Chapter 3: Matter of Pride
Light shine on my eyes. Time to wake up.
It's morning, with the usual things that come with it: the morning light, the warm ray, and...underwear lying on the ground just in front of me.
So yesterday really wasn't a dream; I am...somewhere else.
Waking up and not seeing Alice or Neris and Nero isn't uncommon, but this time it feels more hollowed than usual...
Between the hard floor and the unfamiliar room, it's the pink-haired girl, Louise, asleep on the bed that's the most eye-catching.
If I remember correctly, Louise is a student, and today she's supposed to have classes. I should probably wake her.
"Hey, wake up." I call her from the bedside.
She looks just like an ordinary girl when she's sleeping; but once she wake up, she'd probably go back to scowling and complaining about every little thing again.
Louise: "...Hm..mnm...Huh...Who are you...?"
"Luka."
I better give her my name. Maybe that would push her to see me as more as a person.
Louise: "Oh, right...that one I summoned yesterday..."
But it seems to have no effect.
Louise: "Hngh...! Hwaah...Mnm... Clothes."
"Your uniform, right?" It's hanging on the back of the chair, before I pick it up.
Louise: "Underwear."
"Wha—Get it yourself."
Louise: "The bottom drawer...over there."
Louise seems bent on making me as useful as possible.
Alright, wardrobe, bottom drawer...
*creak*
...This is the first time I've seen this many women underwear in one place aside from in a store. People close to me don't wear them that much.
...Maybe my life is far from normal in more aspects than I thought.
...Anyway, I'd better not touch them too much. Let's just pick one out and throw it to Louise; I won't have to look back and probably see her undressing again.
Now that I think about it, throwing her things might get her angry again. ...But nothing happened.
Louise: "Clothes."
"I already gave you, didn't I?"
Louise: "Dress me."
"D—Do it yourself!"
How can this girl be nonchalant about this? It's one thing if she's a monster, but she's a human. What if someone comes in and sees us like this? Or worse, see me touching her naked.
Louise: "You're a commoner so you probably don't know, but nobles don't dress themselves if they have servants to do it for them."
I have heard a little about noble's conduct but have never seen the real thing myself.
I don't get to see how people around me put on their clothes often; though I see them undress all the time, for some reason.
"A—at least put on the underwear yourself!"
Louise: "Already did."
I need to take a deep breath. I'm confused by how this girl acted so against the norm I've seen of other humans, but there probably isn't anything to be too worried about.
Fuu... Alright, now turn around slowly.
Louise is sitting on her bed, already wearing underwear as she said. But that's only true for the bottom one.
"Your chest! Cover your chest! Where's your bra?!" I turned away by instinct, even though it's already too late anyway.
Louise: "Bu-Ra? What the heck are you talking about?"
I should be asking what that question mean...but I could guess that means there are no braziers here.
"Th—Then turn around!"
Louise: "Don't tell me what to do."
"Just turn around! I can't look otherwise!"
Louise: "What a fussy familiar. There; are you satisfied?"
I turn around again, this time very slowly. Louise's bare back is facing me.
One problem down, but it's not over yet. There's still that white shirt on the ground, and then the socks.
I really have to, actively on my part, touch a girl's almost naked body, who is neither Alice nor Neris? This feels so wrong. It's like I'm feeling all the embarrassment in her place because the girl herself wouldn't see how inappropriate all this is.
Kuh...Let's just get this over with.
"R—Raise your arms."
[...]
[...][...]
Fuu...
Why am I already exhausted when the day has barely even begun; not as bad as some of the long nights with Alice, but still.
Louise: "You're overreacting. Hurry up and come out."
The source of misery is calling from the hallway in a uniform, completed with a skirt and a cape; a far cry from the sluggish mess a moment ago.
Getting out of the room, we're in a long hallway, with similar-looking wooden doors lining up both sides of the wall.
One on the opposite side, just a few steps away from us, opens; and a girl comes out.
The girl is taller than us both. With her copper skin, flaming red hair, ample bosoms, wide hips, and the alluring air that accompany them, I'd believe in a heartbeat if someone tells me she's actually a monster in disguise.
The unfamiliar girl grins once she saw Louise.
?: "Good morning, Louise."
Louise frowns, and greets back.
Louise: "Good morning, Kirche."
She sounds clearly annoyed.
Kirche: "So that...is your familiar?"
The red-haired girl, Kirche, says with a sneer as she points at me. Looks like the contempt is mutual.
Louise: "So what?"
Kirche takes a quick look at me from top to bottom.
Kirche: "Ahaha! So you really summoned a human! You really never betray the expectations, do you, Louise the Zero."
Kirche laughs mockingly. What's this. I don't get why summoning me is such a bad thing; and what should Louise have summoned to be considered good?
Louise: "You really like to run your mouth, don't you?"
Kirche: "Of course! I wouldn't be doing it if I don't! When I want to do something, I do it; for example, getting a familiar on the first try."
Louise: "Is that so." Louise is unamused.
Kirche: "If you're going to get a familiar, you should get one like this. Flame!"
Kirche calls out. Something walks out of the room behind her.
A big lizard, with body almost as big as a horse, but looks shorter due to the the way those legs bent up and outward. From the appearance, this could be a dragon. So this place has monsters as well? But this looks nothing like the monsters I know.
Louise: "Is that...a salamander?" Louise said, begrudgingly.
Kirche: "That's right! See the tail? Look at how big and vivid it is. This is without a doubt, a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountain Range."
...What did she just say? 'Salamander'?
No matter how I look at this, this is just a very big lizard or a small dragon at most; definitely not Salamander.
Kirche: "A genuine salamander from the mountain of Fire; even experienced collectors wouldn't be able to put a price on it! But yours..."
This girl also looks down on me, but in a different way from how Louise does. This girl seems to be laughing at the same time.
But the laugther disappears a moment later. Now she has a neutral expression on.
Kirche: "Hey, what's your name?"
"I'm—"
Louise: "And why would you need to know that? Hey, you, don't run your mouth."
I can't even introduce myself? What's her problem, really?
Kirche: "Well, your master being overbearing is nothing new. Anyway, littel boy, you're pretty cute. Do you want to go somewhere with onee-san for a bit?"
"Eh? I'm good. I'm kind of busy..." Finding a way home.
Kirche: "What kind of busy? Onee-san can help you, you know?"
Louise: "Back off, Zerbst! And take your familiar with you! Keep your hands away from mine!"
Hey, don't say it like I'm a pet.
Kirche: "Don't be so stingy, Vallière. Well, see you later."
Kirche winks and blows me a kiss, then goes on her way; taking the big lizard with her.
Louise: "Why must that girl be so infuriating! Boasting just because she summoned a salamander!"
Louise clenches her fist and rant indignantly.
"Is that really such a big deal?" I mean, that's just a lizard with its tail on fire.
Louise: "Of course it is! A familiar is like the face of the mage who summoned it. People decide a mage's ability from their familiar. How did that woman manage to summon a salamander, when all I got is you!?"
"How would I know. And I think I can fight that lizard just fine."
