Zero no Tsukaima:Volume2 Chapter8 - MTL

Chapter Eight: The Eve Before the Final Battle in Newcastle

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The warship named Eagle took Saito to the ragged coastline of Albion. It took three hours of traveling and they already could see the cape.

A big castle was standing on the very edge of the cape.

Wales explained to Saito, who was standing on the front deck, that it was the castle of Newcastle. However, the Eagle did not head straight to Newcastle, but sailed downwards the coast.

"Why are we going downwards?"

Wales pointed at the sky behind the castle where a huge ship was floating. However, it could not see their ship which was hiding on the other side of the cloud.

"Warship of rebels."

It could be described only as a huge ship - it was twice as long as the Eagle with an incredible number of sails, and it seemed like it was aiming for Newcastle port. With no warning it opened fire aiming at the castle. The first cannonball crushed into the wall and a small fire could be seen. The shockwave from impact could be felt on the deck of the Eagle.

"This ship named "Royal Sovurin" once belong to the fleet of our country. Yet, when rebels took control over it, they changed the name to "Lexington". It was named in an honor of the battlefield where those guys snatched the first victory from us."

Wales said with a smile. You could see a hole

"This warship keeps a constant blockade of Newcastle from the sky. It shoots at the castle from time to time, not in order to do some damage, but just to annoy us."

Saito looked through the cloud at the warship. There were a lot of cannons on each side, and a dragon was painted on the surface of the ship.

"It has 108 cannons and really looks like a firebreathing dragon at times. the whole rebellion started from this ship. We can't match it so its better to sail through this cloud and keep unseen. We can reach Newcastle from the other side, as there is a secret port that only we know."

* * *

It suddenly became pitch-dark when ship went under the continent, as the sun could not shine because of it, besides they were still surrounded by cloud. They couldn't see a thing. Wales explained that rebels never went under the continent because traveling such a way was dangerous. Cold, damp and chilly air hit Saito's cheeks.

"We mostly use light measurements and magic for navigation as there is no real navigation building in royal air force."

Wales laughed, the noble that does not know the sky is not an intelligent person.

They sailed for a while, and then the magic was casted and you could see a hole 300 meters in diameter. The sight was breathtaking.

"Stop here for now."

"Aye Aye sir, stop here!" 　 Wales order has been given to the crew that was still very energetic and lively. They sails were taken off and the Eagle started to drift right under the hole.

"Slowly increase the speed."

"Aye Aye sir, slowly increase the speed!"

The Eagle, also named Marie Galante <--(Wait, wasn't this the other ship before they met the "pirates"? ~Dan)-->, started slowly heading towards the black hole.

Wardes nodded.

"You are definitely not pirates, Your Highness."

"We are most definitely not the pirates, Viscount." <--(I added the "not" in here, does the prince say they are or aren't pirates? ~Dan)-->

* * *

　 Light could be seen inside the hole and that's where the Eagle headed to.

The warship had arrived at a secret port of Newcastle. Inside the huge limestone cave were covered with white moss. Many people were waiting on the quay. The ropes were thrown to the sailors to tie down the Eagle. And finally the wooden gangway was attached.

Wales hurried up Louise and the others to go down the gangway. 　 A tall and aged mage approached them.

"Ha ha, wonderful military results, right, Your Highness?"

The old mage seems to appear out of nothing before the Eagle.

"I am happy, Paris. Sulfur it is, sulfur"

When Wales shouted so, around him gathered cheering soldiers.

"Ooh! Sulfur! This is for the honor of our guardianship!"

The old mage began to cry as he was aging.

"I served for sixty years for the previous king... There won't be such happy days again, Your Highness. After the revolt happened it all turned into sorrow... Even with sulfur we won't make it..."

Wales laughed with a smile.

"Even if we'll be defeated, we'll show the revolters the royal family's courage and honor. "

"Death in a glory. My old bones are trembling with excitement. I was reported that rebels are going to attack the castle tomorrow. It's really all or nothing now, Your Highness."

"With our last breath we'll put their solders to shame!"

Wales and the others were laughing at an ease from the bottoms of their hearts . Louise became worried after hearing the word defeat. In other words, they will die. Aren't these people scared of death?

"And who are these people?"

