Difference between revisions of "Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10"

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m (When I saw the earlier change, it just didn't feel right. It just doesn't fit Delfringer's personality as well. So, I changed it back to probably)
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===Chapter Ten: The Place of Courage===
 
===Chapter Ten: The Place of Courage===
   
On a little hill drawn on a map…The dawn brought forth light to the darkness.
+
On a little hill drawn on a map… The dawn brought forth light to the darkness.
   
The view slowly expands, and the grassland below grew larger and larger.
+
The view slowly expanded, and the grassland below grew larger and larger.
   
It is recorded on the map, a rural area approximately 150 leagues south-west outside the city of South Gotha.
+
It was as shown on the map, a rural area approximately 150 leagues southwest of the city of Saxe-Gotha. Saito had finally arrived there after a whole night of riding.
   
After a whole night of riding, Saito finally arrived here. A light excitement covered him. Although he had been riding all night, Saito's fighting spirit and fatigue were restored by the morning light.
+
A light excitement embraced him. Although he had been riding all night, his fighting spirit and fatigue were restored by the morning light.
   
In the morning fog, slowly, slowly and accompanied with the shaking of earth, a great army appeared.
+
Through the morning fog, slowly; and accompanied with the shaking of the earth, a great army appeared.
   
Saito stood up, and slammed his hand against the horse he had been riding. The beast that had been chewing grass idly was suddenly shocked, and fled in the direction where they come from.
+
Saito stood up and slammed his palm against the horse he had been riding. The beast, which had been chewing grass idly, was suddenly startled and fled back in the direction where they had come from.
   
“You are not going to use the horse?"
+
“You are not going to use the horse?" Derflinger asked over the shoulder.
 
Derflinger asked over the shoulder.
 
   
 
“That guy has a life too; it is not just some tool.”
 
“That guy has a life too; it is not just some tool.”
Line 21: Line 19:
 
“You have such a good heart, partner.”
 
“You have such a good heart, partner.”
   
  +
Saito asked Derflinger, “Didn’t you say before that Gandálfr was able to stand against a thousand foes alone? 70,000 shouldn’t be a problem right?”
Saito asked Delfinger,
 
 
“Didn’t you say before, the Gandalfr was able to defend a thousand foes alone? 70,000 shouldn’t be a problem right?”
 
   
 
“That is what they say, but it is only a legend, so people tend to exaggerate. Don’t get too hopeful, in reality, it was probably less than a thousand.”
 
“That is what they say, but it is only a legend, so people tend to exaggerate. Don’t get too hopeful, in reality, it was probably less than a thousand.”
   
“….why are you like this? Lying to me like that. If you lied to me, don’t tell me the truth. We are already dead, at least lie to the very end.”
+
“…Why are you like this? Lying to me like that. If you lied, don’t tell me the truth. We are already as good as dead, so at least lie to the very end.”
   
On the horizon of the grassland, we can see the advancing army. Although it is an army of 70,000, due the fact they are not marching abreast, it does not appear to be as large. But in reality, all 70,000 are there.
+
On the horizon of the grassland they could see the advancing army. Although it was an army of 70,000, due the fact they were not marching abreast, it did not appear to be as large. But in reality, all 70,000 were there.
   
Soldiers wielding weapons, Mages armed with spells, cannons, demi-humans like orcs and trolls, Dragon Knights…Knights riding phantom beasts.
+
Soldiers wielding weapons, Mages armed with spells, cannons, demi-humans like orcs and trolls, dragon knights… Knights riding phantom beasts.
   
None were missing, all 70,000 were here.
+
None were missing, all 70,000 were there.
   
 
Saito asked with a fear shaken voice.
 
Saito asked with a fear shaken voice.
Line 41: Line 37:
 
“Why are you asking the obvious? Because our ships have to retreat, so we have to buy time.”
 
“Why are you asking the obvious? Because our ships have to retreat, so we have to buy time.”
   
”No…I am not talking about this…But, forget it.” Saito let out his breath.
+
“No… I am not talking about that… But, forget it.” Saito let out a sigh. “Last time I was saved by Guiche’s mole, but this time there is no way we can escape.”
 
“Last time I was saved by Guiche’s mole, but this time there is no escape.”
 
   
“No we cannot. No matter what, just charge in, in a situation like this no matter which direction charging is the same. Aim for the commanding officer, strike down the head, and the body will fall into chaos. You can probably buy them a day or so.”
+
“No, we cannot. No matter what, just charge in. In a situation like this, no matter which direction, charging is the same. Aim for the commanding officer, strike down the head, and the body will fall into chaos. You can probably buy them a day or so.”
   
Saito nodded, holding Delfinger tightly. The runes on his left hand began to glow.
+
Saito nodded, holding Derflinger tightly. The runes on his left hand began to glow.
   
“Let me tell you something, Delfinger.”
+
“Let me tell you something, Derflinger.”
   
 
“What is it?”
 
“What is it?”
Line 57: Line 51:
 
“Sure.”
 
“Sure.”
 
 
“I, once, saw an old lady being harassed by some punk near a train station, something about the old lady bumping into them. But that time I was just a little chibi, if I wanted to stop them I couldn’t, so I only stood by and watched. That time I thought, if only I was a little stronger, but at the same time, I also sighed. Because even if I was stronger, it does not guarantee I would have won.”
+
“I once saw an old lady being harassed by some punk near a train station, something about the old lady bumping into them. But at that time I was just a little kid, I couldn't stop them even if I wanted to, so I only stood by and watched. That time I thought, ''if only I were a little stronger'', but at the same time, I also sighed in relief. Because even if I were stronger, it would not guarantee that I would have won.”
   
  +
“True.”
“True”
 
   
“No mistake, I am stronger now, there cannot be any excuses. That time because I had no strength, so I had the excuse to not to do anything. The excuse was that I was not strong enough, so I didn’t help. But now, I've lost that excuse. Because I am now very, very strong. No matter what, I am Gandalfr, right?”
+
“No mistake, I am stronger now, there cannot be any excuses. That time I had no strength, so I had an excuse not to do anything. I was not strong enough, so I didn’t help. But now, I've lost that excuse. Because I am now very, very strong. No matter what, I am Gandálfr, right?”
   
 
Deflinger murmured lowly, “Um hum.”
 
Deflinger murmured lowly, “Um hum.”
   
“But…all that strength is only external, in reality I am not really any stronger inside. But there is nothing I can do about it, although I am Gandalfr the legendary familiar, my body is shaking, I really don’t have any mental preparation. This type of situation is really not for me. Protecting everyone’s honor, I really don’t like it! I'm shaking with fear. I do not want to die.”
+
“But… all that strength is only external, I am not really any stronger inside. Yet there is nothing I can do about it, although I am the legendary familiar Gandálfr, my body is shaking, I really don’t have any mental preparation. This type of situation is really not for me. Protecting everyone’s honor, I really don’t like it! I'm shaking with fear. I do not want to die.”
   
