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User talk:Mickey

2008-08-30T15:53:45Z

Novaren: New page: Done^^ It should be more understandable now (my translation skills still need a way lot of work). And thanks for constantly editing the chapter!

Done^^

It should be more understandable now (my translation skills still need a way lot of work). And thanks for constantly editing the chapter!

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-30T15:45:32Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

A week later, on the Day of the Void.

The Ball of Sleipnir was finally going to be held today.

It was supposed to be a day of rest, but the students of the magic academy were already all restless since morning. It was the same during breakfast.

"Who are you going as?"

"I'll try that."

It was all the conversations were about.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder who I should become? But, for someone as handsome as myself, is it not better to just remain as I am? Don't you think so too, Saito?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Saito replied idly, regarding Guiche as something that was little more than the breeze of a wind. Sitting opposite him was Malicorne, hugging himself.

“What should I do... If it remains like this, it looks like I'm going to have to become a beautiful girl."

“Just do that already."

“Sigh... What should I do. Isn't that a crime?"

“Of course it's a crime. I reckon that it warrants a death sentence."

“Haa... a death sentence... Ha... Ha"

Malicorne stammered as he held his trembling body together.

Imagining the fat boy acting in the manner of a young girl almost made Saito throw up his breakfast.

''However... to get so excited over some masquerade ball, these people sure were easy to please.''

''It's only putting on a little disguise, did it really require so much thought?''

Saito thought to himself, not knowing that they would be disguising themselves using magic.

It really only required a little bit of thought to realize that the Magic Academy would never hold an ordinary masquerade ball... but, being completely uninterested in the matter, Saito never considered this.

Siesta was cleaning the room when Saito returned after breakfast.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yeah, I'm back."

Siesta was cleaning the room with a bright smile on her face.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Is Siesta going too?” Saito asked

“I'm going...because they are shorthanded..." Siesta replied shyly with her head down for some reason.

“I see."

"So am I going or not?" Saito pondered. Siesta walked towards Saito and looked in his eyes.

"Umm..."

“Uhh, yes?"

“I've been reading a book lately." Siesta said as she pulled out a book.

“What's it about?"

"Siesta can read as well", Saito thought.

“Oh, I forgot Saito couldn't read."

Siesta blushed as she explained the story to Saito.

“The name of the book is ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’.”

“Mm.”

“It is a story about a young maid serving in an aristocrat's residence. And the master of that residence is a vile and corrupted man.”

“Uh huh.”

“Every night, he would coerce the maid to do unpleasant things with him."

“Unpleasent things?”

Siesta muttered something into Saito’s ear.

A pain tingled in his nose, and a torrent of a nosebleed flowed out. Five seconds later, he finally held it in.

“...What sort of books do you read?"

“What are you talking about? It's from a girl in my dorm. She let be borrow it!"

Siesta blushed as her hands shook.

''So this is the stuff Siesta and the maids read in their spare time... but then again, the girl magazines in my world are pretty risque as well...''

Saito accepted with his strange justification.

“Well...?”

“No, I, because of this, to think of such a master in the story…if it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“To try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama, we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn now.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, Siesta began to mutter with a slight whisper.

In that moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! I-it's such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifted the hem of her skirt, just diagonally to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

''This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark...I won’t come…I mustn’t come!''

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time, Louise was quickly approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. He was already unable to resist the temptation any longer, as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louise, on the other hand, made a spinning kick to Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louise, Saito collapsed while holding his hands between his legs. Then Louise said,

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes?” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it?”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, uhmm… is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. S-s-so, you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

''What in the world is the meaning of all this?''

Siesta glared at Louise.

It seems that these two are plotting something.

''Women should be more peaceful'' Saito thought. ''Since the end of the war, these balls have immediately become more of a delirious punishment. Because we should make more of an effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go in that direction?''

“You two…”

As she said that with a mixed sigh, Louise removed her foot. Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you, sit over there.”

“Okay...”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant that something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for society?”

Louise was surprised.

Suddenly, Saito, for the first time ever, wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher always brewed trouble with his research. Was he trying to succeed his dying wish? That was likely.

Maybe that was why he was so interested in the knight corps.

However, in Louise's point of view, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job, for now, was to find a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… ''After all this. Even if there was a way of solving it…''

Her mind was going back and forth.

“'The knight corps will change the world?' Isn’t that a stupid idea?”

Louise said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case, you're somehow always making a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected? Is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louise shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved if you go back.”

Idiot...Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, since we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed in such things?”

As Louise said this, Saito looked down.

For Saito, it was all very vague.

At any rate, Saito just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now. He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain this to Louise.

Louise sighed.

“Anyway, you must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louise, who seemed like she had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Did you do something fishy again?”

Louise turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed…and spouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. A black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you won't know what the person in front of the mirror will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse, who was wearing a butterfly shaped mask, stood next to the curtain.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

She enthusiastically introduced to the students who were lined up in high spirits. Louise also lined up in the row and thought of what to transform into.

Suddenly, an image began to appear.

''Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?'' Louise muttered to herself.

Since it was Louise's turn, she passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated.<!> Installed in a simple frame
was a mirror whose full length was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it wonderful to imagine your ideal form? What if you wanted to deceive other people? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind... and designates you an ideal form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louise took a deep breath, “Okay.” And with that answer, she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as the colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared, covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light. Suddenly, the light disappeared, returning everything to darkness.

However, Louise was no longer in the mirror.

Instead, a kindly 23 year old with pink hair appeared. She had changed into a woman.

She had transformed into Louise’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louise’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya, who was gentler than any person she knew. Louise quietly raised her hand to her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various kinds of people overflowed into the scene- Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court-
Suddenly, an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. ''Could they be my parents?'' She wondered. But, although the resemblance was uncanny, they were probably not the people in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louise smiled wryly.

''This is the only day no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner, they must inform you in advance of whom they took the shape of.''

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louise muttered.

After all, she took Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered, Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all of you. Today, in this ball, to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. Your familes, positions, and nationalities do not matter now. Everyone in this educational institution is equal. I strongly believe that it is not impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, or to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore, this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, please do not be surprised…That her Majesty, Queen Herietta, also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quite an amusement.”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta does not come very often. To have an opportunity of having an audience with her... the tension in the hall was already rising.

Louise was surprised too. ''If you were coming, why was I not informed?'' She thought, a little dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good that you are now transforming yourself into your ideal person? With each step, you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not lose sight of it. I want you all to learn this in the coming school year. And with that, ladies and gentlemen, I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but, as soon as he walked to the front of mirror, he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman appeared. Taking a suggestive pose, the woman said,

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, Enjoy the masquerade ball!”

Violently trying to wriggle away, Osman was taken outside.

Music started to play…the Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louise stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

'' Why won’t you come, even for a moment?'' Louise thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall. The banquet was glorious to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. Saito realized it was hard trying to calm down that beast. And because he was not accustomed to such work, it took quite some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance as he entered the hall. Saito didn't know it was a masquerade ball where people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Then, Saito remembered what Louise said a little while ago:

''Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.''

He remembered every word of it.

''For her to make such a remark, she won't take no for an answer…d-damn.''

Saito searched restlessly for Louise.

However, she was nowhere to be found.

''For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any masks?'' Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last, Saito found Louise standing near the wall.

As he enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

''A promise is a promise.'' Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise...”

Louise looked hesitant.

“…Promise?”

She asked Saito.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“I’m sorry, dear...”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

Louise blushed even more. What is she...was she confused? Still, to feel so shy in such a manner made the normally violent Louise extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said a while ago, was it true?”

“What I said a while ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, right?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone...''is this a joke?'' The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louise’s hand, and pulled her to the veranda.

“Ah!”

Although Louise gave out a shout of surprise, she obediently followed.

At the veranda, Saito said to Louise.

“You...to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louise apologized, she somehow looked very lovely. Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is, to...”

Because Louise looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louise stared at Saito, her eyes zeroed into his. That sort of gesture startled him. Unintentionally, they were drawing ever closer…Their lips drew close.

They tightly embraced each other. Louise thrusted her body.

Now Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda. It would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today, Louise was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back to the wall.

“…Louise.”

Perhaps Louise must have been very lonely all this time. As he was thinking that, Louise lovingly, for the first time, wrapped her arms around Saito. Then he realized that Louise’s small hand was on his chest.

A while ago, Louise would never show or even pretend to show this type of affection.

''Now this is a reward! Now that you mention it, even though I was hurt for a moment. But? in spite of that, is this really a reward? After all, Louise is to me...''

“Louise.”

Saito strongly held Louise close. A hot sigh escaped from Louise’s mouth…and in that instant, he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Meanwhile… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. It was hard to tell if she was a teacher or a student.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog, where all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered that, the small bell was already rung.

''Cling…''the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. ''If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure'' He thought, but was unable to fight against his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor, breathing in sighs as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep, the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth, and she smiled as she gazed upon it.

Lifting the cloth, she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louise’s lips.

''Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy!'' Standing on the tips of her toes, Louise entwined both her arms around Saito’s neck.

''Louise was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen...
and to treat me with such affection....''

Instinctively, he slipped his hand to Louise’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest was not flat.

Perhaps one could say it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm. The shape had completely changed. Each time he grasped it, Louise’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the..

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps, I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the-? The magic was broken?”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself. This was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta most likely took Louise’s shape.

“But why did you choose Louise?”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered her head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal form?”

Suddenly, he realized something.

“So it was Louise?”

“Yes. I always envied that child...a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself? I find that to be very enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes?...Princess, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant one? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, others did it for honor. But these were not things the princess worried about.”

A cruel expression perhaps, maybe even the dead would lash at his words, Saito thought. I guess there are different circumstances. But most of the soldiers were mercenaries, most of the officers, were nobles who wanted only honor.

Henrietta fell silent.

Saito quickly changed the topic, and mentioned Louis.

“Then, what went wrong today? Did you come to meet Louise? I’m looking for her too. Where the heck could she be…”

Henrietta shook her head.

“I came to meet you.”

“…Me?”

“I don’t understand why. But...when I hear your name, when I see your face… my heart trembles. At first…”

Henrietta looked up. Her eyes were moist.

“Do you remember it? The evening we spent at that cheap hotel in Tristania.”

Saito nodded. Saito remembered that transpired with Henrietta at that time… their lips had touched twice. Even now, he remembers it with a throbbing heart.

“That evening…, if you recall, I felt so much pain in my chest. That pain, in time, steadily kept increasing. I noticed that, from that pain, there was something whirling in my mind, but I didn't know how to handle it.”

“…”

“With all this pressure and anxiety inside... only when I felt your warmth, was I healed. When I found your name on the list of soldiers who were killed in action, the sadness was too much to bear. And when I discovered that you stopped an army of 70,000, you have no idea how far you fought to save us.”

''For someone like Henrietta to directly show her feelings like this...'' Saito was perplexed. For quite some time, he thought ‘she’s so frail’.

Henrietta has shone herself to be a very frail person.

Louise had a different kind of charm.

It seemed like he was being crushed by Henrietta’s charm... Saito turned his face away, trying to push the thought aside.

“To be seen with you in this place... is quite a serious offence. I am a princess after all, so I think it’s best if we keep quiet about this. I’m sorry.”

Then Henrietta pushed Saito conversely with a jerk, pushing him between the curtains, concealing them both.

“Princess.”

“I understand. But…only for awhile, I just want a moment of peace. Is it wrong? Is even having a little bit of time for myself not permitted to me?”

“…”

“For a short while… just this once, I wish to relax. If possible...at your side… even if it's only for a moment.”

Henrietta twisted her face, grimaced and shed her tears. The once courageous queen, who was now in tears, struck Saito from the bottom of his heart.

Henrietta, who was shedding her tears right in front of me, she looked more beautiful than anyone.

Compared to Louis, she was visibly more beautiful.

Henrietta again lifted her face, slowly edging closer to Saito’s.

Somehow, Saito couldn't refuse her lips. Nothing else came to mind.

They kissed, a kind of kiss that searched for each other's lips.

Henrietta entrusted her weight to Saito, forcing him into the wall. Henrietta breathed out a small sigh as she parted her lips against Saito’s, not knowing that someone was watching them.

“Princess…”

But as Henrietta kissed Saito’s neck, a sudden flash of lightning and heavy electrical currents began to appear.

Henrietta instinctively held him close. At that very instant…

In the small opening of the curtain, Saito saw pink hair.

Under the hair were reddish-brown eyes.

“Louise…”

He felt all his blood being pulled away from him. Slowly, he looked back at Henrietta.

Louise began to tremble as she saw them under the cover of the curtain, then burst into tears.

She ran, with both of her hands covering her face.

Saito ran after her. He stepped out of the curtain, knocking against the other students.

“Hey, that hurts!”

“Sorry! Excuse me! I’m in a hurry!”

However, Louise disappeared in the crowd of people. She was nowhere to be found.

There was a ruckus in the hall.

''What the hell?!''

''Did the Mirror of Truth’s magic backfire?''

Next, Henrietta, with a pale face, came out under the covers of the curtain.

The student’s at once shouted, “Her Majesty!”. She could tell from her eyes that Saito went to search for Louise. Then, she immediately ran away.

<center>* * *</center>

Dashing out from the tower, Louise ran away from the academy in the stillness of the night.

Filled with surprise and sorrow, Louise was confused.

Saito and the princess?

Why?

Louise witnessed everything. As she approached…from the small opening of the curtain, she found Henrietta’s face beside Saito’s.

But as she recalled this, tears instantly began to fall. The two of them looked so feverish...just like lovers about to make a vow, and then…their lips began to draw near, just like the lovers of old.

“Since way back then, they already had such a relationship. All this time I was deceived.”

For Henrietta, to betray my trust to such a degree…Louise believed in nothing anymore. I see now, she thought. ''This was the reason Henrietta knighted Saito as a Chevalier and made him the knight’s commanding officer. It was for the sake of their love.''

In Tristania, some time ago…Saito said that he and Henrietta kissed. At first, she was angry ...but because she thought it was only for the sake of duty, she didn’t worry about it that much. However, that was a mistake.

Perhaps, from that time, those two continued their relationship.

“It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel!”

Louise shouted many times.

She was betrayed all this time.

''You said you loved me. It was all a lie!''

Louise just couldn't accept it''…for a long time I believed him. he promised me, the time we spent together, the sweet kiss…all this time everything was a lie.''

I have always valued those moments and I waited, all those memories that I have ever cherished…, only to discover it was a complete lie.

Moreover, her friend…, Louis had always held Henrietta in the highest regard. Only to be betrayed twice. Louise couldn’t bear it any longer.

In any case, he was not there.

She passed and dashed out from gate of the academy.

[Flashback]

Where was he? After the Mirror of Truth’s magic disappeared, there was now a lot of commotion in the hall. Still, he wasn’t there. No one blamed anyone to be at fault.

[End of Flashback]

A gradual slope that descended into the highway, there Louise ran.

“I don’t want to be here.”

Such emotions dominated her heart.

''I want to go far away.''

''I want to go to a far away world where no one knows who I am.''

For a long time, she ran...

Now Louise kneeled and out of breath. There lying down with her face on the ground, she cried.

----

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|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-29T01:11:03Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning, even though it was breakfast time.

"Why on Earth did it turn out like this?"

"Try something else!"

Conversation like this was being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. Don't you think so too?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl..."

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It's more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha ha ha! Is that right? Ha ha!”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

Imagining this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

But, even though there was the possibility of them wreaking havoc with their disguises, they were actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personalities didn’t change.

They were only able to disguise themselves using magic, Saito thought to himself.

Because it was a masked ball in a magic school, one is free to disguise oneself using magic. Nevertheless, Saito was not interested in such things. The idea just didn’t seem to occur to him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room, only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?”

After asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“I'm going...because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I might end up going after all, he thought. But while he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes?”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“...Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“The name of the book is ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’.”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a certain young maid, serving in an aristocrat's residence. The master of the residence is the protagonist.”

“Uh huh.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is inappropriate, is coerced.”

“In-inappropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something into Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“...So that's the kind of books you read.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world.

Saito, for some strange reason, accepted this quite easily.

“So?”

“No, I, because of this, to think of such a master in the story…if it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“To try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama, we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn now.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! I-it's such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifted the hem of her skirt, just diagonally to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. He was already unable to resist the temptation any longer, as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louise, on the other hand, made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louise, Saito collapsed while holding his hands between his legs. Then Louise said,

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes?” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it?”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, uhmm… is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louise.

It seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. Since the end of the war, these balls have immediately become more of a delirious punishment. Because we make more of an effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go in that direction?

“You two…”

As she said that with a mixed sigh, Louise removed her foot. Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you, sit over there.”

“Okay...”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for society?”

Louise was surprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time, wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher always brewed trouble with his research. Was he trying to succeed his dying wish? That was likely.

So that’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louise had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job, for now, was to find a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… after all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louise said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case, you're somehow always making a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected. Is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louise shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot...Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, since we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louise said this, Saito looked down.

For Saito, it was all vague.

At any rate, Saito just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now. He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain this to Louise.

Louise sighed.

“Anyway, you must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louise, who seemed like she had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Did you do something fishy again?”

Louise turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed…and spouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. A black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you won't know what the person in front of the mirror will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse, who was wearing a butterfly shaped mask, stood next to the curtain.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

She enthusiastically induced the students who were lined up into high spirits. Louise also lined up in the row…and thought of what to transform into.

Suddenly, an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?, Louise muttered to herself.

Since it was Louise's turn, she passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it wonderful to imagine your ideal form? What if you wanted to deceive other people? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… and designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louise took a deep breath, “Okay.” And with that answer, she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as the colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared, covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light. Suddenly, the light disappeared, returning everything to darkness.

However, Louise was no longer in the mirror.

Instead, a kindly 23 year old with pink hair appeared. She had changed into a woman.

She had transformed into Louise’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louise’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya, who was gentler than any person she knew. Louise quietly raised her hand to her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed into the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…
Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Although the resemblance was uncanny, they were probably not the people in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louise smiled wryly.

This is the only day no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner, they must inform you in advance of whom they took the shape of.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louise muttered.

After all, she was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered, Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all of you. Today, in this ball, to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. Your family, position, and nationality, doesn't matter now. Everyone in this educational institution is equal. I strongly believe that it is not impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore, this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quite an amusement.”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta does not come ver often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louise too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed? She thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good that you are now transforming yourself into your ideal person?. With each step, you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not lose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that, ladies and gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…the Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louise stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louise thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall. The banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as he entered the hall. Saito didn't know it was a masquerade ball where people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louise said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…d-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louise.

However, she was nowhere to be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any masks? Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last, Saito found Louise standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise...”

Louise looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

Louise blushed even more. What is she…was she confused? Still, to feel so shy in such a manner made the normally violent Louise extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louise’s hand, and pulled her to the veranda.

“Ah!”

Though Louise gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louise.

“You...to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louise apologized, she somehow looked very lovely . Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is, to...”

Because Louise looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louise stared at Saito, her eyes zeroed into his. That sort of gesture startled him. Unintentionally, they were drawing ever closer…Their lips drew close.

They tightly embraced each other. Louise thrusted her body.

Now Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda. It would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louise was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back to the wall.

“…Louise.”

Perhaps Louise must have been very lonely all this time. As he was thinking that, Louise lovingly, for the first time, wrapped her arms around Saito. Then he realized that Louise’s small hand was on his chest.

A while ago, Louise would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, even though I was hurt for a moment. But? in spite of that, is this really a reward? After all, Louise is to me...

“Louise.”

Saito strongly held Louise close. A hot sigh escaped from Louise’s mouth…and in that instant, he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. It was hard to tell if she was a teacher or a student.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered that, the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but hr was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor, breathing in sighs as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth, and she smiled as she gazed upon it.

Lifting the cloth, she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louise’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy! Standing on the tips of her toes, Louise entwined both her arms around Saito’s neck.

Louise was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen...
and to treat me with such affection....

Instinctively, he slipped his hand to Louise’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest was not flat.

Perhaps one could say it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm. The shape had completely changed. Each time he grasped it, Louise’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps, I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the-? The magic was broken?”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta most likely took Louise’s shape.

“But why did you choose Louise?”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered her head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal form?”

Suddenly, he realized something.

“So it was Louise?”

“Yes. I always envied that child...a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself? I find that to be very enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes?...Princess, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant one? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, others did it for honor. But these were not things the princess worried about.”

A cruel expression perhaps, maybe even the dead would lash at his words, Saito thought. I guess there are different circumstances. But most of the soldiers were mercenaries, most of the officers, were nobles who wanted only honor.

Henrietta fell silent.

Saito changed topic, and mentioned Louis.

“Then what went wrong today? Did you come to meet Louis? I’m also searching for her. Where the heck could she be…”

Henrietta shook her head.

“I came to meet you.”

“…me?”

“I don’t understand why. But…when I hear your name, when I see your face… my heart trembled. At first…”

Henrietta looked up. Her eyes were moist.

“Do you remember? Some time ago, the evening we spent at that cheap hotel in Tristania…”

Saito nodded. Certainly at that time…Saito remembered the course of events with Henrietta, twice their lips had touched. Even now he remembers it still throbbing.

“That evening…, if you recall, I felt so much pain in my chest, that pain, in time, steadily kept increasing. Unaware, I noticed. From that pain, I discovered …something began to whirl in my mind, but I don’t know how to handle it”

“…”

“All this pressure and anxiety inside, only when I feel your warmth, was I healed. When I found your name together with the list soldiers who were killed in action…the sadness was too much to bear. And…when I discovered that you stopped an army of 70,000, you have no idea how far you fought to save us.”

For a noble like Henrietta, to directly show her feelings, Saito was perplexed. For a time it felt ‘she’s so frail’ he thought as it swelled up in his mind.

Henrietta has shone herself to be very frail.

Louise had a different kind of charm.

It seemed like he was being crushed by Henrietta’s charm, that Saito turned his face away…trying to push the thought aside.

“To be seen with you in this place…is quite a serious offence. I am a princess after all, so I think it’s best if we keep quite about this. I’m sorry.”

Then Henrietta pushed Saito conversely with a jerk, pushing him between the curtains, concealing them both.

“Princess.”

“I understand. But…only for awhile, I just want a moment of peace, is it wrong? Is even having a little bit of time not permitted to me?”

“…”

“For a short while…, just this once…, I wish to relax. If possible…at your side…if only for a moment.”

Henrietta, twisted her face, grimaced and shed her tears. The once courageous queen, was now in tears, struck Saito from the bottom of his heart.

Now…, Henrietta is shedding her tears right in front of me, she looked more beautiful than anyone.

Compared to Louis, she was visibly more beautiful.

Henrietta again lifted her face, slowly edging closer to Saito’s.

Somehow Saito cannot refuse her lips…nothing else came to mind.

A kind of kiss, that searched for each others lips.

Henrietta entrusted her weight to Saito…forcing him into the wall. As Henrietta breath out a small sigh, as she parted her lips against Saito’s, without their knowing someone was watching them.

“Princess…”

But as Henrietta kissed Saito’s neck.

A sudden flash of lightning and heavy electrical currents began to appear.

Henrietta instinctively held him close. At that very instant…

In the small opening of the curtain, Saito found pink hair.

Under the hair were reddish-brown eyes.

“Louise…”

He felt all his blood being pulled away from him. Slowly he looked back at Henrietta.

Louise began to tremble, as she saw them under the cover of the curtain, later shedding into tears in the course of time.

With both her hands covering her face…she ran.

Saito ran after her, the moment he stepped out of the curtain…knocking against the other students.

“Hey that hurts!”

“Sorry! Excuse me! I’m in a hurry!”

However…, Louise disappeared in the crowd of people. She was nowhere to be found.

In the hall, ‘What the Hell! Did the Mirror of Truth’s magic backfire?’ Was all the ruckus in the room.

Next Henrietta, pale face came out under the covers of the curtain.

The student’s at once shouted, “Her Majesty!”. She could tell from her eyes that Saito ran, searching for Louise, immediately then and there she ran away.

<center>* * *</center>

Dashing out from the tower, Louise ran away from the academy in the stillness of the night.

Filled with surprise and sorrow, Louise was confused.

Saito and the princess?

Why?

Louise witnessed everything. As she approached…from the small opening of the curtain, she found Henrietta’s face beside Saito’s.

But as she tried to recall, instantly tears began to fall. The two of them looked so feverish…just like lovers about to make a vow, and then…their lips began to draw near just like the lovers of old.

“Since way back then, they already had such a relationship. All this time I was deceived.”

For Henrietta to betray my trust to such a degree…Louise believed in nothing anymore. I see now, she thought. This was the reason…Henrietta knighted Saito as a Chevalier, this was the reason he was the knight’s commanding officer. It was for the sake of their love.

Their duty in Tristania some time ago…Saito said that he and Henrietta kissed. Although she was angry…but because she thought it was only for the sake of duty, she didn’t bother to worry about it anymore. However, that was a mistake.

Perhaps from that time, those two continued their relationship.

“It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel!”

Louise shouted many times.

She was betrayed all this time.

You said you loved me. It was all a lie!

Louise just can’t accept it…for a long time I believed, he promised me, the time we spent together, the sweet kiss…all this time everything was a lie.

I have always valued those moments and I waited, all those memories that I have ever cherished…, only discover it was a complete lie.

Moreover, her friend…, Louis had always respected Henrietta in high regard. Only to be betrayed twice. Louise couldn’t bare it any longer.

In any case he was not there.

She passed and dashed out from gate of the academy.

[Flashback]

Where was he? After the Mirror of Truth’s magic disappeared, there was now a lot of commotion in the hall. Still he wasn’t there. No one blamed anyone to be at fault.

[End of Flashback]

A gradual slope that descended into the highway, there Louise ran.

“I don’t want to be here.”

Such emotions dominated her heart.

I want to go far away.

I want to go to a far away world where no one knows who I am.

For a long time she ran…now Louise kneeled and out of breath. There lying down with her face on the ground, she cried.

----

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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-08-28T16:04:27Z

Novaren:

[[Image:Znt novel cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
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(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
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== Updates == 
*August 2, 2008:
:* [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 6]] & [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 7]] are translated. Yet another [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]'s contribution.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[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.

[http://www.baka-tsuki.net/project/index.php?title=Zero_no_Tsukaima:guidelines Naming Conventions For ZnT]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ 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

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[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]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [50% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]]
::*[[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]]
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - Sortie]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion of Dartanes]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame]] - [2% Translated]

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - Truce]]
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]] - [100% Translated]
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the Mysterious Bird
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungand
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - Aboard the 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::*[[user:Xorius|Xorius]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== 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:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-28T16:02:50Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning, even though it was breakfast time.

"Why on Earth did it turn out like this?"

"Try something else!"

Conversation like this was being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. Don't you think so too?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl..."

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It's more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha ha ha! Is that right? Ha ha!”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

Imagining this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

But, even though there was the possibility of them wreaking havoc with their disguises, they were actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personalities didn’t change.

They were only able to disguise themselves using magic, Saito thought to himself.

Because it was a masked ball in a magic school, one is free to disguise oneself using magic. Nevertheless, Saito was not interested in such things. The idea just didn’t seem to occur to him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room, only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?”

After asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“I'm going...because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I might end up going after all, he thought. But while he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes?”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“...Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“The name of the book is ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’.”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a certain young maid, serving in an aristocrat's residence. The master of the residence is the protagonist.”

“Uh huh.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is inappropriate, is coerced.”

“In-inappropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something into Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“...So that's the kind of books you read.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world.

Saito, for some strange reason, accepted this quite easily.

“So?”

“No, I, because of this, to think of such a master in the story…if it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“To try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama, we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn now.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! I-it's such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifted the hem of her skirt, just diagonally to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. He was already unable to resist the temptation any longer, as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louise, on the other hand, made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louise, Saito collapsed while holding his hands between his legs. Then Louise said,

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes?” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it?”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, uhmm… is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louise.

It seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. Since the end of the war, these balls have immediately become more of a delirious punishment. Because we make more of an effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go in that direction?

“You two…”

As she said that with a mixed sigh, Louise removed her foot. Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you, sit over there.”

“Okay...”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for society?”

Louise was surprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time, wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher always brewed trouble with his research. Was he trying to succeed his dying wish? That was likely.

So that’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louise had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job, for now, was to find a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… after all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louise said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case, you're somehow always making a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected. Is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louise shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot...Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, since we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louise said this, Saito looked down.

For Saito, it was all vague.

At any rate, Saito just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now. He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain this to Louise.

Louise sighed.

“Anyway, you must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louise, who seemed like she had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Did you do something fishy again?”

Louise turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed…and spouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. A black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you won't know what the person in front of the mirror will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse, who was wearing a butterfly shaped mask, stood next to the curtain.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

She enthusiastically induced the students who were lined up. Louise also lined up in the row…and thought of what to transform into.

Suddenly, an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?, Louise muttered to herself.

Since it was Louise's turn, she passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice to imagine your ideal form? What if you wanted to deceive other people? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… and designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louise took a deep breath, “Okay.” And with that answer, she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as the colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared, covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light. Suddenly, the light disappeared, returning everything to darkness.

However, Louise was no longer in the mirror.

Instead, a kindly 23 year old with pink hair appeared. She had changed into a woman.

She had transformed into Louise’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louise’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya, who was gentler than any person she knew. Louise quietly raised her hand to her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed into the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…
Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Although the resemblance was uncanny, they were probably not the people in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louise smiled wryly.

This is the only day no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner, they must inform you in advance of whom they took the shape of.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louise muttered.

After all, she was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered, Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all of you. Today, in this ball, to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. Your family, position, and nationality, doesn't matter now. Everyone in this educational institution is equal. I strongly believe that it is not impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore, this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quite an amusement.”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta does not come ver often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louise too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed? She thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good that you are now transforming yourself into your ideal person?. With each step, you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not lose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that, ladies and gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…the Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louise stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louise thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall. The banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as he entered the hall. Saito didn't know it was a masquerade ball where people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louise said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…d-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louise.

