Mission 17 : The Two Gifts
Well, what do you know?
I managed to write something again…
I watched the film 'Alien' as I wrote and put together this chapter.
While I listen to a DDR music 'Himawari'.
I wonder why?
Forgive me, as this might be my first and only time to write this type of 'action' scenes.
Due to a sensitive reader's comment, a word of warning..Due to the plot...There's a reason why this has been changed to rated M...
Hence, if you wish not to have your sensitive, raw, imaginations wrecked, Look away now...
Unless you guys wish to continue...
Consider yourself sufficiently, and stupidly warned... XD
Sigh,
Never mind that, let's begin.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Fantasy pic : Henrietta lies on the bed, on her wedding dress, with most if the buttons undone, showing lots of skin. She is looking at the camera provocatively, with the right hand outstretched towards the viewers.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Somewhere in Halkeginia…
A girl wakes up to find herself naked and chained to the wall, her arms chained up, and her legs are fettered as well. A gag is placed on her mouth preventing her from making a sound.
Looking around, she then notes where she is under the lights of countless lanterns.
She is in a place that appears to be a spacious well furnished place of worship, a large group of figures in black, hooded robes slowly shuffled into the empty pews of the said place.
All the while as they slowly and humbly moved to occupy the pews, they sang a song.
A song that never existed to be sung from tongues of humans.
The girl couldn't help but shudder at the utter ominous atmosphere the song is generating.
When all of the robed figures had taken their places on the seats, the song continued.
The lights turn dim.
Rough hands seized the girl and forcibly drags her to the aisle, as the robed figures continued chanting that jarring song,
The robed figures finally took the now distressed girl into the immaculate altar, laying her on top of it, tying her limbs with chains to the ornamented posts on the altar.
The lights grow dimmer.
The chanting stopped.
The girl now strained to look at what is happening.
Too late, he realized that it was a bad idea, as stark fear and terror overcomes her, rendering her immobile, and unable to turn away.
A white robed figure walks, no…shambles slowly towards her, with a purpose.
A palpable silence cover the hall as this figure of apparent importance moved towards the altar.
The rest of the attending 'worshippers' bowed down in deep reverence as the white robed figure passed their pews.
In moments that seemed to take forever, the white robed figure finally reached the altar.
Then, her gag is removed.
The white robed figure is on top of her.
A long, sharp scream pierced the utter silence of the church, as if the girl is being stabbed countless times.
Cobalt watched the rather gruesome scene unfold, while crouching on top of a tower.
With him is another figure, hidden in darkness, with only a single vertically slitted, glowing yellow eye to show its apparent existence.
For now, let's call this being, "The Eye",
"There are lots of devout followers attend the ceremony of 'culling of the innocent'." The Eye commented, speaking in a deep, echoing but rather feminine voice
"This ceremony is basically, just fucking a virgin girl until she submits into the bliss, with the "head priest" fucking the brains out of her as the Lord absorbs her pure energy."
Sounds of what appeared to be from the said 'sacrifice' are now screaming with the shouts and moans of pleasure.
The place suddenly explodes into chanting of praises, as the girl's moans go louder as if she is about to reach her ultimate bliss.
The thing is; her voice now turns deeper, and more sonorous, until…
A loud and long roar echoes through the halls.
"Yes, it does, this also, gives the beautiful side effect of 'converting' the said sacrifice." The Eye once again spoke.
More like corrupting.
"We welcome, our new brethren!" The Head Priest shouts, in a voice that doesn't belong to a human standing up inhumanely tall, in front of the altar with his arms spread wide open.
The worshippers in turn shouted in deep elation
"Hail to the Bringer of Truth to the World! All Hail the Light!"
Cobalt turns away from the scene, disgusted for some reason.
"If you allow me, may I excuse myself?"
"You may go."
As Cobalt then disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving The Eye to continue watching the proceedings.
A new presence accompanies The Eye; this one however, remained in the shadows.
"Report."
The shadow spoke in a grating screech that is impossible for human coherence.
"I see," The Eye said, "Just as Cobalt reported from his end, Cromwell now wishes to invade Tristain at the soonest time possible. Hmph, the arrogant fool."
The shadow once again spoke in its own tongue, as the Eye nods.
"I understand your concern, but we too have a task to complete. We shall let the Reconquista have their fun; we will have our turn, very soon."
The shadow fades into nonexistence.
The shouts of feverish chanting and praises echoed through the halls as the lanterns suddenly blazed brightly. Illuminating the entire area of 'worship', one place in particular.
"Soon my Lord, we will finish preparing the way for you." The Eye said, looking in reverence at the huge glowing statue sitting on the throne beyond the altar, overlooking the entire ceremony.
The Eye then touched its own single glowing 'Eye'.
"In the end, everyone shall see Your Light."
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Meanwhile, back to Dante and Co.
The next morning, whilst they were riding the wind dragon, Siesta explained to everyone. There wasn't much to tell. There was a temple near the village and in that temple there was something called the Dragon's Raiment.
"Why is it called 'Dragon's Raiment'?"
"Apparently you can fly when you put it on," said Siesta, weakly.
"Fly? So it's a wind type item?"
"It's really not that important of a thing…" said Siesta, looking troubled.
"Why?"
"It's a hoax. It's one of those 'treasures' you can find anywhere. It's all just the name. Yet the locals are grateful… they decorate the temple, worship it…"
"Really?"
Siesta then proceeded to say nervously.
"Actually… the owner of it was my grandmother. One day, my grandmother appeared in the village. Apparently she fell along with the Dragon's Raiment on her way to go somewhere. She wouldn't say where."
"Is that so…"
"But no one believed her. Everyone says that my grandmother was weird."
"Why?"
"Someone told her to fly with it, but she told them it couldn't. She said that it was not hers to fly with, but no one had a reason to believe her. She said that its mission is done, so making it fly is not necessary anymore. After that, she said that it 'couldn't fly anymore' and settled down in the village. She worked really hard to keep the raiment intact. She treated it with a lot of care. She kept on saying that she's keeping it for a friend..."
"What a strange person. It must have been hard on your family?"
"No, apart from the Dragon's Raiment, she was a nice, hard working person. Everyone liked her."
"It's something famous within the village right? Just like that Yosenabe… Then we can't take it back with us."
"But… It's like our family property… If Dante wanted to, I could ask my dad to show you it," Siesta said in a troubled voice.
Just as Dante thought, hoaxes are useless, but the exercise he got with the orcs was nice though.
