Hello, Hirem here. Merry Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since the last chapter but I have good news, bad news, worst news and Horible news. Get the fairly odd reference? Godd news is I have my first Beta reader. Darklord331 was generous enough to provide correction toward this draft so if it seem different you can thank and check out their stuff. Bd news I That it will take longer due to the extra screening but hopefully there is less errors. Now the worse new. Life can get in the way whether school, work, family or other personal reasons, know that the reason for chapter delay is always life. But we a live it so we should be patient not act like Volume 6 RWBY. HOrrible news is writers block or I can't decide on a new story idea and what else to write. I thank those with great patience and apologize to those lacking it.
Familiar of Zero is not mine. but the work of the late great Yamaguchii Noboru. Any other names from anime and pop culture are here for gags, rule of cool and plot. This is Fanfiction. For entertainment and thought. Trolls and bashers are unacceptable. Constructive criticism is encouraged.
With all that said...
BEGIN!
Newcastle ruins
Once known as a great stronghold, the Fortress of Newcastle was now a tragic ruin. Though it had withstood the onslaught, it had become a disastrous scene.
The castle walls, bombarded by spells and cannon fire, had turned into a pile of rubble, and corpses burnt beyond recognition littered the ground.
But most of the damage wasn't caused by the invading army.
But instead by the Emerald Storm. The name of a cataclysmic explosion destroyed the entire capital city. But it also obliterated ⅓ of the rebel army.
Many rumors were circulating about the cause of the explosion. A natural phenomenon? An Enemy's last stand? A trap?
Regardless, The siege was a success for the rebellion, if a pyrrhic one.
No, since Albion had lost its king, 'Reconquista' was the new government in Albion - had suffered unimaginable damage. For every three hundred royal army soldiers, two thousand rebels died. Combined with the Emerald Storm, another 3,000 lost their lives. And with an additional four thousand wounded. It was hard to call the battle a victory, given these statistics.
Because the fortress was located near a Boundary Gate on a cliff, it was possible to attack it only from one direction. Before the 'Reconquista' forces managed to get past the guards, they were repeatedly shot with magic and cannon fire and received massive casualties.
However, they won through their sheer force of numbers. Once behind the castle walls, the king's defense was fragile. The king's army's mages were left to guard against the soldiers. But the mages' numbers were incomparable to the 'Reconquista' soldiers; they gradually fell, one by one, until they either fell to the enemy or the Storm.
Though the damage dealt toward the enemy was great, the price was annihilating the king's army. It was literal annihilation because the royalists had fought up to the last soldier.
In other words, the final decisive battle of the civil war in Albion was the siege of Newcastle's fortress, where the royalists were outnumbered 100 to 1 and inflicted damage worth ten such armies had become a legend.
Along with the Emerald Storm Requiem.
Two days after the civil war had ended, a tall aristocrat was inspecting the old battlefield in Albion under the blazing sun and between the corpses and pebbles. The man's hat was pushed to the side, and he was dressed in unusual attire: the uniform of Tristain's Royal Mage Guard.
It was Wardes. While he looked no less popper, one would notice his pale complexion and exhausted look if one observed carefully. A female mage with a hood over her eyes stood next to him.
It was Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt. She had escaped to Albion onboard the ship from La Rochelle. Last night, she had joined Wardes at a bar in Londinium, the capital of Albion, and far from the destruction, where she had followed him to Newcastle's battlefield.
Around them, 'Reconquista' soldiers were diligently scouring for riches. A loud cheer came from the treasury nearby: it seems a band had found some gold coins.
A pike-wielding mercenary was turning corpses over, sorting from treasure to rubbish. When he found a magic wand, he cried out in joy.
Fouquet, who was watching the scene disapprovingly, clicked her tongue in disgust.
Noticing Fouquet's expression, Wardes laughed coldly. "What's wrong, Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt? Aren't these men who are hunting for treasure your colleagues? Robbing nobles of their treasures as part of your job, wasn't it?"
"Do not compare me with them," Fouquet answered harshly while looking at the scene with disgust and subtle sorrow. "I have no interest in the riches of the dead."
"A thief with a thief's ethics." Wardes laughed.
"I'm not interested in that. I only steal valuable treasures because I love to see the frantic expressions of the nobles. But these guys…" Fouquet looked at the corpse of a royalist mage guardian with the corner of her eye. She couldn't help recalling the memories of when she, her friend, and their King lost everything.
"All right, all right, don't be mad. I guess Albion's royal nobles are your enemies. Haven't you, under the name of the royal family, disgraced your own family?"
Hearing Wardes' exaggerated words, Fouquet, regaining her composure, coldly said with a nod. "Oh well. Accidents happen."
And then Wardes turned. The lower part of his left arm had been severed off. The uniform's sleeve was loosely fluttering in the wind.
"It looks like it was a harsh battle for you too," Fouquet commented after seeing his state.
Wardes replied in an unchanging tone. "An arm in exchange for Wales' life, I think, is a rather cheap trade."
"He must be something, that 'Gandálfr,' to be able to so swiftly cut off the arm of a Square-Class Wind mage such as yourself," Fouquet commented casually.
"Because he was a commoner, I just got careless." Wardes retorted crisply.
"Don't put it like that. That boy even destroyed my golem. However, nothing within this castle could have survived."
When Fouquet said so, Wardes smiled coldly. "He is Gandálfr, after all. The corps that attacked the castle didn't report to have fought against such a person. Perhaps, during our fight, he had expended all his energy and was confused as a commoner. Probably, the soldier who killed Gandálfr didn't even notice that he was the legendary familiar."
Fouquet, not convinced, snorted. An image of Saito, a strange-looking boy, floated in her mind. Could he die so quickly? That pervert principal and the Tower masters were always on eggshells with him.
Shaking the thought of her previous job, Fouquet decided to ask the main question. "And where is that letter?"
"Somewhere around here." Wardes pointed to the ground with the cane. That place, two days ago, had been the chapel, the place where Wardes and Louise tried to hold the wedding, the place where Wales lost his life.
However, now it was just a pile of rubble.
"Hmm, that La Vallière lass… your former fiancé, the letter was in her pocket? Fouquet asked as she helped investigate the area while they both moved the debris.
"Correct."
"You let her die? You didn't love her?"
"Loved, loved not, I've already forgotten such sentiments." dismissed Wardes in a neutral voice. He drew his cane and chanted a spell. A small tornado appeared and started scattering around the rubble.
Gradually, the floor of the chapel was exposed. Between a portrait of Founder Brimir and a chair lay the corpse of Wales. It looked surprisingly unharmed.
"Look, isn't it the dear Prince Wales?" Fouquet said in a surprised voice. Fouquet, who was once one of Albion's nobles, remembered Wales' face. It was a shame this was the fate of a king, but better him than hers.
Wardes didn't cast even a single glance at the remains of the man he had personally murdered; instead, he searched intently for Louise and Saito's corpses.
However, their corpses were nowhere to be seen.
"Are you sure they died here?" Wardes muttered as he began to search the surroundings carefully.
"Hmm… Look, isn't that George de la Tur's 'Founder Brimir's Visit'?" Fouquet picked up the painting from the floor.
"I think it is a reproduction," Wardes commented on the painting. "Hmm, come to think of it, this castle's chapel must have been built to worship him… Hmm?"
Having picked up the painting from the floor, Fouquet discovered a widely gaping hole underneath and called Wardes.
"Hey, Wardes. What is this hole?"
Wardes, with raised brows, squatted down and looked into the hole that Fouquet indicated. He realized that the hole must have been dug by that giant mole, Guiche familiar. Wardes could feel the cold breeze emanating from the spot on his cheeks.
"Could it be that both Vallière's youngest daughter and Gandálfr escaped through this hole?" Fouquet remarked.
Wardes' face contorted in rage at his foe's luck.
"Should we pursue them?" Fouquet asked curiously
"It is useless. If there's a light sea wind inside, it must mean it was dug clean through." Wardes replied exasperatedly.
Seeing him like that, Fouquet grinned and spoke in a mocking tone. "It seems like you are capable of such expressions. And here I thought that you were a man without emotions like a gargoyle. Why do such emotions appear on your face?"
Hearing this, Wardes stood up.
From a distance, two people appeared while they talked.
"Viscount! Wardes!" The more important-looking one spoke in a cheerful, limpid voice, "Have you found the letter yet? That… What was it? Ah! The love letter that Henrietta gave to Wales, the savior that would prevent the union of Germania and Tristain. Have you found it?"
