Hello, Hirem here To my fans, I Am sorry for the hiatus. With COVID-19, Election, Christmas, New Years, and Jan. 6. I had been busy. Plus I was dealing with some writer's block. Basically, the crap everybody in the world is dealing with. And when I was finished with this chapter, Fanfic wouldn't let me upload it. Life will get in, if we can either power through, or wait it out better things will happen. I try to avoid being political and religious, but I try to make my interpretation of Yamaguchi sensei's work. I felt that there was little to know Halkegenia, and the implications of Earth and Halkegenia. The ending seemed rushed and there were so many plot holes. The original is great and it is actually the framework of the fic. I get my material from his work as a template, but a seldom look at the anime for material for one reason. To me they sucked. The personalities of the character were exaggerated to give me a migraine. There's always this sense of no connection, and the Ancient dragon bit was just rushed. Plus, personally, I wanted to see some elf bashing. Winter break is gonna end and I might not update for a long time. But know this, the path of the harem is for kings and paragons, you have to work for it. Plus, I trying to juggle some ideas for another fanfic.
Should I focus on Bane King and Lineage of Emiya, or work on the third? Decisions decisions.
Also, I trying to include some lore in the fic. Should I keep doing the .5 chapter or incorporate it in the writing.
I will always keep asking the same questions. And how you all can give me some answers. I read my reviews, so to those who like the chapter thank you and I am sorry it's so short. To those who dislike the chapter and possibly the fic, I am Sorry and how you find someone else to read and call garbage because I accept reasonable criticism, not trolling or mudslinging. We have South Park and Abridges for that. Now I have droned on long enough. so enjoy the chapter.
This is fanfiction. Familiar of Zero is the property of Yamaguchi Noboru. And anything included is inspired by various, video games, manga/anime, Literature, movie, Light novels, and 'art'.
without further adieu...
BEGIN!
Londonium Newcastle Climax
"Fallback! Fallback!" King James ordered his troops as he activated the Castle enchantments to wall up the remaining troops. As expected, even though the royalist had exceptional mage soldiers, they were helpless against the vast numbers of the Rebel faction.
However, despite their imminent demise, every last one of them was resolute to fight to the last man. James had ordered everyone back into Newcastle. He then activated the castle final defenses and last resort. It would buy them time for a few hours, but just enough for the civilians' ships to be evacuated either to Branwen, Ulster, Dunwall, or the other Great Nations.
Unfortunately, activating the final resort meant he would have to stay until the castle fell. The same barrier keeping the rebels at bay now was trapping them all until it collapsed within the night.
They were now like rats in a sinking boat.
The soldiers and retainers loyal to him were given some morale before he went to a hidden chamber behind his throne. He cast a flame spell to light the candles and prepare for his demise. James knew that barring the Vault that this room was the most important. It wasn't very decorated but it was clean and held a singular mahogany table.
"So, you did activate it, Wales," James commented sorrowfully as he gazed at the proof that his only son sacrificed his life for the people. On the table was a granite support stand holding a shiny silvery-gold metallic sphere the size of an apple or cannonball. On its surface were uniform line dents around it and various symbols between the lines. At the top of the sphere was an ornate cross resembling a jeweled sword. James could only sign in regret that this was the path they must take. "In the end, I have only myself to blame."
"Indeed, your Majesty."
James turned around sharply to see a man staring at him our more specifically the orb.
"This was indeed inevitable, but it wouldn't have accelerated quickly if you had not made a mistake."
James turned around and saw one of the many faces he thought he wouldn't see.
It was a man in his mid to late 20s. He wore an outfit that was a blend of battle armor and formal rogue wear. The metal parts were dull silver but the cloth and leather were dark teal brown respectively. His face was masculine and he had a slight stubble shadow with short graying black hair, a rarity trait in Halkegenia. But the thing that clue James in at this new intruder's identity were three things:
His emerald-golden colored eyes seemed to sparkle and glow in the candlelight.
The silver bound Wedge brand on his chest plate.
And finally his silvery metallic arm, he assumed, hidden underneath bandages and a matching gauntlet.
"Marquis Optimus Trevelyan" Kames replied in tired disdain. The Trevelyan House was a prominent Halkegenia House spanning multiple circles in the Nobility. Despite their known modesty and piety, they were derogatorily called Noble Weeds. "What brings Romalia's dog to the now fallen Kingdom of Albion?"
James knew he had no right to insult the man, but he still could not fathom why his ancestors gave Albion Prestige to Romalian Church Missionaries. He believed that was the begging of the Kingdom's fall. Outsiders were forbidden from interfering in the State Affairs. Especially from the Church. The Crown has always tolerated and allowed the Brimmiric faith the be the main Faith but it never really forgot its ancient roots.
"Oh nothing much, I was enjoying the evening in the castle. Eating cheese. Drinking wine..." Optimus answered casually in good humor before becoming serious. "Sentencing a traitor to death for destroying the country."
