Greetings.

I may take liberties at some degree regarding the canonical events from both stories, especially FoZ since it has been ages from the last time i watch the show.

Again, pardon for my trashy grammar ;_; I still haven't found any beta reader for this story, so yeah...

Disclaimer : I don't own Familiar of Zero and Tokyo Ghoul (Writing this is seriously annoying -,-)

After accepted the self-proclaimed queen's offer, Haise entered the carriage while not letting his guard down. Who knows what these people had in their mind. Suddenly, the purple-haired girl in front of him started to speak.

"Mr. Haise, since you have introduced yourself, let me give you a proper introduction. My name is Henrietta de Tristain, Queen of the Kingdom of Tristain. Once again, I am grateful for your honorable action to protect me."

"And haven't I told you before ? I saved you so I can get any worthwhile information regarding my circumstance. My action didn't hold any shred of loyalty toward you, Your Majesty." He couldn't help but to feel awkward when he had to call someone "Your Majesty". No one would do it in this modern age (unless the person in question was the Queen of England) He called her that just to play along with her.

"Hey ! Be more respectful to the Queen, commoner !"

Both Queen Henrietta and Haise silently agreed to just ignore the mage's yelling. But Haise was a bit surprised by himself, while he still being skeptical of her royal status, she had a certain charisma that could be found on many leader figures from other countries.

"It's alright, William. Mr. Haise is definitely come from a faraway country. It's understandable that he isn't accustomed with the norm here."

"…"

Haise couldn't help but feeling slightly awed. The Queen certainly displayed a good level of respect and understanding toward him. It's definitely one of the rarest trait amongst most country leaders out there. Although he also couldn't help but to suspect something. There had to be a catch from this.

Meanwhile, Queen Henrietta silently observed the man in front of him. An exotic appearance, along with a superb skill of swordmanship. She wondered if he could be one of her royal guards. 'No, what am I thinking about ? This man is still a foreigner, I can't just make a foreigner part of the royal guards'. Queen Henrietta suppresed her mind and let out a brief sigh.

"Now, while we're heading to the palace, I have a bit more questions. Would you mind ?"

"As long as they're not too personal."

He could feel a patronizing gaze from the mage. 'So annoying' he thought.

"How can you suddenly appear in front of my carriage ? From what I've heard from Joseph… the driver, he told me that you're suddenly appeared from the thin air and struck the side of carriage."

"How did I appear ? Well… I'm not really sure what's going on, but a moment before I arrived here, I was just standing at the building rooftop. And it was night. You can say I'm just as surprised as you, Your Majesty." He remembered something from one of the novels he read before. It's a story about a man who was transported into an alien world filled with unearthly phenomenons. Is he, by any chance, undergoing a similar event ? Ridiculous.

'I have to find more information. Even though I already saw how that mage made me understand their language with just a swing of his wand and a sparkle of light, I still need to make sure that whether this place is just a part of some isolated place or… a completely new world. Besides, what is this "Kingdom of Tristain" ? I never heard of this country before.'

While Haise drown in his thoughts, Queen Henrietta also trying to figure out what exactly had happened to him. She had heard about rumors of "otherwordly objects" suddenly appeared around the world, but she never heard the appearance of "otherworldly humans". She wondered if Haise was the first "otherwordly human" ever to appear at this world. 'Such fantasy tale couldn't have been true, right ?'

"Your Majesty, we're arrived."

As the mage said that, he looked on the outside environment from the carriage's window. He could see a platoon of medieval soldiers giving salute to the passing carriage. And also as the carriage entered the palace, a big castle could be seen. 'So she's really a queen ? This is really surprising.'

"Mr. Haise, it will be easier for us if you stay close to me. While I don't mind the presence of a commoner, most of people at the place have little to no tolerance for them."

'Again, with this "commoner" thing. What's that supposed to mean ? Although I'm pretty sure it's some sort of derogatory term."

"Henrietta, what is the meaning of this ? You can't invite a commoner at your leisure."

"Mother, please calm down. This man had saved my life. It's only natural for me to show my gratitude toward her."

As the Queen and a woman that appears to be her mother got in a little argument, Haise observed the room he was in. Royal ornaments and banner, antique and exotic furnitures filled his sight. 'So this is a royal palace… Is the Buckingham Palace of England also has this kind of stuff ? In a sense, this does feel like a parallel world to someone like me.'

"Mr. Haise, forgive my mother's rash attitude. Just like what I said before, this palace doesn't exactly hold commoner in high regard."

