Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter7 - MTL

2008-11-06T20:16:41Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Chapter Seven: Louise's Decision */

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===Chapter Seven: Louise's Decision===

The cold night continued.

It seems like the night would last forever. But, when at last morning came, and she goes to sleep. She wakes up at noon and goes to sleep again. Repeating such sort of slumber eventually makes ones head foggy.

Two weeks passed… after using Summon Servant and learning about Saito’s death. During all this time, Louise never went even a single step out of her room. From time to time she gets off the bed to eat the dishes placed at her door. She didn’t care anymore who it was placing it there.

Only in her dreams Louise could meet Saito. So, Louise tried to sleep all day long. Whenever she cannot fall asleep, she drinks wine. For Louise, the distinction between morning and night already lost its meaning. The curtains in her room are always closed, so it is always dim.

Such way of life gradually devours the boundary between day and night.

The boundary between dream and reality becomes ambiguous too.

However, this was the only world that Louise longed for.

She wanted to stay forever in this dream world, where she could meet Saito.

Even if someone knocks on the door, Louise does not answer. In order not to hear if someone calls her, she stuffed her ears with cotton. All locks were locked, preventing anyone from entering the room. She hugged her pillow as if it was Saito… closing her eyes and pressing her cheeks against it.

Saito in the dreams always… gently embraces Louise, holding her close.

And did it many times with love.

This was the ideal Saito of Louise’s subconsciousness.

From the bottom of her heart, she wanted to be with the beloved familiar.

…On the evening of that day, Louise had a dream about Saito.

They were strolling together on the Ragdorian lake’s side.

“The water is beautiful.”

“Yeah.”

Hand in hand, the couple walked around the lake.

Louise was wearing a black dress and black beret, like on her first date with Saito. That appearance was mirrored by the beautiful surface of the water.

“Here, the water spirit was seen, right?”

“Yeah.”

They did not talk much.

All words seemed plain and useless.

It felt that, uttering them would break this little world of theirs.

A warm world of illusions of cracked glass, even if it was swallowed further and further by the darkness – that’s how it felt.

“Louise, hey, come here. This light reflected on the water is very beautiful.”

“Waa, truly beautiful!”

“But, not as beautiful as you, Louise.”

“S-stop saying silly things!”

“It is true. I think you are more beautiful than anyone. So, I want to be together. Always together.“

“Then, you won’t go anywhere, right?”

“Aah, I won’t go anywhere.”

Deep inside Louise knew; this was just a dream. But she kept on repeating a badly acted play of her and Saito. In fact, she was the only spectator watching it.

“I have something to tell you.”

“What?”

Louise muttered embarrassed as she stepped into the water.

“Stop it Louise. The water is cold, you’ll freeze.”

There is something about the things said in this water. Maybe because of water spirit. Spirit of the oath. An oath given here will never be broken…

In a dream, Louise wanted to tell it to Saito.

“…I want to swim. Why don’t we swim together?”

“All right. If you get cold, I’ll warm you up.”

So…

It was a dream.

True, Saito is not that gentle.

Still… she was happy. Because it’s impossible in reality for her and Saito to meet again…

-Pachpach- Saito entered into the water.

She thought he was going towards her, but was wrong.

Steadily, Saito went further into the lake.

“Saito… Where are you going?

Saito waved her back with a smile.

“Stop! You’ll drown!”

Slowly… Saito's body disappears in the water. Louise ran after.

“Wait! Do not go! Please!”

However, Louise's shouts did not reach him. Saito went fully under the water.

Louise ran towards him, splashing the water.

Seeing Saito, as if asleep, sinking further to the bottom of the water, Louise went in a half-frenzy.

“Wait! No! No, don‘t go there! I said stop!“

Saito’s figure became smaller and smaller.

“Wait! Please!”

“Wait!”

Louise sprang to her feet. It was pitch-dark in the room. It was a night, apparently. Waking up at night, leads her to despair. Though it’s not much different in the morning, but while awaking at night, her exhaustion was greater.

Yet, Louise was not relieved that it was a dream. It is the same – dream or reality. Either way, same pain in her chest, same feeling of guilt on Louise.

That day, when Saito left, she berated him non-stop.

“Where are you, Saito?”

She understood.

“Is it… cold in there? Like on the bottom of Ragdorian’s lake… is it cold and dark?”

Saito stands in the place where I can’t go… where my voice will never reach him. Though she knows that, she cannot help saying it.

“I want to meet you.”

Louise closed her eyes.

And… she muttered in a fading voice.

“Can I go too?”

No tears left. Just a body, dully wrapped in helpless numbness.

“I can't bear it anymore. I can't bear the parting in the dream. Therefore, can I go to the place where you are?”

Louise knew.

There’s only one way to get there…

But, this would mean betraying everything.

Duty to the mother country, mission as Void user… hopes and beliefs, beloved people… and Saito too, who died to save her… she would be betraying that too.

Louise understood that well. However, she could not think of anything else.

But, now being saved meant to meet her kind familiar again, only this way.

“I want to tell you those words. Those that I could not utter even in my dream… So, can I go to meet you? I want to say them by all means. I want to tell them to you… So, forgive me.”

Louise rose from the bed and headed towards the door barefooted.

<center>* * *</center>

Midnight. 　

Louise chose the artillery tower, where people rarely come. She could not remember how she got there. She just noticed when she already stood on the rooftop. The roof of the round tower was a staircase leading towards the hole in the stars and nothingness. A too low stone fence enclosed around the circumference of the roof.

-tap tap tap- Louise approached the stone fence and climbed on top of it.

When she stood there, she looked down to the ground. It was pitch-dark and nothing below could be seen. Yet, she felt that somewhere on the other side of darkness, Saito waited for her.

“If I go to the same place… we can meet.”

She whispered and tried to take that one step into the space.

However… she can't make that step forward. Her legs were not obeying her. Contrary to her will, her body still wanted to live, which made Louise irritated.

“Saito… is in that pitch-dark place… and you're regretting some light?”

When she decisively bit her lip… the voice came from behind.

“Miss Valliere! Please stop!”

When she turned around, she saw Siesta standing there.

Apparently, Siesta was worried about Louise. She may be the one that brought her dishes as well.

Unable to look straight at her face, she subconsciously averted her eyes

“What are you trying to do?!”

“C-calm down.”

“Even if you do that, it will not bring Saito back!”

“Maybe so… but I cannot meet him anyway. Upon casting the Summon Servant spell, the gate opened. I’ve got to do it, or I will never meet him.

“Summon Servant, so what?!”

Siesta ran up to Louise, trying to catch her.

However, her feet tangled with her long dress… and she fell down.

“Ah!”

Siesta fell forwards… pushing Louise.

Feeling her body in the air, Louise closed her eyes.

In her mind, words flashed.

I can meet Saito…

In there, you will warm me up, right?

It must be really cold in there…

And then, I will tell you those words.

The words that has not been said for a long, long time… I will say.

“Say. To say. Will say…”

She muttered softly, waiting for the impact with the ground that was about to come…
　
Yet, there was nothing.

“…N?”

Louise timidly opened her eyes.

Then… she saw the shape of tower lit by the moon. However, it was not up above. When Louise looked up, she saw Siesta gripping her ankle.

“Siesta?”

“A, auuuu…”

It looked like a tough position. Siesta was barely hanging by one foot on the stone fence.

“L-let go.”

“W-w-won’t let go.”

“Do you want to fall down as well?! It’s all right, let me go!”

“Han, ngh, won’t!”

Siesta said fiercely.

“If miss Valliere dies, Saito will be sad. He… sleeping pills that I passed to him… used to let you go, didn’t he? When I said for him to use them to escape! Therefore, I won’t let you go. Saito-san didn’t want you to die! So, I won’t let you die either! Absolutely!”

“C-calm down…”

Louise said weakly, yet Siesta still kept shouting.

“Please do not misunderstand me! Miss Valliere is still no good! But, I do not want to see the tears of the one I love… gugugu…”

“Saito cannot shed tears anymore!”

“Why? Do you have evidence of his death?”

“Haven’t I told you already?! Summon Servant-“

“I don’t understand these magic things! Summon Servant, so what! Rather than those things, I believe in the one I love!”

Once she said: "believe in the one I love", something lit up in Louise's heart.

Feelings to which she was not been able to be honest with, while timidly crying in her bed.

Siesta repeated it loudly.

“You love him! So why don’t you believe in him?!”

“B-because…”

Her dried up tear glands… were filled with tears again. Because she was hanging upside down, the tears ran down her temples.

“Even I… was depressed. But, if we don’t believe, then who will? Right?”

“Uh, uuuh…”

“Saito-san in Albion said to me, when I was worrying, if something bad might happen to him, he said ‘Calm down. It’s all right. Everything is all right. When you return back to the school, please make the stew for me again.‘ I don't believe in God, Founder Brimir or the kind… I believe just in these words!“

Siesta said.

Saito said it to me.

‘I’ll protect Louise.’

For Saito, going somewhere alone, where Louise cannot be defended, is impossible.

Because Saito protected me from all the things.

When in need, I was always saved by him. Therefore…

Louise wiped the tears away with the back of her hand.

I was embarrassing, thinking that there was no other way.

I was weak.

Siesta, who cannot use any magic, was a few times stronger than me.

Even if you can use the legendary element… it is only a wasted treasure when one’s mind is weak.

Seeing the weeping Louise, Siesta said.

“…Uhm, miss Valliere. I’m sorry for what I said.”

“It’s all right. It’s all right. It’s me who is sorry…”

“Really, that, umm, I'm sorry. Todays words are about to turn out completely useless.”

“It is not useless. You taught me an important thing… I won’t forget it. So, don’t worry.”

“Not that.”

“Eh?”

“My foot is at its limit.”

Then the foot upon which Siesta was desperately supporting herself, slipped off the wall.

They both, letting out long trails of screams, fell directly towards the ground

<center>* * *</center>

The Vestri Courtyard…

Montmorency asked Guiche at her side…

“…What do you want to show me, in the middle of the night?”

When she was sleeping, she was called to come here. But… even if you come here, is there anything? Could he be having some strange thoughts? Montmorency glared at Guiche.

“No, it’s because I completed something with great effort. And I called you at such time because… I wanted you to be the first to see it.”

“Completed? What did you make?”

“This.”

Guiche quickly pulled something, and where a moment ago was nothing, appeared…

“What… A statue?

What showed up in there was… a huge statue of at least five mails height.

Because a magical cloth that imitated surroundings was used, there seemed to be nothing there. Guiche nodded in satisfaction, while pointing at the statue.

“Saito’s statue.”

“Heeh…”

The splendid statue stood with both hands on its waist and thrusting out its chest. It was made with precise details.

“Took me weeks; I worked fiercely during nights. It was a very tough time, but I finished it up unflaggingly in here.”

“You have skills.”

Montmorency watched Guiche with an admiring face.

“I will put a ‘Transmutation’ spell on it now, and change the soil into bronze. And… this way, I will praise the hero forever.”

“I will show it to Louise later, Surely it will comfort her a little.”

“Indeed.”

Montmorency looked down slightly, with an unusual blush on her cheeks.

“Forgive me Guiche. It seems I have misunderstood you. I thought that you were lacking in delicacy.”

“R-really? Oh dear, even if you thought so…”

“However, now my thoughts are changed. You are a gentle, wonderful man, Guiche.”

Guiche became embarrassed and rubbed under his nose.

When looking up, Montmorency, in a shy way, placed her finger on her lips. Guiche, not waiting, brought his lips close to Montmorency’s.

“M-monmon…”

Montmorency, though hesitated for a moment, did not move away from Guiche.

When the pair of lips were about to touch… Montmorency closed her eyes, and opened them.

“G-girls are falling.”

Guiche moved his lips away.

“And? Whenever you try to kiss me, such words come, cheating on me! Like that day when you imagined naked princess-sama!”

“Now it’s true! Hey! Kyaa!”

Montmorency opened her eyes.

Hearing a strong sound from behind, she turned around facing the same way as Guiche.

“M-my art. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Guiche’s masterpiece turned miserable. It was crushed back into the dirt by the fallen girls.

On the heap of earth, two girls were lying, tired out.

It was Louise and Siesta.

“What is this?! Do you have some grudge against my art! Choosing such place to fall! Such place!”

“…Art?”

With a blank surprise, Louise who was now covered with soil, asked.

“Saito’s statue! Aaah, for several weeks, every late evening, little by little, I finished it with just my hands… I can’t rebuild it!

“…Saito’s statue?”

Louise looked next to her. There… was Saito’s face. Siesta and Louise knocked against the right and left shoulder of the statue, thus, though the statue crashed down, the part of the head of the statue was still all right.

And the soft soil served as a cushion for the two falling people.

[[Image:ZnT08-197.jpg|thumb]]

“…Saito… Saved me again.”

Louise muttered. Siesta grasped her hand.

“Hey! Saito-san helped us even in a form of a statue! Therefore, he must be alive! Absolutely!”

Louise nodded.

Her beautiful eyes regained its shine.

Then Louise stood up. Montmorency ran up to her.

“Louise! What were you doing?! Are you all right? Are you injured?”

“I’m all right. Not injured at all.”

“No, you cannot decide about your injuries just by yourself…”

Louise glared at Montmorency.

“I decided so. Thus it is decided. Now, Siesta, let’s go.”

“Yeees!”

Siesta gladly stood up as well.

That sort of pair, her classmate and a maid, made Montmorency amazed. They fell from the sky, almost dying… so why they are so energetic now?

“G-go where?!”

“To search for Saito.”

“Eh, but…”

“He is alive.”

Louise whispered with a great confidence.

“Louise?”

Montmorency, anxiously watched her classmate's face. The thought that Louise, because of the shock, became mad.

“Relax, I am not mad.”

“B-but… the gate actually opened…”

“I have been depending for so long… On that foolish familiar. Even now, that baka protected me!”

“Louise, Louise, calm down. Summon Servant is absolute. As long as the contracted familiar exists in this world, the gate can not open!”

“I thought so too. But he can’t be gone so easily.”

“Louise!” Montmorency shouted.

However, Louise's complexion doesn't change. There was unwavering power in her eyes.

“Believe.”

“…Believe?”

“Yes. Even if everyone in the world will say 'Saito died', I will not believe until seeing it with my own eyes. Even if magic tells that he is dead, I will not believe it.”

She held her breath, watching such Louise's strange strength.

“He said to me. ‘I will defend you no matter what’. And I believe in those words. Therefore, he is alive. Absolutely.”

Firmly watching straight in front, Louise said.

“That’s right, he is my familiar, and he cannot die without my permission, and I don’t permit it!”

<center>* * *</center>

Meanwhile, when Louise was falling down the tower…

In the Westwood village, the devoted, tough practice continued at night.

Agnes decided the time of the practice like this.

Night, morning… and dinner.

Suddenly, the wooden sword was thrown. It was in the place of training.

The front yard of Tiffania's house…

In front of Saito, who wielded the wooden sword, Agnes was standing. Though Saito's breath is rough, Agnes breath is calm.

When Saito sets up the wooden sword, Agnes swung hers and lowered it. Though he dodged it, his arm was severely hit, and the sword fell from it…

“Ugh…”

Saito held his arm while kneeling.

“What’s wrong?”

“Uh, arm hurts.”

“It is natural. It's painful if you're hit. It is more painful if cut. Thus, it is good if it is a wooden sword.”

The wooden sword hit the ground next to Saito.

“Auh… why didn’t you hit me?”

“Think about it, dog.”

“I am a human, so-“

“Alright.”

Agnes said, beating Saito's head with the wooden sword, hard.

“…eh?”

“Think well. It is you who swung the sword previously. I, following, just swung my sword back. If you see it many times, you can remember an opponent’s sword movement. Matching it is the very point of a little training. The thorough analysis of technique.“

“But, when I attack Agnes-san, I cannot even touch you. Like previous technique…”

“Distance. I have judged your distance limits. It can be easily tracked by the position of one’s feet. If I move, keeping that distance, your sword will never hit me.”

“Indeed.”

“Have you seen my sword movements?

Saito nodded.

Agnes set up the wooden sword.

“Alright. The distance. Remember to keep it.”

And then… she swung it.

Saito bent exaggeratedly backwards in panic.

“Don’t look at the sword. Look at the legs.”

As she said… Saito watched Agnes's foot. Agnes started to slowly rise the sword.

Seeing Agnes's feet, Saito felt her body distance and pulled himself away.

