Zero no Tsukaima x Monster Girl Quest : Hero of Two Worlds

by Pea Brain Writer

The adventure has ended; the History has turned its last page. The destiny has been fulfilled; The world has reached its conclusion. That is how it should be. And yet sprung an alternative possibility; worlds that should not exist, conjured by a playful mind. Where will a history taken off-course lead to; not a living soul could tell. [Summary: Luka Gets Summoned By Louise.]

28. Arc 7 Chapter 22: After the Summer

The Author made a mistake in the Omake scenes in the last chapter. Since the chapters got shifted around, the numbering and the timeline didn't match up anymore, and The Author forgot to take that into account. The Author fixed it, but made no change to the text itself. Also, it seems The Author didn't make it clear enough that the Omake scenes happened at the same time as chapter 19-21; that's the '.5' numbering was for. For people confused about that, The Author apologize.

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Arc 7: Keepsake From the Past

Chapter 22: After the Summer

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Two months went by already. It felt shorter than that.

Repeating almost the exact same routines every day would do that, I guess. Waking up at five, cleaning after myself, getting to work: sweeping and mopping the hallway in the mansion until seven, then it's helping out in the kitchen.

Now that I think about it, the breakfast at Louise's place is not as luxurious as at school. It's still clearly rich people's meal, but not extremely so, especially compared to how impactful this castle was at first sight.

After Louise's family was done, it's me and the worker's turn to fill ourselves. The food was pretty good; better than expected. It's been two months and not a single meal was, well, unfair. Human's food, definitely; not miserable at all.

The morning tasks are mostly cleaning parts of the mansion: not the same each day. Some days I get bedrooms, some days bathrooms, and some storages. There are a lot of rooms in this mansion, as expected of a big castle. Then it's lunch time, which is mostly the repeat of breakfast.

The afternoon tasks are at courtyards and gardens. Sweeping leaves, pulling out weeds, taking care of flowers. That's when Nerian is given permission to come out for a flight. People were wary the first few weeks, but they are used to her now; not staring at her all the time and not taking very roundabout paths to avoid her anymore.

The feedings were done in secret. Of course. No way I'll let anyone see that.

That leaves only one to two hours of free time each day, in the evening, depending on how quickly the work got done. This is when I can train with a practice sword borrowed from the guards, with wooden dummy quickly made by left over wooden scraps from the cleaning. The small opening in the grove behind the mansion where people rarely pass by is just right.

Using full strength is out of question though; the dummy will break for sure. As long as my body gets to do the moves, it's enough.

After getting somewhat exhausted, I rest, then go to help out in the kitchen for dinner.

After cleaning the dining hall, there is not much left to do. Workers spent their time on their own things: talking, reading, writing letter; until it's time to sleep.

Though there is one last thing I need to do before that.

*bong...* *bong...* *bong...*

The bell strikes nine times. It's time.

Worker (M): "Toilet again, Luka?"

"Yes."

Worker (M): "'kay. No need to rush. Just take your time."

Not exactly the word to say to someone about to go to toilet. Because almost everyone knows the toilet is just an excuse. What I'm really going to do is something else entirely.

Exiting the worker's quarter, I'm on the same path I took every night.

She's standing in the same spot, just before the entrance hall.

Louise: "You're late."

"I came at the same time every day though."

Louise: "And I've been saying this every day. Shouldn't you have made it sooner?"

"You said that the first time. I've already been getting here half an hour earlier."

Louise: "That was then, this is now."

Louise scowls, but there is no anger. It's practically our greetings by now.

Still, we've come a long way from walking into each other by chance last month. I was really on the way to toilet, and passed by Louise on the way back. We only talked for a moment before going our separate way then. But three days later I found Louise at the same spot. When asked what she was doing there, she scolded me, and when we parted ways, she asked when will I pass by here again.

"I don't know. I can't guess when I will want to use toilet again."

Louise: "What are you talking about; people need to use toilet every day. Holding it in is bad for your health, you know. If my familiar gets sick with something trivial like that, what would I say to people."

Ever since then I have been coming out at the same time every night, and found Louise here most of the time. Yet I still got scolded for coming out too late, making her going to bed late, so I gradually improved the time.

"Hey, Louise."

Louise: "What is it?"

"You don't have to wait for me like this every day."

Louise: "A mage needs to check on her familiar regularly; that's just common sense. And I have something I need to do most nights anyway, so this actually saves my time. That's why I keep telling you to come earlier, to not waste my time."

And yet we always spent fifteen minutes talking at minimum; sometimes over half an hour.

"If you need something from me, you can just come during the day. I'm always somewhere in your house anyway; it's not hard to find me."

Louise: "Why would a master like me has to go search for my own familiar?" She crosses her arms.

"Then just call me to you."

Louise: "I don't really need you for anything though. There are plenty of servants in this house. It's you who needs checking on."

She really is going to keep passing things off as a job, isn't she. There really is no need for that; I'm the only friend her age she has in this house, so it's not even that weird for her to want to see me. Is this puberty? Rebellious phase? Will Neris be like this too when she's at the age...

Louise glances with the corner of her eyes, while still turning her head the other way.

Louise: "There are things you're lacking, you know? The awareness, the sensibility, the responsibility as a familiar."

"What is it this time."

Louise: "It's been how long since we came here? How many times have you spoken to me? If I haven't—If our schedules don't happen to overlap, would you even think to show your face once in a while?"

"I was there in the dining room three times a day though."

Louise: "Yeah, you were there; just standing there, like a mannequin, not speaking a word."

"We did meet when you taught me how to read."

Louise: "Yeah, for the total of twice last month, and zero this month."

Well, for some reason I managed to understand the text of this world very quickly; I can read pretty much anything by myself now. Whether I understand the content or not is another matter entirely though.

Louise: "What about the other times? What have you even been doing?"

"Helping around your house. You know that. You saw me."

Louise: "And that is why I'm saying you're lacking in awareness. Are you my house's worker or my personal familiar?"

So she wants me to pay more attention to her. Geez, are all teenagers like this? If so, I don't want to imagine how Neris would be like when she's at Louise's age.

Louise: "...Well, how are you? Doing fine? Staying here, I mean..." Louise shifts her body a little, and asks in slightly lower voice.

"Didn't you just ask that yesterday. And the day before." And the days before that day.

Louise: "I can ask whatever however many times I want to. Just answer the question."

And that's the expected reply. Watching how she behaved in her home for the past two months, the picture of this girl called Louise became clearer in a lot of ways. Now it's getting easier to interpret what answer does she want from how she phrases the question, and to predict reactions she might shows. Though why she does any of that is still largely unknown.

"The same as always. Some jobs I still have to stop to think or ask, but I've gotten used to this place for the most part."

Louise: "That's good."

We've been doing repeats of this so many times, but Louise never got bored of it and still looks satisfied every time I give her the answer. She seems to be trying to hide it, but it's very obvious she is paying attention to how well I fit in to the place. This is one thing I've come to be certain of, after suspecting it for a long time: Louise is a worrywart.

"By the way, it's almost the new semester, I heard."

Louise: "That's right; in two weeks. We'll be off in the next week's Day of Void. Make sure you're ready."

"I don't really have anything to prepare for. You, though; you're not going to see Cattleya-san for a long time. Are you going to be lonely?"

Louise: "I'm not a little kid. It's just a few months before the New Year's long holidays. And we can write anytime."

"I see."

Somehow, I'm feeling the kind of satisfaction I did when I saw Neris brushing her teeth by herself for the first time.

"But when we were at school I never saw you write to your house. Had you been writing at all?"

Louise: "Of course I had. A master doesn't have to let her familiar know everything."

Well, that's true.

But still, a letter...How good would it be if there's a way to send a letter to Alice and the others back home. Even if I can't see their faces, hear their voices, at least that would be...

Louise: "...Hey, you. You really are bold, to think about other things while still talking to me."

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking how good it would be if I can write back home too."

Louise: "To your family?"

"Yeah." My hand rubs the back of my head on reflex. Though it has gotten better, it's still a bit embarrassing being so open about this to someone that doesn't know 'us'.

...Speaking about my home.

"Tomorrow I'm gonna take Nerian to the east, as I told you."

Louise: "...I already know that. Father gave permission, so I have no problem with it."

Louise tries to hide it, but it's plain to see she's a bit upset. The fact that she wanted to come with me but her family wouldn't let her go see the elves, a race suspected to be hostile to humans, is probably one of the reasons.

