Now for something boring...
Let's begin…
Mission 14 : Revelation, Machines and Baths
Excerpts from a page of a certain Tristanian Castle Guard Commander…
'I swear by the Founder's name, that I saw a black haired boy in strange clothes with a sword, with the princess' "guests" on the dragon before the Valliere human familiar in red showed himself. But afterwards, I never saw the boy again. I have just noticed this as I review the events for the day for my daily log. As I discreetly questioned my subordinates, they say they have never seen the boy I described to them. So I ask myself, am I getting too old for this job?'
／人◕ .◕人＼
Fantasy pic : Siesta, wearing DMC4 Kyrie's costume, as she sings on a stage in front of the cheering masses of fans.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Louise tried to fight back to the waking state… and sees…
She is now looking at a creature not so different from what she saw Dante fighting against in her dreams.
A being he called a Devil.
In the center of the room where Dante should be, stood what appeared to be a towering silhouette of red reptilian spiny-skinned humanoid, still too fuzzy to her to get the exact details, due to his pressuring presence that could easily elicit terror to those who behold this form. Yet, for some reason, Louise isn't scared of it at all. Well, not much.
It is as if, Louise is facing her mother's stern presence, only much, much stronger.
Meet Dante's Devil Trigger.
"D-dante?" She managed to squeak out.
"Yup, it's me." Dante admitted.
"W-what exactly are you?"
Dante then does his characteristic shrug, before he dismissed his DT.
In a flash, Dante resumes his human form.
Louise felt the atmosphere revert back to normal as Dante deactivated his DT.
Dante leads Louise to her bed, who now managed to recover.
"To be honest, I have no idea what to call myself, you could go ask God." The devil hunter said
Dante smiled wearily at the lame joke he just made.
"So to sum it up, I'm what you call a hybrid, of a human and a devil."
Louise had heard of devils before her actual encounter with a real one, courtesy of Wardes. These stories are passed only to select Noble families. They were said to be extremely powerful and dangerous creatures of legend, much stronger than the elves themselves.
And they were said to be extinct.
Louise turned pale at the implications. She thought that the devils only existed in myth. Just a series of bedtime stories her parents made up to scare off her and her elder sisters when they were young, as peasants and commoners working in their estate have no knowledge of such things. And as she came to the Academy to study, the stories of such creatures are not even mentioned in general public.
Oh how wrong she was…
Then she remembered something else.
Sparda.
The the Legendary Dark Knight, the hero who aided Brimir and the familiars to free Halkeginia from the enemy, who commanded the devils. Though a devil himself, Sparda fought in humanity's behalf.
Then she remembered, her dream of the man staring at the moon, someone who looked just like Dante. Did she dream of Sparda?
Why?
The assassin in blue's words then came back to her,
"…I can't wait to see you again, Son of Sparda."
She finally pieced together who Dante actually is…
／人◕ .◕人＼
After handing her a glass of water and an extra large helping of Strawberry Sundae, Dante begins to spin his tale.
I'll just forego this in a summary:
He tells about the plan of the subjugation of mankind to the hands of a devil king. A certain high ranking devil knight, who woke up to justice, and took up his sword to fight for the sake of human kind.
How that knight managed to even surpass the limits of his brethren, those who considered themselves as devils of absolute power. And as such, finally defeating them and ultimately sealing them away, at the price of a large bulk of his original power.
The peaceful time when his father ruled quietly in the human world.
The time when he met his future bride.
A human woman, Eva, an Umbra Witch which he met when he was travelling the world. Who, also happened to be one of the strongest humans he had ever seen, both in body and spirit.
As the two journeyed, fought and God knows what else they did, they fell in love, got married, and begot twin sons, Vergil, the elder twin and the younger one, Dante himself.
Dante ends his tale with that.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Louise' conclusion was correct.
Dante is Sparda's son from the world he arrived from.
No wonder that the man's expression she saw in her dream looked so sad. He must have missed his family so much. Having a family herself, she could relate.
Louise felt in her heart that there are more things than what he just told her. But seeing the usually quirky Dante a bit melancholic than usual, she has to be satisfied with this for now.
Monster he may be likened to, but she knows that he has a heart of a human.
She then shifts the subject.
Squirming a bit, Louise asked Dante, "Your world … there aren't any mages there right?"
"Nope. Not the likes of you guys anyway."
"There's only one moon?"
"Yup, only one."
"That's weird."
"No it's not; it's this world that's weird, in many ways."
'But not as bad as hell.' Dante added in his mind.
"What were you doing in that world?"
"Like I told you before, I make my living as an odd jobs man."
"Odd jobs man?"
"Well it's not much different from being a mercenary here I guess. Doing requested stuff here and there. Well, as long as they have the password."
"I See, but may I ask what the password was?"
"Trust me, you don't wanna know."
Louise thought, 'Could it be?'
"I don't really understand… ?"
Louise remained silent for a while. Then she spoke in a serious tone, "You know, I want to become a great mage. I don't mean a very powerful mage. I just want to be able to cast spells properly. Thanks to you I managed to find it,"
Dante remembered the class they had much earlier. That day the first time he saw Louise fail.
"Since I was small, I was told I was hopeless. My father and mother didn't expect anything of me. I was always treated like an idiot, always called Zero … I really don't have any skill. There isn't a branch of magic that I'm good at. I'm even clumsy at reciting incantations. I understand it. My teachers, mother and sisters have said it. When you recite an incantation for a spell in your branch of magic, something within your body responds and it circulates within your body. When that rhythm is at a climax, it means that the spell is completed. I have never felt that before, until you showed it to me."
Louise became silent once more.
Some time passed before Dante began to speak.
"You know, even if you can or can't use magic … you're you. Just be you… you're cute. And you've changed to something better recently as well. You have your own qualities. Even if you can't use magic, you're a great person…"
Ending his incoherent reply, Dante turned towards Louise. She had already fallen asleep. Her innocent face took his breath away. It seemed she had drifted off while Dante was thinking of his reply. Her pinkish blond hair mixed with the moonlight, shining brightly. Steady breathing could be heard from her small pink lips.
So cute.
'I'm not your relation in any way… but I will protect you like my own kid. So don't worry Louise.'
Smiling warmly at Louise, Dante fixes her bedcovers and leaves Louise in her bed.
