Now that Tabitha was gone, the group walked back inside with the exception of Saito, Louise and Kirche. "I didn't realize how close you two had become," said the redhead. "Yeah," Saito replied. "I think next to Siesta, she was the first human friend I made here." "Well I'm glad she met you," Kirche went on. "You helped her come out of her shell more than I'd ever seen anyone accomplish." "I wouldn't say that," Saito said. "Sure, we might've had similar backgrounds, but you knew her the longest, and you always had her back. If anyone helped Tabitha come into her own, it was you."
Kirche smiled at this, "Thanks, Saito. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find Jean. I think he owes me a dance!" And she skipped back inside, making Saito and Louise chuckle. She turned to the boy, "Are you coming back inside?" "Yeah, just gimme a sec-" he stops as he hears a familiar tune. Louise immediately recognized it, "This song, it's the same one from the banquet!" Saito smiled, "I thought it sounded familiar..." Louise extended her hand, "How about a dance for old time's sake?" Saito took it, eyebrow raised, "This because nobody's watching?" "Idiot, I don't care about all that anymore," Louise teased.
The two swayed back and fourth by the tree, Saito even spun her around once. "Your dancing has improved since then," she said. Saito twirled her around, "I had a good teacher. Siesta learned from her cousin, who did a lot of shows for her dad." "I suppose that makes sense," Louise replied. "How are you doing, by the way? I see it's a little easier for you to talk about her..."
Saito gave a sad smile, "Yeah, I don't think that pain's ever gonna leave me. But I feel like now I can start to move forward." "How do you plan on doing that?" She asked. "Well, she and I talked about getting a house off the Academy grounds once we saved a bit of money. As a Knight, I've enough put away for something small. Only thing is, I'm not sure where to look."
Louise brightened up, "There's usually a listing in town of available property. If you'd like, I can help you look!" The boy looked at her curiously, "You know anything about houses?" "A little, I've always had plans for my own one day. And maybe by helping you, I can put what I've learned to use!" She replied with spirit.
Saito smiled, "Alright then, sounds like a plan." The music ended and the two stayed together a moment. "I'm really glad you summoned me to this world," he said. "I've seen magic, became a Knight, found love, and gained a lifelong friend." Louise blushed, "So, you really don't want to go back to your world anymore?" Saito shook his head, "Maybe one last time to see my mother, to let her know I'm alright."
Louise hugged the boy, "I'm glad I summoned you too." They separated, "Come on, let's go back inside." But as the pair walked back to the door, Agnés appeared on horseback. "I was looking for you two. Queen Henrietta has summoned you, please follow me to the palace."
Within an hour, the pair was having a meal with Henrietta in her private chambers. "I deeply apologize for what happened in Romalia, you shouldn't have needed to risk your lives," she said. "No, it wasn't your fault," Louise assured. "This isn't a formal apology, rather I wish to express my gratitude," said Henrietta. "That reminds me, I heard a report from Gallia. Tabitha is to be formally coronated within the month."
"That so?" Said Saito, raising an eyebrow. "Indeed," she continued. "Officially, her name will be Queen Charlotte." "I'm sure she'll be a wonderful Queen," said Louise. "Oh? It seems you both already knew about her decision?" Henrietta said with surprise. "She was at the Academy banquet earlier," Louise replied. "I think it was her way of saying goodbye."
Henrietta smiled and nodded, "I see. Well then, shall I get to business?" She looked to a puzzled Saito, "In reality, I should be granting you some form of reward, befitting your title of Chevalier. But with Tristain as it is now..." "It's ok, I don't really need anything," he replied.
"Still, I feel amiss with this current debt," Henrietta continued. "Thus, although a bit measly, I will apportion you part of my territory." "T-territory!?" Louise gasped. "Territory?" Asked Saito. Louise turned to the boy, "B-being appointed territory means you'll be king of that land! You'll be made a Feudal Lord!!" Saito's eyes widened, "A Lord!? Me??"
"It's to the west of Tristain, called De Ornielle," Henrietta explained. "I do hope you'll like it!" "Your Majesty, this is far too generous," protested Louise. "Please, I have already formally made you my equal. If I don't at least do this for Saito, my heart will ache," said the Queen. Louise was a little taken aback. Saito was still processing his new position, but he knew Henrietta was sincere in her gesture. The boy at her, and smiled. "I'm sure I'll love it," he said.