It took the entire day to make the journey into the former Orléans territory within Gallia Kingdom. By nightfall, the group had come upon a tavern to take a quick break. They were lucky, as several soldiers stationed in the area had come in for a drink. Kirche decided to handle the gathering of information personally, and the rest sat at a table, watching her woo a couple of drunken men.

"That Kirche," said Saito in admiration. "She's got them wrapped around her finger. No question about it, she knows how the minds of men work." "It's a talent she's always had," put in Louise. After a bit, Kirche came back to the castle with news. "Al Hambra Castle," she said. "That's where Tabitha's mother was taken. Tabitha herself is likely there too." "Al Hambra, that's on the eastern edge of Gallia, right?" Asked Louise. "It looks like we'll have to go over the mountains again," said Guiche with resignation. "We'll cross however many mountains we need," Saito said. "We will save Tabitha!"


Traveling through the night, they made it to the castle town by morning. Each member took turns resting in twos inside the wagon. All except for Saito, who insisted on walking. The group was exhausted and went to an Inn to make a plan. As it happened, Guiche was the one who came up with it. "The gift of these costumes was quite fortuitous," he said. "If we go in under the guise of a traveling carnival, we can use it distract the soldiers holding Tabitha captive. I'd say the best way would be to put them into a trance, maybe a sleeping potion. If we can mix it with alcohol and persuade them to drink, it should take care of a good number of them, at least for a while."

"Based on Malicone's telegnosis spell, there's about a hundred guards stationed here," said Kirche. "If we consider the safety of Tabitha and her mother first, this is probably the best way to do it." "So I'll have to make as many sleeping potions as possible, right?" Asked Mon-Mon. "I'll go buy a crate of alcohol and you can spike it with your potion," added Guiche. "But how do we get a hundred people to drink at once?" Saito pondered. "Oh don't you worry, Saito darling," winked Kirche. "I have an idea for that. Come one in!"

The door from the hall opened, and Illococoo and Tabitha entered wearing full dancing regalia. The sight was very appealing to the boys, even Saito couldn't help but blush at the sight. "We'll dance in these, charm everyone and have them drink!" Kirche continued. "What do you think?" "Great!! Magnificent!!!!" Yelled Guiche and Malicone. Saito simply smiled sheepishly at the two. "Well if they're any indication, I think it'll work," said Mon-Mon.

"Alright then, we'll do this tonight." Saito stood up. "Tiffa, Illococoo, help Mon-Mon with the potions. Malicone, keep scouting the castle. Guiche, you get the booze. And Kirche, you, Louise, Tiffa and I will spread word about the show tonight." Everyone split up to start their jobs, but Saito was held up before he could leave the room. "Hold on," said Louise, a bit concerned. "You've been running yourself ragged for the past week. And that long hike hasn't helped you either." "What're you talking about? I feel fine!" Saito insisted. Louise dragged him to the mirror, "Just look at yourself! I'll bet you didn't slept at all last night, did you!?"

Saito's reflection wasn't pretty. He had bags under his eyes, his body was stiff and sore, and his expression showed a person on the verge of collapse. "Louise, the mission comes first, then I'll rest," he said irritability, brushing her hand off. "And if you're not properly rested, what good will you be then!?" She exclaimed. "I can't sleep!" He yelled in anger. "You think I haven't tried!? I don't think I've had a full night's sleep in weeks!! Not since Siesta-" Kirche came over, putting a hand on his shoulder and looking him in the eyes.

"Saito, I understand how you're feeling," she said. "I feel similarly over Tabitha. But if you're not at your best, the the plan won't work." "But-" "Rest here for the day," Kirche continued, pushing him back onto the bed. "It's thanks to you we've made it this close to Tabitha. Let us shoulder the burden for a while." She stood back up and smiled gently. "Tiffa and I will inform the public about the show. Louise, you should stay here and watch over Saito."

"Huh? But why me? Saito's more than capable of taking care of himself, I should be out there working with you guys!" Louise said. "Well he is your Familiar after all," Kirche continued. "Who better to care for him then his Master?" "Why must you be nasty at a time like this?" Louise asked in irritation. "I know you don't like me, but-" "Louise, I'm acknowledging you," said Kirche gently. This took the mage by surprise. "I didn't want to say this in front of everyone else, but we really have no clue what we're up against. They all know it, so we're counting on you both. You, with your legendary power, and Saito the Gandálfr."