Louise: "I should be reminding you that you're only allowed to go look; no going away on your own. That bird is now my family's responsibility. And you're my familiar. None of you are permitted to go anywhere without consulting me first."

"I won't. I've been in your care for four months; that would be rude."

Thinking back, it had only been four months, but so many happened that it felt a lot longer than that. ...It actually reminds me a lot of my early days traveling with Alice, where everything was new and unexpected.

And Louise stuck by me through it all, even during the latter part where it caused her grief. The beginning was pretty awkward; we argued pretty often, even though I was pretty sure of my patience, trained from having to deal with problematic attitude some people—humans and monsters both—showed. Now, though, I can say with confidence I don't regret sticking by her in that period.

"Thanks for everything. I'm glad I get to meet you."

Louise: "Wha—!? D—don't say that so suddenly...! ...And that's obvious; who else would put up with your antics as well as I did." Louise crosses her arms and fumes a little; the usual thing.

Louise: "...Anyway, aren't you skipping over a few steps? It's not like it's certain you'll find a way home over there. What if you don't find anything? What if you can't go back? What would you do then?"

...

"Eh?"

Louise: "What's with that look? Haven't you considered at all that you might not be able to go back. It's The Holy Land, you know. No one has ever gotten there in the past six thousand years."

...Can't go back...?

"Of course I can go back. If there's a way here, there must be a way back!"

Louise: "!"

Ah...! I didn't mean to raise my voice...

Louise calms down, and loses the scowl.

Louise: "You got scared, didn't you."

"...Yeah..."

Not being able to return to Alice and everyone; I never thought about that at all. ...No, I must've been unconsciously avoiding the thought.

Louise: "...Even if you can't go home, it's not like you have no place here; you know that, don't you?"

"...Yeah, I guess."

I've never thought about it before. But...that might be true. Maybe. I guess I might be fine staying at Louise's house, if the past two months is any indication. Or I could settle down in a small village, like Siesta's, like how I did back at Iliasville. I guess I could live like that. It's not exactly a terrible option, if there really is no way back.

"...But I'm sure I would still choose to go on a travel, to find a way home. It might take years, or decades," or even centuries, "but I still wouldn't stop."

Louise: "...Is that so."

Louise looks disappointed. So she wants me to stay her familiar. This is coming from someone who asked to change familiar almost every day back then.

No, I can't think like that now. That's rude to Louise who has done a lot for me.

Louise: "I'm getting sleepy. I'm going to bed now."

Louise says and turns around, which means this is it for tonight.

"Okay. Good night."

Louise: "Good night."

After sending Louise up the stairs, and actually going to toilet, it's time I go back to the male worker's sleeping quarter. Laying on the hard mattress, in a dark room, listening to sounds of breathings mixed with snores; the same as the past two months.

...

Can't sleep. Because of what Louise said earlier.

If I can't go back...That means not seeing Alice again. Not seeing Nero, Neris, Tamamo, everyone at the castle, Aunt Betty, Sarah, the humans, monsters, and angels that have started to all get along.

Life without Alice: that's unthinkable. I can't even imagine it. We might have to be apart for a bit longer this time. It might take some times to get back home. But not going back at all: that can't be real.

No way...There's just no way...

[...]

[...][...]

I am soaring through the sky on Nerian's back. It's supposed to be summer, but being this high up, the air is still a bit cold. Maybe heading out early has to do with it too. But after the talk with Louise last night, I couldn't push away this worry; I barely got any sleep done.

Could it be possible? Could I really be stuck here, with no way to go back to Alice? It's useless to think about it, but I can't help it. Because after all I've learned, my head tells me that is always a possibility, but my heart just can't accept that as an answer.

This can't be how we part. We made the promise. There has to be away.

Besides, if I really give into that doubt...I don't think I can stop myself from blaming Louise, eventually, and I don't want that either.

I need to distract myself. Let's think of what to do once I, no, we found the elves in the rumors. This isn't just about me; it would be better for Nerian to go back with me as well. This place isn't entirely safe for her.

If what I've heard are true, at least on the historical part, then the elves here are an entirely different group from the one back home. They would have their own history, custom, and beliefs.

And according to the humans, they are enemies, but I've never heard about any invasion on their part; Louise would've talked about it during one of her rants if she knew. That means they are at least capable of peace.

My record for negotiation is far from good. Actually, it was pretty bad. But I'm sure I can figure this out, somehow. We only need to have a civil talk; there's no need to convince them to like human as a whole just yet.

As for what to do after that...it all boils down to what they know, and that's unknown to me.

...That was a pretty short distraction.

But it seems to be enough. I see it now: the Grand Desert of Sahara.

It went as well as expected. Louise's family warned about problems we could have if we, as an unidentified flying object, were to be seen flying through the sky of Gallia and Germania from Tristain's direction, but as I suspected, Nerian is capable of the same rapid teleportation Galda is. If the distance is far enough and we know the rough location of our destination, she can safely do that to greatly shorten the time we spend actually flying. The trip that should've taken a normal carriage three weeks took us only a measly hour, and it would've taken even less if we've actually seen the layout of the land beforehand.

The desert, it's really as vast as its name. It looks mostly the same as Sabasa Desert: the field of sand as far as the eye can see, with dunes and jagged rocks in between. The only signs of plant lives being the cacti.

It's kind of obvious, but I can't see the pyramid anywhere. So this really isn't Sabasa Desert... I had hoped that, just maybe...The names were pretty similar, after all. Well, I already knew since the beginning it was an unreasonable hope.

Anyway, with barely any obstruction, if there really is an elves' civilization here, I'd be able to spot it easily. So, let's get to it.

[...]

[...][...]

...What is the meaning of this?

How could I not find that elves' city I heard about? I'm pretty sure we've scoured the entire desert over the three hours we've been flying around, yet there wasn't even a trace of settlements.

There were some ruins that looked very ancient and broken into almost nothing, but there really wasn't any sign of humanoid lives; not even around the oasis we took a break at.

Is the rumor wrong after all? Or is it just hidden by some kind of magic? There is a kind of magic that can accomplish just that.

If that really is the case then there's no way I can find it myself. It would be a different story if Tamamo is here; Alice said there is no illusion in existence that Tamamo cannot to see through, being the master of illusion herself. But me, I could only detect only the most obvious ones—according to Alice, at least.

...Damn it. Let's just...fly further to the east. There is supposed to be another civilization there.

Siesta said tea couldn't be cultivated in Halkeginia, so it must've come from said land. Tea originated from Yamatai, so maybe...I guess that's too much of a stretch. I'm really grasping at straws here...

I caught a glimpse of the eastern edge of the desert earlier; the ground hardened into soils and there were a few trees and maybe a few small woods, but no signs of human yet. If there really is a city here it would have to be further to the east.

I can see past the edge of the desert now; brown wastelands give way to greenery as more rivers appear.

There it is, past the fields of crops like I had seen in Sabasa and surrounding area, a city stands on the more fertile soil, at least as big as Tristania. Even their architecture resembles Sabasa somewhat. Being near a desert must've influenced how people choose to build things similarly.

There really are people living on the other side of the desert: planting crops, tending to farms and animals, trading as any other city would. I'm not surprised, but I bet Louise would be.

Now, the big question is, how do I get into the city without being seen as suspicious? I can't let Nerian be seen, but can I just walk through the gate?

There are people living outside the wall, those who had jobs in the fields or the surrounding forest. Could I blend in with them?

Wait, can I even speak their language? I can speak Halkeginian language somehow, but the same might not be true so far out.

...There's no other way but try.

At this distance the people on the ground could still mistake Nerian's silhouette as a big bird; we should land now. The edge of the forest seems like a pretty good place. I would still have to go through the forest on foot, but it can't be helped.

We safely landed; no one was in the vicinity. Good.

"Nerian, hide in the nearby woods until I come back here, okay? I'll be back before the sunset."

Nerian: "..."

Nerian just nods. She doesn't seem too worried to be out here in an unfamiliar land. I guess she has gotten used to being out of her egg now—the word 'grown up' didn't seem appropriate.

There shouldn't be anything that can threaten Nerian here, and there really shouldn't be anything that can catch up to her if she has to escape. It's still a bit worrying to leave her alone out here, but it's just not possible to bring Nerian with me.

Anyway, here I go. Something might jump me in the forest, even if not monsters. I have a sword borrowed from Louise's house, so I should be good.

[...]

That was uneventful. I almost got stung by some bugs, but that's it. The air was much warmer than the Halkeginia, but I'm used to all kinds of climates by now.