With Louise's breathing as a lullaby, Dante fell asleep on the couch.
Louise was just pretending to sleep.
She wanted to return the favour to Dante, who had been so kind and had saved her so many times… But that wasn't the only thing. It was the first time she had felt these feelings for someone besides her immediate family and she didn't know what to do. Someone that can relate to her, accept her for who she is, and someone who she can be herself when around.
Scared of him and but more cared for his welfare, she wonders how she could be of help to the displaced half-devil. She promised herself to help Dante ease whatever burden he may be bearing, if there is one. He might be telling it sometime later, and she will be there to listen to him.
'I wonder what Dante thinks of me? An unpleasant girl? A selfish and mean master? Or perhaps he likes me? '
No matter what, she decided to remain with her summoned being's side...
She then truly fell asleep occupied wit these thoughts.
If she only knew, he sees her in all various shades, but still likes her anyway.
Much like a father to his daughter.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Two days after the civil war had ended, under the blazing sun, between the corpses and pebbles, a figure was inspecting the old battlefield. His hood was pushed front that his features cannot be seen, and he was dressed in an unusual way for Albion, the a deep blue cloak that fluttered madly in the breeze.
This is Cobalt, an assassin.
He had been to different battlefields in his time, no matter where he went; there is always something in common with them all.
Death.
Violence.
Blood.
He never liked the way these Reconquista handled the take over of Abion.
It was too messy for his style.
But as per his master's orders, he has no choice but to cooperate.
Around him, soldiers of 'Reconquista' were diligently hunting for riches. A loud cheer came from the treasury nearby, as a band had found golden coins.
A mercenary with a pike on his shoulder was turning corpses over, then pushing them into a pile near rubbish as a decoration for the garden. When he found a magic wand he cried out from joy.
Cobalt, who was watching the scene disapprovingly, clicked his tongue in disgust.
"In the end, this 'battle for freedom' is just another sacking." He said to no one in particular, as his sword arm begins the itch for another killing.
He needs to kill something and fast.
From the distance a person appeared while he looked for a suitable target to torment and kill.
He said in a cheerful, limpid voice.
"Master Cobalt! Have you found the letter yet? That… what was it... ah, love letter that Henrietta gave to Wales, the saviour that would prevent the union of Germania and Tristain. Have you found it?"
Shaking his head, Cobalt answered the man who had just appeared.
The man was in the middle of his thirties. He was wearing a round hat and a green mantle. From the first sight one could tell that he was a clergyman. However he also slightly resembled a soldier with his long aquiline nose and intelligent blue eyes. From the edges of his hat, curly blond hair peeked out.
"Your Excellency, it seems the letter slipped through this hole. It is my mistake. I am deeply regretful for my error. Please, hand me whatever punishment you deem necessary."
Cobalt kneeled down, bowing his head.
The man called 'Excellency', with a friendly smile on his face, approached the assassin and tapped his shoulder.
"What are you saying? Master Cobalt! You did a remarkable job! You single-handedly defeated the enemy's brave general! Ah, isn't that over there, our dear Crown Prince Wales? " Indicating the corpse carried by the soldiers.
"Be proud! You defeated him! Apparently he loathed me deeply… but seeing him like that, I feel a strange sort of kinship to him. Aah, that's right. Once dead, everyone becomes a friend."
Cobalt's arm slightly twitched, as he noticed the sarcasm at the end of the speech. He quickly regained his composure, and once again repeated his apology to his temporary superior officer.
"However, the M'selleion to obtain the letter of Henrietta's Your Excellency so desires ended in failure. I'm sorry I was not able to meet Your Excellency's expectations."
"Do not fret yourself. Compared to obstructing the alliance, killing Wales was by far more important. A dream is something that has to be obtained steadily, step-by-step."
Seriously, Cobalt want nothing more than to run this arrogant, self absorbed asshole with the largest blade Deinsleif could produce, stabbing the man through his posterior.
Many times over.
"Ah, yes, where are my manners, allow me to reintroduce myself."
Opening his eyes widely, and placing his hand over his chest...
"'Reconquista' first general, Oliver Cromwell at your service. You see, originally, I was just a mere bishop. However, due to the votes of the baronial council, I was appointed to be the first general, and I need to give my best. Though I am a clergyman who serves Founder Brimir, it is all right to 'guide' us through the dark times, right? If necessary, using faith and power for the better."
"Your Excellency, you are not a freelance first general anymore, you are now Albion's…"
"Emperor, Master Cobalt."
Cromwell laughed. However, his eyes didn't change.
"Certainly, I really wished to prevent Tristain's and Germania's alliance, however, there are more important things. Do you understand me, Master Cobalt?"
"Your Excellency's thoughts are so deep, that an ordinary man like me cannot measure them."
Cromwell opened his eyes wide. Then, he raised both hands and began talking with exaggerated gestures.
"Unity! Unity of steel! Halkeginia is us, an union of chosen nobles, that will get back the Holy Land from those ominous elves! It is a M'selleion given to us by Founder Brimir! 'Unity' is our number one duty. Therefore, Cobalt Sir, I trust you. There is no blame in such a trifle failure."
Cobalt bowed deeply, but in his thoughts ran a dozen ways to give this man the most painful tortures he could give.
"For this great Mission, Founder Brimir blessed us with the power."
Cobalt smirks. He knows exactly what kind of power the man is talking about.
Just to humor the man, he asks
"Your Excellency, what power has Founder Brimir granted Your Excellency with? If it is all right, I would like to know."
Cromwell continued in a slurred tone, caught up in his own theatrics.
"Do you know about the four great elements of magic, Master Cobalt?"
He nodded. Even children know of such things. "Fire, Wind, Water, and fourth – Earth."
"In addition to the four great elements, there is another magical element. The element that Founder Brimir used, element of zero. Really, it was the first element of all things."
"Element of zero… Void?"
Cobalt continued to play along.
The lost element. The magic of nothingness, that, as dark legends tell, disappeared. It seemed this man know something about the element of zero.
"That is the power that Founder Brimir granted me with. For this reason, the Baronial Council agreed to make me the emperor of Halkeginia."
Cromwell pointed at Wales' corpse.
"Wardes. I had wanted to make Crown Prince Wales my friend and ally. Instead, he became my greatest enemy in life, but now in death, would make a great ally. Do you see anything wrong with that?"
