Louise was seated in the east courtyard of the Academy of Magic, commonly known as Austri, and frantically knitting. The spring weather was beginning to change as summer approached, but Louise could still be seen in her spring clothing. Even during the summer, it was quite dry instead of humid.
Ten days had passed since they had returned from Albion. Today was an off day. Without even eating dessert, Louise came to the courtyard after her meal to knit. Sometimes, she would give her hands a rest. Louise sighed heavily and looked at what she had started to knit. Looking at the scene from the side, it was much like a painting. Sitting there quietly, Louise looked like a beautiful girl enjoying her hobby on a clear day. When she was small, her mother told her that if she had no talent for magic, she should at least have something she was good at, and so her mother taught her how to knit. But it seemed like the heavens did not give Louise any talent in knitting. Louise had planned to knit a sweater. However, regardless of how favorably she looked upon it, it looked more like a distorted muffler. Actually it was more like an object complicatedly entangled with wool. Louise stared bitterly at the object and let out another sigh.
The face of the maid working in the kitchen resurfaced in her mind. Louise knew that she was making food for Zero. That girl can cook well. Kirche has good looks. What do I have? Harboring these thoughts, she decided to try her hobby, knitting, but it seemed like time hadn't improved her skills at all.
Just as she was becoming slightly depressed from staring at the thing she was knitting, someone tapped her on the shoulder. It was Kirche.
"What are you doing Louise?"
Kirche gave her usual smile that seemed like she was looking down on her, and sat next to Louise.
Kirche put her hands on Louise's shoulders and smiled, almost purposefully. "Did you hear? Albion's new government proposed a non-aggression treaty. Cheers to the peace that we brought about."
Louise replied halfheartedly. "Zero is convinced that they'll attack anyhow. He just said that the destruction of their army will simply make them wait a little longer while they regroup. He feels that they maybe used a tenth of their force at most for single battle. He said, that as a former commander that it didn't make sense to do any more than that. Unforeseen circumstances could easily lead to a much greater loss..."
Kirche nodded, then asked brightly,"By the way, what were you knitting?"
Louise blushed deeply. "I-I wasn't knitting anything."
"You were. you're holding it in your hands!" Kirche grabbed it from the smaller girl.
"Hey, give it back!" Louise was trying to take it back, but Kirche easily restrained her.
"What is it?" asked Kirche, dumbfounded while looking at the object.
"I-It's a sweater."
"A sweater? It looks more like a starfish. And a new species at that. Or could it possibly be a crab?"she laughed.
"As if I would knit something like that!" Louise finally snatched her knitting back, and looked downwards, embarrassed.
"Why are you knitting a sweater?"
"None of your business."
"That's ok. I know why anyway."
Kirche put her hands on Louise's shoulders again and approached her face.
"You were knitting it for your familiar weren't you?"
"N-No! I would never do such a thing!" cried Louise, with a bright red face.
"You're really easy to understand you know. You like him, right? Why?", asked Kirche while looking into Louise's eyes.
"I-I don't like him. You're the one who likes him. That idiot doesn't have any good qualities."
"You know Louise, when you lie, you're earlobes shake. Did you know that?"
Louise quickly grabbed her earlobes. Realizing that it was a lie, she returned her hands to her knees in a flustered manner.
"A-Anyhow, I won't give him to you. He's my familiar anyway."
Kirche laughed and said, "It's good that you want him for yourself. But I'm not the one you are worrying about, I think."
"What do you mean?"
"Perhaps that kitchen maid?"
Louise's eyes shifted.
"Heh, so I was right?"
"N-Not really…"
"If you go to your room now, you might see something interesting."
Louise stood up quickly.
"I thought you didn't like him?" Said Kirche in a playful tone.
"I only forgot something!" cried Louise while dashing off.
***Break***
Zero was sitting against the wall, some paper and a lead pencil in one hand. He'd agreed to help Colbert with at least the rudimentary designs for an engine, but this wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. He had been a pilot, and had known enough to make combat repairs on the different aircraft he had been qualified for. He knew how they worked. But an internal combustion engine was just so much more complicated, for far less results. Not that a jet engine would be helpful in this world anyhow. He continued sketching as he shook his head. X was the one who did this well, but for some reason that earnest enthusiasm that Colbert had made Zero want to help.
