Chapter 9: Restless Rest Day

It's morning...is it? I can't tell for sure, since the sunlight coming in through the window and the position of the bed make a different angle from what I'm used to in Louise's room.

And, anyhow, it's the first time in almost a month I get to sleep on a bed; that's enough to confuse my senses.

I'm still a bit sore. Even a good bed couldn't drive away all the exhaustion from yesterday, it seems. At least I'm not up too late, looking at the position of the sun.

Guiche is still fast asleep though. And from the looks of it, he will probably remain like that for a long time.

The inn prepared a wash basin in our room, so I can get ready for the day without having to go out and get the water myself.

"Okay. All done."

Now I'm ready to go anywhere.

The ship will leave tomorrow, so we have a day to relax. May be I can go out and tour around the town. I'm kind of curious what could be out there in a place completely unfamiliar to me.

*knock knock knock*

Huh? What is it this early in the morning; I haven't even finished putting on my socks yet.

"Give me a second!"

I finished putting on my cape, and open the door.

Wardes: "Greetings, familiar."

It's Wardes. And I get called like an animal first thing in the morning. He knows my name; couldn't he just use it.

"Good morning, Wardes. You're pretty early. Do you need something?"

Wardes: "You could say that."

It's the smile of someone planning something. He glances past me, clearly checking if Guiche is awake.

By the way, that guy isn't waking up even though we aren't really trying to be quiet. At this rate he might sleep past noon.

Wardes: "I heard from Louise. You dueled Guiche and won, didn't you? With bare hands even."

Huh? So he knows about that. That was unexpected; that he even cared enough to ask about me, a commoner.

"Not bare hands. I did use a weapon."

Wardes: "An ordinary wooden stick lying around. The first time Louise told me I thought she was joking. I still don't fully believe it even now."

That's fair. Even for Alice who knows me really well, if she hears about what happened she would raise her brows, then asks me if I had my brain with me at the time. Yes, she definitely would do that.

Wardes: "That is why I want to see it with my own eyes: how strong a commoner that won against a noble could be."

"By that, what do you want to do?"

Wardes takes out his wand and points at me.

Wardes: "Surely you will get what I mean if I do this."

...I almost kicked him in reflex. What was he thinking, pulling a weapon on me when I haven't fully woken up yet.

"...A duel?"

Wardes: "That's right."

It's clear even without that question, since Wardes is giving out the kind of pressure that can't be ignored. Though if I didn't at least ask for confirmation it would seem like I was eager as well.

But, what is this all of a sudden? May be he's the type that likes duels, like Granberia.

"I don't think we should. If one of us gets hurt here it would be bad if we get into a fight in Albion."

Wardes: "Don't worry about that. It's just a light spar; I won't use dangerous spells."

"Didn't you say we should avoid a commotion?" He even avoided public bath yesterday, because someone might recognize him.

Wardes: "It's just for a little bit. Nothing bad will come out of it."

"Ehh..."

Why the sudden interest. This is a little suspicious. Though to be honest, getting to see Wardes in action is a bit tempting. I guess I shouldn't be saying things about Granberia, since I'm more or less similar.

"Alright. Where will we do it?"

Wardes: "This inn used to be a fortress: a protection against Albion's invasion. There's an old trainning ground; we will use that."

[...]

Surrounded on all sides by buildings, this training ground is pretty conspicuous. Looking at all the wooden boxes and other junks lying around, this place has probably become a place to keep things rarely or no longer used any more: not a place many people will come for sure.

That stone base looks like where they used to set a flag; it's covered in moss all over. This really has been abandoned for a long time.

Wardes is standing about twenty steps away, facing me.

Wardes: "Long ago...though I guess you wouldn't have been born yet, to know when I am talking about. During the reign of King Phililppe the 3rd, Nobles often faced each others here in a duel."

"He~h." Thinking of it like that, I kinda want to see it.

