right now, the Corps is in a rather difficult situation… though that’s not something I should be telling you. In any case, do your best. That’s all.”

At this point, there was no way she could say something like ''“I quit.”''

It seemed that this Corps possessed nothing but the remnants of past glory. At this rate, it probably didn’t hold a very good reputation in His Majesty’s eyes either…

Could she really become a great knight by joining a unit like this?

Karin’s misfortune didn’t end there.

Vivian suddenly called out:

“Cendrillon!”

“…Huh? What did she just say?”

The door to the adjoining room opened, and a man stepped inside.

“You called for me?”

Karin couldn’t help but let out a small cry.

“Y-you—!”

Standing there was the silver-haired young man, the very same Cendrillon she dueled the night before.

The anger that had been simmering inside her suddenly boiled over.

“Y-you…!”

This guy… this guy who made a fool out of her was actually a member of the Magic Knight Corps?!

“You! Why are you here?!”

Cendrillon’s eyes widened in surprise as well.

Watching the two of them, Vivian spoke with amusement:

“Oh? So you know each other? Even better. Cendrillon, this is Karin, he just joined us as a knight apprentice.”

“What?”

Cendrillon looked at the agitated Karin, clearly confused.

“And I’d like you to look after him. It seems he doesn’t have a place to stay, so let him lodge at your house for the time being.”

“I refuse.”

Cendrillon rejected the idea immediately.

If someone like that violent brat started living in his house, there was no telling what might happen.

Keeping her smile, Vivian turned to Cendrillon.

“Why?”

“Please listen. This Karin… how should I put it… If I’m being polite, he’s not exactly well-mannered.”

“Sounds like he’ll fit right in with you.”

“He won’t. My body won’t survive it.”

Cendrillon said flatly.

Vivian’s voice turned cold.

“This is an order.”

“That is the one thing I cannot obey.”

“Then I’ll dock your pay for insubordination. Normally, it would be a death sentence.”

It was like a spell.

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

“…Understood. I will comply.”

“Good. Disobeying orders isn’t something a knight like you should be doing,” Vivian said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Karin panicked.

“I’ll find a way to rent a room! So please, anything but staying with this guy. No, at his place—”

“Rent a room? Didn’t I just say that’s impossible?”

“Then I’ll sleep in the stables!”

''There’s no way I can live with a man! My identity will be exposed! And of all people, it has to be this Cendrillon?!''

Vivian frowned slightly.

“I can’t have a noble sleeping in a stable. And this residence is already full.”

Karin cried out:

“Then please revoke my enlistment! I’ll gather money somehow and apply again later!”

“You do realize, you’ve already become a member of His Majesty’s guard. If you wish to leave, you’ll need His Majesty’s permission. If you leave by any other means…”

“…What happens?”

“You’ll be considered a deserter. Under normal circumstances, desertion is punishable by death. It would be such a shame for a promising young noble like yourself to be executed… but the law must be upheld.”

That was it.

Karin felt her last hope vanish. This Vivian… she was dangerous.

“Now then, Cendrillon. Why are you refusing?”

“Because I prefer living alone.”

“I know.” Vivian smiled.

“That’s precisely why I’m assigning this to you.”

Both Cendrillon and Karin slumped in defeat.

Vivian waved her hand dismissively.

“That’s all. Karin, ask Cendrillon for the details. You may go.”

Cendrillon’s home was on Chekton Street, near Lord Jervul’s estate. The entire walk back, he remained silent.

Only occasionally scratching his head in irritation.

Karin, on the other hand, was restless the whole way.

''I have to live alone.'' That’s non-negotiable.

If she were to live with someone, her identity as a woman would inevitably be exposed.

And of all people… it had to be ''him''.

The bitterness of last night’s defeat lingered in her mouth.

''I actually lost to a guy like that…''

“This is it.”

Cendrillon pointed at a building with a grocery shop on the first floor. Karin finally raised her head.

“Your place is a food shop?” She glanced at the goods on display.

Cendrillon shook his head.

“Of course not. I rent a room upstairs.”

It seemed the third floor of the building was where Sandurion was renting his room. Just as they started up the stairs, he muttered:

“Seriously… what a joke. Why do I have to take care of a violent maniac like you?”

Karin immediately snapped back.

“Who are you calling a maniac?”

“You, of course! You, with that drunken-looking pink hair!”

He pointed at her with his finger as he spoke, and Karin shook her head.

“I am not violent. If you want to say that, then what are you supposed to be? Holding back in a duel, who do you think you are? Th-that, that kind of attitude, treating people like fools… that is what makes me the most angry!”

“How could I possibly go all out against a child?”

Cendrillon said this with a troubled expression, and Karin immediately drew her wand.

“Y-you dare say that! Then this time I will definitely settle things with you! Last night I was simply careless! If I fight seriously, someone like you—”

Just as they were arguing, the shop owner, who had been weighing beans, spoke up. He was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes.

“Well now, young master, is this a guest?”

“…He will be staying at my place.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The shop owner looked Karin up and down, then let out a sound of admiration.

“My, how beautiful! Even Lord Narcis would pale in comparison! What a waste that you are a man!”

Ugh…

Really, why does everyone have to praise my appearance like that? Being complimented for that does not make me happy at all.

I just want to be acknowledged as a knight as soon as possible. If that happens, this man, Cendrillon, will not keep treating me like a fool.

It seemed that Cendrillon had rented out the entire third floor. That said, there were not many rooms, just a living room and a bedroom, nothing more.

After entering the room, Cendrillon dropped himself into a chair. Karin looked around, but there were no other chairs.

As she stood there awkwardly, Cendrillon said with exasperation:

“You… do you not even know how to say ‘I will be in your care’?”

“I am not staying here because I want to. It is because of an order, so I have no choice but to comply.”

Karin replied in a trembling, angry voice. Though timid by nature, she was also quite competitive. She could not stand being looked down on by this man, there was no way she would bow her head to him.

Then Cendrillon spoke in a cold tone.

“Hey, kid. That is enough.”

“What! You dare call me a kid!”

“You are a kid, so I call you a kid. I do not know what backwater you came from, but did your parents not teach you even the slightest bit of manners? In a situation like this, no matter how much you dislike the other person, you are supposed to lower your head politely. Otherwise, you will never become a knight, nor even a proper adult.”

Ugh… Karin had no response. What Cendrillon said was completely correct. Reluctantly, she lowered her head.

“P-please take care of me, Lord Cendrillon.”

“You mean, ‘I will be in your care.’”

“I—I will be in your care.”

There was not the slightest trace of gratitude in her expression.

Cendrillon sighed and shook his head.

“Honestly, joining the Magic Guard at a time like this… You look like some sheltered young noble. Why would you even come to a unit like ours?”

“…Is it wrong to want to become a knight?”

“You must have read some hero stories, found them lacking, and decided you wanted to become one yourself, right?”

Mm… not entirely wrong. Karin’s face flushed red.

“Listen. I am not trying to harm you. Go back to the countryside tomorrow.”

Cendrillon waved his hand dismissively.

“What did you say?”

“I said, if you value your life, go back.”

He took a bottle of red wine from the shelf and poured himself a glass.

“Would that not count as desertion?”

“That is just meant to scare you. If a mere trainee runs away, no one will care. Honestly, Lady Vivi is causing trouble again, what is she thinking? Letting someone like you join… What is the point? Listen carefully, if you value your life, go back.”

Karin clenched her fists.

“Do not joke with me.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, do not joke with me. If I can become a knight, then I do not care what happens to my life. ”

Cendrillon shook his head. He had seen too many young nobles say things like that, only to die on the battlefield. Spirit was important, but…

“You saw it yourself, didn’t you? The state of the Magic Guard. I am not trying to frighten you.”

Right.

Why did the once-glorious Magic Guard end up like this, like some den of vagrants?

“It was not like this half a year ago. They were not exactly paragons of virtue, but there was still a group of reasonably decent people. But…”

Karin swallowed hard.

What Cendrillon was describing was something genuinely frightening.

“It all began when the commander, Lord Jervul, fell ill. After that, one by one, the captains of each squad started to die. There were all kinds of causes, some lost in duels, some were attacked by bandits while traveling, others were struck down by shadowy assassins who appeared out of nowhere…”

A bead of sweat slid down Karin’s forehead.

“From that point on, rumors began to spread, that the Magic Guard was cursed, that it was abandoned by the gods. And as if to prove those rumors true, misfortune started befalling the members as well—falling from horses, injuries during training. That much would be one thing, but there were even deaths. Some were attacked in the dead of night by unknown murders, others were killed in their sleep by thieves… the causes varied. In the end, those who had ability—or at least some sense—could not endure it any longer and left, one after another. And what remains is what you see now. There are not even a third of the original number left. At this rate, the unit will be disbanded, so they have reached a point where they accept anyone who volunteers. I am hardly in a position to criticize, but there really are a lot of strange people now. The reason you were able to join so easily is precisely because of that.”

“…………”

Seeing Karin fall silent, Cendrillon smiled.

“I am serious. Things have calmed down a bit recently, but those who left are not coming back. That is how it is.”

Karin felt as though she could not bear the fear.

What did that mean… would she be cursed too? Her face turned pale, and her legs began to tremble.

“What is it? Are you scared?”

“I am not. I am simply steadying myself.”

Karin quickly turned her back to him, traced the characters for “courage” on her left palm with her index finger, and licked it.

Then her mind settled… and courage welled up from withinю She already decided, on that day, to become a knight.

To become the greatest knight in the kingdom.

When she turned back again, she was no longer trembling. A bold smile appeared on her face.

“How interesting. So this is the adversity granted by the gods. Perhaps even this situation is part of it.”

Seeing Karin look around the room as she said that, Cendrillon shook his head.

“…Honestly. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing. Well, there is no point saying that to someone as young as you. You would not listen anyway.”

“And what about you, then?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Why are you still in the unit?”

“Because I have nowhere else to go.”

Cendrillon leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, and laughed.

“In any case, I will not give up. I absolutely will not.”

“I see. Then I will not try to stop you anymore. Do as you like.”

Saying that, Cendrillon stood up.

“What is it?”

“I am going to sleep.”

Just like that, ignoring her presence, he moved toward the bedroom. Karin hurriedly spoke up.

“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Listen. Let me make one thing clear, I am not your father, and I am not your brother. I am only letting you stay here because of Lady Vivi’s request. Where you sleep is something you can figure out yourself.”

As he said that, Cendrillon began taking off his clothes. His bare chest came into view, and Karin immediately panicked.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“I am going to sleep, so I am taking off my clothes.”

With a look that said ''what are you talking about?'', Cendrillon continued undressing. He looked slender, but his body was well-built.

“D-don’t undress in front of other people, you idiot!”

Karin’s face flushed bright red as she turned away. Cendrillon looked at her, puzzled.

“Aren’t we both men? What are you talking about?”

“Th-that may be true, but…”

At that moment, Karin suddenly realized something. If she was going to live here with Cendrillon, then that meant…

There was a real possibility that her body could be seen.

How could this be? This was a serious problem.

Karin, who had never once imagined being seen by a man, could not contain her emotions. Her face burned red.

The problem did not end there. The unease from earlier rose up in her mind once again.

If the fact that she was a woman were exposed… even if the Magic Guard was short on manpower, she would probably be expelled. No, she might even be thrown into prison. She already prepared herself for that possibility, but if it could be avoided, she wanted to avoid it.

Fortunately, her body was very slender, lacking the softness typical of women. As for her chest, honestly, it could be called flat. That was precisely why she had been able to pass as a boy like this, but…

''If we live together in such a cramped room, it will definitely be exposed.''

As Karin was worrying about this, Cendrillon continued taking off his clothes one by one.

Naked.

Na—ked!

“Do not take them off! Do not do it here! Go outside if you are going to undress!”

Panicking, Karin lunged at Cendrillon.

“H-hey! What are you doing!”

“I am begging you, do not undress in front of me!”

At that moment, Karin noticed it. Around Cendrillon’s abdomen, there were bandages, faintly stained with red, it was a fairly serious wound.

“Th-this… could it be from my magic yesterday?”

Although she unleashed her magic in anger after the duel, she had not intended to injure him this badly, and so she asked anxiously.

“Of course not. This is a wound I already had.”

At that, Karin realized. This man… he was not only holding back, he was fighting while injured! And even under those conditions, he demonstrated that level of skill with Blade. Contrary to his flippant attitude, he was actually a frighteningly capable fighter.

But at the same time, a surge of anger rose within her.

“So I lost to someone who was injured! It was not just that you held back! How can this be!”

The wind around her began to stir.

Not wanting a repeat of last night, Cendrillon quickly said,

“Hey, stop that! I already said that counts as your win. That should be enough, right?”

“Not at all! How long do you intend to make a fool of me!”

Without thinking, she lunged at him, ending up clinging tightly to his bare body, and Karin flushed bright red.

“D-do not come any closer! Let go of me, you idiot!”

“You are the one who jumped at me! Enough already! I am injured, you know!”

Karin lowered her head silently. Seeing that, Cendrillon looked at her in surprise.

“Wait… are you that type? A man who likes men…”

“N-no, it is not like that! It is just… I am not used to seeing other people’s bodies, or having mine seen…”

Mumbling excuses, Karin made Cendrillon stare at her in exasperation.

“You… and you still want to join the knights? If war breaks out, what do you plan to do?”

Having finished undressing, Cendrillon tossed his clothes onto a chair and took a set of sleepwear from the wardrobe.

Then he went into the bedroom and brought out a blanket.

“Here, use this. As for where you sleep, on the floor or on a chair, that is up to you. Though if you want my advice, go downstairs and grab some straw from the stable.”

With that, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom.

Karin stared at the worn-out blanket for a moment, then obediently went down to the stable and brought back a bundle of straw piled there.

The strong animal smell made her uncomfortable, but she had no choice but to spread it out in a corner of the living room. Then… after taking a deep breath, she took out her sleepwear from her luggage and groaned, clutching her head.

It was a frilly women’s nightgown, extravagantly decorated with ruffles. If she were seen wearing something like that, Cendrillon might faint on the spot.

“I might actually be an idiot…”

When preparing her things, she didn’t think about sleepwear at all. She had never intended to show it to anyone, so in that sense, it could not be helped…

In any case, there was no way she could sleep in that. But sleeping in her only set of knight’s clothes was also troublesome. If she did that, they would get wrinkled, and if she ever met someone of high standing in that state, it would leave a bad impression.

After thinking it over, Karin decided she would just sleep in her undershirt for now.

While telling herself that she would buy proper sleepwear first thing tomorrow, she carefully began to undress. Boots, jacket, then trousers… just as she was down to her undershirt, the bedroom door opened.

“Hey, Karin, before going to sleep you need to put out the candle on the table—whoa!”

Water from a pitcher splashed over him, and Cendrillon let out a shout.

“What are you doing!”

“D-do not come in when I am changing, you idiot!”

Karin quickly covered her body with both hands and let out a shout.

“What a strange person…”

Muttering that in exasperation, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom. Karin wrapped herself tightly in the blanket and collapsed onto the bundle of straw.

Then she closed her eyes.

She had finally joined the Magic Guard she had long admired… and yet, the road ahead already seemed difficult.

The Magic Guard itself appeared to have fallen into disarray, and she could not even live on her own.

In any case, no matter what, she had to find a way to become a full-fledged knight, Karin made that resolve firmly.

If she did, she would receive a salary, and she would be able to rent a room. Until then, she absolutely had to keep the fact that she was a woman hidden.

And then… what was with that man? The one she was forced to rely on—Cendrillon! There should be a limit to how much someone could mock another person!

Karin’s competitive nature made it impossible for her to accept being held back against. No matter how much she tried to forget it, she could not.

“One day, I will definitely defeat him.”

Completely…

Whispering that, her small body, already exhausted, was soon overtaken by deep sleep.

And so, just like that, the strange cohabitation between Karin, the cross-dressing knight trainee, and Cendrillon, the knight who disliked women, began.

'''Chapter 4 — Dormitory'''

The next morning…

When Karin opened her eyes, Cendrillon was already awake and eating breakfast.

“Mm… good morning.”

She said this as she started to get up, then suddenly remembered she was only wearing a thin undershirt. She quickly hugged the blanket to herself, letting out a muffled groan.

At that, Cendrillon merely glanced at her.

“Hey, listen.”

“What?”

“I want to change. Could you step outside for a moment?”
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Cendrillon stood up. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to leave the room, but he did not. Instead, he walked step by step toward Karin and suddenly grabbed the blanket, trying to pull it away.

“What! What are you doing! Stop!”

Karin desperately clung to the blanket. Beneath it, she had nothing on but her undershirtno matter how flat her chest might be, if he saw her like that, her identity as a woman would be exposed.

Cendrillon folded his arms and looked down at her.

“How long do you plan on sleeping? What kind of subordinate wakes up later than their superior? I was lenient with you yesterday, but starting today, I will be strict. After all, you are still just a trainee.”

As he said that, he yanked the blanket away.

“Ugh!”

In that instant, Karin became as fast as a gust of wind.

The moment the blanket was pulled away, she snatched up the wand lying beside her and cast a wind spell.

“Whoa!”

The blanket wrapped itself around Cendrillon’s face. In a flash, Karin grabbed her folded clothes, dashed into the bedroom, and slammed the door shut.

Then, in barely five seconds, she changed. The buttons were not even fully fastened yet…

“Hey! What do you think you are doing!”

When Cendrillon opened the bedroom door, Karin had her back to him, frantically fastening her buttons. Once she finished, she turned around.

Her beautiful face was filled with anger.

But Cendrillon remained completely at ease in the face of it.

“I told you already, did I not? I do not like people seeing my body!”

“Oh, you did say that. But so what?”

“What do you mean, ‘so what’?”

She was a young girl, being seen like that was as embarrassing as death itself. But she could not say that out loud, and the frustration building inside Karin became unbearable.

“Th-then name your conditions!”

“My conditions?”

“Yes. From now on, when I am changing, you must absolutely not enter the room. In exchange, I will do anything.”

“Are you serious?”

Cendrillon looked exasperated for a moment, then immediately smiled.

“In that case, I will leave all the housework to you.”

“Housework?”

“Yes. Laundry, cleaning… and shopping as well.”

She had never done housework before, but there was no other choice.

“…All right.” Karin nodded.

When they arrived at Lord Jervul’s residence, it was already crowded early in the morning. Just like yesterday, a rough-looking group gathered, loudly chattering about trivial nonsense.

As Cendrillon and Karin entered the mansion, two familiar faces emerged from the crowd—Bacchus and Narcis.

“Hey, Cendrillon, I heard you are in charge of a trainee.”

As Bacchus said that, he noticed Karin behind him and widened his eyes.

“What? You are the trainee knight?”

“That is right.”

Karin crossed her arms and nodded.

Narcis also widened his eyes.

“H-hey… Cendrillon, are you serious? This one? You are not joking, are you?”

“…No. I wish it were a joke too, but it is not.”

“Speaking of which, brat. You sure ‘took care’ of me the other night.”

Bacchus stepped forward. Karin felt a bit intimidated, but she quickly licked her left hand and then spoke boldly.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Thinking back, she did lose to Cendrillon, but not to this man. Besides, wasn’t he blown away beautifully by her wind magic the other night?

If this was her opponent, he was nothing.

Karin fixed Bacchus with an extremely cold stare. Being looked at like that by someone as overwhelmingly beautiful as her created a strange, irresistible pressure.

A bead of sweat ran down Bacchus’s forehead.

“Th-this is strange… really strange… why do I feel like this… I…”

Clutching his chest in distress, Bacchus suddenly dropped to his knees before Karin.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

This man, Bacchus, was someone with the rather troublesome ambition of wanting to become “a knight who serves a beautiful princess.” Cendrillon muttered dryly:

“Bacchus, this one is a boy.”

“Ah!” Bacchus snapped back to his senses and immediately stood up.

“That is right… hm. I do not know why I reacted like that… my training is still insufficient.”

“Rather than training, it is more like your brain capacity is insufficient, is it not?”

Karin said coldly, and Bacchus flushed red.

“Hey! You! Think about it, I am your superior! What’s with that attitude!”

Though Bacchus shouted angrily, Karin did not change her expression at all. She already completely dismissed him.

She stared at him in silence. Her gaze was utterly cold, more like she was looking at a stray dog by the roadside, completely devoid of emotion. A strange silence filled the air. Before long, Bacchus seemed unable to endure it any longer, took a deep breath—

“Haahhh—!”, and once again dropped to his knees.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

“I told you, he is a boy.”

Cendrillon said with a troubled voice.

“Ah! What is happening… my body just moves on its own…”

“You are my friend, but sometimes I genuinely think it would be better if you were dead.”

Then Narcis shook his head in a somewhat alluring manner.

“I see… so now that you have joined, that means the Magic Guard now possesses the two most beautiful people in the history of Tristain. Of course, I am first, and you are second.”

“I do not care about rankings.”

“Anyway! That makes you one of us now! From here on out, let us get along! Boy!”

Laughing heartily, Bacchus threw an arm around Karin’s shoulders, as if he had completely forgotten being blown away by wind magic the other night.

“Your attitude changes quickly for someone after just one day…”

“Well, strong people are popular! They are reliable in battle and duels! Your wind magic was incredible! I was shocked!”

I see… he is a simple, good-natured person, though quite foolish, Karin thought, slightly revising her opinion of Bacchus.

“What a waste that you are a man! If you were a woman, I would immediately serve you! The heavens truly are cruel, to create such irony!”

As he said that, he looked at her with an oddly heated gaze. Being stared at like that by a dull-witted giant filled Karin with intense discomfort, and a faint killing intent stirred within her.

Then Narcis spoke again.

“Second place.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beauty.”

“I told you, I do not care about rankings.”

Hearing that, Narcis shook his head in frustration.

He, too, seemed rather simple at heart.

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. At some point, he moved away and was casually chatting with other members at a slight distance. That effortless composure irritated her for some reason.

He held back.

Just that alone was enough for Karin to be unable to forgive anything about him.

But… looking around, the hall of the mansion was packed with members. They said the numbers were decreasing, so why were there so many people here? As the royal guard, should they not normally be working in the city or out on assignments?

“There sure are a lot of people.”

As she muttered that, Bacchus laughed.

“Well, we have nothing to do, so we just kill time here.”

“Aren’t there various duties? Like guarding His Majesty…”

“Because of the reduced numbers, even the guard duties have been dismissed,” Narcis said with a sigh.

“What did you say?”

They were supposed to be the royal guard, yet it was as if they were told, “You are no longer needed to protect the king.” Was that really acceptable? In other words, the members who should have been stationed at the palace gathered here because they had no work to do.

“No wonder it is so crowded,” Karin muttered to herself.

“Then… who is in charge of guarding His Majesty?”

At that, Narcis and Bacchus both grew serious.

“…The Duke of Eustache’s personal guard.”

I see, the pure white Unicorn Corps is the one protecting the king… that certainly is a formation worthy of guarding His Majesty.

…I still want to join them.

She was lost in thought when—

“What is that look? Like you would rather be over there,” Bacchus teased.

“N-no, that is not the case,” she said, a bit flustered.

“Ah, those people are all just for show,” Narcis said as if he knew everything.

“You are talking about yourselves, are you not?”

“Anyway, that is why we just spend all day killing time. Ahh, is there nothing fun to do?”

“We really are bored.”

Karin muttered gloomily.

But only the official knights could afford to idle around. For Karin, who was merely a trainee, there were all sorts of chores waiting for her. First of all, she had to go to the stables behind the mansion to take care of the mounted beasts tied there.

The members of the Magic Guard each had their own mounts—manticores, hippogriffs, and griffins… If they were personal familiars, it would not be so troublesome, but ordinary riding beasts were a complete nightmare.

No matter how one looked at it, they were unruly, and up close, every single one had a ferocious appearance that made them frightening. When she brought them chunks of food, they would roar loudly and nearly bite Karin along with it.

After feeding them came the cleaning. Whether they wanted to play or something else, whenever Karin approached, the beasts would lick her, claw at her, and even try to bite her, leaving her completely disheveled.

In any case, taking care of these creatures was extremely troublesome. Karin hasn’t yet summoned her own familiar, but if she ever ended up with something like this, it would be a disaster. Just the cost of meat alone would be enormous. No wonder trainees were not given a salary, Karin thought.

After taking care of the beasts, next came cleaning the mansion.

Since she had been working alone the entire time, she asked Acting Captain Vivian whether there were no other trainees, and the answer was yes.

Apparently, it was because most could not endure the harsh life of a trainee and quickly quit. On top of that, the current state of the Magic Guard was very deplorable, as she saw.

It seemed she joined at quite a disastrous time.

And then, by evening…

Karin returned to Cendrillon’s room, completely exhausted, but more work was waiting for her.

She had all the housework to herself.

Since it was in exchange for the condition that he would leave the room when she changed, there was nothing she could do. But once she actually started doing it, she began to regret it. This deal really did not seem to worth it…

Since he lived here alone, the living room was not too bad, but the bedroom was terrible. First of all, between the bed and the wall there was a pile of unwashed clothes, like a small mountain.

She did not even want to touch them, but she had no choice but to endure it and carry them to the shared water area behind the building. However, she had never done laundry before and had no idea how to do it. Even poor nobles usually hired a few servants.

For now, she filled a bucket with water, threw the clothes in, let them soak, then took them out and wrung them dry. She was not entirely sure, but it should be something like that.

As she continued this process, she suddenly came across something outrageous, and her eyes shot wide open. Wrapping it in a towel, she rushed back into the room and shoved it at Cendrillon, who was sitting in a chair reading.

“Hey! You! What is this!”

Cendrillon glanced at it.

“Oh, it is just underwear,” he said casually.

“Do not make me wash something like this!”

Karin threw the undergarment at him. Cendrillon peeled it off his face and replied in an annoyed tone.

“It is laundry. Of course there is going to be underwear.”

“How am I supposed to wash that! I do not even want to touch it!”

“I accepted your condition. If you are a noble, then you should honor your word.”

At that, Karin had nothing she could say. Dejected, she took it back. However, there was no way she could wash something like that with her hands.

After casting a wind spell, she threw it into the water. That way, the clothes could be agitated and washed as they were spun around.

As she watched the clothes turning, her irritation gradually began to rise.

Why do I—Karin Désirée de Maillart—have to wash that man’s underwear…!

“He held back… He ''held back''!”

“He—he ''insulted'' a sacred duel!”

“He trampled—trampled my pride into the ground, completely!”

“What the hell! Acting all superior! You are only four years older than me!”

Even as she shouted, her agitation did not settle, if anything, it only grew stronger. Karin’s frustration turned into pressure, whipping up into a gust of wind, until even the water in the bucket churned like a storm.

“Wah!”

She hurriedly weakened the spell, but it was already too late.

A shirt was torn apart.

“The shirt tore… but it is not my fault. It was already worn out.”

She reported it awkwardly, and Cendrillon’s expression immediately changed.

“Which shirt?”

Faced with that intensity, Karin instinctively shrank back. There was a faint sharpness hidden in those usually drowsy-looking eyes.

“…This one.”

When she reluctantly held up the torn shirt, Cendrillon seemed to relax.

“I see. Be more careful.”

He stood up, walked over to the wardrobe, checked inside, and took out a shirt. It was just a plain white one, nothing special, but he looked at it with clear care.

At that moment…

There was something warm in his distant, unfocused gaze. Karin could not help widening her eyes.

“…………”

After staring at the shirt for a while, he quietly put it back.

“The shirts in here do not need washing. I do not wear them anyway.”

“G-got it.”

Cendrillon sat back down and resumed reading. With nothing to do, Karin dropped onto the bundle of straw and watched him.

Where exactly was that strength hidden in this absent-minded man?

Cendrillon seemed to be quite the reader. In the living room stood three large bookshelves, all packed with difficult-looking books.

On the wall opposite the shelves was a fireplace, and above it was a wand on display. Just from its design, one could tell it was both old and expensive.

Sitting beneath it and reading, Cendrillon looked like a scholar. But the moment he picked up a wand, he became a first-rate fighter. Karin had personally realized that during their duel. Back in the countryside, there was no one that skilled.

He really was the ideal noble, refined in both intellect and martial ability…

That was the impression he gave off in silence.

And yet, he lived in this creaking, run-down place.

Just who was this man?

Karin found herself wondering.

About a week later, Karin had gradually grown used to living with Cendrillon, and had also managed to gather some of the things she needed.

First was sleepwear.

To save money, she hesitantly borrowed one of Cendrillon’s undershirts. Compared to her, it was far too large, hanging off her like a nightgown. She hated the idea of wearing that man’s clothes, but there was no alternative.

Next was a chair.

This one she brought from Lord Jervul’s residence, something that was already discarded. It was a small folding chair, probably meant for outdoor use, perhaps even for the battlefield. But for someone as small as Karin, it was more than enough.

And little by little, she began to understand what kind of person Cendrillon was.

Basically, he had no interest in other people. As long as Karin quietly did the housework, he would not say anything unnecessary, and as promised, he always left the room when she was changing.

Karin was grateful for that indifferent attitude. It was best that he did not pry into her affairs.

However, there were still three things that dissatisfied her.

The first was the food.

Karin was still growing, and if possible, she wanted to eat something better. But in this house, the meals consisted of nothing but hard bread and bean soup, day after day. At first, she wondered if it was some kind of bullying or mistreatment, but Cendrillon ate the same thing.

She had once asked him why.

The answer was simple.

“I do not have money.”

I see. There was nothing of value anywhere in this room.

Well, I guess I'll just have to accept it.

And the second thing was alcohol.

Cendrillon spent most of his time reading, but as he did, his hand would absentmindedly reach for the glass on the table.

Then he would bring it to his lips and drink.

While reading, he repeated that motion over and over again.

It was not wine, but a rather strong liquor. It seemed to be distilled from the leaves of some Yomongi tree, with a distinctive scent and color.

In any case, Cendrillon drank that strong liquor as if it was water. Bottles of the same brand were piled up on the shelf like a small mountain, and several empty ones were scattered in the corner.

When she saw him at the tavern before, he was drinking in the same way.

It was not the way someone drank for enjoyment. The more he drank, the more he fell silent, as if the world had already ended, pressing his thumb against his forehead with a troubled look.

Karin always thought drunkards were supposed to be loud and cheerful, so the way Cendrillon drank felt strangely unfamiliar to her.

As she stared at him, Cendrillon noticed her gaze and looked up.

“What?”

“Even if you do not have money for food, you still have money for alcohol?”

“Yes. Because this is a necessity.”

Is that not backwards? she thought, but he probably understood that himself. In simple terms, he just could not live without alcohol.

“You drink a lot.”

“Yes.”

Cendrillon answered plainly.

“You must like it.”

“Not really.”

It did not sound like something he enjoyed.

And then… before long, he would prop his elbow on the table and doze off. If he fell asleep in the living room, it would be troublesome, so Karin would help him up and carry him to the bedroom.

Every time she did that, she would think, ''why did I lose to someone like this?'' and feel deeply frustrated.

And finally, the last thing she disliked… was his attitude.

Cendrillon showed no interest in Karin at all. At first, he would scold her now and then, but at some point—perhaps he had given up—he stopped saying anything altogether.

It seemed he saw her as just a child and could not be bothered dealing with her. Karin could not forgive that attitude no matter what, and it always left her irritated.

Her worry about being exposed as a woman had lessened, so there should have been no reason to complain, but it still angered her. Even a drunk like him treated her like a child. Karin was filled with a humiliating sense of frustration.

And then, one day…

As usual, after laying the passed-out Cendrillon on the bed, Karin suddenly felt her hand being gently grasped.

“What—!”

Her heart jumped for a moment. It was the kind of grip one might use to hold a lover’s hand. And besides, it was the first time she had ever had her hand held by a man, her heart nearly leapt out of her throat.

But it seemed he was only half-asleep from the alcohol, and his grip quickly loosened. This guy… Karin trembled with anger.

What did he think he was doing, grabbing a girl’s hand like that!

She felt the urge to hit him, but since he usually did not pry into her affairs, she wanted to avoid being asked, “Why are you getting angry over something like this?”

Then she would just go back to the living room

“…Na.”

Cendrillon seemed to murmur something, then began snoring.

“…………”

I must have imagined it…

For a moment, it had sounded like he called her by her real name.

That could not be possible. There was no way Cendrillon could know it. In front of him, the name “Karina” was never once spoken.

Karin looked at his sleeping face. Sharp yet delicate features… he looked older, but he was only nineteen.

Why did he drink so much?

The question crossed her mind.

Was there some reason? Did it have something to do with that weary, world-worn air about him?

…No point thinking about it. It did not matter.

Karin crawled into her straw bed.

So this is what the knight’s life I dreamed of is like…

A faint sadness settled in her chest.

It was expected, but no one was kind to her. Everyone was strict, always pushing troublesome work onto her, and every day was filled with chores. There was no time at all for training.

It looks like days like this will go on forever… without even a single day to rest…

Images of her warm home in the countryside rose in her mind, her kind parents, her cheerful siblings… She almost started to cry, and Karin pinched her cheeks hard with her fingers.

She must not cry.

She left home with the resolve to become a knight. When she imagined herself in shining armor, riding a magnificent beast, for some reason the image that came to mind was the Unicorn Corps she saw before. If she was going to join anywhere, it had to be there… she could not help thinking that.

…Ah, I really need to earn some merit soon.

Or make a name for myself in a duel!

Once she became a knight, Cendrillon would surely stop treating her like a child. And when that happened, she would defeat him with everything she had. Imagining the look of frustration on his face, Karin let out a small, private laugh.

But…

Each day passed in the same dull routine.

No chances to earn merit, no events to make a name for herself—nothing happened at all.

Was she really going to remain stuck here like this…?

A sense of sadness crept over her.

However, that opportunity came sooner than she expected.

'''Chapter 5 — Four vs Four Duel'''

As usual, after finishing her work at Lord Jervul’s residence, Karin was resting in the hall when Bacchus and Narcis showed up, both looking unusually pleased. Their faces practically radiated happiness.

“You two look like you are in a good mood.”

“Of course we are! Today is the payday!”

The full knights received a stipend from the palace according to their rank. It was divided into twelve parts and paid out once a month on a fixed day. And today was that day.

“So we are heading out for a drink now. Want to come along? Cendrillon is coming too.”

At that moment, Cendrillon walked over.

“This one is not coming.”

He shut it down immediately, and Karin clenched her fists.

“Why not?” Bacchus asked in surprise.

“It is too early for drinking,” Cendrillon said flatly.

“I was already drinking a bottle a day when I was nine.”

“If he does not take a break now and then, he will collapse.”

With Bacchus and Narcis both speaking up for her, Karin straightened her posture as if to back them up.

Cendrillon glanced at her and muttered, “I suppose it cannot be helped.”

That one line filled Karin with joy, finally, she would get to eat something decent!

For the past week, all she had eaten was hard bread and bean soup, with a bit of dried meat, raw vegetables, and apples. That was it. It was not as if Cendrillon treated himself any differently, he simply had no interest in anything but alcohol, so his meals never changed.

Back in the countryside, at least the food was normal. Living like this was exhausting.

At last, something proper to eat! Just thinking about it made her smile.

The place the four of them went to was the same tavern Karin visited before, the “Breeze” tavern, which had once been Lord Dragignon’s residence.

Bacchus seemed particularly fond of the place, going on and on about the food.

“The mussels here are incredible. They say they are shipped from the northeastern sea using ice magic. Steamed in red wine, it’s so good your tongue melts.”

They were led to a table, and the dish was brought out right away.

“Here, Karin, try some.”

Bacchus urged her on.

She took a bite, and was stunned. He was right, it was so good it felt like her tongue would melt. The garlic and the taste of the sea blended perfectly, it was truly a fine dish.

“This is amazing!” she blurted out, and Narcis smiled.

“So Cendrillon has not been feeding you properly, has he?”

“That man only cares about alcohol. What a strange person.”

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. He did not touch the food at all and continued drinking silently. Even with something this good right in front of him… she could not help feeling exasperated.

Bacchus downed his wine in one gulp and laughed heartily.

“And on top of that, he hates women! The two greatest pleasures in life—women and good food—and he enjoys neither. Honestly, it is unbelievable!”

Even when he was told that, Cendrillon showed no reaction.

As the alcohol went down, the atmosphere gradually grew livelier.

Bacchus burst into loud laughter and began bragging about his exploits—stories of duels he had won, nobles he had defeated, things like that. Some of the names he mentioned were well-known, which surprised Karin.

Narcis was not about to lose either. His stories were all about romance—being pursued by some noble lady, spending the night with some young noblewoman… the kind of talk that made one dizzy just listening.

After they finished, they turned to Cendrillon for his opinion, and he would always reply the same way:

“Impressive. That is quite something.”

That alone was enough to please them, and they only grew more enthusiastic.

Karin leaned closer to Cendrillon and asked quietly,

“Are those stories true?”

Cendrillon answered in a low voice:

“They are, more or less. Just replace ‘marquises and counts’ with street thugs, and ‘duchesses and noble ladies’ with women off the street.”

I see… so they have been embellishing quite a bit.

Still, since the two of them were clearly enjoying themselves, Karin found herself enjoying it too, regardless of how true it was.

“So, Karin! I am strong, right?”

“You are a pervert, though.”

“Karin, now you understand, do you not? I am the most beautiful man in the history of the Magic Guard.”

“Your taste is terrible, though.”
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Even though she kept replying sharply, the two of them were too drunk to notice. “I see, I see, you are a good one!” they said, urging her to eat more. They were not listening at all, but thanks to that, Karin was able to fill herself with food.

“Why are you two so close?”

Karin voiced the question that was on her mind. From the outside, the three of them had completely different personalities and appearances, yet they got along like brothers.

“We just clicked,” Bacchus said.

“At first, we could not stand each other, though,” Narcis added.

When Karin asked their ages, she was surprised to learn that both of them were still under twenty, they were only eighteen.

Setting Narcis aside, Bacchus did not look eighteen at all. When she said that honestly, Bacchus puffed out his chest and replied, “That is just because of the difference in experience.”

While they were enjoying their meal, the door to the tavern opened, and a group of four splendid knights dressed in pure white entered.

A hush fell over the place. Karin stared at them and immediately recognized them as the Unicorn Corps saw before. Seeing them up close, their appearance was truly dazzling.

In contrast to the Magic Guard, whose outfits were all mismatched except for their black cloaks, their white uniforms were perfectly unified, as if they stepped out of a painting. Their wands were sheathed in scabbards woven with gemstones and silver chains. Karin could not take her eyes off them, completely captivated, but Bacchus and Narcis both wore bitter expressions.

What was going on? As she wondered, one of the Unicorn Corps members who had taken a seat spoke up.

“Hey, it smells in here.”

He was a young man, about the same age as Karin and the others. The other knights nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it smells like mold.”

The innkeeper rushed over and bowed his head.

“I do not notice any particular smell… If there is anything lacking in our service, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”

“Oh, it is not the tavern’s fault,” the knight said lightly. “It is certain customers.”

That line made Bacchus’s face change instantly. He rose with a low growl, but Cendrillon stopped him.

“It is not worth it.”

“But—”

Karin could feel that something was off.

“Our guests here are all fine people…” the innkeeper said nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. The Unicorn Corps were clearly important patrons, but he could not afford to anger the others either.

“Fine people? Perhaps. To be dismissed from guarding His Majesty and still walk around like that… yes, that is quite impressive.”

Narcis placed a hand on his wand and moved as if to stand, but once again Cendrillon stopped him.

“Ignore them.”

“But we cannot just sit here and take that!”

Cendrillon, however, remained unconcerned.

“Did not Lady Viviane already warn us to behave? We just had a clash with the Germanians recently, did we not?”

I see… So the Magic Guard and the Unicorn Corps, who served as the Duke of Eustache’s personal guard, did not get along. Come to think of it, the Unicorn Corps had been assigned to protect the king, which meant the Magic Guard had been pushed aside and mocked for it.

“Look at those black cloaks! It is hard to believe nobles once admired them. They look like crows!”

Karin felt anger rising. What kind of Unicorn Corps is this? Just a flashy name… she thought, though she did not have the courage to say it aloud.

The Unicorn Corps knights grew increasingly brazen.

“Throw those people out,” one of them told the innkeeper. “It ruins the meal.”

Both sides were nobles, and the innkeeper was at a complete loss.

“P-please, have mercy…” he pleaded, bowing again and again. One of the knights, apparently irritated by the sight, kicked him hard, and a loud crash echoed through the tavern.

That was enough.

Karin quickly wrote “courage” on her palm with her finger and made a motion as if swallowing it. Then she stood up and pointed straight at them.

“Do you call yourselves nobles?”

“Who is this?” the knights said, looking at her in surprise.

“Karin, stop,” Cendrillon said.

“Why should I stop? Does it not anger you? They are mocking you!”

Cendrillon replied calmly,

“If we cause trouble again, our pay will be cut.”

“Are we not already poor enough? What is there left to worry about?”

Cendrillon answered seriously,

“I would not be able to afford alcohol.”

Karin stared at him in disbelief.

“You… is alcohol all you think about?!”

She shook off his hand and glared fiercely at the knights, who were sneering at her.

These were the Unicorn Corps she had once admired? Her disillusionment turned into burning anger. To think she had believed people like this were admirable…!

“Who is this kid?”

“Just a child, is he not?”

“So the Magic Guard has fallen so far that even children can join!”

The knights burst into laughter.

Karin’s expression changed. Her eyes sharpened, and her body began to tremble slightly. The air around her stirred, turning into a wind that wrapped around her.

“What is this? Too scared to say it to my face? I thought so. You are cowards, rotten people who can only whisper insults from a distance like women!”

“…Cowards.”

At that word, the laughter stopped.

The innkeeper, realizing he could do nothing, had already retreated, and the other customers sat in silence, sensing the tension.

One man stood up. He was a large man, not quite Bacchus’s size, but still imposing. Under his arm he carried a wand as large as a spear. His face was flat, almost snake-like.

“Oh? So you are hiding behind a child now. It has been a while.”

“Hey, that is Angelo,” Bacchus muttered.

“You are right,” Narcis said in surprise.

“Who is that?” Karin asked.

“He used to be in our unit,” Bacchus explained. “But he caused too much trouble and got kicked out… Looks like he joined the Unicorn Corps. Clever bastard.”

“So, a traitor,” Karin said.

“But he is strong,” Bacchus added quietly. “Be careful.”

Karin’s eyes grew even sharper.

“The Magic Guard really has fallen,” Angelo sneered. “All that is left are fools like you and children. No wonder it is headed for dissolution.”

The knights burst into laughter again.

“Shut up, you traitor. You will get what is coming to you.”

At last, Karin’s hand moved to her wand.

“Hey. If you draw that, even a child will not be forgiven.”

In the suddenly silent tavern, the knight’s voice echoed.

Cendrillon grabbed Karin’s wrist.

“That is enough, Karin.”

“Let go!”

He tried to stop her from causing a scene, but another hand intervened.

“Do not stop him, Cendrillon. He is right. Those people are unforgivable.”

It was Bacchus. Narcis also stood, placing a hand on his wand.

“There are things more important than a pay cut.”

“I challenge you to a duel,” Karin declared, drawing her wand.

For a moment, even the fear in the tavern was forgotten. All eyes were drawn to her poised figure. She stood there with such dignity, it was almost beautiful.

Bacchus and Narcis stepped forward, taking positions at her sides.

“I will issue a challenge as well.”

“As will I.”

The Unicorn Corps members rose to their feet.

“Four on your side, four on ours. Very well, we accept.”

Cendrillon stood up with a weary expression.

“…What a pain. Lady Viviane is going to scold us again.”

Both groups made their way to the courtyard of Saint Christophe Monastery, the same place as before. At this hour, few people passed by, making it an ideal location for a duel.

They stood facing each other at a distance of about fifteen paces.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Karin glared at the Unicorn Corps, ready for battle.

Cendrillon, on the other hand, stood slightly behind them, arms folded, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“Then let us begin. Let me remind you, it was you who issued the challenge. If you die, you have only yourselves to blame,” Angelo said.

Karin stepped forward slowly.

“Enough talk. Come at me.”

“For a child, you have quite the presence. I would enjoy teaching you a lesson, but… my opponent is him— Cendrillon!”

Angelo pointed his wand toward Cendrillon, who stood at the back looking bored.

“I have disliked you for a long time. Always acting so high and mighty! Today, I will send you to your grave.”

He raised his spear-like wand.

Cendrillon was about to sigh and say “What a pain,” when Karin stopped him.

“Hm?”

“I am your opponent!”

“You cannot beat him,” Cendrillon said.

But Karin had already raised her wand and rushed forward. Thanks to the courage spell, she felt invincible. If she defeated Angelo, then Cendrillon would finally stop treating her like a child.

“Right! After Karin!”

Bacchus and Narcis followed.

Angelo clicked his tongue and swung his wand. A massive sphere of air surged forward, threatening to engulf Karin.

But in an instant, she leapt upward, evading it, and came down from above with her wand imbued with “Blade.”

“She is fast!”

Her relentless assault forced Angelo onto the defensive.

At the same time, Bacchus and Narcis engaged their own opponents.

The battle unfolded in dazzling exchanges.

Cendrillon let out a sigh, drew his wand, and faced his opponent, a young man with a dull expression.

Without even stating his name, the man launched a spell. It was water magic, just like Cendrillon’s. In a place without natural water, one had to draw upon moisture in the air.

Several ice arrows shot toward him. Cendrillon, looking annoyed, cast “Blade” and deftly knocked them aside.

The first to finish was Narcis, who specialized in earth magic.

His opponent raised several golems from the ground. Narcis smiled and cast his own summoning spell.

But his golem was not made of earth.

A shining golden figure appeared.

“My Golden Lady! Crush them!”

The three-shaku-tall golem, shaped like a noblewoman, wielded a fan and effortlessly destroyed every earthen golem.

Seeing his constructs annihilated, the opponent immediately raised both hands in surrender.

“Ha! How is that? My Golden Lady! A noblewoman of pure gold!”

“Pure gold? That is brass,” Cendrillon muttered under his breath, then moved.

His own duel ended quickly. With “Blade,” he closed in, his opponent responding in kind. But against a master, it was hopeless. Within three exchanges, the opponent was pushed to the brink.

One more strike would end it.

Cendrillon feinted, thrusting toward the body to force a block, intending to follow up with a strike to the wrist.

That should have decided it.

But instead, the opponent did something unexpected, he leaned forward, completely unguarded.

“You idiot!”

Cendrillon’s strike pierced his chest.

It drove deep into the heart. A fatal blow.

“Damn it… I messed up.”

At that moment, the man, expression unchanged, swung his wand.

“What?”

Cendrillon jumped back. The knight, with a hole in his chest, suddenly sprinted away and vanished into the darkness.

“…What was that?”

There was no mistake, his wand had pierced the man’s heart. Yet the man had moved as if nothing had happened. Even water magic, which governs the body, could not do that.

Cendrillon stood there, stunned.

Bacchus finished next. His opponent, a fire user, was badly burned, and though Bacchus himself was scorched, the other man could not endure it and surrendered.

Bacchus crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

That left Karin.

Angelo was strong. His wind magic, manipulated with surprising finesse for such a large man, sent blades of air slicing toward her. But Karin’s “Gale” was overwhelming, scattering every attack. She toyed with him in the air, using her superior mobility.

Covered in cuts, Angelo finally dropped to one knee.

“Is it over?” Karin asked.

“Not yet!”

Driven into a corner by someone who looked like a child, Angelo’s eyes were bloodshot with frustration.

Certain of her victory, Karin surged forward, her wand wrapped in “Blade.”

But she made a mistake.

“What?!”

Assuming he would only use wind, she had not expected earth magic.

A hand of soil burst from the ground and seized her leg. Angelo, it seemed, could use a bit of earth magic as well.

“Fool! A child like you knows nothing of tactics!”

A massive scythe of air came swinging toward her neck.

“This is bad—!”

At that instant, her courage vanished. The memory of the abyss she had nearly fallen into as a child overlapped with the image of the blade.

“I am going to die—!”

Then suddenly, the weight on her leg disappeared. She felt her body lifted, and then she was on the ground.

“Idiot! Do not get careless!”

Cendrillon.

“You—”

Angelo tried to continue, but the blood loss robbed him of strength. He staggered to his feet, only to collapse again.

Bacchus and Narcis cheered.

“Nice one, Karin!”

“You are incredible! You actually beat Angelo!”

But Karin only bit her lip in shame.

At the very end, she made another mistake. If not for Cendrillon, she would have died.

Beside her, Cendrillon glanced once, then seemed to lose interest, sinking into thought.

The defeated knights gathered around Angelo and began treating his wounds. It looked like his life had been saved. Finally, he let out a weak breath.

But even so, being defeated by someone younger than himself still seemed hard for him to accept; his face remained completely blank.

Bacchus and Narcis picked up their opponents’ wands, snapped them in half, and warned the knights, who were watching in frustration.

“Do not speak ill of the Magic Guard again.”

Karin, her face mixed with regret and the shame of being saved, lowered her head to Cendrillon.

“…Thank you. You saved me.”

But Cendrillon seemed distracted. Only when she spoke did he come back to himself, then he hurried over to Angelo, who was sitting there in a daze.

“Hey! Angelo!”

“…Hmph. What, come to mock me?”

“No! The guy who fought me, what was his name?”

“Oh, Pedro. What was that guy doing, running off like that?”

“Who exactly is he?”

“How should I know? He only joined recently. I am not even sure if that is his real name.”

That was not unusual. Many knights used false names to avoid bringing shame to their families. Cendrillon did the same, and so did Narcis and Bacchus. Even though Cendrillon was close with them, he did not know where they were from.

Cendrillon looked toward the direction where Pedro had disappeared and let out a sigh.

“Hey, what is wrong with you?” Karin asked, puzzled.

“That guy… I stabbed him straight through the chest… but he ran away like nothing happened.”

“Come on! That is impossible!”

“I am not lying. It is true.”

Cendrillon’s serious expression made the others look at each other. Bacchus patted him on the shoulder.

“You are just tired. It probably slipped past his side and looked like that.”

“…And besides, you always drink too much,” Narcis added.

Karin, clearly annoyed, spoke up as well.

“Right. That must be it.”

His complete disregard irritated her, even after he saved her.

“No, that is not it! I am telling you—it went straight through the center of his chest!”

He tried to explain, flustered, but no one listened.

Bacchus and Narcis threw their arms over each other’s shoulders and shouted:

“We are the proud Magic Guard! Oh—!”

“Alright! Let us gather the others and report our victory!”

Narcis shouted, and Bacchus immediately agreed. They picked up the captured wands and started off, with Karin following behind them.

“Hey! Wait for me! You idiots!”

Cendrillon hurried after them.

That night… the members of the Magic Guard were in high spirits over the long-awaited good news. Everyone had been craving a taste of victory. And the fact that their opponents had been the arrogant and detestable Unicorn Corps made it even more satisfying.

Among the stories, Karin’s performance as a trainee became the highlight. “You defeated Angelo! That is incredible!” they said, congratulating her and constantly raising their glasses in her honor.

In that way, Karin was welcomed by the Magic Guard and accepted as one of them.

But…No one believed what Cendrillon said.

Left with no choice, he sat alone and drank quietly.

And then… for some reason, the sensation of stabbing someone earlier that day brought back memories of the past. That “incident,” tucked away in the corner of his mind, began to surface again and again.

“…Damn it.”

He muttered as he kept drinking, but once awakened, the memory would not let him go. Before he knew it, he was completely drunk.

Karin, sipping her drink by herself, noticed Cendrillon had collapsed in a corner of the tavern.

“That guy…”

She felt a headache coming on. Even in a moment like this, he remained shut inside his own world. Looking at his face, a sense of frustration welled up inside her. He held back in their duel, and today, he saved her life.

She could not bring herself to celebrate with everyone else.

At least today… she was the one who lost.

She thought that as long as she used “courage,” there would be no opponent she could not defeat. But that was not true. She could not beat Cendrillon, and she could not beat Angelo.

With that realization, doubt crept into her heart.

…Could she really become a knight like this?

Even as those thoughts filled her mind, Cendrillon lay there, drunk and unconscious.

Karin walked over to Cendrillon and shook his shoulder.

“Hey, who falls asleep in a place like this? Wake up.”

“Mm…”

But he only groaned, as if uncomfortable.

If he threw up here, it would be a complete spectacle. Karin helped him up.

“Come on, let us get some air.”

Saying that, she led him outside.

In his drunken sleep, Cendrillon drifted back into the past.

In the forest of his hometown…

By the spring he loved, resting his head on “her” lap, basking in the sunlight. Strands of bright golden hair brushed against his face, and in his dream, Cendrillon smiled.

“Pierre, what is it? Does it tickle?”

Pierre was his real name, a name he had abandoned in the past… a name no one spoke anymore.

In the dream, he spoke to the golden-haired woman.

“Karinā, your hair is teasing me.”

“Karinā.”

His lover from long ago.

The only woman he had ever loved.

By coincidence, it was also the true name of the girl now calling herself Karin—but Cendrillon did not know that.

In his dreams, she was always wrapped in light. The woman who led him toward paradise, her skin carried a warmth like the sun itself.

In that hazy state, under her gentle, tender gaze, Cendrillon could think of nothing.

“Oh, it is not teasing. I am doing it on purpose.”

“Why?”

“So you will not forget that I am right here.”

Those words pierced his chest. He reached out, and “Karinā” gently took his hand. He lifted himself, drawing his lips closer to hers…

Karin led Cendrillon into a deserted alley. She did not want passersby to see a member of the Magic Guard in such a disgraceful state. Their reputation was bad enough already.

“Hey, get it together.”

She scolded him as he staggered. Honestly… why did this man have to drink so much?

He had so much ability… was he not just wasting it like this?

If only he drank less.

As she was thinking that, Cendrillon suddenly murmured:

“…na.”

Karin froze.

“Hey, what did you just say?”

She leaned closer, wanting to be sure. Her pink hair brushed against his cheek.

“…Karina.”

This time, she heard it clearly.

There was no mistake, he called her by her real name. Why? How did he know? As those thoughts ran through her mind, her heart began to race.

“How do you know that name—”

Just as she asked, Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her by the neck.

“Mm—!”

It took her a moment to understand what was happening.

His lips… were pressed against hers.

By the time she realized it, a full ten seconds had already passed.

Her lips felt sealed.

Sealed… by his lips.

What? A kiss? What was happening? Was she… being kissed?

The meaning of the word finally caught up with her and exploded in her mind. Her face burned.

A kiss… she was being kissed… no, more precisely—her first kiss was stolen.

It was the first kiss of her life. She had never imagined something like this would happen, and her thoughts spun into complete chaos.

Anyway—!

Now was not the time to blush or panic!

Karin twisted her body, trying to break free, but the more she struggled, the tighter Cendrillon held her, pressing her firmly against himself.
[[File:ZNTso1 163.jpg|thumb]]
“Ughhhhhhhhh…!”

As expected of a man’s strength, if she could use magic it would be another matter, but as she was now, she could not escape at all. As she struggled, Cendrillon held her down with force and precision, then pushed her onto the ground.

“Stay by my side… always.”

Cendrillon said it with intense eyes. Struck by that gaze, Karin found herself nodding before she realized it.

But the next instant, understanding what that meant, she hurriedly shook her head.

“N-no… that did not count!”

In the dim alley, Cendrillon’s hand moved.

“—!”

Karin’s eyes went wide.

In his dream, Cendrillon lost himself in Karinā’s lips, hungrily deepening the kiss, his tongue tracing inside her mouth. It was a kiss so vivid and intense it hardly felt like a dream. Karinā’s lips responded just as fervently, her body seeming to try to slip free from his grasp.

When he finally pulled back, he murmured:

“Stay by my side… always.”

Karin’s body froze.

Cendrillon’s hand moved to Karinā’s chest—

—but there was no soft fullness. Only a flat, smooth plane.

“Karinā?”

The moment he said it, the haze of drunkenness shattered, and reality came rushing back.

“…Ka… Karin?”

Karin trembled beneath his hand—his housemate, the “boy” apprentice of the Magic Guard. All color drained from Cendrillon’s face.

“N-no way… I…”

Karin’s face trembled, on the verge of tears.

I messed up…!

Mistaking him for his past lover, he had kissed this “boy”… and even—

“My… my chest… you touched it…”

“I—I am sorry.”

“And… and you kissed me…”

Karin said, her voice shaking.

“I am really… sorry.”

This was bad. Even if it was a drunken mistake… it was still with a boy! No matter how beautiful he looked—he was still a boy!

Karin shoved Cendrillon away.

Then, clutching her chest, she ran off.

…This is bad. He must have been completely shocked.

I have to clear this up later.

But… what was that dream?

The memory of it lingered in his mind.

Cendrillon let out a long breath.

It felt too real.

“Karinā.”

That name carried so much within it—joy, despair… and a sin that refused to fade.

A sin he could never forget.

Something like a lump rose in his throat, making it hard to breathe.

''Forgive me.''

He whispered it, but knowing those words would never reach her only drove him deeper into despair. Cendrillon buried his face in his hands and let out a heavy sigh.

'''Chapter 6 - Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache'''

Within the royal palace of Tristainia, the current king, Philip III, stared gloomily at the chessboard before him. A man in his late thirties, he possessed gleaming golden hair, carefully groomed beard, and a powerfully built frame befitting his epithet: the ''Hero King''.

His sharply carved features resembled an ancient marble sculpture, radiating an imposing dignity.

The heroic figure who had once personally led an army and crushed the mighty Germanian forces upon the lands of La Valliere still remained unmistakable.

And yet, that face now lacked vitality.

His brows remained tightly furrowed as he occasionally nodded, pretending to listen to the words of the chancellor. In truth, however, not a single sentence carried meaning inside Philip III’s mind. The man’s speech flowed through one ear and out the other like the prayers of some foreign religion.

“Your Majesty, are you truly listening to what I am saying?”

The one who spoke was a narrow-eyed man with black hair slicked neatly backward, around twenty-five or twenty-six years of age.

Though he wore black clerical robes that made him resemble a priest, the military wand hanging from his waist and the sharpness in his gaze gave him the aura of a battlefield commander rather than a holy man. And upon closer inspection, every piece of clothing he wore was clearly a luxurious custom-made article. Even the silver-glimmering wand at his side was finer than the one possessed by the king himself.

This man was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, Chancellor of the Kingdom of Tristain.

“If there is anything Your Majesty finds questionable, I ask that you please say so openly.”

He bowed respectfully, his tone perfectly courteous.

“No matter whether I find something questionable or not, there is hardly any room for me to interrupt, is there?”

“How could Your Majesty say such a thing? You are the king of this nation.”

“The king? You mean me? A man whose only role is nodding approval at whatever policies you present is called a king?”

Philip spoke with open sarcasm, while Eustache merely smiled.

“Without the glory of Your Majesty, the kingdom could never prosper as it does. Especially not through the efforts of someone as insignificant as myself...”

The king grimaced bitterly at those words.

Philip III was an unparalleled warrior. Wand in hand, he could scatter armies single-handedly. Leading troops, he had never once known defeat. He was a Hero King destined to be recorded in the history of Halkeginia itself.

But Heaven withheld from him a talent for politics.

Under Philip III’s reign, the strength of Tristain had steadily declined year after year. Naturally so, when his policies consisted of little more than reckless improvisation: introducing laws on a whim, increasing taxes without foresight, even waging wars merely to preserve appearances...

And just as the fury of the people neared its breaking point.

The man who slammed the brakes on the kingdom’s collapse appeared. It was Eustache.

With astonishing dexterity, the Grand Duke took control of Tristain’s politics, diplomacy, and economy, carrying out reform after reform until the kingdom finally regained its former prosperity.

Yet none of that amused Philip III in the slightest.

The Hero King possessed pride worthy of his title.

But no matter what argument he raised, he could never outtalk Eustache. Eventually, their disputes had devolved into little more than childish sulking, and by now Philip scarcely even wished to voice opinions anymore.

Still, resentment lingered in his heart, leading him to occasional acts of childish rebellion. During gambling nights, for instance, he became absurdly competitive over cards. Or at ballroom festivals, he would try to outshine the Grand Duke.

Yet even if he managed to defeat Eustache in such trivial matters, the satisfaction lasted only moments before the inferiority returned once again.

“That is enough. Handle all political matters however you please. More importantly, it is your move.”

Philip III gestured toward the chessboard.

Eustache moved a piece with complete indifference, whereupon the king once more sank into thought.

“Your Majesty, there is another proposal I wish to present—”

“Stop dancing around it. Call it what it really is: an order.”

Philip snapped irritably.

Eustache narrowed his eyes. Though still young, his face possessed frightening sharpness.

“You wound me with such words... What I wished to discuss concerns the Unicorn Guard currently responsible for protecting Your Majesty.”

“Oh? That rigid bunch who act like templars? What about them?”

“I wish to offer them to Your Majesty.”

“What?”

Philip raised his head, only to shake it immediately with displeasure.

“No need.”

“And why is that?”

“I already have the Royal Mage Guard.”

“Is that not the force whose numbers now resemble a comb with missing teeth?”

“That is why they are currently being reorganized, or so I have been told. Once sufficient numbers have gathered again, I intend to return them to active guard duty. I have no need for a new royal guard.”

“I have heard the recruits consist mostly of thugs and street rabble. Frankly speaking, I often wonder whether a collection of criminals can truly serve as Your Majesty’s protectors. If they were dissolved entirely, the kingdom could even spare itself unnecessary expenses.”

Philip III’s brows tightened sharply.

He still held deep attachment toward the Royal Mage Guard that had protected him for so many years. It was a knightly order passed down from his ancestors, steeped in tradition. Furthermore, although its captain Jervul now lay ill, he had once been Philip’s own mentor in the art of the wand.

Disbanding them had never once crossed his mind.

“Do not be ridiculous! Listen well, Eustache. I will tolerate almost anything you say because I know well enough that you are smarter than I am. But the Royal Mage Guard is another matter entirely! Once their numbers recover, they will return to guard duty. On this point alone, I will never compromise.”

Grand Duke Eustache slowly shook his head.

“Even so... if they are to guard Your Majesty, they must be an elite force. Even after reorganization, there is no guarantee the old veterans will return. My Unicorn Guard, on the other hand, consists solely of carefully selected warriors. I understand Your Majesty’s attachment to the Royal Mage Guard, but if something were to happen to your safety, the consequences would be irreparable.”

Philip fell silent with a low grunt.

Everything Eustache said was correct.

And yet, his pride could not bear the thought of even his personal guard being manipulated at the Grand Duke’s whim.

“There is no need to worry. True warriors still remain among them.”

“Warriors, you say? Does Your Majesty know what members of the Royal Mage Guard did at an inn just the other day? They violently attacked innocent Germanians. To avoid causing an international incident, the Germanians reportedly did not even draw their wands. Truly pitiable. And yet your guards continued beating them regardless. Counting both serious and minor injuries, there were over ten victims. The ambassador has lodged severe protests.”

Philip stroked his beard with obvious annoyance.

“They have already been punished. I ordered their wages reduced. Besides, calling the Germanians innocent is nonsense. I heard they struck first.”

“Ah, well, these matters always become a matter of conflicting stories. Neither side ever admits fault. In any case, if your guard consists merely of violent men eager to brawl with foreigners, that is rather troubling...”

At that very moment, a young page burst into the chamber.

“Your Majesty! Terrible news!”

“What is it, Dipere?”

The page glanced nervously toward Eustache.

“There is no need to hesitate,” Philip said mockingly. “Even if you tried hiding something from the Chancellor, he would discover it soon enough anyway.”

Even such blatant sarcasm failed to disturb Eustache’s calm expression.

“T-Then I shall report it! It seems members of Your Majesty’s Royal Mage Guard have violently clashed with Grand Duke Eustache’s Unicorn Guard!”

“What?”

Philip III’s eyes widened in shock.

And for the first time, even Grand Duke Eustache’s brows drew sharply together.

“And then? What happened afterward? Which side won?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! It appears the Royal Mage Guard emerged victorious. Four against fourб and every one of them won! They even displayed the enemy wands they seized as trophies and held a celebration afterward!”

Light gradually returned to Philip III’s face, though he quickly forced himself back into a stern expression.

“Hmph! I see! But fighting against the personal guard of our greatly esteemed Chancellor is unacceptable! And holding a celebration afterward is even worse! Put a stop to it immediately! At once!”

Even so, the delight in his heart could not quite be concealed, and he kept sneaking glances toward Grand Duke Eustache.

“I see now, Chancellor. Perhaps you truly were correct after all! What an utterly troublesome group they are!”

The page seemed to grow more excited as well, puffing out his chest as though boasting about his own achievements while continuing the report.

“Yes! And among them was apparently a mere trainee boy! Yet he moved like the wind itself and even defeated Sir Angelo!”

“What? Angelo? I have heard he was an exceptional fighter!”

“That is exactly the case! And this youth may not even have reached fifteen years of age yet!”

Philip III could not help clapping his hands.

“What a splendid young man! He sounds exactly like I did in my youth!”

Then he turned toward Eustache with open pride still written across his face. The king seemed overwhelmingly delighted that his own royal guard defeated the Grand Duke’s elite force.

“Honestly, the Royal Mage Guard are nothing but violent brats who constantly cause trouble. But yes, I see it now—if they were weak, they could never hope to protect me. Just as you said earlier.”

Grand Duke Eustache lowered his head deeply, while Philip III turned toward Dipere.

“This troublesome bunch clearly requires personal discipline from me. Tomorrow, bring those brave warriors... no, those unruly ruffians before me. Understood?”

Dipere bowed and hurried out of the chamber at once, while Eustache himself also prepared to leave.

“Then, Your Majesty, it is nearly time for you to rest. I shall take my leave now...”

“Mm. Good work! Ah, Eustache—provide some compensation in my name to the wounded members of your guard. Tell them to rest well!”

Philip III said this with a broad smile.

After leaving the palace, Grand Duke Eustache stepped into the waiting carriage at the royal coach station. Heavy curtains covered the windows so that nobody could peer inside.

The carriage began moving silently the moment he sat down. Behind it rode two unicorn knights serving as escorts.

“Have you finished saying everything you needed to say?”

The woman seated opposite him spoke once they left the palace grounds.

She was a beautiful young woman around eighteen or nineteen years old. Her long golden hair fell in soft curls nearly to her waist. Gentle drooping eyes and soft, supple cheeks gave her an irresistibly warm charm.

Her full feminine figure was wrapped in black nun’s robes, and the overall image radiated maternal tenderness... like a saint stepping forth from a religious painting.

“Novelle, things have become troublesome. It seems the Royal Mage Guard actually won. That fool Angelo knew only how to boast.”

The woman called Novelle smiled sweetly. It was the sort of warm and gentle smile capable of capturing the heart of any man who saw it.

“My, just as I expected. Those three cannot really be dealt with through ordinary means.”

“So it is them again...”

“Yes, those same violent little troublemakers from before. There are hardly any spirited people left besides them anymore. As long as they remain, it will be difficult to completely uproot the Royal Mage Guard.”

Her expression resembled that of an older sister delighted by the exploits of her younger brothers.

“And the ‘puppet’ I borrowed from you turned out to be useless.”

“What?! You already deployed him? How impatient you are!”

A strange glimmer shone briefly in her eyes, causing Eustache to shake his head.

“Of course I did not reveal his true nature to anyone. I simply had him mixed into the ranks disguised as a knight. It was also meant as a form of experiment.”

“Honestly... I kept wondering how you intended to use him. Did I not already tell you? ‘Puppets’ are only effective when used in groups. Sending out a single one accomplishes nothing at all.”

“I know,” Eustache replied bitterly.

“But how marvelous! Men like them truly deserve to be called heroes!”

Novelle sounded genuinely delighted.

“You seem awfully fond of them.”

“Yes, I rather like them. Despite possessing such strength, they still stubbornly remain with the Royal Mage Guard instead of abandoning it. Everyone else fled long ago.”

“What incomprehensible fools. If they were merely a little more clever, they could live far better lives...”

“But is that not exactly what makes them charming? To ignore profit and loss for the sake of something more important. Men ought to be like that.”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“Still, it seems it is not only those three.”

“What do you mean?”

“There appears to be another—a trainee boy. Apparently he was the one who defeated Angelo.”

“My! What an extraordinary child! To defeat Sir Angelo... I would dearly love to meet him.”

Watching Novelle’s innocent delight, Eustache could only smile wryly.

“Honestly, sometimes I cannot tell which side you belong to.”

“What are you saying? Of course I stand on Your Grace’s side. Though enjoyment is an entirely separate matter... that is all.”

“This is not some game. In any case, the Unicorn Guard must become the official royal guard as quickly as possible.”

Eustache glanced sideways toward the woman beside him.

“I am an impatient man, Novelle. That is why I wish to entrust something to you.”

“I am not particularly good at staging ‘accidents’ or manipulating people into provoking riots and brawls, you know. I am not nearly clever enough for such things.”

For a brief moment, Novelle wore the innocent expression of an ordinary young woman while saying something utterly horrifying.

“There is no need to worry about details. We no longer have time. How you accomplish it is up to you, but failure is unacceptable.”

“Plans are always vulnerable to the whims of the god known as ‘disharmony.’ For humans to pursue perfection is rather beyond our place, don’t you think?”

“And yet, I know you can do it.”

Eustache spoke those words because he fully understood that the woman sitting before him was among the most terrifying individuals on the continent of Halkeginia.

“My, my... it seems I have been greatly overestimated.”

Novelle replied in a voice overflowing with delight.

'''Chapter 7 - Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience'''

The morning after Cendrillon and Karin dueled with Angelo and the Unicorn Guard, then ended up kissing after Cendrillon got completely drunk at the victory celebration…

Enduring a pounding headache, Cendrillon dragged himself into the living room. Last night, after a messenger from the palace arrived and forced the celebration to disperse, he returned home and immediately collapsed into bed.

In the living room, Karin silently gnawed on a piece of bread. Ever since what had happened the night before, she ignored everything Cendrillon tried to say.

“H-hey…”

Cendrillon awkwardly greeted her, while Karin bit her lip, fists clenched on her knees, cheeks slightly red.

This is bad… he thinks I am into men…

That was the misunderstanding Cendrillon arrived at. Well, after the way he acted last night, he could hardly blame her.

At any rate, he had to clear things up.