Zero looked up as someone knocked on the door. Who could it be? If it was Louise, she wouldn't knock. It's probably Guiche or Kirche? "It's not locked," Zero called out.
The door opened and Siesta popped her head in.
"Siesta."
"Umm…" She was in her usual maid uniform but looked slightly different. Her done up silky black hair dangled on her forehead and the freckles on her face emitted some charm. She was holding a large silver tray, filled with food.
"Um, you haven't come to the kitchen recently…"
Zero nodded. He'd been busy since he'd gotten back.
"So I was worried that you might be hungry…" Siesta said nervously.
"Thanks. I've been dealing with a lot of stuff since I've been back. Mr. Colbert has me doing some sketching and calculations on creating an engine for him. Once the man gets a hold of an idea he doesn't let go."
Siesta looked at him puzzled for a moment,"An engine?" Then shaking her head slightly as she noticed the pieces of paper with drawings on them. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was interrupting you. I'm just being a nuisance again..."Siesta hung her head slightly. She sniffed once.
"N-No, that's not it at all! I'm really happy that you brought me food! I'm actually hungry right now!" he said, with some eagerness. Even though he wasn't really hungry he could do with some food, and she looked like she was about to cry.
"Really?" Siesta's face brightened."Well, eat to your heart's content."
The small table was crammed full of food. Siesta sat next to Zero, smiling.
"Is it good?" asked Siesta.
"Yeah, it's really good." Zero said, thankful again for the bounty this world had.
"Eat all you want then." Siesta gazed at Zero who was eating in a hungry fashion.
"Thank you very much. There haven't been too many people who've ever cared enough to check up on me," Zero said simply
"I don't see why. You're really nice. And I'm really happy that you like the food so much! The cooks would be really happy if they saw you eating like this, so make sure that you come to the kitchen sometimes." Blushing, she wiped her eyes with her hands.
"I made that one," said Siesta in a shy voice.
"Really?"
"Yeah. It was difficult to make it in the kitchen, but because you're eating it, I'm glad I did it."
Zero appreciated the good food, and that she'd made it herself was sweet of her.
The atmosphere between them was very tense, at least for Siesta. She suddenly said in a flustered tone, "Z-zero!"
"Yes?"
"Umm." Siesta paused, as if trying to choose the right words. "We haven't talked much since you saved me. I wanted to thank you!"
Zero nodded. "I didn't do it for thanks. I just did it because you needed help. So don't worry about it, ok?"
"Headmaster Osmand gave me two-thousand new gold..." Siesta said after a few minutes.
"So you're free now? You don't need to work away from your family anymore?" Zero said, a hint of regret in his voice. She'd been the only person here who hadn't underestimated or looked down on him. She'd been probably the only thing that kept him from going off when he first got here.
"About that... You know that the only reason I was working here was to help my family." Siesta said.
"I do. I also know that's why you got involved with Mott," Zero said, spitting the name.
"Well. That was the only reason that I was working here. But I have a new reason now," she said, as glanced up with a determined look. "My village is actually a very nice place. It's called Tarbes. It's about three days from here by horse, in the direction of La Rochelle."
Zero listened intently while eating the food.
"It's a very remote village and there's nothing really special there but… it has a very spacious and beautiful field. During the spring, the spring flowers bloom and during the summer, the summer flowers bloom. It's like a sea of flowers, as far as the eye can see, past the horizon. It should be very beautiful at the moment…" Said Siesta, eyes closed as if she were drowning in memories.
"Sounds nice…" Zero wondered when he'd last seen anything resembling a field of flowers.
"Oh, why didn't I think of it before!" cried Siesta who suddenly grasped Zero's hand.
"W-What?"
"Do you want to visit my village Zero?"
"Huh?"
"There's a special holiday for us. It's been quite a long time since I've returned to the village… If it's ok, please come. I want to show you that beautiful field of flowers. My village has this really nice way of cooking stew as well. It's called "Yosenabe". It's made from vegetables that people don't usually use. I really want to let you taste it!"
"Wait what? What was the name of the stew?"
