Chapter 8 – The Royal Request

Hey guys, here is chapter 8. Sorry this chapter was kinda late, had things to do on Saturday. So with this chapter, the duo are finally into Volume 2 of FoZ, the mission into Albion. Well, this was more like the chapter leading up to it. The next chapter will officially be the start of that arc. This chapter does mention some things from DD and some specific items from it. Also, the sword Ascalon, among others, is mentioned in this chapter. Each of the sword mentioned will have their own personality kinda like Derf, but only Derf can speak with them because he is a sword as well. I personally believe that Ascalon should have been the strongest enchanted one-handed sword in the game, but that is not the case in DD:DA. I mean, you get it from killing the Ur-Dragon who is arguably the strongest enemy in the game. So yeah, it is going to be the strongest enchanted one-handed sword in this story. Also, mid way through, Mikhail changes his outfit and it will remain that way for the rest of the story unless stated otherwise.

He is wearing the Adept's Robe, Patterned Gambeson, Meloirean Armguard, Silver Hosen, Meloirean Greaves.

As always, read, comment, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon's Dogma or Familiar of Zero.

Tristain Academy of Magic

With Fouquet captured and the Staff secured, the Headmaster decided that the academy should celebrate it with a ball and to congratulate the people who captured Fouquet. The staff were busily running around getting ready for the ball and the students were getting prepared as well. Louise was sitting in her room, refusing to meet anybody, claiming that she too was getting ready. In truth, Louise was still shocked to find out that Miss Longueville was actually Fouquet. Mikhail was dutifully standing in the corner of the room, waiting for his Master to act.

With a sigh, Mikhail began to contemplate whether he should say something. He knew the pain of betrayal well, he had experienced it several times and witnessed it happen countless times as well. However, even with all of his experience in the matter, he didn't feel confident that he could say the right words to help his Master. And so, he did the only thing that he knew for sure that would at least make her feel a little better. He walked up to his Master, who was sitting on her bed, and then bowed before her like how a knight would before a king.

"Master, no matter what, I will follow your lead, even if you march into the darkest pits of the Abyss, I will be right there by your side to aid you. Your word is my command and I will do whatever it takes to fulfill it. Everything that I own belongs to you. Should you wish for my life, I shall give it. Until death, I will dutifully serve you to the best of my ability. This oath I swear upon my honor and title as the Seneschal."

Louise looked up at her familiar with surprise. She didn't expect that the man would swear an oath like that. Sure, it was a given that a familiar is bound to their master, but to actually hear it from him was reassuring nonetheless. Louise had heard her familiar say similar things like that before but this time, she could clearly feel the conviction behind the words. It brought a small smile to Louise's face.

"Thank you Mikhail, your loyalty is appreciated," Louise said. She then stood up and walked towards her wardrobe. "I guess I should get ready for the ball. I mean, I am part of the main event." Mikhail nodded and then stood up before walking out to stand guard for his Master.

.

.

That evening, the ball commenced. Students mingled and the teaching staff were in a corner, either gossiping or looking out for any trouble makers. Kirche was easily capturing the eyes of the male students. Surprisingly, Tabitha was also present, although Kirche had to drag her to the ball. The blue-haired girl stayed because there was food. A lot of food. And somehow, her small body was able to consume enough food for five men. Where that food went is anybody's guess.

Eventually, Kirche noticed that a certain pink-haired spitfire was no where to be seen. After managing to get away from the mob of hormonal teenage boys, she approached the still eating Tabitha, "Have you seen Louise anywhere?"

Responded by shaking her head for her mouth was full of food. She then grabbed a plate full and walked over to a window. Sylphid flew up and ate the food that was presented to her by Tabitha. And then she heard many gasps. Tabitha turned around and saw many people looking towards the entrance.

