It had been two trying weeks for Henrietta, but the conference had finally ended, and without too much trouble. The result was actually quite favorable for Tristian and Germania, surprisingly enough. The two joint powers had both claimed a vast territory in Albion and added it to their own territory. The remaining lands were under the joint rule of the three countries: Tristain, Germania and Gallia, until such a time as a scion of the former ruling family was found.
As a temporary ruler, one of Tristain's oldest nobles Duke Reginald was recommended. He was getting on in years and didn't have much ambition aside from living to watch his grandchildren grow. He was known for having exceptional administrative and domestic management abilities though, as well as genuinely caring about those people that were placed below him. Henrietta knew that this would ensure that the troubled land of Albion would be restored to its former glory, minus the territories that Tristian and Germania had taken for their own. From Gallia, representatives would be elected, and placed as the king's advisers once a competent and legitimate scion was found.
While the countries had rarely worked so openly together in the past, they knew that if a new democratic ideology spread and caused a revolution that lasted, it would be a danger to any of the other three kingdoms as well. With these thoughts, concerns and the alliance forged between thing kingdoms, the nations was brought to a satisfying close to all parties involved and would be returning to their countries the next day.
***Break***
Henrietta was desperately looking over documents by the candle light. Cardinal Mazarin could be seen next to her, a look of mixed concern and frustration on his face.
"Your Majesty, get some rest already… Lately you hardly sleep." Mazarin said, his voice tired.
Henrietta had attended the Nations Conference almost round-the-clock. For Tristain's interests, she took part in heated discussions. Albrecht the III had concluded in a whisper at one point, "Not accepting the marriage was the correct choice."
"Even if we return home now, there will be piles of work to make up for this all. I want to do as much as possible while I can..."
"However, it is already 12 o'clock."
"I will rest later." the queen replied, waving off the old man.
"Leave such table work to the secretary…"
"I want to look over everything. Otherwise, there would have been no point of coming to this country of the clouds... With all my memories of this place stained in blood and tears, I must have a reason for being here, or I fear I will come undone." Henrietta said, in a moment of candidness.
Mazarin sighed. Because Henrietta was so young, he couldn't help but worry. However… Mazarin watched Henrietta through half-way closed eyes. He wanted to keep the princess, whom he had watched over since she was just a baby, out of danger forever. That had been his hope, and yet he had failed. He couldn't believe the levels of failure on that note... As if preparing to lecture a student, Mazarin cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, as I have said repeatedly, we have to be careful of Gallia."
"I know."Henrietta nodded, not lifting her face from the documents.
"Though it was… Gallia that brought an end to this war. Yet, their demands were insignificant… They only wanted one port. Also their words, 'All that we wanted we already obtained.' It is cryptic and I do not like it." the older man said, his face creased in a worried frown. In terms of direct control of territory, Tristain and Germania obtained a considerable amount, but Gallia did not want it. Mazarin was suspicious of Gallia's disinterest.
"Indeed."Henrietta nodded.
"So why aren't you taking this more seriously?" Mazarin said, then let out a big yawn which he had been unable to stifle.
"I am taking this seriously... I have people trying to figure out what Gallia's true intentions are, but I can not simply walk up to their King and say 'You helped us immensely by preventing their government from mounting a counter offensive, but I don't trust you because you're not asking for anything significant," now can I?" Henrietta said calmly as she shook her head. Looking at the older man she smiled fondly, and spoke with some concern,"You seem to be sleepy. Please take some rest."
"No… I won't leave until Your Majesty goes to bed."
Henrietta smiled, putting away the documents.
"You will get some rest then?" he asked hopefully.
"Yes. Because I cannot risk your health." Henrietta replied kindly. While looking at the old man, she now thought that she understood now... He had been shielding her as best he could. She could hardly believe that at one point she had thought he had been plotting to steal the throne's power for himself.
"Stay healthy not just for me. Sleeping is also part of work."
"Yes," Henrietta nodded obediently.
Then… reassured, Mazarin left. Girlishly, Henrietta fell onto the bed. And muttered absent-minded…"Tired…" Right now, she could sleep like the dead. But, there was one thing left to do before that. An act which became every days custom before sleep.
Henrietta pulled out a rope next to her pillow.
At once… a court lady appeared in front of the door.
"You called, Your Majesty?"
"Did Agnes return?"
"The Musketeer Commander, Agnes has yet to report back."
"I see. Thank you."
After hearing the footsteps of the court lady disappear, Henrietta shut her eyes tight. Like a child, she bit her fingernail. Looking troubled, Henrietta buried her face into the pillow. She sighed as she closed her eyes, waiting for sleep to claim her.