"I am not a traitor to the KIngdom. You are!" James said with barely contained fury. "I know of your activities supporting the Reconquista. The dissatisfaction and separation of Dunwall, Ulster, and Branwen being slow. And I am well aware that it was you traitors who aid my brother in hiding that elven whore and her disgusting half-breed."
The air grew tense as both sides stared in bottled-up fury. It seemed precarious until Optimus spoke. "True we did betray you, but we never betrayed the Crown."
Optimus lift his bandaged hand and James saw the Orb was in his hand. "Wait-!"
"Hmmph" Optimus smirked and James couldn't move from the spot. "Counter argument. We gave the Reconquista bread crumbs while gathering all the Kingdom's rot under their banner. The people are not so stupid to believe their lies of uniting the Kingdom. They still remember what you and the rebel leaders did to the Couslands. If not then we would remind them as well a expose them to more truths."
Optimus then held up the treasure and James sensed that an invisible wall was erected in front of him. "What magic is this?!"
"That would be 'Camelot' the mightiest shield and one of the reasons for the Phantom Boundary," Optimus said as he pocketed the treasure from James' sight. "I am just merely borrowing his power as a demonstration and the tell one last thing."
Optimus glared at James and continued with a peaceful level-headed tone. "You murdered your brother, killed the woman he loved, our Queen, and tried to murder the princess. We are loyal not to you but the next King of Brittania. And I afraid that both you and Wales failed in the selection. You for your treachery and corruption. Wales for his connection with you and his idealistic perfection. Make no mistake. Arthur will return. The last piece has arrived. We will get our kingdom back and then a new age will begin."
Optimus then turned to leave before staring at James one last time. "Before I leave, allow me to fulfill my duty as a noble of the Kingdom of Albion and its Knight."
Optimus vanished is a shimmer of emerald and silver. James couldn't say a word before comprehending Optimus' last words
"Airgetlam-Fenharel."
And everything went dark.
Outside the outskirts of a certain village.
Optimus stepped of the shimmering portal to the rendezvous point in the forest. After a brief moment of rest, he breathed and sighed. "Oh, the Founder that was madness!"
Placing his metallic hand on a nearby tree he steadied his for a few minutes walking further towards his destination. Along the way, he couldn't but confront his thoughts.
Again. That was madness! What the hell was Alistair thinking?! Sending school children and pathetic ones at that to a civil war. HAs he lost his mind!?
Optimus couldn't help visual a chibi of him throwing a tantrum in his head at the reckless and callous action of his old friend. But he recalled Jeremiah's message.
NO. He didn't callously send them. They were his only chance. He cannot evade the eyes of the decrepit old man, nor could he risk tripping up the Royal Palace of his presence. So he used the Princess's request to further both his and our cause. I'm glad he's not a power-hungry moron, but still.
Optimus was certain that although the risks were high, the rewards had naturally countered them a hundredfold. He had to admit that while those students were pathetic, they showed much promise.
Before he could reflect on that matter, he sensed a hostile presence. Before he could wield his weapon he was pushed to the ground by a large force. He stared up and saw a great big Black wolf with silver fangs and bloodshot silver eyes. It growled at him in a starved rage showing its teeth. It was expecting its victim to show fear. So, it logically didn't expect him to slap him in the face
SMACK! SMACK!
Twice.
"Baring your fangs like," Optimus commented in a deadpan tone. "Come on Fenral, you know that showing your teeth means it can be punched right?"
The wolf had a surprised look with its widened shocked mouth and surprised before pouting and removed its paw from Optimus' chest. It then began to shrink until it was the size of a Great Dane,
"Really sir," Fenral said in mock exasperation. "How did you know?"
"You're the only Fenrir I now in Brittania that would guard a village of orphans while masking as a hostile creature. That and your breath reeks of treacle tart and coffee."
"Ah yes. In my old man form, the princess had decided to try making the tart and I am proud to say that 7 out of ten were successes."
"Really? Three of her tries were that awful?"
"No, three of her tries were ruined by the earthquake."
"Indeed, His highness Prince Wales has activated the Magna Carta, and we Knights are obligated to defend Brittanina and judge the next king by blood and merit."
"Indeed master, but for we should head to the village," Fenral stated and turned around. Optimus decided to listen to his familiar and follow him. "Did you get the treasure?"
"Yes, Fenral it is safe. Now we can begin the next phase of the plan."
"And did you punish the King?"
"Of course"
"Just now?"
Optimus snapped his finger. "No comment."
Both master and familiar reached their destination and spent the rest of the week recovering and watch their charge.
Morning in the Tristan Royal palace
Tristan's Royal Palace was situated at the end of Bourdonne Street What the Guildhall to the right and University at the far left. Members of the Mage Guards patrolled the area in front of the Royal Palace gates atop their magical steeds. While common soldiers patrol the streets on a daily route for law and both Mage Knight and Guardsmen have doubled their presence in the city. The rumor that war was looming had begun spreading through the town two or three days ago. It was said that "Reconquista", the aristocrat faction that had conquered Albion, was poised to invade Tristain.