Wardes: "Those were glorious days: When the King held his rightful authority and nobles served with loyalty...When nobles were truly befitting the name of nobles. Here, we wove our wands, betting our name and honor. But most of those duels were actually of petty reasons, like fighting over a woman."

"He~h..." I don't want to see it anymore. I feel like I've seen plenty of that already.

Wardes: "Alright. Before we start, we need a witness, as per traditions."

"Witness? We don't really need that, do we? It's just a light spar, as you said."

Wardes: "Just humor me. As a noble, I want to do this right. And I already called in one anyway."

Already called in one?

The door we passed to get here opens, and Louise comes through it.

Louise sees us, and, after a few seconds, begins to look agitated.

Louise: "Wardes, I came because you told me to. What is this about? What are you both going to do?"

Wardes: "The power of the familiar you told me about: I just want to see for myself."

Louise: "Come one, don't be silly. This isn't a time to be doing something like this."

Louise then turns to glare at me.

Louise: "Stop. This is an orer."

"...That's what she said."

Wardes: "Louise, you don't have to worry; there will be no serious injury. Just treat it as a light exercise before breakfast. I promise not to wound your familiar too bad. You too, right?"

"Uhh, well I...will use the blunt side of the sword." I was right to ask for one that's single-edged.

Wardes: "As you see. Please, humor me this once, okay?"

Louise looks troubled.

Louise: "...If Viscount says as much...But if I tell you to stop, you stop. Are we clear?"

Wardes: "Haha, I'm okay with that. ...Well, the witness is present; shall we start?"

"Alright."

The opponent this time wasn't like last time. I can't even loosen my grip on my sword for a second, or it might get taken away in a blink of an eye.

Wardes raises his wand. It's starting...!

Then he stops, as if suddenly remembering of something.

Wardes: "By the way, I have been meaning to ask: why are you wearing that cape?"

"Eh? Is there anything strange about it?"

...Damn me. I just turned back to look at my cape, which I have been wearing since forever. Didn't I just told myself not to let my guard down. If Wardes took the chance to attack it would have been an instant defeat; good thing Wardes didn't do that.

Wardes: "It looks awkward, like it would get in the way when you move. So I wonder if there is any reason you are wearing it."

"Ah. Well, it's not that awkward once you get used to it. I wear it because...it's kind of like a uniform for me? I've been wearing it for a long time; if I stop now my friends will probably ask about it, and my back would feel kind of bare"

Wardes: "I see. And here I thought you did it just to look like a noble, or something along that line."

"...Was that a taunt?" I'm not too sure about it.

Wardes: "Haha, sorry, that wasn't my intention. Let's just count it as a test of patience. I have no more question. Are you ready?"

"I am."

Wardes: "Then let us begin!"

{...}

Tabitha stood on the flat roof made from a big piece of rock; strong and durable as one would expected of a former fortress. The small figure was still in the same pajamas which has been collecting dirt from the journey yesterday and on the uncleaned roof.

However, Tabitha paid no heed to such trivialities, as not even the books she seems to bring along everywhere was capable of holding her attention at the moment.

The eyes behind the lenses looked toward the ground below, where the boy with purple hair and the man in wide brimmed hat are facing each other.

How she found herself the spectator to this show could be traced back a few minutes.

Though somewhat fatigued from yesterday, sleeping amongst strangers fueled her survival instinct, which roused her from sleep at dawn break, contrasting the red haired friend yet asleep on the adjacent bed.

Putting on the glasses, Tabitha had initially planned to read the book she brought with her to pass the time until the roommate woke up, at which time they will both go to the dining hall.

She found herself interrupted, however, when she felt an unnatural pressure in the air. She got up, silently open the door and peek through the slight gap it made, confirming the source to be the leader of the Gryphon Squad standing in the hall way, seemingly speaking with someone inside the adjacent room; either of the boys or both of them.