The man was in his mid-thirties. He was wearing a round hat and a green mantle. At first sight, one could tell that he was a clergyman. However, he also slightly resembled a soldier with his long aquiline nose and intelligent blue eyes. From the edges of his hat, curly blond hair peeked out.
"It would appear that they haven't found it, your Excellency," The man next to him commented as he observed the scene. He was a man of late twenties to early thirties. He was as tall as Wardes if at least built like a triathlon athlete. His eyes were sunny-orange, and his hair was dark teal and neatly combed. He dressed in a simple officer's uniform. "I believe they were just getting started before we interrupted them."
"Oh, hush now, Jeremiah," The clergyman said with a cheery tone. "I'm sure that Viscount Wardes has accomplished his mission."
Shaking his head, Wardes answered the two men who had just appeared. "Your Excellency, it is as your subordinate has guessed. The target escaped. Please, hand me whatever punishment you deem necessary."
Wardes kneeled, bowing his head.
The man addressed as 'Excellency' with a friendly smile on his face approached Wardes and tapped his shoulder.
"What are you saying? Viscount! You did a remarkable job! You single-handedly defeated the enemy's brave general! Ah, isn't that over there, our dear Crown Prince Wales? Be proud! You defeated him! Apparently, he loathed me deeply, but seeing him like that, I feel a strange sort of kinship to him. Aah, that's right. Once dead, everyone becomes a friend."
Wardes' cheeks flinched slightly as he noticed the sarcasm at the end of the speech. He quickly regained his composure and once again repeated his apology to his superior officer.
"However, the mission to obtain Henrietta's letter that Your Excellency so desires failed. I'm sorry I was not able to meet Your Excellency's expectations."
"Do not fret yourself." The man comforted Wardes. "Compared to obstructing the alliance, killing Wales was by far more important. A dream is something that is achieved steadily, step-by-step."
"But not for long," his companion Jeremiah added with professional worry. "If we don't hurry and consolidate our manpower with the rest of the other regions, our enemies will take advantage of our weakened state."
"Your right, Jeremiah. But first, we should properly introduce ourselves before we get to work." Then, the man in the green robe turned to Fouquet. "Viscount, please introduce this beautiful woman here. Being originally a priest, I feel it is inconvenient for me to speak with a woman."
Fouquet watched the man. Before her eyes, Wardes bowed deeply to the man. However, she didn't like him. He had a strange atmosphere surrounding him. A sinister aura was radiating from the gaps of his robe. On the other hand, the second man felt off to her too. While the manner seemed polite and concerning, she thought she sensed some hidden arrogance in his posture. And something else too.
As if she was familiar with him.
All her thoughts and suspicions were erased when Wardes stood back up and introduced her to the man. "Your Excellency, this is Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt, before whom all Tristain nobles shudder."
"Oh! I heard the rumors! I am honored to meet you, Miss Saxe-Gotha."
Hearing him say her noble name that she had abandoned long ago, Fouquet smiled. "Did Wardes tell you this name?"
"That's right. He knows everything about Albion nobles. Genealogy, coat of arms, property… it is hard for an aging bishop to remember everything. Oh, let's not delay my introduction."
Opening his eyes widely and placing his hand over his chest, "'Reconquista' first general, Oliver Cromwell at your service. You see, originally, I was just a mere bishop. However, due to the votes of the baronial council, I was appointed as the first general, and I needed to give my best. Though I am a clergyman who serves Founder Brimir, it is all right for me to 'guide' us through the dark times, right? If necessary, use faith and power for the better."
"Your Excellency, you are not a freelance first general anymore, you are now Albion's…!" Wardes said while his eyes studied the two men.
"Emperor, Viscount." Cromwell laughed. However, his eyes didn't change. "Certainly, I wished to prevent Tristain's and Germania's alliance; however, there are more important things. Is that correct, Jeremiah? Viscount?"
"I merely serve the rightful authority of this Albion," Jeremiah answered honestly.
"Your Excellency's thoughts are so deep that an ordinary man like me cannot measure them," Wardes responded, already feeling annoyed at Cromwell's exaggerations.
Cromwell opened his eyes wide. Then, he raised both hands and began talking with exaggerated gestures. "Unity! Unity of steel! Halkeginia is us, a union of chosen nobles who will return the Holy Land from those menacing elves! It is a mission given to us by Founder Brimir! 'Unity' is our number one duty. Therefore, Viscount, I trust you. There is no blame in such a trifling failure."
Wardes bowed deeply. Better to placate this man's ego than incur his wrath.
"For this great mission, Founder Brimir blessed us with a special power." Cromwell declared theatrically. Both Fouquet and Wardes noticed Jeremiah was sighing and shaking his head at his superior's theatrics. "I believe they require a demonstration of your power, sir."
"Why I believe you are correct, Jeremiah!"
Fouquet's eyebrow rose. Power? What kind of power are they talking about? "Your Excellency, what power has Founder Brimir granted Your Excellency with? If it is all right, I would like to know."
Cromwell continued in a slurred tone, caught up in his theatrics. "Do you know about the four great elements of magic, Miss Saxe-Gotha?"
Fouquet nodded. Even children know of such things: Fire, Wind, Water, and fourth – Earth.
"Jeremiah is more knowledgeable about the basics of magic." Cromwell turned to his attendant to begin.
"Certainly sir," Jeremiah began in a neutral tone. "There are four basic elements to the Brimiric Branch of magic. Fire- the element of power, energy, and destruction. Earth- the element of substance, structure, and creation. Wind- the element of freedom, dynamic movement and spirit. And Water- the element of life, flowing and changing. These are the elements of the Brimiric system of One."
"In addition to the four great elements, there is another magical element." Cromwell added, enjoying the curious faces of his subject turned into surprise, "The element that Founder Brimir used, the element of Zero. The Beginning."
"Element of zero… Void?" Fouquet turned pale. The missing element. The magic of nothingness and impossibility disappeared as dark legends say. Years with that pervert and Otto gave her some knowledge on Lost magic, so she knew the severity of such boasts. Did this man know something about the element of Zero?
"That is the power that Founder Brimir granted me with. " Cromwell pointed at Wales' corpse. "For this reason, except for the Lords of Dunwall, Ulster, and the south of Branwen, the Landsmeet Council agreed to make me the emperor of Halkeginia. Wardes. I had wanted to make Crown Prince Wales my friend and ally. But alas, he chose to be my greatest adversary; but now he will become a great ally in death. Do you see anything wrong with that?"
"He should have never resisted Your Excellency's decisions."Wardes shook his head. Even now, the injuries inflicted upon him by both Wales and Saito still ached. Especially Saito's attack. Wardes didn't know why, but he felt that boy inflicted something much worse upon him.
"Well then, Miss Saxe-Gotha." Cromwell laughed with a smile. "I will show the element of 'Void' to you."
Fouquet breathlessly watched Cromwell's movements.
Cromwell pulled out the cane that was attached to his waist.
"Dŵr fel gwaed ... Dewch yn fywyd ffug o wir farwolaeth ... Ufuddhewch i'r Cludwyr Modrwy bydd!" (Google translate Welsh.)
A low, silent aria escaped from Cromwell's mouth. However, Fouquet could still hear that he was chanting words that she had never heard before. Cromwell gently lowered the cane and aimed it at Wales' corpse when the aria was completed.
Then… All of a sudden, Wales, whose body was already lifeless, opened his eyes. A chill ran down Fouquet's spine. And she couldn't tell if it was because of the impossible result she was observing or because of the horror that a royal member was becoming their foe's personal puppet.
Wales slowly sat up. A once bloodless face suddenly sprang back to the life it had previously held. Like a withered flower absorbing water, Wales's body gradually imbued itself with life. What made the scene, even more, was that Wales was stretching as if waking from bed.
"Good morning, Crown Prince," Cromwell muttered.
The revived Wales returned Cromwell's smile. "It has been a long time, Archbishop."
"How rude; I am an emperor now, my dear Crown Prince."
"Is that so? I apologize for that, Your Excellency." Wales kneeled, taking the posture of a vassal.
"I think I'll make you my personal bodyguard, Wales," Cromwell said with a smile.
"With pleasure," Wales answered with some life. Cornwall turned to look at his observers…
CLANG!