That and Louise, though as vehemently denies it, appears to have enjoyed the sojourn.
And she seemed to have finally succeeded in making a rather nice edict.
'Though the oceans may look endless…' was the only part of it read by the devil hunter until the pinkette hid the paper.
Kirche remarked, "Even if it is a hoax, there are ways to sell hoaxes. There are many people with different tastes in this world."
"You're a horrible woman." Guiche said, shocked.
The wind dragon flapped its wings, headed towards Tarbes.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
"Whoa!"
Dante's eyes went round at the sight of the "Dragon's Raiment". They were in the temple built close to Tarbes, Siesta's hometown. That was where the "Dragon's Raiment" lay.
Actually it would be more correct to say that the temple had been built to cover the Dragon's Raiment. The shape which Siesta's grandmother had built the temple into made Dante nostalgic.
The temple was built in the corner of a field. Its door was made by logs joined together, and its walls were made from planks and mortar instead of stone. On top of an area of the wooden floor painted dark green lay the Dragon's Raiment. Perhaps it was due to the permanence spell… but there were no signs of rusting. It was as if it had just been made.
Kirche and Guiche looked at the Dragon's Raiment, dispirited. As if struck by curiosity, Tabitha looked at it with interest. Amazed, Dante stared at the Dragon's Raiment.
"Dante, are you ok? If I showed you anything to make you feel bad…" said Siesta in a worried voice.
Dante didn't reply. He continued to gaze at the Dragon's Raiment as though he were deeply moved.
"Of course this thing can't fly," said Kirche.
Guiche nodded.
"It's just a strangely made large bird model or something, with two pair of wings on top of the other. So much for 'Dragon's Raiment'."
Guiche pointed at the Dragon's Raiment and nodded, convinced that he was right.
"Dante… Are you really alright?"
Dante grasped Siesta's shoulders as she was peering into his face. Dante spoke calmly.
"Siesta."
"Y-Yes?"
"Did your grandmother leave behind anything else?"
"Um… the only noteworthy things are her grave and a few of her belongings."
"Show me them."
The grave of Siesta's grandmother was located in the village cemetery. The tombstones were made from large white stones. Among them there was a tombstone made from a black stone, creating a clear contrast with the others.
Words were inscribed on the tombstone.
"My grandmother made this tombstone before she died. It's written in a language from a different country, so no one has been able to read it. I wonder what it says…" said Siesta.
Dante read it out loud.
"Umbra Witch: Aoi, rests in another world."
"What?"
Siesta's eyes widened at Dante, who read it fluently.
Dante looked at Siesta feverishly, causing her to blush.
"Stop… If you look at me like that…"
Black hair, black pupils… This nostalgic feeling… So that's why, Dante thought, realizing why he was feeling nostalgic.
Siesta's a descendant of the Japanese branch of the Umbran witch bloodline. The Japanese branch is one of the most prominent members of the group in Asia, particularly their ability to summon powerful beings from another dimension.
He worked with them many times in the past.
'What the fuck did an Umbra witch, be doing here?' Dante thought.
Then he remembered something,
The veiled lady.
"I have sent someone to aid you..."
"Siesta, you were told that your hair and eyes were similar to your grandmother's right?" said Dante much to Siesta's surprise.
"Y-Yes! How did you know that?"
Returning to the temple, Dante touched the "Dragon's Raiment".
It's actually a purple painted Biplane.
'No wonder, you couldn't fly. You slept again…'
'Check out the guns' Dante thought.
Dante takes another look at the object in question. No matter how well it was preserved, it still couldn't fly without either someone with enough magic to power it, or awakening it.
'I wonder how she had got into Halkeginia with this thing…' Dante wanted to trace the trail, no matter what answer it would lead to.
Siesta returned from her parent's home.
"Everyone was really surprised since I'm two weeks earlier than I said I would be."
Siesta excitedly handed over the item in her hands to Dante. They were a bunch of strange three-sided daggers, kunai, probably the ones her grandmother used. She was like the owner of the staff of destruction which Dante had used to defeat the hooded woman's golem, someone from a distant world.
A foreigner, just like Dante.
More like an Alien...
"Grandmother only left these behind, along with this pendant i'm wearing. She didn't keep a diary or anything like that. But father said she left behind a will."
"A will?"
"Yes. 'If someone who could read the inscription on the tomb appeared, give him the Dragon's Raiment'."
"Meaning it's mine now, huh?"
"Yes. Father said it was alright to give it to you. It was a bother to take care of anyway… There are some people who worship it… but besides that, it's just collecting dust in this village."
"Well, I won't hesitate then," said Dante.
"Father also wanted me to tell you something."
"What did he say?"
"He said he wants you to return the Dragon's Raiment to a person named Suparuda. Suparuda… I wonder what he means."
'It's Sparda.' Dante realized…well anyway,
"She's from a country I once lived and worked in," said Dante.
"Really? So that's why you could read the words on the tombstone. Wow! I'm kind of moved. My grandmother was from the same country as Dante worked and lived in. It seems like fate." Siesta said absentmindedly.
"Then grandmother really did come to Tarbes using the Dragon's Raiment."
"This isn't called the Dragon's Raiment."
"What is it called in Dante's country?"
Well, it's not generally known in Dante's world at all…
He looked at the symbol drawn on the plane's bird shaped ornament. The symbol of his father embossed on the ornament's body. No doubt about it, this is one of that organizations'.
Dante felt very nostalgic from merely seeing such an old thing from his old life.
Dante replied, "It's called a Biplane, a flying machine and a weapon, made in my world."
"Biplane? A weapon?"
"In simpler terms, this is actually a man-made object, made for flight and to fight."
'Though apparently, there is more to this than meets the eye.' Dante thought, as he once more touches the plane's wing.
No need to confuse the girl further, thus he forego the explanation regarding complex non-magical items.
"It can really fly? Just like a plane? The one you mentioned before?"
But if the silent message that this item is sending is right...
"Only when I fall shall I rise…"
Dante smiles as he nodded.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
That day, they all stayed at Siesta's home. As nobles were staying over, even the village chief came to greet them.
Siesta introduced Dante to her family, her father, mother and siblings. Siesta was the eldest daughter of the eight siblings. Her parents viewed Dante in a harsh light at first, but that was soon broken when Siesta told them that he was looking after her at the academy. Having not been home for a while Siesta looked quite happy being surrounded by family.
Dante was sort of envious of her. When he thought about it, Louise, Kirche, Tabitha and Guiche all had families.
As if Dante would admit it in front of others.