At the entrance, a pink-haired woman in a beautiful dress had just walked in followed by a man in a dark red robe. Although some of the attention was to the man, the woman had attracted the most. It was Louise and Mikhail. The two split up shortly after Louise was bombarded with requests to dance by the male students. Mikhail nodded at Louise and then positioned himself by the wall close to the teaching staff. When Kirche saw that the Pawn was all alone, she immediately walked over and began to try and seduce him. Mikhail looked at the Germanian for a second before returning to his vigilant watch. Tabitha walked over and then stood in front of the white-haired man and stared at him, analyzing the enigmatic man. She had seen Mikhail's reaction to the Staff of Destruction and it just produced more questions. Kirche then dragged her away when some of the professors walked over to speak to Mikhail.

Many questions were asked regarding his identity and background, with one of the question asking if he was a new professor at the academy. Mikhail deflected most of the questions and instead asked the professors about themselves. While the teaching staff were all polite, Mikhail noticed that one bald, glasses-wearing professor was overly polite. He had introduced himself as Professor Colbert. Assuming that the professor was just naturally like that, Mikhail didn't pay it any heed.

Soon, Headmaster Osmond walked onto a stage and got everyone's attention and then proceeded to make a speech, "Ladies and gentlemen, can I get your attention… Good. I'm sure that most of you were aware that an artifact had been stolen from the Vault today. However, I am proud to announce that the perpetrator, the renowned Fouquet of the Crumbling Dirt has been apprehended by none other than our very own students and the item has been safely returned. I would like Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst, Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, and Tabitha to come up here please."

The three girls proceeded to step onto the stage and face the crowd. Osmond continued, "For your courageous act and your accomplishment today, I would like to personally thank you. I have also received a letter from Queen Marianne and Princess Henrietta thanking you for making the country of Tristain a better place along with the reward for Fouquet's capture."

Everyone in the ballroom then applauded the three girls and after the rest of Osmond's speech, everyone went back to what they were doing. Louise got even more offers to dance and Tabitha was forced to be social, at least until she escaped. The night ended on a high note and Mikhail was glad that everything worked out in the end. He still wondered about who could have gotten past his barriers and seals to obtain the Sanguine Stalk. He was determined to find out who ever it was and punish them for it.

.

.

It has been three days since Fouquet was captured. It was a special day for all of Tristain because it was Founder Brimir's birthday. To celebrate this day, the Academy did not have classes and many people went to enjoy the festival in the capital. Louise wasn't one of them. She had realized during the battle with Fouquet that her successful spells were extremely weak, Dot-class at the most. Case in point, Louise decided to focus on her magic that day. Mikhail was around to give her some advice but for the most part simply watched her try. He was standing in the shade and having a conversation with Derf.

"So you actually knew this Brimir guy? What was he like because from everything I heard, he sounds like a saint," Mikhail asked.

With a snort, Derf replied, "Naw, Brimir wasn't a saint, not one bit. I don't quite remember everything because, well its been 6000 years, and because I wasn't awake the whole time between then and now. Hmm, I do remember that he was quite the dirty joker though. Always cracked me up and annoyed Sasha, my wielder, to no end."

"Heh, don't let anybody catch you saying that. I don't want to find a new sword."

"What are you talking about, you have plenty of swords in that thing of yours."

"Yes, well none are as entertaining as you."

"I aim to please," Derf said and would have bowed if he had a body. "Anyway, put me back in that thing again so that I can see Ascalon again. She is HOT, and I think my charms are finally working on her."

"You are… flirting, with my other swords? And Ascalon is a woman?"

"Yep. And no, I am not flirting with all your other swords, only the women. I mean, who in their right mind would want to even talk to that prick Dragon's Dogma. I mean, I even call him Doggy just to annoy him."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, Doggy is such a stickler for rules and stuff," Derf continued to rant about the draconian sword for a while until Mikhail interrupted him.

"Wait, wait. You do know that Ascalon is the holiest sword that I have right? So from what I understand, Ascalon is like a… holy maiden, so to speak. And Dogma is like her bodyguard? I don't see a reason why you would think that Dogma would allow you to speak to her freely then."

