"Starting tomorrow is summer break, correct?"
Louise said, while looking down at the familiar who was laying in the grass, while wearing his armor. "Yeah, it is. How about we take one week of leisure?"
"I'd get bored." Zero replied.
"We should go and meet my family...Don't you think?"
"That's probably not a good idea. Especially if you bring me. And I don't see myself letting you go without me."
The front gate which was filled with students going home could be seen from the plaza. Tristain Academy of Magic would be on a long summer vacation starting from tomorrow. It would be a two and a half month long holiday.
"I agree with you, Miss Vallière. I think Zero needs a break as well. He's always doing so many things." A flustered Siesta said to Louise. As preparations for returning home, Siesta was not wearing her usual maid uniform, but her casual clothes of a dark green shirt and brown skirt.
Louise threw a glare at her. But... Siesta was also not the same. With the competitive spirit of a girl in love, she glared at Louise in return.
"A-a break is also necessary, right? You-you always work him as you please...that's horrible."
"Working with Zero is fine," Louise said, and then hesitantly added,"That's because he's my familiar."
Siesta seemed to have sensed the change in her attitude. "Familiar? Really? I wonder if that's the only reason...?" Siesta muttered. Her eyes glittered, as if she was setting up a trap to catch a rabbit. As a girl in love she was sensitive to the presence of her rivals.
"What does that mean?"
"No-nothing?" Siesta muttered while playing dumb.
"Say it."
"It's just that recently, the way you look at Zero has been a bit suspicious. That's what I thought." Siesta said, finishing by looking to the side. Louise glared at her intensely.
Even a maid is making fun of me, Louise thought angrily. It's Zero's fault! Even the academy's commoners were starting to get overconfident because he treated everyone equally... Louise had heard such rumors before, but this is what it was. The kingdom's authority. The nobles' authority. Well, that didn't really matter but her authority was being compromised! Louise trembled while twitching.
Siesta, who squinted her eyes because of the brilliant shine of the sunlight sighed, exposing her breasts, and wiped her sweat with a handkerchief. "Really... Summer is so hot."
Like a flower blooming in the wild, lots of charm poured out from there. Amazing when undressed, the chasm of the two hills filled her eyes. Louise gave a startled gasp and looked to Zero's face. He was gone from where he had been laying a moment ago.
***Break***
Transfer
Zero opened his eyes and found himself standing in the lab. It had worked. "Thank god we got this set up. Those two are getting more and more aggressive..." Zero said as he recalled Louise attempting to flash him a view of her panties earlier in the day. He figured that it would all go back to how it was after that love potion incident. Too bad he wasn't that lucky. A clear and sad voice singing in Japanese greeted him.
"Am I a fool to even dream? Could this world be that terrible to me? Just one hint of a lie will make you start to cry."
Zero walked towards the sound, and saw Roll standing at one of the smaller monitors of the Lab with a ... microphone?
"Oh Zero, I'm glad the teleport system is working correctly," Rock said, surprising both Roll and Zero.
Zero glared at Rock's main monitor, and Roll turned off the karaoke program.
"Oh...Zero. I wasn't expecting you today..." Roll said, her face blushing slightly.
"Ah... Yeah... Sorry, the girls were getting a little bit too forward again. Once the shirts started opening I figured it was time to get out," Zero said, laughing with a blush on his face.
"Oh, really?" Roll replied. She wondered if a more subtle approach would be better for someone like Zero. "Well, it must be nice to be so popular."
"While I admit how awesome I am, and can understand how they could be drawn to that," Zero said with a joking smirk on his face,"I'd much rather just enjoy the time laying in the grass. They're just too troublesome sometimes."
"I see... It must be really troublesome," Roll said as she looked at Zero. He was always so earnest. She wondered why he never was able to accept other peoples feelings for him. She knew that he, like her, was capable of those feelings...
"Yeah. Then they try and put me in the middle. Gets tiring." Zero said with a sigh.
"Well... You've always got the lab here."
"Yeah, You're always welcomed here Zero. Especially since my sister likes you," Rock said teasingly. Which made Roll throw her own glare at him.
Zero laughed. "Thanks. Its nice to have someplace like this. And at least you listen to me when I talk."
"Why shouldn't I?" Roll asked him. "You're rather interesting, and you are intelligent. You do have a lack of patience that eclipses even my own brother's at times."
"Heh, what can I say. I prefer to move forward if I need to move." He said with a smirk. Looking at the microphone she was still holding,"So I take it karaoke runs in the family, hmm?"
"What do you mean?" Roll asked sweetly.
"X loved it. I could never figure out why though."
"Well... Think about it. Sound is just vibrations... noise. Yet with song, you can make something seemingly solid, something that can influence others. Its beautiful, and fulfilling. What could be better?" Roll asked him.
"Ah... I've... never heard it put like that. I suppose I can see what you mean..." Zero admitted reluctantly.
"Great! Then you can join in!" Roll shouted as she pulled a somewhat unwilling Zero over to the monitor that she had been using earlier.
***Break***
"What's that?" Zero asked as he walked into the room, noticing Louise sitting on the bed with a letter in her hand.
Louise showed Zero the letter.
"No, I can't read the letters from here." Zero told her. "I should fix that sometime."
Louise sat straight on her bed and began to talk.
"After the previous incident... you know that Princess was depressed, right?"
Zero nodded. It was a tragic event. Her own dead lover... was revived by her enemy and tried to kidnap her. It was obvious she would be depressed. It had taken both Louise and Henrietta both pleading with him not to go to Albion immediately.
"I feel sorry for her... but it seems she can't stay sunk in the abyss of sadness forever."
"What do you mean?"
Louise explained what was written in the letter. Albion had given up on a proper invasion until their fleet was rebuilt, so they were trying to fight in an irregular way- Is what the cabinet had predicted, with Mazarin on the top of them. They couldn't have them cowardly attack Tristain from the inside by inciting revolt and rebellion throughout the city. Because Henrietta and her men feared such conspiracies, she was strengthening the maintenance of public order...
"It's fine to strengthen the public order, but what does she want you to do?"
"An intelligence gathering mission involving hiding myself. Is there any improper actions going on? What kind of rumors are being spread around by commoners?"
"Espionage. She wants you to be a spy!"
"Spy?"
"In my world, those type of information gathering jobs are done by people called that."
" Anyways, it's basically spying, right..." For some reason, Louise looked unsatisfied.
"What's wrong?"
"Well... because isn't this plain?"
"No, information is power. Without information, you can lose battles you should have won. With proper information about me Albion might have stood a chance. Possibly."
"What?"
"Without proper information, people can take advantage of your weak points. Its simple tactics..."
"I see." Louise said as she read the letter aloud. In Henrietta's letter, there were directions to settle down at an inn in Tristania, hide her identity and do something like flower-selling, and collect all kinds of information being passed around by commoners. A note to pay back the expenses for the mission was enclosed.
