And we are back again for another chapter of ZR and I got to say it has been receiving some love. I wish I got more reviews though. But to the ones who have:
Mahesvara - Yeah Darmond is quite eccentric. But you have only seen this side of him, there is more than meets the eye so stay tuned.
RedBurningDragon - Yep Tabitha's mask is infamous and while he might not know everything on her mind he will be able to see past her stoic mask. Also like the side stories spin off series that star Tabitha I shall have some side stories where her thoughts on certain things are revealed. Why? because I love to hear the thoughts of kuudere characters like Tabitha.
A Fan - Your welcome and I am writing more and regardless of what comes my way I intend to finish any story I write. This I promise.
ShiniD - Ah a critic, cool. So yeah I realised about that problem and I had intended to fix it from this chapter onwards so tell me if its better now. And yes when I wrote Darmond like this I intend for this comedic effect. And well Louise may be calling him Oniichan sooner than you think.
So we continue straight from the last chapter. HAVAAT THEE! ENJOY AND REVIEW!
"Talking" - Talking
Thinking - Thinking
"Dialogue" - Inner dialogue with Zavier
*Action* - an action done while talking
"Spell chanting" - Spell chanting or heard conversation (depending)
"ATTACK NAME" - Attack name
Chapter 2
The Unwillingly Adopted Sibling – Part 2
As I, Darmond was lead somewhere by the maid called Siesta, I took this chance to silently observe her.
She is about 5ft 4in, thus reaching the middle of my chest. She looks to be quite slender with a generous bust and wearing, as expected, her typical white apron/black maid uniform which reaches the about two inches under her knees. She is wearing brown zip-up boots and has a blue jewel at the collar of her uniform, which was the same color as her eyes. Her face was rather attractive as well with her small nose and pink lips.
But what struck me the most was her hair color; midnight black. This is because of all the persons I have seen so far, including some students I saw entering the dining hall; she was the only one to possess this hair color.
"Say Siesta-chan…"
"Hai Darmond-kun." She answered while turning giving me her full attention.
"I am curious; your hair colour seems to be quite rare, are you a foreigner like that Germanian girl, Kirche?"
"Oh no I am a native of Tristan. I come from a village called Tarbes about three days travel from the academy. As for my hair, you are right it is quite rare, as my family is the only ones to possess it in my village. Why do you ask?" she inquired with an unsure look on her face.
"Oh no special reason, like I just said I was merely curious."
She went silent for a moment, and then while pushing some hair behind her ear, she asked hesitantly, "Uh Darmond-kun…Do you think it's… unattractive?"
"Eh… no of course not I think it is rather lovely, like the midnight sky."
Her face lit up and she looked away from me while she once again pushed some of her hair behind her ear.
"Thank you," she said with a small voice.
"No problem… actually it kind of reminds me of home."
"Really?... How so?" she asked curiously.
"Well in my world, some of southern people, which included my countrymen and my family, all had the same colored hair like yours. Only my sister was born with a different hair color."
"But what about you?… Your hair it's snow white," she asked with a look of confusion upon her face.
"Oh that was the side effect of some magical incident long ago," I said dismissively.
She gained a look of understanding on her face.
"I see…so then your hair…"
"Yep, my natural hair colour is similar to yours."
She smiled at that.
"Well I also like your hair as it is now"
"Oh really, I rather hate it myself…" too many bad memories.
"Why?" she asked so innocently
"It's way too noticeable, makes being stealthy difficult without covering it," I lied smoothly
Well actually it is partly true.
"Anyway where exactly are you taking me?" I said to distract her from this topic.
"Ah… to the kitchens of course," she exclaimed with a bright smile.
"Eh but didn't I say that Louise forbade me from eating breakfast?"
"Well as far as I'm concerned, what she doesn't know won't kill her, besides that we are already here."
She said before pulling me through a door into said kitchen.
"Ah Siesta-san what can I do for you?" spoke a man in an unmistakable uniform.
Well would you look at that the chef uniforms are the same here.
"Hello Morimoto-san, I was wondering if you had any leftovers from breakfast."
"Yes we do," the chef answers before looking at me then with a sly grin added "Do you want me to prepare a plate for your boyfriend there?"
*Embarrassed cough* "Darmond-kun is not my boyfriend" Siesta replies with reddened cheeks.
"Darmond-kun huh?" he says with amusement in his voice. He then observes me closely before asking "So, are you a noble?"
I immediately respond "No I am not."
At least not anymore
"Well then good to meet you my name is Morimoto and I am the head cook here at The Tristian Academy of Magic. Now let's see about setting you up with some breakfast."
About two minutes later I was handed a plate laden with some fried eggs, hash browns and glorious bacon strips.
Whoa even the food is similar. It's like I didn't leave Magiorbis.
"I thank you for the food Chef"
"No problem boyo, any friend of Siesta's is a friend of mine."
I then without further delay voraciously devoured the breakfast within 2 minutes.
Both the chef and Siesta looked at me in disbelief.
Then offering my plate to the chef I inquired, "May I have seconds?"
"Hahaha, a man with a healthy appetite, Good, very good" the chef said before taking my plate. "Looks like you are gonna have to take your cooking more seriously eh, Siesta-chan," he said while winking at the blushing girl.
"I guess I sha…aaallll make some tea for you, Darmond-kun" she started before catching herself half way.
She then rushed towards the kettle without another word.
"Oh thank you Siesta-chan" I answered.
The chef looked between us with bemusement written on his face and went to get me more food.
I looked at Siesta.
I wonder why she got embarrassed by his comment. Well whatever I can admire her passion for the culinary arts. I'll eat anything she cooks for me.
Unbeknownst to Darmond, Siesta was planning just what kind of foods she would cook for him in the near future.
I returned to the courtyard, where the other familiars waited, having just seen Siesta off, as she went to do more of her chores.
Damn I forgot to ask why she became a maid. Oh well I'll ask her at some point.
I then noticed the presence of Tabitha's familiar.
"Well hello there Slyphid-chan."
The dragon literally jumped at my voice then turned. After noticing who I was the dragon started to rub her head against me affectionately.
"Whoa down girl, we only just met last night you know."
Yes the dragon was a she. It should be obvious to anyone with a brain.
She trilled at me in delight and intensified her affections.
"Well I guess I made a new friend, huh."
I then rubbed her head like I did last night.
"Your master must be something else to summon a familiar like you."
I said while gently scratching her eye ridge.
She trilled in delight once again before we both heard a displeased voice.
"Familiar, what do you think you are doing?"
I looked at my master/future little sister who had just appeared from the grand dining hall.
"Apparently, making a new friend master," as Sylphid continued to rub up against me.
"And who gave you permission to do something like that?" she said while glaring at me.
"Huh… since when do I need permission to make a new friend," I asked her in confusion.
"Since you became MY familiar and you shouldn't be doing anything except sitting here waiting like the dog you are."
I looked at her silently. "Master you do realize I am human right?" I asked, again in confusion.
"No you are nothing more than a familiar, not worth being called anything more than a dog."
By this time a few more students had exited the dining hall, and were watching the spectacle Louise was making of herself. I looked at Louise and wondered why she was being this insistent to deny me the right to call myself human.
My new dragon friend began growling at Louise. Louise backed away in fear.
"T-T-T-Tabitha!" Louise demanded, rounding on one of the new spectators, who just left the hall. "Control your familiar!" she continued.