But suddenly, Jeremiah unsheathed his sword and blocked an attack coming towards Cromwell. Everyone was alarmed, but even more so when the attacker's identity revealed itself.
"What in the…!?"
"What is the meaning of this, Jeremiah!?" Cromwell asked with slight panic. "Why have you drawn your blade and attacked Wales!?"
"Apologies, your excellency," Jeremiah said while holding Wales' cane at bay. "But I sensed that the Crown Prince isn't the one making this attack, I hope?"
"It appears so," Wales agreed while still smiling. "Apparently, I cast some form of curse on myself in the event of my enemies attempting to desecrate my remains."
"Hmph, even in death, you find a way to make us pay," Cromwell complains before turning to his companion. "I hope there is a way to break the spell, Jeremiah."
"Regrettably, sir, I believe that would be impossible," Jeremiah explained before continuing his observation. "This curse must probably have been cast a few days ago. Before his death, I might add. It must also have been amplified at the moment of his demise. The only good news I could give was that it is not an immediate grudge-based curse, but one activated by certain trigger words and conditions. I believe when you cast your spell, it fulfilled the first condition, and he attacked while your guard was down."
Kang!
"Am I correct, your Majesty?" Jeremiah asked when he simultaneously blocked another blow towards Cromwell.
"Indeed it is," Wale answered honestly under the effect of the command. "While I may strike you down should you lower your guard, I am still under your absolute command. This does not change anything. I obey your command."
"Then, let's be friends." Cromwell began to walk, but he maintained a safe distance. Wales, who didn't look like he was just dead, walked behind him. Then Cromwell, as if remembering something, halted and turned around saying, "Wardes, do not worry. Even if the alliance is formed, it is of no matter. In any case, Tristain is helpless. There is no change in plans."
Wardes bowed.
"There are two ways of diplomacy - the cane and the bread. Let's give warm bread to Tristain and Germania for the time being." Cromwell advised while enjoying the day.
"As you wish." Wardes sid with subservience.
"Tristain is a critical area to add. That royal family has the Founder's Prayer Book. I need to have it in my hands to retrieve the Holy Land. Jeremiah, stay with Wardes and Fouquet and get them acclimated to these changing times."
"At once, sir." Jeremiah bowed.
After saying this and nodding approvingly, Cromwell left.
It was only after Cromwell and Wales were out of sight that Fouquet could open her mouth.
"That... was the void...? To revive the dead. That's impossible."
Wardes muttered. "The void element manipulates life… That's what His Excellency said, it seems like he was right. Even though I cannot believe it as well, after witnessing this – how could I not?"
"A while ago you were acting very similar to this; perhaps you were affected by void magic too?" Fouquet asked Wardes in a shaky voice
"Me? I am different." Wardes laughed. "This is a result of a sorrowful life that I have led since birth."
After that, Wardes looked up at the sky. "However… we sacrificed many lives for the element of 'Void' will revive them all of the Founder's Holy Land… what if the element of 'Void' will revive them all?"
Frightened, Fouquet clutched her chest. She felt a faint heartbeat. She suddenly felt the need to confirm that she was still alive.
"Don't look that way. It was only my imagination. You could even call it my fantasy." Wardes comforted. He understood his companion's apprehension after witnessing that miracle.
Fouquet sighed, feeling relieved. Then she glared at Wardes. "It was surprising, that's all."
While patting the stump where his left arm had once been, he spoke softly."However, I also want to know. Is it a mere fantasy? Or reality? The answer lies in the Holy Lands... that's how I feel."
"Those may be your feelings, but I'm afraid we have much work to do," Jeremiah commented before bowing to them. "Forgive the late introduction. Jeremiah Gottwall, Lieutenant General of the Reconquista army at your service."
"Lieutenant General?!" Fouquet exclaimed, shocked. This humble man was a high-rank member of the rebel army, and he dressed and acted like a servant! "How are you, the Lieutenant General?"
"I share your sentiments, madam," Jeremiah chuckled with some embarrassment. "I assure you though that although I only recently got promoted after my predecessor perished in The Emerald Storm, and I am merely a beaurocrat; I will do my best to fulfill my duty to my King's future."
Seeing this man admit he was a glorified desk jockey made Wares and Fouquet doubt the skills of the Reconquesta immensely. But they suppressed all doubt and decided to continue forward.
"Alright, Lieutenant General Gottwall." Wardes asked with some lingering doubts. "What are our orders?"
Tristan Academy of Magic
Saito woke in the morning after experiencing several flashes of ancestral memory. Somehow, his dream was of some angry white-haired guy with tanned muscled skin fighting another older white-haired bearded blind muscle man wielding a sword on the moon.
As absurd as that dream was, he couldn't shake the feeling that it had happened. Probably a side effect of his own memories distorting the picture.
Shaking the remnants of his dreams off, Saito looked at where his sleeping bitch of a master was and was shocked. He would not call himself religious, but what he was feeling and witnessing was akin to a miracle. Not even the political tension growing around the kingdom gave him such shocks.
After their mission and reward from Henrietta, Saito felt as if there was a sudden change in the air. Ever since coming back to the Academy, although everything seemed normal, Saito's instincts and abilities picked up the subtle tension in the air.
Students who were disdainful of him were now more focused on their conversations regarding vacations. Teachers were more efficient in lecturing on critical magical theories that Saito deduced were useful in conflict and disaster. Servants were gossiping about the dangers of an invasion. Hell, Saito even noticed everyone was paying attention to Otto's Lecture on The 3rd Siege of Redcliffe more intently.
All the topics were about Brittania's future.
And it wasn't just the Academy; the entire Kingdom seemed to be in covert overdrive. Three days after Saito and company had returned to the Academy of Magic, Princess Henrietta and Germanian Emperor Albrecht III" marriage was officially announced. The ceremony would take place the following month before the conclusion of the military alliance.
So, if something wrong were to occur that canceled the wedding, Germania would have no choice but to still honor the alliance. Throughout history, a reputation continues even when the bearer dies.
The alliance conclusion would be held in Germania's capital Vindobona, where the agreement letter was signed by the Tristain prime minister, Cardinal Mazarin. And given the Royal seal by Princess Henrietta.
No sooner did Germania receive confirmation of the military alliance than Saito's spies. Every nations' spies report immediate drafting and organization of troops marching around the Western coast of Haihodeskalle port. Rumors of Germania preparing to invade Albion were already becoming familiar.
The day after the alliance, a new Albion government was officially established. In an instant, tensions sparked between the two countries, but the Kingdom of Albion's First Emperor Cromwell sent a special envoy to Tristain and Germania at once to sign a non-aggression pact.
As a result, both countries had a conference. Even with the two countries' combined air force, they could not oppose Albion's fleet. Plus, Albion's Phantom Boundary's four gates were unavailable for passage through. Though the non-aggression pact felt more like a dagger pointed at the neck, the two countries didn't have much of an alternative, and this offer was the best they could hope for.
The peace established in Halkeginia was only on the surface. Everyone was on edge, from the Nobles and knights to the merchants and commoners. Saito guessed every nation was secretly preparing their coffers and schemes to go to war. That was how major the change was.
Tristain's Academy of Magic was no exception either because of the tension. But all that was irrelevant compared to the changes Saito was witnessing.
Louise was already awake and appropriately dressed without calling him. For the third time!
The morning after her return from Albion, Louise's attitude began to change. To put it bluntly, she became nicer. As usual, after waking up, Saito prepared the washbasin for her. He poured water into the basin and then washed Louise's face. It was troublesome, but if Saito forgot about the washbasin, severe consequences would follow. For both parties.
Once, when Saito forgot to prepare the washbasin, he wasn't allowed to eat. He still ate his meals with the commoners so that Louise couldn't do anything about that. But she still treated him like crap, so he grew a bit spiteful. The following day, he was pretty angry, so he caught a frog from the pond behind the Academy of Magic and put it in the washbasin. Louise, from Saito brainwashing, told him her hatred of frogs, squealed at the sight of the slimy amphibian. She burst into tears when it suddenly appeared in front of her. Saito apologized reluctantly while releasing the poor creature, but Louise did not forgive him for making her cry.
That time, unsatisfied with merely starving Saito, Louise tried whipping him. As a result, Saito activated his failsafe and commanded Louise to think she had already punished him before he escaped the room and slept in his lab.
