Editing Zero no Tsukaima:Volume4 Chapter2 - MTL

Wardes woke up. He tries to get up and frowns. Wondering he looked at the bondage that was rolled up around his body. Where am I? I am sure… I was hit by the magic from the flying machine that Gandalfr piloted and lost consciousness. 

He looked around. Wooden floor and walls, plain room. Bed and one desk. There is a pendant on the desk, that I was carrying on the neck. Seeing a pitcher he reached out for it... but he could not reach it as his body still ached. At that moment, the door opened up and he saw a familiar face.  

“Oh, you regained consciousness.”

“Dirt Crumb? You” 

Fouquet placed the plate of soup on the desk. Wardes tried to get up again and frowned.

“Tst..”

“You still cannot move. Your body has been pierced by bullets in many places. It took all water element mages to keep casting ‘Recovery’ spell for three days and three nights.” 

“Bullet?”

Wardes made a suspicious face.

“Was I shot by a 'Gun'? Is this the power of a ‘Gun’?”

Gun is a weapon that commoners use. The pressure of the gunpowder, ignited by the spark of the flint, pushes a round bullet out of the weapon. Though power in the short distance is superior to the bow, the need to load the bullet and gunpowder separately, makes it hard to fire quickly. The hit accuracy is not better than bow’s either. Bow’s great advantage is that you don’t need any additional practice to use it. It isn’t a great weapon for mage

“Really? You didn’t even know the weapon that defeated you? What a careless man”

Saying so, Fouquet scooped soup with the spoon and carried it to Wardes's mouth.

Wardes thought. It must be that strange flying machine that Gandalfr used…

Not only it could fly very quickly, but it also was equipped with such 'Gun' that could fire in rapid succession.

And then, in an instant, the consciousness was broken by the whirlpool of light… 

Whole fleet of Albion has been burned in a moment by that light…

What was the might I saw.

Still, something must have happened in Halkeginia.

I could take advantage of the change, as this event might be connected in some way with that…

My desire to get Louise’s abilities.

And, Sacred emperor Cromwell manipulation of strange magic…

Even if going to ‘secret ground’, following Cromwell, some clues might left be unknown, as his plan might not work out, remembering that just one person managed to put whole battleship flotilla aflame.  

“Hey, soup will cool down” 

Fouquet in an exasperated tone said to Wardes, who was lost in his own thought’s.  

“Where is this place?”

Wardes said not looking at the soup.

“Albion. The temple near Rondei Niumu. That place from ancient times. It was possible to return safely. And you have to thank me the most for that.” 

“Albion? And what about the military invasion?

“Aah, I guess you don’t know that, as you were unconscious, it failed big time. After fleet annihilation Albion’s army was routed. Indeed ‘A certain victory without a doubt’. Is this how you defeat inferior in numbers Tristain and recapture the ‘Sacred Ground’?

“Why haven’t you joined the invasion troops too. Tell me about it.”

Fouquet was amazed.

“Don’t talk so rudely with me! Because Albion army was ignorant about the foreign country geography, I was sent with the scout unit! Seems like you are not interested in it, to be so forgetful!”

“Is that so? Aah, that’s right. Sorry.”

Then Wardes muttered “Give soup. Hungry” urging Fouquet.

Though Fouquet made an ugly and unpleasant face, still, the soup was carried to Wardes's mouth.

“Is hungry all you can say, when I hurriedly nursed you after seeing you fall. I emergently treated you with my ‘Water’ spell. After that, using my illegal connections as a thief, I somehow got the ship leaving to Albion, and escaped safely. Really, such ungratefulness shouldn’t have been saved!”

Wardes pointed at the table.

“Please take the pendant from there.”

The pendant was a silver locket. Wardes took it from Fouquet and put it on his neck.

“Is it your most important treasure?”

“Well, it calms me up.”

“She is a very beautiful person.”

When Fouquet watched Wardes with a smile on her face, Wardes cheeks became tingled with red. 

“You saw?”

“Accidentally so. While unconscious, you were gripping it tightly in your hand. Don’t worry.”

“As expected from a thief.”

“Hey, that, is who? Lover?”

Fouquet asked Wardes while bending herself forward. Wardes said in an unpleasant voice.

“Mother”

“Mother? You have been living with her?”

“Not any longer. Either way, it is not your business].”

“Pardon me, you-san this you-san that, what san!” 

(T.N. - when Wardes talks to Fouquet he does so in a special manner calling her “you” in a formal and rather cold way.)

