Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter8

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Chapter Eight: The Ball of Sleipnir

The Day of Void was a week away.

The Ball of Sleipnir was to be held today.

Today was originally a holiday, but the students of the magic academy were restless all morning. Even at breakfast time, why on Earth did it turn out like this? Try something else! Was the conversation being exchanged here and there.

Guiche crossed his legs, as proud as a peacock.

“I wonder what type of transformation I will take? But I am magnificent, no matter what I transform into. Don't you think so too?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ignoring Guiche’s self-conceitedness. Malicorne started to embrace himself. “What to do? Is it really me? To transform into such a beautiful girl..."

“Is it alright to take this form?”

“Ha ha! What do you mean? Is it a kind of crime?”

“It is more of a capital punishment, rather than a crime.”

“Ha, ha….ha. Is that right…ha, ha.”

Malicorne trembled as he hugged himself.

Imagining this small, fat, boy as a beautiful girl almost made Saito vomit his breakfast.

But, even though they have the possibility of wreaking havoc with their disguises, these guys are actually quite harmless.

In the short time of their masquerade, their personality didn’t change.

They were only able to disguise themselves using magic, Saito thought to himself.

If you think about it, one is free to disguise oneself because it is a masked ball in a magic school. Nevertheless, Saito was not interested in such things, the idea just didn’t seem to come around him.

After finishing his breakfast, Saito returned to his room, only to see Siesta still cleaning inside.

“Welcome home, Saito-san.”

“Yes. I’m home!”

Siesta was happily cleaning the room with a smile.

“Today is the Ball of Sleipnir.”

“Will Saito also go?” After asking the question, Siesta lowered her head shamefully.

“I'm going...because there are not enough waiters…”

“Is that so?”

I guess I might end up going after all, he thought. But while he was thinking, Siesta looked into Saito’s eyes.

“But!”

“Y-yes?”

“I read a book recently.”

Siesta said, abruptly presenting the book.

“What is it?”

Is this a book Siesta would probably read? He thought to himself.

“Ha ha. Unfortunately I can’t read any of the letters.”

Siesta, blushed as she explained the story.

“The name of the book is ‘Housemaid’s Afternoon’.”

“I see.”

“It is a story about a certain young maid, serving in an aristocrat's residence. The master of the residence is the protagonist.”

“Uh huh.”

“Every night, the housemaid, though it is inappropriate, is coerced.”

“Inappropriate?”

Siesta began to mutter something into Saito’s ear.

The interior of his nose then felt very painful, as five seconds worth of nosebleed began to pile up. He endured it.

“...So that's the kind of books you read.”

“I-it’s a great story! Even that child who lives in this room reads it!”

Siesta blushed, as her folded arms began to shake. Siesta actually reads such books in her spare time… Then again, even the girl magazines were extreme in my world.

Saito, for some strange reason, accepted this quite easily.

“So?”

“No, I, because of this, to think of such a master in the story…If it were Saito-san, I wonder if…”

“Yes?”

Saito asked back. Siesta blushed and covered her face with both hands.

“N-never mind! I was only joking!”

“I-is that so…”

When Saito laughed, Siesta stared at him curiously with the corner of her eye.

“However…it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“To try what?”

Saito stood up in blank surprise as Siesta ran up to him.

“Oh! Master-sama, we should not do this!”

“…”

“It is Saito’s turn now.” Siesta said with a serious look.

“What do you mean?”

Running up to Saito’s side, with a slight whisper Siesta began to mutter.

In a moment, Saito spouted a nosebleed.

“S-Siesta?”

“Please scold me! It has always been my desire for Saito to scold me! I-it's such a weird feeling!”

With a scream, Siesta purposely collapsed, then raised her eyes on him. Her face was somehow as red as an apple. A tremendous, teasing aura seemed to pressure Saito.

Then Siesta lightly lifted the hem of her skirt, just diagonally to his face.

“Beloved master-sama, please come and punish me.”

This has got to be a joke, for a maid to make such a remark…I won’t come…I mustn’t come!

Only meaningless words passed through Saito’s lips.

At the same time Louise was fast approaching by horse.

Saito involuntarily went to the shelf that hid the whip. He was already unable to resist the temptation any longer as blood rushed up to his head.

At that moment the door opened, and Louise entered.

Tightly grasping her skirt, Siesta still eagerly waited to receive her scolding from her master. Saito was found removing the whip from the shelf. Louise on the other hand made a spinning kick between Saito’s groin.

“Learn your place.”

With his face stepped on by Louise, Saito collapsed while holding his hands between his legs. Then Louise said,

“Maid. Familiar. Listen.”

“Yes?” Saito and Siesta said at the same time.

“Familiar, your master has a command for you.”

