Chapter 8: To La Rochelle

The sun has barely risen when we took the horses out of the school's stable.

Setting out early has always been normal for me since the traveling days so it's no trouble. I'm more amazed that Louise hasn't fallen asleep yet, considering how she usually is when she just woke up.

Today, we are going to be traveling to a port town, where we will take a ship all the way to a different country. That alone isn't a problem; it's the fact that we're going by horse that's going to be a pain. Just three hours the other day was enough to make my entire lower body aches.

This time, the three of us each has a horse to ourselves, since we're going a long way. I hope riding alone won't hurt my bottom as much.

Each of us is finishing the preparation. Louise insisted on going with her usual uniform, since she lacks travel clothes; though she did bring her riding gears. I don't know what Guiche is bringing with him.

I am for keeping our belongings light, since we're going to be resting in the villages and towns along the way. Snacks, water, some clean clothes: that should be enough. Now add the sword Louise bought for me, which I has on my hips, and I'm all set.

Louise seems to be just rechecking her things, while Guiche is already done with his and looks our way.

Guiche: "Hey. I have a request."

Louise: "What is it?"

Louise seems to still be prickly from his eavesdropping last night.

Guiche: "I want to bring my familiar along."

Now that he mentions it, when we dueled last time I didn't see his familiar, but obviously he has one.

Louise: "Where is it?"

Guiche: "Here."

Guiche stomps the ground.

*plop*

Huh?

Guiche: "Verdande! My cute Verdande!"

"A...mole?" Its color and shape looks right, and it popped out from the ground, but its unusually large size makes me a bit unsure.

Louise: "So your familiar is a giant mole?" So that's what it's called.

A mole with brown fur, with body as thick as a bear. Its length is unknown since part of it is still under the ground.

Guiche: "That's right. Ah~ My Verdande, you are so cute. No matter how many times I look at you I never get bored! Have you eaten? Did you have your fill of delicious earthworms?"

The mole wriggles its nose. Is that its way of communication?

Guiche: "I see! I'm happy for you!"

Guiche is...affectionately rubbing his cheek against the giant mole.

So this is Guiche when he's with his familiar.

"Can't you be half as kind to others?"

Guiche: "And how is that your business?"

He's the opposite with me though.

Guiche: "Don't let your head get big just because you won against me by a fluke once; you're still just a commoner. I already followed along with that one request of yours. You have nothing over me anymore."

If he's going to be like that, even though I'm trying to put it behind us, then fine; I don't particularly want to get involve with him anyway. Unlike Louise, there's no real reason for me to tolerate him.

Guiche's words at the time was spoken without any knowledge to my situations: I admit; but that doesn't mean I could just let it go.

I guess I'm still just as bitter as I used to be five years ago. I never noticed when I was with Alice and other friends. Maybe I was subconsciously suppressing it, since I was one of the symbol of peace; leading by example and all that. I couldn't be a burden when everyone was trying so hard to create peace.

Louise: "Look, Guiche. How are you going to bring a creature that lives underground along with us? We're going by horses, you know."

Guiche: "He will dig tunnels after us. Don't underestimate how fast he can be. Right, Verdande~"

The giant mole nods, as if it understands human language. I see; that fits the image I have of a familiar.

...Now that I think about it, maybe it's for the same reason I understand the language the people use here: because I'm Louise's familiar?

Louise: "We are going to Albion. How are you going to bring a creature that travels underground along with us?"

Guiche flinches, then collapses on the ground.

Guiche: "A farewell is such a painful thing.. Too sad...Too sorrowful..."

Does he need to be so dramatic about it? He's just like the childhood friends couple last night.

Speaking of farewell, Guiche did get dumped by the girl the day we dueled. I don't know what has happened since then, but maybe he's still depressed from that.

That mole makes sniffing gesture with its nose again. This time it's making its way toward Louise.

Louise: "Wh—What's with this mole?!"

"Maybe it smelled food. Louise, do you have any food with you?"

Guiche: "Verdande's favourite food is earthworms though."

Louise: "Kyaaaaa~!"

I don't know if Louise screamed because that implied there were earthworms on her person, or because the mole knocked her to the ground and started sniffing her whole body.

Louise: "H—Hey! Where are you touching?!"

Louise's clothes is getting all wrinkled and dirty; threatening to slip off even.

That doesn't look good. I should help.

"Hup...!"

The mole is as heavy as I thought, but not too heavy to just push aside.

Its claw almost got my face, but I succesfully flipped it on its back. Now that I see its entirety, its body is not that long; the proportion is pretty normal for a mole. The size isn't though.

Guiche: "My Verdande!~ You cur! How dare you hurt my Verdande!?"

Louise: "Your mole started it first!"

Louise stands up, and looks at her state in disgust, then she looks my way.

I know what is coming.

Louise: "Too slow. You should've helped faster. Look at my clothes; it's all wrinkled now."

"I did help you, didn't I. And you didn't look to be in any real dan—"

—! Someone's coming.

