Zero no Tsukaima:Volume18 Chapter3

Chapter 3: Josette's Garden Party

Three days after the the garden party to commemorate the coronation of the new Queen...

In the courtyard of the palace of Versailles, a huge stage was built for the planned dance party to celebrate the ‘The Advent of the Founder’.

All the nobles who would participate in this event were gaily dressed as the party was about to begin.

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

Upon hearing the musicians as they played a piece of lively music, Josette became nervous in her private tent (which also served as her dressing room) and was located right next to the stage.

"I cannot, I cannot dan... I cannot dance in that place! All of them are watching me!" The role of Josette in that scene was... the main character in this colorful musical drama, the role of a female saint.

Beside her was a handsome priest. Wanting to see Josette’s dress, he approached her and patted her head.

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

"You're right, but..."

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

Then gradually they could hear 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 began to look at the blue dress she was wearing, which she had chosen for this occasion.

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

Those noble ladies who were dancing at the moment all possessed a graceful femininity, such that if Josette was to dance in the same place with them the differences between her and these nobles would emerge. I will be embarrassed...

"You have nothing to worry about, as there is no one in this country who would be able to tease the Queen's dance."

"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 a fool of me. All of them are very good, they are all so beautiful! If I have to dance in that place, they will 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 to fill her heart with joy.

"Well, then I'll dance with you."

"Huh?" There was no time to wonder; Julio took her hand, and together they went to the stage and immediately danced 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 might have been enough for Josette to stay frozen in the middle of the stage. But...

Right in front of her eyes, Julio continued dancing; the cheering stopped due to the strong impression that was caused by his fabulous dance form. Josette had also been astonished by such a display of skill, as if hypnotized by his light steps. Julio took her hand and began to guide her, and they started 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 made her heart thrill for the first time.

Josette took the opportunity to bring one of her flushed cheeks together with Julio and mutter: "This is wonderful!"

This is it. Josette finally realized.

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

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

The ballad music was starting 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 down her cheeks. This feeling was a totally new experience she had never felt before in her life. Lately all kinds of emotions similar to this, which until then she had not understood, had begun to 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 returned to her tent.

Sweat ran down her face, which caused her a nice feeling; but she wondered, when was the last time I was moved this much?.

"You're pretty good." Julio said this praise. 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's the next thing I have to do?"

"The following: give a rest to Her Majesty the Queen who has worked hard 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?"

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 nobles loudly and eagerly began to encircle 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 possessed the crown at this very moment.

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

Although the Queen was in her best disposition 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 finally dissolved. In the palace, when Josette finally got 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 sat on her bed. Julio went to her and extended his arms. In response, Josette took his arms gently and gave him a hug.

As if encouraged by him Josette bowed her head and then kissed 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 nuns while living in Saint Margarita. There was really a huge difference.

Also in her mind was 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 were 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'm enjoying 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 amount equal to that of the happiness that dwelt in her heart. I 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'm enjoying 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 he was 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 achieve if it is founded on 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 and 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 kept 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 screwed his eyes shut. 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. For a moment he stared at the runes inscribed on the back of his right hand as he watched them flicker, then he continued walking while frowning, evincing the confusion that was in his mind.

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

With a simple outfit that covered her body, she looked like a housekeeper. The young woman realized the presence of Julio and offered him a bow. She began to continue walking. Just when she had passed him, a voice from Julio was heard:

"Aren’t you her highness? Princess Isabella?"

Hearing this, Isabella stopped and then turned back.

"Excuse me, do you have business to discuss with me?"

"My name is Julio Chesaré and if you may, it would be so kind of you to 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 Isabella, 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!" Isabella laughed as she said this. However, Julio did not laugh at all.

"The Order of the Chevalier of the Northern Parterre. The Parterre Knights of Gallia as I have understood them, each Parterre is named in accordance with the direction of a cardinal compass point, however... apparently there is a parterre that corresponds to the north, and even then among people, the name for the order there... perhaps you are aware of these famous rumors."

"And so, do you intend to say that I'm the leader of this order?"

"Precisely."

After that statement, Julio remained staring at Isabella as if daring her to say something. Any attempt to hide anything or to try to run away from this conversation would be useless. Isabella, knowing fully well that this was a trap, tried to devise a way to get out of the complicated situation she had gotten into.

