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The Stray Girl and the Incompetent Mage
Chapter 14: Royal Archive
...
Louis is concentrated in the book he's reading, so he doesn't notice or ignores the way Sachiko has been staring at him since almost an hour ago. It's the day of void and, as promised, they are in the Royal Archive, located in the palace. Sachiko is wearing a dress, much to her displeasure, but for some reason, the travel on horse wasn't as bad as in previous occasions. She wonders if it's because she's getting used to riding horses.
Putting aside the book, Louis sighs and massages his temples, closing his eyes with his elbows on the table. Sachiko doesn't ask when she grabs a book and flips it open, but, as expected, she can't understand anything that is written.
"Do you have a clue now?" she asks, closing the book and resting her head on her arms. Louis frowns, opening his eyes to look at her incredulously.
"I've only read three books; do you really think I would find something as soon as I started?"
"You take too much time with each book" she complains, ignoring his tone. "Do you really need to read through every single piece of information you find?"
"I don't know in your world, but here, information does not come so easily, and it takes time when you're looking for something specific" Sachiko puffs her cheek. She wants to protest, but then thinks of the last time she had to look for something in a book and decides to close her mouth. Maybe she's just too spoiled by the internet, where she can find anything she wants to know with just a click. Still, it's been hours since they started, and apart from helping Louis search for books and carrying them to this table, she had done nothing at all. And she's bored.
She stands up. "I'll go look around."
"Where?" Louis looks at her with a raised eyebrow. Sachiko shrugs.
"This library, the palace. Actually, I think I want to look around the palace."
"Stop saying stupid things. You can't leave this place."
"Why not?"
"You will cause unnecessary trouble for me and others if you wander around."
"But I'm bored!"
"And how is that my problem?"
"Please?" she tilts her head to the side, pleading with big eyes. Louis groans, burying his face on his arms so she can't see his blushing face.
"You're annoying. Fine, get out! It's not like you're helping me here, and I'm tired of you moving around and distracting me!" he spits, turning his attention back to the book. Sachiko gasps.
"How am I distracting you? I've only been sitting here without doing anything!"
"Yes, you do! Fidget or… look at me…" he shakes his head. "Just leave if you want to. I'll stay here for a few more hours."
"Fine" she turns around, ready to leave, but Louis calls her again. "What?"
"Take this with you" he takes off his black cloak and hands it to her. Sachiko stops frowning and looks at it with confusion. "I don't want the guards suspecting you. If you wear this, you should be able to walk around without a problem."
"Oh" she grabs it and puts it on. She tries not to think of how nice it smells as she fumbles with the laces. "It's really nice of you. Thank you."
"Pfff, I'm only doing it because if the guards suspect you it will be just another headache for me. Don't think it's because I'm worried for you or anything. B-Besides, maybe this will be a reminder for you to behave… hey! I'm still talking!" he yells angrily when he sees her almost at the door.
Sachiko simply giggles. "Sorry, and don't worry, I'll behave! No way am I sullying my master's name while wearing this. See you later!" and with that she disappears, leaving a dumbfounded Louis behind.
"What's with her?! She didn't listen at all! Doing whatever she wants like…!" he complains a bit more, passing a hand through his hair. His face is burning, though he's not sure why. Shaking his head again, he grabs the book and continues reading, but it's a little difficult, now that she's away. He worries she might do something stupid.
A few people look at her strangely when she walks in the hallway. She can't see servants except for a few, blending with the scenery so well it's almost as if they're not there. Most of the people she encounters seem to be nobles. They barely look at her, their eyes stopping just a moment on the cloak, and give her a nod before going on.
I wonder if they think I'm a noble. Her dress is quite simple, but it's almost completely covered by the cloak. She starts to understand why Louis said they wouldn't cause her problems if she wore this. It's kind of exciting that they think I'm a noble even though I'm not; she giggles a little, before her eyes stop at a group of boys gathered under an archway. They talk to each other and laugh, pointing at a place in front of them. They look like they're gossiping.
She looks at the place they're pointing at, and is surprised to see a woman training by herself on the ground floor. She has short blond hair, and even if Sachiko cannot see her face, she guesses it must be delicate just as her frame, unlike the slices she's delivering at a dummy of hay.
She's good… she thinks, leaning a little more on the stone railing, intrigued by this young woman. In that exact moment, the woman turns around and their eyes lock. She has light blue eyes and a small nose. Sachiko gives her a timid smile, but the woman looks away with what appears to be contempt, and finally sheaths her sword before leaving the training ground.
Sachiko is left a bit astounded by this.
"As expected of a commoner."
"She could at least have returned the lady's smile."
"That would be asking too much of someone like her."
Sachiko jumps up, hearing the boys' voices much closer than she remembered. She looks at them. They're approaching her with smiles on their faces. She involuntarily tenses.