Louise: "Why do you like to spout these nonsenses so much?! As your master, I forbid you from saying these ridiculous things in front of people agin! That includes fighting salamanders and living with devils! You'll hurt my reputation!"
This girl doesn't believe anything I said at all.
"...Alright, I won't talk about myself anymore."
Louise: "Good; and you'd better keep your words. Now follow me!"
So, this girl seems to really think of me as her servant or less.
If she won't believe me no matter how many times I say it, then fine. I'll just speak only with people willing to help me, like the principal. As long as I can get back home, that's fine by me.
[...]
So, we're on the first floor of the central tower. Yesterday was such a rush that I didn't take a good look, but the first floor is a very spacious room; like a big meeting hall. There are three very long tables set in the middle of the hall. Each one can probably accommodate close to a hundred people.
Louise leads the way to the middle table, saying it's the seats for second-year students. On the table laid abundant food of various kinds, from well-grilled meat to appetizing salads.
I lost count of how many times I've been stunned since I woke up this morning. This is what students here have for breakfast? It's no different from the banquets the queens and the kings invite me and Alice to sometimes.
Then what's with that half piece of bread last night? That I didn't even get to have? Give me back my gratitude.
Louise: "What are you standing around for? Pull the chair for me."
"Ah, okay."
As gentlemen are traditionally expected to do, I guess.
Louise: "You really can't make yourself useful, can you..."
As far as I know, nobles aren't traditionally expected to insult their servants every minute.
By the way, there are so many people here. I went to a few parties at castles, but I really can't get used to sitting at a table with this many people. I'm much more comfortable eating at an inn or setting up a camp and cooking something up for myself and Alice.
"Uh, do I really have to sit here?"
Louise: "Of course not! Tables are for nobles! Your place is over there!"
The place Louise points to is just a floor, where a miserable plate of soup and a pitiful strip of meat sit alongside that half piece of hard, hard bread again.
"Don't tell me that's mine?"
Louise: "It is, though."
"..."
Louise: "Quit with that frown. Don't be so choosy; normally familiars have to eat outside in the yard. You're only allowed to eat here in the Alviss Dining Hall because I asked the school to let you in, so don't go spoiling my generosity."
"..."
...I am at a loss for words; that's the best way to describe what I'm feeling right now.
...
Sitting on the ground, staring at the plate of soup like this, it's as if the soup is also staring back at me, and we are communicating telepathically.
...
Of course not. Guess it just have to go in my stomach.
[...]
Classrooms in this school have elevations, like stairs, but the room is in semi-circular shape. Teacher's desk is at the bottom—where the center point would be if it's a full circle—while each row of student's tables sit on higher platforms, with the one at the back being the highest. The entire building is made of stones, but the tables and the chairs are made of wood.
I and Louise step into the room. For some reason, everyone turns to look at us, and giggles.
That's Kirche among them. So she studies in the same room as Louise. There are several male students fawing over her, which proves the aura I felt from her was real.
It feels kind of weird to see that many men surrounding a human woman. Usually, only succubi or high-class monsters can do that. Human women capable of that are very rare; Kirche is really something.
Aside from the students, there are also various animals; probably familiars. That giant lizard curling under Kirche's chair, an owl perching on a male student's shoulder, a crow, a cat, even that giant snake staring into the room from outside the window: this is very nearly a circus. Some of these creatures I've never seen before.
There are a lot of seats, but if the breakfast was any indication, there isn't one for me. Standing beside Louise's chair, staring at the yard outside, that's the place for me.
"Can I go wait outside?"
Louise: "No. This is the first day after the familiar summoning; all students bring theirs to class. Even if all I have is you, that's still better than nothing at all."
So this is sort of like pet show, and I am like a normal dog without anything special; or even worse, if I go by this girl's words yesterday, more like an ant in a backyard. But that's supposedly still better than nothing.
Hmph.
...
I'm mad.
I probably shouldn't, at my age, but still, I'm mad.
If Alice is here she'd probably say something like 'Quit with that childish pout.', even though I'm not pouting.
But, I'm mad. Every time this girl opened her mouth, it was an insult to me. I can't help but be mad.
I can't look at the girl as I am. I'll just look around for now; not that there's anything to look at in...
...! Hey, isn't that...!
"Scylla!"
Louise: "Hm? Right, that's a scylla. I'm surprised you know that."
Though the human-like parts aren't as human-like as I remembered, that's still a scylla. Maybe she'll know something.
Louise: "Wait, where are you going?"
"Hey, the scylla over there, can I ask you something?"
The group of talking students turned toward me, but the scylla doesn't. I've gotten this close, but she still doesn't seem to notice me.
"Where are you from? Is it somewhere close to Sentora?"
The scylla finally turns around. ...But all she does is staring at me. Maybe she didn't hear me? Wait, why are these students laughing?
Student (M) A: "Is this guy crazy!? He's seriously tying to talk to a mystical beast!"
Student (M ) B: "Don't tell me you're trying to woo it? Do you think you have a chance since you're both familiars?"
Student (M) C: "Vallière! Come get your familiar! I don't want it getting mine dirty!"
What does that mean? Are they saying this scylla can't speak?
No, more than that; it's as if every scylla, and maybe even other creatures, can't speak.
Come to think of it, that fire lizard didn't speak then either, and there were no traces of woman-like features on it at all.
...
Monsters here can't speak.
Just like animals.
Louise: "What do you think you're doing! I told you to quit your nonsenses! How much more are you going to embarrass me?! Come here!"
What's with this place.
There are two moons. Salamander is just an overgrown lizard. Scyllas can't speak, and are treated like a pet.
What... ...What.
In this place that's like a completely different world from the one I know, what am I supposed to do? How do I go on?
...
...
Louise: "Y—yes, ma'am!?"
Did I doze off? Or rather, I was in too much of a daze to notice anything.
In the front of the room is a woman; a teacher if my hazy memory is correct. She came in, and has been giving lectures for a while. I can kind of remember her talking about me and the students laughed. Now, she's calling for Louise.
Female Teacher: "Ms. Vallière, please demonstrate the Alchemy to the class. Try changing these pebbles to metals of your choice."
Alchemy: that's the word I've heard pretty often. It's the main skill of Lucia and her colleagues. I once asked what is it, but I can't understand a thing she said, and got called 'idiot' by Alice instead. After that Lucia gave me a much simpler explanation, that it is like the change from a clean iron bar to a rusty one, except it's done intentionally.
"Originally, it was created for the purpose of creating gold from other types of matters, but the principal behind it allows for more than that. The example I gave actually wasn't alchemy, but you should get the picture."
Supposedly, the change in 'Alchemy' is much more complicated than that, and explaining the process to me would be impossible with how little I know. And it's not magic. Though using magic makes it easier, it would still require the person to have the knowledge.
So these students can do something amazing like that. I'm seeing them in a better light; but only a little.
The teacher is calling Louise to do just that. However, Louise doesn't stand up, and only fidgets in her seat.
Female Teacher: "Ms. Vallière? What's the matter?"
A student slowly raised her hand worriedly. It's the red-haired girl from the morning, Kirche.