The assassin shook his head.
"He should have never resisted Your Excellency's decisions."
Cromwell laughed with a smile.
"Well then, Master Cobalt. I will show an element of 'Void' to you."
The cloaked man watched Cromwell's movements, actually uninterested. Fortunately, due to the low pulled hood, Cromwell never noticed.
Cromwell pulled out the cane that was attached to his waist.
A low, silent aria escaped Cromwell's mouth. These were words no mere mortal ever heard before.
When the aria was completed, Cromwell gently lowered the cane and aimed at Wales' corpse.
A large, dark red magic circle appears where the corpse lay. A dark blue fin of a creature can be seen swimming within the eldritch magical circle, and slowly fuses with the corpse that was Wales.
Then… suddenly, Wales, whose body was already cold, opened his eyes. A chill ran down the spine of the normal humans who saw this event.
There were none.
Cobalt's expression is hidden by the hood, though he appeared to be calm through the proceedings.
Wales slowly sat up. A once bloodless face suddenly sprang back to the life it previously held. Like a withered flower absorbing water, Wales's body sprang back to life.
"Good morning, Crown Prince."
Cromwell muttered.
The revived Wales returned Cromwell's smile.
"It has been a long time, Archbishop."
"So rude, I am an emperor now, my dear Crown Prince."
"Is that so? I apologize for that, Your Excellency."
Wales kneeled taking the posture of a vassal.
"I think I'll make you my personal bodyguard, Wales."
"With pleasure."
"Then, let's be friends."
Cromwell began to walk. Wales, who didn't look like he was just dead, walked behind him. Then Cromwell, as if remembering something, halted and turned around saying:
"Master Cobalt, do not worry. Even if the alliance is formed, it is of no matter. In any case, Tristain is helpless. There is no change in plans."
The assassin bowed.
"There are two ways of diplomacy - the cane and the bread. Let's give warm bread to Tristain and Germania for the time being."
"As you wish."
"Tristain is a necessary area to add. That royal family has the Founder's Prayer Book. I need to have it in my hands in order to retrieve the Holy Land."
After saying this and nodding approvingly, Cromwell left.
Cobalt thought 'You think that power of yours was a blessing by Brimierre, but in truth, it is my master's power he let you wield.'
"However…many lives were given for the Founder's Holy Land…and if they all would be revived by the element of 'Void'… that would cheapen the sacrifices that they gave to the cause ." He spat.
But then again, the those who were revived under that said 'element' are nothing more than puppets to the one who holds the power.
'However, I myself also want to know. Is this life a mere fantasy? Or reality? Why am I still alive?...'
Cobalt holds up a heavily bandaged hand to his face,
Whose thoughts are these, Cobalt wonders, as he himself has no idea who he really is.
But for now his master's orders are top priority.
He then disappeared in a flurry of smoke.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Three days after Dante and company had returned to the Academy of Magic, the marriage between Tristainian princess Henrietta and Germanian emperor Albrecht III was officially announced. The ceremony would take place the following month, before the conclusion of the military alliance.
The alliance conclusion would be done in Germania's capital Vindobon, where the agreement sentence was to be signed by the prime minister Cardinal Mazarin of Tristain.
The day after the alliance, a new Albion's government was officially established. In an instant, tensions sparkled between the two countries, but the Kingdom of Albion's First Emperor Cromwell sent a special envoy to Tristain and Germania at once, in order to sign a nonaggression pact.
As a result, both countries had a conference. Even with the two countries' combined power in the air, they could not oppose Albion's fleet. Though the non-aggression pact felt more like a dagger pointed to the neck, the two countries didn't have much to choose from, and this offer was the best they could hope for.
However…peace was established in Halkeginia only on the surface. Politicians could not sleep day or night. It wasn't only nobles, the commoners too waited for next day tensely.
Tristain's Academy of Magic was no exception either.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Tristain Magical Academy…
M'sieu Colbert had entered the classroom, the students hushed. Class has started.
"Well, everyone," M'sieu Colbert patted his bald head slightly.
Until yesterday, he had been frightened of how Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt broke out of prison, suspecting a traitor in the castle. He also thought that it was a serious affair for Tristain.
This morning however, Osman summoned him, telling him that it was "alright already" and he returned to his normal self. Besides, things like politics did not interest him much.
What he did have interest in was knowledge, history and … research. That's why he liked lessons. He could freely state the results of his research. And so, on a joyful note, he showed the class something strange placed on the desk.
"M'sieu Colbert, what's that?" one student asked.
It really was a strange looking thing. It was a long metallic tube with a metallic pipe stretching out of it. Pair of bellows connected to the pipe and a crank was attached to the head of the cylinder. The crank was connected to a wheel on the side of the cylinder. Finally, there were gears attached to the wheel and the box.
Staring at the equipment, the students were all wondering what sort of lesson would follow. Clearing his throat, he began his lesson, "Firstly, who can tell me the main characteristics of the fire branch of magic"
The class turned to Kirche. If you were talking about the fire branch of magic in Halkeginia, then you would be referring to Germanian nobles. Among them, the Zerbsts were a famous family. Also, as her nickname, Ardent, indicated, she was good at fire magic.
Even though class had started, Kirche still continued to polish her nails. Without taking her eyes off the nail file, she replied languidly, "Passion and destruction."
"That's right!" said M'sieu Colbert, himself a triangular fire mage whose nickname was 'Flame Serpent'.
Why a gentle person such as Colbert was bestowed such a title, no one in class knows…
"However, besides passion, only being able to destroy is a bit lonely I think. It depends on the usage, everyone. Depending on how you use it, you can actually do some really fun things. It's not only for destruction, M'selle Zerbst. A battle is not the only time you will see fire."
"There's no use in trying to tell Tristain nobles about fire magic," Kirche said, filled with confidence. M'sieu Colbert was not agitated by her disagreement, but smiled instead.
"But, what's that strange thing you have there?" Kirche asked with a blank look, pointing at the equipment on the desk.
"Hehe. So you finally asked. This is something I invented. It works using oil and fire magic." The students gaped, staring at the mechanism intently. The mechanism seemed somewhat familiar to Dante, as if he had seen it somewhere before. Being a curious person, he too remained silent and watched intently.
