Chapter 11: The Strongest Element
"What did you just say?"
Wardes: "I and Louise, we are going to be married today."
Okay, I didn't hear it wrong.
Louise: "W—Wardes! What are you saying! You know what's happening right now!"
Louise, even though she's wearing a bride's veil and pure white cloak, seems like she didn't know about it either.
Wardes: "I do. That was why I made the request. There won't be a chance like this again; to have Prince Wales himself as the officiant in our marriage. The wedding will be held in the chapel in this castle. I even arranged the wedding garments for you. The ceremony will begin shortly; as soon as we passed through this door. Let's go inside, my dear Louise."
...This is moving too fast. I just woke up earlier and was going to wake Louise like I do most morning, but Wardes burst out of Louise's room, leading her, already with bridal garments over her uniform, out of the building. Now we're standing in front of the small building that looks like a chapel, and I still haven't gotten a word from Wardes.
Is this what he talked about with Prince Wales last night?
"Wait a minute, Wardes. How could you decide this without talking to Louise first? Marriage isn't something you rush into."
Wait, wasn't my own wedding kinda rushed like this?
No, the similarity was only on the surface. The proposal and the answer were sudden, but I and Alice had more or less been half-ready for it for some time. That's why I could say yes without hesitation.
But Louise right now doesn't look ready at all.
Louise: "Th—That's right Wardes! This is...too sudden...I'm not ready. And did you forget what I told you? There are things I have to do..."
Wardes: "For a couple to get married, should love alone not be enough? Also, once this mission is finished, Louise will return to school, and I to my duty. Even if we try, there would be little to no chance to meet; we will grow apart yet again. There may be men who could see how wonderful Louise is and try to court her. At the very least if we can say with confidence we are husband and wife, I will be relieved."
Wardes's reasons are understandable, looking from his viewpoints, but that's based on an assumption that the marriage itself is a sure thing.
Louise: "...But..."
And that's the answer.
"Wardes, you should stop. Can't you see that Louise is troubled?"
Wardes turns to me, again with those cold eyes.
Wardes: "A mere familiar dares to butt into its master's business. Aren't you mistaking overestimating your standing?"
"I don't see how that has anything to do with this. I'm just saying what I'm seeing, that you're forcing Louise."
Wardes glares at me, before turning back to Louise.
Wardes: "Louise, I truly love you. Let my vow in the name of Founder Brimir in today's ceremony be the proof."
Louise looks at Wardes's face, still troubled, then glances toward me. Unless I read her wrong, Louise is fretting less about whether to reject the offer or not and more about how to do it.
If I speak out, Wardes will be on my case again, so I'll just send her a message with my eyes, that she can decide however she wants, and I'll help her through it.
Uncertainty vanishes from Louise's eyes, and she turns to face Wardes.
Louise: "Wardes...I can't marry you yet. I'm sorry..."
Louise's words, even as weak as they sound, have certain weight to them, unlike the timidness she had displayed around Wardes until now; even Wardes is surprised. He grasps Louise's both hands; with a bit too much force.
Wardes: "...You're just nervous. A bride worries about a lot of things on the wedding day; that's normal. Once we're done with the ceremony, your worries will go away. Trust me."
Again, Louise looks troubled. I'm more or less an outsider, but seeing that expression of her should be reason enough to intervene.
"Wardes, you really should let go of Louise, or she might really come to hate you."
Wardes looks like he's trying very hard to suppress his rage. He's not going to do something rash, is he...
...Finally. He lets go of Louise's hands, reluctantly, before pulling down his hat to cover his face.
Wardes: "...If little Louise hates it that much...it can't be helped..."
He gave in, but I still can't settle down. Louise hides behind me; probably still a little shaken.
Wardes was just being a little forceful, but he didn't hurt Louise; Louise is startled, but not really scared.
Yet my hand moves by itself, toward the sword at my hips.
My instinct is warning me, like how it does when an enemy is approaching, and about to attack.
*kachak*
! Oh, it was just the door. That little standoff made me forget about it, but we're in front of the chapel, and the person opening the door is the prince. He's dressed for the occasion: purple cloak and a hat decorated with colorful feathers.
Wales: "I was just wondering why the groom and the bride are so late. Viscount, is there a problem?"
Wardes is still covering his face with the hat, not answering the prince's question.
Louise: "M...My apologies, Your Highness. I'm still...not ready to marry someone." Louise explains; embarrassed, anxious, and guilty.
The prince shows surprised, then smiles.
Wales: "I see. But a bride changing her mind on the wedding day is not that rare, and not something to be ashamed off if it does not trouble others. In the first place, this is a matter that should be carefully carried out, as there is no going back once the vow is made; you all still have time. Although it is truly unfortunate that I will not be able to be present in such a joyous occasion."
The prince says that, which means...
"Prince...About yesterday..."
Wales: "Familiar...That is right. I have decided to fight side by side with my loyal subjects. Though in fact, just women and children alone would fill the ship almost to the brim. There is simply no way for everyone here to escape. For that reason, I would rather be here with the brave men who would sacrifice their lives so others may live."
In the end, the prince chooses death. But the expression he has on is brighter than yesterday; almost hopeful, even.
Wales: "Familiar...It would be quite unfortunate to have to call you that in these last moments. What is your name?"
"My name is Luka."
Wales: "Luka, it was because of you and your words yesterday that I can say this with confidence: my death here is not for honor alone, but for the people who survive with Eagle, and for the loyal servants who remain here with me in my darkest days. May the world know that Albion Royal Family does not abandon its people and servants until its last breath."
"...I understand."
The prince chooses this himself; I don't have the right to object any more than this. This might seem selfish, but I don't know the prince well enough to decide things for him.
"I will remember your courage."
Wales: "Haha, thank you. But for the sake of clarity, we have not lost yet. I intend to fight tooth and nail. The loyalists have no chance, but if there is such a thing as a miracle, we will meet again."
