Chapter 6: A traitor
I yawned to feel something on my chest and saw Kirche lying on top of me. I remembered our intimate moment last night and smiled that the girl was so behaved when I got back
'No doubt she would want another moment like this' I thought 'better wake her up now'
"Kirche" I spoke softly "it's time to wake up"
"Mmm..." the fire mage opened her eyes a bit and saw me "good morning darling"
"Morning" I returned "I hope your properly awake because I'm feeling hungry now"
"Me too darling" she agreed "let us get dressed and have a meal together"
Meanwhile in Tristain castle Agnes was with Henrietta giving her report today
"I figured that there was someone who could hide in our ranks" the queen frowned after she finished reading
"Should we start an investigation?" the musketeer suggested
"No, that will only cause the spy to hide and sneak away" she walked to the window "instead, state that I went missing giving the spy an opportunity to be revealed"
Agnes looked at her queen "are you sure?" she was unsure right now "can you be safe during that time?"
The queen smiled "I am" and turned to her musketeer "and I have trusted fellows to go with this plan"
After having breakfast in the dining hall, Louise saw me and pulled me away for a private talk
When we are back in her room, Louise locked the door and sighed a bit
"Finally we are alone"
"Okay Louise" I called "what's this about...?"
"Agnes wrote a letter to us for another mission" the void mage looked at me "and we are supposed to meet in private location in town"
I blinked at her answer, has Henrietta found something suspicious in her kingdom again...?
"Okay Louise I can see that it will be another secret mission" I raised an arm "but let me inform Kirche that you need me for this"
She raised a brow at me on hearing that
"After what happened with your sudden departure thanks to Eleanor" I recalled "Kirche would be very worried if I leave her suddenly"
Louise nodded in understanding since her rival is trying hard not to be a pain ever since Lady Maria visited along with Alejandro's sudden treason
"Alright Peter" she resented "inform Kirche, I'll be waiting for you"
After telling Kirche about Louise's need for my company the both of us went to town and stopped at the Fairy inn
"So Agnes wanted to meet us here?" I blinked at seeing the tavern again
"It was the only place that felt secretive to her" the void mage replied sheepishly
And when we opened the door we saw the workers and their boss in different clothing
Jessica was dressed up like a prince while her dad was wearing a dress looking like a royal queen and his fairies wore dresses presenting him as if they were the servants
The sight was bizarre to see...
"G-greetings Scarron" Louise sweatdropped
"Heh-heh..." I chuckled lamely at the man's appearance
"Ah Peter! Louise!" the man smiled at seeing his friends "what a pleasant surprise!"
"What are you two doing here?" Jessica smiled at seeing us
"Actually we-" Louise started
"Are here to give a helping hand?" Scarron clapped his hands "how delightful! Girls can you help our friends get settled in again"
"Yes mademoiselle...!"
The fairies grabbed Louise while I was tugged by Jessica into the kitchen
"Okay" I breathed while washing plates "care to explain about your outfits earlier?"
"Oh our group was chosen to perform at the royal theater tonight!"
"Really?" I was surprised that this happened to them
"Yeah, couldn't believe it myself" she giggled "daddy was especially happy to perform there"
'What an honor that would be...' I had to suppress a laugh 'though it would be something if the queen encountered this group of people' a smile formed on my face 'she would no doubt like them since they are nice and eccentric'
The work time came and people were enjoying the food and drinks served to them. I watched Louise handle her position well as a cute fairy and the men were at least partially sober to let the girl get her leave from them
'At least you are doing better now' I smiled 'and the fairies here are glad to have you here'
I was poked on the face by Jessica and she smiled slyly at me
"I never got to ask you Peter" she spoke "what made you come here again?"
I didn't want to say that we were here for another mission and using the fairy inn as the meeting place
"Well..." I scratched my head "it was just a whim, ever since the trouble Louise got us here... she thought that being a fairy helps her relax"
"Really?" she leaned close "are you sure that it isn't that Germanian girl making fun of her body again?"
"I don't think so" I denied "those two have finally started to tolerate each other"
"Oh come on..." she pressed her body against me "you don't have to hide it from me"
"Ahem" Louise's voice called us "am I interrupting something?"
"Sorry Louise" I sighed "Jessica's being pushy on me"
"Really?" she turned to the cook making her flinch
"I can't help it...!" she raised her arms "I wanted to know more after you revealed the truth!"
Before things could get bad, Scarron came in to the scene
"Excuse me" he called to us "but Louise you are needed right now"
When the boss of the inn took her away, I decided to see who wished for her. And to my surprise it was Julio!
