Saito, Louise and Tabitha knelt before Queen Henrietta in the throne room. Kneeling behind them was the rest of the traveling group and remaining members of the former Undine Knights. Also in attendance and watching from the side were Julio, the Headmaster, and several members of the Musketeers. "Your Highness, we have returned from Gallia," said Louise. "We humbly apologize for any worry or inconvenience we have caused you."
"I'm glad to see you all unharmed," Henrietta replied, looking formal with several Musketeers by her side. "Now then, I have many things to say on the matter. First and fore-mostly, Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Valliére. You willingly forsook your status as Noble in order to partake in a dangerous mission..."
The pink haired mage stood up, a bit nervous. She was surprised to see Henrietta approach her with a bright purple cloak. There was an insignia printed on it. "That's... a Royal mantle..." The Queen gently put it around the girl, "This signifies that you are now my sister, second in line to the Throne," she smiled gently. "As a Void Mage, please continue to work hard for Tristain." "My Queen..." Louise was at a loss for words.
"How about that?" Saito said quietly, smiling at the touching scene. "And you, Saito Hiraga," Henrietta approached him with his old Chevalier's cloak. "I return to you the mantle of Chevalier. I only ask that you don't let go of it again." Saito grinned sheepishly, "I'll keep that in mind." Finally, she turned to the kneeling Tabitha. "Tabitha, or rather, Princess Charlotte." She knelt down in front of the girl. "Please allow me to say, welcome to Tristain!" With that statement, everyone broke out into cheers.
A small party had broken out within the Castle, and Mr. Colbert invited everyone to come aboard the Ostland to celebrate the group's safe return. Saito himself was given a personal tour by the instructor. "Saito, do you know the origin of the name for this ship?" He had asked, to which the boy shook his head. "Ostland, meaning 'the East'. I named it in the hopes of one day traveling to the far Eastern area with you. The reason I was able to build this ship was because of you." Saito blushed slightly, "Oh come on, this isn't all on me! You guys had the tools and the technology already."
"Perhaps, but it was never fully understood until you came along," said Mr. Colbert. "There's so much more I'd like to show you." "Lead the way then," Saito replied with a smile. The two walked around the ship, Mr. Colbert explaining how it ran on steam and was capable of long distance flights in short periods of time. Finally, they were back at the front, or bow, of the ship. "I gave a similar tour to Her Majesty and several teachers when I first arrived back," he said. "I had planned on having you join, but in light of what had happened... I figured you could use a little space."
Saito nodded, saying nothing in response. "But I'm glad to see you somewhat happy again," Mr. Colbert said. "Tabitha's back safe and sound. The mission was a success, and nobody was hurt. And to top it off, I get to catch up with you." Saito turned and smiled. "I'm really glad to have you back, Mr. Colbert. I missed not being able to talk with you. Wish I could say the Zero Fighter was in as good shape as you are..." "Don't worry about it," he chuckled. "I heard all about your circumstances, and it couldn't be helped." "Speaking of, I noticed Agnés was actually with you when you came to meet us," Saito noted. "What's up with that? I figured she wouldn't want to be anywhere near you once she figured out you were alive..."
Mr. Colbert turned around, seeing the Musketeer in question speaking with one of her subordinates by a table. "She didn't, at first. When we both learned of the potential danger you might've been in, Henrietta dispatched us to meet you together. She wasn't happy, to be sure..." Agnés looked over, nodding cooly before walking away. "However, we've come to a sort of understanding. We'll likely never be friends, but we can at least end the cycle of hatred."
"I see," Saito replied simply. "To an extent, I came to understand her point of view." Mr. Colbert looked worryingly at the boy, "Is... that so?" "I'll never forgive what Sheffield did to Siesta, or to Tabitha for that matter. I want to see her dead," he said bitterly. "But I've also seen how powerful she is, and if she's teamed up with King Joseph, then this isn't a fight I can win alone. And if I want help from the Castle, then I'll have to play by their rules." "A wise decision," the instructor sighed with relief.
"So for now, I'll do what Henrietta asks," Saito said. "No more going rogue. I'm sure it'd give her and Louise less of a headache." "I appreciate the sentiment," said a voice. The pair turned to see Henrietta approach. "Your Majesty!" Mr. Colbert bowed slightly. "Your ship is truly a wonder, it almost seems bigger than the last time I was on board!" "I'm humbled by your praise, Lady Henrietta," he said.
Just then, Kirche came over, wrapping her arms around the instructor. "Isn't it simply wonderful??" She asked, "With Jean's brain and my resources, this magnificent craft is a true product of our love!" Mr. Colbert smiled sheepishly, "Ms. Zerbst, I've told you, I'm your teacher." "How many times must I say it?" Kirche moaned, nuzzling her head into his chest. "It doesn't matter when there's love..." "This sort of behavior is hardly appropriate, I'm much too old for you anyhow," he half-heartedly insisted. "Oh come now," Kirche replied, looking into his eyes. "There's Noblewomen younger than me who marry Noblemen older than you, and nobody bats an eye!" "But still-"
Saito and Henrietta turn to each other, smiling in amusement at the situation Mr. Colbert found himself in. "I think we'd better let these two sort things out," Henrietta said. Saito nodded in agreement, "I'm right behind you." The two walked away as Kirche further attempted to sink her proverbial claws into the hapless Mr. Colbert. "So where to?" Asked Saito, hands behind his head. "I think Louise and Julio are on the other side of the ship." "Actually, If it's alright, I'd like a word in private," said the Queen. "Can we take a walk?" She indicated the ladder down off the machine. "Um, ok," said the boy, a little confused.