"...I hope so too."
The prince smiles and nods.
Wales: "Very well. I will have to prepare for the siege as well. It won't be long before the appointed time. You all should get on the ship before it leaves."
The prince waves us goodbye, before walking toward the direction of the front gate.
"...Let's go."
Louise: "Yeah..."
Our destination is on the opposite direction. This will be the last time we see of the prince, unless a miracle happens.
...Wardes didn't follow us. He's still speaking with the prince.
Wardes: "Prince Wales, if I may."
Wales: "Viscount? Is there something else?"
Wardes: "I have a message from my liege to you."
Wales: "From Henrietta? Why didn't you say so sooner. What else did she want to tell me?"
...My breath hitches by itself. My instinct is warning me again. This time it's really strong; too strong to be just my imagination.
This prickling feeling on my skin. This is—
Wardes: "Unfortunately, it is not a message you will be delighted to hear. The message is—"
—killing intent!
Wardes: "Go to hell, Wales!"
*klang!*
...I made it.
Wardes: "Hmph. As I thought, familiar; you hid your true ability from me in that duel."
The trust would've pierced the prince's heart; Wardes was really going to kill the prince, if I hadn't blocked his wand with the side of my sword.
But our weapons aren't directly touching; this spinning air is grinding against my blade, making a very loud screeching noise.
Without this mysterious power when grasping the sword, I wouldn't have made it in time to block the strike even if I did sense his intent beforehand. Whatever power this is, I'm grateful for it.
Wardes retreats a few steps back, but is still glaring my way, or maybe at the prince behind me.
Wales: "Viscount...Could it be...You are one of [Reconquista]?"
The prince said that name yesterday: the rebels.
Wardes answers by snorting and looks at us coldly, as if looking at a nuisance.
Wardes: "That's right. I am one of the Albion Nobles Faction, [Reconquista]."
...So he has finally shown his true colors. The noble and kind gentleman is gone without a trace, replaced with the coldness he had kept from Louise all this time.
Wardes: "We are the union that crosses the borders of countries; nobles who wish for the future of Halkeginia. We are borderless."
Wardes raises his wand and declares his group's ambition proudly.
Wardes: "By our hands, Halkeginia will be one, and the prosperous Holy Land will once again belong to the children of Founder Brimir."
Holy Land...If what the principal said is true, that would be my home...
Wales: "What insolence! You are all lunatics! You traitors who turn their wands toward the royals, the true descendants of Founder Brimir, would dare to make such a claim?! Don't make me laugh!"
The prince pulls out his own wand, and points it at Wardes.
Wardes: "The royal family that cannot even protect their own standing, would dare to put on such a high and mighty attitude; I can't even pretend to laugh at the absurdity."
Wardes points his wand toward us as well. But somehow his mind doesn't seem to be on us...
...!
"Louise! Run!"
Louise is alone on the other side...! Wardes is already turning toward her!
I should've been careful! Of course, Wardes has been aiming for Louise all this time! That's what the marriage proposal was for!
Louise escaped into the chapel, but because of the slight hesitation, she lost the initial gap she had. Wardes's going to catch up to her in no time!
The inside of the chapel is like any others, the tall ceiling and one big square room give no place to hide. Louise is running along the space in the middle of the room, between rows of long chairs, but Wardes is much faster.
Wardes: "Hmph!"
Louise: "Kya!"
He got her! Damn it! Just a little more and she would've reached the altar. At least that would've given her some cover to run around!
Wales: "Wardes, release Lady La Vallière this instant! We will settle this with a duel, as befitting of nobles!"
Wardes: "I have no need to listen to the howlings of a sore loser. You will die before long: a dead man walking. What meaning would there be in such a duel."
That's right...! The rebels will attack here today, and the escape ship is going to set sail anytime now. If we don't hurry up and get on that ship, we will be stuck here with fifty thousands enemies. That's more than just dangerous!
Louise: "Let me go...! Wardes, what do you think you're doing!?"
Wardes: "This is all because you didn't listen to me, Louise, even though I've tried to claim your heart all the way here. I presented you the way to restore the good name to the House of La Vallière, to give your family the chance to be part of the power that decide the fate of Halkeginia. But still you refused. That is why it has to be like this."
Wardes's voice is devoid of any love or any other kinds of affection. Louise must've noticed it too.
Louise: "You...You've never loved me. You only need me for your stupid goal!"
Wardes: "To unite the whole Halkeginia and take back the Holy Land is a marvelous goal. For that, Albion will be ours today; and Tristain, soon. Louise, you will be an important individual in negotiations with Henrietta and Duke de La Vallière."
Louise: "A hostage! I'm no more than a hostage to you!"
So that's why he's after Louise. From little I've learned, Louise's standing is at least a little special.
Wardes: "You're a valuable hostage; one that would enable us to take Tristain under our rule with nary an obstacle!"
Louise: "Too bad for you people! Princess will never comply with your demand! Between me and the kingdom, which is more important; the question isn't even worth considering!"
Louise doesn't bother with polite words anymore, like how Wardes asked her to do, though he probably didn't think it would come true in this form.
Wardes: "Of course, we won't ask for something outrageous like 'Tristain for Louise de La Vallière's life'. But if it's something smaller, well, we can't count it out yet, can we? For the life of the daughter of an influential House and her own beloved friend, Henrietta will surely sacrifice more than you think."
Hostage. Leverage. So that's Wardes's true objective. That's why he was only gentle to Louise, and not trying too hard to hide his coldness from me or Kirche's group.
And now Wardes got Louise. I have to take her back before he runs away along with Louise. How do I do this?
Wardes: "I have three goals on this journey; one of them is Louise."
Louise, probably reacting to that, tries to pull Wardes's arm away, but the difference in strength is obvious.
