The first class of the next day, the class of first year students began lessons about the earth element. The teacher of this class was Mrs. Chevreuse. Known also as 'Chevreuse the Red Clay,' she unfolded a list of names to take attendance.
"Miss Westwood." Tiffania's name was called. Yet, there was no reply. "Miss Westwood?" The name was repeated, but the result was the same. Looking around the classroom, Tiffania's trademark hat could not be seen anywhere. "Miss Westwood seems to be absent…does anyone know the reason for this?"
No one in the classroom answered. Sitting in the back row were Beatrice and her followers with spiteful grins plastered on their face as they watched Mrs. Chevreuse look around the room.
"Your Highness. It seems that that girl isn't around today."
"Instead of a hat, perhaps she is busy preparing a mask for herself?" Giggles spread across Beatrice's group at her wisecrack.
"Doesn't anyone here know the reason for Miss Westwood's absence?"
Going back to the original question, it still remained unanswered.
Mrs. Chevreuse shrugged her shoulders with a troubled look. She had seen the girl being crowded by so many people, and knew that she had led a rather sheltered life. She couldn't help but think that the girl might have been effected by the anxiety she was no doubt feeling, and that she had yet to make friends whom she could turn to. Because of a lack of exposure to society, her character must have made it hard for her to make friends. Mrs. Chevreuse decided to pay her a visit after class, but for now, the lesson would have to continue."Well everyone, let's start where we left off last week on the topic of 'alchemy'. Last week, we looked at synthesizing brass…"
At that moment, the door opened with a creak. The gaze of the entire room fell upon the girl standing there. It was Tiffania.
"What's with that appearance?"
One of Beatrice's followers remarked.
Tiffania's appearance was certainly strange.
Instead of her normal academy uniform, Tiffania was enveloped with a tan-colored robe with long flowing sleeves. This particular design was rarely seen in Halkeginia. With her face shrouded by a hood, Tiffania hesitantly creeped into the classroom.
"Miss Westwood. You are late."
Tiffania clasped her fist over her chest in order to gain some courage.
"What happened to your uniform? Take off that ridiculous robe. Now is not the time for a costume party."
"Replacing that hat of yours with a strange robe? You look like a some kind of fool!"
Lisette chimed in. The girls that held ill feelings for Tiffania all laughed.
Amidst the laughter, Tiffania's face peeked out from underneath the hood.
"Th-This is not the robe of some fool! This was my mother's robe!"
The class was taken aback by Tiffania's outburst.
Mrs. Chevreuse edged closer as she inspected Tiffania's robe.
"It is a strange design indeed…the sewing method looks like that of the desert inhabitants and…hm? Hmm? Ah! Th-This is!" Mrs. Chevreuse trembled slightly. "This can't be? Your mother was a… an e-e-el…"
Understanding Mrs. Chevreuse's next words, Tiffania removed the hood covering her head.
Seeing her long ears appear from underneath the hood, the class shouted,"Elf!" as the students fell into a panic. Meanwhile, the students closer to the front moved away from Tiffania. Mrs. Chevreuse's legs gave out as she dropped to the floor. Waddling away towards the wall, her large body weighed her down such that she hardly got anywhere.
Tiffania approached Mrs. Chevreuse as she was frantically crawling away on all fours.
"Ah! H-Help!"
"I-I won't do anything to you! Please calm down!" Tiffania told her gently. The sunlight beaming from the window illuminated Tiffania's dazzling face. Her golden hair sparkled making her appearance shine with beauty like that of a fairy. Like a religious painting from ancient times, her divine appearance had struck the hearts of the students for a moment. But then, her long ears invoked fear as the memories of the horrible wars and battles their families had fought against the elves for so many generations returned.
"Everyone, please don't be scared and listen to me. As you can see, I have the blood of an elf running through me. But I don't have the slightest intention of causing harm to anyone! Rather, I left the forests of Albion so that I could learn here with everyone!"
"Don't take us fools! You're an elf, our enemy!" Lisette shouted. Many students nodded in agreement.