The bluenette just looked up silently from the book she was reading before saying a single word.
"Come."
The dragon then reluctantly left my side before giving Louise one last look and snort of aggression then went to her master's side.
"Well it certainly seems that Tabitha has more of a handle on her familiar than you do Louise-chan," said another familiar voice.
I turned to the voice. Ah Kirche, the Germanian girl from this morning.
"Did you two have a disagreement on the amount of gold you have to pay him?" Kirche said with a teasing voice.
The entire gaggle of students began to giggle.
This girl seems to delight in making fun of Louise. And by the reaction of the crowd this seems to be a common occurrence. Hmm, maybe I could use this to my advantage.
"What the hell do you mean by that Zerbst?" answered Louise hotly.
"Exactly as it sounds like Louise-chan…."
I took it upon myself to stop this right here before it escalated and to set my newly improvised plan into motion.
"Kirche-san?" I said with a raised voice.
Both Kirche and Louise turned to look at me.
"If you continue to make false allegations against my master…" I began with a smile on my face.
"… I will make you regret it," I said with a deathly serious voice from behind her with a blade at her throat and the same smile on my face.
The entire place grew silent.
Tabitha looked at me in mild surprise while Kirche froze in fear at the touch of steel against her throat. Her Familiar the pyrolizard was frozen in shock as well before it looked at me with intention.
I emphasized the blade at its master's throat to keep it at bay while directing all of my killing intent at it. It decided to just observe me then but looked ready to come at me if I went through with my threat.
Hmph loyal enough to stay and attack me if I kill it's Master but intelligent enough to know when to hold back due to an unfavorable position. Quite the Familiar, I approve.
I turned my attention back to my hostage and the crowd around us.
"I was summoned by my master from across the ether, just like your familiar Kirche-san. Everyone who was there witnessed it happen."
"You all were there, no?" I said to the few persons from the crowd, who were there yesterday.
Those few people nodded their heads.
"So tell me did my master summon me or not?" I said with a subtle threat in my voice.
Those same people nodded their heads quickly in agreement.
"See I have eyewitnesses who saw me get summoned, while you have no proof of you ridiculous allegations, right Kirche-san?"
Kirche nodded her head quickly in agreement.
I then whispered darkly in Kirche's ear, "So make false allegations at my master again for your amusement… and I will use this sword to put a permanent smile on your face," I said pressing the steel against her neck a little to emphasize my point.
"Now apologize and I won't have to visit you tonight to make good on that promise," I whispered in her ear before appearing at my master's side in a flash.
I looked at the red head expectantly.
After she realized I was staring at her she turned to Louise and said.
"Uh Valliere-san," Louise looked at her in shock of her respectful tone, "I want to… um.. apologize for my statement just now… it was uncalled for and false… and I had no right to make that statement in the first place."
Louise just stared at her in shock before saying, "Uh… it's alright Zerbst-san so long as you realize that I did successfully summon this…" she looked at me hesitantly "…Plebian yesterday."
"Yes you certainly did…" answered Kirche while she looked with a look of interest in her eyes and reddened cheeks.
"Tabitha, I think we should leave these two to deal with their issues alone."
"Mn" answered the Bluenette.
"You all have nothing to see here anymore right?" Kirche said to the gathered crowd.
Said crowd began to scatter at that while, the redheaded and bluenette pair turned to leave.
"Oh Tabitha-chan," I called to the bluenette before she left.
She turned to look at me.
"Now that I can speak your language properly, it is nice to meet you, my name is Darmond Wulfric," I said while giving her a gentleman's bow.
She simply answered "Likewise," before giving a respectful nod of her head.
"It seems Slyphid-chan has taken a liking to me… so I plan to be her new friend. I hope you have no problem with this."
"No problem," she answered with a sliver of a smile.
"Well good, I also hope I can have a conversation with you at some point as well."
She took a moment to think about it before responding, "Okay."
"Excellent, well then let me not take up anymore of your time."
"Mn" she said before walking off.
Kirche looked at the whole exchange with a raised eyebrow. She then looked at me with renewed interest, before silently following after Tabitha with determination in her step.
Louise was just shell-shocked at everything that just occurred.
"So where were we, Master?" I asked Louise bringing her back to the present.
She shook her head briefly, to gather her thoughts, and then turned her attention to me.
She began to say something, but stopped then looked at me with a conflicted look. She stared at me for a full three minutes, before she seemed to come to a non-verbal decision. She then gained a less hostile look before she spoke once more.
"There are no classes today," she informed me. "This is because today is set aside for the students, who took part in the summoning ritual, to get to know their familiars."
"Oho, so I guess we are going to have our first date then," I said with an excited smile.
Louise gained a cute blush on her cheeks.
"Hmph, you presume too much Familiar, as if a noble like myself, would be caught dead dating a plebian like you" she said hotly before stomping off.
I just stared at her as a trickle of blood dripped from my nose.
Gods above, she is so adorable.
"Well are you coming then Familiar?" she turned and asked with a cute angry pout on her face.
I then followed after my adorable master.
It seems I have shifted her opinion of me in a positive direction.
Heh heh heh Phase one of 'adopt me as big brother plan complete.'
The voice in his head made an annoyed 'Tch' sound before saying, "You were just lucky this time Darmond."
"Heh, most successful plans are made in a moment of lucky opportunity, Zavier."
I sat across from my master with a nice circular tea table between us. We had been here for ten minutes already in silence. She looked at me with clear conflict on her face before finally speaking.
"I want to apologize for my statements from before… I had no right to call you something less than human."
"Worry not I took no offense to your statements" I answered with a forgiving smile on my face. She blushed a little before looking away.
"I don't know why I said those things… I just…" she said while avoiding eye contact.
"You have been feeling insecure since this morning." She looked me right in the eyes when I said that.
"You thought while everyone had such cool and fantastical creatures like a dragon, salamander and a floating eyeball, you summoned a boring human." Her eyes widened in disbelief at my knowledge of her inner thoughts.
"You must have felt like a failure compared to your peers, so you sought to treat me not as a human, but as just 'another familiar' so you can show your peers that I am nothing more than 'another' familiar." She lowered her head in shame as I said that.
"But you have no reason to despair Master, for I am someone who is better than any of the other familiars that your peers have summoned, meaning you are by far not a failure" She seemed doubtful at the validity of my statement.
"I promise you that if my statements are untrue I shall slit my own throat to pay for my dishonorable lie." She gasped in shock when I said this.
"Now I shall give you a moment to ponder on my statements while I get us some tea," as I rose from my chair to do just that.
Hmm how can I prove to Louise the validity of what I just said?
As I pondered this conundrum, while weaving my way between other occupied tea tables, I spotted Siesta.
"Ah Siesta-chan," I called out to her
She turned to me and answered, "Oh, Darmond-kun how may I be of assistance?"
"Well if it is not too much trouble could I have two cups of that delicious tea you made for me earlier delivered back to my master's table," I said while pointing in the direction of said table.
"Oh that is no problem at all. I will get it to you in the next few minutes, Darmond-kun," she said happily as she hurried off to get my order.
She truly seems to enjoy her job as a maid, huh.
I turned to return to Louise's table, when I noticed the 'Lothario' looking boy from last night.
It seems he, like my acquaintance, who I am still not thinking about, is with different girl from the one I saw him with last night. The new girl was one of those present when I was summoned. I remember her because she, like yesterday, has a frog in her hand.