"Good evening" he greeted with a wink
'Did he hear about the fairy inn?' I blinked at his casual demeanor 'I hope that Agnes isn't delayed for this...'
While Julio was enjoying Louise's company along with the other fairies, I was washing dishes again letting her try to get used to such an unusual situation
"Not getting jealous?" Jessica asked me "the new customer is having fun with the girls out there"
"Nope" I replied "I'm just glad Louise is getting used to her work here" a chuckle left my lips "with your dad and fairies performing tonight...she has improved since the first arrival here"
"Yeah" she smiled before leaning on me again "still appreciate you on stopping Turrene and the monster that night" and whispered to my ear "can I give more than a kiss as your reward...?"
I shivered at how effective her skill at seducing me. But thanks to Siesta and Kirche's feelings, I was able to control myself and pushed her back
"Nice try Jessica" I smirked "but you have to focus on your performance tonight, so don't distract yourself"
The girl huffed and went back to work and had one last thought 'you're really making me persist on finding out Peter...'
Half an hour passed and Julio was enjoying himself as he raised his glass up in the air. It made me laugh that the Romalian was acting silly right now
I went out the back and placed a box of used bottles there
"Tonight is at least tolerable" I wiped the sweat of my head "Agnes sure is taking her time"
But then I felt something bump against me
"Apologies for my rude action" a female voice spoke "but could you tell me where the Fairy inn is?"
I blinked at the familiar tone and turned to see the queen of Tristain!
"Henrietta!?"
My mouth was quickly covered by her hand and then another voice spoke loudly
"Quick!" a knight spoke "keep searching! Her highness shouldn't have been far!"
Knowing that this is meant for a private talk. I took the queen's hand and led her inside the inn into a small bedroom
"Okay your grace" I crossed my arms as Henrietta was sitting on the bed "care to explain what's happening here...?"
So the ruler of Tristain explained there is a spy in her kingdom trying to usurp her for Reconquista. She and Agnes devised a plan to draw that person and any followers of the rebel group in her home
"Wow" I blinked "I can't believe that you faked your kidnapping to get that spy out"
"Yes" she stood up "even though the search for me is strong, I cannot be found just yet" and looked at me "do you have any clothes that I can use as a disguise until then?"
"I only have Louise's clothes right now" I replied
"That will do" she smiled "can you please bring them to me"
Thankfully Louise has a spare set, no doubt explosions was common result before I was summoned by her
When I turned around I was agape that the queen just undressed before me. I blinked at seeing her skin glow against the moonlight before quickly closing my eyes at the thought of get an explosion spell from Louise
"Your disguise your highness!" I said presenting the clothes to her
"Thank you Peter" the queen took the clothes
I turned away from her and heard light clanking noises, no doubt Derflinger was enjoying my embarrasement...
"Okay Peter I'm all dressed up now" Henrietta spoke
I turned to see the queen in Louise's clothes and the outfit was pretty small and gulped at her new look
"This blouse is a little tight on me" she tried adjusting the top
'Am I glad Louise isn't here...' I gulped 'she will feel mad and envious upon hearing that'
"Oh I almost forgot" Henrietta went back to her royal dress and cloak and pulled something out "after your battle against Daido during my coronation as queen" and presented them to me "that man left these behind, I believe it was meant for you Peter"
I saw a small blue box in her right hand, but turned to her left which held a Gaia memory!
But it wasn't the type to create Dopants. It was a gadget memory! More specifically the beetle phone itself...!
I took them and still couldn't believe Daido would let me have this...then again, this Eternal could be different from Katsumi
I pocketed the gadget and it's memory looking at the queen in disguise
"Let's get out of here" I spoke "you have to act like a commoner right?"
"Yes" she nodded tying her hair up making sure she isn't recognized by the knights 'I'm glad to have you as my bodyguard on this mission'
We quietly went back out to see a patrol in the streets asking for identification in their search and the worst part... it was raining at this hour
"Now that the search party is here" I looked at the patrol "how are we going to pass them?"
"It will be a risk" Henrietta narrowed her eyes "let me hold your arm"
Huh...?
The two of us walked casually with the queen wrapping her arms around mine. It didn't help the fact that my arm was buried in her cleavage
"Are you feeling okay?" I whispered
"Yes" Henrietta responded "thank you for asking"
I saw that the knights were looking at us with scrutiny
"Look in another area" a knight spoke "the queen isn't here"
"Yes sir!" the others saluted before moving out
"They're gone your highness" I said quietly "you can let go now"
The queen reluctantly did so before she wrapped her arms around herself "thank goodness" she shivered "can we find a place to rest?" she looked at me "I'm feeling a bit cold"
I am at least thankful that the street we walked in has an inn nearby...