M'sieu Colbert continued, "First we vaporize the oil in the bellows." He stepped repeatedly on the bellows with his foot. "And then, the vaporized oil will go into this cylindrical tube."
With a cautious look, Colbert stuck his wand inside a small hole he had opened. He recited an incantation. The sound of a blazing fire could suddenly be heard, and as the fire ignited the vaporized oil, the sounds changed into that of explosions.
"Watch carefully everyone! Inside the metallic tube, the power from the explosion is moving the piston up and down!"
The crank attached to the top of the cylinder started to move and the wheel along with it. The spinning wheel opened the door on the box. The gears began moving and a snake puppet came out from inside.
"The power is transferred to the crank which spins the wheel! Look! The snake then comes out to greet us! So interesting!"
The students watched it unenthusiastically. The only one interested seemed to be Dante, who usually slept in the entirety of the class.
"And then? What's so special about that?"
M'sieu Colbert was sad at the fact that the invention he took so much pride in had been totally ignored. Clearing his throat, he began to explain, "In this example only a snake showed up, but say for instance this mechanism was placed on a carriage. Then, the carriage could move even without horses! It would work on the side of a boat as well by turning a water wheel. Then there wouldn't be any need for sails!"
"You could just use magic in those cases. There's no need to use such a weird mechanism." After one student said it, the others started to nod in agreement.
"Everybody, listen carefully! If it is improved upon, this could run even without magic! I relied on my fire magic to ignite it, but say flint was used and a way to ignite it every so often was found…" Colbert was obviously getting excited, talking on and on, while the students were all wondering what was so special. The only one who seemed to understand the greatness of his invention seemed to be Dante.
"Nice one, Prof. Colbert! You've just invented an engine!" Dante called up all of a sudden. The whole class turned to him.
"Engine?" M'sieu Colbert looked at Dante with a blank look.
"Yes, an engine. It's used in my world for things just like you said."
"I can tell you're a perceptive person. You're M'selle Vallière's guardian being, yes?"
The fact that he was the legendary Dark Knight 's relation who had Windalfr runes on the back of his hand suddenly came back to M'sieu Colbert. He had forgotten since Osman had said to leave it to him … but due to his enthusiasm he started to hold an interest in Dante.
"Where did you live before?" he asked eagerly forgetting the fact that he needs to keep mum on stuff regarding Dante.
Louise tugged at Dante's parka slightly and glared at him slightly "Don't say anything unnecessary, we'll look suspicious."
Agreeing, Dante sat back down.
Colbert approached Dante with a bright expression. Louise answered for him.
"Mr Colbert, he's uh… from Rub' al Khali in the east.
M'sieu Colbert was taken aback. "What? Past the frightening lands of the elves? Wait, he was summoned wasn't he… so he didn't have to go through those lands… I see. I hear that the lands the elves govern in the east have advanced technology. So you came from there… I see," he nodded in comprehension.
Dante turned to Louise, "What?"
"Just play along," said Louise hoarsely whispered.
Dante just lazily nods.
Colbert nodded again and returned to the mechanism. Standing on the platform once more he looked around the classroom.
"Alright then, who would like to try operating the mechanism? It's very simple! Just open the hole in the cylinder, put your wand in and recite the 'ignite' spell repeatedly. The timing is a bit tricky but once you get used to it, it will be as easy as this," M'sieu Colbert stepped on the bellows with his foot and operated the mechanism once more. The explosive sounds echoed throughout the classroom while the crank and gears moved, followed by the snake showing its face.
"And the joyful snake greets us!"
No one raised their hand. M'sieu Colbert tried to get the students interested in his mechanism, saying "joyful snake", but it didn't quite work. Disappointed, Colbert drooped his shoulders.
Montmorency, suddenly pointed at Louise, "Louise, you try it!"
M'sieu Colbert's face lit up, "M'selle Vallière! You have an interest in the mechanism?"
"Catching Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt and hiding where you were, surely you won't have trouble with something like this right?" Louise realized Montmorency was trying to embarrass her by making her fail.
It seemed Montmorency didn't like Louise getting all the attention, such as accomplishing great feats and being the star at balls. Her jealousy was deep and the fact that she was a show off suddenly came back to Louise.
Montmorency continued provoking Louise, "Hey, do it? Louise. Louise the Zero."
Something in Louise cracked. She just couldn't keep quiet when Montmorency called her Zero. Louise silently stood up and approached the platform.
Seeing Louise in this state, Dante glared at Montmorency, "Hey Monmon."
"It's Montmorency for God's sake!"
"If you think Louise will fail when she tries to cast a spell, you might find yourself wrong." said Dante, looking bored.
The front row students hid behind their chairs.
Seeing the students' reactions, M'sieu Colbert remembered Louise's skill and the origin of her nickname. Trying to desperately change her mind, he began to persuade her in a flustered manner, "Ah, M'selle Vallière. Er, you can do it another time, alright?"
"I have been insulted by Montmorency the Flood," said Louise in a cold voice. Her reddish brown pupils were filled with rage.
"I shall discipline M'selle Montmorency. So, er, could you please withdraw your wand? I do not doubt your skill, but magic doesn't always succeed. I mean, 'a dragon can also die from fire', after all."
Louise looked sharply at Colbert, "Please let me do it. I do not always fail. Occasionally, I succeed."
"There are times when I, occasionally, succeed," said Louise, as though the words were meant for herself, voice shaking. Dante knew there was no stopping Louise now. When Louise was extremely angry, her voice would start to shake.
M'sieu Colbert looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
Louise copied M'sieu Colbert actions and stepped on the bellows. The vaporized oil was sent to the cylinder. She took a deep breath and stuck her wand inside the cylinder.
"M'selle Vallière, uhh …" whispered M'sieu Colbert as if he was praying.
With a voice as clear as a bell, she started to recite the spell incantation.
The whole class froze.
It was not as they expected to be, as Louise confidently stuck her wand inside the hole. She recited the required incantation. The sound of a blazing fire could suddenly be heard, and as the fire ignited the vaporized oil, the sounds changed into that of explosions.
That caught the rest of the student body off guard, as the expected explosion didn't occur
"What the…She didn't make that thing explode!" one male student cried.
True enough; the strange mechanism is actually made working by none other than Louise herself.