“Do not try to block the sword with a sword. Dodge the opponent's attack.”

-swing swing- Agnes’s swings quickened with the course of time.

“When attacking for a moment, the swinging sword is lowered. If you move your body at that moment, when the opponent swings and lowers it, your attack can reach them. Measure the timing.”

Saito, watching Agnes's feet, turned his attention to the sword.

And… is this is the right moment? He thought, waiting for the moment.

While seeing it many times, he could judge it safely. Keeping the timing… the moment when half of her body was averted, he launched into attack.

“Gu!”

Agnes groaned.

Saito's sword hit her shoulder.

“I, I hit it! I hit it!”

Saito was making an exaggerated noise. Agnes finally laughed.

“Now this was the timing. Even though you did it right, there could be also feints, but eventually you will learn it all.

“Yes.”

“Follow the body.”

That time, the sword practice continued, for all night.

<center>* * *</center>

Morning started to break… finally released from practice, Saito was washing himself.

He was pouring the water from the wooden bucket onto his head. The water felt cool on his burning body.

“Auch!”

However… the water permeates through the wounds.

His body was filled with bruises and abrasions. Agnes didn’t have mercy on his body.

“That person is a real S… dog remarks and looking down…” Saito muttered shamefully.

However, the pain felt good.

Little by little, Saito felt he was stronger.

Not by given Gandalfr, but by true, self power…
　
Such feelings of growth every day, were not bad feelings.

Saito forgot the towel, so now flustered, he tried to wipe his upper nude body. It was a season still near winter. Even though his body burns, it still gets cold.

“Use this.”

When he, startled, turned towards the voice – Tiffania stood there with a towel. Seeing Saito’s upper-body nakedness, an embarrassed blush spread on her cheeks.

“Thank you”, Said Saito, receiving the towel, and starting to wipe his body.

Tiffania looked hesitant, as if wanting to say something.

“What’s wrong?”

Urged, Tiffania opened her mouth.

“W-working hard.”

“Aye. Because I want to be stronger.”

“Can I ask something?”

“All right.”

“Uhm… recent injuries. They were from confronting Albion army, right…? You have stopped that huge army from advancing?

Shaking his head, Saito answered.

“Who told you that?”

“That sword-san – Derf-san.”

“He can’t stop chatting…”

“Have you really confronted all 70,000 troops, how did it feel?”

“100 more or less. Well, even I could not understand how many there were of them. It felt like jumping into a huge typhoon.”

“Typhoon?”

“No… that's what a severe storm doing huge natural damage is called…”

“You are courageous.”

Saito shook his head.

“It’s different. Because I was powerful then… Hey, remember the power I talked before?”

“Something about ability to use all weapons?”

“Indeed, Because I had it, I could stand against 70,000. Today, I do not have it.”

Saito said, staring at his left hand.

“No matter how powerful one is… still nothing can be done. To defend the one you love, one you trust. You said it the other day – important person…”

“Aye.”

“Now… are you training yourself to defend the person you love?”

“It’s different. I said – I do not have the qualification to defend that person, already.”

Tiffania became silent.

“Enemies of that person are big. Her goals are big. She will not need someone who can swing a sword only a little.”

“Then why you are training so hard?”

“To return.”

“To return?”

“Aye. The other day… when I heard Tiffa’s performance, I recalled the hometown and came to miss it unbearably. I thought about returning there. This thing I should do. Louise has things that Louise should do… And I have mine. For this purpose, I try to improve my sword skills. This world is a dangerous place. I have to find my own way to defend myself…”

In a somewhat settled voice, Saito said.

“That person is named Louise?”

Saito feeling a little shy, nodded.

“Yeah.”

“…What kind of person is she?”

“Pink hair... short...”

“Beautiful?”

Saito didn’t answer. He began to put the clothes on.

“You are great.”

“It’s not about greatness. Yet, as I said, I only want to return.”

“You work hard for that. It is great. I…”

Tiffania said, choosing her words carefully.

“Even if you are not doing this for a person you love, you still had something to work hard on. However… I absent-mindedly wanted to just live quietly and stay out of trouble. Though I wanted to go to my mother’s hometown, I only thought about it, but never acted.”

“It’s not true. You are serious.”

“No. It is all because of my cowardly nature.”

Tiffania clasped Saito's hand.

“Thank you, Saito. I want to see more different things. Before, I lived just in an old residence… and then in this village for years, but now, for the first time, I want to see the world. The world is not just unpleasant things. There are also joyful things for sure… After seeing you, I realized that.”

Saito blushed.

“Hey, do you want to be my friend? My first… friend.”

“I do.”

“When you first came to the village, though I thought about erasing your memory… I didn’t. For a long time, I wanted a friend.”

“I see.”

Saito said, turning crimson for a while.

With his face close, he got a perfect sight of the valley of her breasts.

Noticing Saito's glance, Tiffania quickly pulled herself away.

“Sorry…”

“I-it’s all right. Since you are a friend, it is all right.”

An embarrassed silence followed.

“M-meal is ready. Let’s eat.”

Saito nodded, and began to walk. From the house, a nice smell flowed, making Saito notice for the first time that he was hungry.

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Back to Chapter 6]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Forward to Chapter 8]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Talk:Zero no Tsukaima

2008-10-31T06:13:34Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Translation */

== 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

== Volume 5 Chapter 2 ==

*Trejon: why is that Volume 5 Chapter 2 stands at 50% completion?? nobody is translating it?
and actually is this a comment pool XD?

**It seems that this chapter has been stalled for quite some time. Perhaps some other translator can finish it off?~ Lime.

== 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

just a side note a d at the end of a word in german and similar languages is pronounced as a t so the author is using the phonetic rendition (and according to my literature on norse myths Jörmungand doesnt have an r on the end) also for the wikiphiles the Jörmungand article is preceded by this warning "This article does not cite any references or sources." as opposed to my book "Norse Mythology a guide to the gods, heroes, rituals, and beliefs" by John Lindow.
Come to think of it (though it has been bugging me for a while) is the r on the end of Gandalfr there in the book or did someone translate it to that, because if its not in the book it likely follows Tolkien's rendition of Gandalf, as Tolkien was a scholar in norse mythology.

~Speerous

== 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

--

On another note, I suggest we change the Volume titles to reflect the way it's written in Japanese:

How it's all (Blank) of (Blank)

e.g.

The Familiar of Zero

Albion of The Wind

The Prayer Book of The Founder

The Water Spirit of Oath

The Holiday of Tristainia

The Ruby of Atonement

The Pentecost of Silver (Yeah.. this one's kind of awkward though)

The Serenade of Nostalgia

The Ball of Twin Moons

The Duet of Recollection

The Holiday of The Fairies

The World Door of the Holy Country

The Saint of Aquelia

~Xorius 07:59PM (GMT +10:00) 05/09/2008

== 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^^

== Vol. 13 Chapter 13 Title ==

The kanas in "Aboard the 『オストラント』号" can be romanized as "''Osutoranto''". Now that S3-Ch8 was released, in English fansubbed version it is referred as "Ostland", something that was related with the East (however, it doesn't fit too much with East, 'cause Ost has to do much more with West [''Oeste'' in spanish]). It is the name of an airship (the one mentioned in Vol. 9 Ch9) named after Saito's origin, through the East, by %"%·/&%·.
As for the kanji, 号, it can be read as ごう (gou), meaning number, issue, sobriquet, pen-name... well, i don't know what sobriquet nor pen-name mean... but, ごう can also be kanjiized (new word! :D) as 壕, meaning trench, dugout, air-raid shelter... well, if those meanings are right, maybe someone could choose one of them... but I think for the name of that thing, the "Ostland" name fits well :D

~MD

In the chinese RAWs, its directly translated into Eastwards. Which makes sense with what's stated above. And the 号 is normally added at the name of Ships... kind of like Type, or Class kind of thing.

At least the chinese do haha...

~Xorius

Btw Ost is east in German and given that much of this comes from norse mythology german is a better reference language although finnish or danish is better still

== Translation ==

I've seen numerous times that the word 'lady killer' has been used to describe good looking people like King of Gallia, Guiche and Julio. Native english speakers will think why do those guys kill females, but its actually a direct translation from jap/chi that means "womaniser". Hence i propose for all lady killer to be changed into womaniser which would be more appropriate??~Lime

Well, there's the term "drop-dead gorgeous" but doesn't really mean that people drop dead at their sight. Hehe, just my two cents. Anyways, I'd think it can go either way. Smooth operator, maybe? But some may not understand, so what to do.....-zultek

Talk:Zero no Tsukaima

2008-10-31T06:12:03Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Translation */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL

2008-10-29T11:42:54Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Chapter Six: The Nations Conference */ a little proofreading

{{Template:PREVIEW}}

===Chapter Six: The Nations Conference ===

It was just the second moon of January since the end of the war… On the first week of the moon of Hagar, on Freyja's week, one by one, nobles from all countries gathered up in Albion’s capital Londonium.

Londonium.

Compared to all other cities of Halkeginia, had a new atmosphere around it. To the central portion of the town was made from skillfully handled stones, which continued to build up due to constant ruling.

One hundred years ago, Londonium was hit with conflagration, and because the town outlines were made of wood, it almost burned down completely. By the order of that time Albion’s king, wooden constructions of buildings were forbidden in Londonium since then.

It was also a meant to increase Albion's air force power that would roar over Halkeginia, as it protected the timber resources needed. It had the powerful fleet established with abundant timber, and looked down at all Halkeginia from above the clouds…

However, now it was only a fairy tale of the past.

At present – Albion was a poultry placed on the table. Wings and nails were taken off and put on the plate – burnt poultry. Halkeginia’s most powerful were staring at the meat like starving wolves.

The havirand palace of Londonium was filled with people like in a party.

Galia, Germania, Romalia… kings and the emperors of each country came on their will with many vassals as waiters just to fight over the share of this poultry.

The Queen of the Kingdom of Tristain, Henrietta’s name was also listed in the ‘Nations conference’, as she was invited to attend the part two weeks ago.

Henrietta sat at the round table of Whitehall.

Next to her, Cardinal Mazarini could be seen. Near them was Germania’s emperor, whom Henrietta was about to have married before, Albrecht the III. In the duel for power between 40 men, he won emperor's seat and now was looking at Henrietta with dirty-minded eyes

When Henrietta glared back courageously, he gave a broad grin.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness Princess Henrietta.”

“I’m afraid I am a queen now, Your Excellency.”

The nose of Albrecht the III turned pale.

He looked grateful at the Romalia’s ambassador, who sat in front of Henrietta. Romalia, who had a small militia participation, had very little to say in this conference.

Therefore, only the ambassador was participating.

Nearside, General Hawkins was fulfilling his duty as the plenipotentiary Albion ambassador. Dauntless features were on this man; in his prime years face. Despite kings were sitting in a row before him, he had no fear. His chest was put out in a dignified manner, not showing the pathos of the defeated army general. Germania’s emperor who sat next him, didn’t like such an attitude at all.

“But…that guy is late.”

Albrecht the III muttered to Henrietta.

“You mean king Joseph?”

Joseph, the king Galia, has not shown up yet.

“Yes. The incapable lady-killer. No one else from the country suited to be Galia’s king. Do you know? It is said that he got the throne by killing his younger brother. Such a very shameless person.”

Such were the rumors…

Loud steps were heard behind the door, then it opened.

There stood a beautiful looking blue-haired man.

The announcer called in a perplexed tone.

“His Majesty; King of Galia!”

He seemed to have a charming figure. Visible back muscles were like one of the ancient gladiators'. The neatly tightened face, framed by a blue beard.

It was Joseph, king of Galia.

The king of Galia watched everyone who gathered, with a broad smile on his face.

“This, this! Everyone is here! All Halkeginia’s kings meeting in this place, unbelievable! A happy day! A happy day!”

Joseph notices Albrecht the III and tapped his shoulder.

“Dear emperor, Your Excellency! I am sorry for not attending the coronation! Are your relatives doing fine? I mean the ones that you lent your castle, so that you may hold that crown.”

Albrecht the III turned pale. This castle ‘lending’ - scathing sarcasm. Joseph was making fun of Albrecht the III, who imprisoned his rivals in the castle tower.

“A hard door and splendid chains were used for their own protection! Moreover, they are even given food. One bread crust, one glass of water, and firewood after two weeks when their bodies became cold. The purpose is to keep them healthy. The luxury is bad for the body. You are really a kind emperor! I would like to learn that too!”

“Aye, thank you.” Albrecht the III muttered, loosing his composure. Then Joseph turned his face and this time took Henrietta’s hand.

“Oh. Princess Henrietta. You have grown. I wonder if you still remember me? We met at the end of a certain garden party at Langdorian lake. At that time, you were beautiful like a flower, that made all Halkeginia’s flower hang their heads in shame. And now you are a beautiful queen of peaceful Tristain. Aye. Peaceful.”

Without looking at Hawkins and the ambassador in Romalia, king Joseph sat at the head of the table. As if it was most natural thing.

Though Albrecht the III made a face as if wanting to say something… Joseph waved it off. Then, as if still in his royal palace, he cracked his finger joints.

Then the servants brought trays with various dishes – like Howai, Toho, etc were brought in.

Before Henrietta and Albrecht the III, a large amount of food were placed. Henrietta and others looked at it in astonishment. It generously included even abundantly gorgeous ingredients. For such one plate some people would not be able to earn even working one full year.

“The dish and the wine I obtained from Galia. I am sorry for the shoddiness, but this dish is nothing compared to the treat from the whole country, so enjoy yourselves!”
The waiter poured wine into the cup, which king Joseph hung.

Henrietta’s and others cups were filled with blood-red wine as well.

“Leaders of all Halkeginia. Though it is small, first of all, let us hold the feast of celebration. The war ended. Peacefully, let’s take a toast for us!“

<center>* * *</center>

The feast continued for three hours… and ended because of a sudden retire from Joseph, Galia’s king. After only making noises of eating and drinking, he yawned, and said "I am sleepy" and stood up, leaving in a hurry.

As for the conference itself - nothing was done. Whenever the King of Galia opened his mouth, did nothing but recommend cooking to kings, who sat in a row, and toasting, repeatedly.

Puzzled, Henrietta and others left as well.

“We are being conciliated - the real thing will start tomorrow.”

Germania’s emperor muttered and while shaking his belly stuffed with gorgeous dishes , went out of the Whitehall. Henrietta listlessly, with elbows tightly pressed against her side, stood up.

That moment… General Hawkins came in front of Henrietta. And bowed deeply.

“With all due respect, may I have a word with Your Majesty?”

Mazarin, who was nearby, tried to intervene, but Henrietta stopped him.

“First of all, thank you for the generous treatment all Albion’s people received. They are exhausted by a long war. You controlled not with the wand, but with the bread. By the power that the beautiful His Majesty shines upon everyone, the people of the white country were led correctly. With all this generous treatment… could you not ask for compensation.”(there is something odd here)

“Right or wrong was the war – the people should not be punished. Don’t worry.”(there is something odd here too)

Hawkins bowed deeply. Henrietta tried to pass him, but he still detained her.

“Is there something else?”

“Your Majesty… Your Majesty’s army was saved by only one hero. Do you know that?”

Henrietta shook her head.

As a matter of fact, the rumor about Saito stopping the Albion army was not delivered to Henrietta. Senior military officials could never admit being saved by a single fencer. As a result, such rumor was silenced before reaching Henrietta in a shape of report.

“I do not know.”

“Honestly. Honestly… running away generals in attempt to save their own hides, changed the story in their country.”

“What was that?”

Hawkins told Henrietta.

How the Albion army, that pursued Allied Forces, was stopped by a single swordsman.

As a result, the Albion army missed Allied Forces which tried to run away from Rosais…

Henrietta’s mind was in turmoil. The heart that never trembled after the end of the war, now began to shake.

“Swordsman… Really?”

“Yes, swordsman. Black haired boy with a foreigner’s face.”

Not hiding feelings, with straight look, Hawkins said.

“The hero raged on, he even pointed a sword to the tip of my nose, until he fell down exhausted. Then, he started to move again and disappeared in the forest… I guess, he did not survive with all those injuries. Yet, it was his deed that saved Your Majesty’s army. Only one swordsman… held back tens of thousands of army troops. It’s needed to give a corresponding honor for the hero.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Henrietta thanked him in a shaky voice.