This was the usual pattern. The arrogant bitch abuses Saito, then Saito retaliates with a prank or subtle mind control, but after going to Albion, something has changed. Warm feelings towards Saito started to sprout within Louise, and reluctantly Saito didn't want her gone as much. However, while one did not realize their feelings, another was personally repulsed by them.
In the morning, Saito prepared the washbasin, feeling slightly awkward. Louise sat on her bed with a tired look. Apparently, Osmond had the private Bathroom systems updated, so they would have to rely on primitive washbasins to get ready.
With the washbasin placed on the floor, Saito scooped up water with both hands, but Louise didn't move. Her pinkish blond hair dangled on her face. Seemingly tired, she rubbed her eyes. With an absent-minded expression, she said, "Leave it there. I'll do it myself."
Saito was shocked. He didn't think the words "I'll do it myself" could come from Louise's mouth.
"Louise?" Saito waved his hand in front of her face. Louise pouted, facing away. She was blushing. As if she was angry, Louise said, "I'll do it myself. Leave me alone."
Louise dipped her hand in the washbasin, scooped up water, shook her head, and washed her face. Water splattered everywhere.
"So, you're the type that likes to move their face while they wash it, huh?" Saito pondered with a smile.
Louise was slightly taken aback by Saito's comment. Her face blushed, and she became angry. "G-Got a problem with that?"
"No, not at all… to each their own" Saito then took Louise's clothes from her closet and laid them face down on her bed while Louise put on her underwear. Saito, holding Louise's uniform, turned around when he thought she was done. The next step was dressing Louise.
Normally, Saito would be disgusted with fury at being treated like a slave, but not only did he get used to it, he also looked at the positives. He could perversely feel like he was dressing a delicate crafted doll that he could also fuck. Which did.
When Saito turned around, Louise, wearing only her underwear, started to panic and quickly covered her body with sheets.
"Leave the clothes there," said Louise, with half her face covered by the sheets.
''What happened?'' Saito thought. ''She would normally say something like 'Quickly dress me...' with a sleepy face. What's more, she's hiding behind the sheets. Normally, she wouldn't care about being seen. Why is she so embarrassed?''
"Uh-Oh," TEST commented. "It's happening…"
What? What's happened-?! Saito thought before realization hit him. No. . No. That can't be right. Her feeling should be that of arrogant appreciation. She shouldn't be falling for me!
"I'm afraid you have no choice. Women, especially underdeveloped, tsundere, bitch women, are way too unpredictable. No clue might set her off."
This situation needs careful observation. Saito started focusing intently on Louise.
"Go for it."
"Leave it there?" Saito baited as he gestured to the bed. "Um... are you sure?"
Louise popped her head up above the sheets. "I said leave it there, didn't I?!"
Louise then buried half of her face in the sheets again and glared at Saito.
Well, this is strange, Saito thought as he placed the clothes beside Louise as he was told.
"Face that way," Louise mumbled in a quiet voice.
"Eh?" Sign 1 Awareness of shame.
"I said face that way."
It seemed like she was the type of person who didn't want to be seen while changing. That's a very normal reaction for adolescent girls; however, Louise had been fine being seen in the past.
Saito turned his back to Louise thinking, What the hell happened? She changed in front of me in the past, and I was viewed as a pet, but now...
Well, many things happened in Albion. Her fiancé had betrayed her and Henrietta. Her childhood friend. She had lost her lover. It was a horrible experience for Louise. Perhaps those events had changed her.
Has Louise really changed?
No. She hasn't. Don't get fooled, Saito! Even though she's grown, she's still a tsundere bitch! Why am I getting a headache now?!
With an expressionless face, Saito remembered the feeling of Louise's lips. He had kissed a half-asleep Louise softly on the lips while on the dragon. True, he had raped her and brainwashed her to be his sex doll, but this action somehow differed. He understood that raping and kissing someone in their sleep is cowardly, unforgivable, and something he ought not to have done, but he couldn't control himself. He cared a great deal about her.
Which should be impossible. Saito thought as he recalled what the Egg did to his body. His hatred of mages and disgust of Louise's personality should have prevented him from such feelings.
Even more so with this change in attitude because Louise would remain stagnant for all time in her principles. Unless-.
Could it be…, Saito thought. That Louise knows about that kiss? She didn't change because she felt I was dangerous and thought I would make a move on her, right?
"People love and hate differently. Sometimes hate enemies become fated lovers. And some conflicts originate out of love."
But these feelings shouldn't be developing. I hate her!
"You're angry. Angry and disappointed in her, not hating. Even if you hate her, all it takes is one moment to invert the axis."
I don't know what moment you are talking about everything involving-
Saito stopped his thoughts abruptly and shook his head. If Louise had been awake at that time, she wouldn't have kept quiet. She'd wake up. Get angry. Abuse. Any sense of harmony would have exploded into bits. Events like the time when I crept into her bed were horrible, weren't they? A dog. That's me, a dog. A dog that is led by a chain and goes 'woof'.
Ah. I see now. Saito finally realized with a eureka. She feels uneasy because I crept into her bed two nights before we left for Albion while she was sleeping. This isn't about the kiss at all. Ah, that's why she doesn't want my help changing anymore. She's finally seen me as a member of the opposite sex.
''It is only natural… yet saddening.'' Saito whispered as he put Louise's clothes on the bed. "Louise doesn't like me. I'm only a familiar. That being said, I've only been a dangerous familiar so far. A bad familiar that transforms into a wolf at night. A barrier has already been erected between us.''
I should fucked her brains out sooner before her guard was up.
Dark clouds started forming. The little hopeful, emotional part inside Saito's heart whispered desperately, But on the way back home on the dragon, she cuddled with me, right?
The despairing logical side within Saito's heart replied coldly, That was just my imagination. She was merely cold. Plus, she sent me flying when Kirche pointed it out, didn't she?
''… Ah, that's right. There's no mistake about it. Louise doesn't think anything of me.''
Realizing his own superficial, shallow feelings for Louise, misery overwhelmed Saito. Saito had a personality where he would become highly excited once excited, but when depressed, he would become excessively depressed. "Our relationship is one of convenience, circumstance, and hatred."
"What are you whispering about?" Louise asked in confusion. Sometimes she couldn't understand Saito. No, scratch that, she always never understood him.
Saito had not realized he was whispering. When he turned around, Louise, who had already finished changing, looked into his face dubiously.
After a mere twenty seconds of thought, he had reached his conclusion. Feeling dispirited, yet putting on a polite smile, Saito replied in a weak voice, "Sorry. I won't talk to myself again."
"Yes, it's somewhat revolting." Louise, looking dubiously at Saito, walked out. "Come on, let's go for breakfast."
"Yeah," Saito followed after her, depressed at the thought of caring for her.
Alviss Dining Hall Breakfast.
Even in the Alviss Dining Hall, something surprising occurred.
Saito sat down on the floor as always, but his plate of soup was not there. Saito grew impatient. Did I do anything to make Louise the Bitch angry enough not to feed me? No, I don't think so. Yet.
Three nights ago, after the five of them returned to the academy, they reported to Osmond. Osmond, who had already heard from Henrietta, thanked and praised them for their efforts. He even gave Saito some money secretly as a gesture.
Then they had returned to their rooms and quickly fell asleep. Saito had been tackling ancestral memory downloads, so he hadn't done anything to anger Louise. With a miserable and annoyed look on his face, Saito looked up at Louise, sitting on a chair.
Louise started blushing, and while turning away, she said, "From now on, eat at the table."
"Eh?" Saito looked blankly at Louise. That was very unexpected of Louise.
"Come on, sit down quickly."
Dumbfounded, he sat next to Louise. Malicorne, who always sat there and had caught a cold, started to protest, "Hey Louise, that's my seat. What do you mean you'll let your familiar sit on it?"
"If you don't have a seat," Louise glared at Malicorne. "Then just go get a chair. I'm trying to enjoy my meal."
"Don't play around with me, Louise!" Malicorne argued indignantly. "Letting a commoner familiar sit down while I have to go get a chair? That's just wrong! Hey familiar, piss off, that's my seat. This is a dining table for nobles!"
The chubby Malicorne tried to look intimidating, but he was trembling slightly. This was the legendary familiar who supposedly defeated Guiche and caught Fouquet. What's more, it seemed they had accomplished some incredible feat while they were away from the academy the past couple of days. Plus, he appeared to have built a positive reputation with the commoner servants and the Tower Masters, and Principal Osmond. Malicorne was covered in a cold sweat when he told Saito off.
