Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3

Chapter 3 - Josette's Garden Party

Three days after the party held in the garden to commemorate the coronation of the new Queen ... In the courtyard of the palace of Versailles a huge stage was built, and today they had planned to hold a big dance party.

All the nobles who would participate in the event were gaily dressed to celebrate ‘The advent of the founder’ .They had been called as dance party was about to begin.

This party was some kind of an opera that represents the advent of the founder, Brimir. On stage there were already dancing nobles representing the Founder and people welcoming his arrival.

While she could hear the musicians play a piece of lively music, Josette was shivering in her private tent, which serves as dressing room and was located right next to the stage.

“ I cannot, I cannot dan ... I cannot dance in a place while all of them are watching me. “ The role Josette in that scene was ... the main character in this colorful musical drama, the role of a woman saint.

Beside her was a handsome priest, waiting to see Josette’s dress, approached her and pat her head.

“It's all right, just remember what we practiced last night.”

“You're right, but ...”

“At this moment, all are waiting expectantly to see the new "Queen" dancing. We must do everything in our power not to betray their expectations.”

Then gradually they could heard the "tempo" of the music rising, this was the sign that it was about time to leave her tent. Right now, Josette was unable to take a single step, she just started to look at the blue dress she was wearing, she had chosen it for this occasion.

It was a dress with a bold emphasis, wearing a gorgeous neckline both in front and back, it was really a good dress, highlighting the elegance of her childish slender figure. But she does not see it that way, however, for her this dress helped strengthen the only reason that prevented her one step.

Those noble ladies who were dancing at the moment, all possessed a graceful femininity such that if Josette were able to dance at the same place with them, the comparison between these noble will emerge. It will devastate….

“You have nothing to worry about, as there is nobody in this country to be able to tease a dancing Queen.”

“I don’t care what they think about me right now...” Josette Said without reservation.

“Well, then everything is ready.”

“But… I don’t want you to see me… cause they will try to make fool of me. All of them are very good, they are all so beautiful! If I have to dance in that place, they would probably think that I’m only a little girl.”

“Never mind that! In this world, you are the most wonderful girl.”

Julio said this to Josette while stroking her head, for her it was enough for her heart was filled with joy.

“Well, then I'll dance with you.”

“Huh?” There was no time to wonder, Julio took Josette's hands and together they went to the stage and immediately dance at its center.

The nobles that were already dancing, immediately stepped backward to open the way for the queen, as they welcomed her with spirited cheers and applause. Those shouts of encouragement and joy have been enough for Josette to stay frozen in the middle of the stage. But...

Right in front of her eyes, Julio continued dancing, then the cheering stopped due to the strong impression that caused by his fabulous dance form. Josette had also been astonished by such a display of skill, then, as if hypnotized by his light steps, Julio took her hand and then began to guide her, then they start their dance.

Julio took her hand and then began to guide her, then they start their dance.

Being able to witness the dance of Julio, from Josette’s heart a warm feeling rose and invaded her whole being. She had realized that this had made her heart thrill for the first time.

Then, Josette took the opportunity to bring one of her flushed cheeks together with Julio, then muttering: “This is wonderful.”

That’s it. Josette finally realized it.

The true nature of those little bursts waving her chest. The mysterious anxiety that beat down violently every 5 seconds.

I don’t want to lose him, she thought at that moment.

The ballad music was started to play around her, along with the cries of greetings and applause. But before her, for her eyes, all she could see right now, was the man who smiled along with the magnificent blue stone castle behind him, she could only see her beloved Julio and nothing more.

Then she felt a strange warmth of the tears running her cheeks. This feeling, it was a totally new experience she had ever felt in her life. Lately, all kinds of emotions similar to this, which until then she had not understood, invade more and more frequently.

But now, finally, she could clearly identify the name of this emotion.

"I'm so happy"

A thunderous storm of applause was dropped on them, then, Josette returns to her tent. Sweat ran down her face caused her a nice feeling and wonders, when was the last time I had moved much.

“You're pretty good.” Julio said this praise, then Josette replied in a timid voice:

“That's because you were by my side, all I did was to be guided as we danced.”