He also had one, but he couldn't meet them anymore. Even if he wanted to meet them, he knew he can't.
In the evening, Dante gazed out at the wide field. The sun was setting behind the mountains beyond the field. It was a huge field.
'Just as Siesta had said, flowers were blooming everywhere. So this is the beautiful field that Siesta wanted to show me.'
As to why the Umbra group sent a witch here, is still a mystery to the devil hunter.
'To help me huh?' Dante thought,
Siesta came to Dante, who was still gazing at the field, as he tries to answer the mystery of it all.
"Dante-san?"
She was wearing a brown skirt, wooden shoes and a dark green cotton shirt, instead of her usual maid outfit.
Like the field in front of him, her appearance was like that of the smell of sunlight.
Well, figuratively anyway.
"So you were here! Dinner's ready. Father insists we eat together." said Siesta shyly.
"I did ask you to come visit, but I didn't expect it to really happen."
Siesta stretched both her arms out at the wide field before them. The setting sun bathed the field in a beautiful light.
"Isn't this field beautiful? This is what I wanted to show you, Dante."
"Yeah, it is."
Siesta then cast her eyes downwards and twiddled her fingers.
"My father said that meeting with someone like you must be fate. He asked if you could settle in the village. And then said if you did then I… could stop my work at the academy and return here with you."
Dante didn't reply. He just stared at the sky. He was thinking of how kind Siesta was to him.
If she said any more nice things to him, his heart would probably melt. He felt lonely when he saw Siesta happily sitting and chatting with her family.
But then again he has been alone for most of his life. Maybe the old Academy Head was right, he should find a wife here and just settle down. His father did it long ago...which didn't work out so well in the long run...
Then a voice belonging to his mother seemed to whisper to him. "Don't compare your fate to your father's."
Siesta looked at Dante who was still staring at the sky and smiled.
"But, it's alright. I know it won't work out. You're like a bird. You're bound to fly away some day."
Dante then decided to tell Siesta the truth.
Well, part of it anyway.
"Your grandmother said she came from the east, right?"
"Um…yes," Siesta said, slightly worried.
"Your grandmother, like I, wasn't born in this world."
"You were born in Rub' al Khali in the east, right?"
"No. It is much, much further than that." said Dante in a serious tone. "It's a different world. I'm not from this world."
"You're just playing around with me aren't you? If you don't like me, then just say it." said Siesta, pouting her lips.
"No, it's not that at all. I'm not playing around with you."
"Is there someone waiting for you there?"
"Nope. But there might be a time that I'll someday have to leave this world for my own."
Dante turned to Siesta, and said honestly, "That's why I can't do the things you mentioned."
Dante was very serious. Siesta knew he wasn't joking around.
"I can protect people with my power while I'm here. But that's all. I don't have the right to reside with anyone. I don't."
"But my grandmother did, right?"
"Yeah, your grandmother did, but she chose to remain here for a reason. But me, I'm way too dangerous to have a family so to speak. I have made enemies, powerful enemies, I'm afraid that they might turn on you in order to hurt me..."
They have done it many times before…
"Then… Can I wait for you? I don't have any good qualities, but I can wait. Until the time comes when you finally defeat your enemies, then…"
Siesta then became silent.
'If that really happened, what would I do?' Dante thought. His pulse raced slightly just by looking at Siesta.
She was cute, and stunning without clothes on.
Wait, why is he thinking of her that way?
Anyway...
She's kind and can even cook. She's a great girl. All the more reason why he couldn't promise her,
In a flash, He finds himself being embraced by the maid.
"D- Dante-san, this may be sudden. But will you please accept me, the me at the moment, and henceforth."
Another bold move from our favourite maid.
The devil hunter looked into her eyes, as he tries to appeal to her through his gaze.
She's not backing down, holding on to him a lot stronger than ever.
'Just where is her strength coming from?'
Yup, looks like he won't be doing any escapes here.
Seeing that Dante is no longer resisting, Siesta then looked deeply into his eyes of deep blue.
To those who don't know the devil hunter, those eyes are cold like the Antarctic ice.
To Siesta, those are the eyes of the warmest person she had ever seen.
Her friend.
Her Savior.
Her Love.
Her True Love.
This is how the maid views the devil hunter.
Silently, she continued to regard Dante's countenance, gently tracing his cheek with her hands.
She then puts her arms around his neck, pulling herself towards him even closer.
A kiss.
A rather chaste kiss.
"I…love…You.." Siesta breathes after the kiss…
Siesta tilted her head slightly, and then once more pressed her lips against Dante's.
This time however, it was a primal, passionate, clumsy kiss.
She held the devil hunter's head tightly as their lips pressed together.
"Mmm… mmh… mhh.."
Their long, long, kiss continued; it is as if as the two melted together.
When Siesta finally separated, Siesta let out a sweet, sweet sigh.
Dante could see her eyes glittering with the fire of passion in the light of the setting sun.
"Dante…"
"Siesta…"
Dante holds the maid tightly.
The maid sighs at the warmth of her man.
"Ahh…"
A bead of sweat trickles down her neck…
To the devil hunter, she smelled so sweet.
(What the hell am I writing!)
It was almost as though her body was inviting him…
No one here to stop him from doing so…
He kissed her lightly along her neck, up her earlobe.
"Ahh…Guhh…Mmmmhh…" Siesta moans, holding on to Dante.
"N-no… not there…" she tries to say,
But Dante knows that she likes it.
Dante tries to humor her and asks, "Hmm…Why not?"
"Because…" Siesta Looked away from him. Her cheeks were red.
Dante sighs deeply as he ran his tongue along her neck…
"No! Ahh… mmm…"
Dante pauses,
"Do you want me to stop?" he asked,
Siesta looks down at Dante, looking a bit pissed off,
'She's so cute…'
"Ahh… please don't…mmm…" Siesta wasn't able to end her response as Dante once more played his tongue along her neck…
Dante could catch a glimpse of her breasts through the neck of her dress…
Dante slowly reached toward her chest.
Siesta gasps,
Dante's in a bit of a fix now, as he couldn't control himself at the moment…
He roughly lifted up the front of her shirt, exposing her breasts.
Her skin was just as he remembered it, though at the moment, it was flushed pink, in shame…and arousal…
Siesta's breath becomes a bit excited…
Dante held her breasts in the palms of his hands…
The rather new sensation made her shiver slightly.
To the devil hunter, her breasts were so hot that he could almost imagine that his hands would burn.