Saito reacted to the pestering voice, feeling exceptionally down and conflicted due to the growing wall and affections between Louise and him. He stood up and grabbed Malicorne's collar.
He didn't use much force but whispered in a threatening voice, "Hey fatty, what did you say?"
Terrified, Malicorne dropped his act and shook his head repeatedly, "A-Ah, nothing, I didn't mean it!"
"I didn't mean it, sir," Saito said with emphasis. A little mind control never hurts anyone.
"Y-yes, I didn't mean it, sir!"
"Then go get a chair. Let's eat happily together." Saito commands subtly, using the Egg's power.
Malicorne rushed off to get a chair. With an unconcerned look, Louise was waiting for the prayer time before the meal.
I wonder what happened. Saito thought as he sat down. What change of heart is this? Why is she being so nice? Indeed there's a reason. No, the trip to Albion changed Louise.
"Maybe she learned to be a decent person," TEST commented while floating and drinking a beer."Being forced to witness human ugliness does change a person."
For better or for worse. Saito thought. No, this is something else. It must be… probably…
"What are your thoughts?"
It must be after seeing people injured and killed, and these warm feelings must have started to blossom within her. This reminded Saito of the story about General Tokugawa Tsunayoshi of the Edo period and his command to be compassionate towards animals. The dog shogun took pity on a stray dog and punished those who bullied it.
So that's it.
The command to be compassionate towards animals has been set upon Tristan.
Saito stopped his imagination and looked at Louise in a mixture of warmth and pity..
You've become nicer, haven't you Louise, more like a girl. You're dazzling like this. Being so nice to someone like me… You're growing up like a girl.
"She's still a bitch."
You may be a bitch. But, I'll watch over you carefully - I will continue to degrade and play with, but I'll also ensure your prosperity. Until I return to Earth, I will protect you. Even if you don't like me, I'm happy that you're being so nice to me.
Saito smiled warmly with her budding radiance mixing in with his sadness, hatred, and despair. Louise noticed Saito watching her intently and blushed, "W-Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No reason," Saito answered before turning away.
Calm down. It's too early to be sure, but if all goes well, we might obtain consent.
These thoughts repeated in his mind. Saito's poignancy quickly consumed him like a bottomless swamp. Saito apologetically whispered, "Sorry for being so repulsive."
Louise quickly turned the other way.
The usual prayer proceeded, and breakfast began. Saito quietly ate his food. It was delicious, but he was still contemplating his relationship with Louise.
Fire Tower- Colbert's Classroom
When Louise entered the classroom, she was quickly surrounded by her classmates. There were rumors that she had been on a dangerous journey and had accomplished incredible feats during her absence.
The truth was that several students were watching the spectacle where the leader of the Magic Defence Squad had departed. It wasn't a quiet scene. They were all eager to know what happened and they would have asked her during breakfast if it weren't for the teachers.
Kirche and Tabitha were already seated. They, too, were surrounded by a group of students.
"Hey, when you and Louise were absent from class, where did you all go?" asked Montmorency, grasping her arm.
Glancing at her, Kirche elegantly started redoing her make-up, and Tabitha quietly sat while reading her book. Tabitha didn't talk much. As for Kirche, she usually was in the mood to speak; today, she didn't feel like telling her classmates about their secret journey.
As expected of my beloved, keep the important things close. (Saito)
No matter how hard their classmates pushed and pulled, they couldn't extract anything out of the two, so they switched their target to Guiche and Louise, who had just appeared.
Guiche, who liked being surrounded and fussed over, got carried away as expected. "You want to ask me, right? Do you want to know the secrets I know? Ahaha, what a troubled little rabbit!"
I see he'll make an excellent rat.
"Well, to be fair, a mole is a type of rodent."
Louise broke through the crowd of people and smacked Guiche over the head. "What do you think you're doing?! The Princess will hate you if you say anything, Guiche."
With a single reference to Henrietta, Guiche became silent at once. Their classmates grew even more suspicious upon seeing this. They surrounded Louise and started pestering her.
"Louise! Louise! What actually happened?"
"Nothing at all. Osmond just sent me to the palace on an errand, that's all. Right Guiche, Kirche, Tabitha?" Louise asked her traveling companions. Relaying a clear message: Keep our adventure quiet.
Getting the gist, Kirche smiled mysteriously while blowing on her polished nails. Guiche nodded. Tabitha read her book. Since no one was willing to speak, their classmates returned to their seats. Like a group of sore losers, they started to talk about Louise angrily.
"Heh, it's probably nothing important anyway." One classmate said ignorantly.
"Yeah, it's Louise the Zero we're talking about here. I can't imagine what great feat she could accomplish when she can't even use magic." Another jeered.
"Catching Fouquet was only a fluke. Her familiar just accidentally drew out the power of the Staff of Destruction," Montmorency said irritatingly, waving her curly hair.
Louise bit her lip, wearing an annoyed expression on her face while keeping silent. Saito was shocked. Saito was disgusted and concerned with their behavior due to coming from a better Japanese school with zero tolerance for bullying.
Didn't they know Louise was the daughter of a Duke? Why bully someone with such a family background. Unless the school practices a neutral ground policy, no wonder Louise is being bullied. She covers her failures with arrogance and pushes people away. Thus, she alienated herself further because people assume she flaunted her status despite said failures.
When in reality, she's the hardest on herself.
The modern world may admire Chivalry and Bushido, but I have no such sentiments. I'll do this for you one time.
Just as Montmorency walked off with a satisfied look on her face, Saito casually stuck his foot out. Montmorency didn't notice and tripped over Saito's foot.
"Aaah!"
Montmorency angrily shouted at Saito, sporting a red nose from falling face-first to the ground. "What are you doing? I'm a noble! How dare a commoner as you trip me!"
Louise said from the side, "It was you who wasn't paying attention."
"What? Siding with the commoner now, Louise the Zero?!"
"Saito may be a commoner, but he's also my familiar, Montmorency the Flood." Louise coldly retorted, "Insult him, and you insult me; it's the same thing. Have anything to say to that?"
Montmorency left, muttering angrily to herself. To Saito, Louise, who had just stuck up for him, was suddenly sparkling and he found himself staring at her warmly. Louise felt his gaze and turned her face aside, blushing, "W-What are you looking at?"
"S-Sorry." Saito said with a sheepish smile before looking away.
Louise noticed that Saito had been acting strange since morning. He was more reserved than usual. What more do you want? I'm being so nice to you. You defend my honor yet criticize my behavior so sloppily. Why must you charm me and scorn me again and again?
Louise was about to say something to Saito about it, but then Mr. Colbert entered the classroom, so she sat back down. Class started.
Colbert was a high-rank fire mage, so of course, he was chosen as the Tower Master of Fire. He dealt with all the aspects of fire magic, from its control. To the effects, the fire had on creation.
"Well, everyone," Mr. Colbert patted his bald head slightly. Until yesterday, he had been frightened because Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt had broken out of prison. Immediately, the initial conclusion was that there was a traitor in the castle. He thought that it was a severe affair to Tristain.
However, this morning, Osmond summoned him, telling him that it was "alright already," and he returned to his usual self. Besides, things like politics did not interest him much. He found the topic sickening, even if he was skilled at it.
He did have an interest in knowledge, history, and research. That's why he liked doing his lessons. He could pass the knowledge he had gathered and only worry about its perverse use and corruption later. He could also freely state the results of his research. And so, on an optimistic note, he showed the class something strange that he placed on the desk. Again.
"Mr. Colbert, what's that?" one student asked.
It was a strange-looking machine. It was composed of a long metallic tube with a metallic pipe stretching out of it. A pair of bellows were connected to the pipe, and a crank was attached to the head of the cylinder. The crank was connected to a wheel on the side of the cylinder. Finally, gears were attached to the wheel and the box.
Hmm… What is that?
"This is bad." TEST stated with surprising concern.
What? That machine? It's not like it's…
Saito stopped himself from thinking and just watched with rapt attention.
Please don't let it be what I think it is.
Staring at the equipment, the students were all wondering what sort of lesson would follow. Clearing his throat, he began his lecture, "Firstly, who can tell me the main characteristics of the fire branch of magic?"