Black haired fencer from a foreign country…

…Could it be Louise’s familiar, listed between the names of killed in action?

Hiraga saito.

Strange sounding name.

Boy who came from the different world.

Void’s familiar.

Legendary Gandalfr…

Some time ago, when my mind was blinded, when I turned my wand to Louise… He stopped my spell, Henrietta recalled.

Once again, he stopped.

Not once, but twice… he stopped it.

Hawkins said, looking distant.

“If not him… Today, Your Majesty’s and mine seats would have been reversed. By all means, bless that brave man. In the name of Your Majesty, give him the blessing.”

<center>* * *</center>

That night… in a Havirand’s palace room, Henrietta was lost in thought. It was a gorgeous room made to entertain the guests from the foreign countries.

Someone knocked against the door. One long, two short knocks. It was one an arbitrary sign.

“Come in.”

The door opened, revealing Agnes. She carried no weapons or armor and was dressed in simple, plain clothes.

“Did you find out something?”

When Henrietta asked, Agnes shook her head.

“No… there were no clues obtained.”

“I see.” Henrietta nodded.

Following Henrietta, Agnes came to Albion. The South Gotha revolts from the Tristain army… suddenly, as if woken up from a dream, returned to their side attacking Albion’s army and joining allies.(this is strange)

All soldiers and officers answered the same upon explaining the temporary revolt – “I thought it was necessary to do so.” Was it the cause of some sort of magic – no one knew. It was strange that ten thousands of officers and experienced men sudden abandoned the victory, still, the cannon ball was shot out and no one could return it. Agnes, following Henrietta’s orders, investigated it for a long time.

“We thought that the water of South Gotha city may be the cause, and let mages to examine it, yet, no matter how long we examined it – it was still a common, normal water. Though noble’s pointed out the possibility of Primal Magic… there is no evidence. We are in a deadlock.”

“I see… Though a mysterious event, you should not give up the hunt for the truth. There are no limits.”

Agnes bowed.

“I did not match Her Majesty's expectations; there are no excuses.”

“Lift your head Agnes. My commander. You are not responsible. Mysterious things that never have been clarified happens in this world, of all the time. Primal magic, sacred ground, demi-humans, elves, lands of the east, other side of the ocean and void. Each one of them makes the mind puzzled.”

“Indeed.”

Agnes said in a tired voice. Agnes was always in a motion these days. Her face looked as if it lost it’s zeal somewhere.

“Commander, I want to give you a new duty.”

“With pleasure…”

Henrietta spoke about what she heard from general Hawkins in the Whitehall today.

“Miss Valliere’s boy familiar?”

“It is so. He saved Allied Forces… and the mother country. By all means, it is necessary to confirm if he is alive or dead. The point where he fought against the Albion army in south Gotha area… I hear that it is in the northeast of Rosais.”

“Certainly.”

Agnes saying so, bowed and tried to go out of the room again.

“Please wait.”

“What is it?”

To the surprised Agnes, Henrietta offered a cup from the table.

“Sake?”

Though Agnes lifted the cup while talking, she didn’t press her lips to it.

“There is something I want to ask you. Not as a queen, but as a woman… asking a senior woman.

“What?”

“…What does revenge bring? Emptiness? Sorrow? Do you regret your doings?”

“Revenge?”

Agnes shut her eyes.

“Me too… cannot find it.”

After the musketeer commander left...

Henrietta thought about the boy that saved the mother country and herself..

She poured wine into the cup again.

While watching the liquid that swung on the inside, Henrietta slowly traced her lips with a finger.

The lips, as if by some spell, felt like it was on fire… Henrietta’s cheeks slightly blushed

<center>* * *</center>

Saito glared at the firewood, hanging on the rope thrown over the tree branch.

“Kiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee!”

While screaming, he pulled out the sword and lowered it.

-Kachink- came the sound of it hitting the firewood

Then again, he aimed the sword at it and lowered. The wood was diagonally cut and fell to the ground. Applause came from the children who were watching that sort of show from the surroundings.

Saito wiped away the perspiration from his brow.

He was practicing since the morning. He was doing it together with rehabilitation. Whenever he gets up in the morning - he instantly runs around the forest. The Run is long. After that, he goes swinging, day by day, he practices. Derflinger was a useful coach. And children were the curious audience watching.

“Hey?”

Saito asked Derflinger.

“Haah haah. Is it all right? Hah, I am only swinging the sword. As such, I only train physical strength, but not the skills.”

“Indeed. However, there is no sparring partner…”

“Aarah. What if there were an expert? You lose even against kids who can swing a sword only a little.”

“Don’t say it so bluntly.”

Saito glared at Derflinger.

“Besides, they are short. It’s no good defeating short partners.”

“Damn…”

“Even though it’s regrettable, swing the sword. Right now, partner is not Gandalfr anymore…”

“I know.”

Under the care of Derflinger, Saito continued training.

It continued for two hours…

“T-tired…”

Saito was lying on the ground.

“Mercy. I’m wasted.”

“…you’ve been saying that since the morning.”

Still, it was a comfortable tiredness. When in Japan, he was not moving around as much as here. The sun dazzled through the crevice of trees, and Saito closed his eyes.

“However…”

Saito watched his hand.

“What?”

“I did not think I could move this way.”

He said slightly surprised.

Compared with the time in Japan, he considerably added to his physical strength. If it were the old days, it would be impossible for him to run such distances while swinging a sword. Derflinger was not light at all; a large sword. His old self would not been able to swing it around at all.

“Therefore, it is good for you to have a hard time practicing. However, I am saying it clearly, as an experienced old-timer in combat – you are still an amateur after all, don’t get over-confident.”
“I’m not over-confident.”

“Yet, you are still not on the level to withstand an actual combat. Do not conceit.”

“Nonsense.”

“Aah, partner, you should practice with a sword at least…”

Derflinger mutters hurt.

“Mo, I know that myself! But I can’t do that unflaggingly.”

Saito stood up.

“U-ummm…”

Turning around, he saw the hesitant Tiffania standing.

“What's wrong?”

“…W-will you eat lunch?”

The surrounding children shouted with joy.

The lunch was prepared in the garden behind Tiffania's house. Actually, even if you call it garden, because it doesn’t have any separations from the forest, it was impossible to tell where is the garden and where is the forest.

Tiffania started placing dishes on the table. It was bread with mushroom stew. Seeing that Saito suddenly noticed that he is very hungry.

“Itadakimasu!”

He shouted loudly and began to eat greedily. For a moment, Tiffania was astonished, but then smiled gently. The children were also interested in Saito's behavior, who was loudly gobbling and munching it up.

Noticing such attention, Saito blushed, and started to eat slower.

“It is delicious. Thank you.”

Tiffania laughed while smiling.

Those children who finished the meal, began to pester Tiffania.”

“Tiffa-neechan! Let’s play!”

“Hey hey, I still haven’t finished eating yet…”

“Uwaa! Tiffa onee-chan, mama…”

The boy, approximately ten years of age, buried his face between Tiffania’s breasts, making Saito instinctively spout the stew.

“Gim! Aren’t you big already? You can’t depend on mother forever.”

“Because… Tiffa-neechan grew bigger, just like mother…”

Saito became suspicious about what the boy named Gim said.

“…Hey, your eyes are not discerning. After two-three years, your eyes should be able to distinguish them. Busted!”

When he said so, Gim glared at Saito.

“Tiffa-neechan belongs just for me!”

“Yes?”

Gim ran away.

“What… he misunderstood.”

When he faced Tiffania, he saw her firmly grasped fist resting on her knee.

“Tiffa?”

“N-no! I, I watched you practicing only because you looked happy, and I was just c-curious, so…”

Apparently, she was watching practice, and Gim felt jealous.

Saito smiled wryly.

"I understand. Because I am close to your age, you are interested, right?”

Tiffania nodded silently. Tiffania grew up in a limited space and has not spoken to the teens of a similar age.

“…But, I wonder.”

“About what?”

“I am not scared of you. The dragon knight boys that I helped some time ago, were scary somehow…”

“I wonder why.”

“Oh well… I thought that maybe the reason that you are not afraid of me, as when I am feared, I become insecure myself, but it is somehow different with you…”
Apparently, Rene and the others were afraid of Tiffania. Oh dear, that could be it. Halkeginia’s nobles seemed to be afraid of elves due to the wars…

However, since Saito was not a noble from Halkeginia, he did not take part in wars either.

“Nonsense. Who would be afraid of such cute girl like you?”

When Saito said so, trying to comfort Tiffania, she hesitantly turned.

However… when she hesitantly turned with both of her hands on her knees, naturally, her breast were pushed over her hands. Huge, changing shape fruits. He did not know where to look.
　
Tiffania, noticing that Saito turned his eyes away shamefully; in a panic, covered her chest.

Though she gave Saito a light glare… as if remembering something, she became serious again.

“But… you really don’t want to inform them?”

Saito nodded with a serious look as well. This morning, Tiffania asked if he didn’t want to inform his family that he is all right. He said to Tiffania that though he wanted to return back to that place, no one cared if he is alive or not… “Your family who was left in Tristain does not worry?”

“It’s all right.”

“I could send a letter…”

“It’s all right.” Saito repeated lonely.

“Your family will surely be worried about your safety.”

“There is no family in Tristain.”

“Then, where are they?”

“In a place where letters do not reach.”

“…Eh?”

“It is nothing. Please forget it.”

Tiffania, not knowing what to say, became silent. Then noticing that Saito's stew plate was almost empty, Tiffania picked it up.

“I, I’ll bring seconds.”

Saying so, she disappeared in the house.

Saito lightly bit his lip.

After all, maybe he should tell the truth?

That there is a Void user besides Tiffania; to whom I was a familiar.

Though, that might worry her…

He felt someone's presence. Did Tiffania return already? That was very fast. Though I wanted some time to prepare my mind for this moment, there is no other way.

Saito said in a constrained voice.

“Though I do not have family in Tristain, however… There is an important person. Yet… I do not have the skills needed to appear in front of that person anymore. I’m not a familiar of that person already. Therefore…”

His hesitant explanation was interrupted by a low womans' voice.

“What are you doing here?”

It wasn’t Tiffania’s voice.

Frightened, Saito looked up.

The commander of the musketeers stood there.

<center>* * *</center>

“I thought it would be harder to find me. I’m disappointed.”

In the living room of Tiffania's house, Saito sat opposite from Agnes.

Agnes, who took off her black mantle and sat on the chair in a green tunic, amazed, watched Saito.

“I entered the forest from the highway, where I was checking village to village. Look, I was prepared for this. For the two weeks we searched through the bigger part of the forest… sleeping with a dew. Had to change shoes. And then I stopped at the first village's garden for lunch. So anticlimactic.

Agnes pointed at the stuffed rucksack and said.

“I see. So you are saying that princess-sama looked for me?”

Asked Saito, after hearing about circumstances. Tiffania, with an embarrassed face, stood hesitantly as usual. There was no time to put a cap on her head either.

After drinking the tea on the table, Agnes stood up.

“Let’s go then. Miss, we are indebted to you. Though this is not much, take our expression of gratitude.”

After throwing a bag with golden coins towards Tiffania, Agnes turned to the doorway.

“What?”

Seeing Saito not moving, Agnes made a suspicious face.

“Umm… could you tell the Princess-sama that I died?”

“What? You don’t want to be honored by Her Majesty and removed from the commoner’s list?”

Saito said.

“Princess-sama will inform Louise about it.”

“So what? Aren’t you Miss Valliere’s familiar?”

“Not anymore.”

“What?”

Saito showed to Agnes the left hand on which runes disappeared.

“Though I do not understand because I am not a mage… there should be letters engraved.”

“The time when I was dying, the runes disappeared. Since I am not a familiar, I am a free human now. Therefore, please say that I died.”

Though Agnes was gazing Saito… her glance stopped on Tiffania. Being watched by Agnes, Tiffania shamefully hid her ears. Though she was going to erase the memory from behind… was she seen through?　

“Elf?”

“…Half.”

“Is that so.” Agnes muttered.

Seeing that, Agnes was not afraid of her, Tiffania asked timidly.

“You are not scared of elves?”

“I don’t have a habit to be afraid of the partner who does not show malice.”

When sighing, Agnes slumped back into the chair again.

“All right. I will tell that you are dead.”

“Really?”

“Aah. Instead… I will stay here for a while.”

“What?”

Saito and Tiffania stared at Agnes with their mouth’s agape.

“There is no date specified. Besides...“

Agnes said in a somewhat tired tone.

“I want to take some rest. Ever since the war started, I haven't had much sleep.”

<center>* * *</center>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter5 - MTL

2008-10-27T01:21:15Z

Zultekmilennia: Another small proofreading....

After that, ten days passed.

After Tiffania’s ring intensive healing magic treatment, Saito’s fatal wounds, after two weeks of sleeping and three all together, almost completely healed….

Yet he was not heading back.

Leaning upon his elbows, Saito let out a lonely sigh.

“Haaah.”

What a painful thing to hear were those sighs.

Saito was sitting on the firewood pile behind Tiffania’s house. Tiffania’s house was made from logs and some mortar.

Before one’s eyes, sun-lit, beautiful trees grew.

Here, next to South Gotha, Westwood village was located. The village is near the highway connecting South Gotha and port city Rosais.

Based on Tiffania’s words, the hill where Saito held off the Albion army is not too far away either.

Indeed, it was a tiny, forgotten by people village. Even if you would be looking its way, through small breaks within forest, you could see the ten small houses only from a really close distance.

Derflinger, who was leaning against the woodpile, said in a calm voice.

“Weeell, seems like Albion’s army missed the Allied Forces in Rosais. Because you won some time, the allies could retreat successfully. Partner, your life threatening clash with an enemy was not in vain.”

They learned this from the merchant that came to peddle in the village the other day.

He himself has seen that merchant who came to sell the cloth and chattered about the reverse defeat of the Albion republic army. He said - "We’ll survive through this and it will be a little bit easier" with a happy face. Albion’s nobles were not popular among the country people.

“Besides, the war ended as well. Goes without saying.”

They also learned that Galia suddenly entered the war, making the Albion army surrender.

“Even if we escaped, we won anyway.”

However, Saito still looked gloomy.

“…it is so.”

Louise and others should have been able to run away safely as well. Yet even though he should be joyous…

He kept on staring absent-minded at his left hand, and muttered:

"Clean isn’t it.”

So, the runes that disappeared did not come back.

Apparently, the contract was completely broken.

“I, I am not even a Gandalfr anymore.”

“Hmm. No, I was thinking, why would a familiar contract completely wear off…”

“What, why?”

“For one moment, your heart stopped. So mate, the familiars' runes died as well. Mage spell based magical objects can make assumptions too. Like flies escape the door that seems to be dead – runes may have left as well.”

“I see.”

Trying to comfort the glum Saito, Derflinger said,

“Hey hey, isn’t it good? This way you won’t have to deal with that fussy noble girl’s complaints. You will be counted as dead in her eyes.”

“Indeed, yet still…”

Bitterly, he was not able to give up. Saito looked up at Derflinger and asked.

“..Can Louise make a contract again?”

“What?”

“Indeed. You heard me.”

“Sort of like double using.”

“Yes.”

“Firstly, "Summon Servant" is not only about passing. It all depends if that noble girl will open the gate in front of you or not.“

“…”

“In fact, it is still unknown why a person is chosen to be a familiar. Based on the four element system, only a beast or a spirit that represents the element of the user can pass the gates… Anyhow, that girl’s element is ‘Void’. According to what principle the familiar is chosen, I don’t know. Yet…”

“Yet?”

“This is so called ‘fate’.”

“Hmm, if I and Louise are related by ‘fate’ then could the gate open again?”

“I don’t know. But, it was fated to bid farewell here. That’s one of the problems.”

“Hmm… well, and secondly?”

“Servant Contract.”

Saito recalled how he was summoned to this world and kissed by Louise. If you think about it - everything started from that.
“Aah, that kiss.”

“That is right. ‘Summons’ and ‘contract’. It’s because of the combination of these two, one becomes familiar for the first time.”

“So it is not just a kiss?”

“It seems it was the ‘type’. Actually, the runes carved deeply into your body after that right?”

Saito remembered the sensation of burning pain from that time.

“…so that’s everything left to do.”

“I would not recommend it.”

Derflinger muttered.

“Why?”

“Weeell, that, whether it is or not, if a familiar dies, the mage can summon another familiar… It’s different for familiars. For familiars, ‘contract’ is a lifelong one. For familiars that lives after the contract breaks, it becomes unpalatable.”