“W-what is it?”

“The Ball of Sleipnir is today.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what kind of ball it is?”

“Well, uhmm… Is it a masquerade ball?”

“It is. A ball where it is ideal to wear a mask. T-t-therefore you must absolutely come with me.”

“Okay…?”

What in the world is the meaning of all this?

Siesta glared at Louise.

Ha ha, it seems these two are plotting something.

Women should be more peaceful, Saito thought. Since the end of the war, these balls have immediately become more of a delirious punishment. Shouldn’t we make more effort to contribute to society, are they not inclined to go to that direction?

“You two…”

She said with a mixed sigh, Louise removed her foot. And Saito stood up, calmly patting away the dirt from his clothes.

“Ehh? What?”

“Yes.”

“For the time being, both of you, sit over there.”

“Okay...”

“Listen up.”

The two of them looked at each other before they reluctantly sat on the bed.

For the two of them, her coquettish tone meant something was up.

“Don’t you think the world will benefit more if we did more good things for society?”

Louise was surprised.

Somehow Saito, for the first time wanted to change the world. Perhaps Colbert’s death was the cause of all this. That teacher always brewed trouble with his research. Was he trying to succeed his dying wish? That was likely.

That’s why he became so absorbed about the knight corp.

However, if Louise had any say about it, it was not Saito’s job to do so.

Saito’s job,for now, was to find a way back to his world.

For the first time, he was seriously thinking about the welfare of this world… after all this. Even if there was a way of solving it… Her mind was going back and forth.

“The knight corps will change the world? Isn’t that stupid?”

Louise said, and to her own amazement, Saito got angry.

“Even if that was the case, you're somehow always making a big deal out of this!”

“The person you should be protecting is me!”

“Protecting you? So it’s okay to leave them unprotected. Is that what you are saying?

“It’s different!”

Louise shouted.

“W-what…”

“Don’t you think, you should find a way to go back home. Your family will be relieved, if you go back.”

Idiot…Saito just couldn’t talk back.

“It’s just so unnatural of you.”

“H-however…”

“It’s okay if you join the knight corps, we are at war after all. We must protect the princess. But as for changing the world…it’s not your job. Why must you become so absorbed with such things?”

As Louise said this…Saito looked down.

For Saito it was all vague.

At any rate Saito, just wanted to help.

He lived without concern, until now…He just wanted to do everything that he could. However, it was difficult to explain to Louise.

Louise sighed.

“Anyway…You must attend today’s ball properly. And don’t you forget what I just said awhile ago.”

“Y-yes.”

Louise, who seemed like she had nothing further to say, began to blush.

“T-then?”

“Then?”

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

Siesta’s eyes were suddenly aimed at her.

“Did you do something fishy again?”

Louise turned her away from her angry face, and went out of the room.

Saito collapsed…and spouted a geyser of a nosebleed.

* * *

As evening came, “The Mirror of Truth” was drawn out from the treasure vault and was placed at the entrance of the dance hall in the second floor. A black curtain was pulled, surrounding the magic mirror. So now, it has reached to a point were you won't know what the person in front of the mirror will change into.

Teacher Chevreuse, who was wearing a butterfly shaped mask, stood next to the curtain.

“Ladies, tonight you are guided to the world of fantasy.”

Teacher Chevreuse, induced the students who were lined up in high spirit. Louise also lined up in the row…and thought of what to transform into.

Somehow an image began to appear.

Will Saito disguise himself as a woman?

Louise muttered to herself. Since it was Louise's turn, she passed under the curtain. There was one big mirror there. Even her relief was not imitated. Installed in a simple frame, the full length of the mirror was approximately the height of two men. A cloth was placed above.

Outside the curtain, Teacher Chevreuse’s voice was heard.

“Isn’t it nice to imagine your ideal form? What if you wanted to deceive other people? This mirror looks deep within our heart and mind… and designates you to that form. So prepare your heart and take away that cloth.”

Louise took a deep breath, “Okay.” And with that answer, she lifted the cloth.

It was beautiful, as colors of the rainbow appeared on the mirror’s surface.

Her reflection appeared, covering her in a rainbow of light which overflowed from the mirror.

She was unable to see because of the flowing light. Suddenly, the light disappeared, returning everything to darkness.

However, Louise was no longer in the mirror.

Instead, a kindly 23 year old with pink hair appeared. She had changed into a woman.

She had transformed into Louise’s second elder sister, Cattleya. Louise’s assumed ideal form was Cattleya, who was gentler than any person she knew. Louise quietly raised her hand to her chest.

* * *

When she faced the hall, various people overflowed into the scene. Heroes of legend, great men of old, celebrities in court… Suddenly an elderly lady and gentleman were visible. Could they be my parents? Although the resemblance was uncanny, they were probably not the people in question.