"Yeah. I got a better idea." Zero said with a smile.
"What idea is that?" Louise asked her familiar. She knew that smile ended up with Zero doing something reckless.
"Oh, nothing much. I'll deal with this myself. You're a little too... pronounced," Zero said with a smirk.
"Is that sarcasm? Are you making fun of my chest?" She demanded, remembering the incident earlier in the day.
"What? Chest? I'm talking about that attitude you have. I don't think anyone in the world could mistake you for a commoner. I can at least be silent and follow people around without too much trouble. Besides, I have an idea that I don't think has been used in this world," Zero said with a grin.
***Break***
Louise sat reading the prayer book, trying not to think about Zero. She hadn't gotten word from him at all since he had left at the beginning of the week. Three nobles had shown up dead in the past week. Each noble who was killed, had been exposed to have connections to Reconquista. One of them was even a tax official who was funneling this countries tax revenue to Albion, effectively using Tristian's own money to finance a war against it. She heard a knock on her door. She jumped to her feet, and ran to the door and opened it excitedly. "Zero! Where have you been!" She called as she opened it. There was nobody here... After a few moments of scanning the hallway she noticed a medium sized wooden box sitting at the door. "Huh, I wonder just who left this here?" Louise murmured.
"Excuse me," the box said, as it started moving into the room.
"What?" Louise screamed, as she jumped back.
"What?" asked the familiar voice that came from the box, with more than a hint of amusement.
"Z-zero?" Louise asked hesitantly.
"Yep." the enthusiastic word came from the box.
"Why are you in a box?" Louise asked slowly.
"Um. Pretty simple. I can stay still for long periods of time... And I always wanted to see if this would actually work. I'm rather surprised actually," Zero said, as he stood up and pushed the box off of himself.
"You... Hid in a box?" Louise asked as she stared at him. That seemed like the most idiotic thing ever. She was sure it actually WAS the single most idiotic thing ever.
"Yeah. It worked too. I guess Axl was right. The cardboard box really WAS a valid way to spy..." Zero laughed at that.
"Axl?" Louise asked.
"Oh, he was just a friend of mine. Haven't seen him in... A long time actually."
"So, you found three traitors?" Louise asked him.
"Nope. More than that. The ones who ended up dead were the ones who wouldn't be able to lead me to anything new. They're intended to make the others nervous. Even if they try to be cautious, the fact that three of them have turned up dead with their allegiances known... Its enough for them to doubt their own comrades. That many in such a short time would point towards a double agent."
"Double agent?" Louise asked, confused.
"A double spy. They would consider at least one of their still living contacts to be working for the Princess or Mazarin."
"Oh...I see... So they'll be fighting or avoiding each other as much as they'll be trying to avoid you?"
"Yep. And this way it unhinges whatever plans they do have going."
"Wow... You have done this before?" Louise asked Zero.
"Well, I've never done the spying before but I've dealt with enough of them." Zero said in annoyance.
***BREAK***
The stony floor of Tristain's Royal palace echoed the sound of boots as a lone young female knight walked. She had shortly-cut blond hair and clear blue eyes. A protective chain hemp garment with sheet metal parts was wrapped around her body, in addition to a robe with a lily coat of arms painted on it. Yet there was no wand at her lower waist… instead a long, thin sword.
Coming and going, noble's mage bodyguards halted and stared at her surprised, as it was unusual to see a fencer in the royal palace. Mages saw a sword at her waist and the chain-mail that she wore, and started whispering among themselves.
"Commoner woman!"
"She must have some grand permission to walk in the palace dressed up like that… oh dear, what a scandal for such a low born plebeian to wear that mantle!"
"That woman is a Protestant! Giving a Chevalier's title to such a harmful insect… I feel ashamed to be counted a noble when among people such as her. What was Her Majesty thinking?"
Despite the impudent glances and rude comments about her, the young woman kept on walking straight, without sparing a single look at them. At the end of the passage… she headed towards Henrietta's office. She was stopped at the door by a magical guard member with a royal crest on his chest, not allowing her to visit her majesty.
"Her Majesty is in the middle of a conference right now. Come again later." The mage guard declared coldly, not even trying to hide his contempt for the female knight.
"Please tell her that Agnes has come. I have permission to visit Her Majesty anytime." The guard scowled then opened the door and disappeared into the office. After that, he came back, granting Agnes permission to enter the room. As Agnes entered the office, Henrietta was in the middle of conference with Richmon from the High Court of Justice.
What is the High Court of Justice? That's the organization that rules the administration of justice in the kingdom. Whenever the privileged class disagreed… judgment is brought in. They inspected literature works, operas or plays in theaters, or supervised commoner's markets and frequently took care of conflicts within the monarchic government prefecture administration.
Henrietta who noticed Agnes, smiled with the edge of her lips, and told Richmon to break off the conference.
"But Your Highness… Raising taxes any further will make resentment among the commoners grow. This will cause disorder. Other countries may use it against us."
"It's an emergency. Despite our citizen's poverty…"
"Construction of 50 warships! 20,000 mercenaries! Equipping 15,000 lords army-men! Food to feed officers and men and our allied forces! Where can you get so much money? Building of a scout army and so on, just give it up, please."
"The overthrow of Albion is now a national priority of Tristain, unless you wish for them to invade us again after we give them the time to recover."
"But Your Majesty, though former Kings of Halkeginia with united forces attacked Albion on countless occasions… they were always defeated. Going into a campaign across the sky has more difficulties than one can imagine." Richmon declared.
"I know. However I also know that the finances minister reported that 'The procurement of these war expenditures is not impossible.' Are you dissatisfied that you won't be able to enjoy your former luxuries? As a matter of fact, I wonder how much you've saved since you started working?" Henrietta said sarcastically, looking at the gorgeous clothes that Richmon was wearing. "I myself prohibited imperial guard knights to wear the chain of silver that decorated the cane to show an example to others. There are no nobles, commoners nor royal family members. We are united now, Richmon." Henrietta watched Richmon. He bowed his head.
"You got me with this. I know, Your Majesty. However, the council of the High Court of Justice consists of many people and it is not possible that they would agree with this campaign. I would like you to acknowledge it as a reality."
"We will reach consensus, with the cardinal's and my own work. I have confidence that we will be able to persuade the council."
Richmon watched Henrietta, who declared this with dazzling eyes.
"…Something wrong?" Henrietta asked with hard eyes.
"No… I just admired."
"Admired?"
"That's right. I had served ten years for Philip the Great, thirty years ago by the time you were born, I knew more about Your Majesty than Your Majesty yourself. Though you might not remember, the King and Queen were really happy about Your Majesty's birth! Though it was scary to lift your tiny body in one's arms, I was still honored to rock and bathe Your Majesty once or twice."
"My mother said you served well." Henrietta said smiling.
"You are too kind. Just a while ago I was giving rude comments not thinking about the mother country."