?: "Hoh. That was quite a feat for someone so small, young boy."

The voice comes from behind me.

It is a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, decorated with feathers, standing just a few paces away.

When did he get here? I didn't hear anything until he came this close.

Wait, I've seen this man before. He was the guy Louise stared at in the princess's group. Then he must be one of that 'magic knights' I've heard.

He has a tall, military build; not just magic, his body is probably well trained too.

Louise: "W...Sir Wardes..."

Louise stares wide-eyed at the magic knight. So she really knows him.

Wardes: "Long time no see! My little Louise!"

The magic knight, Wardes, lifts Louise up easily in bridal style. Louise seems embarrassed to be carried like that.

Louise: "Indeed, it's nice to meet you after such a long time..."

Wardes: "You are still light as a feather; just like back then!"

So, if I get this right, this man here is also an acquaintance from Louise's childhood. Which means Louise gets to meet two people from her childhood back to back, and they're both high up in social standings.

A princess and a knight: maybe Louise is bigger in the nobility circle than I thought?

Louise: "...Please let me down. It is embarrassing to be seen like this..."

Wardes: "Oh, sorry. I was a bit too happy."

Wardes laughs as he puts her down.

Louise: "Are you the one Princess tasked to accompany us?"

Wardes: "That's right. Ah, excuse me for being late in introduction. I am Viscount Wardes, Captain of Gryphon Squad."

Guiche's eyes widen a lot and his jaw drops. Actually, his eyes look like they're sparkling, as if someone he idolized is standing in front of him. So this man, Wardes, might be famous.

I really don't know anything about this place, do I. Whenever someone was surprised about something, I only got confused. Maybe I should get Louise to tell me about her country sometimes.

And now that famous guy I don't know about is walking toward me. How am I supposed to act?

Wardes: "Young boy. Thank you for helping my fiancée earlier."

"Ah, it's alright...Fiancée?"

...Louise is keeping her head down as much as she can, but doesn't object. Which means it's true.

...That's surprising. But still not so much that I would open my mouth wide like Guiche does right now; is his jaw okay?

Guiche: "A—Ah, right. Louise is a daughter of La Valière's Duke. It's not so strange that she would have someone high up as her fiancé. She was usually like that, so I completely forgot." Guiche seems like he's trying to explain the situation to himself.

Louise: "What do you mean by 'like that'..."

Louise just mumbles her complaint. If she's being usual she would be on his case right about now. But she doesn't do that, probably out of respect for that guy, Wardes.

Wardes: "Louise, aren't you going to introduce them to me?"

Louise: "Ah, G...Guiche de Gramont. And my familiar, Luka."

Louise looks shy even when pointing at us. This is the first time I've seen Louise like this. Like a feisty cat that settles down when its owner comes. This is really bizarre.

Guiche bows until his upper body is parallel to the ground. Did he really? I guess I should bow as well, but not as exaggeratedly as Guiche does. That was definitely exaggereated. I think.

Louise's fiancé walks up to me again.

Wardes: "So you are Louise's familiar. I've heard about you from Her Highness, but to see with my own eyes like this, I can't help being surprised. To think there's human familiar."

"A lot of people said that. Is it really so surprising?"

Wardes: "As far as I've seen with my own eyes and read in books, there hasn't been such a case before."

Not even once before. Then Louise might have something special with her or in her. She did summoned me from another part of the world after all.

Wardes: "Hmm..."

Wardes bends his knees so our eyes are on the same level. That looks, he's probably assessing my abilities. I've seen some soldiers and warriors did that when they met 'The World's Savior' for the first time.

Wardes: "...It seems I have to apologize."

"What about?"

Wardes: "For calling you 'young boy' just now. Your outer appearance does suggest adolescense, but that belies your abilities, which is not inferior to a rigorously trained soldier at all. Your strength was already proven a while ago."

"...You too."

The aura surrounding him: this is only the second time I've had this feeling from a human, after Sabasa King. But this man is much younger.

So there's still a human like this? But the humans here are much more powerful than the ones back at my home anyway. There could be more like him out there.

Wardes: "I'm releived to know that my fiancée has a reliable guardian like you. The journey ahead might hold all kinds of danger. I can't be everywhere at once, so I'd like you to cover for me during those times."

"I will try."

A hand shake. There's strength in it, as I expect. This man isn't just about magic; his physical ability is no joke as well.

And he's cool, handsome, charming and all that. If it was me from before I would probably be staring at him starry-eyed like Guiche did. And be a little jealous. And might even be a bit worried to introduce him to Alice.

Now, though, I don't have those kindd of feelings at all. It's a little surprising I've become so calm. I guess I've grown up a bit even though I don't feel it myself. I trust more in others, and trust more in myself that is trusted by those people.

I mean, I am almost wholly unfazed by Louise's antics; no doubt thanks to all the unreasonable things I was put through regularly by monsters: acquaintances and strangers alike.

It's all thanks to you, Alice.

*fwee!*

Wardes whistles with his fingers.

