Chapter 8

- POV: Private First Class Brenner -

Count Mott wore the stupidest outfit I'd ever seen. Baggy pants, a blue and red shirt-like something, a red cape, and the stupidest frilled collar to fit around the smug bastard's neck. That mustache was equally as stupid as well. But I wasn't too concerned about that. I was more or less worried about the girl behind her, wearing a red maid's outfit - with her skirt going up to her knees compared to it going down to her ankles back at the school.

"B-Brenner? What're you doing here?" Siesta cried. She looked panicked - no, she looked scared. We were currently in the Count's private study, with bookshelves and comfortable couches decorating the room.

I threw her a lazy two fingered salute. "I came to talk to this guy about you," I said. "I planned on opening negotiations. Though if he's been trying anything with you-"

"No! He hasn't..." Siesta tried to protest, but the quivering look in her face held an unspoken word.

"Yet."

"I see," I muttered as I crossed my arms. Time to act like a nice person, specifically what I thought cars salesmen talked like. "Well, I've been hoping to talk to the count about releasing you. In exchange for...something. What that something is, I haven't figured out yet. Though I'm pretty damn sure the count knows what he wants more than I do," I explained - keeping my voice calm.

"Oh? And what's your relation to Siesta here?" Mott asked, crossing his own arms in response.

"She's a great friend. Loved by the school she works at, by both servants and nobles," I said as I eyed the count with clear disdain - though my goggles were still up, so he likely couldn't see my narrowed eyes. "Me included. So I wanted to see if I can do something to get you to release her."

"Hmm," the count said, looking back at the nervous Siesta before turning back to me. "Are you a noble or a peasant?"

"I'm a soldier," I said, not answering him clearly. Without warning, I drew my rifle - eliciting quick action from the guards. "And I'm gonna do what I have to in order to keep that girl safe."

Count Mott growled in response. "You dare draw a weapon against me?!"

"Brenner, no!" Siesta cried - her voice full of heart leaping terror.

"Like I said, I'm gonna do whatever I need to," I said, dead serious. "But I'm not one to take life and not feel sick over it. Causing death isn't something I've come to terms with. So I want to do something else. One where no one gets hurt, where you and I both get something out of it."

Count Mott clenched his fists before sighing, calming himself down as he raised his hand. The guards lowered their polearms. "Well, I suppose I can find it in myself to be very generous and accept your offer," he said. "I do have something I've been searching for..."

"What is it?" I asked, lowering my rifle in response to the standing down of his guards.

The Count cleared his throat and turned away, facing his bookshelf as he began to speak. "...I do have a hobby of collecting printed matter. But there is one book in particular, a book that I've desired for so long I can barely remember when I started," he said. "It's a book that a mage had summoned by accident in an experiment, very long ago."

"A book?" I muttered. "Alright then, where can I find it?"

"In the Institute," Count Mott answered, crossing his arms. "It's the family heirloom of an established family line in Germania. The Zerbst family."

"Zerbst? Oh...I gotta talk to Kirche again?" I groaned.

"Hm? You know of the heiress of the Zerbst family?" the Count asked, interested.

"Yeah. She and I are...friends. A weird sort of friend." I scratched my head awkwardly. "If you consider flirting with you over a bunch of others a kind of friend...I wasn't aware she had an heirloom then." Then again, I didn't have a clue how entire noble families worked here.

"If you two are friends, then you shouldn't have any issues convincing her to hand this heirloom to me," the Count said with a victorious grin. "If you bring this book to me, I'll release Siesta in your care and forgive any and all transgressions made against me."

"Deal," I said, holding out a hand. Mott looked at my hand in indignant confusion and I sighed, lowering my hand awkwardly. "Right - the whole peasant and noble barrier, forgot about it..." I turned to Siesta and came over to her. "I'll be back as soon as possible, alright?"

"I...you shouldn't have come here," Siesta whimpered. I felt bad immediately - I probably gave her one hell of a scare when the Garand came out.