"You are a real patriot, I know that very well."
"Anyway, I'll say no more. Though Your Highness was such a crybaby before, she became a splendid woman now. There's nothing for me to regret."
"I am still… a crybaby. Please lend your power for Tristian, Richmon."
Richmon bowed, asking for permission to leave the room. Henrietta nodded.
Agnes, who stood next to the door, watched Richmon leave.
Finally Agnes turned to Henrietta, who sat in her chair, and kneeled down, bowing her head.
"Agnes Chevalier de Milan, welcome." Henrietta welcomed her trusted knight.
"Did you finish the investigation?"
"Yes." Agnes took a letter out of her cleavage and handed it to Henrietta. The Queen took it and looked inside.
This was… Henrietta ordered to this female knight to investigate that ominous night's events. The night where an abductor from Albion… a revived Wales, snuck into the royal palace following someone's written plan.
"So the guide wasn't guided alone… as I take."
"Exactly, he had help getting inside, the bolt was pulled up, and he could go unnoticed into the royal palace as he was alone."
"To hide, once the group that tried to entice me entered."
Henrietta said with painful look in her eyes. "Yes. In only five minutes, Your Majesty."
"Once found out, he insisted that it was a coincidence. However, he could not explain from where he had obtained the money…"
The man whose name was written there, was the one that she gave a position to herself, and assumed him to be faithful, but was bribed by the sum of…
"70,000 old gold… This amount of gold is higher than the total amount of his pension."
"It is as you say."
Kneeling down, Agnes nodded her head in agreement. "Though we were able to capture the informant who worked for the money… The number of people going over to Albion's side has increased recently."
"That employee…"
"I could not contact him yesterday. Perhaps, he sensed that he was found out."
Henrietta sighed. "Snake on one's chest."
"Reconquista's nobles reach and hear beyond the national borders."
"Might of money. A man with dreams turned into a man with lust for gold. For the money… he tried to sell me and the country. At least the gold will go toward the war effort."
Agnes kept silent. Henrietta gently put her hand on her shoulder. "You did well. Thank you."
Agnes looked at the crest on her surcoat. A crest… The lily, the sign of the Royal family. "I dedicate myself to Your Majesty. Your Majesty gave me a family name and a position."
"I cannot trust people that use magic anymore. Except for a few old friends…" Henrietta said in a sad voice.
"In Tarbes, nobles are organized in a manner similar to military. Therefore, that is what makes you a real noble."
"You are too kind." Henrietta shook her head gently. "You… have had a rough time in the royal court, Agnes. For that I apologize."
"I was born the way I was born. And no sneers or words matter. Those who resort to them are those who are threatened by me. A mere commoner without magic threatens them." She laughed sharply.
"Though you are not noble by birth, you are a noble by soul. Such foolish people."
Agnes muttered a question,"And what will you do about that man's case?"
"Not enough evidence. It is hard to prove a crime."
"Then…" Agnes continued in low voice.
"I am just newly a established Queen with no knowledge of politics or schemes… I will leave everything to the 'Musketeer Corps' and my loyal guardian." she said with a faint smile.
After Wardes' betrayal, War of Tarbes, and the recent annihilation of the Griffin Corps, the magic guard that ought to protect the royalty had crumbled. The Griffin Corps were under the command of the Manticore troops now, thus only one unit was still on duty.
To supplement the lack of guards, Henrietta established the 'Musketeer Corps' led by Agnes. As its name suggests, it uses the new force of musket and sword, instead of magic. Because of mage shortages, the only members are commoners… For the sake of the personal safety of Henrietta, who is a woman, the guard consists only of women. Because it interferes negotiations with other corps when the commander is not an aristocrat, Agnes was awarded a noble title by exception. She became a 'Chevalier' and a fictional family name was granted. Henrietta's exception made the national military power increase due to numbers of joining commoners. Although nobles were naturally repulsed by this idea, Henrietta suppressed it with some help from the cardinal. They simply implied that it was similar to the alliance with Germania, that they were using what they could to gain strength and stability in the event that Albion pushed them again into battle. This was a lie, in fact it was nothing resembling the truth. Henrietta, thanks to the kidnapping that deeply damaged her confidence… was unable to trust mages anymore. In some ways, she couldn't even trust herself. Her own power had nearly claimed the life of her truest friend... If it had not been for Zero, she knew that more people would have gotten injured. She shook her head sadly.
"We are the way the royal court says – born without finesse and grace. After all, it is impossible to become a noble."
Henrietta shook her head. "Who said that you are not a noble? You are a commander of the corps of the imperial guard knights that I myself admitted. The commander of imperial guards is different, as your position can only be compared to that of a field marshal."
Agnes deeply bowed.
"Have pride. Walk tall. 'I am an aristocrat' – tell that to yourself in front of the mirror. If you do so, you will gain the finesse and grace eventually."
"As you say." Agnes said in a monotone voice.
"You just follow our former plan and watch over the man's actions. If we are correct, the criminals will surely expose themselves tomorrow."
"We won't let them go free?"
"Surely. I won't forgive anyone who is related to that night's incident… Countries… People… Anyone. For what they did, they will pay."
Then Agnes deeply bowed and left the room. She was eternally grateful to Henrietta. Not because of the position or family name... No, because she was given a chance for revenge.
***Break***
Zero was waiting. He'd given Henrietta and that new commander Agnes updates on his operations for the past few days. He was to meet a new agent here. The time was undetermined, but that didn't matter to him. He could wait as long as he needed.
"Dark times, wouldn't you agree?" Said a soft female voice from behind him.
"Maybe not the best... but I've seen worse," Zero replied. Was this her?
"May we never know times worse than these." The woman walked up to Zero and looked him in the face.
Zero was shocked to find the princess's face so close to his. "Princess?"
"Shh!" she said, covering his mouth. Henrietta, wrapped in a gray cloak with a low hood, hid herself behind Zero, to avoid being seen from the Main Street.
"Search there!"
"Maybe she headed to Bourdonne Street!"
From the Main Street the rough voices of soldiers could be heard. Henrietta put the hood back on again.
"…Is there a place where I could hide?"Henrietta looked so tiny.
"I've set up a small safe house with the money that you supplied. We'll be safe there. I made some modifications to it as well."
"…Safe for now."
"It is safe. Trust me. But what is this all about?"
"I just sneaked away for a minute… and such an uproar happened."
"Princess, weren't you kidnapped just the other day? I'm pretty certain that's why this is causing such an uproar!" Zero said, a smile on his face.
Henrietta became silent.
"So, you have a plan then? I hadn't expected you to be the agent."
"I do, but I can not tell you yet. I will tell you when the time is right. I'm glad I was able to meet you like this..."
"Anyway, what do we need to do?" Zero asked.
"I came to borrow your power."
"For?"
"If it's all right, I want you to guard me till tomorrow."