“Hmm hmm…”

“So, to put it this way, for a familiar breaking a contract with the mage twice, one can only guess what would happen to the body…”

Derflinger said in an inarticulate voice.

“…”

“So, it’s bad I say. After getting a life back with much trouble and putting it back under the risk again… And, if the contract fails, a partner would not only embarrass himself. That girl also, would not want to see such thing. It would be depressing.“

…It is so.

It’s not only me who is in danger. It is possible that Louise would be jeopardized as well.

Still, Saito was not able to give it up.

It kind of feels like a hole in the heart. The bond that Louise and I had, is broken. It‘s like my body is split in two, painful.

“Therefore, don’t look so gloomy. This way you can travel to the east without holding back. We'll go together.”

“I am not a Gandalfr anymore, would it still be alright?”

“It’s good. For six thousand years, I've been alive. For me, partner‘s time feels like one second.“

Saito sighed and said.

“But what about Louise?"

“Oh dear. That girl is very prideful, it will be all right.”

In a not careworn voice, Derflinger said. Saito nodded in a persuaded way.

“Yeah. There is no purpose for her to admit me… I, who can’t use magic and is just a simple human, is a nuisance…”

Feeling depressed, he heard the voice from the back.

“Umm…”

When he turned around, Tiffania was standing there with an embarrassed face.

“N?”

“Firewood…”

Seems like Saito was asked to collect the firewood that he sat on.

She was wearing a large hat to hide her pointed ears.

“Ah, sorry.”

Saito stood up. Tiffania, avoiding Saito’s eyes, looked down and reached for the firewood. I have been careless, he thought. What if they learn that I am from a different world? I guess one cannot keep a secret who and from where he is forever. Even though she rescued me... and went through the trouble to look after me when I was recovering.

“Sorry. I am greatly indebted to you. I, it’s time to leave for me. So don’t worry. Yeah, because the war is over, such a kind of awkward guy like me is not needed to the village.“

Tiffania opened her eyes wide.

“Ah, it’s different! Different! It is not so! I… umm, because you are a boy of the same age like me, I could not speak properly… I was slightly tensed… But it is not because I am afraid. Therefore, until the wound heals properly, you may stay here for a long time. I am the one who should be sorry.”

Hesitantly Tiffania bowed embarrassed.

Seeing this girl, Saito brightened up for a moment. Besides, he was impressed. She is an extremely shy about strangers girl. Yet, she helped him despite herself.

“I see, you are not only cute, but gentle too.”

“I-I’m not cute!”

“You are cute. And I think you are gentle too.”

When Saito said so, Tiffania pulled the hat further down. She was feeling shy.

“I may be kind… But because of my mothers' words.”

“Mother?“

Saito asked. The word had a nostalgic sound to it.

“Yes. My… dead elf-mother. She said giving the ring to me. ‘Help when you find a person in need.’ My mother was like that. Without reflecting it myself, I carried out the words of the person that I loved. Therefore, I…”

Derflinger nosed in.

“Somehow, I think that there were complicated circumstances to it.”

Tiffania looked down.

“This Westwood village. If you look at it, only children are in here.”

“That’s right.” Saito nodded. Though his head was full with thoughts about the runes disappearing up till now... He never saw an adult here.

“This village is an orphanage. Children who lost parents live in here.“

“Do you look after them?”

“Because I am the oldest, I take care of things, as for food however…”

“You don’t have money?” Derflinger asked.

“An old acquaintance sends the money. It’s enough to cover the basic needs.”
Tiffania said hesitatingly.

“What is a half-elf, with the ‘Primal Magic’ ring, doing in the orphan’s village?

“Derf!”

Saito warned Derflinger.

“It is alright if you do not want to tell the circumstances behind the ring. But is there something you could tell about?”

Tiffania became silent.

“Sorry, we shouldn’t pry for you to speak about something you don’t want to speak. Derf, act properly. That’s this swords habit, to pry about things…”

When Saito said so…Chink! A dry sound came.

When looking up, he saw one arrow stuck in one of the firewood that he sat upon.

“Dangerous. Is there a hunter?”

Chink! Chink!

The arrows flew one after another, sinking into the ground next to Saito and the others.

“Who the?!”

When he shouted, the group looking like mercenaries emerged from the forest.

“Hey you! Is there a village chief? Call him here!”

A lot of people came out. All members were carrying weapons - bows with arrows, spears and so on.

“”Wh-what for?”

Tiffania muttered in a frightened voice.

“My, what a beauty. Here, in the middle of the forest, isolated from the world.”

One said and came closer. He was a small, sly looking man with a small cut on his forehead. Apparently, he was the leader of the group.

“And who are you? Mercenaries?”

“Ex-mercenaries. Since the war ended, we returned to our original profession.”

“Profession?”

“Robbery.”

One said, then the others started to laugh.

“Really, the easy battle time is over once we suddenly surrendered to Galia. You see, we need a compensation. So going back to basic business, to earn food.

“Leave. There is nothing for you in here.”

Tiffania answered back and looked courageously at them. The men laughed.

“There is some.”

“Eh?”

“Even if the village looks poor, there are still some valuable things, I think. For me, a great treat would be a beautiful woman like you.”

“I think you would be worth two thousand gold coins, right?”

These robbers seemed to do kidnapping too.

One approached and the moment he tried to touch Tiffania…

Saito stepped in.

“Stop.”

“What? Kid, don’t value your life? Except for a few exceptions, there is no interest in the market for the likes like you.”

“Don’t touch Tiffa.”

“Myyy, such a serious fellow. Want more wounds? Move.”

Contemptuously evaluating him, a robber gave a vulgar smile.

Saito reached for Derflinger. Derflinger whispered in a worried voice.

“…Partner, stop. The way the partner is today, there is no chance of winning.”

”Hey, youngster. Do you want us to murder you? Let us work in peace.”

One robber said while lowering a spear. Saito clenched his fist. My present self cannot use Gandalfr's power and is just a high school student.

But…

Saito gripped Derflinger.　

“I won’t abandon someone to whom I owe my life.”

“Partner…”

“Naa, little boy. Do you know something?” said a man holding the spear.

“W-what?”

“To attack the Tristain and Germania Allied Forces, we headed toward Rosais. However, we were stopped by only a single person. I don’t know much as I stayed behind... Yet you remind me the courage of that person. I praise it.”

“It was me.”

Saito, who gripped the sword, said in a shaky voice. Men began to laugh.

“Heyhey! You say you stopped the Albion army when your hand trembles just from holding a sword?”

“At least lie better if you are lying! It was 70,000! 70,000!”

“Shut up!”

Saito raises Derflinger and sprang at a man who laughed. Then the opponent made a serious face and received Saito's sword with the spear.

“Ugh!”

Derflinger was blocked without any effort. The man turned the spear skillfully, hitting Saito's feet with it. Disappointingly, Saito fell on the ground.

Pointing a spear at his face, the man said in a cruel voice:

“Naa, youngster.”

“Ku…”

“When you’ll be reborn in your next life, consider your words before boasting.”

The moment when Saito was giving up, he shut his eyes…

''Naushido Isa Elf-zu...''　

Voice came from the back. Gradually, it turned into song. A spell was being cast behind him.

''Hagaraz Yur Beog...''

…It was similar to Louise.　

''Needo Isu Arujiz…''

When turning around, he saw Tiffania grasping the small wand that she took out some time ago. It was a small and a thin wand, like a pencil.

“What? Nee-chan is a noble? Naah, it must be another bluff…”

''Berkan Man Raguu...　''

The moment when a single man closed in...

In a confident attitude, like a conductor lowering a rejected baton, Tiffania lowered her wand.

The air stirred like a mayflies.

The air, surrounding men, distorted.

“Fue…?”

Like a fog clearing up, the distorted air returned back to normal…Men looked at the air dumbfoundedly.

“That? What just happened here?”

“This? Why we are in this place?”

Tiffania informed the men in a perfectly composed voice.

“You got lost in the forest.”

“R-really?”

“The army is that way. Go forth to the highway after leaving the forest and then head straight to the north.”

“T-thank you…”

Step by step men left without reliance.

In a blank surprise, Saito watched their backs.

After the last one disappeared in the forest, Tiffania relaxed.

Then Tiffania said in an embarrassed tone.

“…I have erased their memory. Their memory stops at ‘entering the forest.’ When they reach the highway, they will forget about us completely.”

“It’s a magic?”

Tiffania nodded. Then Saito realized something.

“Then, the dragon knights that were helped, have lost their memory as well…”

“So. You know those people.”

Saito nodded.

Magic that erases one’s memory…

Wind, Water, Fire, Earth…

Whichever element he thought of, none could do that.

Unless…

But isn’t it a legendary element?!

While trembling, Saito asked.

“…just now, what magic was it?”

Instead of Tiffania, Derflinger answered.

“Void. It was void.”

“Void?”

Confused, Tiffania looked at Derflinger

“… what, this is its true identity.”

Saito, with a widely opened mouth, stared at Tiffania. This girl who had an impossible chest… secretly had an impossible power as well.

“Anyway… Why are you able to use that power, please allow me to hear.”

<center>* * *</center>

That night, to hear Tiffania's upbringing story, Saito came to the living room.

In Tiffania's house, there were three rooms. The room where Saito was resting, her bedroom, and this living room. The children lived in groups of three, but though they lived separately, they ate in Tiffania's house. After finishing the dinner and seeing off children to their houses, Tiffania took the wine out of the barn and placed it and the glasses on the table.

The firewood was burning in the fireplace, in addition, some bird’s meat was being roasted on it.

“I'm sorry for waiting. Unless the night comes, I feel too uneasy to talk.“

“It’s all right.” Saito said.

Tiffania, while watching the roasting poultry on the fireplace, began to talk slowly.

“My mother was, Albion's king’s younger brother’s…the Grand Duke's who were ruling over this whole land of South Gotha, mistress. My father was a Grand Duke of the royal family treasury, responsible for the management. My mother used to call it 'financial supervisors' attention'.“

“Mistress?”

Saito asked.

“Yes, mistress – a woman other than a wife.”

“Indeed.”

“Why would be an elf be a Grand Duke’s mistress?”

“I do not know that. The reason why my mother, being an elf, came to the white country to become father’s, is unknown to me. Mother never spoke about it… However, once in Halkeginia, no one thinks of elves pleasantly, it must have been some really complex circumstances.”

“Because they say they try to get back the sacred ground from elves.”

“Aye. In the that sort of division, my mother was a truly obscure person. She never talked in public and rarely went out. In the residence, she waited for my father's return for a long, long time, continuing that sort of life. I still recall it. The back of a mother who absent-mindedly watches the door…Since I had the ears of my mother, I was not allowed to go out as well then.”

Saito was quiet and drank one glass of wine. So that’s why Tiffania was not used talking to teenager boys. Not only the boys, there must have not been any girl friends either.

“However, that sort of life with mother was not too difficult. Father, who came by occasionally, was gentle and mother told me various stories too. Mother taught me how to play musical instruments and read books.”

“I see.”

“The day when that sort of life ended came. Four years ago. Father, with changed look, came to us. He said, 'Here is too dangerous' and took us to the house of one of father's vassals.”

“Why?”

“Mothers existence was the royal family’s secret. If it were to be found out some day that a royal family treasury manager, father, had an elf as a mistress, it would cause a huge scandal; if not more. Still, father refused to banish mother and me. The vicious king imprisoned father and did all sorts of tricks to search for our whereabouts. And, at last, we have been found.”

Saito held his breath.

“I still remember it well. It remembers it still well. The day when the advent festival started. Many knights and soldiers came to the house in which we hid ourselves. The noble who was father's vassal, however, desperately resisted... but was no match to the king‘s military forces. Once the knights‘ footsteps echoed in the corridor, my mother hid me in the closet and locked it. I was holding the wand given to me by father, and trembled for a long time. When soldiers entered the room, mother said.“

Saito shut his eyes.

“’I will not resist. We elves do not want to fight.’ Yet, magic was the response. I heard a frightening sound when one spell after another hit my mother. Then the chasers tried to open the closet where I hid myself…

Tiffania drank a glass of wine, with a painful expression on her face.

“And, were you caught?”

She shook her head.

“No…”

“Then, did someone help?”

“No. The spell, that I used today, saved me.”

“Then how did that magic awake?”

Not able to contain the overflowing curiosity, Saito asked it. With her eyes closed, Tiffania began to speak.

“In my house, there were a lot of riches as my father was the royal treasury manager. When I was small, I often played with them. There was an old music box among them.”

“Music box?”

“Yes. Treasure given to royal family… However, it could not be opened without the ring. Yet, one day I noticed. That there was one ring similar to the lock in the treasury, and when I inserted it and opened the box, I heard a tune. It was a beautiful, somewhat nostalgic tune. Mysteriously, no one else but me could hear that tune… Even if the ring still fit.“

Saito held his breath. She looked like she was remembering something.

“Once I heard the tune, in my head… runes started to emerge. However, I did not say that to anyone, because I did not want them to find out I was playing with the treasure.”

“The runes that you used a while ago?”

“It is so. When the closet was opened by the soldiers, those runes came to my head. And I started humming it while rejecting the wand given by my father.”

The effect of the spell that Tiffania recited was identical to the one earlier today – soldiers forgot what they came to do in the first place, Tiffania said.
　
“The runes that came with the tune I heard from the opened music box, remained forever in the head. Since then, those runes saved me many times…”

When Tiffania finished talking, she drank up the glass of wine slowly. Then, she muttered to herself.

“So, ‘void’ you say. I however, thought it to be a mystic force…”

“You should not speak about that to people.”

“Why?”

“Void is a legendary power. There might be guys who try to use that power. It is dangerous.”

“Legendary? Exaggerated!”

Tiffania laughed.

“Me, such a failure, a legend? That’s too weird!”

“It is true.”

When Saito said it seriously, Tiffania nodded.

“Understood. If you say so – I won’t tell this to anyone. Or perhaps, I could tell, then just later remove their memory...”

To Tiffania, who has grown up in a separated from poeple place, it was hard to understand the importance of this thing.

Saito drank wine as well.

While drinking, his eyelids became heavy.

Tiffania was literally shining like moonlight.

Saito ruminated through the story.

Such a beautiful, fairy-like, girl, has such a tragic past.

With his eyes closed, Saito fell into the world of drunken slumber.

''The left hand of God is Gandálfr, the ferocious shield of the lord. His left hand wields a large sword and his right hand wields a long spear: protect me with endless vigilance.''

''The right hand of God is Vindalfr, the kind-hearted flute of the lord. He dominated all beasts of life, leading me through earth, sky and water.''

''The mind of the god is Myozunitonirun, is the book that carries the crystallization of thought. It carried all knowledge and provided advice whenever I was in need.''

''There was one more person, but remembering its name gave me trouble…''

''Taking the four disciples, I came to this land…''

Saito was woken up by a singing voice.

It was not daybreak, as the two moons were hanging outside the window.

“…Sorry. Did I wake you up?”

Tiffania sat in front of the fireplace, holding a harp.

“Could you sing that again?”

Tiffania began to sing again.

The way her voice permeates through the mind. The way the moonlight shines within her hair. She had a beautiful singing voice.

“Was this a song you heard together with the runes?”

Tiffania nodded.

After that, she started to play the tune with the harp. She didn’t sing this time. Saito, while listening to the tune, whisperingly asked Derflinger, who was leaning against the chair.

“…Hey, Derf. You know something?”

“What?”

“If there are other void supporters… there must be other familiars like Gandalfr too.”

“Aah.”

“Talk.”

“There is a possibility. However, just the possibility. Not the necessity.”

Saito got angry at Derflinger who pretended not to know.

“Tell me.”

“What?”

“Louise’s void must also have been awaken not by coincidence. There must be some kind of reason, right?”

“I do not know. After all, I am just a sword. I cannot understand some deep things. But, it is not that important to know anyway. Partner, you are not a Gandalfr anymore.”

“I think you are hiding something from me.”

For a moment, Derflinger’s voice became serious.

“Partner, I will say it once.”

“What?”

“I love you. Strange and honest. Therefore, please remember one thing: No matter what I say or do, I think about what is better for you. I will tell when time is right…”

“Is it so?”

“It’s wisdom, I tell you, it’s wisdom.”

Though Saito was about to say something… he shut his mouth.