"What is a lovely lady like you doing in this place alone?" one of them asks. They're four, dressed with rough pants and leather vests. They seem to be around her age, maybe a bit older. If not for the wands hanging from their belts, Sachiko wouldn't know they are nobles.
She looks down, feeling nervous now that they're surrounding her. "I was just walking around…"
"Are you lost?" that makes her blink with confusion.
"No…"
"Oh, then, are you looking for someone? A brother perhaps? Or maybe a boyfriend…"
"What? No! I don't have brothers… or a boyfriend. I was just exploring, waiting for… a friend" somehow saying 'my master' sounds wrong to her… and incredibly embarrassing.
The boys look at each other. "I think she's lost" one of them concludes. Sachiko puffs her cheeks with annoyance, but before she can say anything, he keeps talking. "This area belongs to the Imperial Guards, and it doesn't look like you belong to any of the corps" he explains.
Sachiko's mouth opens in a small 'o', finally understanding the reason for their questions. She feels embarrassed now. "Sorry, I didn't know."
"Oh, don't worry about that. Hey, while you're waiting for your friend, don't you want to come with us?"
"With… you?"
"Hey Domenic, you're scaring her" another guy nudges his friend, before smiling at her. "What he means to say is that we're apprentices of the Manticore Corps. If you don't have anything else to do, we will gladly show you around."
"Ah… I don't know…" she's nervous. She has never been good with guys, less when there are so many of them. They keep insisting, giving her a weird sensation. This situation… where have I seen it before? It suddenly dawns on her. Of course! It always happens in manga! The girl is surrounded by guys before her love interest comes to rescue her and…! Wait a second… her eyes get round with disbelief. They… they're hitting on me… they're actually hitting on me… never before in her seventeen years of life had anyone ever hit on her. This was a first for her, and for that reason, instead of getting alarmed, she starts smiling, confusing the boys.
"Miss?"
"Ah, sorry" she shakes her head and looks at them with new eyes. They're not bad-looking. Definitely not Louis or Shiro, but that's a level she doesn't expect normal people to reach, including her. "If it's alright with you; then please show me around."
"Really?!" one of them asks with surprise, before the other three sent him looks of warning.
"Perfect. Then, if you would follow us" Sachiko nods and walks with them. They seem more excited than she is. They introduce themselves and look a bit confused when she tells them her name, saying it's weird. As they show her the sparring grounds, a question makes way in Sachiko's head.
"That girl earlier was also part of the Imperial Guards?"
To her surprise, the guys start laughing.
"You mean Agnes? God, no, she's just a commoner."
"She has permission from her highness to train here, and walks around the palace like she's actually one of us" the guy called Domenic says with a snort.
"How did she even get to know her highness?"
"More than that, I'm questioning why the princess even bothers with her. Having her around downgrades the value of the Imperial Guard."
"So that woman is a commoner?" Sachiko asks; mostly to stop them from badmouthing her any further, but also because she's impressed. It makes her really curious about her.
"Yes, but you don't have to worry about her."
"A noble lady should not concern herself with this kind of pesky matters."
Sachiko halts, shocked; "n-noble lady?"
"Yes" they stop, looking at her with confusion. "Is there something wrong?"
"Um…" she looks down at Louis' cloak, hugging her body. It's because of this thing they think I'm a noble? She should tell them they're wrong. She should but… maybe they only flirted with me because they think I'm a noble, and if I tell them…
"So, Miss Sachiko, where were we?"
Just a little more, for my ego. She smiles and follows them, praying to God to forgive her for this little white lie.
Closing yet another book, Louis leans back and sighs, his head tilt up looking at the ceiling. He doesn't know why he's doing this in the first place. Sure, it's to help Sachiko get back to her world and learn more about the void while he can, but the more he reads, he realizes it might as well be a futile effort.
He knows of the legends and of people who had been said to possess the void throughout history, so reading about them it's not something new or that can be useful. More than that, he wants to find something that can help him understand a little better what this power is about. What is the void exactly? How does it work? How can he confirm he has it? None of that is written in any of the books he read, and he has the rueful sensation he won't find it no matter how much he investigates.
But if something defines Louis is that he's no quitter. Even if he has to spend days confined in the archive he will find what he is looking for.
Though I don't really have the time to spend days researching here… he shakes his head and sits straight again. Just when he's reaching for another tome, he hears someone clearing their throat.
"Your highness" he stands up and bows. Henrietta purses her lips, and with a gesture of the hand dismisses his greeting.
"Louis, don't worry about it. We're the only ones here."
"If you wanted to talk, you should have called for me" he says, looking at her seriously. She shrugs and pulls out a chair, sitting on it. Louis imitates her when she tells him to. He can see she's holding a small, tattered book in her hands.
"There's no need to, honestly. Besides, I prefer looking for you myself" she looks at the books on the table. "Is your research bearing results?"