The conversation ended just then, leaving her no way to know the content of it. But the leader of Gryphon Squad waited in front of the door, then, after a short time, the familiar of the girl who could not use magic came out of the room, and together they both headed out.

Tabitha noticed the tense atmosphere between the two, and so she trailed after them silently. Not long after, they entered a seemingly abandoned enclosed area, and each took facing each other. It was only then that she finally understood what was happening.

It was a duel.

That was when Tabitha realised it was a chance she could not pass up on, and so she found a spot to observe the action without being seen, on a roof not too high, in an angle where she could see the entire ground clearly.

The target of her observation, of course, were both of them. The main target, however, was strictly the familiar with the appearance of a human.

The leader of Gryphon Squad was a high-level Wind user. Being able to see first-hand what he was capable of would certainly be beneficial to Tabitha, a fellow Wind user. Furthermore, learning the combat tactics of magic knights in service of a royal family would also provide a different kind of benefits, were the future circumstance require.

However, those were simply beneficial, not required, and neither special nor intriguing. That boy with purple hair however—

The duel had started. Tabitha cut her pondering and focus on the movements below; not even a second should be missed.

The boy kicked the ground, rushing in with the iron sword swung vertically; its blunt edge was easily blocked by the metal wand.

The knight took a step backward, before starting his counter with continuous stabs identical to how rapiers were used.

The boy dodged the first four with ease, before deflecting the wand aside and stepped forward for a blow to the side.

With strict and precise movements, the knight retreated without losing balance.

In the eyes of common people, the two were locked in a heated combat, neither yielding to the other. In Tabitha's eyes, the fight had not even started; both had simply been gauging the other.

The simple exchanges continued for a moment, before the tempo changed. The magic knight dropped the smile he had kept on since the match begun, and started his offense anew. Tabitha focused unblinkingly on the movements.

The knight's assault grew in intensity, the stabs getting visibly faster; likely an evidence of more effort being exerted. The boy also increased the speed at which he dodged the incoming attacks, as he deflected with stronger force and stepped in deeper in counters.

The temp was interrupted when the knight suddenly jumped back to gain more distance, and did it sideway rather than backward as he had done throughout the fight.

Then, just as sudden as he had retreated, the knight rushed back in, with the tip of the wand aiming at the center of the boy's body. In a trade of quantity for quality, his single thrust was much stronger, much quicker, and covered much more distance. The shift from defense to offense was almost seamlessly executed.

The boy, taken by surprise, hastily bent his body, avoiding contact with the blunt end of the metal wand by a hair's breadth, before quickly regaining balance in time to dodge the multiple thrusts that followed right after.

Even now that both of their movements could easily overwhelm common foot soldiers and mercenaries with ease, none of them had shown their true prowess. The knight had not used magic, and the boy had not displayed the speed he had in the duel back at the academy.

Tabitha could not sense killing intent in their movements, and thus assumed that victory was not the main purpose of this duel; one possible explanation was that the knight had simply wished to practice, or to test the boy's abilities.

The faster, yet similar exchanges continued for a short while, before another change took place.

The knight attacked with a thrust, as he had been doing, but the boy almost doubled the force he put in deflecting the wand. Tabitha noticed, and put all of her focus on every movement.

The knight, having his wand swatted aside with more force than he expected, was left with a momentary gap in his defense; that along with the boy's abnormal level of physical strength left the knight stunned for a split second.

Luka: "Yaahhh!"

The boy took the chance; putting all his weight forward and jumped off the ground, holding the iron sword horizontally, aiming at the opponent's neck, while also shouting out in the way Tabitha had never understood the need for.

The magic knight's eyes widened in true surprise for the first time, but his reaction was quick to catch up, bending his body and neck to their limits; the tip of the iron sword just barely missed its target.

The boy landed on the ground six steps away behind the magic knight and turned around, retaking his stance.

Luka: "That move was my trump card I use when fighting strong opponents. I can't believe you dodged it the first time."