"Yosenabe. Its something that my grandfather came up with. Everyone Eats from the same dish. My grandfather believed that eating from the same pot made for closer relationships with family and friends," she blushed and looked away when she talked of relationships.
"That's... That's unbelievable," Zero said, completely caught off guard. He knew that form of cooking. That and the pronunciation. It wasn't anything like the french off-shoot of this world. That was a Japanese word through and through.
"Oh, its nothing like that. My grandfather was a little weird," she said, as she looked away.
Zero looked closely at Siesta, causing her to blush. He wondered how he had missed it before. The dominant asian traits were there. Her dark hair, the dark eyes, and the slight tone of her skin. Shaking his head, "I'd be happy to see your village. But why is it so important to you?"
"…You showed me that there's a possibility," said Siesta, nervously looking downwards.
"A possibility?"
"Yes. A possibility that even commoners can win against nobles. We live in fear of the nobles. Knowing that there are people who don't live like that makes me happy, as if their happiness was my happiness. Everyone in the kitchen believes that as well. I want to show such a person to my hometown…" said Siesta.
"I see…" Zero felt embarrassed. Did the commoners here really have it that badly?
"Of course, it's not only that. I also want to show Zero the village… But, if I bring a man back suddenly, my family will be shocked. What should I do…" Suddenly Siesta blushed deeply and whispered, "I can just say you're my husband."
"Wait, wait. What!" Zero asked dumbfounded. She was determined, Zero could give her that.
"If I say it's because we're getting married, they'll be happy. My mother, father, brother and sister will all be happy."
"Siesta?"
When Siesta glanced at Zero, who was staring at her dumbfounded, she shook her head."Sorry! That will be troublesome! Haha!"
Embarrassed, Zero replied, "S-Siesta, you're really bold sometimes."
Siesta blushed once again. "I'm not being bold or anything. I just wanted to let you know my feelings..."
"Actually, where I'm from, that's pretty much the definition of bold," Zero deadpanned.
"When I left home, my mother told me to not show anyone my body except to my chosen man." And with that, Siesta reached out and grasped Zero's hand placing it gently on her chest."I would show you if you simply ask." She said, in a gentle tone.
"Y-You're joking…right?" Zero asked as he pulled his hand back.
"It wasn't a joke. Even now…"
"What about now?"
Siesta looked straight into Zero's face. "Am I not attractive?"
"No, that's not it at all." She was attractive. He couldn't deny that at all.
"Really? Then would you like me to show it to you?" she asked looking into his eyes.
"What? How can you ask that?" Zero was panicking. Something in him told him he was walking a very dangerous line.
Siesta continued looking into Zero's eyes. Stop, Zero thought, feeling as though he were being drawn into those black eyes. They felt so nostalgic. Siesta hid her eyes sadly after a few more moment. Ah, don't look like that, I'll feel as though I've done something very bad.
"…I see, I'm not attractive. You have such a cute girl with you too…That La Vallière is a noble. I'm just a village girl after all, there is no way I can compare to that." Said Siesta sadly, sighing.
"No, it's not like that at all!" Zero protested. Why didn't she listen to his actual reasons? She always brushed them off.
"Zero..."
"You're really attractive. I can guarantee it. I promise I'm not lying."
She had been wondering whether to bring in the dessert or not. She supposed she should. While Zero was rambling on, and digging himself deeper into the hole, she closed her eyes and stood up. With a deep breath, she let her apron fall to the ground.
"Siesta!" Said Zero, shocked.
Siesta looked at him calmly. She was the kind of person who would be able to do anything once she had decided to do it. She started to undo the buttons on her blouse one by one.
"Siesta! I don't think it's a good idea!" cried Zero, shaking his head. Where was a pantheon army when you really needed a reason to leave fast?
"Don't worry." Her blouse was half undone. Her well-sized cleavage captured Zero's vision
"Wait! You can't do this for someone like me!" Zero said, as he jumped towards her.
Siesta, whom Zero was grasping by the shoulders, lost her balance and fell onto Louise's bed behind them, as if Zero had pushed her down.
"Sorry…" Zero said as he looked at her. He'd only meant to stop her.