"It'll be fine. You'll be back with everyone in school in no time, alright?" I asked. I gave her a little hug before looking at the Count. "You better not touch her until I'm back, alright?"

"Hmmph. Nobleman's honor," the Count scoffed. And with that, I left the estate under heavy guard, only being let to walk by myself as soon as I left the gates, jogging my way back to the school to get this done as soon as possible.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? Your master might not like it very much," Derflinger said as soon as the guards were outside of hearing range.

"It'll be fine. Picking up a book will be as quick as a trip to the library," I said.

"Well, maybe even faster if your ride lets you continue on your quest," Derflinger remarked.

"Hm?" I mumbled in confusion, and I looked ahead to see a pink haired girl on a horse, galloping right towards me. "Louise?"

Louise pulled on the reins, stopping a few feet in front of me. And she looked mad. "What do you think you're doing?! Get on!" I didn't complain, climbing on and holding onto Louise as she turned the horse around, galloping back towards the school. "What do you think you were doing when you decided to go to Count Mott's estate?"

"I planned on negotiating with him for Siesta's release," I explained quickly. "No fighting involved."

"It actually went pretty well," Derflinger said. "No fighting, considering his status as a peasant."

Thank you, Derflinger.

"Well regardless of how well it seemingly went or didn't go, there isn't anything you can do, especially against a noble!" Louise cried, leaning forward a little as she stared ahead, where the school was just coming into view. "If you tried to start something with that count-"

"I made an agreement with him to return Siesta to the school. He wanted something, a book," I explained, having to interrupt her rant. Indeed, Louise stopped talking, allowing me to continue. "He said it was a Zerbst family heirloom. It's the only thing he's wanted for his collection, so I agreed to get it for him in return for Siesta's transfer back to the school."

"I see. Well regardless, do you know how risky it was to go there?" Louise asked. "What if you were executed on the spot? Or if you said something wrong and got us both in trouble? You know, as your master, all of your actions reflect on me as well!"

I sighed. "I didn't want to drag you into this. I just...I can't let anyone be left behind," I said. "I won't leave her trapped in that snob's place any longer than she has to."

Louise sighed. "I pity her situation, I really do. But against someone as wealthy and powerful as Count Mott, your chances of him keeping his word are slim to none," she said. Her tone wasn't as heated now - I noticed. "There's a good chance he can simply make an accusation against my family name, keep both whatever he wanted from you and Siesta, and get away with it."

"Then come with me," I said, gripping her hand on the reins, though not pulling in case that startled the horse. "Help me convince Kirche to give me that heirloom and come with me to bring Siesta back. She's a nice girl and she's helped me time and time again. If I recall, she was there when I was recovering from my duel with Guiche as well."

"You fought a duel before you picked me up?" Derflinger asked.

"Not the time," I quickly hissed. Louise looked down as we approached the school, deep in thought. "Please, you know she doesn't deserve this," I said.

Louise stopped the horse by the stables, and the both of us slid off the saddle, with me guiding the horse back to its pen by the reins. "Fine, I'll come with you on this," Louise said after a silent moment of thought. "I know you only want to help...but you know it won't be this easy, right?"

"I know. But I won't retreat, not on something like this," I said, tying the reins to the post and looking back at Louise - to see her dead serious expression turning to face me. I could tell she was very much pissed off, but I wasn't about to back down. "I have to see this through."

"Hah, that's the spirit! Get that girl!" Derflinger laughed.

"You're staying in the room," I answered to that rather crude remark.

"Oh, come on! If there's a fight, then I have to be there!" Derflinger complained.

"Hopefully, there won't need to be one," I muttered.

We made our way to the dorms - up the stairs to Louise's room to drop a complaining Derflinger off before we headed to Kirche's room down the hall. "Here's hoping she even has it," I mumbled before knocking - with my fist. A single hard pound on the door rang out rather loudly in the hallway.

"Shhh!" Louise hissed. "If we wake up anyone else, we'll be in big trouble!"

The door opened before I could answer, and Kirche - once again in those skimpy sleeping clothes - was there. "Oh?" she asked, rubbing her eyes tiredly before she smirked upon seeing me. "Hmm...a late night visit from my favorite man in the school? My, what's a girl to think?"