"Not really, but I'm trying…"
"I heard you came with your familiar. Where is she?"
"She was bored so I gave her permission to take a stroll outside. Henrietta… do you need something from me?" he asks politely, trying not to seem too curious. She sighs, leaving the small book on the table.
"Now that my wedding to the emperor has been announced, preparations are being done. I don't have to do much except stand to the side and give my opinion on a few things, but there's something I have to do, and I feel really troubled."
"Is it something I can help with?" she gives him a small smile.
"Unless you can turn into a girl so you can be my bridesmaid, then there's not much you can do."
"Oh…"
"I don't have anyone close enough to me that I want to give that position to, so I was wondering if you could find someone for me."
"I… I don't think I'm suitable to decide for you" he glances down, blushing involuntarily. "If it's Henrietta's bridesmaid, she should be someone of noble birth, tristainian. I'm not close enough to any girl in the academy to ask them for this."
"You think they wouldn't want to be my bridesmaid?"
"Oh, of course not!" he shakes his head and hands quickly, finding her question ridiculous. "Anybody would feel honored to become your bridesmaid, but choosing anyone just because doesn't feel right to me. She should be someone you know at least."
"That's why I think if Louis chooses I'll be fine with it. I trust anyone you think would be suitable for the position" Louis shakes his head again. Henrietta has a sudden idea. "Don't you have a cousin attending the academy with you?"
"You mean Montmorency?" she's Louis' cousin on his mother's side. He doesn't talk with her a lot though, and they never really got along well.
"Yes, her. She comes from a good family too, and being your relative would reassure me."
"I guess I could ask her…" she would certainly be elated. Henrietta sighs with relief, before handing the small book over to him. "What is this?"
"The Founder's Prayer Book" Louis' eyes open wide. He looks at it, unable to believe such a torn book could be one of the famous treasures from the Founder. "It is tradition for the bridesmaid or best man to hold the Founder's Prayer Book and write an edict for the wedding. You should give this to your cousin, so she can draw inspiration from it."
"A-Alright" he accepts the book humbly, staring at it with big eyes. To be able to hold such an item, he can't help but feel excitement.
"Well, with this done, it's time I leave you alone" she stands up. Louis looks at her with confusion. "You surely want to keep reading, I don't want to interrupt."
"Oh, sure…" he bites his lips, before glancing back at her. "Henrietta?"
"Yes?"
"If you want to talk or… anything, really, you know you can count on me, right?"
She blinks, clearly surprised. After a while, she smiles, even though there doesn't seem to be much happiness behind it. "I know. See you later" and with that, she walks away. Louis keeps looking at her retreating figure until she's out of sight. Then, he sighs, resting his head on his arms.
I guess I can't blame her for that reaction. I just wonder how much longer we'll be like this… he straightens and looks at the Founder's book. For a moment he wonders… before shaking his head and continuing with his investigation, leaving the Founder's book aside.
"Can I? I really can?" Sachiko asks enthusiastically when the boys ask her if she wants to mount one of the manticores. They chuckle, while Domenic nods reassuringly.
"Of course you can. Do you want me to help you?" she nods, looking at the beast up and down. It has the body of a lion and a human-like head. She should probably be terrified, but her curiosity wins upon her fear, and the only thing she wants is to make sure if its fur is as rough as it seems.
The manticore stirs the moment she mounts it, but it doesn't do much besides that. She caresses its head, expecting for it to purr like when she did it to Wardes' griffin. Instead, it only looks at her, and Sachiko almost feels the beast thinks her stupid.
"Is this where you usually train?" she asks, looking at the courtyard they're in. It's deserted but big enough to hold an entire troop.
"Well, it's where the knights train…"
"No one's around. Now that I think about it, where are the rest of the knights?"
"They had a mission. We were left here to take care of the few manticores left behind."
"Ah" she softly kicks the sides of the manticore, just to see if it will start moving, but again, it looks at her, this time with a bit of irritation. Well, I should have expected this. It's not a horse, and considering the way it's looking at me, maybe I should consider myself lucky it didn't throw me off.
Seeing her actions, the boys begin instructing her how she should ride a manticore, but even when she does as they say, the beast refuses to move. Huh, look who doesn't like me.
Maybe she should get down before the manticore gets mad at her. The boys had been nice to her, entertaining her and answering all of her questions regarding the guards and the palace. In manga, it's always depicted as a bad thing when guys try to pick you up, so she had been a little worried when she started thinking about it more deeply. Luckily, that had not been the case at all.
Besides, thanks to them I think I understand some things a little better. And she didn't get as bored as she would have if she had been on her own. It was nice having other things to do. Even in the academy, most of the time she spends it alone when she isn't with Louis. Shiro is always busy working, and Kirche has classes, so it's pretty lonely whenever Louis has things to do and leaves her alone. Even Miss Longueville is always doing something, reason for which she has yet to fulfill her promise of helping her catalogue the treasures in the treasure vault.
