Hey readers! Yay... I'm late... again. Sorry guys, but there's a good reason for it. Thing is... I got a serious problem. Since the past 2 weeks, I was unable to access like I normally do. At first, I thought it was down for maintenance or something, but I realize that it was taking far too long. So I started asking my friends to access as well and it seems they all got the same problem. Till this day, the problem still persists. So what actually happened? I didn't have a definite answer, but if I have to make a guess, I think my country has blocked the site. Yeah... that always happen which means... I'm screwed.

Ah, wait, wait, guys. All hope is not lost yet. If it does, how in the world I managed to post this chapter? So how do I get here? Well, I know some tricks that I learned from the net so I was able to run a bypass to get through. Unfortunately, the bypass only last around half an hour at most before I got kicked out and have to run another bypass again. So my time is very limited.

Oh, and here's some bad news. Since I can't access the site as often as I used to, the progress of my fanfic might went slower as you can see with this chapter. Can't really help it. I don't want to test my luck by doing a bypass so often, so... I'm sorry guys. But, hey, don't worry. I will figure something out. ZERO PEACE won't go down that easily.

So... since that's done, let's go to the reviews.


To Just KSK,

Yes, I do remember that Saito is a Lord. It was indeed under my planning to make Saito managed his own lands and remember, he's from another world. So I was thinking that maybe Saito would bring some innovation from Japan to restore the glory of Des Orneilles. He could bring things like... revolutionary farming method or perhaps new crops. It's also nice to see how Saito handles his subject and tried to act as a noble who's close to the people. We might also see Saito hiring more maids and butlers to handle his mansion and perhaps Saito will also have his own army or maybe bodyguards. I mean, all nobles have those, right?

And of course, Louise's family. A meeting between Saito's commoner family with the noble Valliere family. I'm sure that's what everyone was waiting for. Well, even I wanted to know what might happen if the in-laws met, but one thing for sure, Louito will definitely face a hard time to manage them.


To MechaDragon99,

About the title thing... let's just forget it. Wait, don't get me wrong, I like your idea. Heart to heart does sound nice, but I don't think it fits well enough with the chapter. Sorry. No hard feelings Kay?

Next, which country I live in. Well, your guess ended up 50-50, but I think I just tell you the answer. There's no reason for me to hide it anyway. I'm from Malaysia. Yup, born, raised and still living in Malaysia.

I have no comment on what you talked with Kotano-chan. That's between you two so I don't want to interfere with that. However, I have to say that I also like girls who can kick-ass. But for me, they didn't have to be like over-powered or anything. I just want them to at least be able to put up a fight to defend themselves.

Okay, about his stamina when fighting the army of 70000, you need to remember that Saito was fighting using Gandalfr power at that time. So obviously there will be a huge difference between that and his actual stamina. As you can see Saito's stamina was only amazing when he's in bed.

Yup, the last two chapters including this one is really short. Yeah... I know that. Well... I can't really defend myself on that one. All I can say is that I will try to make it longer next time. Emphasize on the try.


To Kotano-chan,

Heyyyy! Kotano-chan. Yeah, I-I know. I'm late and I'm extremely sorry about that, but I want you to know that I really miss this conversation. A lot. Hope you can forgive this humble writer.

So, let's begin this conversation shall we?

So a good wife and a good family huh? Well, I guess I have to wish the same. Ahem! Oh, God that rules the sky and the earth, grant my dear Kotano-chan the husband of her dreams and children as cute as her and please bring joy into every single day of her life.

Wow, 15-20 volumes? That's a lot of volumes. Well, got to work even harder then and of course, I'm grateful that I can rely on your help. So yes, I do have around 50 chapters for this story, maybe more than that. And for the sequel, I can't really say how long it would be since I haven't even begun writing it. But if I have to make an estimation, I think it might exceed 100 chapters, but I still can't really say for sure. Let's just... wait for it, Kay? For now, let's see how long will this story be.

So if I tease you again, you won't back down? You know what, I love a good challenge and like you, didn't have any reason to lose either. However, for the time being, let's put that matter to a rest, okay? But, know this, I'm always ready for a war of teasing.

Hmm... it seems you also know quite a few different languages yourself. Learning French since you were young, I'm impressed. Really impressed. Oh, and you mentioned that your country has 22 languages. Hm... I have thought this for a while, but by any chance, are you from India? I mean, you said you live in South Asia and based on my research, in that region only India has 22 official languages (correct me if I'm wrong). Plus, India is a country with a high fluency in English so that explains why your English are so good to the point that I keep wanting to read more. Anyway, that's just a guess though, and I'm not forcing you to tell me whether I'm right or wrong. No matter where you live, you're still my good, cute friend, Kotano-chan. Nothing can ever change that.