“It seems that you weren’t satisfied, well, it was the least that could be expected.”

“ What is the next thing I have to do?”

“The following: give a rest to Her Majesty the Queen who has worked both in her role in the dance, and then continue with the celebration of the great feast.”

Apparently all that Josette could do right now was rest.

“Julio, tell me, will you stay with me?”

Then as if to say "of course" Julio nodded to her question.

Upon leaving her tent, Josette met a group of followers of the queen, those noble, loud and eagerly began to circle her.

Within that group of nobles were some who looked reluctant upon seeing Julio who had become a frequent companion of the queen, however, none of them dared to raise such complaints against him, for there could be consequences for what they might say.

After all, they knew very well he had been attending their Queen who possesses the crown at this very moment.

Still, they know that this young girl carrying the crown was nothing more than a puppet controlled by Romalia. They and the former supporters of Orlean's faction still believe that the course of things right now will lead towards a bright and new age.

Although the Queen was in her best dispositions to help continue the crusade, they did not pay attention to the issue of imminent danger of those actions, they knew that in the end, the bloodshed on the battlefield would not be theirs.

Just as they arrived at the gates of the palace, the group following her has finally dissolved. In the palace when Josette finally get to her room, the first thing she set out to do was to immediately get on the bed.

After the sudden outburst, Josette slowly gathered herself and sit on her bed, then Julio went to her and extended both his arms. In response, Josette took his arms gently and give him a hug.

Then as if encourage by him, Josette bowed her head and then kiss his lips. After finishing with her kiss, without thinking Josette muttered "This happiness…" I wonder if there is any girl happier than me?

With this in mind, the next thing she did was to observe her room, it was a beautiful room with a lot of fine furniture. It immediately provoked a comparison between this and the bedroom she shared with all other sisters while living in Saint Margarita, it was really a huge difference.

Also arose in her mind the idea of what she had obtained so far when she followed Julio, all these valuable items belonged to her now, the palace and even the whole kingdom of Gallia ...

At that moment ...

In the mind of Josette, the memories of three days ago was revived. She was reminded of who was standing in this room, that little girl who had the same face ... her twin sister.

The happiness that I can enjoy right now ...

This idea was in her mind, a sense of something dark creeping into her being and disturbing precisely the current Josette. She was aware that this darkness was in amounts equal to those of the happiness that dwelt in her heart. It was blaming her.

Yes, that is, the happiness I feel right now ...

Seeing Josette's face suddenly clouded by grief intrigued Julio as he tilted his head.

“What’s the matter?”

“I… The happiness that I can enjoy right now, I stole it from my sister.”

After hearing, this Julio nodded to what Josette said.

“Yes you did.”

Josette could only sit staring at Julio while saying this.

“You stole the crown that belonged to your sister, all in order to achieve your own happiness.”

“It hurts...”

“Do you want me to tell you a lie? or perhaps, some beautiful words ... how about this: Happiness is something you cannot achieved if it is founded from the sufferings of others, do you really want me to lie to you by saying this kind of nonsense? Do you want me to comfort you?”

Josette bit her lip, then her eyes filled with tears, she then stated:

“I know that I'm nothing but a dirty thief, no matter how many sins I made, I promised myself never to hate you. So long as I had decided, no matter what ever happens I will not regret my actions.”

Julio for a moment just keep silent while watching Josette, then he murmured softly:

“Well said.”

“I know that, I know you do not love me even a little, you’re only using me, but ... to be with you, kissing your lips ... that's enough for me, that is my happiness.”

Julio gritted his eyes. This was a rare gesture for him, like the slight tremor that shook his shoulders.

After leaving Josette asleep, Julio started to leave the room. Then for a moment, he stares on the runes inscribed on the back of his right hand as he watched them flicker and then continue walking while frowning evidencing the confusion that was in his mind.

As he walked down the aisle, Julio saw a young woman came walking towards him, then he decided to stop this young woman with long blue hair.

With a simple outfit that covered her body, she looks like a housekeeper. The young woman realized the presence of Julio and offered him a bow. Then she tried to continue walking, at the time when she had him on her back, a voice from Julio was heard:

“Aren’t you her highness? Princess Isabela?”