I hear sounds of wingbeats; so loud it could only have come from a very large pair of wings.

The beast that lands in front of us has the head of an eagle's and a body of a lion's: it's one of those I saw leading the princess's carriage yesterday.

Wardes rides on it like he did that day, and gestures with his hand.

Wardes: "Louise, ride with me."

Louise is still keeping her head down, but also keeps glancing here, like she's expecting something. Hmm.

"Ah, okay, got it. I'll go return the horse for you."

Louise scowls and snaps her head the other way. Just what did I say this time that made her mad again?

Anyway, the horse needs to be returned, so I did. When I get back Louise is already riding in front of her fiancé, looking the other way. Guiche is ready on his horse too.

Guiche: "Hurry up. The mission is urgent; it can't wait for a mere commoner."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it."

Can't he go a minute without insulting me every chance he gets? I've never had friends my age; is this how teenagers normally are? I wish I'd know what being a normal teenager is like.

{...}

From the top most floor of the central tower, a pair of eyes observed Luka's group through the window as they departed for the journey.

Princess Henrietta closed her eyes and prayed for their safety.

"Founder Brimir, may you protect those brave souls in their journey..."

The princess opened her eyes and turned to Principal Osman, who was plucking his nasal hair.

"Are you not going to send them off, Old Osman?"

"Hoho, as you see, this old man is busy."

Henrietta shook her head in disbelief.

"Their journey will be frought with dangers. Do you not have appropriate words of cautions or encourragements to give them?"

"What lies ahead, only the travelers themselves would know. Careless advices could become hindrances as it can be supports. I simply believe in letting the students learn and solve problems on their own."

"But if it becomes too much for them, they may not have a chance to correct their mistakes as they do in schools."

"You need not be so worried. If troubles do lie ahead, we can be sure that young boy would not let them come to harm. They will be able to reach their destination safely." Osman smiled, unconcerned.

"Young boy? Do you mean the son of Marshal Gramont?"

"I am afraid not. I do believe in our students, but only to a proper extent."

"Then you would be referring to the familiar of Louise Françoise? How could that be?! Is he not but a commoner!"

"Your Highness know of the legend of Founder Brimir. You would naturally know of Gandálfr, would you not?"

"The powerful familiar of Founder Brimir? That is him? The boy?!"

Osman realized he had said too much. It was not yet time to reveal Gándalfr's existence to the royal family.

"Ahem. I simply wish to express that he has the strength that could be compared to the legendary Gandálfr."

"I cannot see him as any different from an ordinary commoner boy close to Louise Françoise's age. Where would he have attained such strength from?"

"It could be from his home."

"His home? One of the minor lands even smaller that Tristain?"

"I am afraid not. It is much farther. That boy hailed from a place so removed from Halkeginia, across the great desert in the east, reaching far beyond that."

"The land across the eastern desert...! You could not mean...By that do you mean the 'Eastern Land'?"

"Hoho. I simply speak of what knowledge and rumours I I heard."

Osman did not seem like he would say anymore. Henrietta turned back to the window. The figures of the traveling group had disappeared in the distant plains.

"Then, I have something I'd like to ask."

The eyes, so full of determination belying his appearance, did seem to be hiding something. If what the principal said was true, she would also wish to rely on that.

"Then I will also pray, to the wind that blows from the east..."

{...}

{...}

We've been going without rest for half a day, but the gryphon is still jogging ahead of us without any sign of slowing down. Meanwhile, I and Guiche have changed horses at the stations two times already.

Its rider isn't any different; Wardes still displays the same calm and composed posture as always. Guiche's body, though, is already drooping on his horse, like he would fall asleep the second he shut his eyes.

Even I am pretty tired myself; I'm not used to traveling by horse in the first place. Actually, instead of being tired, it's more correct to say I'm sore at the bottom.

Louise: "Hey, aren't we going too fast? Guiche and Luka look like they will pass out."

I can't see what expression Louise has on as she says that, since she's sitting in front of Wardes, being held in place by him. She finally got used to speaking informally with Wardes at his request, after struggling a lot at the beginning.

Wardes glances back at us. Well, I'm still mostly okay, but Guiche does look like he's going to fall off the horse. At this rate the rider is going to be the one replaced instead of the horse.

Wardes: "I intend to reach La Rochelle without stopping, however..."

Louise: "That's impossible. Normally it takes two days by horse."

Wardes: "In that case we can go on ahead and have them followed after us later."

Wardes says something so rude with a straight face. That male teacher was like this too, and Kirche wasn't too far behind. Actually, Alice has these kind of moments too, especially when it's about Alma Elma and others' antics. Are all nobles like this?

Louise: "We can't!"

Wardes: "Why?"

Louise: "Well, we are companions, undertaking the same mission...And a mage doesn't leave her familiar behind."

Louise use the familiar business as an excuse as always. She really likes saying that, doesn't she.

Wardes: "Awfully eager to take their side, aren't you. So, which of them is your sweetheart? Haha."

