Chapter 2 is finally here and I hope everyone is really eager to read it. But before you read it let this old fool to say some words:

At first I want to thank you for all the reviews, alerts and favorites I got from the first chapter. I got more feedback than I have ever dreamed about and it helped me to write the second chapter.

Then it was really nice to see that so many people from different countries have read my Fan fiction. It was really nice to see that there are interested people from all over the world.

At last I want to dedicate this story to everyone who have been helping me with writing this. I also want to dedicate this story to my Finnish Teacher who once said: "If you have writing block just starts writing anything you can think of. The more you write the more your motivation will grow and soon you forget that something blocked your writing in the first place."

Seems like I took more of your time what I intended to. So here is the reward for listening my ramblings. Enjoy and if you have time I ask you to leave a review. Have Fun

Disclaimer: I dont own Zero No Tsukaima.

Chapter 2: Beginning

Somewhere in the Albion

Something unexpected was happening in a deserted mansion located in the countryside of Albion. The mansion, which once belonged to a very kind and noble man, was now just a fragment of its former self. The fame and glory had been replaced by decay. The mansion was tragically kissed goodbye when the owner, Duke Alexandros, went missing. Citizenry of the fiefdom loved the Duke so much that the news of his disappearance struck right at their hearts. The citizens sealed off the mansion and did not permit anyone other than the Duke to enter the building. Sadly, the duke was never seen again.

But today, one of the children in the village saw some figures moving towards the mansion. He couldn't tell who the strangers were, but he felt their mysterious aura. What could possibly bring adventurers to the building today, and especially at this time of night? Many of the villagers thought that it was treasure hunters again. Those beasts didn't respect any legacy, nor were they afraid of any curse. Disgracing their precious Duke's memory like that was an unspeakable crime, and the punishment would be severe. Surprisingly, the chieftain of the area called the angry mob off and then gave some bizarre explanations about heavenly punishment to justify her order. Just what in the world was happening in that ramshackle mansion?

Tristania's Royal Castle – Bedroom chamber

Saito's POV

It was a beautiful day-birds were singing and flowers were in full bloom. The sun was shining and the lake reflected the sunlight onto Louise's face. I embraced the maiden gently with my arms as I heard her soft giggles. The sound was heavenly, bringing a genuine smile to my face. I felt her head leaning against my shoulder as she whispered magical words in my ear. Before I even noticed, my lips were moving toward her sparkling lips, and as our lips were about to meet Louise suddenly transformed into Julio, sharply bringing me back to cruel reality.

"The lover boy is finally awake, I see," The Romalian boy said and laughed before continuing, "I had no idea I was so attractive that even the mighty Gandalfr wants to kiss me."

This has to be one of the most embarrassing situations I have ever faced. Of course it's my luck that Julio hears me sleep talking and then even experiences me trying to kiss him. I act quickly and throw a pillow at that Flamen jerk. Sadly, he saw the pillow coming and avoided it.

"They say that even a horse will kick out of love," he says and winks at me. It might be hard to believe that we are close friends-sometimes even I have problems believing it. He might be a little snobby at times, but when you get to know him you realize that he is a really trustworthy guy. Then there are times when he is like this.

"So, now you are spacing out, huh? Are you speechless because I am so astonishingly handsome?" Chesare said with a smirk. That smirk caused me to lose my cool and I jumped out of my bed straight at him, uttering reasons in a cold manner: "First, I was dreaming about Louise and you, out of all people, should know that! Second, why would I fall in love with a jerk that is obsessed with beasts and serves as a Flamen in the land of Romalia?

"Calm down! I was just trying to lighten the mood because you looked so cranky yesterday," he said, surprisingly calm despite the situation.

"So I take it that you usually sneak into your friend's rooms early in the morning to look at their sleeping faces, and then move your face inches away from their faces just because you want to cheer them up? That sounds really believable to me!"

Julio acted like my words crushed him, so I had to apologize to him. Then without a warning he started talking about the reason he come here, and I remembered why I was irritated yesterday. Yes, he wanted to talk about Louise, my precious mage, Louise.