This is one of the few times that Dante would show his sensitive side…
They were so soft and warm. They felt so good to touch…
Dante thought
"Mmm… that's feels good… aaahhh."
Siesta breathed deeply, every time his fingertips gently squeed her breasts, at the same time, he played with her earlobe with his mouth.
He could feel her nipples hardening under his 'magic touch'.
Siesta moans in pleasure,
Dante then stops teasing her earlobes, gently pinching and rolled her little pink buds between his fingers…
"Ahhh… ahhh…"
"Siesta… please lie here…" Dante indicated to a large piece of red cloth that suddenly appears on the grass.
(Point of no return…)
Siesta walked , a bit excited, and partially scared; but entirely ready for what may come next...
"This is … kind of embarrassing."
Siesta looked at Dante as she laid her body on the cloth covered grass.
Dante gently smiles as he follows her.
He gives her another kiss.
At the same time, he lifts up her skirt…
"Hmm?"
"W-What's wrong?" Siesta asks,
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" the devil hunter asks one last time.
"Y-yes, I want you…" Siesta blushed even more deeply,
"…to be my first." She ends her statement.
This finally broke what reserve Dante has, as he ran his finger between her legs, over the cloth of the immaculate white panties.
Eliciting another gasp of surprise, and pleasure from the girl.
Dante traces his finger up and down across her most tender spot.
A damp stain began to spread.
"Mmmmphhh…ahhh…" Siesta moans, gripping tightly on the cloth beneath her.
He slipped his finger in through the side of her panties…
And spreads her soft lips, slowly slipping his finger inside…
"Mmmhh.." Siesta moans, 'It's inside me…' she thought.
She wondered what Dante will do next…
In and out,
In and out,
He slowly, gently moved his finger in and out, just at the entrance.
The warm, wet feeling around his fingertip sends a slight jolt of electricity run up his spine.
What Siesta's feelings at the moment was something she can't put into words, as such she could only gasp and moan as her beloved Dante pleasures her.
Siesta can't bear it any longer,
Dante then felt her hand on his free hand.
"I think you're… ready now…"
Siesta could feel her heart pounding in her ears.
Her breath came in short gasps as she silently nods at Dante.
Dante then pulls Siesta's panties off.
Her juices were already starting to trickle down to the cloth.
The air was thick with the smell of her sweat, mixed with her sweet, womanly scent.
Looks like Siesta will become a full woman.
She is so beautiful…
Dante moves on top of her, and in between her beautiful spread legs, with his 'spear' all ready.
"Here I go…"
He touched the tip against her wet opening, and slowly thrust forward.
"Nnnnn…"
Dante felt some slight resistance, as he gently pushed forward, then he felt something pop inside of Siesta's body.
"Ahh…ahh! It hurts…ahhhh!"
No prizes to those who guessed what happened.
Dante's 'spear' burst through the temporary resistance, and continued on through.
A small trace of blood could be seen where they are connected, slowly dripping to the cloth below.
Dante asks, "Siesta, are you okay?"
Gasping, Siesta looks at Dante's face, which registered concern.
Even in this situation… he may not usually show it, but he genuinely cares. One of the reasons why the maid loves this man…
Smiling bravely at him, Siesta opens her mouth
"It hurts…" she admits,
"Do you want to stop?"
Siesta has already decided this; there is no way she would…
"We've gone this far…please, don't stop now…"
"But… I'm fine like this. Even if we don't move, it still feels great!"
Dante was not lying on the last part…
Siesta couldn't help but smile, "You Dummy." She said, playfully knocking her fist on Dante's silver topped head.
Siesta's sheath was so tight, and only tightened as she bopped Dante on the head, he could feel it squeezing him, and it felt good.
"You can…move."
"Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yeah,"
"Okay."
Dante thought a bit, and then said,
"But if you don't think you can take it anymore, just tell me."
A moan from Siesta replied,
Dante slowly moved back and forth, testing her, to make sure that she is all right.
Siesta begins to feel less and less painful, as a new feeling begins replacing it. Her insides felt like nothing she's ever felt before, It felt like a hot pole is poking her.
Dante felt good…really good, taking a lot of his self control from pounding himself into her as hard as he might do.
"Mmm…nghh… inside… so hot…" Siesta moans,
He thrusts his hips as slowly , carefully and gently as he could.
Moving in a slightly circular motions, he felt every inch of Siesta's inner sheath.
Her moans grow louder…now mixed with bitter pain…
And sweet ecstasy,
Siesta holds on to Dante's arms, then to the cloth behind her as she savoured this unforgettable moment with her beloved.
Dante gently played with her breasts, further adding to the pleasure that the maid is experiencing, gasping and moaning in response.
That signalled the snow-haired man to slowly quicken the pace,
Siesta's body began to relax and grow softer…
Siesta felt like she is beginning to get lost in the unbelievable pleasures that Dante has been graciously giving her.
"Mmmm…Ahhh…mmm…mmmm…" Siesta moans,
Ripples of pleasure spread throughout their bodies. With Siesta, even more so.
The heavenly pleasure began to build up, that she could now almost feel herself overflowing,
"Ahh! Ahhh… mmm… Ahhh… I feel…something…strange…" Siesta said, between thrusts.
Then for a brief instant, Dante thrusts his 'spear' deep inside her.
*Splurt*
A sudden spurt of love juice burst, and driblled out.
"Ahhh…ahh! That's, you're so deep…" Siesta stated, gasping for breath,
Dante holds her by her hips as he continues to thrust.
Bodies collided, filling the afternoon air with the sound of flesh against flesh.
"Ahh... Ahh! Ahhh… Dante-saaan!" Siesta moans,
Dante continues to thrust, constantly changing the angle of 'attack'.
With every movement, more of her Siesta's juices dripped out.
"Nghh…"
Dante clenched with all his might to hold back his 'cum'.
"Ahhh… ahhhh! Ahhhhhmmm! Ahhhh!" the maid cries in ecstasy,
"Siesta!" Dante grunts back, as her sharp cries of lust, push his passion to his outmost limit.
Siesta clutched Dante, digging her nails into his arms,
She arches her back as her entire body begins to spasm.
Her sheath squeezed down on Dante's 'weapon' as hard as it could.
Finally pushing Dante to his…
"I'm…"
Dante felt a ball of fire building up inside his groin.
It has been so long…
Barely pulling out his 'spear' out of Siesta before he released.
Splurt…Spurt… Spurt…
Dante released all over Siesta's sheath and legs, managing to avoid staining her dress…
This guy's one hell of a gunslinger after all.
