Mission 12 : Wedding Crasher
Reposted : )
Port City La Rochelle
／人◕ .◕人＼
Fantasy pic : Siesta wearing a white short skirted Japanese Miko (Priestess) costume with a Dragunov sniper rifle strapped on her back. She sits in a seiza(kneeling) position as she looks innocently up toward the camera, a large amount of cleavage can be seen. .
／人◕ .◕人＼
"Not good. A rebel... or is that a noble vessel?" Behind deck, Wardes and the captain looked at where the lookout was pointing.
Black paint signaled that the ship was made for war. Twenty or so cannons aimed at them.
"Albionian nobility? Tell us if they ship cargo like we do."
The lookout hoisted the signal flags as the captain told. The black ship did not respond.
The co-captain entered running, his face pale, and reported to the captain, "That ship doesn't have any nationality flags!"
"Then... are they pirates?"
"Can't be wrong! I heard they got really active after the rebellion began..."
"Run! Full speed!" The captain wanted to run from them as quickly as possible, but they were too late. The black ship began to sail parallel to them, and fired a shot directly ahead of them.
BANG! The cannonball disappeared into the clouds. The black ship's mast then hoisted a four-color signal.
"They're ordering us to stop, captain."
The captain winced in his decision. It's not like his ship was completely unarmed, but all they had were three movable cannons on deck, which were no more useful than decorations when up against a full broadside of over twenty pointed at them. The captain looked at Wardes for help.
"All my magic's used on the ship. We can only do what they say." Wardes answered calmly.
The captain mouthed, "There goes my fortune," and gave the order.
"Wrap sails. Stop the ship."
Louise, seeing the black ship fire a shot, closing in on them, and their ship stopping, held close to the devil hunter, who only casually watched the black ship.
"We are pirates! Do not resist!" a man onboard the black ship yelled with a horn.
"Pirates?" Louise was shocked.
"Pirates huh? This I got to see." Dante comments,
On the black ship's port, men lined up with bows and rifles. They aimed and shot hooked lines, grabbing onto their ship's starboard. More strong men, about ten of them wielding axes and curved sabers, slid over the ropes and onto the ship.
Dante sighed, "Why do I feel like not fighting right now?" , It felt a little too strange a situation. Dante decides to just stand back and observe for a while.
Wardes, walked up right next to him and said,
"It's alright not to, they're not just armed barbarians, Dante. They have a lot of cannons pointed at us. If you want to live on the battlefield, you've got to accurately measure their strength and yours. They might even have mages on their side."
'I have been through worse,' Dante reflects, not revealing his thoughts on the matter.
Wardes' griffin, which was sitting on front of the deck, was also frightened of the pirates and growled. Its head was then covered with blue-white smoke, and it fell onto the deck, fast asleep.
"A sleeping spell... so they do have mages."
At an order, the pirates landed on their ship. One of them was dressed quite exquisitely. He wore a shirt that looked like it used to be white, but was dirtied black from sweat and lubricant. One could see his strong and well-tanned chest muscles in the shirt's openings. A patch covered his left eye. This man seemed to be the pirates' leader.
'Wow, Piratey.' Dante can't help but grin at the Pirate Captain's apparel that is obviously screaming "I'M A PIRATE DAMMIT!"
"Where's the captain?" He commanded in a rough tone, looking around him.
"Me." The captain, shaking but still trying to keep composure, raised his hand.
The leader walked to him in large steps, took out his saber and rapped it at the captain's face. "What's the ship's name and what does it carry?"
"Tristainia's Marie Galante. The cargo is sulfur."
A gasp came from the pirates. The leader sniggered, picking up the captain's hat and putting it on his head.
"I'm buying everything on this ship then... the price being your lives!"
'Wow, some line.' Dante thought,
The captain shook in shame. Then, the leader noticed Louise and Wardes standing on deck.
"Oho, we have noble guests!" The leader approached Louise and raised her chin with his hand. "We have a beauty here. Would you like to be our dishwasher?"
The men made rough, low laughs. Louise slapped his hand, and glared at him like she was about to explode into flames. "Get off me, you low-life!"
"Oh, she called us low-lives! I'm so scared now!" The men laughed loudly.
Dante wanted to take out his sword, but Wardes stopped him, whispering, "Hey, familiar. You look like you just can't quiet down."
Seriously, Dante could easily thrash these guys.
"What's the use in raising a racket now? Their cannons and arrows would just turn Louise, you, and all of us into swiss cheese."
'That'll only be you guys bub.' Dante replies inwardly, while remaining stoic.
"Don't you care about Louise's safety one bit?"
"Seriously man, quit with the act. You do what you do and I do mine." Dante snapped at Wardes, who was a bit surprised, but just shrugged and walked off.
"That's telling him boss," Derflinger comments. "So, what's the plan?"
"We wait."
"Alright, boys, take them all away. We can get a hell lot of ransom for this!"
／人◕ .◕人＼
Dante let himself caught and imprisoned by the pirates. It seemed like the Marie Galante's crew had helped to take over the ship.
Since Dante's sword and Wardes and Louise's wands had been taken, their hands and feet were not restrained. Without their wands, mages, are just like the weaponless Dante, were harmless, Dante managed to quickly store his guns away. Though the same could not be said about Louise.
In the background, one could see wine barrels, cereal sacks and gunpowder casks disorderly thrown around. Heavy cannonballs were piled up in the corner of the room.
Wardes explored such cargo with a great interest.
Dante sat down in the corner of the hold, dozing off.
Louise looked at Dante with an annoyed expression after seeing him in such a state.
"What the hell is he doing, he should be thinking of escaping now."
"You do realize that were, you know thousands of "mails" in the air. Just where do you think we can run to?" Dante said snappishly.
"Oh right." Louise realized it as well.
"But are you alright? You have been hit by that lightning after all."
"Don't sweat it. I had worse."
But Louise won't hear nothing of it. Besides, this is the first time Louise ever saw Dante took a more dangerous hit. She panicked.
"Somebody! Somebody come!"
'That overacting idiot,' Dante swore under his breath.
The guard stood up.
"Eh?"
"Water! Is there a mage? We need a water mage! There is an injured person! He needs to be healed!"
"There is no such person."
"Lies! It is so!"