 
“Partner, you are really someone truly brave!”
 
“Partner, you are really someone truly brave!”
Line 71: Line 65:
 
“This kind of personality will only lead to trouble, fast.” Saito thought about it.
 
“This kind of personality will only lead to trouble, fast.” Saito thought about it.
   
Courage, isn’t this what it is all about?
+
''Courage, isn’t this what it is all about?''
   
 
“Hey, Partner.”
 
“Hey, Partner.”
Line 77: Line 71:
 
“What?”
 
“What?”
   
”Am I going to die?”
+
“Am I going to die?”
   
 
“Probably.”
 
“Probably.”
   
The boy became silent. Delfinger decided to raise his spirits, “If it is going to be like this, then go out like a hero!”
+
The boy became silent. Derflinger decided to raise his spirits, “If it is going to be like this, then go out like a hero!”
   
 
“Why?”
 
“Why?”
   
”Because otherwise it will be a waste.”
+
“Because otherwise it would be a waste.”
   
Four hundred meters in front of them, they can see Albion’s forward assault force.
+
Four hundred meters in front of them, they could see Albion’s forward assault force.
   
 
[[Image:ZnT07-239.jpg|thumb]]
 
[[Image:ZnT07-239.jpg|thumb]]
   
Suddenly his body begins to move by itself; they would never know if this was the power of Gandalfr, or Saito’s own bravery, or something else…
+
Suddenly his body began to move by itself; they would never know if this was the power of Gandálfr, or Saito’s own bravery, or something else…
   
 
Saito charged toward the army of 70,000.
 
Saito charged toward the army of 70,000.
   
The first group of Albion soldiers who found the charging hero was not Frontal Cavalry, but the owl familiar belonging to the artillery/firearm commander. Because he didn’t believe the Infantries, so he decided to personally investigative the matter.
+
The first group of Albion soldiers who found the charging hero was not frontal cavalry, but the owl familiar belonging to an artillery commander. Because he didn’t believe the infantries, he decided to personally investigative the matter.
   
After he verified the situation through his owl, He immediately ordered the firearm squadrons to prepare to fire, because normally during the course of a march, firearm troops do not keep their weapons loaded.
+
After he verified the situation through his owl, he immediately ordered the firearm squadrons to prepare to fire, as during the course of a march, firearm troops do not normally keep their weapons loaded.
   
 
“What? Only one person?”
 
“What? Only one person?”
   
He was surprised when he found out there is only one person, but he became shocked once he saw the boy’s speed.
+
He was surprised when he found out there was only one person, but he became shocked once he saw the boy’s speed.
   
It is not a speed that can be achieved by a human on foot.
+
It was not a speed that could be achieved by a human on foot.
   
 
The frontal cavalry also made the same mistake as well.
 
The frontal cavalry also made the same mistake as well.
   
Because in the mistake with the estimation of speed, just as they stopped the opposition charged right past them. Before the cavalry can even draw their weapons, they were knocked off their steeds.
+
Because of a mistake with the estimation of speed, the opposition charged right past them just as they were stopping. Before the cavalry could even draw their weapons, they were knocked off their steeds.
   
The only thing the fallen cavalry men can do is hear the sound of the enemy’s footsteps, the speed is so fast, they could not even see their foe’s image.
+
The only thing the fallen cavalry men could do was hear the sound of the enemy’s footsteps, the speed was so great that they could not even see their foe’s image.
   
Before the soldiers finish loading their weapons, the enemy is already in front of their leader.
+
Before the soldiers finished loading their weapons, the enemy was already in front of their leader.
It is a person armed with a large sword.
 
   
  +
It was a person armed with a large sword.
The commander, in reflex, tried to pull out his wand, but was sent flying by the sword. Something hit him hard on the side of his head, the commander instantly lost conscious.
 
   
  +
The commander, in reflex, tried to pull out his wand, but was sent flying by the sword. Something hit him hard on the side of his head and he instantly lost consciousness.
The next moment, Mage Knights approached from the sky. They used magic and familiars to track Saito’s movement, then released a barrage of spells.
 
   
  +
The next moment, mage knights approached from the sky. They used magic and familiars to track Saito’s movement and then released a barrage of spells.
Blades of Wind, Spears of Ice, and Balls of Fire flew in waves toward Saito, but were instantly absorbed by the sword. Though the Knights were taken by surprise, they did not stop their magical assaults.
 
   
  +
Wind blades, ice spears, and fireballs flew in waves toward Saito, but were instantly absorbed by the sword. Though the knights were taken by surprise, they did not stop their magical assault.
The knight commander ordered his men to scatter; in the instant he made that order, a wind blew next to him, where the wind struck, his wand was snapped in half, and a foot slammed into his stomach. Ribs shattered, the pain was so strong the officer could not cry and soon fainted.
 
   
  +
The knight commander ordered his men to scatter; in the instant he made that order, a gust of wind blew next to him, where the wind struck, his wand was snapped in half and a foot slammed into his stomach. Ribs shattered, the pain was so strong the officer could not cry and soon fainted.
Deflinger asked running Saito,
 
   
“Why didn’t you kill them?”
+
Derflinger asked Saito, “Why didn’t you kill them?”
   
Saito threw back a short reply,
+
Saito threw back a short reply, “I am not a soldier.”
 
“I am not a soldier.”
 
   
 
“What do you mean?”
 
“What do you mean?”
   
“No matter allies or enemies; I will not treat them as tools.”
+
“Be they allies or enemies, I will not treat them as tools.”
   
Delfinger sighed.
+
Derflinger sighed.
   
 
Saito danced, dodged, and struck left and right, which caused massive chaos within the enemy formation.
 
Saito danced, dodged, and struck left and right, which caused massive chaos within the enemy formation.
Line 140: Line 131:
 
Fighting alone turned out to be extremely advantageous.
 
Fighting alone turned out to be extremely advantageous.
   
To prevent friendly fire, the enemy did not dare to use firearms or projectiles, also, with the speed of Gandalfr, nothing in this world can catch up.
+
To prevent friendly fire, the enemy did not dare to use firearms or projectiles, and with Gandálfr’s speed, nothing in this world could catch up.
   
But…the Mage opponents were still very difficult to deal with.
+
But… the mage opponents were still very difficult to deal with.
   
The endless barrage of magic, although Delfinger could absorb them, but the amount of magic delivered is certainly above normal, and slowly the sword begin to lose the ability to handle them. “Ugh!”
+
Although Derflinger could absorb the endless barrage of spells, the amount of magic delivered was certainly above normal, and slowly the sword began to lose its ability to handle them.
  +
  +
“Ugh!”
   
 
“Left hand?”
 
“Left hand?”
   
“Hum, damn…I can’t move it anymore.”
+
“Hum, damn… I can’t move it anymore.”
  +
  +
Saito could only wield Derflinger with his right hand, his left shoulder took a deep wound, and part of his body was now charred by flame, which came from the fireball that exploded near him.
  +
  +
Although the situation was grave, Saito still charged forward, bravely standing tall while surrounded on all sides.
   