Tiffania kept on playing. Saito closed his eyes

“..hmmm. Damn.”

“What is it now?”

“When I hear this song, I wonder why I am reminded of the earth.”

“Earth?... Is that partner’s hometown?”

“Aye.”

“It can’t be the reason for nostalgic feelings. It’s the tune that Brimir played while thinking about his hometown. It’s just a homesickness I say.”

“Brimir's hometown was a sacred ground?”

“It is so. Maybe.”

“Maybe? Remember and answer properly!”

“Stop saying foolish things. It’s hard to remember things that happened thousand years ago. Can you in detail, remember even the most recent things?”

Saito poured wine into the glass.　

He drank it and muttered.

“Brimir is a god, I guess. Everyone, in Founder Brimir’s presence… starts talking prayers.”

“Silly moss. He is not a god. Brimir was a free person. No, not much… he was god’s spokesman… The nearest existence to it…I think.”

“A great person anyway.”

“That is right.”

“Is this whole noise because this great guys' hometown was taken over by elves?”

“That’s not true.”

Tears were falling from Tiffania’s eyes now as she played the harp.

[[Image:ZnT08-141.jpg|thumb]]

Due to her bond with her mother … she could recall the homeland where the elves live.

Saito felt a sense of intimacy with Tiffania.

Her hometown was also not here.

She, like me, was a foreigner. That's why she feels so strongly about her pointed ears.

Tiffania's tears, illuminated by moonlight, shone brilliantly.

Various things whirled in Saito’s mind.

The war that finally ended…

The sign of Gandalfr that disappeared…

The meeting of a new Void user…

And… Louise.

I, who is not a Gandalfr, does not have the qualification to stay by the pink-haired girls side.

Therefore, I cannot return to Tristain.

I cannot meet Louise.

Because… all that Louise needs is Gandalfr… not this Hiraga Saito.

While thinking this way, unaware, Saito started to shed tears.

Saito felt how tears of homesickness and tears of heartache melted into one.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter4 - MTL

2008-10-27T00:58:36Z

Zultekmilennia: A little proofreading...

On the day when Saito woke, one week ago…

One wind dragon landed on the courtyard of Tristain Academy of Magic.

All students, who were chatting in the courtyard, turned around.

Once seeing the boy on dragon’s back, a sigh escaped from schoolgirls’ chests.

“Look! What beautiful hair!”

“Look there!”

Seeing the boy’s eyes, schoolgirls became frightened in an instant. The color of the right and left eye is different

“The ‘Moon eyes’.”

One girl muttered.

Eyes with different right and left color were called ‘Moon eyes’, following the two moons of Tristain. In the provinces, where the superstitions are strong, it is believed that such person is evil and is despised by everyone too.

However… they still absent-mindedly watched the beautiful boy that got off the dragon.

“Hyaa… is he an noble from some country? He’s like a fairy!”

Shinto priest of Romalia - Julio Cesar.

Schoolgirls went on – “Kyaa Kyaa”.

Julio, ignoring such commotion, jumped down to the ground from his wind dragon’s back….

Thump.

He hit the ground with his head.

Schoolgirls, dumbfounded, looked at each other, and ran up to Julio.

“Are you… all right?”

Julio laughed with a smile, while laying on the ground. What a charming smile – all schoolgirls got swayed in an instant.

“The soil is on your face… P-please use this…” one girl gave a handkerchief to Julio, making the other girls stir as well.

“H-here use mine!”

“My handkerchief has a nice smell to it!”

“I’m alright.”

“Haah! The soil doesn’t suit your elegant features!”

“It’s good. Just about.”

“But…”

“I still haven’t washed my face after the war. That’s why it’s dirty.”

Julio waved off.

“For three weeks? Seriously!”

“Do you really hate washing your face that much?”

Laughter echoed.

“That’s not it. I just cannot make a lady's handkerchief dirty.”

He stood up and bowed.

“Nooon! Stop joking!”

Girls shouted joyfully.

From that sort of schoolgirls’ actions, schoolboys were watching unpleasantly. One schoolboy, with a challenging smile, approached Julio.

One girl shouted.

“Pelisson-sama!”

Third grader Pelisson was a ladykiller of Tristain Academy of Magic. Though he had a pretty face like ancient sculptures, he lacked the charm. He was jealous, when a popular person showed up suddenly, and could not stomach it.

Pelisson crossed his arms and glared at Julio and noticed a Holy Saget on his chest.

Fun, he gave a goofy smile.

“Priest, did you come to plead for offerings?”

Without loosing his cool, Julio answered.

“I came here to meet a friend.”

“This is a noble studying building. Go preaching to the streets.”

“I don’t remember asking for your opinion.”

Pelisson’s brow slightly paled. Once understanding that Julio doesn’t have a wand, he pulled out a long, thin wand. It was a brand-new one, one that young knight’s get while joining the army.

“Judging from your words a little while ago, you seem also have participated in the Albion campaign, Priest.”

“Aa.”

“I am a report officer from the Navarre unit. You?”

“Various jobs.”

Julio said, waving it off.

“It must have been taking care of your dragon. Like your follower. Yes.”

“For Shinto priests, any work suits.”

Pellison hit Julio’s head with his wand.

“By beating my head, you are insulting God and Founder Brimir, Officer-san.”

“I am not insulting god. I’m just teaching a cocky Shinto priest, who started acting like a noble, some manners. I’ll show you an insult.”

“So you were a noble? Then why you are so jealous about someone who is outside the noble’s circle?“

Pelisson's face reddened. Schoolgirls, who gathered around, became frightened.

“Then cast your spell!”

He shouted while uttering a spell…

The wind dragon, that was sitting behind Julio, sprang to his feet and jumped at Pelisson. And in one second, Pelisson, unable to resist, is held down by a big wind dragon.

“H-hey! It’s unfair! Don’t use dragon! Guah!”

Pelisson, whose back was trampled down by a big wind dragon, fainted in agony.

“Since I cannot use magic, I use dragons instead.”

Hearing such commotion, teacher Chevreuse ran up in short steps.

“What’s this! What’s this! I think the war is already over, so stop fighting in the courtyard now! I’m serious!”

Chevreuse easy widened upon noticing Julio, who stood up.　

“Ara Ara, aren’t you an outsider? Whose permission do you have to enter? Not to mention, bringing such a dragon too!”

Taking the hand of rattling Chevreuse, Julio bowed gracefully.

“…Eh?”

After taking her hand, he looked into Chevreuse's face. Such a handsome face made Chevreuse blush despite her age.

“I am sorry. However, I only came here to meet a friend…”

“A-ara, is that so? Who?

“Yes, Miss Valliere. I want to get permission from your beautiful self, to see her today.”

“Beautiful? What?”

“Yes. In my mother country Romalia, there is an ancient painting of a holy woman. When you appeared, I have mistaken you with that holy woman in the painting.”

“Oh dear! Holy woman! That!”

Chevreuse shouted in a frolicking voice.

“May I enter the school?”

“The said holy woman cannot possibly refuse Shinto priest-sama! P-please take this!”

Chevreuse smoothly wrote down on paper the entrance permission, and with a dreamy face, handed it to Julio.

“Thank you. Ah, if I may, can I ask you to take care of the dragon?”

“Y-yes! Please go!”

Chevreuse stood upright and gave an emphatic salute.

“Azuro! I’m going then.”

Barking, wind dragon Azuro, nodded to his master.

Schoolgirls stared coldly at Chevreuse, who absent-mindedly watched the back of the leaving Julio.

“W-what are you looking at?!”

“Nothing… A teacher is still a woman. Indeed”

“D-don’t make fun of your teacher! Y-you! Stop sleeping forever on the ground! Faster, remove yourself from the foot of Shinto priest-sama’s wind dragon!”

Blushing, Chevreuse shouted at Pelisson who was groaning from being stepped upon by the wind dragon.

<center>* * *</center>

-Knock knock knock- someone knocked against the door. Louise absent-mindedly opened her eyes.

“Who?”

She asked.

It was silent for a moment, then,

“It’s me. Me”

Came the answer.

Hearing that voice, Louise instantly jumped up and ran. However… after some thought, she returned back and hid under the blanket.

Must be some kind of hallucination. Because of too much longing, she started hearing voices in her head.

“Please, open up. It’s me.”

The voice sounded again. Louise slowly stuck her head out of the blanket and watched the door.

“Real thing?”

“And why would I be the fake? Hurry up and open it.”

Louise sprang to her feet. Like pink lightning she dashed to the door, dressed only in a thin nightdress, and hastily tore the door open.

The face that she saw many times in her dreams, now stood before her.

“Saito…”

Louise almost crumbled to the floor.

Smiling, Saito held Louise’s shoulders.

“Sorry for taking so long.”

“Ba…”

“Ba?”

“Bakaaa…”

Louise’s eyes were full of tears.

-sob- -sob- ”I was worried so much… I was terribly worried if you were dead or not… waah, hic, waaah.”

Louise sobbed. Saito gently embraced her.

“Sorry… I’m really sorry. I desperately tried to escape, but finding a ship took time.”

Saito said in a very gentle voice.

“Why, why did you leave me and go alone?! Baka. Bakabakabaka!”

Louise started hitting Saito’s chest with her small fists.

Interested, Saito proved.

“Well, I am not dead, am I not?”

“Such ingratitude towards me, abandoning me…”

“That’s not why.”

Saito said.

“Then why?”

Louise asked.

“Because I love you.”

Being told so straightforwardly, Louise’s cheeks blushed.

“D-don’t be silly. No matter what you say, love has nothing to do with it.”

“Your voice is trembling.”

“It’s not trembling.”

“You love me too, right?”

He said with great confidence. Louise sank her eyes down. Louise was weak against such straight words.

“Ba-baka. Why would I be in love with you...”

“Your face gives it out, hey, it’s already red.”

“It’s not giving it out. It’s not red. I’m not in love.”

“You put such clothes on, wanting me to push you down, right? What. So shameless.”

Before noticing, she was wearing black-cat clothes again.

“N-not true. I am just playing a familiar. And I am wearing such black clothes only because that wasted sword said so.”

He grasped her tightly and laid her down on the bed.

“…Ah”

Even though she was complaining, a hot moan escaped her mouth.

Saito brought his face closer. Though she resisted, she closed her eyes.

“Awah, awah, awah…” Louise haloed, while Saito was kissing the scruff of her neck.

“Fuah, fuah, fuah…” noise escaped through closed lips.

Louise held Saito closer.

What great confidence this guy has.

Did I want him to embrace me tightly like that?

Lies. Lies.

However, my body is not listening at all.

Her arms wrapped tightly around him, clinging as if her life would depend on it, seemingly enjoying the feeling.

For a long time, Louise laid there with her face buried into Saito’s chest.

Then…

“Really, you made these black cat clothes for this?”

Casually, Saito, stripped off Louise’s black cat clothing. The part which covered her breasts.

“S…S!”

In an instant, Louise covered her breasts.

With a shocked face, she looked up at Saito. Usually, it is the place where bickering, hitting, kicking and shouting start, yet now a sweet voice escaped her mouth.

“S-stop…”

She muttered, averting her eyes from Saito.

“Show them.”

Saito blankly said such bold thing.

“S-stupid… that… not. No…”

“Why? Didn’t you change clothes back then without feeling shy at all?”

“B-because…because, familiar during those days…”

“And still a familiar.”

“T-that’s right, but now it’s different.”

“How is it different?”

Uuh… Louise faltered

“A-anyway, it’s no good now.”

“Why?”

“Because, well…”

“Tell me.”

Saito repeated words like a spell. Louise, like bewitched by it, honestly told what she was thinking.

“…little bit.”

“Slightly?”

“L-little bit. Wanted.”

Louise said while blushing.

“I know.”

“…really just a tiny little bit. But not much. Well you see, only because Saito would not hate me.”

“I do not.”

“You do. I know. You always look at other girl’s breasts. Princess-sama, maid, Jessica… when you compare theirs to mine…”

“When Louise shows them to me, I will not look at others.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

He said with passionate eyes. Louise’s arm lost its strength.

Louise said in an embarrassed voice.

“Just watch. Just watch, all right? You won’t do anything else, p-promise?

“Promise.”

Saito gripped Louise’s hand and slowly lifted it up. Louise feeling so embarrassed that she could die, squeezed her eyes shut.

It felt as if eternity passed.

“…h-how are they? Small? Right? Average?

Louise demanded for his impression.

However, there was no answer.

“S-say something. Hey.”

She continued to urge him, yet there is still no answer.

Because Saito didn’t say anything, Louise became insecure.
Aah, I shouldn’t have showed him after all!

But in reality, Saito was just amazed.

“Louise.

“W-what… baka… why you haven’t said anything when I asked…”

“Louise.”

He called again. Louise shouted.

“Noisy! Baka! Shut-up!”

Louise shouted, not noticing that it was a dream. Saito and Louise had similar…meeting in a dream.

“They are small anyway! Idiot! I will absolutely not show them anymore!”

In her room, Louise talked in her sleep.

“They are perfect, because I love you.”

Once he said so in her dream, Louise’s body lost the strength completely.

“You really love me?

“Yes.”

He said, smoothly and confidently…

Louise thought.

I should say it.

Say that important word to Saito.

But… even now she cannot say it easily.

She still lacks courage when it comes to that word…

Louise has woke up.

“…that.”

There were no Saito around. And she was clothed in her nightdress.

“A dream…” Louise said in a dull voice.

Even in a dream, she couldn’t say that important word. Saddened, she sunk her face in her palms. Then…

“Louise.”

Her name was called from the corner of the room, startled she turned around.

The beautiful boy with the blond hair stood there leaning against the wall.

“…Julio?”

It was Julio, Shinto priest of Romalia; It was Julio. With a standing out aura, he watched Louise with great interest.

Louise drew the blanket.

“Why are you here?”

“I came to meet you. You seemed to be having a very pleasant dream. I was not looking! Just a little bit! Umm, what on earth were you dreaming about?”

Even Louise’s ears turned crimson.

“Don’t enter without permission. It's not a battlefield tent here.”

Not giving out her emotions, Louise said.

Julio handed Chevreuse’s permit document.

“Is this paper good enough?”

“Still, why did you enter a lady’s room without permission?”

“Because we are connected by a strong bond.”

Julio gave Louise his right hand, covered with a white glove.

Louise ignored his hand.

“Stop joking.”

Julio gave a carefree smile.

“Finally, I was released from the dragon knight corps, so I decided to return to Romalia. Tristanians are such hard workers! Writing reports are foreign to me, that‘s why I always stayed with the squad! But I finally made a report.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Before returning home, I decided to drop in and greet you.”

“Well…thank you.” Louise said with a hollow face.

“Low-spirited?”

Louise tightened her lips and buried her face under the blanket.

“I am a person to whom you owe your life. Don’t I deserve at least a little bit of thanks?”

“What do you mean?”

Louise looked up and stared at Julio

“It was me who put you on the ship.”

Instantly, Louise sprang out of the bed to her feet, and urged Julio.

“Where did Saito go to?”

“I will say it clearly. He is surely dead.”

“Stop!

“I won’t stop!”

Julio put on a serious look.

“What are you saying?! Aren’t you a priest? If you knew he was going to die, why didn’t you stop him!?”

“He tried to get his job done. He couldn’t be stopped.”

“What 'Saito’s job?!'”

“He is Gandalfr. Becoming masters' shield – that job.”

Louise gave Julio a long hard look.

“Do you know why? You weren’t listening, Miss ‘Void’. A strange name for a girl. User of the great void.”

“…How do you know?”

I am a Shinto priest of Romalia. I come from the country where the theology research is the most advanced. From Tristain to Galia.”

Losing her strength, Louise knelt on the floor. Though she was surprised about Julio knowing details about void, what worried her more now was Saito’s fate. Understanding Louise, and trying to gently admonish her, Julio said.

“Really, you might meet him. But not the otherwise.”

“Keep your theology for the dogs to eat.”

“I do not want to lecture you about theology. Reality, Romalia needs you.”

“Leave me alone.”

“I can not… time is important. Now Louise, you love him - true or false?”

After brief reflection, Louise answered.

“True.”

“Good. Though I am not a mage, I know some spell principles. Could you explain what is a Summon Servant to me?”

“It’s a spell that summons familiar.”

“Is that all?”

He asked

“Ha!” Louise made a sour face.