Kirche: "Umm..."
Female Teacher: "Yes?"
Kirche: "I think we should have someone else do it..."
Female Teacher: "Why is that?"
Kirche: "Because it's dangerous."
Kirche says plainly, and the entire class nods in agreement; except Louise, and I who doesn't understand what it is about.
Female Teacher: "How so?"
Kirche: "Ms. Chevreuse, you've never taught in Louise's class before, have you?"
Female Teacher: "I have not. But I have heard that she's a hard worker. Now, Ms. Vallière; don't worry, just try it. If you're afraid of making mistakes you won't be able to do anything."
That teacher's words remind me of my past self.
"Your teacher's right. You came here to learn to be a better mage, didn't you?"
She glares back at me for some reason, even though I'm just trying to be supportive.
Louise: "Alright, I'll do it."
Kirche: "No! Don't do it, Louise!" Kirche shouts. Why is she so desperate?
Louise stands up from her seat—at the back of the room and on the highest elevation—and walks down the elevations; students on each row look as she walks by, as if dreading something.
Arriveing at the table, she raises her wand, and starts casting the spell.
The atmosphere grows tense; it's like everyone is waiting for something with bated breath.
Louise points her wand at the pebbles; then there is light. Finally—
*boom!*
"Wahhhhh!"
What the—! An explosion!? Where did that come from?!
The blast was strong enough to knock me, who's at the end of the room, down flat; it's not surprising at all that the class is thrown in to chaos.
Students panic, familiars fly all over the place, the teacher and Louise got thrown against the blackboard; the former passed out, and the latter is covered in soot.
I've never gotten real education like Nero and Neris, but I've heard there are some ores or something under the earth that explodes when they catch fire. Maybe some of those were in the pebbles.
But from the students' reaction, it's as if they already know this is going to happen. Does that mean the cause wasn't the pebbles, but Louise?
Kirche: "I told you not to do it, Louise!" Kirche crawled up from the fallen table.
Student (M) D: "Jeez! Vallière, just quit school and go back to your home already!
Student (M) E: "I knew it! You bunch are really cursed!"
Student (M) F: "Luckee! My Luckee got eaten! Luckee~~!"
Louise stands up, takes out her handkerchief and wipes the soot from her face, as if nothing happened.
Louise: "...I guess I messed up a bit."
Students: "How was that 'a bit'!?"
Student (F) A: "That's why you're the 'Zero'!"
Zero: that's the name Kirche called Louise with this morning. So this is what she meant.
[...]
[...][...]
Fuu. We made it just in time for lunch.
The cleaning took all morning. Well, that sounds just about right for a punishment. But, wasn't it kind of meaningless if Louise made me help her, when the point was to have the her clean without using magic; meaning without the easy way?
I didn't mind helping, but she pushed the bulk of the job on me, while she only wiped a few tables. That irked me a bit.
Moving the tables, wiping the blackboard, replacing the window glasses, all of them took some real energy, but when the lunch comes...
...I only get this miserable soup.
"Hey...I worked pretty hard, you know. Can't you give me some more?"
Louise glances at me, still sulking, and throws me a small drumstick without saying anything.
"Thanks."
It's not nearly enough, but still better than before.
"Hey."
No response, but I know she heard me.
"Don't listen to them. If you don't give up, you'll definitely get results someday."
Again, no response; but I got to say what I wanted to. It's time to return to filling my stomach with this half-bread, miserable soup, and middle-class drumstick.
...
...That's it. All gone. I finished before any of the student; but that's obvious, since my food is so little compared to all of them. It's not exactly filling, but it's still better than the breakfast, I guess.
"Alright, I'll go wash your clothes like you told me last night."
Louise: "...Alright."
That reaction is a bit tamed compared to usual. Maybe she's still down from the earlier accident.
"Don't let it get to you. You're still young; there are plenty of times to get better at everything."
Louise: "No one asked for your opinion."
She's prickly. Well, that's normal for a girl her age. One of the things I've learned during the journey with Alice and the time after that was that we shouldn't make a big deal out of someone's demeanor.
And...I guess the ruckus this morning made me symphatize with her a bit. After all, she seems to get treated the same way I am. Also, from what other people said about the fact that Louise summoned me, my presence is not helping her standing at all.
Yes, it's not my fault, but still...
Oh, I'm herre.
The door to Louise's room is equipped with doorlock, like every other room. With this key I got from Louise, I can open her room.
...
Now that I've gotten her clothes right here, the easy part is done. The real problem is the lack of tools and place to do the washing. Louise stressed that her expensive underwear must be washed gently or they'll be damaged.
...
I guess walking around without destination and hoping the solution would find itself to me isn't a good idea. I already reached the school yard and still, nothing.
Ah, but that black-haired girl, she was the one I asked for direction yesterday. Based on her clothes, she must be this school's workers. Maybe she can tell me.
"Excuse me, can I ask you something?"
Maid: "Ah...you are that person looking for the principal the other day...Ms. Vallière's familiar."
Eh? Her too? Has the whole school known about me already?
"Yes, and Ms. ...Vallière told me to wash theses clothes, but I don't know where to do that. Can you please tell me?"
Maid: "Hmm~ I can do it for you, if you'd like."
"Eh? But don't students here wash their own clothes?"
Maid: "The school does want them to do that, but some of them still...uh no, nothing. Anyway, I'm used to doing housework, I can do it for you."
It's clear what she was about to say yet she still stopped. Even the workers here seem to be afraid of those students.
"Hmm...I'd rather not. She told me to do it, so I should do it myself."
The girl looks surprised.
Maid: "...You are quite the loyal familiar."
"Well, I would appreciate it if you don't call me like I'm a cat or a dog."
That was awkward. I scratch my cheek and smile sheepishly out of habit. The girl laughs; I guess that reduced the tension somewhat.
Maid: "My name is Siesta. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Luka. It's nice to meet you too."
It's hard to believe I'm feeling so glad to have someone be polite to me. I guess we only realize the worth of something when we lose it.
Siesta: "Luka-san. Luka, that's a cute name."
"Eh?"
That tone. That smile. If I'm not mistaken, it's 'that' again.
Siesta: "Luka-san, how old are you?"
There it is. It's been so long I almost forgot that look and that smile this girl is giving me; like she would a young boy.
The simplest way is to give it straight.
"I'm nineteen."
The girl worker, Siesta, freezes with the smile still on, before she widens her eyes.
Siesta: "Eh!? Are you joking?!"
"I'm serious..."
Really. I should be used to it already, but when it's someone close to my age, I can't help but grumble a bit every time.
When I started out on that journey I was fully fifteen, but my body was a bit smaller than men at the same age. Almost five years has passed since then. I'm nineteen, almost twenty, and I...did grew taller. Everyone says I'm the same, but I DID grew taller, by half a finger.
Haa... Micaela-san said it's because of Father and Mother's bloodline. Father was also small and looked young despite being a full grown adult; Mother stayed the same for a very long time once she reached her maturity. Combining both together, it means I'll look like this for a long time.