The old mage, who was named Paris, asked Wales after seeing Louise.

"This is an ambassador from Tristain. She came for important kingdom business."

Paris was surprised for the moment, what would the ambassador from another kingdom be searching for in these ruins?　But soon a smile returned to his face.

"So you are an ambassador. Paris Chamberlain is at your service madam. It's nice that you came all the way to the Albion. Though it might not be much, we will have a small feast tonight. By all means - please come."

* * *

Louise and the others followed Wales to his room. The prince's room was suited behind the kitchen room and it was rather ordinary looking.

A wooden bed, table and a pair of chairs. Also a painting on the wall that illustrated a battle scene.

The prince sat on the chair and opened the drawing. There was a little jewelry box. The prince took the necklace off his neck.

A small key was put into the lock of the little box. Wales opened it. Henrietta's portrait was lying in there.

Louise received the letter while deeply bowing.

Wales, who had noticed Louise looking at the box, said embarrassed.

"Strongbox."

There was one letter inside. It seemed to be from the princess too. Wales took it out with love and read. That letter looked older than it should from constant reading.

After reading it Wales gently folded it and put it into an envelope. Then he handed it to Louise.

"This is the letter I got from the princess. I am returning it as well."

"Thank you."

Louise received the letter while deeply bowing.

"The Eagle will take you back to Tristain tomorrow, as we won't be using it in the battle."

Louise opened her mouth decisively after looking for some time at the letter.

"But, Your Highness... What did you have in mind when you said being defeated with glory?"

Louse asked with hesitation. Wales answered it very easily.

"It is so. My army has 300 men while the enemy force has 50000. There is no possibility to win. So let us at least die in glory.

Louise looked down.

"Your Highness, do you also mean yourself when you talk about dying in battle?"

"Of course. I will die as well."

Saito, who had been looking at the communication from the side, sighed. The prince being so little worried by death tomorrow made it all so confusing. It seemed that it was not reality but an event from a play.

Louise shoulders dropped when she bowed deeply to Wales. She had more things to say though.

"Your Highness... Forgive my impoliteness, but there are a few more things I have to say."

"What do you want to say?"

"What is the content of the letter?"

"Louise."

Saito protested. Indeed the content of the letter was a personal thing after all. But Louise after asking Wales looked up in a determined way.

"When princess gave me the task she looked like she was worrying about her lover. And in the box there was a portrait of the princess, and seeing the gloomy face after you kissed and read the letter... Are you and the princess..."

Wales smiled. He guessed what Louise wanted to say.

"Do you want to say that cousin Henrietta and I have a love relationship?"

Louise nodded.

"It seems so. Forgive a surprising impoliteness. If so, the content of this letter is..."

After putting his hand to his forehead, and doing the gesture that worried for a moment about what to say and what to not, Wales said.

"The love letter. Just like you guessed it. Foolishly, if this love letter is passed to the imperial household of Germania as Henrietta informed by letter, it might become a great threat. In the letter she is swearing eternal love for me in the name of Founder Brimir. If it is like an oath when marrying, love sworn in the name of the founder . If this letter is exposed under the daylight, she will be accused for committing the crime of bigamy. The emperor in Germania is sure to break off the engagement with the princess who violated rules. Then, there would be no alliance. Tristain might get political ignoration from other countries noble families."

"So princess and Your Highness had a love affair?"

"It's a long story."

Louise said to Wales in a feverish tone.

"Your Highness, return! Return to Tristain!"

Wardes abruptly put his hand on Louise's shoulder. However, this did not stop Louise.

"I beg you! Please, come to Tristain with us!"

"It cannot be done. "

Wales said with a laugh.

"Your Highness I disagree. The princess would not agree as well! Didn't it say so in the letter? I know the princess from our childhood days, I know her ways of thinking well. The princess does not deserve the people she loves!<--What does this mean? ~Dan--> Your Highness, you didn't say that, but I am sure the princess told you to run away as well!"

Wales shook his head.

"There is not such line written. "

"Your Highness!"

Louise kept on pressing Wales.

"I am from a royal family. I am not lying. There is no telling by the princess for me to run away in the letter, I swear it with my honor."

Wales said as if he was in pain. Seems like Louise's words hit him.

"Henrietta is a princess. She has to give priority to the country rather than me."

