Arc 4: Miracles under the Sky
Chapter 12: Signs of Impending Crisis
"Louise, we're here."
She looks so peaceful sleeping on my shoulder it feels a bit wrong to wake her, but, well, we're here.
Louise blinked sluggishly, before covering her eyes from the wind.
Louise: "...w'ere 's 'ere?" Her voice comes out weak as a whisper, like every morning.
"We're...where again?" I forgot the exact name.
Guiche: "Tristania Royal Palace. Oho! So this is how it looks from the sky!"
Guiche seems excited, but Prince Wales's expression is the opposite.
Wales: "You are not planning to just land there, are you?"
Kirche: "Ah, right, dropping a prince from another country out of nowhere is gonna cause a panic for sure."
Kirche slaps her forehead, and turns to speak with Tabitha who's sitting at the dragon's neck.
Kirche: "Tabitha"
Tabitha said something to the dragon. Then we change direction going down and stop just above a small street.
Tabitha jumps down without a word, slowing her descent with magic.
Kirche goes next, without a hint of hesitation, and is supported by Tabitha's spell. She must trust Tabitha a lot.
All of us follow their examples, and land safely on the stone paved road. The pedestrian are surprised, but only for a few seconds before going about ther business. They must've been even more used to this than I am.
Kirche: "Too many people here. Let's find somewhere less crowded."
Kirche finds us a small alley nearby, and leads us into it.
Some people on the street eyed us suspiciously when we entered it, but there's no sign of anyone following after us, so it's all good.
Kirche stops, then turns around to face the rest of us.
Kirche: "Okay, so we can't just bring him into the Royal Palace; he'll have to wait out here. Vallière, you and Luka were the one with the mission, so go report to the princess or whoever. In the mean time, we'll take care of the prince; no need to worry."
Louise: "Zerbst, having to leave the prince in your care is exactly why I should be worried. But alright; I'll hurry up and come back, so don't do anything stupid."
Kirche: "I won't. So, Your Highness, how about making a trip around the city while we wait for them? I shall be your personal guide." Kirche says boredly to Louise, then uses the complete opposite tone with Prince.
Louise: "What did I just say?!"
Guiche: "Eh? Why only Louise and the familiar? I received the mission from the princess too, you know?" Guiche looks shocked.
Kirche: "You're ditched half-way; it's the same as not completing it."
Guiche: "H—How was it my fault?! I followed along with the plan you all thought up, didn't I!?"
Kirche: "I and Tabitha were never in your mission or whatnot in the first place; we can't be your excuse."
Guiche: "Ugh...! I—It can't be...W—What about...my reward from...from the princess..."
Guiche looks absolutely down. Kirche looks absolutely indifferent. And Tabitha is just flipping the pages in her books like nothing matters. Seeing them like this reminds me that we really are safe now.
Louise: "Your Highness, I will come back as soon as possible. Please be careful, especially around that Zerbst woman."
Wales: "Understood. I have come this far; I don't plan to mess up this chance before I meet my precious cousin."
Prince Wales either didn't recognize Louise's jab at Kirche at the end, or just didn't pay it any mind.
Anyway, we all have our parts to do: Louise is going report to the princess, and I'm going with her. Time to set off.
I don't have a clue what part of the city we're in, but Louise clearly knows where we're going. We arrived at the main road, the same one we were on last trip, in no time at all. She's really reliable in a time like this.
"You said the end of this road is the royal palace, didn't you?"
Louise: "I did. So you were paying attention; that's good."
It's a compliment, but I don't feel too happy about it.
We reached the end of the road; it's an upward slope from this point on, ending at the castle we saw from the sky just now. The shape was similar to Grand Noah palace; and the size too. There are also guards at the entrance, though they seem stricter here.
Those two guys and their cart, for example, are being searched thoroughly from head to toe. The knight at the gate is casting some kind of spell. The sacks on the cart gets pierced to test their contents.
It took minutes before they let them go in.
Maybe it has something to do with the threat from Albion. Anyway, it's our turn. How are we going to be searched, thought, considering we didn't bring anything with us?
Knight: "State your names and business."
The knight is the one speaking, maybe because Louise is a noble.
Louise: "Louise Frainçoise le Blanc de La Vallière. I request an audience with the princess." Louise says in a neutral tone without a hint of discomfort whatsoever; as expected of a noble.
It took me three years of constantly meeting with the kings and the queens before I got fully comfortable asking for an audience with them. Here, in a place no one knows who I am, I'll probably be more than a little tense if I have to do the same; it's probably nothing from Louise's perspective, but it seems plenty amazing from where I am now.
Knight: "A La Vallière...What business do you have with Her Highness?"
Louise: "It is a classified matter that is only known between me and the princess. I cannot tell others."
The knight crumples his brows.
Knight: "Who would let you in with a dubious answer like that. Do you know the state of our country? If you don't want to state your reason, then show me the proof that you really are a daughter of La Vallière's household."
Louise: "Proof? What proof?"
Knight: "Think about it yourself."
Louise clicks her tongue in irritation. That should classify as an action not befitting of a noble; she never did that before. She must still be grumpy from being woken up. This doesn't look good.
Louise: "Then go tell the princess I'm here; she will confirm it for me."
Knight: "Out of question. How can I disturb Her Highness on the word of a suspicious girl."
Louise: "I'm not suspicious! I told you I'm Louise de La Vallière!"
Knight: "Then show me something that belongs to House of La Vallière. Surely a daughter of the house would have something with her family crest."