  +
Due to the attacks by magic and weapons alike… Saito’s injuries became graver every second.
Saito could only wield Delfinger with his right hand, his left shoulder took a deep wound, and a part of his body is now charred by flame, which came from the fireball that exploded near him.
 
   
Although the situation is grave, Saito still charged forward, bravely stood tall surrounded on all sides.
 
   
Due to the attacks by Magic and weapons alike…Saito’s injury became graver every second.
 
   
   
<center>* * *</center>
 
   
  +
Riding on his phantom manticore was the unit’s commanding officer. He kicked his beast and prepared to charge, but a sword knocked him off his mount and he saw his manticore struck down. In that instant, his own legs were shattered and he collapsed on the ground.
   
  +
The commander of the firearm division ordered his men to prepare for a maneuver, thinking about surrounding this wind-like enemy in an instant, but the enemy leaped over the formation, and struck the commander’s head with his sword, sending the man instantly into oblivion.
Ridding on his phantom manticore was the unit’s commanding officer, kicked his beast, and prepared to charge. But a sword knocked him off his mount, he saw his manticore struck down. In that instant, his own legs were shattered, collapsed on the ground.
 
   
The commander for the firearm division ordered his men to prepare for a maneuver, thinking to surround this wind like enemy in an instant, but the enemy leaped over the formation, and struck the commander’s head with his sword, sending the man instantly into oblivion.
+
The young commander in charge of the archers hastily ordered his men to fire, but the arrows could not reach their foe, instead striking down his allies instead. In the chaos he managed to hit his own foot.
   
  +
The chaos among the forward guard became progressively worse. General Hawkins received reports that completely boggled him. The communications he received were a complete mess.
The young commander in charge of the Archers hastily ordered his men to fire, but the arrows could not reach their foe, but instead struck down his allies instead. In the chaos he manages to hit his foot.
 
   
  +
Some said, the enemy was a single rider.
The chaos with the forward guards became progressively worse. General Hawkins received reports that completely boggled him. The communications he received were completely a mess.
 
   
Some say, the enemy is a single rider.
+
Some said, the enemy was a magician.
   
Some say, the enemy is a Magician.
+
Some said, it was a part of the enemy army.
   
Some say, is a part of the enemy army.
+
Some said, it was elvish mage knights.
   
Some say, is elvish Magic Knights.
+
Some said, it was an elvish division… etc.
   
  +
But the General, a veteran who survived a hundred battles, felt it was a single foe.
Some say, is a elvish division…etc
 
   
  +
An enemy with the speed of wind.
But, the general, a veteran who survived a hundred battles felt it is a single foe.
 
   
An enemy with the speed of the wind,
+
An enemy with strength like fire.
   
An enemy with the strength like fire,
+
An enemy unshakable like the stones of the earth.
   
An enemy unshakable like the stones of earth,
+
An enemy elusive like the waves of the sea.
   
  +
“I don't like it,” General Hawkins muttered.
An enemy elusive like the wave of the sea.
 
   
“I don't like it,” General Hawkins muttered.
 
   
   
<center>* * *</center>
 
   
   
Just as Saito broke the wand of an officer of middle rank, the boy spotted a group of mages. Since so many mages were protecting a single individual that mean…
+
Just as Saito broke the wand of a middle ranked officer, the boy spotted a group of mages. Since so many mages were protecting a single individual, that meant…
   
“That guy must have a pretty high rank...” Delfinger added. But even through Saito heard him he could not do much, his body begin to be paralyzed by the pain. Very soon he wouldn’t be moving t all.
+
“That guy must have a pretty high rank...” Derflinger added. But even though Saito heard him, he couldn’t do much as his body began to be paralyzed by the pain. Very soon he wouldn’t be able to move at all.
   
Saito must save the energy from his breathe.
+
He had to save his energy for breathing.
   
Just to take down one more Officer…
+
Just to take down one more officer…
   
 
Just to cause more havoc.
 
Just to cause more havoc.
Line 208: Line 201:
 
This was Louise’s task.
 
This was Louise’s task.
   
A task my own beautiful master volunteered.
+
''A task my own beautiful master was going to carry out.''
   
Saito leashed towards the enemy general surrounded by hoards of mages.
+
Saito rushed towards the enemy general surrounded by a horde of mages.
   
 
General Hawkins stared at the wind blasting toward him.
 
General Hawkins stared at the wind blasting toward him.
Line 216: Line 209:
 
Truly amazing speed.
 
Truly amazing speed.
   
He pulled out his Wand, chanted his Magic, in one breathe he summoned a Blade of Wind. But… the enemy’s agility dodges it. He could only see the enemy’s blade, flying toward his head.
 
   
  +
He pulled out his wand, chanted his spell, and in one breath summoned a wind blade. But… the enemy swiftly dodged it. He could only see the foe’s blade, flying toward his head.
General Hawkins can only see the shadow in front of him, as if trying to brand it under his vision.
 
   
  +
General Hawkins could only see the shadow in front of him, as if trying to brand it under his vision.
His Riders struck the enemy full of Magic bolts, each attaching itself on to that swordman’s body.
 
   
  +
His riders struck the enemy full of magic bolts, each attaching itself on to that swordsman’s body.
Although so many bolts should had been fatal, but the wind like warrior never slowed.
 
   
  +
Although so many bolts should have been fatal, the wind-like warrior never slowed.
Fencer's sword shot up, slamming into Hawkin's body.
 
  +
  +
A fencer's sword shot up, slamming into Hawkins' body.
   
 
The blade’s tip reached within 5 cm of his face.
 
The blade’s tip reached within 5 cm of his face.
   
Hawkins, not averting his gaze, stared straight at the top.
+
Hawkins, not averting his gaze, stared straight at the tip.
   
But it did not struck Hawkins’ face.
+
But it did not strike Hawkins’ face.
   
As if time suddenly stopped, the Swordman’s movement stopped.
+
As if time suddenly stopped, the swordsman’s movement froze.
   
Hawkins used his wand to knock the sword away, and the unknown Blademaster hit the ground with a thud.
+
Hawkins used his wand to knock the sword away, and the unknown blademaster hit the ground with a thud.
   
“Your eminence! Are you ok?”
+
“Your Eminence! Are you ok?”
   
“General Hawkins!” One of the Knights rode by.
+
“General Hawkins!” one of the knights rode by.
   
“No bones broken.” He answered.
+
“No bones broken,” He answered.
   
“Combat is over, give me the report”
+
“Combat is over, give me the report.”
   
 
Reports came in quick succession.
 
Reports came in quick succession.
   