“Listen, Karin. I was really drunk last night. I am sorry for doing something so disrespectful to you.”

“…………”

Karin silently chewed her bread and turned her face away.

“It is true that I dislike women… but that does not mean I like men. I want you to understand that.”

After saying only that much, Cendrillon began eating his bread as well.

“Th-then…”

Karin asked in a trembling voice.

“Why would you do something like that to me?”

Cendrillon hesitated over how to answer. He had no intention of speaking about his former lover, much less admitting that he mistook the boy before him for the woman from his dreams.

“Well… I was drunk. For a moment, I mistook you for a woman.”

“…But you hate women, do you not?”

“That is true…”

“So actually you really like women after all. Liar.”

Cendrillon replied helplessly:

“…It is not that I like just anyone.”

Karin glanced at him and felt her face heating up again.

After all, he had suddenly done something like that to her. Of course she could not stop thinking about it.

And on top of that, he had touched her chest at the end. Unforgivable…!

But at the same time, the frustration of not being able to get angry openly irritated her even more. A man would not get angry over having his chest touched.

“Karina.”

Cendrillon had definitely said that name.

Could it be… that he really knew her true name?

If he knew, and liked her despite that, was that why he did such a thing?

But if that was true, then her identity as a woman had already been exposed… and surely he would have asked why she was pretending to be a boy.

Yet judging from his attitude, he did not seem to suspect her real identity at all.

So then… was it really another woman’s name?

The thought alone irritated her. Why am I even worrying about something like this? Whatever!

Karin turned away and left the room to head for duty.

“H-hey! I am coming too!”

A flustered Cendrillon hurried after her.

When the two of them arrived at Lord Jebal’s estate, something unexpected awaited them. Vivian suddenly summoned them over and informed them of something almost dreamlike.

“What did you say? His Majesty wishes to see us?”

Even Cendrillon sounded surprised. Beside him stood Bacchus and Narcis, who have also just arrived and been called in.

All of them wore tense expressions. That was only natural—a mere knight being personally summoned by King Philip III was an extremely rare thing.

“That is right. It seems he has something to say about last night’s incident.”

Karin’s face turned pale. Did they anger the king with their duel with the Grand Duke’s Unicorn Guard? Even Cendrillon looked confused.

Watching them, Vivian smiled bitterly.

“Honestly… this is why I told you all to behave yourselves.”

It was possible that everyone present would be punished because of what she had done. Karin stepped forward and declared loudly:

“The duel was proposed by me! The other three only became involved because of me! If there is blame to be placed, then place it on me alone!”

Vivian merely smiled.

“You can tell that directly to His Majesty. Honestly, do not stiffen up so much. What is done is done. I understand His Majesty’s temperament well enough, this might even turn out to be interesting.”

The four of them, together with Vivian, boarded a carriage sent from the palace and headed toward the royal court.

Karin could barely sit still. Her fate was about to be decided. If she displeased the king… wouldn’t everything come crashing down?

With a mixture of admiration and anxiety, Karin gazed at the royal palace she was seeing for the first time. Beyond the gates stretched a vast courtyard. The hedges and trees were carefully trimmed into the shapes of knights and dragons, and at the center of the circular carriage court stood a fountain rhythmically spraying water into the air.

The palace itself towered overhead with overwhelming grandeur. Streams of water—deeply tied to the royal family of Tristain—flowed down the walls and connected with the fountain below.

A palace of water…

That was the impression Karin had.

After stepping out of the carriage, the four were not taken to an audience chamber, but instead guided to what seemed to be a back room near the attendants’ quarters.

Passing through a low doorway, they entered a space that resembled a hidden chamber. The walls were draped with layers of satin, and inside stood several chairs and a small desk. Everything was luxurious enough to belong within a palace.

Vivian looked perfectly calm, as though she was here many times before, while Karin felt as if her heart might leap from her chest.

In any case, her fate would be decided within the next few minutes. Even if she angered the king, she at least wanted to stand proudly before him, so she forced herself to straighten her posture.

Beside her, Bacchus and Narcis also looked extremely nervous, while Cendrillon wore the same sleepy expression he always did.

Then, suddenly, the moment arrived.

The satin curtain was drawn aside, and the king appeared.

For the first time in her life, Karin saw Philip III.

The figure of the “Hero King” she has always admired matched her imagination perfectly—a magnificent and imposingly handsome man. Behind him stood a young black-haired man in priestly robes, with a cold and severe expression.

Philip III slowly swept his sharp gaze across the four of them. That alone was enough to make Karin feel as if she might die from tension.

“Vivian, are these the troublesome little hooligans you spoke of? The violent criminals who beat up the poor Unicorn Guards?”

Philip III asked in a strong voice. It was slightly higher-pitched than Karin imagined. Just hearing those words made her feel as though she was cast straight into hell.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

After Vivian answered calmly, Philip III frowned.

“What audacious fools! To think that knights belonging to ''my'' royal guard would use violence against the Grand Duke’s honored retainers! Apologize to the Grand Duke at once and accept your punishment!”

Karin’s face went pale. She did anger the king!

But just as Cendrillon stepped forward, about to apologize, Karin remembered Vivian’s earlier words:

“Tell His Majesty directly.”

So Karin stopped him.

“Karin?”

Then, gathering her courage, she straightened her back proudly and declared:

“Please direct the punishment at me alone! I was the one who proposed the duel! The other three were only dragged into it because of me!”

At the sight of the beautiful young knight standing there so boldly, Philip III seemed barely able to contain himself. The strict mask he had been forcing onto his face cracked for a moment, and he let out an admiring exclamation.

“What an excellent young person! Well, Grand Duke, what do you think? Do you truly wish to punish such a splendid youth? Hmm? What is your opinion?”

At the word “Grand Duke,” Karin realized that the black-haired young noble before her was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, the Chancellor himself.

The two greatest men in the kingdom stood before her.

Karin bowed deeply to the Grand Duke.

“I sincerely apologize for injuring your guards.”

The Grand Duke gave a bored snort and turned his gaze away from Karin toward Philip III.

“I never intended to punish them in the first place. Interfering in quarrels between knights would only make me appear petty. Besides, was it not Your Majesty who summoned me here demanding apologies?”

“So then, we may call the matter settled, yes? Ah, I would never show favoritism simply because they are my own guards. One cannot set a good example that way.”

“As Your Majesty wishes. Now then, I still have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

The Grand Duke departed coldly.

It seemed the danger passed, and Karin quietly pressed a hand to her chest in relief. Vivian, Bacchus, and the others looked much the same.

Then, the moment the Grand Duke disappeared from sight, Philip III’s attitude changed completely. Overflowing with excitement, he practically bounced around the room.

“Now then! My brave warriors! Tell me everything about the duel!”

He eagerly demanded every last detail.

Karin and the others were dumbfounded by the king’s sudden change in demeanor. The four of them described the duel, while Philip III repeatedly urged them to go into even greater detail.

Apparently, the king—who was constantly overshadowed by the Grand Duke—was absolutely delighted that his own royal guards defeated the Grand Duke’s retainers. His earlier anger had merely been an act. As he listened, it was as though memories of charging across battlefields in his youth had resurfaced, and he listened with the enthusiasm of a child.

The part he enjoyed most was Karin defeating Angelo.

“Ohhh! So it truly was you who defeated Angelo!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Though still young, this one possesses extraordinary mastery over wind magic. I heard he danced through the air while cutting Angelo to pieces…”

Vivian spoke as though she had witnessed it herself.

“I too excel in wind magic. I see now—truly the element of heroes.”

Receiving such praise from the king filled Karin with joy.

To think she would actually be praised by the king himself…

“Listen well, my brave warriors. I adore young nobles such as yourselves—strong, spirited, and loyal. From this day onward, continue to stand as my friends. I ask this of you.”

As he spoke, Philip III extended his hand to each of them. The honor of kissing the king’s hand was exceedingly rare, and the members of the Magic Guard nervously kissed the back of it one by one.

“You have all shown exceptional courage and loyalty to me. Therefore, accept this.”

Philip III summoned an attendant and personally handed Karin a leather pouch.

Inside was a heap of gold coins.

Karin bowed deeply.

“Well then… I still have matters to attend to… I must be going now. Ah, yes!”

Apparently remembering something, Philip III called for another attendant.

“Bring Mariana here.”

A young girl of around twelve or thirteen was soon led into the room. She had brilliant chestnut hair and large bright eyes. Yet at a glance, it was obvious she was no ordinary girl. Every movement carried the natural grace and gentleness of someone born to be served by others.

“Father, you called for me?”

The girl lifted her skirt and curtsied politely.

Standing beside Karin, Narcis murmured quietly:

“…Princess Mariana.”

Karin nearly let out a startled yelp. This girl was none other than Princess Marianna, the only daughter of Philip III, said to be showered with endless affection.

“...She’s truly beautiful.”

Bacchys spoke in a tone as if he were witnessing a dream. He looked ready to throw himself to the ground before her at any second, so Karin forcefully stomped on his foot.

Indeed, though she was only just about to turn thirteen, her beauty already stood far above others her age. The princess noticed the knights standing nearby and smiled.

“Father, who are these people?”

“They are the knights who will be serving as your guards starting today.”

At those words, the members of the squad exchanged stunned looks.

They were going to guard the princess?

“You are currently being reorganized anyway, are you not? I cannot yet assign you to serve as my own royal guard, but protecting the princess should pose no problem.”

Then he turned toward Marianna.

“My daughter, did you not say you wanted your own guards?”

“Yes! Because I really dislike that Eustache fellow, so naturally I dislike his guard corps too. Just having them come near me is unpleasant enough, and then they shamelessly ride unicorns on top of that! Besides, shouldn’t unicorns belong exclusively to me? Why would Father ever approve something like that?”

What a blunt princess.

Originally, unicorns were meant to be used only by princesses of the kingdom, generally for royal carriages and similar purposes. However, when Grand Duke Eustache established his personal guard corps, he requested permission from Philip III to use unicorns as riding beasts.

Considering the Grand Duke’s achievements, Philip III had little choice but to grant the request.

“There are various reasons for it. You will understand someday.”

“He’s such an unpleasant man!”

“You must not say such things so loudly. The Chancellor has done a great many things for me and for our kingdom.”

Marianna turned her gaze toward the knights.

The moment she noticed Karin, her cheeks gradually flushed red. Karin’s appearance, beautiful enough to resemble a remarkably handsome young nobleman, seemed to capture Marianna’s heart instantly.

Walking up close to Karin, Marianna tilted her head slightly.

It was a gesture meaning: ''State your name.''

“My name is Karin Désirée de Maillart. It is the greatest honor to be entrusted with the protection of Your Highness.”

Karin spoke with utmost seriousness.

“How wonderful! So your name is Sir Karin? What a beautiful guardian knight! I’ve already taken a liking to you! Father, thank you very much!”

Marianna declared this with a radiant smile.

“But Karin is still only a trainee. Is it truly acceptable to entrust such an important duty to him?”

Vivian said this, and Philip III nodded.

“Did he not defeat Angelo? If he possesses the skill, what problem is there? If he serves well as the princess’s guard, he will surely rise quickly through the ranks. Before long, he should become a proper knight. Work hard.”

Hearing such words from the king himself, Karin felt as though she might float into the sky. At that moment, it felt as though a glorious future was already decided for her.
[[File:ZNTso1 188.jpg|thumb]]
“Y-Yes! I would gladly give my life for this duty!”

“M-M-M-My name is Bacchus! Thank you so much for this supreme honor!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bacchus could no longer contain himself and dropped to his knees at the princess’s feet, tears already streaming down his face. Most people would probably have been frightened by such behavior, yet Marianna, worthy of being a princess of an entire kingdom, merely smiled calmly.

“I look forward to working with you,” she said.

'''Chapter 8 — Cendrillon’s past'''

Ever since being assigned to guard Princess Marianna, Karin’s arrogance had reached unbearable levels.

After all, the Royal Mage Guard still stood on the verge of dissolution, and because of that, the other members constantly praised and flattered him. Karin herself seemed to enjoy the treatment, gradually carrying herself with ever greater confidence.

Cendrillon, however, could not help feeling uneasy about it all.

Certainly, Karin possessed remarkable talent, and her judgment in battle was excellent.

But… the inexperience that came with youth gave off an unmistakably dangerous feeling. It was the same during their duel, and the same during the fight with Angelo.

''If I didn’t save him back then, he would already be dead.''

And there was something else that bothered him.

Before every duel, Karin would always lick the palm of his left hand. The moment she finished that motion, the trembling appropriate for someone her age would vanish instantly, replaced by eerie calmness.

Cendrillon had no idea what kind of spell it might be, yet the gesture lingered unpleasantly in his mind.

In any case, so far the guard duty itself did not involve any real danger. Once they reached the palace, all they really did was trail after the princess wherever she pleased.

There were no signs of imminent war, and thanks to Grand Duke Eustache’s political skill, the citizens showed little unrest. There was no particular danger to speak of, and yet…

Today as well, Princess Marianna specifically requested Karin accompany her on a walk through town. The princess seemed extremely fond of sneaking out incognito.

Accompanied by only a handful of guards, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. She was remarkably good at disguises too—dressed as an ordinary street girl and with her hairstyle changed, she looked exactly like a native child of Tristainia.

Cendrillon and Karin followed several paces behind her. Meanwhile, the princess darted around restlessly like a puppy, constantly making them nervous.

Suddenly, Marianna tried to enter a particularly unsavory-looking area, prompting Cendrillon to step closer and whisper quietly into her ear.

“Your Highness, this is not exactly a respectable district, so…”

But Marianna merely smiled and grabbed Karin by the wrist.

“With Karin here, there is nothing to worry about.”

“Hm?”

Marianna looked up at Karin with innocent eyes.

“No matter what kind of enemy appears, Karin will defeat them all, won’t he?”

Karin puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

After the mission ended, Cendrillon spoke to Karin with a bitter expression the moment they returned home.

“You need to stop getting carried away.”

“What do you mean?”

“What would you have done if something happened after bringing the princess into such a place?”

“There’s no way I’d lose to people like that.”

Karin answered stubbornly.

“Under normal circumstances, a mere knight apprentice would never be entrusted with guarding the princess. It’s better to remain cautious. Be careful.”

Hearing that, Karin lowered his head resentfully.

There was another source of unease weighing on Cendrillon’s mind.

The knight whose chest had been pierced during the duel with Angelo’s group, yet continued fighting as though nothing had happened. Nobody believed that story no matter how many times he told it. Afterward, he had even asked Lady Vivian to investigate the Unicorn Corps, but the knight named Pedro vanished completely after that night.

No matter how he thought about it, something was wrong.

Something bad was happening.

And yet if he spoke about it, everyone merely dismissed it as “the ramblings of a drunkard.” That frustrated him deeply.

Karin, meanwhile, found herself dissatisfied with Cendrillon for entirely different reasons.

For all the lofty things the man said, he was still just a drunkard. Worse, whenever he got drunk, he mistook Karin for someone named “Karina.”

Tonight, the same thing happened again.

As usual, by midnight Cendrillon became completely dead drunk, forcing Karin to drag him onto the bed.

And once again, Cendrillon murmured:

“...Karina…”

''There he goes again.''

Karin glared down at him coldly.

“Who exactly is that supposed to be?”

Me? Or someone else?

The question bothered her unbearably.

“Hey… why do you know that name?”

The demand slipped out before she could stop herself.

Then Cendrillon muttered softly:

“...I’m sorry…”

His face burning hot as he apologized.

“W-Why are you apologizing? Why do you know that name…?”

Karin tried to continue, only for her words to be abruptly cut short as Cendrillon nearly pressed their lips together.

Startled, Karin shoved him away.

“You… what exactly are you…”

“Forgive me…”

“Y-You idiot… if you’re going to apologize, then don’t do things like that.”

Karin’s voice trembled, but before she knew it, Cendrillon had already pulled her tightly into his arms.

“...Who exactly is Karina?”

There was no answer.

''So that means… it really is me?''

“W-Why are you doing this?”

The question escaped her again.

This infuriating man who treated her carelessly despite her incredible skill… this hopeless drunkard who acted as though everyone around him were fools…

And yet now he clung to Karin with the defenselessness of a child.

“...Do you know my true identity?”

“...I do.”

''What? He knows?''

Which meant her secret really had been exposed?

But how?

D-Don’t tell me…

Karin’s imagination immediately spiraled out of control.

The drunken Cendrillon, deeply curious about the gender of someone as beautiful as Karin…

Karin herself, fast asleep…

A hand quietly reaching over… pulling aside her clothes…

“...!”

'''Unforgivable.'''

“T-This… pervert… you degenerate man-eating monster…”

Karin trembled with fury. ''I’ll beat him senseless, freeze him solid, boil him alive with magic, tear him apart with wind spells—''

Just as those thoughts filled her mind—

“Don’t leave… Please… it’s my fault…”

The near-tearful voice stopped Karin’s hand.

“D-Don’t say things like that in that sort of voice…”

A pathetic man with drunken, unfocused eyes.

Someone who once said he had “nowhere left to go.”

“...D-Don’t tell anyone… about me…”

Karin whispered that quietly, and Cendrillon nodded.

For some reason, seeing him behave with such childlike innocence caused Karin’s anger to fade.

And then suddenly, their lips met again.

Karin desperately tried to pull away, but Cendrillon was far too skilled at kissing. Every movement of his tongue gradually drained the strength from Karin’s body little by little.

Before long, all strength left him entirely, and Karin collapsed back against the bed.

“N-No…” she protested weakly, but Cendrillon’s body pressed down over her. Karin wanted to blast him away with magic, kick him off, punch him, yet her limbs refused to obey him.

Still, she absolutely did ''not'' want to be attacked like this. It wasn’t as though she liked Cendrillon or anything. Her body simply froze every time the man suddenly forced himself close like this.

Just as tears threatened to spill—

“Grrr…”

Snoring.

Cendrillon fell asleep directly on top of her.

Face burning bright red, Karin smacked Cendrillon on the head repeatedly, but the drunken man never even opened his eyes.

And once morning came, Cendrillon would inevitably forget everything that happened the night before. He probably had no awareness whatsoever that every night, once drunk, he ended up embracing Karin like he had during the victory celebration.

But had he truly discovered Karin’s real identity, and then unconsciously embraced her in his drunk state?

Or…

Was he really mistaking Karin for somebody else after all?

Unable to stop thinking about it, Karin finally decided to ask Bacchus and Narcis directly.

“Do either of you know someone named Karina?”

At Lady Vivian’s estate, Karin asked the question while Cendrillon was absent.

“Who’s that supposed to be?” Bacchus asked.

“...Every night, Cendrillon keeps saying that name.”

“Hm. Well, it sounds like a woman’s name, so it’s probably a woman, right?”

“That much is obvious.”

Then Narcis gave a more thoughtful answer.

“Maybe it’s the name of a woman from his past?”

“I-Is that so?”

Narcis tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Come to think of it, I vaguely remember hearing something about why he joined the Royal Mage Guard... Though he was drunk at the time, so he probably doesn’t even remember talking about it himself.”

“Tell me.”

Karin urged him on eagerly, and Narcis continued.

“Apparently, he was betrayed by the woman he was engaged to, and then ran away from home because of it... Though I don’t know the details.”

Hearing that, Karin clenched his fists.

''What a pathetic man.''

To think his reason for joining the Royal Mage Guard was getting dumped by a lover!

And this was the same man who lectured her about immaturity.

Then came the realization that “Karina” was not referring to her, but to another woman instead, and anger began welling up endlessly inside her. She had vaguely suspected as much already, but hearing it stated outright somehow made it far more infuriating.

If Cendrillon mistook her for another woman and because of that not only kissed her, but even touched her chest…

'''Unforgivable.'''

Because of such a misunderstanding, even her first kiss had been tainted!

No, wait. She had already decided long ago that she would never lose her head over something as foolish as romance, didn’t she? So why should something like a first kiss matter?

That was what her mind insisted.

And yet she was still furious.

But even if she confronted Cendrillon about it, what would happen?

''Why are you angry? I already apologized for the kissing. Besides, you’re a man, aren’t you? Stop making such a big deal out of it.''

Most likely, Cendrillon would just say something like that and end the conversation.

Once Karin imagined that, she found herself unable even to complain properly, left to silently stew in frustration alone.

While she was lost in those thoughts, Lady Vivian suddenly appeared and called out to them.

“Karin! Narcis! Bacchus! And Cendrillon too! Are you all here?!”

“Y-Yes!”

The three of them straightened immediately.

“A messenger from the princess has arrived. You are to accompany Her Highness to Deauville tomorrow.”

Deauville was a health resort near the sea, roughly three days away by horseback.

“Deauville? What for?” Bacchus asked.

“It seems to be a pleasure trip. Since Her Highness intends to travel incognito, you will not be using magical beasts. You will ride there on horseback instead. Command authority will belong to Cendrillon. Make sure he understands that. That is all.”

After relaying only those instructions, Vivian hurried away.

To be chosen as attendants on a royal journey!

That could only mean they were deeply trusted.

Karin felt excitement burning hot inside her chest.

After returning home and reporting the matter, the very first thing Cendrillon said was:

“Good. Since I’ll be commanding the mission, my first order is this: you stay behind.”

“W-What?! What did you just say?! Why?!”

“I already told you before, didn’t I? You still lack experience. On a short trip like this, guards must remain constantly alert. If something happens, it will already be too late.”

“I can handle guard duty perfectly well! Stop treating me like an idiot!”

“I’m not treating you like an idiot.”

Cendrillon answered in a troubled voice.

''How am I supposed to explain this so this arrogant knight apprentice actually understands?'' he wondered bitterly.

In the end, he decided he had no choice but to speak plainly.

“I have a bad feeling.”

“A bad feeling?”

“Yes. That knight named Pedro... despite having his chest pierced through, he remained alive. And the Royal Mage Guard was weakened far too quickly afterward. I suspect the two things are connected somehow.”

Karin sighed in exasperation.

“I already told you, you were drunk—”

“No.”

Cendrillon interrupted her sharply.

“It wasn’t that. I wasn’t seeing things because I was drunk. Something is wrong. Someone is plotting something dangerous... To ''that man'', the Royal Mage Guard is an obstacle. I’m certain of it. This is a conspiracy, and for someone still immature like you, the burden is too great.”

“So you expect me to just sit around and wait? Don’t make me laugh!”

At those words, Karin finally snapped.

Seriously, how long was this man going to keep treating her like a child?

Despite doing ''those kinds of things'' to her every night while drunk! Mistaking her for another woman!

“Tell me something—who exactly is the immature one here?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You. Do you even know what you do to me every night?”

Cendrillon’s face immediately paled.

“I already said I was sorry about that—”

“It wasn’t just the night of the celebration.”

Now his cheeks began turning red instead.

“You’re joking…”

“I’m not joking. It’s true. Though of course you probably don’t remember any of it because you’re always blackout drunk, you alcoholic!”

“S-Sorry…”

Cendrillon lowered his head in shame.

“You really do unbelievable things, you know. You hug me tightly like this, and your hands start moving around like this—”

The more Karin spoke, the angrier she became, until her entire body trembled.

“...Couldn’t you just resist?”

Cendrillon asked awkwardly.

“You’re way too strong!”

In reality, it was because her own body lost strength entirely, but saying that out loud felt like it would somehow ruin everything, so Karin deliberately kept silent.

And before she realized it, she got so emotional that she accidentally blurted out what Narcis had told him earlier.

“Honestly! Being unable to forget some woman from your past is what’s truly immature! Her name’s Karina, right?! Even after being betrayed, you’re still hopelessly attached to her!”

“Was it Narcis? That idiot talks too much…”

Cendrillon muttered tiredly.

“Seriously, just how badly were you betrayed? For you to still be this obsessed, it must have been something huge, right?”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“She never betrayed me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was the one who betrayed her.”

“Then why not just apologize?”

“She’s no longer in this world.”

Karin fell completely silent.

“…………”

Cendrillon continued in a calm voice.

“Do you want to know why I keep feeling that you’re in danger whenever I look at you?”

“…………”

“Because you’re exactly like I used to be. Young. Convinced you can do anything. Believing there’s nothing in the world worth fearing. Thinking that as long as you have a ‘dream,’ anything is possible. I was exactly the same… right until that day.”

''That day.''

The day he lost Karina.

“Do you want to hear the story?”

Karin silently nodded.

And slowly, Cendrillon began speaking.

“When I was two years older than you are now, I had a lover named Karina.

I was the son of a territorial lord, while she traveled from place to place performing alongside her father.

Normally, a romance like that could never happen.

But I fell in love with her gentle smile and beautiful golden hair.

When I confessed my feelings, she accepted surprisingly quickly. Being a noble probably played some part in it, but that wasn’t all. She genuinely loved me too.

We began seeing each other, though ours was a forbidden relationship. Secretly… quietly… we would meet over and over again in the forest. It was a small and fragile love.

But something like that could never last forever.

Eventually our parents found out and tried to separate us. Being young and foolish, I decided to abandon everything and run away with her.

Naturally, they sent pursuers after us.

Nearly ten highly skilled knights.

There was no possible way for us to escape.

They caught up to us almost immediately.

And then… they seized her.”

At this point, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly, his expression twisted with pain.

“One of the knights grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away. Several others surrounded me, leaving me unable to move. And I knew… if we were separated there, we would never see each other again.

The moment that thought crossed my mind, I began chanting a spell.

I was overflowing with confidence back then. After all, people praised me as some brilliant prodigy. Even from dozens of arses away, piercing the hand of the knight holding Karina with a magical arrow should have been effortless.

At least, that was what I believed at the time.

But it was nothing more than arrogance.

Was it because I was nervous? Because the pressure made me falter? At this point, I no longer know.

No… perhaps the truth is simply that I was immature.”

Cendrillon spoke in a low murmur, as though all emotion had long since been left somewhere far away.

“The magical arrow that was meant to pierce the knight’s hand instead pierced Karina through the chest.”

“It struck beautifully. Perfectly. Straight through. She died instantly. Even my beloved water magic could not save her.”

Karin stood there speechless while Cendrillon continued calmly.

“A man who killed the woman he loved with his own hands… does not even deserve the right to follow her in death. When I someday stand before her in Valhalla, how am I supposed to apologize?”

“And thus,” he added bitterly, “a man fit only to wander a dust-covered road through life was born.”

Karin bit down hard on her lip.

She could never have imagined that this careless, drifting man carried such a past inside him.

Cendrillon looked at her with complete seriousness.

“You really are extraordinary, Karin. I have never seen anyone use wind magic as skillfully as you do. But precisely because of that, I have to say this: act more carefully. Do not become arrogant. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing.”

''I don’t understand.''
[[File:ZNTso1 207.jpg|thumb]]
Karin still felt like a child.

She could not truly comprehend Cendrillon’s pain or sorrow.

“To kill the person you love most with your own hands…”

What kind of feeling was that supposed to be?

Karin could not understand it.

She clenched her fists tightly.

And before she realized it, tears were already flowing from her eyes.

“...Take me with you too.”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“Understood,” he said at last, gently patting Karin on the head.

“You really are kind, Karin. Someday you’ll become someone truly remarkable. But if things become dangerous, fall back immediately. You are to follow my orders. Understood?”

Karin nodded silently.

'''Chapter 9 — Confrontation at Deauville'''

Deauville was a small town with a population of only around two hundred people.

Originally, this lonely settlement by the sea survived only through gathering shellfish and fishing. But every summer, because of the ocean currents, the sea would begin shining with rainbow colors. Tourists wishing to witness the beautiful sight gathered there each year, bringing the town a modest amount of profit.

Now, with summer only just beginning, the townspeople were busy preparing the inns that operated exclusively during the warm season.

And during such a peaceful time, a man and woman suddenly appeared.

One was a tall, powerfully built nobleman.

The other was a young woman with dazzling golden hair dressed in nun’s robes.

The unusual pair drew curious stares from the townspeople as they walked.

An old man approached them kindly and greeted the noble.

“Welcome, travelers. Um… it’ll still be a few more days before the sea turns rainbow-colored—”

A wand suddenly thrust forward and pierced straight through his chest.

Slowly, still smiling faintly, the old man collapsed onto the ground.

Moments later, a woman who had witnessed the scene screamed.

Then red blossomed across her chest as well, a magical blade fired by the nobleman pierced her.

As panic spread and the people of Deauville fled in terror, the nobleman continued slaughtering them one after another without the slightest change in expression.

The massacre unfolded beneath dazzling sunlight with such unreality that it almost resembled some grotesque stage play.

It did not take long for terror to consume the entire town.

Those attempting to flee discovered nobles armed with wands blocking every exit and desperately begged for help.

“Sir Knight! There’s a murderer in town! Please save us!”

The only reply was magic.

Every route out of Deauville was already sealed off.

And so the townspeople were slaughtered one by one by the gathered nobles.

By the time every resident of the town had been killed, roughly two hours had passed.

“Oh.”

Having discovered a man hiding in the grass behind a house and impaled him with a lance of compressed air, Angelo turned toward Novelle, who had silently observed the slaughter from behind.

“So this is enough, then? Sister.”

A bitter expression twisted Angelo’s face, while Novelle merely smiled gently.

“Yes.”

“You really are a terrifying woman. I’ve been a soldier for many years, but even this is new to me. Ordering the massacre of an entire town…”

“You dislike killing?”

Asked that question, Angelo nodded immediately.

“Obviously. Who the hell actually likes killing people?”

“And yet you still did it.”

“Because ''you'' told me to! You said if I did this, I’d definitely be able to defeat those bastards…”

Angelo spoke through a distorted expression, his eyes filled with rage and regret.

“So your resentment runs even deeper than your revulsion toward murder?”

“That’s right. That Cendrillon and that arrogant little knight apprentice… If it means killing them, I’d sell my soul to the devil itself.”

At those words, Novelle smiled with almost saintly warmth.

“But I am not a ‘devil.’”

“Oh, come on. Anyone who says ‘let’s slaughter an entire town’ and means it—if that’s not a devil, then what is?”

“Because these people have been granted eternal life now. They’ve left behind this cruel world and reached a place free of suffering.”

“Hah. Pretty words. Seriously, I’ll never understand the nonsense nuns say.”

“Come now. Let me free ''you'' from this hell as well.”

As she spoke, Novelle gently placed both hands against Angelo’s cheeks.

“What? I don’t need some blessing fro—”

The instant he spoke, something like an electric current surged through Angelo’s body.

“GAAAH!”

His body convulsed as though struck by multiple bolts of lightning. Sparks burst violently from him while the smell of burning hair spread through the air.

Then, gradually, his skin began taking on a pale pink hue…

His eyes rolled back, and Angelo collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.

“Honestly… this world truly is hell, don’t you think? I find myself thinking that so often.”

Novelle placed a hand upon Angelo’s corpse.

And then—

To any ordinary observer, the sight would have been impossible to believe.

Angelo’s body slowly rose back to its feet.

Then, wand in hand, he turned toward Novelle.

“Welcome to our ‘Kingdom,’ Sir Angelo.”

With Princess Marianna surrounded at the center of their group, Karin and the others departed from Tristainia. As usual, Marianna dressed in an inconspicuous manner, resembling nothing more than the daughter of some provincial noble family. Meanwhile, Karin and the rest of the Royal Mage Guard also refrained from wearing the cloaks that would reveal their identities as guardsmen, making them appear to be nothing more than ordinary knights.

Bacchus and Narcis chatted noisily and cheerfully, while Marianna repeatedly dismounted every so often simply to admire the scenery. Yet amidst that lively atmosphere, almost festive in mood, only Karin and Cendrillon followed behind with tense expressions upon their faces.

“You two look awfully gloomy.”

Even when Bacchus teased her like that, Cendrillon’s confession from the previous night still echoed in Karin’s mind, leaving her unable to join the merriment.

Marianna, meanwhile, grew slightly dissatisfied with Karin’s behavior and constantly tried to draw her attention.

“What’s wrong, Karin? You look bored.”

“That is not the case.”

“Yes it is. You look terribly bored. Aren’t you happy to be traveling with me?”

“Of course I am.”

Even though she was still only thirteen years old, Marianna was already surprisingly skilled at attracting the attention of men. Like some flirtatious beauty, she would cast alluring glances or flash charming smiles. Any ordinary man would probably have surrendered instantly.

But unfortunately for her, Karin happened to be a woman.

And because none of her charms seemed to have any effect, Marianna became even more desperate to make this knight apprentice look at her more attentively.

In the small town they had arrived at earlier that day, Princess Marianna reached her hand beneath the table during lunch and took hold of Karin’s hand beside her. Karin, having no real way to refuse, could only helplessly squeeze the princess’s hand back in return, but… Apparently that alone encouraged Marianna too much.

That night, at the inn where they stayed, Marianna summoned Karin to her room and ordered her to read aloud to her, Karin could only comply with resignation. When she arrived, Marianna first warned her that absolutely nobody could learn she had called a young knight to her room late at night. If such a thing became known at court, both she and Karin would surely be punished severely.

After sitting down upon the chair placed in the center of Marianna’s room, Karin began reading from a collection of poems, while Marianna listened in complete fascination to Karin’s beautiful voice. Karin was exceptionally skilled at controlling her voice; if she truly concentrated, she could produce a tone very much like that of a young man. Without that ability, disguising someone with such overwhelming beauty as male would have been impossible to begin with…

After a while, Marianna gazed at Karin with an intoxicated expression and said:

“You’re so beautiful it almost feels as though you stepped straight out of those poems.”

“I am honored.”

The reply carried not even the slightest trace of actual pleasure, making Marianna even more dissatisfied.

“That town we’re heading to next, the one called Deauville, has a truly beautiful sea, you know. The colors are not vivid yet at this time of year… but under the sunlight it shines in rainbow colors.”

Marianna clearly expected some response like ''“But Your Highness is even lovelier.”,'' instead, Karin merely replied:

“That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.”

Such a cold response.

Faced with such complete inability to read the atmosphere, Marianna finally became sulky. No matter how socially unaware someone might be, in a situation like this they would at least offer some sort of flattery. Yet Karin remained perfectly upright and vigilant, seated lightly in the chair as though she would immediately draw her wand the moment something happened, her eyes constantly observing the surroundings.

“I originally hoped that this trip would be just the two of us.”

For thirteen-year-old Marianna, saying something like that required tremendous courage.

Yet Karin simply answered in a regretful tone:

“If only I alone were present, it would not be possible for me to properly protect Your Highness.”

“You could. Aren’t you very strong?”

“I am merely an inexperienced young fool, however…”

“However?”

“I believe that someday I will improve enough that I alone will be able to carry out the duty of protecting Your Highness.”

Because Karin looked directly into Marianna’s eyes and said such words with absolute sincerity, Marianna felt her heart bloom with joy. Slowly, she extended her hand, and Karin rose gracefully to place a kiss upon it. Gathering even more courage after that, Marianna pretended to stumble and threw herself against Karin’s chest. Karin supported her with her slender arms. Only because Marianna was still small like a kitten was she able to hold her up so easily; if the princess grew even a little more, perhaps they would both end up toppling over together instead.

Looking down at Marianna as the girl stared dreamily up at her, Karin inwardly broke into a cold sweat wondering:

What am I supposed to do here…?

Marianna was incredibly cute. Even through Karin’s eyes, the mixture of youthful adorableness and the first budding traces of mature feminine charm made it feel as though something truly dangerous was happening.

And on top of that, the princess clearly seemed to harbor feelings for her. Even Karin, who was terribly slow when it came to romance, could understand at least a little of what Marianna felt after the girl pretended to trip just to throw herself into her arms like this.

But…

''I’m a woman…''

There was no way she could accept those feelings.

Yet neither could she reveal the truth about her gender, Karin could only remain there in complete confusion.

And yet she could not reveal the truth about her gender either, leaving Karin utterly lost and troubled.

“Do you have a lover?”

Asked such a question directly, Karin had no idea how she should answer.

If she answered “no,” then Marianna would probably pursue her even more aggressively afterward. But if she answered “yes,” then she would simply be lying.

Troubled, Karin could only put on the attitude of a young warrior and answer:

“It is because I am still training.”

“Even though you’re this beautiful?”

Marianna said so with a genuinely astonished expression, causing Karin to smile faintly.

“I simply do not have the leisure to lose my head over romance.”

“Then… does that mean I still have a chance?”

Marianna closed her eyes and puckered her lips slightly. The princess’s lips were red and glossy like delicate flower petals, but Karin felt absolutely no interest whatsoever.

So after placing a kiss upon her forehead instead—

“It is about time for Your Highness to sleep.”

Karin said so in a troubled voice.

At last, Marianna properly began sulking.

“Then you may leave.”

Turning her face away, she crawled into the blankets.

After bowing and leaving the room, Karin found Narcis standing there with an openly suggestive grin on his face.

“Well now, handsome prince. So? What did Her Highness taste like?”

“Don’t joke around.”

Karin answered with obvious displeasure.

“Still, our princess really has reached that romantic age… If you manage to firmly capture Her Highness’s heart, your rise to glory will happen quickly enough, young man.”

Even after being told that by Narcis, Karin merely shook her head.

“If one does not possess the strength to match such status, then rising to glory has no meaning.”

Nearby, Bacchus was rolling around on the floor crying dramatically.

“Ahhh! Ahhh! I’m so jealous! Ahhh! Ahhh! Why didn’t Her Highness choose me?! AAAAAHHH!”

“Where’s Cendrillon?”

Karin asked, only to receive the answer:

“Downstairs.”

Was he drinking again?

At first Karin worried that was the case, but she quickly realized she was mistaken. Cendrillon was simply sitting in a chair, silently watching the entrance in case anyone suspicious tried to come inside.

After Karin sat down beside him—

“And the princess?”

He asked that immediately.

“She’s already resting.”

“I see.”

After answering briefly, he once again turned his gaze back toward the doorway.

“This is honestly troublesome. Her Highness seems extremely fixated on me.”

“That sounds like the highest possible honor.”

Cendrillon said so with a smile.

“I’m not joking.”

Karin answered in an irritated voice.

“What’s the problem? Just humor her a little. Think of yourself as her play-romance partner.”

“You make it sound very simple.”

“I’m not joking either. Someday, Her Highness will have to marry royalty from another country… Before that day comes, wouldn’t she naturally want to experience romance at least once during that brief period of freedom?”

“And what about you?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“I can no longer fall in love with anyone.”

“...I see.”

Looking at him like that, Karin tried offering to take over the watch duty instead.

“You probably want to drink by now, don’t you?”

“That’s honestly surprising. You’re the first person who’s ever told me ‘go ahead and drink.’”

Even so, Cendrillon still made no attempt to stand up, continuing to stare toward the entrance.

“You really think something bad is coming?”

Karin asked worriedly.

“I don’t know. If this is merely paranoia on my part, then that would be best. But there are definitely people who consider the Royal Mage Guard an obstacle. To people like that, this journey is the perfect opportunity.”

“If something really does happen… then I’ll become everyone’s shield. While you escape with the princess, I’ll hold them back. Understood?”

Because she had selfishly insisted on accompanying them, Karin at least wanted to accomplish that much.

Though if such a situation truly occurred… she would probably tremble so badly she could not move at all.

''No, it’ll be fine. As long as I lick my left palm.''

The only reason she lost to Cendrillon and Angelo before was because she became careless.

Karin desperately tried convincing herself of that, causing Cendrillon to smile.

“Don’t laugh. You were right when you said I’m still immature. That’s probably the only thing I’m capable of doing.”

“It’s too difficult for you.”

“What?! Stop treating me like a child! It’ll be fine! As long as I have courage, I can definitely do it!”

“Courage…”

The moment he heard that word, Cendrillon smiled faintly.

“Licking your left palm? What kind of spell is that supposed to be?”

Karin’s face immediately reddened.

Still, she had no intention of hiding it anyway…

“...There’s magic placed upon my left hand. If I perform that action, I can summon courage and stop feeling fear entirely. That’s why I can do anything. Before, I only lost because I got scared, so…”

“That,” Cendrillon interrupted in a serious voice, “is exactly the problem.”

Cendrillon spoke in a serious voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s nothing more than your own wishful thinking. Convincing yourself that you ‘can do it’ and then attempting things beyond your own abilities—it’s nothing but that sort of foolish self-delusion.”

Karin’s expression immediately changed.

“What?! Don’t be ridiculous! For a knight, courage is more important than anything else!”

“What exactly is necessary for a knight, I don’t know… But in missions like this, where someone must be protected, the thing that matters more than anything else is probably cowardice.”

Cendrillon continued calmly.

“When you don’t know what may happen, don’t know where an attack may come from, or who might strike at you, then you should shrink your head in like a frightened turtle and carefully observe your surroundings. Otherwise, irreversible mistakes happen. Courage that’s merely forced out of yourself only gets in the way.”

Unable to understand what Cendrillon was trying to say, Karin answered roughly:

“My courage is real! It was given to me by that knight! Real ‘courage magic’!”

Cendrillon suddenly grabbed Karin’s hand. Closing his eyes, he remained silent for a few moments before eventually shaking his head.

“There is no magic placed upon your left hand at all. It’s merely a suggestion.”

“W-What did you say?”

“I’m a water mage, so I can immediately tell what parts of a body have magic placed upon them. Your left hand is completely clean. There are absolutely no traces of magic there. I don’t know who told you that story, but they probably only said it because they wanted to help a frightened child gather courage.”

Karin stared blankly at her own left hand.

The “courage” that knight had supposedly given her… had been fake all along…

“How can that be…”

Looking at the stunned Karin as she continued staring down at her hand, Cendrillon spoke again.

“I’ll say it clearly. You merely convinced yourself that you possessed ‘courage,’ became intoxicated by that belief, and therefore acted recklessly. And because you lacked the corresponding strength, you lost to both me and Angelo.”

“…………”

Faced with Karin’s silence, Cendrillon continued:

“Don’t look away from the fear inside yourself. Face it properly. Otherwise, you’ll make irreversible mistakes just like I did.”

Looking at the troubled Karin, Cendrillon smiled softly.

“You’re a good person. I’m sure you’ll become an excellent knight someday. That’s exactly why I don’t want you to end up becoming like me.”

The group arrived at Deauville the following day… precisely the afternoon of the third day since their departure.

The first person to react upon seeing the town was Bacchus, who let out a cheerful shout.

“Ohh! For a countryside town, this place is actually pretty beautiful!”

After lightly kicking her horse onward, Princess Marianna quickly rode ahead.

“Your Highness! Wait! Please wait!”

Narcis hurried after her.

However, something about the town felt strangely wrong.

Even though it was broad daylight, there was not a single person visible in the streets.

“What’s going on?”

Marianna tilted her head in confusion.

“What, is there some kind of festival happening somewhere?”

Bacchus joked awkwardly, after which Marianna said:

“Let’s check the inn we always stay at.”

The inn Marianna had chosen was a beautiful building standing atop a hill overlooking the surrounding scenery. After arriving at the small riding area before the entrance and dismounting, the group tied their horses to the wooden posts there.

Without even waiting for the horses to be secured properly, Marianna released her reins and immediately tried running into the inn.

“Your Highness, please wait. Allow me to investigate first.”

After stopping her, Cendrillon opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was silent like a cathedral at dawn.

“Hello—? Is anyone here?”

Even after raising his voice, no answer came.

Cendrillon crossed through the entrance hall and checked the kitchen as well, but that place too was completely deserted.

Feeling a terrible premonition, he returned outside and reported to the others.

“Something is wrong. There’s nobody here.”

The tension in Cendrillon’s voice caused unease to appear upon Marianna’s face.

“What exactly is happening…?”

At that moment, Karin’s voice suddenly called out from behind the inn.

“Hey—! Come over here!”

“What happened?!”

It was the stable area.

Looking toward the direction Karin pointed, they saw something smeared across the stable wall.

Something that looked very much like blood.

“KYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The moment Princess Marianna saw it, she fainted on the spot, causing Cendrillon to hurriedly catch her collapsing body.

“For now, we should retreat. This town feels dangerous.”

Karin proposed that immediately, but after looking into the distance, Cendrillon quietly said:

“...Looks like we’re already too late.”

From below the hill, a large crowd could be seen slowly approaching them.

It was not the atmosphere of people coming to welcome visitors. Some carried spears, others pistols or swords. There were even people holding hoes and clubs… each of them gripping some sort of weapon as they slowly advanced toward the inn.

When they checked the opposite side as well, they discovered another massive crowd climbing up the hill from there too. And they were likewise armed with all kinds of weapons.

The building atop the hill already seemed to be surrounded from all directions by a crowd of well over a hundred people.

“What the hell is wrong with these people…”

Bacchus muttered before stepping forward and shouting loudly:

“HEY! What exactly are you people trying to do?! There’s a person of extremely high status here! I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but don’t you dare do anything stupid!”

Completely unmoved by Bacchus’s warning, the armed townspeople continued advancing silently.

“Those people aren’t soldiers or thugs… They’re the residents of this town.”

Sure enough, there were men and women of all ages mixed among them, all dressed in completely ordinary clothing. The only strange thing was that every single face lacked vitality, while their wandering, unfocused eyes remained fixed in this direction.

“If you keep coming any closer, we’re not going to hold back!”

The instant Bacchus roared that warning, the people at the front raised their pistols.

“Bacchus! Get down!”

At the exact same moment Cendrillon shouted, gunshots rang out.

“WHOA!”

Bacchus instinctively crouched down while clutching his head as several bullets whistled past above him.

“You bastards!”

Enraged, Narcis began chanting a spell. The earth and stones nearby immediately hardened into fist-sized projectiles before flying toward the men holding pistols.

The “Earth Bullets” struck their targets perfectly in the chest, blasting open enormous holes with sickening sounds.

“W-What?!”

Narcis stared at the men in shock.

Despite having massive holes blown clean through their chests, not a single one of them fell over. They simply continued walking forward.

“What the hell is this…”

Cendrillon immediately turned toward the others.

“For now, get inside the building.”

After the group rushed into the inn, they locked the front doors shut.

“What the hell is going on?! Who ''are'' those people?! Why are they attacking us?!”

“They’re not normal humans.”

Narcis answered in a strained voice.

“They’re exactly like my opponent during that duel earlier. Even after having a hole blasted through his chest, he kept moving.”

Cendrillon spoke calmly.

“What kind of magic could possibly create monsters like that?!”

Bacchus shouted furiously, causing Cendrillon to shake his head.

“Right now isn’t the time to think about that. We need to escape this town.”

“Can’t we use Flight and escape through the air?”

Karin proposed.

Cendrillon glanced toward Narcis.

“I’m counting on you to scout ahead.”

Narcis nodded before chanting a spell and floating upward through the window.

And then—

Gunshots rang out simultaneously.

“GH—!”

Narcis immediately dropped lower.

At that same instant, magical arrows came flying out from the forest. Hastily, Narcis slipped back through the window.

“So there are mages out there too.”

“In that case, escaping through the air is impossible.”

Cendrillon said grimly.

A mage floating slowly through the sky would obviously become a perfect target for long-range attacks. While maintaining Flight, they could not cast other spells, meaning they would quickly be riddled full of bullets and magic.

“What do we do, Cendrillon?”

Karin asked anxiously.

The moment Cendrillon noticed one of the approaching townspeople carrying a brightly burning torch, he made his decision immediately.

“Narcis, use a golem to delay them for ten seconds. During that opening, everyone will mount up and break out of the town, Bacchus will take the lead. Once the golem is deployed, Narcis will carry Her Highness and follow directly behind him. Karin, you’ll support Narcis, and I’ll stay behind to cover the rear.”

The three of them immediately began moving.

After Narcis finished chanting his spell, a golden-glowing golem appeared and began running off in the opposite direction from where the horses were tied. Gunshots immediately rang out from that direction, several bullets striking the brass golem with heavy metallic thuds.

The residents of Deauville climbing up the hill had their attention drawn toward it.

“Now!”

With Bacchus leading the way, Narcis carrying the unconscious Princess Marianna followed behind him, with Karin immediately after that. Cendrillon brought up the rear, sprinting forward while keeping his wand raised without relaxing his guard for even a moment.

While Narcis’s golem distracted the townspeople, the four of them quickly mounted their horses.

The instant a gap opened in the road leading toward the town streets, Bacchus struck his horse forward, and the four riders burst out in a straight line.

Several people noticed their movement and immediately changed direction toward them.

Swinging his wand, Bacchus released flames from its tip, surrounding the approaching townspeople within a sea of fire.

From the shadows of the forest, men resembling hunters carrying bows appeared.

“Karin! Wind magic!”

Narcis shouted loudly, causing Karin to immediately chant a wind spell. Violent gusts wrapped themselves around the group, causing the incoming arrows to veer off course.

Then gunshots rang out once more. It seemed armed townspeople were hiding somewhere nearby. Unlike arrows, the lead bullets could not be deflected by the wind, and shots began striking around Karin’s group one after another. Blood suddenly sprayed from Bacchus’s shoulder.

“Bacchus!”

“It’s nothing! Just a graze! We’re escaping exactly like this!”

It seemed he intended to use his massive body as a shield while forcing their way out of town in one charge.

The four horses burst onto the main street running through the town. Most of the townspeople appeared to have gathered around the inn, leaving only a handful of figures visible here.

“We’re escaping straight through!”

But unfortunately, things were not going to proceed that easily.

From behind them, a horse approached at terrifying speed.

“They’re catching up!”

Karin shouted.

As Narcis was carrying the unconscious Marianna, they could not increase their speed any further.

At this rate, they would be overtaken. And at that moment…

Cendrillon suddenly pulled on his reins, turning his horse around.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin cried out, instinctively trying to turn her horse around as well. But Cendrillon shouted sharply:

“Don’t come back!”

“B-But!”

In the instant Karin hesitated, Cendrillon cast a spell. An arrow of ice lightly struck the rear of Karin’s horse.

Startled, the horse abandoned its attempt to turn around and instead continued sprinting straight ahead.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin shouted once more, only for Narcis to roar back at her:

“That’s enough! Leave him to handle it! Our mission is protecting the princess! Have you forgotten that?!”

Karin gritted her teeth tightly and clenched the reins.

“Damn it!”

Watching the three riders safely disappear down the street, Cendrillon turned back toward the approaching knight and faced him directly.

The knight wore a hat…

But the instant Cendrillon saw the face beneath it, he felt himself drawing one step closer to understanding the truth behind everything happening here.

“...Angelo.”

The rider was none other than Angelo of the Unicorn Guard.

However…

Something about him felt different from before. There was no life in his expression whatsoever. He looked exactly like the townspeople from earlier… and exactly like Pedro, the knight whose chest had already been pierced through before.

Cendrillon raised his wand and cast ''Water Whip''.

Curved whips formed from water surrounded Angelo from all directions before piercing directly through his body.

And yet Angelo did not stop.

Without the slightest change in expression, he continued charging directly toward Cendrillon.

Wind blades wrapped themselves around Angelo’s enormous lance-like wand as he swung it toward him.

Cendrillon immediately leapt down from his horse to evade the attack. The momentum of Angelo’s ''Blade'' instantly sliced Cendrillon’s horse clean in half.

What terrifying power.

Ordinary magic would not work against that thing.

If he could blast Angelo full of holes, perhaps it would stop moving. But before that happened, his own mental strength would likely run out first.

Cendrillon likewise began chanting ''Blade''.

After turning his horse around once more, Angelo lowered his wand again and charged forward.

And through the sensation transmitted by the ''Water Whip'' still piercing Angelo’s body, Cendrillon realized something abnormal about the water circulating inside him.

That sensation was one only a corpse could possess.

That man was already dead.

Then why was he still moving?

It had to be the work of some kind of magic.

And yet, Cendrillon had never seen nor even heard of such magic before.

“So you really are dead already, aren’t you?”

Back when he was alive, Angelo had been an irritating man who constantly picked fights with him… and yet, seeing him continue attacking even after death filled Cendrillon with a strange sense of loneliness.

Angelo swung down the wand enhanced by ''Blade'', while Cendrillon leapt backward to evade it. Then, in one motion, he closed the distance and drove his own attack deeply into Angelo’s chest.

From there, he slashed upward through the armpit.

And yet Angelo still continued moving.

The upper half of his body, already nearly severed in two, twisted violently toward Cendrillon as he continued attacking. At this point, it seemed he could probably continue moving even if only fragments of his body remained.

Burning him away with flames would probably be the fastest solution, but unfortunately Cendrillon was poor at fire magic.

Once more, Cendrillon cast ''Water Whip''.

However, this time the whips were different from before.

Each strand was as thin as paper itself, sharp enough to resemble razors.

While avoiding Angelo’s attacks, Cendrillon wrapped the water whips around his body.

“Don’t resent me for this, Angelo.”

The razor-like water whips wrapped around Angelo instantly carved his body into pieces. His wrists, legs, and torso fell apart with wet sounds as they struck the ground, finally ceasing movement.

But the danger had not disappeared.

At some point, the townspeople surrounding the inn had already arrived nearby. From both the front and rear of the street, they slowly closed in around Cendrillon.

It seemed he had been completely surrounded.

His battle against Angelo had already exhausted nearly all of his mental strength. Facing an undead mob armed with weapons, there was no possibility of breaking through.

And yet…

He did not feel afraid.

Instead, as the townspeople slowly approached him, Cendrillon felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward them.

Thinking about it carefully, wasn’t he himself much the same?

Even though he was technically still alive, he had long felt as though he were already dead.

No hopes.

No dreams.

No reason to live, nor anyone who truly needed him.

Only at the very end had he managed to be of some use to those children.

That being said… who exactly had transformed Angelo and these townspeople into living corpses like this?

Being unable to learn the answer to that question was his only regret.

“At last… I can finally go to your side, Karina…”

Just as Cendrillon murmured those words, the townspeople suddenly parted to form a path.

And from within that opening, a woman slowly appeared.

Dazzling golden hair.

A gentle smile, and the robes of a nun…

At that moment, Cendrillon felt as though his mind had finally broken.

There was no way this could be possible.

“She” could not possibly be standing here.

And yet at the same time, another thought surfaced in his mind:

''Perhaps it is merely someone who resembles her…''

No.

There was no way he could mistake that face.

It was unquestionably her.

Novelle gazed directly at Cendrillon, a smile slowly appearing upon her face.

That smile connected violently with the memories buried inside him.

Three years ago.

A beauty so overwhelming that merely looking at her had felt like dreaming.
[[File:ZNTso1 233.jpg|thumb]]
That smiling expression…

The one he would have never forgotten, not even for a single moment…

“It has been quite a long time, Pierre.”

There were very few people left in this world who knew his real name.

And among them, there had only ever been one—

“Karina…? Is that really you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, utterly unable to believe the scene before his eyes.

“Yes. It has been three years since we last met, hasn’t it? You look much more like an adult now.”

Joy and shock mixed together inside him, and Cendrillon nearly gave in to the impulse to rush forward and embrace her.

And yet, the feet that tried to move suddenly stopped.

He himself… He has personally buried Karina with his own hands. There was no mistake about it. He carried her corpse into that forest himself and erected a small gravestone beside the spring.

“What is wrong? It has been so long since we last saw one another…”

“...Who are you?”

“I’m Karina, of course. Goodness, why are you making such a frightening face?”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“She should already be dead.”

“But I came back to life… Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say I was reborn. Though truly, I have not changed at all. Just as before, I still love you deeply.”

“You’re the same as Angelo and the people of this town. A walking corpse animated by some twisted magic.”

Novelle slowly approached Cendrillon. His body trembled slightly, and yet he could not move. ''This is impossible'', his reason screamed that conclusion at him, but his emotions refused to listen.

Novelle reached out toward him and gently touched his cheek.

“Does this feel like the hand of a corpse to you?”

Her hand was warm, a living human hand, filled with flowing blood. The moment that warmth touched him, Cendrillon became unable to think at all.

Heat surged upward from deep within his stomach.

“No… impossible… this can’t…”

“Accept the reality before your eyes. This is the truth.”

Reality. Yes. This was reality. She was standing here before him now. He could even hold her like this… The instant he wrapped his arms tightly around her, overwhelming joy flooded through his entire body.

“I wanted to see you so badly.”

“I felt the same way.”

“I-I wanted to apologize to you…”

“There is no need.”

“I’m sorry… I made a mistake… Please forgive me…”

“It’s all right. It’s all in the past now.”

Novelle gently embraced Cendrillon’s head.

A deeply familiar scent reached his nose.

It was her scent.

A gentle, nostalgic fragrance, as though the warmth of sunlight itself had been turned into perfume…

“I wanted to see you so badly. Truly… truly, I wanted to see you again.”

She pressed her face close against his cheek, her long golden hair brushing softly across his skin.

“It tickles… so much it almost makes me cry.”

“I’m doing it on purpose.”

“Yes… that does sound like you.”

Novelle smiled with overflowing tenderness before softly whispering:

“So that you would never forget that I am here.”

After escaping from the town, Karin suddenly pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a stop.

Bacchus and Narcis stopped as well.

“What are you doing, Karin?!”

“We should be safe once we’ve made it this far, right? I’m leaving Princess Marianna to you two.”

The instant they heard those words, both men realized what Karin intended to do and shouted at once.

“Wait! Even if you go back now, it’s already too late!”

“You’ll die too!”

“I still haven’t seen that idiot make his frustrated face yet!”

The moment she shouted those words, Karin turned her horse back toward Deauville and spurred it into a full sprint.

As she rode, she shouted at the top of her lungs:

“What the hell… acting all cool like that! Don’t tell me you think sacrificing your own life so everyone else can escape somehow counts as redemption?! That’s nothing but your own selfish wishful thinking!”

Novelle gently stroked Cendrillon’s head and softly whispered:

“Pierre… would you like to come with us?”

“...Go where?”

“To our kingdom.”

“Kingdom?”

“Yes. Right now, I’m working very hard to create one.”

A kingdom?

At those words, Cendrillon suddenly remembered the residents of Deauville writhing around them. Every one of them had lost the vitality in their expressions and merely stood there blankly.

“Will I… become like them as well?”

“Of course not. You are not some ‘puppet’ like these people…”

Slowly, Cendrillon pushed Novelle away.

“Pierre?”

“...Who are you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a voice that sounded close to tears, because at that moment, he remembered another “truth” standing before him. The woman before his eyes truly ''was'' Karina. There was no mistake about that. But then… What exactly was she doing?

Creating living corpses.

An act so monstrously evil that even demons themselves would fear it. The Karina he had known was not someone capable of such things.

Could it be… That Karina, whose life had been taken by the magic he himself unleashed, had somehow been revived through some grotesque and forbidden spell? He had never even heard of such magic before…

And yet somehow, that explanation felt closest to the truth.

Tears overflowed from his eyes.

If that really was the case… Then just how great a sin had he committed?

Not only did he killed the woman he loved most, he turned her into a demon.

Cendrillon slowly fell to his knees.

“...Forgive me, Karina.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because of me… you became…”

Then Novelle stepped closer and reached out toward his cheek once more.

“You’ve suffered so much, haven’t you? Let me take you away. To a world without pain. A world without sorrow. A place ruled only by kindness and love…”

The spot touched by Novelle burned with a pain like electric current.

“I’m going to die.”

He had no way of knowing what had happened to her, nor what sort of conspiracy was unfolding here. He would never see his companions again.

And now, without understanding anything at all, he was about to be killed by the hands of the lover he once believed dead.

And yet… if he could go to the same place as her, perhaps that too could be called a kind of happiness.

“Karina…”

Tears streamed down his face as he prepared to accept the final moment—

At that instant, Cendrillon’s body was violently blasted away by a fierce gust of wind, sending him tumbling across the ground.

“Don’t just casually say that name. It’s irritating.”

Together with the sound of an annoyed click of the tongue came a sharp voice overflowing with anger.

Cendrillon’s eyes widened.

The first thing he saw was long peach-colored hair dancing wildly in the wind, shining with vivid color. The figure standing straight-backed before him looked almost exactly like the saintesses from the religious paintings he had seen as a child.

“Karin…”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, causing Karin to immediately shout back at him.

“Who exactly was the immature one here?! Who was it that confused courage with recklessness, huh?!”

Cendrillon tried to force himself back to his feet, but… a sensation of numbness still wrapped around his entire body. It had to be because of Novelle’s magic from earlier. If she continued using it on him like that, then he would already—

“If I didn’t come back, you would’ve died!”

“My, Pierre, is this a friend of yours? You should introduce her to me.”

Novelle spoke as though they were attending some refined social gathering. Karin immediately raised her wand.

“Who’s Pierre?”

“My lover, of course. Though nowadays he seems to be using a very strange name. ‘Cendrillon’—is it? Is that hair dyed too? To match the name? You always did love little jokes like that.”

Novelle spoke with a voice full of affection.

“You…”

Those words made Karin realize the true identity of the nun standing before them.

Could this woman… really be Cendrillon’s former lover?

But didn’t he say she was dead?

Novelle, meanwhile, seemed to have realized Karin’s true identity as well.

“You… could it be that you’re his lover? Did you come running back because you didn’t want me stealing him away from you?”

Karin stared directly at the golden-haired woman controlling the people of Deauville. Dressed in black nun’s robes, she looked exactly like a devout sister of the church, and there was even a gentle atmosphere of compassion surrounding her.

And yet, hidden beneath that compassion, this woman transformed an entire town into an army of the dead.

And more than that, she herself should already have been dead as well.

And yet now she stood there smiling before them.

Hidden beneath that gentle smile was something that could only be described as evil…

“What… is this woman…?”

She was terrifying.

A fear that felt as though it were clutching at her heart made Karin’s entire body tremble.

There was nothing more frightening than an opponent whose true nature remained unknown. The bottomless abyss of the “Dragon’s Footprints” she saw as a child overlapped with the woman standing before her now.

The fear was so overwhelming that Karin felt herself close to breaking down. Instinctively, she almost moved to write “courage” upon her left hand.

Her index finger began moving toward her palm—

“...Ngh.”

But at that exact moment, Cendrillon’s words flashed through her mind.

“Don’t avert your eyes from the ‘fear’ inside your own heart.”

Karin slowly lowered her left hand.

Against this woman, mere courage alone would never be enough to win…

With her entire body trembling, Karin glared directly at Novelle.

She was so frightened she could hardly bear it, and tears began spilling uncontrollably from her eyes. A choking sound escaped Karin’s throat.

“Uu… uuwaa… ugh…”

Even while sobbing miserably, Karin still gripped her wand tightly.

And continued facing Novelle.

“My, my, you’ve started crying. Am I really that frightening? There’s nothing to be afraid of, you silly little thing.”

“Of course you’re frightening! How could someone like you ''not'' be terrifying?! I can’t even understand what you are!”

Karin shouted through tears, having already lost any composure necessary to maintain her masculine tone.

“Run away! Karin!”

Cendrillon shouted desperately toward the panicking Karin.

“Shut up already! Just shut up and watch! It’s not like I came back to save you or anything! It’s just that if I left you behind like this, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night! Seriously… acting all high and mighty! You have no idea how hard things have been for me! Calling me reckless… What’s wrong with relying on magical courage anyway?! I can’t help it! Because… because I…”

Karin began chanting a spell.

It was merely simple wind magic, and yet its power was extraordinary.

The violently rising gale caused Novelle’s nun robes to flutter wildly.

“My, what a frightening expression. Don’t be so angry. Such a beautiful face would go to waste.”

Novelle smiled with genuine delight before quietly retreating backward. The residents of Deauville surrounding her immediately began closing in.

There were over a hundred of them.

Seeing them raise pistols and bows—

“They’re terrifying… There’s no way we can fight that many.”

The moment she finished chanting, Karin leapt upward at incredible speed. In one motion she flew to Cendrillon’s side, grabbed his body, and launched herself into the air.

Karin retreated behind a nearby building.

“H-Hey… Karin, run away already… Leave me behind.”

“Shut up! Be quiet for a second! I’m trying to think!”

Suppressing the panic caused by her fear, Karin desperately forced herself to think.

Escaping while carrying a completely paralyzed Cendrillon was impossible.

Which meant…

She had to find some way to deal with those things.

“Those people… are they being controlled?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“No… I can’t sense any sign of life from them. Perhaps some sort of evil magic is animating their corpses.”

Karin bit her lip tightly.

Those people…

They did nothing wrong. They had merely been living ordinary lives.

And then those ordinary lives were cruelly stolen away from them, leaving them manipulated by that woman and forced to attack others…

Sorrow mixed together with frustration, and tears once more flowed from Karin’s eyes.

Those tears washed the fear away from inside her.

She could not continue trembling like this, nor did she have time to lose herself in confusion.

She had to dedicate victory to the souls of those people.

Karin tightened her grip on her wand and slowly raised her head. By then, tears no longer flowed from her eyes.

“Karina… why…? What in the world happened to you…?”

Hearing Cendrillon mutter those words, Karin glared fiercely at him.

“Cendrillon, listen carefully. That woman is not your former lover anymore. She’s something else now. You understand that too, don’t you?”

“...I know.”

“If you understand that, then start by healing your injuries. You can at least manage that much, can’t you?”

That enormous horde of corpses.

They had already died once, which meant they would not stop unless their bodies were completely torn apart with magic. But against numbers like that, tearing every single one of them apart with magic was impossible. Their mental strength would run dry first.

“Wouldn’t the magic animating them be purified by ‘Healing’?”

The instant Cendrillon heard those words, realization flashed across his face.

“I see… It’s definitely worth trying.”

“There’s no time for you to keep hesitating. Listen carefully—I’m going to pull up the seawater, and you’ll cast ‘Healing’ onto that water. Water magic resides within water itself, right? Just like Wind resides within the wind. That’s how it works, isn’t it?”

Cendrillon nodded.

“But there are over a hundred of them. Can we really scatter water over every single one?”

“Don’t underestimate ''my'' wind.”

The moment Karin said that, she began chanting a short incantation.

''Il Wind.''

Then she spun her wand in a sweeping motion.

“Tempest.”

It was merely a simple spell meant to create a tornado.

And yet its power was utterly overwhelming.

A colossal vortex of air nearly two hundred feet tall erupted from the tip of her wand, while violent winds lashed against Cendrillon’s face. Had they not been standing at the very center of the vortex, they would already have been blown away.

Effortlessly controlling that monstrous “wind,” Karin looked almost like a child of the wind itself.

Commanding the gale while standing above it all…

At that moment, she resembled the legendary “Wind King” from myth.

Cendrillon became so captivated by the sight that he nearly forgot to continue chanting.

“Hurry up and cast ‘Healing’ already!”

Startled back to his senses, Cendrillon hurriedly began chanting the spell for “Healing,” aided by the immense quantities of seawater surrounding them. The sea, said to be the birthplace of life itself, was naturally an exceptional catalyst for water magic. The spiritual energy he consumed was replenished by the abundant seawater.

The child of the wind fearlessly drove that gigantic tornado directly into the sea itself. Enormous masses of seawater were swept high into the sky, scattering seven-colored light beneath the rays of the sun.

Spray from the sea splashed across Cendrillon’s cheeks.

And every time he felt the touch of water, Cendrillon always found himself thinking the same thing.

''I love water.''

Water could heal him.

But only that much.

It could not save him.

The one capable of truly saving him…
[[File:ZNTso1 248.jpg|thumb]]
The one who could sweep away the “dust” covering his heart…

“Now! Cast ‘Healing’ onto all of this water!”

Seeing the residents of Deauville gathered along the shore, Karin shouted loudly.

Cendrillon released “Healing” into the enormous masses of seawater being drawn upward by the tornado. Filled with the power of life, the seawater began shining even more brilliantly.

Then Karin unleashed the tornado containing that immense quantity of seawater imbued with “Healing” toward the gathered residents of Deauville, or more accurately, toward the entire town itself.

From behind the residents of Deauville who had become “puppets,” Novelle looked toward the shore, where a gigantic tornado had appeared within her sight.

“My… what is that? A tornado? Goodness, it’s enormous.”

Before her eyes, the tornado continued growing larger and larger until it completely engulfed the residents of Deauville. And then… The transformed townspeople began collapsing one after another.

“What is happening?”

The tornado reached the skies above the town and scattered seawater downward like rain. The moment the water touched her skin, Novelle understood.

It was “Healing.”

The two of them had infused the seawater itself with “Healing,” then used that gigantic tornado to shower it down over all of them.

“I see. That was quite clever. It seems today’s victory belongs to you.”

Smiling gently, Novelle turned around. Around her, several magicians appeared from seemingly nowhere and followed behind her like shadows.

Humming happily as though she were about to break into song, Novelle walked away in the direction opposite the shore…

Watching the residents of Deauville collapse like puppets with their strings cut, Cendrillon let out a relieved breath. Beside him, meanwhile, Karin collapsed onto the sand while gasping heavily for air.

Cendrillon hurriedly rushed over to her side.

“H-Hey! Karin! Are you all right?!”

He lifted Karin into his arms and prepared to cast “Healing.”

But in the very next moment, the sound of snoring escaped from Karin’s mouth.

She had probably exhausted every last bit of her mental strength.

That sleeping face looked so innocent and beautiful that it was difficult to believe she was the very person who had created such a colossal tornado moments earlier.

As he stared at that sleeping face…

Something resembling a premonition quietly appeared within Cendrillon’s heart.

And as he thought that, the young wind-user with such an immature-looking face suddenly seemed—

Cendrillon’s cheeks flushed red.

After watching her quietly for a while, Karin slowly opened her eyes.

“Mm…”

“Are you okay?”

“What about the townspeople?”

“...None of them are moving anymore.”

“I see…”

Karin closed her eyes sorrowfully. Cendrillon likewise lowered his gaze and offered a prayer for the innocent victims.

Simply because they happened to live in this town, they transformed into walking corpses.

Compared to the fate those people suffered, his own misery suddenly felt no more significant than childish playacting.

“What happened to that woman?”

“...Judging from the fact that nothing else has happened since then, I think she probably disappeared.”

The moment Cendrillon answered, Karin slapped him across the face.

“W-What was that for?!”

“Idiot! Stop worrying about me and go after her already!”

“T-That’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m worried about you.”

Hearing him answer so seriously caused Karin’s face to flush bright red.

And at that exact moment, she realized something.

''Ah… did I just use a feminine tone?''

''This is bad. Did I let something slip?''

Trying to cover it up, Karin quickly said:

“You’re not planning to let her go just because she was your former lover, are you?”

“...That’s not it.”

Cendrillon shook his head as he answered.

Fortunately, he did not seem to have noticed.