Out on the other side, fields of recently harvested corns stretched far, with patches of some other crops I don't know mixed in. There are webs of small roads weaved through the fields that probably belong to different owners, used by several Farmers and carts pulled by donkeys and oxen. I can use the roads to reach the city.

"..."

...As expected, People are eyeing me curiously and cautiously. I'm clearly dressed differently from them, after all.

But no one is stopping me, and the gate is already in sight; things are going fine so far.

The first real hurdle is coming right up though.

Guard A: "Halt. You are not from around here. State your business."

The guards dressed differently—with long, loose robe and wrapping their heads in clothes rather than metal helm—and have tanned skin; something I didn't see in Halkeginia. This type of skin is pretty common in Sabasa, though. I guess it's true that people living near desert tend to have darker skin. That's hardly something to be surprised about. I should be happy I can understand what they're saying just fine.

Anyway, I should give them the answer I've prepared.

"I traveled here with a ship from the west. I got out to visit some acquaintances earlier in the morning. I'm just going back in."

There were some large ships clearly meant to travel long distance; some even had flags that look familiar—probably the flags of some countries in Halkeginia I've seen before but couldn't remember which.

There's no way I can pass off as a local, so this is my only bet. If they require some kind of document to come and go in the city then I'm in a pinch. Let's hope that's not the case here.

The guard raises his eyebrows. The other guard whispers something to him, then the first guard whispers something back.

...Am I in trouble?

Guard A: "All right, you can pass, but don't try anything funny. No one gets away with crime in this city. No one."

"Uh, okay. Thank you."

They really let me pass...

...That was strangely lenient, but the warning at the end also seemed to carry some deeper meaning.

It's useless to think about that. I've entered the city. Let's find some information about the elves, or better yet, a way home.

Rule number one for a fledgling hero: when first entered an unfamiliar land, visit the local pub or similar establishment. Lacking that, one should go directly to the person of authority.

Since this is a large city, there must be a pub somewhere. Let's find one.

...

Weaving through the crowd dressed in unfamiliar clothing, looking at different architecture, trying not to get lost in a foreign lay of the land; this sure takes me back to my first days out on the adventure. Only this time, I'm much more experienced and can guess some things from similarity

Even in a city that looks as different as this, the layout is still pretty similar to what I'm used to seeing. I found what might be one of the several squares or major crossroads of the town. From here, it shouldn't be too hard to guess a location of a popular pub by looking at the various shops along the road.

For some reason, some of the locals are taking notice of me and keeping watch as I walk by them, even though I shouldn't look all that different from the other travelers from out of town. Maybe it's the sword. There don't seem to be too many people keeping weapons visible on their person.

Well, found the place. Looks like any other pub I've been to, aside from the decoration. Let's go in.

The inside isn't any different as well. It wouldn't look out of place in Sabasa. At this time of the day it's still half empty, so I really stand out as I entered; again, people look at me weirdly, including the barkeep. Well, at least I won't have to try to get her attention.

"Excuse me, can I ask something?"

The barkeep seems a bit surprised by what I say. Is something about what I'm doing considered weird here? Or is it because I'm trying to ask things without even ordering a drink first? If it's the latter then it can't be helped; I don't have the money they use here, whatever that is. Louise gave me some of her allowance, 'just in case' she said, but I don't think I can use that here.

Barkeep: "Oh, of course, I'll answer a cutey like you anytime!"

...Or because she thought it a bit strange for an underage boy to come here alone. There hasn't been any of this lately, so I had forgotten about it.

"I'm kind of new here. I heard rumors about the elves in the desert to the west back when I'm in...Halkeginia. Do the people of this town really do business with them?" That's what I heard from Louise's father, that there was a rumor like that about this eastern land.

Barkeep: "Ah, you're not the first one to wonder about that. Yep, some of us do, mostly the merchants trade goods...and service..."

Her eyes seem to shift a bit when she mentions the last part. It must be some sort of an inside knowledge. That's a bit curious, but not what I come here for.

"I want to meet them. Is there a way?"

The barkeep narrows her eyes and looks at me with suspicion, but only for a second.

Barkeep: "I heard the merchants on your side of the world trade with them too. The country, Gallia or something. Wouldn't it be easier for you to ask them?"

"Really? I didn't know about that."

Never heard about that before. With the way Louise speaks about the elves, I imagined the entire population of Halkeginia would keep as far away from them as possible. Though now that I think about it, it's kind of obvious there will always be places that don't share what is supposedly a social norm. Even Iliasburg, of all places, accepted those four so easily, after all.

"I'm not from that country so it's kind of hard to do that. Can I do that here instead?"

Now it's pretty clear the barkeep is suspicious of me. I don't have enough clues to guess why the topic of elves would trigger such a reaction here.

Barkeep: "The elves are a valuable ally of our city, so we have to be careful when talking about them to outsiders, especially to someone from the land that hates them. I hope you understand that."

"I understand. Though I want to say I have absolutely nothing against them. I only need to ask them some things."

The barkeep seems to try to see if I'm lying. I'm not, so there's nothing to worry about.

Barkeep: "...I see. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you with that. The elves keep their settlement a secret. None of us, not even the ones that traded with them for a long time, ever get to see it. When they trade, it's always in this city where only their business partners know, or out there at designated points. Aside from those times, the elves rarely ever came to this city. If you want to meet one, you'll need the help of one of the few merchants that frequently deal with them. But I don't think they'll help you. They would never do something that might make the elves angry; it would hurt their business."

"...I see." That makes sense, and is disheartening at the same time.

"Can you point me in their directions anyway? I'd like to try."

Barkeep: "That's no problem. Just go to the business district just north of here. Look for the shops that sell exotic goods and ask for the owner. Most of them traded with the elves at one point or another; their shops might even sell goods bought from the elves, even. You'll have to find the rest of the way on your own, though. I can't tell you more than that."

"Thank you. And, sorry I can't really drink."

Barkeep: "It's fine! It's good to see a young boy like you being so open to our good friend!"

It feels a bit cheating to left the pub just like that, but I really couldn't think of a way to repay her, after she was so generous with the information too.

Well, nothing to it. I'll just go see those merchants and see what happens.

[...]

[...][...]

Merchan D: "No can do, kid. It took me a hell lot of time to get into the contract with them. I can't risk that."

"I see... Sorry for taking your time."

Merchant D: "Well, I can't help you meet them, but why don't you buy something they made? It'd make a good souvenir. I take écu coins too."

"Uh...guess I'll buy something." I'm definitely being played by the usual merchant tactics, but it might be good to buy something back, if only to show Louise's family I really came here.

Louise gave me thirty écus, which can buy anything in this shop; that just makes it harder to choose.

...Huh?

"This shirt..."

Merchant D: "Oh, you have a good eye! That looks plain at first glance, but they're magically reinforced. They don't tear or even burn easily. The craftsmanship is up there as well. Really dexterous bunch, those elves."

I know all about that already. After all, I'm wearing one just like it. The only difference is the design.

So, the elves here might be capable of some of the things the ones back home do, at the very least.

Merchant D: "I have bottom pieces to go with it too. Why don't you get a full set?"

This merchant is kind of pushy...

"I'm, uh, probably already wearing one like this. I'll take just the trousers."

Merchant D: "Really? Well, if you managed to come all this way, I guess you'd have plenty of chance to get your hands on one. Alright, the trousers it is. I'll see if I have a pair your size."

[...]

[...][...]

In the end, all I got was a pair of trousers, the souvenir for Louise's family, and the information that the elves would only meet secretly with their business partners around once a month, and said partners would never tell anyone where that is. I took a look around the city, and I really couldn't find an elf there. They might just be disguising themselves; if so then I really had no chance to find them.

Riding back to Louise's house, I feel a lot more tired than on the way here. This isn't just the physical exhaustion from looking all over the desert and the town.

It seems that to meet the elves, I will have to go through the people that are already dealing with them. If only my fame as a hero could be used now instead of all those times I wish I could go anonymous.

The anxiety has lessened somewhat, though. Seeing the evidence of the existence of elves is a bit of a relief. And, though it really isn't logical, seeing their version of an Enrikan shirt gives me hope that they might have some connection to my home, somehow.

...I guess that will have to do for now. Maybe I really need the Queen to introduce me to the merchants that can help me with this.

There it is: Louise's mansion. There should be a few hours before dinner. Now that I think a bit, I skipped lunch on top of all the walking I did. No wonder I feel so hungry.