Wardes who was taken aback, watched Louise dumbfounded. Dante gripped Louise's shoulder.
"Be obedient. You are the prisoner here."
"No! I won't, you are injured!"
"Stop saying that!" Dante shouted. Louise cringed because of his threatening attitude, and her pupils started getting moist. However, she gulped down her saliva and tried to fight back the incoming tears.
"Dammit, don't cry."
"I am not crying. There is no master who would cry in front of her magical partner!"
"I see."
"I would never cry in front of you."
Louise walked towards the other wall and sat down facing away from Dante, her body shivering. Dante headed towards Wardes and tapped his shoulder.
"Please comfort her"
"Why?"
"Aren't you Louise's fiancé?"
Wardes nodded and turned towards Louise, and hugged her shoulders from behind, comforting her. Dante laid on the ground, averting his eyes from Wardes and Louise. Time to get some needed shut eye.
The door opens as a fat man with a plate of soup entered.
"Hey Pa, is it dinnertime already?" Dante quips
"Only after you answered a few questions."
Louise, whose eyes looked puffy, stood up.
"Ask."
"What business do you have in Albion?"
"Traveling." Louise said with a decisive voice, putting her hand on the waist.
"Tristain's noble, why would you travel to Albion? Why would you be sightseeing in such place?"
"I do not have to tell you such things."
"Still pretending to be tough, despite being scared and crying?"
Louise turned her face away as the pirate started laughing. She grabbed a plate with soup and water to throw at him, but...
Dante took it from her.
"Hey!"
"I cannot eat a soup made by such people!"
Louise turned her face away again.
"It's not healthy to stay hungry."
When Wardes said so, Louise took the plate of soup with a pouting face.
Two people excluding Dante ate the same soup from one plate, though in normal circumstances that would never happen.
Wardes leaned onto the wall with a tired expression on his face.
Louise again tries to see how her guardian being is holding up.
"It's alright."
"It's not alright!" Louise stared firmly at Dante with her puffy eyes. "Because, you are my guardian being, you have to listen what I tell you!"
"Since when did I listen to you when you talk like that?"
Dante sighed. Louise, who now managed to see his arm, looked up at him.
"What is it?"
"How is this possible, I could have sworn that your arm was badly burned by that spell." Louise whispered.
"Oh that, I never mentioned this before, but I heal fast." Dante softly smiled.
That lessened the pinkette's worries.
"You have more important duties to care about."
"It is so, but so is your well being! Clear?"
"Nice to be cared for." Dante smirked,
At that time, the door opened again. This time it was a thin pirate standing before them. The pirate looked at the three with piercing eyes and asked.
"Good evening, are you the aristocrats going to Albion?"
Louise did not answer.
"Oi oi, judging from your silence it's truth. Although we do not look like that we respect nobles, thanks to the aristocrats our business goes well."
"But, isn't this a warship of rebels?"
"No no, though we are employed, we are involved in the fifty-fifty relationship with both sides. We are related to both factions. So how is it? Are you nobles? If it is true, then you will be let go free in the closest port."
Dante felt relieved. Since Louise was an aristocrat everything could be settled peacefully then. Also, they would be taken to the closest port.
Louise, however, did not nod her head in agreement and kept on glaring at the pirate's forehead instead.
"How dare you have anything to do with those dirty rebels? Do not disregard Albion nobles. I myself am one of the noble families. Albion is still a kingdom, as the royal family is still a legitimate government in Albion. Because I am an aristocrat who comes here on behalf of Tristain, I am, in other words, an ambassador. Therefore, I demand an ambassador's treatment from you."
Dante muttered. "Are you an idiot?"
"Who are you calling an idiot? The idiot is you! Trying to act cool while doing nothing!" Louise angrily turned to Dante and shouted.
" You should choose the time and place to act and for your straightforwardness better!"
The pirate laughed after seeing such scene.
"Honestly, you should stop doing that!"
"You are wrong, I can't let you be hurt so carelessly." Louise asserted.
"Is that so?" Dante said in a surprised voice.
"It's because you are my ... t-that's why..."
"I'll go to report to the Boss then."
The pirate left laughing.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Louise stood up straight. Though the thought of marrying Wardes made her feel funny at the start, it wasn't so strong anymore.
"...In any case, you lied to them."
"Don't talk nonsense. Are you seriously thinking that lying to such people is a bad thing?"
Dante sighed tiredly. Wardes came near Louise and tapped her shoulder.
"Don't say such things Louise, you are still my bride."
'Damn this guy.' Dante thought
The door opened again, it was the same thin pirate.
"The boss calls."
／人◕ .◕人＼
The aisle passed up the narrow stairs and took the three to a splendid room built on the upper part of the deck.
The Boss... apparently, the chief of the pirates.
As the door opened, one could see a gorgeous dinner table and a pirate sitting at its end, playing with a cane that had big crystal attached on top of it. Seemingly, he was a mage himself. The Boss' room was very different from what one would expect from a pirate.
He looked intensively at Louise who entered the room. The thin pirate who had brought her there poked her slightly from behind. "Hey, you, you are standing in front of the Boss, so greet him properly." However, Louise just stood there glaring at the Boss as he smiled at her.
"Ah, I like a strong willed woman, you are not a child at all. "
"I demand the treatment of an ambassador."
'Ambassador of what? Prisoners?' Dante thought,
Louise, not paying attention to the Boss' words, repeated her demand.
"And what would be that message you are trying to give?"
Said the Boss as he ignored Louise's words.
"And did you say royal?"
"Yes, I did."
"Are you going to the Royal Palace? They will be gone tomorrow."
"I won't tell you."
But the Boss spoke to Louise in a joyful voice.
"Are you willing to betray the nobles? Otherwise, even if you are a mage I might not guarantee your safety even for considerable fee."
"I'd rather die."
DAnte poked Louise, and at that moment he noticed her body trembling. She was scared. But even if she was scared, she kept on looking straight into the eyes of the Boss.
She stands against a scary opponent but is able to withstand it because she has something important in her mind.
This Louise looked really amazing.
"I'll ask you again. Are you willing to betray the nobles?"
Louise looked straight ahead. She crossed her arms, and put out her chest. However, Dante interrupted her before she could open her mouth.