Perhaps he simply lacked the composure to notice right now.

Quietly pressing a hand against her chest in relief, Karin continued:

“Let’s regroup with Bacchus and the others. This still isn’t over yet. We still have to safely escort Princess Marianna back to Tristania.”

Cendrillon nodded before turning his gaze toward the sea.

Watching the ocean continue its tides as though nothing had happened at all, the emotions he suppressed until now suddenly surged violently within his chest.

His former lover.

Why? How could she still be alive?

And yet the truth remained, Karina had truly appeared before his eyes.

As a cruel demon…

He did not know what happened to her, but surely what he himself did was part of the reason.

With these very hands, he would have to defeat her himself.

Only by doing that—

Only by doing that could he offer some measure of consolation to the dead of this town.

Cendrillon made that vow within his heart.

And yet... even after making up his mind, tears still streamed from his eyes. Never, even in his dreams, had he imagined that their “reunion” would happen like this. He could no longer imagine anything more tragic than this.

The woman he loved most became the worst kind of monster...

The tears would not stop falling.

Like a helpless child, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly. He grieved for the people she killed, and he grieved for Karina, who became a demon.

Watching Cendrillon continue to cry, Karin felt an indescribable emotion rise within her. Until not long ago, she thought of him as nothing more than a thick-headed drunkard… But that was wrong.

''He’s just... a weak person too.''

Despite being so weak that he looked ready to collapse at any moment, he refused to lean on anyone. Instead, he drank alone, called himself “Cendrillon,” the man covered in ashes, and abandoned everything.

But now, something was different.

Though tears still streamed from his eyes, there was now a light of determination within them. Surely what happened today did change something inside him as well.

Just like it changed her.

Someday, perhaps, Cendrillon would fight that woman. At the end, he was a master with the wand, a specialist in battle.

But there was no way he could face her alone. Someone would need to stand beside him.

Karin grasped Cendrillon’s wrist and helped pull him to his feet.

“Get up. We’re leaving.”

'''Epilogue'''

When they arrived at the small town where they stayed at the inn only a few days earlier, Bacchus and Narcis were there gathering nearby lords and nobles and organizing a military force.

“Hey! They’re alive!”

The moment they saw Karin and Cendrillon return safely, all three of them were overjoyed. Marianna threw herself into Karin’s arms, saying, “Thank goodness you’re safe...” before bursting into tears.

Cendrillon explained the entire sequence of events to the three of them. About being attacked by Angelo, and about how the former lover who should already have been dead appeared to be the true mastermind behind everything...

“You mean Angelo?”

Narcis and Bacchus both stared in shock.

“In other words...”

“Could it be that the Unicorn Guard is involved behind the scenes as well?”

“Those bastards... do they really hate us that much?”

“Or rather, perhaps it would be troublesome for them if the Royal Mage Guard continued to exist?”

The moment Cendrillon said that, the two men exchanged glances.

“So all those incidents that kept reducing the number of men in our unit...”

“Yeah, it was probably all their doing. Or rather, the Chancellor’s orders.”

The Chancellor—Grand Duke Eustache, the “other king” of Tristain... a man of such overwhelming political power that people referred to him by that title.

And that Grand Duke wanted to eliminate them?

The color drained from both men’s faces.

“In any case, this situation is far too complicated. We should discuss what to do next with Lady Vivian.”

Both men nodded. Afterwards, Bacchus took command of the assembled nobles and set out toward Deauville to investigate the situation there.

Because the princess herself was attacked, the incident escalated into a massive disturbance that even resulted in a corps of dragon knights being dispatched from Tristania.

The gathered regional nobles, together with the dragon knights, once again headed for Deauville. And just as expected, every resident there had been annihilated. All of them were killed by magic.

While the investigation into the incident was still underway, one of the dragon knights arrived carrying a royal decree.

“Are you Sir Cendrillon of the Royal Mage Guard?”

“That’s right.” Cendrillon nodded.

“His Majesty commands that you return to the royal palace immediately and deliver a report regarding the incident.”

Thus, Cendrillon and the others decided to temporarily return to Tristania while escorting the princess. Since the princess herself was placed in danger, an enormous number of guards were assigned around her.

For the sake of Princess Marianna’s protection, Philip III had mobilized an entire company of troops.

Princess Marianna rode inside a specially prepared carriage, dragon knights guarded the skies above, and hundreds of soldiers surrounded the procession from the front and rear as it advanced down the road.

The atmosphere was so tense it felt as though they were marching toward war itself.

On the road back to Tristania...

Narcis rode closer to Cendrillon, who was accompanying the carriage, then leaned in and lowered his voice.

“...Hey, Cendrillon. Is it true?”

“What are you talking about?”

After glancing nervously around to make sure no one was listening, Narcis continued hesitantly.

“...Your former lover was controlling the people of that town?”

Cendrillon answered firmly.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“...You really shouldn’t talk about that so openly.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’ll put you in a terrible position. If things go badly enough, they might even suspect you of being involved and throw you in prison.”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“I’m going to tell the truth exactly as it is. This isn’t something that should be hidden.”

“Hey! I’m saying this because I’m worried about you!”

“Then I appreciate it. But I’m done running away.”

That was what Cendrillon truly believed.

''I won’t run anymore. Not from my fate, and not from the sins I committed...''

If everything that happened began the moment his spell accidentally pierced Karina that day... then he had a duty to uncover the entire truth.

And a duty to bring it to an end.

If this was truly his fate, then he would face it properly. He would confront it with the kind of caution that bordered on cowardice, yet without running away.

“The opponent is Grand Duke Eustache himself, you know? There’s no telling what kind of methods he’ll use. Seriously, you’d need more than nine lives for this.”

Narcis spoke in exasperation.

“You could still leave, you know.”

“Don’t be stupid. We already boarded the same ship, so I’ll stick with you to the end. I think that idiot feels the same way too.”

Narcis pointed toward Bacchus, who was swaying atop his horse ahead of them with a sleepy expression on his face.

“Things will work out somehow.”

“Why?”

Cendrillon looked toward the small figure riding ahead of them on horseback and answered:

“Because we have the ‘Wind.’”

For some reason, the sight of Karin before him overlapped with the image of the saint from the religious paintings he saw as a child. His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself thinking:

''Water can heal me... because I am a user of Water.''

''But that is all it can do.''

''It never truly changed me.''

''Perhaps the thing capable of sweeping away the ashes covering my heart... might actually be this girl’s “Wind.”''

Cendrillon remembered the way Karin spoke earlier. That was completely the manner of speech of a woman.

When cornered, did he naturally revert to speaking that way? That boy...

Could it be that she was actually...

A faint redness gradually spread across Cendrillon’s face.

Meanwhile, Karin, riding ahead of them, was being tormented by fierce regret.

Not writing “courage” on her left hand earlier deserved praise.

But still... still...

''I totally used a feminine tone back there～～～～!''

Karin let out a silent groan and lowered her head.

This was awful.

Maybe she had already exposed herself... If it were discovered that she was actually a woman, she would no longer be able to remain in the Guard. And at a time like this too… when everything was so important, when this was the perfect opportunity to distinguish herself. She absolutely did not want to be dismissed.

However, Cendrillon was not completely himself earlier because his former lover appeared before him, so it was probably fine, right? Just as Karin was thinking that and secretly glancing back over her shoulder, she saw Cendrillon riding closer while, for some reason, blushing faintly.

The moment she saw his face, Karin’s own cheeks flushed red as well.

''This is bad. Did he figure out I’m a woman?''

Cendrillon guided his horse alongside Karin’s and quietly spoke to her.

“Karin, um... about what happened earlier.”

“W-What about it? Go ahead and say it.”

“Well, you know... the way you were speaking earlier. That was the manner of speech of a woman, wasn’t it?”

Karin’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

So he really noticed.

Well, of course he did. Naturally he would have noticed after she had shouted like that...

''It’s over. I’m going to get expelled.''

While she was sinking into despair—

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Eh?”

“You probably have your own reasons, right? Besides, I have no intention of criticizing someone else’s ‘preferences.’”

Preferences?

What was he talking about?

As Karin sat there in growing unease, Cendrillon continued in a low voice.

“Still... I was really surprised. I never imagined you were actually a ‘twink.’¹”

“............”

“For a split second I honestly thought you were a girl. But there’s no way a woman could have a chest that flat... Hm? What’s wrong?”

Cendrillon finally noticed that Karin’s shoulders were trembling violently. Her entire body shook with rage, and wind began swirling around her.

“H-Hey? What’s wrong? Why are you getting angry? I already told you I wouldn’t tell anyone! Hey! Stop!”

“I am NOT a twiiiiiiiiink!”

A violent gale exploded outward.

Cendrillon’s body was blasted high into the air.

1. Quite hard to translate this authentically, as it’s basically “shemale” or “femboy” or “trap”, but not quite "trans".

'''Afterword'''

''Heavy Wind'' is a fantasy romance story about a beautiful girl disguised as a man, struggling over the problem of “I absolutely cannot let anyone find out I’m actually a girl!”—a problem that men naturally never have to worry about—and becoming swept up in love and adventure because of it.

After all, because she cannot reveal that she is a woman, even if she falls in love she cannot convey her feelings. Just imagining the painful emotions of a crossdressing beauty who cannot honestly express what is in her heart is already unbearable for me personally. Cute and cool—an “ikemen beauty,” if you will. If readers are willing to accompany such a girl on her adventures, nothing would make me happier.

When thinking about the world of a story, I often imagine a plaster statue. Normally, a story can only depict things from a single angle. But if you compare it to a plaster figure, then depending on whether you look from above, below, left, or right, you end up seeing entirely different expressions.

So if readers are able to glimpse the “world” through cuts taken from different angles, that would make me very happy.

And naturally, the one who guides the story and pulls it forward is the crossdressing beautiful girl herself! The very phrase “girl in men’s clothing” does not even need something like the Takarazuka Revue as proof—that concept itself is already romance. After all, a crossdressing girl becomes dramatic simply by putting on ordinary girls’ clothing. It’s unfairly powerful. I wonder if I succeeded in portraying that sort of crossdressing heroine properly. I humbly leave that judgment to you.

As always, I would also like to deeply thank Usatsuka-sensei for the beautiful illustrations. Every single time I request artwork under an absurdly tight schedule, yet he still delivers incredible work. I truly am grateful. At this point, Yamaguchi genuinely cannot bring himself to sleep with his feet pointed toward Osaka anymore. To Mr. S and Mr. M from the editorial department as well—thank you for all your hard work. And finally, to all the readers: thank you all so very much.

I hope you will continue accompanying Karin, Cendrillon, and the others in their adventures and exploits as their world continues to expand from here onward.

—Noboru Yamaguchi

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2026-05-08T20:45:04Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 */

__NOTOC__

*To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Purean|Purean]] [Previously translated by [user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] ([[User:TheDefend|TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

::*Afterword

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:R6|R6]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[User:Tomojo|Tomojo]]+[[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - None (Previously completed by [[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%))
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None (dropped by [[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%) ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Iro Daijoubu|Iro Daijoubu]] (Replaced Zyzzyva's MTL) / [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[User:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Iro Daijoubu|Iro Daijoubu]] (Replaced Zyzzyva's MTL) / [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===
::*Prologue - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
'''Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
'''Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
'''Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day'''
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

::*Afterword

===Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Jima|jima]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Kazesenken|kazesenken]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] -'''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Tomoya13|Tomoya13]] - '''Completed''' Retranslation: [[User:JeruTz|JeruTz]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮===
::*Chapter 1 -[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Chuta|Chuta]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]]; Dropped by [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - 30%, taken over by [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡===
::*Summary - [[User:Pie|Pie]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]] - 20% [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Comrade|Comrade]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue -
::*Afterword

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] (Taken over by [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 13 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 14 - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

===Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*Story 1 - [[User:RonnieCorny|RonnieCorny]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 2 -
::*Story 3 - [[User:Sharpestlives|Sharpestlives]]
::*Story 4 -
::*Afterword

===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[User:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 6 -
::*Extra Chapter - [[User:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 7 -
::*Story 8 -
::*Afterword

===Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
::*Story 9 -
::*Story 10 -
::*Story 11 -
::*Story 12 -
::*Afterword

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] / [[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]] (Taken over by [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]]) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Ltrf|Ltrf]] - '''Completed'''

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
::*Prologue -
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -
::*Afterword

=== Memorial Book ===
::*Eight Years Ago -
::*Louise’s Room 1 -
::*Five Years Ago -
::*Louise’s Room 2 -
::*The Birth of Louise the Zero -
::*Louise’s Room 3 -
::*On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid -
::*Louise’s Room 4 -
::*Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs -
::*Louise’s Room 5 -
::*Louise's Tart -
::*Louise’s Room 6 -
::*Tiffania's Troubles -
::*Undisclosed Character Design Collection -
::*Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru - Translating Volume 22 Plot - [[User:Ailtin|Ailtin]]
::*From the Author -
::*Illustrator Comment -

=== Single Side Stories ===
::*Wardrobe of the Past -

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| Return to [[Zero no Tsukaima|Main Page]]
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</noinclude>
[[index.php?title=Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-08T20:37:08Z

Ltrf: /* Updates */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].


*May 7, 2026:
:::*Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain Spin-Off Volume 1 has been completed.
*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-08T20:33:22Z

Ltrf: /* Updates */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].


* May 7, 2026:
*:::*Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain Spin-Off Volume 1 has been completed.

*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime volume 1

2026-05-08T20:23:57Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Prologue''' The girl was running. She looked to be about ten years old. Her vivid peach-colored hair swayed beside a face as cute as a porcelain doll. Ahead of her, she spotted another girl, about two years older, running in front. “Wait! Big Sister, wait!” “Hurry up, Karin! This way!” After running for a while, the surrounding grassland disappeared, replaced by a sheer cliff. It was a massive crater known throughout the region as the “Dragon’s Foot..."

'''Prologue'''

The girl was running.

She looked to be about ten years old. Her vivid peach-colored hair swayed beside a face as cute as a porcelain doll.

Ahead of her, she spotted another girl, about two years older, running in front.

“Wait! Big Sister, wait!”

“Hurry up, Karin! This way!”

After running for a while, the surrounding grassland disappeared, replaced by a sheer cliff. It was a massive crater known throughout the region as the “Dragon’s Footprint.” Some said it had been formed in ancient times by a meteor falling from the sky; others claimed it was the birthplace of a primordial dragon. Why such a beautiful crater existed, no one knew. All that was certain was that, right in the middle of the plains, there lay a hollow as if a giant dragon had stepped there.

The crater had a diameter of roughly three hundred mails and a depth of about two hundred. Its walls were almost perfectly vertical, dropping straight down. If you leaned over the edge and looked below, the light would already fade after a few dozen mails—beyond that lay unfathomable darkness. Staring into it gave the impression that the hole extended endlessly into the depths of the earth.

Their parents had strictly forbidden them from coming near this place. But the sisters’ curiosity was impossible to suppress, and so they had secretly come here anyway.

“Hey, Karin! Look at that.”

The older sister pointed toward the crater wall. In a spot where the light barely reached, a single beautiful flower glowed faintly blue.

“What a pretty flower!”

Karin exclaimed, while her sister smiled with a hint of mischief.

“Right? So, Karin… I have a little wish.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to go pick that flower for me.”

“Whaaaat?! No way! It’s way too far!”

The flower was at least twenty mails away. Climbing down a nearly vertical cliff just to pick it was obviously impossible.

Even as Karin protested, her sister remained completely unfazed.

“It’s fine. Karin, didn’t you just learn Float recently?”

That was true.

Karin was born into a family of mages—nobles who could wield the miraculous power granted by the gods: magic. Magic was primarily divided into four systems:

Fire, water, wind, and earth.

Among them, Karin had awakened and inclined to the wind aspect at a very young age.

Just recently, she had even learned Float, a spell her sister still couldn’t use. It was something that had made their parents very happy.

Float was a spell that freed the caster from the pull of gravity, allowing them to hover in midair.

But…

Karin hesitated.

Seeing this, her sister snapped at her.

“Seriously, Karin, you’re such a coward! Why are you always so timid?”

It was true.

Karin was more timid than most people. Despite having the talent to learn a spell like Float at just ten years old, she was extremely easily frightened. Even now, if a window was left slightly open at night, she would get scared. And whenever she saw the narrow gap between a wall and a piece of furniture, she would worry something might be hiding there—she wouldn’t even dare go near it.

“You can float so well already, right? Grabbing a flower like that should be nothing! Honestly, you’re such a scaredy-cat!”

Being called a coward again and again made Karin angry. If one more trait were to be added to her personality…

Competitive. That would be it.

A timid yet competitive girl.

That was Karin.

“I-I’m not a coward!”

“Oh really? Then go get it.”

Her sister said it with an innocent smile, but Karin felt that if she backed down now, she’d be made a fool of. Steeling herself, she gripped her small wand and began to chant.

“Vor… Sol… Wind…”

And then, her body lifted into the air.

Adjusting her altitude with small movements of her wand, the vast abyss opened up before her.

Her legs instinctively trembled.

The crater looked as if it led straight to hell. A primal fear of the darkness, along with the simple truth that if she fell, she would die, shook Karin to her core.

“What’s wrong? Getting scared already?”

''It’s fine. I’m good at magic.''

''As long as I don’t look down into the pit… if I just focus on the wall, I can definitely do this…''

Telling herself that, Karin leapt into the crater. Reducing the effect of Float, her body slowly began to descend.

With her left hand pressed against the wall, she carefully moved closer to the flower…

“Amazing, amazing! You can do it!”

Her sister’s voice echoed from above.

Karin did her best not to look down, descending little by little. She focused only on the wall and the flower…

But at the very moment she reached out her hand, she glanced downward.

“Eek.”

Beneath her feet was an abyss of darkness.

A world of pure, absolute black.

That darkness seized Karin’s heart. In an instant, her concentration shattered, and the spell broke.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Her body suddenly grew heavy.

It was nothing short of luck that she managed to grab onto a protruding rock.

Her wand slipped from her right hand and vanished into the darkness below. Without a wand, mages like her couldn’t cast spells.

She will die.

Karin clung desperately to the wall.

“Karin! Karin!”

Her sister’s desperate cries rang through the air. But there was no way her small hands could support her weight forever—her strength would soon give out.

''Why… am I such a coward…''

''I have talent for magic… and yet I can’t even do something this simple…''

Karin cursed her own fear. All it took was a moment of hesitation, and she had lost her focus…

The last of her strength slipped away.

Her body fell from the wall.

Karin shut her eyes tight.

''I’m going to die.''

Despair, as deep as the darkness itself, crushed her heart.

And in that instant…

Someone grabbed her hand.

“…Huh?”

Her falling body came to a stop, suspended in midair.

“Don’t move.”

A strangely gentle voice reached her ears, and Karin slowly opened her eyes.

A knight was firmly holding her left hand. The lower half of their face was hidden behind an iron mask, and above it, a pair of narrow eyes gleamed.

It was impossible to tell whether they were male or female, but they were clearly young.

In their right hand, a military wand glimmered in the sunlight.

“Hold on tight.”

The knight lightly waved the wand, and both of them began to rise.

After being brought back outside, Karin and her sister bowed again and again to the knight.

“Good thing I happened to pass by… You should really be more careful with reckless adventures like this.”

With that, as if nothing had happened, the knight mounted a massive phantom beast. It had the head of a lion and the wings of an eagle—a manticore. It seems like the knight had spotted Karin’s danger from the sky and rushed to save her.

Just as the knight was about to depart, Karin called out.

“Um! Please come to our home! Let us properly thank—”

“No need for thanks. I simply did what a knight ought to do.”

“Then at least… please tell me your name!”

Beneath the mask, the knight seemed to smile. Their eyes softened slightly.

“There’s no name worth giving. Farewell.”

But Karin called out once more.

“W-wait! Then at least—please tell me one thing!”

“What is it?”

“Aren’t you afraid?”

Her sister, who until now had stood silently with an awkward expression, finally snapped.

“That’s so rude, Karin!”

Even so, Karin refused to stop. She clung stubbornly to the knight—her savior—and pressed on.

“Aren’t you scared? Seeing… seeing such deep darkness! Don’t you worry about what would happen if you fell? Don’t you feel afraid at all?”

The knight took Karin’s right index finger. Then… after chanting a brief spell, they held that finger tightly.

A warmth spread through her fingertip.

“What is this…?”

She looked at it uneasily, but there was no visible change.

“I’ve placed a spell on your finger.”

“A spell?”

“Yes. A spell to give you courage. When you’re so scared you can’t bear it, use that finger I just enchanted to write the word ‘courage’ on your left palm. Then, like this—lick it.”

Karin tried doing it once.

“Does your chest feel warm?”

And strangely, her chest really did begin to feel warm…

Karin nodded in a surprise.

“That’s all you need. Whenever you feel afraid, just do what I told you.”

The knight looked at Karin for a moment, then suddenly kicked the manticore lightly in the belly. Carrying its master, the phantom beast soared into the sky.

Even after the knight disappeared into the distant horizon, Karin kept staring into the sky.

Her sister called out to her several times.

“Hey, Karin, let’s go home already.”

But it was as if the words never reached her. In a daze, almost like she was dreaming, Karin murmured:

“I’m going to become a knight.”

“What are you saying? That’s ridiculous—girls can’t become knights!” her sister laughed.

Karin looked at her index finger. Even now, the tip still held a faint warmth. Staring at it, she thought:

''I’ve found my destiny.''

!(Prologue on the main page was translated by the Silvered Tongue group and leads to their external website. In the full text, it's my translation)!

'''Chapter 1 — Karin goes to the Capital'''

When the youth dressed as a knight passed through the capital’s gates, people along the street let out murmurs of admiration.

They looked about fourteen or fifteen. A cheap-looking blue coat, a white shirt with overly decorative frills, outdated knee-length riding pants, and a pair of faded black boots.

Only the wand hanging at the waist shone brightly, but even its design could hardly be called high-class. Still, it had clearly been used for a long time; the countless scratches carved into it offered a glimpse of the many battles it had seen.

Every single piece of clothing was out of fashion. In the capital, such a rustic outfit should have invited ridicule.

And yet, not a single person laughed.

What kind of face could someone wearing such clothes possibly have?

The moment people caught a glimpse, any thought of mockery vanished instantly.

Vivid peach-colored hair, and a face that shone with youth, could only be described as beautiful. Together they gave this young noble an air of overwhelming elegance and nobility.

And then… what drew the most attention of all was the question of this poorly dressed noble’s gender.

Yes, the face was undeniably beautiful, almost the embodiment of beauty itself. If dressed in formal attire and taught proper etiquette, they would surely feel no shame attending any ball or banquet.

But the outfit, no matter how one looked at it, was that of a man.

At the same time, they could also be mistaken for a beautiful girl in men’s clothing… yet the lingering elegance of the face made it impossible to tell—

Was this a beautiful girl? Or a beautiful boy?

That ambiguity only deepened the strange aura surrounding the figure. A mysterious charm radiated from their entire being, drawing in everyone who looked, and at the center of it all were those slightly upturned eyes. Light brown eyes, filled with unwavering will, shimmered under the twin moons like a glistening spring, asserting their presence. They transformed the impression of this small noble into something striking and intense.

But most importantly, though... The chest was perfectly flat. Completely devoid of the two gentle curves one would expect of a woman.

Thus, the passersby whispered among themselves, unable to decide whether this almost unreal, beautiful and dignified young noble was male or female.

If one were to reveal the answer plainly—

This noble ''was'' a girl.

Beneath that worn-out knight’s attire was the slender body of a fifteen-year-old.

Her name was Karin Désirée de Maillart.

However, she could not give that name. So she shortened its pronunciation and made it more masculine “Karin.” Because she absolutely could not let anyone realize that she was a girl.

So why did Karin come to the capital dressed like this?

Of course.

She has a dream.

Ever since that day… when she was saved by a passing knight in her hometown, that dream had quietly taken root within her.

“To become a knight.”

And if she was going to do it, then she would become the greatest knight in the country…

When speaking of the finest knights in this nation, there was only one answer: the Royal Guard’s Magic Knight Corps, entrusted with the honorable duty of protecting the king.

Every young noble admired that black cloak, the prestigious Magic Knight Corps. But as a woman, even stepping through the gates of knighthood was forbidden.

And so, Karin disguised her girl’s body in male attire and came to this city.

Of course, her family was against it.

But in the end, they were overwhelmed by Karin’s determination and reluctantly allowed her to leave.

With forty common gold coins given by her parents, and only a small amount of luggage, the young noble girl set out for the capital.

Before her departure, her father—himself a poor noble—had spoken in a voice that sounded almost resigned:

“Among my children, you’re the only one who would seriously say you want to become a knight, so I have no choice but to accept your journey. But Karin, you are trying to become a knight as a woman. You must be prepared to endure hardships far greater than those faced by men. Of course, you have excellent aptitude and great talent for magic, but that alone will not be enough. What you need to succeed is not just talent in magic. More than anything, you need courage. Listen well, my daughter. It’s fine to be stingy with money… knights and money are incompatible, so that can’t be helped! But listen carefully—courage is the one thing you must never be stingy with. No matter what happens, no matter who you face, you must never take a single step back. Well… unless your opponent is His Majesty the King or the Captain of the Guard, that is… but still, you carry the name of House de Maillart. You must never be timid or shrink away. No matter what, you must always muster your courage! Courage! You do have a timid side, and that worries me…”

Only then did her father realize he got carried away, and he looked slightly embarrassed.

“And one more thing, you must conceal the fact that you are a woman at all costs. Until you achieve some degree of success, you must never let it be known. These days, female knights are no longer unheard of, but as you know, the Royal Magic Knight Corps, which prides itself on tradition and honor, does not permit women to join. If that were to be exposed, you wouldn’t simply be expelled. You must always keep this firmly in mind.”

Holding those words in her heart, Karin set out for the capital.

She hated her timid self. She could not forgive herself for having talent in magic, yet trembling and faltering at crucial moments. That was why Karin longed for something different.

That knight who saved her that day…

She wanted to become a knight like that, and beyond that, to become someone worthy of being called a hero.

That was Karin’s one great dream.

The capital, which she was seeing for the first time, was full of noise and life.

Though the crowds initially made Karin shrink back, she soon grew accustomed to them.

Stalls lined both sides of the street, each one tempting her to stop and take a look, but she quickly regained her composure.

“No matter what, I need to go see Lord Dragignian of the Magic Knight Corps first…”

But where exactly was she supposed to find this Lord Dragignian?

Though reluctant, her father must have felt guilty about sending his daughter off empty-handed. Before she left, he told her: if she wished to join the Magic Knight Corps, she should visit his old friend, Lord Dragignian, and he gave her a letter.

She took the letter out from her chest. It seemed to be double-layered; the seal had not been waxed. Inside was an envelope addressed to “Lord Dragignian,” along with a slip of paper bearing an address.

“Fusoviar Street, District Three, Jeviel Dragignian.”

After asking a passerby, she learned that Fusoviar Street was some distance away. She followed the directions she had been given, but the capital’s maze of narrow, tangled streets quickly caused the countryside-raised Karin to lose her way.

''Where… am I?''

Glancing around as she hurried forward, Karin failed to notice the large man approaching from ahead.

The man, for his part, was loudly chatting with his companions while gnawing on a piece of bone-in chicken and didn’t notice Karin either.

The two collided violently in the middle of the street.

Naturally, the one who was sent flying was Karin, whose body weighed barely a third of the man’s.

The giant didn’t budge at all. Looking down at Karin sprawled on the ground, he burst into laughter.

“Wahaha! What’s the matter, kid? If you don’t watch where you’re going, you’re gonna get hurt!”

Still laughing loudly, he turned as if to leave.

For most people, being mocked like that by such a hulking man would crush any thought of protest. Karin was no exception. Her innate timidity stirred, and she couldn’t help but begin to tremble.
[[File:ZNTso1 027.jpg|thumb]]
But at that moment, her father’s words flashed through her mind.

No matter what, you must have courage!”

That’s right. She had only just arrived, so there was no way she could let herself be looked down on already.

A coward could never become a knight, Karin!

Karin immediately glared at the man and shouted:

“Y-you knock someone over and just try to walk away like nothing happened?!”

The large man stopped instantly and turned around.

His body was packed with muscles, like a warrior from ancient arenas. A massive jaw that looked like it could crush bone, paired with slicked-back blond hair and a head as rough and solid as stone…His wrist might well have been as thick as Karin’s waist. If not for the wand at his side, he would have looked more like a swordsman or a spearman.

“What? If you’ve got something to say, then say it.”

The townspeople watching from a distance couldn’t help but shiver. Complaining to a brute like that, this young noble must be an idiot.

No one present thought Karin was a “girl.” With her flat chest and masculine clothing, they all simply saw her as an unusually beautiful boy.

“Someone as big as you should walk at the side of the road so you’re not in the way.”

At this point, there was no backing down. Even as she tried to steady her trembling body, Karin forced the words out.

The large man, on the other hand, broke into a nasty grin.

“Someone like me—a hero—belongs right in the middle of the road. You, on the other hand, should scurry along the edges like a rat… unless you want to get crushed.”

Karin, forced herself to keep complaining, with a cold sweat running down her back.

“Don’t be ridiculous… the one who’ll get crushed is you.”

The large man’s expression changed. But in the very next moment, it twisted into a smug grin.

A beautifully dressed young noble girl happened to pass by. She looked like the daughter of some aristocratic house, as she was accompanied by several attendants.

In an instant, the large man suddenly dropped to his knees at her feet.

“Eek!”

“Please! allow me to serve you!”

“What is going on?!” The attendants of the noble girl immediately fell into an uproar. But as if none of it mattered, the man continued rubbing his head against her feet.

“I became a knight for the sake of serving a beautiful young lady like you! Please, please, let me become one of your attendants!”

The noble girl looked on the verge of tears, but the man did not stop his pleading.

“With all my heart! I beg of you!”

“Aaaahhhhhh!!”

As his head nearly brushed her feet, she kicked him straight in the face. He flipped over and collapsed onto the ground. Seizing the chance, the noble girl fled with her attendants.

Under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the large man slowly stood back up.

“…What exactly was that supposed to be?”

Karin muttered in exasperation.

The man, however, smiled cheerfully.

“I just can’t resist cute girls! I came to the capital to serve beautiful maidens, but things never go my way! Ah, good thing you’re a pretty boy! If you were a girl, this would’ve been a real problem! Someone as good-looking as you is rare even among women!”

His teeth flashed as he spoke, growing more animated with every word.

“…Pervert.”

The word slipped out before she could stop herself.

The man’s face changed.

“Pervert? You call ''this'' a perversion? My devotion to lovely young ladies?! Unforgivable! That, of all things, I absolutely cannot forgive! Just for that one word, I ought to run you through!”

“Shut up, pervert. Pervert, pervert.”

Karin pushed her luck further.

Even though she was quite a coward, she had a tendency to get carried away once she gained momentum. It often led to trouble, but she herself never realized it.

“I’m not a pervert! I just have a lot of love!”

“A pervert like you shouldn’t be walking in the middle of the road. Actually, you shouldn’t even be outside. You’re a nuisance to everyone. More importantly, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

Karin fired off her insults in rapid succession.

“Y-you!”

The giant’s face flushed bright red. Pointing at the wand hanging at Karin’s waist, he roared:

“Fine! Then prove whether I’m a pervert or not with that!”

Karin’s body trembled.

Ah… this is a duel challenge.

Back in the countryside, she sparred a few times with the children of nearby nobles… but never against someone who looked this strong.

This is bad… I let my guard down because I thought he was just some pervert…

While she was panicking, the man continued:

“Tomorrow, two o’clock. Behind Saint Christ Temple. Don’t think you can run, I’ve got plenty of friends in this capital. I’ll find you in no time!”

Shaking with anger, the giant turned and walked away.

This is bad…

She felt like she might cry, but it was too late now. Still… at least she had shown her courage.

Trying to reassure herself, she straightened her back and started walking again.

The passersby had no idea what was going through Karin’s mind, yet they simply admired a bold young noble they’ve just witnessed.

Karin resumed her search for Fusoviar Street.

Even after wandering for thirty minutes, she still couldn’t find it, and unease began to creep in. Thinking she should ask someone for directions, she looked around for a suitable person.

She found herself in a small square nestled between temple buildings. Nearby taverns had set up tables outside, turning the space into an open-air drinking area. Under the blue sky, alcohol seemed to taste especially good, and such places were quite popular.

Thinking she might find someone to ask here, she approached, and suddenly heard a striking voice.

“Allow me to dedicate a song to you.”

“Oh my! Narcis, how wonderful!”

Turning toward the sound, she saw a young noble seated in a chair, surrounded by several women.

His outfit was… overwhelming. The shirt he wore underneath wasn’t just flashy—it was absurd: a shimmering purple garment woven with gold thread, reflecting the light in every direction.

And his face matched it.

Or rather, it was strange in its own way.

Narrow eyes, a sharp nose, and thin, angular cheeks.

He had the features of a beautiful young man, but wore makeup like a stage actor.

The women gathered around him didn’t even seem to know what was so appealing about him, yet each of them squealed in delight.

“Just as stars shine in the heavens, so too you shine upon this earth, those stars are your eyes. Like rosebuds that irresistibly draw one in… rose-colored cheeks, lips like roses…”

Aren’t those all just roses? Setting aside the face for a moment, how could a man have such a limited vocabulary?

Thinking that, Karin couldn’t help herself and she blurted it out as if she might gag.

“That’s a terrible song.”

The man seemed to catch the remark instantly and turned his gaze toward her.

At first, his eyes widened at Karin’s beauty, but the moment he noticed her outfit, his sharp expression returned. It seemed he had briefly mistaken her for a beautiful girl, then judged her to be male based on her clothing. A very easy man to read.

“A terrible song, is it? I believe I heard someone say that. Was that you just now?”

With a sharp motion, he crossed his legs.

This is bad.

Karin’s face turned pale. Isn’t this turning into another pointless conflict?

But she couldn’t let someone like this see her fear. Gathering all her courage, she spoke boldly:

“Yes. That was me.”

“Hmph!” The man known as Narcis snorted.

This guy… dared to insult me. But with ladies watching, best to respond with refined sarcasm.

That seemed to be his thought process. Then he noticed Karin’s clothes and burst out laughing.

“Just look at that outfit! I don’t know where you picked it up, but it’s terribly outdated! In this day and age, you wouldn’t see something like that even in the most remote countryside of Gallia!”

Even so, the women didn’t laugh at all.

Instead, they stared at Karin, entranced by the presence of such a strikingly beautiful youth.

Narcis seemed to notice that subtle shift in their attention.

His face twitched with anger.

“Indeed, a beautiful boy. If you were a woman, even His Majesty might take you as a concubine. But unfortunately, you’re a man! And worse, you can never be number one. After all, here in the capital… you have ''me'', Lord Narcis!”

With that, he began striking dramatic poses, one moment resting a hand against his chin, the next biting down on a flower taken from a vase.

But the women, like devoted fans, ignored him completely and instead gathered around Karin, staring at her intently.

“What a lovely boy! Your skin is so beautiful! Are you wearing makeup?

“Where are you from? What kind of place produces such beauty like you?”

Karin looked at them coldly.

“That’s none of your business.”

Seeing this, something in Narcis seemed to snap.

You could expect that. He clearly had immense confidence in his appearance.

At last, he pointed at Karin.

“My dear flowers, tell me. Between that boy and myself, who is more beautiful? Though, of course, the answer is obvious.”

The women exchanged troubled glances. It seemed they didn’t want to hurt Narcis by telling the truth.

Thanks to the male attire and flat chest, none of them realized that this young noble was actually a girl.

At that moment, Karin spoke again. In any case, she should avoid pointless conflict if possible.

“Who’s more beautiful has nothing to do with one’s ability as a knight, does it? From my perspective, you’re already quite beautiful. There’s no need to compete with anyone in that regard.”

“That’s right, that’s right! Such a well-spoken young man!” the women chimed in.

“Y-you all… that’s enough…”

Watching Narcis tremble, Karin began to find it a little amusing.

And once that happened, she couldn’t resist pushing a little further.

“That’s quite a shirt you’re wearing.”

“…What?”

Narcis blinked in confusion at the sudden remark.

“I mean your shirt. Where did you even find something that shiny? What exactly are you trying to do, wearing that? Performing in some kind of stage play? Even clowns don’t dress like that.”

Having his prized shirt criticized like that, Narcis’s face darkened to a deep red. Clenching his fists, he began to pant heavily.

“Y-you… you—you—you… are you making a fool of me?!”

For some reason, that reaction only made it more entertaining, and Karin couldn’t help herself.

“Of course not. I’m not that bored. Besides, I have no interest in you, so there’s no reason for me to make fun of you. I just think that shirt is a bit too much, that’s all.”

The women burst into laughter.

“That’s true, Narcis, that shirt is too much!”

“It’s so bright even the sun would run away!”

As his beloved shirt became the butt of jokes, the veins at Narcis’s temples throbbed violently.

…This is bad. I got carried away again.

Karin quietly decided to slip away.

“…Well then, excuse me.”

“Hold it right there.”

“What is it?”

“I rather like that shirt.”

“Then cherish it properly. Farewell.”

“Hold it.”

“…Now what?”

“Could you give my shirt a chance to restore its honor? Don’t worry, it won’t take much of your time.”

Another duel.

''I messed up…'' Karin clutched her head in her mind.

“Tomorrow at two, behind Saint Christ Temple. Sounds good? And don’t even think about running, I’ve got plenty of friends in this city.”

She wanted to say “no thanks”, but to become a knight, courage mattered above all else. That was what she was told before leaving home.

So, with a strained expression, Karin nodded.

''What am I going to do…?''

She had only just arrived in the capital, and already she’d been challenged to two duels. It was terrifying—terrifying enough to make her feel like she might die.

With a gloomy expression, Karin kept walking.

After asking many people for directions, she finally reached Fusoviar Street by evening.

Bathed in the light of the setting sun, it was an old residential district lined with brick apartment buildings. The brown brick walls, coated with white plaster, were faded, but gave off a calm and refined atmosphere. The people walking along the street were all elegantly dressed nobles.

''Wow… as expected of nobles in the capital. So refined…''

Just as she was thinking that, a dazzling procession appeared before her.

A group of knights in pure white uniforms, emblazoned with red sacred emblems. Looking closer, they weren’t riding horses, but unicorns with brilliant white coats.

Karin couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.

Like something out of a painting, the knights advanced in perfect order, silently passing by her. Their stern, disciplined faces stared straight ahead, never wavering.

Each of them radiated an overwhelming presence—it felt as if any one of them could stand against an entire unit of soldiers.

Karin watched them with shining eyes.

“…The Magic Knight Corps.”

She whispered it under her breath.

There was no doubt, these were the very knights she had long admired. The royal guard of the Tristan Kingdom, the object of every noble’s admiration. She had heard that the Corps was divided into several squads, each mounted on a different kind of phantom beast bearing the squad’s name.

Which meant, this was the Unicorn Squadron.

Ah… Karin let out a quiet sigh of wonder.

Just imagining herself wearing that uniform and riding a pure white unicorn made her too excited to stand still.

“Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron! Magic Knight Corps, Unicorn Squadron!”

Murmuring it to herself, she resumed her search for Lord Dragignian’s residence.

What kind of noble could someone be to be capable of introducing her into such an extraordinary order of knights?

Filled with anticipation, her heart trembling, Karin checked one address after another, but…

Although she reached District Three, there was nothing there except a restaurant.

“…………”

Karin stared blankly at the building.

Did I get it wrong?

No… that couldn’t be. This was definitely District Three of Fusoviar Street.

She pushed open the door, and a friendly young waiter hurried over.

“Welcome! Um…”

He seemed unsure whether to address her as “miss” or “sir.”

Karin spoke casually.

“I’m a man. Though I do get mistaken for a girl a lot. Also, isn’t this supposed to be Lord Dragignian’s residence?”

The boy looked puzzled.

“This is our establishment—the ‘Breeze Pavilion’…”

Seeing this, a well-built man, likely the owner, approached.

“Is there a problem?”

“This customer is asking whether this used to be Lord Dragignian’s residence.”

The owner nodded.

“I see. Lord Dragignian transferred ownership of this estate… hmm, about ten years ago. After we took it over, we turned it into a restaurant, as you can see.”

“Then… where is Lord Dragignian now?”

The owner shook his head.

“I don’t know… perhaps he returned to the countryside, or… well, he was quite old.”

Stepping out of the restaurant, Karin stood there, frozen. A shadow slowly fell across her beautiful face, enveloping her figure into the dark clouds.

Unease filled her chest, and Karin nearly dropped to her knees.

She had only just arrived, and already, in the blink of an eye, she’d been challenged to two duels.

And the one person she could rely on—Lord Dragignian—was nowhere to be found.

It was hopeless.

She stood there, dejected for a while… then slowly clenched her fist.

“I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose, I can’t lose…”, she muttered.

But just telling herself that wasn’t enough.

There was only one thing left to do.

That “magic.”

It was Karin’s secret spell. She didn’t know how it worked, but whenever she used it, courage would well up inside her.

With her left index finger, she wrote the word “courage” in her palm, then licked it. At once, warmth spread through her chest… and courage surged up from within.

It was the “magic to summon courage” taught to her long ago… by the knight who had saved her.

Back in the countryside, she relied on this spell many times. Before things like duels, she would always use it once. When she did, her fear would vanish, and her body would fill with a sense of invincibility. Mysterious masked knight… as long as I have this spell, I’ll be fine!

The situation was, without a doubt, desperate.

But, “To become a knight.”

There was no way she could abandon that dream. No matter what, she had to find her courage. Courage!

Repeating those words like a spell, Karin stepped forward.

'''Chapter 2 — Cendrillon'''

While Karin continued searching for Lord Dragignian’s residence…

In a corner of Midsummer Street, inside the duty room of the Magic Knight Corps of Lord Jervul’s estate, a woman sat with her elbow on the desk, frowning in frustration.

She looked to be around twenty-two or twenty-three. Long, beautiful black hair, blue eyes, and glasses, her features were undeniably attractive. And yet, there was an atmosphere about her as sharp and severe as a drawn blade.

This was Vivian Jervul, acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps.

She tapped her fingers impatiently against the desk, clearly irritated by something. At that moment, a servant opened the door and peeked inside.

“Lord Cendrillon has arrived.”

“Send him in at once.”

Vivian replied in a voice that perfectly matched the room: cold, and devoid of any warmth.

The servant nodded and ushered the man waiting outside into the room.

The man who entered was… peculiar.

His face looked young, yet his grayish-silver hair and the monocle over his melancholic eyes gave off an ageless, almost unsettling impression.

And yet, his features were so strikingly well-formed that the strangeness seemed to vanish, replaced by a dangerous kind of charm. Any woman would likely gasp in admiration and find herself drawn in…

But… The stern expression he wore, as if enduring some kind of pain, dulled that charm considerably.

Vivian fixed him with a cold glare.

“Well then… you’ve caused trouble again, haven’t you, Cendrillon?”

The man called Cendrillon averted his gaze, his lips tightening awkwardly.

“My father’s away because of his illness, so don’t cause trouble… How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?”

“Um… what exactly are you referring to? I have no idea what you mean.”

Cendrillon replied, cold sweat forming on his brow. He didn’t seem particularly good at lying.

“Last night, on Ziktony Street… Who was it that got into a fight with the knights of Germania at the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t go anywhere near that place. I spent the evening peacefully playing cards at the Bacchus household.”

As he said that, his face turned even paler.

“Don’t you lie. I have evidence. To begin with, it was you with those two idiots, playing cards against the Germanian knights. You were not at the Bacchus’s house, it was the ‘Cavern Torch’ tavern. At first, it seems it was just an ordinary game, but it happened that you started losing and refused to pay the Germania knights. When they got angry, you drew your wands.”

Vivian spoke with a vein visibly throbbing on her forehead.

“You apparently made quite a mess of the Cavern Torch. What do you intend to do about it?”

With a sharp motion, she handed a sheet of paper to Cendrillon.

“What’s this?”

“A repair invoice from the establishment.”

Cendrillon immediately panicked.

“I-it’s a misunderstanding! First of all, I’d like to clarify! We didn’t lose under normal circumstances! Those Germanian knights were cheating! Seriously, what underhanded bastards!”

“Oh? And then?”

“When we exposed it, they drew their wands first, so we had no choice but to fight back. Besides, you know I hate fighting. It’s impossible that we would’ve attacked first.”

“You say you had no choice, but it seems you went a bit too far. Two people are unable to stand, and five more are injured to varying degrees. We’ve already received a formal protest from the embassy.”

“We were injured too.”

“Oh? Who?”

“Me.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his shirt. His torso was wrapped in bandages.

Vivian’s expression stiffened.

“What? Let me see that properly.”

“Yes,” he said, letting her examine the wound. Sure enough, there was a faint stain of red seeping through.

“That’s not a light injury. Are you alright?”

“Yes. I was struck directly by a magical arrow. If I weren’t a water mage of my level, I would have bled out.”

“Should you even be standing?”

“I was lying down until just now, but since Lady Vivian summoned me…”

At that, Vivian bit her lip and took hold of his hand.

“Honestly… don’t make me worry like that… If something happened to you, what would I do? There’s no one else in this corps I can rely on. If only you would take things a little more seriously…”

A subtle, intoxicating charm drifted from her. It was enough to unsettle anyone who wasn’t careful. Seeing such a change from Vivian, who was always stern and composed, left Cendrillon momentarily confused.
[[File:ZNTso1 045.jpg|thumb]]
Vivian looked at him with heated eyes.

Then she closed them, and slowly leaned her lips closer.

Cendrillon panicked.

“W-wait… um! Lady Vivian! I, Cendrillon, have sworn never to give my heart to a woman!”

But faced with Vivian’s beauty, he couldn’t hold out, he found himself closing his eyes.

And then… a sharp pain shot through his abdomen.

“Gyaaaaaah!”

His wound had been mercilessly squeezed, and he let out a scream.

“W-what are you doing…?”

“Just kidding, idiot. That’s exactly why you got baited by such an obvious trick.”

Vivian returned to her seat as if nothing happened, shaking her head.

“I understand the situation now. But what are you going to do about the tavern you wrecked?”

Cendrillon, sweating, clutched his aching stomach and spoke through the pain.

“They brought it on themselves.”

“Oh?”

“The place was helping the Germanian knights cheat. They had magic cast on the table so they could see our hands.”

“…You really are fools.”

“So that invoice can be ignored. Filing a complaint like that would be as useful as a thief crying foul.”

“Then why did you lie in the first place?”

Faced with such a straightforward question, Cendrillon could only sweat nervously.

“B-because… I don’t like getting scolded…”

“How honest.”

Vivian smiled and beckoned him closer.

But Cendrillon shook his head, looking like he was about to cry.

“N-no, I’m good.”

“What’s wrong? I’m about to reward you. The acting commander of the Magic Knight Corps, Vivian Jevre herself, is going to personally reward you. Now come here.”

“I refuse.”

He shook his head again.

Vivian’s tone shifted into a command.

“Come here.”

In the end, it was still an official order he couldn’t defy. With no choice, Cendrillon stepped closer to Vivian.

The next moment, she grabbed him firmly by the neck and began pressing his wound again and again with her fingers.

“Gyaaaaaaaahhh!!”

“Now, Cendrillon… didn’t I tell you? The Magic Knight Corps is in a delicate situation right now. So behave yourself. I ''did'' say that, didn’t I?”

“P-pain! Please—stop!”

“You and those two idiots… honestly, raising fools is exhausting. Don’t you think so? My dear subordinate, my precious retainer? You agree, don’t you?”

“Y-yes! Exactly as you say, Lady Vivian!”

“Good. Then consider this your lesson. You’ll be taking a pay cut for three months. Make sure you inform those two you’re always with as well.”

After being thoroughly disciplined, Cendrillon stepped out of the estate, clutching his aching abdomen.

He still looked half-dead.

“Is she trying to kill a wounded man…? Honestly… I’d just managed to heal…”

On the verge of tears, he began chanting his specialty, water magic.

Using ''Heal'', he managed to close the wound, but it wasn’t completely restored. In this world, those who could use magic were called nobles, and though they were feared and respected, magic wasn’t nearly as convenient as people believed.

“Damn it… that cold-blooded woman… one day I’ll make her cry.”

Even though he said that, it was almost impossible to imagine Vivian crying.

“…Sigh. A pay cut… I’m already barely scraping by!”

These days, for various reasons, the Magic Knight Corps’ salaries were already harshly limited. And now a three-month reduction? That was no joke.

His mood was in ruins.

“…What should I do now…?”

He didn’t feel like going straight home to sleep. In the end, Cendrillon decided to go have a drink.

He headed to the bustling Ziktony Street in the capital, Tristania, and entered a tavern called the “Silver Barrel.”

Despite its name, it was a cheap establishment, run by a quiet father and his lively daughter. It was the kind of place with a relaxed, unrestrictive atmosphere. Whenever Cendrillon was short on money, he came here, because they let him run a tab.

Today was no different.

As he pushed open the door, the tavern’s poster girl, Tanya, came over to greet him.

“Oh! Isn’t that Cendrillon? Welcome!”

She looked about sixteen, a cheerful girl with a bright smile and shining chestnut-colored short hair. She was quite popular; many customers came just to see her.

Cendrillon took his usual seat at the far end of the counter and ordered wine.

“Give me a bottle of Dorf vintage.”

“The usual, then?”

Tanya said that, then leaned in close to whisper in his ear.

“Your tab’s getting pretty big, you know.”

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

Not even being able to drink what he liked freely, was there anything more depressing?

Especially now that his pay had been cut, expensive wine would be out of reach for a while.

“…Then just something cheap.”

“Even then, it’s still going on your tab, right?”

Tanya stared at him.

“W-well… yeah.”

“Well, I’ll let it slide this time. But in return…”

“What?”

“Next time, will you take me to see a play?”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Cendrillon glanced at her, then shook his head.

“Go with your friends.”

“Hey! Come on! I’m inviting ''you''!”

“I’m busy.”

“That’s a lie! You’re always just drinking!”

Tanya puffed her cheeks in annoyance, but soon her expression turned curious.

“Hey, Cendrillon… why don’t you ever go out with women? Your friend Narcis always has a different girl with him.”

“I’m not interested in women. Quit talking and bring the wine.”

“What a waste. You’re actually quite charming, you know.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah… how should I put it? It’s like you’ve got a shadow over you. A lot of girls are drawn to that.”

''I see… a shadow, huh.''

Cendrillon gave a wry smile.

But if they knew the truth behind that “shadow”… their illusions would surely shatter.

The reason he came to “dislike women” was due to a certain incident.

It wasn’t that he truly hated women.

It was just that, ever since that incident, he couldn’t bring himself to take anything seriously. No… more than that, he felt he had no right to love anyone at all.

And so, whenever the topic of women came up, Cendrillon would fall silent. Ironically, that only drew in women like Tanya, who were fascinated by that very attitude.

At times like those, he would simply claim that he “hated women.”

Tanya tried for a while to keep him engaged, bringing up different topics, but before long she seemed to give up.

She set down the cheap wine and snacks she had prepared in front of him.

Taking slow sips of the low-quality wine, Cendrillon reflected on his situation. Joining the Magic Knight Corps was a good thing, but day after day, his life consisted of drinking, gambling, or dueling…

It was, in its own way, enjoyable.

And yet… it felt as though something inside him was gradually being worn away.

''I wasn’t like this before. Back then, I was full of energy… full of hope for the future.''

Of course he was

Because back then, he had been the happiest man in the world. Born into an enviable family, together with the woman he loved…

So why was he now sitting here, drinking cheap wine in a place like this? The answer was simple.

It was his own fault.

The reason he could no longer love women. And the reason he had left home…

Back then… if these hands didn’t cast that ''spell'', his life would surely have been shining brightly.

Just a small mistake… and everything had been taken from him.

It was his doing.

These hands… “Forgive me.”

He murmured it under his breath, then took another deep drink of the cheap wine. The burning liquid slid down his throat, setting his stomach ablaze. Only like this could he dull the pain of the past.

“My life really is… covered in ash. Oh, Cendrillon…”

Staring into the dark red liquid in his glass, he muttered to himself.

He was only nineteen, and yet already, he was completely steeped in a ruined life.

His life, like the color of his hair, was shrouded in gray clouds.

Cendrillon recalled the paintings of the “Saint” he had often seen as a child. A sacred girl, both gentle and stern, depicted in religious art, he could never grow tired of gazing at her.

In the painting, the saint extended her hands, saving the weak from the depths of the water. Did such a beautiful woman truly exist in this world?

If he could meet a saint like that… perhaps the gray clouds covering his life would finally disperse.

“But the sin I’ve committed won’t disappear because of that.”

He muttered, tilting his glass.

The “Saint” didn’t exist. And even if she did, his sins would not vanish. For the rest of his life, he would have to carry that burden.

And yet… perhaps God pitied Cendrillon, and listened to that small, insignificant wish. The door opened, and a young noble stepped inside.

The moment he saw them, Cendrillon caught his breath.

Then his heart jolted, as if struck by lightning.

Before him stood a face, dignified and beautiful, just like the saint from those paintings. The figure looked about fourteen or fifteen. Beneath soft peach-colored hair were slender eyes, their pale brown irises gleaming like clear gemstones. A perfectly shaped nose, neither too high nor too low. Lips like small cherries, gently curved downward.

Everything about that face was arranged with flawless symmetry, as if crafted by the hand of a god.

What… such an unbelievable beauty… A girl like this exists on this street…?

That overwhelming beauty drew not only Cendrillon’s gaze, but the attention of everyone in the tavern.

But… it seemed that God was not smiling upon him after all.

“Huh? A boy?” Those words, spoken by another customer, snapped him back to reality.

Yes, the noble was dressed in a man’s knight attire, a crude military wand hanging at the waist. It was the sort of outdated thing any woman would dislike.

And on top of that, the chest was perfectly flat.

The slender figure could easily be mistaken for a girl… but if they truly were a woman, there should at least be some slight curve, even if undeveloped.

A “boy.” Oh… so it’s a boy.

A disappointed sigh spread through the tavern, and Cendrillon let out a deep breath as well.

Of course. There was no way God would grant his wish.

Thinking that, he gave a wry smile.

Come on, Cendrillon, even if that was a beautiful girl instead of a beautiful boy… what would it change?

Just a stranger in a tavern, nothing more.

The idea that a saint would descend to wash away the ash clinging to him

was nothing more than a foolish delusion.

That “boy” was, in fact, Karin Désirée de Maillart, the cross-dressing girl who came here, lost in despair, thinking she should at least fill her stomach first.

But Cendrillon was not a god, he had no way of knowing that.

Karin slowly looked around the tavern, as if choosing a seat. It seemed that she preferred somewhere deeper inside, and without hesitation, she walked straight in and sat down two seats away from Cendrillon.

Tanya approached, looking completely captivated.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a beautiful guest! W-what would you like to order?”

Her voice was already trembling.

Karin spoke in a clear, composed tone:

“Milk. And something good to eat.”

The “boy’s” voice was as beautiful as a hymn.

Cendrillon stared at Karin, stunned.

What a vast world this is… To produce such a beautiful boy, this world really is something.

He found himself admiring it sincerely.

However, just as such beauty naturally drew attention, it also invited trouble.

Tanya, practically dancing with excitement, brought over the milk and set it down in front of Karin. Just then, a drunken man shouted loudly:

“Hey! Kid! This is a bar! If you want milk, go home and drink your mother’s!”

Cendrillon went pale.

Such a cliché line, it wouldn’t even appear in a stage play. It was almost embarrassing just to hear it.

An awkward murmur spread through the tavern.

Karin slowly stood up.

Her face had turned slightly pale, that remark clearly irritated her. It wasn’t just her beauty; her presence itself was striking.

With all eyes on her, Karin spoke:

“Was that you just now?”

Her tone was calm, but beneath it lay unmistakable anger.

Sustained by the “magic of courage” she just used, Karin felt invincible. There was nothing she feared.

The drunk, clearly the type who couldn’t read the room, kept mocking her:

“Yeah, that was me, you little noble brat. Seriously, pick a better place to drink. A beauty like you sitting here sipping milk ruins the mood completely. Or what, you gonna pour drinks for me? Maybe sway those hips while you’re at it?”

“He’s a boy.”

Someone muttered it, but the drunk only got more carried away.

“Doesn't matter! If you look that good, who cares if you’re a boy or a girl? Come on, kid… why don’t I—”

Before he could finish, Karin spoke again.

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Her voice was flat, like she was simply stating a fact.

The entire tavern fell silent, as if something had been abruptly cut off.

The drunk forced a laugh.

“H-hey now, just kidding. Listen, kid, there’s a beautiful world out there you don’t know about. I was just trying to show you—”

“Say one more word, and I’ll kill you.”

Karin repeated it, without the slightest exaggeration.

A vein bulged on the man’s forehead as his irritation boiled over.

“Who do you think you’re killing?”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Don’t screw with me! Who do you think is getting killed here?”

In one swift motion, the man drew a pistol from his belt. He looked like a former mercenary.

He pointed the gun at Karin and cocked it.

Screams broke out in the tavern.

“Hey, kid… didn’t I tell you to pick your place? Maybe a country bumpkin like you doesn’t know, but this area isn’t exactly well-behaved. Proper nobles don’t come here. Even if I kill you, no one important is gonna notice.”

Even so, Karin didn’t change her expression. She looked at the gun as if it were nothing more than a stick.

It wasn’t bravery. It was recklessness.

“If you don’t want to die, toss your wand over here. Slowly. And don’t even think about chanting a spell, I’ll shoot without hesitation. Don’t get any ideas. At this distance, no matter how fast you chant, gunpowder and bullets are faster.”

Cendrillon swallowed.

Having served in the Magic Knight Corps for years, having seen battle and duels, he knew the man was absolutely right.

But Karin shook her head.

“I refuse.”

“…What?”

She placed her hand on the military wand at her waist.

“If I throw this away, then I won’t be myself anymore. So I refuse.”

“You wanna die?!”

“I refuse that too.”

“Didn’t I just tell you?! The gun is faster!”

Then, in a firm and composed tone, the “boy” declared:

“Your bullet won’t hit me.”

“At this distance, there’s no way I’d miss! I’m a mercenary, you know! I’ve fired more shots than I’ve had meals!”

“It won’t hit.”

“Are you an idiot?!”

“I have a dream. Until that dream comes true, I won’t die no matter what happens. So your bullet won’t hit me. Go ahead, aim carefully. I don’t know how many times you’ve fired a gun, but this will be the last bullet you ever fire.”

Cendrillon was stunned.

What kind of nonsense logic was that?

And yet, coming from this boy, it somehow sounded convincing.

Just as the tension in the tavern reached its peak…

the man backed down.

“Tch! I don’t have time to deal with idiots!”

He threw the gun aside and scrambled out of the tavern. The tension instantly dissolved.

Karin returned to her seat as if nothing had happened and calmly resumed drinking her milk. The patrons all looked at her with admiration. Tanya, in particular, stared at her as if she were gazing at a god.

Cendrillon picked up the gun from the floor and placed it in front of Karin.

“Hey, you. This is your trophy.”

Karin glanced at him, then quickly lost interest and looked away.

Feeling ignored, Cendrillon frowned.

“Looks like you’re training to be a knight, but about this… I can’t praise it. Sure, it worked out, but that man was right. At that distance, the gun is faster.”

Speaking as an older noble, he offered his advice.

“There were no bullets in it.”

…What?

Cendrillon looked at Karin with a hint of unease.

She figured that out instantly? She looks four or five years younger than me, what kind of observation is that?

“…That’s impressive.”

He muttered, then picked up the gun to check.

The hammer had been cocked… but the pan cover was shut, so he couldn’t see inside. Did she look through the barrel? That’s impossible.

How did she figure it out?

He couldn’t make sense of it.

“That’s incredible.”

Absentmindedly, Cendrillon pulled the trigger toward the wall.

''Bang!''

A deafening gunshot rang out.

Cendrillon jumped, and the tavern fell into chaos.

Gun smoke filled the air as he coughed violently. Looking at the wall, he saw a large hole blown through it.

“…So there ''were'' bullets.”

He muttered in disbelief.

Karin looked at him with a completely indifferent expression.

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Don’t guess like that. Seriously, one small mistake and you’d be dead.”

“I told you. The bullet wouldn’t hit me.”

With that, Karin finished her milk in one gulp.

“You look like you’re training to be a knight, but with that attitude, one life won’t be enough. If you confuse courage with recklessness, you’ll end up shortening your own lifespan.”

Karin set the ceramic cup down on the counter.

“Could you keep quiet?”

“…Huh?”

“I’m in a bad mood right now.”

What is with this kid?

That attitude rubbed him the wrong way. Being talked to like that made him want to provoke her.

A smirk crept onto Cendrillon’s lips.

“Oh? In a bad mood, are we? And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Karin turned to face him.

“Depending on your attitude, you might end up with some unnecessary injuries.”

Pretty bold words for a kid.

Cendrillon couldn’t help but tease her.

“Injuries? From you? That pretty face of yours would be in real trouble if it got hurt.”

A faint blush appeared on Karin’s porcelain-like cheeks.

“Sounds like you really want to get hurt.”

“Of course not. I hate pain.”

“So you’re just a coward, then. In that case, be quiet, you useless idiot.”

Karin glared at him coldly, a hint of contempt in her eyes.

…Right. To someone who still believes in their future without question, I must look like nothing but a failure.

Normally, being spoken to like that would provoke anger.

But Cendrillon simply backed off.

“Yeah, yeah… maybe you’re right. Sorry for bothering you.”

Seeing that attitude, Karin’s expression changed.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Not at all. I admire you.”

“…You, do you even count as a noble? Is there such a thing as a noble who gets called a coward and doesn’t get angry?”

“There is. You’re looking at one.”

“What a disgrace.”

“Yeah. I am.”

Saying that, Cendrillon lifted his glass.

Karin grabbed the bottle of red wine and poured it straight over his head. The liquid splashed down over him, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

“Hey, what are you doing? What a waste.”

“Get angry already! You call yourself a noble?!”

Karin shouted, clearly irritated.

“Pointless. Getting angry never leads to anything good.”

At that moment, two men pushed open the door and walked in.

One of them was dressed in such extravagant clothing that it almost felt like someone had distilled the very concept of “gaudy” into a dye and painted it onto him. A doll-like beauty, with narrow eyes that suggested how many women he had made cry.

The other was a towering, muscular man, even larger than the one from before. Long golden hair, a rugged jaw that looked like it could crush iron, and a broad chest like that of an ancient arena fighter.

An overwhelming, dominating presence radiated from him, one that made everyone else seem insignificant.

These two were Narcis and Bacchus.

They were also members of the Magic Knight Corps, and Cendrillon’s closest companions.

The three of them were always together, eating, drinking, fooling around, working… and when it came to duels, they would act as each other’s seconds.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Cendrillon—the three knights were famous throughout Tristania.

Though not in a particularly flattering way.

The most troublesome trio in the history of the Magic Knight Corps. Constant instigators of chaos. The three fools who were always giving Acting Commander Vivian headaches.

Bacchus and Narcis spoke at the same time:

“Cendrillon! So you ''are'' here!”

“What is it, Bacchus? And Narcis, you’re with him too?”

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you! I’ve got a duel tomorrow, and I need you to be my second!”

“A duel? You too?” Narcis asked, surprised.

“What, you as well? So that’s why you were looking for him! You should’ve said so earlier!”

“I was going to tell you when we found Cendrillon.”

Cendrillon shouted in frustration:

“Don’t joke around! Lady Vivian’s going to kill us!”

At that moment, both Narcis and Bacchus noticed Karin sitting beside him and their eyes widened.

“Why is ''this guy'' here?!”

“You know him?” Cendrillon asked.

“What do you mean, know him? He’s my opponent tomorrow,” Bacchus replied blankly.

“Mine too.”

The three of them turned to stare at Karin.

Karin calmly glanced between Narcis and Bacchus.

“What, you all know each other?”

“You know these two?” Cendrillon asked in disbelief.

Karin nodded.

“We’ve agreed to duel tomorrow. Though I don’t mind doing it now. I don’t really have anything else planned tonight except sleeping.”

She said it as casually as if suggesting dinner.

Cendrillon stared at her, stunned.

This personality…

It was like she had a sign on her back that said ''“Open for duels.”''

Bacchus, face flushed, shouted:

“Fine! Then I’ll fight you right now!”

Narcis nodded in agreement.

Karin replied calmly:

“Then give me a moment. I’ll finish eating first.”

And she began quickly finishing the food in front of her.

With the three knights in tow, Karin made her way behind Saint Christ Temple.

The moonlight was bright enough that, even with only torchlight, the area wasn’t too dark.

“Nice and quiet here.”

Karin said, almost to herself.

The three exchanged glances.

“Hey… Cendrillon,” one of them muttered. “What exactly is this kid? Is he fearless… or just an idiot?”

“How would I know?”

“I’d say he’s so scared he can’t think straight anymore.”

Cendrillon thought about it too, but shook his head inwardly.

No… that wasn’t it.

This guy… he probably truly believed what he’d just said.

''“The bullet won’t hit me.”''

He must believe that not even magic could touch a single hair on his head.

On the battlefield, people who believe “bullets won’t hit me” are always the first to die…

But this one felt different.

That statement didn’t feel like a lie.

No… more accurately, it felt like he ''wouldn’t allow it to become a lie.''

Just as that thought crossed his mind, something felt off.

Karin, who until just now had seemed completely at ease, suddenly changed. Her face turned pale as if struck by a fever, her lips clenched tightly, her body trembling.

“What? What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?”

“N-no! It’s nothing! Just… a little cold!”

Karin snapped hurriedly, turning her back as she fumbled with something out of sight. The “magic of courage” had a time limit.

After a while, it would fade, just like heat escaping from the body, and the courage would vanish with it.

But in moments like this, all she had to do was use it again.

Trace the word on her palm.

Then lick it.

And once more, courage would fill her body.

When Karin turned back to face them, the trembling had stopped.

Wrapped once again in that overwhelming sense of invincibility, she placed her left hand on her hip.

Bathed in moonlight, her figure almost looked as if it had been enchanted by a spell of charm.

A beauty so striking, so sacred, it made one catch their breath.

“What are you muttering about over there? Come on, let’s begin.”

With that, she swiftly drew her wand.

The hesitation from before was gone, her movements were smooth, almost flowing.

Just from that alone, Cendrillon understood—this was no ordinary opponent.

At such a young age, to handle a wand like that…

How much effort had she put in?

The same thought crossed Bacchus and Narcis’s minds, and a tense chill settled over them.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re scared. There’s three of you and only one of me, surely not?”

That line made Bacchus’s face flush red.

“Tch… listen to this brat! Fine, I’ll take you on. I was the first to challenge you, after all.”

“No,” Narcis cut in, shaking his head. “That agreement no longer applies, so I have the right as well. Don’t you agree, Cendrillon?”

Cendrillon grimaced.

“…Hold on.”

“What is it?” Bacchus asked.

“Didn’t Lady Vivian strictly forbid us from dueling? And didn’t we just get into a fight with the Germanian knights? I was just scolded and got my pay cut.”

“If no one finds out, it’s fine. Besides, silencing a kid like that isn’t exactly difficult.”

“And really, look at him, he’s just a child. There’s no way he’s a match for you. You should stop.”

Cendrillon thought so too.

No matter how confident the boy seemed, Bacchus and Narcis were seasoned fighters. There was no way he could win.

“Being talked down to by a kid like that, doesn’t it bother you?” Karin provoked.

A vein bulged on Bacchus’s forehead.

“There are kids you can forgive, and kids you can’t.”

Karin shot back immediately:

“And there are perverts you can forgive, and perverts you can’t. You’re overwhelmingly in the latter category.”

“Yeah… I’m definitely going first. If I don’t kill this guy, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

“No, I said I’m first!”

“Just wait—”

The three of them argued among themselves.

Watching them, Karin’s body began to tremble slightly.

Then… a violent pressure filled the air.

WHOOSH—!

A fierce wind burst forth.

It tore past Cendrillon’s cheek. The three men stared at Karin in shock. There was no need to ask, they already knew that guy is not ordinary. It was wind magic.

The force swirling around Karin took form as wind even before any incantation could be spoken. Her emotions manifested directly, whipping into a small storm.

Raising her wand, Karin spoke:

“Before we begin, there’s something I need to say.”

“Go on,” Bacchus urged.

“First, I apologize for going too far.”

…An apology? That didn’t match her attitude at all. The three exchanged glances.

Karin pointed her wand at Bacchus.

“You over there, the big idiot. Bacchus, right? I apologize for calling you a pervert. You’re rather an ''excellent'' pervert, and I hate perverts like you the most.”

Bacchus flushed even deeper with anger.

Then Karin turned her wand toward Narcis.

“And you, the delusional one. Half-baked pretty boy. Narcis, right? I apologize for insulting your shirt. But no matter how I look at it, that color is still too much. It’s excessively gaudy. And of course, I hate you too.”

Narcis’s face turned pale with fury.

Then Karin performed a perfect knight’s salute.

“That concludes my apology.”

“That wasn’t an apology at all!”

Bacchus shouted—but Karin was already too focused to hear him.

The way she stood, staring them down with a commanding presence, was like a beautiful apex predator. There wasn’t a trace of carelessness in her stance, it stirred something in the three men.

Cendrillon, caught up in the strange exhilaration of the moment, found himself honestly thinking this “boy” is in fact beautiful.

“Well then, you seem to be arguing over who goes first. In that case, I’ll decide. No objections?”

“Let him decide,” Narcis said.

Bacchus nodded.

“Fine. No hard feelings, no matter who he picks.”

Both of them puffed out their chests as if to say ''choose me''.

“That one over there—the pretentious one!”

But Karin pointed her wand at Cendrillon.

On her otherwise composed, beautiful face, anger, absent until now, began to surface.

“You had a lot to say earlier, didn’t you? People like you are what you call meddlers. I don’t know if it comes from kindness or what, but every word of it was irritating. And that roundabout way of talking… it’s infuriating! If you’re a man, say what you mean clearly! And on top of that—you’re a coward! I can overlook everything else, but I won’t forgive cowardice! You’re a disgrace to nobles! I’m going to beat that out of you from start to finish—come at me!”