So... I guess that's all. Sorry if there's something I forgot to mention. I'm also sorry for making you wait too long for this, but don't worry, this story won't be abandoned. Even if it's hard, I will make sure I will finish the job.

Well, then goodbye Kotano-chan! See you again in an unspecified time. Bye!


To Hellfrit,

Yay, a chapter that is not ridiculously late and what follows after that? A chapter that's ridiculously late. Yeah... sorry for ruining your expectations. Oh, and thanks for being concerned about me. Anyway, let's move on.

Body blocking a girl who's reading a porn? Yup, extremely awkward. I can't even imagine how awkward it must have been for you. Well, at least you didn't get caught or it would have been more awkward than it already is.

I do actually have stumbled a number of such future fics. So you want me to try making one? Well, the idea you gave are pretty decent, but sorry to say this, but I'm not exactly a fan of future fics. There's a number of reasons for that, but the main reason is because it won't be ZNT anymore. Yes, I know the story will about the descendants, but that means Saito and Louise won't bein the story and according to your idea, the rest of the cast of ZNT won't be there as well because... Well, they all have died of old age. Maybe Tiffa will still be around since she's an elf and as we all know elf have a long lifespan, but she's half-elf so there's still no guarantee about that.

So I'm sorry about that, but I won't make such future fics. I'm terribly sorry. But, you know? Why don't you try making it yourself? I'm sure you can do a great job on it.

Moving on, glad someone noticed that Ryuji and Louise hardly interact. Well, of course they did behind the scenes, but in my writing, they don't interact much compared to the rest of the family members. That's the main reason I made this chapter. I want to make sure that Louise grew very close to each of her family members, not just to Saito.


To MGX guest,

So, a prank chapter? I do have a plan to make such chapter with Saito being the mastermind and Louise acting as a reluctant accomplice. Still thinking what kind of prank I would do, but I still haven't found any good one. Super glue and stink bomb are pretty classic, but I don't think that would work. Asuna was a master of pranks so I'm sure she can see through that tactics pretty easily. So I need to find something original, something that only someone like Saito could think of. So, feel free to give me any idea for a prank because I'm still not sure what to make Saito do.


To Daydreamer269,

Ahaha... thanks for pointing those out. It's easy to miss these mistakes. I did some proofreading myself, but of course, I'm not perfect. That's why I used a certain program to find those mistakes for me, but it tends to auto-correct and the corrections it makes sometimes ended up wrong in context like the 'feel' part. Well, I will try harder to reduce the mistakes in future chapters.


Okay... I guess that's all so without further delay, let's go to the story.

[MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU]

[READ, ENJOY, REVIEW]


CHAPTER 53: Movie Night

"Popcorn... check. Soft drinks... check. Comfy pillows... check. Blanket..." Saito murmured to himself as he arranged the said items in the living room.

"Saito, I brought the blanket," Louise said as she came downstairs with a blanket which she had taken from their room.

"Blanket, check," Saito took the blanket before placing it on the couch. He later placed his hands on his waist then exclaimed, "Everything is ready."

Saito smiled proudly as he gazes at the couch and the coffee table where they had properly set up everything they need for their special movie night. They have actually watched a movie together quite a few times already when they went out for their dates, but this time was different. Instead of going to the cinema, tonight they will be having their movie night inside the comforts of the living room. It might sound normal for most people, but the couple can't help but be a little excited by it as watching it at home grants them a lot more privacy.

"Ne, Saito? Is it really okay? Won't mom and dad be bothered by us?" Louise asked as it was pretty late and the last thing she wanted was to wake her parents up at this hour.

"Don't worry," Saito reassured her. "Didn't they say earlier that it's fine?"

"I know, but I still feel like we might bother them."

"Like I said don't worry. It's not like this is the first time I watched a movie here."

In the past, before he was summoned to Halkeginia, Saito often have a movie night in the living room especially on weekends where he doesn't have to go to school in the morning. Sometimes he would have it with his sister, sometimes with his parents, but most of the time he would watch it on his own. As far as he remembered, his parents never complained about it except that one time when Yuno reprimand him for doing a movie marathon till morning. But so far, his parents were pretty much okay with it.

"Really? Hm... but we still should keep the noise down," said Louise.

"I know, no need to tell me that," Saito replied. "Come on, take a seat. I will pick the movie."

