Author's notes: This is chapter 11 guys. For those who asked why Cherub didn't kill Fouquet last chapter, it will be explained here.
Without further ado, here's chapter 11!
==========Chapter 11: Operation Retrieval==========
The events following Fouquet's escape from the Academy after he managed to steal an artifact were both up and down at the same time. It was up because of the fact that Fouquet was not able to ransack the Academy's Treasure vault as much as he wanted which is thanks to Louise's familiar Cherub dealing with him in a rather impressive fight. It was also down as the artifact that Fouquet has stolen is the feared Staff of Destruction that is said to bring forth swift destruction to anything it was pointed at, hence the name.
Even despite this loss, this standoff fight gave Louise and the others the chance to see Cherub's prowess in fighting. Clearly, Cherub's fighting skill is topnotch since it/he easily took out Fouquet's golem in just a few minutes of battle. Combined with its/his rock-steady aim, Cherub's fighting skill is too high that even the Princess' Royal Guards, the Mage Knights in particular, will look like just a bunch of conscripts that were just recently hired. The steel golem that was Louise's familiar easily took out the thief's golem which will take the entire Royal Guard one hell of a fight just to bring it down. It was a complete embarrassment for the Royal Guard given that they were outdone by a golem too easily and, to make matters worse, in front of the Princess. All they did is run away like cowards but that is due to protect the Princess in the event that Fouquet targeted the crown ruler of Tristain.
Currently, the Academy grounds are littered by several blots of craters on the ground and the wall that used to cover the treasure vault is torn open. Earth mages from the Academy are doing their effort in repairing the ground and even the Mage Knights who stopped retreating after confirming that Fouquet is gone are helping as well. The entire endeavor is an easy one since Cherub was able to eliminate the thief's golem with minimal collateral damages. This is quite unexpected to say the least. Battles between mages are always considered to be destructive given the power of magic however… what just happened knocked it all off the table. Aside from putting an impressive fight performance against the thief, no one can make a clear picture of what just happened. First, it was a golem that looks good for a show. Now, it just did the task that will take the best mages of Tristain a lot of time and effort with an unnatural efficiency and without their help.
At the court where the Familiar Exhibition is held, the field is still littered with boulder-sized gems which were the result of Cherub turning these rock boulders into huge valuable gems. The gems are big, big enough to squish an average to small-sized human if they rolled over them. Every single mage in the Academy are doing their best efforts to levitate the boulders of valuable gems into 'safe' areas. Even the Mage Knights are helping as well. Considering that it takes more willpower to levitate bigger objects, the gems are very difficult to move.
One of the students looked at a green-colored gem up close and touched it. What the student felt was the unusual high clarity of the giant emerald asserting its impressively high value. He is currently up close to it and the emerald is too large that he will be flattened by it if it rolls over him. It is even casting a dim reflection of him as well.
From the sidelines, Kirche and Tabitha are watching the scenery with interest. Of the two, Kirche was more interested since she is staring at a field littered with big boulders of various valuable gems which is an impossible sight in itself. In fact, it looks like the rainbow but on the ground.
"Darling is really interesting isn't he?", Kirche asked Tabitha as they both looked at the oversized gems littering the area.
Tabitha just gave a nod to which Kirche easily understood.
While the Familiar Exhibition was cancelled due to Fouquet's attack, it did nothing to stop Cherub from becoming more popular all over the Academy. Shortly after Cherub dispatched Fouquet's golem, many of the Academy's teachers, staff, and students became impressed about it/him. For the Academy's teachers, Cherub is an impressive and one of a kind familiar since it/he did various things that even impressive familiars like the legendary rhyme dragons will not be able to do ever since it/he was summoned by Louise. For the Academy's staff, the commoners in the Academy to be exact, they didn't see Cherub like any other familiar and treated it/him with respect fit for a human. Ever since Siesta told them of what happened to her, she being 'taken' by Count Mott and being rescued by Cherub, they started to feel comfortable around it/him and no longer scared which was the result of its/his duel with Guiche a few days ago. What's more, it was confirmed by some Academy servants that the steel golem didn't fired its 'musket' and 'wings' of death when it sensed that they will be caught in the ensuing crossfire when it was battling the attacking golem. And as for the students, especially the female ones, they were still in awe over what has just transpired. They can't believe it. It was beyond the realm of reality if they must say. They are starting to have doubts if the familiars that they have summoned are more than worth it in comparison to the once-Zero's familiar.