The boys in the class at this point were caught between worshiping and fearing Tiffania. These mixed feelings confused them such that they didn't know what to do. Mrs. Chevreuse was still trembling.
Beatrice abruptly stood up. Her face was trembling with anger. "Everyone! Don't let her fool you! Halkeginia has had a long history of dispute with elves! No matter what situation, her kind has been our sworn enemy!"
Drawing a deep breath, Tiffania shouted with a shaky voice."It's true that Halkeginians have opposed the elves! My body flows with the blood of my mother who was an elf and my father who was a human, both of whom I loved!"
"What, you're a half-elf? The daughter of a human who sold their soul to an elf? That kind of person is worse than any elf!"
Tiffania's face paled, and then she started trembling. Never in her life had she held such a strong anger before. While people were free to insult her, she couldn't stand the thought of anyone insulting the man who had loved her enough to spend his life for hers. Suddenly and angril she screamed,"Don't insult my father!"
At that point, things only got worse. Breaking through the classroom windows, ten knights flew in from outside. The class was once again enveloped with screams. Faced with so many happenings, Mrs. Chevreuse finally passed out.
The knights were equipped with bulky, shining blue armor. Even in the military it was rare to see mages wearing armor. There was only one exception to this rule…
Seeing the shining breastplate and the crest of the yellow dragon, one boy in the class shouted.
"The aerial armored brigade 'Luftpanzer Ritter'!"
Seeing that Halkeginia's strongest brigade was here, the students gave a cheer.
One knight, assumed to be the commander, got in between Tiffania and Beatrice, as if to protect the latter. Pulling out a short, military-type wand from his side, he pointed it towards the surprised half-elf.
"Do not come any closer to her Highness."
The rest of the brigade, quickly surrounded Tiffania, wands at the ready. They seemed as skilled as they were reputed to be...Tiffania was hugging both of her arms to her chest, trembling slightly.
"It is better for you not to move. I wouldn't want to have to cut those cursed ears off your head. I know that you elves can use 'ancient' magic. Even without a wand, they are able to cast that evil magic!" The leader spoke darkly.
"I-I don't know how to use 'ancient' magic. I'm telling the truth. Also, 'ancient' magic is not evil. My mother told me so. Every magic is the same. Depending on the person's intentions, magic can be used for good or evil."
"Shut up! No one is going to be believe your delusions." The man countered angrily. "You can't fool us!"
Tiffania wilted before the man. With tears in her eyes she shook her head and murmured softly,"But, I…want to get along with everyone... It may be hard to believe me, but…"
"Ha. If you say that you 'want to get along with everyone' and prove that you aren't a vile desert dweller, then you should believe in the same god as us, right?" Beatrice smiled as she said this suddenly.
"When I was on Albion, there was an alter that I offered my blessings to every week. My mother did so as well. I don't know whether she strongly believed in that religion though. For the sake of getting along with everyone, I am willing to convert."
Her face twisting into a sneer, Beatrice glared at Tiffania. "Well then, you are going to need to provide some proof."
Tiffania's puzzlement was clear as she asked,"Proof?"
Beatrice's face flashed as if saying, 'this was her chance.' "Like, like—Ah! Let's have a heresy inquiry! I will represent the ancestor of Founder Brimir. For the day of the baptism, I will bear the role as a bishop from the Guldenholf religious sect. The validity of the ceremony will be enough with that.
'Heresy inquiry.' At those words, a clamor started in the classroom.
Tiffania was thrown down harshly in front of the tents outside of the academy. The knights formed a circle around her, pointing their wands.
"What do you plan to do with me?" Tiffania asked, her eyes betraying her fear. Tiffania looked around her. The scary looking knights clad in blue armor were all around her. Around the knights were even scarier looking wind dragons that were roaring threateningly. The situation was enough to make any normal person faint. There was nothing that could be done in this situation. Even casting her 'Oblivion' spell would not work, due to being restrained by the knights. If she were to risk casting a spell, she would most likely be on the receiving end of a volley of magic. Tiffania cursed her own carelessness. She should not have revealed her true identity after all. She had greatly underestimated this level of treatment. Meeting Zero and his friends and eventually accepting her elfin blood, she had carelessly expected that other people of Tristania would be the same. However, that was a misconception. Tiffania realized that elves were feared and hated by the people of Halkeginia. The image of her mother's death, just for being an elf, floated in the back of her mind. Wanting to see the outside world, how foolish of a thought was that! The image of these knights surrounding her now overlapped with memories of that day in the mansion at Saxe-Gotha, where her mother was killed by mages. Was she also going to be killed like her mother simply for being an elf? Tiffania trembled as she thought of it. The more she thought about those times, the more she trembled.