However, she was nowhere to be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any masks? Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last, Saito found Louise standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise...”

Louise looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

Louise blushed even more. What is she…was she confused? Still, to feel so shy in such a manner made the normally violent Louise extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louise’s hand, and pulled her to the veranda.

“Ah!”

Though Louise gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louise.

“You...to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louise apologized, she somehow looked very lovely . Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is, to...”

Because Louise looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louise stared at Saito, her eyes zeroed into his. That sort of gesture startled him. Unintentionally, they were drawing ever closer…Their lips drew close.

They tightly embraced each other. Louise thrusted her body.

Now Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda. It would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louise was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back to the wall.

“…Louise.”

Perhaps Louise must have been very lonely all this time. As he was thinking that, Louise lovingly, for the first time, wrapped her arms around Saito. Then he realized that Louise’s small hand was on his chest.

A while ago, Louise would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, even though I was hurt for a moment. But? in spite of that, is this really a reward? After all, Louise is to me...

“Louise.”

Saito strongly held Louise close. A hot sigh escaped from Louise’s mouth…and in that instant, he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. It was hard to tell if she was a teacher or a student.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered that, the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but hr was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor, breathing in sighs as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth, and she smiled as she gazed upon it.

Lifting the cloth, she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louise’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy! Standing on the tips of her toes, Louise entwined both her arms around Saito’s neck.

Louise was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen...
and to treat me with such affection....

Instinctively, he slipped his hand to Louise’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest was not flat.

Perhaps one could say it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm. The shape had completely changed. Each time he grasped it, Louise’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps, I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the-? The magic was broken?”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta most likely took Louise’s shape.

“But why did you choose Louise?”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered her head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal form?”

Suddenly, he realized something.

“So it was Louise?”

“Yes. I always envied that child...a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself? I find that to be very enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes?...Princess, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant one? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, others did it for honor. But these were not things the princess worried about.”

A cruel expression perhaps, maybe even the dead would lash at his words, Saito thought. I guess there are different circumstances. But most of the soldiers were mercenaries, most of the officers, were nobles who wanted only honor.

Henrietta fell silent.

Saito changed topic, and mentioned Louis.

“Then what went wrong today? Did you come to meet Louis? I’m also searching for her. Where the heck could she be…”

Henrietta shook her head.

“I came to meet you.”

“…me?”

“I don’t understand why. But…when I hear your name, when I see your face… my heart trembled. At first…”

Henrietta looked up. Her eyes were moist.

“Do you remember? Some time ago, the evening we spent at that cheap hotel in Tristania…”

Saito nodded. Certainly at that time…Saito remembered the course of events with Henrietta, twice their lips had touched. Even now he remembers it still throbbing.

“That evening…, if you recall, I felt so much pain in my chest, that pain, in time, steadily kept increasing. Unaware, I noticed. From that pain, I discovered …something began to whirl in my mind, but I don’t know how to handle it”

“…”

“All this pressure and anxiety inside, only when I feel your warmth, was I healed. When I found your name together with the list soldiers who were killed in action…the sadness was too much to bear. And…when I discovered that you stopped an army of 70,000, you have no idea how far you fought to save us.”

For a noble like Henrietta, to directly show her feelings, Saito was perplexed. For a time it felt ‘she’s so frail’ he thought as it swelled up in his mind.

Henrietta has shone herself to be very frail.

Louise had a different kind of charm.

It seemed like he was being crushed by Henrietta’s charm, that Saito turned his face away…trying to push the thought aside.

“To be seen with you in this place…is quite a serious offence. I am a princess after all, so I think it’s best if we keep quite about this. I’m sorry.”

Then Henrietta pushed Saito conversely with a jerk, pushing him between the curtains, concealing them both.

“Princess.”

“I understand. But…only for awhile, I just want a moment of peace, is it wrong? Is even having a little bit of time not permitted to me?”

“…”

“For a short while…, just this once…, I wish to relax. If possible…at your side…if only for a moment.”

Henrietta, twisted her face, grimaced and shed her tears. The once courageous queen, was now in tears, struck Saito from the bottom of his heart.

Now…, Henrietta is shedding her tears right in front of me, she looked more beautiful than anyone.

Compared to Louis, she was visibly more beautiful.

Henrietta again lifted her face, slowly edging closer to Saito’s.

Somehow Saito cannot refuse her lips…nothing else came to mind.

A kind of kiss, that searched for each others lips.

Henrietta entrusted her weight to Saito…forcing him into the wall. As Henrietta breath out a small sigh, as she parted her lips against Saito’s, without their knowing someone was watching them.

“Princess…”

But as Henrietta kissed Saito’s neck.

A sudden flash of lightning and heavy electrical currents began to appear.

Henrietta instinctively held him close. At that very instant…

In the small opening of the curtain, Saito found pink hair.

Under the hair were reddish-brown eyes.

“Louise…”

He felt all his blood being pulled away from him. Slowly he looked back at Henrietta.

Louise began to tremble, as she saw them under the cover of the curtain, later shedding into tears in the course of time.

With both her hands covering her face…she ran.

Saito ran after her, the moment he stepped out of the curtain…knocking against the other students.

“Hey that hurts!”

“Sorry! Excuse me! I’m in a hurry!”

However…, Louise disappeared in the crowd of people. She was nowhere to be found.

In the hall, ‘What the Hell! Did the Mirror of Truth’s magic backfire?’ Was all the ruckus in the room.

Next Henrietta, pale face came out under the covers of the curtain.

The student’s at once shouted, “Her Majesty!”. She could tell from her eyes that Saito ran, searching for Louise, immediately then and there she ran away.

<center>* * *</center>

Dashing out from the tower, Louise ran away from the academy in the stillness of the night.

Filled with surprise and sorrow, Louise was confused.

Saito and the princess?

Why?

Louise witnessed everything. As she approached…from the small opening of the curtain, she found Henrietta’s face beside Saito’s.

But as she tried to recall, instantly tears began to fall. The two of them looked so feverish…just like lovers about to make a vow, and then…their lips began to draw near just like the lovers of old.

“Since way back then, they already had such a relationship. All this time I was deceived.”

For Henrietta to betray my trust to such a degree…Louise believed in nothing anymore. I see now, she thought. This was the reason…Henrietta knighted Saito as a Chevalier, this was the reason he was the knight’s commanding officer. It was for the sake of their love.

Their duty in Tristania some time ago…Saito said that he and Henrietta kissed. Although she was angry…but because she thought it was only for the sake of duty, she didn’t bother to worry about it anymore. However, that was a mistake.

Perhaps from that time, those two continued their relationship.

“It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel! It’s so cruel!”

Louise shouted many times.

She was betrayed all this time.

You said you loved me. It was all a lie!

Louise just can’t accept it…for a long time I believed, he promised me, the time we spent together, the sweet kiss…all this time everything was a lie.

I have always valued those moments and I waited, all those memories that I have ever cherished…, only discover it was a complete lie.

Moreover, her friend…, Louis had always respected Henrietta in high regard. Only to be betrayed twice. Louise couldn’t bare it any longer.

In any case he was not there.

She passed and dashed out from gate of the academy.

[Flashback]

Where was he? After the Mirror of Truth’s magic disappeared, there was now a lot of commotion in the hall. Still he wasn’t there. No one blamed anyone to be at fault.

[End of Flashback]

A gradual slope that descended into the highway, there Louise ran.

“I don’t want to be here.”

Such emotions dominated her heart.

I want to go far away.

I want to go to a far away world where no knows who I am.

For a long time she ran…now Louise kneeled and out of breath. There lying down with her face on the ground, she cried.

----

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-25T03:16:43Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning. Even at breakfast time, why on Earth did it turn out like this? Try something else! Was the conversation being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? Although, I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. What do you think?”

“Yeah…yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl.

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha! Ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It is more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha, ha….ha. Is that right…ha, ha.”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

To imagine this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl. Almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

However…, having the possibility to wreak havoc with their disguises, these guys are actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personality didn’t change.

It was only able to disguise oneself by magic, Saito thought to himself.

If you think about it, one is free to disguise oneself because it is a masked ball in a magic school. Nevertheless…Saito was not interested in such things, the idea just didn’t seem to come around him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?” after asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“Yes…because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I ended up going after all, but when he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes.”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“Ha, ha. Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“It says, ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a I certain young maid, serving an aristocrats residence. The master of the residence is the main protagonist.”

“I see.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is not appropriate is coerced.”

“Not appropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something on Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“…so what you’re trying to read is.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this same room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world. Saito strangely agreed.

“So?”

“No, I, Because of this, to think of such a master in the story…If it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! S-such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was somehow as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifts the hem of her skirt, just diagonal to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. Already he was unable to resist any longer as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louis on the other hand made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louis, Saito collapsed while holding between his crotch. Then Louis said.

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes.” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“In any case, Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it…”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, errr… Is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world, is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louis.

Haha, it seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. When the war ends, immediately these balls have become more of a delirious punishment. Shouldn’t we make more effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go to that direction?

“You two…”

She said with a mixed sigh, Louis removed her foot. And Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you sit over there.”

“What?”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for the society.”

Louis was suprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher, always brewed trouble with his research…Was he trying to succeed his dying wish, it is likely.

That’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louis had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job,…for now, was finding a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… After all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps, will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louis said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case! Somehow you always make a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected, is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louis shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot…Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louis said this…Saito looked down.

For Saito it was all vague.

At any rate Saito, just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now…He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain to Louis.

Louis sighed.

“Anyway…You must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louis had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Doing something fishy again!”

Louis turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed….and sprouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. I black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you wont know what one will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse was standing next to the curtain. Wearing a butterfly shaped mask.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

Teacher Chevreuse, induced the students who were lined up in high spirit. Louis also lined up in the row…and thought on what to transform into.

Somehow an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?

Louis muttered to herself.

It’s my turn, Louis passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice? To imagine your ideal form. Suppose we were to deceive others? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… And designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louis took a deep breath, “Okay.” With that answer…she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared…covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light…Unexpectedly the light disappeared, and everything returned to darkness.

However, Louis was no longer in the mirror.

Instead a kindly 23 year old, with pink hair appeared, she had changed into a woman.

She transformed…as Louis’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louis’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya. Gentler than any person, she became her elder sister… Louis quietly raised her hand on her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed in the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Though the classmate’s appearance was visible, they were probably not the person’s in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louis smiled wryly.

This is the only day, no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner…, of whom they took shape, they must inform you in advance.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louis muttered.

After all, She was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered…Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all. Today, in this ball to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. As Family, Position, and Nationality, is not restricted in title. Everyone in this education institution is equal. I strongly impress, that it is not, impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, Please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, following the point of this ball, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quiet an amusement?”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta, does not come too often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louis too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed…she thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good, you are now transforming yourself into an ideal. With each step you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not loose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that Ladies and Gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…The Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louis stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louis thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall…the banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as Saito entered the hall. Saito…how should I put it, didn't know it was a masquerade ball were people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louis said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…D-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louis.

However, she cannot be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any mask…Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last Saito found Louis standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise.”

Louis looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito again.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

More and more, Louis blushed. What is she…was she confused? Still, To feel so shy in such a manner made the violent Louis extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…Is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louis’s hand….and pulled her to the veranda.

“…Ha.”

Though Louis gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louis.

“You, for your information, to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louis apologized, she looked very lovely somehow…Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is to say…”

Because Louis looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louis stared at Saito…her eye zeroed into his. That sort of gesture, startled him. Unintentionally they were drawing ever closer…Their lips were once more draw close.

Tightly, they embraced each other. Louis entrusted her body.

Now…Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda, it would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louis was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back.

“…Louis.”

Perhaps Louis…all this time must have been very lonely. As he was thinking, Louis lovingly, one after another, for the first time, wrapped Saito. Then he realized, Louis’s small hand was on his chest.

Awhile ago, Louis would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, though I was hurt for a moment…But in spite of that, is this really a reward, after all Louis to me…

“Louis.”

Saito strongly held Louis close. A hot sigh escaped from Louis’s mouth…and in that instant he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. Either she was a teacher or a student was not clear.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered…the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor…breathing in a sigh as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth and as she gazed upon it, expressed a smile.

Lifting the cloth…she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then…, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louis’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy…, Standing on the tips of her toes, Louis entwined both her arms on Saito’s neck.

Louis was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen…Furthermore, to treat me with such affection.

Instinctively, he slipped his hand…, to Louis’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest, was not flat.

Perhaps one could say…it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm, the shape has completely changed. Each time he grasps it …, Louis’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the Heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the! The magic was broken!”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta, most likely took Louis’s shape.

“However, why Louis…”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered her head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal Form?”

Suddenly he realized.

“So it was…Louis?”

“Yes. I, always envied that child…a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues, I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself…I find that to be the most enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes…, Princess…, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked considerably defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No…, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, other’s did it for honor. But these are not things the princess would worry about.”

----

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-08-24T11:14:04Z

Novaren:

[[Image:Znt novel cover.jpg|300px|thumb|Vol.One Cover]]

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*August 2, 2008:
:* [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 6]] & [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 7]] are translated. Yet another [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]'s contribution.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[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.

[http://www.baka-tsuki.net/project/index.php?title=Zero_no_Tsukaima:guidelines Naming Conventions For ZnT]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ 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

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[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]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [50% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]]
::*[[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]]
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - Sortie]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion of Dartanes]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame]] - [2% Translated]

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]]
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]] - [80% Translated]
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the Mysterious Bird
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungand
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - Aboard the 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 4 - The Two Knight Corps
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::*[[user:Xorius|Xorius]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== 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:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-24T11:12:32Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning. Even at breakfast time, why on Earth did it turn out like this? Try something else! Was the conversation being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? Although, I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. What do you think?”

“Yeah…yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl.

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha! Ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It is more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha, ha….ha. Is that right…ha, ha.”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

To imagine this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl. Almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

However…, having the possibility to wreak havoc with their disguises, these guys are actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personality didn’t change.

It was only able to disguise oneself by magic, Saito thought to himself.

If you think about it, one is free to disguise oneself because it is a masked ball in a magic school. Nevertheless…Saito was not interested in such things, the idea just didn’t seem to come around him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?” after asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“Yes…because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I ended up going after all, but when he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes.”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“Ha, ha. Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“It says, ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a I certain young maid, serving an aristocrats residence. The master of the residence is the main protagonist.”

“I see.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is not appropriate is coerced.”

“Not appropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something on Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“…so what you’re trying to read is.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this same room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world. Saito strangely agreed.

“So?”

“No, I, Because of this, to think of such a master in the story…If it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! S-such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was somehow as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifts the hem of her skirt, just diagonal to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. Already he was unable to resist any longer as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louis on the other hand made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louis, Saito collapsed while holding between his crotch. Then Louis said.

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes.” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“In any case, Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it…”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, errr… Is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world, is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louis.

Haha, it seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. When the war ends, immediately these balls have become more of a delirious punishment. Shouldn’t we make more effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go to that direction?

“You two…”

She said with a mixed sigh, Louis removed her foot. And Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you sit over there.”

“What?”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for the society.”

Louis was suprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher, always brewed trouble with his research…Was he trying to succeed his dying wish, it is likely.

That’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louis had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job,…for now, was finding a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… After all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps, will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louis said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case! Somehow you always make a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected, is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louis shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot…Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louis said this…Saito looked down.

For Saito it was all vague.

At any rate Saito, just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now…He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain to Louis.

Louis sighed.

“Anyway…You must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louis had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Doing something fishy again!”

Louis turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed….and sprouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. I black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you wont know what one will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse was standing next to the curtain. Wearing a butterfly shaped mask.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

Teacher Chevreuse, induced the students who were lined up in high spirit. Louis also lined up in the row…and thought on what to transform into.

Somehow an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?

Louis muttered to herself.

It’s my turn, Louis passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice? To imagine your ideal form. Suppose we were to deceive others? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… And designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louis took a deep breath, “Okay.” With that answer…she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared…covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light…Unexpectedly the light disappeared, and everything returned to darkness.

However, Louis was no longer in the mirror.

Instead a kindly 23 year old, with pink hair appeared, she had changed into a woman.

She transformed…as Louis’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louis’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya. Gentler than any person, she became her elder sister… Louis quietly raised her hand on her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed in the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Though the classmate’s appearance was visible, they were probably not the person’s in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louis smiled wryly.

This is the only day, no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner…, of whom they took shape, they must inform you in advance.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louis muttered.

After all, She was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered…Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all. Today, in this ball to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. As Family, Position, and Nationality, is not restricted in title. Everyone in this education institution is equal. I strongly impress, that it is not, impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, Please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, following the point of this ball, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quiet an amusement?”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta, does not come too often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louis too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed…she thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good, you are now transforming yourself into an ideal. With each step you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not loose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that Ladies and Gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…The Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louis stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louis thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall…the banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as Saito entered the hall. Saito…how should I put it, didn't know it was a masquerade ball were people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louis said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…D-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louis.

However, she cannot be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any mask…Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last Saito found Louis standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise.”

Louis looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito again.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

More and more, Louis blushed. What is she…was she confused? Still, To feel so shy in such a manner made the violent Louis extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…Is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louis’s hand….and pulled her to the veranda.

“…Ha.”

Though Louis gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louis.

“You, for your information, to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louis apologized, she looked very lovely somehow…Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is to say…”

Because Louis looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louis stared at Saito…her eye zeroed into his. That sort of gesture, startled him. Unintentionally they were drawing ever closer…Their lips were once more draw close.

Tightly, they embraced each other. Louis entrusted her body.

Now…Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda, it would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louis was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back.

“…Louis.”

Perhaps Louis…all this time must have been very lonely. As he was thinking, Louis lovingly, one after another, for the first time, wrapped Saito. Then he realized, Louis’s small hand was on his chest.

Awhile ago, Louis would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, though I was hurt for a moment…But in spite of that, is this really a reward, after all Louis to me…

“Louis.”

Saito strongly held Louis close. A hot sigh escaped from Louis’s mouth…and in that instant he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. Either she was a teacher or a student was not clear.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered…the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor…breathing in a sigh as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth and as she gazed upon it, expressed a smile.

Lifting the cloth…she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then…, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louis’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy…, Standing on the tips of her toes, Louis entwined both her arms on Saito’s neck.

Louis was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen…Furthermore, to treat me with such affection.

Instinctively, he slipped his hand…, to Louis’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest, was not flat.

Perhaps one could say…it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm, the shape has completely changed. Each time he grasps it …, Louis’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the Heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the! The magic was broken!”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta, most likely took Louis’s shape.

“However, why Louis…”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered he head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal Form?”

Suddenly he realized.

“So it was…Louis?”

“Yes. I, always envied that child…a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues, I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself…I find that to be the most enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes…, Princess…, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked considerably defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No…, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, other’s did it for honor. But these are not things the princess would worry about.”

----

<noinclude>
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|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-24T11:10:34Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning. Even at breakfast time, why on Earth did it turn out like this? Try something else! Was the conversation being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? Although, I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. What do you think?”

“Yeah…yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl.

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha! Ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It is more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha, ha….ha. Is that right…ha, ha.”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

To imagine this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl. Almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

However…, having the possibility to wreak havoc with their disguises, these guys are actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personality didn’t change.

It was only able to disguise oneself by magic, Saito thought to himself.

If you think about it, one is free to disguise oneself because it is a masked ball in a magic school. Nevertheless…Saito was not interested in such things, the idea just didn’t seem to come around him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?” after asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“Yes…because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I ended up going after all, but when he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes.”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“Ha, ha. Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“It says, ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a I certain young maid, serving an aristocrats residence. The master of the residence is the main protagonist.”

“I see.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is not appropriate is coerced.”

“Not appropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something on Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“…so what you’re trying to read is.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this same room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world. Saito strangely agreed.

“So?”

“No, I, Because of this, to think of such a master in the story…If it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! S-such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was somehow as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifts the hem of her skirt, just diagonal to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. Already he was unable to resist any longer as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louis on the other hand made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louis, Saito collapsed while holding between his crotch. Then Louis said.

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes.” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“In any case, Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it…”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, errr… Is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world, is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louis.

Haha, it seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. When the war ends, immediately these balls have become more of a delirious punishment. Shouldn’t we make more effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go to that direction?

“You two…”

She said with a mixed sigh, Louis removed her foot. And Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you sit over there.”

“What?”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for the society.”

Louis was suprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher, always brewed trouble with his research…Was he trying to succeed his dying wish, it is likely.

That’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louis had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job,…for now, was finding a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… After all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps, will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louis said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case! Somehow you always make a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected, is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louis shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot…Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louis said this…Saito looked down.

For Saito it was all vague.

At any rate Saito, just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now…He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain to Louis.

Louis sighed.

“Anyway…You must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louis had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Doing something fishy again!”

Louis turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed….and sprouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. I black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you wont know what one will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse was standing next to the curtain. Wearing a butterfly shaped mask.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

Teacher Chevreuse, induced the students who were lined up in high spirit. Louis also lined up in the row…and thought on what to transform into.

Somehow an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?

Louis muttered to herself.

It’s my turn, Louis passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice? To imagine your ideal form. Suppose we were to deceive others? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… And designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louis took a deep breath, “Okay.” With that answer…she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared…covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light…Unexpectedly the light disappeared, and everything returned to darkness.

However, Louis was no longer in the mirror.

Instead a kindly 23 year old, with pink hair appeared, she had changed into a woman.

She transformed…as Louis’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louis’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya. Gentler than any person, she became her elder sister… Louis quietly raised her hand on her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed in the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Though the classmate’s appearance was visible, they were probably not the person’s in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louis smiled wryly.

This is the only day, no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner…, of whom they took shape, they must inform you in advance.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louis muttered.

After all, She was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered…Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all. Today, in this ball to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. As Family, Position, and Nationality, is not restricted in title. Everyone in this education institution is equal. I strongly impress, that it is not, impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, Please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, following the point of this ball, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quiet an amusement?”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta, does not come too often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louis too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed…she thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good, you are now transforming yourself into an ideal. With each step you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not loose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that Ladies and Gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…The Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louis stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louis thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall…the banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as Saito entered the hall. Saito…how should I put it, didn't know it was a masquerade ball were people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louis said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…D-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louis.

However, she cannot be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any mask…Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last Saito found Louis standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise.”

Louis looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito again.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

More and more, Louis blushed. What is she…was she confused? Still, To feel so shy in such a manner made the violent Louis extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…Is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louis’s hand….and pulled her to the veranda.

“…Ha.”

Though Louis gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louis.

“You, for your information, to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louis apologized, she looked very lovely somehow…Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is to say…”

Because Louis looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louis stared at Saito…her eye zeroed into his. That sort of gesture, startled him. Unintentionally they were drawing ever closer…Their lips were once more draw close.

Tightly, they embraced each other. Louis entrusted her body.

Now…Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda, it would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louis was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back.

“…Louis.”

Perhaps Louis…all this time must have been very lonely. As he was thinking, Louis lovingly, one after another, for the first time, wrapped Saito. Then he realized, Louis’s small hand was on his chest.

Awhile ago, Louis would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, though I was hurt for a moment…But in spite of that, is this really a reward, after all Louis to me…

“Louis.”

Saito strongly held Louis close. A hot sigh escaped from Louis’s mouth…and in that instant he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. Either she was a teacher or a student was not clear.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered…the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor…breathing in a sigh as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth and as she gazed upon it, expressed a smile.

Lifting the cloth…she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then…, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louis’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy…, Standing on the tips of her toes, Louis entwined both her arms on Saito’s neck.

Louis was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen…Furthermore, to treat me with such affection.

Instinctively, he slipped his hand…, to Louis’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest, was not flat.

Perhaps one could say…it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm, the shape has completely changed. Each time he grasps it …, Louis’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the Heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the! The magic was broken!”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta, most likely took Louis’s shape.

“However, why Louis…”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered he head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal Form?”

Suddenly he realized.

“So it was…Louis?”

“Yes. I, always envied that child…a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues, I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself…I find that to be the most enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of he courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes…, Princess…, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked considerably defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No…, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, other’s did it for honor. But these are not things the princess would worry about.”

----

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-24T11:09:02Z

Novaren:

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir ===

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning. Even at breakfast time, why on Earth did it turn out like this? Try something else! Was the conversation being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? Although, I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. What do you think?”

“Yeah…yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl.

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha! Ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It is more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha, ha….ha. Is that right…ha, ha.”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

To imagine this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl. Almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

However…, having the possibility to wreak havoc with their disguises, these guys are actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personality didn’t change.

It was only able to disguise oneself by magic, Saito thought to himself.

If you think about it, one is free to disguise oneself because it is a masked ball in a magic school. Nevertheless…Saito was not interested in such things, the idea just didn’t seem to come around him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?” after asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“Yes…because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I ended up going after all, but when he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes.”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“Ha, ha. Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“It says, ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a I certain young maid, serving an aristocrats residence. The master of the residence is the main protagonist.”

“I see.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is not appropriate is coerced.”

“Not appropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something on Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“…so what you’re trying to read is.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this same room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world. Saito strangely agreed.

“So?”

“No, I, Because of this, to think of such a master in the story…If it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! S-such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was somehow as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifts the hem of her skirt, just diagonal to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

[[Image:ZnT09-193.jpg|thumb]]

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. Already he was unable to resist any longer as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louis on the other hand made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louis, Saito collapsed while holding between his crotch. Then Louis said.

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes.” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“In any case, Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it…”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, errr… Is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world, is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louis.

Haha, it seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. When the war ends, immediately these balls have become more of a delirious punishment. Shouldn’t we make more effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go to that direction?

“You two…”

She said with a mixed sigh, Louis removed her foot. And Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you sit over there.”

“What?”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for the society.”

Louis was suprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher, always brewed trouble with his research…Was he trying to succeed his dying wish, it is likely.

That’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louis had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job,…for now, was finding a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… After all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps, will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louis said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case! Somehow you always make a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected, is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louis shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot…Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louis said this…Saito looked down.

For Saito it was all vague.

At any rate Saito, just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now…He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain to Louis.

Louis sighed.

“Anyway…You must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louis had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Doing something fishy again!”

Louis turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed….and sprouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

<center>* * *</center>

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. I black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you wont know what one will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse was standing next to the curtain. Wearing a butterfly shaped mask.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

Teacher Chevreuse, induced the students who were lined up in high spirit. Louis also lined up in the row…and thought on what to transform into.

Somehow an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?

Louis muttered to herself.

It’s my turn, Louis passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice? To imagine your ideal form. Suppose we were to deceive others? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… And designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louis took a deep breath, “Okay.” With that answer…she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared…covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light…Unexpectedly the light disappeared, and everything returned to darkness.

However, Louis was no longer in the mirror.

Instead a kindly 23 year old, with pink hair appeared, she had changed into a woman.

She transformed…as Louis’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louis’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya. Gentler than any person, she became her elder sister… Louis quietly raised her hand on her chest.

<center>* * *</center>

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed in the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court…Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Though the classmate’s appearance was visible, they were probably not the person’s in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louis smiled wryly.

This is the only day, no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner…, of whom they took shape, they must inform you in advance.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louis muttered.

After all, She was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered…Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all. Today, in this ball to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. As Family, Position, and Nationality, is not restricted in title. Everyone in this education institution is equal. I strongly impress, that it is not, impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, Please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, following the point of this ball, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quiet an amusement?”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta, does not come too often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louis too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed…she thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good, you are now transforming yourself into an ideal. With each step you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not loose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that Ladies and Gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…The Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louis stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louis thought, sighing against the wall.

<center>* * *</center>

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall…the banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as Saito entered the hall. Saito…how should I put it, didn't know it was a masquerade ball were people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louis said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…D-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louis.

However, she cannot be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any mask…Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last Saito found Louis standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise.”

Louis looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito again.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

More and more, Louis blushed. What is she…was she confused? Still, To feel so shy in such a manner made the violent Louis extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…Is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louis’s hand….and pulled her to the veranda.

“…Ha.”

Though Louis gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louis.

“You, for your information, to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louis apologized, she looked very lovely somehow…Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is to say…”

Because Louis looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louis stared at Saito…her eye zeroed into his. That sort of gesture, startled him. Unintentionally they were drawing ever closer…Their lips were once more draw close.

Tightly, they embraced each other. Louis entrusted her body.

Now…Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda, it would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louis was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back.

“…Louis.”

Perhaps Louis…all this time must have been very lonely. As he was thinking, Louis lovingly, one after another, for the first time, wrapped Saito. Then he realized, Louis’s small hand was on his chest.

Awhile ago, Louis would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, though I was hurt for a moment…But in spite of that, is this really a reward, after all Louis to me…

“Louis.”

Saito strongly held Louis close. A hot sigh escaped from Louis’s mouth…and in that instant he forgot himself.

<center>* * *</center>

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. Either she was a teacher or a student was not clear.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered…the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor…breathing in a sigh as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth and as she gazed upon it, expressed a smile.

Lifting the cloth…she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then…, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito breathed through Louis’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy…, Standing on the tips of her toes, Louis entwined both her arms on Saito’s neck.

Louis was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen…Furthermore, to treat me with such affection.

Instinctively, he slipped his hand…, to Louis’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest, was not flat.

Perhaps one could say…it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm, the shape has completely changed. Each time he grasps it …, Louis’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the Heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the! The magic was broken!”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta, most likely took Louis’s shape.

“However, why Louis…”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered he head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal Form?”

Suddenly he realized.

“So it was…Louis?”

“Yes. I, always envied that child…a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues, I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself…I find that to be the most enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of he courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes…, Princess…, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked considerably defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No…, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, other’s did it for honor. But these are not things the princess would worry about.”

