Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL
It was just the second moon of January since the end of the war… On the first week of the moon of Hagar, on Freyja's week, one by one, nobles from all countries gathered up in Albion’s capital Londonium.
Londonium.
Compared to all other cities of Halkeginia, had a new atmosphere around it. To the central portion of the town was made from skillfully handled stones, which continued to build up due to constant ruling.
One hundred years ago, Londonium was hit with conflagration, and because the town outlines were made of wood, it almost burned down completely. By the order of that time Albion’s king, wooden constructions of buildings were forbidden in Londonium since then.
It was also a meant to increase Albion's air force power that would roar over Halkeginia, as it protected the timber resources needed. It had the powerful fleet established with abundant timber, and looked down at all Halkeginia from above the clouds…
However, now it was only a fairy tale of the past.
At present – Albion was a poultry placed on the table. Wings and nails were taken off and put on the plate – burnt poultry. Helkeginia’s most powerful were staring at the meat like starving wolves.
The havirand palace of Londonium was filled with people like in a party.
Galia, Germania, Romalia… kings and the emperors of each country came on their will with many vassals as waiters just to fight over the share of this poultry.
The Queen of the Kingdom of Tristain, Henrietta’s name was also listed in the ‘Nations conference’, as she was invited to attend the part two weeks ago.
Henrietta sat at the round table of Whitehall.
Next to her, Cardinal Mazarini could be seen. Near them was Germania’s emperor, whom Henrietta was about to have married before, Albrecht the III. In the duel for power between 40 men, he won emperor's seat and now was looking at Henrietta with dirty-minded eyes
When Henrietta glared back courageously, he gave a broad grin.
“Nice to meet you, Your Highness Princess Henrietta.”
“I’m afraid I am a queen now, Your Excellency.”
The nose of Albrecht the III turned pale.
He looked grateful at the Romalia’s ambassador, who sat in front of Henrietta. Romalia, who had a small militia participation, had very little to say in this conference.
Therefore, only the ambassador was participating.
Nearside, General Hawkins was fulfilling his duty as the plenipotentiary Albion ambassador. Dauntless features were on this man; in his prime years face. Despite kings were sitting in a row before him, he had no fear. Hos chest was put out in a dignified manner, not showing the pathos of the defeated army general. Germania’s emperor who sat next him, didn’t like such an attitude at all.
“But…that guy is late.”
Albrecht the III muttered to Henrietta.
“You mean king Joseph?”
Joseph, the king Galia, has not shown up yet.
“Yes. The incapable lady-killer. No one else from the country suited to be Galia’s king. Do you know? It is said that he got the throne by killing his younger brother. Such a very shameless person.”
Such were the rumors…
Loud steps were heard behind the door, then it opened.
There stood a beautiful looking blue-haired man.
The announcer called in a perplexed tone.
“His Majesty; King of Galia!”
He seemed to have a charming figure. Visible back muscles were like one of the ancient gladiators'. The neatly tightened face, framed by a blue beard.
It was Joseph, king of Galia.
The king of Galia watched everyone who gathered, with a broad smile on his face.
“This, this! Everyone is here! All Helkeginia’s kings meeting in this place, unbelievable! A happy day! A happy day!”
Joseph notices Albrecht the III and tapped his shoulder.
“Dear emperor, Your Excellency! I am sorry for not attending the coronation! Are your relatives doing fine? I mean the ones that you lent your castle, so that you may hold that crown.”
Albrecht the III turned pale. This castle ‘lending’ - scathing sarcasm. Joseph was making fun of Albrecht the III, who imprisoned his rivals in the castle tower.
“A hard door and splendid chains were used for their own protection! Moreover, they are even given food. One bread crust, one glass of water, and firewood after two weeks when their bodies became cold. The purpose is to keep them healthy. The luxury is bad for the body. You are really a kind emperor! I would like to learn that too!”
“Aye, thank you.” Albrecht the III muttered, loosing his composure. Then Joseph turned his face and this time took Henrietta’s hand.
“Oh. Princess Henrietta. You have grown. I wonder if you still remember me? We met at the end of a certain garden party at Langdorian lake. At that time, you were beautiful like a flower, that made all Halkeginia’s flower hang their heads in shame. And now you are a beautiful queen of peaceful Trsitain. Aye. Peaceful.”