It is absolutely unimaginable a single warrior was able to cause such damage. Lower command, Upper command echelon had 14 wounded, the enlisted infantry estimated injured were around two hundred fifty. The loss apparently, from the entire army’s angle, is within the limit of acceptable. But it's effects were significant. The strong Forward guards are now in complete chaos, in the fog of war, many were injured by their own friendly fire, and the story that 'Everything was caused by a single swordsman' had spread among soldiers like wildfire, greatly damaging the morale of the troops.
+
It was absolutely unimaginable that a single warrior was able to cause so much damage. Lower command, upper command echelon had 14 wounded, the enlisted infantry estimated injured were around two hundred and fifty.
   
  +
The loss, from the entire army’s point of view, was apparently within the acceptable limit. But its effects were significant. The strong forward guards were now in complete chaos, many were injured by their own friendly fire in the fog of war, and the story that "everything was caused by a single swordsman" had spread among soldiers like wildfire, greatly damaging the morale of the troops.
The forward commander reported with a bitter face: “I am afraid it will take a while to reform the forward command, at least for several hours.”
 
   
  +
The forward commander reported with a bitter face: “I am afraid it will take a while to reform the forward command, at least several hours.”
Also, stories continue to spread among the frightened troops, which greatly decreased the army marching speed. The enlisted soldiers were afraid the enemy may hide another swordsman like the one before.
 
   
  +
Also, stories continued to spread among the frightened troops, which greatly decreased the army marching speed. The enlisted soldiers were afraid the enemy might hide another swordsman like the one before.
The adjutant slowly murmured to General Hawkins:
 
   
  +
The adjutant slowly murmured to General Hawkins,
“I am afraid we cannot continue today’s marching objectives. If the situation continues, we will have to waste half a day…no, entire day of time.”
 
  +
  +
“I am afraid we cannot meet today’s marching objectives. If the situation continues, we will have to waste half a day… no, an entire day of time.”
   
 
Hawkins lowered his head.
 
Hawkins lowered his head.
Line 262: Line 258:
 
“He is just a boy.”
 
“He is just a boy.”
   
The body on the ground is a black haired, very unusual looking boy.
+
The body on the ground was a black-haired, very unusual looking boy.
   
Looking at him breathing still weakly, but his body clearly took enormous amount of magical damage, it is only a matter of time.
+
Looking at him still breathing weakly, his body clearly had taken an enormous amount of magical damage; it was only a matter of time.
   
Hawkins wanted to summon a water mage, but after so much injury, it is only extending his suffering. Not even magic is infinite.
+
Hawkins wanted to summon a water mage, but after so many injuries it would only extend his suffering. Not even magic is infinite.
   
Hawkins looked down on the boy, whispered
+
Hawkins looked down on the boy and whispered,
   
 
"I am really jealous."
 
"I am really jealous."
Line 274: Line 270:
 
"Huh?"
 
"Huh?"
   
"A single warrior stopped an entire army....in the words of history long gone, he is a 'Hero'; I wish I was not merely a general, but a hero."
+
"A single warrior stopped an entire army... in the words of history long gone, he is a 'Hero'; I wish I was not merely a general, but a hero."
   
Hawkin's voice trailed off.
+
Hawkins’ voice trailed off.
   
 
His sub-commander nodded as well.
 
His sub-commander nodded as well.
   
"What you say is right, but situations like this is results of war, a pity he was an enemy of ours."
+
"What you say is right, but situations like these are the results of war, a pity he was an enemy of ours."
   
"Although an enemy...not even a noble...but I believe he should receive the highest honor and respect."
+
"Even though he’s an enemy... not even a noble... I believe he should receive the highest honor and respect."
   
 
"I understand your point."
 
"I understand your point."
   
General Hawkins and the Sub-commander both saluted the boy.
+
General Hawkins and the sub-commander both saluted the boy.
   
 
"Let's bury him with honor."
 
"Let's bury him with honor."
Line 299: Line 295:
   
   
<center>* * *</center>
 
   
   
Once inside the forest… Saito’s body fell down again.
 
   
  +
Once inside the forest… Saito’s body collapsed again.
Voice echoed in the dark forest.
 
  +
  +
A voice echoed in the dark forest.
   
 
Not Saito’s voice, but Derflinger’s.
 
Not Saito’s voice, but Derflinger’s.
   
“Haaah…it was one thousand years since the last time I used ‘Master’ was it? Though the reason I was able to move… was because of absorbed magic energy. Anyway, I'm beaten already... but partner, you look tattered...“
+
“Haaah… it’s been one thousand years since the last time I used ‘Master’ was it? Though the reason I was able to move… was because of the absorbed magic energy. Anyway, I'm beaten already... but partner, you look tattered...“
   
 
Saito’s body didn’t move in the slightest.
 
Saito’s body didn’t move in the slightest.
   
“Hey partner. Do you hear me? Hold on in there, I will tell you a nice thing. At that time, that girl wore those black cat’s clothes just for you. She wanted you to push her down again.”
+
“Hey partner. Do you hear me? Hold on there, I’ll tell you something nice. At that time, that girl wore those black cat clothes just for you. She wanted you to push her down again.”
   
 
Derflinger waited for a while.
 
Derflinger waited for a while.
Line 318: Line 314:
 
However, no matter how long he waited, there was no answer.
 
However, no matter how long he waited, there was no answer.
   
Once Derflinger’s power wore off, Saito’s hand lessened its grip. Free from Saito’s lifeless finger’s, Derflinger muttered with regret.
+
Once Derflinger’s power wore off, Saito’s hand lessened its grip. Free from Saito’s lifeless fingers, Derflinger muttered with regret,
  +
  +
“…tch, you can’t hear me anymore.”
   
“…cheh, you can’t hear me anymore.”
 
   
   
<center>* * *</center>
 
   
   
Louise awoke and found herself on the deck of the Redoubtable.
+
Louise awoke and found herself on the deck of the ''Redoutable''.
   
 
Because of the wind brushing her face, as well as the sound of the fluttering sail, she finally woke up.
 
Because of the wind brushing her face, as well as the sound of the fluttering sail, she finally woke up.
Line 336: Line 332:
 
”Good! Good!!”
 
”Good! Good!!”
   
Seeing friends nodding their heads unstopped, Louise asked in a surprised voice:
+
Seeing friends nodding their heads constantly, Louise asked in a surprised voice:
   
“I…why…?”
+
“I… why…?”
   
 
“We don’t know. When the ship departed I found you sleeping here.”
 
“We don’t know. When the ship departed I found you sleeping here.”
Line 344: Line 340:
 
“…Here, this is a ship?”
 
“…Here, this is a ship?”
   
As she watch the moving scenery for a few minutes, Louise suddenly remembered a very important thing, suddenly sprang to her feet.
+
As she watched the moving scenery for a few minutes, Louise suddenly remembered a very important thing, abruptly springing to her feet.
   
 
“I, I must go stop the enemy army. I have to prevent the Albion army from catching up!”
 
“I, I must go stop the enemy army. I have to prevent the Albion army from catching up!”
Line 356: Line 352:
 
“We already retreated.”
 