Louise understood what Wales meant with that. Even if Wales likes Henrietta, it would never be supported by other nobles in his situation.

Wales tapped Louise's shoulder.

"You are a honest girl, La Valliere. You have honest, clear and kind eyes."

Louise looked down lonesome.

"But let me give you some advice. It's not too good for an ambassador to be honest like that."

Wales smiled with an attractive smile.

"However, you are a perfect ambassador to a ruined country like ours. Because the government that will be destroyed tomorrow is more honest than anyone. Since it doesn't have anything to defend besides the honor."

After that he pulled something out of his pocket. From the shape and running arrow it seemed to be a clock.

"Ahhaha, time came for our little party. Since you are last guests of our kingdom, I would like you to attend it as well."

Saito and Louise went out of the room. Wardes stayed behind, and bowed to Wales.

"Oh do you have some more business, Viscount?"

"There is one favor I would like to ask, Milord."

"Ask."

Wardes whispered into the ear of Wales, who smiled.

"Ah such a lovely request, it will be my pleasure."

* * *

The party was held in the hall in the castle. The king of Albion, James I, sat in the throne, and nobles and vassals who had gathered through narrowed eyes.

Though tomorrow everyone will die, it was quite a feast still. And the table was filled with various treats.

Saito and the others were watching this colorful party while standing in the corner of the hall.

"They put all the troubles of tomorrow behind and are trying to enjoy the present."

Wardes nodded in response to Saito's words.

"Yes, they behave joyfully."

When Prince Wales showed up, there was some enthusiastic sights between ladies. Seems like he was popular not only as a prince but as a handsome man as well. When he approached the throne, people started whispering.

James I tried to stand up straight and come to greet him, but because of his old age he staggered and almost fell down.

Some laughter could be heard from the hall.

"Your Majesty! Its too early to fall!"

"Indeed! Save that for tomorrow!"

James I wasn't insulted by such comments, and smiled.

"Don't worry, its just me legs were numb from sitting for so long."

Wales came closer and supported the king's body with his. There were a few more chuckles.

"You. I will tell all of you brave and loyal vassals, that tomorrow 'Reconquista' is planning to attack our Newcastle with their full force. You followed and fought bravely for this incapable old king, however tomorrow won't be a battle. It is likely to be a one-sided slaughter. Let's endure it and show our bravery for one last time."

The king coughed loudly, after that he continued talking.

"But it might be asking too much for all you to die. Thus tomorrow morning the warship Eagle will take all women and children and the ones who chose to leave to a safer place further from this forsaken continent."

However, no one answered. One noble loudly informed the king.

"You Majesty! We are waiting for the order! [Full army! Full army! Full army!] since our hearing is so bad tonight I doubt we will be able to hear any other orders!"

All people nodded.

"Yeah! What would others say if we were to run away?"

"It's too late to retreat, Your Majesty"

"It's alright! We will continue to serve the king like we did years before! Tonight is a good night! The founder has blessed us with a wonderful moon and warm night! Let's enjoy drinking and dancing for tonight!"

With this everyone returned to the fest. The three guests from Tristain attracted a lot of attention.The nobles didn't seem to be sad or worried, they playfully kept on joking and offering wine or food to the guests.

"Ambassador! Try this wine! Tell us which country's wine is better!"

"Here! Try this! It's Albion's special - chicken with honey, will make you healthy and strong for sure!"

Albion kept on having fun! Even in the end.

Saito became melancholic. The people who acted joyfully at the face of death looked more sad than brave. Louise seemed to have felt it more. She couldn't endure the atmosphere, shook her head and ran out of the hall.

For a moment Saito wanted to follow her, but urged Wardes to go instead.

Wardes nodded and went after her. Saito crouched on the floor and sighed.

Wales saw Saito acting this way and came to him from the center of the hall.

"This boy is Miss La Valliere's familiar. However, it is very unusual for a person to be a familiar. Tristain is really an unusual country."

Wales laughed while saying so.

"It is unusual in Tristain as well. "

Saito said tiredly.

"Feeling down?"

Anxiously, Wales looked into Saito's face. Saito still felt pain in his arm and seeing people preparing for their death was depressing as well. 　 Saito stood up and asked Wales.