Breaking through the circle of knights, Beatrice appeared. While playing with her locks of hair, Beatrice questioned Tiffania with an amused tone,"Do you know what a heresy inquiry is?"
Tiffania nodded shakily through her trembling.
"You said that you would 'believe in Founder Brimir.' You, with the blood of an elf, say that you would believe, believe in the god of the people of Halkeginia. That's why we will need proof. To prove that you are not a 'heretic', you will have to show that in front of the ancestors and agents of the church. That is what the 'heretic inquiry' is."
Tiffania noticed the look in Beatrice's eyes. Even if she were an elf, there was no reason to torment her this much. It was because she didn't like her that she was tormenting her. After all, those eyes did not hold any hatred. Those knights that killed her mother because 'she was an elf' had an unforgettable fire of hatred in their eyes. However, the glow in Beatrice's eyes was that of amusement. Having found a reason to torment Tiffania, Beatrice was having fun. Instead of being afraid, Tiffania was now enveloped with anger. With a firm look, Tiffania glared up at Beatrice. "What an unfortunate person."
"What did you say?"
"If everything doesn't go your way, you aren't satisfied. You act like a child."
Beatrice's face flushed red. The sound of flesh hitting flesh resounded through the air. Beatrice had slapped Tiffania's cheek. "Well then, let's begin. You are going to have to get in a pot of hot water. If you are truly a servant of Founder Brimir, then the water will feel just right to you. However, if you are a detestable non-believer, your body may end up roasted."
One knight giving a signal, a large pot, that appeared to be used for cooking food, was brought over from a nearby tent and placed onto the fire. Using strong flame magic, the water inside the pot was quickly brought to a boil. Of course, there was no way anyone could survive being in that boiling water regardless of being a believer or non-believer. This 'heresy inquiry' was simply another way for the church to carry out their executions.
Having gathered an audience, Beatrice shouted with pride. "In the name of the Guldenhorf family, the heresy inquiry will now commence! To all the devout followers of Founder Brimir, please witness this trial!"
'Heresy inquiry!' many students murmured. Some seemed shocked, others disgusted, while still others seemed excited. It was a mixed atmosphere.
Suddenly a high pitched whine could be heard at this, causing everyone to look around. Without warning, the whine disappeared and a brilliant blue blast of light slammed into the spot where the cauldron of water had been, knocking multiple knights back. None of them moved when they landed.
"What the hell are you doing?"Zero demanded of the knights as he landed in front of a group of the massed students.
For a moment, Tiffania's face brightened, but it soon returned to gloominess.
"Heresy inquiry." Beatrice said haughtily.
"I don't know about heresy or what not, but you will let Tiffania go! Do you understand what you are doing?" Zero stepped towards Tiffania, but was soon restrained from behind. Looking behind him, the one holding Zero back was Guiche. "What the hell are you doing? Do you really want me to kick your ass too?"
"Stop it, Zero." Guiche replied urgently.
"Stop what?" Zero demanded as he glared at Guiche.
Guiche said uneasily,"Doing this will put her in an even worse position!"
"What? Just because your family borrowed money, you're going to overlook this? She was going to boil her alive!"
"No, that's not true!" Guiche said with a serious face.
"Then, you're afraid of those dragon knights?" Zero demanded, his scorn showing heavily on his face.
"Do you really not understand? It's a heresy inquiry!"Malicorne had suddenly shouted seriously.
"What about it? How can I not save her?" Zero demanded.
"If we protect her, we will also be treated as heretics! You can't even joke about something like that! Not only us, but our entire family will get sucked into it!"