Because several Henriettas appeared as well, Louise smiled wryly.

This is the only day no one knows who’s who. When you want to dance with a specific partner, they must inform you in advance of whom they took the shape of.

“I wonder if Saito understood.” Louise muttered.

After all, she was in Cattleya’s appearance.

Making sure the students were all gathered, Osman then appeared on the platform.

“Greetings to all of you. Today, in this ball, to deepen our friendship with the new students, we took an anonymous appearance. Your family, position, and nationality, doesn't matter now. Everyone in this educational institution is equal. I strongly believe that it is not impossible to learn as one.”

Osman then made a dense cough.

“When someone wants to get to know their partner, politely introduce yourself from here. You do not need to get caught up in your partner’s appearance or position, to introduce yourself in a dignified manner. Therefore, this is one step of the decorum in the noble’s code we do not need to follow.”

All the students who gathered nodded together.

“Though all of you have become silent, please do not be surprised…That Henrietta her Majesty also came to today’s ball.”

The hall resounded.

“Moreover…, it is possible for her to precisely take any form. Who is her Majesty? Guessing her identity will be quite an amusement.”

The students started to get restless. An opportunity to speak with Henrietta does not come ver often. To have an opportunity to have an audience with her, for some the tension was already rising.

Louise too, was surprised. If you were coming, why was I not informed? She thought, a little bit dissatisfied.

“Now then…back to the main point. Isn’t it good that you are now transforming yourself into your ideal person?. With each step, you are brought closer to that ideal, and with each step may we not lose sight of it, I want you all to learn this, this coming school year. And with that, ladies and gentlemen. I have nothing further to say.”

Everyone applauded.

Osman left with a serious face, but as soon as he stepped next to the mirror he suddenly began to transform. A dangerously, young, seductive looking woman then appeared, taking a suggestive pose the woman said.

“Osman.”

The students who once held admiration for the speech, now fell silent. Teachers silently grabbed both of Osman’s arms, pulling him to the side.

“W-well then, lets enjoy this ball before something else happens!”

Struggling with a fit of rage, Osman was taken outside.

Music began to be played…the Masquerade Ball finally started.

Louise stared around the vicinity. Not one person seemed to be Saito.

Won’t you come even for a moment, Louise thought, sighing against the wall.

* * *

As for Saito, he was already in the assembly hall. The banquet was a glory to behold. He was late, as he needed to take care of the horse. It was hard trying to calm down that beast, Saito realized. In addition, he was not accustomed to such work, and it took some time to finish.

Because it was covered with a curtain, he didn’t notice the mirror near the entrance, as he entered the hall. Saito didn't know it was a masquerade ball where people disguised themselves using the mirror.

The guard stationed at the entrance tried to subdue him, but after noticing Saito’s mantle, he panicked and immediately saluted him.

It was dim inside…the faces were not clearly visible.

Saito then remembered what Louise said a little while ago.

“Also…let’s continue what happened in Albion the other night.”

He remembered it word by word.

For her to make such a remark, she didn’t take no for an answer…d-damn.

Saito searched restlessly for Louise.

However, she was nowhere to be found.

For a masquerade ball, why are they not wearing any masks? Saito thought. However, there were a lot of strangers. Not one of them was a student. Only important looking people were dancing and chatting about.

At last, Saito found Louise standing near the wall.

He enthusiastically ran towards her, she looked up and stared at him. Her face blushed deep red.

A promise is a promise. Saito also blushed.

“Finally, I found you. So about that promise...”

Louise looked hesitant.

“…promise?”

She asked Saito.

“What, have you already forgotten?”

“No…, I’m sorry. Dear?”

“Dear? But you always called me…”

“Saito-san.”

“That’s right.”

Louise blushed even more. What is she…was she confused? Still, to feel so shy in such a manner made the normally violent Louise extremely cute.

“Wha...what you said awhile ago, was it true?”

“What I said awhile ago?”

“Don’t try to pretend you don’t know! You said it yourself, well?”

“…What kind of promise was it?”

Saito got irritated. For her to talk in an excessively polite tone…is this a joke? The orchestra began to play a violent melody.

“It’s so noisy…Lets go outside.”

Saito grasped Louise’s hand, and pulled her to the veranda.

“Ah!”

Though Louise gave out a shout of surprise…she obediently followed.

Along the veranda, Saito said to Louise.

“You...to make such a joke about this. Were you even serious about it?”

“…I, I’m sorry.”

As Louise apologized, she somehow looked very lovely . Saito wanted to become a little nasty. He always wanted to punish her with a saucy remark.

“Unless you properly apologize, t-that is, to...”

Because Louise looked down and fell silent, Saito raised his jaw.