"I thought that Cursed Light guy was the holiest? He introduced himself as such and Ascalon even agreed."

"There is a reason why he is called Cursed Light. He has been tainted by a, you know, curse. He used to be the holiest. Even though his holy power is still bigger than Ascalon, he wields a more malevolent kind of holiness while Ascalon contains a pure unadulterated kind."

"I don't see the difference. Holy power is still holy power," Derf said.

"Hmm, it's like comparing a bucket of dirty water to a flask of pure water. Both are still water and if there is a fire, the bucket of dirty water will do the job better. However, the flask of pure water is more valuable."

"I… see."

With a deep sigh, Mikhail relented, "It's hard to explain. You'd have to feel it for yourself to notice the difference. Next time, try to feel Cursed Light's aura and compare it to Ascalon's aura. And besides, Ascalon has gotten stronger recently."

"Yeah, she said that your power had been rubbing off on her. And considering how long you had her, I think she might even be able to officially take over the spot of holiest sword."

"You know, it's kind of strange talking to another sword about swords. Feels like we're gossiping or something."

"They can hear everything we're saying."

"Really?"

Before Derf could answer, Louise marched up to Mikhail and then kicked him in the shin. Unfortunately, Louise forgot that Mikhail always wears armor and in kicking Mikhail, she had only injured her self. She hopped around holding her foot in agony.

"Founder damn it! It hurts! Why do you have to wear armor all the time!?" Louise screamed.

Remembering the time when had kicked a golem, a metal golem to be specific, because he had to search for the magick medallions, the white-haired man winced. He had broken two of his toes then. Luckily, he had a Mage who was able to heal his foot. Becoming worried, Mikhail asked, "Is anything broken Master?"

"No, I don't think so… yea nothing's broken," Louise replied after sitting down and checking her foot. Mikhail then took out a small leafy plant and then handed a leaf to Louise.

"Here, rub it on the wounded area, it will numb the pain and stimulate healing," Mikhail prescribed. Louise took off her shoe and socks and did as told. Louise was surprised by the near instantaneous effect.

"What is this? I've never seen something like this before," Louise inquired.

"It is a leaf from a plant known as the Greenwarish. It is usually ingested to cover the entire body but it could be used on a specific area like that. It is indigenous to the land of Gransys," Mikhail explained. "Would you like to have some?"

Louise nodded at the offer and received several bushels of the plant. She also received some bushels of Potent Greenwarish and one Matured Greenwarish as well. After explaining about the difference between the plants, Louise then talked about her sister Cattleya.

"Big sis Cattleya is my second oldest sister. Although she is a powerful earth mage, she has an illness that has severely weakened her body," Louise explained, her mood noticeably dropping. Mikhail assumed that is the reason why Louise had suddenly became interested when he started talking about the medicinal plants from Gransys. "Because of the illness, she is not married and frequently bed-stricken. I hope that one day someone will find a cure for it." Louise went on to explain the symptoms and various effects it has her body as well as family dynamics.

"I see. I am sorry that your sister has to go through that," Mikhail then began to pace back and forth for a couple seconds before resuming. "I might have the cure you are looking for. However, I cannot guarantee that this cure will work. I have never heard of such an illness so I am unsure of its effectiveness. If it does work, then your sister will be completely cured of the disease and if not, I'm sure that she will at least feel better for a while."

At that, Louise immediately felt elated. She knew she could rely on Mikhail and if there isn't a cure in all of Halkeginia, then what about outside of it? And here it is, a possible cure for her sister. Mikhail pulled out a small sky blue vial with a long silver stopper. He then handed it over to Louise.

"This potion is called Panacea, named after a local goddess of all remedies in certain parts of Gransys. It is famed to be able to cure any and all debilitations. I hope it helps your sister," Mikhail said. Louise held it gently in her hands, as if the vial was a newborn. Then, Louise started to shed some tears. Mikhail immediately became worried again before getting wrapped in Louise's arms in a tight hug.