That frog must be her summoned familiar, how peculiar.
But the other reason I remembered her was because of her unique hair style. Her typical blonde locks were styled as long Victorian ringlets. She wore a big red bow in the back of her head. She also possessed a number of freckles on her face.
All in all, this new girl looked like a high class princess-type girl. I was close enough to pick up snippets of his conversation with this new girl.
"Do you speak the truth Guiche?" the girl asked with doubt in her eyes.
"Of course I do my dear sweet Montmorency," the girl blushed.
"After all…I cannot tell lies in front of your eyes," he says as he kisses her hand.
"Oh Guiche," the newly named Montmorency blush covered her entire face.
This Guiche character is totally lying though.
I could sense his madly fluctuating Mana due his clear lack of honesty.
If he is telling the truth then I am a female manticore. Well it's not my problem anyway.
And with that I walked back towards Louise's table but along the way I noticed the girl that the Guiche boy was talking to last night. She seemed to be looking around the clearing for someone with a white basket in her hands.
Heh three guesses who she is looking for.
She then notices me and immediately blushes. She then walks up to me and bows her head in greeting
"Um… hello there Familiar of Valliere-san." Not to be rude I answered.
"Hello to yourself my lady…" I paused here to give her the chance to answer my insinuated question.
"Katie, my name is Katie Seele."
"Ah well my Lady Seele, well met I am Darmond Wulfric, you may call me Darmond."
"It is nice to meet you as well, Darmond-san, and you may also call me by my given name," she answered with a bright smile.
Hmm she is adorable in her own way.
"Very well then Katie-san, you seem to be looking for someone, am I right?"
"Yes I am. In fact I wonder if Darmond-san can assist me. I am trying to find the boy that you saw me talking to last night at the bottom of the stairs. His name is Guiche; do you know where he is?"
"As a matter of fact I do… he is right over there," I responded without hesitation while pointing her towards her quarry's location.
She saw the boy and her face brightened. "Thank you very much Darmond-san," she said before rushing to his location.
I stood there curious as to what was going to happen with this situation.
I saw Katie approach the table. She greeted Guiche enthusiastically; however the girl Montmorency looked less enthused by her presence. The Guiche boy looked like he was in a panic. Montmorency spoke to Katie. She answered, but whatever Katie said made Montmorency very displeased. She turned to Guiche and seemed to shout at him angrily.
At this, everyone in the vicinity, turned towards the group of two girls and boy. Guiche seemed to answer Montmorency, but what he said displeased Katie as she seemed to have some choice words to say. Furthermore, his statement seemed to add more wood to Montmorency's ire as she stood up and shouted at him some more.
With every passing second, hot words from the two girls seemed to be thrown at Guiche, while he seemed like a mouse cornered by two tigresses. After more hot words were said, I saw both girls actually slap the Guiche boy, before they both stormed off. Well, Montmorency stormed off while Katie walked quickly in my direction. Due to the force of the combined slap, the Guiche boy fell out of his chair and onto the ground. At this, the witnesses all around began to roar with laughter so loud; I could finally hear something from that area.
So that's what would have happened if two of that guy's girls met each other. Maybe I should have brought all those girls to his location at the same time. Hmph how dare he have eyes for my little Dahlia. I would've been more satisfied to see those girls beat him up.
With visible tears in her eyes, Katie came up to me and spoke with a sad voice, "Darmond-san I thank you for your assistance. Please take this basket of homemade baked goods in appreciation."
I then, feeling slightly awkward, accepted the basket, "Uh… thank you Katie-san."
With that I looked at her and saw that she was heartbroken. The big brother in me couldn't bear to see a cute girl like her so depressed, so I embraced her in comfort. She squeaked in surprise before she just accepted my embrace.
"Worry not for that boy, I am sure that you will meet the man of your dreams at some point in the future. Furthermore, he will be a much better person for you, than that Guiche bastard."
"Really?" she asked on a small voice.
"Yep, I your big brother, guarantee it," I said with an encouraging smile.
"Big brother?" she asked in confusion.
"Yes and as your big brother, you my little sister should not worry. You are a cute girl, and by the smell of these baked goods, a good cook. So have more confidence in yourself, and forget that boy who played with your heart."
She seemed touched by what I said. "Thank you…Darmond-nii," she said while embracing me tighter.
"No problem!" I said with a smile.
"Familiar, what is taking you so long with the tea…" asked my Master, Louise, from behind me, "…And why is that first year hugging you?" she continued with a plain face.
Before I could even get a word in Katie answered.
"Ah Valliere-senpai… I am so sorry… I was just being comforted by Darmond-nii"
"Eh? Nii?" Louise reacted with an incredulous look.
"Mn… I have accepted Darmond-nii as my onii-chan," she said as if it was a matter of fact.
"Well I shall go now Darmond-nii, I will see you later," she bowed to Louise politely then ran off.
"Familiar…Explain," Louise said with a forced smile on her face.
"YOU DID WHAT?" shouted Louise.
We had returned to our previous table and Siesta soon arrived with our tea. I then explained the events that led to Katie adopting me as her big brother.
I repeated my statement that displeased Louise, "I pointed her to the table Guiche was occupying with one Montmorency."
"Why would you do that?" she asked me with wide eyes.
"What? Was I supposed to lie to the girl? I saw them conversing last night when I went to wash your clothes, so I saw no problem pointing her in his direction."
"Oh no, there is a big problem… he is a noble and you exposed him to an embarrassing situation, if he finds out it was you…?" she said with actual concern in her voice.
"While I am happy you are concerned, I seriously doubt this Guiche boy could do anything to me if he knew I was the cause of his embarrassing ordeal."
"Is that so plebian?" said a familiar male voice.
At his voice Louise froze.
I turned to the voice to behold the same Guiche boy we were discussing.
"Ah I believe we have not met yet; my name is Darmond Wulfric, and you have no need to introduce yourself as I know your name, Guiche-san," I said emotionlessly.
"I care not for your name plebian, but I ask you now… is what you just said true? Were you the one who caused both of those lovely girls' hearts to break?"
"I am sorry; I believe the one who broke those girls' hearts was you, Guiche-san," I answered with sarcasm dripping at every syllable.
"Hmph I see I shall have to teach you how to speak to your betters, plebian"
"Oh I know how to, as you say 'speak to my betters,' but as far as I am concerned…" I said with a smile on my face.
"…I don't see anyone like that here. I just see a little boy who should know better than to play with the hearts of adorable girls, like Katie-chan and that Montmorency girl," I said with a serious voice.
"You.. you…I challenge you to a duel, you presumptuous plebian"
"And I refuse your challenge you presumptuous 'Noble.' What makes you think you are worth my time to duel," I said in amusement. "Furthermore a duel implies that we are on the same level and I am sorry to say…. You are BENEATH me," I said with great emphasis on the word 'beneath.'
"So you are a coward then… you say I am beneath you, but you won't accept my challenge," he said this loud enough for the people around to start to pay attention.
*Sigh* "You know what…what the hell… when and where you pompous ignoramus."
"Good, then meet me at the grounds near the vestry in one hour, Familiar of Zero." He said before storming off.
Familiar of Zero? Zero? Does he mean me or Louise?
I had noticed how Louise's expression twisted at the name 'Zero'.
So, it seems there is more to her insecurity than me being her summoned familiar.
I felt a tinge of annoyance then.