Louise: "I'm not a knight! Why would I have objects with our coat of arms on me?! Just look at my face; see my hair color"
Knight: "Those can't prove a thing."
Louise: "Grrr..."
"Uh, you should calm down, Louise." I need to stop Louise before she springs on the knight and bite his arm.
Oh, right, this is Louise, not Neris. I forgot about that for a second.
Commander: "What's going on?"
Another knight comes out of the castle. This one is taller, with long beard and a deep voice. His outfit also seems a bit fancier, I think. The first knight salutes.
Knight: "Captain, this girl claimed to be a daughter of La Vallière's household and requested an audience with Her Highness the princess. However, she is not willing to state her business and cannot provide a proof of her identity. I forbid her entry based on these grounds, but she has yet to back down."
The knight captain looks at us, at Louise, thoughtfully.
Commander: "You are the daughter of Duchess La Vallière?"
Louise: "Eh? Oh, yes, I am Louise Françoise, the youngest daughter of Duke de La Vallière."
Duchess: that would be a female duke or a duke's wife, isn't it? I'm still not completely used to all these titles even after all this time.
Commander: "Hmm..." The knight captain gets close to look at Louise.
Commander: "I see. You have your mother's eyes. What is your business with the princess?"
Louise: "It is a secret mission she had given to me herself. I cannot talk about it to others."
Commander: "Hoh, and who else knows about the mission; who else can support your claim?"
Louise: "Aside from the princess, there are only I, my familiar" She looks my way. "and...Viscount Wardes..."
Louise is tense when she says the last name, and the knight captain notices.
Commander: "The captain of Gryphon Squad, huh. I did hear that he was out on a mission...So, where is the viscount? Isn't he with you?"
How do we even answer that?
Louise: "T—That...I need to report to the princess first."
Commander: "So you can't reveal anything at all. It's going to be hard to let you in like this."
Louise: "I—If you ask the princess, she would definitely confirm it for me!"
That's the same thing she said before; but that really is all we can say for now, isn't it. If this is like San Ilia Castle, there would be data of every hero in their record; don't they have something like that here? There shouldn't be that many nobles.
Commander: "Hmm..."
The knight captain strokes his beard.
Commander: "...All right, I will inform the princess of your arrival. Wait here."
Louise: "T—Thank you...Sir..."
Commander: "[Des Essart]. Tell the duchess I send my regards."
The knight captain goes back into the castle. We step aside to let the next group pass.
"We're lucky someone knows your mother."
Louise: "Y—Yeah..."
"Now that I think about it, I don't know anything about your home. Can you tell me?"
Louise: "T—There's nothing special about it. We're just a normal family..." She's avoiding my gaze while crossing her arms defensively.
"What's wrong? You're acting strange."
Louise: "S—Strange how? There's nothing strange about us."
"I thought you would go on to gloat about how noble and powerful your family is or something like that."
Louise: "What kind of person do you think I am?"
"Uh, that you're...very proud of your family?"
Louise: "Why are you saying it like a question."
Louise seems like she doesn't want to tell me. I should stop for now.
Now it's Louise sending glances my way instead, for some reason.
Louise: "...What about your home?"
"My home?"
Louise: "That's right, your home. You never told me."
"You didn't answer my question, but you're asking yours."
Louise: "Just answer my question!"
What a self-centered girl.
"Okay, I get it. Let's see..."
Hmm...What to say, and where to start?
Louise: "...Well?"
"Umm...Which home do you want to hear about?"
Louise: "Which home? What do you mean? That you have more than one home?"
"It's...kinda like that. There's home I was born, and—"
Commander: "Lady La Vallière."
That knight captain came back. That was quick.
Commander: "Her Highness has confirmed your words. Follow me."
We seem to agree wordlessly to keep the talk for later, and follow the knight captain through the gate.
{...}
Des Essart passed along me and Luka to a maid. The maid then led us to one of the rooms, and knocks on a door.
Maid: "Louise Françoise de La Vallière and her companion has arrived, Your Highness."
Henrietta: "Please let them in."
The maid opens the door for us.
This is a private sitting room. Princess is waiting for us with an expression that looks to be equal expectation and trepidation.
The instant the door closed, Princess puts me in a hug. I expected it this time, and manage to hugs her back.
Henrietta: "Louise Françoise! I am so relieved!"
"I am back, Princess."
Henrietta: "Thank Founder for protecting all of you! I will have to express my gratitude to the viscount as well; I was right to send him with you!"
...Looks like we'll be starting off with a difficult topic right away. The looks Luka is giving me says the same thing.
But before that I have to have Princess calm down first. I lightly touch Princess's forearm. She gets the signal, and separates.
"Princess...There are so many things I have to tell you about."
Henrietta: "Yes, you are right. I can only imagine how treacherous the journey must have been. Please tell me anything; I will listen."
Princess sits down on the beautifully-carved wooden chair and puts her elbows on the desk, waiting for me earnestly.
There really are so many things to talk about, that I can't not talk about.
To start with, we should sit on the long chair first; this is going to be long.
Now take a deep breath, me; organize the events. If I don't do this I just know I'm going to talk in circles.
"...I will start from the beginning."
Now that I look back on it, I can't believe it has only been four days. Meeting Wardes after so long. Traveling to the port town La Rochelle. Being ambushed by mercenaries and forced to get on a ship ahead of schedule. Being hijacked by pirates, who turned out to be the prince in disguise. The prince returning the letter and decided to fight and die. And then, the reveal of the traitor.