Isn't that you. You're the fiancé. What's the point of that teasing?

Louise: "S—Sweet—!? Don't be ridiculous!"

Wardes: "I see. That's a relief. If my fiancée is revealed to have already found love, I might have a heart attack." Wardes says with a smile.

Louise: "Th—That's just what our parents decided by themselves."

Wardes: "Oh. My little Louise, have you come to hate me?"

Louise: "I—I'm not little anymore! That's so rude...And how can I hate you."

Wardes: "To me Louise will always be little Louise. I'm happy you said that. Not hate; that means you do like me."

Louise blushes for I don't know how many times.

This guy, Louise's fiancé, his way of speaking is just like Alma Elma. It's a very unfair way to talk to someone who's easily flustered. I always felt pity for Granberia whenever she's on the receiving end. There's no way Louise can win against that.

With Alma Elma I can at least be sure there's no danger (for the most part). But with a guy I've just met, I can't help but be concerned for Louise. Even if she's not my daughter.

Wardes: "...mother passed away since I was young. After my father died, I inherited...to make name for myself, I entered the gryphon knight's squad..."

Louise: "...ter that, you rarely came back..."

Wardes: "...the butler take care of the mansion. I myself devote all my effort to serve the kingdom. Finally..."

It's not like I intentionally listen to their talk. I just hear them anyway, thanks to my sense of hearing; though it's only in parts since they are some distance ahead of me, and my ears aren't that much better than human.

Anyway, his life seems to be pretty successful for someone so young. He had birthrights, he had opportunities, and he claimed his life with his own hands. It was a lot more sensible than what I had going on.

Really, some days I can't help but think of how unfairly lucky I was. Most of my powers I inherited from mother. Getting to meet Alice was literally the crossroad of fate. I was present with so many opportunities others would never encounter in their life. Compared to that, Louise's fiancé's success came a lot more naturally, and from his own effort.

Well, I'm past worrying about that. As long as I can help Alice acheive our dream, everything's fine.

Wardes: "But now I can finally fulfil the promise I made to myself long ago."

We're finally over the hills. From this point on there's only flat road; our horses wouldn't be struggling as much any more. That's probably why the conversation sounds much clearer.

Louise: "What is it?"

Wardes: "To be a proud noble, and come back to take your hand, of course. Hahaha."

Louise: "Of course you're joking, you mean. Wardes, I know you're popular amongst the ladies at the court. You don't have to care about this make-believe fiancée at all..."

Louise turns away; her voice trails off.

Wardes: "Then this journey is the perfect opportunity. Traveling together will surely bring back the feeling we used to have. You will know how serious I am."

Seriously, the situation in front of me is looking more unbelievable the more I hear: as if it's taken straight out of one of those romantic novels; not that I've finished any of the few I tried reading. Men like in those books really do exist, don't they.

But I guess a guy who has 'that kind of book' written for him—and it's mostly true even—probably doesn't have any right to say how ridiculous someone else's life is.

Louise glances back my way, with the same look she gave me before we set off from the school. Just what does she mean by that, if she wasn't telling me to take care of the horse?

She snaps her head back again. Looks like she's sulking, but about what, I don't know. How can I; even my own wife and daughter I've spent years with, I can still only guess their minds right half the time. How would I know what someone I only know for a month thinks.

[...]

[...]

Finally. I thought we wouldn't reach the town before dark, but looks like we're going to just barely.

But, isn't the location a bit weird?

"Isn't this in the middle of a mountain?"

I thought the way here was strange, with all those steep cliffs and twists. What port town would be deep in a mountain?

Guiche: "What? Don't tell me you don't even know where Albion is?"

Guiche is looking smug right now.

"You're suddenly talkative, aren't you" He looked like he was going to fall off just minutes ago. Seeing the destination probably gave him the second wind.

Guiche: "Don't change the subject. Try to think about my question: where is Albion?"

"I don't know."

Guiche: "Hahaha! Is this guy serious!"

I just answered honestly, and I got laughed at. Fine, I won't ask anymore.

...

! Above us...!

A lot of bright objects—torches are raining down, no, thrown down at us. The road ahead are lighted up, completely contrasting the darkening sky. My eyes sting a little at the sudden brightness.

"Wah...!"

Guiche: "Ah!"

I got thrown off the horse. Guiche did too. The horses must have been startled by the fire.

A hail of something else comes down.

Arrows!? I haven't even gotten up yet!

"Syl—!"

Damn it. Sylph's not here. I have to dodge this myself!

No time to think. Run forward! Guess the arrows' paths! And go get Guiche!

*fwish* *fwish*

That arrow almost got my eyes...! No, I mustn't get distracted by the sounds: focus!

"Kuh...!"

Guiche: "Ah!?"

Alright, I got Guiche!

But the next volley is coming! I can't get Guiche to dodge with me! No choice; I'll have to try deflecting with the sword—

*zoom!*

"Ha...!?"

The gust that blew the arrows away just now; it came from...Wardes of course.