The class turned to Kirche. You would reference Germanian nobles if you were talking about the fire branch of magic in Halkeginia. As legend has it, One of the founding races of Germania was the giant clans, specifically those of Frost and Flame. Among them, the Zerbsts were a famous family said to inherit the primal flame of said giants. As her nickname, Ardent indicated, she was adept at fire magic. More accurately, in terms of academics, she was third-ranked out of all the second years in practical and theoretical.
Even though the class had started, Kirche continued to polish her nails. Without taking her eyes off the nail file, she replied lazily, "Passion and destruction."
"That's right!" said Mr. Colbert, himself a triangular-square class fire mage whose nickname was 'Flame Serpent'.
Wrong. Saito shook his head with mild disdain. Since merging with the egg and learning this world's magic system, he found it frustrating how limiting and stagnant the system was. Three people noticed this disdain.
"However, besides passion, only being able to destroy is a bit lonely, I think. It depends on the usage, everyone." Colbert lectured while masterfully suppressing his memories and pain. "Depending on how you use it, you can do some enjoyable things. Fire is not only for destruction, Miss Zerbst. A battlefield is not the only place where you will see it."
"There's no use in trying to explain fire magic to Tristain nobles," Kirche said, filled with confidence. Mr. Colbert was not agitated by her arrogance but smiled instead.
"It's all in the context." TEST said as he smoked an imaginary cigarette.
Anything can bring help or harm. Also, stop smoking! Uncle Ryuushi doesn't smoke.
"Fine. Fine. But this will be interesting and concerning."
"But, what's that strange thing you have there?" Kirche asked with a blank look, pointing at the equipment on the desk.
"Hehe. So you finally asked. This is something I invented. It works using oil and fire magic." The students gaped, staring at the mechanism intently. The instrument, though crude, seemed somewhat familiar to Saito, making his previous concern more valid by the second. He often hated being curious, but he remained silent and watched intently.
Mr. Colbert continued, "First, we vaporize the oil in the bellows." He repeatedly stepped on the bellows with his foot. "And then, the vaporized oil will go into this cylindrical tube."
No...
Colbert stuck his wand inside a small hole he had opened with a cautious look. He recited an incantation. The sound of a blazing fire could suddenly be heard, and as the fire ignited the vaporized oil, the sounds changed into that of explosions.
Stop...
"Observe everyone! Inside the metallic tube, the power from the explosions is moving the piston up and down!" Colbert explained with rising enthusiasm.
Please… stop...
The crank attached to the top of the cylinder started to move, and the wheel along with it. The spinning wheel opened the door on the box. The gears began moving, and a snake puppet came out from inside.
"The power is transferred to the crank which spins the wheel! Look! The snake then comes out to greet us! How interesting!"
The students watched it unenthusiastically. The only one interested seemed to be Saito.
DAMNIT!
"And then? What's so special about that?" One student said with boredom.
Mr. Colbert was sad that the invention he took so much pride in had been chastised. Clearing his throat, he began to explain, "In this example, only a snake showed up, but say for instance, this mechanism was placed on a carriage. Then, the carriage could move even without horses! It would also work on the side of a boat by turning a water wheel. Then there wouldn't be any need for sails!"
Oh, God. This man… He really is dangerous! Saito panicked as he did his best to suppress the slowly rising fear in his heart.
"You could just use magic in those cases. There's no need to use such a weird mechanism." After one student said that, the others started to nod in agreement.
"At the very least," TEST agreed to Saito's comment. "Most of society are narrowminded and stupid. But they don't realize the fundamental problem."
Not for long, Saito thought as he watched Colbert continue.
"Everybody, listen carefully! If it is improved upon, this could run machines even without magic! I relied on my fire magic to ignite it, but say flint was used and a way to ignite it every so often was found." Colbert was getting excited, talking on and on, while the students were all wondering what was so special about it. The only one who seemed to understand the greatness of his invention seemed to be Saito.
I can't take this! Their stupidity is worse than the implications
"Are you going to praise or admonish him to stop?"
What do you think?
"Mr. Colbert, that's great! That's an engine!" Saito called up while standing all of a sudden. The whole class turned to him. I hope this works.
"Engine?" Mr. Colbert looked at Saito with a blank look.
"Yes, an engine. It's used in my homeland for functions you just mentioned."
"I can tell you're a wise person. You're Miss Vallière's familiar, yes?" Colbert asked with rapted attention. He recalled everything he knew of the boy.
The fact that he was the legendary familiar Gandálfr who had runes on the back of his hand suddenly came back to Mr. Colbert. He had forgotten since Osmond had said to leave it to him … but he became interested in Saito due to his enthusiasm.
He recalled Otto saying that the boy was hiding his actual skills, so he must be clever. Well, intelligent enough to dupe Brock, but bright still. And Colbert's experience told him that commoners hiding their actual skills are either fallen mages, extremely crafty, or dangerous.
"Where were you born?" he asked eagerly. He ignored His Warning about the boy.
Louise tugged at Saito's parka slightly and glared at him. "Don't say anything unnecessary; we'll look suspicious."
Agreeing, Saito sat back down. Think...Think...
"Hmm? Where were you born?" Colbert approached Saito with a bright expression. Louise answered for him.
"Mr. Colbert, he's uh… from Rub' al Khali in the East.
Mr. Colbert was taken aback, only partially buying Louise's answer. "What?! Past the frightening lands of the elves? Wait, he was summoned, wasn't he? So he didn't have to go through those lands. I see. I hear that the lands the Elves govern in the East have advanced technology. So you were born there. I see," he nodded with comprehension.
.
"What?"Saito turned to Louise. He had no idea where that was. Was it Asia or the Middle East?
"Just play along," said Louise, stepping on his foot.
"A, Ah yes. I'm from um… Rub'." Sait
Mr. Colbert nodded again and returned to the mechanism. Standing on the platform once more, he looked around the classroom.
"Alright then, who would like to try operating the mechanism? It's very simple! Just open the hole in the cylinder, put your wand in and recite the 'ignite' spell repeatedly. The timing is a bit tricky but once you get used to it, it will be easy like this," Mr. Colbert stepped on the bellows with his foot and operated the mechanism once more. The explosive sounds echoed throughout the classroom while the crank and gears moved, followed by the snake showing its face.
"And the joyful snake greets us!"
At least he tries to have a bit of fun. He should at least ensure the proper safety procedures.
No one raised their hand. Mr. Colbert tried to get the students interested in his mechanism by saying "joyful snake", but it didn't quite work. Disappointed, Colbert drooped his shoulders.
Montmorency suddenly pointed at Louise, "Louise, you try it!"
Uh-oh.
Mr. Colbert's face lit up, "Miss Vallière! Do you have an interest in the mechanism?"
"THat's ringlet bitch going to get us killed!" TEST panicked as he floated away from the room.
"Catching Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt and journeying to dangerous places, surely you won't have trouble with something like this, right?" Montmorency prodded.
Hey, don't leave me here at ground zero!
Louise realized Montmorency was trying to embarrass her by making her fail.
It seemed Montmorency didn't like Louise getting all the attention, such as accomplishing incredible feats and being the star at balls. Her jealousy was deep, and the fact that she was a show-off suddenly came back to Louise.
"Nice pun. But no way! Why don't you follow your cool girlfriend and flee!"
Saito looked around and noticed that Tabitha had snuck out! As much as I would love to follow my beloved, I have to save these morons!
Montmorency continued provoking Louise, "Hey, do it, Louise. Louise the Zero."
Fuck! I hate chivalry.
Something in Louise cracked. She just couldn't keep quiet when Montmorency called her Zero. Louise silently stood up and approached the platform.
Seeing Louise in this state, Saito followed her immediately while he glared at Montmorency, "Hey Monmon."
"It's Montmorency, for God's sake!" Montmorency yelled.
"Whatever! Don't provoke Louise! It'll end up as an explosion!" said Saito, without thinking. Oh, Fuck...
Louise shifted her eyes at Saito's comment. The front row students hid behind their chairs.
Hearing the comment, Mr. Colbert remembered Louise's skill and the origin of her nickname. Trying to change her mind desperately, he began to persuade her in a flustered manner.
"Ah, Miss Vallière. Er, you can do it another time, alright?" Colbert pleaded nervously.
"I have been insulted by Montmorency the Flood," said Louise in a cold voice. Her reddish-brown pupils were filled with rage.
"I shall discipline Miss Montmorency. So, er, could you please withdraw your wand? I do not doubt your skill, but magic doesn't always succeed. I mean, 'a dragon can also die from fire', after all."
