Zero no Tsukaima:Volume10 Chapter9

Chapter 9: Alhambra Castle

Alhambra Castle was a citadel the elves built on top of a small hill in the desert.

The incident of the Halkeginia Holy Land Recovery Allied Forces who regained it at the price of countless sacrifices, could be traced back to thousands of years ago.

During that time, the Holy Land Recovery Allied Forces fixed the country border, and told the elves, “This is our land.” Consequently, that became the country's border.

The elves who had formerly lived at the desert did not have such a concept like “country border”. Just that, the elves knew that humans are living beings who would greedily treat anywhere as their land and fight for it, if the “country border” was not established. So, they reluctantly recognized the line those humans drew as the country border.

Because that citadel became the point from which the elves' land was attacked for many times, they received the elves' attacks many times as well. Every time, this process of trying to remove and being removed repeated......until that battle hundred of years ago, in which the Holy Land Recovery Allied Forces became its master, until now. Since the citadel is small, it was left aside as a military base and became an abandoned castle......because of which, it conversely flourished.

At the foot of the hill on which Alhambra Castle was built, an oasis was formed. A small inn town started growing from around that oasis......Because the surrounding of Alhambra Castle is a military base, travellers who travel in the desert would stop by, and it became a small trading area.

With the skills of the elves, the walls of Alhambra Castle were exquisitely made, adorned with fine engraving of geometric patterns. Receiving the moonlight from the twin moons, the walls shone brightly, providing a fantastic view to the desert travellers.

To the Halkeginians, the surrounding of Alhambra Castle is an exotically beautiful place.

Well then, in a small pub called “Father Joseph's Desert Doors” Inn in that beautiful inn town, the hot topic was a recent rumor of Alhambra Castle.

A unit of the king's army arrived, and was stationed in the castle.

The merchants who buy ceramics and porcelains in Sahara said to the shop owner in a whisper.

“The troops came to Alhambra Castle lately......but do you know why those guys come? Father.”

Travelling from one place to another, the wise father who had set up a pub here, tasted the stew whilst shaking his head.

“Dunno.”

““Didn't those guys come to this area to dig up some treasure?” It was rumored this, but......I feel that the truth is different.”

“Is it?”

The father reacted indifferently. He knew that not poking his head in unnecessary affairs is the secret to longevity.

“Hey. I'll treat you a drink, so tell me more about that rumor?”

“Not interested.”

Missing out getting some wine? The male merchant snorted. Beside him, a lady clothed in sand-warding robe with a hood, sat down.

“Isn't that a wonderful conversation?”

The brown skin and red lips peeking out from the openings of the robe gave the impression of a befitting beauty. The merchant gulped nervously.

“Dear, shall we offer up a cup for this man?”

The man's cup was filled with ale to the brim.

“Thanks! Hihi.”

“Well then, can you tell me more about it?”