After a moments pause, the devil hunter lets Siesta rest for a while, as the maid fell asleep from the experience.
Yeah, he still got it.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have the heart to tell the maid that he could go much further…
Some stamina this guy has…
He took the moment to clean her up, as he began to think of the status of his relationship with her.
She still gave herself to him, even though he might not be able to stay with her due to his situation at the moment.
"I can wait…" Siesta's voice echoed in his mind,
Somewhere in the back of his mind, it seems that he could her someone watching them at the moment.
"Ohohohohohoho! "a familiar voice laughs softly. As the veiled figure turned its back on the couple, disappearing into the setting sun,
Dante sighs as he lies down on the grass on the fields viewing the sunset, as if they never left the place and...
'That is what guys back home would call a forced wedding night... but then again...' Dante reflects.
'Oooh, boy. This does not bode well.'
Siesta meanwhile still has her head up in the clouds. As Dante sort-of received her love for him.
Regaining herself, Siesta gets up and smiled.
"A carrier owl just sent this. It seems like the teachers are very angry. Miss Zerbst and Mr. Gramont were pale. They mentioned me as well. They said that I could have a holiday for the time being. The princess's wedding is coming soon anyway. So until the holiday ends, I'll be here."
Dante nodded.
"Um… so can you make that Dragon's Raiment fly?"
"Yeah after making some tweaks," said Dante, watching the setting sun.
"Really? If you could get it to fly, then it would be wonderful. The Dragon's Raiment was called a biplane, right? If you get it to fly, then please let me ride it just once."
Dante nodded. Though he might no too sure if it will take such a form. But as with his experience with stuff, anything could happen.
"I can let you ride it as many times as you like. It was your family's to begin with anyway."
Siesta then gives the devil hunter a hug from behind and pulls him up and along as the two returns to the maid's home.
Unseen by both of them, a small, glowing symbol appears behind the maid…
The Umbra Witch's symbol.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
After the adventuring party returned.
Guiche, kirche nad Tabitha, ended up in cleaning detail as punishment for truancy.
Louise was excused due to the letter Dante left behind, explaining that Louise left to find inspiration for the edict.
Dante was, well not a student of the place, so nothing was imposed at him.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Dante hangs out with Professor Colbert in his so called lab.
Colbert's laboratory was situated in a small area between the central tower and the fire tower. It was much like an old dugout shed.
The Dante asked Osmond for a space where he could put the plane for a while, as he needs to make some adjustments to the plane, and to find clues to what was the Umbra Witch's mission here was.
Hence, Osmond then summons Colbert…
And that brought one thing to another, to this present situation.
"At first I conducted experiments in my own room, but noise and bad smells come naturally with research. I was complained to by the people next to me shortly afterwards." Colbert said
The wooden racks were cluttered with bottles of medicine, test tubes, jars containing nostrum and the like. Next to that was a wall of bookshelves, crammed with books. There was a celestial globe made from parchment stuck on a sphere, and other various maps. There were lizards, snakes and birds that he had never seen before inside cages. A musky smell which was neither from dust nor mold filled the entire room. Dante pinched his nose.
"You'll get used to the smell soon. A woman however wouldn't, which is the reason why I'm single."
Dante nodded.
He was so right.
"You said in your home town, these could be seen flying everywhere? The technology of the lands the elves govern in the east seem to far outclass any technology in Halkeginia." The Professor indicated the Biplane parked just outside the 'Laboratory'.
Dante playfully nicknamed it "Karnival."
Colbert was so interested in it that Dante was even obliged by the Scientist wannabe of sorts to take it apart carefully for the Academy teacher to take notes from.
His hindsight tells him that this could bring a gradual change in the entire world.
Though, earlier interference made by his father and whoever has been making this events move slightly out of synch, has changed the history flow as well.
"Prof. Colbert, actually, I'm… not from this world. The plane, the 'Staff of Destruction' which destroyed Fouquet's golem and I, are from another world."
Colbert's hand suddenly stopped.
"What did you say?"
"I come from another world."
Colbert gazed steadily at Dante and then proceeded to nod his head, as though he were impressed.
"I see." he whispered.
"Aren't you surprised?"
"Well, of course I am. But you definitely seem like it. The way you speak and your behavior has a different feel. Hm, this is becoming more and more interesting."
"You're a strange person aren't you, Prof. Colbert?"
"I get called strange by many people. I haven't even found someone willing to marry me yet. But I have a belief."
"A belief?"
"Yes. The nobles of Halkeginia treat magic as a mere tool… Like a broom, they only see it as a handy tool. I don't think magic is something like that. Magic could be used for so much more. Instead of simply sticking to the traditional uses of the different branches of magic, we should be experimenting to find different ways to utilize it."
Nodding, Colbert continued.
"After seeing you, my belief has grown stronger. Who would have thought there was another world! This shows that the rules of Halkeginia are not absolute! Interesting! Such an interesting topic! I want to see this world. There are probably lots of new things to be discovered! It'll probably add a new page to my research! If you have any questions at all, just come and talk with me. Colbert the Flame Serpent will always help you."
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Sometime later…
Louise opened the Founder's Prayer book in front of Dante.
"I'll read out what I've thought already for the edict."
"Haven't you already made one?" Dante asks
"Well, I need to think of a better one, just in case, right?"
With a cute cough, Louise began to read her edict.
"On this beautiful day, I, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière, praying for the holy presence of the Founder, shall read the blessed edict…"
And then, Louise stopped.
"Continue?"
"From here on I have to give thanks to the four branches of magic. It has to be poetic and also in rhyme…."
"Then just make it rhyme."
Louise pouted her lips as if she were sulking.
"I can't think of anything. Writing it poetically is a pain in the neck. I'm not a poet or anything."
"It's ok, just read what you have written there." Dante waves her boredly,
With a troubled look, she read her 'poetic' lines.
"Um, as fire is hot, one needs to be careful."
'Isn't that a warning for kids?' Dante thought,
"'Needs' isn't poetic. You should probably remember that." He said aloud,
"Shut up. When the wind blows, those who sell barrels prosper."
'The fuck is that supposed to mean?'
"Why would you use that proverb here?" he said aloud,
Louise, who didn't seem to have any poetic talent, threw herself on the bed as if sulking and whispered, "I'm going to sleep."
As was now usual, she changed while hiding her body behind her bedsheets. After turning off the lamp she called out to Dante, who had is on the couch already.
"I said to sleep in my bed, didn't I?"
"Huh?"