Louise seemed to finally get out of her reverie only to turn to me and grab my hand.
"Familiar, come! We must go find Guiche quickly," she said as if in a hurry.
"Why the rush, Master? I shall be seeing him within the hour, so we have time to finish enjoy our tea and Katie-chan's baking." I said while indicating to the white basket.
"You idiot! We have to find him quickly so you can apologize before…."
I freeze at her statement. She looks back at me.
"Excuse me Master, but I believe I misheard you. Did you just tell me I should be apologizing to that cretin in noble's clothing?" I ask with complete politeness.
Her face gets red in annoyance. "Yes of course you have to! He is a noble and you are a plebian…you will stand no chance against him in a duel."
I stood stock still.
Wait is she worried about me…. Hehehe you need to stop being so adorable Louise.
I had a feeling of contentment of the fact that my Master cared but I didn't let it show on my face.
"Come on Familiar we have to hurry or else…"
"Master!" I speak in my serious voice. She jumps in surprise at my change in tone, "Familiar?"
"Master, you seem to have a wrong impression as to the value of I, your Familiar…give me allowance and I shall prove to you my words, which I stated earlier to you, are in fact true. You will not find a better, or more impressive, Familiar among your peers, Master. Not even the one known as Tabitha, with her dragon familiar, can match you and me."
She looked at me in silence as I spoke.
"Believe in me Master!" I stated passionately.
Her eyes widened at my statement. She fell into silent contemplation. She then looked into my determined eyes with her own filled with a myriad of emotion. Fear, disbelief, hope, annoyance, and caring, all these flit by quickly in her eyes. But then a finally emotion came as fire filled her eyes; fires which indicated the same determination I held in mine.
"Alright Familiar, show me that you are worthy to be my Familiar," she said with a smug smirk on her face.
"Oh I already am worthy Master, you can believe that," answering said smirk, with one of my own.
"So why don't we relax and enjoy the fruits of Siesta-chan's and Katie-chan's labor," I said while pointing at the table indicating the tea and basket of baked goods.
"A splendid idea Familiar," she said as she returned to the table.
"Heh heh phase 2 of plan 'get adopted by Louise as her big brother' is now in effect, take that Zavier"
*sigh* "One lucky break after another and he becomes this smug" answered the voice named Zavier.
'Well, I shall let him enjoy the momentary victory' thought Zavier as he grinned ominously.
As I, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, walked beside my familiar to the location of his duel, with that playboy idiot Guiche, my mind was occupied by my thoughts of what has happened since my summoning of him yesterday.
When I performed the summoning spell yesterday… I was desperate.
Ever since I have entered into this school, I have been unable to perform one piece of magic, without it failing so… flashily.
The pressures of my failure came to a head yesterday, because my mother had said should I fail to summon an appropriate familiar, I would be taken from school and forced to live as a trophy wife to another noble.
Granted, I am not holistically repulsed by the person they have in mind, but I want to be …. Well 'somebody'.
My mother is Karin, The Heavy Wind, one of the most powerful and respected mages alive.
And I want to be like her.
That is why it is so disheartening that none of my family, besides Chii-nee, believes in me. That was why this summoning meant so much to me. Besides that I also wanted to wipe the smug look of that wretched witch's, Zerbst, face when I summoned something more impressive than her.
So when I summoned a human boy, and worse yet a plebian, I felt my entire collection of dreams scatter in the winds.
But could I show my despair to those who called me Zero? Of course not!
So I begged Colbert-sensei to try summoning again, but he denied me. So I accepted my fate and saw to completing the ritual.
Now I admit… my Familiar… is drop dead gorgeous.
It makes looking at him in the face difficult. How could anyone be this gorgeous? It was like he was created by some mad person's imaginations, with the intentions of inflaming the passions of females everywhere. (Author bows his head in a 'guilty as charged' manner) If that idiot playboy Guiche can be considered a handsome boy, then my Familiar can be considered a gorgeous God.
But as physically appealing as he is, he is nothing more than a plebian. I certainly got the beautiful part of my summon spell from yesterday.
So I just gave up my hopes and dreams when I slept last night.
When I woke up the next day, it was to find my Familiar, actually doing a good job of being a familiar. I admit I was impressed. I even forgave him for not dressing me because of obvious reasons. But he mentioned learning my language overnight so I needed to clarify what he meant.
So I rushed my morning prep to confront him, only to find that harlot Zerbst flirting with MY familiar. The blood rushed to my head as I confronted her. Then her statement of suspicions against him being summoned by me, opened up some old wounds for me.
Was I still a 'Zero'?
Did I summon a plebian because of my inability to perform magic correctly?
Would I have summoned something more impressive, if I was not such a failure?
These thoughts made me feel so… useless. I took it out on my Familiar.
Curse his handsome face!
Curse his apparent kindness towards me!
Curse his apparent loyalty to me!
I don't deserve such kindness or loyalty because I am useless… I am a failure.
I am Louise the Zero….
….
….
But then….
"If you continue to make false allegations against my Master…"
"… I will make you regret it"
He defended me against the witch Zerbst's allegations of me failing the summoning.
"I was summoned by my master from across the ether just like your familiar Kirche-san. Everyone there witnessed it happen."
"You all were there, no?"
"So tell me did my master summon me or not?"
He confronted some of my other classmates to admit I didn't fail.
"Uh Valliere-san,"
"I want to… um.. apologize for my statement just now… it was uncalled for and false… and I had no right to make that statement in the first place."
He made the witch Zerbst apologize to me… a failure… in public.
"Oho, so I guess we are going to have our first date then,"
He made my heart flutter for a moment at this statement.
"You have been feeling insecure since this morning."
"You thought while everyone had such cool and fantastical creatures like a dragon, salamander and a floating eyeball, you summoned a boring human."
"You must have felt like a failure compared to your peers, so you sought to treat me not as a human, but as just 'another familiar' so you can show your peers that I am nothing more than 'another' familiar."
He understood me despite having known me for literally only a day…with me showing him the worst sides of me as a failure.
"But you have no reason to despair Master for I am someone who is better than any of the other familiars that your peers have summoned meaning you are by far not a failure."
"I promise you that if my statements are untrue I shall slit my own throat to pay for my dishonorable lie."
He is willing to bet his life, just to prove I am not a failure.
"Master, you seem to have a wrong impression as to the value of I, your Familiar, give me allowance and I shall prove to you my words that I stated earlier to you.
"You will not find a better or more impressive Familiar-Master relationship among your peers, Master."
"Not even the one known as Tabitha with her dragon familiar…can match you and me."
He is confident in his own strength… and my own… despite me being a failure.
"Believe in me Master!"
He wants me to believe in him but I have doubted him, since the moment I summoned him.
How am I any better than everyone who has doubted me?
So I shall believe in him. I shall believe in MY FAMILIAR, Darmond Wulfric.
So show me Darmond.
Please… show me that I am not a failure.
I, Darmond, walk to the appointed battlefield.
"Ku ku ku I smell the call of blood, Darmond" said Zavier
"Don't you dare interfere in this fight Zavier; this is my fight and mine alone."
"Alright, alright there is no need to get so defensive Darmond. You have my word, I won't interfere."
I relax knowing that Zavier won't affect me during this fight. I turn to Louise, who seems to be in deep contemplation.
"Master?..." I shake her out of her reverie.