Louise gasps, "You know about the Void!?" Kirche smiled, "Jean explained everything to me while he was in hiding." She took Louise's hands, "I apologize for the discourtesy of my ancestors. Please lend us your power." "H-hey, stop with this ancestor thing and whatnot! It's weird!" Said Louise, embarrassed. "Besides, I'm no longer a Noble... I'm just, Louise the Zero." "Oh Louise, you're such a..." She pulls the girl into a hug.

"When all of this is over, come visit Germania," Kirche said. "If nothing else, I'd be happy to hire you as my maid!" "Don't joke with me!" Said Louise, getting angry. "Aw, but I think you'd be perfect as one!" She said cheerfully. "Don't you agree, Sai-" The Fire Mage stopped as she sees Saito finally asleep on the bed. "Take care of him, Louise," she said, smiling gently. "He's been through a lot and will need your strength now more than ever." Louise is quiet for a moment, before nodding firmly. "Just leave it to me!"

"Hey! Will you two noisy women keep it down!?" Derf hissed, poking out of his sheath. "Partner's trying to sleep! And your yammering will wake him up!" The girl's eyes widened and they covered their mouths simultaneously. "See, now look what you've done!" Kirche scolded quietly. "You nearly woke Saito!!" "Oh shut up, stupid Kirche!!!"


It was several hours before Saito woke up again. He stirred at the sound of shuffling feet on the wooden floor. "See, I'm so cute! I won't lose to the dragon or the boob monster!" A voice muttered. Opening an eye slightly, he saw Louise. She was wearing one a dancer's outfits and posing in front of the mirror. Saito's eyes shot open at the sight, "Um, hi?" Louise's eyes widened and she attempted to cover up. "Oh! Uh, hello S-Saito!" Louise replied, blushing fiercely. "Um, how much of all that did you see?"

"Enough to wake me up," he grinned, stretching his arms. "What's with the outfit?" "I-I decided to dance with the others! I don't wanna be treated specially," she exclaimed. "Oh, I see," Saito said. "Well, uh... you look nice." Louise gasped quietly and turned to him, "You... really think so?" Saito smiled, "Sure you do! I bet you'll drive the guys nuts!" Louise blushed again, "Thanks Saito."

There was a moment of silence between the two, before Louise spoke again. "I know things have been hard. Especially after Siesta..." her eyes lowered. "It wasn't your fault, don't blame yourself," he replied, the mood becoming more somber. "Why not? I'm sure there's others who do, especially amongst the Academy staff," said Louise. Saito shook his head, "I talked to Martel already. He said as far as the kitchen Staff is concerned, Siesta's blood is on Sheffield's hands, not yours."

"But what about you?" Louise asked nervously. "You can't honestly say you don't resent me over what happened..." Saito pondered these words for a moment. "I won't lie, the days after she died, I was in a bad place I still am..." Louise's face tilted downward, "I see..." "But I honestly don't believe it was your fault," he continued. "I've been able to process things a bit better, honestly, because of this whole business with Tabitha. I think part of me really needs something to focus on before I completely fall apart." Saito's eyes started to water up. "Siesta... I miss her so much..."

Louise started to sniff, tears coming to her eyes, "I'm so sorry Saito!!" She rushed forward and hugged him, crying into the boy's chest. Saito was at first taken aback, but accepted it and hugged back. "I just said it's not your fault, dummy," he teased as tears start to run down his own face. "Sheffield was the one who came after you, everything that's happened is on her. And I will get her." Louise backed off slightly, her arms still around Saito's torso. "And I'll be right there with you," she said with determination. "When we work together, no enemy can defeat us!!" Saito smiled, "Yeah, there's no arguing that."

Suddenly, the door opened and Guiche walked in. "Saito, you awake? It's nearly time fo-" He stops as he sees the two hugging. "Um, I'm interrupting something, aren't I?" The pair immediately freeze up and Louise's expression became horrified at the realization of how it looked. "N-no, nothing like that," Saito replied, smiling sheepishly. "The two of us were just working through something." "Well I hope it's out of your systems," Guiche sent on. "It's nearly time. We've got use of a stage and it seems like every guard has come to watch." Saito turned to Louise, "You ready for this?" Her face brightened up, "Of course!" "Then let's put on a show!"