No one at the mansion was surprised by our entrance anymore. Jan took in Nerian like usual. I should go report to—Oh, there comes Louise.

Louise: "Hey."

"I'm back."

She seems a bit out of breath. Did she run here?

Louise: "I can see that."

Louise looks me from head to toe, and relaxes. Did she think I was going to have something done to me for visiting the elves? Geez.

Louise: "Well, what did you find?"

"Nothing much. I should report to your family, shouldn't I? I'll tell you there."

Louise: "...Alright. Let's go, then."

Louise leads me to the usual living room; I can remember most of the layout of this mansion now, after living and cleaning in it for two months.

Louise doesn't wait for me to open the door for her, and just enters.

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise! Do you know how rude it was to just run out of the room like that? I hope you haven't been doing this in other places too."

Cattleya: "Sister, please let it slide just for this once. Louise was just excited to see Luka back, am I right?"

Louise deflated at Eléonore-san scold, and got worked up by Cattleya-san's tease, but ultimately pushes down her complaint and sulks a little. One of the usual dynamics between the three sisters is perfectly represented in this exchange.

Pierre: "You are back. Good. Now, let's hear what you were doing out there."

Louise's father dropped the disdain he had for me at first a while ago, but he seems to just be a stern man in general.

"As we agreed, I and Nerian flew to the Sahara Desert. It took us around an hour, and there was no complication."

Pierre: "So you were not intercepted by the Gallian aerial units."

"We weren't. Like I said, garuda girls can, uh, disappear and reappear in another place a large distance away in a blink of an eye, so we never stayed in one place long enough for them to react, even if they were to spot us."

Pierre: "...I see. So, in a long-distance travel, not even a wind dragon can rival that bird. Hm..."

The trip took us the entire morning and half the afternoon, but there really isn't much to report. We searched the empty desert, asked the locals in the nearby city, and the only thing we learned was that the elves are secretive and difficult to get in contact with.

Pierre: "Well, I expected as much. Though I am a bit surprised you manage to reach the Eastern Land and even conversed with its people. Even among the richest, there are but a handful of individuals that had ever visited it. To think there is a way to make a round trip within a single day..."

Eléonore: "I find that hard to believe too, under normal circumstance. Which is why, just to make sure, I will ask if you have a way to prove what you just said was the truth and not some story you made up."

Okay, I half expected Eléonore-san to say that; she always seems to be the first to take the role of the skeptical one. Maybe it comes with being a researcher. Though Lucia was much subtler and less vocal, she still holds the same stance over new and unconfirmed information most of the time I saw her.

"Well, I bought some goods they sold over there with the money Louise gave me."

The trousers are for my own use, so there's no need to take it out. There probably isn't anything special about it to prove that it came from the elves as well; they have magic that strengthen things here too.

So, the other souvenir will have to do.

Pierre: "This is..."

Louise: "?"

Eléonore: "Nib pens."

Karine: "What is that?"

So they really are rare here, as the merchant said.

Eléonore: "A type of pen with its head made of metal, Mother. Naturally, they are entirely man-made. It requires much more resource, tools, and skill to make than quill pens, but can achieve more consistent quality and better durability. Because of the difficulty in making such an intricate head, only skilled craftsmen are capable of making them, and it usually takes a long time to make one. Consequently, they are usually made-to-order and far harder to replace."

I never heard about that. When I learned of this type of pen, it was already being mass produced.

Eléonore: "They are more for hobby; only the wealthy can afford them for general use, and even then, only a few bothered. A certain very skilled mage had learned to make them in much less time through magic, but it still uses up too much mental power to make more than one a month or so. And because of that mage, the Academy forbids us from using them, since they are products of the so-called 'abuse of God's gift'."

Eléonore-san half spits out the last words; as always, she can't resist throwing in a complaint about her workplace.

Karine: "...I see."

The mother replied in neutral tone after a moment.

Eléonore: "How much did you pay for this?"

"The merchant said it was seven écus each, but he gave me a discount: twenty five écus for four."

Eléonore: "Hm, sounds about right, though a bit overpriced. These are indeed a luxurious commodity that is not sold anywhere. It still would not be impossible to acquire them in this country. Well, I don't think this commoner would have the means to, so this is as good a proof as any."

Pierre: "...Not necessarily so, Eléonore." The father says as he adjusts his monocle to look at the pen's nib carefully.

Eléonore: "What do you mean, Father?"

Pierre: "You are correct about the pens and their scarcity. But look closely at the nib itself. The craftsmanship is much more intricate than what you can find on normal nib pens. No, I would say this must have been created through an entirely different, and superior, method. The metal surface is perfectly smooth and bears no defect whatsoever. Even a master craftsman would require several attempts to achieve this. This would be more suited as a collection rather than for use; its price could go as high as fifty écus, depending on the buyer."

Eléonore: "...I admit I am not knowledgeable about such expensive hobby."

Those are all new for me as well. Back home, this type of pens has become pretty common in the last year, since Grangold started producing them in large quantity, thanks to their army of ant girls. According to Lucia, Promestein's personal pen was even more advanced than this; it could hold enough ink to last for weeks, even with intensive writing, and there was no need to dip it in an ink bottle. The technology to mass produce that is still impossible in the present, so these nib pens are made instead as a compromise.

Eléonore: "But if what Father says is true, this pricing is indeed strange. The simplest explanation would be that the elves have the means to produce it quickly and cheaply enough for this price to be profitable for them." She sounds a little envious.

Anyway, that would make their technology on par with my home, I guess. Unless some unknown magic is involved.

Louise is still flipping the pen around and looking at it in in curiosity, while Cattleya-san replies to her questions patiently. Looks like my choice of souvenir is welcomed.

At least the trip didn't turn out to be a complete waste; I learned some things about the elves, including a way to get in contact with them. That counts as a step closer to my main objective, right?

{...}

{...}{...}

So it has been two months already since that incident. Time does fly fast when there is nothing to worry about.

Despite how harrowing it was at the time, things seem mostly the same. The changes are small and subtle; the people that weren't involved probably wouldn't notice a thing.

We still have meals as a family; the addition of Sister Chii between me and Sister Eléonore is probably noticeable, but would still look natural to anyone.

Sister Chii would be reading in a study at the time it used to be unoccupied. She would be drying my hair after a bath. She would take a walk in the garden together with me and Sister Eléonore. After a week, the excitement wore off, and they all became normal. Five of us (six, including Luka) had even gone out together to visit nearby villages two times already.

Normal; it is such a wonderful feeling. Things are finally as they should be.

Workers, both men and women, are still tense around Sister Chii, but not so much that they would go out of their way to avoid her anymore. The eastern side of the mansion has started to see some use now.

Some noble came to visit us one time, and Father enthusiastically told him the great news that Sister Chii is cured of her sickness. I didn't see it myself, but Jerome said it was the first time in more than a decade he had seen father so lively.

My dream, what I wanted all this time, an ordinary life with Sister Chii; though it's not exactly as I had imagined, and not yet fully completed in respect to how the society view us, it can be said that it has come true. Even as I am here, sitting together at the table with Sister Chii, I still occasionally doubt if I'm not dreaming.

A miracle. A blessing from Founder. ...Well, if not for Sister Chii's current state, I might have thought that.

This is great. My life is very much on the right track. This is wonderful. Too wonderful even. I'm getting a bit scared.

Life is so good that I don't know what I should be doing now.

The goal that had seemed so far away was suddenly accomplished overnight. What do I do next?

The meal is finished. The table is cleaned. Nothing out of ordinary.

Jerome: "My lord, here is the monthly news from capital."

Oh right; the letter containing news from the capital that comes once a month. Father retired from the military long ago, but he is still quite a prominent figure amongst the nobility circle, including the royal court. He is still called to meetings sometimes when his opinion is needed in some crucial matters (like the time I got detained) and he still hires the news service to be notified of important events through letters. He is a Tristanian noble through and through.

Well, the 'important' news usually ends up being not so important. Events, good or bad, that shake the kingdom don't just happen all the time, and when they do, they are usually preceded by signs in some form.

Pierre: "Hm...!?"

? Normally Father would barely react when reading one of those. Did something happen after all?

Karine: "What is it, Dear?"

Pierre: "Hm...It seems there has been quite a commotion in the capital."

"Eh? What do you mean, Father? Did something happen to Princess?" I can't help but be worried.

Pierre: "Ah, not exactly. The matter seems to have been resolved for the most part. Her Majesty was safe and sound."