"She told her answer already."
"And who are you?"
The Boss looked at Dante with a piercing glare. The eyes that seemed to see the deepest secrets. But Dante looked straight at the Boss, just like Louise did.
"A familiar of sorts." Dante shrugged
"Familiar?"
"Seems so."
The Boss started laughing. He laughed loudly.
"I knew that Tristainan nobles were weird but not so helplessly. Oh my, my stomach hurts." Said the Boss as he stood up laughing. the devil hunter and the others were puzzled by the sudden change of atmosphere and looked at each other.
"Oh, I am sorry. As a noble I should properly introduce myself as well."
The pirate who was laughing loudly suddenly stood up straight.
He removed his black curly hair from his head. It seemed to be a wig. He also took of the black eyepatch, and also removed his fake beard. Before them now was standing a young person with blond hair.
'Yeah, thought the getup is weird,' Dante reflected.
"I am a general of the Albion Royal Air Force. Also the commander of our country fleet. Though to tell the truth this warship named "Eagle" is the only ship in our fleet. A powerless fleet. Oh dear, even people from the street could easily beat it."
The young person bowed while introducing himself.
"I am the prince of the Albion's Kingdom, Wales Tudor."
Louise's mouth opened wide from the surprising appearance of the young prince of Albion. Wardes watched the prince with great interest.
Wales smiled with a charming smile and moved a chair for Louise to sit.
"Welcome to Albion, Ambassador. Now, lets talk about your message."
However, Louise was still speechless. She just stood there dumbfounded, unable to move.
"Why do I dress up as a pirate? To hide myself? No, the rich rebels sent a lot of support to rebellion, and it is a basic war tactic to cut enemy's supply line. Even if I have to do that in such an undignified way as to dress myself up as a dirty pirate."
Wales said laughingly.
"No, it was really impolite to treat an ambassador like that. But you have to admit you don't look much like a royal messenger yourself. And I never thought about support from other country's nobles. Yet I still should apologize."
Even after Wales' words, Louise's mouth still kept opening and closing without uttering a single sound. She hadn't been mentally prepared to meet the prince so suddenly.
"We brought a secret letter from Her Highness Princess Henrietta." Wardes said while gracefully bowing.
"Ohh, from Her Highness. And you are?"
"Captain of Tristain's Griffin Knights, Viscount Wardes."
After that, Wardes introduced Louise to Wales.
"And this is the ambassador sent by Her Highness from the Vallière family and her familiar, Your Highness."
"Indeed! Such a splendid noble. And I only have my ten bodyguards to greet you, such a miserable greeting. Then, do you still have the secret letter?"
Louise panicking took out Henrietta's letter from her clothes. However, she stopped before giving it to Wales. After a few moments of hesitation she opened her mouth.
"B-but..."
"What?"
"Excuse me, but are you really a prince?" Wales laughed.
"Oh dear, you won't believe me even if I showed you my true face. I am Wales. And I am really a prince. I will show evidence then."
Wales said after seeing the water ruby ring shining on Louise's finger.
Louise's hand was taken and the ring that shone on a finger was removed. The prince brought it close to his ruby ring. The two rings reacted to each other, shining with a bright light.
"This ring belongs to the Albion royal family, the ruby of the Wind, while that one belongs to Henrietta from Tristain royal family and is the ruby of the Water. Right?"
Louise nodded.
"Water and the wind make the rainbow. Rainbow that forms between royal families."
"True, I am sorry for my impoliteness."
Louise handed Wales the letter and bowed.
After looking at the letter lovingly, Wales kissed the signature. Then, the seal was carefully removed, the paper inside was taken out, and Wales began to read.
For some time he kept on reading it with serious expression.
"Is the princess marrying? That beautiful Henrietta. My beloved... cousin."
'He's the Princess' cousin? Ew, gross.' Dante couldn't help but think.
Wardes bowed silently, with an affirmative expression. Wales dropped the glance to the letter again and smiled when the last line was read.
"Understood. The princess is informing me with this that she wants you to return that letter. And more importantly, the princess also hopes that I return a letter from her. Seems like it."
Louise's face beamed with pleasure.
"However, it's not in my hands right now. It's in the castle in Newcastle. I didn't want to bring the princess' letter to this pirate ship." Wales said laughingly.
"So, even though it's troublesome, please come with me to Newcastle."
／人◕ .◕人＼
The warship Eagle took the group to the ragged coastline of Albion. They had been traveling for three hours and could already see the cape, a big castle standing on its very edge.
Wales explained to Dante, who was standing on the front deck, that it was the fortress of Newcastle. However, the Eagle did not head straight to the city, but instead sailed down the coast.
"Why are we going downwards?"
Wales pointed at the sky behind the castle where a huge ship was floating. However, it could not see their ship which was hiding on the other side of the cloud.
"Warship of rebels."
It could be described only as a huge ship - it was twice as long as the Eagle with an incredible number of sails, and it seemed like it was aiming for Newcastle port. With no warning it opened fire aiming at the castle. The first cannonball crashed into the wall and a small fire could be seen. The shockwave from impact could be felt on the deck of the Eagle.
"This ship named "Royal Sovereign" once belonged to the fleet of our country. Yet, when rebels took control over it, they changed the name to "Lexington". It was named in honor of the battlefield where those guys snatched the first victory from us." Wales said with a smile.
"This warship keeps a constant blockade of Newcastle from the sky. It shoots at the castle from time to time, not in order to do some damage, but just to annoy us."
Dante looked through the cloud at the warship. There were a lot of cannons on each side, and a dragon was painted on the surface of the ship.
"It has 108 cannons and really looks like a firebreathing dragon at times. The whole rebellion started from this ship. We can't match it, so it's better to sail through this cloud and remain unseen. We can reach Newcastle from the other side, as there is a secret port that only we know."
／人◕ .◕人＼
It suddenly became pitch-dark when ship went under the continent, as the landmass blocked the sunlight. In addition, they were still surrounded by clouds. They couldn't see a thing. Wales explained that rebels never went under the continent because traveling in such a way was dangerous. Cold, damp and chilly air hit the devil hunter's cheeks.
"For Navigators of the royal air force it's easy to navigate by relying on topographical maps, using magic of light and measurements."