----

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Back to Chapter 7]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Forward to Chapter 9]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Talk:Toradora! (Filipino): Bol. 1, Kab. 1

2008-08-24T06:22:25Z

Novaren: New page: Keep up with the translation! ~Novaren~

Keep up with the translation!

~Novaren~

User talk:Supahem

2008-08-24T06:14:13Z

Novaren: New page: Nice to meet a fellow Filipino In Baka-Tsuki...heh I always thought I was the only one^^ Oops spoke in english^^ Sana ipagpatuloy mo sa pag translate sa tagalog ang Toradora. Good luck...

Nice to meet a fellow Filipino In Baka-Tsuki...heh I always thought I was the only one^^

Oops spoke in english^^

Sana ipagpatuloy mo sa pag translate sa tagalog ang Toradora.

Good luck!!!

~Novaren~

User:Novaren

2008-08-22T13:17:21Z

Novaren: New page: Job: Nurse Hobby: Reading and writing How I discovered Baka-tsuki: I typed in light novels in google since I heard from my friend they were becoming popular.

Job: Nurse
Hobby: Reading and writing
How I discovered Baka-tsuki: I typed in light novels in google since I heard from my friend they were becoming popular.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-22T01:16:09Z

Novaren:

Talk:Zero no Tsukaima

2008-08-22T01:00:54Z

Novaren:

== Volume 2 Name ==
Shouldn't

Volume 2 - The Wind of Albion/ 風のアルビオン

Be translated as Albion of the wind or something like that?

--
Proto

== Nyu-Kassuru ==

Nyu-Kassuru seems to be Newcastle.

* lolol.

after reading that out loud, i have to agree.

made me chuckle.

good spot my friend.

mind you after living in Newcastle for 5yrs, i have an urge to rename it as "Newky" and have all the locals refer to it as the "toon"

which the locals affectionately calls it. :)

[[User:220.246.154.243|220.246.154.243]] 04:28, 10 June 2007 (PDT)

== ZnT Teaser ==
The link is broken. The best I could do was putting Aquastar forum thread nearby; though I couldn't get it to show the right post. Any help is appreciated (required post number is in URL already). Or should it rather be removed completely? AFAICT, it was translation of the very first chapter, which doesn't make sense now...

==Edit Deleted : Licensing==

The novel has now been licensed. http://www.gomanga.com/manga/zerosfamiliar.php

Yesterday I posted this here. A unregistered undid my edits which is an action I would think only a administrator would have the rights to do. In the Baka-Tsuki disclaimer it says -" This wiki is done with the intention to A) Improve my(c) English writing skills. B) To provide a storage space for fans of the translated works(a) so that the fans can promote these works(a) C) To attract more readers''' to make English licencing(d) possible''' "

So why were my edits deleted? If an admin or did so I wouldn't question it but this seems less good-willed.[[User:72.207.45.14|72.207.45.14]] 17:38, 26 September 2007 (PDT)

The person who undid your edit was unregistered. This was probably someone wanting to keep this project alive. We have already recived the news that ZnT is licensed. You can find more about this [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1345 here]. This project will continue until the volumes are actually released.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

--[[User:Jumpyshoes|Jumpyshoes]] 18:02, 26 September 2007 (PDT)

Ah okay ^_^ Since Seven Seas has dropped titles before continuing until publication is a good idea. I rarely come here (only checking up on the Clannad translation) I didn't know about the forum thread. Thanks [[User:72.207.45.14|72.207.45.14]] 19:53, 26 September 2007 (PDT)

== Proper Names ==
According to Wikipedia articles, country name is Romalia, not Romaria or anything; most likely, author meant Jörmungandr. If we translate proper names rather than transcribe them (Louise vs. Ruizu, Albion vs. Arubion etc.), let's be consistent where possible.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_no_Tsukaima#Setting
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jörmungandr

The same applies to Gallia vs. Garia, see Wikipedia for "Gaul".
I'm fixing chapter names in vol. 7, 11 & 13.

[[User:Const2k|Const2k]] 23:35, 26 April 2008 (PDT)

== Proper Names (reply) ==

About Romaria/Romalia:

Honestly, you can translate it either way. I don't care if you bother to change this since there isn't proof which is correct. Same goes for Gallia.

Though a note to you, "because Wikipedia said so" does not, at all, mean anything. Wikipedia is changeable by everyone, after all.

--

About Jörmungandr:
"most likely, author meant Jörmungandr"

Seriously, have you not heard of basing something off of something? The author clearly based Jörmungant OFF of Jörmungandr, but it obviously isn't.
In the novels, it is written "ヨルムンガント". Jörmungandr is "ヨルムンガンド".
The author didn't mean anything and make a mistake, he did this on purpose. So it should be "t"

~Serenade beta

== Publication dates? ==

# Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
# Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)

Was volume 14 published before volume 13? Seems very unlikely. Could someone correct this?

--

Volume 5
Chapter 2-2 completed
Chapter 2 stands at 50% completion.

~ Vorpal

== About Chapters' Original Names ==

As every book has it's original title, couldn't it be possible to write also the name of the chapter in Japanese? It doesn't matter if it's not in the Main Page, but at least somewhere to be read, plz. Maybe here it can be written... :)

~ Macko Darlack

== Vol. 9 Chapter 9 Title ==

Well, consulting a Kanji dictionary, the kanjis in 怪鳥 are 'mystery' and 'bird/fowl/poultry'. As some days ago S3-Ch7 was released 'The Ball of Sleipnir', there appeared a big airplane-like ship that was referred as 'a mysterious bird'. For that reason I guess this names fits with the chapter title.

~ MD

Thanks for the info^^

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-20T14:11:26Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-08-20T14:03:49Z

Novaren:

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*August 2, 2008:
:* [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 6]] & [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 7]] are translated. Yet another [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]'s contribution.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[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.

[http://www.baka-tsuki.net/project/index.php?title=Zero_no_Tsukaima:guidelines Naming Conventions For ZnT]

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ 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

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[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]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [50% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]]
::*[[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]]
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - Sortie]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion of Dartanes]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame]] - [2% Translated]

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]] - [30% Translated]
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]] - [58% Translated]
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungand
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::*[[user:Xorius|Xorius]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== 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:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-20T14:00:52Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2008-08-18T15:16:37Z

Novaren:

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).

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

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] [[user:TheDefend|(TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None (dropped by [[user:Magus|Magus]]; [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] (unconfirmed)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None (dropped by [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None([[user:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None








===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5]] - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story6|Story 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter]] - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story7|Story 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story8|Story 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔
*Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン
*Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書
*Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊
*Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日
*Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石
*Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭
*Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲
*Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会
*Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者
*Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏
*Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日
*Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉
*Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女
*Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険
*Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T15:10:03Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-08-18T15:03:53Z

Novaren:

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*August 2, 2008:
:* [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 6]] & [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 of Volume 7]] are translated. Yet another [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]'s contribution.

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[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.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ 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

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[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]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [50% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]]
::*[[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]]
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - Sortie]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - The Illusion of Dartanes]]
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two]] - [30% Translated]
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - The Secretary and the Emperor]]
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir]] - [50% Translated]
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungand
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color 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

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
::*[[user:Xorius|Xorius]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== 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:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
::*[[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T14:58:31Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T14:57:12Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T14:55:00Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T14:53:27Z

Novaren:

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

2008-08-18T14:52:32Z

Novaren: New page: {{Template:PREVIEW}} ===Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir === The Day of Void was a week away. The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today. Today was originally a holiday, but the stu...

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2008-08-18T14:47:17Z

Novaren:

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).

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

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] [[user:TheDefend|(TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None (dropped by [[user:Magus|Magus]]; [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%) - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - [[user:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] (unconfirmed)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None (dropped by [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter10|Chapter 10]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter1|Chapter 1]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter2|Chapter 2]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter3|Chapter 3]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter4|Chapter 4]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter5|Chapter 5]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter6|Chapter 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter7|Chapter 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter8|Chapter 8]] - None
([[user:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~)
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Chapter9|Chapter 9]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None








===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5]] - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story6|Story 6]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter]] - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story7|Story 7]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story8|Story 8]] - None
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - None

==Series Overview==
*Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔
*Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン
*Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書
*Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊
*Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日
*Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石
*Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭
*Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲
*Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会
*Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者
*Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏
*Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日
*Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉
*Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女
*Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険
*Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL

2008-07-30T13:43:17Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Two: Cattleya */

===Chapter Two: Cattleya===

{{Template:PREVIEW}}
----

Noon, two days after leaving the academy...

Saito and the rest reached the la Vallière territory. However, by the time they would reach the la Vallière's mansion it would already be late at night. Upon hearing the words “late at night”... Saito turned pale. He realized that this “territory” was nothing more than a courtyard.

However, after half a day spent traveling, he could not possibly understand how something this big could be a residence’s garden.

By Japanese standards, Louise’s territory could be called a middle-sized city. A city... Saito had never heard of somebody possessing so much land before. These Upper Nobles are truly intimidating.

Louise’s status as a noble was truly displayed once they entered her territory.

They decided to take a break at an inn…

Once their carriages stopped, Siesta, who arrived just a bit earlier, quickly got out of her carriage. Having been trained as a maid, she went to open the coach's door for Louise.

“Uwaa, I can’t believe Siesta just did that... without any protesting”, thought Saito as he walked towards Louise’s carriage. But before he could get there, he was knocked down by a crowd of villagers running from the inn.

The villagers removed their hats in front of Louise, who had just stepped down.

“Miss Eleanor! Miss Louise!” they cried while deeply bowing down.

The villagers thought that even Saito, who was now lying in the dirt, was a noble. They quickly helped him up apologizing for their terrible manners.

“No, I’m not a noble…” Saito nervously tried to explain.

“Even so, you must be Miss Louise’s or Miss Eleonore’s attendant. And we cannot disrespect that.”

Plain looking farmers said while nodding.

They went on saying things such as “Let me carry your sword for you,” and “It must have been a tiring journey to get here, huh?” as they treated Saito with the utmost kindness.

“We will be resting here for a moment. Please inform the family of our arrival,” commanded Eleanor.

A young boy quickly jumped onto a horse and rode off in order to report.

They walked into the inn. Once Eleonore and Louise approached the table, chairs were immediately pulled out for them to sit on. The two sat down as if it were second nature. Saito tried to sit next to them only to be given a demeaning glare by Eleanor.

“Saito-san! Saito-san!”

Hearing Siesta call, Saito turned around.

“Commoners are not permitted to sit at the same tables as nobles.”

That reminded Saito. Recently he had been sitting next to Louise without worrying. Yet this was a strange thing to do in this world after all. Actually, Louise made Saito sit on the floor at first too.

Louise opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a glare from Eleonore. Louise could do nothing but sit in her chair like a good girl. Saito stared wide-eyed – it was the first time he saw Louise in such a state. She really looked naturally obedient in front of her older sister. However... she must be a really scary elder sister... to make Louise look so weak.

“Oh how Louise has grown!"

"She’s growing more and more beautiful!”

The villagers were chattering around them.

“It seems Miss Eleanor has been engaged, right?” someone muttered.

“SHHH! Don’t talk about that!” came the scolding.

Eleonore’s eyebrows started to twitch and her expression darkened. The atmosphere in the inn took a plunge. Apparently, speaking of Eleonore’s engagement was definitely something to be avoided…

The commoners, feeling the murderous intent coming from Eleanor, didn’t dare speak another word. Saito and Siesta exchanged glances. Then Siesta quietly got close to Saito and grasped his hand. She was afraid.

Not noticing the change in her elder sister, Louise spoke.

“Eleonore. Eleonore nee-sama...”

“What…”

“Congratulations on your engagement!”

The face of every commoner fell, and a deep sigh escaped them.

Louise had completely misread the atmosphere once again. All of a sudden, Eleonore’s eyebrows shot up as she pinched Louise’s cheek.

“It hwwuuuurrtsss!! Waaahhhhh! Nee-shammaaa!! Whhyy?! It hwurts it hwurts it hwurts!!!”

“You don’t know? You speak of it even though you know you shouldn’t!”

“I won’t whoh wah ur alking awout!!”

“The engagement has been canceled!! C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D!”

“W-why?”

“Who knows? Why don’t you ask Earl Burgandi? He said something about reaching his limit. I can’t understand why.”

Saito completely sympathized with that Earl Burgandi. Yes. Anybody who listened to her would soon reach their “limit”. Eleonore was much more fierce and abusive than Louise. The Earl must have thought he didn’t have the stamina.

In the end, unhappy with the marriage cancellation, Eleonore just vented all of her anger on Louise…

And so, the preaching started. She scolded Louise for blowing the roof of the carriage. Louise’s stretched cheek became angry red and swollen by then. Naturally, Saito felt sorry for Louise.

However, this reprimand didn’t last very long because suddenly the door opened and a flow of pink blew in.

A girl, wearing an elegant dress around her slim waist and a wide rimmed hat with a feather on top, had entered. Under the hat was a flow of silky pink blond hair – exactly the same as Louise’s.

Surprisingly, a lovely face popped up from under the hat.

Although from the first look it was obvious that she was older, she looked very cute. Such a beautiful face was beyond description. Her eye color and the way her eyes sparkled was the same as Louise’s as well. Noticing Eleonore, the girl stared with wide eyes.

“Ah! I’m so glad I noticed the strange carriage outside and came over here to take a look. I didn’t think I would meet you! Eleonore nee-sama! You’re back?”

“Cattle...ya...” Eleonore muttered.

Noticing the sudden guest, Louise looked up. Seeing Louise, Cattleya’s face radiated a happiness which was mirrored on Louise’s face as well.

“Big sister!”

“Louise! No way! You are not my chibi Louise anymore! You came back as well!”

Louise stood up and launched herself into Cattleya's chest.

“It’s been so long, big sister!!”

Unable to control their excitement, the two hugged with a squeal.

Seems like Cattleya was Louise’s sister. She had the same hair color, the same eye color – it was like looking at Louise. However, Cattleya’s face seemed to have a more calm and placid look than Louise’s. This aura of complete calmness and tenderness coming from Cattleya made Saito’s heart race.

She was like a matured Louise, with added gentleness. Besides, her beautiful figure and breasts well matched Saito’s taste.

Cattleya's mouth half opened as she finally noticed Saito.

“Ah, ah, ah , ahah!”

While Saito was wondering what this ‘Ah’ might mean, Cattleya approached him and gazed at his face.

“W-w-what’s wrong?” Saito asked nervously.

Cattleya began to gently stroke Saito’s face. Saito almost fainted from these sensations.

“You... are Louise’s lover, right?”

“Huh?!”

Siesta's, who was standing right next to Saito, eyes suddenly turned cold. She stomped down on his foot. Hard. Saito jumped up.

Louise blushed furiously.

“He’s just my familiar! Not my lover!”

“Ah, is that so?”

Cattleya giggled and tilted her head with a sweet smile.

“I’m sorry, I got it wrong. Don’t worry about it.”

<center>* * *</center>

Everybody got onto Cattleya’s chariot for the remainder of the ride to the La Valliere household. Eleonore showed obvious discontent of having to sit with a commoner and a familiar. But when Cattleya jokingly said - “The more the merrier right?” Eleonore, though still not uttering a single word, reluctantly consented.

However... Saito and the rest weren’t the only passengers in the large carriage.

It was just like a zoo inside the carriage.

In front of the seats, a tiger was lying sprawled, yawning. Louise sat down next to a bear. Various kinds of dogs and cats were scattered here and there. A huge snake, which was hanging down from the ceiling, appeared right before Siesta’s face, making her faint. While looking after the fainted Siesta, Saito muttered.

“But what a wonderful carriage…”

“Big sister loves animals,” said Louise.

Though he thought that the limits of love had been exceeded, Saito did not say a thing.

“I recently picked up a thrush.”

Cattleya said in a happy voice.

“Show me! Show me!” Louise was frolicking like a child.

Eleonore and the others took a collective deep sigh.

This was a life of three beautiful La Valliere sisters. Saito took a deep sympathetic bow towards Louise’s older sister. 　

Louise and Cattleya continued having a long chat between them.

Seems like the second eldest sister, who was wearing those lovely clothes, was considerably good friends with Louise. When you see two people getting along like this, even tedious time doesn't feel so very uneasy either. Siesta was already sleeping peacefully in his lap. On the left of the coach, hills stretched. On the right – cultivated fields extended. As the rye harvest was ending, here and there mass of straws were piled up. When looking at such tranquil scenery, it was impossible to believe that war was going on. Leaning into the window frame, adjusting Derflinger behind his back, Saito took a deep yawn.

　
<center>* * *</center>

Late night...　

Eleonore took the pocket watch out of her pocket and confirmed the time.

A castle came into the view right behind the hill. Because there were nothing around it, it actually looked bigger than Tristain‘s royal palace.

"Could that be?” Saito whispered, Louise nodded.

It looked like every castle. Surrounded by high walls and deep canals. Pinnacles were towering above walls. A splendid, big, true castle indeed! Elegant building.

Siesta, who was sleeping up till now, woke up and, noticing the castle, stared with wide opened eyes.

“Wow! Amazing!”

At that moment, a large owl leaped in through the window and landed on Saito’s head.

“Welcome home, Eleonore-sama, Cattleya-sama, Louise-sama.” Owl bowed greeting them.

“O-o-owl talked and bowed! B-o-w-e-d!” shocked Siesta fainted again. Though coming from a different world, Saito seemed to be not surprised by the talking owl and did not move. Saito was not surprised by such things anymore.

Cattleya smiled.

“And mother?”

“Mistress is waiting for everyone in the dining-room.”

“Father?"

Louise asked anxiously.

“Master hasn’t returned yet.”

Because the most essential member was missing, Louise frowned in displeasure. Coming here to obtain father's permission to participate in the war was pointless without him.

One could see gates behind the canal.

When the carriage stopped, sounds of chains, holding the drawbridge, being loosened could be heard from both of the gigantic statue-shaped gateposts.

Each stone statue was at least twenty feet tall…. Though these golems were created only as gate ornament, they made the whole drawbridge look spectacular.

Once the drawbridge finished lowering, the carriage began to move again, crossed the drawbridge and advanced into the rampart.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito’s surprise about the luxuries of Louise’s family was renewed again. It was a large noble‘s castle.

Saito and the others arrived at the dinning room which was generously decorated by much luxurious furniture. Though Siesta at once went to the servant quarters, Saito, as Louise’s familiar, was allowed to accompany them for the dinner.

However, he was made to only wait behind Louise's chair. So Saito stood guard behind Louise, watching the table that was about 30 feet long.

Though it was just four people that sat on seats during this supper, 20 servants were queuing up around the table.

Though it was midnight, Louise’s mother, the duchess La Valliere was waiting for her daughters to arrive to the dinning table.

The duchess, who occupied the top seat, looked over at her arriving daughters.

Saito flinched from that power. What one can say, though Eleonore possessed a violent, high-handed aura, which pressed Saito, Louise's mother was impressive as well.

And it was just a mother’s hospitality towards her daughters.

She seemed to be around fifty years of age. However, this guessing was made by calculating elder sister's age, in reality she didn’t look over 40. Her look was very sharp. Seems like Louise’s and Cattleya’s pink hair color came from their mother. The duchess had tied her charming pink hair together on the head. This person was wearing a commanding aura around her, Saito felt pressed.

Louise, despite meeting her mother after a long time, was acting tense. Seems like Louise trusted only Cattleya.

“Mother, we returned just now.” Eleonore greeted, and duchess La Valliere nodded.

When the three sisters seated themselves, waiters carried the appetizers and the dinner started.

For Saito, who was standing behind, the time was passing slowly. No words were uttered. Compared with this, even a formal dinner in the Academy of Magic seemed like a happy play. The only sounds coming from the dining room were the sounds of silver forks and knives.

Breaking this silence, Louise said.

“T-that… Mother-sama.”

The duchess did not answer. Eleonore did.

“Mother-sama! Tell Louise! This foolish child said that she wants to go to a war!”

Bam! – Louise stood up hitting the table.

“I am not a fool! Why I am a fool for applying to Her Majesty’s military forces?”

“Aren’t you a girl?! War is men’s business!”

“That’s very obsolete! Now is the age when women and men are given equal position! Therefore, if position would be arranged only to boys in the Academy, even you, older sister, would not be able to become a chief researcher at the Academy!”

Eleonore shook her head in amazement.

“Do you know what kind of place a battlefield is? It is not where woman and children like you should go.”

“But, Her Majesty trusts me…”

“You are trusted? You – the ‘Zero’?!”

Louise bit her lips. Henrietta is taking me to the battlefield, because I am necessary. I am the ‘Void’ user… However, I cannot tell to the family that I am the ‘Void’ user. Therefore, Louise was not able to say anything at all and fell silent.

Eleonore tried to continue preaching, but was cut by the duchess who quietly stayed silent up till now. She commanded in a haughty voice.

“Eat, Eleonore.”

“B-but Mother-sama…”

“We’ll talk about Louise tomorrow, when father comes back.”

And so the story ended.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito, in a room prepared for him, was lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling.

In this storage room, a broom was leant against the wall and a dust cloth placed upon the bed. Saito learned anew about the difference between his and Louise’s status. Recently they slept in the same bed, they lived in the same attic and they ate from the same table, yet he could not feel any difference in their status…

But when you meet her family, it all starts feeling like groundless fantasies.

Louise is beautiful. Rich. Noble, so to say. Great noble miss.

Also, Saito recalled that they did not speak with Louise once they left school. Louise lost her nerves against Eleonore and did not talk much. In fact, she took all preaching of her family like servant from master – for some reason, she hid her true self.

He felt pity.

He was no one, he had nothing to do with this world's class system.

But… after seeing such a dinner in this castle – you just can’t help but wonder about it, right? He thought.

He felt like he learned the majestic difference between his and Louise’s positions.

Like that, he was feeling down…

There was a knock at the door.

Who would be coming to this storage room? He thought while opening the door, just to be greeted by the shy smile of Siesta, who stood there.

“Siesta?”

“W-well… I couldn’t fall asleep, so I came here.”

“Eh? Eeeh?”

While Saito was panicking, Siesta entered the room.

“Even so… how did you know where to go?”

“I asked servants where Saito-san is staying.”

“Is that so…”

Siesta sat down on his bed, idly swinging her legs. For some reason her face was red. When Saito tried to pass her, Siesta grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit next to her. Then , she rested her head against his shoulder, just like in the carriage a while ago.

“Siesta?”

Hearing him ask, Siesta looked up at him innocently.

“I, it was a first time I came into such a wonderful castle. This castle is a real maze.”

“It’s great.”

“A friend at the academy kept saying that La Vallliere family is one of five most distinguished families in Tristain. Living in such a castle. Haa, titles, riches and good looks… Miss Valliere can only be envied.”

“Is that so?”

“It is. That’s a very secure life, one can get, whatever one wish for, like….”

Then Siesta looked into Saito’s face.

“…Saito-san.”

“I, I am not her property. I am her familiar…”

“I understand.”

Siesta said slowly.

“Eh?”

“The way Saito-san looks at her, I understand. I do not have the winning chance. She is rich, she is noble and she is beautiful… And such big castle as a home. Hiccup.”

Siesta turned her face down, looking lonely. Trying to understand what was just said, Saito became silent as well.

“Hiccup, hiccup.” Siesta sounded like she was sobbing. Was she crying?

While Saito was at a loss what to do, Siesta suddenly stood up

“Siesta…”

“On the other hand.”

“Eh?”

“I too have something.”

“Siesta?”

Looked like situation changed. With a new resolve ‘I won’t give up on Saito-san!’ Siesta turned around.

“My b-b-b-breasts definitely beat Miss Valliere’s! Hiccup!”

“Sh-sh-shieshie?”

Shaking with anger, Siesta continued talking.

“N-n-noble family, so what?! I am a maid. A maid! Hiccup!”

“Y-yes. I know.”

Siesta continued hiccuping many times over and over again. Saito noticed that.

“Siesta, could you be… drunk?”

“Made dinner alone. And they can’t say ‘You had a long journey, thank you, please take some rest’. Hiccup!”

Not only her face was brightly red, but also she smelled of alcohol. Saito was dumbfounded. It was the first time he saw Siesta drunk.

Indeed, she is a servant here being a maid. Siesta had to entertain and to serve alcohol in this castle. Drunk, Siesta took out a bottle of wine from the crevice of her shirt

“W-where did you get the bottle from?..”

Siesta brought her face close to Saito.

“Shtole it.”

“I, I see.”

Siesta drew out the cork and immediately drank from the bottle. Wide-eyed Saito stared at her gulping it down.

“Phua!” Siesta separated her mouth from the bottle. Her face became even more red.

“Hey, Saito!”

At last she was calling him informally.

“Ye-yes?”

“You also must drink.”

“Cheers.”

Knowing that if he disobeyed, the mood would change to bad, Saito took the offered wine. And tried to take it down in one gulp, and “Buaagh” spit out. W-what was wrong with this wine? It was really strong stuff.

“S-siesta. This wine…”

“It was on a kitchen table.”

Seems like Siesta was the type whose mood increased after one glass of wine, and one gulp from the bottle on the table was enough to make theft look okay. Siesta was an indescribably bad drunk. Surprisingly one-sided.

“That, you shouldn’t have taken it without permission…”

“Hey! Saito!”

“Y-yes?”

“Whatever, drink.”

“C-cheers.”

Because the mood might change to a raging one if he would refuse, reluctantly Saito drank the wine.

<center>* * *</center>

Meanwhile.　

In Cattleya’s room, Louise had her hair combed by her older sister.

Cattleya's room was an elegant mix between a botanical garden and zoo. Potted plants placed all around, a lot of poultry baskets were hanging from the ceiling, puppies were running on the floor.

Cattleya gently combed Louise’s hair.

“Louise, little Louise. Your hair is so charming, such a beautiful color.”

“Big sister, you have the same hair.”

Cattleya laughed happily.

“Oh well. Your same hair – I like it.”

Louise pouted and muttered.

“Big sister’s Eleonore’s blond hair color is the same as father’s, I trow.” 

“Well, I asked big sister Eleonore about that. She was offended.”

“Right. I don’t think big sister Eleonore matches her fair hair.

“Ara, why?”

“She is mean. She is different, older sister. For a long time, she keeps on bullying me.”

“It’s because you, Louise, are so cute. So cute that it makes one worry. Therefore it is her way of caring. “

“That’s not true.”

Cattleya slowly embraced Louise tightly from the back.

“It is true. Everyone in this house loves you, Little Louise.”

“Saying such a thing, big sister.”

Cattleya buried her face in Louise’s hair… and closed her eyes.

“However, I'm so glad, Louise, because I thought that you would become completely depressed…”

“Why?”

“Viscount Wardes. He was a traitor, right? Half a year ago, Magical guard leader Wardes's mansion was attached to our territory. When the engagement reached that point, didn’t that hurt you?”

Louise shook her head.

“Not really. I am not a child anymore. Don’t confuse a childish crush for love."

Cattleya smiled when Louise said so firmly.

“You are reliable. You have grown up, Louise.”

“Right,” Louise muttered to herself.

“I am not a child anymore, therefore I want to make decisions for myself.”

“Then, if father were to oppose it, would you go to war without his permission?”

“If possible, I want him to agree. I want everyone to understand me.”

“However, I do not feel admiration for the war either.”

“Our mother country is in crisis. And, princess… no, Her Majesty, needs my powers. Therefore…”

“It is useless to say that to me. It is difficult to understand for your elder sister who always shuts herself up in the castle. “

Cattleya gently patted Louise's head. Then, she had a strong coughing fit.

“Big sister! Are you all right?”

Louise watched Cattleya with a worried expression. Louise’s second elder sister’s body was weak. She hadn’t gone out of La Valliere’s territory more than one step.

“Did you call a doctor?”

Cattleya nodded.

“The local doctor was called, though he tried to cast powerful ‘Water’ spells many times…Magic is useless against this sickness. Nothing is good for such a body. Touch of water flow is useless.”

The cause of Cattleya’s sickness was unknown. Even if you treat the sickened part of her body with medicine or magic, another part starts to degenerate. Eventually, all doctors fail against such a cycle. Her symptoms had been relieved by various medicines and magics now.

Despite that, Cattleya still smiled. Louise felt pity for her elder sister. Because of her condition, Cattleya could not get into the magic academy either, though she can cast magic. She cannot marry, though she is so beautiful.

“Are, why such long face? I lead a rather happy life everyday. Look!”

Cattleya pointed at the bird cage.

There was a bird shut inside. A small bandage was rolled around the wing.

“Look, it is the young bird that I talked about in the carriage a while ago, I picked it up recently.”

“C-cute.”

“This young bird was hurt badly. Her wing was wounded. When I was passing by, I heard the pain in this young bird's voice, I stopped the carriage and picked it up.”

Seems like Cattleya, in the forest, brimmed over with birds, heard the call of broken winged one, stopped the carriage and picked it up.

“Big sister! It is just a bird!"

“Don’t you feel the same about your familiar?”

Cattleya smiled knowingly. Louise’s cheeks flamed up in an instant. I do not understand what I feel about Saito. Is it because he is a human?

“So you understand me. This young bird is the same.”

Cattleya said pointing

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m happy, you already reached the age of falling in love.”

Even Louise’s ears turned red.

“What are you talking about?! I didn’t fall in love!”

“It is useless to hide it from me. I understand everything.”

“I am not in love, really!”

Very embarrassed, Louise shook her head, on the verge of tears.

“Don’t make such a fuss, I understand everything. Then, shall we sleep together after such a long time?”

Still blushing Louise nodded, biting her lips.

<center>* * *</center>

On a soft bed, Louise, with her clothes taken off and only in her underwear, drew closer to her elder sister. Cattleya, in her nightclothes as well, embraced Louise tightly, like a kitten.

Louise placed her face next to Cattleya's chest and gave out a deep sigh.

“What's wrong, Louise?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me.”