“Though for mages, a familiar is an important being… it is not irreplaceable. After goodbyes you can always meet someone new. I think that’s what Summon Servant symbolizes.”

“Be silent.”

“I’ll pray for a new meeting. See you.”

With these words, Julio went out of the room.

Louise thought quietly for a while… and began to tremble.

“He is not dead…”

She whispered like a prayer.

“He is alive.”

She hung her head for a while, then…

Louise slowly lifted her head up again.

“Stay strong.”

He’s only missing, not dead yet, she told herself.

The door was knocked at again, Louise jumped and went up.

“Julio? Still have something to say?”

She shouted while opening the door. However, the one that stood there was…

“I do, Louise.”

It was Montmorency with an embarrassed face. She sighed once she saw Louise's face.

“I know you are very depressed. I understand your feelings… Yet you still need to go to class. You can’t rest for too long. The war is already over…”

Guiche, who stood behind, anxiously protruded his face as well. Montmorency squatted down next to Louise and softly said.

“Umm… It is still uncertain if he is dead.”

Louise, who had her face buried in her knees, stood up abruptly. As if desperately getting her courage back, she clenched her hands.

“…I know. He’s still alive.”

“T-that’s right! Saito is not the one to die so easily!”

Guiche’s voice encouraged Louise as well. After that, Montmorency and Guiche, looked at each other looks and nodded.

“That’s right. He is still alive.”

Louise stood up and muttered with a determined expression on her face.

“I’ll confirm it now.”

“Heh?”

Guiche and Montmorency were confused.

“He is absolutely alive. I will confirm it.”

Louise continued to talk in a feverish tone.

“H-how?”

Guiche asked. Montmorency seemed to understand something.

“Summon Servant?”

“Indeed.”

Louise nodded.

“Spell that summons a familiar… If I can cast the Summon Servant again, then my familiar does not exist in this world.”

“I, I see.”

“Therefore… since Saito is alive I will not be able to be complete the spell.”

Guiche hastily said.

“But, what if you complete th-”

Montmorency blocked Guiche’s mouth with her hand.

“Louise…maybe you should prepare yourself a little…”

However, Louise shook her head.

“If I won’t do it now, I’ll never do it.”

With a wand in her hands, Louise raised up her eyes.

Guiche began to tremble. Montmorency closed her eyes.

Silently, Louise began to utter an incantation.

Her hands trembled with tension.

Her heart trembled with fear.

‘Summon Servant’ was not an elemental, and everyone could use it. So Louise didn’t need to read runes to cast it.

“I, Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, in the name of the great Pentagon power, following my fate, summon a familiar.“

She thrust out the cane towards an open space.

If Saito, who is a familiar bound to Louise, is alive…the summon gate will not open.

A few moments passed.

Montmorency, who did not have the courage to open her eyes, wondered why Guiche and Louise did not dare to open their mouths.

What happened?

“Hey Guiche. How did it go?”

She asked in a tiny voice, he answered.

“Nh!”

Giving up, Montmorency opened her eyes while holding up her breath

And… dazzled, fell to her knees.

In front of Louise, there was a mirror-shaped gate that shone with light. .

[[Image:ZnT08-111.jpg|thumb]]

Soullessly, Louise kept on blankly staring at the gate.

“Aah, that’s terrible. A great man was lost. A very great man was lost. He…loved you dearly.”

Guiche said in a painful voice.

“Louise…” Montmorency muttered.
　
Many summons could be seen within the gates. By this time, the selected beast or spirit would pass through the shinning gates. The can pass it only on their own free will.

Before that happens…

“Close the gate!”

Louise closed the gate. Due to Montmorency’s scream, she did it without thinking.

Montmorency hugged Louise from behind.

“Louise…Aah, Louise…”

Louise like a rag doll crumbled to the floor.

In the end, with her courage shattered into pieces… Louise was engulfed in despair

<center>* * *</center>

At that time, in the Albions South Gotha’s forest village…

Saito, who was sleeping, woke up.

He felt something shining next to him

But…when he opened his eyes, there were nothing there.

“Somehow… Was it a dream? But I already had one dream about light.” Saito said to himself.

Then he watched at his left hand again.

Every night he hoped for them to reappear…

Yet, they were gone for good.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL

2008-10-27T00:40:27Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Chapter Nine: Rout */

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===Chapter Nine: Rout===

It was the tenth day of the advent festival, and everything looked like usual.

Thanks to the continuous snow, the town turned into a world of silver.

Groups of two Tristain soldiers were patrolling in town, and currently one of the soldier called the other.

“Hey, aren’t they from Rossa’s patrolling unit?

“Indeed. But what are they doing here?”

One of the patrolling colleagues group was standing in front the inn and doing something in an surreptitious manner.

“Hey!” one called out. However, there was no answer. They just kept on working silently.

“Isn’t that a bag of gunpowder?”

One muttered in a hasty voice. And indeed a few sacks of gunpowder were placed there.

Rossa’s patrolling unit soldiers were carrying bags to the inn.

“HeyHey! It’s a hotel not a warehouse. Navarre’s unit soldiers are staying in there. It’s too dangerous to bring such easily explosive things inside.”

He approached and tapped soldier's shoulder. But the face that turned around shocked him. It was an expressionless and soulless face. Sensing something evil in that face, the guard set up a spear.

“Hey! Put the bag! Put!”

At that moment, another soldier pulled out a pistol from his belt and shot the guard down.

Another guard tried to ran away screaming. But a dagger, thrown by the first soldier, sank into his back. The guard fell down with a thump.

Then they silently returned back to placing bags into a hotel.

Then a match cord was inserted and ignited with a flint.

After a few seconds, with a huge explosive sound, the inn and all resident soldiers were blown off.

<center>* * *</center>

Located in the city's prime block, on the second floor of the inn coalition, forces leaders were discussing the future strategy of the invasion.　

“The truce will end tomorrow. Carrying the replenishment goods must be finished by tonight.”

Chief of the general staff Wimpffen reported while looking at the parchment on the table.

“It will be on time. But I thought that during the truce Albion would try a surprise attack…”

“You think the other side does not have the same problems? They needed to buy time because enemy preparations were not complete. That’s why they settled for the truce so easily…”

Marquis Handenburg said gloomily. Wimpffen gave him a piercing glare. De Poitiers stepped between the two. As the main commander he understood the necessity to buffer subordinate generals’ conflicts.

But then…someone knocked against the door.

“Who? We are in a military council.” Said Wimmpfen.

“A delivery from royal family. It came this morning.”

The delivered goods were a gorgeous punnet where royal arms have been carved. A letter with financial minister’s stamp was attached to it. The moment he saw it, the complexion of De Poitiers changed. He started to read the letter voraciously. After finishing reading, De Poitiers muttered cheerfully.

“Finances minister congratulates with premonition!”

De Poitiers with his digit opened the box top. Wimpffen and Handenburg looked into it as well. Once seeing what was lying in the box, both of their eyes popped wide.

“Ooooooooooh! Field marshal’s cane!”

Indeed, it was a splendid field marshal cane that was carved from the ebony with golden royal family's crest on it. Staring at his own reflection on it, De Poiters gave a joyful cry.

“Normally, there should be official regulations to pass. ‘This cane is reminder of the successful victories under your command.’ With a congratulation note from finances minister. Though the war has not ended yet, Allied Forces had successive string of victories now. The enemy army shuts itself up in the capital and did not come out. Encircling and winning a final victory was only a matter of time. The last decisive battle and it is said, and confirmed by finance minister’s signature, that I will command with the field marshal cane.”

“Congratulations, Your Excellency.” Handenburg and Wimpffen shook hands.

“Well… with all what has been said it is all in my grip. We cannot get too careless now, no carelessness!”

De Poitiers said, but could not hide a wide grin on his face.

Booom! Boom!

At that moment sounds of loud explosions resounded behind the window.

“What’s happening?”

With a suspicious expression on his face, De Poitiers approached the window, still gripping the field marshal cane.

The window was facing the plaza. There soldiers ran around pointing fingers at something. He noticed emblems on their capes.

“Aren’t they from the La Shien unit?”

It was eastern block, while these patrolling units were responsible for the western side of the town. Why they are here? Moreover, why they are fully armed…

Marquis Handenburg stepped next to De Poitiers as well.

“They must be soldiers not from my army either. I did not gave an order to march…”

Then they both looked at each other…

Soldiers turned their guns aiming towards the two people standing at the window.

And then a sudden volley came.

The last thing that De Poitiers saw was a sight of the field marshal cane riddled by bullets, shattering it into small pieces.

Frozen from shock, Wimpffen saw De Poitiers and marquis Handenburg, who stood by the window, fell. He could not understand what was happening.

The next moment officers jumped into the room.

“Revolt! Revolt started!”

“Revolt?”

“Rossa’s unit, La Shien’s unit and part of Germania’s army stationed in towns Sai district caused the revolt! Their clashes with our army are happening in various places! It’s too dangerous to stay here!”

Then officer saw shattered pieces of window and lying bodies of De Poitiers and marquis Handenburg, and stood upright in front of Wimpffen.

“Y-your orders, Supreme Commander!“

<center>* * *</center>

The breaking down of Allied Forces stationed it in City of South Gotha happened fast.

Commanders were surprised by the sudden revolt. Or one maybe one should say that the cause of the revolt was what made them confused. More so, because there were no reports about discontent rumblings from soldiers, nor disorders.

It’s as if revolt really started from nothing.

Soldiers were at a loss as well. Comrades-in-arms, with whom they fought and celebrated victories together until the other day now attacked them with lifeless expressions and weapons in hands.

“Shoot!”

Even if the commanders shouted so musketeers could not pull a trigger, bowmen could not shoot the arrows, spearmen could not throw spears.

“…We c-cannot shoot, sir!”

“No! You idiots! Revolts are part of the enemy king’s army!”

Though the commander tried to cast a spell at slowly approaching expressionless soldiers… he saw a commander in their front lines and shook his head.

“Maurco! It’s me! Maurice! What are you doing! Why are you turning your wand at us!”

The only answer was a bullet. It hit the ground at his feet, and the commander ordered to retreat.

“Damn! Retreat! Retreat now!”

“W-where to retreat?..”

“As if I know! Retreat anyway!”

In the morn , the defensive lines was broken by the king’s army.

And…finally, a redoubtable report was brought by the dragon knight scout.

It said that Albion’s main army of Londonium began to move, aiming straight to the City of South Gotha.

On the outskirts of the city's temporary headquarters Wimpffen took a decision. Obviously, as he was now the main commander of all operations.

„We‘ll retreat to Rosais. It‘s no use to stay here.“

And the order to retreat was given to the whole army under his command.

<center>* * *</center>

The army excited over the victory that marched forward now returned as a defeated army, reduced to 30,000 people due to revolt. All faces looked exhausted and the mood of despair floated around.

General De Poitiers was a betrayer and organized the revolt, no, the general was killed, they all were manipulated by an unknown magic and were made to kill - within the defeated army, the truth mixed with various rumors.

However for commanding officers and soldiers such rumors helped to survive. Only animal-like survival instinct whirled in heads of men who ran away.

The confusion became even bigger once it became clear that Albion’s main army joined the revolts in pursue.

Troops of Allied Forces postponed in thin and long groups retreated down the highway that lead to Rosais.

Among them, there were Louise and Saito too.

With a sword over his shoulder, Saito called out Louise who was trudging next to him. He hasn’t talked to Louise since the second morning of advent festival when he returned to their room. But even though they haven’t talked to each other for almost ten days… only poignant words came out.

“So where is this honor of the war?”

Louise looked down.

“Look around.“

A group of the officers rode pass them on horses at a full speed shouting “Out of the way! Out of the way!”. Infantry unit, surprised, stood by the side of the road. Musketeer and spearman showed no reaction though. Everyone discarded their heavy weapons as they were escaping.

Long live the king's military victory, we have to win an absolute justice, to honor fallen soldiers have made

“Now they do not think they can survive. Yesterday they all were shouting ‘Long live the king’s military victory! We have to win for the absolute justice to honor the fallen soldiers!‘, and now they are enraged at their own colleagues?“

“I hope Guiche and Rene are alright…”

Saito said looking distant.

Saito woke up with the shouts “Revolt! Revolt!”. He want to a temporary command headquarters… it was already gone. All members ran away. After the messenger with an order to retreat came, they immediately left their weapons.

Saito turned around. Scarron , Jessica, Siesta and all girls from 'Charming Fairies' inn followed after him.

Why such uproar and why the order was given to retreat? He ran after Siesta and other people from the inn followed him.

“Sure I am a honorable royal army man. I do have to encourage the people to escape abandoning me, it is the highest honor.“

Louise kept on trudging.

“Do you understand now where the true honor lies? Do you now understand the meaning behind teachers words? They all did… they just wanted to live, that’s why they tried so hard to escape.

Saito rattled with an aura of superiority. Mostly because he felt too depressed to talk about anything else.

“Disgrace.”

Louise finally opened her mouth.

“Disgrace? I like it that way. The honor of victory! Justice! Made a lot of noise, but in the end nature showed the truth and made them be honest.”

<center>* * *</center>

Allied Forces including Wimpffen who arrived first to Rosais asked for permission to return to their home country. The answer from the monarchic government prefecture that could not swallow the circumstances was short “Withdrawal permission not given. Explain the circumstances in higher detail.”

Half the number of Allied Forces were killed and turned to the other side, De Poitiers was killed? The fact seems not to sound sane. They seemed to doubt if it was a fake report. Is it not a fake report? Wimpffen could not blame home government for that. Perhaps, even I, after hearing such a report will not be able to send permission and to believe it spontaneously.
　
The defeated army was concentrating in Rosais.

Wimpffen began negotiation with his own country.

He insisted many times repeatedly that the way the things were going they were heading to annihilation.

With much effort he gained the permission to retreat… after a half day. Very valuable half day. The half day that could be fatal for Allied Forces.

When the defeated army begun embarking… further bad news reached from the dragon knight scout. The Albion’s main army from Londonium is moving faster than expected

The way things were going…

“At tomorrow’s daytime, the enemies main army will burst into Rosais.”

He looked at the map and asked the subordinate.

“How long it would take for an army to fully embark?”

The logistics staff answered.

“Until the morning of the day after tomorrow. Though Rosais has giant port facilities for ships, on the land, there can be only a limited number of soldiers at the same time.“

Wimpffen was worried. When you think about it – he needed to start withdrawal preparation before it was permitted. However, Wimpffen was scared for his own neck and did not want to be hanged by the war tribunal.

“It is necessary to stop enemy army’s pace first.”

“40.000…No, with the revolts the number is far greater. Where can we find an army to withstand it?”

In addition, the bombardment from the air, would pull the withdrawal line to the fleet. Besides ship guns would not help to adjourn the army marching.

Moreover, in order to gain more time, soldiers, who ran away at full speed, lost all they heavy-amour.

Wimpffen thought.

And… suddenly he had an idea..

“…That’s right. Let’s use ‘it’.”

“It?”

“The trump card! The trump card of my army! Now it’s the time to use it! Messenger!”

<center>* * *</center>

The messenger came to Louise when she waited for the withdrawal embarkation in the tent.

It was evening’s time.

“Me?”

The older soldier seemed to have been in a very great hurry. He was like a living embodiment of the whole Allied Forces – always in a hurry.

“Miss Valliere! Commander Wimpffen calls!”

Only now Louise understood that general De Poitiers and marquis Handenburg were killed. The confusion within Allied Forces was considerable.

Louise went to face the commander, while Saito was sticking around. He had a bad premonition.

After taking the instructions, Louise came out of the commander tent ghostly white.

‘What’s wrong? What were the orders?”

Even though he asked, she did not answer.

She looked straight ahead…and began walking towards the other end of Rosais. But not towards the embarkation tent.

She came to the Buddhist temple on the side of the town…. and received a horse from a horse keeper. Then the horse keeper bowed to Louise who tried to ride away.

Saito grabbed the hand of Louise.

“Hey! Where are you going?! It’s not safe leaving the city!”

“Let go”

Louise muttered in a lifeless voice. Feeling that something is not right, Saito shouted at Louise.

“Talk! What were the orders given to you! Hey!”

Louise did not answer. She just kept on biting her lips.

With the other hand Saito took the order parchment from Louise. Since he could not read the letters the only thing he understood was a map.

“Can’t read. What is written in there?”

Louise bit her lip again.

“Talk! What is written in there!”

Derflinger, on his shoulder, read it instead of Louise.