“…Ha.”

Louise stared at Saito…her eye zeroed into his. That sort of gesture startled him. Unintentionally, they were drawing ever closer…Their lips drew close.

They tightly embraced each other. Louise thrusted her body.

Now Saito was pushed to the side of the wall. Not one shadow of a person was on the veranda. It would be awkward if someone saw them doing such a thing in this place.

Saito quietly tried to separate himself from her.

“Nn…!”

But, today Louise was excessively assertive. His body was continuously and forcefully being pressed back to the wall.

“…Louise.”

Perhaps Louise must have been very lonely all this time. As he was thinking that, Louise lovingly, for the first time, wrapped her arms around Saito. Then he realized that Louise’s small hand was on his chest.

A while ago, Louise would never show or even pretend to show this type of mannerism.

This is a reward! Now that you mention it, even though I was hurt for a moment... But in spite of that, is this really a reward, after all Louise to me

“Louise.”

Saito strongly held Louise close. A hot sigh escaped from Louise’s mouth…and in that instant he forgot himself.

* * *

Recently,… The guard stationed at the entrance of the hall questioned the suspicious figure that was made out in the shadows. The woman wore a thick robe. Long black hair could be seen from the opening of her hood. It was hard to tell if she was a teacher or a student.

“Who is it?”

“I’m here to attend today’s ball, I was sent from the royal palace.”

“Royal palace? Well…”

The guard began to look at the catalog were all the attendees were written.

“I’m afraid you won’t see my name written on that list.”

Before he could question her, the woman abruptly removed a bell from her bosom.

“That’s…”

The guard had seen that bell before while patrolling the treasure vault…

“The Bell of Sleep? How…”

The instant he muttered that, the small bell was already rung.

Cling…the sound made a small clear echo.

The guard, was suddenly getting sleepy. If he were to fall asleep under these circumstances, he would be scolded for sure…he thought, but was unable to fight back his drowsiness.

Leaning against the wall, he collapsed to the floor…breathing in sighs as he slept.

“Even if you call the royal palace…however, this is not Tristain.”

Confirming that the guard was fast asleep…the cloaked woman passed through the curtain. Before her eyes was the Mirror of Truth, and she smiled as she gazed upon it.

Lifting the cloth, she quietly touched the Mirror of Truth.

Then, the mirror began to shine. At the same time, the cloaked woman began to shine as well.

“I do not recognize this face, but it will have to do.”

The woman’s ancient runes began to shine…and started to mutter a strange spell.

* * *

Saito breathed through Louise’s lips.

Ngu…, mugu…, this is crazy! Standing on the tips of her toes, Louise entwined both her arms around Saito’s neck.

Louise was unusually assertive. For such a thing to happen... and to treat me with such affection....

Instinctively, he slipped his hand to Louise’s flat chest…

“…What the?”

Saito immediately stopped.

Her chest was not flat.

Perhaps one could say it was huge.

It was full and soft, a warm lump under Saito’s palm. The shape had completely changed. Each time he grasped it, Louise’s hot sigh would begin to rise.

“Hey, When did it grow so much…”

As Saito opened his eyes, he gasped in surprise.

He was in the presence of the…

“Princess.”

It was Henrietta. What the heck, did they change places with each other? Or perhaps, I should say, was it the princess I have been embracing until now?

From the hall, the student’s excited voices could be heard.

“What the-? The magic was broken?”

“But the ball hasn’t ended yet!”

Saito finally understood. In this ball, a person can somehow magically disguise himself , this was the true purpose of the ball. Henrietta most likely took Louise’s shape.

“But why did you choose Louise?”

As he asked, Henrietta lowered her head shamefully.

“In this ball, one can change into the person’s ideal form.”

“Ideal form?”

Suddenly he realized.

“So it was Louise?”

“Yes. I always envied that child...a child who does what her heart desires. A heart not tainted by anyone, a child pure of mind… Virtues I do not have. I have always envied everything about that child…”

“…”

“What kind of person am I, who can only shake and quiver, while that child carries out justice by herself? I find that to be very enviable about her. If I even had one-tenth of her courage, I would probably have not committed those mistakes.”

“Mistakes?...Princess, you have done nothing wrong. Even if you have committed some mistakes, it wasn’t your fault.”

Henrietta somehow looked defeated. I want to comfort her somehow, Saito thought.

“No, I went to war in order to take revenge for myself. Because of that, many people died.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. It was war.”

“Everyone died.”

Saito remembered. The expedition army, most of them were nobles and mercenaries. Not one citizen was taken in.

“Even if you say so, but still…weren’t you the most reluctant one? Everyone else desired for something different. Some did it for the money, others did it for honor. But these were not things the princess worried about.”

---

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