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

Did he know that I'm aware about the impersonation of the Queen?

Isabella was dubious about how well she actually knew Julio. This had turned into a situation that was not foreseen in her plans.

Then Isabella came to a conclusion. However the risk of the bet was making her lips numb, almost preventing her from speaking.

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

Isabella felt her mouth dry and her chest heaving. For a moment she thought about stopping, but eventually reconsidered. Everything will be fine.

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

Then Isabella 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 ask you a question?"

"You still haven’t answered my question."

Ignoring Julio's statement, Isabella 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 has it been my intention to condemn you for what you have done. Instead, 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 his daughter whose duty is to take revenge on Queen Charlotte... no, maybe it was before that, when Queen Charlotte was a member of my brigade of knights. I always desired 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. Isabella didn’t know how far Julio had knowledge about her. However, there was no reason not to believe her story.

"All this time, I've been wondering 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 is an intriguing offer."

"Well, then will you become our ally?"

Isabella seemed to assent to the proposition of Julio, but she resisted 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?"

Isabella shook her head giving a negative answer.

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

Isabella stared at Julio silently while watching him doing some calculations. In the end, he ended 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. And 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 Saito and Miss Vallière. You mustn’t take your eyes off those two even for a second."

"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, Isabella used this event to build the credibility of her words.

"So it was, the world is a small place after all. Then you should also keep me updated of the developments in this matter." However, it could be perceived in Julio's tone that this issue was not really his interest. This seemed a proof that the Elemental Siblings and Julio, together with his master, were unrelated.

Isabella 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 Isabella, Julio was ready to continue on his way. When Isabella 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 it's possible that this reckless conspiracy to impersonate the Queen has succeeded and who was its Machiavellian author.

Then Isabella muttered as if whispering:

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

She heard the voice of the intelligent knife at her waist.

"I'm not impressed that 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."

While being escorted by Agnes, Henrietta was in a bad mood, mainly because of Romalia’s conspiracy to impersonate Queen Charlotte and make this impostor commit Gallia to 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.

Isabella 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 couldn’t even imagine what would 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. Agnes nodded in response to her statement.

"Right."

"As long as... the Order will soon find Queen Charlotte and she will 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 voice.

"It seems you are in low spirits, commander." Henrietta said while keeping her eyes fixed on Agnes, but Agnes nevertheless continued to have a blank expression on 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 you keep thinking about the enemy all the time, then you will not be able to fight when you really need to. You as the Queen should always maintain a calm and objective vision. But even having said that, after all, human beings are nothing more than objects that cannot go against their 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 in 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 you need to be yourself 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 complex 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. From what I know about him, he seems to be totally honest no matter what the subject is.

Why is...

While questioning she suddenly noticed what that reason was, that's why... maybe it's because he is not a human that belongs to this world... Currently, he is a gentleman who is at my service. With all his efforts, he achieved a lot of success and confidence from those around him. He has become ‘The Savior’ both in our country and in my own name.

But he is not a human that belongs to this world. To this day he still holds the enticing aura typical of a mysterious "stranger". If it comes to him, unlike may happen with other people, I really may be able to find the calmness I need in my heart if I am at his side. Surely that must be the reason why I can talk about anything with him.

However, he... he is the lover of my best friend Louise. Even though I feel alone and know that he is always willing to listen to my problems, I cannot afford to be naïve and think about something else.

The other day, after the fight she had had with Louise just like when they were children, Henrietta took some time for reflection. She realized unforgivable acts had hurt her most important and beloved friend...

While Henrietta kept walking and thinking on these matters, they came to an open place in the courtyard adorned by a kiosk. All the clearing was covered with wild roses tangled in its structure. It really was a place to rest her soul.

When Henrietta saw a couple of familiar figures sitting together on a bench in that place, she remained perplexed and provoked.

"Oi, aren’t those two Louise and Saito?" Said Agnes trying to get their attention. However Henrietta held her back to halt her attempt.

"... Huh, what's the matter?"

Agnes, with a puzzled face, did not know what was happening. Henrietta guided her and she observed where her finger was pointing.

Louise and Saito were sitting together on a bench, sitting beside each other. What they were doing there was not clear, they were just sitting while watching each other silently. Apparently, the shame that remained in them since the night two days ago was what prevented them from speaking.