But what he is holding is not a regular wand like what Louise has. It's a slim metal stick, like a rapier with dull tip.

I drag Guiche along to meet up with them.

Wardes: "Are you two alright?"

"We are. Thank you for helping. But, who are they?"

Louise: "Could they be Albion nobles!?"

Wardes: "Nobles don't use bows."

The arrows are still coming down from the edge of the cliff above us. My sword can't reach that high. I have to leave this to Wardes.

"Wardes, can you take care of them. I'll keep Louise—"

*zoom*

?:"Gyaaa!" "Aaahhh!~"

Another gust of wind causes the assailants to lose balance and roll down the cliff, before ending up moaining in pain before us. But Wardes didn't do anything...?

I can hear the sound of a large pair wings, but it's not from the gryphon this time.

A familiar-looking blue dragon lands in front of us.

Louise: "Sylphid!"

I don't know that name, but the fact that Louise does confirms my suspicion: that's Tabitha's dragon.

The first person jumping down is Kirche though. She's all smile and waving her hand at us liker her usual jovial self.

Kirche: "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Louise jumps down from the gryphon and glares at Kirche immediately, to no surprise.

Louise: "Who's waiting for you! What are you doing here!?"

Kirche: "Whatever I'm doing, it's not to help you. You guys were leaving to who-knows-where so early in the morning, and you even had a gryphon with you; so I asked Tabitha to take me after you. Look, Tabitha hasn't even changed out of her pajamas yet."

Louise: "Why are you saying that like it's our fault?!"

Tabitha on the dragon's back really is still in her pajamas, which completely covers her from neck to wrists and ankles, very unlike the light gown Kirche and Louise wear. She's even wearing a night cap with a small ball of fur.

Did she really came all this way in that getup? And she's just reading like nothing else matters. This is kinda surreal...

Guiche is kneeling down in front of some of the wounded men, asking about something. Kirche seems like she's looking for...Wardes. Of course; no surprise here either.

Wardes, however, puts out his left palm to halt Kirche's advance.

Wardes: "I appreciate your help. But I must ask you not to get any closer."

Kirche: "Why? I'm saying I like you."

Wardes: "I don't want my fiancée to get the wrong idea."

Wardes turns his head to the side. Kirche follows suit, and see Louise, who's looking away in embarrassment.

Kirche: "What the heck. So he's your fiancé." Kirche complains and huffs in disinterest while Louise fiddles with her index fingers shyly.

The way Wardes looked at Kirche was cold; maybe it was to warn her to stop, but it still felt a bit too cold. It's very different from how he has been acting on our way here...but exactly like the time he suggested ditching me and Guiche.

Guiche: "Viscount! It seems they are just bandits! Should we take them in?"

Wardes: "No. That will bring attention to us. We should lay low as much as possible. The town is probably notified about them already; the authority will do something about them. Maybe I'll come myself, after we get back from Albion."

Guiche: "I see! You've really thought this through! As expected of the captain of a royal guard squad!"

Kirche: "Oh my, you're a knight? No wonder you looked so handsome and capable."

Louise: "Guiche, you loudmouth...!"

Guiche: "Oh, uh...I was supposed to keep it secret?"

Kirche: "Oh my, you're on a secret mission too? From the Queen? How dashing! It's such a waste you're Louise's fiancé."

Louise: "..."

Guiche: "..."

Wardes: "It's fine, Louise. They're students from Tristain. I'm sure it won't hurt as long as they keep it with them."

Hmm...

Well, there was an unexpected trouble, but we're finally arriving at the port town: La Rochelle, along with Kirche who's too excited and Tabitha who's completely expressionless.

So, no one is going to tell me why a port town is here in the middle of a mountain, after all.

[...]

[...]

This town is really...strange? A wonder? Something in between. It really screams 'this town is in the middle of a mountain' with the buildings made entirely out of large pieces of rocks. Surrouded on all sides by steep cliffs and hills; the atmosphere is very different from normal towns.

But the most impressive building would be the one in front of us; this [Goddess's Herbal Bowl] inn. The name is a bit weird, though I guess that helps with making it memorable, since the inn itself is too grand to be ridiculed for its name.

I can definitely see why it would be famous: the floor and all the tables in the dining area are literally the same piece of stone; so squeaky clean than I can see my own face on it.

The same piece of stone: which means the original stone was as big as a castle before the builder carved out the portions which became hollow as they are now. If I'm more knowledgeable about architectures and the likes I might appreciate this more, but even as I am now, I do think it is pretty amazing.

There are a lot of guests, as expected of a famous inn. Even the four of us sitting together at the table, three of which are wearing the school uniforms, don't really stand out.

"...Hey, can any of you just answer my question already? Why is there a port town in the middle of a mountain?"

Wardes and Louise went to book us a ship. In the middle of a mountain. So I only have these three to tell me, and two of them stares at me with confusion and surprise. Is it such a strange thing to ask?

Guiche: "Do you REALLY not know?" Guiche stresses the word, as if he thought I was kidding before.