We sat on the bed near looking at the fireplace with Henrietta still shivering from the cold she endured outside
"You really took a risk on doing this your highness" I spoke "you must really want to save your home"
"Thank you Peter" she smiled "as ruler of Tristain I have to do something"
But then her body shivered again still feeling the effects of the rain from outside
"I'll make the fire stronger" I was about to stand up before I felt a tug on my shirt
"There's no need for that" Henrietta turned away hiding her blush from me "I...rather have your arm around me"
I blinked at hearing that, oh boy...
I did what the queen requested and it felt awkward to me because I'm alone with royalty who happens to be Louise's best friend sharing body warmth together
I don't know what to do here and any words I make will just make it more awkward
"Peter" Henrietta finally spoke "even though you are someone I could trust...I still don't know anything about you"
Figured that she would try to learn about me...then again, I am perhaps the other person she trusted wholeheartedly
That does remind me though...was Agnes able to reach Louise yet?
The musketeer captain was inside a mansion, staring at a fire quietly as she was with the chief of legal affairs who was eating his meal
"For a captain to visit at this weather" he hummed "this must be something"
"I am here because her highness is missing Lishmon" she stated making the man cough unexpectedly
"What!?" he turned to Agnes "has she been kidnapped?!"
"We are investigating that now" was her response
"To think that the queen's guard had let this happen" he groaned "is your squad made to simply show incompetence?"
"We are investigating now to show that we aren't" Agnes placed a paper on the table "I would like your approval in closing off the major roads and ports for this"
The chief of legal affairs sighed before picking up a quill and wrote his signature on the document "you better find the queen soon" he looked at the captain again "otherwise you'll be hanged for losing her"
"I won't" Agnes was about to leave before halting her steps "sir?"
"Hm?" Lishmon looked up
"I'm also investigating a case from 20 years ago" she turned to look at him "there was a massive fire in D'angleterre. I heard from protestors that you forwarded that massacre"
"Don't believe the lies captain" the man snickered "that town was planning to overthrow the kingdom" and shook his head "it was justified mission of suppression
'Suppression...' Agnes balled her free hand a bit "you wouldn't happen to know who lead that mission do you?"
"Sadly my memory from that time blurred" the chief smiled "you should focus on the present time" he looked at the musketeer leader "her highness' life is at stake"
And with that statement the musketeer captain walked out
"Are you feeling warm now?" I asked still holding her closely
"I am" she nodded "I still can't believe that you are from another world..."
"Yeah" I chuckled "I was pretty lucky Louise can be reasoned with after summoning me"
"I'm still surprised that you have a family that are called scientists" she hummed "then again, it would explain how you know so much about your new item"
The two of us looked at the metal flying beetle above us
"You know Henrietta" I looked at the queen "I'm surprised you'd still be willing to fight" and hummed a bit "though I suppose you need to do something other than grieve right now"
The queen blinked at hearing that before remembering her lover's request at Lagdorian Lake
'Please forget me and find a new love in your life' his voice echoed in her head
And then she remembered Peter's words when he visited in her time of grieving
'You have people that you can trust and live with to make a future for everyone'
Henrietta looked at him with her heart starting to beat against her chest as if to say that it's okay to find a new lover
Sadly her thoughts halted when voices came from the door
"Open up! We are from the castle...!" the search party called "this is an emergency search! We will force this door open if we have to...!"
Bad timing for the search to be here, I looked at my the beetle "hide in the ceiling!" before turning to Henrietta "quick! Get on top of me while I lie down on the bed...!"
Bam!
The door was kicked open and two knights stepped in but blushed and froze at what they saw
Henrietta was on top of Peter with the former's top removed giving the latter a kiss
The knights slowly backed away on seeing that and quietly closed the door to show their apology on barging in the couple's moment
I quickly pushed the queen back and sat up looking at her with wide eyes
"I'm glad that you convinced them to leave" I said with my face feeling hot "but did you have to do that to me!?"
"Apologies Peter" Henrietta looked away with her face glowing red "the sudden shout got me scared"
"Well at least the rain stopped right now" I looked at the window "we should leave"
"Yes" she agreed "I still have a theater to visit"
Back at the Fairy Inn, Louise has finished drinking another glass of wine with her head on the table top while Julio was making another cheer with the other fairies feeling the effects of his drinking tonight
Theater? Oh right Scarron's performance is tonight...and since I'm from another world, I have no idea on what the play is about
'Is Agnes coming yet...?' she mentally groaned feeling bit drunk right now
Thankfully Scarron walked in to make announcement that their performance has
"Oh really" the Romalian blinked "I wanted to make another toast..."