Louise stared at Saito, who was sitting right next to her, while she kept her fists resting on her knees. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her mouth drew a small へ. She had finally changed out of the habit which she used for so long, and at this moment she was dressed in clothes that she had borrowed from Agnes’s wardrobe.

A linen shirt that covered her head and a sturdy cotton trousers were specifically what she was wearing.

Beneath that was simple garb that concealed the dazzling beauty of her body; Saito knew these as well.

He imagined the white smooth skin of Louise with that shirt that really favored her. It was like a canvas that had a mysterious purity.

Aaaaah... Saito groaned from the bottom of his heart.

I saw her skin before but still... sitting here being so close to her makes me incredibly nervous. Being so close, I cannot think of Louise being as usual. Louise, whose chest I still remember the exact shape and color of. And besides, l, l, I also remember what was below her navel, the shape of her hips, and, and, and...

Recalling all the body parts of Louise that had been illuminated by the moonlight before, his breath remained dry even after seeing them.

Saito did not know what he had to say at this moment, and because of that indecision he couldn’t continue watching and he turned his sights away. However, the first thought that assaulted his mind was the refreshing beauty of the naked body of Louise.

Unable to fend off for any reason these thoughts in his mind, Saito began to feel himself as a dirty and degenerate beast. Though he could not fight his instincts, he just could not think of anything else.

I have to do it, this is not the time to think about those things...

That is, I have to concentrate on more important matters, like Tabitha and her supposed twin sister who had replaced her, and those subjects who have followed and attacked me persistently... those criminals who call themselves ‘Elemental Siblings’.

In fact there was a mountain of priorities which should occupy Saito. And yet the only thing that kept going round and round in his head was: the nudity of Louise.

Then Saito took his head in his hands and began to cry - UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHH!

Seeing Saito doing this, Louise did not hesitate to say in a somewhat irritated voice:

"Hey why are you shouting!?"

"Huh? No this is... nothing!" He said trying to convince Louise.

"....You, you’re simply comparing right? Comparing 'this' with all those women you've seen so far, do not try to fool me by comparing!"

Saito shook his head immediately trying to calm down Louise who was already clenching her fists as her body began to tremble.

"Huh? No! Of course not!"

"Well, then you should say what you’re thinking, say it immediately!"

While her nose echoed with her heavy breathing, Louise said this to Saito as she watched intently. And because of that tremendous pressure, Saito was left with no choice but to say what he was thinking.

"Eh, this... the color was beautiful and..."

"The color? Of what?"

"Your chest, heh, heh..."

After saying these words, suddenly a small fist lunged at him. Saito attempted to dodge it but ended up on the floor.

"You! Why! Why?!" Saito complained.

"I did it because it's embarrassing! Why are you saying such things!?"

"But you're the one who asked!"

Then Louise calmed down and placed her foot on his head and then she begin to murmur.

"If it is, I'll ask, but I did it because there is something I wanted to hear from you, very important, extremely important."

Then, as she looked down Louise started squeezing her fists again.

"But everything went well I guess..." Saito sighed.

"Huh? What went well?"

"No, this... is that I cannot believe I’m so happy."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, really, at this moment the situation is incredibly complicated. Tabitha has been abducted and war may break out at any time, and yet..."

Saito was speechless for one second trying to find the words he meant.

"So that was it. They requested us to act as if we knew nothing. We were told "Do not worry, we'll find the whereabouts of her Majesty the Queen.", and so, contrary to what should be, we must remain calm and unconcerned until they find the location of Tabitha..." Saito sighed and added:

"But, it's not that. My happiness is really simpler than that, really. I'm happy to be surrounded by moments of happiness."

"But say, what is it to be happy for? It is obvious that human beings should enjoy happy moments, as they would not survive if they only concentrated on the bad things that happen. But then tell me why are you so happy?"

"That's because you have accepted me. That has caused me unimaginable joy, I'm so happy that I can now stop worrying about everything else."

After saying this, Louise rushed to answer:

"Accept you? I Did? When?"

"Never mind, I just know it. Indeed, when a woman accepts a man, 'this' is the only proof you need."

"So what you're saying is, I let you see my body?"

"Yes, but we haven’t done anything. But you clearly told me that I could do it, right? and that's what has made me so happy, incredibly happy."