I tell Princess of all of it.
"This is the letter I received from Prince Wales."
Princess gently takes the letter full of creases and stains.
Henrietta: "That admirable viscount was a traitor...I put you in even more danger. Louise Françoise, I am sorry..."
"It was not your fault, Princess! Even we were completely fooled..."
And it's because of my own image of him in the past and childhood crush. I couldn't believe Wardes could have changed so much. Or maybe he had always been like that, but the immature I couldn't see it.
Henrietta: "In both ability and conduct, Viscount was an ideal knight; becoming a captain of a royal guard squad before reaching thirty was exemplary...I cannot believe that under the face of that perfect noble was such treacherous mind..."
"Was that the reason Princess chose him to go with me? Because of his reputation."
Henrietta: "Yes. In the Royal Court, he was widely trusted. But in reality, he was a cunning man who could fool over half the government of an entire country..."
Princess looks very dejected. The feeling of being betrayed, I know it well; and it's from the same person, even...
Henrietta: "...But in the end you managed to complete the mission successfully. You are this country's savior. If this is an official mission, you would be rewarded handsomely."
Princess said the mission was successful...when in fact it's not like that at all.
Ugh, I was so confident back then that it would make Princess most happy, but as a matter of fact what I did was beyond Princess's order; it even made the entire excursion meaningless.
Was I deluding myself into thinking I understand Princess? If Princess becomes enraged at me for putting Tristain in danger...
...Uuughhh. No. I don't want to imagine it. If Princess hates me, there's no way I can live on...
But...I have to say it...
"Princess...There is something I have to ask for your forgiveness."
Henrietta: "My forgiveness? What is it?"
I feel my throat becoming dry. I don't know how steady I can keep my voice.
"Though we have retrieved the letter...Your engagement might still be canceled regardless."
Henrietta: "Eh? Why would that be?"
"Viscount knows of the content in the letter. If he spreads it around, even as rumours, they would most definitely reach the ears of the Emperor of Germania."
Henrietta: "So you know of what was in the letter... Do not fear; such baseless rumour will never be taken as facts by Germania. I will claim that it is but a feeble attempt by Albion to cause a rift between us."
"It...It will not be baseless..."
This is it. I'm goingto say it now.
"...At present, Prince Wales is in this capital of Tristania."
Henrietta: "...Eh...?"
Princess's expression shows confusion, as if unable to make sense of what I'm saying. I don't know what's going to happen now. But no matter what happens, I won't have anyone to, won't dare to blame anyone but myself.
Henrietta: "...Is that the truth? Louise Françoise? You are not lying to me, are you?"
"It is the truth. Prince Wales changed his mind in the last minute and decided to come with us to Tristain."
Princess widens her eyes, and remains silent.
Tears come pouring out of her eyes; the hands that are holding mine tremble.
Henrietta: "Louise Françoise...! Thank you...! Thank you truly...!"
Princess's tearful smile is filled with happiness and relief I have never seen before.
There are feelings in my chest: warm, bitter...and blissful. Though the road was full of danger, though I had to face a painful truth, though I was betrayed, if it was all for the expression the Princess has on right now, they were more than worth it.
[...]
"Princess, have you calmed down?"
Henrietta: "I, I have. I'm sorry, Louise. Your shoulder is all wet..."
Her voice is still a bit hoarse, but the tears have stopped.
Henrietta: "If Prince Wales is in the capital we have to arrange a place for him. Louise, can you please bring him here. I will have the royal guards bring you all here without being searched."
"Right away, Princess."
Luka: "Princess, is that really okay?"
...Stupid Luka, I completely forgot he's here too.
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't it be?"
Henrietta: "Mister familiar, can you please elaborate?"
Luka: "I mean...What if there are traitors other than Wardes?"
Ah...
Princess lowers her gaze; she probably realised it too.
Henrietta: "...It is as you say. I do not want to believe it, but if even a captain of my own royal guards could be a traitor, it is definitely possible that, here in the Royal Court...here in my home, there could be more."
"...I just recalled something. Princess said Wardes was widely trusted in the Royal Court. Uh, my apologies for being too forward, but is it possible that amongst Wardes's supporters there are...more traitors mixed in?"
Henrietta: "I see that you have come to the same conclusion, Louise...Mister familiar, thank you for your warning. A meeting with Lord Wales does not have to be rushed. As long as he is in Tristain, there should be no immediate danger to him..."
Luka: "...Wishing to meet someone you love as soon as possible, I understand that feeling well."
...Huh?
Henrietta: "Oh my? Does mister familiar have someone you love that is far apart as well?"
Luka: "Yes, my family is waiting for me back home."
Henrietta: "I see. I hope you can meet them soon."
Oh...right. This guy wants to hurry back to his family.
There's nothing else. There can't be anything else; not the other meaning, especially. A midget that nags all the time; there's just no way. Not that it concerns me, either way.
Henrietta: "As for what to do next; please follow me."
We follow Princess out of the room. All the curious stares from people we passed by are kind of bothering me. I know we don't look like someone usually seen walking around in the royal palace—a girl in a school uniform and a boy with a sword on his hip—I'm getting a bit self-conscious.
Luka, on the other hand...
"...Aren't you bothered at all?"
Luka: "By what?"
"They're staring at us, like we're out of place."
Luka: "Oh. Well, I'm used to it. I was stared at like that too at school when I just arrived."
"Oh...I guess you're right." I noticed that too, but I wasn't really paying attention to it.