Cendrillon let out a tired sigh and shook his head.

“I don’t mind, but I’m just an observer.”

“If you don’t fight, I won’t fight anyone.”

Bacchus and Narcis both looked at him, troubled.

“That’s a problem.”

Urged on by his friends, Cendrillon sighed again.

“I really don’t like these kinds of things…”

He glanced at Karin.

She stood there, brimming with fighting spirit. If Bacchus or Narcis fought her…

she might get hurt.

No, at this point, with how angry they were, it wouldn’t just end with an injury.

… Seems like he had no other choice.

Cendrillon stepped forward and drew his wand—a black iron military wand, polished from years of use.

“Hey, I was the one who challenged him first,” Bacchus protested.

But Narcis stopped him.

“Leave it to Cendrillon. He’s serious.”

The man standing there now was no longer the lazy, half-asleep Cendrillon from before. There was focus in his eyes. His stance was flawless. It was the posture of someone who had undergone considerable training.

Seeing that, Bacchus nodded.

“Same as always… a solid stance.”

And not just his stance, his strength was also well known. The two of them had witnessed it many times on both the battlefield and in duels.

“Well then, as courtesy demands, let me introduce myself first. My name is Cendrillon. I will be your opponent.”

He spoke in a tone that still lacked enthusiasm.

Karin gave her name in return.

“My name is Karin de Maillart. My specialty is wind. The problem with my wind… is that it’s too strong. It might even kill you. So don’t hold it against me.”

Her voice wasn’t pompous, it was completely sincere.

Cendrillon smiled.

“I use water. Sorry for mentioning it late, but facing water can be quite troublesome.”

“Thank you for the concern, but I’ve never paid attention to my opponent’s element. No need.”

The two stood facing each other, about fifteen mails apart.

“Well then—let’s begin.”

Just as he was about to chant, a sharp pain shot through Cendrillon’s abdomen.

''Damn… right. The wound from last night’s duel isn’t fully healed…''

The emergency treatment earlier had dulled the pain enough for him to forget, but now it flared up again. He’d already done what he could with water magic; all that remained was time. But if he fought now, the wound might reopen.

“What’s wrong?”

Karin looked at him, puzzled.

“N-nothing.”

Seeing that, Narcis muttered quietly:

“That guy… could it be his injury from last night…?”

“Ah, that stab wound from the Germanian knights! Don’t tell me it hasn’t healed yet…”

Bacchus’s face turned pale.

Cendrillon stopped the two of them from stepping forward.

“It’s fine… really… nothing.”

“But… you… I mean…”

“I’ll manage. Sorry to keep you waiting. Here I come.”

Enduring the pain, Cendrillon began his chant.

“Il… Votar… Nid… Is…”

Moisture in the air condensed, forming water that coiled and gathered. In front of his wand, it took the shape of several whip-like strands.

More than a dozen whips of water, it was the spell called ''Water Whip''.

With sharp whipping sounds, they lashed through the air at high speed.

Karin, in contrast, didn’t chant at all.

Cendrillon extended the whips freely, closing in as if to surround her. Fine droplets of water splashed against his face.

''I like water…''

He always believed that.

Water felt like it could soothe his dried, worn-out heart.

Water can heal me… But only that. It cannot save me.

''Then what can save me?''

''What can wash away the ash that covers my heart?''

He didn’t know.

He swung his wand. The water whips struck from all directions.

In that instant, Karin gave a short chant and moved her wand.

''Crack!''

A sharp gust exploded outward, instantly shattering the incoming whips.

Cendrillon let out a low whistle.

I see… so she really does have the skill to match that attitude.

But it’s just finesse. I’ve seen plenty of wind users at that level.

Then, he prepared to chant the next spell—

BOOOOM—

A thunderous roar erupted as the wind surged. It was a gale like a tidal wave.

The blast didn’t just hit Cendrillon, it sent Bacchus and Narcis, who were standing behind him, flying into the wall.

Cendrillon immediately cast water magic, forming a cushion between himself and the wall. A soft, gel-like mass of water absorbed the impact.

But Bacchus and Narcis, merely spectators, were slammed into the wall and collapsed, groaning in pain.

“Sorry, I can’t control the output very well. If you can, please stand farther back while watching.”

It was just a basic wind spell, nothing more than making air move. And yet, the sheer force of it was overwhelming.

He had never seen wind with that kind of power before. And she cast it so casually.

''I see… this one’s no ordinary opponent.''

If that’s the case, then better end this quickly.

Cendrillon chanted the spell ''Blade''. High-speed rotating water coiled around the tip of his wand. A water blade was not something to take lightly, those who underestimated it often lost their lives.

The tightly compressed, rapidly spinning water became a razor-sharp edge, capable of slicing through iron in a single stroke. Even the scattered droplets flew like pellets.

Seeing Cendrillon’s ''Blade'', Karin cast the same spell.

At the same moment, the two rushed forward, clashing in a brilliant exchange at the center of the temple courtyard.

Karin used wind magic to lift herself into the air and attack from above, one could really admire her affinity for wind.

Elusive as a butterfly dancing through the sky, striking with the speed of a hawk. Her small frame was perfectly suited for aerial combat.

So young, and yet her wand technique was incredibly refined.

Bacchus, who had just managed to get back on his feet, spoke with concern, while Narcis checked his face in a mirror beside him.

“Hey… is Cendrillon gonna be okay? Isn’t he getting pushed back?”

Narcis, still staring into his mirror, replied in a voice almost like singing:

“His water magic isn’t really suited for combat, I’ve always thought that.”

“Then why let him fight?! He’s gonna lose! Damn it! Does this mean the legendary winning streak of the Magic Knight Corps’ three knights is about to end?!”

“Don’t worry about it,” Narcis said lightly. “That guy’s wand technique is the real deal, best in the kingdom. I’ve never once seen him lose with ''Blade''.”
[[File:ZNTso1 079.jpg|thumb]]
''I see…'' Cendrillon thought.

The boy was fast, ''very'' fast. And his spells carried real power. But perhaps due to lack of battle experience, his movements followed a few fixed patterns.

Cendrillon, who had been purely on the defensive, shifted the moment he spotted an opening, as if he had become a different person.

Whenever Karin attacked from above, there was a brief instant where her motion stalled. That was the moment.

He thrust his wand in.

It sounded simple, but in reality, it was like threading a needle. Even calling it an “opening” was misleading, no ordinary fighter could have noticed it.

“What—?!”

Her leg was cut.

Karin’s composed expression cracked. The attack had clearly caught her off guard and fear flickered across her face, just for an instant.

Seeing that expression, so fitting for her age, Cendrillon’s own face softened slightly. One more strike, and he could end it.

Of course, he had no intention of doing that.

''He is just a kid. And besides,'' ''Why is he so beautiful?''

The way he moved through the air, like a spirit of the wind.

No… not a spirit. More like—

Cendrillon cut the thought short with a wry smile. ''Come on. He’s a boy.''

There’s no way—

He aimed for her right hand, the one holding the wand, planning to knock it away and end the match cleanly.

But in that instant… He twisted his body too forcefully in order to make the strike, and his wound tore open.

A sharp pain ripped through his abdomen.

“Gah—!”

His body froze for just a moment. Cendrillon’s eyes widened from the pain, and what filled his vision was…

A ''gale''. A violent, surging wind.

Karin’s quick burst of wind lifted his body clean off the ground and he hit the ground hard, his wand slipping from his hand.

“What the hell?! He lost?! That’s not what you promised!”

Bacchus shouted.

Karin slowly approached the fallen Cendrillon, pointing her wand at his face.

Through the pain, Cendrillon smiled.

''Guess I failed at just teaching her a lesson…''

“I lost. I surrender.”

But Karin didn’t lower her wand.

In her eyes burned something new. Anger.

“You! You changed your target at the last second, didn’t you?! If you’d driven that wand through me, the match would’ve been decided! What was that supposed to mean?! Are you mocking me?!”

Her voice trembled with fury.

Outwardly she still looked composed, but underneath, her emotions were boiling.

“There’s no way I’d kill a kid. And besides…”

“And besides what?!”

“You’re beautiful.”

He said it plainly.

Karin’s face flushed bright red, then twisted into something fierce.

“Y-you…! What do you think a sacred duel is?!”

“…Huh?”

Cendrillon blinked, stunned.

What is wrong with this kid? Didn’t I surrender? Didn’t I just compliment him?

Why is he angry?

“H-hey, wait a second. What are you doing? I already surrendered.”

“This doesn’t count as a victory! It’s a draw! And I will absolutely, absolutely never forgive someone like you who mocks others!”

Karin’s body trembled violently.

“H-hey, wait, it’s already decided! It’s over!”

Bacchus and Narcis, who had stepped closer to check what was happening, were blown away in an instant.

“Hey, wait! Stop!”

And despite having just unleashed such a powerful spell, Karin began chanting again.

A massive sphere of compressed air churned violently at the tip of her wand.

“W-wait! What are you planning to do with that spell?! I told you, I surrender!”

Cendrillon scrambled backward, trying to get away. But it was pointless. The giant mass of air struck his body, and he blacked out.

“…Ugh…” With a groan, Cendrillon opened his eyes. Narcissus and Bacchus were looking down at him, both visibly worried.

“…What happened to that brat?”

Clenching through the pain coursing through his body, he asked.

Narcis replied: “After unleashing that spell, he just… disappeared. No idea where he went.”

“I see… What the hell is wrong with that guy…”

What kind of kid loses his temper that easily? At this rate, he’ll never turn into a decent adult…

Cendrillon thought.

“Want us to track him down and teach him a lesson?” Bacchus offered.

But Cendrillon shook his head.

“No… forget it. Honestly, I don’t want anything to do with him anymore.”

That’s what he said, but they would definitely be entangled again. Completely unaware of what kind of turn things would take, Cendrillon muttered in annoyance.

'''Chapter 3 — Lord Jervul’s Residence'''

The next morning…

After waking up in her inn room, Karin recalled what happened the night before, and her face flushed bright red.

“Uwaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!”

She rolled around on the bed, letting out a completely unladylike groan that didn’t match her refined appearance at all.

She looked like a completely different person from the calm figure she had been the night before. Because she had sworn never to let anyone discover she was a girl, she always forced herself to stay composed in front of others.

But now, alone, it was different.

“…I lost.”

The words slipped out in a feminine tone.

Karin had never truly wanted to become a boy, so when she was by herself, she naturally returned to her normal way of speaking.

“To think I’d lose to someone like that!”

Even though it had been called her victory, anyone could see that she had lost that duel. The moment her leg was cut, the outcome had already been decided. If he had struck her body then, she wouldn’t be standing here now. Even the wound on her leg was nothing more than a shallow cut that wouldn’t even leave a scar.

Frustrating.

Not even being treated as a proper opponent, why did that feel so frustrating?

That gray-haired man… his name was Cendrillon, right?

That roundabout way of speaking. That mocking gaze. That attitude like he was looking down on her… and on top of that, he was a coward.

“…To lose to someone like that… I guess I’m still not good enough…”

Her confidence, which had been so firm until now, began to waver.

After all, up until now, as long as she used the “magic of courage” taught to her by that knight, she never lost, no matter the opponent.

But the world really was vast. In a city like this, people of that level must be everywhere.

The fact that he held back and spared her was proof that her training was still lacking.

And on top of that…

he said she was ''beautiful''.

Unforgivable.

To think about something like that in the middle of a duel, what kind of disgraceful knight was that?! Whether someone was beautiful or not, that kind of thing had nothing to do with it!

Karin grabbed the blanket, imagining it was that damn knight Cendrillon, and beat it repeatedly.

Only after venting her anger did she finally calm down and start thinking clearly.

Even if she had lost, her dream of becoming a knight would not waver.

Although she didn't manage to meet Lord Dragignian, the very person who was supposed to introduce her, it still felt too early to give up.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Karin finally decided to go directly to visit the captain of the Magic Knight Corps, Lord Jervul. She had no introduction, but at this point, her only option was to explain her situation honestly and ask for permission to join.

Returning to the countryside was out of the question, but she also had no intention of drifting aimlessly around the capital. In the end… she would just have to face the difficulty head-on.

After worrying over various things, preparing herself, and thinking through how to explain everything, it was already nearing evening. If she didn’t hurry, it would be dark soon. Karin quickly rushed out of her room.

When she asked the innkeeper for the address of Lord Jervul’s residence, his eyes widened.

“Oh! A noble as beautiful as you?”

Thinking he was mocking her as some “pretty little kid,” Karin shot him an irritated look. The innkeeper, sensing that, said nothing more and simply gave her the directions.

Apparently, it was on Midsummer Street nearby.

Following the route she received, she soon found Lord Jervul’s estate. As expected of the royal guard entrusted with protecting the king, it was a large and imposing mansion.

She knocked nervously on the door.

No response.

She waited for a while, but no one came. Just as she began to wonder what was going on, a nobleman approached from behind, casually opened the door, and walked inside.

“…?”

Was this the kind of place people could just enter freely?

It was hard to imagine in the countryside, but perhaps things worked differently in the capital. Karin did the same, she opened the door and stepped inside.

A narrow courtyard lit by torches came into view, leading to the entrance hall. She knocked again. Still no response. However, she could hear noise from inside.

So someone ''was'' there.

Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open.

What greeted her was chaos.

A large group of men who looked like knights were gathered together, drinking heavily in broad daylight and shouting loudly. Every single one of them looked rough and ill-mannered.

What is this…? Some kind of party?

Lavish nobles holding banquets for days wasn’t unusual, but what was with these people? Listening closely, they weren’t even talking about anything important.

It was all love talk. Stories about flirting with maids, making promises with noble girls…

Karin frowned deeply. She hated this kind of talk.

She was infatuated… falling in love… Those weren’t things a knight should concern themselves with. A knight should devote themselves to the king and country, earn glory, and become a hero.

What could possibly be more important than that?

The men turned sharp eyes toward her.

“Well well! What a high-quality catch! What’s this, little lady? Playing dress-up as a knight?”

“This is not a game. I have come to apply for entry into the Magic Knight Corps.”

Her outdated, overly formal tone made the nobles burst out laughing.

“It’s a boy! Now this is a ridiculous applicant!”

“Sending someone who looks like a girl! This corps really is finished!”

Karin felt anger rise in her chest. If this weren’t the captain’s residence, she would’ve drawn her wand already.

“These must be knights from other units invited here…” she thought.

“May I meet the captain?”

“The acting captain is upstairs.”

One man jerked his chin lazily as if to say “go ahead.”

Karin went up the stairs and knocked on the door at the end.

“Come in.”

A young woman’s voice.

Karin hesitated for a moment. A secretary…?

She opened the door. Inside sat a woman in her early twenties, leaning on a large desk, staring straight at her.

Karin froze.

The room itself radiated with severity—tapestries depicting battles, multiple military wands mounted on the wall, shelves filled with medals and decorated hats.

It was unmistakably the room of a seasoned warrior.

But…The one sitting there was a young woman.

She had long, straight black hair and deep blue eyes. Her face was undeniably beautiful, but the aura she gave off was sharp, like a blade.

“…Wait.”

Was ''this'' the acting captain?

“I heard Lord Jervul was an elderly warrior…”

The woman brushed back her hair and looked at Karin coldly.

“Who are you?”

Her tone was blunt, almost rough, completely at odds with her appearance.

Straightening her posture, Karin answered.

“My name is Karin du Maillart.”

The situation was unexpected, but at the very least, the woman was sitting in the captain’s seat. Proper etiquette had to be observed.

“What is your business?”

“I have come from my homeland to apply for entry into the honorable Magic Knight Corps.”

The young woman said nothing. She simply stared at Karin.

One minute… two minutes…

Time passed in silence. That gaze, like she was being evaluated, was deeply uncomfortable.

She’s going to say I’m ridiculous… probably.

Showing up unannounced, without any recommendation… Karin, already timid by nature, began to grow extremely uneasy. Just as she was thinking she might not last without writing “courage” on her palm, the woman smiled.

“Very well. I’ll allow you to join.”

Karin’s mouth fell open.

“…What?”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean ‘what is it’?! You don’t even know who I— I mean, what kind of person I am!”

“Because you have a good face,” the woman replied flatly.

“…Excuse me, is that really all?”

One surprise after another, Karin could only stare at her in disbelief.

“It’s not just about beauty. You can tell a lot about a person from their face—what they’re thinking, what kind of person they are. It’s more reliable than some half-baked paperwork. Or… are you someone suspicious?”

“I’m not, but…”

“My name is Vivian du Jerval. I am acting captain in place of my father, who has fallen ill.”

It all happened far too easily.

And besides, weren’t women not allowed to join? That was why Karin had gone to such lengths to disguise herself as a man.

“I heard that women are not allowed to enlist.”

“I am the ''acting'' captain, not a regular member.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but Karin had no authority to argue further. In any case, it seemed that women still weren’t permitted to join.

A bad feeling crept over her, and she spoke up.

“Lady Vivian, may I ask something?”

“Just call me Vivi.”

“That would be far too disrespectful! To address the acting captain so familiarly—”

“It’s fine.”

Vivian smiled. Karin had no choice but to comply.

“Th-then… Lady Vivi. I’m grateful, but… is it really alright to accept me so easily?”

“It’s nothing. We’re short on personnel right now. As long as there aren’t any major issues, we accept people.”

Short on personnel? What did that mean? The Magic Knight Corps was supposed to be the dream of every noble in the country.

“Of course, not just ''anyone'' can get in.”

…Really?

At this point, it felt like anyone who applied would be accepted. Otherwise, there was no way it would be this easy.

That uneasy feeling swelled inside Karin, threatening to overwhelm her.

Come to think of it…

“Um… the people on the first floor…”

“Our elite Magic Guards—the Griffin Squad.”

A bead of cold sweat ran down Karin’s forehead.

Something was clearly off. This Magic Knight Corps was nothing like what she had heard about.

B-but…

She recalled the noble figures of the Unicorn Squad, clad in pure white cloaks, and nodded to herself. Yes, there ''were'' units like that. And the Unicorn Squad still existed.

No matter what, she would find a way to join that distinguished unit.

Then, she could still become the knight she dreamed of.

“Now then, sign the enlistment form. According to regulations, you’ll start as a knight apprentice. Once you achieve notable merit, or after serving the required time, you can be formally recognized as a knight.”

Karin signed the document, filling in her date of birth, the name of the priest who witnessed her baptism, and the names of her father and grandfather. There was no field for gender.

She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Even though she had resolved to keep up the lie, putting it into writing still made her uneasy.

Then, as minimal proof of identity, she took out the letter of introduction she didn’t use.

Vivian glanced at it briefly and immediately put it away in a drawer. It seemed she had no interest in Karin’s background.

“Then report for duty starting tomorrow as a knight apprentice. You’re aware that there’s no pay during the training period, correct? Do you have enough money?”

“I still have about thirty gold coins left, the ones my father gave me.”

Karin answered honestly.

“In that case, even renting a room would be difficult.”

“Eh? Is that so? Back in the countryside…”

“I don’t know how things are in the countryside, but this is the capital of the kingdom Tristania. Even the most rundown room costs five gold coins a week.”

Karin’s face went pale.

Now that she thought about it, even the inn was quite expensive…

“Well, don’t worry. I’ll figure something out for your lodging and meals. Anything else?”

At that moment, Karin decided to voice her wish honestly.

“I’ve already received such generous treatment, so I hesitate to ask…”

“What is it?”

“I would like to be assigned to the Unicorn Squad.”

Vivian’s brow twitched slightly.

“The Unicorn Squad?”

“Yes.”

“That unit doesn’t exist in the Magic Knight Corps. We have the Manticore Squad, the Griffin Squad, and the Hippogriff Squad. That’s all, and each squad has a fixed number of members.”

Karin’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean? Just yesterday, I saw a unit of knights riding unicorns in the city.”

“A unit riding unicorns? Ah… that would be the personal guard of Duke Eustache.”

Duke Eustache.

The prime minister of the Tristain Kingdom, a man said to be a once-in-a-century political genius. Though still young, he was known to handle the affairs of the entire government.

Even Karin knew that much, so hearing that it was his personal guard came as a shock.

“The Duke’s personal guard?”

“That’s right. The one who assists His Majesty as prime minister, Duke Eustache. The unit assigned to protect him is the Unicorn Squad.”

So… that wasn’t the Magic Knight Corps at all? Then… didn’t everything already go wrong?

The Magic Knight Corps she had dreamed of was nothing like she imagined. And the knights she had admired with her own eyes… belonged to someone else entirely.

Sensing the subtle shift in Karin’s thoughts, Vivian smiled knowingly.

“You’re Karin, correct? I’m very grateful that a young and… beautiful noble like yourself has joined the Magic Knight Corps. As acting captain, I have high expectations for you.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

“Right now, the Corps is in a rather difficult situation… though that’s not something I should be telling you. In any case, do your best. That’s all.”

At this point, there was no way she could say something like ''“I quit.”''

It seemed that this Corps possessed nothing but the remnants of past glory. At this rate, it probably didn’t hold a very good reputation in His Majesty’s eyes either…

Could she really become a great knight by joining a unit like this?

Karin’s misfortune didn’t end there.

Vivian suddenly called out:

“Cendrillon!”

“…Huh? What did she just say?”

The door to the adjoining room opened, and a man stepped inside.

“You called for me?”

Karin couldn’t help but let out a small cry.

“Y-you—!”

Standing there was the silver-haired young man, the very same Cendrillon she dueled the night before.

The anger that had been simmering inside her suddenly boiled over.

“Y-you…!”

This guy… this guy who made a fool out of her was actually a member of the Magic Knight Corps?!

“You! Why are you here?!”

Cendrillon’s eyes widened in surprise as well.

Watching the two of them, Vivian spoke with amusement:

“Oh? So you know each other? Even better. Cendrillon, this is Karin, he just joined us as a knight apprentice.”

“What?”

Cendrillon looked at the agitated Karin, clearly confused.

“And I’d like you to look after him. It seems he doesn’t have a place to stay, so let him lodge at your house for the time being.”

“I refuse.”

Cendrillon rejected the idea immediately.

If someone like that violent brat started living in his house, there was no telling what might happen.

Keeping her smile, Vivian turned to Cendrillon.

“Why?”

“Please listen. This Karin… how should I put it… If I’m being polite, he’s not exactly well-mannered.”

“Sounds like he’ll fit right in with you.”

“He won’t. My body won’t survive it.”

Cendrillon said flatly.

Vivian’s voice turned cold.

“This is an order.”

“That is the one thing I cannot obey.”

“Then I’ll dock your pay for insubordination. Normally, it would be a death sentence.”

It was like a spell.

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

“…Understood. I will comply.”

“Good. Disobeying orders isn’t something a knight like you should be doing,” Vivian said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Karin panicked.

“I’ll find a way to rent a room! So please, anything but staying with this guy. No, at his place—”

“Rent a room? Didn’t I just say that’s impossible?”

“Then I’ll sleep in the stables!”

''There’s no way I can live with a man! My identity will be exposed! And of all people, it has to be this Cendrillon?!''

Vivian frowned slightly.

“I can’t have a noble sleeping in a stable. And this residence is already full.”

Karin cried out:

“Then please revoke my enlistment! I’ll gather money somehow and apply again later!”

“You do realize, you’ve already become a member of His Majesty’s guard. If you wish to leave, you’ll need His Majesty’s permission. If you leave by any other means…”

“…What happens?”

“You’ll be considered a deserter. Under normal circumstances, desertion is punishable by death. It would be such a shame for a promising young noble like yourself to be executed… but the law must be upheld.”

That was it.

Karin felt her last hope vanish. This Vivian… she was dangerous.

“Now then, Cendrillon. Why are you refusing?”

“Because I prefer living alone.”

“I know.” Vivian smiled.

“That’s precisely why I’m assigning this to you.”

Both Cendrillon and Karin slumped in defeat.

Vivian waved her hand dismissively.

“That’s all. Karin, ask Cendrillon for the details. You may go.”

Cendrillon’s home was on Chekton Street, near Lord Jervul’s estate. The entire walk back, he remained silent.

Only occasionally scratching his head in irritation.

Karin, on the other hand, was restless the whole way.

''I have to live alone.'' That’s non-negotiable.

If she were to live with someone, her identity as a woman would inevitably be exposed.

And of all people… it had to be ''him''.

The bitterness of last night’s defeat lingered in her mouth.

''I actually lost to a guy like that…''

“This is it.”

Cendrillon pointed at a building with a grocery shop on the first floor. Karin finally raised her head.

“Your place is a food shop?” She glanced at the goods on display.

Cendrillon shook his head.

“Of course not. I rent a room upstairs.”

It seemed the third floor of the building was where Sandurion was renting his room. Just as they started up the stairs, he muttered:

“Seriously… what a joke. Why do I have to take care of a violent maniac like you?”

Karin immediately snapped back.

“Who are you calling a maniac?”

“You, of course! You, with that drunken-looking pink hair!”

He pointed at her with his finger as he spoke, and Karin shook her head.

“I am not violent. If you want to say that, then what are you supposed to be? Holding back in a duel, who do you think you are? Th-that, that kind of attitude, treating people like fools… that is what makes me the most angry!”

“How could I possibly go all out against a child?”

Cendrillon said this with a troubled expression, and Karin immediately drew her wand.

“Y-you dare say that! Then this time I will definitely settle things with you! Last night I was simply careless! If I fight seriously, someone like you—”

Just as they were arguing, the shop owner, who had been weighing beans, spoke up. He was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes.

“Well now, young master, is this a guest?”

“…He will be staying at my place.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The shop owner looked Karin up and down, then let out a sound of admiration.

“My, how beautiful! Even Lord Narcis would pale in comparison! What a waste that you are a man!”

Ugh…

Really, why does everyone have to praise my appearance like that? Being complimented for that does not make me happy at all.

I just want to be acknowledged as a knight as soon as possible. If that happens, this man, Cendrillon, will not keep treating me like a fool.

It seemed that Cendrillon had rented out the entire third floor. That said, there were not many rooms, just a living room and a bedroom, nothing more.

After entering the room, Cendrillon dropped himself into a chair. Karin looked around, but there were no other chairs.

As she stood there awkwardly, Cendrillon said with exasperation:

“You… do you not even know how to say ‘I will be in your care’?”

“I am not staying here because I want to. It is because of an order, so I have no choice but to comply.”

Karin replied in a trembling, angry voice. Though timid by nature, she was also quite competitive. She could not stand being looked down on by this man, there was no way she would bow her head to him.

Then Cendrillon spoke in a cold tone.

“Hey, kid. That is enough.”

“What! You dare call me a kid!”

“You are a kid, so I call you a kid. I do not know what backwater you came from, but did your parents not teach you even the slightest bit of manners? In a situation like this, no matter how much you dislike the other person, you are supposed to lower your head politely. Otherwise, you will never become a knight, nor even a proper adult.”

Ugh… Karin had no response. What Cendrillon said was completely correct. Reluctantly, she lowered her head.

“P-please take care of me, Lord Cendrillon.”

“You mean, ‘I will be in your care.’”

“I—I will be in your care.”

There was not the slightest trace of gratitude in her expression.

Cendrillon sighed and shook his head.

“Honestly, joining the Magic Guard at a time like this… You look like some sheltered young noble. Why would you even come to a unit like ours?”

“…Is it wrong to want to become a knight?”

“You must have read some hero stories, found them lacking, and decided you wanted to become one yourself, right?”

Mm… not entirely wrong. Karin’s face flushed red.

“Listen. I am not trying to harm you. Go back to the countryside tomorrow.”

Cendrillon waved his hand dismissively.

“What did you say?”

“I said, if you value your life, go back.”

He took a bottle of red wine from the shelf and poured himself a glass.

“Would that not count as desertion?”

“That is just meant to scare you. If a mere trainee runs away, no one will care. Honestly, Lady Vivi is causing trouble again, what is she thinking? Letting someone like you join… What is the point? Listen carefully, if you value your life, go back.”

Karin clenched her fists.

“Do not joke with me.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, do not joke with me. If I can become a knight, then I do not care what happens to my life. ”

Cendrillon shook his head. He had seen too many young nobles say things like that, only to die on the battlefield. Spirit was important, but…

“You saw it yourself, didn’t you? The state of the Magic Guard. I am not trying to frighten you.”

Right.

Why did the once-glorious Magic Guard end up like this, like some den of vagrants?

“It was not like this half a year ago. They were not exactly paragons of virtue, but there was still a group of reasonably decent people. But…”

Karin swallowed hard.

What Cendrillon was describing was something genuinely frightening.

“It all began when the commander, Lord Jervul, fell ill. After that, one by one, the captains of each squad started to die. There were all kinds of causes, some lost in duels, some were attacked by bandits while traveling, others were struck down by shadowy assassins who appeared out of nowhere…”

A bead of sweat slid down Karin’s forehead.

“From that point on, rumors began to spread, that the Magic Guard was cursed, that it was abandoned by the gods. And as if to prove those rumors true, misfortune started befalling the members as well—falling from horses, injuries during training. That much would be one thing, but there were even deaths. Some were attacked in the dead of night by unknown murders, others were killed in their sleep by thieves… the causes varied. In the end, those who had ability—or at least some sense—could not endure it any longer and left, one after another. And what remains is what you see now. There are not even a third of the original number left. At this rate, the unit will be disbanded, so they have reached a point where they accept anyone who volunteers. I am hardly in a position to criticize, but there really are a lot of strange people now. The reason you were able to join so easily is precisely because of that.”

“…………”

Seeing Karin fall silent, Cendrillon smiled.

“I am serious. Things have calmed down a bit recently, but those who left are not coming back. That is how it is.”

Karin felt as though she could not bear the fear.

What did that mean… would she be cursed too? Her face turned pale, and her legs began to tremble.

“What is it? Are you scared?”

“I am not. I am simply steadying myself.”

Karin quickly turned her back to him, traced the characters for “courage” on her left palm with her index finger, and licked it.

Then her mind settled… and courage welled up from withinю She already decided, on that day, to become a knight.

To become the greatest knight in the kingdom.

When she turned back again, she was no longer trembling. A bold smile appeared on her face.

“How interesting. So this is the adversity granted by the gods. Perhaps even this situation is part of it.”

Seeing Karin look around the room as she said that, Cendrillon shook his head.

“…Honestly. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing. Well, there is no point saying that to someone as young as you. You would not listen anyway.”

“And what about you, then?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Why are you still in the unit?”

“Because I have nowhere else to go.”

Cendrillon leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, and laughed.

“In any case, I will not give up. I absolutely will not.”

“I see. Then I will not try to stop you anymore. Do as you like.”

Saying that, Cendrillon stood up.

“What is it?”

“I am going to sleep.”

Just like that, ignoring her presence, he moved toward the bedroom. Karin hurriedly spoke up.

“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Listen. Let me make one thing clear, I am not your father, and I am not your brother. I am only letting you stay here because of Lady Vivi’s request. Where you sleep is something you can figure out yourself.”

As he said that, Cendrillon began taking off his clothes. His bare chest came into view, and Karin immediately panicked.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“I am going to sleep, so I am taking off my clothes.”

With a look that said ''what are you talking about?'', Cendrillon continued undressing. He looked slender, but his body was well-built.

“D-don’t undress in front of other people, you idiot!”

Karin’s face flushed bright red as she turned away. Cendrillon looked at her, puzzled.

“Aren’t we both men? What are you talking about?”

“Th-that may be true, but…”

At that moment, Karin suddenly realized something. If she was going to live here with Cendrillon, then that meant…

There was a real possibility that her body could be seen.

How could this be? This was a serious problem.

Karin, who had never once imagined being seen by a man, could not contain her emotions. Her face burned red.

The problem did not end there. The unease from earlier rose up in her mind once again.

If the fact that she was a woman were exposed… even if the Magic Guard was short on manpower, she would probably be expelled. No, she might even be thrown into prison. She already prepared herself for that possibility, but if it could be avoided, she wanted to avoid it.

Fortunately, her body was very slender, lacking the softness typical of women. As for her chest, honestly, it could be called flat. That was precisely why she had been able to pass as a boy like this, but…

''If we live together in such a cramped room, it will definitely be exposed.''

As Karin was worrying about this, Cendrillon continued taking off his clothes one by one.

Naked.

Na—ked!

“Do not take them off! Do not do it here! Go outside if you are going to undress!”

Panicking, Karin lunged at Cendrillon.

“H-hey! What are you doing!”

“I am begging you, do not undress in front of me!”

At that moment, Karin noticed it. Around Cendrillon’s abdomen, there were bandages, faintly stained with red, it was a fairly serious wound.

“Th-this… could it be from my magic yesterday?”

Although she unleashed her magic in anger after the duel, she had not intended to injure him this badly, and so she asked anxiously.

“Of course not. This is a wound I already had.”

At that, Karin realized. This man… he was not only holding back, he was fighting while injured! And even under those conditions, he demonstrated that level of skill with Blade. Contrary to his flippant attitude, he was actually a frighteningly capable fighter.

But at the same time, a surge of anger rose within her.

“So I lost to someone who was injured! It was not just that you held back! How can this be!”

The wind around her began to stir.

Not wanting a repeat of last night, Cendrillon quickly said,

“Hey, stop that! I already said that counts as your win. That should be enough, right?”

“Not at all! How long do you intend to make a fool of me!”

Without thinking, she lunged at him, ending up clinging tightly to his bare body, and Karin flushed bright red.

“D-do not come any closer! Let go of me, you idiot!”

“You are the one who jumped at me! Enough already! I am injured, you know!”

Karin lowered her head silently. Seeing that, Cendrillon looked at her in surprise.

“Wait… are you that type? A man who likes men…”

“N-no, it is not like that! It is just… I am not used to seeing other people’s bodies, or having mine seen…”

Mumbling excuses, Karin made Cendrillon stare at her in exasperation.

“You… and you still want to join the knights? If war breaks out, what do you plan to do?”

Having finished undressing, Cendrillon tossed his clothes onto a chair and took a set of sleepwear from the wardrobe.

Then he went into the bedroom and brought out a blanket.

“Here, use this. As for where you sleep, on the floor or on a chair, that is up to you. Though if you want my advice, go downstairs and grab some straw from the stable.”

With that, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom.

Karin stared at the worn-out blanket for a moment, then obediently went down to the stable and brought back a bundle of straw piled there.

The strong animal smell made her uncomfortable, but she had no choice but to spread it out in a corner of the living room. Then… after taking a deep breath, she took out her sleepwear from her luggage and groaned, clutching her head.

It was a frilly women’s nightgown, extravagantly decorated with ruffles. If she were seen wearing something like that, Cendrillon might faint on the spot.

“I might actually be an idiot…”

When preparing her things, she didn’t think about sleepwear at all. She had never intended to show it to anyone, so in that sense, it could not be helped…

In any case, there was no way she could sleep in that. But sleeping in her only set of knight’s clothes was also troublesome. If she did that, they would get wrinkled, and if she ever met someone of high standing in that state, it would leave a bad impression.

After thinking it over, Karin decided she would just sleep in her undershirt for now.

While telling herself that she would buy proper sleepwear first thing tomorrow, she carefully began to undress. Boots, jacket, then trousers… just as she was down to her undershirt, the bedroom door opened.

“Hey, Karin, before going to sleep you need to put out the candle on the table—whoa!”

Water from a pitcher splashed over him, and Cendrillon let out a shout.

“What are you doing!”

“D-do not come in when I am changing, you idiot!”

Karin quickly covered her body with both hands and let out a shout.

“What a strange person…”

Muttering that in exasperation, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom. Karin wrapped herself tightly in the blanket and collapsed onto the bundle of straw.

Then she closed her eyes.

She had finally joined the Magic Guard she had long admired… and yet, the road ahead already seemed difficult.

The Magic Guard itself appeared to have fallen into disarray, and she could not even live on her own.

In any case, no matter what, she had to find a way to become a full-fledged knight, Karin made that resolve firmly.

If she did, she would receive a salary, and she would be able to rent a room. Until then, she absolutely had to keep the fact that she was a woman hidden.

And then… what was with that man? The one she was forced to rely on—Cendrillon! There should be a limit to how much someone could mock another person!

Karin’s competitive nature made it impossible for her to accept being held back against. No matter how much she tried to forget it, she could not.

“One day, I will definitely defeat him.”

Completely…

Whispering that, her small body, already exhausted, was soon overtaken by deep sleep.

And so, just like that, the strange cohabitation between Karin, the cross-dressing knight trainee, and Cendrillon, the knight who disliked women, began.

'''Chapter 4 — Dormitory'''

The next morning…

When Karin opened her eyes, Cendrillon was already awake and eating breakfast.

“Mm… good morning.”

She said this as she started to get up, then suddenly remembered she was only wearing a thin undershirt. She quickly hugged the blanket to herself, letting out a muffled groan.

At that, Cendrillon merely glanced at her.

“Hey, listen.”

“What?”

“I want to change. Could you step outside for a moment?”
[[File:ZNTso1 115.jpg|thumb]]
Cendrillon stood up. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to leave the room, but he did not. Instead, he walked step by step toward Karin and suddenly grabbed the blanket, trying to pull it away.

“What! What are you doing! Stop!”

Karin desperately clung to the blanket. Beneath it, she had nothing on but her undershirtno matter how flat her chest might be, if he saw her like that, her identity as a woman would be exposed.

Cendrillon folded his arms and looked down at her.

“How long do you plan on sleeping? What kind of subordinate wakes up later than their superior? I was lenient with you yesterday, but starting today, I will be strict. After all, you are still just a trainee.”

As he said that, he yanked the blanket away.

“Ugh!”

In that instant, Karin became as fast as a gust of wind.

The moment the blanket was pulled away, she snatched up the wand lying beside her and cast a wind spell.

“Whoa!”

The blanket wrapped itself around Cendrillon’s face. In a flash, Karin grabbed her folded clothes, dashed into the bedroom, and slammed the door shut.

Then, in barely five seconds, she changed. The buttons were not even fully fastened yet…

“Hey! What do you think you are doing!”

When Cendrillon opened the bedroom door, Karin had her back to him, frantically fastening her buttons. Once she finished, she turned around.

Her beautiful face was filled with anger.

But Cendrillon remained completely at ease in the face of it.

“I told you already, did I not? I do not like people seeing my body!”

“Oh, you did say that. But so what?”

“What do you mean, ‘so what’?”

She was a young girl, being seen like that was as embarrassing as death itself. But she could not say that out loud, and the frustration building inside Karin became unbearable.

“Th-then name your conditions!”

“My conditions?”

“Yes. From now on, when I am changing, you must absolutely not enter the room. In exchange, I will do anything.”

“Are you serious?”

Cendrillon looked exasperated for a moment, then immediately smiled.

“In that case, I will leave all the housework to you.”

“Housework?”

“Yes. Laundry, cleaning… and shopping as well.”

She had never done housework before, but there was no other choice.

“…All right.” Karin nodded.

When they arrived at Lord Jervul’s residence, it was already crowded early in the morning. Just like yesterday, a rough-looking group gathered, loudly chattering about trivial nonsense.

As Cendrillon and Karin entered the mansion, two familiar faces emerged from the crowd—Bacchus and Narcis.

“Hey, Cendrillon, I heard you are in charge of a trainee.”

As Bacchus said that, he noticed Karin behind him and widened his eyes.

“What? You are the trainee knight?”

“That is right.”

Karin crossed her arms and nodded.

Narcis also widened his eyes.

“H-hey… Cendrillon, are you serious? This one? You are not joking, are you?”

“…No. I wish it were a joke too, but it is not.”

“Speaking of which, brat. You sure ‘took care’ of me the other night.”

Bacchus stepped forward. Karin felt a bit intimidated, but she quickly licked her left hand and then spoke boldly.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Thinking back, she did lose to Cendrillon, but not to this man. Besides, wasn’t he blown away beautifully by her wind magic the other night?

If this was her opponent, he was nothing.

Karin fixed Bacchus with an extremely cold stare. Being looked at like that by someone as overwhelmingly beautiful as her created a strange, irresistible pressure.

A bead of sweat ran down Bacchus’s forehead.

“Th-this is strange… really strange… why do I feel like this… I…”

Clutching his chest in distress, Bacchus suddenly dropped to his knees before Karin.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

This man, Bacchus, was someone with the rather troublesome ambition of wanting to become “a knight who serves a beautiful princess.” Cendrillon muttered dryly:

“Bacchus, this one is a boy.”

“Ah!” Bacchus snapped back to his senses and immediately stood up.

“That is right… hm. I do not know why I reacted like that… my training is still insufficient.”

“Rather than training, it is more like your brain capacity is insufficient, is it not?”

Karin said coldly, and Bacchus flushed red.

“Hey! You! Think about it, I am your superior! What’s with that attitude!”

Though Bacchus shouted angrily, Karin did not change her expression at all. She already completely dismissed him.

She stared at him in silence. Her gaze was utterly cold, more like she was looking at a stray dog by the roadside, completely devoid of emotion. A strange silence filled the air. Before long, Bacchus seemed unable to endure it any longer, took a deep breath—

“Haahhh—!”, and once again dropped to his knees.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

“I told you, he is a boy.”

Cendrillon said with a troubled voice.

“Ah! What is happening… my body just moves on its own…”

“You are my friend, but sometimes I genuinely think it would be better if you were dead.”

Then Narcis shook his head in a somewhat alluring manner.

“I see… so now that you have joined, that means the Magic Guard now possesses the two most beautiful people in the history of Tristain. Of course, I am first, and you are second.”

“I do not care about rankings.”

“Anyway! That makes you one of us now! From here on out, let us get along! Boy!”

Laughing heartily, Bacchus threw an arm around Karin’s shoulders, as if he had completely forgotten being blown away by wind magic the other night.

“Your attitude changes quickly for someone after just one day…”

“Well, strong people are popular! They are reliable in battle and duels! Your wind magic was incredible! I was shocked!”

I see… he is a simple, good-natured person, though quite foolish, Karin thought, slightly revising her opinion of Bacchus.

“What a waste that you are a man! If you were a woman, I would immediately serve you! The heavens truly are cruel, to create such irony!”

As he said that, he looked at her with an oddly heated gaze. Being stared at like that by a dull-witted giant filled Karin with intense discomfort, and a faint killing intent stirred within her.

Then Narcis spoke again.

“Second place.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beauty.”

“I told you, I do not care about rankings.”

Hearing that, Narcis shook his head in frustration.

He, too, seemed rather simple at heart.

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. At some point, he moved away and was casually chatting with other members at a slight distance. That effortless composure irritated her for some reason.

He held back.

Just that alone was enough for Karin to be unable to forgive anything about him.

But… looking around, the hall of the mansion was packed with members. They said the numbers were decreasing, so why were there so many people here? As the royal guard, should they not normally be working in the city or out on assignments?

“There sure are a lot of people.”

As she muttered that, Bacchus laughed.

“Well, we have nothing to do, so we just kill time here.”

“Aren’t there various duties? Like guarding His Majesty…”

“Because of the reduced numbers, even the guard duties have been dismissed,” Narcis said with a sigh.

“What did you say?”

They were supposed to be the royal guard, yet it was as if they were told, “You are no longer needed to protect the king.” Was that really acceptable? In other words, the members who should have been stationed at the palace gathered here because they had no work to do.

“No wonder it is so crowded,” Karin muttered to herself.

“Then… who is in charge of guarding His Majesty?”

At that, Narcis and Bacchus both grew serious.

“…The Duke of Eustache’s personal guard.”

I see, the pure white Unicorn Corps is the one protecting the king… that certainly is a formation worthy of guarding His Majesty.

…I still want to join them.

She was lost in thought when—

“What is that look? Like you would rather be over there,” Bacchus teased.

“N-no, that is not the case,” she said, a bit flustered.

“Ah, those people are all just for show,” Narcis said as if he knew everything.

“You are talking about yourselves, are you not?”

“Anyway, that is why we just spend all day killing time. Ahh, is there nothing fun to do?”

“We really are bored.”

Karin muttered gloomily.

But only the official knights could afford to idle around. For Karin, who was merely a trainee, there were all sorts of chores waiting for her. First of all, she had to go to the stables behind the mansion to take care of the mounted beasts tied there.

The members of the Magic Guard each had their own mounts—manticores, hippogriffs, and griffins… If they were personal familiars, it would not be so troublesome, but ordinary riding beasts were a complete nightmare.

No matter how one looked at it, they were unruly, and up close, every single one had a ferocious appearance that made them frightening. When she brought them chunks of food, they would roar loudly and nearly bite Karin along with it.

After feeding them came the cleaning. Whether they wanted to play or something else, whenever Karin approached, the beasts would lick her, claw at her, and even try to bite her, leaving her completely disheveled.

In any case, taking care of these creatures was extremely troublesome. Karin hasn’t yet summoned her own familiar, but if she ever ended up with something like this, it would be a disaster. Just the cost of meat alone would be enormous. No wonder trainees were not given a salary, Karin thought.

After taking care of the beasts, next came cleaning the mansion.

Since she had been working alone the entire time, she asked Acting Captain Vivian whether there were no other trainees, and the answer was yes.

Apparently, it was because most could not endure the harsh life of a trainee and quickly quit. On top of that, the current state of the Magic Guard was very deplorable, as she saw.

It seemed she joined at quite a disastrous time.

And then, by evening…

Karin returned to Cendrillon’s room, completely exhausted, but more work was waiting for her.

She had all the housework to herself.

Since it was in exchange for the condition that he would leave the room when she changed, there was nothing she could do. But once she actually started doing it, she began to regret it. This deal really did not seem to worth it…

Since he lived here alone, the living room was not too bad, but the bedroom was terrible. First of all, between the bed and the wall there was a pile of unwashed clothes, like a small mountain.

She did not even want to touch them, but she had no choice but to endure it and carry them to the shared water area behind the building. However, she had never done laundry before and had no idea how to do it. Even poor nobles usually hired a few servants.

For now, she filled a bucket with water, threw the clothes in, let them soak, then took them out and wrung them dry. She was not entirely sure, but it should be something like that.

As she continued this process, she suddenly came across something outrageous, and her eyes shot wide open. Wrapping it in a towel, she rushed back into the room and shoved it at Cendrillon, who was sitting in a chair reading.

“Hey! You! What is this!”

Cendrillon glanced at it.

“Oh, it is just underwear,” he said casually.

“Do not make me wash something like this!”

Karin threw the undergarment at him. Cendrillon peeled it off his face and replied in an annoyed tone.

“It is laundry. Of course there is going to be underwear.”

“How am I supposed to wash that! I do not even want to touch it!”

“I accepted your condition. If you are a noble, then you should honor your word.”

At that, Karin had nothing she could say. Dejected, she took it back. However, there was no way she could wash something like that with her hands.

After casting a wind spell, she threw it into the water. That way, the clothes could be agitated and washed as they were spun around.

As she watched the clothes turning, her irritation gradually began to rise.

Why do I—Karin Désirée de Maillart—have to wash that man’s underwear…!

“He held back… He ''held back''!”

“He—he ''insulted'' a sacred duel!”

“He trampled—trampled my pride into the ground, completely!”

“What the hell! Acting all superior! You are only four years older than me!”

Even as she shouted, her agitation did not settle, if anything, it only grew stronger. Karin’s frustration turned into pressure, whipping up into a gust of wind, until even the water in the bucket churned like a storm.

“Wah!”

She hurriedly weakened the spell, but it was already too late.

A shirt was torn apart.

“The shirt tore… but it is not my fault. It was already worn out.”

She reported it awkwardly, and Cendrillon’s expression immediately changed.

“Which shirt?”

Faced with that intensity, Karin instinctively shrank back. There was a faint sharpness hidden in those usually drowsy-looking eyes.

“…This one.”

When she reluctantly held up the torn shirt, Cendrillon seemed to relax.

“I see. Be more careful.”

He stood up, walked over to the wardrobe, checked inside, and took out a shirt. It was just a plain white one, nothing special, but he looked at it with clear care.

At that moment…

There was something warm in his distant, unfocused gaze. Karin could not help widening her eyes.

“…………”

After staring at the shirt for a while, he quietly put it back.

“The shirts in here do not need washing. I do not wear them anyway.”

“G-got it.”

Cendrillon sat back down and resumed reading. With nothing to do, Karin dropped onto the bundle of straw and watched him.

Where exactly was that strength hidden in this absent-minded man?

Cendrillon seemed to be quite the reader. In the living room stood three large bookshelves, all packed with difficult-looking books.

On the wall opposite the shelves was a fireplace, and above it was a wand on display. Just from its design, one could tell it was both old and expensive.

Sitting beneath it and reading, Cendrillon looked like a scholar. But the moment he picked up a wand, he became a first-rate fighter. Karin had personally realized that during their duel. Back in the countryside, there was no one that skilled.

He really was the ideal noble, refined in both intellect and martial ability…

That was the impression he gave off in silence.

And yet, he lived in this creaking, run-down place.

Just who was this man?

Karin found herself wondering.

About a week later, Karin had gradually grown used to living with Cendrillon, and had also managed to gather some of the things she needed.

First was sleepwear.

To save money, she hesitantly borrowed one of Cendrillon’s undershirts. Compared to her, it was far too large, hanging off her like a nightgown. She hated the idea of wearing that man’s clothes, but there was no alternative.

Next was a chair.

This one she brought from Lord Jervul’s residence, something that was already discarded. It was a small folding chair, probably meant for outdoor use, perhaps even for the battlefield. But for someone as small as Karin, it was more than enough.

And little by little, she began to understand what kind of person Cendrillon was.

Basically, he had no interest in other people. As long as Karin quietly did the housework, he would not say anything unnecessary, and as promised, he always left the room when she was changing.

Karin was grateful for that indifferent attitude. It was best that he did not pry into her affairs.

However, there were still three things that dissatisfied her.

The first was the food.

Karin was still growing, and if possible, she wanted to eat something better. But in this house, the meals consisted of nothing but hard bread and bean soup, day after day. At first, she wondered if it was some kind of bullying or mistreatment, but Cendrillon ate the same thing.

She had once asked him why.

The answer was simple.

“I do not have money.”

I see. There was nothing of value anywhere in this room.

Well, I guess I'll just have to accept it.

And the second thing was alcohol.

Cendrillon spent most of his time reading, but as he did, his hand would absentmindedly reach for the glass on the table.

Then he would bring it to his lips and drink.

While reading, he repeated that motion over and over again.

It was not wine, but a rather strong liquor. It seemed to be distilled from the leaves of some Yomongi tree, with a distinctive scent and color.

In any case, Cendrillon drank that strong liquor as if it was water. Bottles of the same brand were piled up on the shelf like a small mountain, and several empty ones were scattered in the corner.

When she saw him at the tavern before, he was drinking in the same way.

It was not the way someone drank for enjoyment. The more he drank, the more he fell silent, as if the world had already ended, pressing his thumb against his forehead with a troubled look.

Karin always thought drunkards were supposed to be loud and cheerful, so the way Cendrillon drank felt strangely unfamiliar to her.

As she stared at him, Cendrillon noticed her gaze and looked up.

“What?”

“Even if you do not have money for food, you still have money for alcohol?”

“Yes. Because this is a necessity.”

Is that not backwards? she thought, but he probably understood that himself. In simple terms, he just could not live without alcohol.

“You drink a lot.”

“Yes.”

Cendrillon answered plainly.

“You must like it.”

“Not really.”

It did not sound like something he enjoyed.

And then… before long, he would prop his elbow on the table and doze off. If he fell asleep in the living room, it would be troublesome, so Karin would help him up and carry him to the bedroom.

Every time she did that, she would think, ''why did I lose to someone like this?'' and feel deeply frustrated.

And finally, the last thing she disliked… was his attitude.

Cendrillon showed no interest in Karin at all. At first, he would scold her now and then, but at some point—perhaps he had given up—he stopped saying anything altogether.

It seemed he saw her as just a child and could not be bothered dealing with her. Karin could not forgive that attitude no matter what, and it always left her irritated.

Her worry about being exposed as a woman had lessened, so there should have been no reason to complain, but it still angered her. Even a drunk like him treated her like a child. Karin was filled with a humiliating sense of frustration.

And then, one day…

As usual, after laying the passed-out Cendrillon on the bed, Karin suddenly felt her hand being gently grasped.

“What—!”

Her heart jumped for a moment. It was the kind of grip one might use to hold a lover’s hand. And besides, it was the first time she had ever had her hand held by a man, her heart nearly leapt out of her throat.

But it seemed he was only half-asleep from the alcohol, and his grip quickly loosened. This guy… Karin trembled with anger.

What did he think he was doing, grabbing a girl’s hand like that!

She felt the urge to hit him, but since he usually did not pry into her affairs, she wanted to avoid being asked, “Why are you getting angry over something like this?”

Then she would just go back to the living room

“…Na.”

Cendrillon seemed to murmur something, then began snoring.

“…………”

I must have imagined it…

For a moment, it had sounded like he called her by her real name.

That could not be possible. There was no way Cendrillon could know it. In front of him, the name “Karina” was never once spoken.

Karin looked at his sleeping face. Sharp yet delicate features… he looked older, but he was only nineteen.

Why did he drink so much?

The question crossed her mind.

Was there some reason? Did it have something to do with that weary, world-worn air about him?

…No point thinking about it. It did not matter.

Karin crawled into her straw bed.

So this is what the knight’s life I dreamed of is like…

A faint sadness settled in her chest.

It was expected, but no one was kind to her. Everyone was strict, always pushing troublesome work onto her, and every day was filled with chores. There was no time at all for training.

It looks like days like this will go on forever… without even a single day to rest…

Images of her warm home in the countryside rose in her mind, her kind parents, her cheerful siblings… She almost started to cry, and Karin pinched her cheeks hard with her fingers.

She must not cry.

She left home with the resolve to become a knight. When she imagined herself in shining armor, riding a magnificent beast, for some reason the image that came to mind was the Unicorn Corps she saw before. If she was going to join anywhere, it had to be there… she could not help thinking that.

…Ah, I really need to earn some merit soon.

Or make a name for myself in a duel!

Once she became a knight, Cendrillon would surely stop treating her like a child. And when that happened, she would defeat him with everything she had. Imagining the look of frustration on his face, Karin let out a small, private laugh.

But…

Each day passed in the same dull routine.

No chances to earn merit, no events to make a name for herself—nothing happened at all.

Was she really going to remain stuck here like this…?

A sense of sadness crept over her.

However, that opportunity came sooner than she expected.

'''Chapter 5 — Four vs Four Duel'''

As usual, after finishing her work at Lord Jervul’s residence, Karin was resting in the hall when Bacchus and Narcis showed up, both looking unusually pleased. Their faces practically radiated happiness.

“You two look like you are in a good mood.”

“Of course we are! Today is the payday!”

The full knights received a stipend from the palace according to their rank. It was divided into twelve parts and paid out once a month on a fixed day. And today was that day.

“So we are heading out for a drink now. Want to come along? Cendrillon is coming too.”

At that moment, Cendrillon walked over.

“This one is not coming.”

He shut it down immediately, and Karin clenched her fists.

“Why not?” Bacchus asked in surprise.

“It is too early for drinking,” Cendrillon said flatly.

“I was already drinking a bottle a day when I was nine.”

“If he does not take a break now and then, he will collapse.”

With Bacchus and Narcis both speaking up for her, Karin straightened her posture as if to back them up.

Cendrillon glanced at her and muttered, “I suppose it cannot be helped.”

That one line filled Karin with joy, finally, she would get to eat something decent!

For the past week, all she had eaten was hard bread and bean soup, with a bit of dried meat, raw vegetables, and apples. That was it. It was not as if Cendrillon treated himself any differently, he simply had no interest in anything but alcohol, so his meals never changed.

Back in the countryside, at least the food was normal. Living like this was exhausting.

At last, something proper to eat! Just thinking about it made her smile.

The place the four of them went to was the same tavern Karin visited before, the “Breeze” tavern, which had once been Lord Dragignon’s residence.

Bacchus seemed particularly fond of the place, going on and on about the food.

“The mussels here are incredible. They say they are shipped from the northeastern sea using ice magic. Steamed in red wine, it’s so good your tongue melts.”

They were led to a table, and the dish was brought out right away.

“Here, Karin, try some.”

Bacchus urged her on.

She took a bite, and was stunned. He was right, it was so good it felt like her tongue would melt. The garlic and the taste of the sea blended perfectly, it was truly a fine dish.

“This is amazing!” she blurted out, and Narcis smiled.

“So Cendrillon has not been feeding you properly, has he?”

“That man only cares about alcohol. What a strange person.”

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. He did not touch the food at all and continued drinking silently. Even with something this good right in front of him… she could not help feeling exasperated.

Bacchus downed his wine in one gulp and laughed heartily.

“And on top of that, he hates women! The two greatest pleasures in life—women and good food—and he enjoys neither. Honestly, it is unbelievable!”

Even when he was told that, Cendrillon showed no reaction.

As the alcohol went down, the atmosphere gradually grew livelier.

Bacchus burst into loud laughter and began bragging about his exploits—stories of duels he had won, nobles he had defeated, things like that. Some of the names he mentioned were well-known, which surprised Karin.

Narcis was not about to lose either. His stories were all about romance—being pursued by some noble lady, spending the night with some young noblewoman… the kind of talk that made one dizzy just listening.

After they finished, they turned to Cendrillon for his opinion, and he would always reply the same way:

“Impressive. That is quite something.”

That alone was enough to please them, and they only grew more enthusiastic.

Karin leaned closer to Cendrillon and asked quietly,

“Are those stories true?”

Cendrillon answered in a low voice:

“They are, more or less. Just replace ‘marquises and counts’ with street thugs, and ‘duchesses and noble ladies’ with women off the street.”

I see… so they have been embellishing quite a bit.

Still, since the two of them were clearly enjoying themselves, Karin found herself enjoying it too, regardless of how true it was.

“So, Karin! I am strong, right?”

“You are a pervert, though.”

“Karin, now you understand, do you not? I am the most beautiful man in the history of the Magic Guard.”

“Your taste is terrible, though.”
[[File:ZNTso1 139.jpg|thumb]]
Even though she kept replying sharply, the two of them were too drunk to notice. “I see, I see, you are a good one!” they said, urging her to eat more. They were not listening at all, but thanks to that, Karin was able to fill herself with food.

“Why are you two so close?”

Karin voiced the question that was on her mind. From the outside, the three of them had completely different personalities and appearances, yet they got along like brothers.

“We just clicked,” Bacchus said.

“At first, we could not stand each other, though,” Narcis added.

When Karin asked their ages, she was surprised to learn that both of them were still under twenty, they were only eighteen.

Setting Narcis aside, Bacchus did not look eighteen at all. When she said that honestly, Bacchus puffed out his chest and replied, “That is just because of the difference in experience.”

While they were enjoying their meal, the door to the tavern opened, and a group of four splendid knights dressed in pure white entered.

A hush fell over the place. Karin stared at them and immediately recognized them as the Unicorn Corps saw before. Seeing them up close, their appearance was truly dazzling.

In contrast to the Magic Guard, whose outfits were all mismatched except for their black cloaks, their white uniforms were perfectly unified, as if they stepped out of a painting. Their wands were sheathed in scabbards woven with gemstones and silver chains. Karin could not take her eyes off them, completely captivated, but Bacchus and Narcis both wore bitter expressions.

What was going on? As she wondered, one of the Unicorn Corps members who had taken a seat spoke up.

“Hey, it smells in here.”

He was a young man, about the same age as Karin and the others. The other knights nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it smells like mold.”

The innkeeper rushed over and bowed his head.

“I do not notice any particular smell… If there is anything lacking in our service, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”

“Oh, it is not the tavern’s fault,” the knight said lightly. “It is certain customers.”

That line made Bacchus’s face change instantly. He rose with a low growl, but Cendrillon stopped him.

“It is not worth it.”

“But—”

Karin could feel that something was off.

“Our guests here are all fine people…” the innkeeper said nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. The Unicorn Corps were clearly important patrons, but he could not afford to anger the others either.

“Fine people? Perhaps. To be dismissed from guarding His Majesty and still walk around like that… yes, that is quite impressive.”

Narcis placed a hand on his wand and moved as if to stand, but once again Cendrillon stopped him.

“Ignore them.”

“But we cannot just sit here and take that!”

Cendrillon, however, remained unconcerned.

“Did not Lady Viviane already warn us to behave? We just had a clash with the Germanians recently, did we not?”

I see… So the Magic Guard and the Unicorn Corps, who served as the Duke of Eustache’s personal guard, did not get along. Come to think of it, the Unicorn Corps had been assigned to protect the king, which meant the Magic Guard had been pushed aside and mocked for it.

“Look at those black cloaks! It is hard to believe nobles once admired them. They look like crows!”

Karin felt anger rising. What kind of Unicorn Corps is this? Just a flashy name… she thought, though she did not have the courage to say it aloud.

The Unicorn Corps knights grew increasingly brazen.

“Throw those people out,” one of them told the innkeeper. “It ruins the meal.”

Both sides were nobles, and the innkeeper was at a complete loss.

“P-please, have mercy…” he pleaded, bowing again and again. One of the knights, apparently irritated by the sight, kicked him hard, and a loud crash echoed through the tavern.

That was enough.

Karin quickly wrote “courage” on her palm with her finger and made a motion as if swallowing it. Then she stood up and pointed straight at them.

“Do you call yourselves nobles?”

“Who is this?” the knights said, looking at her in surprise.

“Karin, stop,” Cendrillon said.

“Why should I stop? Does it not anger you? They are mocking you!”

Cendrillon replied calmly,

“If we cause trouble again, our pay will be cut.”

“Are we not already poor enough? What is there left to worry about?”

Cendrillon answered seriously,

“I would not be able to afford alcohol.”

Karin stared at him in disbelief.

“You… is alcohol all you think about?!”

She shook off his hand and glared fiercely at the knights, who were sneering at her.

These were the Unicorn Corps she had once admired? Her disillusionment turned into burning anger. To think she had believed people like this were admirable…!

“Who is this kid?”

“Just a child, is he not?”

“So the Magic Guard has fallen so far that even children can join!”

The knights burst into laughter.

Karin’s expression changed. Her eyes sharpened, and her body began to tremble slightly. The air around her stirred, turning into a wind that wrapped around her.

“What is this? Too scared to say it to my face? I thought so. You are cowards, rotten people who can only whisper insults from a distance like women!”

“…Cowards.”

At that word, the laughter stopped.

The innkeeper, realizing he could do nothing, had already retreated, and the other customers sat in silence, sensing the tension.

One man stood up. He was a large man, not quite Bacchus’s size, but still imposing. Under his arm he carried a wand as large as a spear. His face was flat, almost snake-like.

“Oh? So you are hiding behind a child now. It has been a while.”

“Hey, that is Angelo,” Bacchus muttered.

“You are right,” Narcis said in surprise.

“Who is that?” Karin asked.

“He used to be in our unit,” Bacchus explained. “But he caused too much trouble and got kicked out… Looks like he joined the Unicorn Corps. Clever bastard.”

“So, a traitor,” Karin said.

“But he is strong,” Bacchus added quietly. “Be careful.”

Karin’s eyes grew even sharper.

“The Magic Guard really has fallen,” Angelo sneered. “All that is left are fools like you and children. No wonder it is headed for dissolution.”

The knights burst into laughter again.

“Shut up, you traitor. You will get what is coming to you.”

At last, Karin’s hand moved to her wand.

“Hey. If you draw that, even a child will not be forgiven.”

In the suddenly silent tavern, the knight’s voice echoed.

Cendrillon grabbed Karin’s wrist.

“That is enough, Karin.”

“Let go!”

He tried to stop her from causing a scene, but another hand intervened.

“Do not stop him, Cendrillon. He is right. Those people are unforgivable.”

It was Bacchus. Narcis also stood, placing a hand on his wand.

“There are things more important than a pay cut.”

“I challenge you to a duel,” Karin declared, drawing her wand.

For a moment, even the fear in the tavern was forgotten. All eyes were drawn to her poised figure. She stood there with such dignity, it was almost beautiful.

Bacchus and Narcis stepped forward, taking positions at her sides.

“I will issue a challenge as well.”

“As will I.”

The Unicorn Corps members rose to their feet.

“Four on your side, four on ours. Very well, we accept.”

Cendrillon stood up with a weary expression.

“…What a pain. Lady Viviane is going to scold us again.”

Both groups made their way to the courtyard of Saint Christophe Monastery, the same place as before. At this hour, few people passed by, making it an ideal location for a duel.

They stood facing each other at a distance of about fifteen paces.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Karin glared at the Unicorn Corps, ready for battle.

Cendrillon, on the other hand, stood slightly behind them, arms folded, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“Then let us begin. Let me remind you, it was you who issued the challenge. If you die, you have only yourselves to blame,” Angelo said.

Karin stepped forward slowly.

“Enough talk. Come at me.”

“For a child, you have quite the presence. I would enjoy teaching you a lesson, but… my opponent is him— Cendrillon!”

Angelo pointed his wand toward Cendrillon, who stood at the back looking bored.

“I have disliked you for a long time. Always acting so high and mighty! Today, I will send you to your grave.”

He raised his spear-like wand.

Cendrillon was about to sigh and say “What a pain,” when Karin stopped him.

“Hm?”

“I am your opponent!”

“You cannot beat him,” Cendrillon said.

But Karin had already raised her wand and rushed forward. Thanks to the courage spell, she felt invincible. If she defeated Angelo, then Cendrillon would finally stop treating her like a child.

“Right! After Karin!”

Bacchus and Narcis followed.

Angelo clicked his tongue and swung his wand. A massive sphere of air surged forward, threatening to engulf Karin.

But in an instant, she leapt upward, evading it, and came down from above with her wand imbued with “Blade.”

“She is fast!”

Her relentless assault forced Angelo onto the defensive.

At the same time, Bacchus and Narcis engaged their own opponents.

The battle unfolded in dazzling exchanges.

Cendrillon let out a sigh, drew his wand, and faced his opponent, a young man with a dull expression.

Without even stating his name, the man launched a spell. It was water magic, just like Cendrillon’s. In a place without natural water, one had to draw upon moisture in the air.

Several ice arrows shot toward him. Cendrillon, looking annoyed, cast “Blade” and deftly knocked them aside.

The first to finish was Narcis, who specialized in earth magic.

His opponent raised several golems from the ground. Narcis smiled and cast his own summoning spell.

But his golem was not made of earth.

A shining golden figure appeared.

“My Golden Lady! Crush them!”

The three-shaku-tall golem, shaped like a noblewoman, wielded a fan and effortlessly destroyed every earthen golem.

Seeing his constructs annihilated, the opponent immediately raised both hands in surrender.

“Ha! How is that? My Golden Lady! A noblewoman of pure gold!”

“Pure gold? That is brass,” Cendrillon muttered under his breath, then moved.

His own duel ended quickly. With “Blade,” he closed in, his opponent responding in kind. But against a master, it was hopeless. Within three exchanges, the opponent was pushed to the brink.

One more strike would end it.

Cendrillon feinted, thrusting toward the body to force a block, intending to follow up with a strike to the wrist.

That should have decided it.

But instead, the opponent did something unexpected, he leaned forward, completely unguarded.

“You idiot!”

Cendrillon’s strike pierced his chest.

It drove deep into the heart. A fatal blow.

“Damn it… I messed up.”

At that moment, the man, expression unchanged, swung his wand.

“What?”

Cendrillon jumped back. The knight, with a hole in his chest, suddenly sprinted away and vanished into the darkness.

“…What was that?”

There was no mistake, his wand had pierced the man’s heart. Yet the man had moved as if nothing had happened. Even water magic, which governs the body, could not do that.

Cendrillon stood there, stunned.

Bacchus finished next. His opponent, a fire user, was badly burned, and though Bacchus himself was scorched, the other man could not endure it and surrendered.

Bacchus crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

That left Karin.

Angelo was strong. His wind magic, manipulated with surprising finesse for such a large man, sent blades of air slicing toward her. But Karin’s “Gale” was overwhelming, scattering every attack. She toyed with him in the air, using her superior mobility.

Covered in cuts, Angelo finally dropped to one knee.

“Is it over?” Karin asked.

“Not yet!”

Driven into a corner by someone who looked like a child, Angelo’s eyes were bloodshot with frustration.

Certain of her victory, Karin surged forward, her wand wrapped in “Blade.”

But she made a mistake.

“What?!”

Assuming he would only use wind, she had not expected earth magic.

A hand of soil burst from the ground and seized her leg. Angelo, it seemed, could use a bit of earth magic as well.

“Fool! A child like you knows nothing of tactics!”

A massive scythe of air came swinging toward her neck.

“This is bad—!”

At that instant, her courage vanished. The memory of the abyss she had nearly fallen into as a child overlapped with the image of the blade.

“I am going to die—!”

Then suddenly, the weight on her leg disappeared. She felt her body lifted, and then she was on the ground.

“Idiot! Do not get careless!”

Cendrillon.

“You—”

Angelo tried to continue, but the blood loss robbed him of strength. He staggered to his feet, only to collapse again.

Bacchus and Narcis cheered.

“Nice one, Karin!”

“You are incredible! You actually beat Angelo!”

But Karin only bit her lip in shame.

At the very end, she made another mistake. If not for Cendrillon, she would have died.

Beside her, Cendrillon glanced once, then seemed to lose interest, sinking into thought.

The defeated knights gathered around Angelo and began treating his wounds. It looked like his life had been saved. Finally, he let out a weak breath.

But even so, being defeated by someone younger than himself still seemed hard for him to accept; his face remained completely blank.

Bacchus and Narcis picked up their opponents’ wands, snapped them in half, and warned the knights, who were watching in frustration.

“Do not speak ill of the Magic Guard again.”

Karin, her face mixed with regret and the shame of being saved, lowered her head to Cendrillon.

“…Thank you. You saved me.”

But Cendrillon seemed distracted. Only when she spoke did he come back to himself, then he hurried over to Angelo, who was sitting there in a daze.

“Hey! Angelo!”

“…Hmph. What, come to mock me?”

“No! The guy who fought me, what was his name?”

“Oh, Pedro. What was that guy doing, running off like that?”

“Who exactly is he?”

“How should I know? He only joined recently. I am not even sure if that is his real name.”

That was not unusual. Many knights used false names to avoid bringing shame to their families. Cendrillon did the same, and so did Narcis and Bacchus. Even though Cendrillon was close with them, he did not know where they were from.

Cendrillon looked toward the direction where Pedro had disappeared and let out a sigh.