At that moment, the room door opened with a clank. It was Cromwell, accompanied by Sheffield.

Seeing Wardes, he smiled thinly. The smile that never change. Like a doll, Wardes thought. 

Such defeat. All ambitions concerning Albion were crushed. Yet, Cromwell doesn’t seem to be shaken. Either he is a truly strong man or a carefree optimist, it is hard to tell.

“Looks like you regained consciousness, Viscount.”

“I am sorry, Your Excellency. I failed you not once but twice.”

“But it seems that it wasn’t because of your failure.”

Sheffield who had kept on standing by the side nodded. Then read the parchment scroll, that seemed to be the report, and muttered.

“A sphere of light appeared in the sky and blew off our fleet.”

“In a word, enemy had an unknown magician with them. This was a miscalculation. It is no one’s fault. If anything… it was a our leadership fault that enemy’s war potential was not scouted. One soldier, most of all you, should not be blamed for that. Just heal your wounds, Viscount.”

Cromwell offered his hand to Wardes. Wardes kissed it. 

“I thank for your Excellency’s kindness”

Wardes remembered Louise’s long, pinkish blond hair. Louise was in that flying machine. Such magic never…

Wardes saw through Louise’s talent. Therefore, he wanted to have it in his own hands. 

…The element that Founder Brimir used, the lost ‘Void’.

He shook his head. Cromwell said that ‘Void’ is an element controlling life. But can it create such light that would defeat whole fleet? 

Even if it is really powerful magic… It is hard to imagine Louise having control over it. 

“ Was the ‘void’ the source of that light? But the ‘Void’ that your Excellency talked about and that light seems to be completely different.”

“No one can assume say that they have a full knowledge about what ‘Void’ is. ‘Void’ is a great mystery.”

Sheffield stepped in. 

“It is wrapped up on the other side of an ancient, dark history.”

“History. Many interesting things the history hides. I accidentally read a book. According to biography’s chapter one of Founder’s shield was called Saint Aegis. It has a very little information regarding ‘Void’.”
　
Cromwell spoke as if reciting a poem.

“Founder created sun, to shine upon the ground”

“Indeed. There was no light within that small sun.”

“Mystery upon the mystery, I feel ill. Awaking is also bad. It is so, Viscount. 

“As You say.”

“It is said that Tristain’s army was lead by Henrietta. What for an inexperienced princess-sama fought. That princess made a use of ‘Founder’s Prayer Book’, maube she sniffed out the sleeping secret of Royal family.”

What is the sleeping secret of the royal family?”

“Royal family of Albion, Royal family of Tristain, and, royal family of Gallia…were one branch in the beginning. And Founder's secret was split to each. Isn’t so, Miss Sheffield?”

Cromwell urged the woman at his side.

“It is as Your Excellency says. The treasure that was given to Albion’s royal family was 'Ruby of the wind'… However, where the ruby of the wind disappeared is yet to be found. Since the investigation has not ended so far.”

Wardes watched the woman with dubious feeling. Because her face was hid by the deep lobe, it is not possible to see her expression. Though one could think she was Cromwell's secretary… why she didn’t give an impression to be just a secretary. I do not feel strong magic. However, because she was promoted here by Cromwell, she might have some a special ability.

“Now, Henreitta, a worshipped ‘Holy Woman’, enthroned to a queen.”

Cromwell muttered. Sheffield answered.

“The ruler of the kingdom. The queen with the country will also get Royal family’s secret.”

Cromwell smiled.

“Wales-san”

Wales, who was revived by Cromwell, entered the room from the corridor.

“You called, Your Excellency?”

“I want to offer congratulations for your lover’s… Holy woman’s coronation. I want her to come to my Rondei Niumu castle. Howver, the journey seems to be very tedious so keep her company to dispel the boredom.”

Wales muttered “Certainly” in monotone voice.

“Then, Wardes-san. Take care of yourself. I will leave it up to you to invite the ‘Holy Woman’ to the dinner party and ensure her safe arrival.”

Wardes bowed.

Cromwell and others left from the room. Fouquet muttered absent-mindedly.

“Disgusting man. Baiting one lover with dead lover is not a way an noble should act.”

Fouquet added, though she herself hated nobles. 

“That man is not a noble. Haven’t you heard? He was a mere bishop at first.”

Then Wardes snuffled loudly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just cannot stay calm. If only the wound would not be healing… I could do my work instead of playing corpse…”

After that, Wardes, regrettably buried the face in his hands.

“Damn! I… Am I incapable? Didn’t ‘Sacred Ground’ slipped away again…”

Fouquet laughed with a smile, and placed her hand on Wardes's shoulder.