Wales laughed, the noble that does not know the sky is not an intelligent person.
They sailed for a while and eventually reached a section which opened into black hole overhead. Illuminated by the magic light from the mast, it was really spectacular, they could see a hole 300 mails in diameter.
"Stop here for now."
"Aye Aye sir, stop here!" Wales' order was given to the still very energetic and lively crew. The sails were taken off and the Eagle started to drift right under the hole.
"Slowly increase speed."
"Aye Aye sir, slowly increase the speed!"
'Sounds so Star Trek' Dante thought, upon hearing the exchange.
The Eagle rose slowly toward the hole. Following just behind was the Marie Galante that navigators of the Eagle had boarded.
Wardes nodded, "You are definitely not sky pirates, Your Highness."
"We are precisely sky pirates, Viscount."
／人◕ .◕人＼
Light could be seen inside the hole and that's where the Eagle headed to.
The warship had arrived at a secret port of Newcastle. Inside the huge limestone cave was covered with white moss. Many people were waiting on the quay. Ropes were thrown to the sailors to tie down the Eagle and finally the wooden gangway was attached.
Wales hurried Louise and the others to go down the gangway. A tall and aged mage approached them.
"Ha ha, wonderful military results, right, Your Highness?"
The old mage seemed to appear out of nowhere before the Eagle.
"Rejoice, Paris. Sulfur, it is sulfur!"
When Wales shouted so, around him gathered cheering soldiers.
"Ooh! Sulfur! This is for the honor of our guardianship!" The old mage began to cry as he was aging.
"I served for sixty years under the previous king... There won't be such happy days again, Your Highness. After the revolt happened it all turned into sorrow... Even with sulfur we won't make it..."
Wales laughed with a smile.
"Even if we'll be defeated, we'll show the revolters the royal family's courage and honor."
"A glorious death. My old bones are trembling with excitement. It was reported that the rebels are going to attack the castle tomorrow. It's really all or nothing now, Your Highness."
"With our last breath we'll put their soldiers to shame!"
Wales and the others were laughing at ease from the bottoms of their hearts. Louise became worried after hearing the word defeat. In other words, they will die. Aren't these people scared of death?
"And who are these people?" The old mage named Paris asked Wales after seeing Louise.
"This is an ambassador from Tristain. She came because of an important business related to the kingdom."
Paris was surprised for a moment, what would the ambassador from another kingdom be searching for in those ruins? But soon a smile returned to his face.
"So you are an ambassador. Paris Chamberlain at your service, madam. It's nice that you came all the way to Albion. Though it might not be much, we will have a small feast tonight. By all means - please come."
／人◕ .◕人＼
Louise and the others followed Wales to his room. The prince's room was suited behind the kitchen room and it was rather ordinary looking.
A wooden bed, table and a pair of chairs, as well as a painting on the wall that illustrated a battle scene.
The prince sat on the chair and opened a drawer of the desk, inside of which was a little jewelry box. The prince took the necklace off his neck.
A small key was put into the lock of the little box and Wales opened it. Henrietta's portrait was lying in there.
Louise received the letter while bowing deeply.
Wales, who had noticed Louise looking at the box, spoke embarrassedly.
"Strongbox."
There was one letter inside. It seemed to be from the princess too. Wales took it out with love and read it. That letter looked older than it should from being constantly re-read.
After reading it Wales gently folded it and put it into an envelope, then he handed it to Louise.
"This is the letter I got from the princess. I am returning it as well."
"Thank you."
Louise received the letter while bowing deeply.
"The Eagle will take you back to Tristain tomorrow, as we won't be using it in the battle."
Louise opened her mouth decisively after looking for some time at the letter.
"But, Your Highness... What did you have in mind when you mentioned a glorious defeat?"
Louse asked with hesitation. Wales answered it very easily.
"It is so. My army has 300 men while the enemy force has 50000. There is no chance of victory. So let us at least die in glory."
'Sounds so similar to 300 Spartans.' Dante reflects,
Louise looked down.
"Your Highness, do you also mean yourself when you talk about dying in battle?"
"Of course. I will die as well."
Dante, who had been looking at the conversation from the side, sighed. 'Yup, It's so similar that it sounds ridiculous.'
The prince being worried so little by death tomorrow made it all so confusing. But then again, it reminded him of his earlier days.
But to Dante's view, this seemed that it was not reality but an event from a play.
Louise's shoulders dropped when she bowed deeply to Wales. She had more things to say though.
"Your Highness... Forgive my impoliteness, but there are a few more things I have to say."
"What do you want to say?"
"What is the content of the letter?"
"Louise."
Dante protested. Indeed, the content of the letter was a personal thing after all. But Louise, after asking Wales, looked up with determination.
"When Her Majesty gave me this task she looked like she was worrying about her lover. And in the box there was a portrait of the Princess, and seeing the gloomy face after you kissed and read the letter... Are you and the Princess..."
Dante thought, 'You only figured it out just now?'
Wales smiled. He guessed what Louise wanted to say.
"Do you want to say that cousin Henrietta and I have a love relationship?"
Louise nodded.
"It seems so. Forgive a surprising impoliteness. If so, the content of this letter is..."
After putting his hand to his forehead and making a gesture, as if worried for a moment about what he should and shouldn't say, Wales spoke.
"A love letter. Just like you guessed. Foolishly, if this love letter were to be passed to the imperial household of Germania as Henrietta informed by letter, it might become a great threat. In the letter she is swearing eternal love for me in the name of Founder Brimir. It is like an oath when marrying, love sworn in the name of the founder. If this letter is brought to light, she will be accused of committing the crime of bigamy. The emperor of Germania is sure to break off the engagement with the princess who violated the rules. Then, there would be no alliance. Tristain might be politically ignored by other countries' noble families."
"So Her Majesty and Your Highness were in love with each other?"
"It's an old story."
'Yeah, it's a pretty much an overused story.' Dante reflects.
Louise spoke to Wales in a feverish tone. "Your Highness, return! Return to Tristain!"
Wardes abruptly put his hand on her shoulder. However, this did not stop Louise.
"I beg you! Please, come to Tristain with us!"
"It cannot be done." Wales said with a laugh.