Zero looked at Guiche. "Seriously?"
"It's the truth."Guiche said in a low voice.
Zero glared at Beatrice, wondering if he could free Tiffania before they unleashed a lethal spell on her. "I suppose it's a good thing I don't have a family then. Nor do I give a fuck about your corrupt and evil church." Zero muttered dangerously as he easily broke from Guiche's grip. "Stay out of my way Guiche. This is my only warning as my temporary second in command."
Glancing at Zero's reaction, Beatrice smiled widely as she turned towards Tiffania. "Miss Westwood. I envy you. You have even won over the royal knights. I'm going to be merciful and offer you one chance. Leave right now, and go back to the countryside you belong. If you do that, I'll forget about all of your rudeness."
A moment of silence passed. Everyone, from the gathered students to the few staff members had their attention on Tiffania. It was unmistakable what everyone was thinking. Accept the chance.
However, Tiffania did not agree to this. Tiffania lifted her head with confidence, saying to Beatrice. "No. I will not leave."
"What?" Beatrice hissed in disbelief.
"Seeing the outside world has always been my wish. Due to Zero and his friends, that dream has been granted. That's why I won't return. If I were to go back because of a cowardly person like you, I would never be able to face them again." At Tiffania's words, the surrounding students erupted in cheers. They had been really surprised at her long ears, but somehow they couldn't see Tiffania being a vile desert elf that should be feared. At that earlier statement, some progress was being made! On top of that, besides the boastful first-years who were hiding behind authority, there really were not many that had hostility towards Tiffania.
"Let her go!"
"That's right! Let's properly hear the situation from Old Osmand!"
Being showered with these statements, Beatrice's face twitched. "Luftpanzer Ritter! As you wished, I will start the inquiry! Bring another Cauldron!"
When the knights holding Tiffania had seemed to relax, Zero moved and had them down in seconds. He was fairly certain that he heard a neck crack, but who knew since he couldn't see into their helmets. Zero stood defiantly between Tiffania and the guards, his saber out and pointed directly at Beatrice.
Again, cheers erupted from the students.
"Zero! Beat up those lowly, dragon knights! After all, you're the hero who stopped an army!" Gimli shouted.
Zero's body lit up, and his helmet flickered with power. There was no mirth, no glee in his face. It was set with resolution, and the guards who met his gaze understood it. It was the devotion of one willing to fight to the death.
"So you plan to oppose me?" Beatrice demanded.
"If the whole world, including god becomes her enemy... I'll protect her. If I have to cleanse you and your tiny kingdom from the face of this world, I will." Zero said, his eyes boring in to the girl.
In a small series of lights, a group of fourteen bronze Valkyrie flanked Zero. Struck dumb with astonishment, everyone turned their eyes toward Guiche. There stood a very nervous Guiche, trembling all over while still gripping his rose wand tightly.
"Guiche!"All the students yelled at once.
"Mister Gramont, what is the meaning of this? Are you planning to oppose the Guldenhorf family?"
"I do not wish to, but if I must for the sake of Justice and my honor."
"How dare you?"
"I'm at a loss Even though it's a heresy inquiry, I'm at a loss. Even though my opponent is the Guldenhorf family , I'm at a loss. Not only that, but I would have liked to stay away from that aerial armored division... But I can't. I just can't stand by and watch. What would my commander think of me... No, what would I think of me?That's what's important. What would I think of myself, if I stood by..."
"Mister Gramont?"
Hearing his name being called, Guiche was gradually preparing for the worst. As if he was slowly gathering his will, he straightened his collar and stood up straight. Bringing up a face bursting with energy, it was as if he just woke up now. No matter what happened, Guiche was a noble of this world. He was a descendant of a military family who were trained with a mentality for giving and taking lives as an everyday incident. "It shames me to ignore a lady and a friend. This heresy inquiry is a disgrace to my family's honor. Because of this, it is clear that I have to settle this with my wand." There was no hesitation in his voice, as he pointed his imitation rose at the dragon knights, who were said to be the 'strongest squad in Halkeginia.'