“We already retreated.”
   
“This is the last ship from the Port of Rosais.”
+
“This is the last ship from the port of Rosais.”
   
 
“…Oh?”
 
“…Oh?”
Line 362: Line 358:
 
Louise looked confused as she stared from the forecastle, as the continent of Albion became smaller and smaller.
 
Louise looked confused as she stared from the forecastle, as the continent of Albion became smaller and smaller.
   
“How is it like this? What happen to the Albion army that was chasing us?”
+
“How can it be? What happened to the Albion army that was chasing us?”
   
“They said only a little longer, they didn’t catch up with us.”
+
“They said they couldn’t catch up with us, although by a small margin”
   
 
“Good, Good, this means we can get home safely.”
 
“Good, Good, this means we can get home safely.”
Line 370: Line 366:
 
“But when we get back, there will still be a lot of trouble.”
 
“But when we get back, there will still be a lot of trouble.”
   
Malicorne and Guiche stared at each other, then the two start laughing.
+
Malicorne and Guiche stared at each other, then the two started laughing.
   
 
What really happened?
 
What really happened?
Line 376: Line 372:
 
Why did the Albion Army slow their march?
 
Why did the Albion Army slow their march?
   
In that moment…she suddenly remembered something more important.
+
In that moment… she suddenly remembered something more important.
   
She cannot see Saito anywhere.
+
She could not see Saito anywhere.
   
 
Louise ran around the ship in a circle, and met Siesta and her family on the forecastle.
 
Louise ran around the ship in a circle, and met Siesta and her family on the forecastle.
   
“Miss Louise…you woke up?”
+
“Miss Louise… you woke up?”
   
 
“Don’t talk about it! Where is Saito?”
 
“Don’t talk about it! Where is Saito?”
Line 388: Line 384:
 
Siesta’s face turned white upon hearing this.
 
Siesta’s face turned white upon hearing this.
   
“I was waiting for Miss Valliere to wake up, to ask it, shouldn’t Saito-san to be with you?”
+
“I was waiting for Miss Vallière to wake up to ask it, shouldn’t Saito-san be with you?”
   
 
Louise shook her head, looking at her worried face, Siesta became paler every second.
 
Louise shook her head, looking at her worried face, Siesta became paler every second.
   
“Miss Valliere, where is Saito-san? Where, please tell me!”
+
“Miss Vallière, where is Saito-san? Where, please tell me!”
   
 
In that moment, they heard two soldiers talking behind them.
 
In that moment, they heard two soldiers talking behind them.
 
 
”I heard from a buddy from the Navarre's ship, they said they saw a single person rode off to stop the Albion Army.”
+
“I heard from a buddy from Navarre's ship, they said they saw a single person ride off to stop the Albion army.”
   
”Haha, stop joking, it is just one person, what can he do?”
+
“Haha, stop joking, it is just one person, what can he do?”
   
Louise walked near one of the soldiers and said
+
Louise walked near one of the soldiers and said,
   
"Hey, what you just said, is it true?”
+
“Hey, what you just said, is it true?”
   
The soldier was surprised he was questioned by nobility, and showed a face full of shock and stammered,
+
The soldier was surprised to be questioned by nobility, and showed a face full of shock and stammered,
   
 
“Yes, yes. But I don’t know if it is true or not, someone else told me this story, that part is true.”
 
“Yes, yes. But I don’t know if it is true or not, someone else told me this story, that part is true.”
   
Louise’s face lost all colors, instantly the color of blood withdrew from every inch of her body. It must been Saito. It is impossible to be wrong. I don’t know what he did to made me fall asleep, then drop me off on this ship…then went off against the Albion army.
+
Louise’s face lost all colors, the tint of blood instantly withdrew from every inch of her body. It must have been Saito. It was impossible to be wrong. ''I don’t know what he did to make me fall asleep, then dropped me off on this ship… then went off against the Albion army.''
   
 
Louise ran up to the hedge and screamed
 
Louise ran up to the hedge and screamed
Line 414: Line 410:
 
“Saito!!!”
 
“Saito!!!”
   
“Miss Valliere, what happened? Please tell me, tell me!”
+
“Miss Vallière, what happened? Please tell me, tell me!”
   
 
Worried Siesta pressed Louise.
 
Worried Siesta pressed Louise.
Line 422: Line 418:
 
Louise screamed, jumped over the railing, and then tried to jump toward the ground.
 
Louise screamed, jumped over the railing, and then tried to jump toward the ground.
   
“HEY! HEY! You want to die??
+
“HEY! HEY! You want to die?!
   
Guiche and Malicorne saw the situation, and grabbed her before she could leaped.
+
Guiche and Malicorne saw the situation, and grabbed her before she could leap.
   
 
“Let me go!!! I am begging you let me go!!!”
 
“Let me go!!! I am begging you let me go!!!”
Line 435: Line 431:
   
   
<center>* * *</center>
 
   
   
The Albion army that arrived at Rosais, looked up into the sky and grounded teeth.
 
   
  +
The Albion army that arrived at Rosais, looked up into the sky and ground their teeth.
They were just a hair away, but now they could not do anything but watch Allied army escape.
 
  +
  +
They were just a hair away, but now they could not do anything but watch the allied army escape.
   
 
They would have continued the chase, but there were no ships left.
 
They would have continued the chase, but there were no ships left.
   
After occupying Rosais, Cromwell entered the red-brick base… then, bites his fingernail in anger.
+
After occupying Rosais, Cromwell entered the red-brick base… then bit his fingernails in anger.
   
He already had general Hawkins, who failed to accomplish the mission, confined and sent back to Londonium.
+
He already had General Hawkins, who failed to accomplish the mission, confined and sent back to Londinium.
   
“Why Galia didn’t send their soldiers? If they were attacked from both sides by both countries, Allied Forces would have not been able to leave South Gotha…”
+
“Why didn't Gallia send their soldiers? If they had been attacked from both sides by both countries, the Allied Forces would not have been able to leave Saxe-Gotha…”
   
 
He asked Miss Sheffield… who was nowhere to be seen.
 
He asked Miss Sheffield… who was nowhere to be seen.
Line 460: Line 456:
 
He saw a large fleet piercing the sky.
 
He saw a large fleet piercing the sky.
   
On fluttering flags one could see two wands crossed… Galia’s fleet.
+
On fluttering flags one could see two wands crossed… Gallia’s fleet.
   
 
Cromwell went ecstatic.
 
Cromwell went ecstatic.
   
“Ooh! Finally you came! As expected from large country Galia! How many ships are there? But… why did it come now… after the enemy ran away?”
+
“Ooh! Finally you came! As expected from the large country of Gallia! How many ships are there? But… why did it come now… after the enemy ran away?”
   
 
And once he bit his fingernail again, it hit him.
 
And once he bit his fingernail again, it hit him.
   