Louise didn't respond. Dante slipped into the bed thinking that she was probably lonely so he did what he was told.
Louise was still awake. She opened her mouth, as if she had wanted to talk to him.
"So, what now?"
"What do you mean?" Dante replied.
"Well, I mean, You're probably thinking of using that thingumajig to explore Halkeginia, right?"
"Well, as you remember, I'm still finding out what happened to Sparda while he's here."
"It's dangerous to do that, you know. I mean, there are powerful, dangerous creatures out there. The elves in particular. Those elves hate humans…"
"But humans live in the areas beyond the lands of the elves right? Like that place called Rub' al."
"The nature of those humans is completely different. It'll be dangerous."
It seemed like Louise was worried about letting Dante go.
"You're still going to go?"
Dante thought about it briefly and nodded.
"Well, I might be able to find a clue about what Sparda did and what is happening in this world at this moment."
Louise was moving around under the sheets. Just as he was wondering what she was doing, she rested her head on his chest.
"Wha-"
"I'm just using it instead of my pillow!" Said Louise in a sulky and angry voice.
"Are you still going to go even if I say no?"
Dante remained silent.
"I thought so…" Louise whispered, as she began to drift off to sleep.
Louise's hair had a beautiful fragrance. The sound of her breathing was close as well. The two were silent.
Dante was thinking of many things. Dante wasn't talking, and Louise didn't know what else to say, so she simply hugged Dante's chest tightly.
"I don't want you to leave. When you're beside me I can sleep without worrying. You make me angry…" Louise said in a tiny voice while embracing Dante.
'By the looks like those puffy eyes were because she didn't sleep much lately,' thought Dante. Soon, Louise's steady breathing, like that of a child's, could be heard near Dante's chest. She was fast asleep.
Louise was so pampered it made his heart melt.
She's just like a kid wanting to be spoiled…
Not that the devil hunter minded…
'Seems like she's uneasy without me around. Well, I'm her guardian after all.'
Listening to her breathing, Dante was deep in thought. He thought of the people he had met in this world.
He had met many people within his few months in Halkeginia. There were evil people, but also kind people.
There was Marteau from the kitchen who gave him food and the free use of the kitchen whenever he felt the need to whip up a pizza or two.
Osman, who had told him he would lend him his hand if he needed help. Besides that, he knew Sparda after he left his family.
Colbert, who had been one of the first person who had been a nice conversant when he's bored.
A snob and often stupid, but a friendly person who had his own qualities, Guiche.
A good training dummy as well.
Not a human but a sword, a partner he had been friends for some time, Derflinger.
Henrietta, the beautiful princess.
Courageous… and dead because of it, Prince Wales.
Tabitha, a silent person but someone who had saved him on numerous occasions.
The seductive Kirche, who said she liked Dante, though it might have been a joke.
Siesta, the cute and kind maid… who probably had feelings for him.
And lastly, his contractor next to him,
Arrogant and stuck up, but one who occasionally showed kindness that would melt his heart, Louise. A girl with pinkish blond hair and big reddish brown eyes.
'When the time comes for me to go home, will I be able to leave these people with a smile on my face?'
Will he be able to leave Louise with a smile?
'I don't know.'
But… Dante thought
'The people who have been kind to me, I want to do the most I can for them.'
'At least while I'm in this world, I will do something for them.'
For the time being, Dante embraced Louise's head gently.
Louise groaned in her sleep.
After all, there are still things out there that needed to be dealt with before leaving this place.
And it seems like it's a long stay for the devil hunter.
The devil hunter falls asleep as well.
The Founder's book on the desk briefly glows.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
On to the next place…
The Germanian king, Albrecht the Third, had arranged for Princess Henrietta's wedding ceremony to take place in Germania's capital, Vindobona. The date of the ceremony: the first day of the month Nyuui.
Currently, the Mercator flagship of the Tristain fleet was to welcome the guests of the New Albion government by leading them to La Rochelle, where they would stay anchored in the skies above it.
The commander in chief of the fleet, Count La Ramée, sat in the quarterdeck in formal attire. Next to him, Captain Fevisu was stroking his moustache. It was far past the arranged time.
"They sure are late, Captain."
La Ramée replied with an irritated voice.
"Those Albion dogs who killed their king with their own hands are probably still busy acting like dogs."
The sailor on the top deck suddenly informed him of the fleet's approach in a loud voice.
"A fleet! From the left!"
With a large ship leading in front, which could easily be mistaken as a cloud, the Albion fleet had started to descend.
"So that's the standard of Albion's 'Royal Sovereign' fleet…" said the captain, watching the large ship in awe.
It was the ship that would have had the ambassador on it.
"Something that no one would want to meet on a battlefield, that's for sure."
The Albion fleet descended until they were level with Tristain's fleet. The Albion ship began sending signaling messages from the mast.
"We thank you for your fleet's welcome. This is the captain of Albion's Lexington."
"We have an admiral on board! Using a captain to correspond… we're being treated like fools" the captain said resentfully, while looking over Tristain's weak array of ships.
"They're probably thinking the world is within their grasp now that that they have that ship. Reply to them with 'We give you our warmest welcome. This is the commander in chief of the Tristain fleet'"
La Ramée's words were passed on to the sailor who was standing on the mast. The signaling flag for the message was then hoisted up.
The Albion fleet fired their cannons in salute. There were no shells inside the cannon, they had merely let gunpowder explode.
Though the Lexington fleet had done a mere cannon salute, the air around it shook. La Ramée retreated slightly. Even though he knew that live ammunition couldn't possibly reach across the distance separating them, the force of the cannons from the Lexington fleet was able to make the experienced admiral retreat.
"Fire our cannons in response."
"How many shells shall we fire? For the top nobles, eleven is required."
The number of shells to be fired depended upon the person's rank and social status.
"Seven will do," ordered La Ramée watching with a grin on his face like a stubborn child.
"Prepare the cannons! Seven shots, one by one! Fire when they're ready!"
／人◕ . ◕人＼
On the afterdeck of the Lexington, flagship of the fleet, Bowood was looking at the Tristain fleet. Next to him was Sir Johnston, the commander in chief, responsible for the entire invasion squad. Being a member of the council of nobles, Cromwell trusted him deeply. However, he had no experience. He was a politician after all.
"Captain…" Johnston said to Bowood in a worried voice.
"Sir?"
"Is it alright to go so close to them? We have those new long range cannons equipped right? Put some distance between us. His Excellency has entrusted me with important soldiers."