“You are a weak man… Yet, I knew that from the beginning”

And then, Fouquet brought her face close to Wardes’s and placed her lips on his.

Slowly pulling her lips back, Fouquet muttered.

“Rest for now. I do not know what you are hiding… Yet once in a while you need to rest as well.”

**


In the Tristain’s royal palace, Henrietta was waiting for the guest. Even though she is a queen, she never sits in the throne. She mostly did king’s work.

After the coronation was finished and she became a queen, the number of things to do in domestic and foreign area increased greatly. Some were demanding loans, some were asking it in a good nature, and Henrietta from morning till night, was always meeting someone. Moreover, because of the war, there are more guests than usual.

Because of always straining to show her dignity, she became very tired. Even though Mazarini assisted, she had to strain with the answers herself. It was too late for Henreitta to revert back to being princess. 

However… for a new guest, she neither showed particularly made expressions nor attitude.

The refrained voice called outside the room, informing Henrietta about the guest's arrival.

Right after that the door opened. 

Louise stood there, reverentially bowing her head. Next to her Saito’s figure could be seen. Even now, a restraining device used to tame wild creatures was attached to his miserable body. 

“Louise, aah, Louise!”

Henrietta ran up and embraced Louise closely. Looking up, Louise muttered.

“Princess-sama… No, I have to call thee Your Majesty now.”

“I don’t like it when you say it so formality. Louise Francoise. Aren’t you my beloved friend?”

“Then, I will call thee princess –sama, as usual.”

“Please do it for me. Aah Louise, I didn’t want to be a queen. It is twice as boring. It is three times more straining. And ten times more worrisome.” 

Henreitta muttered, looking bored. 

After that, Louise became silent waiting for Henreitta’s words. This morning the messenger from Henrietta came to Academy of Magic. Two people, missing the lessons, boarded the carriage that Henrietta prepared and came here

I guess I was called for a specific reason. I think, it is about ‘Void”? However, she seems hesitating to ask about that.

Henrietta just looked into her eyes, not talking. Reluctantly Louise said “I ought to give my congratulations on the victory”. Louise tried to find a harmless topic to talk about with Henrietta. 

“This victory was all thanks to you, Louise.”

Louise watched Henrietta’s face with a startled expression. 

“You can’t hide such great secret from me, Louise.”

“I did what…”

Louise still tried to pretend not to know.

Henrietta smiled and handed a report, written on parchment, to Louise. After reading it, Louise sighted. 

“You scouted even that?”

“To some extend it is war results, so it is better not to hide anything.”

After that Henrietta faced Saito who was left out up till now. Saito, who on the way here heard from Louise that Henrietta became a queen, felt nervous.

“For controlling the foreign country flight machine that destroyed enemy’s dragon knight corps, I express my greatest gratitude.”

“No… it’s not like that”

“You are the hero of this country. So now I am giving you a noble’s title… 

“That’s so wrong! Turning dog into a noble!”

“Dog?”

“N-no… it doesn’t matter” Louise murmured with a blush. 

“Thus, I grant you a peer’s title”

When Henrietta said this, Saito muttered ‘Haa’. Then he remembered Kirche;s words a while ago. That in Tristain, if you are not a mage from the birth then you cannot become a noble. 

But despite his thoughts about the peerage, he didn’t open his mouth. Either way, when returning to Japan, all tittles will lose their meaning. 

“Great… a really great war outcome. Louise Francoise. The way war ended is thanks to you and your familiar, not talking about Tristain, there is no match for this in the whole Halkeginia’s history. By all means, Louise, you should be given a territory with a size of a small country and a title of duchess for this. And, respectively, your familiar awarded with peers title.” 

„I d-don‘t need anything... this deed was my familiar‘s...“

Louise muttered hesitatingly. 

„Weren‘t you the cause of that light, Louise ? The light that was called a miracle of the castle, yet I do not believe in miracles. The light came from the flying machine that you were flying in. Aren‘t you the cause of it?“

Henrietta watched Louise, it was impossible to hide anything this way.

And what about Saito? Even though he constantly pulled Louise’s shirt sleeve, trying to cut in with “By the way…”, she slowly began talking about Founder’s prayer book. She could not consult with anyone else, it was too insecure.

Slowly… Louise talked to Henrietta.

She took Henrietta’s ‘Water Ruby’ and placed it on the pages of Founder’s Prayer Book and an ancient script appeared. Reading it out back then… created a spell of the light.