After Cattleya’s words, Louise mutters hesitatingly.

“I wonder if mine will grow as big as big sister’s.”

“Pfft,” Cattleya giggled. Then, she started groping Louise’s chest.

“Hyaah!”

Louise screamed. Not paying attention to that, Cattleya kept on touching.

“All right. Don’t worry. It will grow big soon.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I was like you at first too.”

Louise tried to remember. Cattleya is surely 24 now… so she was sixteen eight years ago. And I was eight. Did Cattleya look the same at that time? She could not recall it well because she was too young then.

Come to think about that, Cattleya always embraced her when they slept, during those old times. As I couldn’t stand being left single and couldn’t fall asleep alone. Carrying her pillow and going to Cattleya’s bed, while listening to elder sister's stories and breathing in her scent… she always calmed down and fell asleep.

In Cattleya’s embrace her eyes closed by themselves…

Various thoughts started coming to her head.

Henrietta.

War against Albion.

Possible death.

Coming home to ask permission for what may end up being her death. A heavy load on her shoulders.

The cruel and valuable lessons, that she learned day by day.

And, when thinking about her familiar, for some reason, Louise’s cheeks started to burn. They hardly talked today. Because she was being scolded by Eleonore, they could not talk. But now when she started to think about these things, she could not fall asleep at all.

She started squirming restlessly…

“What’s wrong? Can’t fall asleep?”

“Ye-yes…” she muttered embarrassed.

“Ufufufu. You cannot fall asleep next to me already. Whom are you thinking about, child?”

“N-no one! Really!”

“Is it the boy that you brought with you a little while ago?”

“Wrong! He’s just a familiar! I don’t love him!”

“Ara. I didn’t say that you loved someone.”

Louise hid within the futon.

“I hate you, big sister.”

“Oh dear, now I am hated.”

Cattleya laughed happily.

“But it’s all right. If a child cannot sleep next to the elder sister, then it is not a compliment for the sister, in fact, she should be embarrassed instead.”

“Uuuuuh…” Louise groaned.

“See you soon. Your today’s whereabouts change.”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise, rolled up in a blanket, walked through the corridor. On the way, she asked servants where was the storage room that Saito was staying in. It was at the end of an adjoined corridor behind the guest room, it was a place where cleaning tools were stored.

She took a deep breath once she found the storage room. It is not because I want to meet him – she tried to persuade herself. I am a mage. If the familiar is not around, I just become insecure. Really, nothing more. We haven‘t talked all day long today. And if you do not talk even a little, the familiar will feel bad, she thought.

“Really, nothing else.” Louise muttered opening the storage room doors, her face dyed bright red.

However, it was Siesta who sat there on the bed.

“Ara. Miss Valliere.”

Her cheeks were crimson red. And in hand she held a bottle of wine.

“W-w-what are you doing in here?”

Confused Louise asked.

“Came here to have fun.” Siesta answered.

Then she saw Saito behind the bed. He let out a loud “Guah.” Seems like he got drunk, collapsed and fell asleep.

“Get out of my room.”

Louise said, emanating all her pride.

“It is not Miss Valliere’s room.”

Siesta answered back.

“It is my house.”

Louise indomitably glared at Siesta. They both stared at each other not backing off. Both ready to burst into a flaming rage.

Drunken Siesta is very strong-willed and daring. She can snap back even to Louise. Alarmed and agitated, she declared to Louise.

“I am a housemaid employed by the school. I am not employed by Miss Valliere. Besides we are on vacation anyway. It is up to us on how we use this free time. So please, do not disturb us.”

It was absurd. Louise rudely approached the bed, and tried to drag sleeping Saito by gripping his ankle. Then, Siesta grasped his other foot..

“Let go!”

“You let go!”

“Well excuse me, but this fellow happens to be my familiar. In other words, he is mine.”

Siesta glared at Louise with eyes full of hostility. Seems like she wasn’t listening to what Louise said.

“…are you disobeying a noble?”

Suddenly, the air in the room became tensed.

Siesta, with a jerk, drank more wine.

And muttered in a small voice.

“Noblenoblenoble, shut up.”

“Haa? You l-l-lout….”

The moment when Louise shouted…Siesta brought her face next to the young noble.

“It's love isn’t it? In short, you are just jealous. Despite you being a noble, how ridiculous!”

“Wha-wha…”

At once the resolution was washed away and Louise panicked.

“Have you confessed? Are you just jealous of my love? Then, bringing along today…”

Siesta continued pressing Louise into corner

“Ah, auuh..uuh…”

Blushing, mumbled Louise.

“What? You haven’t confessed? Coward.”

“Uuh…”

Strangely powerful now, Siesta made Louise to retreat completely.

“But the most important is Saito-san…”

“Wha-what?! What are you talking about?!”

“He likes girls with big chests.”

This made Louise to stop at once… at a complete loss of words.

“And when you think about it – you don’t have much of a bust.”

Siesta primly poked Louise's chest.

“B-breasts.”

“Let’s call things the way they are – you are a board, board!"

“Uuh,” Louise let out a strangled cry.

She remembered Saito’s glances. Weren’t that stupid familiar’s glances always aimed at the valley of the breasts?

“Saito-san said it himself. Miss Valliere breasts’ size is the same as a kid’s.”

With drunken bravery, Siesta declared an unexpected thing.

Firmly biting her lips, Louise dashed out of the room.

After making sure she left, Siesta laid down next to Saito and fell asleep.

<center>* * *</center>

Cattleya was surprised seeing Louise coming back to the room in tears. 　

"Oh, what’s wrong Louise? What happened?”

“Fueh…” Louise threw herself into Cattleya's chest.

“It’s all right, why are you crying?”

However, Louise just kept on sobbing, not saying a word.

“Fuuh,” Cattleya sighed deeply.

Just like during old times, Cattleya kept on patting Louise’s head till she fell asleep.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito woke up and was instantly surprised. It was because Siesta had been sleeping next to him.

“Uuhn, uuhn,” she seemed in pain in her sleep. Siesta, why she is next to me… he wondered, but, after seeing a bottle of wine lying on the floor, he remembered.

“No, I got drunk and what happened after that…”

I was made to drink a strong, distilled liquor by Siesta and collapsed in a dash.

“Siesta, Siesta,” he lightly tapped her cheek.

However, she didn’t wake up.

“Uuh, uguu, mguu.”

It made Saito worried as she was holding her chest as if choking. She was wearing a shirt too small for her. Had she borrowed underwear from someone in the castle? Really, when you wear a shirt whose size doesn't match your body and you also have a hangover, you must feel very bad. Saito loosened a button on Siesta's shirt.

Thereupon Siesta slowly opened her eyes. Saito hastily removed his hand from her shirt.

“Go-*yawn*-good morning…”

Siesta muttered with a still half asleep face, but in a dash it turned into a blush once she noticed her surroundings.

“S-Saito-san, why? That! I!”

Hey hey, weren’t you the one who broke into my room all drunk in the first place? Saito smiled wryly.

“No, Siesta last evening got drunk…”

Saito said, increasing the blush on Siesta’s face even further.

“Eh? I got drunk?”

“Yes. Look!”

Saito pointed at the bottle of wine lying on the floor.

“You brought it with you.”

“I drank wiiiiine?!”

“Ye-yes…”

“Which reminds me, during dinner, I drank one glass. But it seems like I took more than just one sip. Auu, what to do…”

Saito was surprised by Siesta’s worry.

“Siesta?”

“I..I really did it, didn't I?”

“Y-yes.”

“Too much, that, I’m not very good at drinking wine.”

Averting her face, Siesta muttered awkwardly. Indeed, ‘You drink too’ was it, Saito consented. Seems like this maid inclined to drunken frenzy.

“After drinking all that wine, I don’t have any memories of last night. Was I rude, Saito-san...?”

“No, not particularly…”

Saito shook his head.

That moment… a sound of someone running noisily through the corridor could be heard. *Bam* The door opened and one of the castle’s housemaids jumped in.

“W-w-wha-!” Saito shouted.

“No time! Master arrived! We need to keep the castle sparkling…” she shouted, and with an armful of cleaning tools, she ran out. Soon another employee came and dashed out with a mop and bucket. It was a storage room after all. Though there are a lot of cleaning tools, they are almost never used. However, it all changes when master returns.

Master? Siesta and Saito looked at each other.

In short, Louise's father had returned.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL

2008-07-28T02:17:49Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Two: Cattleya */

===Chapter Two: Cattleya===

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----

Noon, two days after leaving the academy...

Saito and the rest reached the la Vallière territory. However, by the time they would reach the la Vallière's mansion it would already be late at night. Upon hearing the words “late at night”... Saito turned pale. He realized that this “territory” was nothing more than a courtyard.

However, after half a day spent traveling, he could not possibly understand how something this big could be a residence’s garden.

By Japanese standards, Louise’s territory could be called a middle-sized city. A city... Saito had never heard of somebody possessing so much land before. These Upper Nobles are truly intimidating.

Louise’s status as a noble was truly displayed once they entered her territory.

They decided to take a break at an inn…

Once their carriages stopped, Siesta, who arrived just a bit earlier, quickly got out of her carriage. Having been trained as a maid, she went to open the coach's door for Louise.

“Uwaa, I can’t believe Siesta just did that... without any protesting”, thought Saito as he walked towards Louise’s carriage. But before he could get there, he was knocked down by a crowd of villagers running from the inn.

The villagers removed their hats in front of Louise, who had just stepped down.

“Miss Eleanor! Miss Louise!” they cried while deeply bowing down.

The villagers thought that even Saito, who was now lying in the dirt, was a noble. They quickly helped him up apologizing for their terrible manners.

“No, I’m not a noble…” Saito nervously tried to explain.

“Even so, you must be Miss Louise’s or Miss Eleonore’s attendant. And we cannot disrespect that.”

Plain looking farmers said while nodding.

They went on saying things such as “Let me carry your sword for you,” and “It must have been a tiring journey to get here, huh?” as they treated Saito with the utmost kindness.

“We will be resting here for a moment. Please inform the family of our arrival,” commanded Eleanor.

A young boy quickly jumped onto a horse and rode off in order to report.

They walked into the inn. Once Eleonore and Louise approached the table, chairs were immediately pulled out for them to sit on. The two sat down as if it were second nature. Saito tried to sit next to them only to be given a demeaning glare by Eleanor.

“Saito-san! Saito-san!”

Hearing Siesta call, Saito turned around.

“Commoners are not permitted to sit at the same tables as nobles.”

That reminded Saito. Recently he had been sitting next to Louise without worrying. Yet this was a strange thing to do in this world after all. Actually, Louise made Saito sit on the floor at first too.

Louise opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a glare from Eleonore. Louise could do nothing but sit in her chair like a good girl. Saito stared wide-eyed – it was the first time he saw Louise in such a state. She really looked naturally obedient in front of her older sister. However... she must be a really scary elder sister... to make Louise look so weak.

“Oh how Louise has grown!"

"She’s growing more and more beautiful!”

The villagers were chattering around them.

“It seems Miss Eleanor has been engaged, right?” someone muttered.

“SHHH! Don’t talk about that!” came the scolding.

Eleonore’s eyebrows started to twitch and her expression darkened. The atmosphere in the inn took a plunge. Apparently, speaking of Eleonore’s engagement was definitely something to be avoided…

The commoners, feeling the murderous intent coming from Eleanor, didn’t dare speak another word. Saito and Siesta exchanged glances. Then Siesta quietly got close to Saito and grasped his hand. She was afraid.

Not noticing the change in her elder sister, Louise spoke.

“Eleonore. Eleonore nee-sama...”

“What…”

“Congratulations on your engagement!”

The face of every commoner fell, and a deep sigh escaped them.

Louise had completely misread the atmosphere once again. All of a sudden, Eleonore’s eyebrows shot up as she pinched Louise’s cheek.

“It hwwuuuurrtsss!! Waaahhhhh! Nee-shammaaa!! Whhyy?! It hwurts it hwurts it hwurts!!!”

“You don’t know? You speak of it even though you know you shouldn’t!”

“I won’t whoh wah ur alking awout!!”

“The engagement has been canceled!! C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D!”

“W-why?”

“Who knows? Why don’t you ask Earl Burgandi? He said something about reaching his limit. I can’t understand why.”

Saito completely sympathized with that Earl Burgandi. Yes. Anybody who listened to her would soon reach their “limit”. Eleonore was much more fierce and abusive than Louise. The Earl must have thought he didn’t have the stamina.

In the end, unhappy with the marriage cancellation, Eleonore just vented all of her anger on Louise…

And so, the preaching started. She scolded Louise for blowing the roof of the carriage. Louise’s stretched cheek became angry red and swollen by then. Naturally, Saito felt sorry for Louise.

However, this reprimand didn’t last very long because suddenly the door opened and a flow of pink blew in.

A girl, wearing an elegant dress around her slim waist and a wide rimmed hat with a feather on top, had entered. Under the hat was a flow of silky pink blond hair – exactly the same as Louise’s.

Surprisingly, a lovely face popped up from under the hat.

Although from the first look it was obvious that she was older, she looked very cute. Such a beautiful face was beyond description. Her eye color and the way her eyes sparkled was the same as Louise’s as well. Noticing Eleonore, the girl stared with wide eyes.

“Ah! I’m so glad I noticed the strange carriage outside and came over here to take a look. I didn’t think I would meet you! Eleonore nee-sama! You’re back?”

“Cattle...ya...” Eleonore muttered.

Noticing the sudden guest, Louise looked up. Seeing Louise, Cattleya’s face radiated a happiness which was mirrored on Louise’s face as well.

“Big sister!”

“Louise! No way! You are not my chibi Louise anymore! You came back as well!”

Louise stood up and launched herself into Cattleya's chest.

“It’s been so long, big sister!!”

Unable to control their excitement, the two hugged with a squeal.

Seems like Cattleya was Louise’s sister. She had the same hair color, the same eye color – it was like looking at Louise. However, Cattleya’s face seemed to have a more calm and placid look than Louise’s. This aura of complete calmness and tenderness coming from Cattleya made Saito’s heart race.

She was like a matured Louise, with added gentleness. Besides, her beautiful figure and breasts well matched Saito’s taste.

Cattleya's mouth half opened as she finally noticed Saito.

“Ah, ah, ah , ahah!”

While Saito was wondering what this ‘Ah’ might mean, Cattleya approached him and gazed at his face.

“W-w-what’s wrong?” Saito asked nervously.

Cattleya began to gently stroke Saito’s face. Saito almost fainted from these sensations.

“You... are Louise’s lover, right?”

“Huh?!”

Siesta's, who was standing right next to Saito, eyes suddenly turned cold. She stomped down on his foot. Hard. Saito jumped up.

Louise blushed furiously.

“He’s just my familiar! Not my lover!”

“Ah, is that so?”

Cattleya giggled and tilted her head with a sweet smile.

“I’m sorry, I got it wrong. Don’t worry about it.”

<center>* * *</center>

Everybody got onto Cattleya’s chariot for the remainder of the ride to the La Valliere household. Eleonore showed obvious discontent of having to sit with a commoner and a familiar. But when Cattleya jokingly said - “The more the merrier right?” Eleonore, though still not uttering a single word, reluctantly consented.

However... Saito and the rest weren’t the only passengers in the large carriage.

It was just like a zoo inside the carriage.

In front of seats a tiger was laying sprawled, yawning. Louise sat down next to a bear. Various kinds of dogs and cats were scattered here and there. A huge snake, which was hanging down the ceiling, appeared right before Siesta’s face, making her faint. While looking after fainted Siesta, Saito muttered.

“But what a wonderful carriage…”

“Big sister loves animals” said Louise.

Though he thought that the limits of love have been exceeded, Saito did not say a thing.

“I recently picked up a thrush.”

Cattleya said in a happy voice.

“Show me! Show me!” Louise was frolicking like a child.

Eleonore and others took a collective deep sigh.

This was a life of three beautiful La Valliere sisters. Saito took a deep sympathetic bow towards Louise’s older sister. 　

Louise and Cattleya continued having a long chat between them.

Seems like the second eldest sister, who was wearing those lovely clothes, was considerably good friends with Louise. When you see two people getting along like this, even tedious time doesn't feel so very uneasy either. Siesta was already sleeping peacefully in his lap. On the left of the coach, hills stretched. On the right – cultivated fields extended. As it was rye harvest ending, here and there mass of straws were piled up. When looking at such tranquil scenery, it was impossible to believe that war was going on. Leaning into window frame, adjusting the Derflinger behind his back, Saito took a deep yawn.

　
<center>* * *</center>

Late night...　

Eleonore took the pocket watch out of her pocket and confirmed the time.

A castle came into the view right behind the hill. Because there were nothing around it, it actually looked bigger than Tristain‘s royal palace.

„Could that be?” Saito whispered, Louise nodded.

It looked like every castle. Surrounded by high walls and deep canals. Pinnacles were towering above walls. A splendid, big, true castle indeed! Elegant building.

Siesta, who was sleeping up till now, woke up and, noticing castle, stared with wide opened eyes.

“Wow! Amazing!”

At that moment, a large owl leaped in through the window and landed on Saito’s head.

“Welcome home, Eleonore-sama, Cattleya-sama, Louise-sama.” Owl bowed greeting them.

“O-o-owl talked and bowed! B-o-w-e-d!” shocked Siesta fainted again. Though coming from different world, Saito seemed to be not surprised by talking owl and did not move. Saito was not surprised by such things anymore.

Cattleya smiled.

“And mother?”

“Mistress is waiting for everyone in dining-room.”

“Father?’

Louise asked anxiously.

“Master hasn’t returned yet.”

Because the most essential member was missing, Louise frowned in displeasure. Coming here to obtain father's permission to participate in the war, was pointless without him.

One could see gates behind the canal.

When carriage stopped, sounds of chains, holding the drawbridge, being loosened could be heard from the both sides of gigantic statue-shaped gateposts.

Each stone statue was at least twenty feet tall…. Though these golems were created only as gate ornament, they made the whole drawbridge look spectacular.

Once the drawbridge finished lowering, the carriage began to move again, crossed the drawbridge and advanced into the rampart.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito’s surprise about the luxuries of Louise’s family was renewed again. It was a large noble‘s castle.

Saito and others arrived at the dinning room which was generously decorated by many luxurious furniture. Though Siesta at once went to servant rooms, Saito, as Louise’s familiar, was allowed to accompany them for the dinner.

However, he was made to only wait behind Louise's chair. So Saito stood like guard behind Louise, watching the table that was about 30 feet long.

Though it was just four people that sat on seats during this supper, 20 servants were queuing up around the table.

Though it was midnight, Louise’s mother, the duchess La Valliere was waiting for the daughters to arrive to the dinning table.

The duchess, who occupied the top seat, looked over at arriving daughters.

Saito flinched from that power. What one can say, though Eleonore possessed a violent, high-handed aura, which pressed Saito, Louise mother was impressive as well.

And it was just mother’s hospitality towards daughters.

She seemed to be around fifty years of age. However, this guessing was made by calculating elder sisters ages, in reality she didn’t look over 40. Her look was very sharp. Seems like Louise’s and Cattleya’s pink hair color came from their mother. The duchess had tied her charming pink hair together on the head. This person was wearing the commanding aura around her, Saito felt pressed.

Louise, despite meeting her mother after a long time, was acting tensed. Seems like Louise trusted only Cattleya.

“Mother, we returned just now.” Eleonore greeted, and duchess La Valliere nodded.

When three sisters seat themselves, waiters carried the appetizers and the dinner started.

For Saito, who was standing behind, the time was passing slowly. No words were uttered. Compared with this, even formal dinner in Academy of Magic seemed like a happy play. The only sounds coming from the dining room were the sounds of silver forks and knives.

Breaking this silence, Louise said.

“T-that… Mother-sama.”

The duchess did not answer. Eleonore did.

“Mother-sama! Tell Louise! This foolish child said that she wants to go to a war!”

Bam! – Louise stood up hitting the table.

“I am not a fool! Why I am a fool for applying to Her Majesty’s military forces?”

“Aren’t you a girl?! War is men’s business!”

“That’s very obsolete! Now it is the age when woman and man are given equal position! Therefore, if position would be arranged only to boys in Academy, even you, older sister, would not be able to become a chief researcher of Academy!”

Eleonore shook her head in amazement.

“Do you know what place battlefield is? It is not where woman and children like you should go.”

“But, Her Majesty trusts me…”

“You are trusted? You – the ‘Zero’?!”

Louise bit her lips. Henrietta is taking me to the battlefield, because I am necessary. I am the ‘Void’ user… However, I cannot tell to the family that I am the ‘Void’ user. Therefore, Louise was not able to say anything at all and fell silent.

Eleonore tried to continue preaching, but was cut by the duchess who quietly stayed silent up till now. She commanded in a haughty voice.

“Eat, Eleonore.”

“B-but Mother-sama…”

“We’ll talk about Louise tomorrow, when the father comes back.”

And so the story ended.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito, in a room prepared for him, was lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling.

In this storage room, broom was leant against the wall and dust cloth placed upon the bed. Saito learned anew about the difference between his and Louise’s status. Recently they slept in the same bed, they lived in the same attic and they ate from the same table, yet he could not feel any difference in their status…

But when you meet her family, it all starts feeling like groundless fantasies.

Louise is beautiful. Rich. Noble, so to say. Great noble miss.

Also, Saito recalled that they did not speak with Louise once they left school. Louise lost her nerves against Eleonore and did not talk much. In fact, she took all preaching of her family like servant from master – for some reason, she hid her true self.

He felt pity.

He was no one, he had nothing to do with this worlds class system.

But… after seeing such dinner in castle – you just can’t help but wonder about it, right? He thought.

He felt like he learned the majestic difference between his and Louise’s positions.

Like that, he was feeling down…

The door was knocked against.

Who would be coming to this storage room? He thought while opening the door, just to be greeted by a shy smile of siesta, who stood there.

“Siesta?”

“W-well… I couldn’t fall asleep, so I came here.”

“Eh? Eeeh?”

While Saito was panicking, Siesta entered the room.

“Even so… how did you knew the where to go?”

“I asked servants where Saito-san is staying.”

“Is that so…”

Siesta sat down on his bed, idly swinging her legs. For some reason her face was red. When Saito tried to pass her, Siesta grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit next to her. Then , she rested her head against his shoulder, just like in a carriage a while ago.

“Siesta?”

Hearing him ask, Siesta looked up at him innocently.

“I, it was a first time I came into such a wonderful castle. This castle is a real maze.”

“It’s great”

“Friend in academy keep saying that La Vallliere family is one of five most distinguished families in Tristain. Living in such a castle. Haa, titles, riches and good looks… Miss Valliere can only be envied.”

“Is that so?”

“It is. That’s a very secure life, one can get, whatever one wish for, like….”

Then Siesta looked into Saito’s face.

“…Saito-san.”

“I, I am not her property. I am her familiar…”

“I understand.”

Siesta said slowly.

“Eh?”

“The way Saito-san looks at her, I understand. I do not have the winning chance. She is rich, she is noble and she is beautiful… And such big castle as a home. Hiccup.”

Siesta lonely turned her face down lonely. Trying to understand what was just said, Saito became silent as well.

“Hiccup, hiccup.” Siesta sounded like sobbing. Was she crying?

While Saito was at a loss what to do, Siesta suddenly stood up

“Siesta…”

“On the other hand.”

“Eh?”

“I too have something.”

“Siesta?”

Looked like situation changed. With a new resolve ‘I won’t give up on Saito-san!’ Siesta turned around.

“My b-b-b-breasts definitely beat Miss Valliere’s! Hiccup!”

“Sh-sh-shieshie?”

Shaking with anger, Siesta continued talking.

“N-n-noble family, so what?! I am a maid. A maid! Hiccup!”

“Y-yes. I know.”

Siesta continued hiccuping many times over and over again. Saito noticed that.

“Siesta, could you be… drunk?”

“Made dinner alone. And the can’t say ‘You had a long journey, thank you, please take some rest’. Hiccup!”

Not only her face was brightly red, but also she smelled of alcohol. Saito was dumbfounded. It was a first time he saw Siesta drunk.

Indeed, she is a servant here being a maid. Siesta had to entertain and to serve alcohol in this castle. Drunk Siesta, took out the bottle of wine out of the crevice of her shirt

“W-where did you get the bottle from?..”

Siesta brought her face close to Saito.

“Shtole it.”

“I, I see.”

Siesta drew out the cork and immediately drank from the bottle. Wide-eyed Saito stared at her gulping it down.

“Phua!” Siesta separated her mouth from the bottle. Her face became even more red.

“Hey, Saito!”

At last she was calling him informally.

“Ye-yes?”

“You also must drink.”

“Cheers.”

Knowing that if he disobeyed, the mood would change to bad, Saito took the offered wine. And tried to take it down in one gulp, and “Buaagh” spit out. W-what was wrong with this wine. It was really strong stuff.

“S-siesta. This wine…”

“It was on a kitchen table.”

Seems, like Siesta was the type whose mood increase after one glass of wine, and one gulp from the bottle on the table was enough to make theft look right. Siesta was indescribably bad drunk. Surprisingly one-sided.

“That, you shouldn’t have taken it without permission…”

“Hey! Saito!”

“Y-yes?”

“Whatever, drink.”

“C-cheers.”

Because the mood might change to raging one of he would refuse, reluctantly Saito drunk the wine.

<center>* * *</center>

Meanwhile.　

In Cattleya’s room, Louise had her hair combed by her older sister.

Cattleya's room was an elegant mix between a botanical garden and zoo. Potted plants placed all around, a lot of poultry baskets were hanging from the ceiling, puppies were running on the floor.

Cattleya gently combed Louise’s hair.

“Louise, little Louise. Your hair is so charming, such a beautiful color.”

“Big sister, you have the same hair.”

Cattleya laughed happily.

“Oh well. Your same hair – I like it.”

Louise pouted and muttered.

“Big sister’s Eleonore’s blond hair color is the same as father’s, I trow.”

“Well, I asked about that to big sister Eleonore. She was offended.”

“Right. I don’t think big sister Eleonore matches her fair hair.

“Ara, why?”

“She is mean. She is different older sister. For a long time, she keeps on bullying me.”

“It’s because you, Louise, are so cute. So cute that it makes one worry. Therefore it is her way of caring. “

“It’s not true.”

Cattleya slowly embraced Louise tightly from the back.

“It is true. Everyone in this house loves you, Little Louise.”

“Saying such thing, big sister.”

Cattleya buried her face in Louise’s hair… and closed her eyes.

“However, I'm so glad, Louise, because I thought that you would become completely depressed…”

“Why?”

“Viscount Wardes. He was a betrayer, right? Half a year ago, Magical guard leader Wardes's mansion was attached to our territory. When the engagement reached such point, didn’t that hurt you?”

Louise shook her head.

“Not really. I am not a child anymore. Don’t confuse a childish crush for love.

Cattleya smiled when Louise said so firmly.

“You are reliable. You have grown up, Louise.”

“Right” Louise muttered to herself.

“I am not a child anymore, therefore I want to make decisions for myself.”

“Then, if father were to oppose it, would you go to a war without his permission?”

“If possible, I want him to agree. I want everyone to understand me.”

“However, I do not feel admiration for the war either.”

“Our mother country is in crisis. And, princess… no, Her Majesty, needs my powers. Therefore…”

“It is useless to say that to me. It is difficult to understand for your elder sister who always shuts herself up with the castle. “

Cattleya gently patted Louise's head. Then, she had a strong coughing fit.

“Big sister! Are you all right?”

Louise watched Cattleya with worried expression. Louise’s second elder sister’s body was weak. She hadn’t gone out of La Valliere’s territory more than for one step.

“Did you call a doctor?”

Cattleya nodded.

“The local doctor was called, though he tried to cast powerful ‘Water’ spells many times…Magic is useless against this sickness. Nothing is good for such a body. Touch of water flow is useless.”

The cause of Cattleya’s sickness was unknown. Even if you suppress the worsened part of her body with medicine or magic, another part starts to shriek. Eventually, all doctors fail against such cycle. Her symptoms have been relieved by various medicines and magics now.

Despite that, Cattleya still smiles. Louise felt pity for her elder sister. Because of her condition, Cattleya could not get into the magic academy either, though she can cast magic. She cannot marry, though she is so beautiful.”

“Are, why such long face? I lead a rather happy life everyday. Look!”

Cattleya pointed at the bird cage.

There was a bird shut inside. A small bandage was rolled around the wing.

“Look, it is the young bird that I talked about in the carriage a while ago, I picked it up recently.”

“C-cute.”

“This young bird was hurt badly. Her wing was wounded. When I was passing by, I heard the pain in this young bird's voice, I stopped the carriage and picked it up.”

Seems like Cattleya, in the forest, brimmed over with birds, heard the call of broken winged one, stopped the carriage and picked it up.

“Big sister! It is just a bird!

“Don’t you feel the same about your familiar?”

Cattleya smiled knowingly. Louise’s cheeks flamed up in an instant. I do not understand what I feel about Saito. Is it because he is a human?

“So you understand me. This young bird is the same.”

Cattleya said pointing

“Really?”

“Yes. I’m happy, you already reached the age of falling in love.”

Even Louise’s ears turned red.

“What are you talking about?! I didn’t fall in love!”

“It is useless to hide it from me. I understand everything.”

“I am not in love, really!”

Very embarrassed, Louise shook her head, on the verge of tears.

“Don’t make such a fuss, I understand everything. Then, shall we sleep together after such a long time?”

Still blushing Louise nodded, biting her lips.

<center>* * *</center>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T09:03:31Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she was of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise all the time. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with You and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did that... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “Everything I said came from the bottom of my heart. Why can't this girl understand that?” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.


“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T08:12:56Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she was of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise all the time. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with You and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did that... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.


“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T04:17:18Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-22T09:28:24Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-22T01:42:02Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume5 Story3 - MTL

2008-07-02T12:52:15Z

Novaren:

'''1'''
　

The bell of San Rami‘s temple rang eleven o‘clock.