The ears of a Wind user such as Tabitha could catch the voices from a long distance away. There was a tint of admiration in the boy's speech, rather than astonishment.

The magic knight shook away the surprise and smiled in satisfaction and excitement.

Wardes: "Colour me impressed. You even have that kind of technique up your sleeves. That wasn't just simply jumping and slashing at the neck. The entire set of movements was precisely designed. It would be a great disrespect if I don't show the trump card of a noble as well."

It was the magic knight's turn to show his ability. Tabitha paid attention, but not as much.

The magic knight started with the continuous stabs like before; but this time he also chanted a spell in the middle of the assault. He ended the move with Wind Break, sending the boy flying more then ten mails away and crashing into stacks of wooden barrels.

Wardes: "It seems the match is settled."

Chanting a spell while attacking with the wand was a basic skills used amongst magic knights, such as the Flower Bed Knights of Gallia.

In combat, the most prevalent flaw of magic is the period one took to cast a spell. During that time, even a commoner can physically overpower the mage.

The most accepted solution was the simplest one: to posses physical prowess not inferior to the commoners', thus cutting out the flaws and be left with only the advantages. Such was the basis behind the learning of this skill by magic knights.

Tabitha's frail body did not have the strenght nor the stamina to do so. When the time does come where she has to face magic knights, it will be her biggest disadvantage.

This magic knight could execute the technique flawlessly, as expected of a captain. But that in itself was not particularly amazing. The person who mastered the techniques to the degree were uncommon but not so rare. The spell itself was mundane.

In the end not all the abilities of the participants were shown. The knight was not even serious. The observation's yields were less than expected.

However, that was only in regard to the combat. That was not the sole interest of Tabitha.

Luka: "Haa...I lost. You're really strong."

Wardes: "I could say the same to you. Strength, speed, even sword skills: all of them are on a level quite unbelievable from a boy your age. If the opponents have been commoners or even low level mages, the victory would have been yours. It is very possible you will become a terrifying warrior never before seen amongst commoners."

The captain of Gryphon Squad put away the wand, then turned toward the pink-haired girl Tabitha almost forgot was there.

Wardes: "But that's where it ended. Louise, you have seen for yourself. Where we are going, the familiar can't be relied upon to protect you. If he lost to such a simple spell, he won't last against the Nobles Faction."

Louise: "But...but you are a captain of magic knights! The royal guard that protects Princess! Of course you're strong!"

Wardes: "You're correct in that; I am indeed stronger than most mages. But once in Albion, would we get to choose our opponents? If we're surrounded by powerful enemies, would you tell them to go easy on us, because we are weaker?"

While the magic knight lectured the pink-haired girl on her naivete, the boy got up and joined the conversation.

Luka: "That's true. There are a lot of people that would use every mean they have to accomplish their goals."

Louise: "How can you say that so easily!? Your ability to protect me is being doubted here!"

Luka: "It's the truth. But there's one thing I don't agree on, Wardes. Being strong or weak doesn't matter when trying to protect someone."

Tabitha's breath hitched for a second.

Wardes: "Power have to be answered with power, or a peaceful country would have no need for an army."

Luka: "You're right about that; power makes a large difference. But that doesn't mean it's better to just give up when you lack power. If you have the will to protect someone, you should act on it. Having more people to protect Louise is obviously better."

The pink-haired girl's eyes widened. The magic knight's brows tightened.

Wardes: "I may have been mistaken about you at least on one subject. Though your battle prowess is leaps and bounds above your age, your thinking is still naive. You don't understand what kind of enemies we will be facing, don't know that childish way of thinking will put Louise in danger."

The magic knight pulled the girl's arm.

Wardes: "Let's go, Louise."

Louise: "E—Eh?"

Wardes: "Your familiar needs to revise his thinking. Unless he wants to jeopardize the mission, he needs to do away with that childish notion."

The boy did not argue, but furrowed his brows as he stared at the magic knight in disapproval. The girl hesitantly followed the magic knight pulling her wrist, once glancing back to look at the boy in worry, before disappearing into the building.