She answered with a cute 'Mn' before clearing her throat and saying "I mean, Yes Familiar."
I smile at her cuteness then put on a serious face to ask.
"Shall I hold back my strength against this Guiche-teme, or should I go all out on him?"
"What would happen to him in either case?" she asked curiously.
"Well if I hold back I will use enough strength to humiliate him completely while not giving him any serious bodily harm," she nodded in understanding as I said that.
"However if I go all out, well let's just say Guiche-teme will wish he was dead before I am through with him," she shivered at my dark tone.
"Uh while Guiche is a playboy idiot, and enemy to all women, I don't think he is quite deserving of you going all out," she decided nervously.
"Well I see your mercy is as magnanimous as my little sister's," I said with a wistful smile.
"I…I see," responded Louise with a blush upon her cheek.
We make the final approach to Guiche-teme burial groun… I mean the promised duel location, to find a crowd of students.
So that's why he said an hour the fucker wants witnesses to his apparent victory. Well then I see no problem in disappointing him and the other sheep here.
I then notice familiar redhead and bluenette duo.
"Ah Familiar-kun, what is this I hear about you duelling Guiche-san?" Kirche asked the moment she saw me.
Well she seems interestingly unaffected by what happened earlier.
"Oh well nothing more than the tantrum of a petulant child" I said dismissively.
"Hoh you seem confident, Familiar-kun. But you should know, other than the fact he is a noble, Guiche-san comes from a military family, so you, a plebeian, shouldn't underestimate his strength."
Hmm, why does everyone seem to focus on this Noble-Plebeian dichotomy? Do those words have a different meaning here?
"Hoh is he now? Well, I might actually get a fight out of him yet."
"Well alright then, don't say I didn't warn you Familiar-kun," she said with a sing-song voice.
I then notice Guiche-teme waiting for me in the clearing ahead.
"Well then I hope I can leave my Master in your girl's capable hands while I go deal with this child's tantrum," I said while looking pointedly at Tabitha. Said bluenette gave a subtle nod in acceptance.
Kirche looked at the interaction between us with an unreadable smile. She then said with a mischievous smile, "Well of course you can, Familiar-kun."
I looked at her with a deadpan expression then back at Tabitha in pleading.
"Don't worry," she said in answer to my pleading gaze while Kirche pouted at her.
"Alright then," I give Tabitha a thankful smile. Then I turned to Louise and looked her in the eyes.
"I'll be right back Master."
"Mn, I await your return and good result, Familiar," she answered with the grace of a noble.
I then walked towards Guiche-teme.
"Ah Familiar of Zero, I am surprised you showed up."
Ugh typical arrogant noble attitude. Well let's annoy him the best way I know how.
I stood there and gave no response.
"Well I am glad you showed. For I, Guiche de Gramont, shall now sully my noble hands to deal with you lowly plebeian for your lack of class and respect in the face of your betters…"
At that point I just tuned him out and stood there with a stoic face. I took this time during his ridiculous tirade to closely examine his Mana. First I can tell he is an Earth using elemental mage. What is more, his Mana seems to be geared towards manipulation-type magick, and has an almost metallic-like feel to it.
An Earth elementalist with manipulation-type mana huh? He might be a golem user. Or if his flower is any indication probably a plant user. But that metallic-like feel makes me doubt he is a plant user. Furthermore his Mana seems geared more towards forceful manipulation than subtle manipulation spells. So I can safely conclude he is a golem user. However, unlike Tabitha, whose Mana is very refined, his is still rough, as expected of a student.
"Oi you plebeian, stop ignoring me!" shouted Guiche-teme in annoyance.
Ah so he has finally realised I wasn't paying attention
"Oh sorry, I felt no need to listen to your childish drivel, and was waiting for the start of this farce, you call a duel," I said with a fake yawn.
He makes an annoyed Tch sound before saying with a smug smile "Well I see you have shown up without your armor. I can give you the opportunity to run and get it so that you at least stand some chance of surviving this fight"
"Oh sorry, that armor is really only used for serious fights, not for a schoolyard scuffle like this," I said dismissively while stretching my limbs
Everyone in the crowd began to giggle at my antics.
"You… you… fine then let's start this duel so I can educate you on how to have respect for your betters," he answered hotly to my spoken jab.
He then flourished the rose in his hand like a wand and summoned a metallic golem out of the ground. Being the first time I observe how one uses magic here I have to say it looks quite… primitive.
I have no time to ponder the implications of this as he quickly sends the golem right at me while stating, "I am known as Guiche The Bronze, and this is my lovely Valkyrie-chan, and she will dance with you, you disrespectful Plebian."
I caught the golem's punch and sent an ordinary round-house kick towards its midsection. It flew back a couple feet but didn't break apart like I intended.
Ok, I admit his golem is quite well-made. It seems to be crafted more for mobility than actual power, but its metallic nature adds some durability. I could really see the useful applications of this spell. Looks like I shall have to actually use my Combat Magick to destroy it.
While I thought this, Guiche and everyone else were looking at me in shock.
Hmm why are they so shocked? Well whatever, as well-made as his golem is, its offensive strength is minimal at best. So why don't I have a little fun 'dancing' with it.
And dance with it I did, as Guiche-teme manipulated it to attack me endlessly after getting over his initial shock.
"That was just a test you plebeian, I shall now get more serious," is what he said before he started this flurry of attacks.
But for the next 15 minutes…
…I dodged left,
…Turned right,
…Swivelled clockwise to avoid,
…And ducked under or leapt over where appropriate.
Honestly, his golem's attack patterns are so predictable.
"Dammit you insufferable plebeian stop dodging like a coward and face me like a man" he uttered in frustration.
So I just stood still and let the golem come at me before I caught it by the head
"Oi Guiche-san tell me this is not all you got, because I am getting bored here," I teased while holding his golem away from my body, by the head, while it swung its arms like an angry child.
Everyone around still had a look of disbelief on their faces but none more so than Guiche. He ground his teeth in annoyance then flourished his rose-wand again.
"Fine then let's see how you handle this!" he shouted angrily while summoning 8 more Valkyrie golems. However, each of these golems had a different type of weapon, such as a sword, an axe and a spear, in their hands.
So he can summon them with different types of weapons. That makes for adaptable tactics and formations. Like a necromancer he has a verifiable army. Well let's see how good his army tactics are.
"Hoh, well this looks promising," I said with a challenging grin.
"You say that now but you shall soon be begging for mercy Plebeian… and I don't know if I am in a 'mercy giving' mood," he said darkly.
"Heh, now you're pretending to talk like a real man, but you are still a petulant child, Guiche-boy," I said with a teasing smirk.
"DAMN YOU PLEIBIAN! DIE! WHY DON'T YOU JUST DIE!"
It seems I finally got to him as he furiously sent his nine golems in in a new flurry of attacks. I danced around the nine golems dodging a beheading blow by a sword bearing one.
Then I avoided the thrust of a spear wielding one, only to duck under the swing of an axe wielding golem. The attacks became more and more unpredictable.
Hmm it seems with more golems it's becoming more difficult to just dodge.
I have to say other than being a complete arrogant sod, he has some capability of leading an army, if these attack patterns are anything to go by. Given the right training and time he could become a force to be reckoned with. But his snobbish attitude and easy to rile up nature needs to be snuffed, if he is to become a competent threat in the future.
He may not be the trash I thought he was, but he is too much of inexperienced child to be any threat to me. *sigh* Time to end this ridiculous farce.