"I need a favor. Do you have a Zerbst family heirloom? A book of sorts," I asked. Louise was waiting in the hallway, right next to the door. Judging by the frown on her face, she was clearly expecting something to happen - which it did.

"Oh? And what will I get in return for this favor?" Kirche asked as she backed into the room, emphasizing the sway of her hips as she took my hand, pulling me in all the while. "Perhaps...a physical favor? I have been feeling so sore...and I need a gentle touch to feel much better..."

"Cut the crap! We know you have the book, we just need it and we'll be on our way!" Louise stepped in, with a scowl on her face and her arms crossed across her chest.

"Oh. Zero," Kirche frowned. "Hm, and why should I part with this heirloom in particular - with you of all people?"

"I'm doing this to help Brenner," Louise said before adopting a nasty smirk on her face. "And it's a book. We know for a fact that you don't like to read - I don't even think you can read."

"Hmmph. See what Louise is like? She's ever so rude...I bet she even claims plenty of lies as truth," Kirche said as she turned to grin at Louise. "She even says she saw you naked, even though she's ever so prudish."

I blinked and quickly turned around to face Louise, unable to stop my incredulous reply. "You told her about that?" I asked.

"What?!" Kirche squeaked.

"Look, someone might be in danger, and we need that book to convince the guy holding her for her release back to the school," I said, turning back to the shell-shocked Kirche. "You know Siesta, right? She got dragged to Count Mott's house. We need to get her back."

"Oh? If it's the count that wants her, then what he's doing is perfectly legal," Kirche said, crossing her own arms under her assets. "In fact, going against the Count is sure to end poorly..."

"But Siesta doesn't want this. She was forced to go and she can't just leave. Someone has to liberate her," I said. Kirche blinked, and I realized what I'd said. "Sorry...liberate her. Stupid term for this situation...but I can't just stand by and let this happen."

Kirche's cheeks actually turned bright red, and she whirled away to face the window. "I...I see," she said. "Well, in that case, I simply can't stand by and leave you without help." She turned to a large chest resting next to her wardrobe against the wall and bent over - with me looking away awkwardly as she opened it.

As she dug around, I felt Louise approach, tapping me on the arm. "Do you really mean all of that?" Louise asked.

"Yeah. I told you on the way back too," I said.

"I know, but...that sense of righteousness most often tends to be limited to the rare part of nobility, such as the knights, or those that refuse corruption," Louise said. "Those are very few throughout Halkeginia..."

"Well I'm not from here, am I?" I said as Kirche got up, brushing something off in her hands. "I was raised to do the right thing. Hell, I think I actually had it beaten into me as a kid. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Kirche handed me a book sealed in a leather casing with a lock built into it, as well as a silver key. "Here," she said with a grin. "My father said it was a tool for marriage, and it has the effective stimulants that makes a man want to go crazy..."

"Eh heh...that sounds kinda scary," I said, even though I knew full well what she meant.

"In any case, I did just take a peek inside, and I definitely wouldn't like to use something like this. Bring this to the Count," Kirche said before leaning in close - very close. "And stop by more often when you get back...it does get so lonely without a rugged gentleman to show me affection..." Her breath tickled - no, washed over my ear as she said this, and I couldn't stop the shudder that went through my body.

"Okay, we're done! Thank you, Kirche!" Louise shouted, dragging me out and closing the door behind her as she stormed down the hall - with me still in tow.

We ended up heading back to the stables, grabbing the horse and galloping our way back to the estate of Count Mott, with the book and key nestled safely in my jacket. "Ugh, that Kirche!" Louise growled. "Why does she always have to come onto someone whenever she feels like it?"

I chuckled. "I dunno...I gave up understanding her a while ago," I said. "In all seriousness. Thanks, Louise. I know you didn't wanna do this...but I appreciate the support."

"Hmph. Don't get used to it. The next time you do decide to do something stupid without telling me, I'll drag you back and punish you myself," Louise grumbled.