...I only cared about how bad he made me look at the time.
...
Henrietta: "Please wait here. I won't be long."
Oh...We seem to have arrived at the destination. The room Princess just entered is her bedroom. Is she getting something?
She comes back out, with a cloth bag, which she places on my hands.
This weight, feel, and sound: it's probably full of coins.
Henrietta: "Please give this to Prince Wales. Tell him to stay in a hotel in the city for a while. I will consult with Mazarini about the matter as soon as possible."
"Understood."
Henrietta: "Also...Please tell Prince Wales that Henrietta is happy that he had chosen to live on."
"I believe that the prince had chosen the right path as well."
Choosing to die and leave your loved ones to mourn: something like that can never be right.
"Ah, I almost forgot. The ring Princess entrusted me with, I will return it now."
Good thing it didn't fall off somewhere during all the chaos.
Henrietta: "Keep them." Princess holds up one hand.
"But this is the ring you received from the Queen, isn't it? I cannot accept something so precious."
Henrietta: "Louise Françoise has brought my most precious treasure back to me, even though I had thought it to be but a pipe dream. This alone cannot even begin to repay that debt."
Princess smiles, and pulls me in a hug. I didn't expect it, but wasn't really surprised.
Henrietta: "You were the only friend I had in my childhood. Now, you lend your hand to me when I cannot rely on anyone else. I am such a happy princess. Thank Founder for bringing you to me."
"...I feel the same. To be able to meet and become your friend is the happiest thing in this Louise Françoise's life, Princess."
If not for Princess, a noble who cannot even use magic such as myself would have been worthless.
[...]
[...][...]
The sky is coloured orange; it's evening by the time I'm settled in my own bed in my own room. Normally, we should be putting belongings we brought with us on the trip back to their places, but we left what little we brought with us back at the inn in La Rochelle, along with the horses.
I should be worried about that, but I'm too tired to care about it. The school will probably take care of it somehow.
"Bwahhhh~"
My bed...After having to sit on the back of two mystical beasts and the hard floor of the ship, I'm finally getting a proper rest. I want to just sink into the bed, but there's still dinner.
I'm tired, but I'm also hungry. Why must my life be full of difficult decision I wonder~
Luka: "So slovenly. Is that an expression a noble girl should have on?"
The familiar is back to his usual nagging self without missing a beat. I wonder who was it that trained him to have such a mouth...
"Leave me be. I'm sore all over."
Luka takes things much slower: taking off the sword from his belt first, then removing his cape.
"...Hey, I've been wanting to ask about it for a while, about that cape."
Luka: "What about it?"
"Isn't it too long, almost reaching your ankles? I've never seen it get in the way when you fight, but wasn't it awkward when you first wore it?"
Luka: "Ah... ..."
"...Well?" I didn't ask something I shouldn't, did I?
Luka: "Well, I...have been wearing it for a long time, so I don't remember when I stopped finding it awkward...Maybe I did have some trouble with it when I was a kid. My mother made it, expecting me to grow into its size..."
"...Ah, I see. Then you turned out to be a pipsqueak."
Luka: "Rude. I'm taller than you are."
"You're that proud for being taller than a girl by two cents?"
Look at that frown.
"Don't tell me you're sulking."
Luka: "I'm not. I'm just annoyed by your rudeness."
No matter how anyone look at it, he's sulking.
And just when I was maybe reconsidering my opinion of him too. There have been many times I felt he was surprisingly reliable for how he looks on the outside. But then there has been just as many times he acted like this; I really can't tell which one is his true self.
Luka starts taking off his vest, leaving only the long sleeve shirt on, making his slender form even clearer. Where did he find the strength to do all those things, like lifting Guiche's giant mole off of me and fighting on par with Wardes, from that small body of his. He looked so strong then...
...! Stop thinking like that. A familiar protecting its master is natural. There's nothing to be excited about...
Still, Prince Wales was rather fond of this guy. And that the prince changed his mind in the end might be in part related to him too. When I think about it like that, that guy was kind of amazing—
...I must be very tired if I'm having crazy thoughts like that.
Luka: "What is it? You've been staring at me since earlier?"
"D—Don't be too full of yourself!"
Luka: "Ha?"
[...]
Alviss Dining Hall, it has been a while. Sitting at the same spot, surrounded by familiar atmosphere, it makes me feel that I really am back.
Luka is sitting cross-legged on the same spot on the floor as well, looking down at his food.
...I'm feeling restless for an unknown reason.
...No, I do know the reason. I do know what I have to do to make it go away. But, there are things I can and cannot do. I'm anxious because I'm not sure where the line between the two is.
What kind of familiar he is, troubling his master like this.
...I can't even taste the food properly; I'm too distracted.
Aaah~! This is so annoying! Dang if I'll let this bug me every day from now on! I'm gonna settle it right now!
Luka: "Ah! Where are you taking that?" Luka of course protests having his meal taken.
"Y—You are going to be eating on the table from now on!"
He stares at me, confused. Quit with the look and just get up already.
Luka: "No changing your mind this time?"
"O—Only if you hurry up and bring a chair now!"
Luka: "Okay...?"
Luka goes to get a chair from staffs. I...guess I'll sit back down and place his food on the table for now.
His food is, as I requested the staffs in the kitchen, made from the same stuff as the students' is; only made to look different.
Now that I look closely at it, even the containers are pretty well kept. I guess that guy is really popular amongst the staffs...