Karine: "Louise, Her Majesty is the Queen now. Make sure to use the proper title."

"Y—Yes, Mother. I will be careful..."

I forgot about that. I haven't met Princess even once since she ascended to the throne. I'm so used to calling her Princess all these years.

Cattleya: "It sounds like something important. Father, can you read it for us?"

Pierre: "Oh, of course."

Father looks over the parchment, organising the content in his head, probably.

Pierre: "Since the conclusion of the battle at Tarbes, to prepare for further conflicts from Albion, the royal court had conducted an investigation in secret to find traitors."

"Eh?" Princess did say she had also considered it, but I didn't hear anything about investigation.

Eléonore: "What are you surprised about? You heard it: the investigation was conducted in secret. Of course a shrimp like you wouldn't have known about it."

"I—I know that!" Princess—Her Majesty has no need to tell me everything she will do; I don't need someone to tell me that.

Pierre: "While the investigation was ongoing, a group of men sneaked into Her Majesty's bedroom in an attempt abduct her. They were caught by the royal guards in the act. The Queen was unharmed."

"Eh!?"

A—Abduction!?

Pierre: "The result of the interrogation was not enough to determine the person behind the attempt. In response to, Her Majesty the Queen Henrietta bestowed the title of Chevalier to the female soldier who was instrumental in protecting her from the assailants, and found a new Royal Guard squad, the Musketeer Squad, consisting of soldiers with notable accomplishments in the battle at Tarbes, all female commoners."

"Ehh!?"

Commoners—Women—Royal Guards!?

Pierre: "Meanwhile, the former Crown Prince of Albion, Wales Tudor who was reported to have gone to Tarbes in order to assist an investigation into the remains of Albion's warships, had instead disguised himself amongst the commoners in the capital to assist in the Queen's investigation. Not long after the abduction, he reported an important piece of information, which turned up evidences that a noble with high standing had been in contact and supporting Albion's new government, later revealed to be Chief Justice of the High Court, Richmond."

"Ehhh!?"

The prince was—And, High Court!? Isn't that the court for nobles!?

Pierre: "The Queen arranged for a plan to lure out the traitor, and led the Musketeer Squad herself to arrest the suspect, with the assistant of four students of Tristain Magic Academy, who were at the scene by chance. The four consist of a son of the Field Marshal Gramont, Guiche de Gramont, a daughter of House of Montmorency, and two noble girls from Germania and Gallia."

"Ehhhh!?"

Guiche and Montmorency!? Why were their names in there—Wait, two girls from Germania and Gallia? Don't tell me it's Zerbst and Tabitha!?

Eléonore: "Shrimp! Stop shouting already!"

"B—But...!" How can I not?! It's like a medley of ridiculous incidents one after another!

Pierre: "The suspect will be brought to court to determine his guilt on the day of Yr, Week of Eolh, Month of Nyd, when the sun is at the peak. All nobles are invited to be witness on the date and time."

Father rolls the parchment and looks up at us.

Karine: "Quite the predicament, indeed."

Pierre: "Hm."

Uh, Father and Mother, aren't they too calm about this? It's as if they're used to this already. Do our country catch traitors amongst the high nobles that often?

Eléonore: "Father, do you not find it strange that you were not notified of the founding of the new royal guard squad? Would such an important matter not be spread all over the country normally?"

Pierre: "I guess it does sound strange when you put it like that. In my experience, some division of the knights would frequently be put to tasks that are better when less people know about them, if not none at all. Not only that, but this is a royal guard squad consists entirely of common women—there would be no end to the controversies it brings. There were plenty of reasons for the Royal Court to keep the news about them as low as possible for as long as possible, even if the effort might be futile. That's just how bureaucrats like to work. I would say the only reasons we didn't know was because our land is at the edge of the kingdom and guests rarely visit us."

Eléonore: "That sounds nothing if not dreadfully wasteful."

That sounds like what Sister Eléonore would say.

Eléonore: "Will you go, Father? To the trial, I mean."

Pierre: "I will. I have to at least show my face, or some rascals would run their mouth again. We are going to reclaim our reputation, aren't we?"

Father smiles, and we smile back. Even Mother nods.

Eléonore: "It's just the right time, then. I have to go back to the Academy anyway. We can drop Louise off at the school along the way. Is that fine?"

I have to go back to school anyway; a few days early wouldn't hurt, yes. But, hmm...

Pierre: "That does seem to be a good idea."

Father nods, then, as if remembering something, turns to Sister Chii hesitantly.

Pierre: "About Cattleya..."

Sister Chii smiles.

Cattleya: "Please don't worry about me. There will be many more chances in the future. I can go anytime."

Pierre: "Hm. Okay. Next time Louise is on a break, let us all go on a trip somewhere."

Vacation? All of us?

Eléonore: "Is it really fine making that kind of promise, Father? It's not something that can be done on a whim. Your presence might be required at the capital any time."

Pierre: "I know, and I am serious. The rabbles at the court should learn not to involve me in every one of their trivial squabbles already. That time is a hundred times better spent with our family, especially with Cattleya. There is much lost time we need to make up for."

Cattleya: "I look forward to it."

Sister Chii gives a broad smile, and Father looks satisfied.

This is my chance. I can say it now.

"Well, Father, can I go too?"

Pierre: "Of course. I did say all of us, didn't I."

"Ah, not about that, I mean the court."

Pierre: "The court? You mean the trial?"

Father frowns in thought.

Pierre: "I don't know if you should. It won't be interesting, and you might hear or see unpleasant things unnecessarily."

"I know." Actually I didn't think about that at all. "But I want to know what's going on in our country, especially what pertains Her Majesty."

Pierre: "If you insist I won't stop you." Father nods without resistance. "Then, we will go to the capital together, then you will go back to school after the trial. Is that fine with you?"

"Yes, it is. Thank you, Father."

A lot happened while I wasn't there. If I don't hurry up and catch up to it now, I might really get left behind. Most of all, it's exasperating that Zerbst of all people were there to assist Princess—Her Majesty, but not I.

{...}

{...}{...}

Finally, it's time to go back to the capital, then the school. It has only been three days since the surprising news (which Louise got surprised enough for two of us), but things are no different from usual. Even the workers didn't talk much about it. I guess being so far from the capital does make you care less about what happens over there.

Anyway, they said they would go by a carriage, but I didn't think it would be drawn by dragons. I don't know how it's really called, so I'll just call it 'dragon carriage' for now. It looks both amazing and a little bit weird, being a 'carriage' with wheels, but flies through the sky, hangs by the chains connected to some kind of harness-like equipment on four dragons.

We did have something like that back home, but it was tied only to Galda, and was only used to travel between Sentora and Hellgondo. Galda, just like Nerian I'm riding on now, are much faster though, thanks to her teleportation magic.

Still, what normally takes three days by horse-drawn carriage is reduced to just half a day, so it's fast enough.

The dragon carriage lands on a space surrounded by expensive looking buildings, a small garden, and decorative statues. The pedestrians are light, unlike in the center of the city, and their clothes are all fancy. This is probably nobles' residential area or something like that.

People look at Nerian where she lands, but don't seem to panic. I guess they are assured that they could at least save themselves with their magic; their confidence is good for times like this at least.

Pierre: "I will go to the royal palace by the service carriage. Take ours to the stable."

Driver: "Yes, My Lord."

"Ah, please take care of Nerian too. Nerian, go with them."

Nerian: "*kweh!*"

She is already familiar with the workers in Louise's house, and vice versa, so it's probably fine to leave her with the driver.

We take a normal, horse-drawn carriage to the palace. I get to ride with them this time. I've had two months to get used to Louise's family, but this is still a little tense, especially with the two most likely to glare at me for something I did.

The carriage stops at the front gate. It's probably just twenty minutes or so of ride, but it felt longer than that.

A knight approaches and looks in through the window.

Pierre: "Duke de La Vallière. I come to seek an audience with Her Majesty."

Knight: "Yes, my lord."

The knight bows a little, then signals the guards to opens the way. The carriage continues on.

"That was very different from that time we came ourselves."

Louise: "My bad for not being well known and respected. Hmph."

Pierre: "What is this about?"

Louise: "Well...I sought an audience with Princess once, but was refused because I couldn't prove my identity."

Pierre: "They didn't know my beloved daughter? Hmph, uneducated whelps."

Louise: "F—Father!?"

I knew he would say that, somehow.

Louise: "But the captain of the knights believed me and let me passed. His name was...Des Essarts, I believe."