Well, that's not really bad thing. Monsters live a long time—their lifespans are at least as long as human's, while most live longer. Only the very few monsters that survive the grueling environment long enough to become 'old' would blend in with human and live their 'post-retirement' life peacefully.
That's what the previous demon lords did as well. If they didn't seal their power, their lifespan can go up to a thousand years, easily outliving their partner.
Now, since I will live a long time, Alice wouldn't have to weaken herself the same way. We can stay together as long as we need to, only grow old we decide it's our time. So, this long life is a blessing for me.
But still...If only I can get just ten, no, just five more centimeters, that would be great...
Siesta: "I—I'm sorry! I thought Luka-san is younger than me so I...I—I'm seventeen."
She looks her age, unlike me.
Speaking of age, I wonder how long this place's one year is; is it similar to my one year? Based on how Siesta looks, they should be pretty close.
"Well, please don't worry about it too much. We're pretty close anyway."
I tell that to everyone who's younger but looks older than me, since speaking with someone who definitely look younger with elderly respect is awkward for many people. This way is better for everyone.
Siesta: "Then Luka-san doesn't have to speak politely with me as well."
"Okay, Siesta." Not hard. I'm more used to speaking plainly. I just tend to use polite speech when speaking to officers or workers in establishments.
Siesta: "You are going to wash Ms. Vallière's clothes, right? I can help you, but can you wait until the afternoon? I have to serve the desserts first.
"That's okay. Do you want me to help?"
Siesta: "But Luka-san isn't a worker here...Is that really okay?"
"It's okay. As thanks for your help ahead of time."
Siesta: "Thank you very much. Please follow me."
This warmth in my chest: this should be the feeling I get when helping others. A hero's duty is to help others anyway, but getting thanked in return makes the satisfaction bigger.
"By the way, Siesta, why are you still speaking politely?"
Siesta: "I'm just used to speaking this way."
No problem. A lot of people around me have unique ways of speaking, so I don't think too much about this kind of things. Even the high-hand speech Louise have been using is fine by me, if the contents aren't always insults in some form.
The kitchen is behind the Alviss hall. Women in the same uniforms as Siesta are busy washing plates, bowls, and other utensils.
Siesta goes straight to the table where a silver tray with several slices of cake on it is placed.
Siesta: "Luka-san, can you please hold the tray while I serve the cake. It's quite heavy, are you sure you will be all right?
"I'm sure. I may look like this, but I'm pretty strong." Compared to ordinary humans, that is.
We come out to the hall where students are still seated at their places. There are two other workers already serving the first year's and the third year's table. So the second year's table is our job.
The tray is a bit heavier than I expected. Siesta use a pair of tongs to pick up and serve slices of cake on the students' dishes. Siesta has a fair bit of strength, as expected of someone in this line of work.
The cakes are triangular white cream cakes with a big, juicy strawberry on top of each piece. It looks pretty generic at first glance, but the little details like the shape and the edges are all very neat; no mistakes can be spotted. Now I'm starting to want one myself, if only to know how it taste.
Speaking of cakes, I haven't had one, or any other desserts for a while. The last time was when I stayed at the Demon Lord castle before going to Succubus Village.
I can't remember when I started to have more interest in food, but it's probably Alice's influence. If Alice is here in my stead, all the cakes would have been gone in the seconds Siesta turned the other way.
Louise is still seated at the table, looking this way with surprise on her face.
If I have to guess, she's probably surprised I'm doing a job; any job. She kept saying I'm useless or a failure, but I'm only like that in her and (probably) other students' eyes.
At the middle table, there's a male student that stands out more than others. It's a boy with short, curly blond hair and a handsome face. He's wearing a white shirt with large frills in the front along where the buttons would be. with a red rose inside its front pocket. Surrounding him are male students who wear normal uniforms.
Student (M) A: "So, Guiche, who are you going out with now?"
Student (M) B: "Yeah, who's your lover?"
So that student's name is Guiche; though I don't know what I'd do with the knowledge. My mind just catches on to the conversation because of Guiche's unique clothes.
Guiche lighly touches his lips with his index finger.
Guiche: "Going out? I don't have such a particular relationship with any one woman. After all, roses bloom for everyone."
Roses. Does he mean himself?
He seems like the difficult type. I should lay low and pass by quietly; no need to cause a ruckus. I'm being watched like a rare animal as it is.
Circling around his back, trying not to be in his line of sight, and being really still while Siesta serves the cakes to the group. Be one with the wind.
Siesta finally finished serving. Let's be on our way...
...What's that? A purple bottle just fell off of that student, Guiche's pocket. And I just had to see that, didn't I.
Looks like no one else noticed, including the owner himself. As per social decorum, I should tell him. But I also don't want to get involve with anyone here...Well, let's do it like this.
"Siesta, that blond student dropped some kind of bottle."
Siesta: "Where is it?"
Siesta looks down and see the same bottle I did, and picks it up.
For some reason, Siesta looks kind of stiff approaching the boy.
Siesta: "E—Excuse me, Mr. Gramont. Might this perfume bottle be yours?"
The male student, Guiche, scowls at Siesta.
Guiche: "No, it's not. What are you talking about?"
Siesta: "Eh? B—but..."
Siesta seems afraid. I'm starting to be unsure if this is really a good idea.
Student (M) A: "Oh? Hey isn't that Montmorency's perfume?"
Student (M) B: "Yeah! That vivid purple colour, it can only be the perfume Montmorency mixes for herself!"
Student (M) A: "Guiche, since you have that bottle, that means you're going out with Montmorency, aren't you!"
Guiche's friends are getting loud, to his displeasure.
Guiche: "No, it's not. Listen, I will say this for the sake of her reputation—"
?: "Guiche-sama."
A female student, probably from an adjacent table, approaches the group. Her cape is of a different color than theirs. With the way she refers to him, she's probably from a lower year, so, a first year.
She looks heartbroken, crying her eyes out.
1st Year Student (F): "I knew it...Guiche-sama and Ms. Montmorency..."
Guiche: "It's a misunderstanding. Katie, listen. In my heart there's only you..."
Didn't he just say he has no particular relationship with any one woman?
That girl, Katie isn't letting herself be fooled either.
*smack!*
Whoa. The sound of her palm on Guiche's cheek seems like it reverberates around the room. That gotta hurts both physically and mentally.
Katie: "The perfume Guiche-sama dropped himself is more than enough proof! Yet you're still trying to deny it!? Goodbye!"
The student runs out with tears in her eyes.
Ah, these kind of episodes are really depressing. I feel down just from watching them.
Oh, wait, another girl is already coming this way. Wasn't she a female student in Louise's class? That hairstyle really sticks out. Nobles and people in high society in Sentora sometimes wore the same one: the really curly, rolly one.
This student isn't like the one before, striding in quickly and impatiently.
Guiche sees her and speaks up first.
Guiche: "Montmorency, this is a misunderstanding. All I did was accompanying the girl on a long trip to the forests of La Rochelle..."
Guiche acts calm, but there's sweat on his forehead.
Montmorency: "I knew it. You were going after that first-year." The girl says in low voice, but her expression tells the whole story.