THat's not helping! Adding fire to a tsundere doesn't warm them up! They just become hellfire!
Louise looked sharply at Colbert, "Please let me do it. I do not always fail. Occasionally, I succeed."
Yeah like 0.0001% of the time! Saito thought as he weighed his options.
"There are times when I, occasionally, succeed," said Louise, as though the words were meant for herself, her voice trembling. Saito knew there was no stopping Louise now. When Louise was extremely irked, her voice would start to shake.
Damnit!
Mr. Colbert looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
Louise was about to begin when she felt something gripping her arm. She turned and saw Saito holding her wand arm away from the machine opening.
"Let go," Louise commanded with resolute finality.
"Hell no," Saito answered. "I'm trying to minimize the damage as much as possible!"
"Let...GO!" Louise ripped Saito's arm off before continuing.
Louise copied Mr. Colbert's actions and stepped on the bellows. The vaporized oil was sent to the cylinder. She took a deep breath and stuck her wand inside the cylinder.
"Miss Vallière, uhh …" whispered Mr. Colbert as if he was praying.
With a voice as clear as a bell, she started to recite the spell incantation.
The whole class froze.
Way of Kalrow: Lazy Arrow!
Way of Yasha: flying thunder God!
As expected, the mechanism exploded. Louise and Mr. Colbert were sent flying towards the blackboard while the class screamed. Surprisingly, both of them were fine and undamaged. The explosion splattered the burning oil throughout the room. The students ran around chaotically, avoiding the flames.
As the chairs and tables were burning, Louise stood up slowly. It was a pitiful sight. Her clothes were scorched and her clear complexion was covered in soot. Ignoring the chaos within the classroom, she grabbed Mr. Colbert's arm and whispered, "Mr. Colbert. That machine of yours breaks quite easily."
"Please tell me that wasn't the only prototype you made, sir," Saito asked apprehensively while resisting the urge to kill Louise.
"No, it wasn't," Mr. Colbert replied to Saito's concern, feeling faint-headed. But he kept his mouth shut at Louise's remark. The students replied for him, "It's you who broke it! You Zero! Louise the Zero!"
"Never mind that, there's a fire! Someone put it out!" a student yelled in a panic.
Montmorency stood up and recited a spell. It was the water spell 'Water Shield'. The barrier of water extinguished the fire and the students applauded Montmorency. Saito subtly used way of Yash: Fang on Montmorency.
Montmorency, as if she had triumphed, said to Louise, "I wonder if that was unnecessary. After all, you're such a skilled mage and that was such a weak fire."
Angry, Louise bit her lip.
At the same moment, Montmorency's uniform fell into burnt tatters.
"Kyaaaah!" She screamed as she covered herself with her cap and fled the room.
Later in the night
Louise was forced to clean the entire classroom as punishment for ignoring her classmates' warning and damaging Colbert's engine. Thankfully the other classes that day were self-study because the teachers were all modifying their lesson plans in case of a war.
Saito was also forced to clean because apparently, every Mistake Louise made was his, and every mistake he made was his as well. According to Louise.
It warms my heart that she is consistently a bitch so that I can hate her forever. Saito thought gratefully. Louise had saved him time by destroying that machine.
It was night by the time the classroom was cleaned up. Tidying up the chairs and desks and wiping the floor was a big task. Exhausted, Louise and Saito returned to their room. Saito collapsed on his haystack. Louise sat down on her bed. It was almost time for bed. Out of habit, Saito went to the closet to get Louise's clothes. Louise, however, suddenly stood up.
"What are you doing?" Saito asked with piqued interest.
Louise blushed and did not reply. Her hands gripped the sheets and she started hanging them from her bedposts. The sheets acted as a curtain and hid her bed. Watching Saito out of the corner of her eyes, she went to the closet, found her clothes, and returned to bed. Saito could hear the ruffling of clothes as she changed behind the curtain. Saito returned to his haystack surprisingly depressed.
She doesn't want to be seen by someone like me. That's fine. When sleep takes you, I have all the time I need. Why am I even bothering to care about her? There's absolutely nothing good about her. In both looks and personality! Perhaps, some deity is desperate trying to ship the two of us together.
'You have no idea.' TES agreed to itself quietly.
Saito endlessly tortured himself with these thoughts. The curtain was taken down. Louise was bathed in the moonlight, wearing a nightgown, her hair flowing smoothly. The brilliant moonlight accentuated her divine beauty. After combing her hair with her hands, she lay down and switched off the lamp on her bedside table with a flick of her wand. It was a magic lamp that would switch off at the signal of its master. It wasn't strictly special, but it seemed like something expensive. With the moonlight bathing the room, the atmosphere felt ethereal.
Fucking teenage hormones want to get more sex out of any cute girl...
Just as Saito was about to fall asleep, Louise sat up and called out, "Hey, Saito."
"Yes?" Saito was interrupted from his thoughts and replied.
"Always sleeping on the floor is a bit extreme …you can, er, sleep on the bed if you want."
Saito's body stiffened, "W-What?"
"Don't get the wrong idea! I'll hit you if you do anything strange." Louise added quickly.
Fucking tsundere bitch! Saito inwardly cursed as he was overwhelmed. So he spoke sarcastically. ''Ah, Louise, you really are kind, aren't you. It's like you've changed completely. That harrowing experience did change you… You're even becoming kind to a disgusting mole like me.''
"Do you want to sleep in the bed or not?" Louise asked, annoyed at the apparent mockery of her previous behavior.
"I'm in!" Saito exclaimed as he moved to the bed. With every inch closer to the bed, he felt his pulse seem to double. Louise faced the window, wrapped up in the blanket on the edge of the bed.
"Is it… ok? Even for me?" Saito asked for clarification, unsure if this was a trap.
"Yes, it's ok, don't make me say the same thing."
Saito slipped into the bed and covered himself with the blanket. His heart was beating quickly for some reason. He felt like he had to do something to alleviate the burden.
"Sorry."
He had to apologize for getting carried away and kissing her. He felt he had to. Saito whispered, "Sorry … for being a retaliatory pain."
Louise didn't reply.
Saito thought she was sleeping, but it didn't sound like it. Saito continued, "I've … decided before then that I would protect you as I had promised Prince Wales."
"Not only from enemies but also from yourself as well. I can't say I've done a good job of protecting you so far, so I'm sorry," said Saito, who was now clearly voicing his thoughts.
With her back facing him and her face red, Louise replied in a small voice, "It's okay, don't worry about it."
Saito, crossing his fingers, grasped the blanket and whispered, "I won't do it again."
"Of course," Louise replied. She continued as if determined to tell Saito something. "...but, I too, have to apologize. Sorry for just summoning you."
"That's ok. It's awful, but it's alright. At least you finally apologized," Saito comforted. He was starting to feel another ancestral download.
"I'll find a way for you to return home. I don't know how, but I will. I've never heard of another world before."
"Thanks," Saito felt relieved. He had thought the mages in this world like Louise were incapable of compassion. He was grateful to be wrong.
Squirming a bit, Louise asked Saito, "Your world … there aren't any mages there right?"
"Nope." Saito answered honestly. "Maybe there are. Maybe there aren't. Overall my world views magic as a fantasy."
"There's only one moon?"
"Only one."
"That's weird."
"No, it's not. It's this world that's weird, mages and stuff." Saito retorted. "Though with the existence of Halkegenia, I suppose the isekai theory has become a law."
"A law?"
"A stated fact, like red and blue make purple."
"Oh." Louise stayed quiet for a bit before asking. "What were you doing in that world?"
"I was a high school student," Saito answered. He felt unsure whether to tell the whole truth, but he decided to at least enlighten her.
"High school student?" Louise was confused at the term.
"Well, it's not much different from being a student here, I guess. Studying is kind of your job." Saito elaborated. "Children are taught basic laws and skills from pre-school to elementary, then branch out and learn the advanced curriculum in middle and high school. The Academy of Magic is high school, while the Tristan University of Academia is a College."
"What do people do when they grow up?" Louise started to bombard Saito with questions. While wondering why, Saito replied, "Hmm, a company employee perhaps, that's the most common. Usually, people take jobs based on what field of study they prepare for."
"What's a company employee?" Louise asked.
He was growing slightly irritated but replied, "You work and you earn money. It's like being a lower-level merchant."
"I don't really understand … but is that what you want to become?"