***Break***
At that time, in another room of the Havilland palace, a lord sitting with his back to a burning fireplace his elbow placed on the sofa's armchair, was watching the guest with great interest. "Hmm, what does the great ambassador of Romalia want from the 'incapable king' of Gallia?" King Joseph asked, while giving a barely contained smile, looked down at the ambassador of Romalia who had "A personal message from the Pope".
While kneeling on one knee, the young man answered,"Incapable king? Your Majesty is far too modest."
"Not modest at all. It is a fact that my own government and the assembly of nobles and officials too... They all laugh at me. Calling me 'incapable' in the shadows. If you look at it, the domestic affairs and state of diplomacy is weird and wrong. Just like playing with a toy. Nobody seems to understand the true meaning of what actually happens."
"Your Majesty ended the war. History will remember your name as a great king."the young man said in a respectful manner.
"Is such compliment of any value? I am not interested in history at all." Joseph took a music box that was on the table, and placed it on his hand. It was an old, worn-out music box. It was brown, with the varnish completely worn off. It was cracked in some places. However, Joseph patted it dearly.
"Ah an antique?"
"Indeed. I received it from Albion's royal family, an excellent article; it's called the 'Founder's Music Box'."
"The Founder's Treasure?"the young man asked, some shock in his voice.
Joseph's eyes shone at the young man's recognition."Precisely."
"Romalia, Gallia, Tristain, and Albion... Each royal family received something that was considered one of the Founder's Treasures."the youthful man said, as if reciting a heavily practiced line.
"I wonder what would happen if the people of Halkeginia were to learn about that?"the king wondered aloud.
"And the rings of the four elements," Axl added.
"This one?"Joseph made a show of extending his hand and letting the earth ruby glint in the low candle light.
Axl smiled as he said,"Indeed, that is one of them."
"Hmm, so what business do you have? I am slowly getting sleepy. After all, conferences everyday are tiresome. Like that greedy lass, who never seems to get tired, I want you to be brief." the king said impatiently.
"I'm afraid, though Your Majesty doesn't like it much, it is connected with history. Those treasures, with the Founder's will and blood were said to be placed in Romalia. Alongside this, recently a certain prophecy was excavated."
Joseph watched the messenger, evaluating him. So youthful and mischievous, yet carrying a hint of wisdom beyond his years. And his eyes... They seemed to have a strong light in them. This fellow, Axl... For him to take part in the nations conference, he could be useful. With how well he had handled and helped to placate the other leaders, he might be Romalia's best man in terms of diplomacy. Although his ability to hold information in reserve seemed to be poor at best."What prophecy?"
"The Founder's power was great. He divided his power into four parts, putting it into the treasures and rings. There were four people that he divided his power into as well. The Founder said, 'Four treasures, four rings, four familiars, four users when all four gather again, my Void power will awaken once again."
"What was that? In other words, four users of Void exist? Really?" Joseph laughed aloud."Stop saying foolish things! Users of Void, and four people at that! The Founder's Void can be replaced by four people? This is a masterpiece of storytelling! Would you like to come to my court, I could use someone like you to take the burden of state off me."
Axl laughed at that,"As you said, you don't deal with much of the burden of state because of your nobles... But it's not a lie. Romalia collected and confirmed this information. Did you know that two users' existences were confirmed?"
"Well, who?"
"I cannot tell. Only when I am convinced of Your Majesty's cooperation, will I reveal it. "
"What cooperation?"
"Well, that's easy. As soon as you discover a user of Void, I want you to inform our country about it. Don't worry. Our country doesn't have great ambitions. However, we want to accompany the Founder's mind in the fullest sense only that purpose. Royal alliance concluded today The alliance between three kingdoms might correctly lead to the Founder's true intention - one united country."
Joseph shook his blue head."About users of Void... I know nothing at all. Because I am an 'incapable king', the arriving vassals will not inform me about most essential things."
"There is a way of discovering Void users. With one of the four rings, open the music box. If that person is a user, he will hear the Founder's melody."
Joseph nodded."I agree. Let's try it."
"Well then" Axl stood up.
"Wait."
"What?" Axl asked with a smirk on his face.
"What about sharing Romalia's true information of everything?"
"Because you are tired...I was simply going to take my leave and let you rest."
"What? It might be just the right entertainment to kill ones' time during this long night before we all head for home." Joseph protested.
Axl shrugged and turned around. "I am sorry. But it is as I said – only when Your Majesty's cooperation is assured, will I get the the permission to reveal it."
"Though young, the pope is not stronger than a king."
"He doesn't need to be stronger than a king. More than others, he simply needs to have faith. Therefore he expects those he works with to have a similar level of faith."
"Then are you saying - a faith like one in the Founder and God's awakening?"
Axl gave a smile. "This topic of Your Majesty's interest is closed, but there's another one."