Montmorency: "Please, don't be so angry, Montmorency. It's such a waste of your beautiful visage, for it to twist so. It saddens me so much."
This Montmorency girl doesn't listen either, and seems to be really mad.
Ah...She pours the wine on his head, straight from the bottle. A slap like earlier would've been much better. The humiliation must be very strong; even I feel it just by watching. The people around them have the same expression I probably have on.
Montmorency: "You're a sham!"
She storms off.
The hall is stunned in silence.
Guiche doesn't look rattled by the ordeal, simply bringing out a handkerchief and wiping the wine on his face, before shaking his head and says dramatically, as if he's an actor in a play.
Guiche: "Those ladies don't seem to understand the existence of roses."
I knew it, he's not someone I should get involved with. I should get out of here now.
Siesta...? Why isn't she moving?
It's too late; Guiche turns toward us, and says to Siesta in cold voice.
Guiche: "...You, the server."
Siesta: "Y—Yes, sir..."
Guiche: "Because of your thoughtlessness, the reputation of two esteemed ladies have been sullied. How will you take responsibility?"
Siesta: "B—But I..."
This guy; he's trying to pin the blame on Siesta?
Guiche: "Suddenly picking up some random perfume bottle and then saying it was mine. I told you it wasn't; if you had apologized and took back your claim it wouldn't have ended up like this."
Siesta: "I—I am deeply sorry about this!" Siesta bows, being on the verge of tears.
Guiche: "The damage has been done. Do you think a simple apology would be enough? You do realize if I bring this up to the school, you could be fired, don't you?" Guiche's voice is a cold fury.
The fuss just now was serious enough to get someone fired? And how was it Siesta's fault? Supposed it is, who is this boy for the school to fire Siesta because of him?
But Siesta's reactions say it's a very real possibility.
Siesta: "P—Please have mercy on me! Don't fire me, I beg you! I have to provide for my parents and siblings back home!"
Guiche: "If the job is so important to you, then be more careful in how you behave yourself."
Siesta: "I will! I won't do this again!" Siesta's voice is shaking; she's holding back hiccups.
Guiche: "Hmph. All right. I will let this slide, just this once. Now go."
Siesta: "Thank you! Thank you very much for your kindness! Mr. Gramont!"
Guiche waves his hand, signaling Siesta away, who does just that while holding back tears.
...What was I doing. Why did I just stand and watch?
Was it because I'm in an unknown place, not knowing what is considered right or wrong here?
Was it because there's no one I know, no one to rely on?
Was it because if the matters can be settled without violence, that's good enough?
Her body may be unharmed, but the wounds inflicted on Siesta's heart with the threats, the accusations, the injustice; what about that?
If someone is hurt, it's the duty, no, the very nature of a hero to intervene.
And I am...
"Hey, you, the guy called Guiche."
Guiche: "...Who are you, commoner?"
"It's me who saw that bottle fell from your pocket. I was the one who told Siesta to pick it up for you."
Guiche: "He~h...Hiding behind a girl's back like a coward; have you started to feel the shame? That's rich, coming from a commoner."
"That's right. I am ashamed of myself. I was the one who saw the bottle; I should've been the one to tell you that. And that's why I will say this however many times I need to: that perfume bottle fell from your pocket."
Guiche: "...You seem to lack the appropriate knowledge of how to speak to nobles."
"The nobles I know aren't like you. Lying to girls, making them cry; you're a jerk."
Guiche: "You...!?"
Students (M) A: "Hahaha! Speechless huh, Guiche!"
His friends laught heartily, while Guiche glares daggers at me.
Guiche: "It seems I will have to educate you on proper manners."
"As if someone like you have any to teach others."
Guiche: "Insolent! Know your place!" Guiche stands up, looking at me in contempt.
Guiche: "Come to the Vestri Courtyard. I'm going to beat into you what awaits commoners that dare to oppose nobles."
So there will be a fight.
"Alright."
The students here can use magic, while I'm barehanded. To be honest, that takes away a bit of my confidence. But now that it has come to this, I can't back down; I won't back down.
Guiche: "Quite brave; or just foolish. We'll know once I flush out some of those rebellious blood."
Guiche walks out of the hall with his friends.
"Siesta, are you okay?"
For some reason, Siesta seem even more terrified; much more so than when she was the one threatened?
Siesta: "Luka-san...Luka-san is going to be killed..."
"Eh?"
Siesta: "You made nobles angry...Ahh...!"
Siesta ran off... She looked very scared.
I'd go after her, but the cake tray is still in my hands. But...Siesta has the tongs. How am I going serve the desserts now? Not that I particularly care if the students get their desserts or not, but Siesta should really finish her job, or she might get in trouble.
*twack!*
"Ow!" Something hit the back of my head.
Louise: "What the heck were you doing!?"
It's Louise, who's being angry like usual.
Louise: "Go apologize to him now!"
She probably means Guiche.
"No, it's that guy who should apologize to Siesta. Siesta didn't do anything wrong. It's his fault for lying to those girls."
Louise: "I know that! The entire second-years know how much of a womanizer Guiche is! But that doesn't matter! You are a commoner; you can't just challenge a noble like that! Why can't you understand?! Is it because I was too soft?! Because you're my familiar, I only gave you light punishments, but other nobles won't hesitate maiming or even killing you!"
"...Is it really that serious?" Louise says it so desperately that I'm starting to get worried.
Louise: "Do you think I'll be joking in a time like this!"
I've never thought of it that way. So all those were light punishments. Now that I think about it, although she looked angry all the time, all she did was scolded me and denied me a meal, like how a mother would punish a child...or an owner would do to their pet.
But that male student really intends to hurt me. That look, the animosity, I've seen it before.
That kind of person holds the fate of people like Siesta...
"No, I won't apologize."
Louise: "Stop being so stubborn!"
"I'm telling you I won't! Using his power to threaten others like that, I can't let that go!"
That's no different from what Black Alice's group was trying to do, no diferent from Illias who wanted the world to go according to her whims.
"That kind of people, as a hero, I absolutely can't overlook them!"
Louise: "You're talking nonsense again! What hero!? Are you stupid!? This isn't a fantasy!"
There's nothing to talk with Louise anymore. One of Guiche's friend still here, probably to keep me from running.
"I'm ready, lead the way."
Guiche's friend tilts his head for me to follow him. Louise chases after me and continues her naggings.
Louise: "Once you get there, apologize! Do you hear me?! Don't even think of fighting him! You'll never win! Do you get what I'm saying?!"
"Thanks for your concern, but I won't change my mind."
Louise: "Concern!? Who's concerned about you!? It's my honor! I'm concerned about my honor! Don't you dare hurt any more of my reputation, do you understand?!"
"Got it."
I just have to win.
Louise: "You obviously didn't!"
...
So this is Vestri Courtyard. There's no plank or anything that tells me the name, so I wouldn't know if no one told me. From the direction of sunlight, this one seems to be on the west side of the school. It's a pretty big yard, but still smaller than yards on other sides. People are cramming into the space on the edge, probably to watch the duel.