Hearing this, Isabela stopped and then turned back.

“Excuse me, do you have business to discuss with me?”

“My name Julio Chesaré and if you may, it would be so kind if you lend me a few minutes of your time to chat.”

“It would certainly be my honor to exchange words with the eminent priest of Romalia.”

That said, after accepting the cordial greeting from Isabela, Julio started to openly explain his true intentions.

“If I remember correctly, I heard you are in control of an order of knights, aren’t you?

“ Order of knights? You’re just teasing me!” Isabela laughed as she said this, however, Julio did not laugh at all.

“The Order of the Knights of northern flower garden. The flower garden gentlemen belonging to Gallia as I have understood, each flower garden is named with respect to the location of a cardinal point, however ... apparently there is a flower garden that corresponds to the north, and even then among people, the name for the order there... perhaps you are not aware of these famous rumors.”

“And then, did you intend to say that I'm the leader of this order?”

“Precisely.”

After such statement, July remained staring at Isabela as if threatening her to say something, any attempt to hide anything or try to run away from this conversation would be useless. Isabela, knowing fully well that this was a trap, tries to devise a way to get out of the complicated situation she had gotten.

“How did you know? How did you discover my true identity? Or is it maybe ...”

Did he knew that I’m aware about the impersonation of the Queen?

Isabela was dubious about how much she actually knew Julio, this had turned into a situation that was not foreseen in her calculations.

Then Isabela came to a conclusion, however, the risk of the bet was making her lips numb almost preventing her talk.

If I say this, there might be complication for my actions, but right now I do not think there is another option that allows me to earn his trust.

Isabela felt her mouth dry and her chest heaving, and for a moment she thought about stopping, but eventually reconsidered, "everything will be fine".

Isabela felt her mouth dry and her chest heaving, and for a moment she thought about stopping, but eventually reconsidered, "everything will be fine".

He thinks "I'm easy to deal with" and this is an advantage that I can use.

Then Isabela showed a forced smile, this was almost too obvious but she knew this would not interfere with her plans.

“In that case, will you let me to ask you a question?”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

Ignoring Julio in his statement, Isabela then said:

“Would you kindly tell me, who is the person currently using the crown?”

That direct question had served at the same time to respond to the question of Julio. He, after hearing this, smiled broadly.

“I knew from the beginning that you were the only one who couldn’t be deceived.”

“You’re mistaken. Never been my intention to condemn you for what you have done, however, I would like to thank you for the great favor that you have done.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“As you might be aware, I am the daughter of Joseph the former king, or rather, I am the daughter whose duty is to take revenge on Queen Charlotte ... No, maybe it was before that, when Queen Charlotte was one members of my brigade of knights. I always desire her death, consciously designating the most dangerous missions for her, but yet countless times, she proved to be a formidable adversary.”

What she just said was an undeniable truth. Isabela didn’t know how far Julio has knowledge about her, however, there was no reason not to believe her story.

“All this time, I've been thinking when my execution would take place. So it's fair to say, that I consider you my savior.”

“Well, I guess with this in mind our talk will be quick. The point is, we want you to become our ally, of course, a vast reward and high office is what we offer in exchange for your services.”

“That his intriguing offer.”

“Well, then will you become our ally?”

Isabela seemed to assent to the proposition of Julio, but she resisted to the pressure.

“Before I decide, I have a condition.”

“Please tell me.”

“I would like to know specifically what will be the reward being offered.”

“Of course, well then, how about we offer the double amount of whatever the queen has?”

Isabela shook her head giving a negative answer.

“Make it three times. That's the price to pay for me to betray my country.”

Isabela stared to Julio silently while watching him doing some calculations. In the end, he end up nodding at her request.

“All right, so be it.”

“Please, would you not think of me as a greedy woman. Well then as the daughter of "the mad king", it is impossible to think that this palace is a good place to reside.”

“No, if I may put it bluntly, I would like you to stay here, as this would greatly facilitate our work, then I will give you your first mission.”

“And what would that be?”