"Guiche, fourth son of the Gramont family, I respectfully accompany you." Seeing Guiche in such a manner, Malicorne shouted next to him.
"Hmm.. You're full of surprises, aren't you Malicorne. You've got heart, I'll give you that." Zero said as he looked at Malicorne.
"I... agree, this is reprhensible and goes against what it stands for to be a noble..." Montmorency spoke gently, surprising Zero further.
"I swear. It's funny how the people i'd least expected to grow up... Are the ones making a stand..." Zero said casually, a smirk on his face, but the anger in his eyes no less than it had been.
Beatrice was shaking fiercely, her anger and frustration at its peak. With a loud cry, she gave her orders.
"Go, Luftpanzer Ritter!"
The loud sounds of the dragon knight's armor rang as they stepped forward a step as one.
The largest knight then advanced forward first, pointing his wand at Zero and the Koga knights. It seemed that this dragon knight was the leader. In the opening of the face mask, a Kaiser-style mustache stretched across his stern face. The dragon knight opened his mouth, making his mustache shake. "Students playing knights. You're only going to get hurt."
"Says the man willing to boil a girl alive. I have a message for you to deliver...Tell Wardes he's not the biggest bastard I've met here." Zero said coldly, lifting his buster to point at the man.
"Zero! No! You are not to kill them!" Louise cried out as she arrived on the scene, panting heavily trying to catch her breath her face noticeably pale. She saw her familiar facing off against the whole squadron of dragon knights with but a few of his 'knights' behind him. She saw a number of bodies on the ground, and felt a sinking feeling.
"They make an aggressive move I'll kill them all Louise. I tried to ignore it, but they were going to boil her alive. Do you understand that? Not even Wardes was that much of a bastard. They deserve no mercy." Zero replied releasing the charged buster at the leader of the knights. Before it could connect, another buster shot collided with it knocking the leader of the dragon knights and a few of the closer ones off their feet. After the blast Axl landed in the center of the battle field, between Zero and the body guards.
"You're getting in my way Axl?" Zero asked.
"Of course. This is a school Zero. No fighting." Axl replied playfully.
"You're right Axl, this is a school. And it isn't really fighting if it's an execution. They were going to boil the girl alive. Now get out of my way." Zero demanded.
"Ah, yes. I heard before I jumped in. A particular and brutal punishment. I'm fairly certain that the pope had outlawed that practice quite recently. Even before that, you needed to be a bishop to do such a thing. Or at least have the papers signed and stamped from one."
"Oh, and how would you know?" Beatrice demanded, glaring at the young man.
"Well, considering the fact that I'm his agent, and work under him directly... One could say I have a direct channel. As a matter of fact I was there when he signed that document. As I recall, I threatened to perform it on him since as the most faithful of everyone he shouldn't feel it more than a normal bath. For some reason he decided it should be against laws of church doctrine after that."
"As funny as that is Axl, get the hell out of my way or else I'll get you out of my way." Zero said, his eyes black, making even Axl take a step back when he noticed this change. Zero's helmet and body flickered with a barely contained power that only Axl understood.
Upon seeing Zero's eyes Axl wondered if he should take Zero's advice. Putting his hands up in a calming gesture Axl said,"Woah, woah. Zero, calm down... Lets not do anything rash here."
"Move. Now." Zero replied, his power ramping up his hand started shining incandescently, splaying off his form, lighting the grass beneath him aflame. "You get one last warning Axl."
"Hey, I'll change if you don't calm down! You know I will!" Axl replied.
"It doesn't matter. I've fought her before. And I don't think she'd stop me if she had control. This is the last warning" Zero replied, while everyone looked on in puzzlement.
"Zero... You can stop...I'm not worth all this..." Tiffania said from behind him now that she had found her voice again.
Zero looked back at her. "They were going to boil you alive. I will not give them the chance. I don't care if they think they're strong, or entitled by god. I will not let them harm you."
"Well, considering only a Bishop or higher could demand a heresy inquiry of this level, they don't have any legal right to do this. That was before the pope declared it inhumane and evil." Axl said conversationally.
"Ah, but you are wrong! I am a sanctified bishop in my own right! And we are not of Romalia."