Student (M) B: "Ladies and gentlemen! It's a duel! A duel between Guiche and Louise's commoner!"
Guiche stands opposite to me, waving his hands at the audience, looking very confident.
Guiche: "First, let me commend you for not running away." Guiche says amusedly as he twirls a rose in his hand.
"Why would I have to run. It's you who should apologize."
Guiche: "Hmph, I see that your brashness has not lessened. Then I believe you should have no complaint if we are to start now."
I have no weapons; I can only stand my ground for now.
I don't know what kind of magic he will attack with; I have to learn how he fights first.
Guiche is playing with his rose; flicks it. A lone petal falls off.
? A statue springs up?
Guiche: "I forgot to tell you this; my Second Name is Bronze. This bronze golem 'walküre' will be your opponent."
Golem: a soulless puppet. This one is made from bronze. We're just starting and I'm already feeling the disadvantage from the lack of weapon.
...! When did it get this close!?
*whack!*
This thing's much faster than it looks. I faltered for only a second, but the golem kicked the ground and flew all the way here in that second.
"Ouch..."
I can withstand the hit, but blocking a metal fist with human arms hurts as anyone would expect. Combining that with the velocity; any ordinary human would have their arms broken.
A few more jabs and punches, but I'm ready this time. They're just generic punches without real technique. This is easy.
The hard part would be how to defeat this thing. It's made of metal, and all I have is my bare body. Maybe if I punch with all my strength, I can damage it, but it will definitely hurt a lot.
Guiche: "Hmm...So you do have some skills. Very well..."
Guiche flicks his rose again...and the second golem appears. Damn it.
This is unfair. Two against one isn't a fair duel.
But I don't want to say that out loud. I don't want to look like I'm begging for mercy from someone like that.
"Ugh...!"
Two of them are harder to dodge; some hits have to be blocked with arms and legs. There are no direct hits yet, but my arms are starting to feel numb. If only I can do unarmed combat like Alma Elma, I could at least thrown them against each other or something. As I am now, there's no opening.
Guiche: "So stubborn. How about this!"
The third one comes and flanks me. This is getting harder.
"Ah...!" My foot gets caught on something. In a time like this...!
*thud!*
"Agh...!"
Damn it...! A punch, square in my guts. I'm floating off the ground.
The fall feels like in the recent duel with Granberia, but the pain is enough for it to be hard to stand up.
...Maybe I'll already be back at the Grangold castle when I get up.
...But of course, no such luck. I'm still here, with the same guy, same golems staring at me.
Guiche: "Well? Is that all? Hahaha!" Sarcastic laugh comes from the other side of the court.
Damn, I have to admit; I don't know how I'd win this. No weapon, no Spirits. Without Gnome's power, I can't really break a bronze statue with my barehand. If I try to go directly to Guiche, the three golems that can move in straight line as fast as I can will just catch me first.
That would mean my defeat; without Gnome, I probably won't be able to get out of their grip. He might even create more
If only I could infuse magic into my body like Alma Elma does...
Guiche: "Well, I guess this is the limit of commoner. You should not have held such a ridiculous notion that you could challenge a noble."
Kuh...! The fact that I can't refute that as I am is the most frustrating.
Guiche: "But, coming from a lunatic who rambles on about living with devils, I'm not exactly surprised."
"! How...do you know about that...?"
Guiche: "I may have heard some rumor this morning, that your master, Louise, shouted so loudly the entire hallway heard it, that her familiar lived with the devils of the myth.
Louise... So much for telling me not to say that to anyone, when you're doing it yourself. Now no one's going to let me live it down.
"...And what does that have to do with you."
Guiche: "Hm. The myth says devils are strange beasts with woman-like parts. I guess I might be interested in keeping a few as pets. Well? What species are your devils friends?"
...What?
Louise: "Stop it!"
Guiche: "Well, isn't it Louise. Sorry, but do you mind me borrowing your familiars for a moment, until it grovels at my feet and begs for forgiveness."
Louise: "The school forbids a duel!"
...
Guiche: "...are strange beasts with woman-like parts, I might be interest in keeping a few as pets. Well? What species are your devils..."
Guiche: "...interest in keeping a few as pets. Well? What species..."
Guiche: "...a few as pets. Well?..."
...
I can't believe I'm feeling this again.
Just as I would never, never have imagined, that I would have to hear those words again, while I'm still alive.
After all we did. I, Alice, the Heavenly Knights, Micaela-san, all the Queen monsters, rulers of each country, leader of organizations and associations, town leaders and village chiefs big and small; we all join hands, and the world is slowly moving forward, slowly changing for the better. Slowly, but surely, monsters and humans are coming together.
This place is so foreign might as well be a different world altogether. What I did at my original one doesn't concern this place. That boy didn't know anything, and his words were just to mock and hurt me, like how they were for Siesta. The speaker didn't even know what monsters are.
Even so.
Even so, the feeling is rising in my chest faster than any logic or reason grab a hold of it. The words that made a mockery of my efforts, my friends, my family, everything...
...
Louise: "D—don't be ridiculous! I'm just—as a master, I just can't stand watching my famil—Ah!"
"Get out of the way...This place isn't safe."
What I just pushed was a person. I almost did it without saying, had I not noticed it at the last moment.
Louise: "You get out of the way! I will be the one to talk with Guiche! An obstinate familiar that doesn't know how to apologize should just stay silent!"
"No."
Louise: "Stop being so stubborn! It should've been clear already you have no—"
"Leave."
Louise: "Don't you—"
"I said leave!"
Louise flinches back.
Louise: "Y—You...What are you mad about...It's just one worker getting insulted. It's true Guiche was the bad one, but something like that is normal for commoners."
"It's not about that."
Louise: "Not about that, then what is this about?"
"That guy said something I can never forgive."
Louise: "Forgive? ...Do you mean the thing about devils? Are you still—Wait!"
My feet bring me toward the speaker of those words. The punch just now threw me pretty far.
Guiche: "You're still going to continue? Louise, you should step back before you get hurt."
The pink-haired girl hesitates a bit, but finally leaves the court. Good. Becaue as I am now I couldn't care enough to worry about anything else.
I found it, what stepped on earlier. Great, I'll just use this.
Guiche: "Huh? What are you doing with that stick? D—don't tell me you are going to fight my walküres with a random stick!? Hahahaha! I knew it, something IS wrong with your head!"
"You say too much. Shut up and come."
This feeling, it is since the Plansect Village. The desire to destroy every eyesores. This isn't about righteousness or justice at all.
This is just rage.
Guiche: "Again with your insolence. I will break all your teeth. Let's see how well you run your mouth then."
The first bronze golem dashes at me.
A wooden stick...can't beat bronze. Even if this looks like one of the tougher one probably used to hang heavy clothes, it's just too much.
Focus. I have to keep calm and control my thought first; just a little bit would be good enough.
What I'm feeling right now is a fire, the drive to never stop until I shut his damn insulting mouth that dared to say those things about monsters, about Alice.