I then stand perfectly still.
"Hah finally ran out of steam, you coward. Then allow me to feed you a meal of merciless steel."
He then sent all of the golems to attack me at once.
"No Guiche stop! You are taking this too far!" I heard Louise scream in despair while being held back by Tabitha and Kirche from running on the field.
Heh so worried about me. I am glad you care so much Louise but I guess your faith in me is too weak. So let's make it unbreakable now
I get in a horse stance with my hands outstretched in a specific fashion in front of me.
"1st School of the Wulfric Art - Unbreakable Body"
"The Golden Buddha Endures The Sins of Man"
A golden aura appears around me just before the attacks land on my body.
And do absolutely nothing.
"WHAT!" Guiche exclaimed in shock along with some of the crowd.
I then, using all my strength, push off the various weapons of my body with a thunderous, "HAAAAAAAAH!
While the golems scattered away from me, I set about to deal with the sword wielding one right in front of me by changing to an empty stance facing it.
"2nd School of the Wulfric Art – Iron Will,"
"The Angry God Punches Through The Heavens"
A silver aura covers my right fist before I shift into a bow stance while punching the golem right in the chest while it is still in mid-air. This causes the golem to immediately break apart, as the Mana I had gathered in my fist, had exploded outward once the punch connected, and disturbed the Mana which held the golem's form together.
The other Valkyries fall to the ground in a circle around me. Guiche and the crowd stare at the now broken Valkyrie. Guiche recovers quickly to cause his Valkyries to rise and return to attacking me.
A spear wielding one attacks me from the right with a thrust so I enter flat stance which causes the thrust to miss, passing by my right shoulder. I catch the wrist of the golem's spear wielding hand and pull it towards me before activating another of my Combat Magick Techniques.
"1st School of the Wulfric Art – Unbreakable Body,"
"The Humble Buddha Shifts The Mountain"
This causes a golden aura to gather at my left shoulder before I slam it into the chest of the spear golem causing it to fly back several metres before it hits the ground and ragdolls for a few metres. Its entire chest cavity has been sunken in causing it to deform and thus be unable to stand.
The other golems sought to attack me all at once again so I activated another Technique while in a cross stance.
"4th School of the Wulfric Art – Honest Heart"
"The Devil Steps Into The Mystifying Fog"
This causes a grey aura to envelope me as I begin to move at sonic speed. I then disarm all the remaining golems, and return to my staring point before anyone realised what was happening. This caused the golems to crash into each other, at the location I stood previously.
"So tell me, do you realise how futile it is to win against me yet," I say as I toss the weapons in my hands over my shoulder behind me, "Or do I need to attack you directly."
Guiche stands there in silence with a look of knowing not what to say.
"This duel is over! You stood no chance against my Combat Magick from the beginning. I could have used any of these techniques against you from the beginning. Yield now as you stand no chance against me."
"You can use Magic? You are a Mage?" he asked me in confusion.
"Huh? Well of course I can use Magick. Whatever gave you the idea I couldn't?" I asked the incredulity thick in my voice.
"But that's impossible you're a…. Aren't you a Plebeian ?" he demanded.
"Well of course I am; I hold no noble title, thus I am a Plebeian," I answered as if this should be a matter of fact.
He stares at me in silence. I hear the murmur of voices from our spectators who seem to be debating over the apparent reveal of my ability to use magic.
So the Noble-Plebeian dichotomy has a different meaning here and from what I gather of Guiche's and the crowd's reactions, it has to do with Magick use. I shall have to research this after the duel ends.
Guiche seems to become angrier and angrier, as the crowd voices state that he seems to have lost. His agitation reaches a boiling point before he finally explodes.
"YOU UNCOUTH PLEBEIAN! NOT ONLY ARE YOU DISRESPECTFUL YOU ARE DISHONORABLE! HIDING YOUR ABILITY TO PERFORM MAGIC LIKE A WRETCHED THEIF IN THE NIGHT"
"Whoa Guiche-boy, what do you mean by dishonourable? Isn't it common military practice to not reveal your hand, until the enemy is already deep within your trap?" I say with raised eyebrows.
The crowd murmurs in agreement with what I say.
"THAT ONLY APPLIES TO THE HONORABLE MEN OF THE MILITARY AND NOT YOU, YOU BASTARD PIG."
"Ok seriously boy my little sister has always said that there is no need for name calling between opponents, so quit it," I said with mild annoyance.
"I CARE NOT FOR WHAT YOUR STUPID SISTER HAS GOT TO SAY YOU CRETIN."
My mind shuts down and I look Guiche in the eyes, before asking, "I'm sorry, but could you repeat that?"
"Hehehe this Guiche character has a death wish," said Zavier with extreme glee, "Please say it again."
"HAH ARE YOU DEAF NOW YOU ASSHOLE? I SAID I DON'T CARE WHAT YOUR STUPID SISTER S.." GUUUUUUUUHHHH AAHHHHHH.
Was all Guiche managed to say before he was punched in the gut by Darmond and flew straight into the wall of a tower of the academy.
"That's what I thought you said," said a cold voice that belonged to Darmond.
"And another one 'bites the dust' kekekeke," exclaimed Zavier with sick pleasure.
- 30 minutes ago, Just before the duel began -
I, Louise, just saw my familiar Darmond, walk off, to face off against that stupid playboy Guiche.
Suddenly the witch Kirche asked me, "Louise-chan I am surprised that you are ok with this duel happening. Aren't you worried for your familiar's well-being?"
Why is she so concerned for Darmond's safety?
"No Zerbt-san… I have decided to…to believe in him."
"Really now? Hmmm it seems you and him have found common ground huh?" she says teasingly with a sly smile.
I look at her with a deadpan expression, before I am struck by inspiration by the knowledge I gained earlier, when I asked Darmond what he whispered in Kirche's ears.
"Don't make me tell Darmond to do what he promised earlier today," I say with a sly smile of my own.
She took a moment to realize what I meant before she got a nervous smile on her face and asked me, "Uh Louise-chan… you're not serious about that…right?"
"Don't tempt me," I said with a cat-like smile at my cornered prey.
Kirche laughed nervously before saying she won't. Then she got a teasing smile on her face once again before saying, "Although, I certainly won't mind some alone time with your rather hunky familiar Louise-chan, as I am sure you have noticed?"
I felt my face heat up at that because she was right…. I have noticed.
"ZERBT, what intentions do you have with MY familiar?" I asked her hotly.
"My, my getting possessive of your Familiar-kun huh, Louise-chan?" she responded with cat-like smile of her own.
Before I can answer Tabitha interrupted both of us, "Enough." She then indicates towards the field with her magic staff before stating "It's starting."
Both Kirche and I turn our attention to the field to see that Guiche has summoned his golem and is sending it to attack Darmond. I clench my fist with mild worry before Darmond catches the punch with his bare hands and kicks the golem with enough force to make it slide back several feet.
"Oh my! Your familiar is quite strong Louise-chan," Kirche says with a look of interest in her eyes.
"Yeah…yeah I guess he is," I then see how everyone is shock by his strength as well. I mean to be able to catch the punch of Guiche's Bronze Valkyrie, and then kick it away.
Can he really be as amazing as he said he was?
I now felt a glimmer of hope begin to form in my heart. I watched as Darmond began to dodge the golem's attack for the next ten or so minutes.