Well, it's not like I'm completely alone either. I can talk with Mr. Colbert, and there's also Derflinger, even if he has such a rotten tongue…
She looks up. It's not too late, but she should get going now and find Louis so they can go back to the academy before night falls. With the help of one of the boys, she gets down the manticore, but before she can fully put her weight on her feet, she hears someone shout.
"What do you think you're doing?!" looks I don't have to search for him anymore.
"Ah, Louis, I was just about to go get you…"
"Shut up" he cuts her, before his eyes fall on the boy, who is still holding her. "Take your hands off her" the boy's eyes narrow, releasing Sachiko but glaring daggers at him.
"What's your problem? I was just helping her down the manticore!"
"Why were you mounting a manticore in the first place?" Louis ignores the boy and asks Sachiko. She gulps, taking a step back.
"They asked me if I wanted to…"
"And if they asked you if you wanted to jump off a building you would have said yes then?"
"Hey" this time is Domenic who interrupts him; "what do you mean by that? That is dangerous for Sachiko to mount a manticore? And anyway, who the hell are you in the first place?"
"It is dangerous" he ignores the last question and snaps at him. "Why are you even allowed near the manticores to begin with? You're obviously not knights, so that means this manticore doesn't belong to any of you! To let a girl mount one when the owner is not with you…!"
"Nothing would have happened! And we might not be knights, but we're apprentices, so don't treat us so lightly!"
"Even worse! You're not even allowed to mount one yourselves and yet…!"
"What is all this ruckus about?" another voice interrupts their argument. They turn around, and the boys' faces become pale.
"C-Captain!"
The man, who should be around fifty, looks at them with a stern expression. He crosses his arms, silently demanding an answer. When no one says anything, he turns to Louis. "Young man, do you have a problem with my boys?"
"Nothing except they're letting girls mount a manticore while their captain is away" he answers bitterly, lifting his chin haughtily. The man blinks, before looking at the boys with a frown.
"Is that what really happened?" they lower their heads, making the man sigh. "Really, don't try to show off just because you want to impress a pretty girl. It can be dangerous for her."
"That's what I was saying" Louis spits, glaring at the boys. The man looks at him again, examining him.
"Sorry for the question but, do I know you? You look really familiar…"
"My name is Louis François LeBlanc de La Vallière, heir apparent of La Vallière household" he says, crossing his arms. The man looks at him with surprise, before nodding.
"I see. You have your mother's eyes. I am D'Cesaire, an old acquaintance of your mother. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine" he responds dryly, before grabbing Sachiko's hand and pulling her towards him. "Now, if you excuse us, it's getting late, and we should really get going."
"Yes, of course" D'Cesaire nods in understanding, before turning to the boys. "I need to have a stern talk with the four of you."
"Ugh…"
"See you guys later! And thank you for spending time with me!" Sachiko shouts before leaving, improving a little the mood of the boys. Louis growls angrily, yanking her harder, almost making her trip with her feet. "Hey, be a little gentler, would you?"
He halts abruptly. Sachiko bumps against his back painfully. "Ouch! Hey, what is your-?"
"What is your problem?!" Sachiko blinks, unsure if she heard right. That was just what she was going to say. Before she can utter a word, Louis continues, his voice loud and full of resentment. "I let you take a walk because you promised you wouldn't cause trouble, and yet when I find you-!"
"Wait a second! 'Let me take a walk'? What am I, a dog?" she shouts indignantly, before realizing the last part. "And what trouble are you talking about?!"
"What were you doing with those guys?" he changes subjects, further irritating Sachiko.
"Is this about the manticore? Nothing serious happened! Why are you so upset about it?"
"Apart from the fact you like to play around with a beast as if you're playing with a puppy? And you didn't answer! What were you doing with those guys?!"
"I wasn't playing! And it's not the first time I mount a magical beast! Or you forgot Tabitha's dragon or the griffin?" she pointedly ignores the last question, much to Louis' annoyance.
"It's different; you were with the owners those times! Now, would you stop ignoring me and answer already?!"
"They were showing me around" she crosses her arms and answers with a huff. "What does it have to do if I'm with the owner or not? Domenic said since the manticore is domesticated then it wouldn't attack humans…"
"Then he's obviously not meant to be a knight. You can't domesticate a wild beast. Griffins, manticores and dragons are intelligent creatures! They choose who are allowed to mount them!" he's starting to lose his patience. Sachiko puffs her cheeks and looks away, but Louis holds her chin and turns her face so she has no other option but look at him. "Showing you around, what?"
"The training grounds… I got lost and ended up here, so they offered to show me the training grounds" she brushes his hand off and takes a step back, feeling she needs to put a bit of distance between them. Louis' fists balled at his sides, but he doesn't attempt to touch her again.