"Your Highness, I disagree. Her highness would think so as well! Didn't it say so in the letter? I have known the Princess since our childhood, I know very well how she thinks. She does not desert the people she loves! Your Highness, you didn't say it, but I am sure the Princess told you to run away as well!"
Wales shook his head. "There is not such line written."
'Surely, he lies.' Dante could see it in the prince's eyes.
"Your Highness!" Louise kept on pressing Wales.
"I am from a royal family. I am not lying. There is no telling by the princess for me to run away in the letter, I swear it by my honor."
Wales spoke as if he was in pain. It seemed like Louise's words hit him.
"Henrietta is a princess. She has to give priority to the country rather than me."
Louise understood what he meant with that. Even if Wales liked Henrietta, it would never be supported by other nobles in his situation.
Wales tapped Louise's shoulder.
"You are an honest girl, Vallière. You have honest, clear and kind eyes."
Louise looked down lonesome.
"But let me give you some advice. It's not too good for an ambassador to be honest like that."
Wales smiled with an attractive smile.
"However, you are a perfect ambassador to a ruined country like ours, as the government that will be destroyed tomorrow is more honest than anyone, since it doesn't have anything to defend besides its honor."
After that he pulled something out of his pocket. From the shape and running arrow it seemed to be a clock.
"Ahhaha, it is time for our little party. Since you are last guests of our kingdom, I would like you to attend it as well."
The guardian being and master went out of the room. Wardes stayed behind and bowed to Wales.
"Oh do you have some more business, Viscount?"
"There is one favor I would like to ask, Milord."
"Ask."
Wardes whispered into the ear of Wales, who smiled.
"Ah such a lovely request, it will be my pleasure."
／人◕ .◕人＼
The party was held in the castle's hall. The king of Albion, James I, sat on the throne, and watched the nobles and vassals who had gathered through narrowed eyes.
Though the following day everyone would die, it was still quite a feast and the table was filled with various treats.
Dante and the others were watching this colorful party while standing in the corner of the hall.
"They put all the troubles of tomorrow behind and are trying to enjoy the present."
Wardes nodded in response to Dante's words.
"Yes, they behave joyfully."
When Prince Wales showed up, there was some enthusiastic sighs between the ladies. It seemed like he was popular not only as a prince but as a handsome man as well. When he approached the throne, people started whispering.
James I tried to stand up straight and greet him, but because of his old age he staggered and almost fell down.
Some laughter could be heard from the hall.
"Your Majesty! Its too early to fall!"
"Indeed! Save that for tomorrow!"
James I wasn't insulted by such comments, and smiled.
"Don't worry, its just my legs were numb from sitting for so long."
Wales came closer and supported the king's body with his. There were a few more chuckles.
"You. I will tell all of you brave and loyal vassals, that tomorrow 'Reconquista' is planning to attack our Newcastle with their full force. You followed and fought bravely for this incapable old king, however tomorrow won't be a battle. It is likely to be a one-sided slaughter. Let's endure it and show our bravery for one last time."
The king coughed loudly, after that he continued talking.
"But it might be asking too much for all you to die. Thus tomorrow morning the warship Eagle will take all women and children and the ones who chose to leave to a safer place further from this forsaken continent."
However, no one answered. One noble loudly informed the king.
"You Majesty! We are waiting for the order! Whole Army Forward! Whole Army Forward! Whole Army Forward! Since our hearing is so bad tonight I doubt we will be able to hear any other orders!"
All the people nodded.
"Yeah! What would others say if we were to run away?"
"It's too late to retreat, Your Majesty"
"It's alright! We will continue to serve the king like we did years before! Tonight is a good night! The founder has blessed us with a wonderful moon and warm night! Let's enjoy drinking and dancing for tonight!"
With this everyone returned to the feast. The three guests from Tristain attracted a lot of attention. The nobles didn't seem to be sad or worried, they playfully kept on joking and offering wine or food to the guests.
"Ambassador! Try this wine! Tell us which country's wine is better!"
"Here! Try this! It's Albion's special - chicken with honey, will make you healthy and strong for sure!"
Albion kept on having fun! Even in the end.
'This is starting to really sound like the 300's last supper.'
Dante became melancholic. The people who acted joyfully at the face of death looked more sad than brave.
Dante wondered if this is what the people thought before Sparda actually decided to side with the humans.
Louise seemed to have felt it more. She couldn't endure the atmosphere, shook her head and ran out of the hall.
For a moment Dante wanted to follow her, but urged Wardes to go instead.
Wardes nodded and went after her.
Wales saw Dante just loitering around, came to him from the center of the hall.
"This man is Miss Vallière's familiar. However, it is very unusual for a person to be a familiar. Tristain is really an unusual country."
Wales laughed while saying so.
"It is unusual in Tristain as well." Said Dante tiredly.
"Feeling down?"
"Not Really. Are you sure about this dying with honor thing?
Anxiously, Wales looked into Dante's face, and nods gravely.
Dante stood up and asked Wales. "Sorry for impoliteness... But aren't you scared?"
"Scared?" Wales looked blankly at the devil hunter.
"Aren't you scared to die?"
Wales laughed after hearing Dante's words.
"You are worried about us! Us! What a nice guy you are!"
"Nope not really. But no matter what any normal person has fears of death one way or another, I'm just asking."
Wales gave a bitter smile.
"Truth be told, I am scared. There is no person who would not be scared to die. It doesn't matter if you are a noble or commoner."
Unfortunately Dante can't relate to the scared to die thing. Since, he's basically immortal.
"Then why?" he askes anyway.
"It is because I have something to defend. Something that makes me to forget the coldness of the grave."
'Nice line there.' The devil hunter thought, keeping a straight face.
"What do you defend? Honor? Fame? Those are a foolish things to die for." Dante said with louder voice.
Wales answered with distant eyes.
"The aristocrat faction 'Reconquista' is our enemy that tries to unite Halkeginia. It hangs to the 'Holy Land' ideal. It's good that people have such ideals, but it shouldn't be brought about with force and blood. All countries would be ruined."
"However, is there no chance of victory any more? What's the point of dying here? Maybe you can find other means to defeat them later..."
"No, we should at least show off a glimpse of courage and honor to other nobles even if is not possible to win, we can show that Halkeginia's royal families are not a weak enemy. Even though they do not seem like they will throw away the ambitions of 'Union' and 'Recovery of the Holy Land' anytime soon."