"Cromwell's puppet, huh…" Bowood whispered coldly to himself.
"Yes we do have the new cannon model, but if we fire from maximum range, they won't hit."
"But I bear his Excellency's task of letting off those soldiers safely in Tristain. We can't have the soldiers scared. Their morale will drop."
I don't think it's the soldiers that are scared… Bowood thought.
Ignoring Johnston, he issued a new command. No law governs the sky, after all.
"Prepare the left cannons."
"Yes sir! Prepare the left cannons!"
The sailors on the deck started to load the cannons with gunpowder and shells.
A thunderous roar could be heard from the Tristain fleet, which was aimed at the skies. Tristain was returning the cannon salute.
The battle plan had commenced.
During that moment, Bowood had turned into a soldier. The political details, his human feelings, the cowardice and foul play of this operation were all forgotten. As the captain of the Lexington fleet of The Republic of the Holy Albion, he proceeded to rapidly issue orders.
The crew of the old Hobart ship trailing at the end of the fleet had finished their preparations, and started to evacuate via the boats they had made levitate with the "Fly" spell.
A startling scene unfolded before La Ramée's eyes. The ship trailing at the end… the oldest and one of the smallest ships had started to go up in flames.
"What? A fire? Was it an accident?" whispered Fevisu,
The next instant, another startling thing occurred. The ship that was engulfed by flames and exploded in the air.
The Albion ship was reduced to ruins and came crashing down to the ground.
"W-What is this? Did the fire reach the ammunition storage?"
The Mercator was in an uproar.
"Calm down! Calm down!" Fevisu yelled at the sailors.
A signal flag was seen from the Lexington. A sailor started reading the signals with a telescope.
"From the Lexington fleet captain. Explain the meaning behind sinking Hobart."
"Sinking? What is he saying? It exploded by itself!"
La Ramée was panicking.
"Send a reply. 'The fire from my ship was a response to your salute. The salvo didn't contain any live shells'"
A reply was sent promptly by the Lexington.
"Your ship's attack used live ammunition. We shall return your intent of war."
"What nonsense!"
La Ramée's cry was drowned by the bombardment from the Lexington.
Impact. The mast of the Mercator broke off and a few holes had been made in the deck.
"How can their cannons reach from such a distance?" said a surprised Fevisu on the shaking deck.
"Send a message! 'Cease fire, we have no intent of war'"
The Lexington replied with a barrage of cannon shells.
Impact. The ship was shaking and fires had started here and there.
Like a shriek, Mercator's message repeated over and over.
"We repeat! Cease fire! We have no intent of war!"
The Lexington's fire showed no signs of stopping.
Impact. La Ramée's body was sent flying out of Fevisu's sight.
The shock of the impact had thrown Fevisu onto the floor. He suddenly realized that the attack was all planned. They never had any intention of a "good-willed visit" at all. They had all been deceived by Albion.
The ship started to go up in flames and the injured sailors groaned in pain. Shaking his head while standing up, Fevisu yelled, "The commander in chief is dead! The flagship captain will now take control of the fleet! Damage report! Full speed ahead! Prepare the right cannons!"
"So they've finally realized." said Cobalt, who was standing next to Bowood, as he leisurely watched the Tristain fleet.
Cobalt also believed that the commander in chief, Johnston, didn't deserve the title and would be unable to do anything.
The fact is, Cobalt was in effect, the commanding officer.
"Seems like it, Master Cobalt. However, it seems we will win soon enough."
The Albion fleet, which had superior mobility, had already taken action to suppress the full on charge of the Tristain fleet.
The Albion fleet kept a fixed distance, and continued firing their cannons. Their fleet numbered twice that of Tristain's and in addition they had the huge Lexington, which had the new cannon model. There was no contest in firepower.
As if they were tormenting the Tristain fleet, the Albion fleet continued their fire. The Mercator, which was already on fire, had started to slant. In an instant, the Mercator exploded with a deafening roar. None of the ships in the Tristain fleet were undamaged. The fleet was thrown into chaos with the loss the flagship.
Destroying them was only a matter of time now. Ships could be seen flying their white flags already.
On the Lexington, cries of "Long live Albion! Long live the holy king Cromwell!" could be heard. Bowood knitted his eyebrows. During the days of the Royal Air force, no one used to say things like "Long live so and so" during battle. Even the commander in chief, Johnston had joined in.
"Captain, a new page in history has begun." said Cobalt,
As if mourning for his enemies, who didn't even have a chance to cry out in pain, Bowood whispered, "No, only a war has begun."
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Soon after the news that the entire Tristain fleet in La Rochelle had been wiped out arrived, a declaration of war was issued by Albion. It blamed Tristain for breaking the non-aggression treaty by attacking their fleet without reason, and stated "As an act of self-defense, The Holy Republic of Albion shall declare war on the kingdom of Tristain."
The palace, which had been busily occupied with Henrietta's departure for Germania, was thrown into a state of confusion from the turn of events.
The generals, cabinet ministers and other officials immediately held a meeting. But the meeting was little more than a disordered ramble. Opinions that they should inquire Albion about the circumstances of the events, or that they should dispatch messengers requesting aid were thrown about.
Sitting in the meeting's seat of honor was a shocked Henrietta. She was wearing her beautiful wedding dress that had just been finished. She had originally planned to head to Germania by carriage after the dress had been finished.
She was like a blooming flower in the meeting room. But no one had even noticed.
"Albion states that our fleet attacked them first! However our fleet says they only did a cannon salute."
"Accidents can cause misunderstandings."
"Let's hold a meeting in Albion to sort this out! Perhaps there is still a chance to mend this misunderstanding!"
While the powerful nobles stated their opinions, the Cardinal Mazarin nodded.
"Right. Dispatch a special envoy to Albion. We will approach this cautiously, before it turns into a total war over a mere misunderstanding."
At that moment, an urgent report arrived.
The messenger carrying the letter from the carrier owl, rushed into the meeting room.
"It's an urgent report! After landing, the Albion fleet has started capturing land!"
"Where did they land?"
"The outskirts of La Rochelle! It seems like in the field of Tarbes!"
／人◕ . ◕人＼
In the garden of her parents' house, Siesta hugged her young siblings, watching the skies with an uneasy face. An explosion had been heard not long before in the direction of La Rochelle. Surprised, she went out to the garden and saw the dreadful scene in the sky. Numerous ships were on fire and sinking, crashing onto the mountain's surface and dropping into the middle of the forest.