As a result, the mood of the soldiers who guarded the surroundings grew tense. In the skies above the Royal Palace, magical beasts and ships alike were banned from flying, and people who passed the gates were thoroughly checked.
Even tailors, confectionery shop employers, and traders were stopped and inspected thoroughly at the gates to prevent mages disguised through illusion or people under the control of charming magic from getting through.
Luckily tensions were eased a bit due to the rumor of the Reconquista suffering a pyrrhic victory that was known as the Emerald Storm at the battle of Newcastle. So civilians can focus on their daily tasks while the soldier watched the skies.
Due to such circumstances, when a wind dragon appeared in the skies above the Royal Palace, the garrison of Mage Guards grew alarmed.
The Mage Guards were composed of multiple corps. Each dedication to a specific task and represented by a magical beast or a warrior. Those that guard the palace and the Kingdom's skies usually are the three-rider corps, MAnticore, Griffen, and Dragon, and each guarded the Royal Palace, one at a time. While one was on duty, the other two either rested or trained. Today, the Manticore Corps was on duty. Riding atop their manticores, the nobles flew up and headed towards the wind dragon that had appeared above the Royal Palace. There were five figures on the wind dragon's back, as well as a huge mole that was held in between the dragon's claws.
The Mage Guards warned them that this was a prohibited flight zone, yet the wind dragon, ignoring the warning, landed in the palace courtyards.
Atop the dragon was a beautiful blondish pink-haired girl, a tall lady with burning red hair, a blond boy, a small, petite girl with glasses, and a boy with black hair. The boy carried a long sword over his shoulder.
The manticore guardsmen quickly surrounded the wind dragon and drew their rapier-shaped wands, assuming a stance with spells at the ready. A strongly-built, rough-mustached commander bellowed a warning at the suspicious intruders.
"Drop your wands!"
Instantly, the expressions of the intruders grew hostile, but the short blue-haired girl amongst them shook her head.
"Royal Palace."
The party nodded reluctantly and, as ordered, threw their wands on the ground. Only the black-haired boy didn't remove his sword but just lift hands in surrender.
"Flying above the Royal Palace is currently prohibited. Didn't you know that?" The commander asked sternly. He would not have an intruder in the Palace.
A girl with blondish pink hair lightly jumped off the dragon and introduced herself in a firm voice: "I am Duke of La Vallière's third daughter, Louise Françoise, not someone suspicious. I request an audience with Her Highness, the princess."
Saito tried to keep calm but a tick mark grew on his head.
Dammnit, why am I feeling it now?
"Probably because of your sleep, and the fact we are surrounded by magi of their caliber."
Let's just keep quiet and become air. My objective is so close…
"Agreed we had best let the bitch do her job. At times like these one needs an ass to speak with an ass."
The commander twisted his mustache as he watched the girl intently. He knew about the Vallière Duchy. After all, they were a very renowned noble family.
The commander lowered his wand. "You are Duke of La Vallière's third daughter?"
"Indeed." Louise raised herself and stared straight into the commander's eyes.
"I see... you have your mother's eyes. Well, what is your purpose here?"
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you. It's a secret."
"Then I'll have to deny your request. I cannot grant you an audience with her Highness without knowing your purpose. I could lose my head over something like that!" the commander replied worriedly. He knew the Princess might have made a secret mission as royals tend to do, but he would follow protocol to ease his caution.
"It's not like we can reveal our secret either!" yelled Saito as he jumped off the wind dragon. Dammit, I lost Temper!
"We need you to smell that princess stat!"
At Saito's interjection, the commander glanced over at him. He had a young handsome boyish face. Clothes that he had never seen before. A low nose. Pale light-yellow skin. A large sword draped over his shoulders.
Though it wasn't clear what country he was from, one thing was certain – he wasn't a noble.
"What a rude commoner. That's not how a servant should speak to a noble. Stay silent."
Saito narrowed his eyes and turned to Louise. He was nearing his limit without female taste. It was too much for him. True, he wasn't even a servant. He was just a familiar, but it was the commander's disdainful tone that infuriated him. The same disdain of most noble that aroused his lust to kill.
Gripping the handle of Derf over his shoulder, Saito turned to Louise and asked, "Hey, Louise. Can I take care of this guy? He's acting like an idiot."
"Quit boasting. Just because you beat Wardes doesn't mean you can act so arrogantly." Louise retorted in her usual proud tone. "They are just doing their jobs and we are suspicious."
"Wow, I never knew the bitch could grow a brain. Scratch has your brain been expanded?"
"Shut up Idiot! I'll have you know my grades have always been at the top. How dare you call your master a bitch."
"A bitch is a bitch. Even if she's a witch!"
"You!"
Overhearing their conversation and ignoring the comedically insulting banter, the commander's eyes widened. Wardes? Wardes, as in Viscount Wardes, the commander of the Griffin Corps? Defeated? What's the meaning of this?
Shaking away his concern, the commander raised his magic wand again. There one certain truth.