Saito remained silent. He hadn't thought of what he wanted to do in the future. He spent his days doing what he liked. His fate was neither bright nor dark. Thinking this state of affairs would last forever, he just absentmindedly attended school. It wasn't until several months ago that he realized the danger he was in and attempted to ensure his survival. Saito was a bit troubled as he made up his reply, "I dunno. I haven't thought about it."
"Wardes said you were a legendary familiar. Those runes on the back of your hand are apparently the mark of Gandálfr." Louise said, changing the topic.
"I don't really understand, but it seems that Gandálfr is meant to use the sword Derflinger. They also seem skilled in weapons." Saito stated his observations.
"I wonder if that's true…." Louise commented doubtfully.
"Well, it has to be. I couldn't use a sword like Derflinger normally." Saito defended. Even with his memories returned, Saito knew that compared to the other Azumachi swordsmen, he was in the middle worst ranks. Plus, Derflinger was a giant ass sword. How the hell was he able to wield it with the speed and grace of a master fencer?
"Then, why can't I use magic? You're a legendary familiar, yet I'm Louise the Zero. Ugh."
"I don't know." Saito lied and hid his thoughts. While he warmed himself up to this new Louise, he still kept his guard up. "But you are powerful, so you must have a high affinity."
"Liar." Louise then remained silent for a while. Then she spoke in a serious tone, "You know, I want to become a great mage. I don't mean a mighty mage. I just want to be able to cast spells properly. I don't want to fail every spell I cast and not even know which branch of magic I'm good at."
Well, that's what impatience and arrogance gets you. Saito remembered the class they had earlier. As usual, Louise had failed. Still, it should be impossible for her to suck this badly.
"Ever since I was small, I was told I was hopeless. My father and mother didn't expect anything of me. I was always treated like an idiot, always called Zero … I don't have any skills. There isn't a branch of magic that I'm good at. I'm even clumsy at reciting incantations. I get it. My teachers, mother, and sisters have said it. When you recite an incantation for a spell in your branch of magic, something within your body responds and it circulates within your body. When that rhythm is at a climax, it means that the spell is completed. I have never felt that before."
So, they have to know themselves to gain power. Interesting...
Louise's voice became smaller, "But, I want to be at least able to do things like everyone else. Otherwise, I get the feeling I won't be content with myself."
Are you trying to be ordinary or extraordinary, huh? No wonder you're crazy.
Louise became silent once more. Saito did not know what to say to comfort her. Some time passed before Saito began to speak.
"I told you already. You're a talented mage. I wouldn't want to kill you if it wasn't true. Even if you can't use magic, you're normal. Not just normal … you're cute. Cute win, after all. And you've been so kind recently as well. You have your own qualities. Even if you can't use magic, you're a great person…."
Ending his incoherent reply before he felt he was going to vomit, Saito turned towards Louise. She had already fallen asleep. Her innocent face took his breath away. It seemed she had drifted off while Saito was thinking of his reply. Her pinkish blond hair mixed with the moonlight, shining brightly. Steady breathing could be heard from her tiny pink lips.
Saito licked his lips in contemplation.
Looking at those lips, he wanted to press his lips against hers once more, and, without even realizing it, he started to move his face forward. But he stopped. It's cowardly to kiss a girl who isn't even his lover while she is sleeping. I'm not your lover… I'm not even your friend… but I will protect you. So don't worry Louise.
Smiling warmly at Louise, Saito closed his eyes. With Louise's breathing as a lullaby, Saito fell asleep.
Several minutes later, Louise opened her eyes once Saito had fallen asleep. She knit her eyebrows and whispered, "I was even pretending to sleep". Louise hugged her pillow and bit her lips. It's so different, she thought. When he was making a move on her, he did it rashly like an idiotic predator, yet he's obedient yet has a plan when he's respectful.
I don't understand. I don't know what he's thinking at all. Louise rested her hands on her chest. When Saito was next to her, her chest throbbed. So are these feelings true?
She wanted to return the favor to Saito, who had been so kind and had saved her so many times.
Even though he's trying to be mean to me...
But that wasn't the only thing. It was the first time she had felt these feelings for someone of the opposite sex and she didn't know what to do. She didn't allow Saito to help her change because of this. Once she recognized these feelings, she became embarrassed at the mere thought of him looking at her skin. She didn't want him to see her face after she had just woken up.
When did I start having these feelings for Saito? Probably since that time, Louise thought.
Just when she was about to be killed by Fouquet's golem, Saito hugged her. Her heart throbbed. Even though she was about to die, her heart was beating loudly. Seeing Saito valiantly fight that golem made it more pronounced. There was also the time when Wardes was about to kill her. Saito jumped in and saved her. She was embarrassed to have fainted without seeing the battle. But the time her heartbeat was the fastest was when they were riding on the dragon and he had kissed her. After that, she couldn't look at Saito's face. Afterward, she had been having vivid dreams and fantasies of shameless acts done to her by Saito.
That has to be a nightmare, right? I don't have wings and Saito doesn't have horns or metallic-colored eyes...
She gazed at Saito's serene face, It was perplexing how peaceful he slept.
I wonder what Saito thinks of me? She thought. An unpleasant girl? A selfish and mean master? He has been vocal at how he detests me. Or perhaps he likes me? He did say that his power was forcing him to hate magic. Well, he kissed me, so he must like me. Or could it be that he's the same as Guiche and just likes women? I wonder which one. I want to know. Anyhow, why didn't he do anything when I was just sleeping beside him, Louise thought.
''Of course, if he did anything now I'd kick him in the crotch.'' Louise mumbled.
''But…but…'' Louise tapped Saito's pillow. He didn't wake up. She looked around restlessly. Other than the moon, nothing was looking at her. But she moved slowly because she felt cautious with her actions. She moved towards Saito's face. Her pulse started to quicken. He nethers heating with nectar. She pressed her lips upon his softly, only for about two seconds. It was the kind of kiss that the person wasn't even aware had taken place. But it lit a flame in her core before freezing quickly.
Saito had turned over.
Louise panicked slightly and drew away from his face, sinking into the blanket, hugging her pillow. The carnal heat she felt cooled by her panic.
What am I doing? To my familiar as well. I'm such an idiot.
"Yes you are an idiot."
Louise looked around quickly before ignoring the remark as a part of her imagination. Weird...
She looked at Saito's face. He was kind of cool: coming from another world, being obedient at times, yet carried away at other times for absolutely no reason. What he lacks in obvious strength he makes for in ruthless cunning, preserving heroism, and honesty in desires. The legendary familiar … I wonder if I really do like him? Is this what they call love?
While she repeated her thoughts, she traced her lips with her fingers. The heat was like iron against her lips. How can I find the answer to this question? This flame in me needs to be fed.
"I don't want to be left not knowing the answer…" whispered Louise as she closed her eyes.
Near Saito
Derflinger was observing them as they slept.
He knew his partner was as intelligent and strong as he was kind and indulgent. And the master, who was too cowardly to admit the growing love in her heart and often ruins it with violence.
For 6,000 years, he has watched good times and bad come and go. He has seen his partner either love or hates their masters immensely. And often, it ends either very severe or becomes something beautiful.
But now, he has no idea what might develop with this incarnation. Partner often speaks blatantly of his loathing and contempt of the nobles, especially towards the worst trait of the lass. Yet, he still stayed with her and continued to protect her from himself being excluded.
The lass was developing her feelings for Partner, but her pride, ego, and weakness prevented her from acknowledging them. She was, by all accounts, hopeless.
But he couldn't help but hope. Hope that maybe this time, another miracle could happen.
Meanwhile…
It is Approaching.
The stage has been set.
The Tyrant King shall aim their wrath at the Knight King.
The Knight King innocently awaits their destiny.
The Barbarian King plots for the Tyrant's line.
The Mad King plots and schemes with an empty heart.
The Apostle King's web spins further in.
The Elves are ignorant of their hubris, stagnation and crime.
As the world prepares for the beginning of war, opportunities shall topple order…
… and bring a new King to the World.
All is going according to plan.
When Science and Magic dance… What would happen?
END CHAPTER
Well that took a long time. For those reading yes I am using the original Light novel as a template. because it helps integrate my ideas of the lore better and I am still in my traditionalist phase. It will take a while. If I make chapter they probably be after the holidays. Merry Christmas. I can't say any because the WiFi is acting up. Tell how you feel about this chapter.