"So I have to tell you that I'm doing something stupid before I actually do it?" I asked. Louise turned back to me - a death glare plastered across her face. "Okay...I'm just gonna shut up now," I said, my smile falling off my face.

We arrived at Count Mott's mansion a good twenty minutes of fast horse riding later, and I hopped out to quickly run towards the door, where several guards were waiting. "Brenner!" Louise called.

"I won't cause any trouble, it'll just be a minute!" I called back as I turned to face the garrison detachment that was blocking my way.

"Halt!" one of them shouted.

"I have something for Count Mott!" I quickly shouted back. "He's expecting me!"

The guards raised their spears before one of them pushed his way forward. "It's him," he said. "Alright, no funny business, alright?"

"Yep," I said. "Where is he?"

"In his living room," the guard said, and he began to escort me to the door. After navigating the enormous house for a few minutes, I was finally brought to Mott's location - where he was sitting comfortably on his couch, reading a book with Siesta standing in the corner of the room, near the fireplace.

"You've returned," the count said. "So, have you obtained it?"

I pulled out the book and tossed it on the coffee table in front of him with a little clatter. Siesta winced, as if that would set off the Count's temper - but he instead dropped the book in his hands and reached for the heirloom. "Finally, I have the - wait, it's locked!" he complained.

I held up the key in my hand. "I'll hand this over nicely if you let Siesta return with me," I said. "That was our deal, was it not?"

Count Mott frowned deeply at my words before sighing. "Siesta, you are hereby released from my service to this...individual," he said. Siesta's eyes widened, and I walked over - handing the key to the Count.

"Pleasure doing business with you," I said before turning to see Siesta running towards me. I was barely able to bring my hands up to catch her as she jumped into me, her own arms wrapped tightly around my neck.

"Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you!" the maid cried, burying her face in my jacket. I backed off awkwardly, dragging Siesta with me before stopping. After a moment, Siesta let go and stood up, her face blushing bright red as she quickly brushed her hands off of her apron. "Ahem...I-I'm sorry," she said.

I couldn't help myself - and I rubbed her head affectionately. "Come on. Do you have things you brought with you?" I asked. She nodded, and I smiled. "Then grab them. Louise is outside with a horse."

"Louise came to help me?" Siesta asked nervously.

"Yeah. And she doesn't like it if I end up taking her too long," I said, pulling my goggles off and placing them back around my helmet. I'd forgotten that I was basically wearing them for the past hour and a half.

"Oh! Of course," Siesta exclaimed, quickly hurrying out of the room. I turned to see the leather book casing on the table, and the open book in an eager Mott's hands.

A colored image of a naked lady was on the cover surrounded by letters. Japanese letters.

Wait a minute.

"Wait," I muttered. "Mott, you said-"

"It's Count Mott," the man responded.

"Yeah, whatever. You said that book was summoned in an experiment a long time ago?" I asked. "Do you happen to know any details?"

"Hm? No, I don't," Mott said. "Why do you ask?"

I frowned. "Because...I think..." I stopped myself. "No, probably not. It doesn't matter anyways...just being curious is all."

The sleazy grin on the Count's face returned. "Yes, I can understand your curiosity. It's odd that summons can produce such beautiful pieces of art. And I finally have one!" he giggled.

I had a good idea of what he wanted to do next, and I sighed. "Uh huh. I'm gonna go now," I mumbled, and the Count simply waved a hand at the door as I left.

I found Siesta dressed in her old work outfit, holding a brown leather suitcase. "I-I'm ready to leave now," she said, bowing politely. She sure did bow down a lot. I took the suitcase from her hand and clapped her shoulder lightly with a comforting smile - at least I hoped I was comforting. It looked like I was, given the smile on her face.

"Come on, let's go home," I said, leading Siesta down the stairs of the estate towards the front gate, where Louise was waiting on her horse.

"About time you got here! It's really late, come on!" Louise complained, waving hastily at us. I helped Siesta climb up on the saddle behind Louise, who in turn held out her hand for me.