Wardes: "The second is the letter, which is in Louise's pocket right now."
The princess's secret mission. She sure picked just the perfect guy for the job; so perfect it's hard to believe it's just a coincidence. That will have to wait until we get back though.
Wardes: "The third...is your pathetic life, Wales."
The prince glares at Wardes, not flinching at the declaration at all.
Wardes: "The first goal is important, of course...but not as much as the second and the third ones. Wales, give me your head, and Louise won't be harmed."
Wales: "Wardes! Using a woman's life to threaten mine, where is your honor!?"
Wardes: "That thing? What meaning is there to it? I threw it away long ago. I have something more important to care about."
This is really bad. If I don't do something, the prince is going to be killed, and Louise will probably be taken away anyway. That kind of guy is never going to keep his promise.
Louise: "Your Highness! Please don't mind me and run away! You can still make it!"
Wardes: "It's useless, Louise. A prince is a pitiful creature; there are a lot of things they are not allowed to do, even to protect their own life."
What should I do...! Louise is in danger. The prince is in danger. Time is running out. Goading him into a duel won't work.
Wardes: "What's wrong, familiar? You seem frustrated. Why don't you try to save your master? But keep in mind that I know your true speed now. Don't think I will let my guard down again."
Damn...! It's true; he's leaving more than enough distance that I just can't cross in time to stop him mid-attack.
I, who only knows how to use force, can't really do anything to help when force isn't needed. Now, when it really counts, I still can't do anything.
If only my sword is faster than Wardes's magic.
Wales: "Luka"
...! The prince whispers to me. He's hiding his mouth with his right hand that's holding the wand, like he's posing.
Wales: "Don't look at me, just listen...Very well, Wardes! My life for Lady La Vallière! ...When Wardes releases his spell to kill me, the fatal weakness of a mage will rear its head. Use that opening to save Lady La Vallière."
But that's the same as sacrificing you...!
Wales: "It's all right. This is a life once forfeited. If it can save a strong and honest girl such as her, my death will hold more meaning than simply for honor."
Wardes: "Good. As one would expect from a righteous prince. Drop your wand, and pray to Founder."
The prince places his wand on the ground and stands up, his chest held high, his eyes looking straight at Wardes without fear.
Wardes: "I should warn you that I can change my spell mid-cast. If you're thinking of attacking while I'm casting my spell, you should think again. Unless you want Louise to meet her end first. Don't misunderstand; I don't need a hostage to kill you both."
Louise flinches. Wardes either doesn't notice or doesn't care.
Wales: "He's telling the truth."
Damn...So I can't even bet on that...
Wardes: "It's time to send you to the afterlife. Don't worry, Wales, your father and servants will follow after you soon."
Wardes raises his wand, mouth mumbling a spell. The prince stands tall, looking strong, but there is fear hiding in his eyes. The fear of death that dwells in everyone, whether they are humans or monsters.
And me, just standing still, even though there are no ropes or chains binding me.
Louise: "Stop it Wardes! Your Highness, please run! Your Highness!"
Louise is struggling with all her might, shouting at Wardes and screaming for the prince. But she can't fight even one of Wardes's arms, and her voice doesn't reach any of them.
Wardes stops his cast, and grins.
Wardes: "I hope you've finished your prayer, because the time is up."
Louise: "Don't do it Wardes! Your Highness, please! I beg of you! Princess...She will...!"
...
What am I doing. Just standing here, watching as the prince sacrifices his life, while Louise is in danger. The me in the past would never be like this. The me that was a fake hero, that wasn't anything special, that was throwing salt at a slug girl just to survive a fight.
Now all I do is thinking about how I can't do anything. These five years I spent trying not to get in the way of Alice and the others must've dulled me a lot.
In the world of peace, I chose to go along with Alice and Tamamo, suppressed my idealistic side, kept my decision realistic, hold back my emotions and rethink everything at least twice. Several times, I had to set aside my real opinions, but I gladly did so, to help bring humans and monsters together just a bit quicker.
But it's not about that right now. This isn't that peaceful world. And I'm not the representative whose conducts affect the view of all sides.
Right now, what I have to do is what I have always done, and will continue to do, until the end of the time.
Wardes: "This spear of wind will be your executioner, Wales! Now die!"
Wardes thrusts his wand forward, and the whirling wind shoots forward; its tip like a tip of a spear. The prince doesn't move, doesn't flinch.
'I might not make it in time' 'What I do might aggravate Wardes to kill Louise' 'I might be about to do something I can't take back': all those thoughts; the cautions I've learned these five years, I'll throw them away.
Just believe. Step out and face it.
Louise/Wales: "Luka!"
Spear made of wind can't be seen with naked eyes, but can still be felt: its shape, direction, speed, like a torrent that rushes in.
*shing*
The sounds of the sword coming out of its sheath and meeting the wind spinning at high speed merge together into one sound. The wave moves in fast and hard, but my hand still goes from the left side of my waist to my right side as though there's no resistance at all; my sword sliding through the small gap in the wave perfectly.
The violent wave disperses, leaving only light breeze that brushes against my cheeks.
The currents in the surrounding come to a halt instantly. Even with my eyes closed, I know what kind of face Wardes is making.
Wardes: "What...What just happened...?!"
As before, once I grip a sword, power emanates from within me; power different from being in the state of clear mind.
That's enough. Stop thinking about that. I can't let my mind wander if I am to keep my mind clear without Undine's help.
This is my chance; before Wardes's current moves again.
I kick the floor and shoot forward.
A long, slim object thrusts out to meet me, but it is far from controlled, leaving disturbance in its surrounding that can be clearly felt.
I only need to shift my movement slightly, like water flowing around an impeding rock, evading the intrusive object.
Striking out my right hand, along with the flow that's moving naturally; the dull of my sword hit under the arm that's held outward, sending a quake into the body of its owner.