"Sorry for impoliteness... But aren't you scared?"

"Scared?"

Wales looked blankly at Saito.

"Arent you scared to die?"

Wales laughed after hearing Saito's words.

"You are worried about us! Us! What a nice boy you are!"

"No, it's just that it is scary for me. I could not laugh the way you do if I were to know that I would die tomorrow."

"I am scared. There is no person who would not be scared to die. It doesn't matter if you are a noble or commoner."

"Then why?"

"It is because I have something to defend. Something that makes me to forget the coldness of the grave."

"What do you defend? Honor? Fame? Those are a foolish things to die for."

Saito said with louder voice.

Wales answered with distant eyes.

"Aristocrat fraction 'Reconquista' is our enemy that tries to unite Halkeginia. It hangs to the 'sacred ground' ideal. Its good that people have ideals as that. But, it shouldn't be united with force and blood. All countries will be ruined."

"However, is there no winning chance any longer? What's the point to die in here? Maybe you can find other means to defeat them later..."

"No, we should at least show off at least a glimpse of courage and honor to other nobles with it even if is not possible to win, we can show that Halkeginia's royal families are not a weak enemy. Even though they do not seem to throw away the ambitions of 'Union' and 'Recovery of the sacred ground' anytime soon."

"Why?"

Saito said. Saito who grew up in modern Japan could not understand why one would show one's courage in such way.

Wales declared decisively.

"Why? Easily, it is our obligation. The obligation of those born in the royal family. The obligation imposed on the royal family to defend the kingdom to the very end."

Saito did not understand. However, because Wales has the person whom he loves, and who loves Wales as well. Isn't surviving for that person also an obligation? He thought in such a way.

"The princess of Tristain loves you. Did you forgot her letter?"

After Saito's words, Wales smiled recalling it.

"Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to pretend not to know. Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to leave. It will only give an excuse for others to invade Tristain."

"But, but..."

Saito hesitated. Wales's decision won't be changed. Wales gripped Saito's shoulder and looked straight into his eyes.

"Since it is cleared, don't tell this to Henrietta. No need to worry her pretty face with unnecessary worries. She is like a pretty flower. Don't you think so too?"

Saito nodded. She indeed is a beautiful princess. I don't want to see her face sad or worried as well.

But, Wales won't change his decision because of that.

That's what Wales' eyes said.

"Just tell her that Wales fought bravely and died bravely. That will be enough."

Wales returned to the center of the hall after saying that.

* * *

Saito left the feast, but since he felt lost, he asked the waiter where his room was.

After he explained where his room was, someone tapped his shoulder from behind. Saito saw Wardes when he turned around.

"I have to tell you one thing."

Wardes said in a stony voice.

"And that would be?"

"Louise and me will hold a wedding here tomorrow."

Saito's body has froze. He wasn't able to understand the meaning of the words for the moment.

"A-at such time? Why?"

"Because we want to ask that brave Crown Prince Wales to act as go-between of our marriage. The Crown Prince pleasantly agreed. We will hold a ceremony before the decisive battle."

Saito became silent, and nodded.

"Will you come?"

Wardes asked. Saito shook his head.

"Then you can leave at once with a ship tomorrow. Louise and I will return with a griffon."

"But isn't too long distance for this flight?"

Saito, because he was confused, asked rather a trivial question.

"Only if you would fly fast without resting."

Wardes answered.

"Well then, I need to go now."

"A-alright."

Saito's shoulders dropped.

Though he knew that this would come eventually, he still had this very lonely feeling.

* * *

Saito was walking in a pitch-dark passage with a candlestick.

The moon was shining through an opened window on the way of the passage. There was a girl who walked alone in the moonlight.

She had long blond-pink hair... Tears that looked like pearls was falling down her white cheek. Saito looked quietly admiring for a while such beautiful but sad face.

Louse turned around and noticed Saito, who was standing there with a candle. Her eyes were wet even though she wiped them.

Louise's face became sad once again. When Saito walked up to her, she leaned into his body, as if losing all her strength.

"You are crying, why..."

Louise didn't answer but pressed her face into Saito's chest.

Saito embraced her firmly.

Saito at first was puzzled by Louise clinging on him. He wasn't used to these kind of things. However, she sobbed like a girl, and it felt like Louise clung to him very dearly. Louise was hurt and he felt sorry for her. However, what does this mean?