Guiding his wife to the couch, Saito later went towards the TV. Then, he kneels down to open up the TV shelf revealing rows after rows of DVDs that was kept inside. Saito's family was quite a movie fan, so they always buy new DVDs from time to time. With different kind of genres and titles to choose from, anyone would definitely have a hard time to choose a movie in the Hiraga's collection. However, for Saito, this wasn't a problem since he already knows what he's going to watch tonight.

"Now, where is it?"

Saito closely stared at the title of the DVDs one at a time as if looking for something specific. Yuno always makes sure that the DVDs was neatly arranged, but it was still difficult for Saito to find the DVD he was looking for especially when there's a lot more movies in the shelf than he remembered. It seems like his disappearance for two years hasn't affected the family's love towards movies.

"Saito, what movie are we going to watch?"

Saito jolted out of surprise as Louise suddenly peeks over his shoulder to see the DVDs inside the shelf. He was so busy looking for the DVD that he didn't notice that she was standing next to him. He quickly recovered from the shock, then shut the shelf door close, hiding the DVDs from her view

"Louise, go back. I can't show you," said Saito while keeping his hands on the shelf.

"W-what? Why not? I want to know too." Louise asked, confused by Saito's reaction.

"I just want to make it a surprise."

"Surprise? What is there to..." Louise left the sentence in the air as a thought got to her. She narrowed her eyes down, staring at Saito while keeping her distance.

"W-what?" Saito asked, feeling uncomfortable with the look Louise gave him.

"A-Asuna was right..." Louise muttered with a low voice while her cheeks starting to turn red. "Y-you're going to show me... weird movies..."

"Woah, woah, wait a minute!" Saito held his hands up in defense. "What did Asuna tell you? What weird movies?"

"S-she said, you might show me... p-p-por- S-Saito! You pervert!" Louise yelled at him, accusing him as a pervert.

"S-seriously..." Saito facepalmed himself as he angrily gritted his teeth. At this moment, he felt like he's going to go upstairs and drag his sister down the stairs before throwing her out to the street out of anger. However, he decided against it as he knew that if he did it, it might ended up the other way around. Now, he should focus to destroy this accusation against him.

"Look, Louise. I'm not going to show you something like that. We don't even have those here," Saito tried to defend himself.

In this case, Saito was telling the truth. There's no possible way that they would be any movies of that kind being stored inside the house. Even if there is, Yuno would have long found it and burn it into ashes while Ryuji and Saito would both be given a very long lecture as only the two of them could get their hands on such a movie. Saito didn't know about his dad, but in his case, he might have read a few porn magazine before, but not once had he watched a porn movie.

"Really?" Louise eyed Saito with suspicion. "Then why didn't you want to show me the DVD?"

"Like I said, I want to make it a surprise. I just want you to be happy. Please... trust me," Saito begged.

Louise doesn't seem convinced by Saito's argument, but after a moment of staring cautiously at him, she later let out a sigh before muttering. "Fine, I trust you."

Saying that, Louise returned to her seat on the couch, allowing Saito to pick the DVD without any disturbance. Saito was a pervert and he always tricked her, but deep down she at least knew that he won't do something like that to her.

Saito let out a sigh of relief as he managed to avoid a crisis which would definitely ruin the night. As the matter has been solved, he returned his attention to the DVD collection. It took him a few more minutes browsing through the collection, but he finally managed to find the DVD he was looking for. Without wasting any time, he put the DVD into the DVD player, booting it up to begin the movie.

"DVD... check. One last thing."

Saito stood up, but instead of heading to the couch where Louise was waiting for him, he went to the back where the light switch is. He then switched off the lights, causing the room to be filled with darkness leaving only the faint light from the street lamp outside and the blue TV screen as a light source.

"Saito, why do you turn off the lights?" Louise asked. A little uncomfortable with the sudden darkness.

"Well, we're going to watch a movie, aren't we? Best to set up the mood right," Saito answered.

"Ah... I see... You're right," Louise quickly agrees. The inside of a cinema was always dark so she can understand his reasoning.

Satisfied with Saito's explanation, Louise turned her attention back towards the TV screen, eagerly waiting for the movie to be played. Little did she know, that behind her, Saito was smiling mischievously. The type of smile that tells that something sinister was being planned.

"Hehehe... Tonight's going to be fun," Saito let's out a tiny evil laugh as his plan was proceeding well.

It's true that Saito wasn't even planning to show Louise a porn movie like what Asuna told her, but that doesn't mean the movie they're going to watch was a totally normal one. If it does, why would he be so secretive about the movie's title? Thing is, the movie that Saito just put into the DVD player was actually one of the best and terrifying movie that had ever been made in the world. A movie filled with jump scares and terror lurking in every corner. A movie full of suspense that could make one's heart beats wildly. And a movie that could make people scream to the top of their lungs and cried out of pure fear. Simply said, the movie they're going to watch was a horror movie.