"It's alright, your Majesty. Now I would like to ask any detail that might be related to this strange situation."

"About that, there is something that I think could be related to this. I heard several rumors of "otherwordly objects" appeared occasionally around the place. Those objects are said to be something so strange that anyone couldn't figure how those things could come in existence. Perhaps this is related to your circumstance."

"Otherwordly… objects ? Do you have any example of these things ?"

"Unfortunately, we don't have such things in this palace. However, Tristain's Academy of Magic hold one of those objects although I'm not sure if you can see it easily. It's guarded with extremely high security by the academy."

"Academy… of magic ? So magic does really exist ?"

"Mr. Haise… by any chance, do you ever see a magic ability ?"

"Of course not. Something like that could only be found in novels and children storybook, you know ?"

"What ? Are you sure ?" 'This is absurd. How can someone didn't know the existence of magic ? Is he really…'

"…" Haise pondered for a while. If something as unscientific as magic existed here, then it's possible that he was really no longer in the world he knew.

'Is this another cruel joke from the fate ?'

After both of them sipped their tea, much to Haise's dismay since his ghoul body can't handle any human consumption aside from sugar and coffee, they continued their discussion.

"Mr. Haise, what would you from now ? I understand that you want to see the object by yourself, but I'm afraid with your status as commoner, it might be out of reach for you."

"Your Majesty, there's something that has been bothering me for a while. What's this "commoner" thing ?"

"Oh… I guess it's only natural you don't know since you don't even know the existence of magic. Allow me to explain a bit of it." Queen Henrietta straightened her sight on Haise.

"Commoner is a term for those who were unable to use magic, simply to say, they're to average people you can find on the street. On the other hand, the ones who can wield magic are called Nobles. They have high status in the hierarchy of society."

'So it's just like how humans and ghouls are different despite both having the same appearance. Not to mention the apparent discrimination… how repulsive.' Haise couldn't help but to cringe at the similarity.

"Is there something on your mind, Mr. Haise ?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just remembered something."

Queen Henrietta felt obliged to help her savior, thus she started to speak again.

"Mr. Haise, in the next few weeks, I will visit the academy as part of my agenda. If you don't mind, you can be my temporary bodyguard. That way, I can grant you access to the guarded object. How about it ?"

"Are you sure, your Majesty ? I'm not one to talk, but isn't it unwise to put some stranger like me as your personal bodyguard ? I suggest to rethink your decision."

"While you are most certainly true, I can't help but to be fascinated at your sword skill. Forgive my intrusive question, but are you currently a soldier or elite guard of a kingdom ?"

"No, your Majesty. I'm not a part of any faction or kingdom."

"Then it make things far more easier. What do you think, Mr. Haise ?"

"I'm…" Is this right ? He had to bear the burden of someone's life again. He could have just ignore her and find his own way to the academy, and break through to the object's vault. It's not like he's a powerless man.

But he remembered the feeling of wanting to rethink his earlier decision after he strucked in this place.

"Onii-chan, why do you reject happiness ?"

Hinami's words rang on his cloudy mind again. Did he really reject the possibility of happiness coming to his life ? He had been jaded for a long time. Life never gave him a moment of rest and kept showering him with misfortunes and tragedies. The concept of happiness seemed so alien to him.

But after he arrived here, the urge to start over his life again had been bothering him. Why ?

Queen Henrietta silently observed Haise again while he was thinking of her offer. Sure he emitted some kind of intimidating and and gave off the vibe of a hardened warrior, but she could sense something else from him. She couldn't exactly put a finger on it, but it's something akin to… loneliness ?

While she wanted him as her bodyguard due to his skill, there was also another reason.

She wanted to save the man in front of him. He was the one who saved her, but why she had this feeling ? What exactly should she save him from ? It's unreasonable.

Then she heard Haise gave his answer.

"If it's your wish, then I take up on your offer your Majesty. Besides, this will make things easier for me."

Queen Henrietta beamed up at his answer. To him, he could see a genuine feeling of happiness and satisfaction from her.

"Then it's decided ! From tomorrow you're my one of my personal bodyguards. I'm in your care, Mr. Haise." She gave him a warm smile while maintained her dignified posture.

"Likewise, your Majesty."

Haise felt tired and satisfied at the same time.

After they finished talking, she had arranged a room for him during his job as temporary bodyguard. Of course, the palace only knew that the Queen had hired a normal bodyguard for her. Plus despite being scorned by the mage, William, he also respected Haise's strength by testifying it to the Queen's mother.