The fairies cheered at the announcement before walking away to prepare for that giving Louise breathing room before noticing something
'Wait, where's Peter?' the void mage looked around the inn
We walked to the theater and thankfully the search party wasn't around on our way there. Henrietta said that the spy was someone from Reconquista and the suspect lead to Lishmon, the chief of legal affairs within Tristain's council
The rebel group has gained more stealth skills since the failed invasion of Tarbes. Then again, with Cromwell being such a delusional leader... there must've been someone who has better tactics in the rebel group
We arrived at the Theater and entered through the back door
"Your highness!" Agnes ran too the queen and checked her "Are you alright? You're not hurt on the way here?"
"I'm fine Agnes" the queen of Tristain smiled "come, we have to prepare tonight"
It was nice to see the two work together. But leaves someone else in this...
"Peter!" Louise came into the scene with worried look on her face
There she is...
"Hi Louise" I waved "how are you handling the mission?"
The void mage blushed before shaking her head and looked at me "Agnes explained the mission and said that the traitor might be here" but then her nose smelled something "wait, why do you smell of her highness' perfume?"
I better hope my answer eases her
"Considering that Agnes' took her time to arrive at the inn..." I scratched my head "the queen bumped into me during work and said that she needed an escort here"
"That answers on why you weren't at the tavern" she crossed her arms "but why would she choose you instead of me?"
"Look I'm sorry for leaving you" I sighed "but her highness felt like these missions might cause you harm" I reasoned "after all... she lost Wales a second time thanks to Cromwell..."
Louise flinched at remembering that incident, she looked at Peter and blinked for a moment she saw the dead prince smiling at her
The void mage shook her head and saw Peter left to find the spy in the area
'Good luck Peter' she thought before going to Scarron and her fairies
"Louise!" Scarron walked in wearing his royal garb for the performance "hurry darling the play is about to start!"
"Yes mademoiselle!" she replied before quickly following the man to the stage preparing the stage play
I was seated near the queen with Agnes beside her, soon the chairs were filled up and the performance commenced
I watched Scarron and his fairies perform on stage. I have to say this, with how he makes business in town I didn't realize the man could act...
While the play continued, I heard voices behind me
"So the queen still hasn't been found?"
"Yes Lishmon, she isn't around when I walked the streets"
"Good. Then it is time to make our move, the queen won't be around to hear this"
"Guess again Lishmon!" Henrietta spoke loud enough as she revealed herself to the traitor and his ally "I have heard everything from you!" she pointed her finger at the traitor "you cannot hide your treachery from me anymore!
"So you faked the kidnapping to lure me out?" the former chief hummed as he stood up as well "clever your highness but that means you have predictable steps"
With a snap of his fingers several robed beings stood up and pulled out swords or daggers in their carry causing some of the civilians to scream in panic
"For Reconquista...!" one shouted loudly raising the weapon to strike the queen "kill the queen!"
Clang!
I was able to block the strike aimed at Henrietta before pushing the enemy back and knocked him out using the blunt side of Derflinger
"Are you okay your highness?" I looked at the queen of Tristain
"I'm fine" she sighed "thank you"
I looked around to see the musketeer squad fought against the Reconquista rebels while civilians, still panicking at the turn of events, ran for the exit
Lishmon ran for the stage and tapped the floor with his cane
"Like I said your highness" the traitor sneered at the queen "predictable..." and descended into a secret passageway
"You're not leaving!" Agnes shouted running after the man
I was about to follow them but was stopped when a rebel blocked my way
"You're facing me Accel!" he shouted and pulled a Gaia memory
Dummy
The memory floated from his hand before inserting itself into right temple changing his appearance into a silver colored being known as the Dummy Dopant
The monster looked around seeing swords clash between Reconquista and the musketeers
"Let's see if this power is just like what Daido described..." the Dopant focused on the weapons and his arms turned into swords ready to cut the enemy
"You won't get that chance" I readied myself since I wasn't getting time to transform
The Dummy Dopant raised his weapons was about to strike me...
Boom!
Before he was flown back by a loud explosion courtesy of Louise with her wand in hand
"No good brat!" He growled before changing his arms from swords into guns and aimed at his new target!
Bang! Bang!