"T-Thank you Mikhail. You don't know how much this means to me. I can never repay you for this," Louise said through tears.

"Do not worry about repaying me Master for I am simply giving you something that you already own. As I said before, everything that I own belongs to you."

.

.

Later that evening, Princess Henrietta had returned to the Academy to personally thank the three girls who had captured Fouquet as well as participate in the feast held in Founder Brimir's name. During the feast, Kirche, Louise, and Tabitha had the honor of sitting next to the Princess; Louise sat to the right of the Princess and Kirche sat to the left. Tabitha had chosen not to sit by the Princess, preferring her usual spot. Of course, the Royal Guard was flanking the Princess and several were stationed at each entrance, while others were patrolling the Academy grounds.

Mikhail stood at his usual spot behind Louise and a little to the right. Several of the Royal Guard had noticed the Pawn and eyed him suspiciously. To his credit, Mikhail also eyed the guards suspiciously and in the end, the guards were the ones who fidgeted nervously. Mikhail smirked inwardly at his victory. Near the end of the feast, Princess Henrietta whispered into Louise's ear about something that seemed important due to the way that Louise seemed restless.

When the feast came to a close, Princess Henrietta made a small speech about courage and valor before dismissing everyone. Louise hastily left the dining hall and practically ran into her room. When Mikhail entered, Louise slammed the door close.

Louise walked to the other side of the room, turned around, and then spoke, "Mikhail, the Princess will be coming here shortly so I want you to be on your best behavior; treat her as you would treat me, understood?"

"Yes Master," Mikhail confirmed. The man was obviously going to prioritize Louise over the Princess though. The Princess already had the Royal Guard to protect her. Mikhail watched as Louise looked at herself in the mirror and fixed her hair. Then, a quiet knock came from the door. Louise looked at it and then looked at Mikhail and gave him a small nod. Mikhail walked over to the door and opened it to see the same cloaked woman like before. Since he knew that this was the Princess this time, Mikhail simply stood to the side and beckoned her in. Mikhail looked outside briefly and failed to see any members of the Royal Guard.

That confused him. A member of the Royal Family was here without any protection. Either the Royal Guard was unskilled or this Princess was adept at sneaking off. When he looked at the Princess again, he was sure that it was the latter. She was hiding it well, but she still had a mischievous side to her. He then closed the door after one final glance and then went to stand beside Louise.

"Henrietta, it's nice to be able to talk to you informally like this," Louise smiled. The entire day had just been one good thing after another.

"Louise, it is nice to finally relax like this. I hope you had a good time at the banquet today. Unfortunately, I don't have much time today so I must make it quick. What I am about to ask of you is a matter of great importance. Please, hear me out and tell no one about this," Henrietta began.

"Of course."

The Princess then turned to the only other person in the room, "What about you Sir Serolius, do I have your promise of silence on this matter?"

"My Master has already agreed and so I am obligated to agree as well," the Pawn said.

"You have my thanks," Henrietta said, smiling at the man's commitment to Louise. She then turned back to Louise, "Louise, I am getting married."

"Congratulations Henrietta! Who's the lucky man?" Louise asked, genuinely happy for her childhood friend.

"I am to marry Emperor Albrecht III of Germania," Henrietta said with a hint of gloom in her voice.

"What!? Him!? Why?" Louise nearly shouted in anger. She was only able rein in her voice when Henrietta shushed her. "Why?" Louise asked once more.

"We are to be wed to secure the alliance between Tristain and Germania. As you may already know, the flying nation of Albion is currently under going a revolution, led by a group known as the Reconquista. Unfortunately, they are winning. It is highly likely that once they take over Albion, Tristain will be the next nation in their sights," Henrietta explained.

"So you are to be wed to that barbarian king because we under threat?" Louise asked for clarification.