Tabitha pondered for a moment, and decided to make an appearance.

The boy looked like he was about to sigh, but flinched and turned around at the same time Tabitha landed on the ground.

Luka: "You...Tabitha, was it. ...Were you watching?"

A nod.

Luka: "Haha. I've shown you an embarrassing side, haven't I." The boy laughed sheepishly while scratching the back of his head.

Tabitha stared at the boy expressionlessly.

Tabitha: "Why did you hold back?"

The boy froze, then let his hand down and looked at Tabitha in surprise.

Luka: "...What do you mean?"

Tabitha: "You were faster at school."

That is a fact. The speed exhibited by the boy when he used the wooden stick to broke the bronze golem's arm far exceeded what he had shown in the duel, no, the spar just now.

Likely, it was because to apply enough power to destroy bronze objects, that much speed was needed.

Luka: "...So you were watching the duel."

A nod.

The boy looked like he was trying to think of something, looking sideway anxiously. After a short while, he opened his mouth hesitantly.

Luka: "It was a hunch."

Tabitha: "A hunch?"

Tabitha raised her eyebrows very slightly.

Luka: "Yeah. I felt that I shouldn't show all my cards. Don't tell anyone, though. They'll think I'm paranoid." The boy smile in embarrassment.

Tabitha nodded. She might have known the feeling.

Luka: "Thanks. Well, let's go get breakfast. That made me a bit hungry."

The boy started in the same direction the magic knight and the girl went.

There was one question left. However, Tabitha was not certain if she should ask. It was a question which the answer would not be of any use. In fact, it was very possible she would not like it.

In the end, curiosity won.

Tabitha: "Why did you say that?"

The boy turned around.

Luka: "What did I say?"

Tabitha: "That one should try to protect someone, even if they are weak."

The boy blinked. He still looked confused of the meaning of the question even as he tried to answer.

Luka: "Why, you ask... Well...these days I don't use it as a reason much anymore, but...It's because that's how 'heroes' are."

Heroes...?

Tabitha: "Heroes?"

Luka: "Yeah. To protect something or someone, what you really need is the courage. Maybe you would fail, but if it's something dear to you, you should still try even if the odds are stacked against you."

Tabitha: "...What if it is certain the person lacked the strength? Their effort will be undoubtly meaningless. Whether they try or not wouldn't matter."

Luka: "No, it won't be meaningless. Maybe it wouldn't matter, but the courage to protect someone will never be meaningless. That's what every true hero have at heart."

Tabitha did not nod, nor did she shook her head. She simply stared expressionlessly until the boy looked uncomfortable.

Luka: "Umm...If there's nothing else then let's go get breakfast."

The boy went ahead. Tabitha still stood at the spot, with the same, unchanging expression, even as she replayed what the boy said in her head.

'Hero'

As if such a thing existed.

{...}

{...}

I closes the door. The walls keep outside voices away, leaving only silent in the room.

Guiche was with Viscount's group downstairs, drinking after the supper, before we must depart for Albion tomorrow. That leaves only the other occupant.

Luka is standing on the balcony, looking up at the night sky. From behind I can't see his expression, but the glow from the moonlight makes him seem lonely.

How do I bring it up? Should I even? Maybe it's just in my head. I don't know yet, but I can't just stand here after coming all this way.

Since the duel this morning I haven't spoken with Luka at all. After breakfast that guy just went off somewhere, saying he wanted to take a look at the town. He came back just before sunset, empty-handed.

Maybe I should've given him some money then. He would've been able to take his mind of things...but it was awkward to talk to him after what happened earlier, so I just...let him go out.

But I can't leave things as they are anymore. If I don't say it now, this nagging feeling wouldn't go away.

"...Luka."

That was my voice? It sounded so weak. It's because I couldn't think of anything else to say... My expressions right now probably reflects in my voice as well.