Two days had passed since Haise became the Queen's bodyguard. On the first day, he had decided to walk around the town although he had to cover his outfit with a long black hooded robe in order to avoid unnecessary attention. From his stroll, he could confirm that this was no longer the world he knows. Ghoul didn't exist on this world, and the development of technology was stuck in the medieval era. 'It looks like I need to adjust myself to this place.'

On the second day, the Queen had summoned him to the Throne Room. Haise wondered what kind of assignment he would receive.

"Mr. Haise, as you have known, the group of bandits you fought a few days ago was not an ordinary group. They're part of the rebel movement that dictates my ascension as the Queen of Tristain. They think that I'm not fit rule Tristain because… of my passive action toward the approaching Albion's forces."

"Just as I thought, there's no way any sane alleyway thugs would even dare to directly attack the Queen of a kingdom." Haise hold his chin while he's processing the information.

Henrietta was rather amused at Haise's casual tone toward her. It felt refreshing for her to talk to a person who isn't affected by her status as a Queen.

"And right now for your first job as my personal bodyguard, would you accompany me to their rebel leader ? In this time of crisis, it's really unwise to fight with your own countrymen."

"Are you sure, your Majesty ? I don't know much about governance, but I don't think it's wise to hold a diplomatic negotiation while their forces could still threaten the kingdom."

"And that's why I wish to hold it. And don't worry, they already agreed to my wish and the meeting is planned on this afternoon. I want you and William to accompany me to the designated place."

"… If that's your wish, then I could only obey it, your Majesty. But I think that's not the only reason, right ?"

"… Mr. Haise, you're certainly a sharp person." Henrietta let out a chuckle when she realized Haise knows her other objective.

"That's right, as you know it, my position as the Queen doesn't sit well with some of the royal nobles. By stopping the incoming rebellion without the need of inciting a war, I can certainly prove my worth to them."

"I see…"

Haise once again couldn't help but to admire his Queen's determination, although his mind still think that she's still green as a leader. No matter, his job was to ensure her safety and he would make sure nothing could harm her.

The mage, William stood at the entrance of a noble's guest room. Inside of it, Haise, Henrietta and a few of her counselors was holding a peace negotiation with the rebel's leaders. He observed his surroundings. A couple of armed swordsman and mages also present in the room.

'So I guess the robed guys are what they call nobles. I have yet to fight their kind, but I need to figure out how magic works here.'

Back when he fought the rebels, he hadn't a chance to see how mages fight since they quickly ran away after he showed his kakugan. Perhaps he should be more lenient next time. 'These nobles are certainly proud of their ability. I think I can use their arrogance.'

The talk went about three hours, but it looked like they have reached an agreement as shown by his Queen's satisfied expression. But…

"What is the meaning of this, Robert !? Arthur !? I thought we have agreed to force her to step down as Queen and bring glory to our people !"

"Silence ! The Queen had proposed beneficial agreement for both sides. We have won, Sir Wallace."

A plump noble named Wallace break through the guest's room by force. Haise silently observed the intruder and cracked his finger.

"NO ! If her Majesty refused to step down as the Queen, then I'll end her right here !"

As the plump man named Wallace tried to draw his wand, Haise quickly stepped in front of him and grabbed the man's wrist.

"Gah ! What are you trying to do, you commoner scum !?"

He struggled to free his hand from Haise, but the next thing he knew was a sound of broken bones.

"GAAAHHH !"

Haise let go of his grip and watched the plump noble in front of him rolling in the floors, wailing.

"What have you done, you filthy commoner !?"

Haise looked at him and slightly let out his killing intent, trying to silence the man.

"H-hii !"

While he definitely looked scared, he still reluctant to gave up. He still tried to reach his sword on the floor.

And then, he heard another sound of broken bone.

"GAAHHHHH !"

Haise quickly walked toward him again and grabbed his arm, this time breaking one of the arm's bone.

"Mr. Haise, that's enough."

Henrietta's voice made him to release the broken noble and walked back toward her Queen.

"I'm sorry, your Majesty. I'll be more careful next time."

"Well, I already anticipated something like this to happen, so don't worry." Henrietta could only let out a tired sigh as she looked on her foreign bodyguard.

After the situation had been resolved, they headed back to the palace. Before he could return to his quarter, Henrietta had called his name.

"Mr. Haise, would you like to accompany me to the garden ? I think I can use a chat partner with you."

"… If that's what you wish. Although I think I need to do something first, your Majesty." Haise bowed to her and walked toward his room.