These children were hostiles.
"Who the hell are you people? Regardless, I cannot allow you to see Her Highness." The commander spoke in a stern tone. The situation was quickly getting out of hand. Louise stared at Saito.
"Oh dear," TEST spoke in suppressed mirth. "I should have brought some popcorn."
Not now! Saito stared at Louise with a perplexed look but he knew "W-what?"
"It's because of you and your blabbering that they think we're suspicious!"
"It's all because of that bearded man and his damn attitude!"
"Shut up. You should have just kept your mouth shut!"
"Pot calling the kettle black."
"What does that mean!?"
"This pompous oaf was already suspicious of us since we arrive and you have a secret. We would have either stuck or arrested. The princess will come if we make a racket. Besides, there is one pressing issue here."
"What?"
"I'm bored!"
"You-!"
Watching the strange scene ahead of him, the commander quickly seized the opportunity of the situation. The Mage Guards that had surrounded the party quickly raised their wands.
"Arrest them!"
Nice, mages trying to arrest us.
"Don't lose hope. 3...2..."
Under the commander's order, the mage guardsmen were about to begin their incantations when suddenly…
"1."
A person clad in a purple mantle appeared from the palace gates. Seeing Louise surrounded by the Mage Guards, she frantically ran over.
"Louise!"
Seeing the figure of Henrietta rushing over, Louise's face shined like a rose."Princess!"
While Saito sighed in relief and longing. But he remembered his promise. And his desire. Knowing the whole story, despite being Wales's lover, Henrietta has never experienced men. So despite having a lover, Saito's chances were extraordinarily high.
Note to self, prepare command for a girl on girl threeway.
While Saito calmed himself, the Mage guards watched, the two friends embrace one another in a hug.
"Aah, you came back safely. I'm glad. Louise, Louise Françoise…" Henrietta cried in relief.
"Princess..." Louise's eyes began watering with tears.
"The letter... it is safe," Henrietta asked in concern. Though she missed her friend dearly, she was still a royal who sent her servant to a mission in secret.
Reaching into her breast pocket, Louise gently pulled out the letter. Henrietta nodded and firmly grasped Louise's hands.
"You are my best friend," Henrietta said while she pocketed the letter.
"Your words are too kind, Princess."
However, upon noticing the absence of Wales amid the party, Henrietta's expression grew somber.
"As I thought... Prince Wales sacrificed himself for his kingdom."
Louise closed her eyes and nodded quietly.
"... But what about Viscount Wardes? I don't see him, did he take another route? Or did he... perhaps... fall by the hands of the enemy? But if it was the Viscount, shouldn't..."
Louise's face turned grim. With much difficulty(not), Saito explained to Henrietta. "Wardes was a traitor, Princess."
"Traitor?"
A shadow crept upon Henrietta's face. Then, noticing the intent stares of the Mage Guards around them, Henrietta quickly explained.
"They are my guests, commander."
"I see." Upon hearing this, the commander withdrew his wand, somewhat unwillingly, and told his troops to do the same.
Henrietta turned to Louise again. "What exactly happened on your trip? ... Anyway, let's withdraw to my room before we continue. The rest of you, please get some rest in the other rooms."
Leaving Kirche, Tabitha, and Guiche in the waiting room, Henrietta brought Saito and Louise to her room. It was spacious with enough room to fit 4 families of 8. The walls were cerulean blue with a mother of pearl and white marble sheen. The glass window in the room partially faced the rising sun so enough light to illuminate and brighten the room entered but not overly bright. Saito observed that the Princess's room was surprisingly simple with only some flowers a sculptor and various paintings of scenes of beauty. Especially, the one at the top of the room's fireplace a picture of a gentle scholarly young man with violet and chestnut hair.
Saito observed that this part was the office part seeing as there were bookshelves, the room decor was fancy enough for presentation. He saw Henrietta sitting down on a small and delicate chair, her elbows placed upon a,(what he assumes), black walnut hand-carved desk.
"Please.." Henrietta asked somberly with her hands folded in a pyramid formation. Saito was getting Commander Ikari vibes from her posture.
She's not a princess for nothing.
"And you will have a chance to sample her."
Not now!
While Saito quarreled with TEST, Louise explained the entire situation to Henrietta. From when Kirche and the others joined them en route and when they took a ship to Albion and were subsequently attacked by pirates.
There, they found out that the pirate leader was Crown Prince Wales. But Prince Wales refused to escape, even when he had the chance. They missed the ship because of the wedding with Wardes. Wardes then suddenly showed his true colors in the middle of the wedding...killing Prince Wales after a fearsome dual and snatching the letter from Louise's hands. Which was swiftly regained by Saito defeating Wardes. Finally ending with how the 'Reconquista' had vast ambitions...from uniting all of Halkeginia, to the grand goal of liberating the Holy Lands from the Elves.
However, even with the alliance between Tristain and Germania now secure, Henrietta still mourned.