"So you went with them willingly? What if they had bad intentions? What would you have done?"
"What bad intentions could they have had? They're knights…"
"No, they're not" he corrects with gritted teeth. Sachiko rolls her eyes.
"Apprentices, whatever, the point is; what in the world do you think they could have done to me?"
"Why you…" he trembles, and without a word, grabs the cloak and forcefully takes it off her. Sachiko gasps at his roughness and glares at him, but Louis only scoffs in response. "I have noticed this for a while, but aren't you too easy for your own good?"
Sachiko blinks, processing his words for a few seconds. When they finally settle in, she rages. "Did you just call me easy?"
"You trust people too easily, it's dangerous, you know?" he says as if he didn't realize the implication of what he said. Sachiko blinks, not having expected that, and stares at him as he puts on his cloak again. Could it be… maybe he was… worried? That thought makes something warm pool inside her chest. She suddenly sees Louis in a different light.
A little embarrassed she misinterpreted him before, she lowers her head and plays with her hands as she says; "I-I see, so you were only worried about me. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-" but she's cut short when, much to her surprise, Louis shoves her, making her fall on the ground butt first. Her mouth falls open, and she looks up at him with incredulity; "y-you… did you just… push me?"
"Don't say such ridiculous things!" he shouts, his face acquiring a bright red color. "Worried, you say? Please. I'm only saving myself the embarrassment of having a loose woman for a familiar!"
"Hey!" she stands up, getting flustered at his accusative tone. "That is not what you just said!"
"Yes it was!"
"No, you said it was dangerous for me! That is completely different from you fearing I'm a 'loose woman'!" she didn't hear wrong, she's sure those were his words. Louis chokes, coughing and using the moment to turn around, so she can't see his face.
"Don't give my words the meaning you want! It's dangerous because… because…!" he racks his brain for something. Sachiko scoffs.
"You can't even think of an excuse. Pathetic" hearing this makes Louis rage. He faces Sachiko again and without thinking, pinches her cheeks in the same fashion Eleonore used to do to him when he was younger. "Ough, bey, sboooot itttt!"
"I. Am. Not. Worried" he repeats slowly, stretching her cheeks as he speaks. "You going around while wearing my cloak and doing these things! Of course it's an embarrassment for the master! Thank God they didn't know our relation!"
"Bouis, enoubbb!"
"Hmph!" he finally releases her. Sachiko strokes her cheeks, whimpering a little. He's such a brute! And I actually thought he was great for a second! "Let's go back now that this is cleared. I don't want to ride when it gets dark" he turns around and calmly walks away. Sachiko pouts. She's tempted to leave on her own to give him space to cool his head… but she can't ride a horse yet. Complaining to herself, she follows him, stroking her cheeks and not noticing how Louis' ears are strangely painted red, his back straighter than usual.
That night, Sachiko prepares a bath. She verifies the fire isn't too strong so as not to burn her, and once the water reaches a temperature she qualifies as perfect, looks around before taking her clothes off. Vestri Court is as empty as always, the only thing illuminating the courtyard being the light of the moons. It's close to midnight, the only time she would ever dare take a bath in the open like this. Not too late so Louis isn't sleeping yet, so she doesn't have to worry about being discreet when going back to the bedroom, but not too early to have people still prowling around.
She washes her clothes with the hot water and then hangs them to the side, before resting her head against the edge of the old kettle she's using as her ofuro.
She doesn't have anything against the public baths from the academy's staff. They're not wide and they have to take turns to bathe, first the men and then the women, it's just that, she's used to take her time to enjoy bathing. For them, there's no time to relax, they need to finish quickly so they can continue with their work. Ten minutes is the most she can stay before they hurry her to leave, and that's barely enough time to wash her body and take proper care of her hair.
That's why, when the other day she saw Shiro carrying this big old kettle with a maid to throw it away, she stopped him and asked him to give it to her. He had been confused, asking her why she would want something like this, but luckily accepted after giving him a vague answer.
"Ahhh…" she sighs happily, lazily stretching in the water. "This is life…"
"Does it feel good, partner?" Derflinger asks. He's leaning against the side of the kettle. Sachiko brought him for the company.
She nods with a small smile. "It does. This is the way a real Japanese person takes a bath" her smile disappears, and she looks at the sky with a pensive face. "A real Japanese person…"
Am I getting closer to getting back home?
She moves her legs underwater. Because of the shadows, nothing below the water's level can be seen, but she sees the ripples her movements cause in the surface. She scoops some water with her hands and lets it go, repeating this process unconsciously as she thinks of her home and the last time she dipped in an ofuro.
It's been… one month, no? I admit I'm starting to get used to life here, but it's still pretty lonely…
"Hey, Derf."
"What is it?"
"You said you were a legendary sword, no? That used to belong to Gandálfr…" she rests her chin on her hands, leaning on the edge of the kettle.