“That’s right! They are going to chase the enemy fleet! That's good! Messanger here, immediately!
+
“That’s right! They are going to chase the enemy fleet! That's good! Messenger come here, immediately!
   
 
When he was about to call messenger… the messenger jumped into the room himself.
 
When he was about to call messenger… the messenger jumped into the room himself.
   
“Galia’s fleet! It arrived!”
+
“Gallia’s fleet! It arrived!”
   
“I know! I saw it myself! Now! Tell Galia’s fleet commander that- …”
+
“I know! I saw it myself! Now! Tell Gallia’s fleet commander that- …”
   
 
The messenger interrupted Cromwell’s orders.
 
The messenger interrupted Cromwell’s orders.
   
"There’s a message from Galia’s fleet, Your Excellency!”
+
"There’s a message from Gallia’s fleet, Your Excellency!”
   
 
“Message? Oh! I see!”
 
“Message? Oh! I see!”
   
“They wanted to know you whereabouts in order to greet you!”
+
“They wanted to know your whereabouts in order to greet you!”
   
“Greeting? Is that so, ha ha ha! They are really very cordial! They have a cordial king and secretary, so fleet commander must be too! Now, rise up an assembly flag in front of the door.”
+
“Greeting? Is that so, ha ha ha! They are really very cordial! They have a cordial king and secretary, so the fleet commander must be too! Now, rise up an assembly flag in front of the door.”
   
 
“Understood.” The messenger left.
 
“Understood.” The messenger left.
   
After a few moments, in the courtyard, the Holy Assembly flag of the Republic of Albion was rised. After that, dozens of ships lined up around the building one next to another. It was a spectacular naval scene.
+
After a few moments, in the courtyard, the Holy Assembly flag of the Republic of Albion was raised. After that, dozens of ships lined up around the building one next to another. It was a spectacular naval scene.
   
What kind of greeting that will be? He waited excitedly…
+
What kind of greeting would it be? He waited excitedly…
   
Then, before his eyes, building’s door opened and people ran out in panic. Why they are running away from here? Just like rats from sinking ship.
+
Then, before his eyes, the building’s door opened and people ran out in panic. ''Why are they running away from here?'' Just like rats from a sinking ship.
   
 
He looked up at the fleet again. Hundreds of cannons from the gangway shone at the same time.
 
He looked up at the fleet again. Hundreds of cannons from the gangway shone at the same time.
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Cromwell hadn’t seen anything more beautiful during all 30 years of his life.
 
Cromwell hadn’t seen anything more beautiful during all 30 years of his life.
   
Thousands of cannonballs, after an order fire, hit the red brick building where Cromwell was.
+
Thousands of cannonballs, after an order to fire, hit the red brick building where Cromwell was.
  +
  +
And in an instant, the official base turned into a pile of rubble.
   
  +
<noinclude>
And in an instant, the official base turned into the pile of rubbish.
 
  +
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
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|-
  +
| [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter9 - MTL|Back to Chapter 9 - MTL]]
  +
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
  +
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Forward to Epilogue]]
  +
|-
  +
|}
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</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 21:02, 20 October 2015

Chapter Ten: The Place of Courage

On a little hill drawn on a map… The dawn brought forth light to the darkness.

The view slowly expanded, and the grassland below grew larger and larger.

It was as shown on the map, a rural area approximately 150 leagues southwest of the city of Saxe-Gotha. Saito had finally arrived there after a whole night of riding.

A light excitement embraced him. Although he had been riding all night, his fighting spirit and fatigue were restored by the morning light.

Through the morning fog, slowly; and accompanied with the shaking of the earth, a great army appeared.

Saito stood up and slammed his palm against the horse he had been riding. The beast, which had been chewing grass idly, was suddenly startled and fled back in the direction where they had come from.

“You are not going to use the horse?" Derflinger asked over the shoulder.

“That guy has a life too; it is not just some tool.”

“You have such a good heart, partner.”

Saito asked Derflinger, “Didn’t you say before that Gandálfr was able to stand against a thousand foes alone? 70,000 shouldn’t be a problem right?”

“That is what they say, but it is only a legend, so people tend to exaggerate. Don’t get too hopeful, in reality, it was probably less than a thousand.”

“…Why are you like this? Lying to me like that. If you lied, don’t tell me the truth. We are already as good as dead, so at least lie to the very end.”

On the horizon of the grassland they could see the advancing army. Although it was an army of 70,000, due the fact they were not marching abreast, it did not appear to be as large. But in reality, all 70,000 were there.

Soldiers wielding weapons, Mages armed with spells, cannons, demi-humans like orcs and trolls, dragon knights… Knights riding phantom beasts.

None were missing, all 70,000 were there.

Saito asked with a fear shaken voice.

“Ah, why must I risk my life to charge into that mob?”

“Why are you asking the obvious? Because our ships have to retreat, so we have to buy time.”

“No… I am not talking about that… But, forget it.” Saito let out a sigh. “Last time I was saved by Guiche’s mole, but this time there is no way we can escape.”

“No, we cannot. No matter what, just charge in. In a situation like this, no matter which direction, charging is the same. Aim for the commanding officer, strike down the head, and the body will fall into chaos. You can probably buy them a day or so.”

Saito nodded, holding Derflinger tightly. The runes on his left hand began to glow.

“Let me tell you something, Derflinger.”

“What is it?”

”Can I tell you a story from my childhood?”

“Sure.”

“I once saw an old lady being harassed by some punk near a train station, something about the old lady bumping into them. But at that time I was just a little kid, I couldn't stop them even if I wanted to, so I only stood by and watched. That time I thought, if only I were a little stronger, but at the same time, I also sighed in relief. Because even if I were stronger, it would not guarantee that I would have won.”

“True.”

“No mistake, I am stronger now, there cannot be any excuses. That time I had no strength, so I had an excuse not to do anything. I was not strong enough, so I didn’t help. But now, I've lost that excuse. Because I am now very, very strong. No matter what, I am Gandálfr, right?”

Deflinger murmured lowly, “Um hum.”

“But… all that strength is only external, I am not really any stronger inside. Yet there is nothing I can do about it, although I am the legendary familiar Gandálfr, my body is shaking, I really don’t have any mental preparation. This type of situation is really not for me. Protecting everyone’s honor, I really don’t like it! I'm shaking with fear. I do not want to die.”

“Partner, you are really someone truly brave!”

“This kind of personality will only lead to trouble, fast.” Saito thought about it.

Courage, isn’t this what it is all about?

“Hey, Partner.”

“What?”

“Am I going to die?”

“Probably.”

The boy became silent. Derflinger decided to raise his spirits, “If it is going to be like this, then go out like a hero!”

“Why?”

“Because otherwise it would be a waste.”

Four hundred meters in front of them, they could see Albion’s forward assault force.

ZnT07-239.jpg

Suddenly his body began to move by itself; they would never know if this was the power of Gandálfr, or Saito’s own bravery, or something else…

Saito charged toward the army of 70,000.