"You mean in your own mind right? I know every bishop that is sanctified for this type of thing. Comes with working for the pope. Did you know that what you're doing is an executable offense? And seriously, every priest answers to the pope, except for that hack who was killed in Albion. And before he went all rogue he answered to him. Why don't you stop acting stupid like this, or I will move out of the way. So shut the hell up unless you're looking to die!" Axl snarled back at her. Beatrice just glared back at Axl when he said this, defiance clear on her features. After a few moments Axl turned back to face his friend. "Zero..." Axl said slowly,"I'll move. But before I move, I need to ask you a question."
"What?" Zero asked, shocked that Axl would suddenly offer to move. Not that he was complaining.
"What is your power for?" Axl demanded.
Zero started, his power flickering. What was his power for? "My power?" Zero's eyes widened, he had not expected an obtuse question like that
"I want to know Zero. Your answer. what is your power for?"
Zero looked back at the Reploid standing before him, his eyes showing some doubt. "My power is for protecting the people I believe in, and the things that we believe in..."
"So your power isn't for destruction?" Axl asked in a gentle voice.
"No..." Zero replied slowly, the energy he was releasing receding until it was no more than a soft glow. The slate black color of his eyes had changed back to the usual green color they normally had.
"Put your buster away Zero. This is over. We'll deal with this. Just put your buster away."
"I'm not putting it away. While they're here, she is in danger. I will protect her." Zero replied defiantly, his form sparking with power briefly.
"Okay, I can respect that. I can live with that. Just stay calm." Axl said, glad that his friend's attitude was back to normal. He wondered if it was too late to take the brat behind him over his knee...
Beatrice growled as she looked at the two conversing as if she was no more than a flea. How dare they look down on her, how dare they mistreat her? In an overly sweet voice asked"If you work directly for the pope, how can you dare speak to me in such a fashion? How can you allow such a base being to offend in such a way?"
"Girl, I already told you we're within our rights to execute you. And right now, Zero is keyed up enough that he could probably take out that little stain you call a kingdom in about an hour. So shut the hell up before I do move. Trying to talk down a pissed off Zero while you're trying to piss him off more is not a fun or safe thing for anyone involved!"
Beatrice glanced back at the young man who was glaring back at her, but still protecting her from the man who had threatened her life. She couldn't help but wonder if this was but an act.
"Zero!" Louise cried out, as she stumbled in to him. "Please calm down!" She was feeling kind of dizzy.
"Just who are you?" Beatrice demanded." Don't you know who I am? I am Beatrice Yvonne von Guldenhorf! The Guldenhorf family that is connected to the Tristanian royal family and owner of a respectable, independent country! I will definitely report this rudeness to her Majesty Queen Henrietta!"
"Guldenhorf? That Germanian born, money grubbing clan is what you are muttering about? You say you are going to report what to her Majesty? Don't make me laugh. I'm telling you that I am in a really foul mood right now, and I feel as if the world is spinning. If you keep griping, I'm going to crush that family of yours. Provided my familiar and guardian doesn't do so before the Princess or my family has a chance to." At Louise's words, Beatrice's face got completely red.
"Wha, wha, money-grubbers, you say!" Beatrice screamed.
"You bring up your family's name so readily, which makes you one, right?"
"I haven't heard your name yet! Tell me now!"
"Louise de La Vallière."
Beatrice's eyes opened wide. "La Vallière? As in the Duke La Vallière?"
"Is there any other Vallière out there?"
Beatrice bit down on her lip nervously. The words she was told as she left her home popped into her head. Her father had told her that there were three opponents that they could not go against in Tristain. One was the Tristain royal family. Another was Cardinal Mazarin. And the last one was the family prided with the greatest social status in the history of Tristain, the La Vallières. Other than those three, it was alright to pick a fight with anyone else, her father said. But the blood had rushed up Beatrice's head. Who the hell are the La Vallières? Her family also had duke status. History and social status aside, her family had more property and land hands down. Suddenly, something the girl said caught her attention. "Your familiar?" she asked.