"Yes, I am."
"Can you tell me about the previous Gandálfr? Like, what kind of person he was, how strong he was, what he did?" she asks, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"I forgot" Derflinger responds nonchalantly. Sachiko pouts.
"Was he like me at least?"
"I told you I don't remember. And anyway, why would he even be like you? You're a really particular type of person."
"I'm not talking about physical appearance, but personality."
"I don't know. Didn't I say I forgot?"
"Ugh…" she closes her eyes and hugs her knees, half her face underwater. She's even more curious about Gandálfr since her fight with Wardes. From time to time she touches Derflinger and concentrates. She only has to remember Wardes attacking Louis to activate the runes.
I want to know more about this power. Next time, I won't allow anyone to lay a finger on Louis. She closes her fists with a determined expression.
Suddenly, she hears steps near her. She sinks a little deeper in the kettle and covers her chest with her arms. "Who is it?" she asks anxiously.
"Miss Sachiko?" her eyes widen. She stretches her neck and sees Shiro a few meters away. He's holding a tray with what appears to be a small teapot and a teacup. He squints and frowns, before recognizing her. "It is you, what are you doing here?"
He approaches, Sachiko gasping and backing off, her back against the side of the kettle. "W-Wait! Shiro, don't get closer!"
"Eh?" he falters at her sudden yell, causing him to trip on a small stone, the tray, teapot and teacup flying off. Without thinking, Sachiko stands up.
"Shiro! Are you alright?"
"Ugh, yes, I think…" he lifts his face from the ground and rubs his forehead with a hand, before looking up. His eyes widen, and it's under his appreciative stare that Sachiko realizes she's standing bare-naked in front of him. She quickly dips in the water, covering her chest with her arms and screaming. Shiro blushes; "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to look! I swear!" he says, glancing away.
"I-It's fine, it's my fault, I shouldn't have…" she laughs nervously, still hugging herself. He looked at me! He saw my naked body! No one before had ever…
She isn't looking at Shiro, but she can hear him picking up the broken pieces of the teacup. There's an awkward silence she doesn't know if she wants to break. Unsurely, she clears her throat, immersing a little more in the water.
"Say, Shiro, what were you doing here at this hour of the night?"
"I could ask you the same question" Sachiko blinks, unable to place his tone. He sounds irritated.
"What do you mean? I'm taking a bath" her face heats up again, for some reason getting more flustered saying it out loud.
"I can see that, but I don't get it. Why are you taking a bath here, outside? Anybody could come at any second and see you."
"Oh, it's just… the staff's bathrooms are small and stuffy and they don't give us enough time to bathe, so I wanted to be more comfortable and asked you for this kettle."
"Couldn't you find a better place to do it though?"
"I don't see the problem, this place is always empty at this hour, and besides, if I did it inside it would be a problem with the fire. I don't trust myself not to set fire to the academy unintentionally."
"But people could still come. In fact, they would be attracted by the fire in this dark place. That's how I found you" Sachiko frowns, finally turning around to see him standing with his arms folded, a scowl on his face and the tray abandoned at his feet. She tilts her head to the side innocently.
"I… didn't think of that."
"You should be more careful. You're a girl after all; doing this kind of reckless things will just lead to dangerous situations for you."
"The worst that can happen is that someone sees me naked" and that already happened; she knows Shiro is thinking the same by the way his cheeks color pink. He clears his throat awkwardly.
"What if someone wants to take advantage of you? Haven't you thought of that?"
"Would somebody actually want to do that?" she can't think of anybody trying to do that inside the academy, from the staff or the students.
"You never know."
"It's alright, after all it's just me. No one would think of taking advantage of me" she laughs lightly to take off some seriousness from the situation, but this only manages to deepen Shiro's scowl.
"Don't laugh, this is serious. I mean, look at you, just knowing you're naked inside that thing makes even me want to-" he closes his mouth when Sachiko's mouth falls at his words, making him realize what he was saying. "N-Never mind about that, the point is, you can't take a bath in a public place like this, got it?"
"Uh… y-yeah, got it…" again, another awkward silence envelopes them. Sachiko half expects Shiro to pick up the tray and leave, but he stays there, arms crossed and face turned to the side with an obvious blush. It's starting to make her feel anxious. "Shiro… you're staying?"
"I'll stay guard, it's not safe to leave you alone" she nods shyly, even though she feels even more nervous knowing he's there. Trying not to think too much about it, she continues bathing, from time to time glancing back at him. He has turned his back at her, so she feels a little safer speaking.
"Who were you bringing that tea to? Won't they be angry that you're taking so long?"
"Um, no, actually, the tea was for you. We got new goods from Rub' al Khali in the east and I wanted you to taste it" Sachiko blinks, looking at him.
"For me? How did you know I was here?"
"I… followed you."