...I'm even more restless now. I can't stop clenching and releasing my hands, or it will show on my face or some other parts.
I said that I'm going to settle it here, but now that it's really happening I can't help but worry how it's going to turn out. A noble and a commoner, sitting beside each other; how would the the people see us, what kind of rumours will spring up?
Aaah~! I don't know what is the right thing to do anymore~! No, actually I do. Commoners should stay in their place, not mixing in with the nobles. Keeping the status quo; that's definitely one of, if not the correct answer. But then who knows how long am I gonna be bothered by this.
A large part of me is telling me I'm doing the right thing; that guy shouldn't be sitting on the ground like that. But is that just me being self-centered? Though I don't think where he sit would be a serious matter, I can't really be sure. Could a simple act like this lead to disastrous result in the long run? Is this going to create even more undesirable rumours for my household? That is something I absolutely cannot allow. Even as we are right now, people are already talking...
...Hey, there's no space left for his seat.
"Hey, move a bit."
Malicorne: "Hah? Why would I?"
Wayward Malicorne is as stubborn as usual.
"Because there isn't enough space."
Malicorne: "Are you going to have your familiar sit at the table again? You suddenly disappeared to who-knows-where for three days straight, and the moment you came back you say something weird."
Ah...! Of course, suddenly missing classes would be suspicious. I hope no one figured out the truth...That Zerbst had better not run her mouth.
"I—I'm just rewarding my familiar for performing its duty well, that's all. Quit whining and move already."
Malicorne: "Why would I have to move for a commoner? You do it."
"I did, but it's still too cramped."
Malicorne: "Tough luck, then. I won't move; what are you gonna do?"
This small eyes fatty is so infuriating, especially the way he's raising his eyebrows! Well, not this time; I'm not gonna back off!
"Malicorne de Grandpré! Are you a gentleman? You can't even move your chair for another!"
Raising my voice does the trick; the guy flinches. Even I was surprised by my own voice.
Malicorne: "V—Vallière! How dare you suggest that I am not a gentleman! Even if you're a woman, don't think I will let you off easy for this insult!"
"And what are you going to do? Settle it in a duel like Guiche did?"
Malicorne: "Eh? A—Ahahaha, you can't be serious. How can a gentleman such as myself do something like that to a lady. Really, Louise, you need to stop with the joke...Hey, you! Move, damn it!"
He's sweating buckets. He recalled how Guiche ended up, didn't he. Starting it yourself but ended up losing in front of an entire school; unless they're borderline narcissistic like Guiche, they would have locked themselves in their room for weeks.
Well, Malicorne moved. His arguments with the male student next to him isn't my problem. What's important is that now there's space for Luka's chair.
What kind of familiar need his master to find a seat for him, really.
Luka: "You look happy. Did something good happen?"
When did he...!?
"N—Nothing happened. Hurry up and put your chair there."
By the way, that chair should be as heavy as it looks, but this guy lugs it around like it's made of paper. His strength really doesn't match his stature.
Luka: "Hm? Was there a space here?"
"Well, what do you see? Nothing. That's what they call space." Be calm, me. "What are you waiting for. Put the chair down and sit."
He does.
He does, and is sitting beside me, on the same table, under the gaze of all other nobles. It's like a dream; I'm really officially and openly sitting together with a commoner; the first for me.
But, it doesn't feel wrong. There's no disgust or rage or shame, only some kind of ticklish feeling.
Luka, meanwhile, is looking around like an excited puppy.
"Hey, what's so interesting on a simple dining table?" We're standing out too much as it is.
Luka: "Ah, no, it's just...It's been a long time since I have a meal with a lot of people like this, and never once sitting with young students. I feel kinda out of place."
"You mean, you had sit at a large table like this before?"
His life back at the 'Holy Land', probably. I still don't want to believe it.
Luka: "Not often, only when there's a celebration."
"Ah, right, people on the countryside do set up tables like this during festivals. I guess your home was the same."
Luka: "Like I said, it's not too different from here."
The tachers lead the prayers, thanking Founder for this meal: the normal routine. This time—or maybe every time, but this is the first time I notice; Luka also clasps his hands akin to how we do. Maybe he's praying to his god back at home. I'll ask him later about it.
Everyone begins their meal.
Speaking with food in your mouth is a bad manner, so there aren't many voices during a meal. Many dine silently in reserved manner; most girls do that, like Montmorency. The boys have all kinds: from ones with perfect conduct to those who might as well had left their manner back at home, like Guiche's group.
It's a good thing Luka is closer to the first group. Obviously he isn't the perfect picture of noble upbringing, but he does know how to use knife together with fork, doesn't spill food, doesn't show distasteful bahaviours, dining like decent, respectable folks. I really want to know where he learnt his manners from. Maybe everyone in the Holy Land, even commoners, have good manners like this. That sounds terrific.
He's still tense, though. Not surprising, since this is the first time he's sitting with this many nobles. I'd be more worried if he doesn't feel a thing about this.
"You don't have to be so tense."
Luka: "O—Okay..."
He still looks unconvinced. Is there a way to help him relax? There is.
I gesture him with my eyes to look at the Guiche's group, to see how they talk while they eat and how they scrape their knives on the plates. It's really irritating to see, let alone listen to.
"As long as you're not as bad as that, no one is going to complain."
Luka: "Ah, I won't be..."
He's not as tense now. Good.
"Make yourself used to it, because you're going to eat here every day."
Luka: "'ll try."