It has always been Saito's dream to watch a horror movie late at night with a girl and now since he's married, who else would it be to fulfill his dream, but his own wife who was easily tricked into this. A night filled with a girl's scream and being tightly clutched for a sense of security, plus a teary-eyed girl who begs for him to stop. It sounds sadistic, but Saito really wants to see that happen to him.

Actually, he had tried watching a horror movie with his sister before, but not because he wants to fulfill his dream. Instead, he did it to crush Asuna's tough big sister image and hopefully to serve as a payback for everything she did to him. Sadly, it didn't work. Whenever the movie shows a terrifying scene like a ghost appearing out of nowhere or a bloody death of a character, Asuna would just laugh it off, saying how silly that scene was as if she was watching a regular comedy show. Sometimes, Saito thinks that his sister was many times scarier than any horror movie ever made.

However, with Louise, Saito was certain that he will get what he want. So far, he never saw Louise showing fear towards supernatural stuff possibly because she was born in a magical world so things like spirits or ghost might be a common thing to her. However, she had never seen the type of horror that can be brought to life by the film industry these days which can even rival any real life horrors. Just thinking about what might happen already makes Saito form a perverted smile as a very terrified Louise equals to tons and tons of cuddling.

Making his way to the couch, Saito makes sure that he control his expression, hiding his excitement to ensure that Louise didn't suspect anything. She was pretty observant so Saito was quite worried if she managed to figure out his plan which will definitely ruin everything. Luckily, Louise doesn't even seem to suspect anything instead, excitement was pretty much written on her face like a small child waiting for her favorite show.

Seeing Louise's naivety, Saito felt guilty to do this to her, but of course, it's not enough to make him abandon his plan. He casually placed his arm around her back, pulling Louise close before pulling up the blanket to cover their body as they prepare to begin their movie night and Saito's secret evil plan.

"Ready?" Saito asked.

"Hm," Louise lightly nodded before resting her head on Saito's shoulder.

With a press of the play button, the movie night officially as the movie was played on the TV. It was only starting, but Saito already knows that it would be a great night.


For the first few minutes, the movie starts pretty slow and normal with a family moving into a new house then talks about mundane stuff. Louise who was still oblivious to the movie's true nature, paid close attention to the screen, indulging herself into the movie. Occasionally, she would reach for the bowl of popcorn in Saito's hands without diverting her eyes from the TV even for a second. So far, she thinks it was a pretty decent movie despite not knowing what it was about. Then... everything changed.

As the movie continues, Louise finally noticed that something was wrong. With eerie music in the background followed by the title of the movie finally appearing on the screen in the colour of red as if it was written in blood plus the sudden disappearance of the entire family at the end of the intro, anybody would suspect something.

"Saito... W-what movie is this?" Louise nervously asked as she felt her heart beating faster as if to alert her of the danger ahead.

"Oh... Just some old movie. It's pretty popular though," Saito casually answered.

Louise was entirely unconvinced. She definitely know that this wasn't just a regular movie. Still, she tried her best to shake off the uneasiness in her chest and continued watching in silence. Perhaps, she was just imagining things due to the darkness. If only she knew.


"Akane, run! I will hold it off here!"

"No, I can't leave you here!"

"I said run! It's going to co- Arggghhhhh!"

"T-Takumi! Ahh! No! Let go! Kyaaaaa!"

While crunching on the popcorn in his mouth, Saito continued watching as the movie showed two of the characters in the story facing their untimely end in the hands of the grudging ghost. One of the character named Takumi, told his girlfriend Akane to run while he attempts to hold off the ghost that was pursuing them only to ended up being dragged by an unseen force into the dark end of the hallway and moments later his severed head rolls towards Akane's feet. Then before Akane could even cope with the traumatizing sight, a pair of decayed hands pops out of the ceiling before snapping her neck, killing her almost instantly.

It was definitely an over the top gory scene and Saito himself felt like his heart was about to jump out. Still, he managed to gather some courage to keep calm throughout the scene, unlike a certain someone.

Turning his attention to the side, Saito lightly laughed as he glanced Louise who has taken the entire blanket which they were supposed to share and was now hiding under it, too scared to even look at the TV screen. With her eyes covered by the blanket, Louise can't even see the movie, but every little sound from the movie was enough to make her tremble in fear. At this point, she didn't even need Saito to tell her to know that they're watching a horror movie.