“Founder's prayer book was written using element of 'Void'. Princess -sama, is it true?”

Henrietta stared over Louise’s shoulder. 

“You knew, Louise? Founder Brimir gave rings to three children from three royal families to keep as a treasure. Tristain got, now yours, ‘Water Ruby’ and Founder’s Prayer Book.”

“Err…”

“It has been handed down like this among the royal families. Royal families were the ones that inherited Founder’s power

“I am not from a royal family.”

“What are you saying, Louise. The ancestor of La Valliere duke family, was king’s illegitimate child. And you are the duke’s child.

Louise was startled. 

“You too have Tristain’s royal family blood. And this is good enough.”

After that, Henrietta took Saito’s hand. Seeing the runes she nodded.

[[Image:ZnT04-069.jpg|thumb]]

"This is the sign, the sign of 'Gandalfr'? Sign of Familiar that Founder Brimir used for protection while casting spells."

Saito nodded. Sir Osmond also said the same thing.

“Then… I am really a supporter of 'Void'?”

“I think it really is so”

Louise sighed.

“That’s why you understand that I cannot reward you that way, right Louise?”

Saito, who couldn’t follow it, asked why.

“Why?”

Henrietta answered with a clouded face.

If I were to give the reward, Louise's secret services would be exposed in the daylight. That would be dangerous. Louise's power is too big. Even one country could not manage such power. If enemy would learn about Louise's secret…they would become frantic about it and would do anything to get it. I alone should be enemy’s target.”

After that, Henrietta sighed.

“Enemy’s are not the only ones to be interested in void. Even inside the palace… those who will know about that power, will always try to use it for their own purposes.”

Louise nodded with a scared look.

“Therefore, Louise, you should not talk to anyone about that power. Your secret is safe with me.”

Then Louise thought for a while…

And in a slowly determined way she opened her mouth.

“Don’t worry princess –sama I want to dedicate my 'Void' to thee.”

“No… it is all right. You must forget that power as soon as possible. And never use it again.”

“God… princess-sama I want to help thee with the powers I was granted with!”

However, Henrietta shook her head.

“Mother said – great power drives people mad. Who could be sure that I .after gaining the power of ‘Void’, would not turn out the same way?”

Louise lifted proudly her face. It was a face of a person who decided her mission. However, such face was somewhat dangerous.

“I was always wanted to dedicate my power and body for the princess-sama and the mother country. I was taught so, I believed so, and I grew up with that. However, my magic always failed. As you know, I was nicknamed 'Zero'. Behind of sneer and contempt, I was always shaken with regret.”

Louise clearly asserted.

“However, god gave such power to me. I myself believe in using this power. Still, if you say that Your Majesty will not need it, then it is necessary to return Your Majesty the wand.”

Henrietta was touched by Louise’s speech.

“Louise, understand. You are still… my best friend. From the times when you helped me on Ragdorian’s lake. You took the blame for me…”

“Princess–sama”

Louise and Henrietta tightly embraced each other. Saito, who as always was left out, swung his head absentmindedly. Louise is too eager to promise without thinking…he thought, though he didn’t say that.

Though it is nice to help Henrietta… but what about the travel to the east to find a way to return me home…

By helping Henrietta, seems like they will not go there.

“After this, I will help Louise too.”

“Naturally, Princess-sama”

“Then I give 'Founder's prayer book' to you. However, Louise promise me. Don’t tell anyone that you are a ‘Void’ user. And do not use it recklessly too.”

“Certainly.”

“After this, you will become my court lady and will obey only me.”

Then Henrietta takes out the quill pen and smooth parchment. After that, she put out the quill pen and signed the document.

“Take this. This is my formal permission. With this weather in royal palace, or inside or outside the country, you will have an supreme authority even over everything even police. If there is no freedom, one cannot work well.”

Louise reverently received the permission with an expression of gratitude. Henrietta's authorization. This meant that Louise was granted with the right to act in queen’s name. 

“If I will face a problem that only you can solve, I will, surely, consult you. Officially, please act as a student of Academy of Magic like you did up to date. Since it is you, you will, without a doubt, do well.”

After that, Henrietta turned towards Saito. Having an idea, she fumbled within the pocket of the dress. When she took out golden coins, Saito gasped audibly.

“I ask you to look after Louise…my important friend, kind Familiar-san.”

“T-that’s… I cannot take it.”

Saito looked amazed at the golden and silver coins in the hand.

“By all means, please accept it. Giving you this as a sign of “Chevalier” is the least what this powerless queen can do. You showed your loyalty to me and to the mother country. This should not be unrewarded.”