At the area where the mages are busy fixing things up because of Fouquet's dirty work, Cherub is watching them do their job in its/his human form. Although its/his human form really makes it/him look human, it/he is still easy to tell apart from a real human due to its/his glowing golden eyes and, as for girls, he looks too handsome to be a human. Apparently, it/he volunteered to help but the mages, especially the Academy professors, just told him to rest for the time being though he doesn't know why they said it. Perhaps, it's because of the artifacts that are inside the vault.
As Cherub is watching the repairs being conducted, Louise came up to him.
"Cherub, the headmaster wants to talk with us", Louise said.
"Understood", Cherub replied as it/he followed Louise.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Academy…
Ms. Longueville is walking in an isolated part of one of the Academy's corridor. Currently, she is extremely angry as, since she is actually Fouquet, her plan didn't go smoothly even though she managed to steal the Staff of Destruction. It was all thanks to the young Valliere's steel golem familiar. True, she knew that the steel golem was strong but she never expected that it is this ridiculously powerful in addition to being smart as well.
She was completely trashed back then and she would have been fried to death by the steel golem familiar's rays of death if she hadn't acted quickly. That steel golem's suite of weaponry is too scary as well. Just what kind of mage can make a golem as powerful as this?
Either way, she did manage to successfully steal the Staff of Destruction though she doesn't know how to use it exactly. Shortly after she escaped as Fouquet and outside the Academy's range, she immediately opened the box containing the revered artifact and inspected it. She tried to use it the same way she uses wands but the artifact doesn't return any foci like other wands. Furthermore, it is also big and cumbersome not to mention that it appears to be made of several parts pieced together. All in all, the Staff of Destruction is a big cylindrical staff of sorts and she is wondering how it can do such destruction since it doesn't react to magic at all.
Regardless, Ms. Lonqueville, or Fouquet to be exact, doesn't have to think about it for the time being. Right now, she needs to be seen by the headmaster quickly to avoid being suspected. Besides, she now has an idea of hitting two birds with one stone.
Ms. Longueville was able to reach the headmaster's office just in time to see the headmaster, Professor Colbert, and some students.
"Ah Ms. Longueville good timing", Headmaster Osmond said, "I'm happy that you are not injured by Fouquet's attack earlier."
"I'm lucky that I'm also at the court earlier headmaster", Ms. Longueville replied.
"Anyways, this meeting is about to capture Fouquet and retrieve the Staff of Destruction", Osmond said.
"Retrieve? Can we just ask the Royal Guards to do this job?", Professor Colbert asked.
"If we do that, we'll end up damaging the Academy's reputation", Osmond replied, "This mess happened in our area of responsibility so we should be the ones to correct this mistake."
"But why are we the ones that are here?", Guiche asked as he along with Montmorency, Louise, Kirche, and Tabitha nodded in agreement. Cherub is also in the room though it/he isn't responding as of yet.
"You are the second year students that saw Fouquet among others", Osmond replied, "So I assume you can easily recognize him when you encounter him again."
"Him?", Cherub asked finally saying a word.
Everyone looked at Cherub with a puzzled look including Ms. Longueville.
"What do you mean Cherub?", Louise asked.
"When I was fighting Fouquet, I scanned the target in question using thermal scanning and the target turned out to be having the body proportions fit for a female. Also from the scans I believe she is within the 20-year old to 25 year old age range", Cherub explained.
"WHAT?!", Everyone exclaimed.
Ms. Longueville slightly stepped aback by what just Cherub said. How can this golem do that? Shivers went down her spine as she thought of the implications. As she is having a little mental dilemma, headmaster Osmond suddenly yanked up from his chair due to Cherub's statement which caused her to regain her focus.