Truth be told, since she was born Louise was extremely bad with anything related to horror. Whenever she heard someone telling a horror story, Louise would quickly escape the scene, not wanting people to know that she was scared of such thing. Now that she was tricked into watching the movie, Louise felt like she was in a total nightmare.

Saito on the other hand, felt the opposite as despite hiding under the blanket, Louise was clutching him close, tightly holding his arm. So far, everything was going just like what he had always dreamed of.

"Saito I don't like it... change it," Louise cried from under the blanket.

"But I want to watch this," Saito insisted while smirking to himself.

"I-if you don't want to change it. I-I will go to bed. I will leave you here," Louise threatened, hoping to change Saito's mind.

"Go ahead," Saito nonchalantly replied.

"I-I will really do it," Louise slightly showed her face, trying to show that she was serious.

"Like I said. Go ahead."

Louise was no doubt annoyed by Saito's lack of sensitivity, but at this point, she didn't even care. All she wanted was to escape from the horror she's facing. She quickly stood up and without even looking at the screen, she turned and went straight to the stairs, wanting to escape as soon as possible. However, as soon as she reached the stairs, she immediately stops at her feet as realization hit her.

"Go ahead Louise," Saito repeated as he glanced at her from the couch. "I can stay here alone and you can stay up there in the dark all by yourself.

Louise gritted her teeth as she now understands why Saito was unfazed by her threat. Up the stairs in front of her was complete darkness. Everyone was asleep at the moment so obviously the hallway upstairs will be dark and to make it worse, the light switch for the second floor was also up there. Even if Louise did manage to overcome the dark hallway, she still needs to get through the night all alone in the room and after watching a horror movie, staying alone at night was the last thing one would do.

"I-I will sleep with Asuna," Louise makes another attempt to change Saito's mind.

"Good luck on that," Saito replied. "Asuna locks her door at night and she's a heavy sleeper. Even mom couldn't wake her up when she's deep in sleep."

Unable to make a solid argument, Louise was left with a heavy decision. Stay here and endure the movie or go upstairs and stay all alone in the room. In this case, both decisions are equally worst. It was just a matter whether she will be alone or not while facing the horror. Louise stood there, unable to make a decision. Then, she swallowed hard before reluctantly headed back to the couch where Saito was eagerly waiting for her.

"Welcome back," Saito playfully said with his arms open, inviting Louise back into his arms.

Louise didn't even give him a reply as she wrapped herself back with the blanket before accepting Saito's invitation.


"Ah... this part," Saito thought to himself before poking his wife who was still hiding under the blanket.

"Louise, hey Louise.," he called.

"W-w-what? I'm s-sleepy..." She lied to hide her fear, but with the shivering and all, it was pretty obvious that she's lying.

"Can you look at the screen for a moment? There's something I need to show you."

"I don't want to. I-I- I'm really s-sleepy..."

"Come on. It's a normal scene. Nothing to be afraid of, just for a second."

Believing what he said, Louise slowly revealed her eyes and look straight to the screen. But as soon as she did that...

Huarghh!

KYAAAA!

Louise scream echoed in the living room as the moment she turned to the TV, she was greeted by a ghost appearing out of nowhere on the screen. Terrified and shocked by the jump scare, Louise immediately buries her face back into Saito's chest, clutching him for dear life. Meanwhile, Saito was lightly laughing to himself as he managed to trick her. He had watched the movie a couple of times in the past so he knows that scene was coming up.

"Hey, you okay? Sorry about that."

Louise took a moment burying her face into his chest before looking up at him with teary eyes. "Y-you... meanie..."

For Saito, this sight was so damn cute that he started hugging her tightly while gently rubbing her body, giving her the calmness she so much-needed. This was much better than anything he could ever dreamed of.


By the time the movie ended, Louise was already laying down on the couch, completely traumatized by what she had seen. The fear from the movie was too much that she couldn't even stand up from the couch leaving Saito no choice, but to carry her bridal style to their bedroom.

Throughout the night, Louise tightly clutched her husband with her face buried into his chest. Since she was covering her eyes during the movie, Louise hasn't seen much, but the creepy soundtrack and the terrifying scream still lingers in her ears to the point that she couldn't even let Saito go even for a second.

Saito, on the other hand, was grinning to himself as he felt the bliss of being tightly hugged by a terrified girl who's hoping for his protection. It was a little hard for him to breathe since Louise was clutching on him like her life depends on it, but it doesn't change the fact that Saito was enjoying this.

"Movie night... Great success," Saito muttered to himself as he held the girl who was still shivering in his arms. Once she recovered, he would definitely get his punishment, but for now, he's going to enjoy the night.