“I'd like you to keep an eye on the guests who belong to the nation of Tristain, all without exception, from the Queen to the lowest-ranking soldier, and especially I want to you guard both Chevalier Hiraga-dono and Miss Vallière. You mustn’t take your eyes off even for a second from those two.”

“It seems just the other day a group of people from Tristain was attacked by a murderer, it was my surprise to learn that the attacker was a gentleman formerly from my brigade, apparently he has become a member of a group of mercenaries.”

The one who had attacked Saito, was one of the ‘brothers of the elements’(elemental siblings). Remembering what had happened, Isabela used this event to build the credibility of her words.

“So it was, the world is a small place after all, then you would also keep me updated of the developments in this matter. “ However, it could be perceived in the tone of the Julio, this issue was not really his interest. This seemed a proof that the brothers of the elements and Julio, together with his teacher, were unrelated.

Then Isabela nodded.

“Leave it in my hands, we established our efficiency that far exceeds the amount of money wasted by you, gentlemen representing the church.”

“Very well, I look forward to seeing the results, then if I may, have a nice day!” After saying goodbye to Isabela, Julio was ready to continue his path, then at the time Isabela was no longer able to see the figure of his back, she exhaled a huge sigh of relief.

That priest named Julio may look stylish and handsome on the outside, but inside he hides a dangerous mind as sharp as a blade, now I get it, how possible this reckless conspiracy to impersonate the queen has succeeded and who was its Machiavellian author.

Then Isabela muttered as if whispering:

“I wonder if this was the right thing to do, Chikasui.”

Then, she heard the voice of the Intelligence-knife at her waist.

“Not impressed me much, but I must admit that your performance was passable, Your Highness.”

“Well, after all, I guess this was the quickest way to find the location of Her Majesty.”

Being escorted by Agnes, Henrietta was still in bad spirit mainly because of Romalia’s conspiracy to impersonate the Queen Charlotte and make this impostor participate Gallia in continuing the crusade, these thoughts assailed her head as she took a walk in the courtyard of the palace of Versailles.

She knew that now there was nothing she and her friends could do to improve the situation. Isabela had made it clear that she was the one responsible for investigating the whereabouts of Tabitha. As for them, they had no choice but to keep waiting.

And if she could not find the whereabouts of Charlotte ...

No, I wouldn’t even imagine what will happen then. At this rate Gallia will fall under the complete control of Romalia.

“Ahhh ... almost been a week since the party was held in the garden, eh.” Said Henrietta and then Agnes nodded to her statement.

“Right.”

“As long as ... order to soon find the Queen Charlotte to re-take her place on the throne ... I wonder if she can really withdraw the declaration of help to wage the crusade ...”

“Good question.”

Again, Agnes replied in an almost indifferent.

“It seems your being carefree commander.” Henrietta said while keeping her eyes fixed on Agnes, but Agnes nevertheless continued with the freshness of her face.

“Look here, you should act according to the times of crisis like we’re experiencing, this is serious, maybe even the war against the elves is an imminent reality. But right now we cannot do anything but wait, right, so don’t worry about things that are beyond our control for it does nothing to improve our situation.”

“Well, that's true but ...”

“If I keep thinking about the enemy all the time, then I will not be able to fight when I really needed. You as the queen, should always maintain a calm and objective vision. But even having said that, I have in mind after all, human beings are nothing more than objects that cannot go against his own fate.”

"Haahh" after hearing what Agnes had to say, Henrietta could not help but breathe a small sigh. “As I thought, is it perhaps that you cannot trust me to these situations?”

I do not think that's a question that needs to be said to a subordinate.

The response provoked Agnes and lifted her lips.

“You see, there are times that I need to be myself and rest from everything. It means, to be the queen, you really need to have a partner to help you bear your sorrows.”

After saying that, Agnes couldn’t help but look away while a compound expression formed on her face. As a vassal, Agnes knew she had to keep a respectful distance from her master, and she was not sure how Henrietta appreciated her opinion.

Someone, will there be one with whom to share my pain and release my heart ...?

Suddenly, Henrietta recalled a clue that perhaps could answer her questions.

The one who has come from another world, the vice commander of the Ondine Knights. For what I know about him, he seemed to be totally honest no matter what the subject.