Somewhere in Albion

"I see the goddess is smiling upon us because everyone made it here safely," said a man in a red robe to the other figures that were in the room. There was a little silence, but it ended when the man started to speak again: "Now is the time to start the meeting of the Brotherhood of Lost Truth. The last events have been really ominous for our Brotherhood. The avatar of our goddess-Elemental Dragon-has been slain by the horrendous power of the enemy. I know that there is fear in your hearts, but together we will overcome those emotions. Together we shall create our dream world, and in the future we will enjoy the fruit of happiness!" When the speaker finished his speech the crowd responded with a large amount of praises.

"We are like pirates searching for treasures-totally at the mercy of the wind and never able to control it. The sea is always moving us, carrying our dreams toward the treasure. But when we found the treasure it wasn't gold coins, but a little stash of bronze ones. We were shocked at first, but then we looked toward the sea again and what did we see? The wind was raising one more, and in the distance we saw our dreams of the same treasure. The sea will always take us on to new adventures, fueling our dreams and ambitions," the man spoke, then continued his sermon:

"We are sailors in the sea of dreams. The wind is the cruel reality that strikes us down from time to time. The sea is the path which carries us towards our glorious destination. The treasure chest is the dream we are chasing. Sometimes we thought we acquired it, only to discover that it wasn't the true treasure. That is the reason why we shall never give up pursuing our dream-because someday, positively, we will make it happen. We have the treasure map in our hands, and now it is time to show it to you!" That ended the sermon the man in the robe gave, for which he received high praise from the other members.

Tristania's Royal Castle – Bedroom Chamber

Saito's POV

"While I was walking in the corridors this morning I overheard a couple of nobles talking about Louise's marriage. They were discussing a rumor that even the Artemisia family is interested in Louise," Julio said in a really serious tone of voice. I was just about to ask Julio about the Artemisia family, but before I could speak, a letter came in through the slit of the door. The letter, to speak of the devil, was from the Artemisia family.

But what really shocked me was the message:

To Saito Chevalier de Hiraga-Dono

Greetings

Even writing a letter to a legendary hero like you is a massive honor for us. The Artemisia Family is pleased to know that your highness opened our letter. We wanted to present all the information we have to you because we want to make sure you receive all the fame that you deserve. According to our information sources, Queen Henrietta loves you with all her heart and we think you would be a perfect partner for her. With the Artemisia and the de Valliere families backing you up, there isn't anything that can stop you from becoming the King. That would clearly be the rightful honor for your good deeds, Mr. Hiraga Saito.

Yours Truly

The Artemisia Family

I had to read the letter twice before I could understand the point of it. Then I felt anger strongly rising within me and I completely lost it. I ripped that freaking letter into a million pieces and then I stomped on all the pieces with my feet. After that process there were no traces left of the letter and I felt relieved.

'One of the things that still irritate me in this world is the noble class,' I thought to myself. 'They are always acting so highly, thinking they are the mightiest creatures in the world. Even love and marriage are just games to play-controllable phenomena. They believe they have the right to do whatever they please because they are superior people. Can you even be more hypocritical than the nobles are?'

Then Julio's voice woke me up from my trance. "Just what was written in the letter that caused you to lose your head for a little while?" Julio asked me in a curious tone.

"You know that curiosity killed the cat!" I said forcefully, then I burst out laughing when I saw shear amazement on his face because of my last reply. "That letter was an abomination. Just act like you never saw that letter at all. It suggested that I should do an utterly disgraceful thing. As a man, my pride would never allow that. If I did as they suggested, I couldn't call myself a man-I would only be a clown."

"Hear me Artemisia family and all other nobles in this world: you can offer me enough gold for a lifetime; you can drown me with your titles and standings; you can promise me millions of hot girls or build statues in my honor-but without Louise, all of those inducements are meaningless. They are like the magical tricks from my world: they look stunning at first, but then you discover that they are only fakes. So come at me with all of your might and power to try me, but I promise my love for Louise will never fade away."