Probably Louise clung to me because I was here by chance. Like a girl clinging to a stuffed animal. It is not me but Wardes that is really important to her.

However, Saito did not said anything, and patted Louise's head in an awkward way with his hand. Louise's head seemed so small and fit in his palm.

Louise said while crying.

"No... Those people... Why, why they chose to die? Even though there is the princess... Even if Wales loves her... Why does Crown Prince Wales chose death?"

"He said that the purpose is to defend the important one. "

"What is more important in this world than the person you love?"

"I don't understand the prince's way of thinking either."

"I will persuade! I will persuade him again!"

"Don't."

"Why?"

"Because, you are here to deliver the princess' letter. This is your only mission."

Louise muttered while tears kept on streaming down her cheeks.

"...I want to return soon. I want to return back to Tristain. I dislike this country. These foolish people and unreasonable prince that leaves everything."

Though Louise sometimes acts tough she is still a girl. Louise cannot understand the world of Wales. But Saito understood her as he thought the same way as well. 　 Louise, as if suddenly remembering, took something out of her pocket.

"Put out your left arm." Louise said.

"What?"

"Just do it."

Saito presented his left arm as he was told. It was a can that Louise took out. She scooped inside with her finger and took some sticky medicine, that had a funny smell to it.

"I got it from the person in the castle a little while ago. This magical water medicine is very effective against burns. I could get only this medicine. But it should be alright."

Louise muttered while she was lubricating Saito's arm with it.

I never thought she could be so gentle. But I should not become dependent on this gentleness too much as it will be gone soon.

Saito shook his head and pushed Louise away from him. Louise looked up at Saito's face surprised.

Saito had an painful expression on his face.

After seeing such Saito's face, Louise bit her lip.

"...Why such face. Did something happen?"

"It's nothing."

"I understand. As soon as we return back, I will search for a way to send you back to your world."

Louise said while hesitating. Apparently, she misunderstood it. However, Saito thought it was good to let it be this way.

"...It's alright even if you don't help."

"What?"

"I mean you will marry soon, so you shouldn't bother about searching for a way to send me back."

"What? Don't tell me you are worrying about that? You're still thinking about words I said in the La Rochelle hotel? Indeed, I said 'marry' at that time... But, but I wasn't serious about it."

Louise turned her face away from Saito.

"It is not possible to marry yet. I am still not splendid mage... And I haven't found a way to send you back either..."

Saito thought.

Indeed, Louise might not marry because she feels responsible for me. And because of that she won't be able to marry until I find my way home. But Saito thought that it was not fair for Louise. I do not think this is fair for this dazzling, beautiful, nice and gentle Louise.

"It's alright. I will look for the way to return alone. Therefore, you must marry."

"What a selfish thing to say, you are my familiar! Defend me till we can find a way to send you back!"

Louise said and intensly stared at Saito.

"I cannot defend you."

Saito's shoulders dropped down lonely when he said it.

"Remember what happened."

The spectacle of the travel revived in Saito's head. When they started shooting the arrows, he was saved by Wardes. He was defeated in the duel with Wardes. When they were attacked by a man in a white mask, he could not save Louise.

It is always Wardes saving you. I was not able to do a thing but stand and watch.

"I am not a strong mage like the Viscount. I am just a normal person, even if they say I am a legendary familiar 'Gandálfr'. I don't know how to fight. All I can do is just swing a sword around recklessly. I cannot protect you."

Louise palm hit Saito's cheek.

"Coward!"

Saito said without changing his expression.

"Let's separate from here Louise. You return with the viscount by griffon while I will return with the Eagle. When I return I will look for the way to return to my world. I am indebted to you as the things are already."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Idiot!"

Louise shouted. Tears started running from her eyes again. Still, Saito didn't answer. He just watched Louise tremble.

"I hate you! I hate you!"

Saito muttered while veiling his eyes.

"I know."

Louise turned on her heels and ran down the dark passage. Saito patted his cheek. The place where it was hit still ached and made him feel very sad.

"Good-bye, Louise."

Saito said in a small voice. Though he thought that he would not cry, tears were streaming down and did not stop.

"Good-bye, my gentle and lovely master."