This won't do. I have to steel myself, or I won't be able to say it.

Luka: "Oh, Louise. What is it?"

Luka turns around. He doesn't look as glum as I thought, but still a bit more somber than when we were at the school.

"Just wondering why you got up here early. Everyone else is still drinking downstairs."

Luka: "Oh, I don't really drink, and I can't follow the conversation when they talk about magic and such."

Sounds normal; many people are like that. But I still feel there should be more to it.

"...Well, what are you doing?"

Luka: "Nothing really. Just taking in the view."

Luka turns back to the view beyond the balcony. From where I stands, three steps behind him, the roofs of houses and various establishments can be seen. Further away are hills and steep cliffs; their surfaces glow slightly under the moonlight.

I need to talk to him...about that.

"What have you been doing all day?"

No, not that. Darn it. Why am I so...

Luka: "Just taking a walk around the town, doing a bit of sightseeing."

"And, how was it?"

Luka: "All in all, pretty relaxing. We didn't have a town in the middle of steep mountains like this back at my home, so the view was definitely new. The people and the establishments were pretty normal though, barring the fact that there was no monster. I did find a place with cool-looking swords."

"Why were you looking for a sword? I already bought one for you, didn't I?"

Luka: "Yeah, and thank you for that. It's just, looking at cool weapons; that's normal for men and adventurers. It's like how...women like to look at clothes and accessories, I think?"

"They do? I've never gone out just to look at clothes. None of my sisters did, either."

Luka: "Well, women aren't all the same, obviously. I just said what my friends told me, and some of them do like shopping for clothes."

"...You have a lot of female friends."

Luka: "Uh, yeah, I do. Why do you mention that?"

"...Nothing. I didn't mean anything; just saying it."

That's enough going around the subject, isn't it. It's time to say what I come here to.

I have to say it. Say it now.

"Hey!"

Luka: "Hm?"

"You...aren't still bothered by...your loss to Wardes, are you?"

I said it...

Luka: "Not really?"

He...sounds fine. This guy doesn't look like someone good at hiding feelings. It's probably the truth.

What the heck.

"You're too fine! Can't you be more concerned about it!?"

Luka: "What the heck!? Didn't you ask because you were worried?"

"Why would I be worried about you?!"

Luka: "Because I'm your familiar?"

...! Right, the excuse I used all the time...Why does he have to bring it up now.

"...Just a little. I'm just worried that my familiar would get depressed after just one loss. It would relfect badly on me."

Luka: "I'm not that gloomy. It's just a spar; nothing serious."

"...That's good."

...Phew. At least the worst possible outcome can be crossed out. Now I can stand beside him without feeling awkward.

"...Are you really not upset at all? Not even a bit?"

Luka: "You're still on about that?"

"Just answer my question."

Luka scratches his cheek and looks sideway.

Luka: "Maybe a little...not as much as a few years back. But anyone would be a little upset at losing."

...Ugh. Now the awkwardness comes back. I have to steel myself again.

"A—And, why are you upset." I hope I don't sound hopeful. Because I'm not.

Luka: "Why? What do you mean?"

"D—Don't you have one; the reason you hate losing the spar."

Luka: "Not really. It's a man thing. We're happy when we won, and upset when we lost. It's normal."

"Hmph. A man. Take a look at yourself before you say that."

Luka: "What's this again? What are you angry about?"

There really is no sign of him lying or hiding something at all.

So he really didn't feel anything by it. So it's all in my head. How frustrating.

"Hey."

Luka: "What is it this time."

"Wardes proposed to me."

Luka: "Eh? Isn't it too soon?"

He looks surprised. That felt a bit good.

"I thought so too."

Luka: "He~h..."

Wait. That's it?

Luka: "Well, if both sides consent...it's probably okay, I guess?"

You accepted it just like that? What the heck?

Luka: "? Wouldn't that be a good thing for you both?"

...! Did I say that out loud?