Directly below Zero, Siesta lay with her blouse undone. Siesta put her hands on her chest and closed her eyes.
With superb timing, Louise had opened the door.
Within ten seconds, various things occurred.
One second: Louise noticed that Siesta was pushed onto the bed by Zero. Two seconds: Louise noticed that Siesta's blouse was undone. Three seconds: Zero and Siesta stood up flustered. Six seconds: Siesta buttoned up her blouse. Seven seconds: Siesta dashed out of the room, facing away from Louise. Eight seconds: Zero cried, "Wait, Siesta!" Nine seconds: Louise regained herself. Ten seconds: Just as Zero was about to explain what had happened, he ducked to avoid a kick to the head, as Louise sailed over him.
And with that, Louise was lying on the floor ten seconds after she had opened the door.
"What exactly were you doing!" she shouted as she got back to her feet.
"It is NOT what it looks like, Louise!" Zero shouted in protest.
"What were you doing on my bed?"
"It's a long story, Siesta was bringing me food and…"
"A familiar doing something like that on his master's bed. I can't forgive you."
"Oh come on, I didn't plan for anything like this at all!"
"That was the last straw." Tears started to fall from Louise's eyes.
Zero grasped Louise's shoulders. "Listen to me, it's a misunderstanding! That was not at all what you thought it was!"
"Enough already." Louise glared at Zero.
"What?"Zero asked. He couldn't understand why Louise was so angry. While it might have looked suspicious, she knew he wasn't like that. He wouldn't even watch her change for crying out loud!
"Get out."
"Louise, I'm serious. That was not what it looked like!"
"Get out! You're fired!"
Zero was also starting to feel angry. What the hell was going on with her? She wouldn't even listen to him! "I'm fired? You're not even going to listen to my side of the story?" he asked
"Yes, you're fired! I saw enough! You're just like Guiche! Go die in a ditch somewhere!"
Those were harsh words, no matter what he had done. All that, just because Siesta was on her bed. With her shirt open. Crap. But why wouldn't she at least listen to his side of the story? He hadn't even done anything. And here I thought she was becoming more reasonable, Zero thought to himself. "Ok, fine."
"I don't want to see your face ever again!"
Zero sighed as he grabbed Derflinger and left the room without another word.
Alone in the room, Louise laid on her bed. She put the blanket over her head.
So mean, Louise thought. It hasn't only been today. When I've been having lessons, he's been bringing that girl in and doing that and I didn't know. I won't forgive him. Louise bit her lip. So his feelings for her were all lies. Tears ran down her cheek. "I hate you... and you even kissed me." She whispered the words repeatedly, as if they were meant for herself. "… and you even kissed me."
***Break***
While searching for Beldandy, Guiche spotted a familiar young man in armor leaning against the wall of the Vestri courtyard. For some reason, he seemed to glow a bit.
His beloved familiar was next to Zero and Flame, both seemed to be enjoying the attention they were getting. "Beldandy, so you're here!"
Guiche got on his knees and rubbed the large mole's cheeks. The mole happily twitched its nose. "Beldandy, what are you doing here?"
"Eh, little rodent came up to me. Seemed like it was lonely so I decided to keep him company." He patted the head of the mole affectionately.
"What on earth are you doing? Shouldn't you be with Louise?" asked Guiche, surprised.
"I've been fired. So until the palace gets some information on those rebels, and decides to give me a mission I've more or less got nothing to do. Well, until Colbert goes over the plans I gave him for the engine. But even that's likely to be a week or two. Its funny how even those simple plans are so far above what you guys have." Zero said simply. He'd at least gotten his work done for Colbert before he'd been turned out.
Guiche turned to Zero. "So, you were driven out of Louise's room?"
Zero nodded.
"So you're just going to wait out here?"
Zero nodded again.
"Oh, I'm sorry I'm late. Here's your lunch."
It seemed like this maid from the kitchen was taking care of Zero.
"You really don't need to bring me the food Siesta, but I do appreciate it." Zero told her.
"You've drank this much already? I told you a bottle per day!" Siesta grabbed his hand while scolding him. There were already three empty bottles of wine. At least they weren't scattered about.