"That Viscount was a traitor… How can that be? To have a traitor within the midst of the Mage Guards..." Gazing at the letter she wrote to Wales, tears built up and streamed down her cheeks. A sadistic part of Saito wanted to lick those tears and then pleasure her but decided to hold back for Wales.
"Forgive for interjecting Princess," Saito said with some concern, "But doesn't the Kingdom have a lot of foreign spies here?"
"No, you're correct," Henrietta answered. "With the various Guilds, Academy, and University, Tristan has been a trade and place of learning. Spies have walked the lands for generations. I will have to begin an internal investigation on this matter. If I had… then..."
"Princess…" Louise silently held Henrietta's hands. Henrietta clasped them shaking.
"It was I who took away Prince Wales' life. No matter how you look at it, it was I who chose the traitor to be the messenger…"
"The Prince had already planned on staying in his kingdom." Saito shook his head as he said that. "It was not Your Highness's fault."
"Louise, did he, at the very least, read my letter?" Henrietta pleaded sorrowfully.
Louise nodded. "Yes, princess. Prince Wales read Your Highness's letter."
"Then, Prince Wales didn't love me." Henrietta sorrowfully shook her head.
"Then... even after you urged the Prince to escape?" Louise asked in recalling her previous conversation with Prince Wales.
Henrietta nodded whilst gazing at the letter in sorrow.
Louise recalled Wales' words. He kept stubbornly telling her that "Henrietta didn't tell me to escape". It was just as Louise had thought - a lie.
Saito sighed at this outcome. He could never stomach the tragic loss of love, regardless of its beauty.
"Ahh, with your death, there is no longer any hope. What about me, my lost love?" Henrietta muttered softly in her daze. "Was honor more important than I?"
But Saito came to a different conclusion. Wales remained not because he was trying to protect his honor. Rather, Wales remained to not give Henrietta any trouble... and to show the traitors that the royal families of Halkeginia were certainly not to be trifled with. And based on his conversation and Otto, atonement for a past failure, but also a plan to fight back!
"It isn't as you think, Princess. It was because he did not wish to give Tristain any troubles, that he remained in that country. That is how I see it." Saito spoke tiredly after much debate. For now, the princess needed to be comforted.
Henrietta looked up at Saito blankly. "To not give me any trouble?"
"His escape, as the Prince said, would only have given a perfect excuse for traitors to invade," Saito explained after analyzing some bits of Wales' Behavior pattern. Psychology wasn't his forte but with a little guesswork and logic maybe. "Even if Prince Wales didn't flee here, they would still invade here given the chance. But, without a reason to invade, peace can be kept. At the cost of his life, he prevented the rise of war. He said that he would stand and fight to give his subjects and the rest of the Kingdom time to fight back."
And possibly enact his ace in the hole.
"Even then, he still didn't want to give trouble. Surely..." Henrietta, sighing deeply, looked outwards from the window.
Saito's heart and dick ached at the desire to ease her burden. So, he slowly repeated the words he had remembered. "To fight with bravery, to die with courage. That... was what he asked me to say."
Henrietta replied with a cheerless smile. When a princess, as beautiful as a delicate rose, became like this, even the air itself grew heavy. Saito's heart ached at the sight.
Henrietta, resting her elbows on the table beside a beautifully engraved marble statue, questioned sadly. "To fight with bravery, to die with courage. That's your privilege as a man. But what of those who are left behind, what are they supposed to do?"
Saito was struck silent. He had nothing to say. Lowering his head downwards, he awkwardly nudged his shoe against the couch. If he joked it would have made him seem insensitive.
Oh well.
"While his death was tragic, I believe it was also fortunate he is not here," Saito said in an arrogant flippant manner.
Henrietta glared at him with brief anger. "And what makes you say that?"
Good, she is angry with me.
"Because now he won't have fear facing the ire of you, princess," Saito smirked.
Henrietta's eyes widened and before she could retaliate, Louise was on top of Saito beating him, for fifteen minutes. She stopped after her tantrum and apologize for Saito and her failure.
"Princess, please ignore this stupid mutt's… If only I had tried harder to convince Prince Wales..."
"It's all right, Louise". Henrietta said as she stood up and clasped the hand of the muttering Louise. Louise's tantrum helped clear her head and she realized Saito's intention quickly. "You splendidly accomplished your mission by retrieving the letter. You should not have to be worried about anything because I didn't ask you to tell him to escape."
"I am glad to have friends who try to ease my sorrows as best as they can." Henrietta laughed with a smile. "With the obstacle that could have broken the marriage now removed, our country will be able to step into the alliance with Germania safely. In such a situation, Albion will not be able to invade us easily. The crisis has passed, Louise Françoise."
Henrietta said it as cheerfully as possible. Knowing that Louise attacked Saito for harmed her heart and apologized to spare him.
"Princess, here, I return this to you." Louise took out from her pocket the Water Ruby that Henrietta had given her.
Henrietta shook her head. "Please hold on to it. It's the least I can do to express my gratitude."
"I cannot dare to accept such a treasure."