"Why?" Dante asked just to get to keep the conversation going.
Dante who grew up in the most absolutely fucked up way could understand why one would show one's courage in such way.
Wales declared decisively.
"Why? Easily, it is our obligation. The obligation of those born in the royal family. The obligation imposed on the royal family to defend the kingdom to the very end."
Dante understand the point. However, because Wales has a person whom he loves, and who loves Wales as well, isn't surviving for that person also an obligation? He thought in such a way.
"The princess of Tristain loves you. Did you forgot her letter?"
After the hunter's words, Wales smiled recalling it.
"Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to pretend not to know. Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to let go. It would only give others an excuse to invade Tristain."
"Seriously man..."
Wales's decision won't be changed. Wales gripped the taller Dante's shoulder and looked straight into his eyes.
"Since it is cleared, don't tell this to Henrietta. No need to worry her pretty face with unnecessary worries. She is like a pretty flower. Don't you think so too?"
Dante nodded. She indeed is a beautiful princess. I don't want to see her face sad or worried either.
But, Wales wouldn't change his decision because of that. That's what Wales' eyes said.
"Just tell her that Wales fought bravely and died bravely. That will be enough."
Wales returned to the center of the hall after saying that.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Dante left the feast, but since he felt lost, he asked the waiter where his room was.
After he was told, someone tapped his shoulder from behind. Dante saw Wardes when he turned around.
Oh him again.
"I have to tell you something."
Wardes said in a stony voice.
"And that would be?"
"Louise and I will hold a wedding here tomorrow."
The events he predicted seemed to be speeding up than he expected it to be.
"A-at such time? Why?"
"Because we want to ask the brave Crown Prince Wales to act as go-between of our marriage. The Crown Prince pleasantly agreed. We will hold a ceremony before the decisive battle."
Dante became silent, and nodded.
"Will you come?" Wardes asked.
Dante shook his head.
"Then you can leave with the ship tomorrow. Louise and I will return with a griffon."
"But isn't it too long of a distance?"
Yes, something is not right.
"Only if you would fly fast without resting." Wardes answered. "Well then, I need to go now."
"Alright."
Dante's eyes narrowed.
He needed a plan.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Dante was walking through a pitch-dark passage with a candlestick. The moon was shining through an open window on the way of the passage.
There was a girl who walked alone in the moonlight. She had long blond-pink hair... Tears that looked like pearls were falling down her white cheek. Dante looked quietly admiring her for a while, such a beautiful but sad face. She could almost be like a daughter he never had.
Louise turned around and noticed devil hunter, who was standing there with a candle. Her eyes were wet even though she had wiped them.
Her face became sad once again. When Dante walked up to her, she leaned into his body, as if losing all her strength.
"You are crying, why..."
Louise didn't answer, but pressed her face into Dante's chest.
He embraced her firmly, in assurance
Dante, at first, was puzzled by Louise clinging to him. He wasn't used to these kinds of things.
However, she sobbed like a girl, and it felt like Louise clung to him very dearly. She was hurt and he felt sorry for her. However, what does this mean?
Louise probably clung to me because I was here by chance- like a girl clinging to a stuffed animal.
Still, Dante said nothing and patted Louise's head in an awkward way with his hand. Her head seemed so small that it fit in his palm.
When Dante walked up to her, she leaned into his body, as if losing all her strength.
Louise spoke while crying.
"No... Those people... Why, why did they chose to die? Even though there is the princess... Even if Wales loves her... Why does Crown Prince Wales choose death?"
"He said that it was to defend someone important."
"What is more important in this world than the person you love?"
"I don't understand the prince's way of thinking either."
"I will persuade him! I will persuade him again!"
"Don't."
"Why?"
"Because, you are here to deliver Her Majesty's letter. This is your only mission."
Louise muttered while tears kept on streaming down her cheeks. "...I want to return soon. I want to return back to Tristain. I dislike this country. These foolish people and unreasonable prince that leaves everything."
Though Louise sometimes acted tough, she was still a girl. Louise could not understand Wales' world. But the devil hunter understood her as he somewhat thought the same way as well, honourable death be damned.
Dante just stayed silent for a while as he stared at the window.
"What?"
"Something's up."
Dante turns around and begins walking away.
"Where are you going?"
"Don't worry, it'll be over soon."
Louise, finally recovering, she returns to her room to rest, all the while wondering what her guardian being is up to.
／人◕ .◕人＼
The next morning…
Within Newcastle's port inside the cave, Dante stood observing the people in a queue to board the Eagle, surrounded by rushing people that were not able to leave with Marie Galante.
"Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to let go..." Derflinger muttered silently. He was hanging by a strap on the devil hunter's back. It was unbearable, during days like those, to have no one to talk to.
"Stop saying it…"
"Why?"
"I feel sick when you say it."
"You mean 'Because of love, sometimes it is necessary to let go'…That?"
"Why don't you stop saying that?"
"I understand. I won't say it anymore, if partner asks. Yet, we have to discuss a few things about our future. Have you decided where to go, since we have lots of free time now?" Derflinger asked, pretending not to know.
"I didn't say I'm leaving now haven't I?"
"Then how we will look for the signs of your father?"
"Why would you be looking for it?" Dante said.
The sword turns silent, as it thought of something else to say.
"You could try to become a mercenary."
"Mercenary huh?"
"Yes. With a sword on your shoulder, looking to one battle today, and then wandering to another country and battlefield tomorrow. Poor income, but at least satisfied rage, right?"
"Been there done that," Dante muttered, but then again, the prospects of finding challenges appealed to him.
"And with a bad teammate like you?"
"What, without me as a partner, a guy like you would be left behind instantly."
"Screw you. Your only greatest power is rusting off."
"How rude. But I forgive you, since you are my partner. By the way, partner, I recalled one thing the other day…"
"What?"
"Partner, you are called Windálfr?
"Aah, because that's the name of the legendary familiar. When I first heard it, I have no idea what the hell that meant..."
"Wait. Wait just a moment, partner. I think I remember the name…"
"Really?"
"No, it is an extremely old memory… It was very long ago, I just caught it in a corner of my head…"
Derflinger kept on muttering "hm" ,"aha", and "aah" repeatedly.