Saito was running towards a central plaza of the De Chikutonn street.

As to why he was running... well, that‘s because he was late for the date. When he elbowed his way through the mass of people, barely making to the central plaza, and saw the one who waited for him pouting.

“H-hey.”

Seeing Saito, Louise, who was sitting at the fountain, puffed out her cheeks.

“What‘s up with you! You are late!”

“No...when I was about to leave I was caught by Scarron.”

“Just ignore him!”

“I can‘t, for the time being, he is my employer...“

Nagging Louise urged Saito. Aah, I should have saved my head and not came to the date if she is angry like this.

Louise was dressed for this occasion. She was embarrassed, because even though she looked gorgeous, her clothes were still not suitable for a noble… She was dressed in a recent trend, popular between town girls – black beret and black dress with a plunging neckline. The pendant, that Saito gave her, was hanging on her neck. In these clothes she really looked like a true town girl. As one would expect from a girl in her pubescence, it was hard for Louise to acquire a suiting dress in town.

Aah, when silent, she really looked pretty charming. With her arms folded and tilted chin… the young girl looked across the street intensively. Her pink-blond hair shined vividly in the rays of the sun. Her big hazel eyes were an obvious sign that she was from another world. Aah, his lovely master looked very cute right now, furiously tapping her feet.

“Hey, lets go! Before the play started.”

Louise said, still sounding little shy.

Saito nodded and started to walk. However, Louise remained standing.

“What is it?”

“Muu! Escort me properly!”

“Escort?”

“Right. Hey!”

Louise pulled Saito's arm.

[[Image:ZnT05-173.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh?” and he looked dumbfounded at their united arms.

Holding hands! It made Saito very awkward. Though she had used his hands as pillows to sleep on lately, he still wasn’t used to them walking while holding hands in the middle of the town. Saito felt nervous. Then she stepped on his foot.

“W-what?!”

“During our Void day off you should lead me. Why won’t you say something? Uuuuh!”

Louise groaned.

“W-well, this is our Void day. H-how about going to the t-theater?”

Louise shook her head while sighing, and then pulled his arm dragging him after her.

“Muu! Useless escort! This way! Here!”

And so, walking in a way that it still wasn’t clear who escorted whom, the pair went down the streets of Tristain, bathing in the sunlight of the summer.

<center>* * *</center>

Well, as to why the couple went to see a play…　

Toady was the day of Rag and the inn was closed. “I want to go to the play” Louise said early in the morning, when she was having her breakfast (though it actually was a dinner, because they went to sleep late yesterday) with Saito in the attic.

“Play?”

“That’s right”

Louise muttered somewhat ashamed.

“You like things like plays?

“I do not like it, but I want to see it.”

“See it?”

Louise nodded. When you think about it, she grew up in a different environment. Louise was strictly disciplined at home, so she probably never went to the town’s theater.

Thinking this way, Saito suddenly felt pity for Louise.

“All right, but why do you want to see the play now?”

“Jessica told me that today there is a very popular play on stage.”

Louise is still a girl, after all and fashionable things attract her just like any other.

And…

Louise for some reason insisted this to be a date.

“It doesn’t feel right just going there. The mood is important! Therefore let’s meet each other!”

“Meeting?”

“All right? Meet me in front of the fountain, in the central plaza.”

“Bothersome.”

“Not bothersome. Hence, lets go to Royal Tanaijiiru Theater.”

“Fuu~n”

And so, they met.

<center>* * *</center>
　

Royal Tanaijiiru Theater was indeed majestic. A splendid theater of gorgeous stonework. The lined up columns made it look like a temple.

Gentlemen and ladies fashionably dressed up gathered up in the theater.

Saito followed them as well.

After buying a surprisingly cheap ticket from the box office, Saito headed towards the seat. A thick curtain was dropped over the stage, and it was gloomy around it… indeed, Saito was getting excited by the mysterious atmosphere.

Seats were marked by the numbers and it was written on a ticket where one should sit, however agitated, Saito, without noticing, sat down in a different seat.

When he and Louise waited for the play to start, a nice looking middle-aged noble with beautiful silver hair tapped his shoulder.

“Listen, pal”

“Y-yes?”

“This is the seat I have had reserved for some time ago. Isn’t your seat different?”

This being said, the number of the seat was confirmed. It was as the man said. Hastily Saito, being urged by Louise, stood up.

“Muu! You have no shame!”

Louise complained shaking her head. Searching for the seat, Saito asked Louise.

“What was the play again?”

“…Tristania’s Holiday”

“What’s the plot?”

“Princess of a certain country and the prince of a certain country come to Tristania secretly. The pair meet each other hiding their identities, however once they fall in love… they learn each other’s identities and separate. Sad story.”

Such story shared a great popularity among the young girls. And indeed, the theater was crowded with young women.

After he found the seat, with much effort, the curtain rose. The play started. Music played and… it sounded beautifully in the theater.

“Amazing.”

Louise watched the stage with absorbed interest.

Saito, who saw the Helkeginia’s play for the first time, at first, gazed at it attentively as well. However… he got tired soon.

The scenario wasn’t so bad – he thought. Yet, the actors were unskilled. Though Saito was not very interested in plays, he still saw various movies back on earth and saw some school plays as well.

Compared to that… these guys were ham actors. Occasionally the voice turned inside out and singing scenes were executed in tone-deaf manner. Was that really a royal opera?

Yet Louise was still deeply moved by it, laughing ‘Ha!’ and sighing weakly. Waa, I should just enjoy the play like them, Saito thought.

However… the play seemed to be still no good. He looked around yawning, watching the visitors. There seemed to be some well known faces of society there. However, only young women were intensively gazing at actors. Guess some things do not change even compared to Saito’s different world.

Saito became sleepy while watching.

Not being able to bare it anymore, he started to snore slightly.

Louise threw an angry look at a sleeping Saito.

Wh-what?! This fellow…though it is such a special play! I invited him!

For Louise this was a date. This should have been her memorable first date. Therefore she was so picky about such details as meeting, yet this familiar didn’t notice that.

More so, he didn't escort me!

Did not know where the theater was!

I had to buy the tickets!

Furthermore, he shamefully mixed the seats!

Moreover, he fell asleep!

Th-th-though she chose him to be her long-awaited first date companion, this familiar was reluctant to be his masters date! Reluctantly he chose to do so! Un-for-gi-va-ble! Louise restrained her feelings that she wanted to shout out and stared at Saito, who had started a journey to the dream land.

But… the play was long… and Louise has gotten tired in the course of the time too. The the sleepiness took over her and she slowly closed her eyelids.

It was not possible to endure after all and … she leant her head against Saito's shoulder… she started to watch another play in the dream land… Louise began to row the boat

<center>* * *</center>

There was one visitor who wasn’t looking at the play as well. It was the same middle-aged noble whose seat Saito took by mistake. He was sitting next to a merchant and was having a secret talk with him.

This talk content… was the things they heard from Tristain generals. The extremely secret Tristain’s military were the object of the gossips.

“F-fleet’s construction?”

The merchant asked.

“It will take half of a year at least.”

The noble answered.

There were more whispers throughout the talk… In exchanged for such secret information regarding Royal matters, the merchant passed a small bag to the noble. The noble peeked inside and saw it being tightly packed with golden coins.

The merchant whispered

“However… why contact each other in the theater?”

“What? To have a secret talk among the crowd of people. It is natural to tell a whispering story here. Therefore – a theater. If you would do that in a small room, one would get suspicious that you are plotting something not good.”

“Haha. I am sure that His Highness Emperor will be greatly interested in lord’s information. He might even give you a medal if you would come above the clouds.”

“This Albion’s person has a cold heart.”

“What, this whole land will be called by this name, sooner or later. Thank you for your cooperation.

Saying so, the merchant tried to stand up. The nobleman stopped him.

“What more?”

“Why don’t you act slowly. Wait till the last minute of the play.”

<center>* * *</center>

Tristain’s Royal palace stony floor echoed the sound of boots as a lone young woman knight walked. She had shortly cut blond hair and clear blue eyes. A protective chain hemp garment with the sheet metal parts wrapped around her body, in addition to a robe with a Lily coat of arms painted on it.

Yet there was no wand at her lower waist… but a long, thin sword.

Coming and going nobles mage bodyguards halted and stared at her surprised, as it was unusual to see a fencer in the royal palace.

Mages saw a sword at her waist and the chain-mail that she wore, and started whispering among themselves.

“Fuun! Commoner woman!”

“She needs to have some grand permission to walk in palace dressed up like that… oh dear, different times!”

“Moreover, this woman is a Protestant! Giving Chevalier's title for such an harmful insect… I feel ashamed for our young majesty!”

Despite the impudent glances and rude talks about her, the young woman kept on walking straight, without sparing a single look at them.

At the end of the passage… she aims towards Henrietta’s office. She was stopped at the door by a magical guard member with a royal crest on his chest, not allowing her to visit her majesty.

“Her Majesty is in the middle of a conference right now. Come again later.”

The mage guard declared coldly, not even trying to hide his contempt for the woman knight.
　
“Please tell that Agnes came. I have a permission to visit Her Majesty anytime.”

The guard scowled. Then opened the door and disappeared in the office room. After that, he came back, granting Agnes the permission to enter the room.

When Agnes came into the office. Henrietta was in the middle of conference with Richmon from the High Court of Justice

What is the High Court of Justice? That’s the organization that rules the administration of justice in the kingdom. Whenever the privileged class disagrees… the judgement is brought in. They inspected literature works, operas or plays in theaters, or supervised commoner’s markets and frequently took care of conflicts within the monarchic government prefecture administration.

Henrietta who noticed Agnes, smiled with the edge of his lips, and told Richmon to break off the conference.

“But Your Highness…Rising taxes any further, will make commoners resentment grow. This will cause disorder. Other countries may use it against us.”

“It’s an emergency. Despite our citizen's poverty…”

“Construction of 50 warships! 20,000 mercenaries! 15,000 expanses on equipping lords army-men! Food expenses to feed officers and men and our allied forces! Where can you get so much money? Build of scout army etc., just give it up, please.”

“The Albion overthrow is now a national priority of Tristain.”

“But Your Majesty, though former Kings of Halkeginia with united forces attacked Albion on countless occasions… they were always defeated. Going into a campaign across the sky has more difficulties than one can imagine.”

Richmon declared, adding a hoity-toity gesture.

“I know. However I also know that finances minister reported that ‘The procurement of these war expenditures is not impossible’. Are you dissatisfied that you won’t be able to enjoy your former luxuries? As a matter of fact, I wonder how much you've saved since you started working?”

Henrietta said, sarcastically looking at the gorgeous clothes that Richmon was wearing.

“I myself prohibited imperial guard knights to wear the chain of silver that decorated the cane. To show an example to others. There are no nobles, commoners nor royal family members. We are united now, Richmon.”

Henrietta watched Richmon. He bowed his head.

“You got me with this. I know, Your Majesty. However, the council of High Court of Justice consist of many people and it is not possible that they would agree with this campaign. I would like you to acknowledge it as a reality.”

“We will reach consensus, with the cardinal’s and my own work. I have the confidence that we will be able to persuade the council.”

Richmon watched Henrietta, who declared this with dazzling eyes.

“…Something wrong?”

“No… I just admired.”

“Admired?”

“That’s right. This Richmon, served ten years for Philip the Great, thirty years ago. By the time you were born, I knew about Your Majesty just more than Your Majesty yourself.”

“Oh, well”

“Though you might not remember, but the Emperor and Empress were really happy about Your Majesty’s birth! Though it was scary to lift your tiny body in one’s arms, I was still honored to rock and bath Your Majesty once or twice.”

“My mother said you served well.”

Henrietta said smiling.

“You are too kind. Just a while ago I was giving rude comments not thinking about the mother country.”

“You are a real patriot, I know that very well.”

“Anyway, I’ll say no more. Though Your Highness was such a crybaby before, she became a splendid woman now. There’s nothing for me to regret.”

“I am still…a crybaby. Please lend your power for the mother country, Richmon.”

Richmon bowed, asking for the permission to leave the room. Henrietta nodded.

Agnes, who stood next to the door, watched Richmon leave.

Finally Agnes turned to Henrietta, who sat in her chair, and kneeled down, bowing her head.

“Agnes Chevalier Do Milan, welcome.”

Looking up, Henrietta urged.

“Did you finish the investigation?”

“Yes.”

Then Agnes took out the letter out of her cleavage and gave it to Henrietta. The Queen took it and looked inside.

This was… Henrietta ordered to this female knight to investigate that ominous night events. The night where, abductor from Albion… revived Wales, sneaked into the royal palace following someone’s written plan.

“So the guide wasn’t alone guided…as I take”

“Exactly, he helped getting inside, pulled the bolt up, and could go unnoticed in royal palace as he was alone.”

“To hide, once the group that tried to entice me entered.”

Henrietta said with painful look in her eyes.

“Yes. In only five minutes, Your Majesty.”

“Once found out, he insisted that it was a coincidence. However, he could not explain from where he had the money…”

The man that was written there, was the one that she gave a position to herself, and assumed him to be faithful, but was bribed by the sum of…

“70,000 ecu… This amount of gold is higher than the total amount of his pension.”

“It is as you say.”

Kneeling down, Agnes agreed.

“Though we were able to capture the informant who worked for the money… The number of people going over to Albion’s side increased recently.”

“That employee…”

“I could not contact him yesterday. Perhaps, he sensed that he was found out.”

Henrietta sighed.

“Snake on one’s chest.”

“Reconquista’s nobles reach and hear beyond the national borders.”

“Might of money. A man with dreams turned into a man with gold lust. For the money… he tried to sell me and the country.”

Agnes kept silent. Henrietta gently put her hand on her shoulder.

“You did well. Thank you.”

Agnes watched the crest on the surcoat. Crest… lily, the sign of the Royal family.

“I dedicat myself to Your Majesty. Your Majesty gave me the family name and the position.”

“I cannot trust the people that use magic anymore. Except for a few old friends…”

Henrietta said in a sad voice.

“In Tarbes, nobles are similar to military. Therefore, this is what makes you a real noble.”

“You are too kind.”

Henrietta shook her head gently.

“You… had it tough in royal court, Agnes.”

“I was born the way I was born. And no sneers matter.”

“Though you are not noble by birth, you are a noble by soul. Foolish people.”

Agnes muttered a question.

“And what will you do about that man’s case?”

“Not enough evidences. It is hard to prove a crime.”

“Then…” Agnes continued in low voice.

“I am just newly established Queen… I will leave everything to the ‘Musketeer Corps’.”

After commander Wardes' betrayal, war of Tarbes and the recent annihilation of the Griffon corps, magic guard, that ought to protect the royalty, crumbled. The griffon corps are under the command of the Mantei Koa troops now, thus only one unit is still on duty.

To supplement the lack of guard, Henrietta newly established the ‘Musketeer Corps’ led by Agnes. As its name suggests, it uses new force of musket and sword, instead of magic. Because of mage shortage, only members are commoners… For the sake of Henrietta’s, who is a woman, personal safety the guard is also made of women.

Because it interferes to negotiate with other corps when the commander is not an aristocrat, Agnes was exceptionally awarded the noble title. She became a ‘Chevalier’ and the fictional family name was given.

Henrietta’s exception made the national military power increase due to numbers of joining commoners. Though, nobles were naturally repulsed by this idea, Henrietta suppressed it.
Though it looked like the way they allied Germania, it was actually different. As, Henrietta, thanks to the kidnapping that deeply damaged her confidence… was unable to trust mages anymore.

“We are the way the royal court says – born without fineness. After all, it is impossible to become a noble.”

Henrietta shook her head.

“Who said that you are not a noble? You are a commander of the corps of the imperial guard knights that I myself admitted. The commander of imperial guards is different, as your position can only be rivaled to that of a field marshal.”

Agnes deeply bowed.

“Have pride. Walk tall. ‘I am an aristocrat’ – tell that to yourself in front of the mirror. If you do so, you will gain the fineness eventually.”

“As you say.”

“You just follow our former plan and watch over the man’s actions. If we are correct, the criminals will surely expose themselves tomorrow.”

“We won’t let them go free?”

“Surely. I won’t forgive anyone who were related to that night’s incident…Countries… People… Everyone. Yes. “

Then Agnes deeply bowed and left the room.

She was eternally grateful to Henrietta. Not because of the position or family name... No, because she was given a chance for revenge.

'''2'''

　
Saito was lying on the floor. Towering above him stood roughly breathing Louise. It was the kitchen of the 'Charming Fairies' inn. Inn just opened, but it was already noisy inside. Louise, with her arms crossed, looked down at Saito.

“Tell me, big brother.”

Louise still called him big brother. In here, Saito pretended to be Louise’s elder brother. No one believed it, as everyone in the inn already knew that Louise was a noble, yet she continued calling him ‘Big Brother’ anyway. Really stubborn character.

“What, little sister?”

Saito asked in a feeble and strained, from Louise’s harsh beating, voice.

“What were you doing before I called you?”

“Cleaning dishes.”

“Don’t lie. You were looking away.”

“A little.”

“Not a little.”

Louise pointed inside of the inn.

“You were ogling that girl’s thighs, this girl’s breasts and that girl’s bottom…”

Then, Louise angrily pointed at Jessica.

“You were watching the valley of Jessica’s breasts too.”

“A little.”

“Hey, big brother...”

Louise stomped on Saito’s face with her feet.

“Yes?”

“Isn’t it bad for you not to look at me? Isn’t your master gathering information from drunkards? If your cute master is endangered, you ought to protect her, right?”

“I'm sorry.”

“Sorry is not enough. You looked at me only twice. Yet I counted, you looked at this girl and at that girl four times. You looked at Jessica’s cleavage twelve times. You looked away, ignoring your Master. I c-c-c-cannot p-p-permit that!”

“Hey, I wasn’t looking!”

Pardon me. I’m seeing Louise everyday. Her sleeping face too. It is love. Aah, master is cute. However, I want you to permit looking at other girl’s. It is man's nature. You cannot fight it even if looking away. Therefore, it is not necessary to get angry so much… Saito misunderstood her anger.

But, he would never loud such excuse. Saito learnt how to deal with Louise already.

“What if the moment when you look away I would be attacked by a strange man? Do you understand? You are willing to put me in such danger?

“No… Wouldn’t that be alright? Ugh”

“Why?”

“Master is not that appealing really. Tiny body has tiny popularity.”

Saito said what he was thinking. Louise spread her hands, sighed ‘Fuuh’, and started warming-up for another physical exercise.

“Really? I see. The dog can only be taught physically. Nnshotto.”

She went back to her vigor exercise.

While Louise was warming-up, Saito quietly slipped towards the back door. He had enough of the punishment a little while ago. Ten minutes. He needed to run away and have some rest.

Saito gripped Derflinger who was rolled up in a cloth. Due to the recent accident, he was always carrying Derflinger with him. Reluctantly, he decided to carry it around, even though he knew how obstructive it can be.

The moment when he opened the back door and stepped out into the alley, he saw a hooded woman running in short steps towards this direction.

Don! The woman knocked up against Saito, who just opened the door and fell on the ground. This made Saito flurried.

“S-sorry...Are you all right?”

The woman hid her face with hood and said in panic.

“…That, is there a 'Charming Fairies' inn somewhere around here?

[[Image:ZnT05-193.jpg|thumb]]

“Eh? That’s here…”

Muttering Saito noticed that woman’s voice sounded familiar. The woman became aware of the same thing at the same time as well. Quietly, she lifted an edge of the hood and stole a quick glance at Saito's face.

“Princess!”

“Shh!” she said, covering his mouth. Henrietta, wrapped in the lobes of gray hood, hid herself behind Saito, to avoid being seen from the Main Street.

“Search there!”

Maybe she headed to Bourdonne Street!”

From the Main Street the rough voices of soldiers could be heard. Henrietta put the hood back on again.

“…Is there a place where I could hide?”

Henrietta looked so tiny.

“There is attic here where we live…”

“Please guide me there.”

<center>* * *</center>

Saito quietly brought Henrietta to the attic. She sat down on the bed and breathed out deeply.　

“…Safe for now.”

“It is not safe. What was that about?”

“I just sneaked away for a minute…and such uproar happened.”

“Huh? Weren’t you kidnapped the other day? No wonder it turned into fuss!”

Henrietta became silent.

“Princess, aren’t you a ruler now? And you still act so selfish?”

“That not it. It’s because I have an important business… And I heard from reports that Louise is here… I’m glad I could meet you at once.”

“A-anyway, I’ll call Louise.”

Louise after noticing that Saito disappeared would surely go ballistic, but this might help to ease her up a bit. Louise’s behavior is easy to predict. Like always.

“Don’t.”

Henrietta stopped Saito.

“W-why?”

“..I do not want to speak with Louise.”

“What?”

“I do not want to disappoint that girl.”

Saito sat on the chair and stared at Henrietta.

“Then, what else? Sneaking out of castle without permission is not a good thing to do.”

Then Saito realized.

“But, if you didn’t come here to meet Louise, then what for you came here?”

“I came to borrow your power.”

“M-me?”

“If it’s all right, I want you to guard me till tomorrow.”

“W-why me? Aren’t you the Queen? You have many soldiers and mages to guard you...”

“For today and tomorrow, I want to blend in with commoners. And, naturally, I do not want anyone from the palace to know that. So…”

“What?”

“I trust only you.”

“That’s… don’t you really have anyone else?”

“Yes. I know you are good, and I, myself, am almost lonely in the palace. Many people there do not like me as a young queen…”

And after the moment of hasitation added.

“… and as a traitor.”

Saito recalled Wardes. Asking Louise, who is called her best friend after all, to travel incognito – there might be something that cannot be spoken even to Louise.

“I see. Only because it is princess request I will do it, but…”

After that Seito watched Henrietta’s face.

“It’s dangerous isn’t it?”

Henrietta veiled her eyes down.

“Yes.”

“Really? Then princess, do not tell that to Louise about going through danger. Please promise me.”

“All right.”

She nodded.

“Then it is good, but…”

“Then, let's leave. I cannot stay around here forever.”

“Where are we going?”

“We won’t be leaving town. Please calm down. For the time being, I want to change clothes…”

Henrietta looked at the dress under the lobe. It was white, clean and elegant dress, besides hiding behind the robe would be too standing out. Even a noble couldn’t complain about this attire.

“These are Louise’s clothes but… She bought them to make her look as a commoner.”

“Please, lend them to me.”

Saito pulled the box from under the bed and took out Louise's clothes. Then Henrietta turned her back to Saito, not worrying about him looking! Saito started to panic once she took off her dress. He accidentally caught a glimpse of Henrietta’s chest from behind. Though it was not as big as Kirche’s, it was still bigger than Siesta’s. After all, she was a queen, so her breasts must be Queen-like as well. But then he realized.

Can she wear Louise’s shirt?

And it was juts like thought.

“The shirt… is rather tight.”

Not ‘rather’. The shirt was bought following Louise’s size, and it could not match Henrietta’s breasts. The more she strained, the more buttons flew off.

“Mhm. Very.”

Saito said while holding his nose.

“Mh, good?”

Good! Nothing else one could expect from the queen. Henrietta should not worry about that. “I hope it won’t be too flashy if I do this” she muttered as she unfastened her top two buttons.

It only empathized the valley of her breasts - this was as if there were no shirts at all to begin with. Though it may be embarrassing walking next to a man in such attire, this also made to forget that she was queen for once and made her look like a woman.

“Let’s go.” Henrietta urged Saito.

“We cannot go yet.”

“Eh? Really?”

“You should at least change your hairstyle.”

“Then, change it.”

Henrietta is so similar to Louise after all, what an inexperienced princess, Saito thought while fiddling with Henrietta's hair. Even changing clothes could not mask that…

He lifted her hair up into a ponytail, the way that he occasionally did for Louise too.

This changed an atmosphere a lot. Then, Saito put some light make-up on Henrietta, using Louise’s cosmetics.

Wouldn’t they need a make-up in the inn? Saying so Saito bought it… But because Louise did not use it after all, there was plenty of it left.

“Fufu, this way you look like a town woman.”

With a light make-up and in the front open shirt… She certainly looked like a cheerful town woman.

Because she came forth to the attic, seems like they may not inform Louise about anything. Saito felt uneasy for a moment. Guess he’ll have to talk with her later. It can’t be helped, as it is queen’s wish.

Saito and Henrietta quietly sneaked through the back door to the alley.

The alerted state about queen’s disappearance seemed to have increased… The exit to Chikutonne was heavily guarded again.

“They placed cordon.”

Saito reported of things that seemed like a police drama in his world. Somehow understanding the meaning, Henrietta nodded.

“What now? Would it be all right not having your face covered?

“Hiding it would be even more suspicious. Drop your hand over my shoulder.”

Saito held Henrietta’s shoulder as he was told. They approached the place where guards stood. The tension rose and pulse quickened. Henrietta muttered in a hard tone

“Pretend to lean in to me. Like a lover.”

Eh? Giving no time to think, Henrietta clasped Saito’s hand that he was holding her shoulder with, and lead it to the crevice of her open shirt. Feeling a soft and smooth Henrietta’s hills flesh along his finger, Saito panicked.

“Don’t squirm.”

Henrietta drew her mouth next to Saito’s ear and muttered tenderly, with a fake smile on her lips.

Saito passed through the guard double as nervous.

Though the guard accidentally saw the couple… But he only saw the queen'ss face at a distance. Besides even in his wildest dreams he could not imagine the queen walking with a commoner, allowing his hand to touch her skin in such way. He turned his eyes away at once and called another woman to stop.

Henrietta, walking out to the Main Street, laughed

“Princess?”

“No… I'm sorry. Because it was such a funny moment. However, pleasant one.

“…Eh?”

“I put on rough clothes, changed my hairstyle ……, put on only a light make-up, and no one could recognize me. “

Certainly … Henrietta seemed to merge with the scenery of this night. Saito felt that she was a different woman.

“However, we were seen by the person who barely knows the face of the princess.”

“Shh!”

“Eh? Eeeh?”

“Don’t call me princess in the public. Call me ‘Ann’ in short.”

“Ann, then.”

“Yes.”

Then, Henrietta inclined her head to the side in doubt.

“Tell me your name.”

Not known to princess, Saito answered sadly.

“Saito.”

“Saito. Unusual name.”

At that moment, Henrietta muttered leaning to Saito in town woman’s way.

“Y-yeah, Ann, it’s unusual.”

“Be more rough.”

“Understood, Ann.”

Smiling, Henrietta twined her arm around Saito’s.

<center>* * *</center>

Because slowly night came, the couple took a hotel for the time being. It was a plain, cheap lodging house. They were lead to a worn-out room on the second floor that made even the attic at “Charming Fairies” inn look heavenly.

The futon of the bed was strangely damp, though it was unclear for how many days it has been left to dry, and a small mushroom was growing at the corner of the room. The lamp, even after wiping off the soot, was still really black.

“Well, for so much money, not that great room.”

But Henrietta said while sitting on the bed.

“No, the room is fantastic.”

“Is that so…”

“Yes. Here at least you do not have to worry… about venomous snake sleeping on your chest.”

“And no weird bugs either.”

“Right.”

Henrietta smiled.

Saito sat on the chair standing in the room. The chair, as if protesting, made a strange, creaky sound. For some reason, he wanted to keep a distance between him and his honorable partner as far as possible. Finding it difficult to keep talking, Saito asked.

“Is it really such a nice room?”

“Yes. It is exciting. Because it is the taste of imprudent, ordinary life of citizens…”

She empathized that by a cute gesture. Henrietta acting like that, created a slight feeling of intimacy.

Because the room was pitch dark, they decided to light up the sooted lamp. He could not find any matches, though he looked around carefully.

“They don’t have matches here… I’ll go down and bring them.”

Henrietta shook her head and took out a crystal wand from her bag. She swung it and ‘Posh!’ lamps wick turned on fire.

Henrietta sat gazing at the lamplight, holding her chin with her hand.

Saito, feeling dazzled somehow, turned his eyes away.

Seeing Henrietta relaxed like that…though she still had that sense of intimacy around her, she was still a princess. No, she was a queen now… a very young queen still. The word princess suited her more. Unrivaled grace and dignity. Though it was a similar feeling with Louise… but Louise could be so childish when unhappy, while Henrietta was still calm and composed. She had an aura of a grown up adult around her. Even through the gaps of her shirt one could smell of her womanly charm.

This was an indescribable charm of mixed noble pride and danger.

“What now?”

She asked Saito in an innocent voice. Such a princess was really beautiful, thought Saito while mumbling something.

“Is Louise all right?”

Henrietta asked Saito from the other side of the lamp. Mysteriously, Henrietta’s presence, made this worn-out place look like a royal palace bedroom. Henrietta had the power to change the surrounding air that way. Even at night time it felt like it was a bright day.

“Yeah. Well, she, that, she said she would accomplish her job for the princess…”

As for Louise, she always scolded Saito for failing to gather information.

“She is all right from that aspect.”

“Eh?”

“That child sent me a precise report through the carrier owl everyday.”

“Was it so?”

If you think about it, she probably wrote those while Saito was sleeping. What a serious fellow.

Yes… She exactly informed me everyday about every rumor… Every single one. Without a single complaint. She certainly blended with commoners, not worrying when it will end. Because that child is highborn… Thus, I worry if her health is all right.”

“She is all right. She does everything energetically.”

Saito nodded.

“I'm so glad.”

“But, is the information that Louise gathers really useful?”

“Yes. It is useful.”

Henrietta smiled.

“I myself want to hear citizens' real intentions. I want to hear the true opinion about the politics I do. If they inform me directly, they change some things. They would not be comfortable of me to hear… as they are with others. I want to know the truth. Even the things I don’t like.”

A sad smile appeared on Henrietta’s face.

“Princess?’