"For such loyalty, an appropriate reward should be bestowed. It is all right, put it on." Henrietta said resolutely. She didn't want to leave Louise empty-handed. That and the Ring reminded her of her power struggle.
Louise nodded and put it on her finger.
Upon seeing this, Saito remembered the ring he had removed from Prince Wales' hands. Taking it from the rear pocket of his pants, he placed it onto Henrietta's hands. "Princess, this, is a keepsake from Prince Wales."
With this, I return some of my debt from Wales.
Accepting the ring, Henrietta gasped in astonishment. "Isn't this the wind ruby? Did you get it from Prince Wales?"
"Yes. In his dying moments, he passed the ring to me; he said to give it to Your Highness." Saito lied to the princess. In truth, Wales was already dead when he pulled it off his finger... but Saito had said it anyway. He had said it like that, believing that it would help heal the ache Henrietta held in her heart, even if just a little.
Sometimes people deserve more than the truth, Sometimes they should have their faith rewarded.
Henrietta put the Wind Ruby on her finger. Because it was for Wales, it was too large for Henrietta's fingers… But when Henrietta muttered the 'decreasing' spell, the ring became narrower and narrower, and soon it fits the finger snugly.
Henrietta lovingly stroked the Wind Ruby. She revaluated her opinion of the young from the true purpose of Saito's previous behavior. She turned towards Saito, giving him a shy sad smile.
"Thank you, the kind familiar."
A sad smile filled with grief, yet also a smile of gratefulness towards Saito. Such was the nobility of the smile that Saito was dumbstruck by its beauty, and could only mumble incoherently.
"That man, he died bravely. Is that right?"
"Yes. It was so."Saito nodded.
"You know what we have to do?" TEST said.
I know.
"To achieve Harem..."
Yes…
"We Must Protect their Smiles!"
Henrietta, whilst staring at the shining Wind Ruby, declared softly. "Then I… I will live bravely as well."
Henrietta's room
After that, Saito and Louise left. Henrietta promised to reward them later on when she was done with their duties. So, she asked them to leave and return to the Academy.
Now the only thing left in this room was herself and her thoughts.
"You can come out now," Henrietta said as she looked at the portrait of the 81st Tyrant King "Alchemist Quicksilver". She saw not only that her familiar appear as if out of thin air but the portrait of the Quicksilver returned to its true image.
At first, Saito and Louise saw a portrait of a scholarly young man in his late 20s with chestnut violet hair and kind cerulean eyes in a scene of nature and study wearing immaculate sage robes and a golden crown. But to Henrietta, he looked like a wrinkled husk of a man, slightly hunch with a red flask in one hand and a large tome in the other. The robes were also changed into blended shadows. Finally, his face was covered with both a long beard of silver hair and a 7 spiked menacing(Sauron) helmet with three rubies embedded on the three more prominent spikes.
"You know you did not have to hide from them," Henrietta said with a smile. "Besides they would not have noticed him even with your camouflage."
"I merely wanted to see the caliber of those you have faith in," Edgar commented dismissively. "While that brat may lack the skill, she made up for it in loyalty. This is bad."
"Oh, How So?" Henrietta was perplexed. Edgar has often sharp-tongued and cruel, but he was wise and loyal and a beast of reason. If he called loyalty bad it had to have a reason.
"She will be loyal as long she doesn't learn anymore and feel betrayed," Edgar explained looking straight at its master. "It's too late to prevent the inevitable."
"What you did see?" Henrietta asked fearful of Edgar's answer. It was said that Ratatoskr the more insulting it is, the wiser and more prophetic their predictions.
People don't believe in such nonsense. But Henrietta was witness to the contrary.
Her father's death.
Her ascension to victory.
… And more recently… Wales' death…
"Despite your best intentions, you are still consumed with vengeance," Edgar explained sadly. "If you see an opportunity, you will use everyone t your disposal. Her loyalty, Your Kingdom. Even your love for that boy next to her."
"You're mistaken, Edgar," Henrietta argued back. "I am in love with Wales and he is dead. How can love another? Especially someone who could be Louise's lover."
"Love is immortal. It may die. It may fade with time. But it will be there again and again. And you are a young, beautiful, virgin girl in grieving. So I have one piece of advice for you Walnut."
Henrietta nodded for him to continue.
"Be careful."
"I'll try..."
Enroute to Tristan Academy
On the flight from the Royal Palace to the Academy of Magic, Louise remained silent. No matter how much Kirche asked Louise and Saito what was contained in the contents of the letter Wales had written, the two kept their lips sealed.
"Oi, c'mon, won't you at least tell me what the mission was? And the fact that the Viscount was a traitor, it's all so shocking." Kirche looked at Saito with a feverish glance. "But darling fought him, right?"
Saito, having glimpsed Louise's face, figured he should give her a bone as he nodded.
"Y-yes. But he escaped…"
"Still, that's quite an achievement! Hey, what was that mission exactly?"
Saito lowered his head. Louise was even more silent, and neither spoke.