"If I do I wouldn't be asking." How many more times are they going to answer my question with questions? It's starting to get irritating.

Kirche: "Fufu. Then you will be really surprised." Kirche looks smug for some reason. Then she points her index finger up.

Kirche: "Albion is a floating country, so it is up there in the sky."

...

"...Ehh!? ...Wait, you're not pulling my legs, are you?"

Kirche: "I'm serious."

I can't imagine it at all.

There is Tabitha...Tabitha who is sitting between me and Kirche, the only one that can be trusted to not trick someone just for fun.

Tabitha finally raises her head up from the book, meets my gaze, and nods. And then goes back to reading again.

Which means, it's true...?

"In the sky...Th—Then how do we..."

Ah...! Galda!

"So we'll be...riding on a giant bird to get there?"

Kirche and Guiche looks stunned. Then they burst out laughing.

Guiche: "Hahahahaha! R—Riding on a g—giant bird!? H—How old are you!? Even a ten-year-old wouldn't think of that! Hahaha!"

Kirche: "L—Luka...! Y—You were kidding right? When you told me your age! A—Actually...Kuku...! You are even younger than Tabitha aren't you...! You have a really cute imagination!"

"I don't think it's that funny..."

These two are very rude. Their laugh is attracting attention from all the guests and staffs.

They aren't stopping. Tabitha isn't going to do anything but read. Fine, I'll just stop talking.

...

I'm being childish, aren't I.

Alice will definitely point it out if she's here.

...

They finally stopped laughing just as Wardes and Louise comes back.

Wardes: "The ship to Albion can't set out until the day after tomorrow. It looks like we will have to stay here for a while."

Louise: "And just when we're in a hurry too..."

Wardes and Louise sit down on Guiche's side. Louise looks down in worry, while Wardes is as composed as ever.

"So we'll get to rest tomorrow." That's a relief. Riding a horse morning to night is too tiring; I'm sore all over. Wardes who did the same thing while holding Louise the whole time was amazing.

Kirche: "I've never been to Albion. Why can't the ship leave tomorrow?"

Wardes: "You know tomorrow's night the moons will overlap, don't you: the night of [Svǫl]. The morning after that is when Albion will come the closest to La Rochelle."

We're supposedly going by a ship. If Albion is really up in the sky, that ship will have to be flying. I really can't imagine how that's possible; or how the ship looks like.

Wardes places two keys on the table.

Wardes: "We should go to bed soon. I have secured us the rooms. Kirche and Tabitha will share a room; Guiche and Luka will take the other."

Guiche immediately gives me a dirty look. Better to just ignore it.

"So you and Louise will be in the same room?"

Wardes: "We will. After all, we're betrothed. It is rather normal."

Well, yeah, it is normal.

But Louise doesn't seem to think so, seeing how she's staring at Wardes in surprise.

Louise: "We can't! We're not married yet!"

Huh? Is that her reason? Is it such a big deal?

...Ah, right. Louise and the people here are all humans; and they're nobles as well. Even back home, royals usually don't share a room with just anyone. This place doesn't know monsters' culture; the people here are probably a lot more strict with this kind of thing, kinda like how Iliasville used to be.

Sleeping in the same room as Louise all this time made me forget to even think that things might be different here, but I'm actually a special case: a familiar.

Wardes: "I have something important to talk to you about. Just the two of us."

Louise still doesn't seem fully convinced, but she accepts the reason and nods.

Kirche: "Well, I and Tabitha will be going to our room then. I'm exhausted...*fwah~*"

Louise: "You didn't even do anything...*fwah~*"

The yawn seems to be getting contagious. Well, we traveled all day today, so it's no wonder.

By the way, out of all of us, Tabitha is probably the most ready to go to bed, clothes-wise.

[...]

Guiche plops down on the bed at the back of the room before I even close the door all the way.

Guiche: "Haa~ Finally~"

I'm not gonna be that sloppy. I have to put my things away neatly first. I take out the cape and the outer shirt, fold and put them on a small table, then place the sword on top. I'm left in just a shirt and trousers, which is good for relaxing.

There. Keeping things in their proper place give a sense of tidiness, which improves the mood for relaxing; at least it is for me.

Going to sleep right away is fine too, but taking a bath first would be better. It's been a long way here; I'm covered in sweat and dirt.

If this is in the middle of the woods I wouldn't give it any mind, but this is a luxurious inn, which definitetly have a bath. I'm already sick of the sauna-like room back at the school. If there's a proper bath here, there's no reason to not enjoy it.

Guiche: "Where are you going~ Aren't you going to sleep~" Guiche sounds like he was already half-asleep. Which he probably is, since he wouldn't have bothered to ask me otherwise.

"I'm going to take a bath. Are you coming too?" Just out of courtesy.

Guiche: "I'll pass~ Enjoy it while you can. Commoners like you won't get a chance like this often~"

He's exhausted to the bones and yet he still finds a way to take a jab at me. I have to hand it to this guy. Well, I'll just leave him here as he wishes.