Luka's back to eating. The dinner is proceeding normally, not counting all the disapproving and curious gazes other students are giving us. At least no one says anything.
...
Okay, we're done here for today. Now that my stomach is full, I'm more sleepy than ever. I guess skipping a bath for just one day couldn't hurt; a wipe down would do for today. If I go into a bath now I would pass out for sure.
Student (F) A: "Louise! Wait!"
Someone's calling me; just a few more steps before I'm out of the hall.
Three girls: second years, and look kinda familiar; they're rushing over.
Geh, that expression; they're going to grill me for something they want to know. This is going to be long and tiring; I don't have the stamina to deal with this. I guess I'll just ignore them.
Student (F) A: "Hey, Louise. Hey! We need to ask you something!"
Student (F) B: "Where had you gone off to the past three days?"
Student (F) C: "They says you were out with a handsome guy!"
Student (F) A: "Louise! Are you listening!?"
I'm flat out ignoring them, yet they still haven't taken a hint. What a persistent bunch.
Luka: "Oh, uh, Louise is tired today. Can you come again tomorrow?"
Luka's voice. He seems to be blocking their way.
Student (F) A: "Get out of the way!"
I'll just let Luka take care of this and go as faraway as I can.
...
Luka's back, alone. Those girls probably gave up.
"Thanks." I sound tired, because I am.
Luka: "No problem."
...
I'm back at my room, and my bed, finally.
"Bwaaahhh~~~"
Luka: "Lying down immediately after eating will mess up your stomach, you know."
"Quit with the lecture; I'm not a five year old kid." Lying down gives me back some strength to retaliate.
Luka: "You're still a kid though. I mean, you're a student."
"I'm already sixteen."
Luka: "Sixteen is still a child."
"And how are you any different?"
Luka: "Ah, well...I guess."
He avoids my gaze. Can't fight the truth, can he.
Luka: "...Well, are you going to the bath?"
"No, I'm too tired. I would fall asleep in it."
Luka: "Have you always been this lazy? I thought having me washing your face and dressing you was just to stick to traditions."
"Who's lazy. I can do all that if I want to. ...Alright. To prove it, I will wash my face on my own tomorrow."
Luka: "You say that like it's some kind of big achievement."
"Then I'll do it every day. No problem now?"
Luka: "I don't think washing your own face means you're diligent...but, okay."
"Good. Now, go get water in that basin. I need to wipe myself."
Luka: "Do you even remember what you said..."
Luka complains as always as he takes the basin out of the room.
There's nothing to do in the mean time. I can't strip and wait for him like I used to—
"Hngh!?"
Word choice...! I know the real meaning—I know what I really meant, but I didn't think putting it in words would be so—I didn't mean that! Even though I actually did strip while waiting for—
Stop! Stop thinking! Just, look at other things! Even if I've probably seen everything a hundred times over! Yeah! Maybe I should count how many strands there are in that pile of straw at the corner!
...Oh, now that I think about it, since I'll have Luka eat at the table like other people from now on, maybe I should do the same with his sleeping arrangement. But the only choice other than the floor is the bed—!?
Aaahhh~~! This is worse than before!
A—Anyway, if I don't want to do that—and I don't want to!—I'll have to ask the school for another mattress. But that would be asking too much; all other students get only one mattress each. I'm pretty sure no student ever ask for an additional mattress just for their familiar.
...
...It can't be helped then, since there's no other choice. Yes, it simply cannot be helped. I REALLY don't want to do this—it's shameful!—but, this is in favour of a fair treatment of a familiar, as an extension of the permission to sit at the table. It's all for the sake of consistency. Yeah, that's it, a good noble should be consistent, no doubt.
*kachak*
"Hic...! Y—You're so slow!"
Luka: "I thought I was pretty quick compared to most days."
Don't just suddenly barge in like that...! At least he doesn't seem to notice my panic. Okay, be calm; I wasn't arguing with myself about anything.
Luka: "I'm gonna place it here."
Luka places the basin on the desk, then goes back to the door.
"It's already dark out, where are you going?"
Luka: "I'm going to wait outside. You're going to wipe your body, aren't you?"
"Eh? A—Ah, yeah, hurry up and get out."
He got out...
...No, I wasn't expecting anything at all.
Okay, so I need a towel and a set of sleeping clothes. They're both in the drawer.
...
I've never thought about it before, but I have only one kind of nightgowns, don't I. I've been wearing similar things for years, but have never paid it any mind. It was comfortable; that's all I cared about. ...So why now? Strange.
Anyway, time to get out of this dirty uniform and wipe myself clean.
"Ah!? Cold!"
The water is really cold; not like the warm water in the bath at all. Has Luka been using this freezing water to wash my clothes this whole time? Well, it being night now is probably a big part for its coldness. The water used to wash my face in the morning wasn't freezing.
But that's because it's Spring right now. In the Winter, my face would ache from just a few seconds in contact with any kind of water not warmed beforehand. If Luka has to do the laundry with that freezing water...I might have to do something about it.
Well, it's still Spring right now; I'll think about it later.
All right, I'm done here.
"You can come in."
...
No answer. No one opens the door either. Maybe he didn't hear me?
"You can come in now!"
Luka: "Okay. Give me a moment."
So he heard me. Then, what's going on outside that he can't come in right away? Don't tell me that Zerbst is trying something again? I'm going to have to give that girl a piece of my mind!
"Hey, what are you doing..."
...It's not Zerbst.
Siesta: "M—Ms. Vallière...! G—Good evening...!" The black-haired maid freezes when she sees me.