Kirche puckered up her brows and turned to Guiche. "Hey, Guiche!"
"What?" With an artificial rose in his mouth, Guiche, who was spacing out, turned around.
"Do you know what was in the letter Princess Henrietta sent us to retrieve?" Kirche asked wanting for bread crumbs
Guiche closed his eyes before saying: "I do not know well. Only Louise knows."
"Louise the Zero! Why don't you tell me?! Hey, Tabitha! What do you think? Well, I think that I am being treated like an idiot!" Kirche shook Tabitha, who was reading a book. As she was being shaken, her head followed suit and shook as well.
Because of all the shaking by Kirche, the wind dragon lost balance and suddenly slowed down. Guiche, who was sitting on its back, lost his balance and fell. "Gyaaaaaa!" he screamed as he fell, but since it was Guiche, no one noticed. Mid-way, he pulled out his wand, and using "Levitation", floated down slowly, avoiding near-death.
Damnit Kirche! Don't attack the one driving! Guiche complained in his thoughts.
Louise lost her balance as well, but Saito softly reached out and held her waist with his hand, supporting her body. Seeing the hand on her waist, Lousie blushed. This morning, when running away from Albion, Saito kissed me. That time I was pretending to be asleep.
But why? Why was I pretending to be asleep? And what was that dream? Growing wings and a tail. D-do t-those t-things with Saito.
It might be love… However, I do not want to admit this thought, because Saito is my familiar; moreover, he is not noble.
Loving a person who was not a noble was hard to even imagine. "Nobles and commoners are different kinds of people"… As Louise grew up with such beliefs, her uneasiness turned into puzzlement. But she couldn't deny nor resist how tantalizing loving Saito could be. Anyway, whether these feelings were true or not was a matter of importance right then.
In the end, having felt Saito's hand move around her waist, Louise shouted in an angry voice: "T-to be so bold, I'm going to get angry!"
"You looked like you were going to fall over. Like Guiche." Saito replied, his face blushing as well. Smelling Henrietta had awakened his carnal instinct and TEST yelled flag when he grabbed Louise.
"It's all right, even if Guiche falls - it's just Guiche," stated Louise, still bewildered from before.
"That's true, even if he falls he will be all right. It would be troublesome if you fell though since you can't use magic." Saito stated. For now.
"You're just a familiar and you dare insult your master?" Louise drew a sharp breath and quickly averted her gaze. However, she didn't seem angry.
"I'm only stating the facts," Saito said logically. "As you are now, you can't move to your feelings without understanding a certain aspect of yourself. Your Affinity being one of them."
"You are being too daring. Hmph."
"Only when I talk to idiots."
Though Louise grumbled and complained, she didn't try to shake off Saito's hand. On the contrary, she leaned closer, snuggling against him. Yet, her face remained averted. Saito stole a glance at Louise's face.
Her white cheeks were faintly dyed with pink and she was slightly biting her lower lip. Although Henrietta was beautiful... Louise was also incredibly cute, he thought. The hand on her waist pressed closer. And he felt how her waist and thighs pressed further into his body.
Fuck! She is a pain. Stong Tsun but weak Dere, really I should just give up on her.
"You have to admit despite being rather underdeveloped she is quite soft."
Hey, this is my blowup doll, not yours.
It was just when this, and Saito's inner monologue, was happening that Kirche spun around and muttered softly. "Since when did you become like this, you two?"
Louise, suddenly realizing how things looked, blushed a furious red and sent the daydreaming Saito flying with a shove. "Nothing happened! You idiot!"
Saito's scream trailed behind as he fell, but before he smashed into the ground, Tabitha, who was reading a book, dully swung her hand and put a 'Levitation' spell on Saito. Saito lied on his back waiting to land while thinking of what happened
Tabitha is an angel. We should do some kitten play once we get back.
"And punish Louis for kicking us out."
Later, for now, we have an idiot coming here.
Saito landed gently onto the plains on his back and saw Guiche, who had fallen before, walking on the grassy plain along the road with a bitter face.
Then Guiche stopped and addressed Saito in his usual snobbish manner. "You fell too, right?"
"I was pushed off," Saito answered in a tired voice.
"T-they're not coming back, are they?"
Saito looked up into the sky. In the blue sky, the wind dragon quickly disappeared over the horizon. "…It looks like it."
"Well, let's walk then. Sigh, it'll take half a day on foot." With a depressed look on his face, Guiche started to walk. Saito was not sure why, but somehow, he felt more impressed by Guiche.
"By the way, you… that… well… There's something I wanted to ask you. Please tell me." Guiche mumbled to Saito as he fiddled with his artificial rose.
"Huh?" Saito arched his eyebrow at Guiche's question.
"Did Her Highness... well... have anything to say about me? Is it true that she'll reward me after the mission, with the letter where the promised secret date is?"
For a moment, Saito felt pity for Guiche. Henrietta hadn't even mentioned the letter "G" from Guiche's name in their conversation. And she never will once he's done developing her.