"Why me? Aren't you the Queen? You have many soldiers and mages to guard you..."
"For today and tomorrow, I want to blend in with commoners. And, naturally, I do not want anyone from the palace to know that. So…"
"What?"
"I trust only you."
"That's… don't you have anyone else?"
"No. I know you are a good person. And I have been lonely by myself in that palace. There is nobody I can trust. Not now, not with the betrayals I've faced. You are the only one who has proven the worth of their words in action. The only one who treats me as a woman and not a figurehead…" And after a moment of hesitation added,"Please forgive my selfishness this day."
Zero recalled Wardes, and even the encounter with Wales. He also had seen the attitudes of these nobles. He shook his head. "I see. Only because it is the Princess' request I will do it, but…It's dangerous isn't it?"
Henrietta veiled her eyes down. "Yes."
"Then Princess, do not tell Louise about the danger that you will go through. Please promise me. I will protect you. But I really don't want to deal with the fallout of that. I'd rather not be a party to this worlds first world war."
"World war?" She asked in a puzzled voice.
"Ah... sorry, kind of a joke. Mostly." Zero said, thinking of livid the girl would get if she knew what was really going on.
"Alright, I will not tell Louise anything. Thank you Zero." She nodded.
"Its no problem. I told you that I'd be there for you, right?."
"Then, let's leave. We cannot stand around here forever."
"Lets go then. The safe house should be near here."
"For the time being, I want to change clothes…" Henrietta looked at the dress under her robe. It was a white, clean and elegant dress, and hiding behind the robe like she was would be too noticeable. Even a noble couldn't complain about the attire.
"I can get you some once we get to the safe house. Lets go." Zero said as he led the princess into the seedier areas of town, his head scanning this way and that for any of the bravos he'd met earlier in the week. They should know better than to cause issues with him, but people could be stupid. Even he could be stupid.
***Break***
Zero presented a box with commoners clothing to Henrietta. Then Henrietta turned her back to Zero, apparently not worrying about him looking! Zero's heels clicked as he did a quick about face. What was it with women of this world and not caring about their modesty? Zero didn't think he'd ever get used to it.
"The shirt… is rather tight."
"Sorry princess. It was the best that I could find on such short notice. There are no stalls open so I had to steal the clothing. I left some money as payment... But I couldn't really be too choosy. If I was given a little bit more warning, I could have gotten clothing that would have fit you ready," Zero said apologetically. As he turned to look at her again, he had to think rather was an understatement. The shirt was maybe a little bigger than Louise's normal garb, and it could not match Henrietta's breasts. She strained and a few buttons flew off.
"Ah... That's better. It almost fits like this, don't you think Zero?" Henrietta asked. "I hope it won't be too flashy if I do this," she muttered as she unfastened her top two of her remaining buttons.
Zero had to admit this would serve to make one forget that she was queen. No, she looked like a beautiful common girl. This was probably the best they could have hoped for.
"Let's go." Henrietta urged Zero.
"We cannot go yet."
"Really?"
"You should at least change your hairstyle."
"Then, change it."
Henrietta is similar to Louise after all, what an inexperienced princess, Zero thought while fiddling with Henrietta's hair. Even changing clothes could not mask that…He lifted her hair up into a ponytail similar to his own style he had used so long ago. It wasn't flashy, but it was effective. This changed the atmosphere a lot. Using a damp cloth Zero removed the cosmetics that she had been wearing gently.
"Why are you doing that?" Henrietta asked, with a confused look on her face.
"Would you imagine a Queen going around without anything on her face? You can be the exact same person that you were before, but little things like this can make the difference. Nobody besides those who truly know you would be able to identify you as you are now." Zero said calmly as he finished.
"I see..." Henrietta murmured. She enjoyed the gentle way he rubbed her face.
"Alright. We're good to go. Follow me." Zero said as he motioned for Henrietta to follow. He opened the door, and led her out into the night.
The alerted state about the Queen's disappearance seemed to have increased… Guards roamed the streets. "They placed a cordon." Zero noted as he saw the check points set up.
Somehow understanding the meaning, Henrietta nodded.
"Should I have my face covered?" Henrietta asked Zero.
"Hiding it would be even more suspicious. I'm going to put my arm over your shoulder. Look casual about it. The secret to hiding is to act as if you belong. If you're good enough you can hide in plain sight. If we appear rushed or worried, then they'll be suspicious."
Henrietta leaned against Zero and felt his arm move across her shoulder pulling her to him. She blushed as she looked down. They approached the place where the guards stood. The tension rose and her pulse quickened.
"Pretend to lean into me. Like a lover." Zero murmured to her.
Henrietta leaned against Zero, her face becoming more red. A sudden idea flashed in her mind, and giving him no time to think, Henrietta clasped Zero's hand that he was holding her shoulder with, and led it to the crevice of her open shirt. Feeling Henrietta's soft and smooth breasts along his finger, Zero locked up for a moment.
"Don't squirm. If you act worried like that, they'll be suspicious," Henrietta drew her mouth next to Zero's ear and whispered tenderly, with a smile on her lips.
Zero passed through the guards doubly nervous, although none of that reached his face. This was an act of normalcy. A young couple showing affection. That had to be it. She was better at this than Zero had thought.
Though the guard had seen the couple… he had only seen the Queen's face from a distance. Besides even in his wildest dreams he could not imagine the Queen walking with a commoner, allowing his hand to touch her skin in such a place. He turned his eyes away at once and called another woman to stop.
Henrietta, walking out to the Main Street, laughed.
"Princess?"
"No… I'm sorry. Because it was such a funny moment. However, a pleasant one."
"What?" Zero asked.
"I put on rough clothes, changed my hairstyle… and walk around with no make-up and now nobody could recognize me. I feel as if I am free..."
Certainly… Henrietta seemed to merge with the scenery of this night. Zero felt that she was a different woman. "You're fast Princess. Adaptable. If you ever get tired of your job at the palace I'm sure you could become a great spy," Zero said as he smirked down at her.
"Shh!"
"Hmm?"
"Don't call me princess in public. Call me 'Ann'."
"Ann, then." Zero said with a smile.
"Yes."Then, Henrietta inclined her head to the side in doubt.
"Tell me your name. Stranger," the princess asked with a smile.
Being unknown to 'Ann', Zero answered. "Zero."
"Zero, such an unusual name." At that moment, Henrietta muttered leaning into Zero in a town woman's way.
"Yeah, Ann, it's unusual."
"Be more rough."
"Understood, Ann."
Smiling, Henrietta entwined her arm around Zero's.
Because night came slowly, the couple went to a hotel for the time being. It was a plain, cheap lodging house. They were led to a worn-out room on the second floor that made even the safe house look comfortable.
It had a slightly damp bed, and smelled of mildew. The lamp was black with soot that had probably never been cleaned.
"Well, for so little money, it's not that great a room." Zero said with a laugh.
But Henrietta said while sitting on the bed. "No, the room is fantastic."