"You what?!" after all his talk of how dangerous it is to take a bath outside, he was actually the first one she should have been wary of. Shiro quickly shakes his head and his hands, flustered.
"I wasn't peeping! I just saw you bringing water here, I didn't know you were taking a bath because once I made sure you were staying here I rushed to get the tea! I swear it!"
"O-Ok, I believe you" he sighs in relief. Well, it's not like she would have minded if that was the case. Although she does feel uncomfortable he has seen her naked, in hindsight, it's not really that much of a bad thing. And he seemed to like my body. Plus, he's staying guard for me. That can only mean he cares for me, no?
She has a bit of hope, which is the reason a dangerous idea crosses her mind. She looks down at herself, making sure nothing can be seen, and speaks up shyly. "Ehm, Shiro…"
"Yes?"
"You… fell hard before, didn't you?"
"Uh, yes" he sounds embarrassed, but Sachiko barely pays attention.
"So that means you're dirty…"
"I… guess. I mean, my uniform is, but it's not really important."
"But, won't Marteau yell at you if you go back dirty like that?"
"Yeah, he probably will."
"In that case" she takes a deep breath, willing herself to say the words; "why don't you take a bath with me? You can wash your clothes and…" but she stops talking when she hears something falling with a loud thud. She looks at Shiro, and is surprised to see him kneeling, with a hand over his heart. "Shiro, are you alright?"
"You say some pretty sly stuff, Miss Sachiko" he whispers, not attempting to stand up. Sachiko blushes. She knows that is the case, but hearing him saying it makes her feel ashamed, like she's stepping on some unknown boundary. She gulps and glances away, wishing to disappear.
"I'm sorry" she whispers pitifully. She misunderstood everything. After a while, Shiro sighs. Sachiko doesn't dare look up at him though.
"No, don't say it like that, it makes me feel like I said something mean to you" she doesn't reply. Then, she hears the sound of footsteps coming closer, and she tenses. What is Shiro doing? "You're aware I'm a guy, no?"
Oh, if I am not. "Yes…"
"Then you should know you can't just ask a guy to take a bath with you like nothing, right?"
"I am, but it's different with you, that's why…"
She stops when she hears the sound of fabric whistling. With a start, she looks at Shiro, just in time to see him getting rid of the black vest of his uniform and starting to unbutton the white shirt.
She panics. "S-Shiro, what are you doing?!"
"I'm taking my clothes off so I can take a bath with you" he looks at her, her skin heating up under his intense stare. "I'm not going to pass up the opportunity if you offer it to me, but if you're having second thoughts just say it."
He continues undressing as he speaks, and by the time the last word leaves his lips his shirt is sliding off his body, revealing his well-toned chest and abs. With just one look, Sachiko decides she doesn't care anymore, and keeps looking as he takes off his pants. When he's pulling down the underwear, though, she finally looks away. She's not ready for that sight yet.
She hugs her body tightly when he enters, and closes her eyes just to make sure. For a few minutes, she hears rustling, and she can feel Shiro's knees touching her own, because the kettle is too small for two people, but after a while, the sound dies down, and the only thing she can feel is Shiro's presence so very close to her.
"Miss Sachiko" she jumps up a little, causing him to laugh nervously. "I'm already inside the kettle, and my clothes are drying, so it's a little late if you decide to kick me out."
"I-It's not that…"
"Then open your eyes."
She hates and loves that he sounds so confident, his voice not faltering once. But when she opens her eyes she sees he doesn't look as sure as he sounds, and that makes her feel a little better. She is not the only one nervous.
Of course, being nervous doesn't mean she's not enjoying the view. But her eyes keep shifting from him to the water, wanting to look at him but at the same time feeling she shouldn't. She's starting to regret inviting him. No, you took the decision consciously, now be an adult and face it!
"This is a curious way to take a bath" Shiro comments after a while, looking at the kettle with interest. Sachiko gulps, gathering her thoughts and nodding.
"Um, it's the way we do it in my country…"
"You said once you were not from Halkeginia. Where exactly are you from?"
"Th-the place you said, Rub' al… something…" when she talked with Louis about it, he told her to tell people she's from there in case they asked. 'No one has really been there before, and very little is known about that place anyway. It should make for a believable lie.'
Shiro's eyes open wide. "Rub' al Khali?! Wow, that's incredible! How did you-? Oh yeah, you were summoned… um, it's really impressive…"
While he's mumbling, Sachiko stares. Little by little she's feeling less awkward having him bathing with her. I wonder how he would feel if I asked him if I can see him naked. I mean, she blushes, glancing to the side, he already saw me. It's only fair he returns the favor. But I'm surprised at how well fit he is, though considering he does a lot of physical work here in the academy, I shouldn't be surprised. Most of all, I'm really curious… her eyes fall lower, to the part covered by the water below his stomach.