*kachak*

There are a few other guests in the hallway: some dress in luxurious clothes, while some prefer relaxing ones. So this place isn't strictly for nobles or anything. That's a relief.

Or maybe it's divided by floors. The room Louise and Wardes are staying is a floor above ours, and is one of the most expensive rooms available, unlike our normal rooms. Maybe that floor would be reserved for noble; considering what I've seen of this place, that wouldn't be a surprise.

It's like they are the only ones on this mission, and the rest of us are extras. That's pretty mean.

I don't know how Louise is right now, or what is happening in the room. Louise definitely won't start anything like that, and would even refuse that kind of advance. But Louise seems pretty afraid to offend her fiancé, so it's not entirely impossible.

If I don't go see with my own eyes I probably won't get it off my mind anytime soon. She's not my daughter, but I still feel a similiar kind of responsibility for some reason.

Also, Louise being in a faraway and unfamiliar place like this is probably worrying for her real father. As a fellow father, I'd like to help where I can, even if I haven't met him yet.

The floor above really is extravagant; even the stone that makes up the floor somehow looks sparkling.

That's their room; the number's right.

*knock knock*

Wardes: "Who is it?"

The reply comes immediately. That's a bit reassuring.

"It's Luka."

Wardes: "The familiar. Do you need anything?"

"Can you open the door please?"

There is a bit of silence, then footsteps, and the door opens.

Wardes is still in the same clothes, only taking off the hat, and doesn't look to be in particularly good or bad mood. From the gap between Wardes and the doorframe, I can see Louise still in her uniform as well, sitting at a table, looking pretty normal, if a bit tense.

Wardes: "I hope you are not here just to peek at my fiancée."

"Ah, no. I'm going to take a bath, so I come to ask if you want to go together."

Wardes: "Soaking in a warm bath after a tiring journey. Hmm, that's a good offer. But I want to avoid public as much as I can. If there are Albion's informants out there, they might recognize me."

That's kind of true. A captain of a knight squad should be pretty well-known.

Wardes: "Fortunately, this room comes with a bath; I'll be relaxing here. You boys and girls go and enjoy yourselves. Maybe we will have a chance to bond next time."

"Okay."

Wardes grins a bit.

Wardes: "But I'm surprised you thought to invite me. If you want some company, soaking in the water with ladies should be more refreshing. That Germanian girl seems to be quite taken by you, from what I've seen."

...This feels kind of awkward. I should have gotten used to this kind of teasing long ago, but in a new environment like this, everything feels kind of fresh.

"Uh, well...I just thought, I haven't taken a bath with fellow men for some time, so I thought..."

Wardes: "Hoh. You mean you have shared baths with beauties more than a couple of times. That is unexpected, I have to admit."

Ah...I slipped up.

Louise: "What was that!?"

Louise springs up from the chair and slaps her hands on the table. Even thought I already half-expected her piercing voice along with her current angry posture, it still startled me a bit.

"Um, no, that's not it. I meant I...usually bathe alone."

A complete lie. Unless I was in the middle of a solo mission, I almost never got into a bath alone. Even when taking showers or some other forms of self-cleaning, there was almost always one or more of Alice or Tamamo or one of our other friends with me. But this isn't the time for complicated explanation; Louise is just that ready to explode, and Wardes knew this would happen.

Wardes: "Haha. My bad. It seems my joke was a bit out of line. In truth, until about twenty or thirty years ago it was acceptable for men and women to get into a bath together by wearing a certain kind of bathing suits. It is only recently that men and women are required to bathe separately."

I see. It's a nice history lesson if nothing else.

Wardes: "I forgot for a moment and assumed you both would know about that historical fact, but of course none of you had been born yet when that knowledge was still quite common. Well, I need to console my fiancée, so, see you later."

"Please do." It's very important to my peace of mind.

{...}

Preposterous. That familiar; just what did he mean by that?

Bathing with women, he said. It's ten years, no, a hundred years too early!

Wardes: "Louise's familiar is quite popular, isn't he."

"I—It's no laughing matter. A familiar being out and about, acting like a—a mutt in heat; it's a disgrace to my name!"

Wardes: "Louise, male dogs don't go into heat."

"That doesn't matter!"

Who could it be? The first one to come to mind is that maid, but it could also be some other commoners; the worst would be that Zerbst. And, though most certainly impossible, there are other nobles at the school.

Wardes: "...My fiancée is so preoccupied by thoughts of another man she ignores me. I am hurt."

"Eh...!? N—No it's not like that! Luka is—just a familiar!"

Wardes: "But he has been the only one close to you in recent times, while I have never visited you all theses years. I cannot blame anyone but myself if Louise's heart is to sway toward that boy."

"What are you talking about!? That's ridiculous!"

I had that dream, and now even Viscount is saying this rubbish. Me? Doing something that would bring shame upon my family? Never!

Wardes: "But if so, I only have to do the same."

Wardes suddenly clasp my hands. What is he...