Pierre: "Hm, that man...Right, you do have some similarity with your mother."

Louise: "He did say something like that. Does that mean...?"

Pierre: "That's right. An acquaintance of your mother from back then."

Louise: "So he really was..."

They're talking about something I don't know. Well, I'll just ask later if I have the chance; the carriage stopped already.

A maid leads us inside, like the time we came to report the mission in Albion.

The way seems familiar. And I was right; we're led to the same room as last time.

*knock knock*

Maid: "Your Majesty, the guests have arrived."

Henrietta: "Please invite them in."

The maid opens the door for us, and we step inside.

The room looks as bright and colorful as last time. The queen is seated at the sofa, and stands up as soon as she sees us.

Henrietta: "Duke de La Vallière, and Louise Françoise."

The queen looks like she's going to smile at Louise, but stops herself; to keep her image as a queen in front of Louise's father maybe.

Louise's father bows, deeply, like he really means it. It's different from how the students bowed at school.

Pierre: "It is a great pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty."

Henrietta: "Likewise. Please take a seat."

Louise and her family go to the sofa opposite to the princess, wait until she sits first, then take their seats. The right spot for me is probably just behind the sofa to the right of Louise. Having been here for so long, I just kind of know.

I've really become used to the position of Louise's servant, haven't I, at least on the outside.

Pierre: "The last time we met, Your Majesty was still a princess. Now I see you have grown much."

Henrietta: "I do hope so, as the person I was then would not be fit for the throne." The queen says with a neutral expression; I can't even tell if she really means it or just says it out of courtesy.

Heniretta: "I can still remember when I was but a child, when you were dedicating yourself in service of our country and had to frequent the capital; it was how I came to meet Louise Françoise. We have not many chances to meet since you retired. Discounting the urgent meeting last month, the last time was my mother's birthday party beside Lagdorian Lake three years ago."

Three years ago; that would be before Louise entered school. I guess Louise would've been there too? That's a childhood memory I don't know about.

Heniretta: "If a great noble to whom Tristain owed much of its prosperity such as you would see myself in such flattering light, there would be no greater joy. I shall aspire to be a queen that would not disappoint you all."

Pierre: "Seeing how dedicated Your Majesty are, I am already confident it would turn out well."

...This feels kind of awkward. The queen and Louise's father are supposed to have known each other for a long time, but they're being so formal. It's so different from how Alice and Tamamo act toward each other. The Heavenly Knights use polite language with Alice, especially Granberia, but they are still intimate and even share banters often. Although the kings and queen of the four countries acted pretty much like this to their close subordinates too.

...Huh? Was it us that's the weird ones?

Heniretta: "It has been a long time indeed since I have visited your land. Have you and your family been in good health?"

Pierre: "We have been. Karine is still as young and beautiful as always. She herself said she looked a bit older, but I and our daughters did not think she had aged a day from when Your Majesty last visited us."

Isn't that one of the rumors surrounding Louise's house? So he was deliberately bringing them up, maybe to show that he's not afraid of those rumors? He can't just be bragging about his wife. The queen might have noticed that too, from her expression.

Pierre: "There is one very good news. My second daughter, Cattleya, has finally been freed from the sickness that had plagued her life for so long."

Heniretta: "Eh!? Cattleya-san has? Is that true, Lord Duke?" The queen widens her eyes, and leans forward a little. She's still not completely used to acting all formal, I guess.

Pierre: "Indeed it is. It has been two months since she resumed her normal life, and her health improved rapidly. There has been no indication that the sickness would come back."

Well, apparently she has been 'eating' well and not letting herself starved. Cattleya-san wouldn't tell anyone aside from her mother, so even I don't know how she has been doing it...

Henrietta: "That is great news indeed! I will have to give her a visit when I have a chance."

Pierre: "Cattleya will no doubt be delighted."

The queen apparently knows Cattleya-san personally. Not surprising; she's her best friend's sister after all.

Pierre: "Speaking of recent changes at our manor: how did the matter with the giant avian come to be? Why had Your Majesty entrusted it to House of La Vallière?"

Eh...? Why would he suddenly bring Nerian up? I and Louise, we already told her house that the queen doesn't know Nerian is a monster, so he probably won't let that slip. I haven't forgotten about anything else equally damning, have I?

Henrietta: "Ah, I see. It's only natural to be curious. I have to apologize Lord Duke for suddenly putting more responsibility on you despite your retirement, but our kingdom owe quite a lot to the avian. Count Aston did request to be its caretaker, but Tarbes is in the middle of recovering from the skirmish. I feared further responsibility would take too much toll on him and the land, so I decided to entrust the avian to someone who is sufficiently equipped to care for it."

Pierre: "...So that was how it come to be. I and my family shall graciously take on this grave responsibility."

Louise's father said that, but he's probably thinking the story is a bit different from what Louise told the family. He doesn't need to see Louise's fidgeting and looking away to notice that.

This is strange. The cause of it was me, but somehow it is Louise and the queen that are fighting over who takes responsibility for it.

The queen takes a deep breath as if changing her mood.

Henrietta: "Duke of La Vallière, am I right to assume that you came to the capital to participate in the traitor's trial?"

Pierre: "You are correct. When I and my family heard the news, we were very surprised."

Didn't they just raise their brows for a second, at most?

Pierre: "I have been acquainted with the person in question for over a decade. We may not have been particularly close, but I have known him as someone who had been serving Tristain all his life."

Henrietta: "That was how I had viewed him as well. But after a careful consideration, we had noted there had been similar incident thirty years ago as well: the treachery of Grand Duke Eustache, the close confidant of King Philip the Third."

Some history bits I have no idea about; is this how Louise felt when I told her about my home?

Pierre: "If it is not too much intrusion, can you tell me of the details in this matter? I have knowledge of the order of the events from the report, but not how it came to be."

Louise fidgets. She's probably eager to know too. Eléonore-san pinches her thigh to have her be still.

The queen glances at Louise for a moment, then nods.

Henrietta: "I understand. I will tell you. It is not strictly a secret, but I would like you not to disclose this to others without careful consideration."

Pierre: "I will be careful."

The queen nods again.

Henrietta: "After the miraculous triumph at Tarbes, I have ascended to the throne; this Lord Duke knows. However, I am aware that the popularity of a ruler shifts and churns as easily as the wind, and so I had one of ours disguised himself and lived amongst the commoners to ascertain their opinions of the current government."

Louise's father nods solemnly.

Henrietta: "It was also the battle that had made me realize that dangers could be lurking closer than I had assumed. With the betrayal of the former captain of Gryphon Squad still fresh in my memory, I have come to suspect that there could be more in contact with Albion's new government; whether it be from greed, or fear."

Pierre: "That is a very reasonable doubt."

Henrietta: "That was the reason I could only entrust the duty to one I can absolutely be certain will not keep anything from me. At first, I intended for that person to be Louise Françoise, as she is the only person in Tristain aside from my mother and Mazarini I have complete trust in."

The queen looks at Louise, and Louise looks down bashfully.

Henrietta: "But Lord Wa—the former Crown Prince of Albion volunteered himself for the task to let Louise Françoise enjoy her well-deserved rest during the school break."

Pierre: "The former Crown Prince would do such a thing? Right, you were the one who brought him to Tristain, Louise."

Louise doesn't meet her father's eyes, only nods tensely, probably afraid she would be blamed for it again. But from his voice, her father probably doesn't think anything of it anymore. Eléonore-san who glances at Louise briefly might be another matter though.

Henrietta: "That is so. The former Crown Prince—whom I shall refer to as Prince Wales—disguised himself as a worker in a certain inn, collecting information and rumors among the commoners; at one point exposing a tax officer of his abuse of authority to harass the locals."

Did the queen just casually throw in a brag about Prince? Her expression is so flat I can't tell for sure.

Henrietta: "By chance as much as by vigilance, he overheard a conversation of a couple of customers in the inn. Prince Wales determined the content of the conversation to be between a person of high position in Tristain and a foreign spy who were planning to sneak into this royal palace for unknown purposes, and had informed me of such. I discussed the matter with Mazarini, and we decided to discreetly strengthen the security."

Louise's father raises his brows.

Pierre: "There was quite a lot those out of the loop had no knowledge of. I assume that only Your Majesty, the former Crown Prince, and Cardinal Mazarini were aware of all this, am I correct?"

Henrietta: "That you are. As I said before; I could not be sure of whom to trust."