“Hey, what is wrong with you?” Karin asked, puzzled.

“That guy… I stabbed him straight through the chest… but he ran away like nothing happened.”

“Come on! That is impossible!”

“I am not lying. It is true.”

Cendrillon’s serious expression made the others look at each other. Bacchus patted him on the shoulder.

“You are just tired. It probably slipped past his side and looked like that.”

“…And besides, you always drink too much,” Narcis added.

Karin, clearly annoyed, spoke up as well.

“Right. That must be it.”

His complete disregard irritated her, even after he saved her.

“No, that is not it! I am telling you—it went straight through the center of his chest!”

He tried to explain, flustered, but no one listened.

Bacchus and Narcis threw their arms over each other’s shoulders and shouted:

“We are the proud Magic Guard! Oh—!”

“Alright! Let us gather the others and report our victory!”

Narcis shouted, and Bacchus immediately agreed. They picked up the captured wands and started off, with Karin following behind them.

“Hey! Wait for me! You idiots!”

Cendrillon hurried after them.

That night… the members of the Magic Guard were in high spirits over the long-awaited good news. Everyone had been craving a taste of victory. And the fact that their opponents had been the arrogant and detestable Unicorn Corps made it even more satisfying.

Among the stories, Karin’s performance as a trainee became the highlight. “You defeated Angelo! That is incredible!” they said, congratulating her and constantly raising their glasses in her honor.

In that way, Karin was welcomed by the Magic Guard and accepted as one of them.

But…No one believed what Cendrillon said.

Left with no choice, he sat alone and drank quietly.

And then… for some reason, the sensation of stabbing someone earlier that day brought back memories of the past. That “incident,” tucked away in the corner of his mind, began to surface again and again.

“…Damn it.”

He muttered as he kept drinking, but once awakened, the memory would not let him go. Before he knew it, he was completely drunk.

Karin, sipping her drink by herself, noticed Cendrillon had collapsed in a corner of the tavern.

“That guy…”

She felt a headache coming on. Even in a moment like this, he remained shut inside his own world. Looking at his face, a sense of frustration welled up inside her. He held back in their duel, and today, he saved her life.

She could not bring herself to celebrate with everyone else.

At least today… she was the one who lost.

She thought that as long as she used “courage,” there would be no opponent she could not defeat. But that was not true. She could not beat Cendrillon, and she could not beat Angelo.

With that realization, doubt crept into her heart.

…Could she really become a knight like this?

Even as those thoughts filled her mind, Cendrillon lay there, drunk and unconscious.

Karin walked over to Cendrillon and shook his shoulder.

“Hey, who falls asleep in a place like this? Wake up.”

“Mm…”

But he only groaned, as if uncomfortable.

If he threw up here, it would be a complete spectacle. Karin helped him up.

“Come on, let us get some air.”

Saying that, she led him outside.

In his drunken sleep, Cendrillon drifted back into the past.

In the forest of his hometown…

By the spring he loved, resting his head on “her” lap, basking in the sunlight. Strands of bright golden hair brushed against his face, and in his dream, Cendrillon smiled.

“Pierre, what is it? Does it tickle?”

Pierre was his real name, a name he had abandoned in the past… a name no one spoke anymore.

In the dream, he spoke to the golden-haired woman.

“Karinā, your hair is teasing me.”

“Karinā.”

His lover from long ago.

The only woman he had ever loved.

By coincidence, it was also the true name of the girl now calling herself Karin—but Cendrillon did not know that.

In his dreams, she was always wrapped in light. The woman who led him toward paradise, her skin carried a warmth like the sun itself.

In that hazy state, under her gentle, tender gaze, Cendrillon could think of nothing.

“Oh, it is not teasing. I am doing it on purpose.”

“Why?”

“So you will not forget that I am right here.”

Those words pierced his chest. He reached out, and “Karinā” gently took his hand. He lifted himself, drawing his lips closer to hers…

Karin led Cendrillon into a deserted alley. She did not want passersby to see a member of the Magic Guard in such a disgraceful state. Their reputation was bad enough already.

“Hey, get it together.”

She scolded him as he staggered. Honestly… why did this man have to drink so much?

He had so much ability… was he not just wasting it like this?

If only he drank less.

As she was thinking that, Cendrillon suddenly murmured:

“…na.”

Karin froze.

“Hey, what did you just say?”

She leaned closer, wanting to be sure. Her pink hair brushed against his cheek.

“…Karina.”

This time, she heard it clearly.

There was no mistake, he called her by her real name. Why? How did he know? As those thoughts ran through her mind, her heart began to race.

“How do you know that name—”

Just as she asked, Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her by the neck.

“Mm—!”

It took her a moment to understand what was happening.

His lips… were pressed against hers.

By the time she realized it, a full ten seconds had already passed.

Her lips felt sealed.

Sealed… by his lips.

What? A kiss? What was happening? Was she… being kissed?

The meaning of the word finally caught up with her and exploded in her mind. Her face burned.

A kiss… she was being kissed… no, more precisely—her first kiss was stolen.

It was the first kiss of her life. She had never imagined something like this would happen, and her thoughts spun into complete chaos.

Anyway—!

Now was not the time to blush or panic!

Karin twisted her body, trying to break free, but the more she struggled, the tighter Cendrillon held her, pressing her firmly against himself.
[[File:ZNTso1 163.jpg|thumb]]
“Ughhhhhhhhh…!”

As expected of a man’s strength, if she could use magic it would be another matter, but as she was now, she could not escape at all. As she struggled, Cendrillon held her down with force and precision, then pushed her onto the ground.

“Stay by my side… always.”

Cendrillon said it with intense eyes. Struck by that gaze, Karin found herself nodding before she realized it.

But the next instant, understanding what that meant, she hurriedly shook her head.

“N-no… that did not count!”

In the dim alley, Cendrillon’s hand moved.

“—!”

Karin’s eyes went wide.

In his dream, Cendrillon lost himself in Karinā’s lips, hungrily deepening the kiss, his tongue tracing inside her mouth. It was a kiss so vivid and intense it hardly felt like a dream. Karinā’s lips responded just as fervently, her body seeming to try to slip free from his grasp.

When he finally pulled back, he murmured:

“Stay by my side… always.”

Karin’s body froze.

Cendrillon’s hand moved to Karinā’s chest—

—but there was no soft fullness. Only a flat, smooth plane.

“Karinā?”

The moment he said it, the haze of drunkenness shattered, and reality came rushing back.

“…Ka… Karin?”

Karin trembled beneath his hand—his housemate, the “boy” apprentice of the Magic Guard. All color drained from Cendrillon’s face.

“N-no way… I…”

Karin’s face trembled, on the verge of tears.

I messed up…!

Mistaking him for his past lover, he had kissed this “boy”… and even—

“My… my chest… you touched it…”

“I—I am sorry.”

“And… and you kissed me…”

Karin said, her voice shaking.

“I am really… sorry.”

This was bad. Even if it was a drunken mistake… it was still with a boy! No matter how beautiful he looked—he was still a boy!

Karin shoved Cendrillon away.

Then, clutching her chest, she ran off.

…This is bad. He must have been completely shocked.

I have to clear this up later.

But… what was that dream?

The memory of it lingered in his mind.

Cendrillon let out a long breath.

It felt too real.

“Karinā.”

That name carried so much within it—joy, despair… and a sin that refused to fade.

A sin he could never forget.

Something like a lump rose in his throat, making it hard to breathe.

''Forgive me.''

He whispered it, but knowing those words would never reach her only drove him deeper into despair. Cendrillon buried his face in his hands and let out a heavy sigh.

'''Chapter 6 - Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache'''

Within the royal palace of Tristainia, the current king, Philip III, stared gloomily at the chessboard before him. A man in his late thirties, he possessed gleaming golden hair, carefully groomed beard, and a powerfully built frame befitting his epithet: the ''Hero King''.

His sharply carved features resembled an ancient marble sculpture, radiating an imposing dignity.

The heroic figure who had once personally led an army and crushed the mighty Germanian forces upon the lands of La Valliere still remained unmistakable.

And yet, that face now lacked vitality.

His brows remained tightly furrowed as he occasionally nodded, pretending to listen to the words of the chancellor. In truth, however, not a single sentence carried meaning inside Philip III’s mind. The man’s speech flowed through one ear and out the other like the prayers of some foreign religion.

“Your Majesty, are you truly listening to what I am saying?”

The one who spoke was a narrow-eyed man with black hair slicked neatly backward, around twenty-five or twenty-six years of age.

Though he wore black clerical robes that made him resemble a priest, the military wand hanging from his waist and the sharpness in his gaze gave him the aura of a battlefield commander rather than a holy man. And upon closer inspection, every piece of clothing he wore was clearly a luxurious custom-made article. Even the silver-glimmering wand at his side was finer than the one possessed by the king himself.

This man was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, Chancellor of the Kingdom of Tristain.

“If there is anything Your Majesty finds questionable, I ask that you please say so openly.”

He bowed respectfully, his tone perfectly courteous.

“No matter whether I find something questionable or not, there is hardly any room for me to interrupt, is there?”

“How could Your Majesty say such a thing? You are the king of this nation.”

“The king? You mean me? A man whose only role is nodding approval at whatever policies you present is called a king?”

Philip spoke with open sarcasm, while Eustache merely smiled.

“Without the glory of Your Majesty, the kingdom could never prosper as it does. Especially not through the efforts of someone as insignificant as myself...”

The king grimaced bitterly at those words.

Philip III was an unparalleled warrior. Wand in hand, he could scatter armies single-handedly. Leading troops, he had never once known defeat. He was a Hero King destined to be recorded in the history of Halkeginia itself.

But Heaven withheld from him a talent for politics.

Under Philip III’s reign, the strength of Tristain had steadily declined year after year. Naturally so, when his policies consisted of little more than reckless improvisation: introducing laws on a whim, increasing taxes without foresight, even waging wars merely to preserve appearances...

And just as the fury of the people neared its breaking point.

The man who slammed the brakes on the kingdom’s collapse appeared. It was Eustache.

With astonishing dexterity, the Grand Duke took control of Tristain’s politics, diplomacy, and economy, carrying out reform after reform until the kingdom finally regained its former prosperity.

Yet none of that amused Philip III in the slightest.

The Hero King possessed pride worthy of his title.

But no matter what argument he raised, he could never outtalk Eustache. Eventually, their disputes had devolved into little more than childish sulking, and by now Philip scarcely even wished to voice opinions anymore.

Still, resentment lingered in his heart, leading him to occasional acts of childish rebellion. During gambling nights, for instance, he became absurdly competitive over cards. Or at ballroom festivals, he would try to outshine the Grand Duke.

Yet even if he managed to defeat Eustache in such trivial matters, the satisfaction lasted only moments before the inferiority returned once again.

“That is enough. Handle all political matters however you please. More importantly, it is your move.”

Philip III gestured toward the chessboard.

Eustache moved a piece with complete indifference, whereupon the king once more sank into thought.

“Your Majesty, there is another proposal I wish to present—”

“Stop dancing around it. Call it what it really is: an order.”

Philip snapped irritably.

Eustache narrowed his eyes. Though still young, his face possessed frightening sharpness.

“You wound me with such words... What I wished to discuss concerns the Unicorn Guard currently responsible for protecting Your Majesty.”

“Oh? That rigid bunch who act like templars? What about them?”

“I wish to offer them to Your Majesty.”

“What?”

Philip raised his head, only to shake it immediately with displeasure.

“No need.”

“And why is that?”

“I already have the Royal Mage Guard.”

“Is that not the force whose numbers now resemble a comb with missing teeth?”

“That is why they are currently being reorganized, or so I have been told. Once sufficient numbers have gathered again, I intend to return them to active guard duty. I have no need for a new royal guard.”

“I have heard the recruits consist mostly of thugs and street rabble. Frankly speaking, I often wonder whether a collection of criminals can truly serve as Your Majesty’s protectors. If they were dissolved entirely, the kingdom could even spare itself unnecessary expenses.”

Philip III’s brows tightened sharply.

He still held deep attachment toward the Royal Mage Guard that had protected him for so many years. It was a knightly order passed down from his ancestors, steeped in tradition. Furthermore, although its captain Jervul now lay ill, he had once been Philip’s own mentor in the art of the wand.

Disbanding them had never once crossed his mind.

“Do not be ridiculous! Listen well, Eustache. I will tolerate almost anything you say because I know well enough that you are smarter than I am. But the Royal Mage Guard is another matter entirely! Once their numbers recover, they will return to guard duty. On this point alone, I will never compromise.”

Grand Duke Eustache slowly shook his head.

“Even so... if they are to guard Your Majesty, they must be an elite force. Even after reorganization, there is no guarantee the old veterans will return. My Unicorn Guard, on the other hand, consists solely of carefully selected warriors. I understand Your Majesty’s attachment to the Royal Mage Guard, but if something were to happen to your safety, the consequences would be irreparable.”

Philip fell silent with a low grunt.

Everything Eustache said was correct.

And yet, his pride could not bear the thought of even his personal guard being manipulated at the Grand Duke’s whim.

“There is no need to worry. True warriors still remain among them.”

“Warriors, you say? Does Your Majesty know what members of the Royal Mage Guard did at an inn just the other day? They violently attacked innocent Germanians. To avoid causing an international incident, the Germanians reportedly did not even draw their wands. Truly pitiable. And yet your guards continued beating them regardless. Counting both serious and minor injuries, there were over ten victims. The ambassador has lodged severe protests.”

Philip stroked his beard with obvious annoyance.

“They have already been punished. I ordered their wages reduced. Besides, calling the Germanians innocent is nonsense. I heard they struck first.”

“Ah, well, these matters always become a matter of conflicting stories. Neither side ever admits fault. In any case, if your guard consists merely of violent men eager to brawl with foreigners, that is rather troubling...”

At that very moment, a young page burst into the chamber.

“Your Majesty! Terrible news!”

“What is it, Dipere?”

The page glanced nervously toward Eustache.

“There is no need to hesitate,” Philip said mockingly. “Even if you tried hiding something from the Chancellor, he would discover it soon enough anyway.”

Even such blatant sarcasm failed to disturb Eustache’s calm expression.

“T-Then I shall report it! It seems members of Your Majesty’s Royal Mage Guard have violently clashed with Grand Duke Eustache’s Unicorn Guard!”

“What?”

Philip III’s eyes widened in shock.

And for the first time, even Grand Duke Eustache’s brows drew sharply together.

“And then? What happened afterward? Which side won?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! It appears the Royal Mage Guard emerged victorious. Four against fourб and every one of them won! They even displayed the enemy wands they seized as trophies and held a celebration afterward!”

Light gradually returned to Philip III’s face, though he quickly forced himself back into a stern expression.

“Hmph! I see! But fighting against the personal guard of our greatly esteemed Chancellor is unacceptable! And holding a celebration afterward is even worse! Put a stop to it immediately! At once!”

Even so, the delight in his heart could not quite be concealed, and he kept sneaking glances toward Grand Duke Eustache.

“I see now, Chancellor. Perhaps you truly were correct after all! What an utterly troublesome group they are!”

The page seemed to grow more excited as well, puffing out his chest as though boasting about his own achievements while continuing the report.

“Yes! And among them was apparently a mere trainee boy! Yet he moved like the wind itself and even defeated Sir Angelo!”

“What? Angelo? I have heard he was an exceptional fighter!”

“That is exactly the case! And this youth may not even have reached fifteen years of age yet!”

Philip III could not help clapping his hands.

“What a splendid young man! He sounds exactly like I did in my youth!”

Then he turned toward Eustache with open pride still written across his face. The king seemed overwhelmingly delighted that his own royal guard defeated the Grand Duke’s elite force.

“Honestly, the Royal Mage Guard are nothing but violent brats who constantly cause trouble. But yes, I see it now—if they were weak, they could never hope to protect me. Just as you said earlier.”

Grand Duke Eustache lowered his head deeply, while Philip III turned toward Dipere.

“This troublesome bunch clearly requires personal discipline from me. Tomorrow, bring those brave warriors... no, those unruly ruffians before me. Understood?”

Dipere bowed and hurried out of the chamber at once, while Eustache himself also prepared to leave.

“Then, Your Majesty, it is nearly time for you to rest. I shall take my leave now...”

“Mm. Good work! Ah, Eustache—provide some compensation in my name to the wounded members of your guard. Tell them to rest well!”

Philip III said this with a broad smile.

After leaving the palace, Grand Duke Eustache stepped into the waiting carriage at the royal coach station. Heavy curtains covered the windows so that nobody could peer inside.

The carriage began moving silently the moment he sat down. Behind it rode two unicorn knights serving as escorts.

“Have you finished saying everything you needed to say?”

The woman seated opposite him spoke once they left the palace grounds.

She was a beautiful young woman around eighteen or nineteen years old. Her long golden hair fell in soft curls nearly to her waist. Gentle drooping eyes and soft, supple cheeks gave her an irresistibly warm charm.

Her full feminine figure was wrapped in black nun’s robes, and the overall image radiated maternal tenderness... like a saint stepping forth from a religious painting.

“Novelle, things have become troublesome. It seems the Royal Mage Guard actually won. That fool Angelo knew only how to boast.”

The woman called Novelle smiled sweetly. It was the sort of warm and gentle smile capable of capturing the heart of any man who saw it.

“My, just as I expected. Those three cannot really be dealt with through ordinary means.”

“So it is them again...”

“Yes, those same violent little troublemakers from before. There are hardly any spirited people left besides them anymore. As long as they remain, it will be difficult to completely uproot the Royal Mage Guard.”

Her expression resembled that of an older sister delighted by the exploits of her younger brothers.

“And the ‘puppet’ I borrowed from you turned out to be useless.”

“What?! You already deployed him? How impatient you are!”

A strange glimmer shone briefly in her eyes, causing Eustache to shake his head.

“Of course I did not reveal his true nature to anyone. I simply had him mixed into the ranks disguised as a knight. It was also meant as a form of experiment.”

“Honestly... I kept wondering how you intended to use him. Did I not already tell you? ‘Puppets’ are only effective when used in groups. Sending out a single one accomplishes nothing at all.”

“I know,” Eustache replied bitterly.

“But how marvelous! Men like them truly deserve to be called heroes!”

Novelle sounded genuinely delighted.

“You seem awfully fond of them.”

“Yes, I rather like them. Despite possessing such strength, they still stubbornly remain with the Royal Mage Guard instead of abandoning it. Everyone else fled long ago.”

“What incomprehensible fools. If they were merely a little more clever, they could live far better lives...”

“But is that not exactly what makes them charming? To ignore profit and loss for the sake of something more important. Men ought to be like that.”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“Still, it seems it is not only those three.”

“What do you mean?”

“There appears to be another—a trainee boy. Apparently he was the one who defeated Angelo.”

“My! What an extraordinary child! To defeat Sir Angelo... I would dearly love to meet him.”

Watching Novelle’s innocent delight, Eustache could only smile wryly.

“Honestly, sometimes I cannot tell which side you belong to.”

“What are you saying? Of course I stand on Your Grace’s side. Though enjoyment is an entirely separate matter... that is all.”

“This is not some game. In any case, the Unicorn Guard must become the official royal guard as quickly as possible.”

Eustache glanced sideways toward the woman beside him.

“I am an impatient man, Novelle. That is why I wish to entrust something to you.”

“I am not particularly good at staging ‘accidents’ or manipulating people into provoking riots and brawls, you know. I am not nearly clever enough for such things.”

For a brief moment, Novelle wore the innocent expression of an ordinary young woman while saying something utterly horrifying.

“There is no need to worry about details. We no longer have time. How you accomplish it is up to you, but failure is unacceptable.”

“Plans are always vulnerable to the whims of the god known as ‘disharmony.’ For humans to pursue perfection is rather beyond our place, don’t you think?”

“And yet, I know you can do it.”

Eustache spoke those words because he fully understood that the woman sitting before him was among the most terrifying individuals on the continent of Halkeginia.

“My, my... it seems I have been greatly overestimated.”

Novelle replied in a voice overflowing with delight.

'''Chapter 7 - Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience'''

The morning after Cendrillon and Karin dueled with Angelo and the Unicorn Guard, then ended up kissing after Cendrillon got completely drunk at the victory celebration…

Enduring a pounding headache, Cendrillon dragged himself into the living room. Last night, after a messenger from the palace arrived and forced the celebration to disperse, he returned home and immediately collapsed into bed.

In the living room, Karin silently gnawed on a piece of bread. Ever since what had happened the night before, she ignored everything Cendrillon tried to say.

“H-hey…”

Cendrillon awkwardly greeted her, while Karin bit her lip, fists clenched on her knees, cheeks slightly red.

This is bad… he thinks I am into men…

That was the misunderstanding Cendrillon arrived at. Well, after the way he acted last night, he could hardly blame her.

At any rate, he had to clear things up.

“Listen, Karin. I was really drunk last night. I am sorry for doing something so disrespectful to you.”

“…………”

Karin silently chewed her bread and turned her face away.

“It is true that I dislike women… but that does not mean I like men. I want you to understand that.”

After saying only that much, Cendrillon began eating his bread as well.

“Th-then…”

Karin asked in a trembling voice.

“Why would you do something like that to me?”

Cendrillon hesitated over how to answer. He had no intention of speaking about his former lover, much less admitting that he mistook the boy before him for the woman from his dreams.

“Well… I was drunk. For a moment, I mistook you for a woman.”

“…But you hate women, do you not?”

“That is true…”

“So actually you really like women after all. Liar.”

Cendrillon replied helplessly:

“…It is not that I like just anyone.”

Karin glanced at him and felt her face heating up again.

After all, he had suddenly done something like that to her. Of course she could not stop thinking about it.

And on top of that, he had touched her chest at the end. Unforgivable…!

But at the same time, the frustration of not being able to get angry openly irritated her even more. A man would not get angry over having his chest touched.

“Karina.”

Cendrillon had definitely said that name.

Could it be… that he really knew her true name?

If he knew, and liked her despite that, was that why he did such a thing?

But if that was true, then her identity as a woman had already been exposed… and surely he would have asked why she was pretending to be a boy.

Yet judging from his attitude, he did not seem to suspect her real identity at all.

So then… was it really another woman’s name?

The thought alone irritated her. Why am I even worrying about something like this? Whatever!

Karin turned away and left the room to head for duty.

“H-hey! I am coming too!”

A flustered Cendrillon hurried after her.

When the two of them arrived at Lord Jebal’s estate, something unexpected awaited them. Vivian suddenly summoned them over and informed them of something almost dreamlike.

“What did you say? His Majesty wishes to see us?”

Even Cendrillon sounded surprised. Beside him stood Bacchus and Narcis, who have also just arrived and been called in.

All of them wore tense expressions. That was only natural—a mere knight being personally summoned by King Philip III was an extremely rare thing.

“That is right. It seems he has something to say about last night’s incident.”

Karin’s face turned pale. Did they anger the king with their duel with the Grand Duke’s Unicorn Guard? Even Cendrillon looked confused.

Watching them, Vivian smiled bitterly.

“Honestly… this is why I told you all to behave yourselves.”

It was possible that everyone present would be punished because of what she had done. Karin stepped forward and declared loudly:

“The duel was proposed by me! The other three only became involved because of me! If there is blame to be placed, then place it on me alone!”

Vivian merely smiled.

“You can tell that directly to His Majesty. Honestly, do not stiffen up so much. What is done is done. I understand His Majesty’s temperament well enough, this might even turn out to be interesting.”

The four of them, together with Vivian, boarded a carriage sent from the palace and headed toward the royal court.

Karin could barely sit still. Her fate was about to be decided. If she displeased the king… wouldn’t everything come crashing down?

With a mixture of admiration and anxiety, Karin gazed at the royal palace she was seeing for the first time. Beyond the gates stretched a vast courtyard. The hedges and trees were carefully trimmed into the shapes of knights and dragons, and at the center of the circular carriage court stood a fountain rhythmically spraying water into the air.

The palace itself towered overhead with overwhelming grandeur. Streams of water—deeply tied to the royal family of Tristain—flowed down the walls and connected with the fountain below.

A palace of water…

That was the impression Karin had.

After stepping out of the carriage, the four were not taken to an audience chamber, but instead guided to what seemed to be a back room near the attendants’ quarters.

Passing through a low doorway, they entered a space that resembled a hidden chamber. The walls were draped with layers of satin, and inside stood several chairs and a small desk. Everything was luxurious enough to belong within a palace.

Vivian looked perfectly calm, as though she was here many times before, while Karin felt as if her heart might leap from her chest.

In any case, her fate would be decided within the next few minutes. Even if she angered the king, she at least wanted to stand proudly before him, so she forced herself to straighten her posture.

Beside her, Bacchus and Narcis also looked extremely nervous, while Cendrillon wore the same sleepy expression he always did.

Then, suddenly, the moment arrived.

The satin curtain was drawn aside, and the king appeared.

For the first time in her life, Karin saw Philip III.

The figure of the “Hero King” she has always admired matched her imagination perfectly—a magnificent and imposingly handsome man. Behind him stood a young black-haired man in priestly robes, with a cold and severe expression.

Philip III slowly swept his sharp gaze across the four of them. That alone was enough to make Karin feel as if she might die from tension.

“Vivian, are these the troublesome little hooligans you spoke of? The violent criminals who beat up the poor Unicorn Guards?”

Philip III asked in a strong voice. It was slightly higher-pitched than Karin imagined. Just hearing those words made her feel as though she was cast straight into hell.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

After Vivian answered calmly, Philip III frowned.

“What audacious fools! To think that knights belonging to ''my'' royal guard would use violence against the Grand Duke’s honored retainers! Apologize to the Grand Duke at once and accept your punishment!”

Karin’s face went pale. She did anger the king!

But just as Cendrillon stepped forward, about to apologize, Karin remembered Vivian’s earlier words:

“Tell His Majesty directly.”

So Karin stopped him.

“Karin?”

Then, gathering her courage, she straightened her back proudly and declared:

“Please direct the punishment at me alone! I was the one who proposed the duel! The other three were only dragged into it because of me!”

At the sight of the beautiful young knight standing there so boldly, Philip III seemed barely able to contain himself. The strict mask he had been forcing onto his face cracked for a moment, and he let out an admiring exclamation.

“What an excellent young person! Well, Grand Duke, what do you think? Do you truly wish to punish such a splendid youth? Hmm? What is your opinion?”

At the word “Grand Duke,” Karin realized that the black-haired young noble before her was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, the Chancellor himself.

The two greatest men in the kingdom stood before her.

Karin bowed deeply to the Grand Duke.

“I sincerely apologize for injuring your guards.”

The Grand Duke gave a bored snort and turned his gaze away from Karin toward Philip III.

“I never intended to punish them in the first place. Interfering in quarrels between knights would only make me appear petty. Besides, was it not Your Majesty who summoned me here demanding apologies?”

“So then, we may call the matter settled, yes? Ah, I would never show favoritism simply because they are my own guards. One cannot set a good example that way.”

“As Your Majesty wishes. Now then, I still have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

The Grand Duke departed coldly.

It seemed the danger passed, and Karin quietly pressed a hand to her chest in relief. Vivian, Bacchus, and the others looked much the same.

Then, the moment the Grand Duke disappeared from sight, Philip III’s attitude changed completely. Overflowing with excitement, he practically bounced around the room.

“Now then! My brave warriors! Tell me everything about the duel!”

He eagerly demanded every last detail.

Karin and the others were dumbfounded by the king’s sudden change in demeanor. The four of them described the duel, while Philip III repeatedly urged them to go into even greater detail.

Apparently, the king—who was constantly overshadowed by the Grand Duke—was absolutely delighted that his own royal guards defeated the Grand Duke’s retainers. His earlier anger had merely been an act. As he listened, it was as though memories of charging across battlefields in his youth had resurfaced, and he listened with the enthusiasm of a child.

The part he enjoyed most was Karin defeating Angelo.

“Ohhh! So it truly was you who defeated Angelo!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Though still young, this one possesses extraordinary mastery over wind magic. I heard he danced through the air while cutting Angelo to pieces…”

Vivian spoke as though she had witnessed it herself.

“I too excel in wind magic. I see now—truly the element of heroes.”

Receiving such praise from the king filled Karin with joy.

To think she would actually be praised by the king himself…

“Listen well, my brave warriors. I adore young nobles such as yourselves—strong, spirited, and loyal. From this day onward, continue to stand as my friends. I ask this of you.”

As he spoke, Philip III extended his hand to each of them. The honor of kissing the king’s hand was exceedingly rare, and the members of the Magic Guard nervously kissed the back of it one by one.

“You have all shown exceptional courage and loyalty to me. Therefore, accept this.”

Philip III summoned an attendant and personally handed Karin a leather pouch.

Inside was a heap of gold coins.

Karin bowed deeply.

“Well then… I still have matters to attend to… I must be going now. Ah, yes!”

Apparently remembering something, Philip III called for another attendant.

“Bring Mariana here.”

A young girl of around twelve or thirteen was soon led into the room. She had brilliant chestnut hair and large bright eyes. Yet at a glance, it was obvious she was no ordinary girl. Every movement carried the natural grace and gentleness of someone born to be served by others.

“Father, you called for me?”

The girl lifted her skirt and curtsied politely.

Standing beside Karin, Narcis murmured quietly:

“…Princess Mariana.”

Karin nearly let out a startled yelp. This girl was none other than Princess Marianna, the only daughter of Philip III, said to be showered with endless affection.

“...She’s truly beautiful.”

Bacchys spoke in a tone as if he were witnessing a dream. He looked ready to throw himself to the ground before her at any second, so Karin forcefully stomped on his foot.

Indeed, though she was only just about to turn thirteen, her beauty already stood far above others her age. The princess noticed the knights standing nearby and smiled.

“Father, who are these people?”

“They are the knights who will be serving as your guards starting today.”

At those words, the members of the squad exchanged stunned looks.

They were going to guard the princess?

“You are currently being reorganized anyway, are you not? I cannot yet assign you to serve as my own royal guard, but protecting the princess should pose no problem.”

Then he turned toward Marianna.

“My daughter, did you not say you wanted your own guards?”

“Yes! Because I really dislike that Eustache fellow, so naturally I dislike his guard corps too. Just having them come near me is unpleasant enough, and then they shamelessly ride unicorns on top of that! Besides, shouldn’t unicorns belong exclusively to me? Why would Father ever approve something like that?”

What a blunt princess.

Originally, unicorns were meant to be used only by princesses of the kingdom, generally for royal carriages and similar purposes. However, when Grand Duke Eustache established his personal guard corps, he requested permission from Philip III to use unicorns as riding beasts.

Considering the Grand Duke’s achievements, Philip III had little choice but to grant the request.

“There are various reasons for it. You will understand someday.”

“He’s such an unpleasant man!”

“You must not say such things so loudly. The Chancellor has done a great many things for me and for our kingdom.”

Marianna turned her gaze toward the knights.

The moment she noticed Karin, her cheeks gradually flushed red. Karin’s appearance, beautiful enough to resemble a remarkably handsome young nobleman, seemed to capture Marianna’s heart instantly.

Walking up close to Karin, Marianna tilted her head slightly.

It was a gesture meaning: ''State your name.''

“My name is Karin Désirée de Maillart. It is the greatest honor to be entrusted with the protection of Your Highness.”

Karin spoke with utmost seriousness.

“How wonderful! So your name is Sir Karin? What a beautiful guardian knight! I’ve already taken a liking to you! Father, thank you very much!”

Marianna declared this with a radiant smile.

“But Karin is still only a trainee. Is it truly acceptable to entrust such an important duty to him?”

Vivian said this, and Philip III nodded.

“Did he not defeat Angelo? If he possesses the skill, what problem is there? If he serves well as the princess’s guard, he will surely rise quickly through the ranks. Before long, he should become a proper knight. Work hard.”

Hearing such words from the king himself, Karin felt as though she might float into the sky. At that moment, it felt as though a glorious future was already decided for her.
[[File:ZNTso1 188.jpg|thumb]]
“Y-Yes! I would gladly give my life for this duty!”

“M-M-M-My name is Bacchus! Thank you so much for this supreme honor!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bacchus could no longer contain himself and dropped to his knees at the princess’s feet, tears already streaming down his face. Most people would probably have been frightened by such behavior, yet Marianna, worthy of being a princess of an entire kingdom, merely smiled calmly.

“I look forward to working with you,” she said.

'''Chapter 8 — Cendrillon’s past'''

Ever since being assigned to guard Princess Marianna, Karin’s arrogance had reached unbearable levels.

After all, the Royal Mage Guard still stood on the verge of dissolution, and because of that, the other members constantly praised and flattered him. Karin herself seemed to enjoy the treatment, gradually carrying herself with ever greater confidence.

Cendrillon, however, could not help feeling uneasy about it all.

Certainly, Karin possessed remarkable talent, and her judgment in battle was excellent.

But… the inexperience that came with youth gave off an unmistakably dangerous feeling. It was the same during their duel, and the same during the fight with Angelo.

''If I didn’t save him back then, he would already be dead.''

And there was something else that bothered him.

Before every duel, Karin would always lick the palm of his left hand. The moment she finished that motion, the trembling appropriate for someone her age would vanish instantly, replaced by eerie calmness.

Cendrillon had no idea what kind of spell it might be, yet the gesture lingered unpleasantly in his mind.

In any case, so far the guard duty itself did not involve any real danger. Once they reached the palace, all they really did was trail after the princess wherever she pleased.

There were no signs of imminent war, and thanks to Grand Duke Eustache’s political skill, the citizens showed little unrest. There was no particular danger to speak of, and yet…

Today as well, Princess Marianna specifically requested Karin accompany her on a walk through town. The princess seemed extremely fond of sneaking out incognito.

Accompanied by only a handful of guards, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. She was remarkably good at disguises too—dressed as an ordinary street girl and with her hairstyle changed, she looked exactly like a native child of Tristainia.

Cendrillon and Karin followed several paces behind her. Meanwhile, the princess darted around restlessly like a puppy, constantly making them nervous.

Suddenly, Marianna tried to enter a particularly unsavory-looking area, prompting Cendrillon to step closer and whisper quietly into her ear.

“Your Highness, this is not exactly a respectable district, so…”

But Marianna merely smiled and grabbed Karin by the wrist.

“With Karin here, there is nothing to worry about.”

“Hm?”

Marianna looked up at Karin with innocent eyes.

“No matter what kind of enemy appears, Karin will defeat them all, won’t he?”

Karin puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

After the mission ended, Cendrillon spoke to Karin with a bitter expression the moment they returned home.

“You need to stop getting carried away.”

“What do you mean?”

“What would you have done if something happened after bringing the princess into such a place?”

“There’s no way I’d lose to people like that.”

Karin answered stubbornly.

“Under normal circumstances, a mere knight apprentice would never be entrusted with guarding the princess. It’s better to remain cautious. Be careful.”

Hearing that, Karin lowered his head resentfully.

There was another source of unease weighing on Cendrillon’s mind.

The knight whose chest had been pierced during the duel with Angelo’s group, yet continued fighting as though nothing had happened. Nobody believed that story no matter how many times he told it. Afterward, he had even asked Lady Vivian to investigate the Unicorn Corps, but the knight named Pedro vanished completely after that night.

No matter how he thought about it, something was wrong.

Something bad was happening.

And yet if he spoke about it, everyone merely dismissed it as “the ramblings of a drunkard.” That frustrated him deeply.

Karin, meanwhile, found herself dissatisfied with Cendrillon for entirely different reasons.

For all the lofty things the man said, he was still just a drunkard. Worse, whenever he got drunk, he mistook Karin for someone named “Karina.”

Tonight, the same thing happened again.

As usual, by midnight Cendrillon became completely dead drunk, forcing Karin to drag him onto the bed.

And once again, Cendrillon murmured:

“...Karina…”

''There he goes again.''

Karin glared down at him coldly.

“Who exactly is that supposed to be?”

Me? Or someone else?

The question bothered her unbearably.

“Hey… why do you know that name?”

The demand slipped out before she could stop herself.

Then Cendrillon muttered softly:

“...I’m sorry…”

His face burning hot as he apologized.

“W-Why are you apologizing? Why do you know that name…?”

Karin tried to continue, only for her words to be abruptly cut short as Cendrillon nearly pressed their lips together.

Startled, Karin shoved him away.

“You… what exactly are you…”

“Forgive me…”

“Y-You idiot… if you’re going to apologize, then don’t do things like that.”

Karin’s voice trembled, but before she knew it, Cendrillon had already pulled her tightly into his arms.

“...Who exactly is Karina?”

There was no answer.

''So that means… it really is me?''

“W-Why are you doing this?”

The question escaped her again.

This infuriating man who treated her carelessly despite her incredible skill… this hopeless drunkard who acted as though everyone around him were fools…

And yet now he clung to Karin with the defenselessness of a child.

“...Do you know my true identity?”

“...I do.”

''What? He knows?''

Which meant her secret really had been exposed?

But how?

D-Don’t tell me…

Karin’s imagination immediately spiraled out of control.

The drunken Cendrillon, deeply curious about the gender of someone as beautiful as Karin…

Karin herself, fast asleep…

A hand quietly reaching over… pulling aside her clothes…

“...!”

'''Unforgivable.'''

“T-This… pervert… you degenerate man-eating monster…”

Karin trembled with fury. ''I’ll beat him senseless, freeze him solid, boil him alive with magic, tear him apart with wind spells—''

Just as those thoughts filled her mind—

“Don’t leave… Please… it’s my fault…”

The near-tearful voice stopped Karin’s hand.

“D-Don’t say things like that in that sort of voice…”

A pathetic man with drunken, unfocused eyes.

Someone who once said he had “nowhere left to go.”

“...D-Don’t tell anyone… about me…”

Karin whispered that quietly, and Cendrillon nodded.

For some reason, seeing him behave with such childlike innocence caused Karin’s anger to fade.

And then suddenly, their lips met again.

Karin desperately tried to pull away, but Cendrillon was far too skilled at kissing. Every movement of his tongue gradually drained the strength from Karin’s body little by little.

Before long, all strength left him entirely, and Karin collapsed back against the bed.

“N-No…” she protested weakly, but Cendrillon’s body pressed down over her. Karin wanted to blast him away with magic, kick him off, punch him, yet her limbs refused to obey him.

Still, she absolutely did ''not'' want to be attacked like this. It wasn’t as though she liked Cendrillon or anything. Her body simply froze every time the man suddenly forced himself close like this.

Just as tears threatened to spill—

“Grrr…”

Snoring.

Cendrillon fell asleep directly on top of her.

Face burning bright red, Karin smacked Cendrillon on the head repeatedly, but the drunken man never even opened his eyes.

And once morning came, Cendrillon would inevitably forget everything that happened the night before. He probably had no awareness whatsoever that every night, once drunk, he ended up embracing Karin like he had during the victory celebration.

But had he truly discovered Karin’s real identity, and then unconsciously embraced her in his drunk state?

Or…

Was he really mistaking Karin for somebody else after all?

Unable to stop thinking about it, Karin finally decided to ask Bacchus and Narcis directly.

“Do either of you know someone named Karina?”

At Lady Vivian’s estate, Karin asked the question while Cendrillon was absent.

“Who’s that supposed to be?” Bacchus asked.

“...Every night, Cendrillon keeps saying that name.”

“Hm. Well, it sounds like a woman’s name, so it’s probably a woman, right?”

“That much is obvious.”

Then Narcis gave a more thoughtful answer.

“Maybe it’s the name of a woman from his past?”

“I-Is that so?”

Narcis tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Come to think of it, I vaguely remember hearing something about why he joined the Royal Mage Guard... Though he was drunk at the time, so he probably doesn’t even remember talking about it himself.”

“Tell me.”

Karin urged him on eagerly, and Narcis continued.

“Apparently, he was betrayed by the woman he was engaged to, and then ran away from home because of it... Though I don’t know the details.”

Hearing that, Karin clenched his fists.

''What a pathetic man.''

To think his reason for joining the Royal Mage Guard was getting dumped by a lover!

And this was the same man who lectured her about immaturity.

Then came the realization that “Karina” was not referring to her, but to another woman instead, and anger began welling up endlessly inside her. She had vaguely suspected as much already, but hearing it stated outright somehow made it far more infuriating.

If Cendrillon mistook her for another woman and because of that not only kissed her, but even touched her chest…

'''Unforgivable.'''

Because of such a misunderstanding, even her first kiss had been tainted!

No, wait. She had already decided long ago that she would never lose her head over something as foolish as romance, didn’t she? So why should something like a first kiss matter?

That was what her mind insisted.

And yet she was still furious.

But even if she confronted Cendrillon about it, what would happen?

''Why are you angry? I already apologized for the kissing. Besides, you’re a man, aren’t you? Stop making such a big deal out of it.''

Most likely, Cendrillon would just say something like that and end the conversation.

Once Karin imagined that, she found herself unable even to complain properly, left to silently stew in frustration alone.

While she was lost in those thoughts, Lady Vivian suddenly appeared and called out to them.

“Karin! Narcis! Bacchus! And Cendrillon too! Are you all here?!”

“Y-Yes!”

The three of them straightened immediately.

“A messenger from the princess has arrived. You are to accompany Her Highness to Deauville tomorrow.”

Deauville was a health resort near the sea, roughly three days away by horseback.

“Deauville? What for?” Bacchus asked.

“It seems to be a pleasure trip. Since Her Highness intends to travel incognito, you will not be using magical beasts. You will ride there on horseback instead. Command authority will belong to Cendrillon. Make sure he understands that. That is all.”

After relaying only those instructions, Vivian hurried away.

To be chosen as attendants on a royal journey!

That could only mean they were deeply trusted.

Karin felt excitement burning hot inside her chest.

After returning home and reporting the matter, the very first thing Cendrillon said was:

“Good. Since I’ll be commanding the mission, my first order is this: you stay behind.”

“W-What?! What did you just say?! Why?!”

“I already told you before, didn’t I? You still lack experience. On a short trip like this, guards must remain constantly alert. If something happens, it will already be too late.”

“I can handle guard duty perfectly well! Stop treating me like an idiot!”

“I’m not treating you like an idiot.”

Cendrillon answered in a troubled voice.

''How am I supposed to explain this so this arrogant knight apprentice actually understands?'' he wondered bitterly.

In the end, he decided he had no choice but to speak plainly.

“I have a bad feeling.”

“A bad feeling?”

“Yes. That knight named Pedro... despite having his chest pierced through, he remained alive. And the Royal Mage Guard was weakened far too quickly afterward. I suspect the two things are connected somehow.”

Karin sighed in exasperation.

“I already told you, you were drunk—”

“No.”

Cendrillon interrupted her sharply.

“It wasn’t that. I wasn’t seeing things because I was drunk. Something is wrong. Someone is plotting something dangerous... To ''that man'', the Royal Mage Guard is an obstacle. I’m certain of it. This is a conspiracy, and for someone still immature like you, the burden is too great.”

“So you expect me to just sit around and wait? Don’t make me laugh!”

At those words, Karin finally snapped.

Seriously, how long was this man going to keep treating her like a child?

Despite doing ''those kinds of things'' to her every night while drunk! Mistaking her for another woman!

“Tell me something—who exactly is the immature one here?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You. Do you even know what you do to me every night?”

Cendrillon’s face immediately paled.

“I already said I was sorry about that—”

“It wasn’t just the night of the celebration.”

Now his cheeks began turning red instead.

“You’re joking…”

“I’m not joking. It’s true. Though of course you probably don’t remember any of it because you’re always blackout drunk, you alcoholic!”

“S-Sorry…”

Cendrillon lowered his head in shame.

“You really do unbelievable things, you know. You hug me tightly like this, and your hands start moving around like this—”

The more Karin spoke, the angrier she became, until her entire body trembled.

“...Couldn’t you just resist?”

Cendrillon asked awkwardly.

“You’re way too strong!”

In reality, it was because her own body lost strength entirely, but saying that out loud felt like it would somehow ruin everything, so Karin deliberately kept silent.

And before she realized it, she got so emotional that she accidentally blurted out what Narcis had told him earlier.

“Honestly! Being unable to forget some woman from your past is what’s truly immature! Her name’s Karina, right?! Even after being betrayed, you’re still hopelessly attached to her!”

“Was it Narcis? That idiot talks too much…”

Cendrillon muttered tiredly.

“Seriously, just how badly were you betrayed? For you to still be this obsessed, it must have been something huge, right?”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“She never betrayed me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was the one who betrayed her.”

“Then why not just apologize?”

“She’s no longer in this world.”

Karin fell completely silent.

“…………”

Cendrillon continued in a calm voice.

“Do you want to know why I keep feeling that you’re in danger whenever I look at you?”

“…………”

“Because you’re exactly like I used to be. Young. Convinced you can do anything. Believing there’s nothing in the world worth fearing. Thinking that as long as you have a ‘dream,’ anything is possible. I was exactly the same… right until that day.”

''That day.''

The day he lost Karina.

“Do you want to hear the story?”

Karin silently nodded.

And slowly, Cendrillon began speaking.

“When I was two years older than you are now, I had a lover named Karina.

I was the son of a territorial lord, while she traveled from place to place performing alongside her father.

Normally, a romance like that could never happen.

But I fell in love with her gentle smile and beautiful golden hair.

When I confessed my feelings, she accepted surprisingly quickly. Being a noble probably played some part in it, but that wasn’t all. She genuinely loved me too.

We began seeing each other, though ours was a forbidden relationship. Secretly… quietly… we would meet over and over again in the forest. It was a small and fragile love.

But something like that could never last forever.

Eventually our parents found out and tried to separate us. Being young and foolish, I decided to abandon everything and run away with her.

Naturally, they sent pursuers after us.

Nearly ten highly skilled knights.

There was no possible way for us to escape.

They caught up to us almost immediately.

And then… they seized her.”

At this point, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly, his expression twisted with pain.

“One of the knights grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away. Several others surrounded me, leaving me unable to move. And I knew… if we were separated there, we would never see each other again.

The moment that thought crossed my mind, I began chanting a spell.

I was overflowing with confidence back then. After all, people praised me as some brilliant prodigy. Even from dozens of arses away, piercing the hand of the knight holding Karina with a magical arrow should have been effortless.

At least, that was what I believed at the time.

But it was nothing more than arrogance.

Was it because I was nervous? Because the pressure made me falter? At this point, I no longer know.

No… perhaps the truth is simply that I was immature.”

Cendrillon spoke in a low murmur, as though all emotion had long since been left somewhere far away.

“The magical arrow that was meant to pierce the knight’s hand instead pierced Karina through the chest.”

“It struck beautifully. Perfectly. Straight through. She died instantly. Even my beloved water magic could not save her.”

Karin stood there speechless while Cendrillon continued calmly.

“A man who killed the woman he loved with his own hands… does not even deserve the right to follow her in death. When I someday stand before her in Valhalla, how am I supposed to apologize?”

“And thus,” he added bitterly, “a man fit only to wander a dust-covered road through life was born.”

Karin bit down hard on her lip.

She could never have imagined that this careless, drifting man carried such a past inside him.

Cendrillon looked at her with complete seriousness.

“You really are extraordinary, Karin. I have never seen anyone use wind magic as skillfully as you do. But precisely because of that, I have to say this: act more carefully. Do not become arrogant. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing.”

''I don’t understand.''
[[File:ZNTso1 207.jpg|thumb]]
Karin still felt like a child.

She could not truly comprehend Cendrillon’s pain or sorrow.

“To kill the person you love most with your own hands…”

What kind of feeling was that supposed to be?

Karin could not understand it.

She clenched her fists tightly.

And before she realized it, tears were already flowing from her eyes.

“...Take me with you too.”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“Understood,” he said at last, gently patting Karin on the head.

“You really are kind, Karin. Someday you’ll become someone truly remarkable. But if things become dangerous, fall back immediately. You are to follow my orders. Understood?”

Karin nodded silently.

'''Chapter 9 — Confrontation at Deauville'''

Deauville was a small town with a population of only around two hundred people.

Originally, this lonely settlement by the sea survived only through gathering shellfish and fishing. But every summer, because of the ocean currents, the sea would begin shining with rainbow colors. Tourists wishing to witness the beautiful sight gathered there each year, bringing the town a modest amount of profit.

Now, with summer only just beginning, the townspeople were busy preparing the inns that operated exclusively during the warm season.

And during such a peaceful time, a man and woman suddenly appeared.

One was a tall, powerfully built nobleman.

The other was a young woman with dazzling golden hair dressed in nun’s robes.

The unusual pair drew curious stares from the townspeople as they walked.

An old man approached them kindly and greeted the noble.

“Welcome, travelers. Um… it’ll still be a few more days before the sea turns rainbow-colored—”

A wand suddenly thrust forward and pierced straight through his chest.

Slowly, still smiling faintly, the old man collapsed onto the ground.

Moments later, a woman who had witnessed the scene screamed.

Then red blossomed across her chest as well, a magical blade fired by the nobleman pierced her.

As panic spread and the people of Deauville fled in terror, the nobleman continued slaughtering them one after another without the slightest change in expression.

The massacre unfolded beneath dazzling sunlight with such unreality that it almost resembled some grotesque stage play.

It did not take long for terror to consume the entire town.

Those attempting to flee discovered nobles armed with wands blocking every exit and desperately begged for help.

“Sir Knight! There’s a murderer in town! Please save us!”

The only reply was magic.

Every route out of Deauville was already sealed off.

And so the townspeople were slaughtered one by one by the gathered nobles.

By the time every resident of the town had been killed, roughly two hours had passed.

“Oh.”

Having discovered a man hiding in the grass behind a house and impaled him with a lance of compressed air, Angelo turned toward Novelle, who had silently observed the slaughter from behind.

“So this is enough, then? Sister.”

A bitter expression twisted Angelo’s face, while Novelle merely smiled gently.

“Yes.”

“You really are a terrifying woman. I’ve been a soldier for many years, but even this is new to me. Ordering the massacre of an entire town…”

“You dislike killing?”

Asked that question, Angelo nodded immediately.

“Obviously. Who the hell actually likes killing people?”

“And yet you still did it.”

“Because ''you'' told me to! You said if I did this, I’d definitely be able to defeat those bastards…”

Angelo spoke through a distorted expression, his eyes filled with rage and regret.

“So your resentment runs even deeper than your revulsion toward murder?”

“That’s right. That Cendrillon and that arrogant little knight apprentice… If it means killing them, I’d sell my soul to the devil itself.”

At those words, Novelle smiled with almost saintly warmth.

“But I am not a ‘devil.’”

“Oh, come on. Anyone who says ‘let’s slaughter an entire town’ and means it—if that’s not a devil, then what is?”

“Because these people have been granted eternal life now. They’ve left behind this cruel world and reached a place free of suffering.”

“Hah. Pretty words. Seriously, I’ll never understand the nonsense nuns say.”

“Come now. Let me free ''you'' from this hell as well.”

As she spoke, Novelle gently placed both hands against Angelo’s cheeks.

“What? I don’t need some blessing fro—”

The instant he spoke, something like an electric current surged through Angelo’s body.

“GAAAH!”

His body convulsed as though struck by multiple bolts of lightning. Sparks burst violently from him while the smell of burning hair spread through the air.

Then, gradually, his skin began taking on a pale pink hue…

His eyes rolled back, and Angelo collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.

“Honestly… this world truly is hell, don’t you think? I find myself thinking that so often.”

Novelle placed a hand upon Angelo’s corpse.

And then—

To any ordinary observer, the sight would have been impossible to believe.

Angelo’s body slowly rose back to its feet.

Then, wand in hand, he turned toward Novelle.

“Welcome to our ‘Kingdom,’ Sir Angelo.”

With Princess Marianna surrounded at the center of their group, Karin and the others departed from Tristainia. As usual, Marianna dressed in an inconspicuous manner, resembling nothing more than the daughter of some provincial noble family. Meanwhile, Karin and the rest of the Royal Mage Guard also refrained from wearing the cloaks that would reveal their identities as guardsmen, making them appear to be nothing more than ordinary knights.

Bacchus and Narcis chatted noisily and cheerfully, while Marianna repeatedly dismounted every so often simply to admire the scenery. Yet amidst that lively atmosphere, almost festive in mood, only Karin and Cendrillon followed behind with tense expressions upon their faces.

“You two look awfully gloomy.”

Even when Bacchus teased her like that, Cendrillon’s confession from the previous night still echoed in Karin’s mind, leaving her unable to join the merriment.

Marianna, meanwhile, grew slightly dissatisfied with Karin’s behavior and constantly tried to draw her attention.

“What’s wrong, Karin? You look bored.”

“That is not the case.”

“Yes it is. You look terribly bored. Aren’t you happy to be traveling with me?”

“Of course I am.”

Even though she was still only thirteen years old, Marianna was already surprisingly skilled at attracting the attention of men. Like some flirtatious beauty, she would cast alluring glances or flash charming smiles. Any ordinary man would probably have surrendered instantly.

But unfortunately for her, Karin happened to be a woman.

And because none of her charms seemed to have any effect, Marianna became even more desperate to make this knight apprentice look at her more attentively.

In the small town they had arrived at earlier that day, Princess Marianna reached her hand beneath the table during lunch and took hold of Karin’s hand beside her. Karin, having no real way to refuse, could only helplessly squeeze the princess’s hand back in return, but… Apparently that alone encouraged Marianna too much.

That night, at the inn where they stayed, Marianna summoned Karin to her room and ordered her to read aloud to her, Karin could only comply with resignation. When she arrived, Marianna first warned her that absolutely nobody could learn she had called a young knight to her room late at night. If such a thing became known at court, both she and Karin would surely be punished severely.

After sitting down upon the chair placed in the center of Marianna’s room, Karin began reading from a collection of poems, while Marianna listened in complete fascination to Karin’s beautiful voice. Karin was exceptionally skilled at controlling her voice; if she truly concentrated, she could produce a tone very much like that of a young man. Without that ability, disguising someone with such overwhelming beauty as male would have been impossible to begin with…

After a while, Marianna gazed at Karin with an intoxicated expression and said:

“You’re so beautiful it almost feels as though you stepped straight out of those poems.”

“I am honored.”

The reply carried not even the slightest trace of actual pleasure, making Marianna even more dissatisfied.

“That town we’re heading to next, the one called Deauville, has a truly beautiful sea, you know. The colors are not vivid yet at this time of year… but under the sunlight it shines in rainbow colors.”

Marianna clearly expected some response like ''“But Your Highness is even lovelier.”,'' instead, Karin merely replied:

“That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.”

Such a cold response.

Faced with such complete inability to read the atmosphere, Marianna finally became sulky. No matter how socially unaware someone might be, in a situation like this they would at least offer some sort of flattery. Yet Karin remained perfectly upright and vigilant, seated lightly in the chair as though she would immediately draw her wand the moment something happened, her eyes constantly observing the surroundings.

“I originally hoped that this trip would be just the two of us.”

For thirteen-year-old Marianna, saying something like that required tremendous courage.

Yet Karin simply answered in a regretful tone:

“If only I alone were present, it would not be possible for me to properly protect Your Highness.”

“You could. Aren’t you very strong?”

“I am merely an inexperienced young fool, however…”

“However?”

“I believe that someday I will improve enough that I alone will be able to carry out the duty of protecting Your Highness.”

Because Karin looked directly into Marianna’s eyes and said such words with absolute sincerity, Marianna felt her heart bloom with joy. Slowly, she extended her hand, and Karin rose gracefully to place a kiss upon it. Gathering even more courage after that, Marianna pretended to stumble and threw herself against Karin’s chest. Karin supported her with her slender arms. Only because Marianna was still small like a kitten was she able to hold her up so easily; if the princess grew even a little more, perhaps they would both end up toppling over together instead.

Looking down at Marianna as the girl stared dreamily up at her, Karin inwardly broke into a cold sweat wondering:

What am I supposed to do here…?

Marianna was incredibly cute. Even through Karin’s eyes, the mixture of youthful adorableness and the first budding traces of mature feminine charm made it feel as though something truly dangerous was happening.

And on top of that, the princess clearly seemed to harbor feelings for her. Even Karin, who was terribly slow when it came to romance, could understand at least a little of what Marianna felt after the girl pretended to trip just to throw herself into her arms like this.

But…

''I’m a woman…''

There was no way she could accept those feelings.

Yet neither could she reveal the truth about her gender, Karin could only remain there in complete confusion.

And yet she could not reveal the truth about her gender either, leaving Karin utterly lost and troubled.

“Do you have a lover?”

Asked such a question directly, Karin had no idea how she should answer.

If she answered “no,” then Marianna would probably pursue her even more aggressively afterward. But if she answered “yes,” then she would simply be lying.

Troubled, Karin could only put on the attitude of a young warrior and answer:

“It is because I am still training.”

“Even though you’re this beautiful?”

Marianna said so with a genuinely astonished expression, causing Karin to smile faintly.

“I simply do not have the leisure to lose my head over romance.”

“Then… does that mean I still have a chance?”

Marianna closed her eyes and puckered her lips slightly. The princess’s lips were red and glossy like delicate flower petals, but Karin felt absolutely no interest whatsoever.

So after placing a kiss upon her forehead instead—

“It is about time for Your Highness to sleep.”

Karin said so in a troubled voice.

At last, Marianna properly began sulking.

“Then you may leave.”

Turning her face away, she crawled into the blankets.

After bowing and leaving the room, Karin found Narcis standing there with an openly suggestive grin on his face.

“Well now, handsome prince. So? What did Her Highness taste like?”

“Don’t joke around.”

Karin answered with obvious displeasure.

“Still, our princess really has reached that romantic age… If you manage to firmly capture Her Highness’s heart, your rise to glory will happen quickly enough, young man.”

Even after being told that by Narcis, Karin merely shook her head.

“If one does not possess the strength to match such status, then rising to glory has no meaning.”

Nearby, Bacchus was rolling around on the floor crying dramatically.

“Ahhh! Ahhh! I’m so jealous! Ahhh! Ahhh! Why didn’t Her Highness choose me?! AAAAAHHH!”

“Where’s Cendrillon?”

Karin asked, only to receive the answer:

“Downstairs.”

Was he drinking again?

At first Karin worried that was the case, but she quickly realized she was mistaken. Cendrillon was simply sitting in a chair, silently watching the entrance in case anyone suspicious tried to come inside.

After Karin sat down beside him—

“And the princess?”

He asked that immediately.

“She’s already resting.”

“I see.”

After answering briefly, he once again turned his gaze back toward the doorway.

“This is honestly troublesome. Her Highness seems extremely fixated on me.”

“That sounds like the highest possible honor.”

Cendrillon said so with a smile.

“I’m not joking.”

Karin answered in an irritated voice.

“What’s the problem? Just humor her a little. Think of yourself as her play-romance partner.”

“You make it sound very simple.”

“I’m not joking either. Someday, Her Highness will have to marry royalty from another country… Before that day comes, wouldn’t she naturally want to experience romance at least once during that brief period of freedom?”

“And what about you?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“I can no longer fall in love with anyone.”

“...I see.”

Looking at him like that, Karin tried offering to take over the watch duty instead.

“You probably want to drink by now, don’t you?”

“That’s honestly surprising. You’re the first person who’s ever told me ‘go ahead and drink.’”

Even so, Cendrillon still made no attempt to stand up, continuing to stare toward the entrance.

“You really think something bad is coming?”

Karin asked worriedly.

“I don’t know. If this is merely paranoia on my part, then that would be best. But there are definitely people who consider the Royal Mage Guard an obstacle. To people like that, this journey is the perfect opportunity.”

“If something really does happen… then I’ll become everyone’s shield. While you escape with the princess, I’ll hold them back. Understood?”

Because she had selfishly insisted on accompanying them, Karin at least wanted to accomplish that much.

Though if such a situation truly occurred… she would probably tremble so badly she could not move at all.

''No, it’ll be fine. As long as I lick my left palm.''

The only reason she lost to Cendrillon and Angelo before was because she became careless.

Karin desperately tried convincing herself of that, causing Cendrillon to smile.

“Don’t laugh. You were right when you said I’m still immature. That’s probably the only thing I’m capable of doing.”

“It’s too difficult for you.”

“What?! Stop treating me like a child! It’ll be fine! As long as I have courage, I can definitely do it!”

“Courage…”

The moment he heard that word, Cendrillon smiled faintly.

“Licking your left palm? What kind of spell is that supposed to be?”

Karin’s face immediately reddened.

Still, she had no intention of hiding it anyway…

“...There’s magic placed upon my left hand. If I perform that action, I can summon courage and stop feeling fear entirely. That’s why I can do anything. Before, I only lost because I got scared, so…”

“That,” Cendrillon interrupted in a serious voice, “is exactly the problem.”

Cendrillon spoke in a serious voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s nothing more than your own wishful thinking. Convincing yourself that you ‘can do it’ and then attempting things beyond your own abilities—it’s nothing but that sort of foolish self-delusion.”

Karin’s expression immediately changed.

“What?! Don’t be ridiculous! For a knight, courage is more important than anything else!”

“What exactly is necessary for a knight, I don’t know… But in missions like this, where someone must be protected, the thing that matters more than anything else is probably cowardice.”

Cendrillon continued calmly.

“When you don’t know what may happen, don’t know where an attack may come from, or who might strike at you, then you should shrink your head in like a frightened turtle and carefully observe your surroundings. Otherwise, irreversible mistakes happen. Courage that’s merely forced out of yourself only gets in the way.”

Unable to understand what Cendrillon was trying to say, Karin answered roughly:

“My courage is real! It was given to me by that knight! Real ‘courage magic’!”

Cendrillon suddenly grabbed Karin’s hand. Closing his eyes, he remained silent for a few moments before eventually shaking his head.

“There is no magic placed upon your left hand at all. It’s merely a suggestion.”

“W-What did you say?”

“I’m a water mage, so I can immediately tell what parts of a body have magic placed upon them. Your left hand is completely clean. There are absolutely no traces of magic there. I don’t know who told you that story, but they probably only said it because they wanted to help a frightened child gather courage.”

Karin stared blankly at her own left hand.

The “courage” that knight had supposedly given her… had been fake all along…

“How can that be…”

Looking at the stunned Karin as she continued staring down at her hand, Cendrillon spoke again.

“I’ll say it clearly. You merely convinced yourself that you possessed ‘courage,’ became intoxicated by that belief, and therefore acted recklessly. And because you lacked the corresponding strength, you lost to both me and Angelo.”

“…………”

Faced with Karin’s silence, Cendrillon continued:

“Don’t look away from the fear inside yourself. Face it properly. Otherwise, you’ll make irreversible mistakes just like I did.”

Looking at the troubled Karin, Cendrillon smiled softly.

“You’re a good person. I’m sure you’ll become an excellent knight someday. That’s exactly why I don’t want you to end up becoming like me.”

The group arrived at Deauville the following day… precisely the afternoon of the third day since their departure.

The first person to react upon seeing the town was Bacchus, who let out a cheerful shout.

“Ohh! For a countryside town, this place is actually pretty beautiful!”

After lightly kicking her horse onward, Princess Marianna quickly rode ahead.

“Your Highness! Wait! Please wait!”

Narcis hurried after her.

However, something about the town felt strangely wrong.

Even though it was broad daylight, there was not a single person visible in the streets.

“What’s going on?”

Marianna tilted her head in confusion.

“What, is there some kind of festival happening somewhere?”

Bacchus joked awkwardly, after which Marianna said:

“Let’s check the inn we always stay at.”

The inn Marianna had chosen was a beautiful building standing atop a hill overlooking the surrounding scenery. After arriving at the small riding area before the entrance and dismounting, the group tied their horses to the wooden posts there.

Without even waiting for the horses to be secured properly, Marianna released her reins and immediately tried running into the inn.

“Your Highness, please wait. Allow me to investigate first.”

After stopping her, Cendrillon opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was silent like a cathedral at dawn.

“Hello—? Is anyone here?”

Even after raising his voice, no answer came.

Cendrillon crossed through the entrance hall and checked the kitchen as well, but that place too was completely deserted.

Feeling a terrible premonition, he returned outside and reported to the others.

“Something is wrong. There’s nobody here.”

The tension in Cendrillon’s voice caused unease to appear upon Marianna’s face.

“What exactly is happening…?”

At that moment, Karin’s voice suddenly called out from behind the inn.

“Hey—! Come over here!”

“What happened?!”

It was the stable area.

Looking toward the direction Karin pointed, they saw something smeared across the stable wall.

Something that looked very much like blood.

“KYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The moment Princess Marianna saw it, she fainted on the spot, causing Cendrillon to hurriedly catch her collapsing body.

“For now, we should retreat. This town feels dangerous.”

Karin proposed that immediately, but after looking into the distance, Cendrillon quietly said:

“...Looks like we’re already too late.”

From below the hill, a large crowd could be seen slowly approaching them.

It was not the atmosphere of people coming to welcome visitors. Some carried spears, others pistols or swords. There were even people holding hoes and clubs… each of them gripping some sort of weapon as they slowly advanced toward the inn.

When they checked the opposite side as well, they discovered another massive crowd climbing up the hill from there too. And they were likewise armed with all kinds of weapons.

The building atop the hill already seemed to be surrounded from all directions by a crowd of well over a hundred people.

“What the hell is wrong with these people…”

Bacchus muttered before stepping forward and shouting loudly:

“HEY! What exactly are you people trying to do?! There’s a person of extremely high status here! I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but don’t you dare do anything stupid!”

Completely unmoved by Bacchus’s warning, the armed townspeople continued advancing silently.

“Those people aren’t soldiers or thugs… They’re the residents of this town.”

Sure enough, there were men and women of all ages mixed among them, all dressed in completely ordinary clothing. The only strange thing was that every single face lacked vitality, while their wandering, unfocused eyes remained fixed in this direction.

“If you keep coming any closer, we’re not going to hold back!”

The instant Bacchus roared that warning, the people at the front raised their pistols.

“Bacchus! Get down!”

At the exact same moment Cendrillon shouted, gunshots rang out.

“WHOA!”

Bacchus instinctively crouched down while clutching his head as several bullets whistled past above him.

“You bastards!”

Enraged, Narcis began chanting a spell. The earth and stones nearby immediately hardened into fist-sized projectiles before flying toward the men holding pistols.

The “Earth Bullets” struck their targets perfectly in the chest, blasting open enormous holes with sickening sounds.

“W-What?!”

Narcis stared at the men in shock.

Despite having massive holes blown clean through their chests, not a single one of them fell over. They simply continued walking forward.

“What the hell is this…”

Cendrillon immediately turned toward the others.

“For now, get inside the building.”

After the group rushed into the inn, they locked the front doors shut.

“What the hell is going on?! Who ''are'' those people?! Why are they attacking us?!”

“They’re not normal humans.”

Narcis answered in a strained voice.

“They’re exactly like my opponent during that duel earlier. Even after having a hole blasted through his chest, he kept moving.”

Cendrillon spoke calmly.

“What kind of magic could possibly create monsters like that?!”

Bacchus shouted furiously, causing Cendrillon to shake his head.

“Right now isn’t the time to think about that. We need to escape this town.”

“Can’t we use Flight and escape through the air?”

Karin proposed.

Cendrillon glanced toward Narcis.

“I’m counting on you to scout ahead.”

Narcis nodded before chanting a spell and floating upward through the window.

And then—

Gunshots rang out simultaneously.

“GH—!”

Narcis immediately dropped lower.

At that same instant, magical arrows came flying out from the forest. Hastily, Narcis slipped back through the window.

“So there are mages out there too.”

“In that case, escaping through the air is impossible.”

Cendrillon said grimly.

A mage floating slowly through the sky would obviously become a perfect target for long-range attacks. While maintaining Flight, they could not cast other spells, meaning they would quickly be riddled full of bullets and magic.

“What do we do, Cendrillon?”

Karin asked anxiously.

The moment Cendrillon noticed one of the approaching townspeople carrying a brightly burning torch, he made his decision immediately.

“Narcis, use a golem to delay them for ten seconds. During that opening, everyone will mount up and break out of the town, Bacchus will take the lead. Once the golem is deployed, Narcis will carry Her Highness and follow directly behind him. Karin, you’ll support Narcis, and I’ll stay behind to cover the rear.”

The three of them immediately began moving.

After Narcis finished chanting his spell, a golden-glowing golem appeared and began running off in the opposite direction from where the horses were tied. Gunshots immediately rang out from that direction, several bullets striking the brass golem with heavy metallic thuds.

The residents of Deauville climbing up the hill had their attention drawn toward it.

“Now!”

With Bacchus leading the way, Narcis carrying the unconscious Princess Marianna followed behind him, with Karin immediately after that. Cendrillon brought up the rear, sprinting forward while keeping his wand raised without relaxing his guard for even a moment.

While Narcis’s golem distracted the townspeople, the four of them quickly mounted their horses.

The instant a gap opened in the road leading toward the town streets, Bacchus struck his horse forward, and the four riders burst out in a straight line.

Several people noticed their movement and immediately changed direction toward them.

Swinging his wand, Bacchus released flames from its tip, surrounding the approaching townspeople within a sea of fire.

From the shadows of the forest, men resembling hunters carrying bows appeared.

“Karin! Wind magic!”

Narcis shouted loudly, causing Karin to immediately chant a wind spell. Violent gusts wrapped themselves around the group, causing the incoming arrows to veer off course.

Then gunshots rang out once more. It seemed armed townspeople were hiding somewhere nearby. Unlike arrows, the lead bullets could not be deflected by the wind, and shots began striking around Karin’s group one after another. Blood suddenly sprayed from Bacchus’s shoulder.

“Bacchus!”

“It’s nothing! Just a graze! We’re escaping exactly like this!”

It seemed he intended to use his massive body as a shield while forcing their way out of town in one charge.

The four horses burst onto the main street running through the town. Most of the townspeople appeared to have gathered around the inn, leaving only a handful of figures visible here.

“We’re escaping straight through!”

But unfortunately, things were not going to proceed that easily.

From behind them, a horse approached at terrifying speed.

“They’re catching up!”

Karin shouted.

As Narcis was carrying the unconscious Marianna, they could not increase their speed any further.

At this rate, they would be overtaken. And at that moment…

Cendrillon suddenly pulled on his reins, turning his horse around.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin cried out, instinctively trying to turn her horse around as well. But Cendrillon shouted sharply:

“Don’t come back!”

“B-But!”

In the instant Karin hesitated, Cendrillon cast a spell. An arrow of ice lightly struck the rear of Karin’s horse.