The first group of Albion soldiers who found the charging hero was not frontal cavalry, but the owl familiar belonging to an artillery commander. Because he didn’t believe the infantries, he decided to personally investigative the matter.

After he verified the situation through his owl, he immediately ordered the firearm squadrons to prepare to fire, as during the course of a march, firearm troops do not normally keep their weapons loaded.

“What? Only one person?”

He was surprised when he found out there was only one person, but he became shocked once he saw the boy’s speed.

It was not a speed that could be achieved by a human on foot.

The frontal cavalry also made the same mistake as well.

Because of a mistake with the estimation of speed, the opposition charged right past them just as they were stopping. Before the cavalry could even draw their weapons, they were knocked off their steeds.

The only thing the fallen cavalry men could do was hear the sound of the enemy’s footsteps, the speed was so great that they could not even see their foe’s image.

Before the soldiers finished loading their weapons, the enemy was already in front of their leader.

It was a person armed with a large sword.

The commander, in reflex, tried to pull out his wand, but was sent flying by the sword. Something hit him hard on the side of his head and he instantly lost consciousness.

The next moment, mage knights approached from the sky. They used magic and familiars to track Saito’s movement and then released a barrage of spells.

Wind blades, ice spears, and fireballs flew in waves toward Saito, but were instantly absorbed by the sword. Though the knights were taken by surprise, they did not stop their magical assault.

The knight commander ordered his men to scatter; in the instant he made that order, a gust of wind blew next to him, where the wind struck, his wand was snapped in half and a foot slammed into his stomach. Ribs shattered, the pain was so strong the officer could not cry and soon fainted.

Derflinger asked Saito, “Why didn’t you kill them?”

Saito threw back a short reply, “I am not a soldier.”

“What do you mean?”

“Be they allies or enemies, I will not treat them as tools.”

Derflinger sighed.

Saito danced, dodged, and struck left and right, which caused massive chaos within the enemy formation.

Fighting alone turned out to be extremely advantageous.

To prevent friendly fire, the enemy did not dare to use firearms or projectiles, and with Gandálfr’s speed, nothing in this world could catch up.

But… the mage opponents were still very difficult to deal with.

Although Derflinger could absorb the endless barrage of spells, the amount of magic delivered was certainly above normal, and slowly the sword began to lose its ability to handle them.

“Ugh!”

“Left hand?”

“Hum, damn… I can’t move it anymore.”

Saito could only wield Derflinger with his right hand, his left shoulder took a deep wound, and part of his body was now charred by flame, which came from the fireball that exploded near him.

Although the situation was grave, Saito still charged forward, bravely standing tall while surrounded on all sides.

Due to the attacks by magic and weapons alike… Saito’s injuries became graver every second.



Riding on his phantom manticore was the unit’s commanding officer. He kicked his beast and prepared to charge, but a sword knocked him off his mount and he saw his manticore struck down. In that instant, his own legs were shattered and he collapsed on the ground.

The commander of the firearm division ordered his men to prepare for a maneuver, thinking about surrounding this wind-like enemy in an instant, but the enemy leaped over the formation, and struck the commander’s head with his sword, sending the man instantly into oblivion.

The young commander in charge of the archers hastily ordered his men to fire, but the arrows could not reach their foe, instead striking down his allies instead. In the chaos he managed to hit his own foot.

The chaos among the forward guard became progressively worse. General Hawkins received reports that completely boggled him. The communications he received were a complete mess.

Some said, the enemy was a single rider.

Some said, the enemy was a magician.

Some said, it was a part of the enemy army.

Some said, it was elvish mage knights.

Some said, it was an elvish division… etc.

But the General, a veteran who survived a hundred battles, felt it was a single foe.

An enemy with the speed of wind.

An enemy with strength like fire.

An enemy unshakable like the stones of the earth.

An enemy elusive like the waves of the sea.

“I don't like it,” General Hawkins muttered.



Just as Saito broke the wand of a middle ranked officer, the boy spotted a group of mages. Since so many mages were protecting a single individual, that meant…

“That guy must have a pretty high rank...” Derflinger added. But even though Saito heard him, he couldn’t do much as his body began to be paralyzed by the pain. Very soon he wouldn’t be able to move at all.

He had to save his energy for breathing.

Just to take down one more officer…

Just to cause more havoc.

Just like this to extend the time, just even one minute, one second, must be taken.

This was Louise’s task.

A task my own beautiful master was going to carry out.

Saito rushed towards the enemy general surrounded by a horde of mages.

General Hawkins stared at the wind blasting toward him.

Truly amazing speed.


He pulled out his wand, chanted his spell, and in one breath summoned a wind blade. But… the enemy swiftly dodged it. He could only see the foe’s blade, flying toward his head.

General Hawkins could only see the shadow in front of him, as if trying to brand it under his vision.

His riders struck the enemy full of magic bolts, each attaching itself on to that swordsman’s body.

Although so many bolts should have been fatal, the wind-like warrior never slowed.

A fencer's sword shot up, slamming into Hawkins' body.

The blade’s tip reached within 5 cm of his face.

Hawkins, not averting his gaze, stared straight at the tip.

But it did not strike Hawkins’ face.

As if time suddenly stopped, the swordsman’s movement froze.

Hawkins used his wand to knock the sword away, and the unknown blademaster hit the ground with a thud.

“Your Eminence! Are you ok?”

“General Hawkins!” one of the knights rode by.

“No bones broken,” He answered.

“Combat is over, give me the report.”

Reports came in quick succession.

It was absolutely unimaginable that a single warrior was able to cause so much damage. Lower command, upper command echelon had 14 wounded, the enlisted infantry estimated injured were around two hundred and fifty.

The loss, from the entire army’s point of view, was apparently within the acceptable limit. But its effects were significant. The strong forward guards were now in complete chaos, many were injured by their own friendly fire in the fog of war, and the story that "everything was caused by a single swordsman" had spread among soldiers like wildfire, greatly damaging the morale of the troops.

The forward commander reported with a bitter face: “I am afraid it will take a while to reform the forward command, at least several hours.”

Also, stories continued to spread among the frightened troops, which greatly decreased the army marching speed. The enlisted soldiers were afraid the enemy might hide another swordsman like the one before.

The adjutant slowly murmured to General Hawkins,

“I am afraid we cannot meet today’s marching objectives. If the situation continues, we will have to waste half a day… no, an entire day of time.”

Hawkins lowered his head.

He got off his horse, walked near the fallen swordsman, and took in stock of his looks.

“He is just a boy.”

The body on the ground was a black-haired, very unusual looking boy.

Looking at him still breathing weakly, his body clearly had taken an enormous amount of magical damage; it was only a matter of time.

Hawkins wanted to summon a water mage, but after so many injuries it would only extend his suffering. Not even magic is infinite.

Hawkins looked down on the boy and whispered,

"I am really jealous."