“No…It’s just that knowing the truth is sometimes difficult. Though I am called a ‘Holy Woman’, there are harsher names I heard. I am looked down as a greenhorn trying to attack Albion, abusing her power to organize the invasion army, and I am suspected of being Germania’s puppet… Really, not queen-like...’

“Seriously.”

“Is your world also the same?”

“Eh?”

Saito looked blankly.

“Excuse my impoliteness. I asked the Magic academy director Osman. I was surprised to learn that you came from a different world. I could hardly ever imagine that such world exists. So in your world, at war… is the government spoken ill about?”

Saito remembered. Newspapers were flooded with everyday news about the corruption of the politicians at war…

“There is not much difference.”

“It is the same there as well.”

Henrietta muttered, relieved.

“Wars… do you have them?”

“Our country is in a middle of one.”

“No… I mean, besides attacking that flying continent?”

“Why would you say so?”

“A little while ago, you said an invasion army. Did similar invasions happen here too?”

“Oh well. In that case, this war is endless…These are the things that should be left unsaid. It’s not a thing to talk with you about. Please forget it.”

Still, hearing Saito being silent, Henrietta looked up.

“Do you hate war?”

“I guess I do not love it.”

“But, you saved a king at Tarbes.”

“I did so to defend an important person.”

“Then, that night…”

Henrietta turned her face away and muttered hesitatingly. Then Saito… recalled that ominous night.

The night that Wales, who was thought to be dead, revived and tried to kidnap Henrietta. He remembered seeing his corpse. But he couldn’t recall much.

“I am sorry.”

Henrietta said in a tiny voice.

And then…

It started raining. As small raindrops beat against the window. They could hear people in the streets shouting “Che! Rain!”, “Out of nowhere!”.

Henrietta started to tremble.

“Princess?”

Henrietta muttered in a tiny voice. In a voice that seemed to vanish.

“…can you do something for me.”

“W-what?”

“Hold my shoulders tightly.”

A wand fell from the trembling hand of Henrietta and made a dry sound hitting the floor.

“What's wrong?”

“I’m afraid of rain.”

After those words… Saito remembered that on that night it started to rain as well. Henrietta and revived Wales used that rain to create …… a huge tornado that tried to swallow Saito and others.

[[Image:ZnT05-209.jpg|thumb]]

Saito silently sat down next to Henrietta, holding her shoulders. Henrietta kept on shaking.

“Princess…”

“Because of me…everyone died…I killed them. I don’t understand. I do not understand. Can I ever be forgiven.”

Saito thought for a while and said.

“No one can forgive that. Indeed…”

“That’s right. I…I have no forgiveness for what I did to you or other people… When I hear the rain, I can only think about such things.”

Henrietta closed her eyes and drew her cheek to Saito’s chest. Her hand firmly gripped Saito’s. At the sounds of the rainfall, her shivering grew stronger. She was not a queen, not even a princess… she was just a lonely, weak girl now. A girl who fell in love with a prince from a foreign country. Maybe this person, was weaker than anyone. She cannot do a thing, without someone next to her.

Yet, she was forced to put on a crown. She was forced to grip the scepter that commands the war.

He thought unhappy thoughts.

'''3'''

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL

2008-06-21T14:32:44Z

Novaren:

Wardes woke up. He tried to get up and frowned. Wondering, he looked at the bandage that was rolled up around his body. Where am I? I am sure… I was hit by the magic from the flying machine that Gandalfr piloted and lost consciousness.

He looked around. Wooden floor and walls, plain room. Bed and one desk. There was a pendant on the desk, which I was carrying on my neck. Seeing a pitcher he reached out for it... but he could not reach it as his body still ached. At that moment, the door opened up and he saw a familiar face.

“Oh, you regained consciousness.”

“Crumbling Dirt? You...”

Fouquet placed the plate of soup on the desk. Wardes tried to get up again and frowned.

“Tst..”

“You still cannot move. Your body has been pierced by bullets in many places. It took all the water element mages casting the ‘Recovery’ spell for three days and three nights to heal you.”

“Bullets?”

Wardes made a suspicious face.

“Was I shot by a 'Gun'? Is this the power of a ‘Gun’?”

Gun is a weapon that commoners use. The pressure of the gunpowder, ignited by the spark of the flint, pushes a round bullet out of the weapon. Though power in the short distance is superior to the bow, the need to load the bullet and gunpowder separately, makes it hard to fire quickly. The hit accuracy is not better than bow’s either. Bow’s great advantage is that you don’t need any additional practice to use it. It isn’t a great weapon for mage.

“Really? You didn’t even know the weapon that defeated you? What a careless man.”

Saying so, Fouquet scooped soup with the spoon and carried it to Wardes's mouth.

Wardes thought. It must be that strange flying machine that Gandalfr used…

Not only it could fly very quickly, but it also was equipped with such 'Gun' that could fire in rapid succession.

And then, in an instant, the consciousness was broken by the whirlpool of light…

The whole fleet of Albion had been burned in a moment by that light…

What was the light that I saw?

Still, something must have happened in Halkeginia.

I could take advantage of the change, as this event might be connected in some way with that…

My desire to get Louise’s abilities.

And, Sacred Emperor Cromwell's manipulation of strange magic…

Even if going to the 'Sacred Ground’, following Cromwell, some clues might be left unknown, as his plan might not work out, remembering that just one person managed to put the whole battleship flotilla aflame.

“Hey, the soup's getting cold.”

Fouquet, in an exasperated tone, said to Wardes, who was lost in his own thoughts.

“Where is this place?”

Wardes said not looking at the soup.

“Albion. The temple near Rondei Niumu. That place from ancient times. It was possible to return safely. And you have to thank me the most for that.”

“Albion? And what about the military invasion?

“Aah, I guess you don’t know that, as you were unconscious. It failed big time. After the fleet's annihilation, Albion’s army was routed. Indeed ‘A certain victory without a doubt’. Is this how you defeat Tristain, who was inferior in numbers, and recapture the ‘Sacred Ground’?"

“Why haven’t you joined the invasion troops as well? Tell me about it.”
Fouquet was amazed.

“Don’t talk so rudely with me! Because Albion's army was ignorant about the foreign country geography, I was sent with the scout unit! Seems like you are not interested in it, to be so forgetful!”

“Is that so? Aah, that’s right. Sorry.”

Then Wardes muttered “Hungry, give me some soup,” urging Fouquet.

Though Fouquet made an ugly and unpleasant face, still, the soup was carried to Wardes's mouth.

“Is 'hungry' all you can say, when I hurriedly nursed you after seeing you fall. I immediately treated you with my ‘Water’ spell. After that, using my illegal connections as a thief, I somehow got the ship leaving to Albion, and escaped safely. Really, such an ungrateful person shouldn’t have been saved!"

Wardes pointed at the table.

“Please take the pendant from there.”

The pendant was a silver locket. Wardes took it from Fouquet and put it on his neck.

“Is it your most important treasure?”

“Well, it calms me down.”

“She is a very beautiful person.”

When Fouquet watched Wardes with a smile on her face, Wardes' cheeks became tingled with red.

“You saw?”

“Accidentally so. While unconscious, you were gripping it tightly in your hand. Don’t worry.”

“As expected from a thief.”

“Hey, who is that? A lover?”

Fouquet asked Wardes while bending herself forward. Wardes said in an unpleasant voice.

“Mother.”

“Mother? Have you been living with her?”

“Not any longer. Either way, it is not your business.”

“Pardon me, you-san this you-san that, what san!”

At that moment, the room door opened with a clank. It was Cromwell, accompanied by Sheffield.

Seeing Wardes, he smiled thinly. The smile that never changes. Like a doll, Wardes thought.

Such defeat. All ambitions concerning Albion were crushed. Yet, Cromwell didn’t seem to be shaken. Either he was a truly strong man or a carefree optimist, it was hard to tell.

“Looks like you regained consciousness, Viscount.”

“I am sorry, Your Excellency. I failed you not once but twice.”

“But it seems that it wasn’t because of your failure.”
Sheffield who had kept on standing by the side nodded then read the parchment scroll, that seemed to be the report, and muttered.

“A sphere of light appeared in the sky and blew off our fleet.”

“In a word, the enemy had an unknown magician with them. This was a miscalculation. It is no one’s fault. If anything… it was our leadership's fault that the enemy’s war potential was not scouted. One soldier, most of all you, should not be blamed for that."

"Just heal your wounds, Viscount.”

Cromwell offered his hand to Wardes. Wardes kissed it.

“I thank your Excellency’s kindness”

Wardes remembered Louise’s long, pinkish blond hair. Louise was in that flying machine. Such magic never…

Wardes saw through Louise’s talent. Therefore, he wanted to have it in his own hands.

…The element that Founder Brimir used, the lost ‘Void’.

He shook his head. Cromwell said that ‘Void’ is an element controlling life. But can it create such light that would defeat whole fleet?

Even if it is really powerful magic… It is hard to imagine Louise having control over it.

“Was the ‘void’ the source of that light? But the ‘Void’ that your Excellency talked about and that light seems to be completely different.”

“No one can say that they have a full knowledge about what ‘Void’ is. ‘Void’ is a great mystery.”
Sheffield stepped in.

“It is wrapped up on the other side of an ancient, dark history.”

“History. History hides many interesting things. I accidentally read a book (editor's note: what?). According to biography’s chapter one of the Founder’s shields was called Saint Aegis. It has a very little information regarding ‘Void’.”

Cromwell spoke as if reciting a poem.

“Founder created sun, to shine upon the ground.”

“Indeed. There was no light within that small sun.”

“Mystery upon the mystery, I feel ill. Awaking is also bad. Is it so, Viscount?"

“As you say.”

“It is said that Tristain’s army was lead by Henrietta. For what reason has an inexperienced princess-sama fought? That princess made use of ‘Founder’s Prayer Book’, maybe she sniffed out the sleeping secret of Royal Family.”

What is the sleeping secret of the Royal Family?”

“Royal Family of Albion, Royal Family of Tristain, and Royal Family of Gallia… was one branch in the beginning. And the Founder's secret was split to each. Isn’t that so, Miss Sheffield?”

Cromwell urged the woman at his side.

“It is as Your Excellency says. The treasure that was given to Albion’s royal family was 'Ruby of the Wind'… However, where the Ruby of the Wind disappeared is yet to be found. Since the investigation has not ended so far.”

Wardes watched the woman with dubious feeling. Because her face was hid by the deep robe, it is not possible to see her expression. Though one could think she was Cromwell's secretary… she didn’t give an impression to be just a secretary. No strong magic is sensed from her. However, because she was promoted here by Cromwell, she might have some a special ability.

“Now, Henrietta, a worshiped ‘Holy Woman’, enthroned to a queen.”

Cromwell muttered. Sheffield answered.

“The ruler of the kingdom. The queen of the country will also get the Royal Families' secret.”

Cromwell smiled.

“Wales-san.”

Wales, who was revived by Cromwell, entered the room from the corridor.

“You called, Your Excellency?”

“I want to offer congratulations for your lover’s… the Holy Woman’s coronation. I want her to come to my Rondei Niumu castle. However, the journey seems to be very tedious so keep her company to dispel the boredom.”

Wales muttered “Certainly” in a monotone.

“Then, Wardes-san. Take care of yourself. I will leave it up to you to invite the ‘Holy Woman’ to the dinner party and ensure her safe arrival.”

Wardes bowed.

Cromwell and others left from the room. Fouquet muttered absent-mindedly.

“Disgusting man. Baiting one lover with their dead lover is not a way a noble should act.”

Fouquet added, though she herself hated nobles.

“That man is not a noble. Haven’t you heard? He was a mere bishop at first.”

Then Wardes snuffled loudly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just cannot stay calm. If only the wound would be done healing… I could do my work instead of playing corpse…”

After that, Wardes regrettably buried his face in his hands.

“Damn! I… Am I incapable? Hasn't the ‘Sacred Ground’ slipped away again…”

Fouquet laughed with a smile, and placed her hand on Wardes's shoulder.

“You are a weak man… Yet, I knew that from the beginning.”

And then, Fouquet brought her face close to Wardes’s and placed her lips on his.

Slowly pulling her lips back, Fouquet muttered.

“Rest for now. I do not know what you are hiding… Yet once in a while you need to rest as well.”

<center>* * *</center>

In Tristain’s royal palace, Henrietta was waiting for her guest. Even though she was a queen, she never sat on the throne. She mostly did the king’s work.

After the coronation was finished and she became queen, the number of things to do in domestic and foreign area increased greatly. Some were demanding loans, some were asking it in a good nature, and Henrietta from morning till night, was always meeting someone. Moreover, because of the war, there are more guests than usual.

Because of always straining to show her dignity, she became very tired. Even though Mazarini assisted, she had to strain with the answers herself. It was too late for Henreitta to revert back to being princess.

However… for the new guest, she neither showed particularly made expressions nor attitude.

A refrained voice called outside the room, informing Henrietta about the guest's arrival.

Right after that the door opened.

Louise stood there, reverentially bowing her head. Next to her, Saito’s figure could be seen. Even now, a restraining device used to tame wild creatures was attached to his miserable body.

“Louise, aah, Louise!”

Henrietta ran up and embraced Louise closely. Looking up, Louise muttered.

“Princess-sama… No, I have to call thee Your Majesty now.”

“I don’t like it when you say it so formaly. Louise Francoise. Aren’t you my beloved friend?”

“Then, I will call thee princess –sama, as usual.”

“Please do it for me. Aah Louise, I didn’t want to be a queen. It is twice as boring. It is three times more straining. And ten times more worrisome.”

Henreitta muttered, looking bored.

After that, Louise became silent waiting for Henrietta’s words. This morning the messenger from Henrietta came to Academy of Magic. Two people, missing lessons, boarded the carriage that Henrietta prepared and came here

"I guess I was called for a specific reason", thought Louise. "Is it about ‘Void'? However, she seems hesitating to ask about that."
Henrietta just looked into her eyes, not talking. Reluctantly Louise said “I ought to give my congratulations on the victory”. Louise tried to find a harmless topic to talk about with Henrietta.

“This victory was all thanks to you, Louise.”

Louise watched Henrietta’s face with a startled expression.

“You can’t hide such a great secret from me, Louise.”

“I did what…”

Louise still tried to pretend not to know.

Henrietta smiled and handed a report, written on parchment, to Louise. After reading it, Louise sighed.

“You scouted even that?”

“To some extend it is war results, so it is better not to hide anything.”

After that Henrietta faced Saito who was left out up till now. Saito, who on the way here heard from Louise that Henrietta became a queen, felt nervous.

“For controlling the foreign country flight machine that destroyed enemy’s dragon knight corps, I express my greatest gratitude.”

“No… it’s not like that.”

“You are the hero of this country. So now I am giving you a noble’s title… "

“That’s so wrong! Turning a dog into a noble!”

“Dog?”

“N-no… it doesn’t matter” Louise murmured with a blush.

“Thus, I grant you a peer’s title.”

When Henrietta said this, Saito muttered ‘Haa’. Then he remembered Kirsche's words a while ago. That in Tristain, if you are not a mage from birth then you cannot become a noble.

But despite his thoughts about the peerage, he didn’t open his mouth. Either way, when returning to Japan, all tittles would lose their meaning.

“Great… a really great war outcome. Louise Francoise. The way the war ended is thanks to you and your familiar, not talking about Tristain, there is no match for this in the whole Halkeginia’s history. By all means, Louise, you should be given a territory the a size of a small country and a title of duchess for this. And, respectively, your familiar awarded with peer's title.”

"I d-don't need anything... this deed was my familiar‘s...“

Louise muttered hesitatingly.

“Weren‘t you the cause of that light, Louise? The light that was called a miracle of the castle, yet I do not believe in miracles. The light came from the flying machine that you were flying in. Aren‘t you the cause of it ?”

Henrietta watched Louise, it was impossible to hide anything this way.

And what about Saito? Even though he constantly pulled Louise’s shirt sleeve, trying to cut in with “By the way…”, she slowly began talking about the Founder’s Prayer Book. She could not consult with anyone else, it was too insecure.

Slowly… Louise talked to Henrietta.

She took Henrietta’s ‘Water Ruby’ and placed it on the pages of Founder’s Prayer Book and an ancient script appeared.
Reading it out back then… created a spell of the light.

“The Founder's Prayer Book was written using the element of 'Void'. Princess-sama, is it true?”

Henrietta stared over Louise’s shoulder.

“You knew, Louise? Founder Brimir gave rings to three children from three royal families to keep as a treasure. Tristain got, now yours, the ‘Water Ruby’ and Founder’s Prayer Book.”

“Err…”

“It has been handed down like this among the royal families. Royal families were the ones that inherited the Founder’s power."

“I am not from a Royal Family.”

“What are you saying, Louise? The ancestor of La Valliere duke family, was the king’s illegitimate child. And you are the duke’s child."

Louise was startled.

“You, too, have Tristain’s Royal Family blood. And this is good enough.”
After that, Henrietta took Saito’s hand. Seeing the runes she nodded.

[[Image:ZnT04-068.jpg|thumb]]

"Is this the sign, the sign of 'Gandalfr'? Sign of the Familiar that Founder Brimir used for protection while casting spells?"

Saito nodded. Sir Osmond also said the same thing.

“Then… I am really a user of 'Void'?”

“I think it really is so.”

Louise sighed.

“That’s why you understand that I cannot reward you that way, right Louise?”

Saito, who couldn’t follow it, asked why.

“Why?”

Henrietta answered with a clouded face.

"If I were to give the reward, Louise's secret services would be exposed in the daylight. That would be dangerous. Louise's
power is too big. Even one country could not manage such power. If an enemy would learn about Louise's secret…they would become frantic about it and would do anything to get it. I alone should be the enemy’s target.”

After that, Henrietta sighed.

“Enemies are not the only ones to be interested in void. Even inside the palace… those who will know about that power, will always try to use it for their own purposes.”

Louise nodded with a scared look.

“Therefore, Louise, you should not talk to anyone about that power. Your secret is safe with me.”

Then Louise thought for a while…
And in a slowly determined way she opened her mouth.

“Don’t worry princess–sama I want to dedicate my 'Void' to thee.”

“No… it is all right. You must forget that power as soon as possible. And never use it again.”

“But… princess-sama I want to help thee with the powers I was granted!”

However, Henrietta shook her head.

“Mother said – great power drives people mad. Who could be sure that I, after gaining the power of ‘Void’, would not turn out the same way?”

Louise proudly lifted her face. It was a face of a person who had decided her mission. However, such a face was somewhat dangerous.

“I always wanted to dedicate my power and body for the princess-sama and the mother country. I was taught so, I believed so, and I grew up with that. However, my magic always failed. As you know, I was nicknamed 'Zero'. Behind sneers and contempt, I was always shaken with regret.”

Louise clearly asserted.

“However, god gave such power to me. I, myself, believe in using this power. Still, if you say that Your Majesty will not need it, then it is necessary to return Your Majesty the wand.”

Henrietta was touched by Louise’s speech.

“Louise, I understand. You are still… my best friend. From the times when you helped me on Ragdorian’s lake. You took the blame for me…”

“Princess–sama...”

Louise and Henrietta tightly embraced each other. Saito, who as always was left out, swung his head absentmindedly. Louise was too eager to promise without thinking…he thought, though he didn’t say that.

Though it was nice to help Henrietta… but what about the travel to the east to find a way to return me home…

By helping Henrietta, seems like they will not go there.

“After this, I will help Louise too.”

“Naturally, Princess-sama.”

“Then I give the 'Founder's Prayer Book' to you. However Louise, promise me. Don’t tell anyone that you are a ‘Void’ user. And do not use it recklessly, either.”

“Certainly.”

“After this, you will become my court lady and will obey only me.”

Then Henrietta takes out a quill pen and smooth parchment. After that, she signed the document and put down the quill pen.

“Take this. This is my formal permission. With this, whether in the royal palace, or inside or outside the country, you will have supreme authority over everything, even over the police. If there is no freedom, one cannot work well.”

Louise reverently received the permission with an expression of gratitude. Henrietta's authorization. This meant that Louise was granted with the right to act in the queen’s name.

“If I will face a problem that only you can solve, I will surely consult you. Officially, please act as a student of
Academy of Magic like you have up to now. Since it is you, you will, without a doubt, do well.”

After that, Henrietta turned towards Saito. Having an idea, she fumbled within the pocket of her dress. When she took out some golden coins, Saito gasped audibly.

“I ask you to look after Louise…my important friend, kind Familiar-san.”

“T-that’s… I cannot take it.”

Saito looked amazed at the golden and silver coins in her hand.

“By all means, please accept it. Giving you this as a sign of “Chevalier” is the least what this powerless queen can do. You showed your loyalty to me and to the mother country. This should not be unrewarded.”

Henrietta said with sincere eyes.

When seeing such eyes… it becomes impossible to refuse. After accepting this, he could not refuse to help Louise, as it seems…

Because Saito was not from this world, he wasn’t Henrietta’s vassal either, but even if he didn’t have to feel responsible,

Saito felt a strong sense of obligation this way.

Aah, it might be fate, he thought.

No, it was his personality rather than fate. When such a beautiful woman, like Henrietta, said please, he could not find heart to refuse. What a light-hearted fellow I am. Haa…

He wasn’t so welcomed in the Japan of his time.

Anyway, I should search for the way to return home, Saito thought, putting the golden coins into his pocket.

<center>* * *</center>

Saito and Louise went out of the royal palace in line.　

“Really… you are too eager to give promises…”

“What do you mean?”

Louise stared up at Saito.

“Because you said that you will help princess-sama, but then it will be impossible to go east.”

Saito said in a disappointed voice.

“Don’t leave without permission. Everyone remains here, so stop asking.”

Louise averted her face and started walking leaving Saito behind. Saito ran after her panicking.

“How can you say that? Release me from this!”

Saito pointed at the restraining device used to tame wild creatures that was attached to his body.

“Do not argue!”

“If the familiar is acting on its own, it's the master's duty to put a chain on him.”

Louise answered nonchalantly.

Saito, trying to get attention, suddenly gripped Louise’s shoulder.

They were in Bourdonne's Street already, right in front of the Royal Palace. The Main Street. And what about passers-by? They were all staring.

“Hey! People are looking! Let go!”

Saito said in a lowered voice.

“You…are you thinking that I should not return?”

Louise went ‘Huu!’ at these words and changed her expression.

“So that’s it, isn’t it? You are worried about me leaving, right? It would be hard to help princess-sama otherwise.”

It is different, Louise wanted to say but shut her mouth. That’s not the reason why I do not want Saito to return to his former world. However, by saying this, she would reveal her hazy feelings for Saito. Louise's pride couldn't permit such a thing.

In that sort of division, Louise nodded reluctantly.

“T-that’s right! No one would worry for a familiar like you otherwise!”

“Lovely. So that’s how it is.”

Saito muttered, and began walking again.

What he really thought was she didn’t have to say ‘because I love you’, but she could have said ‘I would be lonely’ or at least ‘I want you to be near’, if she would have said that he would not have minded helping her and would have searched for the way to return later.

When Henrietta asked for his help a while ago, though he thought it was bothersome, he was also glad for a moment. No one really needed him in Japan. The earth kept on spinning, even with Saito gone. However, it was different in this world. Siesta and Henrietta… there were some people that needed him.

Yet he wanted to feel needed by Louise more. However, judging from her words earlier, all that she cared about were his ‘Gandalfr’ powers.

Saito pouted. He was sulky.

Determined, he started to push his way through crowd. The town was still crowded from the victory celebration. A drunken group was yelling out toasts while hanging out their cups filled with wine.

Louise, still in shock from Saito’s words ‘Lovely’, was petrified for a while. With face down, she bit her lower lip. When she looked up after a while, Saito was already gone in the crowd and could not be seen. Louise ran out panicking.

“Mooove!”

Louise bumped hard into a man. A man, who looked like a mercenary, collapsed. In his hand he had a bottle of sake, which he was gulping down vigorously. He seemed to be completely drunk.

Though Louise tried to pass that man side wards, he grasped her hand.

“Wait, Miss. You ought to apologize for bumping into a person in the middle of the street.”

Then a man, who seemed to be a mercenary, noticed Louise’s mantle and muttered “A noble, huh?”

However, the man who was clasping Louise's arm didn't move.

“Today it is the festival celebrating the victory at Tarbes. Put aside the rank. Today nobles, mercenaries and salesmen are equal. Hey, Miss Noble, how about sharing one drink with me as an apology for bumping into me?”

Saying so, the man thrust out his jar of wine.

“Let me go! You brute!"

Louise shouted. The man's face became brutally distorted at once.

“What did you call me. Hey! Who do you think attacked Albion's army in Tarbes! ‘Holy Woman’ or nobles like you, no, us – soldiers!”

The man reached out to grasp Louise's hair. However, his hand was stopped.

Saito, who showed up right before one’s eyes, firmly gripped the man’s hand.

“What? Go away kid!”

“Let go.”

Saito said in a quiet voice. If it were the old days… his legs would be shaking while threatening such a scary looking man.
However, now it was Saito who went through many battles. Thus he gained courage. Now he only had to grip Derflinger who hung on his back when the time came. Not pulling it out, just grasping it would be enough to knock all those soldiers out.

The man looked at the sword on Saito’s shoulder, with a similar look. The experience that he gained through battlefields in many years, told him that Saito’s attitude wasn’t just a bluff. Then a man spitted nonchalantly and, urging his companions, left.

Saito silently took Louise's hand. And began to walk.

Louise tried to say something to Saito. However, being all flustered, she could not find the words. Saito walked rapidly, pushing through the crowd.

"Are you angry?" Louise asked in a small voice.

“Not really,” Saito answered snappishly.

The clasp of his hand made Louise flurried for a moment. Does Saito feel the same? However, because Saito walked straight ahead, she couldn’t see his facial expression.

Louise followed while being dragged.

It was chilly just as much as pleasant feeling that Louise could not understand or explain.

<center>* * *</center>

Louise, while walking and holding hands with Saito, cheered up. The town was filled with colorful festivals, joyful shows, food carts and stalls where unusual goods were sold were stretched all the way down the street.

Being a local lord’s daughter, Louise never walked in such a lively town this way. More so, she never walked in a town holding hands with someone of the opposite sex. Those two things combined, made Louise’s head light and dizzy.

“So very noisy,” Saito said.

“True,” Louise muttered happily.

“Feels like my world’s festival.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. The showy street stalls line up just like this… gold fish catching, yo-yo fishing, okonomiyaki shops, and food carts queuing in line…”

While saying so, Saito’s eyes turned distant. Louise tightened her grasp on Saito’s hand. Somehow, the thought about Saito suddenly leaving to someplace, made her feel bad.

Sometime… the day when Saito leaves, will surely come.

However, when walking together this way, the one that I want you to see is me, Louise thought. Just for now. And nothing else matters.

And at the same time she was angry at herself for thinking that way.

Because of love? That’s not it. It was her pride’s problem.

After convincing herself so, Louise looked around blankly.

And then, shouting “Waa”, stopped still.

“What is it?”

Saito turned around. Louise was looking at a jewelry shop. There, on a cloth, various rings and necklaces were displayed.

“Do you want to take a look?” Saito asked, and Louise, with a blush on her cheeks, nodded.

Seeing two people approaching, a merchant with a turban on the head rubbed his hands together.

“My! Please come in! I see you are a noble miss. We have rare goods to offer. This is made from “Wrought gold” and it is not a sham.”

The presented jewels were suited for nobles to wear; beautifully ornamented to satisfy the most various tastes.

Louise took a pendant. It was a pure-white pendant, craved in a shape of a shell. There were a lot of big jewels placed around. However, upon closer look, the jewels were nothing but cheap crystals.

Still, Louise liked this shiny pendant. Within the atmosphere of noisy festival, filled with quality goods, such a showy one attracts attention.

“Do you want it?”

Louise shook her head embarrassed.

“Don’t have the money.”

“Well then, I will cheapen it. It will be only four ecus."

The merchant sweetly smiled.

“Too expensive!”

Louise shouted.

“You don’t have that much?”

Saito asked amazed, Louise puffed her lips nonchalantly.

“I would if I haven’t bought that impertinent sword the other day. I spent all my month’s pocket money on that.”

Saito reluctantly fumbled in his pocket. He tightly gripped the golden coins that he got from Henrietta a little while ago.
Holding the golden coins, that was approximately of the size of one yen coin, on a palm, Saito asked.

“How much is this worth?”

Merchant was surprised that it was Saito who was carrying money.

“T-this is! Hii, fuu, hmm…This is splendid.”

Taking up four gold coins on which old king’s portrait was carved, the merchant passed the pendant to Louise.

Louise was taken aback with surprise, her cheeks unintentionally loosened up a bit. First thing that Saito did with the money given by Henrietta was shopping for me. She was very happy. After it was in her hand for a while, she cheerfully put it on her neck. It suits you well, said the merchant gracefully.

I want Saito to have a look, she thought while pulling his sleeve. However Saito, whose attention was on the stall near the sides, didn’t move. What on earth is he staring at?

Saito was gazing at the loot, taken from the Albion army, displayed on the ground.

Things that soldiers captured were taken to merchants.

It was articles taken from the enemy… swords, armor, clothes and clocks. Saito took one of the clothes.

I want him to look at me, Louise pouted lips sulkily. However, Saito’s full attention was on the clothing. It was not unreasonable to want new clothes after all.

“What, you want clothes? But it is not a good idea to wear a second-handed middle ages clothes that the enemy used to wear, there are much better ones.”

However, Saito didn't answer. He reached out for one piece of clothing, his hands shaking.

“Dear customer, you have an excellent eye. This is a seaman uniform from Albion. Though it is cheaply made, it is also convenient. Turning a collar this way up, protects neck from the wind.”

Seaman uniform? Indeed!

B-but in Saito’s world it is called a sailor uniform…

Saito’s head started working at full power.