"Not like I can get drunk, and it tastes good," Zero countered.
"You guys! I told you to keep an eye on how much he drank!"
"Kyuru kyuru." Flame replied, sounding sad.
"My bad," Derflinger said after that, sounding sincere.
"Ya know, doesn't matter how sincere you sound Derf, when you challenged me to get drunk so you could see me act like an ass." Zero said as he laughed at the sword who had sheathed himself momentarily.
Siesta looked at him, and said "I'll come again in the evening! Don't drink too much! Its not healthy!" Then Siesta hurried away in the same fashion she had came.
Watching her leave, Guiche said with an artificial rose in his mouth, "Well, Louise would get angry if you were two timing."
"I'm not two timing! I'm not even involved with anyone, neither Louise nor Siesta! Seriously, this is pissing me the hell off!" a quick flash of red that died down followed that shout.
"Well whatever, but do you plan on living here?"
"No idea. If it comes down to it, I suppose I can do some work for money. But as it stands, this is still the most likely place to get me home."
"You're ruining the school's beautiful scenery."
"Shut up."
"You'll be told to get out if the teachers see you, you know?"
"Not likely. Would likely just put me into a recognizable position as Colbert's assistant, instead of the whole unofficial thing I've got going now. Then again, that might not be too bad. How would you like to address me as a teacher? I could probably convince Osmand and Colbert that I have enough knowledge that I could give the youth of tomorrow a better chance. And also torment you. But that goes without saying," Zero said with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Hey, give me back my Beldandy!" Guiche shouted, as Zero absently snapped his fingers, and patted the mole as it came to him.
***Break***
Meanwhile, Louise had been skipping class and staying in her bed, worrying endlessly. Three days had passed since she drove Zero out. He even kissed me, he even kissed me, he even kissed me, she thought endlessly. Having your pride hurt was really a terrible thing. She sadly glanced at the side of the bed Zero had been using for such a short period of time. That gentle smile, that cocky attitude. The way he had always come at just the right moment to save her. How his arms felt. How he never judged her lack of progress in magic... Why couldn't she stop thinking about him! Suddenly a knock came from the door. The first thought she had was that Zero had finally returned. Her sadness turned to joy, and within that joy she felt anger. Why am I glad he's back? I should not let him back in for coming back so late. The door opened. Louise jumped up and cried angrily. "Idiot! Where have you…eh?"
It was Kirche who had come in. Brushing her flaming hair, she smiled at Louise. "It's only me, sorry."
"What are you doing here?"
Louise went back to her bed. Kirche walked briskly to the bed and sat down. She threw away the blanket at once, revealing Louise curled up, sulking, in her negligee.
"You've been absent for three days now, so I came to see you. You might hate me, and my country, but you're still a friend," Kirche sighed heavily. Having a good conscience really did have its pains. She didn't think Louise would drive him out of the room. She thought it would be good for the two to have a fight and separate from each other a bit, but she didn't think Louise would go this far.
"So, what are you planning to do, now that you've driven your familiar out of your room?"
"None of your business."
Kirche looked at Louise coldly. On her rosy cheeks, there were rivulet vestiges of tears. She had probably been crying for a while now. "I knew you were foolishly arrogant and proud but I didn't think you were this cold hearted. They were just eating together."
"It wasn't only just that, of all things they were on my bed…" Louise muttered.
"Were they in each other's arms?"
Louise shook her head. "No, but her shirt was open, and he was standing over her!"
Kirche was quite shocked. To make a move on a girl who came to bring him food… Zero was pretty good. "Well, seeing the guy you like with a girl on your own bed must be quite a shock."
"I don't like him! It's just that they were doing that. And it was on my bed…"
"That's just an excuse. You drove him out because you like him, and you were angry with him." Kirche's words had hit the mark, yet Louise disagreed and pouted her lips. "I can't say I didn't see it coming. It's because you didn't give him anything. It's only natural he'd go flirt with another girl. He's not like some guys who go after anything female. But when you don't even give him even gentle encouragement..."
Louise remained silent.