"Ah, nothing... Nothing..." Louise said, as she waved lazily at the girl."Knight Commander Zero Wily is more than enough for you. Although, he tends to solve these problems permanently. did you know he destroyed twenty dragon knights in but a single battle, when he was facing the full force of the Albion invasion alone? That is how he obtained his noble title. Although, I believe by law, to impersonate a bishop in Tristian in such a manner... The punishment is burning at a stake on judgement of the one you wronged, is it not Axl?"
With a reluctant shrug Axl replied,"Yeah, I suppose it is."
At Louise's words, the surrounding students looked at the situation differently. With the cries of 'heresy inquiry,' many of them had blanked out, but what Louise said was definitely true. Most of Beatrice's statements were far too suspicious. "And Zero here has the ability to carry out that charge, even with all of her guardians here."
"I... I suppose he does, yes." Axl said again, wondering what this girl was trying to do. Was she trying to make Zero kill the girl?
Beatrice was trembling as she dropped to her knees. It wouldn't have been strange if she were to be hung from this atmosphere that had gradually shifted in favor of those around her. When she thought all was lost, a beautiful golden-haired fairy moved quickly to Beatrice. It was Tiffania.
Louise smiled as she looked at Tiffania. After a few moments she said," Miss Westwood. You have the right to judge this girl. Deal with her as you see fit."
Tiffania was standing right over Beatrice with a smile on her face. With a moan, Beatrice turned away while still on the ground. Biting her lip, Tiffania looked down at Beatrice. Then, as if she knew what to do, she looked up. The blood drained from Beatrice's face. Preparing for the worst, Beatrice shut her eyes. Everyone present was waiting for Tiffania's judgement. That would be the price Beatrice would have to pay. Normally for this kind of situation, Beatrice would not complain even if she were killed… However, Tiffania's next words were out of everyone's expectations. Tiffania had taken the hand of the kneeled down Beatrice."L-Let's be friends." She said.
All the students there were speechless. Such an unexpected event was anti-climatic. One student cried out, repeating Louise's words."Miss Westwood? You have the right to judge this girl, you know? Make her pay for what she did!"
They thought that there was something strange about her head. But, Tiffania shook her head."This is an academy, right? It's strange to judge someone at a place of learning."
"But still, do you not think of what she tried to do to you?" Another cried out.
"I…came here to make friends, not to make enemies. I want to see this world and share it with my new friends. How could I make friends if I was so willing to wish harm upon people?" Tiffania asked with a determined look.
With those words, no one could say anything further. What broke the silence was the sound of Beatrice crying, With the string of fear and anxiety cut, the moment Beatrice knew she was safe, tears spilled from her eyes. As if she were a child saved by a hair from falling off the edge of a cliff, Beatrice cried. Only the sound of her defenseless crying rang across the now empty field. Turning towards her crying voice, the students scratched their heads. It was only the selfishness of a child after all, so they lost the will to further denounce her.
"Is it over?" Squeezing through the wall of students, the headmaster, Old Osmand, appeared. Old Osmand rubbed his beard as he grinned. Then, in front of just about all the students, he placed a hand on Tiffania's shoulder and informed everyone. "Ah. Just now this girl said that she would stake her life to learn here. There is a lot to learn from these words. Do you understand, everyone? Originally, the will to learn is not a matter of life or death. Sometimes though, sticking to one's own beliefs will turn the world into your enemy…don't forget that."
The students had a look on their faces wondering just why Old Osmand chose this time to come out, but they just nodded for now. Content with the nods, Old Osmand continued,"However, taking matters to the extreme every time is stifling. While a fight here or there is expected, when someone dies, it's too late. Furthermore, it becomes very bothersome, so I would like for this bickering to end now. This girl is under my guardianship, understand? In addition to that, Miss Tiffania is a guest entrusted to me by her Majesty the Queen. From now on, if there are students that wish to insult this girl's lineage, be prepared to make enemies with the monarchy and it's guardians, understand?"
The students all became nervous at once. This transfer student who had elf blood was a person connected to her Majesty the Queen. From these words, they came to the realization that even though it was rather peculiar, instead of being something feared, they felt that her elf blood could even be something most admirable.