"If she is a female", Osmond said, "Can you tell me her specific three sizes?"
This made Ms. Longueville's eyebrows to twitch which made her kick Osmond right in the groin where the old man's 'private part' is located.
"O-Owwww!", Osmond groaned in pain after being his 'private part' as hit.
"Headmaster!", Colbert yelled.
"Headmaster, don't bring in malicious topics in the middle of a serious matter!", Ms. Longueville shouted.
"Hey, since you figured out that Fouquet is a woman, is there any chance that you know who she is?", Guiche asked.
This made Ms. Longueville's alarm meter to go up higher and nervously waited in her mind what the steel golem is about to say.
"Negative", Cherub replied, "I am not able to fully record every single human's heat signature in this Academy as I am always with my master. Therefore, the identification of Fouquet's heat signature is unknown at the moment."
Ms. Longueville sighed in relief down in her mind. She is at least safe… for now. Louise, on the other hand, just looked down on realizing the reason.
"I understand", Osmond said, "Anyways, who among you will volunteer to search for Fouquet?"
There was a pause in the room as everyone went silent. Obviously, despite Cherub making Fouquet make a run for her money, the thief is still a powerful opponent by mage standards. However, the silence was broken when Louise finally spoke.
"I volunteer to catch Fouquet", Louise declared.
Everyone looked at her and Kirche spoke a few moments after it.
"I'm also volunteering to catch Fouquet", Kirche replied, "If Louise joins in, I'm in it as well."
Guiche suddenly spoke under one of his bravado facades again.
"Since I'm a son of a noble family focused on military affairs, I'm also joining in", Guiche said.
"W-What?!", Montmorency spluttered, "Then I'm going in as well!"
Tabitha just nodded implying that she will also join in.
Osmond looked at Cherub who hasn't moved yet after it/he declared something surprising and asked.
"Cherub, why didn't you killed Fouquet when you got the chance to attack her?", Osmond asked.
Ms. Longueville tensed at Osmond's question although she became curious about it anyway.
"I was not able to get a clear shot at her when I first reached her", Cherub answered, "Furthermore, when the moment came that I did managed to get a clear shot at her, she is already holding the alleged stolen artifact and I can't hit her with my weapons as they all have explosive properties and I believe the artifact may end up getting destroyed in the process which will yield a high collateral damage result."
"I see", Osmond said, "You really are smart."
"Anyway, Ms. Longueville will guide you to the area where Fouquet was last spotted", Colbert then said, "And this is a sketch based on the villagers that saw her."
Colbert then rolled out a roll of paper and on it is a drawing of a hooded person which made it impossible to discern the figure. However, the sketch does fit the bill.
"So that is Fouquet", Ms. Longueville stated.
"Correct, Ms. Longueville", Colbert said, "The villagers who described… her to be looking like this said that she is in a nearby forest and is probably busy tinkering with the artifact as we speak."
"Shall we go now?", Ms. Longueville asked.
All of the students nodded and Ms. Longueville went out of the room with the students in tow.
An hour later, the group consisting of Louise, Kirche, Tabitha, Montmorency, Guiche, Ms. Longueville, and Cherub are on their way to the alleged location where Fouquet was last seen. However, Tabitha is up in the sky riding Sylphid while Cherub is also in the air flying in its/his original form as well. The rest, including Louise, are in the carriage that Ms. Longueville is driving.
As the group is nearing the target area, Kirche talked with Ms. Longueville about something.
"Ms. Longueville, I heard that you were once a noble", Kirche said, "How did you lost it?"
"Zerbst, it's not polite to talk to somebody of things like that", Louise interrupted.
Ms. Longueville chuckled before replying.
"Nobles lose their noble titles because of several reasons", Ms. Longueville began, "Some give up their titles to become mercenaries or criminals and some… for various reasons."
"So what is the reason for yours?", Kirche asked.
"It's a long story", Ms. Longueville replied, "Anyways, it's better not to talk about it. It brings me some sad memories."