Fire has to be kept inside, under control, not letting it burn away all my consciousness, no matter how scorching it is. At the very least, I must keep my eyes seeing and my ears hearing.
First, angel power is out of question. It is not something to be used in a petty quarrel like this. Even without a sword, without Spirits, I will do this on my own.
Recklessly hitting a wooden stick against something made of bronze isn't going to win a battle, but if I focus all the force, all the mass of the stick at a single point, at the weakest place on the golem's body...
The technique to do that is...
{...}
In that instant, a blue-haired, bespectacled young girl who had been observing the duel with disinterest set her sight on the violet-haired boy. He took a stance, bending his knees, holding a wooden stick with both hands parallel to the earth and pointing its tip straight forward; his blue eyes far sharper than their round shape should possibly be.
The pair of eyes behind the glasses blinked once.
{...}
Thunder Thrust
I'm so used to my techniques that I don't have to say the name out loud to help in subconsciously preparing my limbs anymore. Even in rage, I only need to think up the name in my head and my body would move by itself.
The thrust technique that utilizes the distance between the user and the target to the fullest, at its most powerfull when the user and the target is far apart, has its effects doubled when the opponent is also coming toward the user with full speed.
The tip of the stick smashes against the gap at the shoulder joint.
The stick is crushed, my hands hurt, but the bronze golem also has its arm completely torn off.
Guiche is so shocked his mouth snaps opened, but it quickly goes back to barking orders again.
Guiche: "Walküres! Get him!"
The bronze arm only has a strip of 'flesh' left still attaching to the body; grabbing and applying a little force is enough to tear it off completely.
*crack!*
Bronze against bronze, the arm against the head; both are equally smashed. The body stops moving, so it worked well enough.
This is it. The first step is done. And another golem is coming in from the side.
*crack!*
Half of its head got deformed from one hit. I'm not letting this chance go!
*crunch!*
The arm finally broke; but so was the waist of the second golem. Well, now I have a whole torso to use, just in time for the third one.
This one is heavy; I need some space to twirl and build up force. Even with movements as obvious as mine, the third one doesn't dodge; I already expected this from how unskilled their movements were earlier.
*crunch!*
Torso against torso; both are smashed beyond recognition.
Now, there's only one enemy left standing.
Guiche: "H—How could you...!"
Guiche seems surprised at my new weapon. My aim had always been to get this. Fight bronze with bronze.
Guiche: "Tch!"
Guiche waves his rose. All the bronze disappeared? Now that I look closely, those are rose petals. So he created a whole statue from a single petal, and can even cancel what he created at will. That's some good magic.
Guiche: "Don't think this is the end."
He creates three more. Damn.
His power has to run out at some point. Do I have to repeat that again?
The new golems stand slightly apart, and slowly close in on me. He anticipates me going directly after him, now that I'm unarmed. If I try to run at him, he will probably have the golem surround me, and I'll be caught.
From how they move earlier, they probably can even jump after me if I try to go through the air. There are three of them; it'd be really difficult to outmaneuver them all. Getting caught midair will mean the end.
I need a way to break their body again. But there's no more sticks to be used. Do I use my bare hands? Without proper technique, my bone might break.
But what's breaking a few bones; I can just heal those later.
As long as I clench my fists and keep my arms close as I strike, the pain is nothing. I only need to meditate to heal injuries.
? Guiche turns to look at something at the side.
Louise: "You stupid familiar! If you're going to be that obstinate then don't you dare lose!"
A familiar voice calls me from the side. Louise raises her hand above her head and throws something at me.
A wooden stick. This one's much longer, even longer than a spear.
Alright!
"Thanks a lot!"
I've regained enough sense to thank someone. That's pretty quick compared to last time.
Louise: "If you want to to thank me then smack that guy down!"
"No problem!"
Guiche: "Damn it! Don't think the same trick's going to work twice!"
I'm not going to anyway. This is probably the last chance. I have to get to the creator.
The three golems form a line, sticking close to each other, and rushes at me. He's probably trying to catch me in one go, even if he has to sacrifice one of them in the process. Well, sticking them close to each other does prevent any chance to take a piece of them as a weapon, but that just means there's an opening elsewhere.
With a stick this long, there's something else I can do with it.
I'll rush in head on too. Or so he thinks.
They're in reach. Now I swerve to the left. With the speed they're going, they can't stop abruptly.
Meaning they're open to the most basic tricks: a foot sweep! And since they're aligned in a row, I can get three at once!
*thump!*
The stick breaks while they don't, but that's fine. I've bought enough time.
Guiche: "Wha—!?"
Guiche turns to run away, but it's useless; I'm much faster than he is. Even if the golems get up now, they won't make it in time.
Guiche turns to run away, but it's useless; I'm much faster than he is.
Guiche: "D—don't come any closer! Nooooo!"
I'm in his face now. He puts his arms up, squeezes his eyes shut and falls to the ground.
...
He stays still, for a moment. Then gradually he opens his eyes when he realizes the impact hadn't come, and startles when he sees I'm standing just an arm length away.
Guiche: "Yield! I Yield!"
Guiche is shaking on the ground, looking up at me with a terrified expression.
...
...Fuu.
The two choices just now: stop, or punch his face, I knew in my head the only real choice was the first one, but I came close to seriously considering the second. Even now I still wonder if I can go back and choose again. Ultimately, though, I know I would still choose to stop.
Alice, Nero, Neris, the three waiting for me, I won't do anything that will make me unable to face them. If I have to restrain myself from breaking the face of the ignorant bastard who said he was going to take my wife and children as pets, then I will.
"Drop the rose." My voice seems like it is squeezed out of my throat, because I have to really stop myself from saying more than that. The heart beating wildly and pumping blood thoughout my body makes it hard to keep my thought clear.
Guiche hesitates. He doesn't know how much my patience is swaying right now.
Finally, before my patience runs out, the rose falls from Guiche's hand. The golems behind me stop moving and fell to ground like normal statues.
The battle is over.
It's time to do what I have to do.
"Take your words back."
Guiche: "I—I will! I take back what I said about Louise's familiar not having manners!"
"Not that."
Guiche: "Th—Then I admit it's my fault! I was wrong for two-timing!"
"Not that."
Guiche: "S—Still not it? Then what is it?"
"That you said you're going to keep monsters as pets. Take it back. Now."
Guiche: "Wh—What is mon—Eh? Th—That?"
"Now." My fist clenches tighter. He seems to take it as a threat, but it was to control myself.
Guiche: "I get it, I get it already! I'm sorry for being arrogant and said I was going to keep devils as pets! I take it back!"
...Now the battle is truly over. Finally over.
I back up, but also have to be careful not to be blindsided.
But Guiche seems to have really lost the will to fight. I can turn around and not have to look at that guy's face a second longer.
Students: "That familiar was amazing!" "Guiche lost!? How can this be?!"
I don't care about what they are saying. Now that the rush of the battle left me, my mind is clearer.
I let anger take over me, again. I resorted to violence over a few words, even though I should've learned my lesson long ago, and this time it was against a younger boy. Some hero I am.