The crank attached to the top of the cylinder started to move and the wheel along with it. The spinning wheel opened the door on the box. The gears began moving and a snake puppet came out from inside.
"Oh Thank Founder! And the Joyful Snake appears!" Cobert couldn't help but shout in happiness that his student who was at the bottom of casting class, managed to get the device working. As well as how she managed to not destroy his beloved creation.
He even hugged Louise in joy, "M'selle Valliere, I'm so proud of you!"
The entire class, except Dante, Kirche, were extremely flabbergasted.
Tabitha never saw it; she was still busy reading a book.
／人◕ .◕人＼
Sir Osmond was staring at the book delivered from the palace and absent-mindedly twirling his beard. The cover, wreathed by old leather, was so worn out that it looked like it would tear up from a single touch. The color of the book's pages had a tawny color to them.
Hmm... while muttering, Sir Osmond turned a page. Nothing was written there. There were about three hundred pages in the book and they were all blank.
"This has been handed down through the Tristain royal family, 'The Founder's Prayer Book'…"
Six thousand years ago, Founder Brimir offered a prayer to a God and wrote down the spells, using magical runes as letters.
"This isn't a fake?"
Sir Osmond looked suspiciously at the book. Fakes… that often happens with 'Legendary' things. Apparently, only one 'Founder's Prayer Book' existed in the world. Rich nobles, temple priests, royal families of every country- All of them claimed to have a real 'Founder's Prayer Book'. Whether it was real or not, they were all collected in the library equally as if they were the genuine article.
"But if it is a fake, it's an awful one. All of the characters are gone."
Sir Osmond had seen a 'Founder's Prayer Book' several times before, at different places. The runes always leaped from it and were arranged in one or the other order. However, he never found a book with such characters like this one. Could this one be real?
At that moment he heard the sound of someone knocking. I should hire a secretary thought Sir Osmond as he invited the guest into the room.
"It's not locked. Please, come in."
The door opened and a slender girl stepped in. She had pink-blonde hair and big reddish brown eyes. It was Louise.
"I heard you called for me, so…"
Louise said. Sir Osmond stood up and spread his hands, welcoming the tiny visitor.
And sympathizing again with Louise's pain the other day.
"Oh, M'selle Vallière. Have you rested after the tiresome journey? Your great efforts ensured the alliance's safety and prevented a crisis in Tristain."
Sir Osmond said in a soft voice.
"And, next month in Germania, there will finally be a wedding ceremony held between the princess and Germania's emperor. It is all thanks to you. Be proud of yourself."
After hearing this, Louise became sad for a moment. Her childhood friend Henrietta, as a political tool, will marry Germania's emperor without love. Even though there is no other way for the alliance, when Louise recalled the sad smile on Henrietta's lips, her chest tightened.
Louise silently bowed. Sir Osmond became silent for a while and watched Louise, then remembering the possession of 'Founder's Prayer Book' in his hands, held it out for Louise.
"What's this?"
Louise looked at the book with a suspicious face.
"Founder's Prayer Book."
"Founder's Prayer Book? This?"
It was given to the royal family. A legendary book. But why did Sir Osmond have it?
"In the Tristain's royal family tradition, during a royal family wedding one aristocrat is chosen to take the role of bridesmaid. The selected bridesmaid traditionally is given the 'Founder's Prayer Book', following the imperial edict."
"Uh huh."
Louise, who wasn't aware of palace etiquette in such details, replied absent-mindedly.
"And the princess has chosen M'selle Vallière to be that bridesmaid."
"Princess?"
"That's right. The shrine maiden should come up with the written edict while carrying this 'Founder's Prayer Book'"
"A...ah! I'll have to think about the edict?"
"Indeed. Of course, there are still things in palace etiquette that you need to practice… Traditions can be rather bothersome. However, M'selle Vallière, the princess is looking forward to you. This is a great honor. So follow the palace regulations and written edict, because something like this happens only once in a lifetime."
Henrietta, my childhood friend, chose me to be her bridesmaid. Louise firmly looked up.
"I understand. I will obey respectfully."
Louise received the 'Founder's Prayer Book' from Sir Osmond's hands.
Sir Osmond smiled, looking at Louise.
"You are willing to undertake it. Good, good. The Princess will be pleased."
／人◕ .◕人＼
That evening, Dante was preparing a bath. Certainly, Tristain Magic Academy had a bathhouse. It was a Roman style bathhouse, lined with marble. It had a huge swimming pool, filled with perfume mixed hot water that was said to grant a heavenly feeling, and of course, Dante could not enter there. Only nobles were allowed to use it.
The Academy's bathhouse for commoners, compared to the nobles' bathhouse, was rather shabby. The joint bathhouse for commoners looked like a hovel. Placed on the stones, underneath which fire burns, strong smell of sweat and tightly pressed bodies, only made one sweat more.
One day in that bathhouse was enough to make Dante disgusted. The public sauna was fucking unsatisfying.
Dante, who has lived in better comforts, set up a bath which was a gigantic kettle filled full with hot water.
Bothered, Dante asked Marteau, the head chef and received one big, old kettle. He made a bathtub from it. It was a bathtub heated from beneath with a floating wooden lid which was pushed under the water by the bather. Firewood, burning under the kettle, heated the water.
Dante's bath was arranged at the Vestri Courtyard's nook. It was convenient, as people do not often come to this courtyard. So that's how he was bathing ever since.
Though, whenever he takes a bath, he can't seem to shake off the fact that he's being watched by many eyes.
The day was coming to an end and two moons appeared, shining faintly. Once the water was hot enough, Dante quickly threw his clothes off and sank his feet into the big kettle.
"Aah, nice, hot, water."
As much as he wanted to have a hot shower, this it the best he could do for now.
Until he could find a way how to use that particular ability to reproduce items from the modern world this will have to do.
It's still too risky.
He put a towel on his head and started humming a melody.
Derflinger, who was leaning against the wall of the kettle, called out to Dante:
"Does it feel good?"
"Yeah."
"Hey, legendary sword."
"Indeed I am a legendary sword, what?"
"During these six thousand years, have you found someone important to you to protect?" Derflinger shook lightly.
"I do not protect. It is the one that holds me that protects someone."
"You poor thing…"
Dante said from the bottom of his heart in a sympathetic voice.