“Aaah, a backup. Not very honorable.”

“Backup?”

“Fufu, buying time for the main force to escape. Alone against enemy army of 70,000. Wonderful, isn’t it?”

Saito turned pale. He muttered blankly.

“What?”

“Quite detailed instructions actually. Hoho, wait on the hill 50 leagues on the left from here.Wait with „Void‘ spells ready. Fece towards the land route to see the enemy first and keep casting spells until you run out of magic. Neither withdrawal nor surrender are permitted. Haah, in other words, its an order ‘defend till the end‘. To put it briefly – fight against enemy until you die. That‘s what is this order about.“

“...Hey, what is that - a joke?“

Saito said grabbing Louise’s shoulders.

“No one is joking. It’s the truth.”

“Really, are you an idiot? You would die just because our generals told you to? They are treating you like a tool. No, a backup tool. Don’t do that! Don’t do that!”

“Stop being hasty.”

Saito was amazed.

Ahh, this look in her eyes… I remember it

Louise hasn’t changed since the day they met.

Louise still wanted to be recognized.

She entered into this war against her parents’ will because… she wanted to be recognized.

She was nicknamed as a zero-zero, idiot Louise.

Since those days… Louise's dreamed to be recognized by her parents and her classmates. That’s why she applied for the Fouquet search.

However… once the legendary void elements power awoke in her it changed.

She wanted to be recognized for more than just this.

Saito could not really understand it well. Neither could Louise. Therefore he tried to persuade her.

“Be reasonable. For your pride's sake? Look, it is not a safe inn, you are going to die here…Understand? Stop it all right. You are great. I know that. But let's run away. Ok? Disregard such orders and flee. Ok?”

“Where would you run? It’s an enemy's territory.”

“Stop being so prideful!”

Louise looked straight at Saito and said clearly.

“It’s not because of pride. What would happen if I were to run away? Allies will be annihilated. Your maid, all from the ‘Charmin Faeries’ inn… Guiche, Rene – everyone. They might be killed. They might be shamed.”

Saito frowned, realizing that too.

The reason why Louise is so determined… is not just because of her pride.

“I do not want to die. But I do not want for my friends to die either. That is…the true meaning of a word honor. Hey Saito, you kept on saying that honor is stupid but about what ‘honor’ you were talking about? It’s not because of a great honor that one die for others. It is different.”

She explained. But Saito desperately kept on trying to persuade her.

“Then, do I also die? Just like you? Would you sacrifice me to save everyone?”

Familiar’s oath surely must be different from this!

Louise sadly watched Saito for a while… and shook her head.

“You run away. Don’t stay with me.”

“What?”

“Return back to Varsenda ship and take your flying machine. Then you and your maid can fly to the east.”

Louise's eyes began to moisten. Louise’s voice sounded like she was about to cry.

“You… recently asked if you are just a tool for me. Don’t be stupid. If you thought I think you to be a tool you misunderstood me. You are you. A free boy from a different world where he should return back. You are not a tool for me.”

“Louise…”

Saito looked away and said in a determined voice.

“I understand. I will not try to stop you anymore. However, I have one request before you leave.”

“Eh?”

“In my world there is a tradition to drink toasts before separation. You still have some time left, right?”

“Yeah, a little…”

Saito looked around and next to the Buddhist temple he noticed a box of supplies. It must be one of the supplies that was meant to be sent to the South Gotha city, but ended up being left behind. It was a box of wine. He instantly recalled Scarron’s complaints about Albion beer.

Saito took one bottle out.

“It will be stolen by the enemy anyway.”

Meanwhile Louise stared at the Buddhist temple nearby. Then, she turned to Saito. Her cheeks suddenly turned crimson.

“Hey, Saito…”

“What?”

“Since we are making toasts anyway, I have one request as well.”

“Tell me. Ask anything you wish.”

But Louise’s request… surpassed all Saito’s expectations.

“Marry me.”

“…Huh?”

Louise, now red from head to toes, shouted.

“D-don’t misunderstand! It is not like I l-love you or anything! However… dying before being able to marry is unpleasant. I just want to marry!

<center>* * *</center>

It was an empty buddhist temple - there were no one inside. When Allied Forces occupied it, all shinto priests, who were in there, ran away.　

Leaving the horse tied to the gate, two people entered inside.

It was clean and well swept.

The setting sun reflected through the stained glass, created an solemn atmosphere

Surrounded by this serene silence, Louise stood in front of the altar.

“You don’t like marrying in the Albion?”

Louise puckered up her brows.

“It just brings unpleasant memories.”

“You did this before, right?”

Louise nodded.

“Yes. However, at that time, I did not give my oath.”

“I see…”

Louise looked up at founder's image. Surrounded by the somewhat solemn atmosphere, she knelt before it and offered a silent prayer.

Louise thought while praying.

Why I thought about wedding at such time?

Do I want it?

Just between me and Saito, without anyone else….

After all, I did not give a proper answer to Saito’s confession, there was no time to answer it either.

As this is the end, I am not afraid to show my feelings anymore.

But what are my feelings and why I thought about wedding out of sudden…

Her mind feel in disorder and she could not find an answer.

When she finished a prayer and opened eyes… Saito stood there with a glass of wine.

“Where is this glass from?”

“It was decorating an altar. And I thought god would not mind me borrowing it for such occasion.”

Louise smiled, taking the glass.

“That’s the second time.”

Saito said.

“What?”

“You smiled to me. Now and the time we went shopping, it makes it two times, right? Even though I don’t really want to marry me”

Louise felt happy. Saito was counting her smiles.

“That’s right.”

However, she cannot tell it directly. Straightforward words don’t come easy to her. This is frustrating.

But today’s her is different.

Louise matched Saito’s cup.

“I’m sorry that we won’t be able to search for the way to return to your world together.”

“Don’t worry.”

Two people drank their wine.

From the alcohol and embarrassment, Louise’s cheeks turned crimson.

“So how do we get married?”

“I don’t really know myself.”

[[Image:ZnT07-229.jpg|thumb]]

“Is it all right? It won’t be done properly.”

“It’s all right. It’s you anyway.”

Not really knowing what to do, Louise clasped Saito’s hands.

“Now, give an oath.”

“But, there is no Shinto priest.”

“Stop complaining. Or do I have to do it for you.’

Saito looked straight at Louise and said.

“I love you, Louise.”

“Wha-…W-what….S-stupid. It’s no good if you do not swear.”

Being told ‘love you’ so suddenly, Louise blushed furiously. Her body trembled with happiness.

“I am not lying. I am glad I was able to meet you. Really.”

Louise cast her eyes slightly down. I have to say it, now or never, she thought.

“I-I too…”

However, when she was about say that… a sudden drowsiness hit her.

“T-that? I…”

Suddenly the drowsiness became stronger. She could not see anything.

“You, wine…”

She was not able to finish it. Strength and thoughts left Louise's body.

Saito caught falling Louise. He took a small jar out of his pocket. It was the magical sleeping medicine, which Siesta gave him the other day.

“As expected. Magic is strong.”

He muttered stepping outside with Louise in his hands. The evening sun almost finished setting and the surroundings became dim.

“Cold…” muttered a voice nearby.

“Aah, familiar-kun.”

Next to the gates of the buddhist temple a beautiful boy with blond, nearly white, hair stood supporting himself against the wall with his arms crossed. His blue eyes shone reflecting the setting sun.

It was Romalia’s Shinto priest and dragon knight Julio.

“You were spying on us again. What a bad hobby you have.”

“No, I just came here to pray. I am a priest after all.”

Julio answered, not dropping his smile.

“Anyway, take care of Louise.”

He was carefully hugging Louise close to his chest with his both hands, as if she was a fragile object, and said to Julio.

“Please go. And return safely to the ship.”

Saito placed her on Julio’s dragon.

“Thank you. Well then.”

Julio called Saito to stop.

“Where are you going?”

Saito answered in a nonchalant voice

“I’m running away.”

“You are going in a wrong direction. Albion’s army is that way.”

“I know.”

Saito carelessly jumped on a horse, but Jullio called him to stop again.

“There’s only one thing I want to know”

Saito answered.

“What?”

“Why are you going there? Surely you aren’t that foolish to die for honor, right?

Saito thought for a moment … then puckered up his brows feeling relieved and shook the head.

”Because…”

“Well?”

“Because of love.”　

Julio began laughing loudly.

“Aahaha, you sound like true Romalian!”

With a scowl, Saito crossed his arms.

“No, it’s not because of love for a woman, but because my inner feeling tells me so.”

“Please teach me that meaning if you can.”

Saito looks straight up ahead and said.

“I cannot, putting it to words are already a lie. Words can always lie. Only my feelings cannot let me lie about it.”

Julio made a funny gesture with his finger.

“Am I saying such strange things?”

“You are not a noble, just like me, right?”

“Yes.”

“Yet you think just like a noble.”

“Are you trying to get under my skin?”

Saito took the reins in his hands, gripped them tightly and kicked the horse’s sides.

And rode towards the darkening road.

Watching his back, Julio smiled and muttered softly.

“You are very clumsy, Gandalfr.”

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter1

2008-05-03T21:56:22Z

Zultekmilennia: /* Chapter One: The Saint */

===Chapter One: The Saint===

On the Bourdonné Street in the town below the Tristain castle, a magnificent parade was being held in commemoration of their victory. The parade was led by Princess Henrietta’s chariot, which was pulled along by the legendary beasts known as unicorns. Renown nobles in their chariots followed after her. Around them, the magical defence squad served as their bodyguards.

The narrow road was filled with spectators. People cheered as they watched from the windows and roofs of the buildings as the chariots passed by.

“Long live Princess Henrietta!”

“Long live Tristain!”

The crowd was extremely enthusiastic. Princess Henrietta had led the Tristain forces to victory at the Plains of Tarbes the other day against the Albion forces who had broken their contract. Princess Henrietta, who had defeated the enemy which outnumbered them, was praised as a ‘saint’ and was as popular as could be.

After the parade was over, a coronation was awaiting Henrietta, in which she was to assume the throne. This was proposed by Cardinal Marazinasa, with most of the court’s nobles and cabinet ministers agreeing.

The marriage of the prince of the neighbouring country, Germania, with Henrietta was cancelled, much to their disappointment. After all, they could not afford to be unyielding to a country that defeated the invading forces of Albion.

Of course, cancellation of the alliance was out of the question. Tristain was a strong country that Germania, who was frightened of the wrath of Albion, could not afford to be without.

In other words, Henrietta had gained her freedom through her own hands.

A party of the defeated Albion soldiers were watching the triumphant return in the corner of the plaza. They were the nobles of the Albion forces who were taken as prisoners. Even though they were prisoners, they were treated fairly well. Their wands were confiscated, but they were not tied up, and could freely stand. Guards were place around them, but none of them were thinking of escaping. When nobles are captured as prisoners, they undergo an oath. If they were to break that oath, then their honour and name would turn into ashes. For nobles, who valued honour very highly, it was the equivalent of death.

Within that party of people, there was a scorched man with a bold face. It was Sir Bowood, who was the captain of the Lexington warship, which Louise sunk by engulfing in flames with her Void magic. He nudged at the noble beside him and spoke to him.

“Look Horeisho, It’s the ‘saint’ who defeated us”

The noble called Horeisho turned his fat figure and replied.

“Hm… There hasn’t been an enthronement of a princess in Halkeginia before. Even though they defeated us, the war still isn’t over. Furthermore, isn’t she a bit young?”

“Horeisho, you should study some history. There’s been one instance in Garia and two in Tristain where the princess has been enthroned.”

Horeisho scratched his head.

“History you say? If it do, we’re just a ribbon of decoration on the Saint Henrietta’s page of history. That light! Not only did it annihilate my ship but yours as well!”

Bowood nodded. That ball of light which shone above the Lexington expanded to a huge size in just a matter of seconds. Not only did it cause the fleet to be engulfed in flames but it also destroyed the ‘wind stones’ on board the ships, causing them to sink towards the ground.

What was even more surprising, was that the light did not kill a single person. The light destroyed the fleet, but had no effect on the people. They managed to glide down onto the ground with what little control they had left. The flames did injure many people but there no casualties.

“A miraculous light… I can’t believe it. I haven’t even heard or seen that kind of magic before. Our country has chosen a fearsome enemy.” Bowood whispered.

He called out to a soldier who was holding a large halberd.

“You. Yes, you.”

Raising his eyebrows the soldier approached Bowood.

“Did you call for me? Your excellency”

No matter if the person was an enemy or ally, nobles are treated with respect. The soldier waited for Bowood’s words in a polite manner.

“My subordinates aren’t locked up are they? Are they being fed properly?”

“The soldiers who were captured are being gathered in one and are being invited into the Tristain forces. There is compulsory labour imposed on them but most of them should be aspiring to join our forces. After all, it was a big victory. Don’t worry about their stomaches, Tristain is not such a poor country as to be considering whether or not to give prisoners food.”

“Here’s a cup to celebrate the ‘saint’s’ victory”

The soldier laughed.

“Allow me to offer a cup to your excellency’s health.”

Feeling cheerful, Bowood whispered while he watched the soldier leave.

“ If this annoying war ends and you go back home, what would you do Horeisho?”

“I’m going to retire from the army. I wouldn’t even mind if I gave up my wand, after seeing that light.”

Bowood laughed loudly.

“We think alike! I feel exactly the same”

A smile arose on Cardinal Mazarini’s face while he sat next to Henrietta. It was a smile that he had not shown for ten years, a smile without worry. Opening the carriage windows, he waved his hands in response to the deafening cheer of the crowd. He was glad that the two weights on his shoulders were lightened. Internal administration and diplomacy. He was considering leaving them to Henrietta and acting as an advisor himself.

Mazarini noticed that his new lord had a sad expression on her face. Tweaking his moustache, he asked her, “It seems that you are not feeling happy. I haven’t seen you cheerful since you’ve stepped in this carriage.”

“Why must I take the throne? Mother is here isn’t she?”

“She won’t even respond if we call her ‘Your majesty the queen.’ She said that she is not a king, merely the king’s wife and your mother and would definitely not accept the crown.”

“Why did my mother refuse to accept?”

A sad expression came over Mazarini’s face.

“The queen is still mourning. She still longs for your late father.”

Henrietta sighed.

“Then I’ll just be like my mother. The throne can remain empty. The coronation won’t proceed.”

“Don’t say such selfish things! Your coronation is something your mother has hoped for as well. Tristain cannot be a weak country right now. The nobles and citizens of Tristain, our allied countries as well, are hoping for you to take the throne.”

Henrietta sighed again. She looked at the wind ruby on her left ring finger. It was the ring which Saito had brought back to her, a memento of Wales’. The victory that ascended her to the throne… was in a sense Wales’ victory. The ring gave Henrietta courage to face the enemy.

If mother left the throne empty because she was longing for father… then I want to do the same. I don’t want to become a queen.

But she could hear the crowd’s cheers. As if admonishing, Mazarini quietly whispered.

“The citizens are all hoping for the coronation. Your excellency’s body, is already not something that is yours.”

With a cough, he continued.

“I’ll explain the procedures of the coronation. So that you won’t make any mistakes.”

“It’s only wearing a crown… Why is it such a big fuss.”

“Don’t say such things. It’s a holy ritual. It’s a ritual where you bear the power bestowed by the founders and declare it to the world. The procedures are all a tradition.”

In an air of importance, Mazarini explained the procedures.

“…Then, when the ritual is finished, your excellency will approach the queen at the altar. You will state the written vow to the founders and the gods and your mother will place the crown on you. Then everyone in Halkeginia, including me, will be addressing you as ‘your majesty’.”

A vow…

Pledging something that she didn’t really hold true in her heart… isn’t that blasphemy? Thought Henrietta.

I just can’t think of myself as queen. That victory… the victory at Tarbes that ascended me to the throne was not through my leadership, but by the abundant experience and wit of the generals and Mazarini. I was only leading, I didn’t do anything else. If Wales were alive right now, what would he say to me? Me, who’s been given the duty of rising to apex of power…

Wales.

My dear Wales.

The person I have only loved…

Before that or even after that, the only time I have truly vowed with the words ringing true with my heart has been that one time in the Ragdorian lake. The great victory and the brilliance of the coronation did not lighten Henrietta’s heart from such thoughts.

She blankly stared at the parchment in her hands.