On top of that, the students, for the most part, had never seen a descendant of an elf. Because of Old Osmand's statement, they became more curious than afraid. Soon, they were favoring her dazzling appearance, disregarding the ill-feelings for man's supposed mortal enemy.
The students approached Tiffania, requesting to shake her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you. This is the first time I've met an elf, but you are quite pretty."
"I had imagined that elves were something along the line of orcs."
"You had such an earnest composition that thought only of how to look ahead. It makes you seem nobler than us human nobles."
With a moved expression on her face, Tiffania shook hands with each person one by one. Looking at such a scene with satisfaction, Old Osman looked around and said.
"Well, now that you have made up, please transport the injured to the infirmary and clean up this area. Oh, and Zero... Do please refrain from destroying any Armies belonging to your own country, even if they're unnecessary with you around." The students face-faulted, and then proceeded to transport the all but forgotten members of the dragon knights who were still unmoving on the ground. Old Osmand nodded at this scene and turned towards Tiffania beside him,"I apologize for helping you so late. If I had helped you earlier, it would have been hard for you to make true friends. Especially since it's you, a person descent from an elf. I was watching the entire time... You were in no danger, but it is also unforgivable what I did... I just hope you can understand why I did what I did."
The shy Tiffania hung her head with an expression that implied, 'not at all…'
Old Osmand coughed as if clearing his throat, and then put on a serious face.
"Well then…one last thing. There is something that I want to ask you."
"Yes?" With an uncertain look, Tiffania tilted her head.
"It is a question of utmost importance. Understanding this is a matter of life and death… This is a question that I ask with all of my being, so properly answer me."
"Ok."With a serious look, Tiffania nodded.
In a noble motion Osmand brought his hand up to point at Tiffania, or more correctly, Tiffania's large chest. As he did this Old Osmand felt a hand grasp his shoulder and looked up to see Zero.
"Yes old man, ask your question. It must be important, right?"
Osmand laughed helplessly and shrugged. "Nevermind, I suppose it wasn't that important."
"No really. Ask your question. I'm sure we want to hear it." Zero said encouragingly.
"Ah... You see. I was just wondering..." Osmand said slowly,"if you truly cared that much about seeing the world? The world is not as nice as some might paint it."
With a laugh Zero let go of the old man's shoulder and shrugged as Osmand let out a sigh of relief.
Tiffania looked at the old man and smiled,"I know it is not perfect, but I still wish to see it, to meet new people. That is what I want..." she said as she looked out at the The wide field stretched on endlessly. Looking back, many fine towers were seen, giving the location of the Academy of Magic. This was the place she would study for the next three years. Tiffania touched her ears. They were the proof that her mother's blood ran through her body. These long ears…a smile floated on Tiffania's face as she thought of this.
***Author's notes***
Grats on the hidden trivia question. I actually knew the answer, but wanted to see if anyone could figure it out from my mostly retarded recollection of it. Have a chapter.
Firstly... Zero isn't really a sleeping dragon. Just sayin.
Oh and if anyone thinks I'm a sadistic asshole now... Wait for it... Just wait... ha. hah... haha...
Zero: I don't like where this is going...
Oh right. Free update if anyone can figure out where I got Zero's line, "If the whole world including god becomes her enemy..." AND who said it. Succeed... And you'll get your chapter. Fail... And I take a week or two off... Oh right... (Puts 2 dollars in the epic jar)... Next chapter is EPIC. 10K+ words.
Zero: Oh god, he said epic... Please. don't answer it. PLEASE. I need a rest... Or a new fiction. Someone wanna adapt a reploid?
Hell no. Your ass is stuck here till you finish what you started.
Zero: ... I hate my life...
Oh also, does anyone wanna give a crack at a Shikimaru FoZ fic? I think having a lazy but deadly ninja would be hilarious. "Go do the familiar show!" "Too troublesome. I'ma just leave a log here and go nap where you can't find me..."
Also apparently people think this is from FFVIII... Wrong. SO very wrong. Hint. ARFFI. And that's as far as I go before Google gives you the answer immediately. or your sister's friend .