Kirche quieted down and just sat on her seat on the carriage.
"I wish darling is also with us here", Kirche said referring to the AC hovering up above them and is being accompanied by a blue dragon.
Tabitha is listening to the conversation as well through the use of a wind spell that allows her to listen to voices far away from her although she isn't replying to the conversation. Cherub is also the same but through the use of its/his highly sensitive audio receptors.
The group made it to the target area after several more minutes of driving through the woodlands. When they got there, they saw a shack that is in bad condition and appears to be abandoned. Tabitha and Cherub descended down from the sky with the latter switching to its/his human form and Sylphid on standby.
"The farmers told that Fouquet is hiding there", Ms. Longueville stated as she disembarked from the carriage and pointing at the abandoned-looking shack just a few clicks away from them.
"Cherub do you see anything strange from there?", Louise asked.
Cherub gazed at the abandoned shack and the area surrounding it using its/his long range scanner in conjunction with thermal scanning before speaking.
"Negative", Cherub replied, "I do not see any human heat signature or any signs of traps around the area. However, I did detect a box which has the outline of the same box that Fouquet has stolen."
"W-Wait you can see through things?!", Montmorency asked in shock.
Cherub turned to her and replied.
"Correct", Cherub stated, "The simplest that my scanners can do is to scan objects through body temperature. Human bodies always emit heat which allows me to detect them through this type of scan. Non-living objects do not emit heat so they will only show on my scanner as a blue outline."
"I do not mean that, I mean can you easily see what's beneath our clothes?!", Montmorency asserted.
Every single female tensed on the question while Guiche flushed red.
"Correct", Cherub stated, "Though I haven't used it up to now due to the fact that there is no situation where it is feasible to use. Furthermore, thermal scanning is much more useful since it allows me to pick targets accurately. As of the moment, I do detect a heat signature buried underground and I believe it is Mr. Gramont's mole."
"It's Verdandi!", Guiche exclaimed, "You are still able to see my familiar despite being it being underground?!"
"Correct", Cherub answered, "Detecting organic heat signatures is of no problem to me."
"Partner, just how awesome can you get?!", Derflinger made out his comment who is being held by Louise as Cherub can't use him in its/his original form.
To say that everyone is shocked is an understatement. All of them are blabbering like fishes on the statement. Guiche started to pout out useless comments and he only stopped when Montmorency pricked him hard.
"We don't have a time for that!", Louise finally yelled, "We need to retrieve the Staff of Destruction now!"
Everyone stopped and nodded at Louise's words.
"Then I'll be approaching from the back", Ms. Longueville stated, "You guys come right in from the front while I hit her from behind."
Everyone nodded at Ms. Longueville who then started to get around the shack.
"Okay, let's get this done", Kirche commented.
"Cherub, you go on first", Louise stated.
Cherub complied and it/he went inside with Tabitha and Guiche following it/him closely. Montmorency and Kirche are just outside to act as a lookout. Cherub opened the shack's door but found no one inside. Tabitha and Guiche scoured through the shack to find the stolen artifact. After a few moments, Tabitha did found the box that is holding the artifact and opened it. The stolen artifact is still there although the box holding it seems to have been covered in dust due to the shack's bad condition.
"Found it", Tabitha said as Cherub and Guiche stopped scouring around the shack.
"Very well, let's go out then", Guiche said.
Just as the three are going outside, they heard Louise screamed from outside. The three then rushed outside to see Louise, Kirche, and Montmorency being attacked by a large and towering golem.
"Fouquet!", Guiche shouted as he witness the golem punch the ground that the three girls are standing on. Luckily, they all managed to get out of harm's way and regrouped with Cherub, Tabitha, and Guiche.
"Where's Ms. Longueville?!", Montmorency asked in panic.
"She's not here! What happened to her?!", Louise also said in panic.
"That's not the time to go think about that! Run!", Guiche yelled.
"Tabitha, lift us all up!", Kirche said to Tabitha.