"Well—I—I mean, if I get married, aren't you worried about...what's going to happen to you?"

Luka: "Eh?! What do you mean by that?! Don't tell me nobles sacrifice their familiars in their weddings?!"

"Of course not!"

How the heck does this guy keep coming up with all these weird ideas?! He really is from a place very different from Halkeginia, isn't he.

Luka: "What's going to happen to me then?"

I didn't think he would ask that question. I didn't expect he would be so fine with this in the first place. I thought...

"W—Well...Nothing...Even if I get married you would still have to serve me as my familiar. Th—That's all"

I finally said it. Though I had to take a lot of detours, I finally said what I meant to say.

...Why does he looks so troubled?

Luka: "Hm...That would be bad..."

"Wh—Why would it be bad?"

My hands clench on their own. I feel like I'm not going to like what he says.

Luka: "I have to find a way back home. If you really get married, I'd probably travel east, like we talked about."

"Wh—What...?"

That's right. We talked about that since the first day I summoned him. Wanting to go back home is very normal. It's not wrong at all.

It's not wrong at all...But I don't like it. Not one bit.

"Y—You can't just leave your master!"

Luka: "But, we talked about it, didn't we? Once I'm gone you're going to summon a new familiar."

We did. I did. Again, it's what I said myself. That's why it hurts so much.

"I...No... That's... ...!"

*thud*

Luka: "Ouch! What was that for?!"

He said that, but he barely flinched at all from being kicked in the leg.

"This is nothing! You ungrateful familiar! If you want to go then go!"

Luka: "...? You've been acting weird since you came in; what's wrong? What are you upset about?"

"It's you! You...!"

I don't know. I don't know what's going on anymore; only that I'm hurt because of Luka.

Luka: "...I don't know for sure, but I guess you're not used to going on a dangerous mission like this. If you're being stressed out, or something's bothering you, you can tell me about it; I'm your familiar, and, if you don't hate it, your friend."

! It's like this again...He sometimes says things like this...that makes me...confused.

Luka: "Or tell Wardes. You two have known each other since a long time ago, haven't you? And he seems serious about you. He probably knows better than me about most of your problems."

! And he's like this again...always saying things that make me upset...

More than anything, it's the face that says he doesn't know what I really am talking about at all, or what is it I care about, and why!

Luka: "Wait!"

I can't face him like this. I don't reall know...why I am so upset, but I don't want to see that face: the face that says he doesn't even have an idea.

It's about how he's completely fine with losing to another man in front of me; completely fine with being told he can't protect me; completely fine with me getting married; completely fine with telling me to replace himself.

No matter what I do, no matter what I think, it doesn't seem to mean anything to him at all.

Idiot. A complete, incurable idiot. Both him and me.

If only I'm still infatuated with Wardes like back then, like how it should be, I wouldn't have to feel this.

"..."

The last step before I'm out of here; there's something on the tip of my tongue, to vent all this out.

"..."

Bitter remarks are almost a second nature to me...but there's no point in saying it now, when I know it won't matter to him.

There's nothing I can do but run away.

{...}

Louise seemed like she was about to say something, but she didn't; and now she's gone.

What exactly happened just now? All I'm sure of is that Louise was angry with me about something. And maybe sad too; so sad she sounded like she was going to cry before she exited the room.

I can think of a lot of things that might have been the cause, but none of them should have that much of an impact on Louise. She got mad at little things all the time, but she rarely seemed as frustrated as she did just now.

I just wanted to make sure she knows I won't interfere with her choice. I'm not fully trusting of Wardes' character yet, but this is about Louise, not me. I know I don't have any say in her life in the first place, but I still wanted her to know, in case it matters.

Haa...It's time like this I miss everyone in the castle. At this point, I would even be fine with talking about this with Alma Elma.

But right now I only have a sword with me. Maybe I should've bought that talking sword back then. At least I'd have someone to talk to...

?: "...r...aw...!"