Startled, the horse abandoned its attempt to turn around and instead continued sprinting straight ahead.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin shouted once more, only for Narcis to roar back at her:

“That’s enough! Leave him to handle it! Our mission is protecting the princess! Have you forgotten that?!”

Karin gritted her teeth tightly and clenched the reins.

“Damn it!”

Watching the three riders safely disappear down the street, Cendrillon turned back toward the approaching knight and faced him directly.

The knight wore a hat…

But the instant Cendrillon saw the face beneath it, he felt himself drawing one step closer to understanding the truth behind everything happening here.

“...Angelo.”

The rider was none other than Angelo of the Unicorn Guard.

However…

Something about him felt different from before. There was no life in his expression whatsoever. He looked exactly like the townspeople from earlier… and exactly like Pedro, the knight whose chest had already been pierced through before.

Cendrillon raised his wand and cast ''Water Whip''.

Curved whips formed from water surrounded Angelo from all directions before piercing directly through his body.

And yet Angelo did not stop.

Without the slightest change in expression, he continued charging directly toward Cendrillon.

Wind blades wrapped themselves around Angelo’s enormous lance-like wand as he swung it toward him.

Cendrillon immediately leapt down from his horse to evade the attack. The momentum of Angelo’s ''Blade'' instantly sliced Cendrillon’s horse clean in half.

What terrifying power.

Ordinary magic would not work against that thing.

If he could blast Angelo full of holes, perhaps it would stop moving. But before that happened, his own mental strength would likely run out first.

Cendrillon likewise began chanting ''Blade''.

After turning his horse around once more, Angelo lowered his wand again and charged forward.

And through the sensation transmitted by the ''Water Whip'' still piercing Angelo’s body, Cendrillon realized something abnormal about the water circulating inside him.

That sensation was one only a corpse could possess.

That man was already dead.

Then why was he still moving?

It had to be the work of some kind of magic.

And yet, Cendrillon had never seen nor even heard of such magic before.

“So you really are dead already, aren’t you?”

Back when he was alive, Angelo had been an irritating man who constantly picked fights with him… and yet, seeing him continue attacking even after death filled Cendrillon with a strange sense of loneliness.

Angelo swung down the wand enhanced by ''Blade'', while Cendrillon leapt backward to evade it. Then, in one motion, he closed the distance and drove his own attack deeply into Angelo’s chest.

From there, he slashed upward through the armpit.

And yet Angelo still continued moving.

The upper half of his body, already nearly severed in two, twisted violently toward Cendrillon as he continued attacking. At this point, it seemed he could probably continue moving even if only fragments of his body remained.

Burning him away with flames would probably be the fastest solution, but unfortunately Cendrillon was poor at fire magic.

Once more, Cendrillon cast ''Water Whip''.

However, this time the whips were different from before.

Each strand was as thin as paper itself, sharp enough to resemble razors.

While avoiding Angelo’s attacks, Cendrillon wrapped the water whips around his body.

“Don’t resent me for this, Angelo.”

The razor-like water whips wrapped around Angelo instantly carved his body into pieces. His wrists, legs, and torso fell apart with wet sounds as they struck the ground, finally ceasing movement.

But the danger had not disappeared.

At some point, the townspeople surrounding the inn had already arrived nearby. From both the front and rear of the street, they slowly closed in around Cendrillon.

It seemed he had been completely surrounded.

His battle against Angelo had already exhausted nearly all of his mental strength. Facing an undead mob armed with weapons, there was no possibility of breaking through.

And yet…

He did not feel afraid.

Instead, as the townspeople slowly approached him, Cendrillon felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward them.

Thinking about it carefully, wasn’t he himself much the same?

Even though he was technically still alive, he had long felt as though he were already dead.

No hopes.

No dreams.

No reason to live, nor anyone who truly needed him.

Only at the very end had he managed to be of some use to those children.

That being said… who exactly had transformed Angelo and these townspeople into living corpses like this?

Being unable to learn the answer to that question was his only regret.

“At last… I can finally go to your side, Karina…”

Just as Cendrillon murmured those words, the townspeople suddenly parted to form a path.

And from within that opening, a woman slowly appeared.

Dazzling golden hair.

A gentle smile, and the robes of a nun…

At that moment, Cendrillon felt as though his mind had finally broken.

There was no way this could be possible.

“She” could not possibly be standing here.

And yet at the same time, another thought surfaced in his mind:

''Perhaps it is merely someone who resembles her…''

No.

There was no way he could mistake that face.

It was unquestionably her.

Novelle gazed directly at Cendrillon, a smile slowly appearing upon her face.

That smile connected violently with the memories buried inside him.

Three years ago.

A beauty so overwhelming that merely looking at her had felt like dreaming.
[[File:ZNTso1 233.jpg|thumb]]
That smiling expression…

The one he would have never forgotten, not even for a single moment…

“It has been quite a long time, Pierre.”

There were very few people left in this world who knew his real name.

And among them, there had only ever been one—

“Karina…? Is that really you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, utterly unable to believe the scene before his eyes.

“Yes. It has been three years since we last met, hasn’t it? You look much more like an adult now.”

Joy and shock mixed together inside him, and Cendrillon nearly gave in to the impulse to rush forward and embrace her.

And yet, the feet that tried to move suddenly stopped.

He himself… He has personally buried Karina with his own hands. There was no mistake about it. He carried her corpse into that forest himself and erected a small gravestone beside the spring.

“What is wrong? It has been so long since we last saw one another…”

“...Who are you?”

“I’m Karina, of course. Goodness, why are you making such a frightening face?”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“She should already be dead.”

“But I came back to life… Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say I was reborn. Though truly, I have not changed at all. Just as before, I still love you deeply.”

“You’re the same as Angelo and the people of this town. A walking corpse animated by some twisted magic.”

Novelle slowly approached Cendrillon. His body trembled slightly, and yet he could not move. ''This is impossible'', his reason screamed that conclusion at him, but his emotions refused to listen.

Novelle reached out toward him and gently touched his cheek.

“Does this feel like the hand of a corpse to you?”

Her hand was warm, a living human hand, filled with flowing blood. The moment that warmth touched him, Cendrillon became unable to think at all.

Heat surged upward from deep within his stomach.

“No… impossible… this can’t…”

“Accept the reality before your eyes. This is the truth.”

Reality. Yes. This was reality. She was standing here before him now. He could even hold her like this… The instant he wrapped his arms tightly around her, overwhelming joy flooded through his entire body.

“I wanted to see you so badly.”

“I felt the same way.”

“I-I wanted to apologize to you…”

“There is no need.”

“I’m sorry… I made a mistake… Please forgive me…”

“It’s all right. It’s all in the past now.”

Novelle gently embraced Cendrillon’s head.

A deeply familiar scent reached his nose.

It was her scent.

A gentle, nostalgic fragrance, as though the warmth of sunlight itself had been turned into perfume…

“I wanted to see you so badly. Truly… truly, I wanted to see you again.”

She pressed her face close against his cheek, her long golden hair brushing softly across his skin.

“It tickles… so much it almost makes me cry.”

“I’m doing it on purpose.”

“Yes… that does sound like you.”

Novelle smiled with overflowing tenderness before softly whispering:

“So that you would never forget that I am here.”

After escaping from the town, Karin suddenly pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a stop.

Bacchus and Narcis stopped as well.

“What are you doing, Karin?!”

“We should be safe once we’ve made it this far, right? I’m leaving Princess Marianna to you two.”

The instant they heard those words, both men realized what Karin intended to do and shouted at once.

“Wait! Even if you go back now, it’s already too late!”

“You’ll die too!”

“I still haven’t seen that idiot make his frustrated face yet!”

The moment she shouted those words, Karin turned her horse back toward Deauville and spurred it into a full sprint.

As she rode, she shouted at the top of her lungs:

“What the hell… acting all cool like that! Don’t tell me you think sacrificing your own life so everyone else can escape somehow counts as redemption?! That’s nothing but your own selfish wishful thinking!”

Novelle gently stroked Cendrillon’s head and softly whispered:

“Pierre… would you like to come with us?”

“...Go where?”

“To our kingdom.”

“Kingdom?”

“Yes. Right now, I’m working very hard to create one.”

A kingdom?

At those words, Cendrillon suddenly remembered the residents of Deauville writhing around them. Every one of them had lost the vitality in their expressions and merely stood there blankly.

“Will I… become like them as well?”

“Of course not. You are not some ‘puppet’ like these people…”

Slowly, Cendrillon pushed Novelle away.

“Pierre?”

“...Who are you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a voice that sounded close to tears, because at that moment, he remembered another “truth” standing before him. The woman before his eyes truly ''was'' Karina. There was no mistake about that. But then… What exactly was she doing?

Creating living corpses.

An act so monstrously evil that even demons themselves would fear it. The Karina he had known was not someone capable of such things.

Could it be… That Karina, whose life had been taken by the magic he himself unleashed, had somehow been revived through some grotesque and forbidden spell? He had never even heard of such magic before…

And yet somehow, that explanation felt closest to the truth.

Tears overflowed from his eyes.

If that really was the case… Then just how great a sin had he committed?

Not only did he killed the woman he loved most, he turned her into a demon.

Cendrillon slowly fell to his knees.

“...Forgive me, Karina.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because of me… you became…”

Then Novelle stepped closer and reached out toward his cheek once more.

“You’ve suffered so much, haven’t you? Let me take you away. To a world without pain. A world without sorrow. A place ruled only by kindness and love…”

The spot touched by Novelle burned with a pain like electric current.

“I’m going to die.”

He had no way of knowing what had happened to her, nor what sort of conspiracy was unfolding here. He would never see his companions again.

And now, without understanding anything at all, he was about to be killed by the hands of the lover he once believed dead.

And yet… if he could go to the same place as her, perhaps that too could be called a kind of happiness.

“Karina…”

Tears streamed down his face as he prepared to accept the final moment—

At that instant, Cendrillon’s body was violently blasted away by a fierce gust of wind, sending him tumbling across the ground.

“Don’t just casually say that name. It’s irritating.”

Together with the sound of an annoyed click of the tongue came a sharp voice overflowing with anger.

Cendrillon’s eyes widened.

The first thing he saw was long peach-colored hair dancing wildly in the wind, shining with vivid color. The figure standing straight-backed before him looked almost exactly like the saintesses from the religious paintings he had seen as a child.

“Karin…”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, causing Karin to immediately shout back at him.

“Who exactly was the immature one here?! Who was it that confused courage with recklessness, huh?!”

Cendrillon tried to force himself back to his feet, but… a sensation of numbness still wrapped around his entire body. It had to be because of Novelle’s magic from earlier. If she continued using it on him like that, then he would already—

“If I didn’t come back, you would’ve died!”

“My, Pierre, is this a friend of yours? You should introduce her to me.”

Novelle spoke as though they were attending some refined social gathering. Karin immediately raised her wand.

“Who’s Pierre?”

“My lover, of course. Though nowadays he seems to be using a very strange name. ‘Cendrillon’—is it? Is that hair dyed too? To match the name? You always did love little jokes like that.”

Novelle spoke with a voice full of affection.

“You…”

Those words made Karin realize the true identity of the nun standing before them.

Could this woman… really be Cendrillon’s former lover?

But didn’t he say she was dead?

Novelle, meanwhile, seemed to have realized Karin’s true identity as well.

“You… could it be that you’re his lover? Did you come running back because you didn’t want me stealing him away from you?”

Karin stared directly at the golden-haired woman controlling the people of Deauville. Dressed in black nun’s robes, she looked exactly like a devout sister of the church, and there was even a gentle atmosphere of compassion surrounding her.

And yet, hidden beneath that compassion, this woman transformed an entire town into an army of the dead.

And more than that, she herself should already have been dead as well.

And yet now she stood there smiling before them.

Hidden beneath that gentle smile was something that could only be described as evil…

“What… is this woman…?”

She was terrifying.

A fear that felt as though it were clutching at her heart made Karin’s entire body tremble.

There was nothing more frightening than an opponent whose true nature remained unknown. The bottomless abyss of the “Dragon’s Footprints” she saw as a child overlapped with the woman standing before her now.

The fear was so overwhelming that Karin felt herself close to breaking down. Instinctively, she almost moved to write “courage” upon her left hand.

Her index finger began moving toward her palm—

“...Ngh.”

But at that exact moment, Cendrillon’s words flashed through her mind.

“Don’t avert your eyes from the ‘fear’ inside your own heart.”

Karin slowly lowered her left hand.

Against this woman, mere courage alone would never be enough to win…

With her entire body trembling, Karin glared directly at Novelle.

She was so frightened she could hardly bear it, and tears began spilling uncontrollably from her eyes. A choking sound escaped Karin’s throat.

“Uu… uuwaa… ugh…”

Even while sobbing miserably, Karin still gripped her wand tightly.

And continued facing Novelle.

“My, my, you’ve started crying. Am I really that frightening? There’s nothing to be afraid of, you silly little thing.”

“Of course you’re frightening! How could someone like you ''not'' be terrifying?! I can’t even understand what you are!”

Karin shouted through tears, having already lost any composure necessary to maintain her masculine tone.

“Run away! Karin!”

Cendrillon shouted desperately toward the panicking Karin.

“Shut up already! Just shut up and watch! It’s not like I came back to save you or anything! It’s just that if I left you behind like this, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night! Seriously… acting all high and mighty! You have no idea how hard things have been for me! Calling me reckless… What’s wrong with relying on magical courage anyway?! I can’t help it! Because… because I…”

Karin began chanting a spell.

It was merely simple wind magic, and yet its power was extraordinary.

The violently rising gale caused Novelle’s nun robes to flutter wildly.

“My, what a frightening expression. Don’t be so angry. Such a beautiful face would go to waste.”

Novelle smiled with genuine delight before quietly retreating backward. The residents of Deauville surrounding her immediately began closing in.

There were over a hundred of them.

Seeing them raise pistols and bows—

“They’re terrifying… There’s no way we can fight that many.”

The moment she finished chanting, Karin leapt upward at incredible speed. In one motion she flew to Cendrillon’s side, grabbed his body, and launched herself into the air.

Karin retreated behind a nearby building.

“H-Hey… Karin, run away already… Leave me behind.”

“Shut up! Be quiet for a second! I’m trying to think!”

Suppressing the panic caused by her fear, Karin desperately forced herself to think.

Escaping while carrying a completely paralyzed Cendrillon was impossible.

Which meant…

She had to find some way to deal with those things.

“Those people… are they being controlled?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“No… I can’t sense any sign of life from them. Perhaps some sort of evil magic is animating their corpses.”

Karin bit her lip tightly.

Those people…

They did nothing wrong. They had merely been living ordinary lives.

And then those ordinary lives were cruelly stolen away from them, leaving them manipulated by that woman and forced to attack others…

Sorrow mixed together with frustration, and tears once more flowed from Karin’s eyes.

Those tears washed the fear away from inside her.

She could not continue trembling like this, nor did she have time to lose herself in confusion.

She had to dedicate victory to the souls of those people.

Karin tightened her grip on her wand and slowly raised her head. By then, tears no longer flowed from her eyes.

“Karina… why…? What in the world happened to you…?”

Hearing Cendrillon mutter those words, Karin glared fiercely at him.

“Cendrillon, listen carefully. That woman is not your former lover anymore. She’s something else now. You understand that too, don’t you?”

“...I know.”

“If you understand that, then start by healing your injuries. You can at least manage that much, can’t you?”

That enormous horde of corpses.

They had already died once, which meant they would not stop unless their bodies were completely torn apart with magic. But against numbers like that, tearing every single one of them apart with magic was impossible. Their mental strength would run dry first.

“Wouldn’t the magic animating them be purified by ‘Healing’?”

The instant Cendrillon heard those words, realization flashed across his face.

“I see… It’s definitely worth trying.”

“There’s no time for you to keep hesitating. Listen carefully—I’m going to pull up the seawater, and you’ll cast ‘Healing’ onto that water. Water magic resides within water itself, right? Just like Wind resides within the wind. That’s how it works, isn’t it?”

Cendrillon nodded.

“But there are over a hundred of them. Can we really scatter water over every single one?”

“Don’t underestimate ''my'' wind.”

The moment Karin said that, she began chanting a short incantation.

''Il Wind.''

Then she spun her wand in a sweeping motion.

“Tempest.”

It was merely a simple spell meant to create a tornado.

And yet its power was utterly overwhelming.

A colossal vortex of air nearly two hundred feet tall erupted from the tip of her wand, while violent winds lashed against Cendrillon’s face. Had they not been standing at the very center of the vortex, they would already have been blown away.

Effortlessly controlling that monstrous “wind,” Karin looked almost like a child of the wind itself.

Commanding the gale while standing above it all…

At that moment, she resembled the legendary “Wind King” from myth.

Cendrillon became so captivated by the sight that he nearly forgot to continue chanting.

“Hurry up and cast ‘Healing’ already!”

Startled back to his senses, Cendrillon hurriedly began chanting the spell for “Healing,” aided by the immense quantities of seawater surrounding them. The sea, said to be the birthplace of life itself, was naturally an exceptional catalyst for water magic. The spiritual energy he consumed was replenished by the abundant seawater.

The child of the wind fearlessly drove that gigantic tornado directly into the sea itself. Enormous masses of seawater were swept high into the sky, scattering seven-colored light beneath the rays of the sun.

Spray from the sea splashed across Cendrillon’s cheeks.

And every time he felt the touch of water, Cendrillon always found himself thinking the same thing.

''I love water.''

Water could heal him.

But only that much.

It could not save him.

The one capable of truly saving him…
[[File:ZNTso1 248.jpg|thumb]]
The one who could sweep away the “dust” covering his heart…

“Now! Cast ‘Healing’ onto all of this water!”

Seeing the residents of Deauville gathered along the shore, Karin shouted loudly.

Cendrillon released “Healing” into the enormous masses of seawater being drawn upward by the tornado. Filled with the power of life, the seawater began shining even more brilliantly.

Then Karin unleashed the tornado containing that immense quantity of seawater imbued with “Healing” toward the gathered residents of Deauville, or more accurately, toward the entire town itself.

From behind the residents of Deauville who had become “puppets,” Novelle looked toward the shore, where a gigantic tornado had appeared within her sight.

“My… what is that? A tornado? Goodness, it’s enormous.”

Before her eyes, the tornado continued growing larger and larger until it completely engulfed the residents of Deauville. And then… The transformed townspeople began collapsing one after another.

“What is happening?”

The tornado reached the skies above the town and scattered seawater downward like rain. The moment the water touched her skin, Novelle understood.

It was “Healing.”

The two of them had infused the seawater itself with “Healing,” then used that gigantic tornado to shower it down over all of them.

“I see. That was quite clever. It seems today’s victory belongs to you.”

Smiling gently, Novelle turned around. Around her, several magicians appeared from seemingly nowhere and followed behind her like shadows.

Humming happily as though she were about to break into song, Novelle walked away in the direction opposite the shore…

Watching the residents of Deauville collapse like puppets with their strings cut, Cendrillon let out a relieved breath. Beside him, meanwhile, Karin collapsed onto the sand while gasping heavily for air.

Cendrillon hurriedly rushed over to her side.

“H-Hey! Karin! Are you all right?!”

He lifted Karin into his arms and prepared to cast “Healing.”

But in the very next moment, the sound of snoring escaped from Karin’s mouth.

She had probably exhausted every last bit of her mental strength.

That sleeping face looked so innocent and beautiful that it was difficult to believe she was the very person who had created such a colossal tornado moments earlier.

As he stared at that sleeping face…

Something resembling a premonition quietly appeared within Cendrillon’s heart.

And as he thought that, the young wind-user with such an immature-looking face suddenly seemed—

Cendrillon’s cheeks flushed red.

After watching her quietly for a while, Karin slowly opened her eyes.

“Mm…”

“Are you okay?”

“What about the townspeople?”

“...None of them are moving anymore.”

“I see…”

Karin closed her eyes sorrowfully. Cendrillon likewise lowered his gaze and offered a prayer for the innocent victims.

Simply because they happened to live in this town, they transformed into walking corpses.

Compared to the fate those people suffered, his own misery suddenly felt no more significant than childish playacting.

“What happened to that woman?”

“...Judging from the fact that nothing else has happened since then, I think she probably disappeared.”

The moment Cendrillon answered, Karin slapped him across the face.

“W-What was that for?!”

“Idiot! Stop worrying about me and go after her already!”

“T-That’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m worried about you.”

Hearing him answer so seriously caused Karin’s face to flush bright red.

And at that exact moment, she realized something.

''Ah… did I just use a feminine tone?''

''This is bad. Did I let something slip?''

Trying to cover it up, Karin quickly said:

“You’re not planning to let her go just because she was your former lover, are you?”

“...That’s not it.”

Cendrillon shook his head as he answered.

Fortunately, he did not seem to have noticed.

Perhaps he simply lacked the composure to notice right now.

Quietly pressing a hand against her chest in relief, Karin continued:

“Let’s regroup with Bacchus and the others. This still isn’t over yet. We still have to safely escort Princess Marianna back to Tristania.”

Cendrillon nodded before turning his gaze toward the sea.

Watching the ocean continue its tides as though nothing had happened at all, the emotions he suppressed until now suddenly surged violently within his chest.

His former lover.

Why? How could she still be alive?

And yet the truth remained, Karina had truly appeared before his eyes.

As a cruel demon…

He did not know what happened to her, but surely what he himself did was part of the reason.

With these very hands, he would have to defeat her himself.

Only by doing that—

Only by doing that could he offer some measure of consolation to the dead of this town.

Cendrillon made that vow within his heart.

And yet... even after making up his mind, tears still streamed from his eyes. Never, even in his dreams, had he imagined that their “reunion” would happen like this. He could no longer imagine anything more tragic than this.

The woman he loved most became the worst kind of monster...

The tears would not stop falling.

Like a helpless child, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly. He grieved for the people she killed, and he grieved for Karina, who became a demon.

Watching Cendrillon continue to cry, Karin felt an indescribable emotion rise within her. Until not long ago, she thought of him as nothing more than a thick-headed drunkard… But that was wrong.

''He’s just... a weak person too.''

Despite being so weak that he looked ready to collapse at any moment, he refused to lean on anyone. Instead, he drank alone, called himself “Cendrillon,” the man covered in ashes, and abandoned everything.

But now, something was different.

Though tears still streamed from his eyes, there was now a light of determination within them. Surely what happened today did change something inside him as well.

Just like it changed her.

Someday, perhaps, Cendrillon would fight that woman. At the end, he was a master with the wand, a specialist in battle.

But there was no way he could face her alone. Someone would need to stand beside him.

Karin grasped Cendrillon’s wrist and helped pull him to his feet.

“Get up. We’re leaving.”

'''Epilogue'''

When they arrived at the small town where they stayed at the inn only a few days earlier, Bacchus and Narcis were there gathering nearby lords and nobles and organizing a military force.

“Hey! They’re alive!”

The moment they saw Karin and Cendrillon return safely, all three of them were overjoyed. Marianna threw herself into Karin’s arms, saying, “Thank goodness you’re safe...” before bursting into tears.

Cendrillon explained the entire sequence of events to the three of them. About being attacked by Angelo, and about how the former lover who should already have been dead appeared to be the true mastermind behind everything...

“You mean Angelo?”

Narcis and Bacchus both stared in shock.

“In other words...”

“Could it be that the Unicorn Guard is involved behind the scenes as well?”

“Those bastards... do they really hate us that much?”

“Or rather, perhaps it would be troublesome for them if the Royal Mage Guard continued to exist?”

The moment Cendrillon said that, the two men exchanged glances.

“So all those incidents that kept reducing the number of men in our unit...”

“Yeah, it was probably all their doing. Or rather, the Chancellor’s orders.”

The Chancellor—Grand Duke Eustache, the “other king” of Tristain... a man of such overwhelming political power that people referred to him by that title.

And that Grand Duke wanted to eliminate them?

The color drained from both men’s faces.

“In any case, this situation is far too complicated. We should discuss what to do next with Lady Vivian.”

Both men nodded. Afterwards, Bacchus took command of the assembled nobles and set out toward Deauville to investigate the situation there.

Because the princess herself was attacked, the incident escalated into a massive disturbance that even resulted in a corps of dragon knights being dispatched from Tristania.

The gathered regional nobles, together with the dragon knights, once again headed for Deauville. And just as expected, every resident there had been annihilated. All of them were killed by magic.

While the investigation into the incident was still underway, one of the dragon knights arrived carrying a royal decree.

“Are you Sir Cendrillon of the Royal Mage Guard?”

“That’s right.” Cendrillon nodded.

“His Majesty commands that you return to the royal palace immediately and deliver a report regarding the incident.”

Thus, Cendrillon and the others decided to temporarily return to Tristania while escorting the princess. Since the princess herself was placed in danger, an enormous number of guards were assigned around her.

For the sake of Princess Marianna’s protection, Philip III had mobilized an entire company of troops.

Princess Marianna rode inside a specially prepared carriage, dragon knights guarded the skies above, and hundreds of soldiers surrounded the procession from the front and rear as it advanced down the road.

The atmosphere was so tense it felt as though they were marching toward war itself.

On the road back to Tristania...

Narcis rode closer to Cendrillon, who was accompanying the carriage, then leaned in and lowered his voice.

“...Hey, Cendrillon. Is it true?”

“What are you talking about?”

After glancing nervously around to make sure no one was listening, Narcis continued hesitantly.

“...Your former lover was controlling the people of that town?”

Cendrillon answered firmly.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“...You really shouldn’t talk about that so openly.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’ll put you in a terrible position. If things go badly enough, they might even suspect you of being involved and throw you in prison.”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“I’m going to tell the truth exactly as it is. This isn’t something that should be hidden.”

“Hey! I’m saying this because I’m worried about you!”

“Then I appreciate it. But I’m done running away.”

That was what Cendrillon truly believed.

''I won’t run anymore. Not from my fate, and not from the sins I committed...''

If everything that happened began the moment his spell accidentally pierced Karina that day... then he had a duty to uncover the entire truth.

And a duty to bring it to an end.

If this was truly his fate, then he would face it properly. He would confront it with the kind of caution that bordered on cowardice, yet without running away.

“The opponent is Grand Duke Eustache himself, you know? There’s no telling what kind of methods he’ll use. Seriously, you’d need more than nine lives for this.”

Narcis spoke in exasperation.

“You could still leave, you know.”

“Don’t be stupid. We already boarded the same ship, so I’ll stick with you to the end. I think that idiot feels the same way too.”

Narcis pointed toward Bacchus, who was swaying atop his horse ahead of them with a sleepy expression on his face.

“Things will work out somehow.”

“Why?”

Cendrillon looked toward the small figure riding ahead of them on horseback and answered:

“Because we have the ‘Wind.’”

For some reason, the sight of Karin before him overlapped with the image of the saint from the religious paintings he saw as a child. His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself thinking:

''Water can heal me... because I am a user of Water.''

''But that is all it can do.''

''It never truly changed me.''

''Perhaps the thing capable of sweeping away the ashes covering my heart... might actually be this girl’s “Wind.”''

Cendrillon remembered the way Karin spoke earlier. That was completely the manner of speech of a woman.

When cornered, did he naturally revert to speaking that way? That boy...

Could it be that she was actually...

A faint redness gradually spread across Cendrillon’s face.

Meanwhile, Karin, riding ahead of them, was being tormented by fierce regret.

Not writing “courage” on her left hand earlier deserved praise.

But still... still...

''I totally used a feminine tone back there～～～～!''

Karin let out a silent groan and lowered her head.

This was awful.

Maybe she had already exposed herself... If it were discovered that she was actually a woman, she would no longer be able to remain in the Guard. And at a time like this too… when everything was so important, when this was the perfect opportunity to distinguish herself. She absolutely did not want to be dismissed.

However, Cendrillon was not completely himself earlier because his former lover appeared before him, so it was probably fine, right? Just as Karin was thinking that and secretly glancing back over her shoulder, she saw Cendrillon riding closer while, for some reason, blushing faintly.

The moment she saw his face, Karin’s own cheeks flushed red as well.

''This is bad. Did he figure out I’m a woman?''

Cendrillon guided his horse alongside Karin’s and quietly spoke to her.

“Karin, um... about what happened earlier.”

“W-What about it? Go ahead and say it.”

“Well, you know... the way you were speaking earlier. That was the manner of speech of a woman, wasn’t it?”

Karin’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

So he really noticed.

Well, of course he did. Naturally he would have noticed after she had shouted like that...

''It’s over. I’m going to get expelled.''

While she was sinking into despair—

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Eh?”

“You probably have your own reasons, right? Besides, I have no intention of criticizing someone else’s ‘preferences.’”

Preferences?

What was he talking about?

As Karin sat there in growing unease, Cendrillon continued in a low voice.

“Still... I was really surprised. I never imagined you were actually a ‘twink.’¹”

“............”

“For a split second I honestly thought you were a girl. But there’s no way a woman could have a chest that flat... Hm? What’s wrong?”

Cendrillon finally noticed that Karin’s shoulders were trembling violently. Her entire body shook with rage, and wind began swirling around her.

“H-Hey? What’s wrong? Why are you getting angry? I already told you I wouldn’t tell anyone! Hey! Stop!”

“I am NOT a twiiiiiiiiink!”

A violent gale exploded outward.

Cendrillon’s body was blasted high into the air.

1. Quite hard to translate this authentically, as it’s basically “shemale” or “femboy” or “trap”, but not quite "trans".

'''Afterword'''

''Heavy Wind'' is a fantasy romance story about a beautiful girl disguised as a man, struggling over the problem of “I absolutely cannot let anyone find out I’m actually a girl!”—a problem that men naturally never have to worry about—and becoming swept up in love and adventure because of it.

After all, because she cannot reveal that she is a woman, even if she falls in love she cannot convey her feelings. Just imagining the painful emotions of a crossdressing beauty who cannot honestly express what is in her heart is already unbearable for me personally. Cute and cool—an “ikemen beauty,” if you will. If readers are willing to accompany such a girl on her adventures, nothing would make me happier.

When thinking about the world of a story, I often imagine a plaster statue. Normally, a story can only depict things from a single angle. But if you compare it to a plaster figure, then depending on whether you look from above, below, left, or right, you end up seeing entirely different expressions.

So if readers are able to glimpse the “world” through cuts taken from different angles, that would make me very happy.

And naturally, the one who guides the story and pulls it forward is the crossdressing beautiful girl herself! The very phrase “girl in men’s clothing” does not even need something like the Takarazuka Revue as proof—that concept itself is already romance. After all, a crossdressing girl becomes dramatic simply by putting on ordinary girls’ clothing. It’s unfairly powerful. I wonder if I succeeded in portraying that sort of crossdressing heroine properly. I humbly leave that judgment to you.

As always, I would also like to deeply thank Usatsuka-sensei for the beautiful illustrations. Every single time I request artwork under an absurdly tight schedule, yet he still delivers incredible work. I truly am grateful. At this point, Yamaguchi genuinely cannot bring himself to sleep with his feet pointed toward Osaka anymore. To Mr. S and Mr. M from the editorial department as well—thank you for all your hard work. And finally, to all the readers: thank you all so very much.

I hope you will continue accompanying Karin, Cendrillon, and the others in their adventures and exploits as their world continues to expand from here onward.

—Noboru Yamaguchi

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-08T19:54:24Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].



*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
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===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
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== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ([[Kaze no Kishihime volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
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::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
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::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime v1c11

2026-05-08T19:52:31Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Afterword''' ''Heavy Wind'' is a fantasy romance story about a beautiful girl disguised as a man, struggling over the problem of “I absolutely cannot let anyone find out I’m actually a girl!”—a problem that men naturally never have to worry about—and becoming swept up in love and adventure because of it. After all, because she cannot reveal that she is a woman, even if she falls in love she cannot convey her feelings. Just imagining the painful emotions of..."

'''Afterword'''

''Heavy Wind'' is a fantasy romance story about a beautiful girl disguised as a man, struggling over the problem of “I absolutely cannot let anyone find out I’m actually a girl!”—a problem that men naturally never have to worry about—and becoming swept up in love and adventure because of it.

After all, because she cannot reveal that she is a woman, even if she falls in love she cannot convey her feelings. Just imagining the painful emotions of a crossdressing beauty who cannot honestly express what is in her heart is already unbearable for me personally. Cute and cool—an “ikemen beauty,” if you will. If readers are willing to accompany such a girl on her adventures, nothing would make me happier.

When thinking about the world of a story, I often imagine a plaster statue. Normally, a story can only depict things from a single angle. But if you compare it to a plaster figure, then depending on whether you look from above, below, left, or right, you end up seeing entirely different expressions.

So if readers are able to glimpse the “world” through cuts taken from different angles, that would make me very happy.

And naturally, the one who guides the story and pulls it forward is the crossdressing beautiful girl herself! The very phrase “girl in men’s clothing” does not even need something like the Takarazuka Revue as proof—that concept itself is already romance. After all, a crossdressing girl becomes dramatic simply by putting on ordinary girls’ clothing. It’s unfairly powerful. I wonder if I succeeded in portraying that sort of crossdressing heroine properly. I humbly leave that judgment to you.

As always, I would also like to deeply thank Usatsuka-sensei for the beautiful illustrations. Every single time I request artwork under an absurdly tight schedule, yet he still delivers incredible work. I truly am grateful. At this point, Yamaguchi genuinely cannot bring himself to sleep with his feet pointed toward Osaka anymore. To Mr. S and Mr. M from the editorial department as well—thank you for all your hard work. And finally, to all the readers: thank you all so very much.

I hope you will continue accompanying Karin, Cendrillon, and the others in their adventures and exploits as their world continues to expand from here onward.

—Noboru Yamaguchi

Kaze no Kishihime v1c10

2026-05-08T19:52:18Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Epilogue''' When they arrived at the small town where they stayed at the inn only a few days earlier, Bacchus and Narcis were there gathering nearby lords and nobles and organizing a military force. “Hey! They’re alive!” The moment they saw Karin and Cendrillon return safely, all three of them were overjoyed. Marianna threw herself into Karin’s arms, saying, “Thank goodness you’re safe...” before bursting into tears. Cendrillon explained the entire s..."

'''Epilogue'''

When they arrived at the small town where they stayed at the inn only a few days earlier, Bacchus and Narcis were there gathering nearby lords and nobles and organizing a military force.

“Hey! They’re alive!”

The moment they saw Karin and Cendrillon return safely, all three of them were overjoyed. Marianna threw herself into Karin’s arms, saying, “Thank goodness you’re safe...” before bursting into tears.

Cendrillon explained the entire sequence of events to the three of them. About being attacked by Angelo, and about how the former lover who should already have been dead appeared to be the true mastermind behind everything...

“You mean Angelo?”

Narcis and Bacchus both stared in shock.

“In other words...”

“Could it be that the Unicorn Guard is involved behind the scenes as well?”

“Those bastards... do they really hate us that much?”

“Or rather, perhaps it would be troublesome for them if the Royal Mage Guard continued to exist?”

The moment Cendrillon said that, the two men exchanged glances.

“So all those incidents that kept reducing the number of men in our unit...”

“Yeah, it was probably all their doing. Or rather, the Chancellor’s orders.”

The Chancellor—Grand Duke Eustache, the “other king” of Tristain... a man of such overwhelming political power that people referred to him by that title.

And that Grand Duke wanted to eliminate them?

The color drained from both men’s faces.

“In any case, this situation is far too complicated. We should discuss what to do next with Lady Vivian.”

Both men nodded. Afterwards, Bacchus took command of the assembled nobles and set out toward Deauville to investigate the situation there.

Because the princess herself was attacked, the incident escalated into a massive disturbance that even resulted in a corps of dragon knights being dispatched from Tristania.

The gathered regional nobles, together with the dragon knights, once again headed for Deauville. And just as expected, every resident there had been annihilated. All of them were killed by magic.

While the investigation into the incident was still underway, one of the dragon knights arrived carrying a royal decree.

“Are you Sir Cendrillon of the Royal Mage Guard?”

“That’s right.” Cendrillon nodded.

“His Majesty commands that you return to the royal palace immediately and deliver a report regarding the incident.”

Thus, Cendrillon and the others decided to temporarily return to Tristania while escorting the princess. Since the princess herself was placed in danger, an enormous number of guards were assigned around her.

For the sake of Princess Marianna’s protection, Philip III had mobilized an entire company of troops.

Princess Marianna rode inside a specially prepared carriage, dragon knights guarded the skies above, and hundreds of soldiers surrounded the procession from the front and rear as it advanced down the road.

The atmosphere was so tense it felt as though they were marching toward war itself.

On the road back to Tristania...

Narcis rode closer to Cendrillon, who was accompanying the carriage, then leaned in and lowered his voice.

“...Hey, Cendrillon. Is it true?”

“What are you talking about?”

After glancing nervously around to make sure no one was listening, Narcis continued hesitantly.

“...Your former lover was controlling the people of that town?”

Cendrillon answered firmly.

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“...You really shouldn’t talk about that so openly.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’ll put you in a terrible position. If things go badly enough, they might even suspect you of being involved and throw you in prison.”

Cendrillon shook his head.

“I’m going to tell the truth exactly as it is. This isn’t something that should be hidden.”

“Hey! I’m saying this because I’m worried about you!”

“Then I appreciate it. But I’m done running away.”

That was what Cendrillon truly believed.

''I won’t run anymore. Not from my fate, and not from the sins I committed...''

If everything that happened began the moment his spell accidentally pierced Karina that day... then he had a duty to uncover the entire truth.

And a duty to bring it to an end.

If this was truly his fate, then he would face it properly. He would confront it with the kind of caution that bordered on cowardice, yet without running away.

“The opponent is Grand Duke Eustache himself, you know? There’s no telling what kind of methods he’ll use. Seriously, you’d need more than nine lives for this.”

Narcis spoke in exasperation.

“You could still leave, you know.”

“Don’t be stupid. We already boarded the same ship, so I’ll stick with you to the end. I think that idiot feels the same way too.”

Narcis pointed toward Bacchus, who was swaying atop his horse ahead of them with a sleepy expression on his face.

“Things will work out somehow.”

“Why?”

Cendrillon looked toward the small figure riding ahead of them on horseback and answered:

“Because we have the ‘Wind.’”

For some reason, the sight of Karin before him overlapped with the image of the saint from the religious paintings he saw as a child. His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself thinking:

''Water can heal me... because I am a user of Water.''

''But that is all it can do.''

''It never truly changed me.''

''Perhaps the thing capable of sweeping away the ashes covering my heart... might actually be this girl’s “Wind.”''

Cendrillon remembered the way Karin spoke earlier. That was completely the manner of speech of a woman.

When cornered, did he naturally revert to speaking that way? That boy...

Could it be that she was actually...

A faint redness gradually spread across Cendrillon’s face.

Meanwhile, Karin, riding ahead of them, was being tormented by fierce regret.

Not writing “courage” on her left hand earlier deserved praise.

But still... still...

''I totally used a feminine tone back there～～～～!''

Karin let out a silent groan and lowered her head.

This was awful.

Maybe she had already exposed herself... If it were discovered that she was actually a woman, she would no longer be able to remain in the Guard. And at a time like this too… when everything was so important, when this was the perfect opportunity to distinguish herself. She absolutely did not want to be dismissed.

However, Cendrillon was not completely himself earlier because his former lover appeared before him, so it was probably fine, right? Just as Karin was thinking that and secretly glancing back over her shoulder, she saw Cendrillon riding closer while, for some reason, blushing faintly.

The moment she saw his face, Karin’s own cheeks flushed red as well.

''This is bad. Did he figure out I’m a woman?''

Cendrillon guided his horse alongside Karin’s and quietly spoke to her.

“Karin, um... about what happened earlier.”

“W-What about it? Go ahead and say it.”

“Well, you know... the way you were speaking earlier. That was the manner of speech of a woman, wasn’t it?”

Karin’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

So he really noticed.

Well, of course he did. Naturally he would have noticed after she had shouted like that...

''It’s over. I’m going to get expelled.''

While she was sinking into despair—

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Eh?”

“You probably have your own reasons, right? Besides, I have no intention of criticizing someone else’s ‘preferences.’”

Preferences?

What was he talking about?

As Karin sat there in growing unease, Cendrillon continued in a low voice.

“Still... I was really surprised. I never imagined you were actually a ‘twink.’¹”

“............”

“For a split second I honestly thought you were a girl. But there’s no way a woman could have a chest that flat... Hm? What’s wrong?”

Cendrillon finally noticed that Karin’s shoulders were trembling violently. Her entire body shook with rage, and wind began swirling around her.

“H-Hey? What’s wrong? Why are you getting angry? I already told you I wouldn’t tell anyone! Hey! Stop!”

“I am NOT a twiiiiiiiiink!”

A violent gale exploded outward.

Cendrillon’s body was blasted high into the air.

1. Quite hard to translate this authentically, as it’s basically “shemale” or “femboy” or “trap”, but not quite "trans".

Kaze no Kishihime v1c9

2026-05-08T19:50:51Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Chapter 9 — Confrontation at Deauville''' Deauville was a small town with a population of only around two hundred people. Originally, this lonely settlement by the sea survived only through gathering shellfish and fishing. But every summer, because of the ocean currents, the sea would begin shining with rainbow colors. Tourists wishing to witness the beautiful sight gathered there each year, bringing the town a modest amount of profit. Now, with summer only just..."

'''Chapter 9 — Confrontation at Deauville'''

Deauville was a small town with a population of only around two hundred people.

Originally, this lonely settlement by the sea survived only through gathering shellfish and fishing. But every summer, because of the ocean currents, the sea would begin shining with rainbow colors. Tourists wishing to witness the beautiful sight gathered there each year, bringing the town a modest amount of profit.

Now, with summer only just beginning, the townspeople were busy preparing the inns that operated exclusively during the warm season.

And during such a peaceful time, a man and woman suddenly appeared.

One was a tall, powerfully built nobleman.

The other was a young woman with dazzling golden hair dressed in nun’s robes.

The unusual pair drew curious stares from the townspeople as they walked.

An old man approached them kindly and greeted the noble.

“Welcome, travelers. Um… it’ll still be a few more days before the sea turns rainbow-colored—”

A wand suddenly thrust forward and pierced straight through his chest.

Slowly, still smiling faintly, the old man collapsed onto the ground.

Moments later, a woman who had witnessed the scene screamed.

Then red blossomed across her chest as well, a magical blade fired by the nobleman pierced her.

As panic spread and the people of Deauville fled in terror, the nobleman continued slaughtering them one after another without the slightest change in expression.

The massacre unfolded beneath dazzling sunlight with such unreality that it almost resembled some grotesque stage play.

It did not take long for terror to consume the entire town.

Those attempting to flee discovered nobles armed with wands blocking every exit and desperately begged for help.

“Sir Knight! There’s a murderer in town! Please save us!”

The only reply was magic.

Every route out of Deauville was already sealed off.

And so the townspeople were slaughtered one by one by the gathered nobles.

By the time every resident of the town had been killed, roughly two hours had passed.

“Oh.”

Having discovered a man hiding in the grass behind a house and impaled him with a lance of compressed air, Angelo turned toward Novelle, who had silently observed the slaughter from behind.

“So this is enough, then? Sister.”

A bitter expression twisted Angelo’s face, while Novelle merely smiled gently.

“Yes.”

“You really are a terrifying woman. I’ve been a soldier for many years, but even this is new to me. Ordering the massacre of an entire town…”

“You dislike killing?”

Asked that question, Angelo nodded immediately.

“Obviously. Who the hell actually likes killing people?”

“And yet you still did it.”

“Because ''you'' told me to! You said if I did this, I’d definitely be able to defeat those bastards…”

Angelo spoke through a distorted expression, his eyes filled with rage and regret.

“So your resentment runs even deeper than your revulsion toward murder?”

“That’s right. That Cendrillon and that arrogant little knight apprentice… If it means killing them, I’d sell my soul to the devil itself.”

At those words, Novelle smiled with almost saintly warmth.

“But I am not a ‘devil.’”

“Oh, come on. Anyone who says ‘let’s slaughter an entire town’ and means it—if that’s not a devil, then what is?”

“Because these people have been granted eternal life now. They’ve left behind this cruel world and reached a place free of suffering.”

“Hah. Pretty words. Seriously, I’ll never understand the nonsense nuns say.”

“Come now. Let me free ''you'' from this hell as well.”

As she spoke, Novelle gently placed both hands against Angelo’s cheeks.

“What? I don’t need some blessing fro—”

The instant he spoke, something like an electric current surged through Angelo’s body.

“GAAAH!”

His body convulsed as though struck by multiple bolts of lightning. Sparks burst violently from him while the smell of burning hair spread through the air.

Then, gradually, his skin began taking on a pale pink hue…

His eyes rolled back, and Angelo collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.

“Honestly… this world truly is hell, don’t you think? I find myself thinking that so often.”

Novelle placed a hand upon Angelo’s corpse.

And then—

To any ordinary observer, the sight would have been impossible to believe.

Angelo’s body slowly rose back to its feet.

Then, wand in hand, he turned toward Novelle.

“Welcome to our ‘Kingdom,’ Sir Angelo.”

With Princess Marianna surrounded at the center of their group, Karin and the others departed from Tristainia. As usual, Marianna dressed in an inconspicuous manner, resembling nothing more than the daughter of some provincial noble family. Meanwhile, Karin and the rest of the Royal Mage Guard also refrained from wearing the cloaks that would reveal their identities as guardsmen, making them appear to be nothing more than ordinary knights.

Bacchus and Narcis chatted noisily and cheerfully, while Marianna repeatedly dismounted every so often simply to admire the scenery. Yet amidst that lively atmosphere, almost festive in mood, only Karin and Cendrillon followed behind with tense expressions upon their faces.

“You two look awfully gloomy.”

Even when Bacchus teased her like that, Cendrillon’s confession from the previous night still echoed in Karin’s mind, leaving her unable to join the merriment.

Marianna, meanwhile, grew slightly dissatisfied with Karin’s behavior and constantly tried to draw her attention.

“What’s wrong, Karin? You look bored.”

“That is not the case.”

“Yes it is. You look terribly bored. Aren’t you happy to be traveling with me?”

“Of course I am.”

Even though she was still only thirteen years old, Marianna was already surprisingly skilled at attracting the attention of men. Like some flirtatious beauty, she would cast alluring glances or flash charming smiles. Any ordinary man would probably have surrendered instantly.

But unfortunately for her, Karin happened to be a woman.

And because none of her charms seemed to have any effect, Marianna became even more desperate to make this knight apprentice look at her more attentively.

In the small town they had arrived at earlier that day, Princess Marianna reached her hand beneath the table during lunch and took hold of Karin’s hand beside her. Karin, having no real way to refuse, could only helplessly squeeze the princess’s hand back in return, but… Apparently that alone encouraged Marianna too much.

That night, at the inn where they stayed, Marianna summoned Karin to her room and ordered her to read aloud to her, Karin could only comply with resignation. When she arrived, Marianna first warned her that absolutely nobody could learn she had called a young knight to her room late at night. If such a thing became known at court, both she and Karin would surely be punished severely.

After sitting down upon the chair placed in the center of Marianna’s room, Karin began reading from a collection of poems, while Marianna listened in complete fascination to Karin’s beautiful voice. Karin was exceptionally skilled at controlling her voice; if she truly concentrated, she could produce a tone very much like that of a young man. Without that ability, disguising someone with such overwhelming beauty as male would have been impossible to begin with…

After a while, Marianna gazed at Karin with an intoxicated expression and said:

“You’re so beautiful it almost feels as though you stepped straight out of those poems.”

“I am honored.”

The reply carried not even the slightest trace of actual pleasure, making Marianna even more dissatisfied.

“That town we’re heading to next, the one called Deauville, has a truly beautiful sea, you know. The colors are not vivid yet at this time of year… but under the sunlight it shines in rainbow colors.”

Marianna clearly expected some response like ''“But Your Highness is even lovelier.”,'' instead, Karin merely replied:

“That sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.”

Such a cold response.

Faced with such complete inability to read the atmosphere, Marianna finally became sulky. No matter how socially unaware someone might be, in a situation like this they would at least offer some sort of flattery. Yet Karin remained perfectly upright and vigilant, seated lightly in the chair as though she would immediately draw her wand the moment something happened, her eyes constantly observing the surroundings.

“I originally hoped that this trip would be just the two of us.”

For thirteen-year-old Marianna, saying something like that required tremendous courage.

Yet Karin simply answered in a regretful tone:

“If only I alone were present, it would not be possible for me to properly protect Your Highness.”

“You could. Aren’t you very strong?”

“I am merely an inexperienced young fool, however…”

“However?”

“I believe that someday I will improve enough that I alone will be able to carry out the duty of protecting Your Highness.”

Because Karin looked directly into Marianna’s eyes and said such words with absolute sincerity, Marianna felt her heart bloom with joy. Slowly, she extended her hand, and Karin rose gracefully to place a kiss upon it. Gathering even more courage after that, Marianna pretended to stumble and threw herself against Karin’s chest. Karin supported her with her slender arms. Only because Marianna was still small like a kitten was she able to hold her up so easily; if the princess grew even a little more, perhaps they would both end up toppling over together instead.

Looking down at Marianna as the girl stared dreamily up at her, Karin inwardly broke into a cold sweat wondering:

What am I supposed to do here…?

Marianna was incredibly cute. Even through Karin’s eyes, the mixture of youthful adorableness and the first budding traces of mature feminine charm made it feel as though something truly dangerous was happening.

And on top of that, the princess clearly seemed to harbor feelings for her. Even Karin, who was terribly slow when it came to romance, could understand at least a little of what Marianna felt after the girl pretended to trip just to throw herself into her arms like this.

But…

''I’m a woman…''

There was no way she could accept those feelings.

Yet neither could she reveal the truth about her gender, Karin could only remain there in complete confusion.

And yet she could not reveal the truth about her gender either, leaving Karin utterly lost and troubled.

“Do you have a lover?”

Asked such a question directly, Karin had no idea how she should answer.

If she answered “no,” then Marianna would probably pursue her even more aggressively afterward. But if she answered “yes,” then she would simply be lying.

Troubled, Karin could only put on the attitude of a young warrior and answer:

“It is because I am still training.”

“Even though you’re this beautiful?”

Marianna said so with a genuinely astonished expression, causing Karin to smile faintly.

“I simply do not have the leisure to lose my head over romance.”

“Then… does that mean I still have a chance?”

Marianna closed her eyes and puckered her lips slightly. The princess’s lips were red and glossy like delicate flower petals, but Karin felt absolutely no interest whatsoever.

So after placing a kiss upon her forehead instead—

“It is about time for Your Highness to sleep.”

Karin said so in a troubled voice.

At last, Marianna properly began sulking.

“Then you may leave.”

Turning her face away, she crawled into the blankets.

After bowing and leaving the room, Karin found Narcis standing there with an openly suggestive grin on his face.

“Well now, handsome prince. So? What did Her Highness taste like?”

“Don’t joke around.”

Karin answered with obvious displeasure.

“Still, our princess really has reached that romantic age… If you manage to firmly capture Her Highness’s heart, your rise to glory will happen quickly enough, young man.”

Even after being told that by Narcis, Karin merely shook her head.

“If one does not possess the strength to match such status, then rising to glory has no meaning.”

Nearby, Bacchus was rolling around on the floor crying dramatically.

“Ahhh! Ahhh! I’m so jealous! Ahhh! Ahhh! Why didn’t Her Highness choose me?! AAAAAHHH!”

“Where’s Cendrillon?”

Karin asked, only to receive the answer:

“Downstairs.”

Was he drinking again?

At first Karin worried that was the case, but she quickly realized she was mistaken. Cendrillon was simply sitting in a chair, silently watching the entrance in case anyone suspicious tried to come inside.

After Karin sat down beside him—

“And the princess?”

He asked that immediately.

“She’s already resting.”

“I see.”

After answering briefly, he once again turned his gaze back toward the doorway.

“This is honestly troublesome. Her Highness seems extremely fixated on me.”

“That sounds like the highest possible honor.”

Cendrillon said so with a smile.

“I’m not joking.”

Karin answered in an irritated voice.

“What’s the problem? Just humor her a little. Think of yourself as her play-romance partner.”

“You make it sound very simple.”

“I’m not joking either. Someday, Her Highness will have to marry royalty from another country… Before that day comes, wouldn’t she naturally want to experience romance at least once during that brief period of freedom?”

“And what about you?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“I can no longer fall in love with anyone.”

“...I see.”

Looking at him like that, Karin tried offering to take over the watch duty instead.

“You probably want to drink by now, don’t you?”

“That’s honestly surprising. You’re the first person who’s ever told me ‘go ahead and drink.’”

Even so, Cendrillon still made no attempt to stand up, continuing to stare toward the entrance.

“You really think something bad is coming?”

Karin asked worriedly.

“I don’t know. If this is merely paranoia on my part, then that would be best. But there are definitely people who consider the Royal Mage Guard an obstacle. To people like that, this journey is the perfect opportunity.”

“If something really does happen… then I’ll become everyone’s shield. While you escape with the princess, I’ll hold them back. Understood?”

Because she had selfishly insisted on accompanying them, Karin at least wanted to accomplish that much.

Though if such a situation truly occurred… she would probably tremble so badly she could not move at all.

''No, it’ll be fine. As long as I lick my left palm.''

The only reason she lost to Cendrillon and Angelo before was because she became careless.

Karin desperately tried convincing herself of that, causing Cendrillon to smile.

“Don’t laugh. You were right when you said I’m still immature. That’s probably the only thing I’m capable of doing.”

“It’s too difficult for you.”

“What?! Stop treating me like a child! It’ll be fine! As long as I have courage, I can definitely do it!”

“Courage…”

The moment he heard that word, Cendrillon smiled faintly.

“Licking your left palm? What kind of spell is that supposed to be?”

Karin’s face immediately reddened.

Still, she had no intention of hiding it anyway…

“...There’s magic placed upon my left hand. If I perform that action, I can summon courage and stop feeling fear entirely. That’s why I can do anything. Before, I only lost because I got scared, so…”

“That,” Cendrillon interrupted in a serious voice, “is exactly the problem.”

Cendrillon spoke in a serious voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s nothing more than your own wishful thinking. Convincing yourself that you ‘can do it’ and then attempting things beyond your own abilities—it’s nothing but that sort of foolish self-delusion.”

Karin’s expression immediately changed.

“What?! Don’t be ridiculous! For a knight, courage is more important than anything else!”

“What exactly is necessary for a knight, I don’t know… But in missions like this, where someone must be protected, the thing that matters more than anything else is probably cowardice.”

Cendrillon continued calmly.

“When you don’t know what may happen, don’t know where an attack may come from, or who might strike at you, then you should shrink your head in like a frightened turtle and carefully observe your surroundings. Otherwise, irreversible mistakes happen. Courage that’s merely forced out of yourself only gets in the way.”

Unable to understand what Cendrillon was trying to say, Karin answered roughly:

“My courage is real! It was given to me by that knight! Real ‘courage magic’!”

Cendrillon suddenly grabbed Karin’s hand. Closing his eyes, he remained silent for a few moments before eventually shaking his head.

“There is no magic placed upon your left hand at all. It’s merely a suggestion.”

“W-What did you say?”

“I’m a water mage, so I can immediately tell what parts of a body have magic placed upon them. Your left hand is completely clean. There are absolutely no traces of magic there. I don’t know who told you that story, but they probably only said it because they wanted to help a frightened child gather courage.”

Karin stared blankly at her own left hand.

The “courage” that knight had supposedly given her… had been fake all along…

“How can that be…”

Looking at the stunned Karin as she continued staring down at her hand, Cendrillon spoke again.

“I’ll say it clearly. You merely convinced yourself that you possessed ‘courage,’ became intoxicated by that belief, and therefore acted recklessly. And because you lacked the corresponding strength, you lost to both me and Angelo.”

“…………”

Faced with Karin’s silence, Cendrillon continued:

“Don’t look away from the fear inside yourself. Face it properly. Otherwise, you’ll make irreversible mistakes just like I did.”

Looking at the troubled Karin, Cendrillon smiled softly.

“You’re a good person. I’m sure you’ll become an excellent knight someday. That’s exactly why I don’t want you to end up becoming like me.”

The group arrived at Deauville the following day… precisely the afternoon of the third day since their departure.

The first person to react upon seeing the town was Bacchus, who let out a cheerful shout.

“Ohh! For a countryside town, this place is actually pretty beautiful!”

After lightly kicking her horse onward, Princess Marianna quickly rode ahead.

“Your Highness! Wait! Please wait!”

Narcis hurried after her.

However, something about the town felt strangely wrong.

Even though it was broad daylight, there was not a single person visible in the streets.

“What’s going on?”

Marianna tilted her head in confusion.

“What, is there some kind of festival happening somewhere?”

Bacchus joked awkwardly, after which Marianna said:

“Let’s check the inn we always stay at.”

The inn Marianna had chosen was a beautiful building standing atop a hill overlooking the surrounding scenery. After arriving at the small riding area before the entrance and dismounting, the group tied their horses to the wooden posts there.

Without even waiting for the horses to be secured properly, Marianna released her reins and immediately tried running into the inn.

“Your Highness, please wait. Allow me to investigate first.”

After stopping her, Cendrillon opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was silent like a cathedral at dawn.

“Hello—? Is anyone here?”

Even after raising his voice, no answer came.

Cendrillon crossed through the entrance hall and checked the kitchen as well, but that place too was completely deserted.

Feeling a terrible premonition, he returned outside and reported to the others.

“Something is wrong. There’s nobody here.”

The tension in Cendrillon’s voice caused unease to appear upon Marianna’s face.

“What exactly is happening…?”

At that moment, Karin’s voice suddenly called out from behind the inn.

“Hey—! Come over here!”

“What happened?!”

It was the stable area.

Looking toward the direction Karin pointed, they saw something smeared across the stable wall.

Something that looked very much like blood.

“KYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

The moment Princess Marianna saw it, she fainted on the spot, causing Cendrillon to hurriedly catch her collapsing body.

“For now, we should retreat. This town feels dangerous.”

Karin proposed that immediately, but after looking into the distance, Cendrillon quietly said:

“...Looks like we’re already too late.”

From below the hill, a large crowd could be seen slowly approaching them.

It was not the atmosphere of people coming to welcome visitors. Some carried spears, others pistols or swords. There were even people holding hoes and clubs… each of them gripping some sort of weapon as they slowly advanced toward the inn.

When they checked the opposite side as well, they discovered another massive crowd climbing up the hill from there too. And they were likewise armed with all kinds of weapons.

The building atop the hill already seemed to be surrounded from all directions by a crowd of well over a hundred people.

“What the hell is wrong with these people…”

Bacchus muttered before stepping forward and shouting loudly:

“HEY! What exactly are you people trying to do?! There’s a person of extremely high status here! I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but don’t you dare do anything stupid!”

Completely unmoved by Bacchus’s warning, the armed townspeople continued advancing silently.

“Those people aren’t soldiers or thugs… They’re the residents of this town.”

Sure enough, there were men and women of all ages mixed among them, all dressed in completely ordinary clothing. The only strange thing was that every single face lacked vitality, while their wandering, unfocused eyes remained fixed in this direction.

“If you keep coming any closer, we’re not going to hold back!”

The instant Bacchus roared that warning, the people at the front raised their pistols.

“Bacchus! Get down!”

At the exact same moment Cendrillon shouted, gunshots rang out.

“WHOA!”

Bacchus instinctively crouched down while clutching his head as several bullets whistled past above him.

“You bastards!”

Enraged, Narcis began chanting a spell. The earth and stones nearby immediately hardened into fist-sized projectiles before flying toward the men holding pistols.

The “Earth Bullets” struck their targets perfectly in the chest, blasting open enormous holes with sickening sounds.

“W-What?!”

Narcis stared at the men in shock.

Despite having massive holes blown clean through their chests, not a single one of them fell over. They simply continued walking forward.

“What the hell is this…”

Cendrillon immediately turned toward the others.

“For now, get inside the building.”

After the group rushed into the inn, they locked the front doors shut.

“What the hell is going on?! Who ''are'' those people?! Why are they attacking us?!”

“They’re not normal humans.”

Narcis answered in a strained voice.

“They’re exactly like my opponent during that duel earlier. Even after having a hole blasted through his chest, he kept moving.”

Cendrillon spoke calmly.

“What kind of magic could possibly create monsters like that?!”

Bacchus shouted furiously, causing Cendrillon to shake his head.

“Right now isn’t the time to think about that. We need to escape this town.”

“Can’t we use Flight and escape through the air?”

Karin proposed.

Cendrillon glanced toward Narcis.

“I’m counting on you to scout ahead.”

Narcis nodded before chanting a spell and floating upward through the window.

And then—

Gunshots rang out simultaneously.

“GH—!”

Narcis immediately dropped lower.

At that same instant, magical arrows came flying out from the forest. Hastily, Narcis slipped back through the window.

“So there are mages out there too.”

“In that case, escaping through the air is impossible.”

Cendrillon said grimly.

A mage floating slowly through the sky would obviously become a perfect target for long-range attacks. While maintaining Flight, they could not cast other spells, meaning they would quickly be riddled full of bullets and magic.

“What do we do, Cendrillon?”

Karin asked anxiously.

The moment Cendrillon noticed one of the approaching townspeople carrying a brightly burning torch, he made his decision immediately.

“Narcis, use a golem to delay them for ten seconds. During that opening, everyone will mount up and break out of the town, Bacchus will take the lead. Once the golem is deployed, Narcis will carry Her Highness and follow directly behind him. Karin, you’ll support Narcis, and I’ll stay behind to cover the rear.”

The three of them immediately began moving.

After Narcis finished chanting his spell, a golden-glowing golem appeared and began running off in the opposite direction from where the horses were tied. Gunshots immediately rang out from that direction, several bullets striking the brass golem with heavy metallic thuds.

The residents of Deauville climbing up the hill had their attention drawn toward it.

“Now!”

With Bacchus leading the way, Narcis carrying the unconscious Princess Marianna followed behind him, with Karin immediately after that. Cendrillon brought up the rear, sprinting forward while keeping his wand raised without relaxing his guard for even a moment.

While Narcis’s golem distracted the townspeople, the four of them quickly mounted their horses.

The instant a gap opened in the road leading toward the town streets, Bacchus struck his horse forward, and the four riders burst out in a straight line.

Several people noticed their movement and immediately changed direction toward them.

Swinging his wand, Bacchus released flames from its tip, surrounding the approaching townspeople within a sea of fire.

From the shadows of the forest, men resembling hunters carrying bows appeared.

“Karin! Wind magic!”

Narcis shouted loudly, causing Karin to immediately chant a wind spell. Violent gusts wrapped themselves around the group, causing the incoming arrows to veer off course.

Then gunshots rang out once more. It seemed armed townspeople were hiding somewhere nearby. Unlike arrows, the lead bullets could not be deflected by the wind, and shots began striking around Karin’s group one after another. Blood suddenly sprayed from Bacchus’s shoulder.

“Bacchus!”

“It’s nothing! Just a graze! We’re escaping exactly like this!”

It seemed he intended to use his massive body as a shield while forcing their way out of town in one charge.

The four horses burst onto the main street running through the town. Most of the townspeople appeared to have gathered around the inn, leaving only a handful of figures visible here.

“We’re escaping straight through!”

But unfortunately, things were not going to proceed that easily.

From behind them, a horse approached at terrifying speed.

“They’re catching up!”

Karin shouted.

As Narcis was carrying the unconscious Marianna, they could not increase their speed any further.

At this rate, they would be overtaken. And at that moment…

Cendrillon suddenly pulled on his reins, turning his horse around.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin cried out, instinctively trying to turn her horse around as well. But Cendrillon shouted sharply:

“Don’t come back!”

“B-But!”

In the instant Karin hesitated, Cendrillon cast a spell. An arrow of ice lightly struck the rear of Karin’s horse.

Startled, the horse abandoned its attempt to turn around and instead continued sprinting straight ahead.

“Cendrillon!”

Karin shouted once more, only for Narcis to roar back at her:

“That’s enough! Leave him to handle it! Our mission is protecting the princess! Have you forgotten that?!”

Karin gritted her teeth tightly and clenched the reins.

“Damn it!”

Watching the three riders safely disappear down the street, Cendrillon turned back toward the approaching knight and faced him directly.

The knight wore a hat…

But the instant Cendrillon saw the face beneath it, he felt himself drawing one step closer to understanding the truth behind everything happening here.

“...Angelo.”

The rider was none other than Angelo of the Unicorn Guard.

However…

Something about him felt different from before. There was no life in his expression whatsoever. He looked exactly like the townspeople from earlier… and exactly like Pedro, the knight whose chest had already been pierced through before.

Cendrillon raised his wand and cast ''Water Whip''.

Curved whips formed from water surrounded Angelo from all directions before piercing directly through his body.

And yet Angelo did not stop.

Without the slightest change in expression, he continued charging directly toward Cendrillon.

Wind blades wrapped themselves around Angelo’s enormous lance-like wand as he swung it toward him.

Cendrillon immediately leapt down from his horse to evade the attack. The momentum of Angelo’s ''Blade'' instantly sliced Cendrillon’s horse clean in half.

What terrifying power.

Ordinary magic would not work against that thing.

If he could blast Angelo full of holes, perhaps it would stop moving. But before that happened, his own mental strength would likely run out first.

Cendrillon likewise began chanting ''Blade''.

After turning his horse around once more, Angelo lowered his wand again and charged forward.

And through the sensation transmitted by the ''Water Whip'' still piercing Angelo’s body, Cendrillon realized something abnormal about the water circulating inside him.

That sensation was one only a corpse could possess.

That man was already dead.

Then why was he still moving?

It had to be the work of some kind of magic.

And yet, Cendrillon had never seen nor even heard of such magic before.

“So you really are dead already, aren’t you?”

Back when he was alive, Angelo had been an irritating man who constantly picked fights with him… and yet, seeing him continue attacking even after death filled Cendrillon with a strange sense of loneliness.

Angelo swung down the wand enhanced by ''Blade'', while Cendrillon leapt backward to evade it. Then, in one motion, he closed the distance and drove his own attack deeply into Angelo’s chest.

From there, he slashed upward through the armpit.

And yet Angelo still continued moving.

The upper half of his body, already nearly severed in two, twisted violently toward Cendrillon as he continued attacking. At this point, it seemed he could probably continue moving even if only fragments of his body remained.

Burning him away with flames would probably be the fastest solution, but unfortunately Cendrillon was poor at fire magic.

Once more, Cendrillon cast ''Water Whip''.

However, this time the whips were different from before.

Each strand was as thin as paper itself, sharp enough to resemble razors.

While avoiding Angelo’s attacks, Cendrillon wrapped the water whips around his body.

“Don’t resent me for this, Angelo.”

The razor-like water whips wrapped around Angelo instantly carved his body into pieces. His wrists, legs, and torso fell apart with wet sounds as they struck the ground, finally ceasing movement.

But the danger had not disappeared.

At some point, the townspeople surrounding the inn had already arrived nearby. From both the front and rear of the street, they slowly closed in around Cendrillon.

It seemed he had been completely surrounded.

His battle against Angelo had already exhausted nearly all of his mental strength. Facing an undead mob armed with weapons, there was no possibility of breaking through.

And yet…

He did not feel afraid.

Instead, as the townspeople slowly approached him, Cendrillon felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward them.

Thinking about it carefully, wasn’t he himself much the same?

Even though he was technically still alive, he had long felt as though he were already dead.

No hopes.

No dreams.

No reason to live, nor anyone who truly needed him.

Only at the very end had he managed to be of some use to those children.

That being said… who exactly had transformed Angelo and these townspeople into living corpses like this?

Being unable to learn the answer to that question was his only regret.

“At last… I can finally go to your side, Karina…”

Just as Cendrillon murmured those words, the townspeople suddenly parted to form a path.

And from within that opening, a woman slowly appeared.

Dazzling golden hair.

A gentle smile, and the robes of a nun…

At that moment, Cendrillon felt as though his mind had finally broken.

There was no way this could be possible.

“She” could not possibly be standing here.

And yet at the same time, another thought surfaced in his mind:

''Perhaps it is merely someone who resembles her…''

No.

There was no way he could mistake that face.

It was unquestionably her.

Novelle gazed directly at Cendrillon, a smile slowly appearing upon her face.

That smile connected violently with the memories buried inside him.

Three years ago.

A beauty so overwhelming that merely looking at her had felt like dreaming.

That smiling expression…
[[File:ZNTso1 233.jpg|thumb]]
The one he would have never forgotten, not even for a single moment…

“It has been quite a long time, Pierre.”

There were very few people left in this world who knew his real name.

And among them, there had only ever been one—

“Karina…? Is that really you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, utterly unable to believe the scene before his eyes.

“Yes. It has been three years since we last met, hasn’t it? You look much more like an adult now.”

Joy and shock mixed together inside him, and Cendrillon nearly gave in to the impulse to rush forward and embrace her.

And yet, the feet that tried to move suddenly stopped.

He himself… He has personally buried Karina with his own hands. There was no mistake about it. He carried her corpse into that forest himself and erected a small gravestone beside the spring.

“What is wrong? It has been so long since we last saw one another…”

“...Who are you?”

“I’m Karina, of course. Goodness, why are you making such a frightening face?”

Novelle laughed cheerfully.

“She should already be dead.”

“But I came back to life… Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say I was reborn. Though truly, I have not changed at all. Just as before, I still love you deeply.”

“You’re the same as Angelo and the people of this town. A walking corpse animated by some twisted magic.”

Novelle slowly approached Cendrillon. His body trembled slightly, and yet he could not move. ''This is impossible'', his reason screamed that conclusion at him, but his emotions refused to listen.

Novelle reached out toward him and gently touched his cheek.

“Does this feel like the hand of a corpse to you?”

Her hand was warm, a living human hand, filled with flowing blood. The moment that warmth touched him, Cendrillon became unable to think at all.

Heat surged upward from deep within his stomach.

“No… impossible… this can’t…”

“Accept the reality before your eyes. This is the truth.”

Reality. Yes. This was reality. She was standing here before him now. He could even hold her like this… The instant he wrapped his arms tightly around her, overwhelming joy flooded through his entire body.

“I wanted to see you so badly.”

“I felt the same way.”

“I-I wanted to apologize to you…”

“There is no need.”