Tabitha whistled prompting Sylphid to dive down and scoop all of them down including Verdandi who was lucky enough to burst out of the ground just a few inches from where Sylpid landed. Louise tossed Derflinger to Cherub who remained on the ground as she went up on Sylphid. So far, half of the mission is complete: the Staff of Destruction has been recovered but Ms. Longueville is not in sight yet.
Cherub easily grabbed Derflinger and began to charge at the golem.
"Partner, why don't you just change at your original form and just blast the hell out of this damn golem?", Derflinger asked.
"If I do that, I will not be able to use you in battle", Cherub explained, "Furthermore, I detected that the soil of the target area has been altered in a way that it will trigger a sink hole if an object with a weight past its threshold level touched it. My original form is too heavy that it will cause the expected sink hole. Furthermore, my weapons can also cause the sink hole even if they hit the golem due to the shock that they will generate on impact."
Derflinger didn't understand what Cherub said but knew that it isn't good especially at the part where it/he won't be able to use him in battle. However, that alone made him agree with Cherub's explanation.
"Then let's charge that golem!", Derflinger stated as Cherub sped towards the golem.
The Gandalfr runes began to lighten up on Cherub's left hand and it/he noticed an increase in speed on its/his movements. However, that didn't matter as Cherub is already fast for the task. It/he then began to hack the golem's right leg and a large chunk of earth began to fall down of it causing it to "yell" in pain. However, that is short-lived as the golem's "severed" right leg began to grow again making Cherub's attack useless.
"We need firepower just enough to blow the golem in one shot", Cherub said.
"Then use that weapon called a handgun partner", Derflinger suggested.
"The Desert Eagle doesn't have the necessary firepower for the task", Cherub replied.
Meanwhile, up in the air…
Louise and everyone aboard Sylphid are watching as Cherub is squaring it out against the golem that is likely from Fouquet.
"Darling's in trouble!", Kirche exclaimed.
Louise, in her decision to help, told Tabitha to cast levitation magic on her and bring her down slowly with it so she can blow the golem down with the Staff of Destruction. The artifact is said to be powerful so taking down the golem using it is a guaranteed success.
"Cherub, I'm coming!", Louise said as she suddenly jumped off Sylphid causing everyone to get shocked although Tabitha managed to catch her and levitate her slowly down on the ground using levitation magic.
As soon as Louise got on the ground, she opened the box and pulled out the revered artifact. Due to her small stature and rather weak limbs thanks to the size of her body, she has to use both of her hands to get a steady grip at it and to prevent it from falling down due to its weight. She then began to swing it back and forth hoping that it will function like any other wands. However, nothing happened. Her constant blabbering caused the golem to switch its attention to her. Even Cherub did take a look on her although it/he was surprised to see what Louise is holding in her hands.
Derflinger, sensing that his partner seem to be gazing at the artifact he asked it/him.
"Do you know what it is?", Derflinger asked.
"That is not a staff", Cherub replied.
Cherub dashed forward to Louise. Since it/he is way faster than the golem, it/he reached Louise even before the golem can make a step towards Louise.
"Master, hand it over to me", Cherub said.
Louise didn't say a word and just complied as she doesn't know how to use it in the first place. She handed the Staff of Destruction to Cherub who inspected it upon receiving it.
"There is no doubt about this weapon", Cherub said as he unpacked the "Staff of Destruction" which is none other than an FIM-92 Stinger into firing mode. Louise was surprised to see the artifact changed into a new appearance.
Cherub aimed the FIM-92 Stinger at the golem and peered at the MANPAD's Fire Control System. It/he then realized that the Stinger is a Reprogrammable Microprocessor Variant due to the way the MANPAD made it target lock on the golem. It just took a few seconds for Cherub to complete the target lock and clicked the trigger.
"Everyone get down!", Cherub "shouted" as it/he fired the MANPAD causing the missile within the FIM-92 Stinger to flew out with a trail of white smoke as it sped straight at the golem.
Everyone was lucky enough to get down as the golem was blown to pieces by the Stinger missile causing chunks of earth to rain down as the golem disintegrated.