"Miss Sachiko" she shoots up in surprise. She's even redder, realizing the kind of thoughts she was having. What am I? A pervert? Luckily, Shiro doesn't seem to have noticed the way she was ogling him. He's looking at her with a kind smile. He asked her something, and she wasn't paying attention. That makes her feel embarrassed.
"Um, yes, Shiro?"
"I was saying that it feels really nice taking a bath like this" Sachiko perks up. Forgetting her embarrassment, she nods enthusiastically.
"Yes! It's really nice!"
"What other things do you do in your country?" Sachiko blinks.
"You… want to know about my country?" she asks, incredulous. Shiro nods.
"Yes, if you would" he smiles. Sachiko does so as well, happy another person is interested in her birthplace, even if this time she has to feign it's a different one.
"Ok. Well, there are many different things. For starters, our eating habits…"
They talk for a good hour, Shiro asking questions and Sachiko happily answering them, gesturing with her hands to help with the explanations. The fire slowly diminishes, cooling the water, but it's still warm enough that they don't feel the need to get out just yet.
"Airplane?" Shiro asks with a raised eyebrow. Sachiko nods. It's a little amazing how much they've talked.
"Travelling long distances can be done much faster if you travel by airplane."
"Mmm, but how can something so big be able to fly?"
"Em, well, I don't really know the basics" she admits with a small blush; "it has to do with aerodynamics and the wings…"
"It is like that…" he looks up to the moons. Sachiko is a bit mesmerized at his elegant countenance. With small drops hanging from the tips of his hair and the light of the fire on his face and body, he looks like some kind of god. She swallows thickly. Despite their exciting conversation, it would be impossible for her to forget they're both naked, so close together. "You know, that airplane… it sounds oddly familiar…"
"What do you mean?"
"It reminds me of an object that's in my village… something my great-grandfather brought from the east. According to him, he came flying with it from a different world… ah, but hear me rambling. You probably don't care about-"
"What did you say?" she interrupts, her body springing towards him on its own accord. Shiro is taken aback. Sachiko curses in a low voice. "Sorry, it's just… your great-grandfather…?"
"Yes… he… had something similar to what you described as an airplane…" he clears his throat, staring at her speculatively. "Might you be interested in the story?"
"Ah, y-yes, I guess…" she laughs awkwardly; "I mean; it's not every day you hear someone claiming to be from a different world. Your great-grandfather was someone pretty weird, wasn't he?" she laughs shyly. Shiro frowns.
"I'm glad you find it funny" he says in a rough voice. Sachiko stops laughing, realizing he's no longer smiling. Oh, oh, did I offend him? "It's late already" he says suddenly, pulling his weight up with his hands holding each side of the kettle. Sachiko gasps.
"Ah, Shiro wait, if I said something to…" but she doesn't finish, her eyes going round when he stands up and she can see… "Ahhh!" she covers her face, which burns intensely. Before she can open her eyes, she hears some rustling, and when she looks at Shiro, he's already dressed and ready to go. "Y-You're leaving?"
He doesn't look embarrassed she saw him; instead, he has a deep frown between his brows, his eyes downcast. He's angry, she realizes ruefully.
"It's past midnight already. You should get going too."
"But… about your great-grandfather…"
"Maybe I'll tell you another time" he shrugs the vest on and gives her a short nod. "I'll see you later, Miss Sachiko" and with that, he leaves before Sachiko can utter a word. After a few minutes, she groans, plunging her head in the water. Great Sachiko! You just had to call his grandpa weird, didn't you? Ugh…
"Hey partner, that servant is right. It's pretty late" she hears Derflinger say when she resurfaces. She pouts, hugging her knees and ignoring him. "Come on, it's not your fault he's overly sensitive."
"But…"
"He'll get over it" she sighs, conceding that point to Derf. Slowly, she stands up; looking for the towel she left next to her clothes. In any case, I'm surprised he's the descendant of the man Mr. Colbert told me about. I need to speak to him about this the next time I see him. I need to ask Shiro too, and above all, apologize…
"Also" Derf adds. Sachiko looks at him with the towel around her body.
"Yes?"
"Way to try to get under your skirt, that servant boy" he laughs heartily. Blushing, Sachiko rudely sheaths him. Enough she has with her own mind, she doesn't need him to add fuel to the fire.
A/N: The ofuro scene was soooo awkward to write. With this, the love triangle it's officially on. Sorry to anyone who doesn't like love triangles. I am not very fond of them myself, but in this case it was inevitable.
I guess I don't need to say that Monmon being Louis' cousin is completely invented and not canon. It's just an idea I always played with back in the days when I started watching Zero no Tsukaima. Agnes makes a small cameo. At this moment in the series she's still a commoner, I think.
Also, I'm pretty sure the manticore knight's base is in the city and not the palace, but let's pretend the Imperial Guards have their own building near the palace, being the Imperial Guard and all...