Wardes: "Agh!"
Wardes's current is disturbed. The strength that's holding Louise weakens.
I open my eyes, and take the chance to pull Louise away from him and toward me.
Wardes: "Ugh...! Y...You...huff...! A mere commoner...!"
Wardes roars even as he's clenching his teeth. Armpits are one of the places where nerves are clearly exposed in human's body; a strong impact there would hurt a lot and paralyze the arm for a while. I got to experience that myself during the many duels with Granberia.
Ah, I should've taken his wand as well. I was too preoccupied with saving Louise. Maybe I can still make it.
*zoom!*
"Wah...!"
Louise: "Kya!"
Strong wind blew us back before I could take the first step.
Wardes is still holding his ribs under his right armpit, but at the same time he's holding his wand at eye level. He can cast a spell despite clearly still being in pain. I can't let my guard down with him.
Wardes: "Don't think you've won yet. Why Wind is said to be the strongest element, I will now show you."
Wardes waves his wand.
Wardes: "Ubiquitous Del Winde"
Wardes finishes the short spell and steps...out of himself?
One, two, three...Five Wardes!?
"Dividing technique...?!"
Wardes A: "This is not a simple illusion. The air is never still; they are always in motion. Wherever there is wind, there is movement; wherever there is movement, there is force. And so, wind is everywhere, always influencing the world. It is ubiquitous: omnipresent."
He seems to be explaining something; it's a little too hard for me to understand though.
Wardes A: "These figures are real, with movements, with force in them. They can be anywhere, doing anything, as if I am there myself. The distance they can be created depends on the strenght of the user's mind."
Anyway, what's important is that there are now five living and moving enemies.
Wardes A: "Moreover, as I explained, each of the them possesses its own force, and thus, can think and move on their own. Of course, that includes casting spells."
One of the Wardes pulls something out of his coat and puts it on his face: a white mask.
"...The masked guy at the port, that was you!"
Wardes B: "That's right. Then you should remember how that encounter turned out."
Wardes's smile is as cold as his eyes.
Four of them point their wands outward.
The situation is suddenly critical. I might be able to take on two, but five at once might be too much, especially with these two behind me.
Wales: "Luka! Lady La Vallière! Hurry up and escape to the ship! I will hold the line here!"
Louise: "You can't do that!"
Wardes: "Hold the line? Against me? Well, you can try, but the second those two turn their backs to me, my wind will tear them into pieces. There are five of me, five of my wind; try to stop them all, will you?"
The prince just clenches his teeth. He doesn't think he can do it either.
From what I saw of the short chase just now, with the aid of magic, Wardes can move as fast as I can at full speed. We can't escape like that, since I have to take Louise with me.
If escape isn't possible, then there is only one other answer.
Louise/Wales: "Luka!" "Luka?"
Wardes: "Hoh? Did you just step forward? Did that mean what I think it meant, familiar?"
"Wardes, I will defeat you here, and bring Louise home."
Wardes smirks like many of my opponents did. The smirk of someone who is about to harm others without hesitation.
Wardes A: "Defeat me? You, a commoner? Wales's little speech was ridiculous, but yours is pure idiocy. But you're welcome to try. You might be getting your head big because of the little scuffle just now. Well, you will know soon how wrong you are. I will show you the true difference between a mage and a commoner."
The speaking Wardes flicks his cape, and the other four spread out: two step in front of the first Wardes, the other two go left and right each.
"Prince, looks like we can't run anymore."
Wales: "It does look that way."
Louise looks at us like we're mad. That's natural, I guess, since both I and the prince are smiling. It's hard to explain why; smiling in a crisis is a sign of defiance, I guess?
"Fighting is the only choice we have. Can you lend us your power, Prince?"
Wales: "If the prince in name only such as myself is adequate, then gladly."
The prince points his wand forward.
Wales: "Luka, Lady La Vallière, I am truly sorry to have involved you."
Louise: "...It is us who have brought the enemy's spy in here. There can be no apology enough to excuse our mistake..." Louise's voice is shaking with guilt and fear.
"It's as Louise said. ...By the way, I want to say this first: we're not going to die fighting. We're going to win and get out of here: all of us."
Wales: "Do you truly believe we can win?"
"I've fought opponents much more terrifying than this. This is nothing special."
Wales: "...Such an encouraging word. Wardes! Though rotten to the core you may be, your skills are likely genuine! Now, let us see the might of the top among elites!"
Wardes B: "Weak ones really do like to talk big."
The two Wardes on the left and right side start casting spells, while the three in the middle are watch our moves.
"Prince, I'll leave the magic to you. I'll take care of close combat! I promise to not let him touch you or Louise!"
Wales: "Then I shall entrust our front line in your care. Lady La Vallière, I will have to borrow your familiar for a while."
Louise: "W—Wait, Your Highness, why must we fight here? Can we not simply run? The exit is not guarded!"
Wales: "Unfortunately, but it is as Viscount has said: the instant we turn to run is the instant the opponent is free to cast spells without worry. I myself am a Wind user. Believe me when I say humans cannot outrun Wind."
Louise: "B...But..."
Wales: "Lady La Vallière, I understand if you cannot bring yourself to trust me, who had chosen death once. But do believe in your familiar. This boy, Luka, his eyes are full of determination to 'live'. For someone such as I who has accepted death with open arms, his eyes are so very brilliant."
...This is very embarrassing.
Louise: "Your Highness...Luka..."
To be honest, I want Louise to go hide somewhere safe first, but of course Wardes isn't the type to allow that.
Wardes A: "Are you all ready to take a one-way trip to Hell together?" Wardes readies his spells.
"If it's another one like before, you can shoot it at me however many times you like. I'll cut them all up."
Wardes C: "Quite a mouth you got on you; let's see how long can you continue to bark before the true power of the Wind."