After hearing him say this, Louise's face turned completely red. She did not know what had made Saito happy to such an extent, however at this moment it was inevitable as she really had given permission for Saito to do whatever he wanted...

"But then I wonder, is it really okay for me to enjoy so much happiness? With so much pain and suffering in the world, do I really deserve this happiness?"

Then Louise took the hand of Saito.

"It’s all right."

"Huh?"

"You see, I sometimes think about it, and say it's okay, we deserve it, because of all the dangerous situations we've had to pass. But now we're fine, and if tomorrow we die before they can rescue Tabitha, or perhaps maybe lose our lives when faced against Romalian conspiracy..."

It was then that Louise began to approach Saito, and sank her cheek onto his arm. Then she said in a small voice:

"And that's why I decided to show you my skin, I wanted to show you that no matter what happens my feelings for you will never change. I want to fully enjoy the moments spent with you, the moments that I want to cherish forever. Something bad may happen, however, I do not want to live with regrets."

At these words Saito felt as if a light was lit inside him. Then without thinking, he immediately hugged Louise as hard as he could.

"This, really, stop thinking seriously about death, although in dangerous situations like this we must be very careful. So promise me not to die. Think that no matter what happens everything will be fine. Continue to believe this and then, this..."

"And we should treasure every moment of our lives as if this were the most important of all, is that what you mean?"

Saito nodded his head while Louise was resting on his chest.

"Yeah, that's right."

Saito slowly began to bring his lips against hers. One soft kiss, mixed with their warm breath caused Louise and Saito to become lost in a dream.

At that moment, full happiness was born when the two held their breath. Then Saito began thinking about his comrades, about all the people around him in his life. He also wanted them to be able to feel the same happiness he felt at this moment, and that is why he would rescue Tabitha no matter what the cost. And that's why he would use all the power he had to stop the Crusade.

But in that moment... suddenly the same uneasiness that assaulted Saito yesterday was present once again.

But would I able to do it? Can I do it? I've already been beaten twice by the Elemental Siblings...?

Then Saito carefully moved away from Louise.

"What happened? You’re very strange since yesterday."

"It's nothing..."

"What is it? Tell me, was it not enough for me to be the only one by your side? As I thought, youuuu..."

"No, no, it’s nothing like that!"

"Well, then explain!"

"It’s not what you think," Saito said as he shook his head. "I was just thinking that I'm too weak... for I was defeated twice by those guys who call themselves Elemental Siblings... If only I were a little stronger, if I hadn’t lost Derf, then I wouldn’t have been defeated by Jack and I would not have shown you that pathetic part of me."

"No matter how strong you are, there are always times when you lose. That's what it means to be human. You should not blame yourself for it."

Louise said this trying to comfort Saito, to which he replied by shaking his head.

"No! no! no! No, this is not the time to invent excuses. We are at a point where losing means death. I cannot afford it, I have to protect you."

"If that happens then I will also protect you!" She said trying to convince Saito.

"That’s not the case!" Energetic Saito said.

"B-, but what you’re saying is wrong, that's the way a mage and her familiar should take care of each other, isn’t it?

"That would be pathetic."

Louise raised her lips as she watched Saito heavily saying this.

How is it that the sweet air of sweetness that had cost so much work to get was so easily lost... They had returned to the days when Saito always inflated Louise’s cheeks because of the anger caused by him.

You said that even if you're next to a girl like me? * tch *, and then I would lock you in your own world where no one else can see you.

However, Louise was not really angry about it. If it had been the Louise from before, a situation like this would have caused blood to be shed from Saito's head. But...

Maybe it's because we have already shown our skin to each other, thought Louise.

It was then Louise realized that once again they had strengthened the ties between herself and Saito...

And that's why, I won't get mad over something as simple as this...

Then Louise put her cheek gently on Saito's shoulder.

Meanwhile, he was still lost in thought.

I... I need to get stronger!

Due to his defeat, all the frustration built up inside Saito caused him to forcefully clench his fists.

Having finished observing what happened between Saito and Louise... Henrietta got up and then said quietly:

"They seem to be very well."

Agnes continued her blank expression without saying a word. Then as if to turn around and retrace her steps, Henrietta decided to leave.

Then in a voice slightly rigid, Henrietta asked Agnes:

"We have to do everything at our disposal to stop the Crusade!"

"That's right." Agnes said, showing her full support to what Henrietta said.

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