Pierre: "My deepest apology for this brazen remark, but I believe the matter was too heavy for only three people, regardless of their authority."

Henrietta: "It is fine; I am of the same opinion as well. Which is why first and foremost I intend to determine those who are loyal to the Kingdom of Tristain and those who only care for their own benefits."

Pierre: "Then I will have to ask why Your Majesty is telling me all this. Is it because you have determined me to be trustworthy, despite this being our first proper conversation in years?" Louise's father frowns.

Pierre: "If Your Majesty would refer to House of La Vallière's long history of service, I would remind you of the Chief Justice of the High Court, who had served Tristain for more than thirty years."

Henrietta: "I trust you." The queen answers with no hesitation. "To be more precise, I trust Louise Françoise. She is not a person who would adore those who are disloyal to their own motherland. If Lord Duke were to turn his wand to Tristain, she would not turn a blind eye to it, even if you are her father."

Pierre: "Your evaluation of my daughter is indeed correct. However, Your Majesty may have forgotten to consider that the royal family and the kingdom are not entirely one and the same. There had been many who turned their wands toward a royal family in the name of their kingdom; the most recent of which happened up in the sky country. I may become such a person someday. Can Your Majesty be certain Louise would choose you over the country?"

Louise: "Father!?" Louise cries out, and Eléonore-san snaps her head at the father in surprise.

Louise's father stares at the queen unblinkingly. The air in the room is completely still. It even feels hard to breathe, like high up on a mountain. Louise, and even Eléonore-san don't dare to move a muscle.

Henrietta: "So that the day would not come, I need retainers who are both able and virtuous, such as you and Louise."

The queen is trying to appear calm, but her nervousness at the question and the pressure can still be seen and heard.

Louise's father continues staring at the queen. Then he relaxes his shoulders, changes his posture, and bows his head.

Pierre: "My deepest apology for my insolence. I swear by the honor of House of La Vallière that I have not a speck of disloyalty to Your Majesty and the royal family of Tristain. But I am a father, and for the past few months, Your Majesty had drawn Louise into dangers several times. Thus, I had wanted to ascertain Your Majesty's thought; most particularly, what Louise is to you."

The queen meets Louise's father's eyes. Then she relaxes, and sighs without making a sound.

Henrietta: "I acknowledge your concern. However, it is such an irony: the people I do not want to put to danger are also the only one I can entrust with the tasks. If only peace would come to this country, there would be no need for anyone to risk themselves so."

Louise's father is still watching the queen in appraisal, but not with as much pressure as before.

Pierre: "Though it has only been a short while, Your majesty seems to have learned quite a lot of what it means to be a ruler."

Henrietta: "I sincerely hope so as well."

Louise's father nods in approval.

Pierre: "Then I believe I would be correct to assume that there is no ulterior motive for bringing the Chief Justice to court in charge of treason."

Henrietta: "Ulterior motive? Such as?"

Pierre: "To rid of those who oppose your rule, to strengthen your authority and stabilize your government."

Huh?

Louise: "Father!?"

I hadn't considered that at all. Trials are supposed to be for judging someone's wrongdoing and settling disputes.

Eléonore-san turned pale at the father's words; even the queen is taken aback.

It takes a while before the queen comes to her senses.

Henrietta: "I can assure you bringing the man to the court is solely to judge him on the crime he had truly committed."

Pierre: "I have come to be sure of that from your reaction. This time, as well, I had no intention of demeaning Your Majesty, but while you may have no such goal, others may believe or claim that you do. Even disregarding Your Majesty, there are others who may benefit from the shift in power balance."

Henrietta: "I...shall keep that in mind."

Louise's father nods again; this time with more weight to it, as if to say this is the last one.

Pierre: "Your Majesty probably have a lot to do. I am sorry to have put yet more burden to your mind, but that is all I have to say. As long as you keep what you said to me today in mind, House of La Vallière is ready to be the wand and the shield to the royal family as we have always been."

Henrietta: "I am grateful, Lord Duke."

Pierre: "We have intruded upon your time far too much. I and my daughters shall take our leave now. We will meet again on the day of the trial."

Henrietta: "I look forward to your opinion on the first royal trial of my rule, Duke of La Vallière."

The father turns to Louise and Eléonore-san.

Pierre: "Louise, Eléonore, if you have anything to speak with Her Majesty, do it now, but don't take too long."

Louise: "Eh? I don't...Uh, Pr—Your Majesty, can I ask something?"

Henrietta: "What is it?"

Louise: "The report said students from my school assisted you in arresting the traitor. The names in the report...were they true?"

Henrietta: "Ah, about that. Yes, they were the ones; I met them myself on the day."

Louise: "E—Even Guiche?"

Henrietta: "Yes, even—Eh?"

The queen is probably confused by what Louise means. But I kind of get it.

Louise: "A—And...the two female students...from Germania and Gallia..."

Henrietta: "They were the two you told me about; the Gallian girl has a wind dragon as a familiar. I didn't realize they were the same people at first, but the Germanian girl spoke of how she assisted you at La Rochelle, so I knew they were the ones."

Kirche and Tabitha; it really was them.

Louise: "S—So it was true..." Louise looks down in shock.

Pierre: "Hmm, I have to say I am curious as well. Who were they exactly?"

Henrietta: "The Germarnian girl was a daughter of House von Zerbst, but the Gallian girl I did not know."

Pierre: "House von Zerbst?" Louise's father raises his brows.

Eléonore: "Shrimpy Louise! You're friends with a Zerbst?!"

Louise: "I—It's n(w)ot (w)ike th(w)at!~"

Pierre: "Eléonore! We are in the presence of Her Majesty."

Eléonore: "Ah...! My apologies."

Eléonore-san lets go. Louise meekly rubs her reddened cheeks.

They're too busy minding their own acts to notice the queen trying to suppress her laugh.

Henrietta: "Is there anything else, Louise Françoise?"

Louise: "That is all, Your Majesty..."

Henrietta: "What about Eléonore-san?"

Oh, the queen is back to using relaxed tone like when she was alone with Louise.

Eléonore: "There is one matter."

Eléonore-san takes something from her shirt pocket and places it on the table. Isn't that the pen I bought?

Henrietta: "This is?"

Eléonore: "A nib pen. I believe Your Majesty knows what it is?"

Henrietta: "I do. I have seen them a few times, though none among the palace use them. They are supposedly superior to quill pens, but are not popular owing to the difficulty in making them."

The queen looks up at Eléonore-san, urging her to continue.

Eléonore: "An acquaintance of our house brought four of them as souvenir from the the Eastern Land. According to him, he bought them at a price not too different from what a craftsman might ask for in Halkeginia. However, my father believed the object to be of the quality that would have ten times the value."

The acquaintance was me, obviously. Why is she showing this to the queen though? Is she giving it to her as a gift? I don't mind, but isn't this kind of...trivial? Definitely not suitable to be given to a queen.

Eléonore: "There is something I wish to discuss that is related to this, but first, might I ask Your Majesty to confirm the fact?"

The queen looks uncertain for a moment, before she picks the pen up and examine it.

Henrietta: "...This is the first time I've touched this, a nib pen, was it? It is...certainly different. It does seem to be much sturdier than the quills, but not as heavy as I thought it would be."

The queen seems to be trying hard to find something to say about it.

Eléonore: "Indeed. The metal used to make its head is lighter than what is used in smithing, as it is not expected to endure the force nor the heat that a sword or a pot might go through. The knowledge and techniques to create such metal is already present. I would like Your Majesty to pay attention to its head in particular."

The queen looks a little embarrassed, probably because she has to be told where to look. I understand that feeling; I fumbled a lot when I first began the diplomatic work and needed Alice and Tamamo (and many others) to explain things to me. The queen probably doesn't want to look bad in front of Louise's family.

Henrietta: "...! My skills with magic mostly lie with Water so I am not knowledgeable in Alchemy. However, I would imagine it to be most difficult to create metal of such intricate shape."

Eléonore: "You would be correct. This is my, a Square Earth mage's attempt to replicate it."

Eléonore-san place another object on the table. It looks just like the head of the pen I bought. The queen picks it up and compares it with the first one.

Henrietta: "My, what a fine work you did, Eléonore-san. They look...almost identical." The queen raises her brows a bit at the end.

Eléonore: "Indeed. With careful control, I could make an almost exact replica of it. However, for the sake of consistency and quality in writing, 'almost' is not enough. The one I made would make uneven lines on horizontal strokes. While it may not ruin the texts, they would be quite unpleasing to the eye. All four pens we received, supposedly made in the east, can make perfectly even lines in all directions; they even feel smoother on the surface of paper than my replica."