It's this again.
That teacher went on and on about this too, and now this guy's doing the same.
The first time I held myself back because this isn't my home, so I shouldn't really argue with people who knows more about this place; and because I didn't want Louise to be scolded because of me.
But with this guy, I don't have to hold back.
"The wind isn't like that."
Wardes C: "...What did you say?"
"Your magic is no different from blowing with your mouth or fanning with your hand. You're not using the power of the wind at all; you're just using your power to force the wind to do what you want. That kind of wind can't defeat me."
Wardes seems stunned. Then he laughs.
Wardes A: "You, who can't even use magic, dare to lecture me, a square mage, about Wind?"
"The wind is free. It doesn't belong to anyone. Someone who only knows how to threaten and deceive others can never harness the true power of the wind."
Wardes A: "...I let you run your mouth for a few seconds, and look at how big your head has gotten. All right. I will send you to Hell first. My Wind you look down on will be your death! Silence his breath!"
Several wind spears similar to the previous one shoot at me from left and right.
If I dodge they will hit Louise and the prince behind me, but if I slash at one of them with my sword like I did before, I would still get hit by another one.
That's probably what Wardes is thinking.
Louise: "Luka!"
But Wardes isn't like Alma Elma. The wind that is just being forced along will never be fast enough to get past my defense, even without Sylph's help.
'With the clarity of mirror, and the stillness of water.'
*shing*
...
Wardes's internal flow lose its harmony. He's seeing this for the second time, but he is still surprised.
Wardes A: "You...! So that wasn't a fluke or a miracle. Just what is that sword made off? No matter how I look at it, it's just an ordinary iron sword..."
"It is an ordinary iron sword. I'm not using any special power either. I told you: your wind is too constrained; a light touch is enough to scatter it."
Streams seem to be overflowing from Wardes; he's struggling to contain his rage. That's probably why he doesn't notice a wave forming behind me.
I step out of the way in the last moment.
Powerful wind pour out with force from the tip of the prince's wand, passing by me, and becomes blades of wind that slash at two Wardes in front. They're caught off guard; there's no time for them to dodge. One use another as a shield, and that one disappears into thin air.
Wales: "Where are you looking, Wardes! Luka is not your only opponent!"
The prince starts preparing the next spell. The flow from Wardes change its direction toward the prince. The Wardes on the left and the right side prepare their spells, while the two Wardes in the middle charge at us.
Two metal wands thrust at me with the same speed as in that duel, but this time there are wind whirling around the wands at high speed, like the one used in an attempt to kill the prince earlier.
Wardes D: "The wand acts as the center of this spell. You can't cut it like you did earlier!"
He's right. The wands looks like they're made of high quality steel or something even stronger; it won't be easy to cut them, especially if they're moving around.
I can only dodge them. The wind is spinning fast enough that it might even drills a hole in a rock; putting an ordinary sword against it is just asking to lose my only weapon.
Wardes D: "That's right. Focus on your dodge; if you don't want your body to be ridden with holes! I see you can handle the fight, but can Wales and Louise do the same?"
The two Wardes in the back finish their spells, and shoot wind spears at Louise and the prince.
"Damn it!" I can't make it!
The prince holds Louise with his left arm...and flies up, barely missing the spears.
That's a relief. Looks like the spell the prince was preparing just now wasn't for attacking, but for dodging.
If so, I think I know what his true goal is.
*slash*
Wardes A: "What...!?"
The Wardes that just finished their spells were wide open: off guard, without magic to protect themselves. One went down easily.
We join up again as the prince and Louise land.
Wales: "Splendidly executed; I knew you could do it. You movement was stunning to watch, especially from above; was it not, Lady La Vallière?"
Louise: "Ah, yes, it was... I mean, you are right, Your Highness."
Louise looks embarrassed. She's probably not used to complimenting me. Well, I'm a bit embarrassed myself, being praised so sincerely.
Wardes A: "Damn you...! Playtime's over!"
The remaining three Wardes assemble at the middle of the room, and begin casting their spells at the same time.
This prickling feeling on my skin...It's that lighning spell!
Wardes A: "No matter how good you are, the sword is still made of metal! I wonder what would happen if you try to cut lightning with it!"
I can't. Lightning can't be influenced the way fire and wind are. Even if I put a sword in its way, the lightning would just run through it.
"Prince! Is there a way to guard against that?!"
Wales: "I can manage one, but three at once isn't possible for me."
If it's just me alone, I might be able to barely dodge or endure it somehow. But Louise and the prince are normal humans...!
The only way I can think of right now is to counter with something stronger. But that's something I've always avoided using all these years. Something I, Alice, and our friends, have an unspoken agreement on, that it must not be used.
Not only that; if I use it in front of people here, there could be long consequences that can't be reversed.
But the three Wardes aren't stopping their incantations. Time is running out.
...Damn it. Do I really have to do it? Even though every part of my body is screaming not to!
...All right. I'll risk it.
*boom!*
"Wah...!"
I haven't done anything; where did that explosion come from? Why did it happened in the middle of the Wardes's group?
The incantations stopped; one of the Wardes that took the explosion face-on disappeared.
But...An explosion out of nowhere...As far as I know, there's only one person that can do that.
Louise: "Eh? It disappeared...because of my spell...?"
Wales: "Lady La Vallière! Excellently done!"
The prince is both surprised and elated. I'm surprised too, but in a different meaning. That was supposed to be a spell gone wrong, like one of the many Louise have had before. But now the supposed mistake just saved us. Anyway, Wardes is definitely the most shocked out of all of us.
Wardes A: "Impossible...How can a girl without magical talent whatsoever destroyed one of my duplicate!?"
Wales: "Now it is three against two. Not so confident now, are you, Wardes!?"
Wardes visibly clenches his teeth. The situation have clearly turned around in our favor.