“I’m sorry… I made a mistake… Please forgive me…”

“It’s all right. It’s all in the past now.”

Novelle gently embraced Cendrillon’s head.

A deeply familiar scent reached his nose.

It was her scent.

A gentle, nostalgic fragrance, as though the warmth of sunlight itself had been turned into perfume…

“I wanted to see you so badly. Truly… truly, I wanted to see you again.”

She pressed her face close against his cheek, her long golden hair brushing softly across his skin.

“It tickles… so much it almost makes me cry.”

“I’m doing it on purpose.”

“Yes… that does sound like you.”

Novelle smiled with overflowing tenderness before softly whispering:

“So that you would never forget that I am here.”

After escaping from the town, Karin suddenly pulled on her reins, bringing her horse to a stop.

Bacchus and Narcis stopped as well.

“What are you doing, Karin?!”

“We should be safe once we’ve made it this far, right? I’m leaving Princess Marianna to you two.”

The instant they heard those words, both men realized what Karin intended to do and shouted at once.

“Wait! Even if you go back now, it’s already too late!”

“You’ll die too!”

“I still haven’t seen that idiot make his frustrated face yet!”

The moment she shouted those words, Karin turned her horse back toward Deauville and spurred it into a full sprint.

As she rode, she shouted at the top of her lungs:

“What the hell… acting all cool like that! Don’t tell me you think sacrificing your own life so everyone else can escape somehow counts as redemption?! That’s nothing but your own selfish wishful thinking!”

Novelle gently stroked Cendrillon’s head and softly whispered:

“Pierre… would you like to come with us?”

“...Go where?”

“To our kingdom.”

“Kingdom?”

“Yes. Right now, I’m working very hard to create one.”

A kingdom?

At those words, Cendrillon suddenly remembered the residents of Deauville writhing around them. Every one of them had lost the vitality in their expressions and merely stood there blankly.

“Will I… become like them as well?”

“Of course not. You are not some ‘puppet’ like these people…”

Slowly, Cendrillon pushed Novelle away.

“Pierre?”

“...Who are you?”

Cendrillon spoke in a voice that sounded close to tears, because at that moment, he remembered another “truth” standing before him. The woman before his eyes truly ''was'' Karina. There was no mistake about that. But then… What exactly was she doing?

Creating living corpses.

An act so monstrously evil that even demons themselves would fear it. The Karina he had known was not someone capable of such things.

Could it be… That Karina, whose life had been taken by the magic he himself unleashed, had somehow been revived through some grotesque and forbidden spell? He had never even heard of such magic before…

And yet somehow, that explanation felt closest to the truth.

Tears overflowed from his eyes.

If that really was the case… Then just how great a sin had he committed?

Not only did he killed the woman he loved most, he turned her into a demon.

Cendrillon slowly fell to his knees.

“...Forgive me, Karina.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Because of me… you became…”

Then Novelle stepped closer and reached out toward his cheek once more.

“You’ve suffered so much, haven’t you? Let me take you away. To a world without pain. A world without sorrow. A place ruled only by kindness and love…”

The spot touched by Novelle burned with a pain like electric current.

“I’m going to die.”

He had no way of knowing what had happened to her, nor what sort of conspiracy was unfolding here. He would never see his companions again.

And now, without understanding anything at all, he was about to be killed by the hands of the lover he once believed dead.

And yet… if he could go to the same place as her, perhaps that too could be called a kind of happiness.

“Karina…”

Tears streamed down his face as he prepared to accept the final moment—

At that instant, Cendrillon’s body was violently blasted away by a fierce gust of wind, sending him tumbling across the ground.

“Don’t just casually say that name. It’s irritating.”

Together with the sound of an annoyed click of the tongue came a sharp voice overflowing with anger.

Cendrillon’s eyes widened.

The first thing he saw was long peach-colored hair dancing wildly in the wind, shining with vivid color. The figure standing straight-backed before him looked almost exactly like the saintesses from the religious paintings he had seen as a child.

“Karin…”

Cendrillon spoke in a dazed voice, causing Karin to immediately shout back at him.

“Who exactly was the immature one here?! Who was it that confused courage with recklessness, huh?!”

Cendrillon tried to force himself back to his feet, but… a sensation of numbness still wrapped around his entire body. It had to be because of Novelle’s magic from earlier. If she continued using it on him like that, then he would already—

“If I didn’t come back, you would’ve died!”

“My, Pierre, is this a friend of yours? You should introduce her to me.”

Novelle spoke as though they were attending some refined social gathering. Karin immediately raised her wand.

“Who’s Pierre?”

“My lover, of course. Though nowadays he seems to be using a very strange name. ‘Cendrillon’—is it? Is that hair dyed too? To match the name? You always did love little jokes like that.”

Novelle spoke with a voice full of affection.

“You…”

Those words made Karin realize the true identity of the nun standing before them.

Could this woman… really be Cendrillon’s former lover?

But didn’t he say she was dead?

Novelle, meanwhile, seemed to have realized Karin’s true identity as well.

“You… could it be that you’re his lover? Did you come running back because you didn’t want me stealing him away from you?”

Karin stared directly at the golden-haired woman controlling the people of Deauville. Dressed in black nun’s robes, she looked exactly like a devout sister of the church, and there was even a gentle atmosphere of compassion surrounding her.

And yet, hidden beneath that compassion, this woman transformed an entire town into an army of the dead.

And more than that, she herself should already have been dead as well.

And yet now she stood there smiling before them.

Hidden beneath that gentle smile was something that could only be described as evil…

“What… is this woman…?”

She was terrifying.

A fear that felt as though it were clutching at her heart made Karin’s entire body tremble.

There was nothing more frightening than an opponent whose true nature remained unknown. The bottomless abyss of the “Dragon’s Footprints” she saw as a child overlapped with the woman standing before her now.

The fear was so overwhelming that Karin felt herself close to breaking down. Instinctively, she almost moved to write “courage” upon her left hand.

Her index finger began moving toward her palm—

“...Ngh.”

But at that exact moment, Cendrillon’s words flashed through her mind.

“Don’t avert your eyes from the ‘fear’ inside your own heart.”

Karin slowly lowered her left hand.

Against this woman, mere courage alone would never be enough to win…

With her entire body trembling, Karin glared directly at Novelle.

She was so frightened she could hardly bear it, and tears began spilling uncontrollably from her eyes. A choking sound escaped Karin’s throat.

“Uu… uuwaa… ugh…”

Even while sobbing miserably, Karin still gripped her wand tightly.

And continued facing Novelle.

“My, my, you’ve started crying. Am I really that frightening? There’s nothing to be afraid of, you silly little thing.”

“Of course you’re frightening! How could someone like you ''not'' be terrifying?! I can’t even understand what you are!”

Karin shouted through tears, having already lost any composure necessary to maintain her masculine tone.

“Run away! Karin!”

Cendrillon shouted desperately toward the panicking Karin.

“Shut up already! Just shut up and watch! It’s not like I came back to save you or anything! It’s just that if I left you behind like this, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night! Seriously… acting all high and mighty! You have no idea how hard things have been for me! Calling me reckless… What’s wrong with relying on magical courage anyway?! I can’t help it! Because… because I…”

Karin began chanting a spell.

It was merely simple wind magic, and yet its power was extraordinary.

The violently rising gale caused Novelle’s nun robes to flutter wildly.

“My, what a frightening expression. Don’t be so angry. Such a beautiful face would go to waste.”

Novelle smiled with genuine delight before quietly retreating backward. The residents of Deauville surrounding her immediately began closing in.

There were over a hundred of them.

Seeing them raise pistols and bows—

“They’re terrifying… There’s no way we can fight that many.”

The moment she finished chanting, Karin leapt upward at incredible speed. In one motion she flew to Cendrillon’s side, grabbed his body, and launched herself into the air.

Karin retreated behind a nearby building.

“H-Hey… Karin, run away already… Leave me behind.”

“Shut up! Be quiet for a second! I’m trying to think!”

Suppressing the panic caused by her fear, Karin desperately forced herself to think.

Escaping while carrying a completely paralyzed Cendrillon was impossible.

Which meant…

She had to find some way to deal with those things.

“Those people… are they being controlled?”

Cendrillon slowly shook his head.

“No… I can’t sense any sign of life from them. Perhaps some sort of evil magic is animating their corpses.”

Karin bit her lip tightly.

Those people…

They did nothing wrong. They had merely been living ordinary lives.

And then those ordinary lives were cruelly stolen away from them, leaving them manipulated by that woman and forced to attack others…

Sorrow mixed together with frustration, and tears once more flowed from Karin’s eyes.

Those tears washed the fear away from inside her.

She could not continue trembling like this, nor did she have time to lose herself in confusion.

She had to dedicate victory to the souls of those people.

Karin tightened her grip on her wand and slowly raised her head. By then, tears no longer flowed from her eyes.

“Karina… why…? What in the world happened to you…?”

Hearing Cendrillon mutter those words, Karin glared fiercely at him.

“Cendrillon, listen carefully. That woman is not your former lover anymore. She’s something else now. You understand that too, don’t you?”

“...I know.”

“If you understand that, then start by healing your injuries. You can at least manage that much, can’t you?”

That enormous horde of corpses.

They had already died once, which meant they would not stop unless their bodies were completely torn apart with magic. But against numbers like that, tearing every single one of them apart with magic was impossible. Their mental strength would run dry first.

“Wouldn’t the magic animating them be purified by ‘Healing’?”

The instant Cendrillon heard those words, realization flashed across his face.

“I see… It’s definitely worth trying.”

“There’s no time for you to keep hesitating. Listen carefully—I’m going to pull up the seawater, and you’ll cast ‘Healing’ onto that water. Water magic resides within water itself, right? Just like Wind resides within the wind. That’s how it works, isn’t it?”

Cendrillon nodded.

“But there are over a hundred of them. Can we really scatter water over every single one?”

“Don’t underestimate ''my'' wind.”

The moment Karin said that, she began chanting a short incantation.

''Il Wind.''

Then she spun her wand in a sweeping motion.

“Tempest.”

It was merely a simple spell meant to create a tornado.

And yet its power was utterly overwhelming.

A colossal vortex of air nearly two hundred feet tall erupted from the tip of her wand, while violent winds lashed against Cendrillon’s face. Had they not been standing at the very center of the vortex, they would already have been blown away.

Effortlessly controlling that monstrous “wind,” Karin looked almost like a child of the wind itself.

Commanding the gale while standing above it all…

At that moment, she resembled the legendary “Wind King” from myth.

Cendrillon became so captivated by the sight that he nearly forgot to continue chanting.

“Hurry up and cast ‘Healing’ already!”

Startled back to his senses, Cendrillon hurriedly began chanting the spell for “Healing,” aided by the immense quantities of seawater surrounding them. The sea, said to be the birthplace of life itself, was naturally an exceptional catalyst for water magic. The spiritual energy he consumed was replenished by the abundant seawater.

The child of the wind fearlessly drove that gigantic tornado directly into the sea itself. Enormous masses of seawater were swept high into the sky, scattering seven-colored light beneath the rays of the sun.

Spray from the sea splashed across Cendrillon’s cheeks.

And every time he felt the touch of water, Cendrillon always found himself thinking the same thing.

''I love water.''

Water could heal him.

But only that much.

It could not save him.

The one capable of truly saving him…

The one who could sweep away the “dust” covering his heart…
[[File:ZNTso1 248.jpg|thumb]]
“Now! Cast ‘Healing’ onto all of this water!”

Seeing the residents of Deauville gathered along the shore, Karin shouted loudly.

Cendrillon released “Healing” into the enormous masses of seawater being drawn upward by the tornado. Filled with the power of life, the seawater began shining even more brilliantly.

Then Karin unleashed the tornado containing that immense quantity of seawater imbued with “Healing” toward the gathered residents of Deauville, or more accurately, toward the entire town itself.

From behind the residents of Deauville who had become “puppets,” Novelle looked toward the shore, where a gigantic tornado had appeared within her sight.

“My… what is that? A tornado? Goodness, it’s enormous.”

Before her eyes, the tornado continued growing larger and larger until it completely engulfed the residents of Deauville. And then… The transformed townspeople began collapsing one after another.

“What is happening?”

The tornado reached the skies above the town and scattered seawater downward like rain. The moment the water touched her skin, Novelle understood.

It was “Healing.”

The two of them had infused the seawater itself with “Healing,” then used that gigantic tornado to shower it down over all of them.

“I see. That was quite clever. It seems today’s victory belongs to you.”

Smiling gently, Novelle turned around. Around her, several magicians appeared from seemingly nowhere and followed behind her like shadows.

Humming happily as though she were about to break into song, Novelle walked away in the direction opposite the shore…

Watching the residents of Deauville collapse like puppets with their strings cut, Cendrillon let out a relieved breath. Beside him, meanwhile, Karin collapsed onto the sand while gasping heavily for air.

Cendrillon hurriedly rushed over to her side.

“H-Hey! Karin! Are you all right?!”

He lifted Karin into his arms and prepared to cast “Healing.”

But in the very next moment, the sound of snoring escaped from Karin’s mouth.

She had probably exhausted every last bit of her mental strength.

That sleeping face looked so innocent and beautiful that it was difficult to believe she was the very person who had created such a colossal tornado moments earlier.

As he stared at that sleeping face…

Something resembling a premonition quietly appeared within Cendrillon’s heart.

And as he thought that, the young wind-user with such an immature-looking face suddenly seemed—

Cendrillon’s cheeks flushed red.

After watching her quietly for a while, Karin slowly opened her eyes.

“Mm…”

“Are you okay?”

“What about the townspeople?”

“...None of them are moving anymore.”

“I see…”

Karin closed her eyes sorrowfully. Cendrillon likewise lowered his gaze and offered a prayer for the innocent victims.

Simply because they happened to live in this town, they transformed into walking corpses.

Compared to the fate those people suffered, his own misery suddenly felt no more significant than childish playacting.

“What happened to that woman?”

“...Judging from the fact that nothing else has happened since then, I think she probably disappeared.”

The moment Cendrillon answered, Karin slapped him across the face.

“W-What was that for?!”

“Idiot! Stop worrying about me and go after her already!”

“T-That’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m worried about you.”

Hearing him answer so seriously caused Karin’s face to flush bright red.

And at that exact moment, she realized something.

''Ah… did I just use a feminine tone?''

''This is bad. Did I let something slip?''

Trying to cover it up, Karin quickly said:

“You’re not planning to let her go just because she was your former lover, are you?”

“...That’s not it.”

Cendrillon shook his head as he answered.

Fortunately, he did not seem to have noticed.

Perhaps he simply lacked the composure to notice right now.

Quietly pressing a hand against her chest in relief, Karin continued:

“Let’s regroup with Bacchus and the others. This still isn’t over yet. We still have to safely escort Princess Marianna back to Tristania.”

Cendrillon nodded before turning his gaze toward the sea.

Watching the ocean continue its tides as though nothing had happened at all, the emotions he suppressed until now suddenly surged violently within his chest.

His former lover.

Why? How could she still be alive?

And yet the truth remained, Karina had truly appeared before his eyes.

As a cruel demon…

He did not know what happened to her, but surely what he himself did was part of the reason.

With these very hands, he would have to defeat her himself.

Only by doing that—

Only by doing that could he offer some measure of consolation to the dead of this town.

Cendrillon made that vow within his heart.

And yet... even after making up his mind, tears still streamed from his eyes. Never, even in his dreams, had he imagined that their “reunion” would happen like this. He could no longer imagine anything more tragic than this.

The woman he loved most became the worst kind of monster...

The tears would not stop falling.

Like a helpless child, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly. He grieved for the people she killed, and he grieved for Karina, who became a demon.

Watching Cendrillon continue to cry, Karin felt an indescribable emotion rise within her. Until not long ago, she thought of him as nothing more than a thick-headed drunkard… But that was wrong.

''He’s just... a weak person too.''

Despite being so weak that he looked ready to collapse at any moment, he refused to lean on anyone. Instead, he drank alone, called himself “Cendrillon,” the man covered in ashes, and abandoned everything.

But now, something was different.

Though tears still streamed from his eyes, there was now a light of determination within them. Surely what happened today did change something inside him as well.

Just like it changed her.

Someday, perhaps, Cendrillon would fight that woman. At the end, he was a master with the wand, a specialist in battle.

But there was no way he could face her alone. Someone would need to stand beside him.

Karin grasped Cendrillon’s wrist and helped pull him to his feet.

“Get up. We’re leaving.”

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-08T19:46:55Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].



*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|Confrontation at Deauville]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

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=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

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::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
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== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime v1c8

2026-05-08T19:45:51Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Chapter 8 — Cendrillon’s past''' Ever since being assigned to guard Princess Marianna, Karin’s arrogance had reached unbearable levels. After all, the Royal Mage Guard still stood on the verge of dissolution, and because of that, the other members constantly praised and flattered him. Karin herself seemed to enjoy the treatment, gradually carrying herself with ever greater confidence. Cendrillon, however, could not help feeling uneasy about it all. Certainly..."

'''Chapter 8 — Cendrillon’s past'''

Ever since being assigned to guard Princess Marianna, Karin’s arrogance had reached unbearable levels.

After all, the Royal Mage Guard still stood on the verge of dissolution, and because of that, the other members constantly praised and flattered him. Karin herself seemed to enjoy the treatment, gradually carrying herself with ever greater confidence.

Cendrillon, however, could not help feeling uneasy about it all.

Certainly, Karin possessed remarkable talent, and her judgment in battle was excellent.

But… the inexperience that came with youth gave off an unmistakably dangerous feeling. It was the same during their duel, and the same during the fight with Angelo.

''If I didn’t save him back then, he would already be dead.''

And there was something else that bothered him.

Before every duel, Karin would always lick the palm of his left hand. The moment she finished that motion, the trembling appropriate for someone her age would vanish instantly, replaced by eerie calmness.

Cendrillon had no idea what kind of spell it might be, yet the gesture lingered unpleasantly in his mind.

In any case, so far the guard duty itself did not involve any real danger. Once they reached the palace, all they really did was trail after the princess wherever she pleased.

There were no signs of imminent war, and thanks to Grand Duke Eustache’s political skill, the citizens showed little unrest. There was no particular danger to speak of, and yet…

Today as well, Princess Marianna specifically requested Karin accompany her on a walk through town. The princess seemed extremely fond of sneaking out incognito.

Accompanied by only a handful of guards, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. She was remarkably good at disguises too—dressed as an ordinary street girl and with her hairstyle changed, she looked exactly like a native child of Tristainia.

Cendrillon and Karin followed several paces behind her. Meanwhile, the princess darted around restlessly like a puppy, constantly making them nervous.

Suddenly, Marianna tried to enter a particularly unsavory-looking area, prompting Cendrillon to step closer and whisper quietly into her ear.

“Your Highness, this is not exactly a respectable district, so…”

But Marianna merely smiled and grabbed Karin by the wrist.

“With Karin here, there is nothing to worry about.”

“Hm?”

Marianna looked up at Karin with innocent eyes.

“No matter what kind of enemy appears, Karin will defeat them all, won’t he?”

Karin puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

After the mission ended, Cendrillon spoke to Karin with a bitter expression the moment they returned home.

“You need to stop getting carried away.”

“What do you mean?”

“What would you have done if something happened after bringing the princess into such a place?”

“There’s no way I’d lose to people like that.”

Karin answered stubbornly.

“Under normal circumstances, a mere knight apprentice would never be entrusted with guarding the princess. It’s better to remain cautious. Be careful.”

Hearing that, Karin lowered his head resentfully.

There was another source of unease weighing on Cendrillon’s mind.

The knight whose chest had been pierced during the duel with Angelo’s group, yet continued fighting as though nothing had happened. Nobody believed that story no matter how many times he told it. Afterward, he had even asked Lady Vivian to investigate the Unicorn Corps, but the knight named Pedro vanished completely after that night.

No matter how he thought about it, something was wrong.

Something bad was happening.

And yet if he spoke about it, everyone merely dismissed it as “the ramblings of a drunkard.” That frustrated him deeply.

Karin, meanwhile, found herself dissatisfied with Cendrillon for entirely different reasons.

For all the lofty things the man said, he was still just a drunkard. Worse, whenever he got drunk, he mistook Karin for someone named “Karina.”

Tonight, the same thing happened again.

As usual, by midnight Cendrillon became completely dead drunk, forcing Karin to drag him onto the bed.

And once again, Cendrillon murmured:

“...Karina…”

''There he goes again.''

Karin glared down at him coldly.

“Who exactly is that supposed to be?”

Me? Or someone else?

The question bothered her unbearably.

“Hey… why do you know that name?”

The demand slipped out before she could stop herself.

Then Cendrillon muttered softly:

“...I’m sorry…”

His face burning hot as he apologized.

“W-Why are you apologizing? Why do you know that name…?”

Karin tried to continue, only for her words to be abruptly cut short as Cendrillon nearly pressed their lips together.

Startled, Karin shoved him away.

“You… what exactly are you…”

“Forgive me…”

“Y-You idiot… if you’re going to apologize, then don’t do things like that.”

Karin’s voice trembled, but before she knew it, Cendrillon had already pulled her tightly into his arms.

“...Who exactly is Karina?”

There was no answer.

''So that means… it really is me?''

“W-Why are you doing this?”

The question escaped her again.

This infuriating man who treated her carelessly despite her incredible skill… this hopeless drunkard who acted as though everyone around him were fools…

And yet now he clung to Karin with the defenselessness of a child.

“...Do you know my true identity?”

“...I do.”

''What? He knows?''

Which meant her secret really had been exposed?

But how?

D-Don’t tell me…

Karin’s imagination immediately spiraled out of control.

The drunken Cendrillon, deeply curious about the gender of someone as beautiful as Karin…

Karin herself, fast asleep…

A hand quietly reaching over… pulling aside her clothes…

“...!”

'''Unforgivable.'''

“T-This… pervert… you degenerate man-eating monster…”

Karin trembled with fury. ''I’ll beat him senseless, freeze him solid, boil him alive with magic, tear him apart with wind spells—''

Just as those thoughts filled her mind—

“Don’t leave… Please… it’s my fault…”

The near-tearful voice stopped Karin’s hand.

“D-Don’t say things like that in that sort of voice…”

A pathetic man with drunken, unfocused eyes.

Someone who once said he had “nowhere left to go.”

“...D-Don’t tell anyone… about me…”

Karin whispered that quietly, and Cendrillon nodded.

For some reason, seeing him behave with such childlike innocence caused Karin’s anger to fade.

And then suddenly, their lips met again.

Karin desperately tried to pull away, but Cendrillon was far too skilled at kissing. Every movement of his tongue gradually drained the strength from Karin’s body little by little.

Before long, all strength left him entirely, and Karin collapsed back against the bed.

“N-No…” she protested weakly, but Cendrillon’s body pressed down over her. Karin wanted to blast him away with magic, kick him off, punch him, yet her limbs refused to obey him.

Still, she absolutely did ''not'' want to be attacked like this. It wasn’t as though she liked Cendrillon or anything. Her body simply froze every time the man suddenly forced himself close like this.

Just as tears threatened to spill—

“Grrr…”

Snoring.

Cendrillon fell asleep directly on top of her.

Face burning bright red, Karin smacked Cendrillon on the head repeatedly, but the drunken man never even opened his eyes.

And once morning came, Cendrillon would inevitably forget everything that happened the night before. He probably had no awareness whatsoever that every night, once drunk, he ended up embracing Karin like he had during the victory celebration.

But had he truly discovered Karin’s real identity, and then unconsciously embraced her in his drunk state?

Or…

Was he really mistaking Karin for somebody else after all?

Unable to stop thinking about it, Karin finally decided to ask Bacchus and Narcis directly.

“Do either of you know someone named Karina?”

At Lady Vivian’s estate, Karin asked the question while Cendrillon was absent.

“Who’s that supposed to be?” Bacchus asked.

“...Every night, Cendrillon keeps saying that name.”

“Hm. Well, it sounds like a woman’s name, so it’s probably a woman, right?”

“That much is obvious.”

Then Narcis gave a more thoughtful answer.

“Maybe it’s the name of a woman from his past?”

“I-Is that so?”

Narcis tilted his head thoughtfully.

“Come to think of it, I vaguely remember hearing something about why he joined the Royal Mage Guard... Though he was drunk at the time, so he probably doesn’t even remember talking about it himself.”

“Tell me.”

Karin urged him on eagerly, and Narcis continued.

“Apparently, he was betrayed by the woman he was engaged to, and then ran away from home because of it... Though I don’t know the details.”

Hearing that, Karin clenched his fists.

''What a pathetic man.''

To think his reason for joining the Royal Mage Guard was getting dumped by a lover!

And this was the same man who lectured her about immaturity.

Then came the realization that “Karina” was not referring to her, but to another woman instead, and anger began welling up endlessly inside her. She had vaguely suspected as much already, but hearing it stated outright somehow made it far more infuriating.

If Cendrillon mistook her for another woman and because of that not only kissed her, but even touched her chest…

'''Unforgivable.'''

Because of such a misunderstanding, even her first kiss had been tainted!

No, wait. She had already decided long ago that she would never lose her head over something as foolish as romance, didn’t she? So why should something like a first kiss matter?

That was what her mind insisted.

And yet she was still furious.

But even if she confronted Cendrillon about it, what would happen?

''Why are you angry? I already apologized for the kissing. Besides, you’re a man, aren’t you? Stop making such a big deal out of it.''

Most likely, Cendrillon would just say something like that and end the conversation.

Once Karin imagined that, she found herself unable even to complain properly, left to silently stew in frustration alone.

While she was lost in those thoughts, Lady Vivian suddenly appeared and called out to them.

“Karin! Narcis! Bacchus! And Cendrillon too! Are you all here?!”

“Y-Yes!”

The three of them straightened immediately.

“A messenger from the princess has arrived. You are to accompany Her Highness to Deauville tomorrow.”

Deauville was a health resort near the sea, roughly three days away by horseback.

“Deauville? What for?” Bacchus asked.

“It seems to be a pleasure trip. Since Her Highness intends to travel incognito, you will not be using magical beasts. You will ride there on horseback instead. Command authority will belong to Cendrillon. Make sure he understands that. That is all.”

After relaying only those instructions, Vivian hurried away.

To be chosen as attendants on a royal journey!

That could only mean they were deeply trusted.

Karin felt excitement burning hot inside her chest.

After returning home and reporting the matter, the very first thing Cendrillon said was:

“Good. Since I’ll be commanding the mission, my first order is this: you stay behind.”

“W-What?! What did you just say?! Why?!”

“I already told you before, didn’t I? You still lack experience. On a short trip like this, guards must remain constantly alert. If something happens, it will already be too late.”

“I can handle guard duty perfectly well! Stop treating me like an idiot!”

“I’m not treating you like an idiot.”

Cendrillon answered in a troubled voice.

''How am I supposed to explain this so this arrogant knight apprentice actually understands?'' he wondered bitterly.

In the end, he decided he had no choice but to speak plainly.

“I have a bad feeling.”

“A bad feeling?”

“Yes. That knight named Pedro... despite having his chest pierced through, he remained alive. And the Royal Mage Guard was weakened far too quickly afterward. I suspect the two things are connected somehow.”

Karin sighed in exasperation.

“I already told you, you were drunk—”

“No.”

Cendrillon interrupted her sharply.

“It wasn’t that. I wasn’t seeing things because I was drunk. Something is wrong. Someone is plotting something dangerous... To ''that man'', the Royal Mage Guard is an obstacle. I’m certain of it. This is a conspiracy, and for someone still immature like you, the burden is too great.”

“So you expect me to just sit around and wait? Don’t make me laugh!”

At those words, Karin finally snapped.

Seriously, how long was this man going to keep treating her like a child?

Despite doing ''those kinds of things'' to her every night while drunk! Mistaking her for another woman!

“Tell me something—who exactly is the immature one here?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You. Do you even know what you do to me every night?”

Cendrillon’s face immediately paled.

“I already said I was sorry about that—”

“It wasn’t just the night of the celebration.”

Now his cheeks began turning red instead.

“You’re joking…”

“I’m not joking. It’s true. Though of course you probably don’t remember any of it because you’re always blackout drunk, you alcoholic!”

“S-Sorry…”

Cendrillon lowered his head in shame.

“You really do unbelievable things, you know. You hug me tightly like this, and your hands start moving around like this—”

The more Karin spoke, the angrier she became, until her entire body trembled.

“...Couldn’t you just resist?”

Cendrillon asked awkwardly.

“You’re way too strong!”

In reality, it was because her own body lost strength entirely, but saying that out loud felt like it would somehow ruin everything, so Karin deliberately kept silent.

And before she realized it, she got so emotional that she accidentally blurted out what Narcis had told him earlier.

“Honestly! Being unable to forget some woman from your past is what’s truly immature! Her name’s Karina, right?! Even after being betrayed, you’re still hopelessly attached to her!”

“Was it Narcis? That idiot talks too much…”

Cendrillon muttered tiredly.

“Seriously, just how badly were you betrayed? For you to still be this obsessed, it must have been something huge, right?”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“She never betrayed me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was the one who betrayed her.”

“Then why not just apologize?”

“She’s no longer in this world.”

Karin fell completely silent.

“…………”

Cendrillon continued in a calm voice.

“Do you want to know why I keep feeling that you’re in danger whenever I look at you?”

“…………”

“Because you’re exactly like I used to be. Young. Convinced you can do anything. Believing there’s nothing in the world worth fearing. Thinking that as long as you have a ‘dream,’ anything is possible. I was exactly the same… right until that day.”

''That day.''

The day he lost Karina.

“Do you want to hear the story?”

Karin silently nodded.

And slowly, Cendrillon began speaking.

“When I was two years older than you are now, I had a lover named Karina.

I was the son of a territorial lord, while she traveled from place to place performing alongside her father.

Normally, a romance like that could never happen.

But I fell in love with her gentle smile and beautiful golden hair.

When I confessed my feelings, she accepted surprisingly quickly. Being a noble probably played some part in it, but that wasn’t all. She genuinely loved me too.

We began seeing each other, though ours was a forbidden relationship. Secretly… quietly… we would meet over and over again in the forest. It was a small and fragile love.

But something like that could never last forever.

Eventually our parents found out and tried to separate us. Being young and foolish, I decided to abandon everything and run away with her.

Naturally, they sent pursuers after us.

Nearly ten highly skilled knights.

There was no possible way for us to escape.

They caught up to us almost immediately.

And then… they seized her.”

At this point, Cendrillon clenched his fists tightly, his expression twisted with pain.

“One of the knights grabbed her arm, trying to drag her away. Several others surrounded me, leaving me unable to move. And I knew… if we were separated there, we would never see each other again.

The moment that thought crossed my mind, I began chanting a spell.

I was overflowing with confidence back then. After all, people praised me as some brilliant prodigy. Even from dozens of arses away, piercing the hand of the knight holding Karina with a magical arrow should have been effortless.

At least, that was what I believed at the time.

But it was nothing more than arrogance.

Was it because I was nervous? Because the pressure made me falter? At this point, I no longer know.

No… perhaps the truth is simply that I was immature.”

Cendrillon spoke in a low murmur, as though all emotion had long since been left somewhere far away.

“The magical arrow that was meant to pierce the knight’s hand instead pierced Karina through the chest.”

“It struck beautifully. Perfectly. Straight through. She died instantly. Even my beloved water magic could not save her.”

Karin stood there speechless while Cendrillon continued calmly.

“A man who killed the woman he loved with his own hands… does not even deserve the right to follow her in death. When I someday stand before her in Valhalla, how am I supposed to apologize?”

“And thus,” he added bitterly, “a man fit only to wander a dust-covered road through life was born.”

Karin bit down hard on her lip.

She could never have imagined that this careless, drifting man carried such a past inside him.

Cendrillon looked at her with complete seriousness.

“You really are extraordinary, Karin. I have never seen anyone use wind magic as skillfully as you do. But precisely because of that, I have to say this: act more carefully. Do not become arrogant. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing.”

''I don’t understand.''

Karin still felt like a child.

She could not truly comprehend Cendrillon’s pain or sorrow.

“To kill the person you love most with your own hands…”

What kind of feeling was that supposed to be?

Karin could not understand it.

She clenched her fists tightly.

And before she realized it, tears were already flowing from her eyes.

“...Take me with you too.”

Cendrillon let out a quiet sigh.

“Understood,” he said at last, gently patting Karin on the head.

“You really are kind, Karin. Someday you’ll become someone truly remarkable. But if things become dangerous, fall back immediately. You are to follow my orders. Understood?”
[[File:ZNTso1 207.jpg|thumb]]
Karin nodded silently.

Kaze no Kishihime v1c7

2026-05-08T19:41:57Z

Ltrf: Created page with "'''Chapter 7 - Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience''' The morning after Cendrillon and Karin dueled with Angelo and the Unicorn Guard, then ended up kissing after Cendrillon got completely drunk at the victory celebration… Enduring a pounding headache, Cendrillon dragged himself into the living room. Last night, after a messenger from the palace arrived and forced the celebration to disperse, he returned home and immediately collapsed into bed. I..."

'''Chapter 7 - Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience'''

The morning after Cendrillon and Karin dueled with Angelo and the Unicorn Guard, then ended up kissing after Cendrillon got completely drunk at the victory celebration…

Enduring a pounding headache, Cendrillon dragged himself into the living room. Last night, after a messenger from the palace arrived and forced the celebration to disperse, he returned home and immediately collapsed into bed.

In the living room, Karin silently gnawed on a piece of bread. Ever since what had happened the night before, she ignored everything Cendrillon tried to say.

“H-hey…”

Cendrillon awkwardly greeted her, while Karin bit her lip, fists clenched on her knees, cheeks slightly red.

This is bad… he thinks I am into men…

That was the misunderstanding Cendrillon arrived at. Well, after the way he acted last night, he could hardly blame her.

At any rate, he had to clear things up.

“Listen, Karin. I was really drunk last night. I am sorry for doing something so disrespectful to you.”

“…………”

Karin silently chewed her bread and turned her face away.

“It is true that I dislike women… but that does not mean I like men. I want you to understand that.”

After saying only that much, Cendrillon began eating his bread as well.

“Th-then…”

Karin asked in a trembling voice.

“Why would you do something like that to me?”

Cendrillon hesitated over how to answer. He had no intention of speaking about his former lover, much less admitting that he mistook the boy before him for the woman from his dreams.

“Well… I was drunk. For a moment, I mistook you for a woman.”

“…But you hate women, do you not?”

“That is true…”

“So actually you really like women after all. Liar.”

Cendrillon replied helplessly:

“…It is not that I like just anyone.”

Karin glanced at him and felt her face heating up again.

After all, he had suddenly done something like that to her. Of course she could not stop thinking about it.

And on top of that, he had touched her chest at the end. Unforgivable…!

But at the same time, the frustration of not being able to get angry openly irritated her even more. A man would not get angry over having his chest touched.

“Karina.”

Cendrillon had definitely said that name.

Could it be… that he really knew her true name?

If he knew, and liked her despite that, was that why he did such a thing?

But if that was true, then her identity as a woman had already been exposed… and surely he would have asked why she was pretending to be a boy.

Yet judging from his attitude, he did not seem to suspect her real identity at all.

So then… was it really another woman’s name?

The thought alone irritated her. Why am I even worrying about something like this? Whatever!

Karin turned away and left the room to head for duty.

“H-hey! I am coming too!”

A flustered Cendrillon hurried after her.

When the two of them arrived at Lord Jebal’s estate, something unexpected awaited them. Vivian suddenly summoned them over and informed them of something almost dreamlike.

“What did you say? His Majesty wishes to see us?”

Even Cendrillon sounded surprised. Beside him stood Bacchus and Narcis, who have also just arrived and been called in.

All of them wore tense expressions. That was only natural—a mere knight being personally summoned by King Philip III was an extremely rare thing.

“That is right. It seems he has something to say about last night’s incident.”

Karin’s face turned pale. Did they anger the king with their duel with the Grand Duke’s Unicorn Guard? Even Cendrillon looked confused.

Watching them, Vivian smiled bitterly.

“Honestly… this is why I told you all to behave yourselves.”

It was possible that everyone present would be punished because of what she had done. Karin stepped forward and declared loudly:

“The duel was proposed by me! The other three only became involved because of me! If there is blame to be placed, then place it on me alone!”

Vivian merely smiled.

“You can tell that directly to His Majesty. Honestly, do not stiffen up so much. What is done is done. I understand His Majesty’s temperament well enough, this might even turn out to be interesting.”

The four of them, together with Vivian, boarded a carriage sent from the palace and headed toward the royal court.

Karin could barely sit still. Her fate was about to be decided. If she displeased the king… wouldn’t everything come crashing down?

With a mixture of admiration and anxiety, Karin gazed at the royal palace she was seeing for the first time. Beyond the gates stretched a vast courtyard. The hedges and trees were carefully trimmed into the shapes of knights and dragons, and at the center of the circular carriage court stood a fountain rhythmically spraying water into the air.

The palace itself towered overhead with overwhelming grandeur. Streams of water—deeply tied to the royal family of Tristain—flowed down the walls and connected with the fountain below.

A palace of water…

That was the impression Karin had.

After stepping out of the carriage, the four were not taken to an audience chamber, but instead guided to what seemed to be a back room near the attendants’ quarters.

Passing through a low doorway, they entered a space that resembled a hidden chamber. The walls were draped with layers of satin, and inside stood several chairs and a small desk. Everything was luxurious enough to belong within a palace.

Vivian looked perfectly calm, as though she was here many times before, while Karin felt as if her heart might leap from her chest.

In any case, her fate would be decided within the next few minutes. Even if she angered the king, she at least wanted to stand proudly before him, so she forced herself to straighten her posture.

Beside her, Bacchus and Narcis also looked extremely nervous, while Cendrillon wore the same sleepy expression he always did.

Then, suddenly, the moment arrived.

The satin curtain was drawn aside, and the king appeared.

For the first time in her life, Karin saw Philip III.

The figure of the “Hero King” she has always admired matched her imagination perfectly—a magnificent and imposingly handsome man. Behind him stood a young black-haired man in priestly robes, with a cold and severe expression.

Philip III slowly swept his sharp gaze across the four of them. That alone was enough to make Karin feel as if she might die from tension.

“Vivian, are these the troublesome little hooligans you spoke of? The violent criminals who beat up the poor Unicorn Guards?”

Philip III asked in a strong voice. It was slightly higher-pitched than Karin imagined. Just hearing those words made her feel as though she was cast straight into hell.

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

After Vivian answered calmly, Philip III frowned.

“What audacious fools! To think that knights belonging to ''my'' royal guard would use violence against the Grand Duke’s honored retainers! Apologize to the Grand Duke at once and accept your punishment!”

Karin’s face went pale. She did anger the king!

But just as Cendrillon stepped forward, about to apologize, Karin remembered Vivian’s earlier words:

“Tell His Majesty directly.”

So Karin stopped him.

“Karin?”

Then, gathering her courage, she straightened her back proudly and declared:

“Please direct the punishment at me alone! I was the one who proposed the duel! The other three were only dragged into it because of me!”

At the sight of the beautiful young knight standing there so boldly, Philip III seemed barely able to contain himself. The strict mask he had been forcing onto his face cracked for a moment, and he let out an admiring exclamation.

“What an excellent young person! Well, Grand Duke, what do you think? Do you truly wish to punish such a splendid youth? Hmm? What is your opinion?”

At the word “Grand Duke,” Karin realized that the black-haired young noble before her was none other than Grand Duke Eustache, the Chancellor himself.

The two greatest men in the kingdom stood before her.

Karin bowed deeply to the Grand Duke.

“I sincerely apologize for injuring your guards.”

The Grand Duke gave a bored snort and turned his gaze away from Karin toward Philip III.

“I never intended to punish them in the first place. Interfering in quarrels between knights would only make me appear petty. Besides, was it not Your Majesty who summoned me here demanding apologies?”

“So then, we may call the matter settled, yes? Ah, I would never show favoritism simply because they are my own guards. One cannot set a good example that way.”

“As Your Majesty wishes. Now then, I still have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave.”

The Grand Duke departed coldly.

It seemed the danger passed, and Karin quietly pressed a hand to her chest in relief. Vivian, Bacchus, and the others looked much the same.

Then, the moment the Grand Duke disappeared from sight, Philip III’s attitude changed completely. Overflowing with excitement, he practically bounced around the room.

“Now then! My brave warriors! Tell me everything about the duel!”

He eagerly demanded every last detail.

Karin and the others were dumbfounded by the king’s sudden change in demeanor. The four of them described the duel, while Philip III repeatedly urged them to go into even greater detail.

Apparently, the king—who was constantly overshadowed by the Grand Duke—was absolutely delighted that his own royal guards defeated the Grand Duke’s retainers. His earlier anger had merely been an act. As he listened, it was as though memories of charging across battlefields in his youth had resurfaced, and he listened with the enthusiasm of a child.

The part he enjoyed most was Karin defeating Angelo.

“Ohhh! So it truly was you who defeated Angelo!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Though still young, this one possesses extraordinary mastery over wind magic. I heard he danced through the air while cutting Angelo to pieces…”

Vivian spoke as though she had witnessed it herself.

“I too excel in wind magic. I see now—truly the element of heroes.”

Receiving such praise from the king filled Karin with joy.

To think she would actually be praised by the king himself…

“Listen well, my brave warriors. I adore young nobles such as yourselves—strong, spirited, and loyal. From this day onward, continue to stand as my friends. I ask this of you.”

As he spoke, Philip III extended his hand to each of them. The honor of kissing the king’s hand was exceedingly rare, and the members of the Magic Guard nervously kissed the back of it one by one.

“You have all shown exceptional courage and loyalty to me. Therefore, accept this.”

Philip III summoned an attendant and personally handed Karin a leather pouch.

Inside was a heap of gold coins.

Karin bowed deeply.

“Well then… I still have matters to attend to… I must be going now. Ah, yes!”

Apparently remembering something, Philip III called for another attendant.

“Bring Mariana here.”

A young girl of around twelve or thirteen was soon led into the room. She had brilliant chestnut hair and large bright eyes. Yet at a glance, it was obvious she was no ordinary girl. Every movement carried the natural grace and gentleness of someone born to be served by others.

“Father, you called for me?”

The girl lifted her skirt and curtsied politely.

Standing beside Karin, Narcis murmured quietly:

“…Princess Mariana.”

Karin nearly let out a startled yelp. This girl was none other than Princess Marianna, the only daughter of Philip III, said to be showered with endless affection.

“...She’s truly beautiful.”

Bacchys spoke in a tone as if he were witnessing a dream. He looked ready to throw himself to the ground before her at any second, so Karin forcefully stomped on his foot.

Indeed, though she was only just about to turn thirteen, her beauty already stood far above others her age. The princess noticed the knights standing nearby and smiled.

“Father, who are these people?”

“They are the knights who will be serving as your guards starting today.”

At those words, the members of the squad exchanged stunned looks.

They were going to guard the princess?

“You are currently being reorganized anyway, are you not? I cannot yet assign you to serve as my own royal guard, but protecting the princess should pose no problem.”

Then he turned toward Marianna.

“My daughter, did you not say you wanted your own guards?”

“Yes! Because I really dislike that Eustache fellow, so naturally I dislike his guard corps too. Just having them come near me is unpleasant enough, and then they shamelessly ride unicorns on top of that! Besides, shouldn’t unicorns belong exclusively to me? Why would Father ever approve something like that?”

What a blunt princess.

Originally, unicorns were meant to be used only by princesses of the kingdom, generally for royal carriages and similar purposes. However, when Grand Duke Eustache established his personal guard corps, he requested permission from Philip III to use unicorns as riding beasts.

Considering the Grand Duke’s achievements, Philip III had little choice but to grant the request.

“There are various reasons for it. You will understand someday.”

“He’s such an unpleasant man!”

“You must not say such things so loudly. The Chancellor has done a great many things for me and for our kingdom.”

Marianna turned her gaze toward the knights.

The moment she noticed Karin, her cheeks gradually flushed red. Karin’s appearance, beautiful enough to resemble a remarkably handsome young nobleman, seemed to capture Marianna’s heart instantly.

Walking up close to Karin, Marianna tilted her head slightly.

It was a gesture meaning: ''State your name.''

“My name is Karin Désirée de Maillart. It is the greatest honor to be entrusted with the protection of Your Highness.”

Karin spoke with utmost seriousness.

“How wonderful! So your name is Sir Karin? What a beautiful guardian knight! I’ve already taken a liking to you! Father, thank you very much!”

Marianna declared this with a radiant smile.

“But Karin is still only a trainee. Is it truly acceptable to entrust such an important duty to him?”

Vivian said this, and Philip III nodded.

“Did he not defeat Angelo? If he possesses the skill, what problem is there? If he serves well as the princess’s guard, he will surely rise quickly through the ranks. Before long, he should become a proper knight. Work hard.”

Hearing such words from the king himself, Karin felt as though she might float into the sky. At that moment, it felt as though a glorious future was already decided for her.

“Y-Yes! I would gladly give my life for this duty!”

“M-M-M-My name is Bacchus! Thank you so much for this supreme honor!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bacchus could no longer contain himself and dropped to his knees at the princess’s feet, tears already streaming down his face. Most people would probably have been frightened by such behavior, yet Marianna, worthy of being a princess of an entire kingdom, merely smiled calmly.
[[File:ZNTso1 188.jpg|thumb]]
“I look forward to working with you,” she said.

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-08T19:35:29Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].



*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|De Ville's Confrontation]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c10|Epilogue]]
*[[Kaze no Kishihime v1c11|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
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::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
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::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
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::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
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::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
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::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Zero no Tsukaima:guidelines

2026-05-07T15:19:11Z

Ltrf: moved kss names from misc to a separate article of heavy wind

__FORCETOC__
<noinclude>This Page is a reference for the Naming Guidelines of the Zero no Tsukaima Project. Naming is currently being discussed in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=294 forums], so there may be changes in the future. Characters with multiple/changing allegiances are sorted by first appearance. Here is what we have so far:</noinclude>

== Characters ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Academy of Magic students'''

* Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière
** Nickname : Louise the Zero / Louise the Void
** Affinity : Void
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : Hiraga Saito

* Hiraga Saito
** Weapon : A sentient sword, Derflinger
** Title name (complete) : Saito de Hiraga des Ornières, knight of Ondine
** The legendary familiar Gandálfr and Lífþrasir

* Kirche Augusta Frederica von [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhalt-Zerbst Anhalt Zerbst]
** Nickname : Kirche the Ardent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Familiar : A salamander, Flame

* Tabitha
** Nickname : Tabitha the Snowstorm
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A wind rhyme dragon, Sylphid
** Real name : Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans
** Title name (complete) : Her Highness the Duchess Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans, knight of the North Parterre

* Guiche de Gramont
** Nickname : Guiche the Bronze
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : A giant mole, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ver%C3%B0andi Verdandi]
** Title Name (complete) : Guiche de Gramont, knight of Ondine
** Can summon golems shaped like valkyries

* Montmorency Margarita La Fère de Montmorency
** Nickname : Montmorency the Fragrance
** Affinity : Water
** Familiar : A frog, Robin

* Malicorne de Grandpré
** Nickname : Malicorne the Windward
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Dot-mage
** Title name (complete) : Malicorne de Grandpré, knight of Ondine

* Old Osman
** Title : Headmaster Osman
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A mouse, Motsognir

* Longueville
** Nickname : Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Real name : Mathilda of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxe-Gotha South Gotha]

* Jean Colbert
** Nickname : Colbert the Flame Serpent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Square-mage
** Remarks : Was the leader of the 'Magical Research Experimental Group'

* Chevreuse
** Nickname : Chevreuse the Red Clay

* Beatrice Yvonne von Guldenhorf
** Title : Princess de Guldenhorf
** Remarks : Guarded by the Luftpanzer Ritter while attending the Magic Academy

* Ajax
* Gimli
* Katie
* Reynald
* Styx
* Count de Burgundy
* Grand Duke de Guldenhorf

'''Commoners'''
* Head Chef Marteau
* Scarron
* Siesta
* Jessica

'''Military'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
** René Vonke (Captain)
* Agnès, knight de Milan (Commander of the Musketeer Corps)
* Chief of the General Staff Wimpffen
* Sargeant Nicolas (de Vineuil Battalion)
* Supreme Commander/General De Poitiers

'''Residents of the La Vallière mansion'''
* Cattleya de La Vallière
* Duke of La Vallière
* Karin, Duchess of La Vallière
** Full name: Karin Désirée de La Vallière
** Maiden name: Karin Désirée de Maillart
** Nickname : Karin the Heavy Wind
** Affinity : Wind
** Familiar : Manticore
** The former commander of the Manticore Corps, known for the motto "Rule of Steel"
* Éléonore de La Vallière

'''Royal Government'''
* Cardinal Mazarin
* Finance Minister De Muri
* Her Highness the Princess / Her Majesty the Queen Henrietta of Tristain

=== Germania ===
* His Highness the Emperor of Germania, Albrecht the III

=== Albion ===
* Captain/Viscount Jean-Jacques Wardes
* General Hawkings
* Henry Bowood (Captain and POW)
* Menvil the White Flame (Mercenary)
* Oliver Cromwell (Chairman and first Albion Emperor)
* His Highness the Prince Wales Tudor of Albion
* His Majesty the King James I Tudor of Albion
* Tiffania Westwood Tudor of Albion

=== Romalia ===
* Pope of Romalia, Vittorio Serevare
* Julio Chesaré, familiar of the pope and Josette, Vindálfr and Mjöðvitnir respectively.
** St. Aegis the 32nd
** Partner: A wind dragon, Azuro
* Carlo Christiano Trompontino, captain of the Crusaders representing Alieste monastery

=== Gallia ===
* His Majesty the King Joseph of Gallia
* Sheffield, the Mjöðvitnir
* Mrs. Molière
* Bart Castlemont, Captain of Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Charles, Duke of Orléans (Tabitha's father)
* Princess Isabella of Gallia, Daughter of Joseph the King of Gallia
* Josette, current Queen of Gallia

=== Sahara ===
* Bidashal
* Chief Tariq
* Turuk (President of the Elves)
* Ari
* Luctiana
* Fatima
* Sasha
* Azar
* Aishmail
* Fleet Commander-In-Chief, General Amran
* Admiral Salken
* Madhav (Ari's subordinate)
* Idris (Ari's subordinate)

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Marquis Handenburg (Commander of the Germania army)
* Minican
* Pelisson
* Water Spirit
* Mother Sea

=== Heavy Wind spin-off ===

* Cendrillon (later known as Pierre de La Vallière)
* Bacchus (Malicorne's father)
* Narcis (Guiche's father)
* The Grand Duke Eustache

== Organizations ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Armies/Corps'''
* Royal Army
* National Army (aka Marquis Army)
* Sky Navy
* Imperial Guards
** Dragon Knight Corps
** Griffon Corps
** Manticore Corps
** Musketeer Corps
** Ondine ・ Knight Corps of the Water Spirit

'''Military Units'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
* De Vineuil Independent Musket Infantry Battalion
* Magical Research Experimental Group
* Aerial Armored Brigade ‘Luftpanzer Ritter’ (Under command of the Grand Duchy of Guldenhorf)
* Zero Organization (Fictional)

=== Romalia ===
* Romalian Templar Knight Squadron

=== Gallia ===

'''Military Units'''
* Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Knights of the Parterre
* Knights of the White Lily
* Knights of the Southern Flowerbed

=== Sahara ===
* Council of Nephthys
* Elven Navy
* Steel-blooded Party

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Allied Forces
* Reconquista
* Coalition Army for the Restoration of the Holy Lands

== Places ==

=== Kingdoms ===

* Halkeginia (The continent)
** Albion (Kingdom of / Holy Republic of)
** Gallia (Kingdom of)
** Germania (Empire of)
** Guldenhorf (Grand Duchy of)
** Romalia (Holy Empire of)
** Tristain (Kingdom of)
* Sahara
* Rub' al Khali

=== Cities ===

* Tristain
** La Rochelle (port)
** Tarbes (town)
** Tristania (capital)
*** Bourdonné Street
*** Chicton Street
*** "Charming Fairies" inn
*** Royal Palace
*** Hamlin Academy
** D’Angleterre (Agnès's hometown)
** Tristain's Academy of Magic
*** Alvíss Dining Hall
*** Austri Plaza
*** Fenrir's Library
*** Vestri Courtyard
* Albion
** Dartanes (port)
** Londinium (capital)
*** Havilland (Emperor's palace)
**** White Hall
** Newcastle (Where Prince Wales was)
** Rosais (airbase)
** Saxe-Gotha (castle/city)
** Westwood (forest/village)
* Gallia
** Lutèce (capital)
** Versailles (''de facto'' capital)
*** Grand Troyes
* Germania
** Vindobona (capital)
*Romalia
** Aquileia (Capital of Water)
* Sahara
** Nephthys (capital)
** Kasper
** Adyl
** Eumenes

=== Miscellaneous ===

* Marie Galante
* Des Ornières
* Lac d'Orient
* Scarborough
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars,_Paris Champs de Mars]
* Training Facility
* Unexplored Lands

== The Founder ==

*Founder Brimir
**Full name: Brimir Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori (ブリミル・ル・ルミル・ユル・ヴィリ・ヴェー・ヴァルトリ, Burimiru Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori)
**Full name as he has introduced himself as: Brimir le Reimir Nidavellir (ブリミル・ル・ルミル・ニダベリール)

The following sections presents the treasures and rings bequeathed by the Founder Brimir with the guardian country and the legitimate heir of each one.

=== The Founder's Treasures ===

* The Founder’s Prayer Book (Tristain, Louise)
* The Founder’s Censer (Gallia, Joseph) (Used to hold Burning Incense)
* The Founder’s Music Box (Albion, Tiffania)
* The Founder’s Round Mirror (Romalia, Pope)

=== The Founder's Rings ===

* Ruby of Water (Tristain, Louise)
* Ruby of Earth (Gallia, Joseph)
* Ruby of Wind (Albion, Tiffania)
* Ruby of Fire (Romalia, Pope)

=== Disciples/Familiars ===

To read runes, download the ''Aboriginal Serif'' font

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf_%28Norse_mythology%29 Gandálfr] (ガンダールヴ, Gandāruvu), ᚷᚨᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ, on the illustrations and in the anime it's ᚷᚢᚾᛞᛟᛚᚠ (Gandalfr)
* Vindálfr, ᚹᛁᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ
* Mjöðvitnir, ᛗᛇᛟᛉᚾᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ, in the anime it's ᛗᛇᛟᛞᚨᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ (Myodaitnir)
* Lífþrasir

* St. Forsythe (フォルサテ)

== Other Terms ==

=== Spells ===

*General (non branch specific)
** Contract Servant
** Summon Servant
** Detect Magic
** Night Vision (unknown)

*Earth
** Alchemy
** Fixation
** Golem
** Gold transmutation
** Fortification

*Fire
** Ignite
** Fireball
** Flame Bomb (Fire, Fire, Earth)
** Flame Ball (Pentagram Spell)
** Flame Serpent 

*Water
** Javelin
** Windy Icicle

*Wind
** Silence
** Snowstorm
** Tornado
** Air Hammer
** Wind Break
** Flying
** Blade
** Wind Shield (Firstborn Magic)

* Void
** Dispel Magic
** Illusion
** Explosion
** Mind Wipe
** Teleport
** World Door
** Decompose

* Elven
** Reflection

=== Weapons ===

'''Saito's World'''
* Staff of Destruction (M72 Rocket Launcher)
* Dragon's Raiment (Zero Fighter)
* Tiger Tank
* Small patrol boat

'''Ships'''
* ''Varsenda'' (Tristain ''Dragon Carrier''-class carrier)
* ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ship_Redoutable_(1791) Redoutable]'' (Tristain battleship)
* ''Lexington'' (Albion capital ship)
* ''Ostland'' (Built by Colbert, owned by Kirche)
* "Dragon Whale Ships" (Used by the Elven Navy)
* ''Mestia'' (Elven Air Ship)

'''Magical weapons made by Colbert'''
* The little flying snakes (v20c8)

=== Miscellaneous ===

'''Magical Artifacts'''
* The Ring of Andvari
* The Bell of Slumber
* Jörmungandr (Golem that Myozunitonirun used)

'''Books'''
* Secret of the Flame Serpent (Colbert's manual)
* The Practical Doctrine
* The Hero of Ivaldi
* The Legacy (Vol 20 C6)

'''Other'''
* Écu (Currency)
* Sous (Currency)
* Founder Brimir's Advent Festival
* Lord Spee's Sword
* Medal of White Hair Soul
* New Religon Hunt
* Firstborn Magic / Magic of the Firstborn
* The Predecessor
* Mail (unit of measurement, meter equivalent)
* League (unit of measurement, km equivalent)
* Gaulish (the lingua franca of Halkeginia)
* Varyag (The oppressors of the Magi)

Noteː

1. 1 écu = 6 livr, , 1 livre = 20 sou , 1 sou = 12 deniers, from http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/%C3%89cu

*Magic Elements
** Wind
** Water
** Fire
** Earth
** Void

*Magic Class Levels (Ranking of either a mage or spell)
** Dot (One elemenet)
** Line (Two elements)
** Triangle (Three elements)
** Square (Four elements)
** Pentagram (All five elements)

Zero no Tsukaima

2026-05-07T15:02:03Z

Ltrf: /* Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima - Français|Français (French)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Deutsche Version|Deutsch (German)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ Indonesian Version|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Italian Version~|Italiano (Italian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Korean Version|한국어 (Korean)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima wersja polska|Polski (Polish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~Russian Version~|Русский (Russian)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima ~ (Spanish)|Español (Spanish)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Tiếng Việt|Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima Vietnamese Version|Bản dịch khác của tiếng Việt (Vietnamese Alternative version)]]

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

== Updates ==
It is with sadness that we report that Noboru Yamaguchi, the author of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' passed away from cancer on April 4, 2013. However, MF Bunko J has announced that the series will be continued based on the author's notes before his passing, according to the [http://zeronotsukaima.wikia.com/wiki/NewsMisc Zero No Tsukaima Wiki].



*April 2, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 2 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*January 1, 2024:
:::*Side-Story: Tabitha's Adventures Volume 1 has been completed. (SilverTongue Translation Team)
*April 7, 2019:
:::*Volume 22 has been completed.
*December 5, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 has been completed.
*September 20, 2017:
:::*Volume 21 Chapter 1 - Chapter 8 has been completed.
*January 22, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Volume 20 Chapter 9]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Volume 20 Epilogue]] completed
*January 21, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Volume 20 Chapter 8]] completed
*January 16, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Volume 20 Afterword]] and [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Volume 21 Afterword]] completed.
*January 14, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Volume 20 Chapter 7]] completed.
*January 13, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Volume 20 Chapter 6]] completed.
*January 7, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Volume 20 Chapter 5]] completed.
*January 2, 2017:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Volume 20 Chapter 4]] completed.
*December 25, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Volume 21 Chapter 1]] completed.
*August 17, 2016:
:::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Volume 19]] completed.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero no Tsukaima news archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==

=== Translators Needed ===

'''Baka-Tsuki is desperately looking for translators for this series.''' If you would like to help translate this series, please post in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5610 here], and we will help you get started. Thank you.

=== [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Zero no Tsukaima Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Guideline#Naming Conventions|Naming Conventions For ZnT]]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project began as a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following groups:
* [http://kh.beyondeternal.com/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Familiar_of_Zero ''Zero no Tsukaima''] series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==
'''You can find the EPUB and MOBI version of the Volumes in the forums [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4895 here] and the PDF version [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4745 here].'''

=== Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots1_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Insert and Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
*Kingdom of Magic
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
*Gandálfr
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Familiar's Day]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Kirche the Ardent]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Staff of Destruction]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots2_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots3_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots4_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots5_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story1|Story 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story2|Story 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL|Story 3 - Tristania's Holiday - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots6_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Cattleya - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de La Vallière]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Sortie - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion at Dartanes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots7_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Fairy - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Priest of Romalia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of Saxe-Gotha]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - Truce - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - King of Gallia - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Rout - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots8_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Each End of the War - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Priest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL|Chapter 5 - The Disappearing Gandálfr - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL|Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Users of Void - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter9 - MTL|Chapter 9 - Myoznitnirn - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Swordsman - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Epilogue - MTL| Epilogue - MTL]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots9_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter1 - MTL|Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL|Chapter 3 - The Meeting and Parting of the Users - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter4 - MTL|Chapter 4 - The Chevalier Title - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ondine Knight Corps of the Water Spirit]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Solicitation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Confrontation with the Mysterious Bird]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots10_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Elf]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jealousy]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Siblings]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The Imprisoned Six]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orléans]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Postscript|Postscript]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots11_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - New School Term]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Private Lesson]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia]] - MTL
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Jörmungand]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots12_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story1 Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
*Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story2 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
:*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume12 Story3 Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots13_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Romalia]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Aboard the ''Ostland'']]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Long Spear]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - World Door (MTL)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Meaning of the Smile]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots14_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Flowerbed Squadron's Rebellion]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Capital of Water]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tiger Highway]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Aquileia's Saint]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume14 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots15_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Carcassonne]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Knight Contest of the Sandbank]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Shaken Mind]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Jewel of Fire]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Honeymoon]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tabitha's Long Night]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Henrietta's Diplomatic Plan]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Coronation]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Exit of the Labyrinth]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots16_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Reward of the Campaign ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Searching for a Residence ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Henrietta's Melancholy, Louise's Anxiety, Saito's Promotion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Mother and Cousin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Daily Tea Time ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter7 - MTL|Chapter 7 - Eléonore's Academy  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter8 - MTL|Chapter 8 - The Basement of the Residence  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Secret Meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter10 - MTL|Chapter 10 - Elemental Siblings  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots17_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Saito's despair ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter2 - MTL|Chapter 2 - Flight  - MTL]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Meeting and Comrade ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Sulpice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - First meeting with Jack ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Damien and Lord Gondrin ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Soeur Louise ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Josette's Resolution ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Two Canes, One Crown ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Garden Party to Celebrate the Enthronement ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Chapter11|Chapter 11 - Bonds ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots18_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Lovers ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Fouquet and Wardes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Strategy ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Confession of the Pope ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Spirit Stone of Destruction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Our Home ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Elf of the Sahara ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Chance meeting ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots19_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Summary|Summary]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Maidens of Des Ornières ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Assault ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Abduction ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Rukshana's Oasis ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Ali's visit ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Second meeting with Bidashal ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision and Romalia's Choice ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Two Prisoners ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Confrontation with Ali ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter10|Chapter 10 - Escape ]]
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots20_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Boat for Two ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Mother Sea ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Last Spear ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Council ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter5|Chapter 5 - An Elf's Longing ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Joint Committee on Holy Land Restoration]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Onward to the Land of the Elves ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Breaking Through Barricades]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter9|Chapter 9 - The Work of the Devil ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 21 - The Truth of 6,000 Years Ago / 六千年の真実 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots21_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Mystery of the Holy Land ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Suicide Attack to Adyl ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Elven Tower ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lífþrasir ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Break-Out ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Free City of Eumenes ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Truth from 6000 Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Founder's Void ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Dreadful Plan ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - Raid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - Reunion ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume21 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Volume 22 - The Legend of Zero / ゼロの神話 ([[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Full Text|Full Text]])===
[[image:Zeronots22_01.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Magi]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Dream of the Runes]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Louise's Determination]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Cruel Reality]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Nuclear Submarine]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Prison Island (Château d'If)]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - A Wavering Heart]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Rescue Mission]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - The Legend of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Escape]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 - The Familiar of Zero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 - The Choice of the Saintess]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 - The End of the Void]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 - The Return of the Hero]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume22 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Memorial Book ===
[[image:Znt memorial.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 1|Eight Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 2|Louise’s Room 1 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 3|Five Years Ago ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 4|Louise’s Room 2 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 5|The Birth of Louise the Zero ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 6|Louise’s Room 3 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 7|On a Certain Day for a Certain Maid ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 8|Louise’s Room 4 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 9|Master and Familiar - Saito's Mischiefs ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 10|Louise’s Room 5 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 11|Louise's Tart ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 12|Louise’s Room 6 ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 13|Tiffania's Troubles ]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 14|Undisclosed Character Design Collection]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 15|Volume 21 - Volume 22 Plot by Teacher Yamaguchi Noboru]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 16|From the Author]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Memorial Book Chapter 17|Illustrator Comment]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

== <span class="plainlinks"> Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabitha no Bōken series by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
[[image:ZnTSS1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1|Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story2|Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire]] (35%)
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story3|Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin]] (~20%)
*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch1-episode-1-tabith-and-the-wingmen/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH1: Tabitha and the WingMen]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch2tabitha-and-the-vampire/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH2: Tabitha and the Vampire]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-assassin/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH3: Tabitha and the Assassin]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/01/01/znt-tabithas-short-stories-vol-1-ch3tabitha-and-the-magic-doll/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH4: Tabitha and the Magic Doll]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
[[image:ZnTSS2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume2 ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both"/>
<br style="clear:both"/>
Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/familiar-of-zero-tabithas-familiar-episode-5-tabitha-and-the-gambler/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH5: Tabitha and the Gambler]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-6-tabitha-and-the-minotaur/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH6: Tabitha and the Minotaur]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/foz-tabithas-short-stories-v2-extra-episode-a-day-in-sylphids-life/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story Extra Chapter: A Day in Sylphid's Life]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-7-tabitha-and-the-bird-of-paradise/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH7: Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/04/02/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-2-episode-8-tabitha-and-the-military-port/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH8: Tabitha and the Military Port]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
[[image:ZnTSS3 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Story 9 - Tabitha and Sylphid
*Story 10 - Tabitha and the Old Warrior
*Story 11 - Tabitha and First Love
*Story 12 - Tabitha's Birth
*Afterword
<br style="clear:both" />

<br style="clear:both" />

Silvered Tongue Release:
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-9-tabitha-and-sylphid/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH9: Tabitha and Sylphid]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/znt-tabithas-short-stories-volume-3-episode-10-tabitha-and-the-old-warrior/ Zero no Tsukaima Side Story CH10: Tabitha and the Old Warrior]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/episode-11-tabitha-and-her-first-love-part-1-and-part-2/ Episode 11: Tabitha and her First Love (Part 1 and Part 2)]
::*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/09/21/episode-12-tabithas-birth-prologue-part-1-part-2-part-3/ Episode 12: Tabitha's Birth]
</td></tr></table>

== <span class="plainlinks"> Kaze no Kishihime by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noboru_Yamaguchi_(author) Noboru Yamaguchi]</span> ==

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
[[image:ZNTso1 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[https://silveredtonguereborn.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/heavy-wind-female-knight-captain-prologue/ Prologue]
*Chapter 1 - [[Kaze no Kiishihime v1c1|Karin Goes to the Capital]]
*Chapter 2 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c2|Cendrillon]]
*Chapter 3 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c3|Lord Jervul's Mansion]]
*Chapter 4 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c4|Dormitory]]
*Chapter 5 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c5|Four vs Four Duel]]
*Chapter 6 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c6|Philippe III and Grand Duke Eustache]]
*Chapter 7 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c7|Three Knights and Karin are Honoured with the Audience]]
*Chapter 8 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c8|Cendrillon's Past]]
*Chapter 9 - [[Kaze no Kishihime v1c9|De Ville's Confrontation]]
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
[[image:ZNTso2 cover.jpg|left|230px|border]]
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td>
*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Spinoff Volume2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*Prologue
*Chapter 1 - Report for the King 
*Chapter 2 - Dream Place of Memories 
*Chapter 3 - Secret Meeting 
*Chapter 4 - Eustace's Manor 
*Chapter 5 - Dark Truth 
*Chapter 6 - Darsini the Vampire 
*Chapter 7 - Karin's Infiltration 
*Chapter 8 - Duty of the Knight 
*Chapter 9 - King's Decision 
*Epilogue
*Afterword
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both" />

=== Zero no Tsukaima: Single Side Stories ===
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:SingleSideStory Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::* Wardrobe of the Past 

== Project Staff ==
=== Translators ===
*Project Manager: [[User:Teh Ping|Teh_Ping]]

'''ACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]]
::::*[[User:Purean|Purean]]
::::*[[User:Immorrel|Immorrel]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:JirinTheNobody|JirinTheNobody]]
::::*[[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::::*[[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:MasterMusician3|MasterMusician3]]
::::*[[User:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::::*[[User:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]]
::::*[[User:Momogan|Momogan]]
::::*[[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::::*[[User:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]]
::::*[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::::*[[User:Trewth|Trewth]]
::::*[[User:Xorius|Xorius]]
::::*[[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]]
::::*[[User:Chuta|Chuta]]
::::*[[User:Wildk|Wildk]]
::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::::*[[User:Christof|christof]]
::::*[[User:Claies|Claies]]
::::*[[User:Vertiful|Vertiful]]
::::*[[User:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
::::*[[User:Naturesbless|naturesbless]]
::::*[[User:Nidema|Nidema]]
::::*[[User:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::::*[[User:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::::*[[User:Bygghandel|Bygghandel]]
::::*[[User:Eatmepls-Senpai|Eatmepls-Senpai]]

'''INACTIVE'''

::::*[[User:Silimir|Silimir]]
::::*[[User:Superdaun|Superdaun]]
::::*[[User:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::::*[[User:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::::*[[User:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::::*[[User:Akirasav|Akira]]
::::*[[User:BakaSama|BakaSama]]
::::*[[User:Wolfpup|Wolfpup]](never know when i might be prowling around)
::::*[[User:Marven054|Marven054]]
::::*[[User:Zeth|Zeth]]
::::*[[User:Just4fun|Just4fun]]
::::*[[User:EastN3|EastN3]]
::::*[[User:Bicube|Bicube]]
::::*[[User:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::::*[[User:Rednal|Rednal]]
::::*[[User:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::::*[[User:The naming game|The naming game]]
::::*[[User:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
::::*[[User:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
::::*[[User:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::::*[[User:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::::*[[User:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::::*[[User:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==
*'''Main Series'''
* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' (June 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111058
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' (September 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111447
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' (December 25, 2004) ISBN 978-4840111966
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' (March 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112369
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' (July 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840112901
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' (November 25, 2005) ISBN 978-4840114493
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' (February 25, 2006)ISBN 978-4840115018
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' (June 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840115421
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' (September 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117074
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' (December 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117661
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' (May 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840118590
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' (August 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840119009
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' (December 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840121101
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' (May 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840123198
* Volume 15 - ''Labyrinth of Oblivion'' (September 25, 2008) ISBN 978-4840124188
* Volume 16 - ''The Tea Time of Des Ornières'' (February 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840126649
* Volume 17 - ''The Soeur of Dawn'' (June 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840128070
* Volume 18 - ''Spirit Stone of Destruction'' (January 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840131537
* Volume 19 - ''The Founder's Round Mirror'' (July 23, 2010) ISBN 978-4840134545
* Volume 20 - ''Holy Land from Ancient Times'' (February 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4840138215
* Volume 21 - ''The Truth of 6,000 Years'' (February 25, 2016) ISBN 978-4040681184
* Volume 22 - ''The Myth of Zero'' (February 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040690841
* Zero no Tsukaima Memorial Book (June 24, 2017) ISBN 978-4040692333
*'''Zero no Tsukaima Gaiden: Tabatha no Bōken'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2006) ISBN 978-4840117265
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (October 25, 2007) ISBN 978-4840120586
* Side Story Volume 3 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' (March 25, 2009) ISBN 978-4840127271
*'''Kaze no Kishihime'''
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (October 23, 2009) ISBN 978-4840130530
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain'' (March 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4840132466
*'''Others'''
* Wardrobe of the Past (August 27, 2010 - appendix bundled with Monthly Comic Alive's 2010-10 issue) ASIN B003ZB098O

[[Zero no Tsukaima:Series Overview|ISBN information]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[index.php?title=Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Noboru Yamaguchi]]

[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Action]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Genre - Romance]]

Kaze no Kishihime v1c3

2026-05-07T15:00:48Z

Ltrf:

'''Chapter 3 — Lord Jervul’s Residence'''

The next morning…

After waking up in her inn room, Karin recalled what happened the night before, and her face flushed bright red.

“Uwaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!”

She rolled around on the bed, letting out a completely unladylike groan that didn’t match her refined appearance at all.

She looked like a completely different person from the calm figure she had been the night before. Because she had sworn never to let anyone discover she was a girl, she always forced herself to stay composed in front of others.

But now, alone, it was different.

“…I lost.”

The words slipped out in a feminine tone.

Karin had never truly wanted to become a boy, so when she was by herself, she naturally returned to her normal way of speaking.

“To think I’d lose to someone like that!”

Even though it had been called her victory, anyone could see that she had lost that duel. The moment her leg was cut, the outcome had already been decided. If he had struck her body then, she wouldn’t be standing here now. Even the wound on her leg was nothing more than a shallow cut that wouldn’t even leave a scar.

Frustrating.

Not even being treated as a proper opponent, why did that feel so frustrating?

That gray-haired man… his name was Cendrillon, right?

That roundabout way of speaking. That mocking gaze. That attitude like he was looking down on her… and on top of that, he was a coward.

“…To lose to someone like that… I guess I’m still not good enough…”

Her confidence, which had been so firm until now, began to waver.

After all, up until now, as long as she used the “magic of courage” taught to her by that knight, she never lost, no matter the opponent.

But the world really was vast. In a city like this, people of that level must be everywhere.

The fact that he held back and spared her was proof that her training was still lacking.

And on top of that…

he said she was ''beautiful''.

Unforgivable.

To think about something like that in the middle of a duel, what kind of disgraceful knight was that?! Whether someone was beautiful or not, that kind of thing had nothing to do with it!

Karin grabbed the blanket, imagining it was that damn knight Cendrillon, and beat it repeatedly.

Only after venting her anger did she finally calm down and start thinking clearly.

Even if she had lost, her dream of becoming a knight would not waver.

Although she didn't manage to meet Lord Dragignian, the very person who was supposed to introduce her, it still felt too early to give up.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Karin finally decided to go directly to visit the captain of the Magic Knight Corps, Lord Jervul. She had no introduction, but at this point, her only option was to explain her situation honestly and ask for permission to join.

Returning to the countryside was out of the question, but she also had no intention of drifting aimlessly around the capital. In the end… she would just have to face the difficulty head-on.

After worrying over various things, preparing herself, and thinking through how to explain everything, it was already nearing evening. If she didn’t hurry, it would be dark soon. Karin quickly rushed out of her room.

When she asked the innkeeper for the address of Lord Jervul’s residence, his eyes widened.

“Oh! A noble as beautiful as you?”

Thinking he was mocking her as some “pretty little kid,” Karin shot him an irritated look. The innkeeper, sensing that, said nothing more and simply gave her the directions.

Apparently, it was on Midsummer Street nearby.

Following the route she received, she soon found Lord Jervul’s estate. As expected of the royal guard entrusted with protecting the king, it was a large and imposing mansion.

She knocked nervously on the door.

No response.

She waited for a while, but no one came. Just as she began to wonder what was going on, a nobleman approached from behind, casually opened the door, and walked inside.

“…?”

Was this the kind of place people could just enter freely?

It was hard to imagine in the countryside, but perhaps things worked differently in the capital. Karin did the same, she opened the door and stepped inside.

A narrow courtyard lit by torches came into view, leading to the entrance hall. She knocked again. Still no response. However, she could hear noise from inside.

So someone ''was'' there.

Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open.

What greeted her was chaos.

A large group of men who looked like knights were gathered together, drinking heavily in broad daylight and shouting loudly. Every single one of them looked rough and ill-mannered.

What is this…? Some kind of party?

Lavish nobles holding banquets for days wasn’t unusual, but what was with these people? Listening closely, they weren’t even talking about anything important.

It was all love talk. Stories about flirting with maids, making promises with noble girls…

Karin frowned deeply. She hated this kind of talk.

She was infatuated… falling in love… Those weren’t things a knight should concern themselves with. A knight should devote themselves to the king and country, earn glory, and become a hero.

What could possibly be more important than that?

The men turned sharp eyes toward her.

“Well well! What a high-quality catch! What’s this, little lady? Playing dress-up as a knight?”

“This is not a game. I have come to apply for entry into the Magic Knight Corps.”

Her outdated, overly formal tone made the nobles burst out laughing.

“It’s a boy! Now this is a ridiculous applicant!”

“Sending someone who looks like a girl! This corps really is finished!”

Karin felt anger rise in her chest. If this weren’t the captain’s residence, she would’ve drawn her wand already.

“These must be knights from other units invited here…” she thought.

“May I meet the captain?”

“The acting captain is upstairs.”

One man jerked his chin lazily as if to say “go ahead.”

Karin went up the stairs and knocked on the door at the end.

“Come in.”

A young woman’s voice.

Karin hesitated for a moment. A secretary…?

She opened the door. Inside sat a woman in her early twenties, leaning on a large desk, staring straight at her.

Karin froze.

The room itself radiated with severity—tapestries depicting battles, multiple military wands mounted on the wall, shelves filled with medals and decorated hats.

It was unmistakably the room of a seasoned warrior.

But…The one sitting there was a young woman.

She had long, straight black hair and deep blue eyes. Her face was undeniably beautiful, but the aura she gave off was sharp, like a blade.

“…Wait.”

Was ''this'' the acting captain?

“I heard Lord Jervul was an elderly warrior…”

The woman brushed back her hair and looked at Karin coldly.

“Who are you?”

Her tone was blunt, almost rough, completely at odds with her appearance.

Straightening her posture, Karin answered.

“My name is Karin du Maillart.”

The situation was unexpected, but at the very least, the woman was sitting in the captain’s seat. Proper etiquette had to be observed.

“What is your business?”

“I have come from my homeland to apply for entry into the honorable Magic Knight Corps.”

The young woman said nothing. She simply stared at Karin.

One minute… two minutes…

Time passed in silence. That gaze, like she was being evaluated, was deeply uncomfortable.

She’s going to say I’m ridiculous… probably.

Showing up unannounced, without any recommendation… Karin, already timid by nature, began to grow extremely uneasy. Just as she was thinking she might not last without writing “courage” on her palm, the woman smiled.

“Very well. I’ll allow you to join.”

Karin’s mouth fell open.

“…What?”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean ‘what is it’?! You don’t even know who I— I mean, what kind of person I am!”

“Because you have a good face,” the woman replied flatly.

“…Excuse me, is that really all?”

One surprise after another, Karin could only stare at her in disbelief.

“It’s not just about beauty. You can tell a lot about a person from their face—what they’re thinking, what kind of person they are. It’s more reliable than some half-baked paperwork. Or… are you someone suspicious?”

“I’m not, but…”

“My name is Vivian du Jerval. I am acting captain in place of my father, who has fallen ill.”

It all happened far too easily.

And besides, weren’t women not allowed to join? That was why Karin had gone to such lengths to disguise herself as a man.

“I heard that women are not allowed to enlist.”

“I am the ''acting'' captain, not a regular member.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but Karin had no authority to argue further. In any case, it seemed that women still weren’t permitted to join.

A bad feeling crept over her, and she spoke up.

“Lady Vivian, may I ask something?”

“Just call me Vivi.”

“That would be far too disrespectful! To address the acting captain so familiarly—”

“It’s fine.”

Vivian smiled. Karin had no choice but to comply.

“Th-then… Lady Vivi. I’m grateful, but… is it really alright to accept me so easily?”

“It’s nothing. We’re short on personnel right now. As long as there aren’t any major issues, we accept people.”

Short on personnel? What did that mean? The Magic Knight Corps was supposed to be the dream of every noble in the country.

“Of course, not just ''anyone'' can get in.”

…Really?

At this point, it felt like anyone who applied would be accepted. Otherwise, there was no way it would be this easy.

That uneasy feeling swelled inside Karin, threatening to overwhelm her.

Come to think of it…

“Um… the people on the first floor…”

“Our elite Magic Guards—the Griffin Squad.”

A bead of cold sweat ran down Karin’s forehead.

Something was clearly off. This Magic Knight Corps was nothing like what she had heard about.

B-but…

She recalled the noble figures of the Unicorn Squad, clad in pure white cloaks, and nodded to herself. Yes, there ''were'' units like that. And the Unicorn Squad still existed.

No matter what, she would find a way to join that distinguished unit.

Then, she could still become the knight she dreamed of.

“Now then, sign the enlistment form. According to regulations, you’ll start as a knight apprentice. Once you achieve notable merit, or after serving the required time, you can be formally recognized as a knight.”

Karin signed the document, filling in her date of birth, the name of the priest who witnessed her baptism, and the names of her father and grandfather. There was no field for gender.

She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Even though she had resolved to keep up the lie, putting it into writing still made her uneasy.

Then, as minimal proof of identity, she took out the letter of introduction she didn’t use.

Vivian glanced at it briefly and immediately put it away in a drawer. It seemed she had no interest in Karin’s background.

“Then report for duty starting tomorrow as a knight apprentice. You’re aware that there’s no pay during the training period, correct? Do you have enough money?”

“I still have about thirty gold coins left, the ones my father gave me.”

Karin answered honestly.

“In that case, even renting a room would be difficult.”

“Eh? Is that so? Back in the countryside…”

“I don’t know how things are in the countryside, but this is the capital of the kingdom Tristania. Even the most rundown room costs five gold coins a week.”

Karin’s face went pale.

Now that she thought about it, even the inn was quite expensive…

“Well, don’t worry. I’ll figure something out for your lodging and meals. Anything else?”

At that moment, Karin decided to voice her wish honestly.

“I’ve already received such generous treatment, so I hesitate to ask…”

“What is it?”

“I would like to be assigned to the Unicorn Squad.”

Vivian’s brow twitched slightly.

“The Unicorn Squad?”

“Yes.”

“That unit doesn’t exist in the Magic Knight Corps. We have the Manticore Squad, the Griffin Squad, and the Hippogriff Squad. That’s all, and each squad has a fixed number of members.”

Karin’s eyes widened.

“What do you mean? Just yesterday, I saw a unit of knights riding unicorns in the city.”

“A unit riding unicorns? Ah… that would be the personal guard of Duke Eustache.”

Duke Eustache.

The prime minister of the Tristain Kingdom, a man said to be a once-in-a-century political genius. Though still young, he was known to handle the affairs of the entire government.

Even Karin knew that much, so hearing that it was his personal guard came as a shock.

“The Duke’s personal guard?”

“That’s right. The one who assists His Majesty as prime minister, Duke Eustache. The unit assigned to protect him is the Unicorn Squad.”

So… that wasn’t the Magic Knight Corps at all? Then… didn’t everything already go wrong?

The Magic Knight Corps she had dreamed of was nothing like she imagined. And the knights she had admired with her own eyes… belonged to someone else entirely.

Sensing the subtle shift in Karin’s thoughts, Vivian smiled knowingly.

“You’re Karin, correct? I’m very grateful that a young and… beautiful noble like yourself has joined the Magic Knight Corps. As acting captain, I have high expectations for you.”

“Th-thank you very much.”

“Right now, the Corps is in a rather difficult situation… though that’s not something I should be telling you. In any case, do your best. That’s all.”

At this point, there was no way she could say something like ''“I quit.”''

It seemed that this Corps possessed nothing but the remnants of past glory. At this rate, it probably didn’t hold a very good reputation in His Majesty’s eyes either…

Could she really become a great knight by joining a unit like this?

Karin’s misfortune didn’t end there.

Vivian suddenly called out:

“Cendrillon!”

“…Huh? What did she just say?”

The door to the adjoining room opened, and a man stepped inside.

“You called for me?”

Karin couldn’t help but let out a small cry.

“Y-you—!”

Standing there was the silver-haired young man, the very same Cendrillon she dueled the night before.

The anger that had been simmering inside her suddenly boiled over.

“Y-you…!”

This guy… this guy who made a fool out of her was actually a member of the Magic Knight Corps?!

“You! Why are you here?!”

Cendrillon’s eyes widened in surprise as well.

Watching the two of them, Vivian spoke with amusement:

“Oh? So you know each other? Even better. Cendrillon, this is Karin, he just joined us as a knight apprentice.”

“What?”

Cendrillon looked at the agitated Karin, clearly confused.

“And I’d like you to look after him. It seems he doesn’t have a place to stay, so let him lodge at your house for the time being.”

“I refuse.”

Cendrillon rejected the idea immediately.

If someone like that violent brat started living in his house, there was no telling what might happen.

Keeping her smile, Vivian turned to Cendrillon.

“Why?”

“Please listen. This Karin… how should I put it… If I’m being polite, he’s not exactly well-mannered.”

“Sounds like he’ll fit right in with you.”

“He won’t. My body won’t survive it.”

Cendrillon said flatly.

Vivian’s voice turned cold.

“This is an order.”

“That is the one thing I cannot obey.”

“Then I’ll dock your pay for insubordination. Normally, it would be a death sentence.”

It was like a spell.

Cendrillon’s shoulders slumped.

“…Understood. I will comply.”

“Good. Disobeying orders isn’t something a knight like you should be doing,” Vivian said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Karin panicked.

“I’ll find a way to rent a room! So please, anything but staying with this guy. No, at his place—”

“Rent a room? Didn’t I just say that’s impossible?”

“Then I’ll sleep in the stables!”

''There’s no way I can live with a man! My identity will be exposed! And of all people, it has to be this Cendrillon?!''

Vivian frowned slightly.

“I can’t have a noble sleeping in a stable. And this residence is already full.”

Karin cried out:

“Then please revoke my enlistment! I’ll gather money somehow and apply again later!”

“You do realize, you’ve already become a member of His Majesty’s guard. If you wish to leave, you’ll need His Majesty’s permission. If you leave by any other means…”

“…What happens?”

“You’ll be considered a deserter. Under normal circumstances, desertion is punishable by death. It would be such a shame for a promising young noble like yourself to be executed… but the law must be upheld.”

That was it.

Karin felt her last hope vanish. This Vivian… she was dangerous.

“Now then, Cendrillon. Why are you refusing?”

“Because I prefer living alone.”

“I know.” Vivian smiled.

“That’s precisely why I’m assigning this to you.”

Both Cendrillon and Karin slumped in defeat.

Vivian waved her hand dismissively.

“That’s all. Karin, ask Cendrillon for the details. You may go.”

Cendrillon’s home was on Chekton Street, near Lord Jervul’s estate. The entire walk back, he remained silent.

Only occasionally scratching his head in irritation.

Karin, on the other hand, was restless the whole way.

''I have to live alone.'' That’s non-negotiable.

If she were to live with someone, her identity as a woman would inevitably be exposed.

And of all people… it had to be ''him''.

The bitterness of last night’s defeat lingered in her mouth.

''I actually lost to a guy like that…''

“This is it.”

Cendrillon pointed at a building with a grocery shop on the first floor. Karin finally raised her head.

“Your place is a food shop?” She glanced at the goods on display.

Cendrillon shook his head.

“Of course not. I rent a room upstairs.”

It seemed the third floor of the building was where Sandurion was renting his room. Just as they started up the stairs, he muttered:

“Seriously… what a joke. Why do I have to take care of a violent maniac like you?”

Karin immediately snapped back.

“Who are you calling a maniac?”

“You, of course! You, with that drunken-looking pink hair!”

He pointed at her with his finger as he spoke, and Karin shook her head.

“I am not violent. If you want to say that, then what are you supposed to be? Holding back in a duel, who do you think you are? Th-that, that kind of attitude, treating people like fools… that is what makes me the most angry!”

“How could I possibly go all out against a child?”

Cendrillon said this with a troubled expression, and Karin immediately drew her wand.

“Y-you dare say that! Then this time I will definitely settle things with you! Last night I was simply careless! If I fight seriously, someone like you—”

Just as they were arguing, the shop owner, who had been weighing beans, spoke up. He was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes.

“Well now, young master, is this a guest?”

“…He will be staying at my place.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The shop owner looked Karin up and down, then let out a sound of admiration.

“My, how beautiful! Even Lord Narcis would pale in comparison! What a waste that you are a man!”

Ugh…

Really, why does everyone have to praise my appearance like that? Being complimented for that does not make me happy at all.

I just want to be acknowledged as a knight as soon as possible. If that happens, this man, Cendrillon, will not keep treating me like a fool.

It seemed that Cendrillon had rented out the entire third floor. That said, there were not many rooms, just a living room and a bedroom, nothing more.

After entering the room, Cendrillon dropped himself into a chair. Karin looked around, but there were no other chairs.

As she stood there awkwardly, Cendrillon said with exasperation:

“You… do you not even know how to say ‘I will be in your care’?”

“I am not staying here because I want to. It is because of an order, so I have no choice but to comply.”

Karin replied in a trembling, angry voice. Though timid by nature, she was also quite competitive. She could not stand being looked down on by this man, there was no way she would bow her head to him.

Then Cendrillon spoke in a cold tone.

“Hey, kid. That is enough.”

“What! You dare call me a kid!”

“You are a kid, so I call you a kid. I do not know what backwater you came from, but did your parents not teach you even the slightest bit of manners? In a situation like this, no matter how much you dislike the other person, you are supposed to lower your head politely. Otherwise, you will never become a knight, nor even a proper adult.”

Ugh… Karin had no response. What Cendrillon said was completely correct. Reluctantly, she lowered her head.

“P-please take care of me, Lord Cendrillon.”

“You mean, ‘I will be in your care.’”

“I—I will be in your care.”

There was not the slightest trace of gratitude in her expression.

Cendrillon sighed and shook his head.

“Honestly, joining the Magic Guard at a time like this… You look like some sheltered young noble. Why would you even come to a unit like ours?”

“…Is it wrong to want to become a knight?”

“You must have read some hero stories, found them lacking, and decided you wanted to become one yourself, right?”

Mm… not entirely wrong. Karin’s face flushed red.

“Listen. I am not trying to harm you. Go back to the countryside tomorrow.”

Cendrillon waved his hand dismissively.

“What did you say?”

“I said, if you value your life, go back.”

He took a bottle of red wine from the shelf and poured himself a glass.

“Would that not count as desertion?”

“That is just meant to scare you. If a mere trainee runs away, no one will care. Honestly, Lady Vivi is causing trouble again, what is she thinking? Letting someone like you join… What is the point? Listen carefully, if you value your life, go back.”

Karin clenched her fists.

“Do not joke with me.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, do not joke with me. If I can become a knight, then I do not care what happens to my life. ”

Cendrillon shook his head. He had seen too many young nobles say things like that, only to die on the battlefield. Spirit was important, but…

“You saw it yourself, didn’t you? The state of the Magic Guard. I am not trying to frighten you.”

Right.

Why did the once-glorious Magic Guard end up like this, like some den of vagrants?

“It was not like this half a year ago. They were not exactly paragons of virtue, but there was still a group of reasonably decent people. But…”

Karin swallowed hard.

What Cendrillon was describing was something genuinely frightening.

“It all began when the commander, Lord Jervul, fell ill. After that, one by one, the captains of each squad started to die. There were all kinds of causes, some lost in duels, some were attacked by bandits while traveling, others were struck down by shadowy assassins who appeared out of nowhere…”

A bead of sweat slid down Karin’s forehead.

“From that point on, rumors began to spread, that the Magic Guard was cursed, that it was abandoned by the gods. And as if to prove those rumors true, misfortune started befalling the members as well—falling from horses, injuries during training. That much would be one thing, but there were even deaths. Some were attacked in the dead of night by unknown murders, others were killed in their sleep by thieves… the causes varied. In the end, those who had ability—or at least some sense—could not endure it any longer and left, one after another. And what remains is what you see now. There are not even a third of the original number left. At this rate, the unit will be disbanded, so they have reached a point where they accept anyone who volunteers. I am hardly in a position to criticize, but there really are a lot of strange people now. The reason you were able to join so easily is precisely because of that.”

“…………”

Seeing Karin fall silent, Cendrillon smiled.

“I am serious. Things have calmed down a bit recently, but those who left are not coming back. That is how it is.”

Karin felt as though she could not bear the fear.

What did that mean… would she be cursed too? Her face turned pale, and her legs began to tremble.

“What is it? Are you scared?”

“I am not. I am simply steadying myself.”

Karin quickly turned her back to him, traced the characters for “courage” on her left palm with her index finger, and licked it.

Then her mind settled… and courage welled up from withinю She already decided, on that day, to become a knight.

To become the greatest knight in the kingdom.

When she turned back again, she was no longer trembling. A bold smile appeared on her face.

“How interesting. So this is the adversity granted by the gods. Perhaps even this situation is part of it.”

Seeing Karin look around the room as she said that, Cendrillon shook his head.

“…Honestly. Courage and recklessness are not the same thing. Well, there is no point saying that to someone as young as you. You would not listen anyway.”

“And what about you, then?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Why are you still in the unit?”

“Because I have nowhere else to go.”

Cendrillon leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, and laughed.

“In any case, I will not give up. I absolutely will not.”

“I see. Then I will not try to stop you anymore. Do as you like.”

Saying that, Cendrillon stood up.

“What is it?”

“I am going to sleep.”

Just like that, ignoring her presence, he moved toward the bedroom. Karin hurriedly spoke up.

“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Listen. Let me make one thing clear, I am not your father, and I am not your brother. I am only letting you stay here because of Lady Vivi’s request. Where you sleep is something you can figure out yourself.”

As he said that, Cendrillon began taking off his clothes. His bare chest came into view, and Karin immediately panicked.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“I am going to sleep, so I am taking off my clothes.”

With a look that said ''what are you talking about?'', Cendrillon continued undressing. He looked slender, but his body was well-built.

“D-don’t undress in front of other people, you idiot!”

Karin’s face flushed bright red as she turned away. Cendrillon looked at her, puzzled.

“Aren’t we both men? What are you talking about?”

“Th-that may be true, but…”

At that moment, Karin suddenly realized something. If she was going to live here with Cendrillon, then that meant…

There was a real possibility that her body could be seen.

How could this be? This was a serious problem.

Karin, who had never once imagined being seen by a man, could not contain her emotions. Her face burned red.

The problem did not end there. The unease from earlier rose up in her mind once again.

If the fact that she was a woman were exposed… even if the Magic Guard was short on manpower, she would probably be expelled. No, she might even be thrown into prison. She already prepared herself for that possibility, but if it could be avoided, she wanted to avoid it.

Fortunately, her body was very slender, lacking the softness typical of women. As for her chest, honestly, it could be called flat. That was precisely why she had been able to pass as a boy like this, but…

''If we live together in such a cramped room, it will definitely be exposed.''

As Karin was worrying about this, Cendrillon continued taking off his clothes one by one.

Naked.

Na—ked!

“Do not take them off! Do not do it here! Go outside if you are going to undress!”

Panicking, Karin lunged at Cendrillon.

“H-hey! What are you doing!”

“I am begging you, do not undress in front of me!”

At that moment, Karin noticed it. Around Cendrillon’s abdomen, there were bandages, faintly stained with red, it was a fairly serious wound.

“Th-this… could it be from my magic yesterday?”

Although she unleashed her magic in anger after the duel, she had not intended to injure him this badly, and so she asked anxiously.

“Of course not. This is a wound I already had.”

At that, Karin realized. This man… he was not only holding back, he was fighting while injured! And even under those conditions, he demonstrated that level of skill with Blade. Contrary to his flippant attitude, he was actually a frighteningly capable fighter.

But at the same time, a surge of anger rose within her.

“So I lost to someone who was injured! It was not just that you held back! How can this be!”

The wind around her began to stir.

Not wanting a repeat of last night, Cendrillon quickly said,

“Hey, stop that! I already said that counts as your win. That should be enough, right?”

“Not at all! How long do you intend to make a fool of me!”

Without thinking, she lunged at him, ending up clinging tightly to his bare body, and Karin flushed bright red.

“D-do not come any closer! Let go of me, you idiot!”

“You are the one who jumped at me! Enough already! I am injured, you know!”

Karin lowered her head silently. Seeing that, Cendrillon looked at her in surprise.

“Wait… are you that type? A man who likes men…”

“N-no, it is not like that! It is just… I am not used to seeing other people’s bodies, or having mine seen…”

Mumbling excuses, Karin made Cendrillon stare at her in exasperation.

“You… and you still want to join the knights? If war breaks out, what do you plan to do?”

Having finished undressing, Cendrillon tossed his clothes onto a chair and took a set of sleepwear from the wardrobe.

Then he went into the bedroom and brought out a blanket.

“Here, use this. As for where you sleep, on the floor or on a chair, that is up to you. Though if you want my advice, go downstairs and grab some straw from the stable.”

With that, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom.

Karin stared at the worn-out blanket for a moment, then obediently went down to the stable and brought back a bundle of straw piled there.

The strong animal smell made her uncomfortable, but she had no choice but to spread it out in a corner of the living room. Then… after taking a deep breath, she took out her sleepwear from her luggage and groaned, clutching her head.

It was a frilly women’s nightgown, extravagantly decorated with ruffles. If she were seen wearing something like that, Cendrillon might faint on the spot.

“I might actually be an idiot…”

When preparing her things, she didn’t think about sleepwear at all. She had never intended to show it to anyone, so in that sense, it could not be helped…

In any case, there was no way she could sleep in that. But sleeping in her only set of knight’s clothes was also troublesome. If she did that, they would get wrinkled, and if she ever met someone of high standing in that state, it would leave a bad impression.

After thinking it over, Karin decided she would just sleep in her undershirt for now.

While telling herself that she would buy proper sleepwear first thing tomorrow, she carefully began to undress. Boots, jacket, then trousers… just as she was down to her undershirt, the bedroom door opened.

“Hey, Karin, before going to sleep you need to put out the candle on the table—whoa!”

Water from a pitcher splashed over him, and Cendrillon let out a shout.

“What are you doing!”

“D-do not come in when I am changing, you idiot!”

Karin quickly covered her body with both hands and let out a shout.

“What a strange person…”

Muttering that in exasperation, Cendrillon returned to the bedroom. Karin wrapped herself tightly in the blanket and collapsed onto the bundle of straw.

Then she closed her eyes.

She had finally joined the Magic Guard she had long admired… and yet, the road ahead already seemed difficult.

The Magic Guard itself appeared to have fallen into disarray, and she could not even live on her own.

In any case, no matter what, she had to find a way to become a full-fledged knight, Karin made that resolve firmly.

If she did, she would receive a salary, and she would be able to rent a room. Until then, she absolutely had to keep the fact that she was a woman hidden.

And then… what was with that man? The one she was forced to rely on—Cendrillon! There should be a limit to how much someone could mock another person!

Karin’s competitive nature made it impossible for her to accept being held back against. No matter how much she tried to forget it, she could not.

“One day, I will definitely defeat him.”

Completely…

Whispering that, her small body, already exhausted, was soon overtaken by deep sleep.

And so, just like that, the strange cohabitation between Karin, the cross-dressing knight trainee, and Cendrillon, the knight who disliked women, began.

Kaze no Kishihime v1c4

2026-05-07T15:00:01Z

Ltrf:

'''Chapter 4 — Dormitory'''

The next morning…

When Karin opened her eyes, Cendrillon was already awake and eating breakfast.

“Mm… good morning.”

She said this as she started to get up, then suddenly remembered she was only wearing a thin undershirt. She quickly hugged the blanket to herself, letting out a muffled groan.

At that, Cendrillon merely glanced at her.

“Hey, listen.”

“What?”

“I want to change. Could you step outside for a moment?”

Cendrillon stood up. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to leave the room, but he did not. Instead, he walked step by step toward Karin and suddenly grabbed the blanket, trying to pull it away.
[[File:ZNTso1 115.jpg|thumb]]
“What! What are you doing! Stop!”

Karin desperately clung to the blanket. Beneath it, she had nothing on but her undershirtno matter how flat her chest might be, if he saw her like that, her identity as a woman would be exposed.

Cendrillon folded his arms and looked down at her.

“How long do you plan on sleeping? What kind of subordinate wakes up later than their superior? I was lenient with you yesterday, but starting today, I will be strict. After all, you are still just a trainee.”

As he said that, he yanked the blanket away.

“Ugh!”

In that instant, Karin became as fast as a gust of wind.

The moment the blanket was pulled away, she snatched up the wand lying beside her and cast a wind spell.

“Whoa!”

The blanket wrapped itself around Cendrillon’s face. In a flash, Karin grabbed her folded clothes, dashed into the bedroom, and slammed the door shut.

Then, in barely five seconds, she changed. The buttons were not even fully fastened yet…

“Hey! What do you think you are doing!”

When Cendrillon opened the bedroom door, Karin had her back to him, frantically fastening her buttons. Once she finished, she turned around.

Her beautiful face was filled with anger.

But Cendrillon remained completely at ease in the face of it.

“I told you already, did I not? I do not like people seeing my body!”

“Oh, you did say that. But so what?”

“What do you mean, ‘so what’?”

She was a young girl, being seen like that was as embarrassing as death itself. But she could not say that out loud, and the frustration building inside Karin became unbearable.

“Th-then name your conditions!”

“My conditions?”

“Yes. From now on, when I am changing, you must absolutely not enter the room. In exchange, I will do anything.”

“Are you serious?”

Cendrillon looked exasperated for a moment, then immediately smiled.

“In that case, I will leave all the housework to you.”

“Housework?”

“Yes. Laundry, cleaning… and shopping as well.”

She had never done housework before, but there was no other choice.

“…All right.” Karin nodded.

When they arrived at Lord Jervul’s residence, it was already crowded early in the morning. Just like yesterday, a rough-looking group gathered, loudly chattering about trivial nonsense.

As Cendrillon and Karin entered the mansion, two familiar faces emerged from the crowd—Bacchus and Narcis.

“Hey, Cendrillon, I heard you are in charge of a trainee.”

As Bacchus said that, he noticed Karin behind him and widened his eyes.

“What? You are the trainee knight?”

“That is right.”

Karin crossed her arms and nodded.

Narcis also widened his eyes.

“H-hey… Cendrillon, are you serious? This one? You are not joking, are you?”

“…No. I wish it were a joke too, but it is not.”

“Speaking of which, brat. You sure ‘took care’ of me the other night.”

Bacchus stepped forward. Karin felt a bit intimidated, but she quickly licked her left hand and then spoke boldly.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Thinking back, she did lose to Cendrillon, but not to this man. Besides, wasn’t he blown away beautifully by her wind magic the other night?

If this was her opponent, he was nothing.

Karin fixed Bacchus with an extremely cold stare. Being looked at like that by someone as overwhelmingly beautiful as her created a strange, irresistible pressure.

A bead of sweat ran down Bacchus’s forehead.

“Th-this is strange… really strange… why do I feel like this… I…”

Clutching his chest in distress, Bacchus suddenly dropped to his knees before Karin.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

This man, Bacchus, was someone with the rather troublesome ambition of wanting to become “a knight who serves a beautiful princess.” Cendrillon muttered dryly:

“Bacchus, this one is a boy.”

“Ah!” Bacchus snapped back to his senses and immediately stood up.

“That is right… hm. I do not know why I reacted like that… my training is still insufficient.”

“Rather than training, it is more like your brain capacity is insufficient, is it not?”

Karin said coldly, and Bacchus flushed red.

“Hey! You! Think about it, I am your superior! What’s with that attitude!”

Though Bacchus shouted angrily, Karin did not change her expression at all. She already completely dismissed him.

She stared at him in silence. Her gaze was utterly cold, more like she was looking at a stray dog by the roadside, completely devoid of emotion. A strange silence filled the air. Before long, Bacchus seemed unable to endure it any longer, took a deep breath—

“Haahhh—!”, and once again dropped to his knees.

“Please allow me to serve you!”

“I told you, he is a boy.”

Cendrillon said with a troubled voice.

“Ah! What is happening… my body just moves on its own…”

“You are my friend, but sometimes I genuinely think it would be better if you were dead.”

Then Narcis shook his head in a somewhat alluring manner.

“I see… so now that you have joined, that means the Magic Guard now possesses the two most beautiful people in the history of Tristain. Of course, I am first, and you are second.”

“I do not care about rankings.”

“Anyway! That makes you one of us now! From here on out, let us get along! Boy!”

Laughing heartily, Bacchus threw an arm around Karin’s shoulders, as if he had completely forgotten being blown away by wind magic the other night.

“Your attitude changes quickly for someone after just one day…”

“Well, strong people are popular! They are reliable in battle and duels! Your wind magic was incredible! I was shocked!”

I see… he is a simple, good-natured person, though quite foolish, Karin thought, slightly revising her opinion of Bacchus.

“What a waste that you are a man! If you were a woman, I would immediately serve you! The heavens truly are cruel, to create such irony!”

As he said that, he looked at her with an oddly heated gaze. Being stared at like that by a dull-witted giant filled Karin with intense discomfort, and a faint killing intent stirred within her.

Then Narcis spoke again.

“Second place.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beauty.”

“I told you, I do not care about rankings.”

Hearing that, Narcis shook his head in frustration.

He, too, seemed rather simple at heart.

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. At some point, he moved away and was casually chatting with other members at a slight distance. That effortless composure irritated her for some reason.

He held back.

Just that alone was enough for Karin to be unable to forgive anything about him.

But… looking around, the hall of the mansion was packed with members. They said the numbers were decreasing, so why were there so many people here? As the royal guard, should they not normally be working in the city or out on assignments?

“There sure are a lot of people.”

As she muttered that, Bacchus laughed.

“Well, we have nothing to do, so we just kill time here.”

“Aren’t there various duties? Like guarding His Majesty…”

“Because of the reduced numbers, even the guard duties have been dismissed,” Narcis said with a sigh.

“What did you say?”

They were supposed to be the royal guard, yet it was as if they were told, “You are no longer needed to protect the king.” Was that really acceptable? In other words, the members who should have been stationed at the palace gathered here because they had no work to do.

“No wonder it is so crowded,” Karin muttered to herself.

“Then… who is in charge of guarding His Majesty?”

At that, Narcis and Bacchus both grew serious.

“…The Duke of Eustache’s personal guard.”

I see, the pure white Unicorn Corps is the one protecting the king… that certainly is a formation worthy of guarding His Majesty.

…I still want to join them.

She was lost in thought when—

“What is that look? Like you would rather be over there,” Bacchus teased.

“N-no, that is not the case,” she said, a bit flustered.

“Ah, those people are all just for show,” Narcis said as if he knew everything.

“You are talking about yourselves, are you not?”

“Anyway, that is why we just spend all day killing time. Ahh, is there nothing fun to do?”

“We really are bored.”

Karin muttered gloomily.

But only the official knights could afford to idle around. For Karin, who was merely a trainee, there were all sorts of chores waiting for her. First of all, she had to go to the stables behind the mansion to take care of the mounted beasts tied there.

The members of the Magic Guard each had their own mounts—manticores, hippogriffs, and griffins… If they were personal familiars, it would not be so troublesome, but ordinary riding beasts were a complete nightmare.

No matter how one looked at it, they were unruly, and up close, every single one had a ferocious appearance that made them frightening. When she brought them chunks of food, they would roar loudly and nearly bite Karin along with it.

After feeding them came the cleaning. Whether they wanted to play or something else, whenever Karin approached, the beasts would lick her, claw at her, and even try to bite her, leaving her completely disheveled.

In any case, taking care of these creatures was extremely troublesome. Karin hasn’t yet summoned her own familiar, but if she ever ended up with something like this, it would be a disaster. Just the cost of meat alone would be enormous. No wonder trainees were not given a salary, Karin thought.

After taking care of the beasts, next came cleaning the mansion.

Since she had been working alone the entire time, she asked Acting Captain Vivian whether there were no other trainees, and the answer was yes.

Apparently, it was because most could not endure the harsh life of a trainee and quickly quit. On top of that, the current state of the Magic Guard was very deplorable, as she saw.

It seemed she joined at quite a disastrous time.

And then, by evening…

Karin returned to Cendrillon’s room, completely exhausted, but more work was waiting for her.

She had all the housework to herself.

Since it was in exchange for the condition that he would leave the room when she changed, there was nothing she could do. But once she actually started doing it, she began to regret it. This deal really did not seem to worth it…

Since he lived here alone, the living room was not too bad, but the bedroom was terrible. First of all, between the bed and the wall there was a pile of unwashed clothes, like a small mountain.

She did not even want to touch them, but she had no choice but to endure it and carry them to the shared water area behind the building. However, she had never done laundry before and had no idea how to do it. Even poor nobles usually hired a few servants.

For now, she filled a bucket with water, threw the clothes in, let them soak, then took them out and wrung them dry. She was not entirely sure, but it should be something like that.

As she continued this process, she suddenly came across something outrageous, and her eyes shot wide open. Wrapping it in a towel, she rushed back into the room and shoved it at Cendrillon, who was sitting in a chair reading.

“Hey! You! What is this!”

Cendrillon glanced at it.

“Oh, it is just underwear,” he said casually.

“Do not make me wash something like this!”

Karin threw the undergarment at him. Cendrillon peeled it off his face and replied in an annoyed tone.

“It is laundry. Of course there is going to be underwear.”

“How am I supposed to wash that! I do not even want to touch it!”

“I accepted your condition. If you are a noble, then you should honor your word.”

At that, Karin had nothing she could say. Dejected, she took it back. However, there was no way she could wash something like that with her hands.

After casting a wind spell, she threw it into the water. That way, the clothes could be agitated and washed as they were spun around.

As she watched the clothes turning, her irritation gradually began to rise.

Why do I—Karin Désirée de Maillart—have to wash that man’s underwear…!

“He held back… He ''held back''!”

“He—he ''insulted'' a sacred duel!”

“He trampled—trampled my pride into the ground, completely!”

“What the hell! Acting all superior! You are only four years older than me!”

Even as she shouted, her agitation did not settle, if anything, it only grew stronger. Karin’s frustration turned into pressure, whipping up into a gust of wind, until even the water in the bucket churned like a storm.

“Wah!”

She hurriedly weakened the spell, but it was already too late.

A shirt was torn apart.

“The shirt tore… but it is not my fault. It was already worn out.”

She reported it awkwardly, and Cendrillon’s expression immediately changed.

“Which shirt?”

Faced with that intensity, Karin instinctively shrank back. There was a faint sharpness hidden in those usually drowsy-looking eyes.

“…This one.”

When she reluctantly held up the torn shirt, Cendrillon seemed to relax.

“I see. Be more careful.”

He stood up, walked over to the wardrobe, checked inside, and took out a shirt. It was just a plain white one, nothing special, but he looked at it with clear care.

At that moment…

There was something warm in his distant, unfocused gaze. Karin could not help widening her eyes.

“…………”

After staring at the shirt for a while, he quietly put it back.

“The shirts in here do not need washing. I do not wear them anyway.”

“G-got it.”

Cendrillon sat back down and resumed reading. With nothing to do, Karin dropped onto the bundle of straw and watched him.

Where exactly was that strength hidden in this absent-minded man?

Cendrillon seemed to be quite the reader. In the living room stood three large bookshelves, all packed with difficult-looking books.

On the wall opposite the shelves was a fireplace, and above it was a wand on display. Just from its design, one could tell it was both old and expensive.

Sitting beneath it and reading, Cendrillon looked like a scholar. But the moment he picked up a wand, he became a first-rate fighter. Karin had personally realized that during their duel. Back in the countryside, there was no one that skilled.

He really was the ideal noble, refined in both intellect and martial ability…

That was the impression he gave off in silence.

And yet, he lived in this creaking, run-down place.

Just who was this man?

Karin found herself wondering.

About a week later, Karin had gradually grown used to living with Cendrillon, and had also managed to gather some of the things she needed.

First was sleepwear.

To save money, she hesitantly borrowed one of Cendrillon’s undershirts. Compared to her, it was far too large, hanging off her like a nightgown. She hated the idea of wearing that man’s clothes, but there was no alternative.

Next was a chair.

This one she brought from Lord Jervul’s residence, something that was already discarded. It was a small folding chair, probably meant for outdoor use, perhaps even for the battlefield. But for someone as small as Karin, it was more than enough.

And little by little, she began to understand what kind of person Cendrillon was.

Basically, he had no interest in other people. As long as Karin quietly did the housework, he would not say anything unnecessary, and as promised, he always left the room when she was changing.

Karin was grateful for that indifferent attitude. It was best that he did not pry into her affairs.

However, there were still three things that dissatisfied her.

The first was the food.

Karin was still growing, and if possible, she wanted to eat something better. But in this house, the meals consisted of nothing but hard bread and bean soup, day after day. At first, she wondered if it was some kind of bullying or mistreatment, but Cendrillon ate the same thing.

She had once asked him why.

The answer was simple.

“I do not have money.”

I see. There was nothing of value anywhere in this room.

Well, I guess I'll just have to accept it.

And the second thing was alcohol.

Cendrillon spent most of his time reading, but as he did, his hand would absentmindedly reach for the glass on the table.

Then he would bring it to his lips and drink.

While reading, he repeated that motion over and over again.

It was not wine, but a rather strong liquor. It seemed to be distilled from the leaves of some Yomongi tree, with a distinctive scent and color.

In any case, Cendrillon drank that strong liquor as if it was water. Bottles of the same brand were piled up on the shelf like a small mountain, and several empty ones were scattered in the corner.

When she saw him at the tavern before, he was drinking in the same way.

It was not the way someone drank for enjoyment. The more he drank, the more he fell silent, as if the world had already ended, pressing his thumb against his forehead with a troubled look.

Karin always thought drunkards were supposed to be loud and cheerful, so the way Cendrillon drank felt strangely unfamiliar to her.

As she stared at him, Cendrillon noticed her gaze and looked up.

“What?”

“Even if you do not have money for food, you still have money for alcohol?”

“Yes. Because this is a necessity.”

Is that not backwards? she thought, but he probably understood that himself. In simple terms, he just could not live without alcohol.

“You drink a lot.”

“Yes.”

Cendrillon answered plainly.

“You must like it.”

“Not really.”

It did not sound like something he enjoyed.

And then… before long, he would prop his elbow on the table and doze off. If he fell asleep in the living room, it would be troublesome, so Karin would help him up and carry him to the bedroom.

Every time she did that, she would think, ''why did I lose to someone like this?'' and feel deeply frustrated.

And finally, the last thing she disliked… was his attitude.

Cendrillon showed no interest in Karin at all. At first, he would scold her now and then, but at some point—perhaps he had given up—he stopped saying anything altogether.

It seemed he saw her as just a child and could not be bothered dealing with her. Karin could not forgive that attitude no matter what, and it always left her irritated.

Her worry about being exposed as a woman had lessened, so there should have been no reason to complain, but it still angered her. Even a drunk like him treated her like a child. Karin was filled with a humiliating sense of frustration.

And then, one day…

As usual, after laying the passed-out Cendrillon on the bed, Karin suddenly felt her hand being gently grasped.

“What—!”

Her heart jumped for a moment. It was the kind of grip one might use to hold a lover’s hand. And besides, it was the first time she had ever had her hand held by a man, her heart nearly leapt out of her throat.

But it seemed he was only half-asleep from the alcohol, and his grip quickly loosened. This guy… Karin trembled with anger.

What did he think he was doing, grabbing a girl’s hand like that!

She felt the urge to hit him, but since he usually did not pry into her affairs, she wanted to avoid being asked, “Why are you getting angry over something like this?”

Then she would just go back to the living room

“…Na.”

Cendrillon seemed to murmur something, then began snoring.

“…………”

I must have imagined it…

For a moment, it had sounded like he called her by her real name.

That could not be possible. There was no way Cendrillon could know it. In front of him, the name “Karina” was never once spoken.

Karin looked at his sleeping face. Sharp yet delicate features… he looked older, but he was only nineteen.

Why did he drink so much?

The question crossed her mind.

Was there some reason? Did it have something to do with that weary, world-worn air about him?

…No point thinking about it. It did not matter.

Karin crawled into her straw bed.

So this is what the knight’s life I dreamed of is like…

A faint sadness settled in her chest.

It was expected, but no one was kind to her. Everyone was strict, always pushing troublesome work onto her, and every day was filled with chores. There was no time at all for training.

It looks like days like this will go on forever… without even a single day to rest…

Images of her warm home in the countryside rose in her mind, her kind parents, her cheerful siblings… She almost started to cry, and Karin pinched her cheeks hard with her fingers.

She must not cry.

She left home with the resolve to become a knight. When she imagined herself in shining armor, riding a magnificent beast, for some reason the image that came to mind was the Unicorn Corps she saw before. If she was going to join anywhere, it had to be there… she could not help thinking that.

…Ah, I really need to earn some merit soon.

Or make a name for myself in a duel!

Once she became a knight, Cendrillon would surely stop treating her like a child. And when that happened, she would defeat him with everything she had. Imagining the look of frustration on his face, Karin let out a small, private laugh.

But…

Each day passed in the same dull routine.

No chances to earn merit, no events to make a name for herself—nothing happened at all.

Was she really going to remain stuck here like this…?

A sense of sadness crept over her.

However, that opportunity came sooner than she expected.

Kaze no Kishihime v1c5

2026-05-07T14:59:25Z

Ltrf:

'''Chapter 5 — Four vs Four Duel'''

As usual, after finishing her work at Lord Jervul’s residence, Karin was resting in the hall when Bacchus and Narcis showed up, both looking unusually pleased. Their faces practically radiated happiness.

“You two look like you are in a good mood.”

“Of course we are! Today is the payday!”

The full knights received a stipend from the palace according to their rank. It was divided into twelve parts and paid out once a month on a fixed day. And today was that day.

“So we are heading out for a drink now. Want to come along? Cendrillon is coming too.”

At that moment, Cendrillon walked over.

“This one is not coming.”

He shut it down immediately, and Karin clenched her fists.

“Why not?” Bacchus asked in surprise.

“It is too early for drinking,” Cendrillon said flatly.

“I was already drinking a bottle a day when I was nine.”

“If he does not take a break now and then, he will collapse.”

With Bacchus and Narcis both speaking up for her, Karin straightened her posture as if to back them up.

Cendrillon glanced at her and muttered, “I suppose it cannot be helped.”

That one line filled Karin with joy, finally, she would get to eat something decent!

For the past week, all she had eaten was hard bread and bean soup, with a bit of dried meat, raw vegetables, and apples. That was it. It was not as if Cendrillon treated himself any differently, he simply had no interest in anything but alcohol, so his meals never changed.

Back in the countryside, at least the food was normal. Living like this was exhausting.

At last, something proper to eat! Just thinking about it made her smile.

The place the four of them went to was the same tavern Karin visited before, the “Breeze” tavern, which had once been Lord Dragignon’s residence.

Bacchus seemed particularly fond of the place, going on and on about the food.

“The mussels here are incredible. They say they are shipped from the northeastern sea using ice magic. Steamed in red wine, it’s so good your tongue melts.”

They were led to a table, and the dish was brought out right away.

“Here, Karin, try some.”

Bacchus urged her on.

She took a bite, and was stunned. He was right, it was so good it felt like her tongue would melt. The garlic and the taste of the sea blended perfectly, it was truly a fine dish.

“This is amazing!” she blurted out, and Narcis smiled.

“So Cendrillon has not been feeding you properly, has he?”

“That man only cares about alcohol. What a strange person.”

Karin glanced at Cendrillon. He did not touch the food at all and continued drinking silently. Even with something this good right in front of him… she could not help feeling exasperated.

Bacchus downed his wine in one gulp and laughed heartily.

“And on top of that, he hates women! The two greatest pleasures in life—women and good food—and he enjoys neither. Honestly, it is unbelievable!”

Even when he was told that, Cendrillon showed no reaction.

As the alcohol went down, the atmosphere gradually grew livelier.

Bacchus burst into loud laughter and began bragging about his exploits—stories of duels he had won, nobles he had defeated, things like that. Some of the names he mentioned were well-known, which surprised Karin.

Narcis was not about to lose either. His stories were all about romance—being pursued by some noble lady, spending the night with some young noblewoman… the kind of talk that made one dizzy just listening.

After they finished, they turned to Cendrillon for his opinion, and he would always reply the same way:

“Impressive. That is quite something.”

That alone was enough to please them, and they only grew more enthusiastic.

Karin leaned closer to Cendrillon and asked quietly,

“Are those stories true?”

Cendrillon answered in a low voice:

“They are, more or less. Just replace ‘marquises and counts’ with street thugs, and ‘duchesses and noble ladies’ with women off the street.”

I see… so they have been embellishing quite a bit.

Still, since the two of them were clearly enjoying themselves, Karin found herself enjoying it too, regardless of how true it was.

“So, Karin! I am strong, right?”

“You are a pervert, though.”

“Karin, now you understand, do you not? I am the most beautiful man in the history of the Magic Guard.”

“Your taste is terrible, though.”

Even though she kept replying sharply, the two of them were too drunk to notice. “I see, I see, you are a good one!” they said, urging her to eat more. They were not listening at all, but thanks to that, Karin was able to fill herself with food.
[[File:ZNTso1 139.jpg|thumb]]
“Why are you two so close?”

Karin voiced the question that was on her mind. From the outside, the three of them had completely different personalities and appearances, yet they got along like brothers.

“We just clicked,” Bacchus said.

“At first, we could not stand each other, though,” Narcis added.

When Karin asked their ages, she was surprised to learn that both of them were still under twenty, they were only eighteen.

Setting Narcis aside, Bacchus did not look eighteen at all. When she said that honestly, Bacchus puffed out his chest and replied, “That is just because of the difference in experience.”

While they were enjoying their meal, the door to the tavern opened, and a group of four splendid knights dressed in pure white entered.

A hush fell over the place. Karin stared at them and immediately recognized them as the Unicorn Corps saw before. Seeing them up close, their appearance was truly dazzling.

In contrast to the Magic Guard, whose outfits were all mismatched except for their black cloaks, their white uniforms were perfectly unified, as if they stepped out of a painting. Their wands were sheathed in scabbards woven with gemstones and silver chains. Karin could not take her eyes off them, completely captivated, but Bacchus and Narcis both wore bitter expressions.

What was going on? As she wondered, one of the Unicorn Corps members who had taken a seat spoke up.

“Hey, it smells in here.”

He was a young man, about the same age as Karin and the others. The other knights nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it smells like mold.”

The innkeeper rushed over and bowed his head.

“I do not notice any particular smell… If there is anything lacking in our service, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”

“Oh, it is not the tavern’s fault,” the knight said lightly. “It is certain customers.”

That line made Bacchus’s face change instantly. He rose with a low growl, but Cendrillon stopped him.

“It is not worth it.”

“But—”

Karin could feel that something was off.

“Our guests here are all fine people…” the innkeeper said nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. The Unicorn Corps were clearly important patrons, but he could not afford to anger the others either.

“Fine people? Perhaps. To be dismissed from guarding His Majesty and still walk around like that… yes, that is quite impressive.”

Narcis placed a hand on his wand and moved as if to stand, but once again Cendrillon stopped him.

“Ignore them.”

“But we cannot just sit here and take that!”

Cendrillon, however, remained unconcerned.

“Did not Lady Viviane already warn us to behave? We just had a clash with the Germanians recently, did we not?”

I see… So the Magic Guard and the Unicorn Corps, who served as the Duke of Eustache’s personal guard, did not get along. Come to think of it, the Unicorn Corps had been assigned to protect the king, which meant the Magic Guard had been pushed aside and mocked for it.

“Look at those black cloaks! It is hard to believe nobles once admired them. They look like crows!”

Karin felt anger rising. What kind of Unicorn Corps is this? Just a flashy name… she thought, though she did not have the courage to say it aloud.

The Unicorn Corps knights grew increasingly brazen.

“Throw those people out,” one of them told the innkeeper. “It ruins the meal.”

Both sides were nobles, and the innkeeper was at a complete loss.

“P-please, have mercy…” he pleaded, bowing again and again. One of the knights, apparently irritated by the sight, kicked him hard, and a loud crash echoed through the tavern.

That was enough.

Karin quickly wrote “courage” on her palm with her finger and made a motion as if swallowing it. Then she stood up and pointed straight at them.

“Do you call yourselves nobles?”

“Who is this?” the knights said, looking at her in surprise.

“Karin, stop,” Cendrillon said.

“Why should I stop? Does it not anger you? They are mocking you!”

Cendrillon replied calmly,

“If we cause trouble again, our pay will be cut.”

“Are we not already poor enough? What is there left to worry about?”

Cendrillon answered seriously,

“I would not be able to afford alcohol.”

Karin stared at him in disbelief.

“You… is alcohol all you think about?!”

She shook off his hand and glared fiercely at the knights, who were sneering at her.

These were the Unicorn Corps she had once admired? Her disillusionment turned into burning anger. To think she had believed people like this were admirable…!

“Who is this kid?”

“Just a child, is he not?”

“So the Magic Guard has fallen so far that even children can join!”

The knights burst into laughter.

Karin’s expression changed. Her eyes sharpened, and her body began to tremble slightly. The air around her stirred, turning into a wind that wrapped around her.

“What is this? Too scared to say it to my face? I thought so. You are cowards, rotten people who can only whisper insults from a distance like women!”

“…Cowards.”

At that word, the laughter stopped.

The innkeeper, realizing he could do nothing, had already retreated, and the other customers sat in silence, sensing the tension.

One man stood up. He was a large man, not quite Bacchus’s size, but still imposing. Under his arm he carried a wand as large as a spear. His face was flat, almost snake-like.

“Oh? So you are hiding behind a child now. It has been a while.”

“Hey, that is Angelo,” Bacchus muttered.

“You are right,” Narcis said in surprise.

“Who is that?” Karin asked.

“He used to be in our unit,” Bacchus explained. “But he caused too much trouble and got kicked out… Looks like he joined the Unicorn Corps. Clever bastard.”

“So, a traitor,” Karin said.

“But he is strong,” Bacchus added quietly. “Be careful.”

Karin’s eyes grew even sharper.

“The Magic Guard really has fallen,” Angelo sneered. “All that is left are fools like you and children. No wonder it is headed for dissolution.”

The knights burst into laughter again.

“Shut up, you traitor. You will get what is coming to you.”

At last, Karin’s hand moved to her wand.

“Hey. If you draw that, even a child will not be forgiven.”

In the suddenly silent tavern, the knight’s voice echoed.

Cendrillon grabbed Karin’s wrist.

“That is enough, Karin.”

“Let go!”

He tried to stop her from causing a scene, but another hand intervened.

“Do not stop him, Cendrillon. He is right. Those people are unforgivable.”

It was Bacchus. Narcis also stood, placing a hand on his wand.

“There are things more important than a pay cut.”

“I challenge you to a duel,” Karin declared, drawing her wand.

For a moment, even the fear in the tavern was forgotten. All eyes were drawn to her poised figure. She stood there with such dignity, it was almost beautiful.

Bacchus and Narcis stepped forward, taking positions at her sides.

“I will issue a challenge as well.”

“As will I.”

The Unicorn Corps members rose to their feet.

“Four on your side, four on ours. Very well, we accept.”

Cendrillon stood up with a weary expression.

“…What a pain. Lady Viviane is going to scold us again.”

Both groups made their way to the courtyard of Saint Christophe Monastery, the same place as before. At this hour, few people passed by, making it an ideal location for a duel.

They stood facing each other at a distance of about fifteen paces.

Bacchus, Narcis, and Karin glared at the Unicorn Corps, ready for battle.

Cendrillon, on the other hand, stood slightly behind them, arms folded, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“Then let us begin. Let me remind you, it was you who issued the challenge. If you die, you have only yourselves to blame,” Angelo said.

Karin stepped forward slowly.

“Enough talk. Come at me.”

“For a child, you have quite the presence. I would enjoy teaching you a lesson, but… my opponent is him— Cendrillon!”

Angelo pointed his wand toward Cendrillon, who stood at the back looking bored.

“I have disliked you for a long time. Always acting so high and mighty! Today, I will send you to your grave.”

He raised his spear-like wand.

Cendrillon was about to sigh and say “What a pain,” when Karin stopped him.

“Hm?”

“I am your opponent!”

“You cannot beat him,” Cendrillon said.

But Karin had already raised her wand and rushed forward. Thanks to the courage spell, she felt invincible. If she defeated Angelo, then Cendrillon would finally stop treating her like a child.

“Right! After Karin!”

Bacchus and Narcis followed.

Angelo clicked his tongue and swung his wand. A massive sphere of air surged forward, threatening to engulf Karin.

But in an instant, she leapt upward, evading it, and came down from above with her wand imbued with “Blade.”

“She is fast!”

Her relentless assault forced Angelo onto the defensive.

At the same time, Bacchus and Narcis engaged their own opponents.

The battle unfolded in dazzling exchanges.

Cendrillon let out a sigh, drew his wand, and faced his opponent, a young man with a dull expression.

Without even stating his name, the man launched a spell. It was water magic, just like Cendrillon’s. In a place without natural water, one had to draw upon moisture in the air.

Several ice arrows shot toward him. Cendrillon, looking annoyed, cast “Blade” and deftly knocked them aside.

The first to finish was Narcis, who specialized in earth magic.

His opponent raised several golems from the ground. Narcis smiled and cast his own summoning spell.

But his golem was not made of earth.

A shining golden figure appeared.

“My Golden Lady! Crush them!”

The three-shaku-tall golem, shaped like a noblewoman, wielded a fan and effortlessly destroyed every earthen golem.

Seeing his constructs annihilated, the opponent immediately raised both hands in surrender.

“Ha! How is that? My Golden Lady! A noblewoman of pure gold!”

“Pure gold? That is brass,” Cendrillon muttered under his breath, then moved.

His own duel ended quickly. With “Blade,” he closed in, his opponent responding in kind. But against a master, it was hopeless. Within three exchanges, the opponent was pushed to the brink.

One more strike would end it.

Cendrillon feinted, thrusting toward the body to force a block, intending to follow up with a strike to the wrist.

That should have decided it.

But instead, the opponent did something unexpected, he leaned forward, completely unguarded.

“You idiot!”

Cendrillon’s strike pierced his chest.

It drove deep into the heart. A fatal blow.

“Damn it… I messed up.”

At that moment, the man, expression unchanged, swung his wand.

“What?”

Cendrillon jumped back. The knight, with a hole in his chest, suddenly sprinted away and vanished into the darkness.

“…What was that?”

There was no mistake, his wand had pierced the man’s heart. Yet the man had moved as if nothing had happened. Even water magic, which governs the body, could not do that.

Cendrillon stood there, stunned.

Bacchus finished next. His opponent, a fire user, was badly burned, and though Bacchus himself was scorched, the other man could not endure it and surrendered.

Bacchus crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

That left Karin.

Angelo was strong. His wind magic, manipulated with surprising finesse for such a large man, sent blades of air slicing toward her. But Karin’s “Gale” was overwhelming, scattering every attack. She toyed with him in the air, using her superior mobility.

Covered in cuts, Angelo finally dropped to one knee.

“Is it over?” Karin asked.

“Not yet!”

Driven into a corner by someone who looked like a child, Angelo’s eyes were bloodshot with frustration.

Certain of her victory, Karin surged forward, her wand wrapped in “Blade.”

But she made a mistake.

“What?!”

Assuming he would only use wind, she had not expected earth magic.

A hand of soil burst from the ground and seized her leg. Angelo, it seemed, could use a bit of earth magic as well.

“Fool! A child like you knows nothing of tactics!”

A massive scythe of air came swinging toward her neck.

“This is bad—!”

At that instant, her courage vanished. The memory of the abyss she had nearly fallen into as a child overlapped with the image of the blade.

“I am going to die—!”

Then suddenly, the weight on her leg disappeared. She felt her body lifted, and then she was on the ground.

“Idiot! Do not get careless!”

Cendrillon.

“You—”

Angelo tried to continue, but the blood loss robbed him of strength. He staggered to his feet, only to collapse again.

Bacchus and Narcis cheered.

“Nice one, Karin!”

“You are incredible! You actually beat Angelo!”

But Karin only bit her lip in shame.

At the very end, she made another mistake. If not for Cendrillon, she would have died.

Beside her, Cendrillon glanced once, then seemed to lose interest, sinking into thought.

The defeated knights gathered around Angelo and began treating his wounds. It looked like his life had been saved. Finally, he let out a weak breath.

But even so, being defeated by someone younger than himself still seemed hard for him to accept; his face remained completely blank.

Bacchus and Narcis picked up their opponents’ wands, snapped them in half, and warned the knights, who were watching in frustration.

“Do not speak ill of the Magic Guard again.”

Karin, her face mixed with regret and the shame of being saved, lowered her head to Cendrillon.

“…Thank you. You saved me.”

But Cendrillon seemed distracted. Only when she spoke did he come back to himself, then he hurried over to Angelo, who was sitting there in a daze.

“Hey! Angelo!”

“…Hmph. What, come to mock me?”

“No! The guy who fought me, what was his name?”

“Oh, Pedro. What was that guy doing, running off like that?”

“Who exactly is he?”

“How should I know? He only joined recently. I am not even sure if that is his real name.”

That was not unusual. Many knights used false names to avoid bringing shame to their families. Cendrillon did the same, and so did Narcis and Bacchus. Even though Cendrillon was close with them, he did not know where they were from.

Cendrillon looked toward the direction where Pedro had disappeared and let out a sigh.

“Hey, what is wrong with you?” Karin asked, puzzled.

“That guy… I stabbed him straight through the chest… but he ran away like nothing happened.”

“Come on! That is impossible!”

“I am not lying. It is true.”

Cendrillon’s serious expression made the others look at each other. Bacchus patted him on the shoulder.

“You are just tired. It probably slipped past his side and looked like that.”

“…And besides, you always drink too much,” Narcis added.

Karin, clearly annoyed, spoke up as well.

“Right. That must be it.”

His complete disregard irritated her, even after he saved her.

“No, that is not it! I am telling you—it went straight through the center of his chest!”

He tried to explain, flustered, but no one listened.

Bacchus and Narcis threw their arms over each other’s shoulders and shouted:

“We are the proud Magic Guard! Oh—!”

“Alright! Let us gather the others and report our victory!”

Narcis shouted, and Bacchus immediately agreed. They picked up the captured wands and started off, with Karin following behind them.

“Hey! Wait for me! You idiots!”

Cendrillon hurried after them.

That night… the members of the Magic Guard were in high spirits over the long-awaited good news. Everyone had been craving a taste of victory. And the fact that their opponents had been the arrogant and detestable Unicorn Corps made it even more satisfying.

Among the stories, Karin’s performance as a trainee became the highlight. “You defeated Angelo! That is incredible!” they said, congratulating her and constantly raising their glasses in her honor.

In that way, Karin was welcomed by the Magic Guard and accepted as one of them.

But…No one believed what Cendrillon said.

Left with no choice, he sat alone and drank quietly.

And then… for some reason, the sensation of stabbing someone earlier that day brought back memories of the past. That “incident,” tucked away in the corner of his mind, began to surface again and again.

“…Damn it.”

He muttered as he kept drinking, but once awakened, the memory would not let him go. Before he knew it, he was completely drunk.

Karin, sipping her drink by herself, noticed Cendrillon had collapsed in a corner of the tavern.

“That guy…”

She felt a headache coming on. Even in a moment like this, he remained shut inside his own world. Looking at his face, a sense of frustration welled up inside her. He held back in their duel, and today, he saved her life.

She could not bring herself to celebrate with everyone else.

At least today… she was the one who lost.

She thought that as long as she used “courage,” there would be no opponent she could not defeat. But that was not true. She could not beat Cendrillon, and she could not beat Angelo.

With that realization, doubt crept into her heart.

…Could she really become a knight like this?

Even as those thoughts filled her mind, Cendrillon lay there, drunk and unconscious.

Karin walked over to Cendrillon and shook his shoulder.

“Hey, who falls asleep in a place like this? Wake up.”

“Mm…”

But he only groaned, as if uncomfortable.

If he threw up here, it would be a complete spectacle. Karin helped him up.

“Come on, let us get some air.”

Saying that, she led him outside.

In his drunken sleep, Cendrillon drifted back into the past.

In the forest of his hometown…

By the spring he loved, resting his head on “her” lap, basking in the sunlight. Strands of bright golden hair brushed against his face, and in his dream, Cendrillon smiled.

“Pierre, what is it? Does it tickle?”

Pierre was his real name, a name he had abandoned in the past… a name no one spoke anymore.

In the dream, he spoke to the golden-haired woman.

“Karinā, your hair is teasing me.”

“Karinā.”

His lover from long ago.

The only woman he had ever loved.

By coincidence, it was also the true name of the girl now calling herself Karin—but Cendrillon did not know that.

In his dreams, she was always wrapped in light. The woman who led him toward paradise, her skin carried a warmth like the sun itself.

In that hazy state, under her gentle, tender gaze, Cendrillon could think of nothing.

“Oh, it is not teasing. I am doing it on purpose.”

“Why?”

“So you will not forget that I am right here.”

Those words pierced his chest. He reached out, and “Karinā” gently took his hand. He lifted himself, drawing his lips closer to hers…

Karin led Cendrillon into a deserted alley. She did not want passersby to see a member of the Magic Guard in such a disgraceful state. Their reputation was bad enough already.

“Hey, get it together.”

She scolded him as he staggered. Honestly… why did this man have to drink so much?

He had so much ability… was he not just wasting it like this?

If only he drank less.

As she was thinking that, Cendrillon suddenly murmured:

“…na.”

Karin froze.

“Hey, what did you just say?”

She leaned closer, wanting to be sure. Her pink hair brushed against his cheek.

“…Karina.”

This time, she heard it clearly.

There was no mistake, he called her by her real name. Why? How did he know? As those thoughts ran through her mind, her heart began to race.

“How do you know that name—”

Just as she asked, Cendrillon suddenly grabbed her by the neck.

“Mm—!”

It took her a moment to understand what was happening.

His lips… were pressed against hers.

By the time she realized it, a full ten seconds had already passed.

Her lips felt sealed.

Sealed… by his lips.

What? A kiss? What was happening? Was she… being kissed?

The meaning of the word finally caught up with her and exploded in her mind. Her face burned.

A kiss… she was being kissed… no, more precisely—her first kiss was stolen.

It was the first kiss of her life. She had never imagined something like this would happen, and her thoughts spun into complete chaos.

Anyway—!

Now was not the time to blush or panic!

Karin twisted her body, trying to break free, but the more she struggled, the tighter Cendrillon held her, pressing her firmly against himself.

“Ughhhhhhhhh…!”
[[File:ZNTso1 163.jpg|thumb]]
As expected of a man’s strength, if she could use magic it would be another matter, but as she was now, she could not escape at all. As she struggled, Cendrillon held her down with force and precision, then pushed her onto the ground.

“Stay by my side… always.”

Cendrillon said it with intense eyes. Struck by that gaze, Karin found herself nodding before she realized it.

But the next instant, understanding what that meant, she hurriedly shook her head.

“N-no… that did not count!”

In the dim alley, Cendrillon’s hand moved.

“—!”

Karin’s eyes went wide.

In his dream, Cendrillon lost himself in Karinā’s lips, hungrily deepening the kiss, his tongue tracing inside her mouth. It was a kiss so vivid and intense it hardly felt like a dream. Karinā’s lips responded just as fervently, her body seeming to try to slip free from his grasp.

When he finally pulled back, he murmured:

“Stay by my side… always.”

Karin’s body froze.

Cendrillon’s hand moved to Karinā’s chest—

—but there was no soft fullness. Only a flat, smooth plane.

“Karinā?”

The moment he said it, the haze of drunkenness shattered, and reality came rushing back.

“…Ka… Karin?”

Karin trembled beneath his hand—his housemate, the “boy” apprentice of the Magic Guard. All color drained from Cendrillon’s face.

“N-no way… I…”

Karin’s face trembled, on the verge of tears.

I messed up…!

Mistaking him for his past lover, he had kissed this “boy”… and even—

“My… my chest… you touched it…”

“I—I am sorry.”

“And… and you kissed me…”

Karin said, her voice shaking.

“I am really… sorry.”

This was bad. Even if it was a drunken mistake… it was still with a boy! No matter how beautiful he looked—he was still a boy!

Karin shoved Cendrillon away.

Then, clutching her chest, she ran off.

…This is bad. He must have been completely shocked.

I have to clear this up later.

But… what was that dream?

The memory of it lingered in his mind.

Cendrillon let out a long breath.

It felt too real.

“Karinā.”

That name carried so much within it—joy, despair… and a sin that refused to fade.

A sin he could never forget.

Something like a lump rose in his throat, making it hard to breathe.

Forgive me.

He whispered it, but knowing those words would never reach her only drove him deeper into despair. Cendrillon buried his face in his hands and let out a heavy sigh.