"Huh?"

"A single warrior stopped an entire army... in the words of history long gone, he is a 'Hero'; I wish I was not merely a general, but a hero."

Hawkins’ voice trailed off.

His sub-commander nodded as well.

"What you say is right, but situations like these are the results of war, a pity he was an enemy of ours."

"Even though he’s an enemy... not even a noble... I believe he should receive the highest honor and respect."

"I understand your point."

General Hawkins and the sub-commander both saluted the boy.

"Let's bury him with honor."

He gave his order to his troops.

In that second, Saito's body leaped.

"What the hell?"

Saito's body reached his old speed, and vanished into the forest.



Once inside the forest… Saito’s body collapsed again.

A voice echoed in the dark forest.

Not Saito’s voice, but Derflinger’s.

“Haaah… it’s been one thousand years since the last time I used ‘Master’ was it? Though the reason I was able to move… was because of the absorbed magic energy. Anyway, I'm beaten already... but partner, you look tattered...“

Saito’s body didn’t move in the slightest.

“Hey partner. Do you hear me? Hold on there, I’ll tell you something nice. At that time, that girl wore those black cat clothes just for you. She wanted you to push her down again.”

Derflinger waited for a while.

However, no matter how long he waited, there was no answer.

Once Derflinger’s power wore off, Saito’s hand lessened its grip. Free from Saito’s lifeless fingers, Derflinger muttered with regret,

“…tch, you can’t hear me anymore.”



Louise awoke and found herself on the deck of the Redoutable.

Because of the wind brushing her face, as well as the sound of the fluttering sail, she finally woke up.

Malicorne and Guiche were staring back at her face.

“Wow, Louise is awake!”

”Good! Good!!”

Seeing friends nodding their heads constantly, Louise asked in a surprised voice:

“I… why…?”

“We don’t know. When the ship departed I found you sleeping here.”

“…Here, this is a ship?”

As she watched the moving scenery for a few minutes, Louise suddenly remembered a very important thing, abruptly springing to her feet.

“I, I must go stop the enemy army. I have to prevent the Albion army from catching up!”

Malicorne and Guiche both stared at her with surprise.

“Stop the enemy?”

“Yes! I have to delay the enemy to buy us time to retreat.”

“We already retreated.”

“This is the last ship from the port of Rosais.”

“…Oh?”

Louise looked confused as she stared from the forecastle, as the continent of Albion became smaller and smaller.

“How can it be? What happened to the Albion army that was chasing us?”

“They said they couldn’t catch up with us, although by a small margin”

“Good, Good, this means we can get home safely.”

“But when we get back, there will still be a lot of trouble.”

Malicorne and Guiche stared at each other, then the two started laughing.

What really happened?

Why did the Albion Army slow their march?

In that moment… she suddenly remembered something more important.

She could not see Saito anywhere.

Louise ran around the ship in a circle, and met Siesta and her family on the forecastle.

“Miss Louise… you woke up?”

“Don’t talk about it! Where is Saito?”

Siesta’s face turned white upon hearing this.

“I was waiting for Miss Vallière to wake up to ask it, shouldn’t Saito-san be with you?”

Louise shook her head, looking at her worried face, Siesta became paler every second.

“Miss Vallière, where is Saito-san? Where, please tell me!”

In that moment, they heard two soldiers talking behind them.

“I heard from a buddy from Navarre's ship, they said they saw a single person ride off to stop the Albion army.”

“Haha, stop joking, it is just one person, what can he do?”

Louise walked near one of the soldiers and said,

“Hey, what you just said, is it true?”

The soldier was surprised to be questioned by nobility, and showed a face full of shock and stammered,

“Yes, yes. But I don’t know if it is true or not, someone else told me this story, that part is true.”

Louise’s face lost all colors, the tint of blood instantly withdrew from every inch of her body. It must have been Saito. It was impossible to be wrong. I don’t know what he did to make me fall asleep, then dropped me off on this ship… then went off against the Albion army.

Louise ran up to the hedge and screamed

“Saito!!!”

“Miss Vallière, what happened? Please tell me, tell me!”

Worried Siesta pressed Louise.

“Saito!!!”

Louise screamed, jumped over the railing, and then tried to jump toward the ground.

“HEY! HEY! You want to die?!”

Guiche and Malicorne saw the situation, and grabbed her before she could leap.

“Let me go!!! I am begging you let me go!!!”

“NO! There aren’t any of our men on the ground anymore.”

“Let me go!!!”

Louise’s wails and howls echoed across the White Country's sky.



The Albion army that arrived at Rosais, looked up into the sky and ground their teeth.

They were just a hair away, but now they could not do anything but watch the allied army escape.

They would have continued the chase, but there were no ships left.

After occupying Rosais, Cromwell entered the red-brick base… then bit his fingernails in anger.

He already had General Hawkins, who failed to accomplish the mission, confined and sent back to Londinium.

“Why didn't Gallia send their soldiers? If they had been attacked from both sides by both countries, the Allied Forces would not have been able to leave Saxe-Gotha…”

He asked Miss Sheffield… who was nowhere to be seen.

Cromwell was nervous after losing a fight. He was afraid to carry this war any further. He was at the breaking point. He was at the point where he was shaking uncontrollably…

Shouts of joy sounded from the other side of the window.

When he stepped up to it…

He saw a large fleet piercing the sky.

On fluttering flags one could see two wands crossed… Gallia’s fleet.

Cromwell went ecstatic.

“Ooh! Finally you came! As expected from the large country of Gallia! How many ships are there? But… why did it come now… after the enemy ran away?”

And once he bit his fingernail again, it hit him.

“That’s right! They are going to chase the enemy fleet! That's good! Messenger come here, immediately!”

When he was about to call messenger… the messenger jumped into the room himself.

“Gallia’s fleet! It arrived!”

“I know! I saw it myself! Now! Tell Gallia’s fleet commander that- …”

The messenger interrupted Cromwell’s orders.

"There’s a message from Gallia’s fleet, Your Excellency!”

“Message? Oh! I see!”

“They wanted to know your whereabouts in order to greet you!”

“Greeting? Is that so, ha ha ha! They are really very cordial! They have a cordial king and secretary, so the fleet commander must be too! Now, rise up an assembly flag in front of the door.”

“Understood.” The messenger left.

After a few moments, in the courtyard, the Holy Assembly flag of the Republic of Albion was raised. After that, dozens of ships lined up around the building one next to another. It was a spectacular naval scene.

What kind of greeting would it be? He waited excitedly…

Then, before his eyes, the building’s door opened and people ran out in panic. Why are they running away from here? Just like rats from a sinking ship.

He looked up at the fleet again. Hundreds of cannons from the gangway shone at the same time.

Cromwell hadn’t seen anything more beautiful during all 30 years of his life.

Thousands of cannonballs, after an order to fire, hit the red brick building where Cromwell was.

And in an instant, the official base turned into a pile of rubble.


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