Without looking at Hawkins and the ambassador in Romalia, king Joseph sat at the head of the table. As if it was most natural thing.
Though Albrecht the III made a face as if wanting to say something… Joseph waved it off. Then, as if still in his royal palace, he cracked his finger joints.
Then the servants brought trays with various dishes – like Howai, Toho, etc were brought in.
Before Henrietta and Albrecht the III, a large amount of food were placed. Henrietta and others looked at it in astonishment. It generously included even abundantly gorgeous ingredients. For such one plate some people would not be able to earn even working one full year.
“The dish and the wine I obtained from Galia. I am sorry for the shoddiness, but this dish is nothing compared to the treat from the whole country, so enjoy yourselves!” The waiter poured wine into the cup, which king Joseph hung.
Henrietta’s and others cups were filled with blood-red wine as well.
“Leaders of all Halkeginia. Though it is small, first of all, let us hold the feast of celebration. The war ended. Peacefully, let’s take a toast for us!“
The feast continued for three hours…and ended because of a sudden retire from Joseph, Galia’s king. After only making noises of eats and drinking, he yawned, said "I am sleepy" and stood up, leaving in a hurry.
As for the conference itself - nothing was done. King of Galia whenever opened his mouth did nothing but recommend cooking to kings, who sat in a row, and toasting, repeatedly.
Puzzled, Henrietta and others left as well.
“We are being conciliated - the real thing will start tomorrow.”
Germania’s emperor muttered and while shaking his belly stuffed with gorgeos dish, went out of the Whitehall. Henrietta listlessly, with elbows tightly pressed against her side, stood up.
That moment…General Hawkins came in front of Henrietta. And bowed deeply.
“With all due respect, may I have a word with Your Majesty.”
Mazarin, who was nearby tried to intervene but Henrietta stopped him.
“First of all thank you for the generous treatment all Albion’s people received. They are exhausted by a long war. You controlled not with the wand but with the bread. By the power that beautiful His Majesty shines upon everyone, the people of the white country were led correctly. With all this generous treatment…could you not ask for compensation.”
“Right or wrong was the war – the people should not be punished. Don’t owrry.”
Hawkins bowed deeply. Henrietta tried to pass him but he still detained her.
“Is there something else?”
“Your Majesty…. Your Majesty’s army was saved by only one hero. Do you know that?”
Henrietta shook her head.
As a matter of fact, the rumor about Saito stopping the Albion army was not delivered to Henrietta. Senior military officials could never admit being saved by a single fencer. As a result, such rumor was silenced before reaching Henrietta in a shape of report.
“I do not know.”
“Honestly. Honestly… running away generals in attempt to save their own hides, changed the story in their country.”
“What was that?”
Hawkins told Henrietta.
How Albion army, that pursued Allied Forces, was stopped by a single swordsman.
As a result, the Albion army missed Allied Forces which tried to run away from Rosais…
Henrietta’s mind was in turmoil. The heart that never trembled after the end of the war, now began to shake.
“Swordsman…Really?”
“Yes, swordsman. Black haired boy with a foreigner’s face.”
Not hiding feelings, with straight look, Hawkins said.
“The hero raged on, he even pointed a sword to the tip of my nose, until he fell down exhausted. Then, he started to move again and disappeared in the forest… I guess, he did not survive with all those injuries. Yet, it was his deed that saved Your Majesty’s army. Only one swordsman… held back tens of thousands of army troops. It’s a must to give a corresponding honor for the hero.”
“I see. Thank you.”
Henrietta thanked in a shaky voice.
Black haired fencer from a foreign country.
…Could it be Louise’s familiar, listed between the names of killed in action?
Hiragasaito.
Strange sounding name.
Boy who came from the different world
Void’s familiar.
Legendary Gandalfr…
Some time ago when my mind was blinded, when I turned my wand to Louise…He stopped my spell, Henrietta recalled.
Once again, he stopped.
Not once, but twice… he stopped it.
Hawkins said, looking distant.
“If not him… Today, Your Majesty’s and mine seats would have been reversed. By all means, bless that brave man. In the name of Your Majesty, give him the blessing.”