*boom!*
...It's not Louise this time. The tremor came from outside.
...I can hear people roaring from far away. Others probably can, too.
The prince looks visibly pale.
Wales: "...Have the rebels begun its assault? It is not the time they announced yet!"
What...!? Then we're too late?!
Wardes: "Such naivety, to believe the words of the enemy so easily. this is exactly why you are destined to fall; miserable wretches of the royal family."
Wardes is back to grinning in a mocking way like he did before.
Wales: "You...! You dishonorable rats!"
Wardes A: "Say what you want. I will be going."
The speaking Wardes casts a spell and floats up.
Wales: "You choose now to run?! Coward!"
The prince points his wand. I can't see it but it feels like the wind blades spell.
Wardes on the ground deflects the spell with his own storm.
Wardes A: "I'm not like an idiotic prince who intentionally seeks his own death. It really is too bad I can't kill you all with my own hands, but the army of fifty thousands will storm the castle before long. You have nowhere to run. Die here like the dogs you are. Hahahaha!"
Wardes cracks the windows with his wand and flee, then the copy disappears. He seems to have really run away.
If we had caught him, we might be able to get some useful information on how to escape from here; but I can't do anything once he gets that high off the ground.
Louise: "He's...gone...?"
Louise mumbles like she can't believe her own eyes.
Louise: "...! Luka! Your Highness! We must run now! We can still make it...!"
Wales: "No, it is too late."
Louise: "Eh?"
Why?
Wales: "I have ordered the Eagle to be ready for voyage long before the time the rebels announced they would attack. I did not believe an army of that size would break their words, but I made the preparations just in case. 'If the rebels begin their attack, depart immediately': that was my instruction to the ship. The Eagle should be on its way out of the cavern now; soon it will escape into the sky."
...No way.
"Ah!" I almost didn't catch Louise in time. She probably lost the strength to stand from the shock.
Louise: "No...How can this be...Then we, we will d—die here...?"
"No, not yet...! The enemies might be fifty thousands, but we don't have to fight them head-on. We just have to look for an opening to run!"
Louise: "T—That's right. We can still escape, can't we?"
Louise looks between me and the prince for reassurance.
Wales: "You are correct. Lady La Vallière and Luka, you two need to escape from Newcastle and find a ship back to Tristain. The rebels' goal is us loyalists. As long as you are not spotted, none will go after you."
Louise: "Then Your Highness should—"
Wales: "I cannot. If the rebels do not witness my death here, they will send out search parties. This entire island will be their territory by then; nowhere is safe from them. Every single ship out of here will be under heavy scrutiny. There may be people accused of hiding me and unjustly punished for it. I must stay here."
Louise: "That again...! Honor and duty! What about Princess's feelings?! Does Princess's sorrow not worth anything to Your Highness at all?!"
Wales: "Of course it does!"
Louise is taken aback. The prince raised his voice for the first time.
Wales: "How can it...How can anything about Henrietta not be important to me...Even when I was counting the days toward the ruin of the royal family, Henrietta's letter gave me courage...But I am the prince of everyone here; I am the son of my father, Lady La Vallière; in the same way you are the subject of Henriettta. Please understand."
Louise is stunned. That probably hit close to home for her; after all, she came all this way to a country in the middle of a war for the princess.
Wales: "I and everyone here will fight to the best of our ability to stall the rebels for as long as possible. The rebels is affirmed in their victory; they likely won't put much effort in securing the perimeter, and as long as we still stand, the rebels will not look for anyone else. You must take this chance and head to Scarboroug, get on a ship, and go back to Tristain."
Louise: "Your Highness..."
...After all is said and done, this is how it turns out...
Wales: "Luka."
The prince smiles, still without fear.
Wales: "Thank you, again, for giving our final battle meanings. I will hold my wand for the last time for Henrietta and you. Go back, and be safe."
"...I understand. Let's go, Louise."
Louise doesn't say anything, just looks at the prince in pain and runs after me.
*thwack!*
Louise: "Bwah!"
Bwah?
...Louise!? Why's she face-planted on the ground?
Was that noise her fall? That was loud! It's not gonna be anything serious, is it?
"Louise, are you alright...?"
Louise is still holding her nose with tears in her eyes even after I pulled her back up.
Louise: "(B)y feet caught on so(b)ethi()g~"
That voice and expression is heart-wrenching. Also, she's probably in a lot of pain right now, since she hasn't rebuked me for stroking her head out of habits.
What did her feet get caught on anyway; it was an flat ground...
Well, not as flat as I thought. The stone floor cracked like something was pushing it from below.
...It's still swelling...? What's happening?!
*plop!*
It's...a very big mole. A very familiar looking one.
Guiche: "Come one, Verdande! How much more do you plan on digging! Of course I don't mind as long as you're happy, but we—Oh?"
The blond head that popped out from the ground is even more familiar.
"Guiche!?"
Louise looks like she want to say something too, if she isn't in so much pain.
Guiche: "So this is where you guys are."
"How do you get here? We're up in the sky. Don't tell me your mole can fly?"
This time it's a red head that popped up next to Guiche.
Kirche: "How would that even be possible, Luka. That time it was giant bird, now it's flying mole; did you live in some kind of fairy-tale land before you get here?"
Louise: "Zerbst!?"
Kirche's here too. Also, for some reason, it's as if Louise's pain suddenly went away just so she could call out Kirche.
Kirche: "Remember Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid? Just when we arrived at the island, Guiche's mole suddenly started digging out of nowhere, and its master was used to spoiling it so much he didn't even try to stop it. What a coincidence to find you just like that."
Guiche: "Hmhm, it's not a coincidence! It's the smell! My cute little Verdande followed—"
Kirche: "Oh my! Isn't that man so handsome! What great find!"