"Not enough space. I'll walk," I said, much to Louise's and Siesta's surprise.

"Are you sure? It's about an hour's walk from here," Siesta said.

"Don't be dumb, Brenner. It's already close to midnight now," Louise scolded.

"I don't mind. Honestly, I don't," I said. "It's been a while since I had a long walk in the night. You can ride back - I'll be alright. Promise."

Siesta looked worriedly between me and Louise, fully expecting Louise to be too tired and agree to leave me in the dust. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the same. But to both of our surprise, she simply shook her head. "I wouldn't be a good master if I left you alone. So we'll all go back together," she said.

She lightly snapped the reins, and the horse began to walk - easily matching a normal person's pace down the road back to the school. Shaking my head, I moved to walk alongside them.

"I just wanted to thank you again...I was a bit scared about what Count Mott would have me do...as his mistress," Siesta said.

"You should probably thank Louise and Kirche more than me," I said, scratching the back of my neck as I spoke. "She did help a lot. And Kirche did agree to give us the book without too much trouble."

"Hm. I only agreed to Brenner's request because he pleaded with me so much. If you think I'll do something like this for you again-" Louise began.

"Louise, you don't have to keep doing that. I know you helped because you wanted to," I said, cutting off the girl on horseback. "It's okay to say that you care. It's what makes you a good person."

"Indeed. I'm very grateful to the both of you," Siesta said before she hugged Louise on horseback - making her tense up immediately. Siesta released her hug immediately, suddenly very nervous. "Oh! I-I'm sorry, I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."

"...no. No it's fine," Louise said quietly, the soft tone a far cry from how she normally was. "You're...you're welcome." I smiled to myself. Louise was pretty damn awkward when receiving compliments, especially since she was likely not used to ever getting one.

The trip back to the school was a quiet one, reaching the grounds in the next hour. Siesta and I stayed behind to get the horse back to her pen while Louise went back to her room - utterly exhausted from the past few hours.

Soon, Siesta and I were walking back to the dorms - Siesta having taken her suitcase back. "I wanted to thank you again for rescuing me from Count Mott's employment," she said again. "I have to admit that I was a little bit worried that you would...start fighting. Like in that duel against Lord Guiche..."

"Yeah, maybe drawing my Garand was a bit overkill," I muttered to myself. I was still deep in thought about that erotic Japanese book in his hands - the picture on the cover was in color as well, which was completely unheard of back in America. "But still, I was serious. I'd fight to keep you safe - whether that smarmy bastard is a noble or not."

Siesta looked down, her face hard to see now. "In any case, you were the one to come to Mott's estate and talk to him," she said quietly. "I owe my freedom to you..."

"Oh, you don't owe me a thing, just-" I began before Siesta gripped my shoulders and went on her tippy toes to reach my face. A warm and wet sensation pecked itself on my cheek, and I stopped talking.

With that second long moment having come and gone, a very flustered Siesta quickly turned away and began to run. "G-good night!" she managed to squeak out as she disappeared into the door towards the servant's quarters, leaving me touching my cheek as I looked at her.

"Hm," I mumbled, feeling a little warm inside as I turned to head back to the dorms. I felt a smile materializing itself on my face, and I sighed. "She's so nice."

I entered the dorms and quickly returned to the room to see Louise asleep in bed, the hint of a pink sleeping gown seen underneath the covers. Her own school uniform was draped over the nearest chair. So she changed by herself?

"Hey, partner," Derflinger's tinny voice said - quietly from his spot on the table. "So how'd it go? Short, pink, and bossy over there didn't say a thing when I asked."

"Well...no fighting occurred," I said as I lay down on my blanket. "Anyways, I guess I should take up sword fighting lessons tomorrow. No use having a sword if I don't know how to use one. Can't rely on my guns too much either - not with limited ammo anyways."

"Oh, I don't think that'll be much of an issue," Derflinger said, a bit too mysteriously for my tastes. When I asked what he meant, he simply said "You'll see soon." before he slid back into his scabbard.

"...weird," I mumbled before I drifted off to sleep.