"Poor, you say? On the contrary, it is quite comfortable."
"Is that so? By the way, what things do you remember about Sparda? How great was he and what kind of things did he do?" Dante, showing his inborn curiosity, asked Derflinger.
"Forgot."
"Huh."
"It was a long time ago. Besides, partner, someone is coming."
A shadow appeared in the moonlight.
"Who is it?"
Dante's call startled the shadow. It dropped down something that it was carrying with a clatter. Under the moonlight, one could hear a sound of a breaking pot.
"Waaah, it broke… I will be scolded again… sniff"
From that voice, Dante was able to recognize the person who showed up from the darkness.
"Siesta?"
Illuminated by the moonlight, a figure of a housemaid working in Alviss Dining Hall - Siesta - appeared. She had just finished her work and, although she was still wearing her usual maid clothes, the kachusha covering her head was now gone. Her loose shoulder-length black hair shone glossily.
Siesta squatted down to pick up the thing that she dropped earlier.
"W-what are you doing here?"
Dante's call made Siesta turn around.
"Uhmmm... Today I was able to get some really tasty goods and wanted Dante to try it! I would have given it to you in the kitchen, but you didn't come today! Waah!"
Siesta said in panic. Indeed, there was a tray lying next to Siesta, an overturned bottle and some cups. It seemed like Siesta dropped one cup, surprised by the sudden call.
"A treat?"
Dante asked, still submerged in the bath. Suddenly Siesta became aware of Dante's nudity and, for a moment, averted her eyes in shame.
"That's right. Some unusual goods came from the east town 'Rub' al Khali' today. Wine."
"Wine?"
Siesta poured some from a bottle into the cup that was not broken and gave it to Dante.
"Thank you."
Dante lifted it to his lips. The sweet aroma of the wine tickled his nostrils. And when it was in his mouth, it tasted like Japanese sake.
'What the heck. Why does this taste like sake?'
Dante sighed; he wondered how much that world has progressed since he was gone,
"W-what's the matter! Are you alright?"
Seista bent over the edge of the kettle.
"N-no, I just felt nostalgic for a moment. I'm alright. Yeah."
After saying that, Dante brought the cup back to his mouth. The sake and a bath made a strange combination…
"Do you miss it? That's right; Dante-san comes from the east."
Siesta flashed a shy smile.
"I... I probably feel that way. However, did you know that I was often here?"
Dante's words made Siesta blush.
"T-that's, that's. I'm just here because I saw you going this way with hot water and…"
"You peeped?"
Dante's voice saying that was blank. Siesta hastily shook her head.
"N-no, I didn't mean it that way!"
Flustered, Siesta tripped over the edge of the kettle and with a loud splash, fell into the kettle.
"Kyaaaaaaa!"
Siesta screamed, but her shriek was suppressed by the hot water inside the iron kettle.
"Are you alright?"
Dante asked in blank surprise.
"I-I'm alright… Wah, but I am soaked now…"
Siesta stuck her wet head out of the hot water.
The poor girl's housemaid clothes were sodden. And when she became aware of Dante's naked state, a furious blush spread on her face.
Dante sighed,
"Sorry about that, even though the bath is on a stove, it is still possible to fall in."
"N-no, I'm sorry!"
Although she was apologizing, Siesta didn't try to get out of the bath. Dante then decided to let this thing slide for now; it was not big deal she was not getting out. It is rather cold out there.
Though for some reason, Dante thought some idiot out there must have planned this to happen to him.
He appreciated the gesture.
"Hehee"
Siesta laughed still soaking with her maid clothes inside the big kettle. Though it wasn't a laughable situation, she still laughed.
"W-what's wrong?"
Somehow he feels he's being challenged somewhat…
"Nothing, but, it feels good. Is this how you bathe in Dante-san's country?"
'San? Though the conversation may be automatically translated by some divine babelfish, the San suffix is a dead giveaway. Nobody who ever talked to him in this world, adds a –san suffix.'
Feeling relieved, Dante answered.
"Yeah, though most of the time I just take a quick shower over there. And yeah, it is unusual to get in while wearing clothes."
"Ara? Is that so? Yet, if you think about it, that must be true. Well then, I'll take them off."
"Seriously?"
Dante asked Siesta in a deadpan voice.
"Why yes."
Siesta, who is usually hesitant and shy, for some reason became bold. Slightly biting her lips she looked at Dante in a determined way.
'Oi, Oi, its full moon tonight honey.' Dante thought.
Two moons in fact,
"What did you just say?" he asked, just to make sure he heard her right.
"I said, I'll take them off."
"But Siesta? I am a guy…"
Dante stated a fact.
"That's alright. I know that Dante-san is not a person who would hurt me."
Dante nodded sagely, but in his mind however…
"No, no, I won't do such thing…"
"But I also want to use this 'Bath' properly. It is nice."
Dante just nonchalantly looked as Siesta rose from the hot water and started taking off her soaked clothes. Dante turned his eyes away in respect.
"You could stop doing that. I mean…"
However, Dante's 'Stop' sounded weak, betraying his real thoughts.
"B-but I am dripping wet… The Chief would be mad if I return like this to the room. I think I should dry it off on the fire first."
Though looking obedient, Siesta can be really bold once she decides to.
The buttons of the blouse and the hook of the skirt were unfastened in a flash. It felt good taking off wet clothes. All that remained in her person is her ornate pendant.
Siesta took off her housemaid uniform and underwear and left them to dry on the firewood, close to the fire. After that, she stepped into the hot water again. Dante with the corner of his eyes watched the submerging Siesta's legs. He had never seen Siesta's bare legs, as they were always hidden behind the skirt. They were white and healthy. Ah, as much as he wants to turn his face that way, so he would be able to worship her entire body. His gentlemanly side won't let him do so.
"Uwaa! Feels good! Sharing a bath this way, soaking in the hot water really does feel good! Feels like taking a noble's bath. I am so jealous, but I can make it myself, right? Dante you are really smart."
"Well..." Dante uncharacteristically looked away, looking a bit shy at the compliment.
Must be due to the warm bath, or the moons. Or the maniac demon that wants to get a piece of the action…
Dante answered, still turning his face away. It felt as if the hot water suddenly turned hotter. Next to him was a naked girl. In that sort of situation, any other guy would, um, do stuff with the girl.