Wardes: "Once we return from this mission, please marry me, Louise."

"Eh..."

...No, I'm not dreaming. The touch on my hands feels too real for that.

Wardes: "I won't stop at just being a captain of mage guards. Someday I will be one of the nobles that could decide the fate of an entire country...of this Halkeginia."

"B—But...I'm still..."

T—Too close...!

Wardes: "You are not a little girl anymore. You are sixteen; old enough to decide what to do with your own life. Your father had given us blessings. It is true that I, who had left you alone for so long, should have no right to claim to be your fiancé. But I need you, Louise."

"Wardes..."

Wardes: "I know of the grim fate that had befallen your family. I've heard of the despicable rumours surrounding your sister and your family."

"!"

He knows...Of course he knows... That's why I thought...our engagement was as good as gone.

Wardes: "But I don't care about any of that. I know better than most people how great Duke of La Vallière truly is. I know of your mother, sisters, and you, Louise. Their perception of your family can't be more wrong, and I will be more than glad to help you restore your family's name from the stigma you never deserved. As long as I have you by my side, I can do anything, Louise. This is my true feelings."

No one has ever said those words to me.

I can't keep my head up; I can't face him. It's too much.

A daughter of the blemished House of Vallière. A little girl that can't use magic despite being a noble. Louise the Zero that have never made anyone proud even once in her life.

That Viscount: the strong, honourable, highly distinguished noble, said that he wanted me. There has never been something so wonderful in my life.

...But it still isn't enough. There is a part of me that cannot be satisfied with that.

"Please hear me out, Wardes. When I was young I made a promise to myself to become someone worthy of respect, to be recognised by the society, to be a full-fledged magician, to make father and mother proud, and to bring honour to to House of Vallière."

Luka: "So being a true noble isn't easy; but I think you are doing well enough."

Luka: "You just continue trying your best. No matter what anyone says, that's admirable."

...

I've said those words to myself many, many times; more than I can count, to drag myself forward. But it's thanks to the same words said by someone else that day, that I finally felt a push from behind. There is someone that acknowledges my effort...

That's why I don't want to give up here; I don't want to take the easy way. That wouldn't be right; not to me, nor to him.

I'm afraid...afraid of how Wardes would react if I say it, afraid to hurt his feelings, when he never deserves any of this.

But I can't run away here. I have to let him know my honest thought. Look at him in the eyes, and tell him what I really want.

"I have not accomplished these goals yet, and I am still going to keep trying."

Wardes meets my gaze, as if testing how much of the truth was in my words.

Then he lets out a breath.

Wardes: "It seems someone has managed to make way into your heart."

"No! This isn't about that!" How did he even come to that conclusion!?

Wardes: "It's okay, you don't need to deny it. I know, and I understand. I will also take back the words I said just now. You don't need to give me an answer now. But after this mission has concluded, I believe that your heart will bring you to me."

He misunderstands me...! ...But what can I do, but nod. They may not be what he thinks, but my reasons aren't any less selfish. It doesn't change the fact that I'm rejecting his goodwill and a promise for my own satisfaction.

Wardes: "Then, let's go to bed. You must be tired."

Alri—!? Close...His face...It's too close...!

C—Calm down. Just push back...gently...

"S—Sorry. But...I haven't..."

I can't even make up complete sentence, let alone an excuse. My head is blank.

Wardes has a bitter smile on, and it's because of me.

Wardes: "It's fine. I'm not in a hurry."

My gaze meets the floor again. I don't trust myself to say anything without lying.

I don't get it. Even though Wardes is so gentle with me, so respectful of my wish, being willing to tie the knot with a woman of La Vallière. Even though I used adore him so much, and still admire him even now.

The marriage proposal: it's not like I wasn't happy. Of course I'm happy that someone holds me in such high regard. For women of noble birth, having a husband like Wardes is a blessing from Founder. It might even be the only chance I will ever have to restore my family name. Louise the Zero shouldn't have any right to deny such a proposition.

But, even so, something is still holding me back; preventing me from taking a step further.

PBW: "The plot continues. As always, The Author enjoyed writing from Louise's perspective."

Ilias: "The train of thought at the end was rather fresh. The society where women are left with subservient roles is unfamiliar to me."

PBW: " 'A woman should try to find a good husband.' 'A woman should start thinking about creating her family.' 'A woman's value lies in how good she is at enticing men.' Any poor sap that says anything like this in your world will probably be left dried up on a roadside very quickly."

Ilias: "I do not think that will be the case. Since those filthy monsters are doing exactly that, using every trick to ensnare men and continue their despicable lines."

PBW: "Huh? ...You're right. Monsters are doing exactly that. ...Strange. They're doing the same thing but monsters don't look like they're in lower position at all..."

Ilias: "You only find that strange because your social environment holds the values it does. I could expound on the relation between social values and authority, but you were the one that wanted to avoid mixing your world's common sense with this one's."

PBW: "Ah, yeah, please don't; someone might start an argument. It would be very annoying, even if I won't respond to it anyway."