"I'm afraid so. And this leads to my request for you Louise. Because of the importance of my upcoming marriage to Emperor Albrecht, we cannot afford to have it fall apart. Prince Wales Tudor of Albion currently is in possession of a letter that, if fallen into the wrong hands, may doom the alliance between Germania and Tristain. I need you to infiltrate Albion and then meet with Prince Wales and acquire the letter."

"What kind of letter is this for it to be so important Henrietta?"

"It is… it is a," Henrietta hesitated, clearly debating whether she should tell her friend about it. Making up her mind, she continued, "It is a love letter from me to Wales."

Comprehending the implications of what was said easily, Louise argued, "But Henrietta, if you truly love Prince Wales and he loves you as well, you two belong together."

"Louise, it's not that simple. There are-"

"But-"

"Louise, listen to me! I've already made up my mind. There is no going back," Henrietta said with a tone that left no room for discussion. Louise was left speechless. She then looked away from the Princess and had a face that showed that she was making a plan. Henrietta smiled sadly at Louise and then spoke again, "Louise, if you don't want to do this, then I understand. It is too dangerous for-"

Henrietta was cut off once more when Louise knelt down before her and proclaimed, "Princess Henrietta, I would be honored to undertake this mission for you. Simply tell me when and I shall proceed."

"… Thank you Louise," Henrietta took off a ring and then handed it to Louise along with a letter, "This letter will explain the situation to Wales and this is the Water Ruby of Tristain. It will validate the letter and you. Because of the importance of this mission, I will need you to leave as soon as you can."

"I can leave as early as tomorrow morning," Louise declared confidently.

"I will have a guide ready for you. Once again, you have my thanks Louise." The Princess then gave a small bow to the pink-haired girl before turning around to leave when she opened the door, she found herself staring at a blonde person with their head turned side. Mikhail immediately crossed the room, pulled the blonde person by the collar of their shirt into the room and closed the door once more. He then slammed the person to the wall and pulled out his dagger and aimed it the blonde person's throat. It turned out to be Guiche.

"P-P-Peace Sir Serolius!" Guiche stuttered while raising his hand in submission.

"Master, should I silence this person to remove any loose ends?" Mikhail asked.

"Wha-wha-what? Please don't," Guiche begged.

"Sir Serolius, please release that man," Henrietta commanded. Mikhail looked at the Princess for second and then nodded before releasing his grip on the boy's collar and sheathed his dagger.

"Thank you Your Highness. I am Guiche de Gramont, son of General Gramont, and I would be honored if you would let me be a part of this mission," Guiche spoke confidently now that the weapon was no longer at his throat.

Henrietta closed her eyes for a brief second, contemplating if she should allow this person to join. She then opened her eyes and then nodded with a smile on her face, "I would be happy to let you join. However, you cannot tell anyone about this mission, not even your parents, understood?"

"I swear upon my honor, my lips are sealed," Guiche responded. The Princess nodded and then quickly left the room.

"Alright Guiche, since the Princess actually came to me about this mission, I am going to be in charge. Go prepare yourself for we are going to be leaving at the crack of dawn," Louise ordered. Guiche nodded and then left.

When the two were alone, Louise let out a massive breath and fell face first onto her bed. She then turned her head to look at Mikhail and began speaking, "Mikhail, what do you think about this mission honestly?"

"Master, I believe that with the current situation, this is the best plan to ensure the alliance between Germania and Tristain. However, I am against you going into the middle of a warzone. It is simply too dangerous."

"Yeah, well I'm still going," Louise retorted.

"Of course. Get some sleep Master, I shall wake you up tomorrow when it is time to leave."

Louise yawned and then changed into her sleepwear. When Mikhail was sure that Louise was asleep, Mikhail silently left the room. He wondered through the halls, helping any of the staff members that he saw until he reached the gates of the Academy. He went into the nearby woods and scouted for a good place. When he found one, he took out a large purple crystal from his treasury and placed it on the ground The crystal emitted a faint purple glow in the night. Satisfied with the placement, Mikhail returned to his Master's room.