It was the report that had been delivered to Henrietta the other day. Recorded there was the interrogation of the prisoners done by a guard. There was something written about Saito’s zero fighter shooting down the dragoons. A prisoner who had been a dragoon said that it flew with great agility and used powerful magic based attacks, shooting down his allies one by one. But, such a dragoon did not exist in the Tristain forces. Puzzled by this, the guard had investigated further in the matter. A report from the village of Tarbes continued. The ‘dragon’ the dragoon was using was in fact a magical item called the Dragon’s Raiment belonging to the Village of Tarbes. But it seems like it wasn’t a magical item, but instead an unknown machinery.

The one who was controlling it was the familiar of her friend, La Vallière. And… there was a slight hint of information regarding the light which destroyed the enemy fleet as well. That light, had appeared near the flying machine. The guard had made quite a hypothesis, that La Vallière and her familiar were the source of that light. However, the guard seemed troubled whether to directly contact the two. The report ended with a request for further directions regarding the investigation.

The light which brought me victory.

The intense light that resembled the sun.

Even by thinking about the light her body grew warm.

“Was it you, Louise?” Whispered Henrietta quietly.

Meanwhile, in contrast to the excitement on Bourdonné street, the same old repetitive days continued on for the Academy of Magic. The headmaster of the academy, Osman, had praised the victory of the Kingdom’s forces at Tarbes, but other than that, nothing else had happened.

But then again, they were in a school, an environment that had no place for things like politics. Even in the midst of war, the students were off somewhere doing their own things. For the nobles of Halkeginia, war was something that occurred every year. There was always some quarrel somewhere in the world. And when things got more serious, there would be an uproar, but when the battles had settled, things would be like always.

Within this process, another little war had been set in motion in the quiet Vestri courtyard.

On a bench under the warm sun, Saito opened the package in his hands.

His face shone brightly.

“Wow! That’s great! A muffler!”

A blushing Siesta sat next to him.

“Well, um, what was it called… an aeroplane? It’s cold when you’re riding that right?”

It was three hours past noon. Since Siesta had something to give him, she had told him to go to the Vestri courtyard. And the present was a muffler. A muffler as white as snow. It was warm like Siesta’s soft skin.

“Yeah! It does get quite cold when I open the windshield.”

Saito wrapped it around his neck to try it on. It was the start of summer, but the skies were cold and all the more cold when the windshield was open. During takeoff and landing he needed to stretch his head outside of the windshield to check below him. It was different to the modern aeroplanes were they could do everything with the windshield closed.

On the white muffler, words were written with black knitting wool. At first they looked with letters from the alphabet but on closer inspection they were Halkeginian characters, quite different from the alphabet.

“What does this say?”

“Hm? Ah, you can’t read our words because you’re from another world. Um, your name is written there.”

“I see”

Saito was moved. “Ah, so that’s how my name is written in this world’s characters” he thought while looking at it with fascination. Four characters were grouped together, which was probably pronounced “Saito”. Close to that group of characters was another group of six.

“How about this?”

“Eheh… that’s my name. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. You don’t like it?”

“N-No not at all!”

Saito frantically shook his head.

“I’m really happy that you knit a muffler for me”

It was the first time in his life that he had received a present from a girl. He remembered the tragedies that had happened every year. His birthday was on a national holiday so school was off. He hadn’t had a single girlfriend to congratulate him. Only once, did his mother give a watch to him, which broke the following day. On Valentine’s Day, there was actually one time where his seat was mixed up with the person’s next to him and a chocolate was placed in his desk.

“Who is it! Who is it that likes me?! I’ll most likely like you as well!!” he shouted, dancing around in joy. An ordinary looking girl came up to him and said “Sorry, got the seats mixed up.” Embarrassed at his own excitement he ended up sulking in the toilets.

And so, receiving a present from a girl was enough to make him teary. The fact that it was hand made raised Siesta’s charm by 120%. The usual cute Siesta had been elevated to the status of an angel.

“But is it really alright to give this to me? It must have been a lot of work to knit this” Saito said quietly.

“It’s ok. You know, when the Albion forces attacked I was so scared. But when I heard the battle had ended and came out of the forest, you had already landed with that aeroplane right?”

Saito nodded.

“I was really really happy. Which is why I…”

The two found themselves blushing. Siesta had hugged Saito and kissed him on the cheek during that time.

The village people came out of the forest soon after. Many of them had been intently watching Saito defeat the enemy dragoons with his Zero fighter. They had praised Saito and Louise as heroes for crushing the enemies. Celebrations were held for three days and three nights, and both of them received treatment as fine as royalty. They had also restored Siesta’s grandfather’s honour, as they proved the zero fighter could really fly.

During the banquet

Saito nervously brushed his hand along the muffler around his neck. He noticed something odd.

“Siesta, the muffler is quite long…”

“Hehe… that’s because it’s made for doing this”

Siesta took the end of the muffler and wrapped it around her own neck. When she did that, the muffler’s length was just right.

[[Image:ZnT04-040.jpg|thumb]]

“I-It’s made for two people?”

“Yep. You don’t like it?”

There was an incredible charm as Siesta looked into his eyes after saying that. It was as if she had the eyes of a loving puppy.

A muffler made for two… what are you, the perfect maid? A maid like you would be sentenced to death in Japan, y-y-you…

Saito’s thoughts had started to not make sense. Siesta’s maid like manner had landed a critical hit in his mind.

Siesta launches another attack. Closing her eyes she pouts her lips and leans towards him.

Saito gulped. His reaction would make him press his lips against hers. But… the memory of her father’s words during the banquet resurfaces in his mind. He had approached Saito when Siesta had left her seat for a while. He praised Saito as the hero of the village, as he had defeated the dragoons from Albion. His smiling face however quickly wore a much more sinister expression as he directed a bloodcurdling glare at Saito.

“You’re the saviour of this village, and the hero that protected Tristain from Albion. I love you for that. But…”

“Um, but what?”

“If you make my daughter cry, I will kill you. ”

Saito would never forget her father’s face as he said that. It was more daunting than orcs, dragoons, even Louise’s magic that destroyed the enemy fleet.

He couldn’t just carelessly make a move on Siesta. He was someone who had to return home after all… If he kissed her, then he would make Siesta sad. And if that happened, Siesta’s father would probably go to Earth and hunt him down. The terror that his face had emitted, was menacing enough to stop him from laughing off the idea.

But, as Siesta’s lips approached even closer, his hesitation had started to feeble. Since Saito wasn’t moving any closer, it seemed Siesta was planning to close the distance between them herself. Grabbing Saito’s head, she daringly drew him in. Siesta was a girl who was unbelievably daring when she was daring. Saito couldn’t resist.

Ah, no…but if it’s only a kiss then… He thinks as his body stiffens.

And with loud thud, Saito faints from a large rock thrown at his head.

About 15 metres behind the bench Siesta and Saito were seated, was a gaping hole in the ground. In it, was a girl catching her breath. It was none other than Louise.

Louise stamped her feet. Beside her, was the large mole that had dug the hole, Belldandy and the intelligence sword, Delfinger. After making Guische’s mole dig the hole, Louise hid in it, popping her head up to quietly watch over Saito and Siesta. She had brought Delfinger along since she had things she wanted to ask him.

“What with that familiar!”

Grumbling, as she hit the wall of the hole with her fist.

“Don’t die Saito!” could be heard from the bench, as Siesta tended to Saito. Louise had thrown the rock that hit Saito in the head. It was unforgivable to kiss another girl since he was her familiar.

“Hey, noble girl” says Derflinger with an expressionless voice.

“What. Start remembering my name already.”

“Who cares about that. More over, has it become popular to dig holes to watch over familiars?”

“Why would it be popular?”

“Then why are you peeping from this hole?”

“If I’m seen I’m going to look bad” Louise says while glaring at the sword.

“Then isn’t it better to just stop peeping at him? It’s okay to leave him to do whatever he likes right?”

“No it’s not okay. That idiot familiar, without even consulting me, would spend a whole day f-f-f-flirting with that girl.”

Louise’s voice had started to shake when she reached the word “flirting.” She was quite angry.

“I might even be the legendary ‘void’ mage yet I can’t even find anyone to talk it over with. I was even going to find that useless, incompetent fool of a familiar of mine but he was off somewhere f-f-f-flir…”

“f-f-f-flir”

“Don’t copy me!”

“But, wasn’t throwing a rock a bit too much? My partner could have even died.”

Louise crossed her arms while sitting in the hole.

“Flirting somewhere without even fulfilling the duty of a familiar; he’s still 10 years early for that!”

“Jealousy”

“No. You’re wrong.”

As Louise turned her blushing face away, Delfinger imitated Louise’s tone of speech.

“Why would he not try to kiss me”

“Be quiet.”

“I was even pretending to be asleep. I’ll cry you know.”

“If you say that again, I will melt you with my ‘void’ magic. I swear, I will melt you.”

Delfinger shook uncontrollably with laughter. Eyeing it with great distaste, Louise asked Delfinger.

“Hey, I guess there’s no one else to ask but you. A fine noble like me, is asking a rusty sword like you a question, be grateful.”

“What?”

Louise gave a slight cough. With a blushing face, she asked Delfinger in a tone of voice that desperately tried to savour any dignity she had.

“State in which areas that maid is more attractive than me, in a concise and easily understandable way.”

“What use is it in asking?”

“That’s none of your business. Just answer the question.”

“Jealousy”

“I said that wasn’t it didn’t I?!”

“And you even passionately kissed me back then… I’ll cry you know.”

“Right, now to melt you.”

Louise firmly held her wand while muttering an incantation. Delfinger quickly answered in a panic. He couldn’t possibly withstand an explosion of magical light.

“O-Ok I understand! There’s no helping you is there! Well firstly, that girl can cook.”

“I guess so. But so what. You can just order food.”

“Guys like girls like that. She also seems to be good at sewing.”

“I can also do that. I was taught by my mother you know.”

“You are like a lizard, and she is a dragon if one were to compare you two in sewing.”

“Next.”

“Well the face… I guess it’s a matter of preference. You’re quite good in this area but that girl also has her own charm. But that girl has a weapon you don’t have.”

“What would that be?”

“Breasts.”

“People grow you know.”

Louise says as she sticks her chest. A magnificently flat chest.

“How old are you?”

“Sixteen.”

“Oh. Grown up already. No hope left.”

Louise starts muttering an incantation.

“Wait! Stop! Hey! Guys naturally like girls with large breasts. He literally was off in fairyland when he had a bath with that girl.”

Delfinger said, as fury started to fill Louise’s eyes.

“What? What did you say just now?”

“Eh? When they bathed together…”

Delfinger explained the incident where Saito and Siesta took a bath together.

Louise had been deeply inhaling and exhaling. She was shaking uncontrollably with anger. Delfinger decided to keep quiet after being scared by her, something rare for a sword like him to feel.

Meanwhile the mole had popped its head up from the hole. It had seen the glad figure of its master who had been searching for it. Kneeling down, Guische put his arms around his familiar and rubbed his cheek against its.

“Ah! I was looking for you Belldandy! You cute hairy thing! What on Halkeginia have you been doing, digging a hole here like this? Hm? Eh, Louise?”

Guische looked perplexed as he peered in the hole to find Louise.

“Why are you in this hole?”

With a troubled expression, Belldandy looked at both Guische and Louise. Guische gave a slight nod and started to speak in a convinced manner.

“I understand Louise. You let Belldandy dig the hole, so that you could go looking for earthworms? In the mood for concocting beauty serums I see. And your familiar seems to be occupied with that maid from the dining hall as well…”

Guische said, as he glanced over at the scene of Seista nursing Saito. Just as usual, Saito was unconscious. Seista would cling to his chest and make a big fuss.

“Ahaha! You’ll have to work hard on your beauty to win back that familiar of yours! Being taken by a peasant girl…your honour will surely be ruined!”

Crap, Delfinger mutters.

Louise grabs onto Guische’s ankles and pulls him into the hole. In a mere two seconds she finishes him off. The mole worryingly prods its nose against Guische’s unconscious face. Clenching her fists, she mutters in a low voice.

“Next up is him.”

“Seems like this ‘zero' is a hundred times more scary than the previous ones” Delfinger says to himself.

Rubbing his sore head, Saito returns back to Louise’s room, to find Louise simply sitting cross-legged on the bed staring at the window.

The room was dim. It was already evening but Louise hadn’t turned any lights on. Saito felt a slight shiver down his spine from the ominous atmosphere.

“Is anything wrong Louise? Isn’t the room a bit dark?”

Louise didn’t reply. She simply kept her back to Saito. She seemed to be in a bad mood. What could she be angry about? Saito wondered.

“Quite a late time to return isn’t it. What have you been doing?” Louise asked without moving an inch. Her tone of voice was cold, but it didn’t seem like she was angry. Saito gave a sigh of relief and replied.

“I met up with Siesta in the Vestri courtyard. She said she had something to give me. And then a rock from nowhere hit my head… it really hurt.”

“Really. Must have been divine punishment. By the way, I have something to say to you… so sit on the floor.”

“Eh, the floor?”

“You dog.”

Ah, back to dog~, muttered Saito as he slowly backed towards the door. Don’t curse the gods, as they say. Heck, Louise was scarier than god. Was it because of the founder or the void magic, he didn’t know, but it was Louise – who had annihilated all the enemy ships with a single spell.

Louise gave a flick of her wand when Saito tried to open the door.

Huh? When he tried to turn the knob it wouldn’t turn.

“Strange huh… seems like I can do common magic with ease now” Louise said with her back still turned towards him.

“L-Louise?” asked Saito in a trembling voice.

Louise was terrifying. Her voice was normal, but still, she was terrifying.

“I’ve always failed on the spells of the four major branches of magic up until now… perhaps I really am the one chosen to bear the void. And then day after day there’ll be growth. What do you think, dog?”

Saito was now desperately trying to turn the door knob, but it wouldn’t budge.

“It’s useless. I cast a ‘Lock’ spell on it. By the way dog, your master has been very uneasy. I might even be the one chosen to bear the void magic, but I can’t even find anyone to talk over something with. No one knows that I can use void magic at the moment. It seems like my explosion spell has just been treated as a miracle by the people…. But I think the castle will know soon enough. Then what will become of me? In such a dire moment, my ungracious fool of familiar decides to go on a date with a maid.”

And you even k-k-kissed me – Louise was about to say before she quickly shut her mouth. Taking a deep breath she chose her next words.

Saito’s face had grown pale already as he continued trying to turn the knob. No matter how hard he tried to turn it, the knob wouldn’t turn. The ‘Lock’ spell was very strong.

“A date is alright I guess. But a bath. Now that won’t do at all. That’s the worst of the worst. Ignoring your master and taking a bath with a maid? I’m pretty sure that’s enough for a death sentence. You’re so lucky I’m a kind person.”

Louise started trembling.

You even k-k-k-k-kissed me. A bath. A bath with the maid.

Something was flying towards the window. It was a pelican.

“Ah. That was quick.”

Louise untied the package at the pelican’s feet, placed it on the bed and put some gold coins in its beak. Seems like pelicans are used as the equivalent of home delivery services in Saito’s world.

“W-What did you buy?”

“I’ve come to realise that dogs just don’t learn when you use a whip.”

Saito’s face stiffens as he madly tries to turn the door knob.

“H-Help! Help!”

“I told you, it’s useless.”

When he glanced backwards, Louise was standing right behind him. Saito gave a scream at the sight of her face.

Louise was biting her lip with her eyes lit up. She was probably even scarier than Siesta’s father.

Just as usual, Louise aimed a kick at Saito’s nether region, which resulted in Saito collapsing on the floor.

“Aaaaaah… W-Why are you so inhuman to my sensitive parts”

Louise pressed a foot down on to Saito’s neck.

“Listen up dog. It seems like what you’re lacking is dignity. Always waging your tail here and there – which is why I’ve bought this.”

Louise started to tie something that seemed like leather ropes on his body. And with a clink, the lock on his chest was locked. It was some kind of body suspender.

“W-What’s this?”

“A magical restraining device used to tame wild creatures.”

You have to be joking me! Saito cried as he tried to stand up. Louise muttered a short incantation.

“Vasra.”

With a gasp of pain, Saito falls down onto the ground.

“It’s got water and wind spells on it. At the master’s signal, it will start giving out electric shocks.” Explained Louise, but Saito was already unconscious from the shock.

Louise dragged his body across the floor and tossed him into his haystack.

“You’re a hundred years too early to bathe with a girl!”

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