Though the size is too big, it could still be modified for Siesta to wear…

He imagined Siesta wearing this.

It looked good.

The enjoyment increased. No, that’s not it. Not personal enjoyment. Gratitude. It was a gratitude for the muffler! He still felt slightly guilty though.

That’s right, Saito cooled down. Money, he absolutely should use them on such thing.

“How much?” Saito asked in an overcome with emotion voice.

“Three ecus would be fine.”

Louise was amazed. Paying such money for second-handed clothing was too much.

However, Saito paid the asked price.

<center>* * *</center>

Louise, who returned back to her room, was lying on the bed, listing the Founder's Prayer Book while humming. Seems like she was in a good mood. Saito tried to slip out of the room quietly, he wanted to go to Siesta to deliver the goods he bought today, but the door was locked by Louise who rejected the wand and put the 'Lock' spell on it.　

“Are you going somewhere in the middle of the night?”

“Eh? No…”

Surely he could not say that he was going to Siesta’s place to deliver the sailor uniform that he bought today.　

“J-just wanted to take some night’s air! Wah! Wahhahha!”

Louise scowled at Saito. Then, determined, she walked up to Saito and started eagerly taking his parka off.

“Wh-what are you?!”

“Taking it off.”

“Take it off? The Wild Creature's restraining device is in the way!"

When Saito shouted so, Louise removed the lock of the restraining device, looking down for a moment. Because he bought a pendant in town today, he thought she had forgiven him. Yet she could not forgive him taking a bath together with a girl so easily.

Louise unfastened the restraining device and took off Saito’s parka. Her face was always angry. She chewed her lower lip hard.

Then Louise went back to bed, hugging the taken off parka tightly.

And said - “Face that way”.

With all her clothes taken off, Louise, wearing only Saito’s parka, pouted.

“Still want to go for a walk?”

Giving it to Siesta will have to wait for tomorrow night, Saito, who was wearing only a T-shirt, thought. Even though it was an early summer, the climate in Halkeginia was very different from Japan. Walking this way, he would catch a cold. Without a doubt, Louise knew that too.

“There are more important things than the night wind, don’t you agree~? And a partner who doesn’t serve his master is no good, don’t you agree~?”

Louise said, while lying down on her stomach and swinging her feet.

Reluctantly, Saito sat on the bed.

“Understood.”

Louise, lying down on the bed, began to read the Founder's Prayer Book.

“Isn’t it all blank?”

“I can read it.”

Louise showed “The Ruby of Water” on her finger to Saito and explained its relation to the Founder’s Prayer Book.

“Hee, Element of Void…”

Saito remembered the magical light, which blew off the fleet that day.

‘Void’. The legendary element that Founder Brimir used…

And, I am a Familiar that Founder Brimir is said to have used - 'Gandalfr'.

The legendary Familiar that has the ability to master all kinds of weapons, in order to protect the Founder, while he casts aria…

“Then you are the strongest wizard in this world? Cool! Destroying with one swing.”

“I wouldn’t say so. I haven’t said this to princess-sama as I didn’t want to disappoint her…”

With a sigh Louise took the wand.

“Wh-what?”

After that, Louise slowly began uttering an incantation.

“Eor Sun Fuir…”

“S-stop! Idiot!”

It’s no good if such explosion would happen in a place like this. However, Louise didn't stop chanting.

“Yarunsakusa..”

Finishing the chant uninterrupted. Louise put out the wand. Saito dug himself into his pile of hay, scattering the straw all around.

And then Louise’s eyes rolled back and she crumbled to the bed suddenly.

“L-L-L-Louise? Louise!”

Saito shook Louise in panic. After being shaken for a while, Louise opened her eyes.

“Auuu…”

“Wh-what? What’s wrong?!”

Shaking her head Louise got up abruptly.

“Stop making such a fuss. I only fainted for a moment.”

“Eh? Eeeh?!”

“Been chanting 'Explosion' till the last minute, but nothing… After that time, no matter how much I chant, I faint in the middle of it. The explosion only happened once.”

“What kind of thing?”

“I think the reason may be that the willpower is insufficient.”

“Willpower?”

“Right. Willpower is consumed when the magic is chanted. Didn’t you know?”

“How could I know such thing?”

Then, Louise sat up straight demurely, put out the finger and started explaining, proud as a peacock.

“Listen, the number of elements that mage uses can be increased, and his class changes accordingly. A mage who can use only one element is a dot. Ability to have two – makes one a line. Being able to use three - triangle. Spells are also applied to the class. The spells from three elements are called 'Triangle spells'. Each time the spell class rises, the consumption of willpower doubles.”

“Haa.”

“For instance, the line spell would cost the mage eight willpower, but when that mage decides to use the dot spell, only four of his willpower will be consumed. The cost depends on each person individually, however the same rule applies to all. “

“Haa.”

“The main point is, that mage could chant two ‘Dot’ spells instead. Eight divided by four is two. Therefore, you could strike and stop chant the spell twice. But when you chant a line spell only once, because twice of the willpower consumed, and eight divided by eight is one.”

“Haa.”

“When the line mage grows up to a triangular mage, consumption in the willpower spent on dot spells decreases by half. Therefore, four divided by two - two, he can use the dot spell four times. The line spell can be used twice. Triangular spell – one time. That’s because the mage grows up.”

“Haa. In other words, the low class spells can be chanted many times, while the high class spells can be chanted only so many times.”

“Right. So now you understand the relation between spells and willpower?”

“Somehow. Then, you fainting a little while ago…”

“Yeah. I fainted a while ago because I overworked and used up my willpower. The spell was too strong and my willpower was insufficient.”

“Then, why were you able to chant it the other day?”

“Well… Really why… I wonder myself…”

“How does willpower recover?”

“Basically, it recovers while sleeping.”

Saito thought while folding his arms together.

“Ummm… Well, up till now, you haven’t chanted many spells correctly?"

“Well, yes.”

“Therefore you collected a lot of willpower, right? And that time you used it all up at once.”

Louise made a startled face.

“For instance, let's assume that your willpower is 100. The ‘Explosion', consumed all 100 at once. While usually the willpower is recovered while sleeping at night, yet an amount needed is too large for you…as it is 100…you cannot collect that much just with one night of sleep.”

Saito plainly stated his hypothesis.

“What? To me it seems that it might be the end of your magic.”

However, Louise's face was serious.

“It might be so..”

“Eh? Eeeh?”

“Adding to “Earth” spell a square class spell ‘Wrought gold’, gold can be created. But know why the world still uses money?”

“Feh?”

“It is said the square mages simply cannot chant the square spells many times. It’s too unreliable, one time the recovery might take one week, the other – one month. Besides, the amount of gold you could convert this way is too little. Therefore money is used instead of gold.”

“Hmmm…”

“In other words, powerful spells use up more willpower and take more time to recover. For me, it might be so as well.”

“Then…when would you be able to chant again.....”

“Don’t know. I…One month or maybe one year…”

Louise pondered.

“Ten years.”

“Don’t say such scary thing.”

“But, it was successful.”

“Oh well. No one can understand ‘Void’ fully. Anyways, the aria’s spell affect was demonstrated. There are no more spells like this.”

“It’s too little now. Uuu, my hay…”
Saito said while watching the scattered around pieces of straws.

“Isn’t it all right? Even if there is no pile of hay.”

Louise muttered, blushing for some reason.

Haa, Saito held his breath once he noticed something. What! He became crazy from the view that Louise gave him, not aware of it herself. The parka’s hem had rolled up to Louise’s buttocks. Just a little more, mooore, he peeked.

Saito instinctively held his nose. Due to Saito’s gesture, Louise finally became aware that the parka rolled up. Instantly she sprang to her feet and held down the Parka’s hem while blushing.

“Na! You saw! You saw, you saw! You saaaaaw!”

“I-it’s your fault for not wearing panties!”
Saito shouted as well.

“I cannot sleep with them! It was always that way!”

“Always, huh?!”

Then Louise bit her lower lip and, with some rusting, slipped under the futon.

“Sleep.”

Saito reluctantly slipped behind the blanket’s edge. He heard the voice of a sulky Louise within the futon.

“Sleep in the pile of hey, peeping familiar.”

“It was scattered.”

Though he heard Louise groaning a few times within the futon, she calmed down after a while. Aah, thinking about the sailor uniform, that he will deliver to Siesta tomorrow night, Saito fell asleep.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter3 - MTL

2008-06-21T10:56:33Z

Novaren: /* Chapter Three: The Founder's Prayer Book */

{{Template:PREVIEW}}
=== Chapter Three: The Founder's Prayer Book ===

Sir Osmond was staring at the one volume book, delivered from the palace, and twirling his beard absent-mindedly. The cover, wreathed by old leather, was so worn-out, that it looked like it would tear up from a single touch. The page color of the fading parchment was tawny.

Hmm... while muttering Sir Osmond turned the page. Nothing was written there. There were about three hundred pages in the book and all were blank.

“This is transmitted to the Tristain royal family, ‘The Founder's Prayer Book’…”

Six thousand years ago, Founder Brimir offered a prayer to a God and wrote down the spells, letters that he used were magical runes.

“It is not a sham?”

Sir Osmond looked at the book suspiciously. Fakes… that often happens with ‘Legendary’ things. Evidently, only one ‘The Founder's Prayer Book’ can exist. Rich nobles, temple priests, Royal families of each country… All of them claimed to have a real ‘Founder's Prayer Book’. Weather original or fake, they all were collected in the library equally as if they were true.

“But if it is a fake, it is an awful one. All of the characters are gone.”

Sir Osmond had seen ‘Founder's Prayer Book’ several times at different places. The runes always leaped from it and arranged in one or the other order. However, he never found a book with such characters as this one. Could this be not a fake?

At that moment a knocking sound was heard. Should hire a secretary, thought Sir Osmond, inviting the guest into the room.

“It’s not locked. Come in.”

The door opened and a slender girl stepped in. Pink-blonde hair and big reddish brown eyes. It was Louise.

“I heard I was asked for, therefore…”

Louise said. Sir Osmond stood up spreading his hands, welcoming the tiny visitor. And sympathizing again with Louise’s pain of the other day .

“Oh, Miss Valliere. Have you rested after the tiresome journey? Reconsider if it is too difficult. Your great efforts ensured alliance safety, while escaping Tristain crisis.”

Sir Osmond said in a soft voice.

“And, next month in Germania, there finally will be a wedding ceremony held between the princess and Germania’s emperor. It is all thanks to you. Be proud.”

After hearing this, Louise became sad for a moment. Her childhood friend Henrietta, as a political tool, will marry Germania’s emperor without love. Even though there is no other way for the alliance, when Louise recalled the sad smile on Henrietta’s lips, her chest tightened.

Louise silently bowed. Sir Osmond became silent for a while and watched Louise, then remembering the possession of ‘Founder's Prayer Book’ in his hands, held it out for Louise.

“This?”

Louise looked at the book with a suspicious face.

“Founder's Prayer Book.”

“Founder's Prayer Book? This?”

It was given to the royal family. A legendary book. But why did Sir Osmond have it?

“In Tristain’s royal family tradition, during royal family wedding one aristocrat is chosen to take the role of bridesmaid. The selected bridesmaid, traditionally is given the ‘Founder’s Prayer Book’ , following the imperial edict.”

“Ha, haa.”

Louise, who wasn’t aware of palace etiquette in such details, replied absent-mindedly.

“And the princess has chosen Miss Valliere to be that bridesmaid.”

“Princess?”

“Just like that. Bridesmaid always carry this ‘Founder’s Prayer Book’ with herself, it is important to follow imperial edict.”

“Eee! I do follow imperial edict!”

“Indeed. Of course, there are still things to polish in palace etiquette… Traditions can be rather bothersome. However, Miss Valliere, the princess is looking forward to you. This is a great honor. So follow the palace regulations, and written edict, as this could happen only once in a lifetime.”

Henrietta, my childhood friend, chose me to be her bridesmaid. Louise looked up firmly.

“I see. I will obey respectfully.”

Louise received the ‘Founder’s Prayer Book’ from Sir Osmond’s hands.
　
Sir Osmond smiled looking at Louise.

“You are willing to undertake it. Good, good. The Princess will be glad.”

<center>* * *</center>

That evening, Saito was preparing a bath. Certainly, Tristain Magic Academy, had a bathhouse. Roman style bathhouse, lined with marble. Huge swimming pool, perfume mixed hot water, said to grant a heavenly feeling, and, of course, Saito could not enter there. Only nobles were allowed to enter.

The Academy’s bathhouse for commoners compared to nobles looked rather shabby. The joint bathhouse for commoners looked like a hovel. Placed on the stones , underneath which fire burns, strong smell of sweat and tightly pressed bodies, only made one sweat more.

One day when he entered that bathhouse, was enough to make Saito disgusted. Saito, who was raised in Japan, set up a bath which was a kettle filled full with hot water. The sauna was unsatisfying.

Bothered, Saito asked Marteau, the head chef, and received one big, old kettle. He made a bathtub from it. It was a bathtub heated from beneath with a floating wooden lid which is pushed under the water by the bather. Firewood, burning under the kettle, heated the water to white steam from the heat.

This, Saito’s bath, was arranged at the Vestri Courtyard’s nook. It was convenient, as people do not come to this courtyard so often.

The day was coming to an end, and, shining faintly, two moons appeared. Once the watered was hot enough, Saito quickly threw his clothes off and sank his feet into the big kettle.

“Aah, nice hot water, I say.”

He put a towel on his head and started humming a melody.

Derflinger, who was leant against the wall of the kettle, called out to Saito.

“Feels good?”

“Aah, feels good.”

“By the way partner, why didn’t you take advance of the young mistress awhile ago?"

Saito threw Derflinger a tepid glance.

“Don’t look at me this way. Feels bad, partner.”

“Hey, legendary sword.”

“Indeed I am a legendary sword, what?”

“During these six thousand years, have you found someone important to you to protect?” Derflinger shook lightly.

“I do not protect. It is the one that holds me that protects someone.”

“You poor thing…”

Saito said from a bottom of his heart in a sympathetic voice.

“Poor you say. On the contrary – it is comfortable.”

“Is that so? By the way what other things have you remembered? This ‘Gandalfr’. How great he was and what kind of things did you do?..
　
Saito, showing his inborn curiosity, asked Derflinger.

“Forgot.”

“Ara.”

“It happened a long time ago, anyway. Besides, partner, someone is coming.”

A shadow appeared in the moonlight.

“Who?”

Saito’s call startled the shadow! It dropped down something that it was carrying . Clatter! Under the moonlight, one could hear a sound of a breaking pot.

“Waaah, it broke… I will be scolded again… Sniff”

From that voice Saito was able to recognize the person who showed up from the darkness.

“Siesta?!”

Illuminated by the moonlight a figure of a housemaid working in Alviss Dining Hall - Siesta - appeared. She just finished her work and though she was still wearing her usual maid clothes, only the kachusha covering her head was now gone. Her loose shoulder-length black hair shone glossily.

Seista squatted down to pick up something that she dropped so loudly earlier.

“W-what are you doing here?”

Saito’s call made Siesta turn around.

“Ah! That! This! That! Because today I was able to get some really tasty goods and wanted Saito to try it! I would have given it in the kitchen, but you didn’t come today! Waah!”

Siesta said in panic. Indeed, there was a tray lying next to Siesta. There was an overturned teapot and cups. Seems like Siesta dropped one cup, surprised by the sudden call.

“A treat?”

Saito asked, still submerged in the bath. Suddenly Siesta became aware of Saito’s nudity and , for a moment, averted her eyes in shame.

“That’s right. Unusual goods came from the east town ‘Rob Al Karyie’. Tea”

“Tea?”

Those kind of things were extremely rare. Siesta poured some from a teapot into the cup, that did not break, and gave it to Saito.

“Thank you.”

Saito lifted it to his lips. The sweet aroma of tea tickled his nostrils. And, once in his mouth, it tasted like Japanese green tea.

Saito suddenly felt overwhelmed with nostalgia. Aah, Japan. Dear mother country. In his big kettle bath, Saito spontaneously wiped the corners of his eyes.

“W-what’s the matter! Are you alright!”
　
Seista bent over the edge of the kettle.

“N-no, I just felt nostalgic for a moment. I’m alright. Yes”

After saying that, Saito brought the cup back to his mouth. Though a tea and a bath made a strange combination, they both soaked Saito with longing.

“Do you miss it? That’s right, Saito-san comes from the east.”

Siesta flashed a shy smile.

“T-that feeling, I wonder myself. However, have you seen me here often?"

Saito’s words made Siesta blush.

“T-that’s, that’s. I’m just occasionally here, because I saw you going this way with hot water and…”

“You peeped?”

Saito’s voice saying that was blank. Siesta hastily shook her head.

“No, I didn’t mean it that way!”

Flustered Siesta tripped over the edge of the kettle and with a loud splash of hot water fell into the kettle.

“Kyaaaaaaa!”

Siesta screamed, but her shriek was suppressed by the hot water inside the iron kettle.

“Are you allright?”

Saito asked in blank surprise.

“I-I’m alright… Wah, but I am soaked now…”

Siesta stuck her wet head of out of the hot water.

Th poor girl’s housemaid clothes were sodden. And once she became aware of Saito’s naked state, a furious blush spread on her face.

Saito panicked.

“S-sorry! Even though the bath is on stoves, it is still possible to fall in!”

“N-no, I’m sorry!”

Though apologizing, Siesta didn’t try to get out of the bath. Saito then decided to take a defiant attitude as well. He pretended in a somewhat manly manner, as if it was not big deal that she was not getting out.

At such times, he tried to act in a calm and collected manner. Was it manly? Saito thought so. Which means that Saito was a fool as well.

“Ufufu”

Siesta laughed still soaking with her maid clothes inside the big kettle. Though it wasn’t a laughable situation, she still laughed.

“W-what’s wrong?”

Perhaps his size was a laughingstock? Though it was dark and no one could see below the surface of hot water, Saito suddenly felt insecure.

“No, but, it feels good. Is this how you bath in Saito-san’s country?"

Feeling relieved, Saito answered.

“That’s right. Though, it is unusual to get in while wearing clothes."

“Ara? Is that so? Yet, if you think about it, that must be true. Well then, I’ll take it off.”

“Yes?”

Pop-eyed Saito asked Siesta.

“What did you say just now?”

Siesta, who is usually hesitant and shy, for some reason became bold. Slightly biting her lips she looked at Saito in a determined way.

“I said, I’ll take it off.”

“But Siesta? I am a man…”

Saito asked dumbfounded.

“That’s alright. I know that Saito-san is not a person who would hurt me.”

Saito nodded, though he hasn’t heard a single word.

“No, oh my, don’t do such thing…”

“But I also want to use in this ‘Bath’ properly. It is nice.”

And, eh? Saito stared as Siesta rose from the hot water and started taking off her soaked clothes. Saito turned his eyes away in panic.

“S-stop it! Siesta! Wait a moment! I tell you!"

However, Saito’s ‘Stop’ sounded weak, betraying his real thoughts.

“B-but I am dripping wet… The Chief would be mad if I return like this to the room. I think I should dry it off on the fire first.”

Though looking obedient, Siesta can be really bold once she decides to.

The buttons of the blouse and the hook of the skirt were unfastened in a flash. It felt good taking off wet clothes.

Seista took off her housemaid uniform and underwear and left them to dry on the firewood, close to the fire. After that, she stepped into the hot water again. Saito with the corner of his eyes watched the submerging Siesta’s legs. He never saw Siesta’s bare legs, as they are always hidden behind the skirt. They were white and healthy. Aah, if only he would turn his face that way, he would be able to worship her entire body.

“Uwaa! Feels good! Sharing a bath this way, soaking in the hot water really does feel good! Feels like taking a noble’s bath. I am so jealous, but I can make it myself, right? Saito you are really smart.”

“N-not really.”

Saito answered, still turning his away. It felt as if the hot water suddenly turned hotter. Next to him was a naked girl. In that sort of situation, Saito felt dazed and almost fainted. Siesta said with a shy smile on her lips.

“Please don’t be so shy. I’m not shy as well. It is all right to turn this way. Look, my breasts are hidden behind my arms… besides it’s so dark that you cannot see through water anyway, so stay calm.”

Saito, feeling half-confused half-happy, turned around.　

Siesta was sitting right before Saito, submerged in the hot water. Because it was dark you couldn’t clearly see the body behind the surface of the water. He was somewhat relieved.

Yet, Saito took a deep breath.

[[Image:ZnT03-093.JPG|thumb]]

In the darkness Siesta's wet black hair, was fascinatingly glittering.

From a close look one could see that Siesta was actually a very lovely girl. He hadn’t noticed until now, but she was different from Louise or Henrietta, she was like a charm of a lovely flower, freely blossoming in the field. Her big dark eyes, friendly nature and tiny nose were charming and pretty.

“Hey, Saito, what place is your country?”

“My country?”

“Yes, please tell me about it.”

Siesta innocently bent forward listening. Ah, when bending forward so much one could see, ah, aah… Saito fell backwards in panic.

“W-well! There’s only one moon, there are no magicians, that’s why they use switchs to turn the light off, and they fly in the sky with planes…”

Because Saito was so incoherent, Siesta puffed her cheeks.

“Stop it. One moon, no wizards, are you making fun of me? Don’t look down on me just because I’m a village girl.”

“I-I’m not making fun of you!”

Saito thought. Even if he told her the truth it would only confuse her. After all, the only one’s that knew at the moment that Saito was from different world were Louise, Sir Osmond and Henrietta.

“Well then, tell me the truth.”

Siesta looked up into Saito’s eyes. Siesta’s black hair and dark eyes wistfully reminded Saito of a girl from Japan. Of course, the face was different from Japanese. However, a simple. nostalgic feeling still shot through Saito, making him flurry.

“R-right… We have different eating habits.”

Saito started talking about the distant Japan. Starry eyed Siesta listened attentively to the story.

Though it might feel like a vapid talk, Siesta was eagerly catching every single word. And before one realized it, Saito and Siesta lost any track of time, as the story of the hometown was told.

After some time passed, Siesta stood up covering her breasts. Saito hastily turned his eyes away. However, for one moment, he still saw Siesta’s breasts through a gap of her arms, and felt his nose bleed. Without a word, a think trickle rolled down. Holding his nose Saito looked at the other side, while Siesta put on her now dry clothes and bowed her head thanking Saito.

“Thank you. It was very fun. This bath was great, and Saito-san’s story was amazing as well.”

Siesta said gladly.

“Can I hear it again sometime?”

Saito nodded.

After that, Siesta cast her eyes down with a blush, and shyly fiddled her fingers.

“Well, err? The talk and the bath were great, but you were the most amazing…”

“Siesta?”

“Could you…”

“W-what?!”

But Siesta ran away in tiny steps.

Such thing happening with this girl from a foreign world felt like a joke for Saito, so he dazed off, snuggled in the big iron kettle.

<center>* * *</center>

After the bath, he returned to Louise’s room and found Louise doing something on the bed. Once she saw Saito, she hid a book in panic. It was an old, big book. 　

Why? Though, he didn’t worry so much about it as it was Louise. He might not understand even if being told about it. Besides Saito’s head was filled with the sight of Siesta’s body. What he saw through the gap of her hands, was firmly imprinted in Saito’s mind.

Saito approached the laundry basket, while shaking off the worldly thoughts. He decided start doing laundry right away. He planned using the remaining bath’s hot water, so his fingers would not be cold.

However, the basket was empty.

“Louise, where’s the laundry?”

When Saito asked, Louise shook her head.

“Washed already.”

“You washed…”

And then Saito saw Louise, hu! He was shocked. Louise was wearing his nylon parka that he took off and left in the room before going to take a bath. When Saito goes to a public bath, he always takes off that nylon parka and goes only in his T-shirt, because his body feels too hot right after stepping out of the bath.

Louise was probably wearing it right over her underwear. Because the sleeves are too long and waist is too loose it makes it look like some weird dress.

“You, why are you wearing my best suit!”

Hearing Saito, Louise buried her mouth behind his nylon parka. Louise, whose cheeks blushed for some reason, said.

“Because…after doing the laundry, I had nothing left to wear.”

“Nonsense! It’s full!”

Saito pointed to the closet. There were a lot of Louise’s clothes. Because Louise was a noble, she had many expensive dresses to choose from.

“Still, I wanted to try something else on.”

Louise, sitting straight on the bed, said in a sulky tone.

“Couldn’t you wear these casual clothes.”

Saito took a plain dress in his hands.

“I don’t want to wear something like that!”

“But these are my only clothes. Return them.”

However, Louise doesn't try to take it off. On the contrary, she rolled sheets around her fingers.

“Well it is light and fits nicely. What is it made of?”

Indeed. Saito had to agree that it really fits rather nicely. Reluctantly he decided to give up. In the room it is not cold, even if wearing only a single T-shirt.
　
“Nylon.”

“Nailon?”

“That’s a fabric from my world. It is made from oil.”

“Oili?”

“The plankton that is collected at the bottom in the sea, is stored for years, and later becomes oil.”

“Pulankuton?”

Louise stared blankly at him, she looked like a child parroting Saito’s words. Her expression was unreadable as half of her face was hidden behind Saito’s parka. For a moment Saito thought that this Louise looked irresistibly cute.

Furthermore, Louise even washed for him. It was impossible. Saito became scared somehow. Up till now, such actions were unimaginable for Louise.

Her cheeks were red, so concerned Saito decided to check if she is not ill and doesn’t have a fever.

Louse got startled when Saito approached her! She trembled. And… turned away.

Trying not to think how she must hate this, Saito grabbed Louise’s shoulders and brought his forehead close to her. Louise’s body stiffened but she doesn’t fight and quietly closes her eyes. Just as I thought, her body condition must be really bad, Saito thought.

“It seems you have a fever.”

When Saito pulled his forehead away from hers, Louise for some reason clenched her fist in tightly.

“What is it?” he asked, as Louise turned away from him and after some quiet rustling snuggled under the covers.

“Hey,” Saito poked.

“Sleep,” Louise answered and became silent again.

Wow, the fever must have eased up, Saito thought as he crawled into his pile of hay.

It was quiet for a moment and then a pillow flew at him.

“What the…?”

Saito asked.

“Bring back the pillow I just threw. Didn’t I tell you to sleep in bed from now on. Idiot.”

Louise’s sulky voice was heard.

He just couldn’t understand Louise’s mood, wether it was gentle or saucy as usual. What does it matter, Saito thought as he slipped into Louise’s bed.

Though Louise was stirring restlessly in her futon, she soon quieted down.

Now he could think about the day passed. Anyway, now his head was filled with Siesta. Siesta’s parting words were repeated in his head again.

Siesta certainly said “The most amazing was you…”

Was it a confession? No, was she making fun? That’s not so. Am I popular? He isn’t popular too. The only one who showed that interest was Kirche, but it was surely because I am convenient.

Aah, but, Siesta was cute. Though Louise is also cute, Siesta also has a different charm…

Naïve, simple but honest. Unlike Kirche, she looked wonderful when taking her clothes off. Ghaah. T-that’s right. Nice. W-w-w-what. Damn. Beaten. I’m beaten.

For something that he hadn’t considered so much up till now, the impact was huge. Fascinated by the girl, Saito started to think of the ways to return back to earth.

He’ll find it surely, even if he hadn’t had even the slightest clue how.

Then, feeling dizzy, he started thinking about Louise. He loved Louise. ''But, because Louise is a noble she would never think of me that way. Besides I decided to protect her. This way it wouldn’t be that far from a lover.''

Still, to be lovers one would need to sway a girl… No, even Siesta might be only making fun. Aah,I guess that’s how it is.

Becoming sleepy while thinking about various things, Saito fell into the happy sensations of the dream world.

<center>* * *</center>

Outside Louise’s room window Tabitha’s Sylphid was floating. On top of which, as usual, Kirches and Tabitha’s figures were sitting. Tabitha was reading a book in the moonlight. Kirche was staring into Louise’s room from the crevice of the window.

Kirche snorted.

“After all, it is not looking good.”

She remembered the blush on Louise’s face as she cuddled with Saito on the back of the dragon, returning from Albion. Louise seemed to be not her usual self.

“Really, he doesn’t treat me seriously? Every time I approach him, I get rejected, it makes me worried against my will.”

Until now, there was no man who would refuse courting her. It was Kirche’s pride. Truly, Kirche felt forgotten like an inconvenient thing.

Kirche was irritated. A little while ago, he even bathed with a commoner's daughter. She was ignored and two-timed. Kirche’s pride was shaken. She was defeated by Louise, she was defeated by a commoner girl, this made her name “Slight Fever” cry. She had to plunder Saito from Louise, by any mean possible. Snatching away La Valliere’s lovers was an old Zerbst tradition.

“Yees, though plotting isn’t my specialty, I can still think of some strategy. Right, Tabitha?”

Tabitha shut a book, and pointed at Kirche.

“Jealousy.”

Kirche blushed. And then she shook her head at Tabitha’s words.

“D-don’t say that! I’m not jealous! I cannot feel jealousy! Game! This is just a game of love!”

Nevertheless Tabitha was not convinced. She repeated the same words again.

“Jealousy.”

The end of chapter 3

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume3 Chapter1 - MTL

2008-06-21T09:57:16Z

Novaren: /* Chapter One: Lineage of Zero */

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=== Chapter One: Lineage of Zero ===

Tristain’s royal palace was situated on the end of Bourdonne's Street. In front of the royal palace gates, members of the magic guard were standing on duty, carefully watching. The rumor that the war was coming started spreading in the town two or three days ago. The aristocrat faction 'Reconquista', that suppressed neighboring country Albion, was rumored to be invading Tristain too.

Therefore, the soldiers guarded the surroundings attentively. The ships were banned from flying in the sky above the royal palace, and people who passed the gates where checked thoroughly.

Tailors, confectionery shop employers, traders had to endure a strict physical inspection, to prevent a mage pretender from getting in, with the “Enchant” spell help, so everyone was searched through.