"More like good night; I'm about to go to bed. What business do you have with my familiar?" That wasn't on purpose; I sounds irritated because I am disturbed before bedtime.
Siesta: "N—Nothing, Ms. . I just...heard that Mister Luka came back from a dangerous job so I..."
'So I was worried', is that what she's going to say? When had these two got so close they could be so worried for each other?
Siesta: "W—Well, since Mister Luka...and Ms. Vallière are both safe, I—I will be going. Please excuse me...!"
And she's gone; run away. Sneaky girl, isn't she. I don't like that at all.
Luka: "...You scared her."
"She got scared on her own. I didn't even do anything. Get in the room already." And I was in a good mood too. That maid just had to come and ruin it.
I'm irritated right now; it's going to be hard to sleep at this rate. I'll sit down and calm myself first. Luka is taking off his boots by his makeshift bed...
Ah, I was in the middle of thinking about that, wasn't I...
It's just speaking to my own familiar...How hard can it be...
"Hey..."
Luka: "Hm?"
"You're always sleeping on the floor...Doesn't yout back hurt?"
Luka: "Eh?" Why is he so surprised... "Not really. I camp outside all the time. I can sleep pretty much anywhere. But, yeah, sleeping on a mattress is better, of couse."
Camping outside. But he said he knew some nobles, and his manners back that up.
"I—I see..." Just what kind of life did he have before? "...W—Well, would you like to try sleeping on the b—bed?"
Drats...Because that idiot said he was okay with it, now it sounds like I am the one that wants to sleep together, which is very untrue.
That's not all. I swallowed the embarrassment and said it so clearly, yet the idiot Luka is looking troubled.
Luka: "I'll...pass. I think it's better as it is."
"W—Well, suit yourself." I don't have the energy to pursue any further.
...This is too much. My face is all hot.
I snuff the light and get on the bed sleep; I'll turn the other way too, for good measure.
Luka: "You're going to sleep already?"
"I'm tired."
Luka: "Well, good night, then."
"...g' night..."
The rustling sound when he lies down on the straw is the same as every night.
My eyes are closed, but Luka's earlier expression is still stuck in my head. He looked like someone who wanted to say no but wasn't sure how to.
He was going to say no from the very start, but didn't want to tell me the real reason.
Why do I always think about useless things? A man and a woman sharing the bed is, of course, not something to be done lightly; being master and familiar doesn't change that. It's normal to hesitate.
What was I being excited for. How idiotic.
[...]
...
What is this place?
It looks like some kind of temple; one that looks very ominous. Both the walls and ceilings lack windows or any other such opening, making it completely void of sunlight; two lines of tall stone pillars only add to the heavy atmosphere. The only sources of light is the torches set on the wall and the floor around the spacious room. At the end of the hall is a set of stairs going up a raised altar of some kind. The altar looks about two mails tall; a throne sits atop it.
I've never seen a temple like this. The churches and chapels that worship Founder Brimir and the God are always decorated with objects and stained glass related to Founder's legend. Where could a place such as this even exist in Halkeginia?
Someone is standing in front of the altar. The light is too dim to make out their features; the general outline only tells me that it's a person.
But the lower half of the silhouette is unnaturally wide, like the figure is wearing a very puffed-out skirt.
I walk—My body walks ahead on its own. I can't control any part of my body at all. It approaches the stair on its own.
The wide silhouette is becoming clearer: it's not a skirt, nor a part of a dress. The wide lower half is actually the body of a snake; an unnaturally massive one.
Woman body for the top half, snake for the bottom: this inhuman, hideous figure, an existence of myths; I know what it is.
A devil.
And this body, it's not actually my own body, isn't it. I'm actually seeing through someone else's eyes. After all, I don't know how to use a sword, but the arms of the body unsheathe one, and it moves to fight the devil.
...
...
Amazing...I don't know what else to say about this. Even if I can control my mouth, I would still be speechless.
This is...a fight with a devil.
In the fight with Wardes I learnt that a real fight is different from a duel. Wardes was an elite among elites; no ordinary mage can hope to even touch him. Wardes's magic can easily kill targets before they have a chance to fight back.
Through the fight with him, I came to know how terrifying it is to know that death was just a breath away. It has only been two days; the coldness on my skin, the shiver in my spine, it's still fresh in my memory.
But this devil, its fire and ice magic, and another I can't put an element to, are so much stronger than Wardes's; incomparably so even. I can't believe there would be a day I have this thought, but this devil most likely possesses magic far superior to even Mother. There is no way humans can fight that kind of abomination.
But the owner of this sword is still standing.
Moving faster than a mage boosted by Wind; enduring even the devil's devastating attacks; escaping the bind of the enormous snake tail; all while slowly inflicting cuts and wounds on the devil's body.
...It's like I'm enchated by this faceless person's fight with the devil. How long has this been going on, I don't know, but the person and the devil are both out of breath.
One other thing; I can't put a word on what the owner of the sword is feeling. This unrelenting sadness; this person is in torment, but over what?
The devil is casting its spell again, but maybe because of the injury, it is slower than before. This person rushes forward, plunging the sword through the devil's abdomen. The liquid flowing from the wound is red, like blood.
The person raises his head, getting a clear view of the devil's face, so close they can feel each other's breath.
...
Beautiful.
I might have forgotten to breath if I was in my own body.
In that instant, the split second, I prepared myself to see something inhumanly terrifying. That thought was blown away, leaving only the lingering trace.