"La Vallière, you're a strange girl you know. You're angry at and crying over a guy who you won't even kiss. You can't win like that…" said Kirche in a bored tone while standing up. "I'd do something to help you with Zero, but looking at you, i don't think you deserve it. I was looking forward to taking Zero away from you… but you hit him, and kicked him, insulted him and drove him out, I actually feel quite sorry for him. He's not a toy you know. He's had a difficult past. Why do you make his life difficult now?" She asked.
Louise bit her lips.
"A familiar is a mage's partner. You fail as a mage because you can't treat him properly. Well… you are zero after all." Kirche then shook her head. "No, that's an insult to him. You're absolutely nothing. Not even a zero."
And with that, Kirche left. Louise didn't reply. She crawled back onto her bed, full of sorrow and regret, and cried like she used to when she was small.
***Break***
By the time Kirche had gone to see Zero, it was late at night. Zero's voice could be heard yelling at Guiche. Flame's "Kyuru kyuru" could also be heard. It must had come here to play when she had gone out to the streets.
Kirche found the two of them near a small fire. The scene was vaguely amusing. Guiche was drunkenly hugging his mole, while Zero was standing over him.
"It's just like you said, you're an idiot!" Zero said to Guiche in full agreement.
"I didn't even do anything with that Katie. She held my hand, and I had only lightly kissed Mortmerncy! Despite that, I-!" Guiche burst into tears. He was the type who cried when he drank. Kirche sighed. Why do men have to be such idiots?
Derflinger noticed Kirche and informed Zero. "Gentlemen, there's a guest."
"Guest?" Zero looked at Kirche. "Hey. You come to watch the idiot try and out drink me? He thought I was joking or boasting when I said i couldn't get drunk. You nobles sure do consider some unusual things as pride."
"Looks fun, can I join?" Said Kirche, with a smile on her face.
"Those large tits, if you show me them, you can join." Guiche started clapping his hands. "We'll see how they compare to the proper chests of a Tristian Noble!"
Instead of replying, Kirche took out her wand and started reciting an incantation.
"Less drunk now?"
Guiche, who was sitting straight now, nodded.
"Haha, I've heard of throwing someone into a pond or using a bucket of water to get them sobered, but wow. I've never thought to use fire." Zero said, laughing almost hysterically.
"Well then, get ready to leave you two."
"Get ready to leave?" Zero asked his face suddenly serious, "News from the palace?"
"No, darling." Kirche responded, "No news from the palace."
"What then?" Zero asked.
"Do you plan on staying here for your whole life?"
"Nope. Don't really got anything to do, nor do I need to sleep. This will blow over eventually, so i figure its just a waiting game. Its not like I can get back to my world without the people here anyhow."
While Kirche caressed Zero's cheek, she said, "Don't you want to become a noble?"
"A noble?" Guiche was slightly taken aback. "But Kirche, he's a commoner. He can't be a noble since he's not a mage."
"In Tristain that is. By law, commoners are strictly forbidden to purchase land or become nobles."
"Exactly."
"But, in Germania it's different. If you have money, even if you're a commoner, you can buy land and become a noble, or buy the rights to a position and become a tax collector or a commander.
"And that's why they call Germania uncivilized." Said Guiche as though he were feeling sick.
"Uncivilized? People who are fussed over traditions and customs like 'if you're not a mage you can't be a noble', which make their country weak, have no right to talk. It's the reason why Tristain was to ally with Germania to be able to oppose Albion."
Zero, who had been quietly listening, finally opened his mouth. "So, the nobility in Germania are more a nobility of Merit, rather than a nobility of blood? That's a lot more like home I suppose. That actually sounds nice compared to this place."
"Exactly that!" Kirche said, excited by Zero's thoughts on her homeland. She'd never heard of it put that way, but it sounded like a real compliment.
"I don't have any money though. I gave all the money i got from Mott to Osmand. And the only way i can really earn a lot of money would probably be mercenary work. But I don't really want to do that. So I won't."
"Then earn some." Kirche tapped Zero's face with a bundle of parchment.
"What's that?" Guiche and Zero looked at the bundle. They seemed like maps.
"They're treasure maps."
"Treasure?" Guiche and Zero said, surprised.
"Yes, we're going to go treasure hunting and sell the treasure we find. Zero… you can do whatever you want then."