Because of that, there was always one wind dragon with a mage-soldier on his back, on guard above the royal palace.

Mage guardians union consists of three corps. All those three corps interchangeably guard the royal palace. When one group is on duty, the others that are off duty are training and eventually replacing the working one. Today it was Mantis Koa corps guarding. A Mantis Koa mage, riding a horse, noticed a wind-dragon up in the sky, heading in the royal palace direction. There were five figures on the wind dragon's back. Furthermore, a huge mole was held in wind-dragon’s mouth.

The Royal Mage Guards loudly reported that this was a no-fly zone, yet the wind dragon ignored the warning and landed in the courtyard of royal palace.

It was a pink-blond beautiful girl, a tall woman with burning red hair, a blond boy, a small girl with glasses and a boy with black hair. The boy carried a long sword over his shoulder.

Mantis Koa members surrounded the place where the wind dragon landed. They all at once pulled out rapier shaped magical canes. Spells were prepared to cast, and a commanding officer with a rough looking bearded face loudly ordered the suspicious intruders.

“Throw away your canes!”

Instantly, the intruders facial expressions turned to anger, but the short girl with blue hair shook her head at them and said.

“Royal palace.”

The party reluctantly nodded to those words, and, as ordered, threw their canes to the ground.

“For now, there is a flight ban in the sky above the royal palace. Didn’t you know?”

One person, a girl with pink-blond hair, lightly jumped off the dragon, and introduced herself in a firm voice.
　
“I am Duke de la Valliere’s third daughter, Louise Françoise. I am not someone suspicious one. I request an audience with her highness, the princess.”

The commander twisted his moustache, while watching the girl. He knew about Duke and Duchesse de la Vallière. They were famous nobles.

The commander lowered his cane.

“Duke de la Vallière’s third daughter?”

“Indeed.”

Louise confidently looked straight into the commander's eyes.

“That’s right, I see you have your mother’s eyes. Well, what is the purpose of your request?"

“I cannot tell. It is a secret.”

“Then you cannot see Her Highness. Such a request, without telling the purpose, will be denied.”

The Commander said in a worried voice.

“It’s a secret. We cannot tell it, I guess there is no other way.”

Saito jumped off the wind dragon and said.

The commander, measured Saito, who interjected, with his eye, while frowning. Unfamilar clothes, lowering nose and yellow skin. And a big sword on his shoulder.

Though it wasn’t clear from what country he was, one thing was certain – he wasn’t a noble.

“What a rude commoner. That’s not the way a servant should talk to a noble. Be silent.”

Saito narrowed his eyes, and turned to Louise. He got angry at being called a servant. It was true, though he wasn’t a servant, just a familiar, he still hated such disdainful way of speaking. Saito gripped the handle of Derf over the shoulder and asked Louise.

“Hey, Louise. Can I beat this guy?"

“What a bluff. Defeating Wardes made you too conceited.”

Hearing Saito’s and Louise’s words, commander’s eyes popped up. Wardes? Wardes, as in, that viscount Wardes, the commander of the Griffon corps? Knocked down？ What does it mean?　

‘Defeating Wardes’ is not something one could overlook. The commander set up the cane again.

“Who the hell are you? Anyway you cannot talk with Her Highness."

The Commander said in a hard tone. The talk seemed to become more and more confusing. Louise stared at Saito.

“W-what?”

“If only you haven’t said that unnecessary remark we wouldn’t have been suspected!”

“But that’s because this beardy fellow was so saucy.”

“Shut up, you should have stayed silent!”

Seeing such strange conversation, the commander blinked in surprise. Everyone from the Royal Mage Guards, that surrounded the party, set up their canes again.

“Arrest them!”

Under the commanders order, all members were about to utter an incantation all together…

But unexpectedly, a person clad in a purple mantle appeared from the palace gates. They started to run up panicking once Louise, surrounded by the Royal Mage Guards, was seen.

“Louise!”

Louise's face, after seeing rushing Henrietta, shined like a spreading rose.

“Princess!”

The two people embraced inside the Royal Mage Guard's circle.

“Aah, you came back safely. I’m glad. Louise, Louise Françoise…”

“Princess…”

Tears started falling from Louise’s eyes.

“The letter in question is safe.”

Louise, quietly showed the letter from the breast pocket of her shirt.

Henrietta nodded vigorously while stiffly grasping Louise's hand.

“Really, you are my best friend.”

“Your words are too kind, princess.”

However, Henrietta’s face, once noticing that Wales wasn’t in the group, became clouded.

“…As I thought, Prince Wales, sacrificed himself for the kingdom.”

Louise shut her eyes and quietly nodded.

“…But what about viscount Wardes? I can’t see him. Did he take another route? Or… by no means… he fell by the enemy's hand? That, only that viscount, so…”

Louise's expression became cloudy. Hesitatingly Saito informed Henrietta.

“Wardes was a traitor, Princess.”

“Traitor?”

A shadow crept upon Henrietta’s face. Then, noticing the curious Royal Mage Guard’s stares, Henrietta explained.

“They are my guests, commander.”

“I see.”

Hearing Henrietta’s words, the disappointed commanding officer removed his cane and ordered his troops to do the same.

Henrietta turned to Louise again.

"What happened on your journey?.. Anyway, tell the story in my room. Others, take separate rooms and have some rest please.”

Leaving Kirche, Tabitha and Guiche in the waiting room, Henrietta brought Saito and Louise to her own living room. Henrietta sat down on a small and delicate chair with relief, her elbows placed upon the desk.

Louise explained the situation to Henrietta.

To the point where Kirche and others joined.
　
About taking a ship to Albion, and being attacked by pirates.

That pirate leader was Crown Prince Wales.

Even though escape was offered to Prince Wales, he refused it.

And… holding the wedding with Wardes, and not leaving with the ship.

That in the middle of the wedding Wardes changed suddenly…killed Wales and tried to plunder the letter from Louise…

However, the letter was regained. Ambitions of ‘Reconquista’… to unite all Halkeginia, an outrageous ambition of regaining the sacred ground from before.

However…peace and defense of the alliance between Germania and Tristain, is the lifebuoy, to Henrietta’s sorrow.

“That viscount was a traitor… It’s hard to believe, that the traitor was one of the Royal Mage Guard…”

Henrietta, gazing at the letter that she herself wrote to Wales, started crying.

“Princess…”

Louise silently clasped Henrietta's hand.

“It is as if I myself killed Prince Wales. It was I who chose the traitor to be the messenger…”

Saito shook his head.

“The crown prince was going to stay in that country to begin with. It is not because of the princess.”

“Louise, did he, at the very least, read my letter?”

Louise nodded.

"Yes, princess. Crown Prince Wales read Your Highness's letter.”

“Then, Prince Wales didn‘t love me.”

Henrietta sadly shook her head.

“But, still... you recommended the crown prince to escape the country?”

Henrietta nodded while watching the letter.

Louise recalled Wales' words. He stubbornly kept saying “Henrietta didn’t tell me to escape”, denying it. Looks like it was a lie, Louise thought.

“Yes. I didn’t want him to die. I loved him.”

Then Henrietta absentmindedly muttered.

“Was honor more important than me?”

Saito thought differently. Wales remained in Albion not because he was trying to protect his honor, but because he didn’t want to trouble Henrietta… and the royal family in Halkeginia, to show that they are not a weak enemy under the rebel's power, he remained in Albion.

“It isn’t so Princess. The prince remained in that country because he didn’t want to trouble Tristain. That’s how I heard it.”

Henrietta looked up at Saito blankly.

“Because he didn’t want to trouble me?”

“His escape, as he said, only would have given a perfect excuse for rebels to attack our kingdom.”

“If Wales didn’t stay, they would have attacked us, and attacking would seem justifiable. If they did not attack, peace can be kept. At the cost of his life, he prevented war from rising.”

“...still, he did not want to trouble me. Surely.”

Henrietta, gave a deep sigh, and then looked outside of the window.

Saito remembered the words and slowly said.

“He fought bravely, and bravely died. That’s what he asked me to say.”

Henrietta’s lonely smile was the answer. When a beautiful princess was acting as a fading rose, even the air seemed to be filled with melancholy. Saito became sad.

Henrietta, who looked like a beautiful sculpture cut from marble with her elbows on the table, sadly asked.

“To fight bravely, to die bravely. That’s the privilege of men. But what should the woman left behind do?”

Saito had no answers to that. Silently, looking downwards, he awkwardly started poking the floor with the tip of his shoe.

“Princess… If only I would have persuaded Crown Prince Wales more strongly…”

Henrietta stood up and clasped the hand of Louise who muttered in guilt.

“It is all right, Louise. You splendidly did what you were asked to do, and regained the letter. You should not worry about anything. I myself hadn’t told you anything about telling him to escape.”

After that, Henrietta laughed with a smile.

“Because of your actions behind the scenes, the things that started disturbing my marriage were prevented beforehand. Our country will be able to step into the alliance with Germania safely. If this happens, they will not be able to attack Albion easily. The crisis has passed, Louise Françoise.”

Henrietta said it as brightly as possible.

Louise took out from the pocket the Water Ruby Henrietta gave her.

“Princess, here, I return this to you.”

Henrietta shook her head.

“I give it to you. It’s the least I can do to express my gratitude.”

“I cannot take such expensive gift.”

“Loyalty should be repaid. It is all right, don’t be shy.”

Louise nodded and put it on her finger.

Seeing this, Saito remembered the ring that he took from the prince’s hand. Then he took it out of the bottom of his jeans’ pocket, and handed it to Henrietta.

“Princess, this is a keepsake from the Crown Prince Wales."

Henrietta, receiving it, stared with astonishment.

“This is the Wind Ruby. From the crown prince Wales, for me to keep?”

“That’s right. The prince entrusted this to me right before passing away. To give it to the princess.“

[[Image:ZnT03-023.JPG|thumb]]

Saito didn’t tell the truth, that Wales was already dead when he pulled it off his finger.

He did so because he wanted to cheer up Henrietta’s thoughts.

Henrietta put the Wind Ruby on her finger. Because it was suited for Wales, it was very loose on Henrietta's finger… But when Henrietta muttered the ‘decreasing’ spell, the ring became narrower and narrower, and soon it fit perfectly.

Henrietta patted the ruby dearly. After that, she turned to Saito, with the shy smile on her lips.

“Thank you, kind familiar.”

However it was also a sad, lonely smile, a smile of gratefulness for Saito. Saito was so struck by the beauty and nobleness of the smile that his mouth could only mumble incoherently.

“He died bravely, just like he said, right?”

Saito nodded.

“Yes. It is so.”

Henrietta, watching the Wind Ruby shine on her finger, said.

“Then I… I will live bravely.”

<center>* * *</center>

On the flight from the royal palace to the Academy of Magic Louise was silent. No matter how Kirche tried to find out what was written in the regained Wales’ letter by questioning Louise and Saito, talking about this and that, they both kept silent.　

“Wha-at? Even though I helped, I cannot know what the duty was? Besides, though you say that the Viscount is a traitor, I can’t see the reason."

Kirche looked at Saito with a feverish glance.

“However, darling attacked him?”

Saito, having glimpsed Louise's face, nodded:

“Y-yes. But he escaped…’

“Still it's wonderful! Hey, what on earth was that mission?”

Saito lowered his head. Louise was even more silent, and neither spoke.

Kirche puckered up her brows and turned to Guiche.

“Hey, Guiche!”

“What?”

With an artificial rose in his mouth, Guiche, who was spacing out, turned around.

“Don’t you agree that we should know the contents of Her Highness princess Henrietta’s letter that we were ordered to regain?”

Guiche closed his eyes saying:

“I do not know much as well. Only Louise knows.”

“Louise the Zero! Why don’t you tell me?! Hey, Tabitha! What do you think? Well, I think that I am held for an idiot!”

Kirche shook Tabitha who was reading the book. Though being shaken, Tabitha shook her head.

Because of Kirche raging that way, the wind dragon lost balance and suddenly slowed down. Due to this, Guiche, who was sitting on the wind dragon's back, lost his balance and fell down. “Gyaaaaaa” he screamed while falling, but since it was Guiche no one was worried. He pulled out his cane and stopped the free-fall with 'Levitation' spell, thus escaping death.

Louise lost her balance as well, but Saito softly reached out and held her waist with his hand, supporting her body. Louise blushed feeling the hand move around her waist. ''This morning, when running away from Albion, Saito kissed me. That time I was pretending to be asleep.''

''But why? Why did I keep on pretending to be asleep?''

''It might be love… However, I do not want to admit this thought, because Saito is my familiar; moreover, he is not a noble.''

Loving a person who is not a noble was hard even to imagine. The nobles and commoners are different human beings… As Louise grew up with those words, her uneasiness turned into puzzlement. Anyway, whether these feelings are true or not, that should be left to find out later.

So after all, having felt the hand move around her waist, Louise said in an angry voice:

“S-such a familiar way of touching is making me mad!”

“You seemed to be falling down. Like Guiche.”

Saito said while blushing too.

“It’s all right, even if Guiche falls - it is Guiche.”

Louise, who for some reason turned from puzzled into angry, said.

“T-that’s, even if he falls he will be all right. I would be worried if you’d fall though, because you cannot use magic.”

“Is this familiar’s habit to insult his master?”

Louise averted her face. However, she did not seem to be that angry.

“Besides you are somehow overly-familiar. Let me go. Seriously.”

Though Louise grumbled and complained, she didn‘t try to shake off Saito's hand. On the contrary, she leaned her body closer, snuggling against Saito. Yet, her face still remained averted. Saito stole a quick glance at Louise‘s face.

Her white cheeks were faintly dyed with pink and she was slightly biting her lower lip. Though Henrietta was beautiful... Louise was still incredibly cute, he thought. The hand on the waist pressed closer. And felt how her waist and thighs pressed further into him.

With them so stiffly cuddling close together, Kirche turned around and muttered.

“You, what are you doing there?”

Louise became aware of her position, ha! And, furiously blushing, pushed Saito away with all her strength.

“What are you doing! You fool!”

Saito's scream trailed behind as he fell, but before he smashed into the ground, Tabitha, who was reading a book, dully swung her hand, and put a 'Levitation' spell on Saito.

When Saito softly landed on the ground, Guiche, who fell before, walked up to him with a bitter face. Making way in this grassy plain.

Then Guiche stopped and addressed Saito in his usual snobbish manner.

“You fell too, right?”

Saito answered in a tired voice.

“I was dropped.”

“T-they are not coming back, are they?”

Saito looked up into the sky. In a blue sky a wind dragon was gradually disappearing.

“…seems so.”

"Indeed. Then, I will walk. Oh dear, it’ll take half a day on foot.”

With a depressed air around him, Guiche started to walk. Saito suddenly felt closer to this guy.

“By the way, you… That, well… What was the reason behind all this?”

Guiche asked Saito, while fiddling with the artificial rose.

“Huh?”

“About her highness princess, that, were the rumors true? Is it true, that she’ll reward me after the mission, with the letter where the secret date was promised…”

For a moment Saito felt pity for Guiche. Because Henrietta didn’t even mention the letter ‘G’ from Guiche's name in that conversation.

“Let’s go.”

Saito, pretending not to hear, began walking quickly. Guiche ran after him.

“Well, is the rumor true?"

“Come on, walk. It’s good for the health.”

“Wha-at, Her Highness princess, I…”

Warmed by the shining sun, the two people kept on walking towards the Academy of Magic.

<center>* * *</center>

Fortress of Newcastle, once known as a great stronghold, presented a tragic sight to behold. Though it withstood the despair, it became a disastrous scene.

Castle walls, having been repeatedly attacked by spells, were turned into a pile of rubble, and cruelly burned corpses were scattered around.

Though the siege was short, the rebels - no, because Albion lost its king, the rebels 'Reconquista', became the new government in Albion - suffered damage that was impossible to imagine. Three hundred royal army soldiers for two thousand killed rebels. And four thousand wounded. Seeing these casualties, it was hard to understand whether it was a victory.

Because the fortress was located on the very edge of the floating continent, it was possible to attack it only from one direction. Before the 'Reconquista' forces managed to push away the guards, they were repeatedly shot with magical cannons and received a lot of damage.

However, they won by the force of numbers in the end. Once behind the castle walls the defense was fragile. The king's army mages were left to guard against soldiers. But the mages' number was insignificant to 'Reconquista' soldiers; they were gradually killed and all fell, one by one.

Though the damage given to the enemy was great… the price was annihilation of the king's army. Literal annihilation. Because the royalists fought up to the last soldier.

In a word, the final decisive battle of civil war in Albion, siege of Newcastle’s fortress, fighting against 100 times or larger opponent, in a battle with damage that was worth ten such armies… became a legend.

<center>* * *</center>

Two days after the civil war had ended, under the blazing sun, between the corpses and pebbles, a tall aristocrat was inspecting the old battlefield. His hat was pushed to the side and he was dressed in an unusual way for Albion, the uniform of Tristain’s Royal Mage Guard.　

It was Wardes.

A female mage with a hood over her eyes stood next to him.

It was Fouquet of the Crumbling Dirt. She escaped to Albion with the ship from La Rochelle. Last night, in the capital of Albion, she joined Wardes in the bar of Rondei Nium, and now came to the Newcastle’s battlefield.

Around them, soldiers of 'Reconquista' were diligently hunting for riches. A loud cheer came from the treasury nearby, as a band sought for golden coins.

A mercenary with a pike on his shoulder was turning corpses over, then pushing them into a pile near rubbish as a decoration for the garden. When he found a magic wand he cried out from joy.

Fouquet, who was watching the scene disapprobatory, clicked her tongue in disgust.

Noticing Fouquet's expression, Wardes laughed thinly.

“What’s wrong, jewel thief Fouquet of the Crumbling Dirt, aren’t these your colleagues? Wasn’t your work to rob the nobles?"

“Don’t compare me with them. I do not have a hobby of robbing jewels from corpses.”

“A thief with a thief’s ethics.”

Wardes laughed.

“I’m not interested in that. I only steal valuable treasure, because I love the feverish look on noble’s faces. And these fellows…”

Fouquet looked at the corpse of a royalist mage guardian with the corner of her eye.

“All right, all right, don’t be mad.”

“I guess Albion’s royal nobles are your enemies. Haven’t you, under the name of the royal family, disgraced your own family?"

Hearing Wardes exaggerated words, Fouquet, regaining her composure, coldly said with a nod.

“Oh well. Accidents happen.”

And then Wardes turned. The upper part of the left arm had been cut off. The uniform’s sleeve was loosely fluttering in the wind.

“It was a severe battle for you.”

Wardes answered in an even voice:

“An arm in exchange for Wales' life, I think, is a rather cheap trade.”

“He must be great, that ‘Gandalfr’. So swiftly cutting off an arm of a square mage is something, right?”

“I lowered my guard, because I thought he was just a commoner.”

“Don’t say that. He destroyed my Golem. However, even he couldn’t have survived in this castle.”

When Fouquet said so, Wardes smiled coldly.

“He is Gandalfr after all. The corps that attacked the castle didn’t report to have fought against such person. In a fight against me, he wasted a lot of strength. Perhaps, he was confused with a commoner. Probably the soldier, who killed Gandalfr, didn’t even notice that it was a legendary familiar.”

Fouquet, not convinced, snorted. An image of Saito, a strange looking boy, floated in her mind. Could he really die so easily?

“And where is that letter?”

"Somewhere around here."

Wardes pointed to the ground with the cane. This place here, two days ago, was the chapel. The place where Wardes and Louise tried to hold the wedding, the place where Wales lost his life.

However, now it was just a pile of pebbles.

“Hmm, that la Vallière lass… your former fiancé, the letter was in her pocket?

“Correct.”

“You let her die? You didn’t love her?”

“Loved, didn’t love, I’ve already forgot such feelings.”

Said Wardes in an even voice.

He drew the cane and chanted the spell. A small tornado appeared and started scattering around the rubble.

Gradually, the floor of the chapel could be seen.

Wales’ remains were laying between Founder Brimir's image and the chair.

“Look, isn’t it dear Prince Wales?”

Fouquet said in a surprised voice. Fouquet, who was once one of Albion’s nobles, remembered Wales's face.

Wardes didn’t cast even a single glance to the remains of Wales whom he had killed and looked only for Louise’s and Saito's corpses.

However… Their corpses were not found anywhere.

“Did they really die here?”

Muttering so, Wardes began to search the surroundings carefully.

“Hmm… Look, isn’t that George de la Tur’s ‘Founder Brimir's Visit’?”

Fouquet took the painting that was lying on the floor.

“I think it is a reproduction. Mm, come to think of it, this castle’s chapel must have been built to worship him… Hmm?”

Fouquet, having picked up the painting from the floor, discovered a widely gaping hole under it, and called Wardes.

“Hey, Wardes. What is this hole?”

Wardes, with puckered up brows, squatted down and looked into the hole that Fouquet indicated. He realized that the hole must have been dug by that huge mole, Guiche’s familiar. On his cheeks Wardes could feel a cold wind, blowing from the hole.

“Could it be that through this hole both Vallière’s youngest daughter and Gandalfr ran away?”

Fouquet said. It must be so. Wardes' face twisted in anger.

“Should we get inside and run after them?”

“It is useless. The wind that blows, surely comes from the sky.”

Wardes said in an unpleasant voice. Seeing him like that, Fouquet grinned.

“Seems like you can also make such face. And I thought that you were a man without feelings like a gargoyle… Why, oh why do such feelings appear on your face?”

She said mockingly. Wardes stood up.

From the distance a person appeared while they talked.

He said in a cheerful, limpid voice.

“Viscount! Wardes! Have you found the letter in question? That love letter which Henrietta wrote to Wales… the one that would prevent the union between Germania and Tristain, did you find it?”

Shaking his head Wardes answered the man who showed up.

The man was in the middle of his thirties. He was wearing a round hat and a green mantle. From the first sight one could tell that he was a clergyman. However he also slightly resembled a soldier with his long aquiline nose and intelligent blue eyes. From the edges of his hat, curly blond hair peeped.

“Your Excellency. Seems like the letter slipped off through the hole. It is my mistake. I am sorry. Please, give me any punishment."

Wardes kneeled down bowing his head.

The man called ‘Excellency’, with a friendly smile on his face face, approached Wardes and tapped his shoulder.

“What are you saying? Viscount! You did remarkable work. You killed the enemy army’s brave general single-handedly! Hey, isn’t that over there, our dear crown prince Wales? Be proud! You brought him down! He was loathed a lot… but seeing him like that, I can feel some sort of friendship to him. Aah, that’s right. Everyone becomes your friend once they are dead.”

Wardes’ cheeks flinched slightly, as he noticed the sarcasm at the end of the speech. After that he became serious, once again repeating the apology to his superior officer.

“However, Your Excellency trusted me and I failed you in the duty to obtain Henrietta's letter. I was not able to meet Your Excellency's expectations.”

“Do not worry. Killing Wales was surely more important than alliance obstruction. Steadily, step by step, we will achieve our dream.”

Then, the man in the green robe, turned to Fouquet.

“Viscount, please introduce this beautiful woman here. Being a priest doesn’t mean one can ignore a woman, right?”

Fouquet watched the man. Before her eyes, Wardes bowed deeply to the man. However, she didn’t like him. He had a strange aura around him. A sinister feeling was radiating from the gaps of his robe.

Wardes stood up and introduced Fouquet to the man.

“Your Excellency, this is Fouquet of the Crumbling Dirt, before whom all Tristain nobles shudder.”

“Oh! I heard the rumors! I am honored to meet you, miss Southgott.”

Hearing him say her noble name that she had abandoned long ago, Fouquet smiled.

“Did Wardes tell you this name?”

“That's right. He knows everything about Albion nobles. Genealogy, coat of arms, land property… it is hard for an aging bishop to remember everything. Oh, let's not delay my introduction.”

The man with widely opened look, put a hand on his chest. 

“'Reconquista' first general, Oliver Cromwell at your service. You see, originally, I was just a mere bishop. However, due to the votes of the baronial council, I was appointed to be the first general, and I need to give my best. Though I am a clergyman who serves Founder Brimir, it is all right to ‘guide’ us through the dark times, right? If necessary, using faith and power for the better.”

[[Image:ZnT03-037.JPG|thumb]]

“Your Excellency, you are not a freelance first general anymore, you are now Albion’s…”

“Emperor, viscount.”

Cromwell laughed. However, the laugh didn't reach his eyes.

“Certainly, I really wished to prevent Tristain’s and Germania’s alliance, however, there are more important things. Do you understand me, viscount?”

“Your Excellency's thoughts are so deep, that an ordinary man like me cannot measure them.”

Cromwell opened his eyes wide. Then, he raised both hands and began talking with exaggerated gestures.

“Unity! Unity of steel! Halkeginia is us, an union of chosen nobles, that will get back the sacred land from those ominous elves! It is a mission given to us by Founder Brimir! ‘Unity’ is our number one duty. Therefore, viscount, I trust you. There is no blame in such a trifle failure.”
　
Wardes bowed deeply.

“For this great mission, Founder Brimir gave us the power.”

Fouquet's eyebrow rose. Power? What kind of power they are talking about?

"Your Excellency, what power has Founder Brimir granted Your Excellency with? If it is all right, I would like to know.”

Cromwell continued in a slurred tone.

“Do you know about the four great elements of magic, Miss Southgott?"

Fouquet nodded. Every child knows such thing. Fire, Wind, Water, and fourth – Earth.

“In addition to the four great elements, there is another magical element. The element that Founder Brimir used, element of zero. Really, it was the first element of all things.”

“Element of zero… Void?”

Fouquet turned pale. The lost element. The magic of nothingness, that, as dark legends tell, disappeared. Does this man know something about the element of zero?

“That is the power that Founder Brimir granted me with. For this reason, the Baronial Council agreed to make me the emperor of Halkeginia.”

Cromwell pointed at Wales' corpse.

”Wardes. I wanted to make Crown Prince Wales my friend. Instead, he became my greatest enemy, thus he had to die. Do you think otherwise?"

Wardes shook his head.

“He should have never resisted Your Excellency's decisions.”

Cromwell laughed with a smile.

“Well then, Miss Sauthgott. I will show an element of ‘Void’ to you.”

Fouquet watched Cromwell’s movements with her breath caught.

Cromwell pulled out the cane that was attached to his waist.

A low, silent aria escaped Cromwell's mouth. These were the words Fouqout never heard before.

When the aria was completed, Cromwell gently lowered the cane and aimed at Wales's corpse.

Then… suddenly, Wales, whose body was already cold, opened his eyes. A chill ran down Fouquet’s spine.

Wales slowly sat up. In a moment his wan face regained the color before death. As if a fading flower that suddenly started blooming again, Wardes vigorously started catching up breath.

“Good morning, Crown Prince.”

Cromwell muttered.

Revived Wales returned Cromwell’s smile.

“It has been a long time, Archbishop.”

“So rude, I am an emperor now, dear Crown Prince.”

“That is so. I apologize for that, Your Excellency.”

Wales kneeled taking the posture of a vassal.

“I think I’ll make you my personal bodyguard, Wales.”

“With pleasure.”

“Then, let’s be friends.”

Cromwell began to walk. Wales, who didn’t look like he was just dead, walked behind him. Then Cromwell, as if remembering something, halted and turned around saying:

“Wardes, feel relieved. The alliance may be made. In any case, Tristain is helpless. There is no change in plans.”

Wardes bowed.

“There are two ways of diplomacy - the cane and the bread. Let’s give a warm bread to Tristain and Germania for the time being.”

“As you wish.”

"Tristain is a necessary area to add. That royal family has the Founder's Prayer Book. I need to have it in my hands in order to retrieve the sacred ground.”

After saying this and nodding approvingly, Cromwell left.

<center>* * *</center>
　

After Cromwell and Wales were out of sight, barely able to think, Fouquet opened her mouth:

“That is void..? It revives the dead. That’s silly.”

Wardes muttered.

“The void element manipulates life… That’s what His Excellency said, seems like he was right. Even though I cannot believe it as well, after I've witnessed this - I have to believe.”

Fouquet asked Wardes in a shaky voice.

“A while ago you were acting very similar to this, perhaps you were affected by void’s magic too?"

Wardes laughed.

“Me? I am different. This is a result of a sorrowful life that I had since the birth."

After that, Wardes looked up at the sky.

“However…many lives were given for the founder’s sacred ground… what if they all would be revived by the element of ‘Void’?"

Frightened Fouque put a hand on her chest. She felt a light heartbeat. Suddenly she needed to confirm that she was still alive.

“Don’t look that way. It’s just my imagination. You may call it a fantasy.”

Fouquet sighed, feeling relieved. Then she glared at Wardes..

“I was just surprised.”

Wardes said, while patting with his right hand the vicinity of the lost left arm.

“However, I don’t want to know if this is just a fantasy or reality. I think that the answer surely lies in the sacred ground.

<center>* * *</center>

Three days after Saito and company returned to the Academy of Magic, the marriage between Tristainian princess Henrietta and Germanian emperor Albrecht III was officially announced. The ceremony would take place next month, before the conclusion of military alliance.

The alliance conclusion was done in Germania’s capital Vindobon, where the agreement sentence was signed by the prime minister Cardinal Mazarin from Tristain.

The next day after the alliance, a new Albion’s government was officially established. In an instant, tensions sparkled between the two countries, but the first Albion’s empire’s Emperor Cromwell sent a special envoy to Tristain and Germania at once, in order to sign a nonaggression pact.

As a result, both countries had a conference. Even with the combined two countries' power in the air, they could not oppose Albion’s fleet. Though the non-aggression pact felt more like a dagger pointed to the neck, the two countries didn’t have much to choose from, and this offer was the best they could hope for.

However…peace was established in Halkeginia only on the surface. Politicians could not sleep day or night. It wasn’t only nobles, the commoners too waited for next day tensely.

Tristain’s Academy of Magic was no exception either.