"The perfect spot to hide the precious princess…" Zero said teasingly.
"Yes. Here at least you do not have to worry… about venomous snakes sleeping on your chest."
"Right."
Henrietta smiled. While he was different, something about Zero's easy manner seemed to enchant her. He simply gave instructions and followed through with his own part of the tasks. He wasn't overbearing about it either. To her, it just seemed that he did what he needed to do. And though she had witnessed his power first hand, it never seemed that what he wanted was what needed to be done. She wished all nobles had hearts like his. A sudden pain in her chest struck her as she thought of Wales.
Zero sat on the chair standing in the room. The chair, as if protesting, made a strange, creaky sound. For some reason, he wanted to keep the distance between him and his honorable partner... as much as possible actually. "So this room really is that great, hmm?"
"Yes. It is exciting. Because it has the taste of the ordinary life of my citizens…" She emphasized that with a cute gesture. Henrietta acting like that, created a slight feeling of intimacy.
Because the room was pitch dark, they decided to light up the lamp. He could not find any matches, though he looked around carefully.
"They don't have matches here… I'll go down and bring them."
Henrietta shook her head and took out a crystal wand from her bag. She swung it and the lamp's wick lit up. Henrietta sat gazing at the lamplight, holding her chin with her hand..
Seeing Henrietta relaxed like that… though she still had that sense of intimacy around her, she was still a princess. No, she was a queen now… a very young queen still. The word princess suited her more. Unrivaled grace and dignity, without the ruined ideals to go with such a harsh task. Though it was a similar feeling with Louise… but Louise could be so childish when unhappy, while Henrietta was still calm and composed. She had an aura of a grown adult around her. If he hadn't noticed all the signs he'd believe she was as much of an adult as she acted. There was an indescribable charm of mixed noble pride and danger with just a dash of naivety and innocence. Zero grieved the death of innocence such a position would require.
"What now?" She asked Zero in an innocent voice."You know Louise has been worried about you, right? She's sent me letters asking about you through carrier owls. At least once a day."
"Its fine. She's a good girl but would be totally unsuited for this type of work. Without being able to throw out your pride for the mission... You'd never be able to get the job done." Zero replied. After a few more moments, Zero looked her in the eyes and said,"Princess, I know things have been hard on you. If you need someone to talk to, you can come to me. I know better than you might think about what you're going through."
"I'm so glad. I've felt so alone. When Prince Wales showed up...It was like a dream come true. I'd wished so hard... prayed to the Founder that it wasn't true! I did everything I could to deny it... "
"Princess," Zero said with some regret. He knew exactly how she felt. Being shocked by seeing Iris again, even if it was just the water spirit... He understood exactly what she was feeling.
A sad smile appeared on Henrietta's face.
"Princess?'
"No… It's just that knowing the truth is sometimes difficult. Though I am called a 'Holy Woman', there have been less complementary things that I have heard in your reports. I am looked down as a greenhorn trying to attack Albion, abusing her power to organize an invasion army, and I am suspected of being Germania's puppet… Really, not queen-like...'
"Yeah. But that's to be expected. You're young, so they fear that you won't be able to do the job. About the only thing you can do is keep doing what you're doing. Trust me, you're doing fine. The fact that you had me work on this assignment shows that you've gotten over that too trusting phase you were in. But you can't be afraid of all the mages that you meet you know."
Henrietta gasped. "W-what do you mean?"
"Your new Musketeer Corps is entirely composed of commoners. Not to say that nobles are better than commoners, but the fact that you would exclude anyone who can use magic from that unit is a little odd. And with the bolt action rifles and cartridges that I helped your engineers develop... They're probably going to be a threat to any mage that is foolish enough to face them in numbers once they're completed and tested."
"Yes... I suppose that is true. You see through me then..." Henrietta said with shame coloring her cheeks.
"Not so much. I can only tell what you are hiding by what you don't show. But realize that Louise, Kirche, Tabitha, Monmon, and even that fool Guiche would all fight for you. Kirche isn't even from Tristian either. Neither is Tabitha."
"Is your world also the same?" She asked a few minutes of silence.
"What?" Zero looked blankly at her.
"With what you have told me, I could hardly ever imagine that such a world exists. So in your world, at war… is the government spoken ill about?"
Zero remembered. Hundreds of years, groups that hated war… Groups that hated those who were pushed into war. Even the humans fleeing Neo Arcadia had hated him. "There is not much difference really."
"It is the same there as well."Henrietta muttered, relieved. "Wars... You have them as well... But they must be so much better than ours. Without magic to cause damage on such a destructive scale."
"I've been in the middle of war my entire life Princess. It has never stopped. Hundreds of years of war. With weapons that do more damage than your magics could ever hope to." Zero said sadly.
Henrietta looked up at Zero. "Do you hate war?"
"I don't love it..." Zero said reluctantly.
"But, you saved the kingdom during the battle of Tarbes."
"I did so to defend those people who are worth protecting." Zero said simply.
"Then, that night…" Henrietta turned her face away and muttered hesitatingly.
Then Zero… recalled that ominous night. The night that Wales, who was thought to be dead, revived and tried to kidnap Henrietta. He remembered seeing his corpse. He had remembered her pain. He looked at her and said softly,"Yeah. I was fighting that night too, for the same reason. But now, I've finally found my reason to fight." Zero said with a small smile as he looked at her. "But I'm slow on things like that. It took me a very long time to reach what my partner did...a hundred and fifty years ago? I still miss him sometimes..."
"I am sorry." Henrietta replied in a quiet voice.
And then… It started raining. As small raindrops beat against the window. They could hear people in the streets shouting
Henrietta started to tremble.
Zero noticed her trembling. "Princess?"
Henrietta muttered in a tiny voice. It was a voice that seemed close to vanishing."…can you do something for me?"
"What?"
"Hold my shoulders tightly." The wand fell from the trembling hand of Henrietta and made a dry sound hitting the floor.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm afraid of rain."
After those words… Zero remembered that on that night it started to rain as well. Henrietta and the revived Wales used that rain to create… a huge tornado that tried to swallow Zero and the others. If he hadn't used his power to overwhelm it... Her friends could have died. "...Henrietta... Don't blame yourself." Zero murmured as he moved close to her, and pulled her into his embrace. He wasn't sure if this was how she wanted to be held, he'd never been too good at this.
"W-what?"
"Listen. I know how this goes. You view yourself as responsible for the death of someone you love. You also put your own friends into danger, and nearly cost them their lives as well. You can feel sorry about it, you can hold that failure and try and make up for it... or you can let it go and try and move on," Zero said with a kind and warm voice.
The princess looked at Zero for a moment. She shook her head,"It is far easier to say that than to truly do that. You will understand once you find someone you truly love."she said, her voice heavy with her emotions. Why did he have to say such things? She was shocked by the sharp laugh that followed.