Guiche looks dejected not being able to finish his explanation. Kirche of course flies straight at the prince, passing by me and Louise as if we didn't exist. What did she come here for again?
Wales: "Are you friends of Lady La Vallière? I am the Crown Prince Wales Tudor. I'm sorry for the abrupt introduction, but we're pressed for time."
Kirche: "Wow! A real prince! Would you please honor this Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst a chance for a meal with you?"
Louise: "Zerbst, too eager; way too eager. Did you really come to find us?"
Louise shows her usual disgust at Kirche's usual behavior. Her nose looks mostly okay now, if a bit red. There's no blood; that's good.
Wales: "Haha, this day really is full of surprise, is it not? Miss...Zerbst, was it? I apologize but I will have to decline your invitation. I am preoccupied and most likely will not have a chance to go with you."
Kirche: "Preoccupied, Your Highness?"
Wales: "The rebels' fifty thousands strong army is attacking this Newcastle. They will likely breach the wall and be here soon."
Kirche: "Eh!? So we just arrived in the middle of a war! Then Your Highness should escape with us!"
Wales: "I intend to make my last stand here, until the very end."
Kirche: "Eh~ What a lame answer."
Wales: "Wha—!?"
Kirche is being too much like her usual self, I think.
Kirche: "Anyway, Louise, Luka, let's go already. Or we'll go without you; I don't want to die yet."
"Right...! There's a way out now. Thanks Kirche, Guiche!" And Tabitha too. I have to say that to her face.
Louise goes into the hole first; Kirche and Guiche helps her down. I'm next.
I can hear footsteps. Someone's running just outside the chapel. Is the enemy here already? But it sounds like just one person?
*bam!*
Parry: "Your Highness! Thank Founder I finally found you!"
It's the old man that welcomed us at the port.
Wales: "Parry! I heard sounds of battles. So the rebels have begun their attack."
Parry: "They have. And..." The old man sweeps his gaze over the scattered chairs and broken windows.
Parry: "What happened in here? I know of our guests, ambassadors from Tristain, but others...?"
Ah...If he knows Wardes is a spy, would he blame us too?
Wales: "The rebels' spy infiltrated the castle, but Lady La Vallière and her familiar helped me drive him off."
Parry: "A spy!? To think such a thing had happened..."
Well, that wasn't a lie.
Wales: "Also, the pair here are companions of Lady La Vallière; they came to help her escape. We can fight without worry."
The old man chamberlain looks at the Prince, then us.
Parry: "...I can only say this must be fate."
The old man mumbles, then looks at the prince with decisive expression.
Parry: "Your Highness, please escape with them, I beg of you."
Wales: "Parry! What are you saying!?"
...Even I was caught off guard by his words. I thought everyone here have the same goal in mind, or at least everyone close to the prince.
Parry: "I have been plagued by a thought for a long time. Is the young and capable prince truly fated to meet his end here? Is that truly the right thing? For the sake of Your Highness's honor and wish, I have kept my thought with me. But now, with the knowledge that Your Highness have fought a rebel, and survived, in this final moment, I have finally made up my mind."
The old man stands straight, his expression gives off determination unbelievable from an old man on his last day.
Parry: "Your Highness is not someone who should meet his end here. There are still so many greatness you can yet achieve."
Wales: "Parry, even you...No, I cannot save my own skin and leave loyal retainers such as you to die here. I have stated that I will stand here and fight alongside you all until my dying breath; I do not intend to go back on my words, now of all time."
Parry: "This morning when I opened my eyes, I thought to my self 'Aa, the time for worry have passed. The fate of everyone, including the prince, has been decided.' "
The old man closes his eyes, then reopens them with vigor.
Parry: "However, even now, when the rebels are knocking on our doors, another path have opened up. I can only say that this must be destiny; a chance given to us by Founder. It is a message from Founder Brimir, for Your Highness to bear the last hope of Albion Royal Family on his shoulders and live on."
Wales: "Parry...I never pegged you as the type to be so theatrical."
Parry: "Oh, but the plays, even the more theatrical ones, are all based on some facts of history. They are messages of the old, presented in the form of a show. One day, the bravery all of us will show today will be imparted on to the audience somewhere. I hope that the play will not end with this scene, but continues on with Your Highness."
To be honest, all of this does seem like they come straight from a play, going back since the princess's love letter to the prince, until the present. Someone, maybe Amira, could write a whole novel out of it. Even my adventure with Alice looks tame in comparison. Maybe. At least on the dramatic part. I think.
Louise: "Your Highness...Princess also wish for your safety. Please..."
Louise lowers her head and beg again. There probably won't be a better time than now.
Wales: "..."
The prince looks the most deep in thought than any time I've seen so far. Brows furrow, right hand grips at his chest; he's probably fighting with his own belief. I know because I've been in that place before.
Wales: "...Haaa..."
That was a really big sigh. His shoulders slack too. This is...
Wales: "All right, I yield. Parry and Lady La Vallière, your stubborness have won."
Louise: "T—Then Your Highness will...!"
Wales: "Lady La Vallière, if it is not too troubling to ask, may I accompany you back to Tristain?"
Louise: "I—It is not trouble at all! Gladly! I am very glad to have Your Highness along!" Louise sounds excite and happy at the same time. I'm happy too; for her and for the prince.
Wales: "But let me warn you for the last time. To bring me back to Tristain would render your mission meaningless. Even if you have retrieved the troublesome letter, the enemy's spy have known its content. Once the rumor is spreaded, to give me refuge is to add to its credibility; most likely enough that the emperor of Germania would call off the engagement, or at least suspend it.."
Louise: "Please be at ease! Some old, tattered piece of parchment will never compare to Your Highness's safety!" Louise is so happy she doesn't even care what she says anymore.
Wales: "That old, tattered piece of parchment happens to be my most prized possession...Anyway, I have warned you. If you are still affirmed in your decision, I will accept your generosity."