Henrietta said with sincere eyes.

When seeing such eyes… it becomes impossible to refuse. After accepting this, he cannot refuse helping Louise, as it seems… Because Saito is not from this world, he isn’t Henrietta’s vassal either, but even if he doesn’t have to feel responsible, Saito felt a strong sense of obligation this way.

Aah, it might be the fate, he thought. 

No, it was his personality rather than fate. When such beautiful woman like Henrietta, said please, I could not find a heart to refuse. What a light-hearted fellow I am. Haa… 

He wasn’t so welcomed in Japan of his time.

Anyway, I should search for the way to return home, Saito thought, putting golden coins into his pocket. 

**


Saito and Louise went out of the royal palace in line.　

“Really… you are too eager to give promises…”

“What do you mean”

Louise stared up at Saito. 

“Because you said that you will help princess -sama, but then it will be impossible to go east.”

Saito said in a disappointed voice.  

“Don’t leave without permission. Everyone remains here, so stop asking.”

Louise averted her face and started walking leaving Saito behind. Saito ran after her panicking.

“How can you say that? Release me from this!”

Saito pointed at the restraining device used to tame wild creatures that was attached to his body. 

“Do not argue!”

“If familiar is acting on its own, it is master’s duty to put a chain on him.”

Louise answered nonchalantly. 

Saito, trying to get attention, suddenly gripped Louise’s shoulder.

They were in Bourdonne's Street already, right in front of royal palace. The Main Street. And what about passers-by? They all were staring. 

“Hey! People are looking! Let go!”

Saito said in a lowered voice.

“You…are you thinking I should not return.”

Louise went ‘Huu!’ at these words and changed her expression. 

“So that’s it, isn’t it? You are worried about me leaving, right? It would be hard to help princess-sama otherwise.”

It is different, Louise wanted to say but shut her mouth. That’s not the reason why I do not want for Saito to return to his former world. However, by saying this, she would reveal her hazy feelings for Saito. Louise's pride cannot permit such thing.

In that sort of division, Louise nodded reluctantly.

“T-that’s right! No one would worry for a familiar like you otherwise!”

“Lovely. So that’s how it is”

Saito muttered, and began walking again.

What he really thought. She didn’t have to say ‘because I love you’. But she could have said ‘I would be lonely’ or at least ‘I want you to be near’, if she would have said that he would not have minded helping her and would have searched for the way to return later. 

When Henrietta asked for his help a while ago, though he thought it was bothersome, he also was glad for a moment. No one really needed him in Japan. The earth keeps on spinning, even with the Saito gone. However, is different about this world. Siesta and Henrietta… there were some people that needed him.

Yet he wanted to feel needed by Louise more. However, judging from her words earlier, all that she cared about were only his ‘Gandalfr’ powers.” 

Saito pouted. He was sulky. 

Determined, he started to push his way through crowd. The town is still crowded from the victory celebration. A drunken groups were yelling out toasts while hanging out their cups filled with wine! 

Louise, still in shock from Saito’s words ‘Lovely’, was petrified for a while. With face down, she bit her lower lip. When she looked up after a while, Saito was already gone in the crowd and could not be seen. Louise ran out panicking.

“Moove!”

Louise bumped hard into a man. A man, who looked like a mercenary, collapsed. In his hand he had a bottle of sake, that he was gulping down vigorously. He seemed to be completely drunk. 

Though Louise tried to pass that man sidewards, he grasped her hand. 

“Wait, Miss. You ought to apologize for bumping into a person in the middle of the street.”

Then a man, who seemed to be a mercenary, noticed Louise’s mantle and muttered “A noble huh”.

However, a man who was clasping Louise's arm doesn't move.

“Today it is the festival celebrating the victory at Tarbes. Putting aside the rank. Today nobles. Mercenaries and salesmen are equal. Hey. Miss Noble, how about sharing one drink with me as an apology for bumping.”

Saying so, man thrust out his jar of wine. 

“Let me go! You brute!“

Louise shouted. Man's face became brutally distorted at once.

“What did you call me. Hey! Who do you think attacked Albion army in Tarbes! ‘Holy Woman’ or nobles like you, no, us – soldiers!”

A man grasped Louise's hair. However, his hand was stopped. 

Saito, who showed up right before one’s eyes, firmly gripped man’s hand.

“What. Go away kid!”