But I couldn't let that go. The actions that reminded me of the world before Alice and I started to bring the change; especially what was said in the middle of the battle, even knowing it came from someone completely unrelated, just flipped the switch in me.
Haa...If Alice is here she'd be berating me for being hot-headed. Even though it was Alice who should be more insulted, she'd probably be much calmer.
...I was running on emotion and mood so I didn't notice it, but I am really standing out right now, aren't I. It's embarrassing getting this much attention. There was no time to think about it in the fight, but this is so going to be a big ruckus.
What's going to happen to me now...Imprisoned, chased out of the school, or even getting Louise fired as well. That would be seriously bad.
I didn't touch a hair on him, did I? I stopped before I hit him, didn't I?
"..."
Louise is walking toward me. What to say?
"Well...I won?"
Louise: "I have eyes."
"Yeah, you're right..." I scratch my cheek, not knowing what else to say.
"Oh, uh, thanks for throwing me this."
Louise: "It's just some old stick."
"Yeah. But it still saved me..."
...
Silence. None of us seems like we're going to say anything.
"And...sorry for...pushing you..."
Louise: "You should be. What kind of familiar told their master to go away like that."
"Yeah..." The familiar thing aside, it was really wrong of me to use that rude tone on her, when she was just trying to settle the matter peacefully.
...
Silence, again.
Louise: "And...what about your wounds?"
"Wounds?"
Louise: "Didn't you get punched?"
"Oh, that...It wasn't serious."
Louise: "How was it not serious? You flew through the air."
Actually, if it was an ordinary human, his ribs would've been broken; but Enrikan Shirt reduced the impact by a lot, and my body is much more durable than most people. Though If I tell her that, a long explanation is going to be needed, ending with disbelief as usual.
"Umm, I was just light."
Louise makes an incredulous face. Yeah, that excuse was so flimsy I should be embarrassed for even thinking about it.
Louise: "...If you're alright, that's good. Let's get out of here before more troubles come up."
"You're right."
It's not like there's anything else for me to do. Following Louise back to her room seems like a good choice.
Underwear washing and desserts serving have to be put on hold for now.
{...}
On the top most floor of a tower, a bald, bespectacled man and an elderly man with long beard has been observing the clamour through a magical mirror.
"Old Osman, that commoner boy won."
"Hm."
"Guiche was a Dot-level mage, but still a mage; losing to a mere commoner should've been unthinkable. Those movements were incredible! I've never seen a human moving so fast without the aid of magic before! And he said he is from the Holy Land. He must be Gandálfr! I didn't really believe it when I first saw the same runes on his left hand in the book! But now I'm sure of it!"
"Hm."
"Old Osman, we should report this to the royal family as soon as possible. They should be able to tell us what we should do next..."
"That will not be necessary."
Old Osman said solemnly, his hand stroking his beard in a thoughtful manner.
"But this is the greatest discovery of the century! Gandálfr has been reborn into contemporary world!"
"Mr. Colbert, Gandálfr isn't just any familiar."
"That's right! Founder's familiar, Gandálfr! Its appearance has never been described anywhere, but said to be made to protect the Founder as he cast his spells."
"You are correct in that. Founder's spells were much longer than what ordinary mages use...and were also far more powerfull in exchange. Mages are defenseless during the casting of spells; the familiar that protected the Founder in such times was Gandálfr. Its power was said to be—"
"A match for a thousand! Normal mages can't hope to fight against it! Did you see what happened just now!? He destroyed Guiche's bronze golem with only a wooden stick!" Colbert said excitedly. Osman continued his words without acknowledging the interruption.
"The boy's movement showed his experiences in battles, but aside from that he is but a simple commoner without any trace of magic, isn't that right?"
"Ah...Well, about that..."
Colbert seemed unsure.
"Was there something out of place."
"I'm can't be entirely sure I cast Detect Magic perfectly, but according to it, the boy doesn't have any magic like us nobles do, whether it is Earth, Water, Wind, or Fire. It's just that..."
"Just what?"
"I felt...It was really faint, but I felt some kind of reaction from that boy. However, it wasn't like anything I've felt before, so I'm not sure if that wasn't all in my head."
"It wasn't the power of Gandálfr you felt?"
"That was quite possible. Founder was said to possess the fifth element: Void. No mages has ever been born with that power, so even if it was Void I felt, I would not have been able to tell."
"Hmm...That's another mystery added to the pile."
"Another? You mean there's more?" Colbert raised his eyebrows.
"Gandálfr was the familiar of Founder, was it not?"
"According to the Legend, that is."
"And who was it that summoned that Gandálfr into the present."
"That would be Ms. Vallière...! B—But she has shown a clear lack of talent! She has never completed a spell in any class, not even once!"
"How curious. A simple commoner contracted to a talentless mage turned out to be a legendary familiar."
"More than that, she is a daughter of the House of Vallière...that..."
"Mr. Colbert, I've never pecked you as the type to believe in rumours."
"But since Gandálfr really exists, then it is entirely possible that..."
Osman made a low voice in his throat.
"Anyhow, we must not let the royal family learns of this. If those brainless riffraffs with wars as a hobby and too much free time get their hands on a toy like this, chaos is sure to follow."
"Y—You're right, sir. Forgive me for overlooking such risk."
"You don't have to worry. I will take responsibility for this matter. You only have to keep it under wrap."
"U—Understood!"
PBW: "Thus ended the introductory scenes."
Illias (holding LN Vol.1): "According to the original work, the runes on the left hand were supposed to take effect and helped turn the disadvantageous situation in to comeback victory, was it? Such a cheap cliché; one could find it just about anywhere."
PBW: "Hey, you can badmouth me all you want, but don't involve the original work. That's out of my power."
Illias: "Then yours was just as forceful, having that boy said something so specifically aggravating to Luka. What was with that plot? Was it taken straight from a school notebook where a bullied boy wrote in to vent his anger?"
PBW: "...Just let it go. It just turned out like this, alright?"
Illias: "A boy controlling lousy dolls should not have been a match for Luka anyhow. At the very least you got that aspect right. But before that he did get punched across the yard like a rag doll. How do Luka's Stats look right now?"
PBW: "I don't have specific numbers, but I can give an estimate. Luka's human body is probably much stronger than normal human. In terms of pure strength he's probably around lower class monsters. Speed would be just under harpies. Reaction time would be close to combat-orient monsters such as cerberus girls. His magical power would be completely zero like most of the humans, due to low magic density in the world's atmosphere when he was born, and that he never got to train with it. His sword skill, being at just a skilled swordsman level on the main journey, after practicing with Granberia for many years, is probably top class by now. His prowess on the bed—"
Illias: "Everyone knows that."
*Edit: change the lore regarding how monsters age to fit with the answer in 'Question Corner' by Torotoro.
*Edit2: because of overwhelming complaint about this chapter, The Author decided to add a few (less than ten) lines that clarify certain points in the story. There is no real change to the dialogues, and the events remained perfectly the same. There was no need for people who are already past this chapter to re-read it again. The changes are made for potential future readers. The Author remained adamant about the portrayal of the characters in this story, especially Luka and Louise.