Two shots were fired; one was at the wand and the second struck her left shoulder
"ARGH!" The void mage clutched her wound feeling the pain on her body
"Louise!" Scarron and Jessica ran to the wounded girl but saw the monster in front of them raising his bladed arms in the air
"You will die now!" and swung his blades at them
Clang!
The two saw Peter in his red armor blocking the Dummy's swords
"No you don't!" he swung up and kicked his enemy away "get out of here!" was his statement making the two nod and carry Louise out of the battle
I looked at the Dopant getting up as he started to wobble from the continuous interruptions
"How are we going to beat him partner?" Derflinger asked "this one can mimic anything...!"
"I'll just have to keep fighting until an opening is found" I stated before inserting the Engine memory and pulled the trigger
Electric
I raised my weapon as it crackled with electricity when I swung down it struck a wooden beam
"Nice try Accel" the Dummy dopant mocked "but your electric spell can't get through wood!"
"I'll just try another approach" I hummed
Steam
A heavy fog covered us both and the Dummy stepped back at not seeing his target
Jet
A heavy slash suddenly struck him while dispersing the fog revealing me from behind
"It's over for you Dopant!" I called and pulled the trigger again
Engine Maximum Drive
I thrust my engine blade forward releasing an energy A at my target as he was still wide open from the last attack
Ka-boom!
The Dopant change back to his normal self and the memory landed beside him
I looked at the rebel and checked his pulse. I felt none, the side effect of this memory led his body to shut down completely since it's power was to copy things and people. My armor disappeared and took the T2 memory
'Daido' I thought 'what's your endgame here..?'
My thoughts were cut off when I felt something heavy on my back
"Peter!" Scarron shouted as he rubbed his face on my head "your battle against that monster was tres bien...!"
"Yes, yes..." I groaned "I'm glad that this hasn't turned into a big mess"
I suddenly remembered about Lishmon and got out of the man's arms
"Peter...?"
"Sorry Scarron" I spoke "I have to find the traitor!"
I jumped into the trap door and ran forward only to see fire with Agnes looking at a dead Lishmon with a sword stabbed through him
"So the traitor decided to fight back" I looked at the dead man on the ground
"Yes" the musketeer captain then looked at me "I'm surprised that you aren't bothered"
"I killed Wardes when he revealed to be with Reconquista" was my reply "let's get out of here, the knights will want answers on this incident"
"Agreed"
We walked through the tunnel and found ourselves outside the theater showing knights and asking people what happened inside. Even the queen of Tristain was being questioned
"I'll go to queen Henrietta" Agnes spoke "she shouldn't be the only one to answer the incident here"
"You do that" I nodded "I'll check on Louise about her wound"
I walked to Louise as she was being bandaged by Jessica
"That should do it" she smiled "thankfully the shot wasn't deep and you should feel better about a couple days of rest"
"Thank you Jessica" Louise smiled "you should be with Scarron now, I'm sure he needs help with calming his fairies"
When Jessica left, I sat next to Louise and looked at her
"How does it feel to be wounded?" I asked
"Not good" she flinched lightly at the wound on her shoulder "though, I should feel glad that it was only one..."
I chuckled at her effort to shrug the bullet wound but a shadow loomed over us and we saw Henrietta
"Louise mind if I borrow Peter for a moment?" she requested "I'd like to talk with him"
"Yes your highness" the void mage nodded
I followed the queen to a private spot where none can see us
"Peter" Henrietta looked at me "I wanted to thank you for being my bodyguard tonight"
"It's not a problem your grace" I assured "it's really hard for you to trust people despite their willingness to serve you"
"Yes" she nodded "and I wanted to reward you for this achievement"
"Come on Henrietta" I waved my arm "You don't have to-"
Chu
I went stiff at feeling her lips against my cheek and blinked at seeing Henrietta's face turn red
"Even though I gave you my ring as a sign of trust..." she muttered still feeling the heat on her face "the kiss I gave you is to show my complete trust"
The queen sped off leaving me in bewilderment at her action
"Looks like you got royalty wanting you partner" Derflinger spoke with a bit of mirth
"Let's not bring this up to Louise" I gulped "for both our sakes..."
"Say no more" my sword agreed "this scenario never happened"
To be continued...
Author's Notes:
Another chapter done and I wanted to show how the Dummy Dopant can be effective in a fight without mimicking another being, also the queen of Tristain is now showing interest in Peter (but that development will wait since she still has Reconquista to worry about). I'm reaching the final chapter's of season 2 and I hope to that this season has been enjoyable to you readers