"Maybe you are confused since it was a long time ago. Besides, where is the head of a sword anyway?"
Derflinger thought about it for a while.
"The handle, maybe?" He said, making the devil hunter smile.
Dante looked at the limestone cave from the edge of the gunwale. At that moment, Louise was in the middle of her wedding.
People still kept boarding the ship one after another. It was really overcrowded and a mass of people pushed one another around the deck. All the while, Dante just serenely perched on one of the ships masts.
Then the devil hunter rose,
"Time to get to work."
／人◕ .◕人＼
Meanwhile, in a chapel, where the Founder Brimir's portrait hung, Crown Prince Wales was waiting for the bridegroom and the bride to appear. There were no other people around, as everybody was busy preparing for the upcoming battle. Wales also had planned, once the ceremony was over, to prepare for the battle as well. Wales was dressed in the Crown Prince's formal uniform. He wore a bright purple mantle, the symbol of the royal family, and a hat with seven colored wings, the symbol of Albion's royal family.
The door opened, Louise and Wardes had arrived. Louise stood with a dazzled expression on her face so Wales had to urge her to come and stand in front of him.
Louise was puzzled. Everything happened so suddenly. Wardes barged into her room this morning and brought her here, without even waking her up properly. She was puzzled, because desperate feelings were swelling in her mind. She came here without thinking, still half-asleep. Because of the prince who was determined to die and Dante's strange attitude yesterday, she was very confused.
Wardes, after telling Louise that it was "Time to do the wedding now", put on a bridal veil borrowed from Albion's royal family on Louise's head. The veil was nicely made, and the flowers, that were eternally fresh due to magic, made it look indescribably beautiful.
Then, Wardes removed Louise's black mantle and replaced it with a white one, that was also borrowed from Albion's royal family. Only brides were allowed to wear it, as it was a mantle of a virgin.
However, even while being dressed up by Wardes' hands, Louise was still unresponsive. But Wardes understood Louise's mood as a sign of her affirmative will.
Wardes and Louise stood up in front of Wales, who was standing below the image of the Founder Brimir, wearing his official uniform. Wardes, who himself was wearing his usual clothes and a magical mantle, bowed his head.
"Well then, let's start the ceremony."
The Prince's voice reached Louise's ears. However, it sounded like a weak sound of a distant bell. Louise's mind was still lost in the fog of her own thoughts.
"Bridegroom, Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes. Do you take this girl as your wife, and swear to respect and love her in the name of the Founder Brimir?"
Wardes nodded solemnly and grasped the cane with his left hand, holding it out in front of his chest.
"I swear."
Wales looked at Louise and smiled encouragingly.
"Bride, the third daughter of the Duke de La Vallière, Louise Françoise le Blanc de La Vallière…"
Wales read the oath in a clear voice.
Just then, Louise noticed that she was in the middle of a wedding ceremony. Her partner – reliable Wardes, for whom she once yearned. A marriage arranged by their fathers. Only now was her childish, absent-minded, distant future starting to turn into reality.
It is not like I hate Wardes. Maybe I even like him. But if it is so, why do I feel such pain? Why do I feel so sad?
Is it because I saw a kingdom turning into ruins? Or is it because I faced a prince who deserted his love and hopes, in order to die?
It's not that. Though those are sad events that hurt, there wouldn't be such a cloud of sadness hanging on my mind just because of that.
It was a deep, melancholic cloud, which was hard to bear.
Louise suddenly remembered the expression on Dante's face when she said "marriage" to him.
Why did I say such a thing to him?
It is because I wanted to be stopped.
By whom?
Because I wanted Dante to stop me.
Why?
Louise started to blush once thinking about the reason. Just like thinking about the reason why the previous night she, though in deep sorrow, so easily jumped into Dante's chest, whom she accidentally met in the corridor. But are those feelings true ones? I don't know. But isn't it worth it to try to find out?
After all, no matter how excited or sad she had been, she never jumped into a man's chest before.
"Bride?"
Wales looked at her direction. Louise looked up panicking.
She had the expression of a person who didn't know what she was doing there at all. Louise was puzzled. What should she do? What should she do at times like this? No one taught her that. Only Louise's familiar, who was leaving the ground at the moment, might know the answer.
"Are you nervous? That's alright. It's your first time, it is normal to be nervous."
Wales smiled, while talking.
"Oh dear, we still have to hold the etiquette. Doing this would have meaning only if we are to follow etiquette. Then, let me repeat. Do you take this man as your husband, and swear to respect and love him in the name of the Founder Brimir…"
Louise realized. She shouldn't hesitate with the answer, waiting for someone to tell her what to do.
She had to make decisions for herself.
Determined Louise took a deep, deep breath.
And, before Wales finished his words, Louise shook her head.
"Bride?"
"Louise?"
Two people suspiciously looked into Louise's face. She looked at Wardes with a sad expression on her face and once again shook her head.
"By all means, Louise. Are you feeling bad?"
"No, that's not it. I am sorry…"
"If today is bad, then another time…"
"That's not it, that's not it. I'm sorry Wardes, I cannot marry you."
Wales looked doubtful at the sudden change of events.
"Bride, this is not the marriage you want?"
"Yes, that's how it is. I want to apologize to both of you, for my rudeness. It was a painful decision to make, but I do not want to marry."
An angry red blush quickly spread on Wardes face. Wales turned to him and said in an embarrassed, doubtful and regretful voice.
"Viscount, I am terribly sorry, but the bride doesn't want for this ceremony to continue."
However, Wardes didn't pay any attention to Wales, and took Louise's hand.
"…You are just nervous. Dear Louise. You cannot be seriously refusing my offer."
"I'm sorry, Wardes. I yearned for you. Maybe… maybe even loved you once. However, it is different now."
Then, Wardes gripped Louise's shoulder. The expression in his eyes changed. Gone was the usual kindness from his face, replaced with the chilly coldness of a reptile.
Wardes shouted in a feverish tone.
"The world, Louise! I will rule the world! You are necessary for that!"
Frightened by the sudden change in Wardes, Louise kept on shaking her head. This is not the gentle Wardes she admired before.
"…I, I am not needed for that."