The village was in a state of confusion. A short while later, a large ship had descended from the sky. The ship, so large that it could be easily mistaken for a cloud, dropped its anchor on the field in the village.
Numerous dragons flew out of it.
"Sister, what's happening?" asked her younger brothers and sisters.
"Let's get in the house," urged Siesta, hiding her fear.
Inside the house, her parents were looking out the windows with troubled expressions.
"Isn't that Albion's fleet?" her father said, looking at the ship anchored in the field.
"Could it be … A war?"
Her father shook his head.
"That's not possible. We have a non-aggression treaty with Albion. The lord proclaimed it recently."
"Then why is the sky full of sinking ships?"
The dragons flying above the ship headed towards the village. Her father grasped his wife and stepped away from the window. With loud cries, the dragons descended upon the village and set the houses on fire.
Her mother screamed. The house was alight and the glass from the windows scattered everywhere. The village was saturated in the blazing flames, roaring of the dragons and the shrieking of the people. Carrying her unconscious mother, the father turned to Siesta, who was shaking.
"Siesta! Take your siblings and run to the forest!"
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Straddling a large wind dragon, a cold, indifferent smile crossed on Cobalt's darkened face as he trampled on this place. The dragoons under his command rode fire dragons.
A wind dragon cannot match a fire dragon in power, but surpasses a fire dragon in speed.
He had chosen the wind dragon solely because he was commanding. To clear the path for the main force, Cobalt mercilessly set the village on fire. In the background, soldiers were dropping down one by one with ropes from the Lexington. The field was an excellent strategic foothold for the invading troops.
From the direction of the field, dozens of the neighboring lord's troops were charging forward. The Tristainian troops could pose a significant threat to the soldiers disembarking onto the field.
Cobalt signaled his underlings to crush the small opposition force. A barrage of fire magic flew from the dragons but still, the Tristainians ferociously charged forward. The reckless force was utterly devastated by the dragon's flames.
／人◕ . ◕人＼
It was past noon. Reports of the events came bursting in the conference room.
"The lord of Tarbes has died in battle!"
"The scout sent to investigate the dragoons has not returned!"
"We still haven't received a reply from Albion regarding our enquiries!"
Meaningless discussions repeated themselves in the conference room.
"We should request aid from Germania!"
"Aggravating the matter like that would…"
"How about attacking them with our whole dragoon force?"
"Round up the remaining ships! All of them! No matter how old or small!"
"Let's dispatch a special envoy! Attacking them will only give them an excuse to engage in a total war!"
The meeting could not reach an agreement. Mazarin was having difficulty coming to a conclusion himself. He was still hoping for a way to settle things diplomatically.
Amongst the heated debate, Henrietta looked at the wind ruby she wore on her ring finger. It was a memento from Wales. She was reminded of the man's face she entrusted herself to.
'Did I not vow upon this ring back then?'
'If my dear Wales has courageously died then… I too should live courageously.'
"Tarbes is up in flames!"
She was surprised at her own voice but quickly regained her composure. With a deep breath, she stood up. Everyone looked at her. Henrietta spoke in a trembling voice.
"Aren't you all ashamed of yourselves?"
"Princess?"
"Our lands are being captured by enemies. There are things we need to do before bickering about alliances and special envoys, isn't there?"
"But… princess… It's just some tension caused by a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding? How can you still say that? Sinking a ship during a cannon salute is a bit extreme isn't it?"
"We have signed a non-aggression treaty. It was an accident."
"And that treaty is broken as easily as paper. They had no intention of keeping that treaty. It was just a lie to gain time. Albion's actions clearly show that they have intention to war."
"But…"
Henrietta hit the table and started yelling.
"The blood of our people is being spilled while we are doing this! Is it not the duty of nobles to protect them? For what reason do we bear royal and noble names? Have they not let us reign over them so we can protect them in times of need like this?"
Everyone was speechless. Henrietta continued with a cold voice.
"You're all scared, aren't you? Albion is a large country after all. If we counterattack our chances of winning are slim. Is it because you think you will be held responsible as one of the leaders of the counter attack after the battle is lost? You all plan to cower here to lengthen your lives?"
"Princess," interjected Mazarin.
"However," Henrietta continued.
"I will ride forth. You can continue your meeting here."
Henrietta burst out of the conference room. Mazarin and numerous nobles tried to hold her back.
"Princess! You should rest before your wedding!"
"Ugh! It's so hard to run in this!"
Henrietta tore her wedding dress so that it was above her knees and threw the torn piece at Mazarin's face.
"Perhaps you should go get married instead." She smiled at the Mazarin,
She turned to race towards the courtyard.
"My carriage and my guards! Come!" she yelled when she reached the courtyard.
Her carriage was brought, led by the holy beasts, unicorns.
The remaining magical defense squad in the courtyard assembled at once on Henrietta's call.
She unfastened one unicorn and straddled it.
"I shall command the troops! Regiments, assemble!" she yells,
Aware of the situation, every soldier saluted simultaneously.
Henrietta hit the unicorn's stomach.
The unicorn magnificently raised its hooves up high under the bright sun and set off.
"Follow the princess!" cried the soldiers while following Henrietta, mounted on the beasts.
"Follow! A delay brings shame to the family name!"
The nobles in the courtyard dashed out. The word spread through the regiments scattered about the town.
Watching this absent-mindedly, Mazarin looked up at the skies.
"I knew we would go to war with Albion someday, despite my efforts, but… our country is not prepared."
He was not concerned about his own life. He bore the worries of his country in his own way, and for the sake of the people, he had made his decision. Even if it meant a small sacrifice, he didn't want to engage in a lost battle.
But, it was as the princess said. His efforts and devotion to diplomacy had been boiled away. Of what use is clinging to it? There are things to be taken care of first.
One of the high-class nobles whispered in Mazarin's ear.
"Cardinal, about the special envoy…"
Mazarin slapped the nobles face with his cap. He coiled the torn piece from the wedding dress, which Henrietta had thrown at him, on his head.
"Damn that envoy! All of you! To your horses! If we let the princess go alone we will be forever cast in shame!"
／人◕ . ◕人＼
Author's notes:
WHAT THE HECK HAVE I DONE!
I have no idea why… stuff just came flooding in…
New shit is coming right up… maybe…
Well now, I have no idea where this thing will end up anymore;
Looks like this might end up as anybody's game…
Dammit! I need a new job!
Don't mind me; it's just me venting my annoyances to the world I'm currently in.
*shrugs*
Well, laters.
Pray that I could keep this up.
If not... just tell me and I'll stop...
XD