Zero gulped. Kirche was embracing him, with her breasts pushing against him. He wondered what he had done to deserve this. Well, at least Tabitha wasn't trying to get him in bed. She had more sense than that.
"When you become a noble… you can propose to me ok? I like guys like you. I don't care if you're a commoner or a noble. People who can overcome their difficulties and obtain things beyond people's imagination… I like people like that." Said Kirche, who was smiling seductively.
Guiche, who was looking at the map, whispered doubtingly, "No matter how I look at it, these maps seem a bit suspicious…"
"I got them from various places like magic shops, stalls, general stores…"
"It's definitely something dodgy. I know of a few people who just sell ordinary maps, calling them treasure maps. There are even nobles who become bankrupt because of these hoaxes."
"That attitude won't do! Besides, i didn't pay much of anything for them!" Said Kirche, with her hands clenched into tight fists. "Most of them might be scrap, but there might be a real one hidden inside there. Zero, let's go. Let's go find treasure and abandon Louise… and then you'll propose to me, ok?"
Zero shook his head. He wouldn't abandon anyone. "I won't abandon anyone. But this seems like it would be a fun way to pass the time rather than watching Guiche try and keep up with my drinking."
Kirche hugged Zero tightly. Suddenly someone burst in on their conversation..
"No no no no, you can't do that!"
"Siesta?"
Before them was Siesta in her maid outfit. "You can't marry Zero!"Siesta pulled on Zero.
"Don't you wish the man you love to be happy?"
Siesta was taken aback by Kirche's words and looked at Zero. She suddenly shook her head. "Just because you're a noble doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. You can stay at my village, and buy a vineyard with that money!"
"A vineyard?"
"In my village, there are a lot of good vineyards! We can make nice wine together! Its brand name could be Siesta-Zero!"
Kirche and Siesta were both pulling on Zero. So this is what the rope in tug of war feels like. He wondered if he should try to twin dream out of this. Sighing he just shook his head.
"As if you'd find treasure." Guiche said in a bored tone as they fought over Zero. He was more than a little jealous that so many pretty girls had set their sights on the young man who seemed to be oblivious to the obvious benefits of such attractions.
"Guiche. If we find treasure you can give it to the Princess as a present and perhaps she will see you in a different light."
Guiche stood up. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's go."
"Take me along please!" Siesta cried out. If she didn't go along, there would be no doubt that Kirche would seduce Zero.
"No, you can't. Commoners are just a burden."
"Don't treat me like an idiot! Even though I look like this, I'm…" Siesta was shaking. her arms tightened around Zero's arm.
"Yes? Go on." Kirche encouraged, amused that the commoner girl could be so bold in the face of a proper noble.
"I can cook!"
"As if we didn't know," Kirche said.
"But, but, meals are important right? While we're searching for treasure, we'll be camping right? We can't just rely on the food we bring. I could make good food for everyone."
Well she was right on that point. Guiche and Kirche were both nobles and couldn't stand eating bad food.
"But you have work to do right? Are you just going to take a break?"
"The cook always lets me leave if I say I'm doing something for Zero."
Zero nodded. The head chef really liked him; Siesta could probably get him to do exactly as she had said.
"Fine, do what you want. But I'll tell you beforehand, the ruins, forests and caves we're heading to are dangerous places. There are lots of monsters there."
"I'll be fine, Zero will protect me! I'm sure of that" And with that, Siesta grabbed Zero's arm tighter. His arm was now firmly wedged between her breasts.
Kirche nodded. "After the preparations are done we're heading off!"
***Author's Notes***
Little more comedy. another short chapter this time and next update. After that big chapter. I hope you all enjoyed this. If i didn't say it already, which i might have... See you all mondayish. More reviews = faster updates... probably.
Silly Guiche. Hurt his little noble pride that a commoner thought he could out drink him. Its too bad that Zero wasn't joking.
In a few chapters, i have a Halloween mini episode that is totally not cannon to the story. Look forward to it. Should give ya an idea on the type of buffer i have. Enjoy the story and remember, only you can start forest fires.
Zero: Will you stop giving people bad advice?
Nope. Have a good friday all.