“Let go”

Saito said in a quiet voice. If it were old days… his legs would be shaking while threatening such scary looking man. However, now it is Saito who went through many battles. Thus he gained courage. Now he only has to grip Derflinger who hung on his back when the time comes. Not pulling it out , just grasping it would be enough to knock all those soldiers out. 

The man looked at the sword on Saito’s shoulder, with the similar look. The experience that he gained through battlefields in many years, told him that Saito’s attitude wasn’t just a bluff. Then a man spitted nonchalantly and, urging his companions, left. 

Saito silently took Louise's hand. And began to walk.

Louise tried to say something to Saito. However, being all flustered, she could not find the words. Saito walks rapidly, pushing through the crowd.

"Are you angry?" Louise asked in a small voice.

“Not really” Saito answered snappishly. 

The clasp of his hand made Louise flurried for a moment. Does Saito feel the same? However, because Saito walks straight ahead, she couldn’t see his facial expression. 

Louise walks while being dragged. 

It was chilly just as much as pleasant feeling, that Louise could not understand or explain. 

**


Louise, while walking joined hands with Saito, cheered up. The town was filled with colorful festivals, joyful shows, food carts and stalls were unusual goods were sold were stretched all way down the street. 

Being a local lord’s daughter, Louise never walked in a lively town this way. More so, she never walked in a town joined hands with someone of an opposite sex. Those two things combined, made Louise’s head light and dizzy. 

“So very noisy” Saito said.

“True” Louise muttered happily. 

“Feels like my world’s festival.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. The showy street stalls line up just like this… Gold fish catching, yo-yo fishing, okonomiyaki shops, and food carts queuing in line…”

While saying so, Saito’s eyes turned distant. Louise tightened her grasp on Saito’s hand. Somehow, thought about Saito suddenly leaving to someplace, made her feel bad. 

Sometime… the day when Saito leaves will surely come.

However, when walking together this way, the one that I want you to see is me, Louise thought. Just for now. And nothing else matters. 

And at the same time she was angry on herself for thinking that way. 

Because of love? That’s not it. It was her pride’s problem. 

After convincing so herself, Louise looked around blankly. 

And then, shouting “Waa”, stopped still.

“What is it?”

Saito turned around. Louise was looking at jewelry shop. There, on a cloth, various rings and necklaces were displayed. 

“Do you want to take a look?” Saito asked, and Louise, with a blush on her cheeks, nodded.

Seeing two people approaching, a merchant with a turban on the head rubbed his hands together. 

“My! Please come in! I see you are a noble miss. We have a rare goods to offer. This is made from “Wrought gold” and its not a sham.”

The presented jewels, were suited for nobles to wear beautifully ornamented to satisfy the most various tastes.

Louise took a pendant. It was a pure-white pendant, craved in a shape of a shell. There were a lot of big jewels placed around. However, at the closer look, the jewels were nothing but cheap crystals.  

Still, Louise liked this shiny pendant. Within the atmosphere of noisy festival, filled quality goods, such showy one attracts attention.

“Do you want it?”

Louise shook her head embarrassed. 

“Don’t have the money”

“Well then I will cheapen it. It will be only four ecus. 

Merchant sweetly smiled. 

“Too expensive!”

Louise shouted.

“You don’t have that much?”

Saito asked amazed, Louise puffed her lips nonchalantly. 

“I would if I haven’t bought that impertinent sword the other day. I spent all my month’s pocket money on that.”

Saito reluctantly fumbled in his pocket. He tightly gripped the golden coins that he got from Henrietta a little while ago.

Holding the golden coins, that was approximately of the size of one yen coin, on a palm, Saito asked.

“How much is this worth?”

Merchant was surprised that it was Saito who was carrying money. 

“T-this is! Hii, fuu, hmm…This is splendid.”

Taking up four gold coins on which old king’s portrait was carved, the merchant passed the pendant to Louise.

Louise was taken aback with surprise, her cheeks unintentionally loosened up a bit. First thing that Saito did with the money given by Henrietta was shopping for me. She was very happy. After it with a hand for a while, she cheerfully put it on her neck. It suits you well, gracefully said merchant 

I want Saito to have a look, she thought while pulling his sleeve. However Saito, whose attention is on the stall near sides, doesn’t move. What on earth is he staring at. 

Saito's was gazing at the loot, taken from the Albion army, displayed on the ground.

Things that soldier captured were taken to merchants. 

It was articles taken from the enemy…Swords, armors, clothes and clocks. Saito took one of the clothes.

I want him to look at me, Louise pouted lips sulkily. However, Saito’s full attention is on the clothing. It is not unreasonable to want new clothes after all.  