He would too, as long as the girl is willing. And his other part is ready to go for a strike. But he won't be force the issue, unless she's ready.
Siesta said with a shy smile on her lips. "Please don't be so shy. I'm not shy as well. It is all right to turn this way. Look, my breasts are hidden behind my arms… besides it's so dark that you cannot see through water anyway, so stay calm."
'Shy my ass. No shy girl I ever heard of would do things like this.' Dante thought,
Dante, feeling that this has gone that far, turned around.
Siesta was sitting right before Dante, submerged in the hot water. Because it was dark, you couldn't clearly see the body behind the surface of the water. He was somewhat relieved.
Yet, Dante took a deep breath.
In the darkness, Siesta's wet black hair was fascinatingly glittering.
From a close look one could see that Siesta was actually a very lovely girl. He hadn't noticed until now, but she was different from Louise or Henrietta, she was like the charm of a lovely flower, freely blossoming in the field. Her big dark eyes, friendly nature and tiny nose were charming and pretty.
"Hey, Dante, what kind of place is your country?"
"My country?"
"Yes, please tell me about it."
Siesta innocently bent forward listening. Ah, when bending forward so much one could see, ah, aah… Dante just looks aside. This is one temptation that needs to be savoured later.
"Well! There's only one moon, there are no magicians, that's why they use switches to turn the light off, and they fly in the sky with planes…"
Because Dante was so incoherent, Siesta puffed her cheeks.
"Stop it. One moon, no wizards, are you making fun of me? Don't look down on me just because I'm a village girl."
"I'm not making fun of you."
Dante thought that even if he told her the truth it would only confuse her. After all, the only ones that knew at the moment that Dante was from a different world were Louise, Sir Osmond and possibly Henrietta.
"Well then, tell me the truth."
Siesta looked up into Dante's eyes. Siesta's black hair and dark eyes wistfully reminded Dante of a girl from Japan. Of course, the face was different from a Japanese person. However, a simple, nostalgic feeling of seeing someone that reminded him of his world, still shot through Dante.
"Right… We have different customs and stuff."
Dante started talking about the distant country he lived in and of Japan where he actually think her ancestry came from. Starry eyed Siesta listened attentively to the story.
Though it might feel like a vapid talk, Siesta was eagerly catching every single word. And before one realized it, Dante and Siesta lost any track of time, as the story of the hometown, and two countries were told.
After some time passed, Siesta stood up covering her breasts. Dante hastily turned his eyes away. However, for one moment, he still saw Siesta's breasts through a gap of her arms, and felt his 'bastard sword' move. Without a word, Dante gently looks away, while Siesta put on her now dry clothes and bowed her head thanking Dante.
"Thank you. It was very fun. This bath was great, and Dante-san's story was amazing as well."
Siesta said gladly.
"Can I hear it again sometime?"
"Yeah."
Dante nodded.
After that, Siesta cast her eyes down with a blush, and shyly fiddled her fingers.
"Well, err? The talk and the bath were great, but you were the most amazing…"
"Siesta?"
"Could you…"
Siesta ran away in tiny steps.
Such thing happening with this girl from a foreign world for Dante, was something new, usually the girls who lined up to him before just quickly jumped to his bone. So he dozed off, snuggled in the big iron kettle.
As much as he wanted to take her then and there, he still has ethics about dealing with these things.
／人◕ .◕人＼
All of the sudden, Dante found himself standing in the midst of dark space.
Last time he remembered, he was dozing at the tub,
"Hey, hey, don't tell me I died of drowning in the tub." He said jokingly,
"Fear not, Son of Sparda, You have not passed on yet." A woman's voice said from behind him. It could only be described as a voice of a goddess, kind, gentle, benevolent but possessed strength and authority, ordering anyone who hears it to listen.
Dante turns around to see that the speaker is a veiled woman, with only her smiling lips exposed, shining brightly in this space devoid of light. Dante had to look down so as not to be temporarily blinded by the radiance.
"Okay, so what's up lady?" Dante smiled disarmingly.
The veiled lady gives a small giggle, like tinkling of crystals.
"You are his son alright." The radiant woman said,
"Without further ado, I must warn you that the people of the 'false light' have begun their move."
Dante nods in understanding.
He knew of the organization pulling the Reconquista strings, based on his last interview with Old Osmond and his private research regarding the inter-dimensional travel thing. They refer to themselves as the 'Enlightened'.
"Yeah, I noticed. But what does this have to do with me?"
"As you might have noticed before, there is something off with your being here. Ever since your father arrived in this world and fought the ancient enemy thousands of years ago, fate has changed so much as what it should have been. The reality has been trying to rectify this as we speak, though the end result became more…convulted. As such, there are some people who might see you as someone else. That person is the one who should have been summoned instead of you. She has been dreaming of that person's existence as well."
"Who should have been in my stead then?"
"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say. I'll only say this; fate has rectified the error. However, I'm not sure how this will end up."
Dante, knowing the limits of what powers that be can say, then said
"I'm sure everything will be fine." Dante assures the veiled woman
"And I suppose you have a mission for me, right?" he continued.
The veiled woman smiled, "As expected of the son of Sparda, very perceptive. Yes, I do have one. Just protect Louise for now. Everything else will become clear to you in time. I have already sent someone to aid you, just in case. Until then…goodluck."
The veiled woman then turns to walk away before Dante called her,
"Umm… Miss, next time you call for me,"
"Yes?" the veiled woman turns back to face the devil hunter,
"Could you please let me know you're calling, so I could at least put some clothes on?"
Indeed as the Dante was pulled into this space while bathing in his tub, so it is obvious that he is currently standing in his birthday suit in front of a shapely, veiled but possibly beautiful woman.
The veiled woman gives a smile that Dante could only be described as 'naughty'.
"I could do that. But for now, take it as a payback to what your father did to me. Besides, you have nothing to be shameful about your body."
"Why should I take the heat of what my father did?"
Only a light giggle answered him…
Dante couldn't help but wonder what could possibly his father did, for him to earn this treatment.
He could also feel that this woman is checking out his monster of an 'equipment'.
He could almost swear that a trickle of drool is on the veiled woman's lips.
The next thing he knew, he was back in his bathtub.