"Once I find someone I truly love? That's funny..." Zero said, no amusement in his voice at all. "Don't you remember? The reason I can say what I said, is because I've been where you are. The situation is so close... So close it hurts."
"W-what?" the princess looked at Zero, her face blank. She'd never thought that he'd have that kind of relationship. It just seemed out of place for him. Everything about him shouted warrior, and loner. While he had talked like this during the battle, a part of her could only think that he had been trying to talk her down... Give her some common sense. She hadn't thought he was actually speaking the truth.
"And unlike you, I actually dealt the killing blows to her. I was too weak to find another way. The only way I could fight her was with lethal force. At least you've never seen someone who you love with their face twisted in hatred, trying to remove your head," Zero said, his eyes looking distant. That purple ride armor... It had been the only thing that had let him attack her. He was able to distance her in his mind, seeing only that ride armor, and the external core..."Not that I am one to talk about letting it go... Its been a long time, and I still can't forgive myself... So I suppose that makes us both fools in this matter."
Henrietta looked at Zero. While he was a warrior... She couldn't help but think she had missed something about him. Something important.
***BREAK***
Agnes pulled the horse that she was riding on to a stop in front of a certain large residence. It was the Richmon's residence… here, during the day, she conferred with Henrietta.
It was the corner of an upscale residential area where often lords reside. Agnes looked at a huge and wide two-storied residence and crooked her lips. She knew painfully well that Richmon lived here for twenty years and used any possible method to build this luxurious mansion.
She knocked against the gate, loudly announcing her visit. The gate window opened and a page stuck out his head.
"Who's there?"
"Please tell Richmon that Her Majesty's Musketeer Agnes arrived."
"At such an hour?" The page said in a suspicious voice.
"Urgent message. I need to convey it by all means."
Inclining his head, the page disappeared inside. After a while, he returned and removed the bolt of the gate. Agnes gave the bridle to the page and headed towards the residence. After a while, when she passed the living room, she finally saw Richmon sitting at the fireplace, dressed in his nightclothes.
"An urgent message, huh? It better be good to wake me up so abruptly." Richmon muttered, not trying to hide his lofty contempt towards Agnes.
"Her Majesty disappeared."
Richmon's eyebrows shot up. "Kidnapped?"
"It's under investigation."
Richmon looked doubtful. "Big incident indeed. However, is it similar to the other day's kidnap case? Is Albion involved again?"
"It's under investigation."
"That's not the way guardians should talk! Under investigation! Under investigation! Yet you cannot do a thing. You always bring trouble to the law academy. What units were on duty?"
"Us, musketeers."
Richmon stared at Agnes unpleasantly. "It just proves your incompetence as a newly established unit." Richmon declared in a voice loaded with sarcasm.
"To clear our name, we are doing the best we can with the investigation."
"That's why I said! Swords and guns are children toys against magical wands! A whole unit of commoners cannot replace a single mage!"
Agnes watched Richmon quietly. "Grant me the permission of military acts… I would like to get the permission to block highways and ports."
Richmon moved his cane effortlessly. He grabbed a pen that flew towards him through the air, wrote something on a parchment and handed it to Agnes.
"Do your best to find Her Majesty. If you are not able to find her, all members of the Musketeers will be hanged by the war tribunal. Think about this carefully. Do not fail."
Agnes turned to leave but halted in front of the door.
"What? Is there anything else?"
"Your Excellency…" In a low, anger filled, stifled voice, Agnes began to squeeze out words.
"What?"
"There is hearsay about the incident you were involved in twenty years ago."
Richmon closed his eyes. Twenty years ago… a revolt that shook up the country and he remembered the suppression. "Aah, so?"
"Your Excellency was involved in the 'Slaughter of D'Angleterre'."
"Slaughter? Don't call it so ill. Weren't the commoners in distant provinces planning to overthrow the nation? That was a rightful duty of repression. Anyway, it's mostly a legend."
Agnes shook her head and left.
Richmon watched the closed door for a while… Would he be given the pen and the parchment again, he might change his decision, as he felt that a vicious force had been unleashed just now.
Agnes, who left the residence, took the horse from the page. She took out of her saddle bag a black robe and put it over the chain hemp garment, placing the hood over her head. Then she took out two pistols and carefully reloaded them, watching that the gunpowder would not get wet from the rain. Then she checked the fire grate, percussion hammer and shut the gun barrel. It was a new, flint type gun.
Then she placed her sword in a sheath and straddled the horse, finishing up the battle preparations. Agnes spurred on the horse and it started to run. With the rain falling hard the gunwoman disappeared into the night.
***Break***
On the bed of the cheap lodging house, Henrietta was sitting with her eyes tightly shut and Zero's arms around her, trembling. Zero couldn't find any more words… so he just sat and held Henrietta's shoulders.
When the rain finally changed into drizzle, Henrietta calmed down a little and forced a smile "I am sorry. I brought you to this useless place. Yet, I was helped by you again in the end."
"Its nothing worth mentioning," Zero replied.
"It is so. On that night, I… I could not think straight, I was manipulated and tried to leave with Wales… You stopped me…"
"Of course."
"I'm actually only a few seconds away from slapping you upside the head, my Queen', you said."
"I did." Embarrassed, Zero turned down his face.
"Still, the foolish me did not awake. I tried to kill you. However, you stopped the foolish tornado that I myself unleashed." Henrietta closed her eyes. "By the way, at that time… I felt relieved."
"Relieved?"
"That's right. Even I noticed that it wasn't the same Wales whom I loved. The truth was different. I... in the bottom of my heart, wanted for someone to say those words and stop the foolish me. Well, maybe not those exact words... But close enough." Taking a deep, as if painful, breath, Henrietta continued to talk. In a withdrawn voice. "Therefore, I ask you, Zero. If I were to do something foolish again… if I were instigated again… Would you stop me with your sword?"
"Why?"
"At that time, I was ready to kill, not holding back. Even though I was asked by Louise, that gentle child, I could not stop. Therefore…"
Zero looked at her for a few moments, then said in a kind voice. "I refuse. Really… you can't be weak. You are the queen. Everyone obeys your will. Don't talk like you don't have power, Princess. You would not be alive after all this if you weren't strong. Just remember. Love can blind anyone. While you weren't without fault in the matter... The people who caused that situation are the ones I will kill."
Henrietta looked down. Then...Someone battered against the door.
"Open up! Open the door! It is the royal police! We are searching for run away criminals hiding in this inn! Open up now!"
Zero and Henrietta looked at each other. "They do not seem to be searching for me."
"…They're going to come in." Zero warned her.
Meanwhile, the knob began to turn. However… it was not possible to open because of the lock. With a few more hits against the door, the knob shook violently.
"Open up now! It's an emergency! Open this door or I will break it down!" the voice shouted, then a moment later the sounds of a sword against the door knob could be heard.
"Not good." Zero said.