"Let's go." Saito, pretending he hadn't heard anything, began quickening his pace. He decides to subtle alter the gravity around the two of them to enhance their workout. Guiche chased after him from behind.
"Well, is the rumor true?" Guiche barely noticing the 10-time Gravity strain on his body. By Saito calculator Guiche will have sore muscle everywhere for a week but will have a body of similar build, but with stronger muscles.
"Come on, walk. It's good for your health." Saito orders and quicked the pace. Better to make times 12.
"Wha-at, y-you, Her Highness, I..."
Under the warmth of the sun, the two kept on walking and running towards the Academy of Magic.
The rider should be back here in a few days. And finally, the first port can be tested.
In the Village.
Optimus woke from his dream in his bed at noon. It had been a few days since he came back to this small, humble village.
Normally, it would take days to reach here from the capital, but because he knew a few tricks, the time was halved by hours. After completing his objective he decided to stay at the village to lay low and recover until his comrades called for him. He decided to make a simple breakfast for the day and contemplated his next course of action while had time.
He could stay here for a while and recover his willpower. Using that technique at that scale would require him to rest up. However, he would not want to burden or make his presence known to his King. She is still not ready and her destiny has not arrived yet.
Going back to Tristan was an option. Alistair might need more help mobilizing the Tyrant Kingdom Military, Academy, University, Guilds to provide support for the Reconquista assault. And maybe visit his love there. No, Tristan will high alert, and the spies there might be tripped up by his presence and alert the enemy of their plan. It will take a while before he may see her again, but he was confident she will live, even with her body like that.
Going to the other Nations is out of the question. Germania is preparing their farce of a wedding alliance with Tristan and there's nothing at the moment he could do there.
Gallia is also not an option. The Incompetent King's eyes are everywhere. And not only does he have that witch by his side, but her presence is here in his Britania. He can't let her and her ilk have a better foothold here as she pleased. Plus, the memories warned him that even in this modern world the Paladins are still here, guarding, watching, waiting in their duty to protect their Gallia.
He'd have to be an idiot, a blood knight, or worse to provoke them of all people.
He really shouldn't go to Romalia. His family is willing to still help him, but he would rather keep them away from this madness, Founder willing. The Pope must not get involved in Britania's internal affairs.
So, the only option would be to wait and see.
Optimus set the table and began eating his bacon, sausages, over easy honey eggs, with some toast, butter jam, and a large wooden cup of milk and Neptys brew. He enjoyed the simple and nourishing taste of his cooking. He was also thankful that the Ki, not the Princess kept his stores properly stocked and fresh all this time. Even if she had to use them to feed the other orphans. It was in his opinion a more appropriate deed for the food to feed those poor children.
He had such thoughts as he ate and took out the augur crystal. An ancient round crystal ball with sapphires and emerald inside it and wrapped in a network of bronze and silver. Imbuing magic into it and activating the code word. "Naudha."
The orb sparkled And Optimus felt the sensation of the image projected into his mind appear.
Newcastle is in ruins. There was nothing left of the once great castle but rubble. But the damage was not contained in the castle. Its city surround was also in ruins. Burnt and destroyed houses replaced with debris and emerald gold fires burning around the blast zone and spreading.
Normally such a sight devastated him. But the knowledge that the civilians were safe and the only casualties were from the rebel was a comfort. He then focused and looked at where Cromwell was.
Jeremiah is safe. His cover has not been compromised. But does he have to choose such a low-level position to spy?
Content with watching his friend's safety, he was about to release the spell when he saw what he would describe as horrifically hilarious.
"Founder's lion, what the hell are they doing!?"
END Chapter.
Well, forgive me for leaving of on a cliff-hanger, but I wanted to keep you on your toes for a bit. But I'll give you a spoiler: I am cultivating and fermenting hatred and grudge. I favorite fanfic out of interest and don't know how to unfavorite. So their are some that I grew to dislike but kept for reference and give a template of what I don't want my story to be. As I have said on my page, one of the characters I hate is cynical a-holes who let their pain consume them, treat others like crap, and adhere to misguided social Darwinism or fundamentalist thinking. It's one of the reasons why I stopped reading Wordmaster, Shield Hero, and Afureita. But honestly, Wordmaster was because he sounded and is an arrogant dense jerk. I admire is intellect and kindness, but like I said, I gotta like the guy. This is why some of my love scenes seem weak. I have to like them in order to grant paradise and hate them to grant perdition. I like Orc harem and Sudouki, and Mushoku because they were smart, fun, and knew to get the girls. plus I bore easily when only given the bad without a decent amount of good. I try to leave bread crumbs for my viewer as a form of guessing game. I am preparing something special for Reconquista so it might come in the summer. Maybe then my writers block can be over when my work/schooling is done.
Now I am going to ask a small guess on what fanfic I dislike despite keeping it and reading, but lost interest and disgusted at the atmosphere despite the superb writing. First is that it's an RWBY fic and the second is that it mistreats Jaune Arc in the span of its chapters. Plus it breaks tradition. Happy hunting.