Wardes extended both his hands, drawing Louise closer.
"You are necessary for me! Your ability! Your power!"
This Wardes was frightening Louise more and more. Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine the gentle Wardes frowning or shouting like this. Louise tried to turn away.
"Louise, have you forgotten what I once told you! You are not inferior to even the Founder Brimir, you will grow up as an excellent mage some day! You just do not know about it yet! That talent!"
"Wardes, you…"
Louise's voice was trembling with fear. It was not the Wardes that Louise knew. What had changed him into such a person?
Somewhere, Dante rubbed his eyes again.
"What is it, partner?"
"My left eye is really acting strange."
"That's because you are tired."
However, the view of the devil hunter's left eye was getting distorted more and more.
"What the! I can see something!"
Dante shouted. That was really someone's view.
Dante's left and right eye felt like completely separate parts.
"I can see…"
"What can you see, partner?"
"Maybe, this is Louise's view." Dante said.
Now he recalled what Louise said some time age. "A familiar is the eyes and ears of its master, that's their ability."
However, Louise said she couldn't see anything through my eyes... It must be, there must be cases when the rules are reversed.
But why can I see Louise's view all of sudden?
Dante looked at his right hand. The rune carved there was shining brightly, even though he wasn't holding any weapon. Indeed, his guess must be correct.
This was his ability. Truly, it must be another ability of the legendary familiar Windálfr.
Let's see, I guess that's what Louise is seeing with her left eye then? While thinking so, Dante's natural curiosity took the lead.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Wales, who couldn't stand Wardes' threatening attitude towards Louise any longer, stepped in.
"Viscount…, that's enough. Behave like a gentlema…"
However, Wardes struck away Wales' extended hand.
"Shut up!"
Wales stood still, surprised by Wardes words. Wardes clasped Louise's hand with his and she felt as if it was a snake twining around it.
"Louise! You are necessary for me!"
"I don't have any talent as a mage." She lies,
"I told you many times already! You are just not aware of your power, Louise!"
Louise tried to shake off Wardes' hand, but the incredible strength with which he was holding on to her prevented it. Grimacing in pain, Louise spoke.
"I would rather die than marry you. I understand now, you never loved me. You only loved a magical power in me that you foolishly think I have. It is cruel, to marry someone just because of such a reason. It's an insult!"
Louise raged. Wales put a hand on Wardes' shoulder, trying to pull him away, but Wardes pushed Wales instead, who fell on the ground. Wales face turned red, and, after standing up again, he pulled out his cane.
"You, what impoliteness! It's an insult! Viscount, move your hands away from la Vallière right now! Or else my magical blade will tear you up!"
Only then Wardes' hand finally let Louise go. A kind smile spread on his lips. However, the smile was forced and obviously fake.
"Even if I ask you this way you won't do it? Louise. My Louise."
Louise spoke, while trembling from anger.
"No, there is no doubt left that you are not the one whom I would ever marry."
Wardes looked up at the sky.
"And I made such great efforts, to capture your feelings during this journey…"
Wardes spread his hands widely, while throwing his head backwards.
"Well, it can't be helped. I guess I will have to give up on this goal."
"Goal?"
Louise looked doubtful. What was he thinking about?
The corners of Wardes' lips went up, forming an ill looking smile.
"That's right. There were three goals for me to achieve during this travel. Sadly, I achieved only two of them."
"Achieve? Two? What are you talking about?" Louise asked, feeling the shivers of uneasiness travel down her spine. Her mind was working at full power, trying to figure out what was happening.
Wardes put out his right hand in front holding up three fingers, and bent his forefinger.
"First one was you, Louise. I had to get you. However, it seems that I won't be able to accomplish that."
"Obviously not!"
Wardes smiled, bending his middle finger.
"The second goal, Louise, is in your pocket - Henrietta's letter."
Louise was startled.
"Wardes, you…"
"And, the third…"
After hearing Wardes saying "Henrietta's letter", Wales understood everything, pulled out his cane and started to chant a spell.
However, Wardes had already prepared two complete spells before.
Wardes aimed his wind cane that had started shining, towards the Prince's chest.
Suddenly, the stained glass roof of the bursts into pieces, and a crimson blur drops from above, and deflects the wind spear, dispersing it as if it was nothing.
"YOU!" Wardes shouted at the newcomer,
It was Dante, whipping the massive pistol Ivory in his hand aimed at the now unravelled traitor.
"Am I too late to object?" Dante said, pressing the trigger.
A loud pistol shot rang through the cathedral, as Dante unceremoniously shot the magic knight on the forehead, sending him flying ten meters away from them and instantly killing him.
"Heh, that takes care of that." Dante grins and holsters the gun away, he turns to the pinkette and asked, "You okay kid?"
Louise is in a word, shocked, at how fast the events are unravelling in her eyes.
"H-how? W-why?" was all she managed to squeak out.
"Now, isn't the right time to explain." The devil hunter said, as he felt something approach from the skies.
'Crap.' Dante swore under his breath. He then turns to the the Prince and Louise.
"Get behind me, both of you! Quickly!" he commanded the two Nobles with such urgency that they followed without question.
With a screech and a growl, Wardes' Griffin dove from the roof and lands with great force beside the already cooling corpse.
Strangely, the griffin begins to glow in an unearthly, sickly light. It approached the corpse, which unbelievable twitched once, twice, before it rose albeit clumsily. Then the corpse that once was Wardes opened its eyes, the pupils are now glowing with eldritch light.
The corpse opens its mouth and begins to roar as the Griffin and fused into one abomination, a 10 meter tall Griffin-thing that bears Wardes face, standing on two legs with some human features scattered in its body.
Its mouth filled with sharp fangs, dripped purple ichor, the red eagle eyes rested upon the three...
Dante didn't look surprised at all, but the other two behind him were beyond shocked.
"What sorcery is this?" Wales asked no one in particular.
"Something which I have hunted before I got here…" Dante said seriously, preparing Rebellion for a strike.
The Devil-Griffin's Screech-Roar rattled the cathedral.
"A Devil."
／人◕ .◕人＼
Author notes:
What the f…
Ah, and the plot goes nuts…
I have no idea what I just wrote so I made stupid mistakes...
Please comment if you wish me to continue writing.