“What, you want clothes?  But it is not a good idea to wear a second-handed middle ages clothes that enemy used to wear, there are much better ones.”

However, Saito doesn't answer. He reached out for one piece of clothing, his hands shaking.

“Dear customer, you have an excellent eye. This is seamen uniform from Albion. Though it is cheaply made, it is also convenient. Turning a collar this way up, protects neck from the wind.”

Seamen uniform? Indeed!

B-but in Saito’s world it is called sailor uniform…

Saito’s head started working at full power. 

Though the size is too big, it could still be modified for Siesta to wear…

He imagined Siesta wearing this.

It looked good. 

The enjoyment increases. No, that’s not it. Not personal enjoyment. Gratitude. It was a gratitude for the muffler! He still felt slightly guilty though.

That’s right, Saito cooled down. Money, he absolutely should use them on such thing. 

“How much?” Saito asked in an overcome with emotion voice.

“Three ecus would be fine.”

Louise was amazed. Paying such money for an second-handed clothing was too much. 

However, Saito paid the asked price. 

**


Louise, who returned back to her room, was lying on the bed, listing the Founder's prayer book while humming. Seems like she was in a good mood. Saito tried to slip out of the room quietly, he wanted to go to Siesta to deliver the goods he bought today, but the lock was locked by Louise who rejected the wand the and put the 'Lock' spell on it.　

“Are you going somewhere in the middle of the night?”

“Eh? No…”

Surely he cannot tell that he was going to Siesta’s place to deliver the sailor uniform that he bought today.　

“J-just wanted to take some night’s air! Wah! Wahhahha!”

Louise scowled at Saito. Then, determined, she walked up to Saito and started eagerly taking his parka off. 

“Wh-what are you!”

“Taking it off”

“Taking off! Wild creatures restraining device is in the way! 

When Saito shouted so, Louise removed the lock of the restraining device, looking down for a moment. Because he bought a pendant in town toady, she thought she had forgiven him. Yet she could not forgive him taking a bath together with a girl so easily. 

Louise unfastened the restraining device and took off Saito’s parka. Her face was like always angry. She chewed her lower lip hard. 

Then Louise went back to bed, hugging the taken off parka tightly.

And said - “Face that way”. 

With all clothes taken off, Louise ,wearing only Saito’s parka, pouted.

“Still want to go for a walk?”

Won’t be giving it to Siesta for now, will wait for tomorrow night, Saito, who was wearing only T-shirt, thought. Even though it was an early summer, the climate in Halkeginia is very different from Japan. Walking this way, he would catch cold. Without a doubt, Louise knew that too.

“There are more important things than the night wind, don’t you agreeee. And a partner who doesn’t serve his master is no good, don’t you agreeee”

Louise said, while laying down on her stomach and swinging her foot

Reluctantly, Saito sat on the bed.

“Understood.”

Louise, lying down on the bed, began to read Founder's prayer book.

“Isn’t it all blank?”

“I can read it”

Louise showed “The ruby of water” on her finger to Saito and explained its relation to Founder’s prayer book.

“Hee, element of void…”

Saito remembered the magical light, which blew off the fleet that day.

‘Void’. The legendary element that Founder Brimir used…

And, I am a Familiar that Founder Brimir is said to have used - 'Gandalfr'.

The legendary Familiar that has the ability to master all kinds of weapons, in order to protect the Founder, while he casts aria…

“Then you are the strongest wizard in this world? Cool! Destroying with one swing”

“I wouldn’t say so. I haven’t said this to princess-sama as I didn’t want to disappoint her…”

With a sigh Louise took the wand. 

“Wh-what”

After that, Louise slowly began uttering an incantation.

“Eor Sun Fuir…”

“S-stop! Idiot!”

It’s no good if such explosion would happen in a place like this. However, Louise doesn't try to stop chanting.

“Yarunsakusa..”

Finishing the chant uninterrupted. Louise put out the wand. Saito dig himself into his pile of hay, scattering the straws all around. 

And then Louise’s eyes rolled back and she crumbled to the bed suddenly. 

“L-L-L-Louise? Louise!”

Saito shook Louise in panic. After being shaken for a while, Louise opened her eyes. 

“Auuu…”

“Wh-what! What’s wrong!” 

Shaking her head Louise got up abruptly.

“Stop making such fuss. I only fainted for a moment.”

“Eh? Eeeh?!”

“Been chanting 'Explosion' till the last minute, but nothing… After that time, no matter how much I chant, I faint in the middle of it. The explosion only happened once.”