A few minutes later, he walked to the garden and approached the waiting Queen with a tray and two cups of coffee.

"I thought I might as well brought some refreshment for us, your Majesty."

"How thoughtful of you, Mr. Haise."

"Please just call me Haise, your Majesty. Being called in a formal way feels so inappropriate to me."

"Oh, is that so ? Then, Haise."

"Hmm, that feels better." Both of them let out a small laugh as they grabbed their own cup.

"So, Haise. I've been wondering for a while, but did you learn anything useful during your stroll few days ago ?"

"The only thing I could confirm is that this world is no longer my world." He shrugged as he sipped his coffee.

"No longer… your world ? Does that mean you come from… another world ? Oh, this coffee is really good !" Henrietta let out a puzzled look while also got surprised of how good Haise's coffee is.

"Thanks, your Majesty. And yes, I'm from another world."

"Wow, so this is really the first time a human from another world got summoned…"

"But I still don't understand how it could happen to me. I mean there's has to be a reason for this, don't you think ?"

"I couldn't agree to you more, Haise. But I'm afraid I'm also as clueless as you. But in case you have found out how this happens, will you try to return to your homeworld ?

"Return ?"

The question shook Haise's mind. Return ? He doesn't have anything left in his world. Everyone already thought that he was dead at the CCG's raid. Hinami was the only one who knows that he's still alive, but with his disappearance, by now she might also think that he's already dead. He didn't want his return would trigger another conflict that would endanger the people he knew.

There's nothing left for him. He doesn't have anyone left to protect.

Now that he think again, perhaps this was why he was so quickly to accept Henrietta's offer. Was he really that impulsive just because he has no one to protect anymore ?

In the other side, Henrietta felt awkward and guilty after her question strucked them both in silence. She felt that she had needlessly touch a sensitive matter to him. She could see a small hint of pain on his calm face.

"Haise, I'm sorry if I had insulted you in some way…"

Haise was brought back to reality after he heard his Queen's worried voice.

"Ah, it's okay your Majesty. I just remembered something from my world. And as for your earlier question, I don't think I will return to my world. At least for now." Haise smiled to her in response, but Henrietta could feel something else from his smile.

It's a smile of resignation.

Haise tried to change the topic to get rid of the gloomy atmosphere.

"Your Majesty, there's something I want to ask. While I know that a Queen's ruling alone isn't unheard of, but doesn't a Queen normally ruled together with a king ? Especially with someone as young as you."

"Well, you're right. But unfortunately I still don't have a candidate for the king." He could see her smiled sheepishly.

"Are you sure ?" Haise stared on her eyes, trying to poke fun at her.

"W-well… there's one, but right now he's fighting for his country and it's really hard for us to even meet occasionally."

"So there's one, as expected of your Majesty." Haise laughed upon her stuttered answer. Henrietta realized that he was teasing her.

"H-Haise, you should learn some proper manners. Hmph" She pouted on him, while he continued to laugh.

"I'm sorry your Majesty, even though you're a ruling Queen, deep inside you're still a normal girl afterall."

"W-well…" It's true, although she had been appointed as Tristain's new Queen after her mother stepped down, she's still a normal young girl. She could understand what Haise was trying to convey.

"With my position as the Queen, I don't think I can live as normal girl again."

"Why don't you live both as the Queen and as normal girl ? It's easier that way, you know."

"That's… certainly true. But I fear that I might overstepped my boundary and become too lenient on everything."

"Then how about this ? Occasionally, you could try to talk with me whenever you want to speak loosely at leisure times. Just think about it as a chance where you don't have to be reserved at someone. It's not good to be tense most of the time, you know." Suggested Haise as he keep his smile on his Queen.

Henrietta could feel a brewing excitement inside her. For long she had been wishing for someone she could chat on leisurely, without being stricted by her status. Although she could speak without any reserve with her mother, she's still bound by the manner of royal family.

In short, she wanted a friend. And Haise, the person who had came from another world, fitted the criteria of her wish.

"Is that really alright ?"

"Most certainly, your Majesty."

Perhaps with this, she could get her longtime wish. And by luck, perhaps she could gain a better understanding of her mysterious companion.

"Then once again, I'm in your care, Haise. Just so you know, I'm a troublesome girl." She let out a bright smile which impressed Haise. It reminds him of Hinami and Touka for some reason.

"Don't worry, I think I've seen worse."

Both of them smiled on each other as the coffee in their cup had cooled down.