"Hoh, he seems to be quite nimble as well," Kirche said as she continued to watch Darmond. I agreed with her non-verbally before hearing Guiche utter a frustrated, "Dammit you insufferable plebeian stop dodging like a coward and face me like a man"
Darmond answered that by just catching the golem by the head before saying, "Oi Guiche-san tell me this is not all you got, because I am getting bored here." The crowd laughed at that.
He seems so at ease even though he is fighting a mage.
My glimmer of hope was getting even brighter. Then I saw Guiche summon 8 more golems but this time they were armed. I paled when I saw this.
Can Darmond handle this?
My doubts began to surface once more until I saw the relaxed look on Darmond's face before it became a confident smiling face when he said "Hoh, well this looks promising."
I ignored what Guiche said as I saw my familiar prepare to take on this new challenge.
How can he be this confident against a mage? Doesn't he realise that he stands no chance against Guiche's magic once he gets serious?
As these thoughts plague me I saw my familiar begin to dodge the multiple attacks by the nine armed golems with admittedly amazing skill. I couldn't believe how he was doing this.
"Hey Louise, your Familiar is kind of awesome, even if he is a plebeian," said Kirche with a slight blush on her cheek.
"Yeah he is, isn't he?" I said a smile creeping up on my face as the hope in my heart grew even more.
But then… Darmond suddenly stood still. I then heard Guiche say, "Hah finally ran out of steam, you coward. Then allow me to feed you a meal of merciless steel," before he made all of his armed golems attack Darmond at the same time.
No no no no no Darmond is my last hope, if he dies…
I started to run towards the field. I heard both Tabitha and Kirche exclaim as I did. They caught up to me before I got too far and held me from moving forward.
I screamed at Guiche in despair, "No Guiche stop! You are taking this too far!" I look on in horror as the blades of the weapons were about to strike Darmond.
No! I closed my eyes to not witness the demise of my hope until I heard…
"1st School of the Wulfric Art - Unbreakable Body"
"The Golden Buddha Endures The Sins of Man"
I immediately opened my eyes recognizing that it was Darmond who was speaking, to witness him in a standing in a strange 'sitting way' and glowing with a golden light which made him look like a golden statue, for a moment. Finally, the blades of the various weapons of Guiche's golems were touching his body, but said body was completely unharmed.
The entire crowd were in shock and Kirche staring at the scene, speechless. I then saw Darmond just flex his body out causing the golems to fly away from him. He then stood in a strange way once again.
"2nd School of the Wulfric Art – Iron Will,"
"The Angry God Punches Through The Heavens"
His right hand shimmered with a silver sheen then he punched the golem right in front of him, while it was still in mid-air, and it just got smashed into pieces. Like, it literally just fell apart, as if whatever was holding it together… was just gone.
The golems got up from the ground and started to attack him. He ducked under a spear golem attack with another strange way of standing then he caught the golem's hand and pulled it towards him.
"1st School of the Wulfric Art – Unbreakable Body,"
"The Humble Buddha Shifts The Mountain"
When he said, what I realise now is a spell, his shoulder shone with a golden sheen then he slammed it into the golem causing it to fly quite a distance away from the crowd. We could barely see it but it looked like a crumpled piece of paper and thus was useless.
I then saw the golems were going to attack him all at once like before. But unlike before he got into a different weird way of standing where he looked like he was sitting on one of his feet and spoke another of his spells.
"4th School of the Wulfric Art – Honest Heart"
"The Devil Steps Into The Mystifying Fog"
At this point I remember his last name was Wulfric.
So this must be spells his family uses. The first parts are easy enough to understand but the second parts just sound so weird. What Language is it? And why do I feel a chill when I hear it? Like I am supposed to hate it?
I then see my familiar move with such speed he seemed to vanish and reappear by each of the remaing golems and forcibly take their weapons. Darmond then returned back where he stood at the start of the duel and tossed the weapons.
I didn't pay attention to what he said because I was staring at the pile of golems which had crashed together in a heap after his movement.
By the founder he defeated Guiche. My hope had become a blazing fire. I now believed in his words.
My familiar is the best. I broke down in tears of happiness.
I am not a failure. I summoned a great familiar. Take that world I, Louise Franciose le Blanc de la Valliere, am not a failure.
"Fufufu Louise your familiar is quite something," Kirche said with a sultry look in her eyes, and a blush on her face.
"Yeah he is, isn't he?" I responded, not caring about her clear attraction to my familiar, with a smile on my face.
I, Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst, am genuinely happy for Louise. While our families have this supposed feud, I can't seem to dislike Louise. I have seen her struggle to deal with her failures but she never gives up. She holds onto her noble pride even though everyone looks down on her. I know I tease her constantly, but that is only because her reactions are just so adorable, I just cannot resist.
I wish we could be friends but so long as her pride as a Valliere stands she will not allow me close to her. So I could not stand beside her, to help her. Thus I act as the antagonist seeking to rile her up when she is feeling down so she can put on the mask of proud noble, to hide her pain.
But now she has someone who will support her fully, her gorgeous familiar Darmond Wulfric.
Mmmm now there is a fine male specimen. When I saw him in his causal clothes this morning the Germanian fires within me were lit.
And later when he held me while threatening me I admit to having some rather naughty thoughts, especially when he spoke about his sword putting a permanent smile on my face. My byname is 'the Ardent' for a reason, and it's not just because of my fire magic.
He defended Louise splendidly and seems to be helping her deal with her complexes given her attitude when he went to fight Guiche in this duel.
Hopefully she may finally be able to perform magic properly with the boost to her confidence.
Furthermore from my conversation with Tabitha about her late night meeting with Darmond, he seems to be hiding a lot more secrets than I realised.
Fufufu you naughty boy, being so interesting, you might really make me fall.
Having witnessed his fight so far with Guiche, I could see he is a warrior. He had great strength, agility and experience - always a plus in my book – what was more he was a mage using a rather unconventional form of magic, which I must say is rather… manly.
And he has quite the stamina as well, if his lack of exhaustion is anything to go by. Fufufu that could be useful for later.
While I looked at Louise looking so happy, I could see that the weight she seemed to carry all the time, was somewhat lifted.
At that point I heard Guiche begin to throw a tantrum. He even began to name call.
How like a child! It was one of the many reasons why I never called on him for my many flirty rendezvous. And no, I do not go around having sex, if that's what you thought. I have never gone further than heavy petting. After all these Tristian boys are so easy to please.
I wonder how good you will be Darmond-kun. I hope you don't disappoint, because I am still searching for the one to give my purity to, and right now you are a top contender.
Darmond-kun seems to have made a comment about his sister and Guiche responded with a negative comment, about mentioned sister.
Hmph how uncouth!
But after he made that comment, the entire place went cold. I looked at Darmond because I felt the chill originate from him.
What is this I am feeling? It feels like…death.
"I'm sorry, but could you repeat that?" I heard Darmond ask with a tone similar to when he threatened me earlier.
No this feels colder…more…ominous.
"HAH ARE YOU DEAF NOW YOU ASSHOLE? I SAID I DON'T CARE WHAT YOUR STUPID SISTER S.." was all Guiche got to say before Darmond moved across the field with blinding speed and punched Guiche into the chest causing him to fly far… like straight into the tower which is supposed to house the classes for Void mages. Guiche landed at quite a high point on the tower as well and was embedded in the wall.