“What kind of thing?”

“I think the reason may be that the willpower is insufficient.”

“Willpower?”

“Right. Willpower is consumed when the magic is chanted. Didn’t you know?”

“How could I know such thing”

Then, Louise sat up straight demurely, put out the finger and started explaining, proud as a peacock.

“Listen, the number of elements that mage uses can be increased, and his class changes accordingly. Mage who can use only one element is a dot. Ability to have two – makes one a line. Being able to use three - triangle. Spells are also applied to the class. The spells from three elements are called 'Triangle spells'. Each time the spell class rises, the consumption of willpower doubles.”

“Haa”

“For instance, the line spell would cost for a mage eight willpower, but when that mage decides to use the dot spell, only four of his willpower will be consumed. The cost depends on each person individually, however the same rule applies to all. “

“Haa”

“The main point is that mage could chant two ‘Dot’ spells instead. Eight divided by four is two. Therefore, you could strike and stop chant the spell twice. But when you chant a line spell only once, because twice of the willpower consumed, and eight divided by eight is one.”

“Haa”

“When the line mage grows up to a triangular mage, consumption in the willpower spent on dot spells decreases by half. Therefore, eight divided by two - four, he can use the dot spell four times. The line spell can be used twice. Triangular spell – one time. That’s because mage grows up.”

“Haa. In other words, the low class spells can be chanted many times, while the high class spells cannot be chanted so many times.”

“Right. So now you understand the relation between spells and willpower?”

“Somehow. Then, you fainting a little while ago…”

“Yeah. I fainted a while ago because I overworked and used up my willpower. The spell was too strong and my willpower was insufficient.”

“Then, why you were able to chant it the other day?”

“Well… Really why… I wonder myself…”

“How does willpower recover?” 

“Basically, it recovers while sleeping.”

Saito thought while folding his arms together.

“Ummm… Well, up till now, you haven’t chanted many spells correctly?

“Well yes”

“Therefore you collected a lot of willpower, right? And that time you used it all up at once.”

Louise made a startled face. 

“For instance, lets assume that your willpower is 100. The ‘Explosion', consumed all 100 at once. While usually the willpower is a recovered while sleeping at night, yet an amount needed is too large for you…as its 100…you cannot collect that much just with one night sleep.”

Saito plainly stated his hypothesis. 

“What! To me it seems that it might be the end of your magic”

However, Louise face is serious.

“It might be so..”

“Eh? Eeeh?”

“Adding to “Earh” spell a square class spell ‘Wrough gold’, a gold can be created. But know why the world still uses money?” 

“Feh?”

“It is said the square mage’s simply cannot chant the square spells many times. It’s too unreliable, one time the recovery might take one week, the other – one month. Besides, the amount gold you could convert this way is too little. Therefore money are used instead of gold.”

“Fmmm…”

“In other words, powerful spells use up more willpower and take more time to recover. For me, it might be so as well.”

“Then…when would you be able to chant again.....”

“Don’t know. I…One month or maybe one year…”

Louise pondered.

“Ten years.”

“Don’t say such scary thing”

“But, it was successful it was successful.”

“Oh well. ‘No one can understand ‘Void’ fully. Anyways, the aria’s spell affect was demonstrated. There are no more spells like this.”

“It’s too little now. Uuu, my hay…”

Saito said while watching the scattered around pieces of straws. 

“Isn’t it all right. Even if there is no pile of hey.”

Louise muttered, blushing for some reason. 

Haa, Saito held his breath once he noticed something. What! He became crazy from the view that Louise gave him not aware of it herself. Parka’s hem rolled up Louise’s buttocks, just a little more, mooore, he peeked. 

Saito instinctively held his nose. Due to this Saito’s gesture, Louise finally became aware that the parka rolled up. Instantly she sprung to her feet and held down Parka’s hem while blushing. 

“Na! You saw! You saw, you saw! You saaaaaw!”

“I-it’s your fault for not wearing panties!”

Saito shouted as well. 

“I cannot sleep with them! It was always that way!”

“Always huh!”

Then Louise bit her lower lip and, with some rusting, slipped under the futon. 

“Sleep.”

Saito reluctantly slipped behind the blanket’s edge. He heard a voice of sulky Louise within the futon. 

“Sleep in a pile of hey, peeping familiar.”

“It was scattered.”

Though he heard Louise groaning few times within the futon, she calmed down after a while. Aah, thinking about the sailor uniform, that he will deliver to Siesta tomorrow night, Saito fell asleep.