"Very well." Joseph allowed, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"All substance in the world is made from small grains. Grains smaller than water drops or sand. As clarified in... recent theology, the four elements' spells supposedly control them." Axl said with a smirk, shaking his head at understanding what the magic of this world, and more particularly void truly effected. It was scary if you actually knew the science behind what it effected and the massive disasters that could come about because of that knowledge, or inadvertent use without that knowledge...
"I wonder... I don't really get it at all..." Joseph complained, acting much like a child with his complaints.
"Bare with me if you would, please. Knowing what we do about those grains, imagine that those grains are made from even smaller grains. It is said, that those smaller grains are what Void controls."
"So what?"
"Following the Founder's mind, and 'four of four' would gather It would be a completely loose situation in case of the complete Founder's Void's power resurrection, the Void spells might have a dreadful effect. Knowing what we know of how those things work and what has happened in the past... Whole continents could be destroyed, or erased from existence. Furthermore, the smallest grains' effect could be so big that it may change this world's existence completely In fact, there is such a spell mentioned in the prophecy."
"What spell would that be? It sounds quite fearsome indeed"
Axl bowed."I would hate to obstruct Your Majesty's rest any further."
Joseph grunted as he looked at Axl. Shaking his head he said,"Priests always seem to be skilled in propaganda and holding your information close to yourselves."
"Of course we are quite good at propaganda. And we keep secrets because we must. Because no one expects, the Spanish Inquisition. Our main weapon is surprise." Axl replied in a playful voice.
Joseph looked at the young man blankly before asking,"The what?"
Axl laughed as he turned his back on the king,"Ah, it is just a joke, a dated joke that doesn't really have any meaning anymore. I tend to keep it alive simply to remember where I came from before I was elevated to this position" As he finished his 'explanation' he started making his way to the door.
Joseph called out to him, in a commanding voice,"Wait."
"Has your faith in the Founder's and God's truth been reignited?"Axl asked with a smile.
"I have a question concerning that faith. You, Romalia and these provoking Reconquista is there any difference between you?" With a smile on his lips, Joseph gave the profound question to the priest.
"Reconquista was a disorderly crowd after all. They were just bunch of kids against the king. They used term 'to recover sacred ground' just to unite themselves. I don't think they seriously thought about getting back the sacred ground from the elves."
King Joseph glared at the young man's back but said nothing.
"Our Romalia is just trying to recover the sacred ground. Besides that, there are no other motives."
"Against Elves' Ancient Magic used to control the sacred ground, there is only the Founder's Void left as a counter. Well, in any case if we were to use it..." Axl murmured to himself while turning to leave.
Joseph said in a too happy voice."You are mad."
With his eyes shining, Axl answered gleefully,"That is what faith is all about, isn't it?"
After Axl had left, Joseph took up the doll from the table. The doll had a shape of a thin, woman in exotic blue armor wielding a large lance. After patting it dearly for a while, Joseph brought his mouth close.
"Did you hear it too, cute goddess? Yeah! That's the right thing you heard! Romalia still does not know the truth about us. The fellows that were running after the Founder's tail for thousands of years, still do not have enough knowledge!"
Joseph brought his ear close to the doll. "That's right! It's like you say, Myoz! They have information, but not the tools. Haha, in this game, we have an unquestionable advantage. The Ruby of Earth, the Founder's Censer, the Founder's Music Box three parts are already ours. Aye, Tristain has three too but they do not have the information. With the knowledge about prophecy and Albion's royal family treasure, it could be worrisome. Yet that lass is only interested in money and land. Haha, stupid beyond help! In other words, only we have information and tools. It's more than anyone else has."
Joseph shut his mouth.
"What? Is that so? Tristain's user is coming to Albion? Moreover, with only a few school girls as her escort? It's like a chicken waiting to be cooked! Capture it immediately. We need to get the Founder's Prayer Book and the Ruby of Water, before those Romalian dogs do. Hurry up!"
After giving instructions to the doll, Joseph sank into the sofa.
It seemed like he would be able to sleep well well indeed.
Joseph, opened the lid of the Founder's Music Box, which was on table's left.
And closed his eyes.
***Break***
Louise and company arrived in Rosais two days after the conference had ended. They had made great time with the assistance of a wind dragon. Usually, it would take five or six times the time to travel such a distance.
Louise, upon arriving at Albion, was amazed again.
The reason for that was that port Rosais was packed. She had never seen such a mass of people. Peddling merchants, who were trying to unload their wartime materials, speculators trying to get rich on the change in prices of many market items, people who were visiting family that they could not before, due to the war. The crowds overflowed into all the streets.
"So many." Louise commented. From the port, the road to the city was framed with arsenals and commanders, like an exposition of Halkeginia.
Along side the road, a lot of people stood with wooden signs with names on them.
"What are those names?"