Cherub dropped the now-empty FIM-92 Stinger on the ground and immediately dashed towards Louise who was still shocked on what just happened. It/he then grabbed her and sprinted out of the area where the soil is altered by magic. Even the others who are watching the event transpire weren't able to act at all. They just hover there and did nothing.
Cherub signaled them to land down at the area it/he designated to prevent them on landing at a magically-altered soil.
"Darling, you're so cool!", Kirche said as she went straight for Cherub much to Louise's chagrin, "How did you managed to use that powerful artifact?"
"That is not an artifact", Cherub stated, "It is an FIM-92 Stinger Surface-to-Air Missile Launcher. A weapon from where I came from."
"What!", Louise pouted.
"Anyways", Guiche suddenly interrupted, "Where's Ms. Longueville?"
"You're right where is she?", Montmorency followed Guiche's statement.
"Everyone looked around until Tabitha pointed at a direction and they saw Ms. Longueville there.
"Ms. Longueville, were have you been?!", Montmorency asked in a loud voice.
Ms. Longueville didn't say a word and casted a spell which Cherub easily identified as having returned the soil back to its original that, she just made her way casually for the FIM-92 Stinger lying on the ground where Cherub dropped it a few moments ago. She then spoke once the missile launcher was in her hands.
"Thanks for helping me Mr. Familiar", Ms. Longueville stated in a rather strange tone, "I would not be able to figure out how to use this weapon without your help."
"What do you mean?!", Louise asked in annoyance.
Ms. Longueville just took off her glasses and revealed who she is.
"I am Fouquet of the Crumbling Dirt", Ms. Longueville now known as Fouquet said, "Thanks for everything. I was hoping the Academy will send in professors to figure out how to use this weapon but they just sent in students. Oh well, at least I now knew how to use this. Now, good bye."
Fouquet clicked the FIM-92's trigger but nothing happened. She clicked it several more times but nothing still happened.
"What is wrong with this thing?!", Fouquet asked in anger.
Before she can do anything more, several loud gunshots reverberated across the area.
Fouquet found herself wounded by gunshots although those gunshots aren't fatal. Just enough to prevent her from attacking as it only tore her skin and missed her bones. However, it was still painful. Then suddenly, she felt a strong punch sink down her stomach causing her to slump on the ground and pass out due to the strong force applied on it.
Everyone was shocked in what they saw. First, they saw Fouquet standing just a few seconds ago ready to end their lives but now she is slumped on the ground unconscious and badly beaten. And second, they saw Cherub with them but is now beside the now-unconscious Fouquet.
"That is not a Staff of Destruction", Cherub said, "It is a missile launcher with just one missile left."
Cherub picked up the missile launcher and Fouquet before approaching its/his still companions.
"It appears that all mission objectives have been completed", Cherub casually said, "If there are no further tasks, I suggest we head back towards the Academy."
"Yes darling!", Kirche said happily as Louise is still drooling at what just Cherub accomplished today.
"Louise, we're heading back", Montmorency said to Louise causing the latter to regain her focus and went along with the others back at the Academy.
A few hours later, the group made it back at the Academy and they did surprised everyone especially Headmaster Osmond who was disappointed that Ms. Longueville is actually Fouquet. Guess he needs to find another sexy secretary to "play" with.
In the Headmaster's office, everyone was gathered there and is currently having a conversation.
"So the Staff of Destruction is actually a weapon from your world Cherub", Osmond stated.
"Correct, the FIM-92 Stinger is a man portable air defense system weapon used in my world's armed forces several decades ago", Cherub said.
"What!", Colbert exclaimed, "Your world uses this powerful weapon?!"
"Correct and this weapon was mass-produced with several thousand units produced all in all", Cherub asserted.
That shook Colbert. If a weapon as powerful as this is created in large numbers in Cherub's word, then… it doesn't sound good.
"Anyways, you all here are going to receive the Chevalier's award", Osmond stated, "However, since Tabitha is already a Chevalier herself, she will be receiving the Elven Medallion award."
"What! Tabitha's a chevalier already?!", Louise yelled.