Henrietta, with determined face, unfastened the buttons of her shirt.
"Princess?" His surprised voice was cut short as Henrietta captured Zero's lips with her own. The kiss was sudden and intense. Locking her arms around Zero's neck, Henrietta pushed him down to the bed. Seemingly undisturbed, Henrietta had her eyes closed and with a deep sigh, pushed her tongue into Zero's mouth. Simultaneously with Henrietta pushing Zero down to the bed, the soldier, who was trying to break the door knob, kicked the door open.
What the pair of solders saw… was a young woman, lying on top of a man, intensely kissing his lips. The woman did not pay any attention to the soldiers and kept on going with her task. Sighs of affection were escaping from the opening of the pair of lips. The soldiers watched the spectacle for a while…then one murmured to the other. "…T-they seem to be just sheltering from the rain, and enjoying it a lot."
"Damn, lets finish up checking the other rooms." another said, sounding embarrassed. The door was closed and they disappeared down the stairs. Since the doorknob was broken, the door opened partially, with a light squeak.
Henrietta seemed not to notice the soldiers leaving. Even though the soldiers were already outside the hotel, she still kept Zero's lips locked with her own. Zero was completely surprised by Henrietta's behavior at that moment. When the time comes, she could sacrifice her own body, like tonight, just to keep the secret. She was really strong, in her own way. He gentle pushed her off of him. The watery eyes that greeted him were enough to nearly break his heart.
With flushing cheeks, Henrietta quietly watched Zero.
"…Princess." Zero said after a few minutes.
Henrietta said in a strained voice. "I already told you to call me Ann."
"But…"
Not waiting for him to finish, she pressed her lips against his again. This time, it was a gentle… emotional kiss. In the dingy lamplight… he could see Henrietta's white shoulders that he held just a while ago.
With Zero strongly confused, Henrietta's lips started to trace the shape of his face.
"Do you have… a lover?" In a hot voice Henrietta whispered into his ear. He felt like melting from that sound.
"I don't, however…"
Henrietta started to nibble Zero's earlobe.
"Then, treat me as your lover."
"W-what?"
"It's all right, only for tonight. I am not telling you to be my lover. But, please, hug me… and kiss me."
That moment - time stopped… this way, a few minutes passed. Moisture filled the room thanks to the rain. The mixed smell of futon and bodies drifted in the air.
Zero watched Henrietta's eyes. Even in such a dirty room… Henrietta's beautiful face was dazzling.
He was almost inadvertently drowned in these charms. But… he could not go beyond Henrietta's kiss… She had just lost her love for a second time... To take advantage of her in this situation would be unforgivable...She would never forgive him. He would never forgive himself. He could not pretend to be lovers and kiss with a person like this. Henrietta was just lonely, in pain. He held her tightly. "Princess... I'm sorry. I know what you're going through now... And I will not take advantage of you. I cannot become a prince."
"I'm not asking you to do such a thing."
"I can't… substitute someone. And if I tried... You'd just hate me when it was all over."
Henrietta struggled against his grip then, but after a few minutes she realized the futility. She closed her eyes and drew her cheek to Zero's chest.
After that… when the heat inside of her gradually vanished Henrietta muttered, embarrassed. "…You must think I am a shameless woman. Even though I am called a queen… I am still a woman. And at night I still miss someone's warmth. "
For a while, Henrietta didn't say a word and just laid there, pressing her cheek against Zero's chest. Inside a cheap lodging house, that might be the cheapest in town, the noblest woman of the country trembled like a child in his arms. Zero swore once more to make those bastards that were responsible pay. "Ann."
"What?"
"Please explain to me slowly. What on earth are we doing here? Secrets… everyone looking hard for the missing princess. And… you are trying so hard to hide yourself. What game are we playing exactly."
"…Oh well. I guess I need to tell the full story." Henrietta voice regained her usual dignity."It's a fox hunt."
"Fox hunt?"
"Yes, you know that clever animal, the fox? Even with dogs at it, even with beaters, it is not easy to capture one's tail. Therefore… I set a trap."
"Trap?"
"Yes, and the bait is me. Come tomorrow… the fox will leave its nesting hole."
Zero looked at her. "And who is the fox?"
"Albion's spy."
***BREAK***
It was evening the next day. The princess had said that this would be the final act, with a strange sort of smile. When he saw the theater he had to chuckle at her play on words. While bad, it had been bad enough to be funny. They had waited across the street, and Zero watched the people headed into the building. All seemed to be young females of common birth. He shook his head.
After the flow of traffic, the last spectators that arrived in front of the theater…It was the the Manticore Corps, Mage Guards. Henrietta guided Zero over to the waiting Agnes.
Everyone watched surprised as their commander, who had a fantasy beast with a lion's head and snake's body on his coat of arms, approached in an angry manner.
"Hey! What's the big idea, Agnes? I came here flying after receiving your letter, but Her Majesty is not here!" Then, the commander of Manticore noticed Henrietta and ran up to her in panic.
"Your Majesty! We were worried! Where were you? We were searching for you all night!"On the verge of tears, commander raised his voice.
What was with these magic guard units? Spectators started to gather, wondering.
Because of such an uproar, Henrietta pulled down the hood of her robe to cover her face again. "I am sorry for causing anxiety. I will explain later. For now, Commander, just follow my orders."
"What are they, my Queen?"
"With the corps under your command, please encircle Royal Tanaijiiru Theater. Do not let even a single ant out."
The commander, though he had a suspicious expression on his face, bowed at once. "As you wish."
"Then, I'll go in."
"I'll follow." Zero said quietly. However, Henrietta shook her head.
"No, you must wait here. This is something I should finish myself."
"But-"
"It's an order."
Hearing such decisive words, Zero bowed with poor grace.
Henrietta, alone, disappeared into the theater. Agnes, having some other secret things to do, mounted her horse and rode off somewhere. Zero couldn't help but wonder what she had planned. With a smirk, he realized it was a theater. Well, he wasn't one to sit out a role when he didn't have to. He smirked, and seemed to vanish into the night.
***BREAK***
The curtains rose… the play started.
Because the play was for women, the spectators were only young females. Surrounded by loud cheers, on the stage, gorgeously dressed actors started to play a story of sad love.'Tristan's Holiday.'
Richmon puckered up his brows. But it wasn't because of the actors laughter or posing, not because of impudent and jarring cheers of young women. It was because an expected visitor did not show up at a promised time.
In his head, various questions turned round and round.
Was the queen's disappearance an Albion plot that I was not informed of? If so, what is the reason? If not, then maybe a third power exists inside Tristania that he was not aware of? Either way, it was troublesome - Richmon muttered to himself.
Then… a spectator sat next to him. Was it the expected visitor? He threw a side glance. That wasn't him. It was a young woman with a hood on her head.
Richmon whispered."Excuse me. This seat is already taken. Please sit in another place." However, the woman did not try to stand young woman... With an angry expression Richmon turned to face her."Haven't you heard me, Mademoiselle?"