Wearing an apron and coat taken from the Academy of Magic's housemaid clothes, Siesta stuck out from under her cap and asked, wondering. She was carrying a big bag over her shoulder. It was packed with their traveling needs.
"They are looking for people who have gone missing during the war. Louise said in a sad voice. Though she was wearing the usual Academy of Magic uniform, she had a big leather rucksack over her shoulders as well.
"So they're like us then? Their beloved people have gone missing?" Kirche said, her voice heavy with the empathetic sorrow in her voice.
"I wonder if we'll find Zero..." Siesta asked as she looked around.
Their only clue was on the order note given to Louise. There, it was written: "Stop the enemy at the northeast hill, 50 leagues away from Rosais."
Though she had questioned a number of officers in the army about Zero no clues were obtained. Though she thought about meeting Henrietta, she was not in the royal palace. It seemed like she went to some conference in the Albion capital...
"Nobody here knows anything, how about we move out of the city? It is far too crowded here, and we know where we need to start checking," Kirche commented in an annoyed tone as someone pushed by her.
"She is right... Waiting here wasting time will just make it harder to find Zero," Roll agreed.
Tabitha nodded silently, her ever present book somehow absent."Rest outside city,"
"But we have to keep moving!" Kirche complained.
"No, she's right... We haven't eaten nor have we really slept since we flew here from Tristian, and Sylphid probably needs to hunt..."Roll said, almost embarrassed that she forgot about the physical limits that the humans had on this search.
"It makes sense..." Seista agreed hesitantly. "Its alright though, I have just the thing for tonight, to help lift our spirits! A dish from Zero's homeland!"
***Break***
After the girls had left the city, and found an area that was clear enough to set up camp, Siesta got to work, with the assistance of Roll. Unpacking a pot, a portable rack, and gathering some fire wood Siesta put together a rather large pot of an unusual stew. When it was finished she carefully ladeled it out into smaller wooden bowls and handed them to the others sitting around the fire. Laughing lightly, she looked at Kirche and Tabitha and said,"No orc meat this time..." to which Kirche laughed lightly.
Louise looked suspiciously at the presented stew. She could not see the color of it. A peculiar aroma of mountain herbs and meat drifted off of it though.
"It's good, don't worry. It's my village's special dish - Yosenabe." Siesta reassured the girl.
"Yosenabe?" Rolled asked curiously,"Isn't that a Japanese dish? I never expected to have the chance to try this..."
"I believe so, yes. It is a dish made by my great-grandfather. We're not exactly eating it correctly, but it is still good to eat."
Louise timidly took one sip, then brightened considerably."Delicious!"she said, a hint of amazement in her voice.
Siesta laughed lightly."It suits everyone's taste. Its a food that comes from Zero's home... If I can't have Zero here, at least we can have something that connects us to him..."
"Ah, such a unique and beautiful homeland it must be... To create a work of art like this, and one such as my beloved... I would like to see it..." Kirche said as she gazed to the stars.
"No... You don't," Louise said as she stared into the stew.
"What? why wouldn't I?" Kirche wondered.
Louise looked at Kirche, her face soft and sorrowful in the glow that the fire gave off. After a few moment, Louise spoke,"Because...Its gone... The only area capable of supporting life on Zero's world is a place that was called Area Zero... And it is only slightly larger than Tristian."
"While Tristian is a small country, that's not too bad..." Kirche replied easily.
"The city... Its only a little larger than the city... not the country. Everything else is desolate and dead. This is why Zero appreciates nature so much..." Louise said in a hollow voice. "What you want Kirche... Is to keep Zero here, so he never has to go back to such a place."
"Agreed," Tabitha nodded as she spoke. She then turned to Siesta and commented,"Good, thank you."
Kirche, noticing the exchange smiled. It seemed that something good had come out of this whole incident with Zero missing... Tabitha had been coming out of her shell. She even was even interacting without her books.
Roll finished her small serving of dinner first, and moved to unpack the tents she had carried. As the other girls finished their dinner and readied themselves for bed, Roll looked up at the double moons. While she had gained so much in this world, just how much would it take away from her? She could only hope that Zero was alright, or at least in a state that he could be repaired...
***Author's notes***
As to comments from the readers on what is going to happen when Zero finds out about X? The chase music is going to be the Benny Hill theme. Just with more explosions.
And Zero learning magic? That's just crazy. Nothing to see here, move along. I mean honestly, do you see Zero waving a wand around?
Also, apparently something that has slipped through regarding things being removed, apparently a whole end of a paragraph disappeared before the war in Albion. Ah well, it wasn't terribly important, but it IS annoying.
Also, while most people don't realize it, Reploids especially Zero and X actually have SYNTHETIC DNA. They can actually be "Cloned". At what point does this blur and go from being an artificial life form, to being a true life form? They're not really