...? There are a lot of noises from inside the inn. I should go take a look.

The noises are louder in the hallway. Several people are running in this direction from the stairs.

"What happened?"

Guest: "Bandits! Mercenaries! I don't know! They're wrecking the dining hall!"

The dining hall. That's where everyone was...!

No time to lose. I bumped into a few people as I make way to the stairs.

I haven't even reached the foot of the stairs yet, but it's clear how unnatural the state of the floor is.

All the lights are out. The entire dining hall is silent, barring a few guests moaning in pain. No familiar voices amongst them; that's a relief.

I take cover behind the closest fallen table. It took sometimes for my eyes to get used to the dark, but once they did I can see somewhat.

There are people in armors; armed: both close range weapons and bows. Several arrows are being shot at one of the fallen table, or rather at the people hiding behind it. That wide brimmed hat is probably Wardes's; the others in our group are probably there as well.

From the assailants' movements, Louise's group is probably their target. Maybe they're with the group that ambushed us yesterday. It could be revenge, or maybe some other goals. They might even be the 'enemies' Louise and Wardes spoke of.

There are two options: take this chance to make a sneak attack and take care of archers, or regroup with Louise's. The first one doesn't sound bad, but there are five mages on Louise's side; they might have a plan.

The enemies are closing in. There's no time to slowly make my way there; I'll have to rush in.

As I dash forward, a few arrows are shot at me, none hit.

I reached the back of the fallen table without a scratch.

Wardes: "You're right on time. We're about to begin our plan. Had you been any slower we would have left you here."

Eh? Looks like a lot of decisions were made when I wasn't here.

"What's the plan?" Wardes probably won't give a straight answer. I'll just ask Kirche.

Kirche: "Vallière and Viscount Wardes will rush to the port to get on the ship while the rest of us act as decoys. Luka should go with his master."

"Decoys? Are you going to be fine?" It's dangerous; the opponents are armed with lethal weapons.

Kirche: "My, you're worried about us. You're such a gentleman, unlike somebody who only looks one."

Kirche seems to insinuate something I don't know about. What matters, though, is that if the opponents are skilled, we shouldn't leave the three of them here.

Kirche: "You don't have to worry about us. As long as we have her, we'll be fine."

Kirche places her hand on top of Tabitha's head, then gets it slapped away by Tabitha herself, who is still as expressionless as ever. I take it she means they have everything under control, doesn't she?

Kirche: "We begin after the signal."

Wardes and Kirche nod to each other. I don't know what's what yet, but it seems like no one's going to wait for me.

Tabitha: "Go."

Wardes pulls Louise and dashes out. I'm already lagging behind; I have to go now.

There are sounds of arrows, wind blasts, and some others I can't quite identify behind us. I don't have time to look back. It's enough that no attacks hit us.

We're through the kitchen, the back door, and out of the building. Wardes leads us through an empty street.

*crash*

A loud noise comes from the inn. Louise looks back worriedly.

I'm worried about those three as well, but I can't go back. Wardes will probably take Louise and get the ship to sail without waiting for me.\

I'll have trust Kirche's group to take care of themselves.

Please be safe.

PBW: "Taking the story through the original course for now, since there's no trigger for significant changes just yet. But of course changing from Saito to Luka is going to bring a lot of changes. Appropriately."

Ilias: "That petite girl in glasses was suddenly in focus, wasn't she. That was a hint at her future involvement I presume. And then there was that last remark so obviously hinting at something it might as well be unmemorable."

PBW: "You don't have to rub it in my face; I know it was far from expertly done. Anyway, it's not the time for the reveal about Tabitha just yet. The Author has planned for changes in Tabitha. That last line was to hint at that fact."

Ilias: "Now that you have stated it here, the hint has become rather meaningless."

PBW: "The next chapter will be the first big change. It will be something rather no-brainer and very predictable, but there will be a lot of effort putting in to try to justify the change, so expect lots and lots of ramblings."