"Spectators should watch the play, Judge Richmon."
Richmon's eyes popped out once he recognized the hooded face. It was a person he was sure to have disappeared… Henrietta.
Henrietta, looking straight at the stage, asked Richmon.
"This is the play for women. Are they having fun watching it?"
Richmon settled down, regained his composure and leaned back into the seat. "I am looking over such a trivial play only because of work. Anyways, Your Majesty, there is a rumor that you have hidden yourself...Is it for safety reasons?"
"Indeed. I am discreet with my contacts. It's a good place to secretly meet with my mistress, right?" Richmon laughed. Yet, Henrietta did not laugh. She squinted like a hunter.
"If one can get everything, it is useless to wait. I was standing in the ticket line. You went to watch a play without buying a ticket, such an act is a violation of the law. I would like a royal palace judge to follow the law."
"Oh? So now the sales of tickets at the theater is within the royal family's jurisdiction?"
Henrietta sighed, breaking the string of the tension. "Now, let's stop with this nonsense. The secret messenger of Albion, whom you came to contact today, was arrested last night. He talked about everything. Right now he is in Chernobog Prison."
Henrietta drove Richmon into a corner. However, as if knowing everything would turn out this way, Richmon didn't loose his composure. He smiled broadly in a fearless manner."It seems that my relation is well hidden if you are the only one to come. You can't beat this strategy of mine!"
"That's right, royal palace judge."
"I won't dance on Your Majesty's palms!" he said, then with some regret added,"I really did not want it to turn out... this way. I really wish it could have turned out another way, but..."
"Make a single wrong move, and I kill you," said a joyful sounding voice from beside him. Richmon turned his head to see Zero dressed in black armor, Derflinger pressed none too gently against the side of the man's neck.
"I told you to wait outside, Zero!" The princess said angrily.
"And I told you I'd ignore you if you were wrong. Putting yourself in harms way like this because you're feeling guilty, I'm about ready to smack you upside the head like I promised," Zero said, a smirk on his face.
"So, how did you know your Majesty?" Richmon said, holding his composure. While it was bad, a sword was nothing to a mage. he had but to wait for the right time.
"Because of my disappearance, you decided to come into contact with the secret messenger. 'The Queen was enticed by hands, other than ours.' For you this was nothing more than just an affair. You are calm and did not panic. A careful fox, that doesn't show his tail…"
"Well, since when did you start suspecting?"
"I was not sure. Besides you, there were many suspects. However, the person who was to inform about my disappearance that night, must have been the criminal. And that person was you."Henrietta continued in a sad, tired voice."I did not want to believe. You were such… You were a Royal Palace Judge, who should defend the authority and the fineness of the kingdom, assisted a plot of such treason. During my childhood you were always the one who cherished me... and now sold me to the enemy."
"Your Majesty, for me you are still a girl who doesn't know a thing. Being ruled by Albion is still better than by an ignorant girl on the throne."
"I am ignorant?" Henrietta asked with a giggle. "Oh, my dear, dear judge. That man with a sword to your neck... Do you know who he is?"
"As if I would know a commoner,"
"Of course you wouldn't. Shall I tell you a story?" she said with a gentle smile on her face.
"Whatever you wish young lady," he said, knowing that if he could bide his time things would turn out in his favor.
"There was once an organization, they took over a once great and noble kingdom," the princess said, a sad tone to her voice,"That noble kingdom had a prince who cared about his people. He wanted to protect his people, and the person that he loved. He met a young swordsman who told him that they would have victory if he but took the field. The young prince neglected the young swordman's offer for the sake of the people of his kingdom. The next day, the prince died through an act of betrayal.." she trailed off, as a smirk crossed the judge's face. "And in that moment, the young swordsman grew angry. He removed the traitors arm. Then going against the princes' request he stood against that army. Over forty thousand lives were claimed by that young man's blade in that battle."
"You... You don't mean," the man said, fear in his eyes for the first time.
"Yes judge. The 'commoner' who has a sword at your throat is the Knight-Captain Zero. A swordsman with a reactive ability to repel magic. Not normal magic in the least, but he is the man who crippled the Albion army that day on the field of battle. The man who single handedly killed all of the Albion Dragon Knights who invaded Tristan. If I had his blade to my own neck, I assure you... I would feel a great fear. A great fear indeed," she finished with an almost evil grin on her face. Though she hated to act this way, she knew she could no longer be a child. "Are you going to unveil your actors now? I know that they're magicians. I know that they work for Albion. Our own spies have figured this out well before this play was to have taken place. Or, perhaps, will you surrender?"
"No matter what you say, the one with a sword as my throat is but a single man. He can not protect you from all of them. You are a hundred years too young to try and entrap me, girl!" the man said with all the confidence he had left. If he bluffed he might be able to get out of here.
"Really? Then that means I'm more than ready, wouldn't you agree princess?" Zero asked as the buster shot he had charged in secret slammed into the stage causing the actors who where near the blast to fall through the stage. At that signal, the gun corp members who had made up the entirety of the audience held up their guns, apprehending the rest of the conscious mages quickly and efficiently. Two refused to be taken, and their bodies fell to the ground with a burst of gunfire.
"What the hell was that?" The man demanded, but stayed still as he felt the sword break skin. He realized, all of the theater spectators were members of the musketeers! All the musketeers were young commoners… moreover – women. Was this the reason that the princess had assembled the gun corp the way she had?
"But one of the many reasons that I chose this man to be one of my guardians. He is someone I can trust implicitly. He doesn't seek to beguile me or deceive me."
"I suppose that you'll hang me then?" The older noble said as his eyes returned to Henrietta.
"Of course not," answered Zero before Henrietta had a chance to. "That would be unwise. You're obviously in the know when it comes to what is happening with Albion. I'll simply remove limbs until we have all the information that we need. If you're lucky, and helpful you might even be able to survive as a beggar for the rest of your days!"
Henrietta looked in horror at Zero until she noticed the shake of his head and then paused for a moment to school her features. "Zero has a great many uses. His wisdom is tempered by a special sort of brutality. He always seems to know what to do to get things done exactly as they need to be done. Although, I am a softer sort of heart. Perhaps we should talk about this elsewhere? Although, if you would like I could leave you in the care of the noble Zero."
***Author's notes***
Can reploids blush? Considering the fact Layer managed to when X was talking to her about Zero, I would go with yes.
On another note, Henrietta learns to play Good cop / Bad cop. Zero has way too much fun being the bad cop.
Also, Dr. Lights black armor makes an appearance! Well, the Dr. Light Hologram's armor anyhow.
Agnes: I was supposed to kill that bastard!
You might be able to still...
Agnes: You know that's not the case. I was supposed to stab him to death. It was to be my revenge.
Speak to Zero on that. He's the one who didn't stay outside.
Agnes: Damn it.