／人◕ .◕人＼
After the bath, he returned to Louise's room and found Louise doing something on the bed. Once she saw Dante, she hid a book in panic. It was an old, big book.
Why? Though, he didn't worry so much about it as she was Louise. He might not had understood even if being told about it. Besides Dante's head was filled what the events surrounding the veiled woman's statement, along with the sight of Siesta's body. What he saw through the gap of her hands, was firmly imprinted in Dante's mind.
Some gentleman he is…
Dante approached the laundry basket, while shaking off the worldly thoughts. He decided to deliver Louise's laundry to have them washed.
However, the basket was empty.
"Louise, where's the laundry?"
When Dante asked, Louise shook her head.
"Washed already."
"You washed…"
And then Dante saw Louise. "Huh!" He was shocked. Louise was wearing his red coat that he planned to wear later and left in the room before going to take a bath. When Dante goes to a public bath, he always takes off that red coat and goes only in his black T-shirt or sometimes in his towel, because his body feels too hot right after stepping out of the bath.
Louise was probably wearing it right over her underwear. Because the sleeves were too long and waist was too long and loose, it made it look like some weird gown or dress.
"You, why are you wearing my best suit?"
Hearing Dante, Louise buried her mouth behind his red coat. Louise, whose cheeks blushed for some reason, said.
"Because…after doing the laundry, I had nothing left to wear."
"Nonsense! It's full!"
Dante pointed to the closet. There were a lot of Louise's clothes. Because Louise was a noble, she had many expensive dresses to choose from.
"Still, I wanted to try something else on."
Louise, sitting straight on the bed, said in a sulky tone.
"Couldn't you wear these casual clothes?"
Dante indicated a plain dress in the closet hanger.
"I don't want to wear something like that!"
"You're acting weird, take them off."
However, Louise didn't try to take it off. On the contrary, she rolled sheets around her fingers.
Dante thew his hands up as he said, "Just do what you want."
Furthermore, Louise even washed her own clothes rather than having Dante to take them to be washed by the maids. It was impossible. Dante became worried somehow. Up 'till now, such actions were unimaginable for Louise.
Her cheeks were red, so concerned Dante decided to check if she wasn't ill and had any fever.
Louise got startled when Dante approached her. She trembled, and… turned away.
Trying not to think how she must hate this, Dante grabbed Louise's shoulders and brought his forehead close to her. Louise's body stiffened but she didn't fight and quietly closed her eyes.
Just as I thought, her body condition must be really bad, Dante thought.
"It seems you have a fever."
When Dante pulled his forehead away from hers, Louise for some reason clenched her fist in tightly.
"What is it?" he asked, as Louise turned away from him and after some quiet rustling snuggled under the covers.
"Hey," Dante poked.
"Sleep," Louise answered and became silent again.
Wow, the fever must have eased up, Dante thought as he lumbered into his couch.
It was quiet for a moment and then a pillow flew at him.
"What the…?"
"Bring back the pillow I just threw. Didn't I tell you to sleep in bed from now on?"
Louise's sulky voice was heard.
Lately, Louise has been insisting that the devil hunter sleep with her on the bed.
'She's still probably having nightmares of the event.' Dante reflected, recalling that time in Albion.
But still.
He just couldn't understand Louise's mood, whether it was gentle or saucy as usual.
Dante sighs, as he slipped into Louise's bed.
Though Louise was stirring restlessly in her bed, she soon quieted down.
Now he could think about how the day passed. Anyway, now his head was filled with Siesta. Siesta's parting words were repeated in his head again.
Siesta certainly said "The most amazing was you…".
Was it a confession?
Based on his experience. Yeah, it is.
Aah, Siesta was cute. Although Henrietta was beautiful as well, and so is Kirche. But Siesta had also a different charm…
Naive, simple, but honest. Unlike Kirche, she looked so wonderful when taking her clothes off.
What the fuck is he thinking?
Besides the encounter with Siesta, he is currently worrying that the Albion coup-de-tat is the handiwork of the said group under the 'false light'.
For something that he hadn't considered so much until that moment, the impact was huge. Fascinated by the girl, Dante started to think of the ways to help solve the mystery of this world, just to keep from thinking of... worldly thoughts.
Dante falls into a deep slumber.
Outside Louise's room window Tabitha's Sylphid was floating. On top of which, as usual, Kirche's and Tabitha's figures were sitting. Tabitha was reading a book in the moonlight. Kirche was staring into Louise's room from the crevice of the window.
Kirche snorted.
"After all, it is not looking good."
She remembered the blush on Louise's face as she cuddled with Dante on the back of the dragon, returning from Albion. Louise seemed to be not her usual self.
Ah, sometimes, too much love could blind them to the reality.
"Really, he doesn't treat me seriously? Every time I approach him, I get rejected, it makes me worried against my will."
To be honest, most of those times they are together, trouble seemed to take Dante's notice more than her hot body.
Until now, there was no man who would refuse courting her. It was Kirche's pride. Truly, Kirche felt forgotten like an inconvenient thing.
But then again, It was Kirche who courted the devil hunter, he didn't refuse her advances either.
Kirche was irritated. A little while ago, he even bathed with a commoner's daughter. She was ignored and two-timed. Kirche's pride was shaken. She was defeated by Louise, she was defeated by a commoner girl, this made her name of "Ardent" cry. She had to plunder Dante from Louise, by any means possible. Snatching away La Valliere's lovers and stuff was an old Zerbst tradition.
But truth be told, Dante didn't even consider himself as Louise's lover.
"Yes, though plotting isn't my specialty, I can still think of some strategy. Right, Tabitha?"
Tabitha shut a book, and pointed at Kirche.
"Jealousy."
Kirche blushed. And then she shook her head at Tabitha's words.
"D-don't say that! I'm not jealous! I cannot feel jealousy! Game! This is just a game of love!"
Nevertheless Tabitha was not convinced. She repeated the same word again.
"Jealousy."
／人◕ .◕人＼
Author's comment:
I wonder who will first receive Dante's "blessing"?
Or whether will I continue to tease?
Will he go to that place of no return?
Earn an H-something perhaps,
Do you guys want to take this to level M?
Hell, let's get it on...
Please pm for corrections/suggestions if you wish.
A couple of fun fillers will follow, fun for me anyway... maybe… before shit begins to hit the fan anew.