Kirche shrugs, like she's trying to say 'whatever', and goes further down in the hole to make space for the prince.
Wales: "Parry...Give Father my apologies for not being there with him and our people. For the brave men who give up their life here today, I hope they can forgive me for abandoning them."
Parry: "Not at all. Giving our lives for the hope of the Royal Family; as your servants, that would be our true pride and honor. There is no one that would blame Your Highness for your decision."
I have to wonder about that. Not everyone is going to agree to that; they both know it, but pretend not to; this is not the time to be cynical.
Wales: "All right...I'm going, Parry..."
The prince looks like he might cry, but there is no tear. I understand it well, as fellow men.
Parry: "Your Highness, please take care of yourself. You must not forget that your life does not belong to you alone any more. It now holds the hope of all of us."
Wales: "Of course...This life I have received in exchange for yours, I will not let it go to vain."
As we walk down the hole, the old man chamberlain bows, until we're out of sight.
It's getting dark. Then the light comes on, courtesy of Kirche's spell.
Kirche: "Adding passengers on your own, huh, Vallière? Sylphid is Tabitha's familiar, you know."
Louise: "S—Shut up. You invited the prince to go with us too, didn't you?"
Kirche: "I have a special right as her best friend."
Louise: "I'm sure Tabitha would say otherwise."
The hole is getting deeper and steeper.
Guiche: "From this point on it might be easier to just slide down. What do you think?"
Louise: "Rejected. My butt would be all bruised."
Kirche: "No one cares about your butt, Vallière."
She's worried about that at a time like this, seriously...
Well, there's a way for that, but it's...No, we don't have time to be choosy. If it's the fastest way then I'll take it.
"Hup."
Louise: "Kya! W—W—What are you doing!?"
"You said you don't want to hurt your butt, didn't you?" So just sit on my lap while I slide down. She's light as always.
Louise: "I—I—I did say that, b—but this is...!"
Kirche looks at us...then smirks and shakes her head.
Kirche: "Seriously you guys, there are times and places for these kinda things you know~"
It's not like I feel totally at ease doing this. I've never done this for anyone but Neris; but we're really pressed for time.
By the way, Guiche is being restless for some reason.
Guiche: "Ah, hey, Zerbst. I—If you're worried about your b—bottom too..."
Kirche: "No way."
Guiche: "..."
We're sliding down: Kirche at the head, then Guiche, then it's me and Louise, and the prince comes last. The mole already went ahead of us.
It really is getting steeper; the tunnel is almost vertical now.
Wait, if we're falling downward, the exit would be...
"I forgot to ask. Is Tabitha's dragon gonna be able to carry all of us?"
Kirche looks up and widens her eyes...Hey...
Kirche: "Ah...That girl isn't one to do things without thinking, but since we're adding the prince's weight on top of us...Maybe?"
Louise: "Zerbst! Why didn't you say that earlier!? The exit is just in front of us!"
Kirche just shrugs.
The tunnel is getting brighter as the light at the end gets bigger.
I feel the cold for a split second, then we're out...in the middle of the clouds.
Tabitha's dragon catches us on its back before any of us screams.
Sylphid: "*kyurr!*" The dragon cried in a high pitched voice, through the mouth it used to catch Guiche's mole.
Tabitha: "Overloaded." Tabitha, still in her pajamas, says without any emotion.
Louise: "T—That's bad! W—What do we do?!"
Tabitha: "Just bear with it."
Sylphid: "*kyurr!?*"
So the word wasn't meant for us...
Wales: "It seems my presence troubles you. Let me..."
Prince takes out his wand and waves. His body shines a little.
Louise: "...Lightness. Did Your Highness reduce his own weight?" Louise instantly recognizes the spell. I knew it; she really is studious.
Wales: "I hope you will forgive me with this." Prince says in Tabitha's direction. Tabitha nods back.
Tabitha: "Hang on."
The magic of this place sure can do a lot of things.
Anyway, this should be the end of our business here.
The end...of a lot of things.
Ultimately, we could only save Prince Wales's life, but not hundreds others of his ally, or soldiers on the rebels' side. But there's noting more I could do. It wasn't like in the Plansect Village; I can't pacify tens of thousands of them. Even if I could, there's no stopping this war. It's a war, and in a war, people die. And it's going to continue from here on as well; more people are going to die.
I should accept that was all I could do. Alice and Tamamo, they would all say, or rather, they have all said not to take on every responsibility by myself. ...But still..
I, Louise, and Prince probably have similar feeling as we look onto the floating continent, listening to the sounds of explosions that keep getting further away.
What will happen to Albion now? Tristain? Other countries? Is something, a lot of things going to change drastically?
I hope I will still be able to hold onto my resolve for the days to come.
PBW: "So ends the White Country Arc. The biggest change here is, of course, the survival of Prince Wales."
Illias: "Small and big changes woven together into entirely different results, different answers for all involved: One of the most standard form of fanfiction...is probably what you were trying to achieve, is it not."
PBW: "Not 'trying to'."
Illias: "It was a good effort, good enough that it might warrant a 'good effort' prize."
PBW: "..."
Illias: "However, there seems to be results that are less positive compared to the original as well. That thief, for example, was not caught. The enemy fought earlier did not have his arm cut off as well. Luka still have to use a mundane iron sword without any special property, rather than a talking, magic-absorbing one."
PBW: "It's just, now that The Author is writing in First Person POV, it feels different. There is certain closeness to characters that could not be felt before. That closeness allows for more confidence in changing plot points; sometimes those changes even came automatically, while imagining how a character might react to different stimulations."
*Edit: Despite watching out for it, The Author still made a great blunder when fixing some mistakes, replacing this chapter with Chapter 13. It is fixed now, but The Author really need to triple-check things next time, since double-check was apparently not enough.