Henrietta: "That is...quite something."

The queen seems uncertain of what to make of it. I don't know where this is going either.

Eléonore: "If one has the methods to create and fine-tune metallic apparatus in a degree of less than a cent, many of what was once impossible will become possible. For example, it would not be difficult to make golems that can write letters as fine as a human might—no, more accurately than any human can possibly do, with but minimum input from the mage. Gallia's gargoyles can already accomplish that, but golems require much less resource to make."

Henrietta: "That is...quite hard to imagine. Forgive me, but it sounds like a dream."

That's normal. I would think that too, if I hadn't already seen what Promestein accomplished.

Eléonore: "You would be right. In my knowledge, it is not possible by Halkeginia's current techniques. However, it is also of my opinion that it is quite possible to develop methods to create highly intricate metallic apparatus such as this. In fact, if they put their mind and resource to it, I am quite sure Gallia or Germania would accomplish that in less than five years."

Really? That's pretty amazing. It took us around three years to do enough to mass produce it, and we had access to the technology Promestein left. If the people here can do the same in less than ten years, they would already be better than us.

Henrietta: "I...see. I never imagined there are such objects and techniques to create them out there, nor that such knowledge would be within our reach."

Eléonore: "That is quite normal for people outside of academic circle. In fact, I would say to have the awareness others lack is the responsibility of ones who would call themselves researchers."

Henrietta: "Speaking of researchers, Eléonore-san works in the Academy, the royal court-funded research institute. I never knew they do such wonderful works there." The queen's voice has a little excitement in them, probably suppressed.

Eléonore: "I also believe we can accomplish much were we to work toward such a goal. We, however, are decidedly not doing so." Eléonore-san's voice becomes hard at the end.

Henrietta: "Oh...? What do you mean by that?"

Eléonore: "I do not know if Your Majesty is aware of this or not, but any effort to find such practical use for magic is considered heretical in the Academy."

She did complain about something like that, though she never went into details.

Henrietta: "I was not aware of that. What do they research, then?"

Eléonore: "The Academy only permit studies of magic in its purest form, namely: how it performs under varied conditions, how it is affected by the surrounding components, what effects it has on other objects, and the various factors relating to its working."

That completely flies over my head, and the Queen too, apparently, seeing her confused expression.

Eléonore: "For example, a study of how wind of varied strength affects lighted candles under different conditions: temperature, whether it is closed or open area, the objects surrounding them."

Henrietta: "Oh, I see." The queen gets it. I still don't.

Eléonore: "I do not doubt that those researches must have brought about the understanding we have today of magic; the advanced spells are the clear results. However, such studies have not yield great breakthroughs in the last century. Many of the facilities in used today were created by Gallia, Germania, and even Albion; we only adopted them into our country after it became widespread. One such example is the magic lamps you can see throughout the capital Tristania."

Henrietta: "I...see. I was not aware of that. They were already in use by the time I was born."

It's the same way back home; only for big cities like Iliasburg.

Eléonore: "Studies for the sake of such practical uses are deemed as abuses of God's gift by the Academy. The researches being done rarely ever directly benefited the country. Moreover, this adamant refusal had closed off countless avenues to pursuit further knowledge of magic. I believe there is much we can learn from studying the application of magic."

Henrietta: "I understand what you wish to say. But why bring this up with me? Should you not be consulting with the head of the Academy?"

Eléonore-san folds her arms low across her waist, looking less confident.

Eléonore: "I had proposed such studies to the committee a few times, and had been refused each time. Any research not related to the study of God's miracles nor in honor of Founder had all been met with the same outcome. This attitude toward magic has been deeply ingrained in the academic circle for a long time, and will likely remain so if left alone. However, Your Majesty would hold sway in the Academy's policy, if nowhere else. I understand that you must be busy with the trial, but I implore that Your Majesty consider this matter carefully. That is all I want."

The queen's expression says she really has no clear answer for this, and is thinking about it.

Henrietta: "I do think what Eléonore-san speaks of is really wonderful. I would like nothing more for people to work for the benefits of the kingdom. With the Queen's authority, indeed, I can order the Academy to change its policy. However, without the support of the royal council, it would be near impossible to reliably enforce it. Even if I were to acquire the council's consent, if the people of the Academy themselves are against the idea, I do not believe we will see the results we wish to."

Eléonore: "...I loathe to admit it, but Your Majesty speaks the truth." She really loathes it; it shows on her face.

Henrietta: "Mazarini told me, the job of a ruler is half finding the best path to take, and half convincing enough people to go along with it. I am still a young queen, neither experienced enough for the first nor influential enough for the latter. I am truly sorry, but I do not believe I can fulfill Eléonore-san's wish."

Eléonore: "...I see. I understand, Your Majesty. I am in much the same position as well."

Looks like the topic ended already, in negative outcome. If Alice and Lucia is here, what would they say? I really don't know enough to give any input on it myself. It really is as the queen said; no one can do something so large on their own. The coexistence came to reality only because all the people I and Alice met along the way cooperated with us.

Pierre: "A word, if I might speak from experience, Your Majesty."

Henrietta: "Yes, of course, Lord Duke."

Pierre: "I was young once as well. Though I can barely remember it anymore, but the youngs did seem to be brimming with ambition to accomplish great things, some for the benefit of the country, some for their own interest to the detriment of others. And it is so often that us old generations are what stands between them and their goals; the great obstacle that many failed to overcome."

...That reminds me a bit of Iliasville's old residents.

Pierre: "However, even our great influence waver from time to time, such as in the aftermath of great events. If Eléonore and Your Majesty truly wish to pursue what you spoke of, it would be wise to wait for an appropriate time. If there is anything I learned from all the years I served the kingdom, it is that such times come quite often, despite our best efforts to disguise them."

The queen listens to every word until the end. She nods after a while.

Henrietta: "You might be right. I have seen firsthand when Mazarini employed such tactics, although it was a little forceful. I understand. I will keep Eléonore-san's proposition in mind, and when an opportunity presents itself, I will pursue it. Is that fine with you?"

Eléonore: "It certainly is. I am truly grateful."

The tense atmosphere goes away. That seems to be the end of it.

Henrietta: "Is there anything else I can help you?"

Eléonore: "That will be all on my part."

Louise: "...Oh! There is nothing more from me as well."

Even Louise seems to have forgotten her own presence after that talk. It was pretty immersive listening to them, after all.

Henrietta: "Then, let us meet again on the day of the trial."

Louise's family all stand up, and excuse themselves.

Henrietta: "Oh, I just remember. Louise Françoise, I have someone I want to introduce you to, but she is not here today. I want you two to make acquaintance when there is a chance."

Louise: "Who is it, Your Majesty?"

Henrietta: "The Captain of Musketeer Squad; her name is Agnes. How to put it; she is to me similar to how Luka is to you, I believe?"

Louise: "I...see."

The queen seems genuinely excited, while Louise looks awkward, not knowing what to say.

Henrietta: "I really am happy for you, about Cattleya-san. When we have the chance, let us sit together and chat again, like old times."

Louise: "Gladly, and I believe my sister will say so as well."

---

PBW: "This chapter is kinda dialogue-heavy and loaded with information, but all of it will come back later. Probably. Maybe. If The Author doesn't forget."

Ilias: "Is that your serious attempt at politics? If so then it is quite laughable."

PBW: "...Anyway, there wouldn't be anything thrilling going on just yet. The next-next chapter, however...It will be thrilling in a different meaning, for The Author."

Ilias: "The trial. So, after your pathetic attempt at politics, you will be butchering the law next? Now, I look forward to seeing that, in certain meaning."

PBW: "...Luka and Heinrich must be a pretty serious M if they receive evaluations like this all the time."

Ilias: "I would say I trained them quite well, would you not agree?"

PBW: "The monsters are enjoying the results of your training quite well, yes."

Ilias: "..."

PBW: "...Uh, so, The Author really enjoys writing Louise's eldest sister...The Author tried to keep her personality mostly the same, but her belief and stance regarding her own workplace will have changed. In the original material, she had no particular problem with conforming to the Academy's rules, but here, she holds certain disdain toward the religion thanks to the rumors surrounding her family, and so, the change. ...At least, that's how The Author intends for things to be."

Ilias: "..."

PBW: "Please, stop glaring at me. I already ran out of things to say..."