But Darmond was not finished with Guiche, because he literally ran on air to reach in front of where Guiche was embedded. He then pulled him out of the wall and threw him back to where the fight started. Guiche landed quite severely onto the ground but was still alive.
However, Darmond then threw what looked like jewels at him while he ran towards him in the air. Then he did some weird movement with his hands and shouted "Fulgur" (lightning) causing lightning bolts to shoot out from each of the five jewels and strike Guiche causing him to scream in pain.
"Guiche, No!," shouted a girl I recognized as Montmorency who seemed to have been hidden from view before now.
I then saw Darmond land at Guiche's prone body, before he began to beat down on Guiche with his fists.
So you have quite the fire inside you as well Darmond. Well I now know not to insult your little sister…ever.
I thought this not knowing whether to be frightened… or aroused, by his sheer aggression.
As I, Louise stared at my familiar, Darmond beat up Guiche with his fists, I froze in shock.
So this is what he meant by going all out.
Montmorency who seemed to be unable to take any more of this scene ran up to me and begged, "Louise please stop your familiar I think Guiche has been punished enough."
So she still has feelings for Guiche.
I then decided that she was right; this was enough. I walked away from the crowd to the clearing and spoke up in a commanding voice.
"Familiar, that is enough?" But he ignored me and continued.
"Familiar, I said that is enough," I said with more authority but he still continued.
I looked at him closely. What is wrong with him? I noticed his empty eyes. It's like he's not even there. Can he not hear me?
So I shout Darmond, "Listen to me and stop this." But he still continues.
Dammit what is wrong with him? I then remember what set him off. He must really be pissed at Guiche for insulting his sister. Will he kill him?
I panic as I tried various ways to gain Darmond's attention as I realised he is in, what some would call a 'berserk' state. For two minutes I tried.
I then thought earlier to what happened with the first year Katie and the reason for his ire.
Maybe if I… that would probably work.
I set my plan in motion immediately hoping it would snap him out of his enraged state.
"ONIICHAN STOP THIS!"
This seemed to snap him out of his state as he looked right at me when I said it.
"Master?" he asked in confusion before he noticed his surroundings and Guiche beneath him.
"I think this should be enough, Familiar," I said with authority.
"Right of course, I apologize for my loss of composure Master," he said with a guilty look on his face as he arose and walk towards me.
"Hmph I shall overlook it just this once Familiar," I say in dismissal. Thank the Founder he is back to normal.
Montmorency was instantly next to Guiche holding his head and crying while saying comforting words. Darmond looked at the scene before he opened his palm and a jewel with a bright white glow appeared.
He then knelt down by Guiche's side, but Montmorency held onto Guiche, pulling him away from Darmond, while looking at the jewel in his hand, with suspicion.
"It's alright, I admit I lost my temper; he didn't deserve the beating I gave him. I can heal him off all his injuries before they become life threatening. So please despite how you may feel about me, let me help him," Darmond spoke with guilt and remorse heavy in his voice.
Montmorency had looked at him with fear in her eyes before the fear slowly died and she looked at him with a pleading gaze. "Please help him," she said with a pleading voice
"At once little one," he said affectionately then put the jewel on Guiche's beaten and broken body.
"Integram Sanitatem" (Complete healing)
The jewel then sunk into Guiche's body while a bright light covered it. When the light vanished Guiche looked completely healed and peacefully sleeping.
Montmorency looked first in shock then in happiness at Guiche's state. She then looked up at Darmond and said "Thank you, really thank you."
No problem your gratitude is not needed, but I will ask for your forgiveness and his once he awakens.
Montmorency smiled at him. "Your forgiven and I think he will to, once I speak to him."
Darmond nodded his head gratefully. He then got up and walked back to me.
"I apologize again for acting without instruction Master," he said while bowing his head.
"Don't worry it's all right, you did the right thing," I saw him get a pained look in his eyes before it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. He then looked at me, and I saw mischief in his eyes.
"Master," I look at him, "correct me if I am wrong… but did you just call me Oniichan," he says with a sly smile.
I blush in embarrassment and immediately deny it.
"Oh but she certainly did Familiar-kun," spoke that wretched witch Kirche.
"Damn you Kirche why did you tell hi…" I didn't get to finish as Darmond seemed to gain a look of extreme happiness, before sweeping me up into a hug.
"YES I knew you would see me as a big brother, I accept you as my little sister Louise-chan," he said in excitement as he rubs his face against my head.
"WHAA… Wait a minute I didn…." I tried to deny before he smothered me into his embrace again.
Ok I shall tell the truth here. Being embraced by Darmond…it felt really nice. I felt safe…I felt warm…the flickering flame of hope inside me roared to life in his arms.
I guess my stupid Familiar wants to feel the love of a little sister.
I realise then that I took him away from his home, away from his own little sister, and if his reaction to Guiche's statement was anything to go by, he adores her. I then decide that as embarrassing as it may be, I shall give in and accept him as my big brother. Because he has been what I imagined a big brother to be like since earlier today, and I felt guilty taking him away from his sister.
But still… it's too embarrassing to call him Oniichan in public.
"Ne ne Louise-chan, can you call me Oniichan?" I feel my face burn with embarrassment before I pull out my horse whip which I gathered earlier to punish my stupid Familiar if he proved less than ideal and began to hit him to relieve my embarrassment.
"No you stupid Familiar… I shall not do such an embarrassing thing.. And don't get ahead of yourself! Who would call you Oniichan you insufferable idiot dog?"
Thus the duel ended with Louise comically whipping her familiar, and everyone around laughing at the scene, just about forgetting what just transpired, while Darmond was on cloud nine as his plan had succeeded. Louise was accepting of him as an older brother figure, and best yet, he was getting his first scolding by his newly adopted sister.
All was right with the world!
*****CHAPTER END*****
AN/ And there we go this chapter ended up being longer than I wanted and I had to cut out part of it at the end here so it didnt end up being longer. That part will start the following chapter so don't worry about missing anything. I also apologize for taking long with this chapter cause real life is a pain.
So we see get to see the story from Louise's and Kirche POV this chapter. I felt it would be more impactful if it was in First person than the usual Thrid person view I write. I hope I was right in my choice. It allowed me to show Louise's state of mind and how her interactions with Darmond changed it. So Darmond has been successfully adopted as a big brother... but is that all Louise wants. To tell you the truth Louise is going to have a major crush on him. But keep in mind, I stand by what I said before, Louise is not going to end up with Darmond.
With that said we see a glimpse into the mind of Kirche. Now she gets a bad rep for being the way she is but I adore her because she reminds me of a confident and sexy latin woman. So know that any of you who dare see her as a whore, will garner my displeasure. Honestly why can't a woman be perverted without being called a whore. Jiraiya is a hero to us all, why can't Kirche be one to. Double Standard much!
Darmond's Combat Magic utilizes 4 Schools. Each was developed by a different member of his family, I shall not reveal more here because this will be discussed in the next chapter. If you haven't realized I am using Latin when he uses his enchantment gems. But I am sure you are wondering what language he used when he used his Combat magic. Well lets just say they will soon recognize the language as being similar to another language present in Halkeginia. You will find out what that is about later.
By the way sorry if the sentences seem to be close together I am still trying to figure out how to double space here cause it seems to lose the double spacing when I transfer it here on If anyone can tell me how that would be appreciated.
Anyways I hope you all liked it so please read and review.