The group of students that took out Fouquet are happy that they will be receiving the Chevalier's rank especially for Guiche as he comes from the military-oriented Gramont Family. He now has something to brag about back to his family. In addition, they will be the center of the party that will be held to commemorate the feat that they accomplished. However, everyone was still a bit sad as Cherub will not be getting anything as it/he is just a familiar.
Osmond dismissed all of them although Cherub remained inside due to the fact that he wants to clear several things. When the coast is quiet and the only people inside are it/him, Osmond, and Colbert, Cherub asked.
"Who is the one that owns the FIM-92 Stinger?", Cherub asked.
"So that was the weapon's name", Osmond said, "It was a memento from the man who saved my life 30 years ago."
Cherub looked at Osmond and listened carefully.
"It was 30 years ago when I was out in the forest when a dragon suddenly attacked me and that is where he showed up", Osmond continued, "He was badly wounded when I saw him due to the drips of blood going out of his body as he walked. Ignoring his wounds, he hoisted up the Staff of Destruction, aimed it at the dragon… and he fired it. He managed to kill the dragon with it but he collapsed afterwards. When I inspected him, I noticed that he has two Staff of Destructions with him. I took him back at the Academy along with the two Staff of Destructions and tried to heal him. However, his wounds are too fatal and he died a few days later."
Colbert wiped the sweat forming on his bald head and said "I never expected that the Staff of Destruction has such a history!"
"What happened to the other FIM-92 Stinger?", Cherub asked.
"The one you retrieved from Fouquet is one of the two which is the one I presented to the Palace and the other one which he used to save my life was buried with him at the Academy's crypt", Osmond replied.
"Undertsood", Cherub replied.
"On another important topic", Osmond said, "The runes on your left hand clearly states that you are Gandalfr. That means that Ms. Valliere is a Void mage. Please cooperate with us to ensure your master's safety."
Cherub stared at Colbert and the latter knew what it means.
"It's the truth really", Colbert said as he assured Cherub on his findings.
"Very well then", Osmond said, "If you don't have anything to ask, you are free to go. I do believe Ms. Valliere needs her loyal familiar with her at her side."
Cherub nodded and went out of the headmaster's office.
A few hours later, it was already night as the sun already set down.
Clearly, there is a party at the Academy and everyone is celebrating. Kirche is the most attention getting due to her rather revealing outfit much to the chagrin of many female students as every single male that can reach her went straight to her. Guiche is wearing resplendent clothing complete with a cape which looks similar to the military regalia that his own father wears during the Royal Court's session except that it doesn't have the gaudy military medals and decorations on it. Beside him is Montmorency who is keeping a constant eye on him so he would not be able to hit on girls much to his disappointment although he can't voice it out or he's going to have a really bad night. Tabitha is just beside the corner busy slicing a large chunk of meat and ignoring everybody else. She is just wearing a dress almost similar to the ones worn by the other girls.
As everyone is celebrating, an announcer spoke.
"And now, presenting the third daughter of the Valliere Family, Ms. Louise Francoise Le Blanc de la Valliere!", the announcer spoke.
Just then, a short statured girl in what can be said as the best gown ever seen entered the room. Almost every single male student approached the girl who is Louise. Guiche has to restrain himself or he'll find himself on the bad end of the line. Louise found herself surrounded by many boys asking her to dance with them. However, she refused all of them and began rotating her head as if she is finding somebody. Her efforts aren't fruitless as she eventually found who she is finding. Well, it's certainly worth it.
It was a man in very dignified attire. If it wasn't for the young man's glowing yellow eyes, Louise and everyone will just mistake the young man which is Cherub for somebody else.
Time stopped for that moment as Louise's and Cherub's gazes locked into each other.
A pleasant moment happened shortly afterwards.
-CHAPTER 11 END-
PS: Whew, that takes care of this chapter. The events at the party will be shown as a flashback next chapter. Guys, stay tuned as more events will follow. I'm not sure but I might diverge the story from the canon ZnT in order to accommodate several changes due to the feats that Cherub did.