The devil's face is of a very beautiful woman, much more so than any woman I've ever seen. Can something so beautiful really exist in the world? The eyes that look into mine are a mix between human and snake, undoubtedly inhuman, but mysteriously alluring. They glow in golden colour, but the light gradually dims. The mouth slowly moves as it produces words, with a smile, and a sadness.
"...xxx xxx xxxx...xxxx..."
*gasp!*
...
I'm in my room; the sunlight through the window tells me it's morning.
...A dream. Yes, that was a dream, of course...
...What a weird dream. Why was I in another's body? Why were they fighting with a devil, in an unknown place? I even remember useless things, like how sad the devil looked.
...Then there was the deep sorrow of the person whose body I was in. The ache is still lingering in my heart even now.
What in the world was that?
Luka: "Louise?"
...! It's just Luka's voice, from my bedside.
"D—Don't startle me like that!"
Luka: "I just called you normally. What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"
"...Something like that." Not a good dream, at least.
Luka: "Hmm...Actually, I had one too."
"Really? What's it about?"
Luka: "...I lost someone dear to me."
"Oh..." Should I ask about it? What do I even say? "...When was it?"
Luka: "Huh? Oh, no, no! It's just a dream! It didn't actually happen!"
"Ha? Don't make the sad face then! Your expressions was too misleading!" I was worried over nothing.
Luka: "Hey, just because it wasn't real doesn't mean it's not sad."
Well, that's true...
Luka: "What about you? What was your nightmare about?"
"It's..."
...Wait. Forget how convoluted it is; even if I manage to explain it to him, wouldn't it just seem like I was scared of a devil? No, I can't allow that. I'm not afraid of them.
"...It's hard to put into word. It's kind of confusing what actually happened."
Luka: "Is that so... Well, I don't know what it was about, but don't think too much about it. Put on your uniform; I'll go get water."
"...Okay."
...I can't get my mind off it, no matter how much I tried to focus on the daily routines.
Was that really just a dream? If I think about it logically then of course it was; there is no living devil in Halkeginia. All reported sightings of one were never proven with evidences. But still, why did I suddenly have that dream?
I've never seen a devil like that anywhere; not even in books or paintings. More than anything, that devil's face was so clearly detailed it was unthinkable for that to be a product of my subconsiciousness.
The devil's last words sounded familiar too, now that I think about it, but not enough to understand its meaning. It was definitely not any language spoken in Halkeginia, but, I feel like I've heard that language before...
...It must be because that idiot likes to talk about devils as if they are part of the daily life; I heard about it so often I ended up having a dream about it. That's probably it.
Luka: "Got the water. I'll put it here."
"Uh...Okay."
The basin sits on the same desk, half filled.
Luka: "...Are you waiting for something?"
"Eh?"
Luka: "You said you'll wash your face on your own today. Did you forget?"
"O—Oh, that. No, of course I have not. Geez, you make it sound like such a big deal..."
Before Luka got here I had always done this myself anyway. Here...Like this...How hard can it be...There, done.
...What's with that curious look?
Luka: "So that's how you wash your face."
"What does that even mean?"
Luka: "I mean, you're the type to shake your head while moving your hands."
"S—So what if I am?"
Luka: "No, I just...Nothing..."
Stupid Luka. If you're going to say something then don't leave it halfway.
...Was it weird? The way I washed my face?
Luka: "Ah, stay still for a second."
What is it this time? I guess I could comply—hnrkk!?
Luka: "Got it."
This guy. He just wiped my right cheek with the towel as if it's nothing!
"W—W—W—!"
...Breathe in...Haa...
Of course it was nothing. He did that all the time, didn't he? Why am I conscious of it now of all time? Unfathomable.
Luka: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing! Get going already, I don't want to be late!"
Luka: "We won't be. We're earlier than usual."
I'm going out first. Can't let him look at my face. I'm sure it's beet red right now.
It's his fault. Telling me to wash my face on my own, then doing s—something like that out of the blue.
I'm not a little kid anymore; and when someone is not a kid, if they were to have their face wiped by another so close like that, of course their mind will wander to the place it shouldn't be. That's why I'm so hung-up on something I shouldn't even be paying attention to.
Anyway, it's this guy's fault, as always!
[...]
[...][...]
Luka: "Come one, don't think too much about it."
"I don't"
Luka: "You're sulking."
"I'm not."
Stupid Luka says too much. He should just keep quiet and keep mopping the floor.
I don't even think anything of it. One more spell blowing up in my face isn't wasn't going to make any difference.
I cast Ignite on Mr. Colbert's weird-lookin toy and it exploded; so what?
Montmorency made light of my mission the other day, saying it was a trivial errand; so what?
Mr. Colbert was scared of me using magic and tried to stop me many times before that; so what?
There's literally nothing to get upset over at all; nothing you hear me?
Luka: "Still, this place is really advanced, isn't it."
"What's this all of a sudden?"
Luka: "Well, uh, you have guns here, don't you."
"Guns? Those toys?"
Luka: "How can you call them toys; they're dangerous weapons."
"Hmph, as if those things can compare to magic."
Supposedly there used to be a big commotion about them; nobles causing all kind of ruckus over how they would spark rebellions from the commoners. In the end, nothing happened; they just got adapted into military like any normal weaponry.
Luka: "Well, that's true but...Hey wait, you're all humans, so they're still deadly."
"Forks are deadly too if you're a fool and just let yourself be stabbed. So, what about them? How are they related to being advanced?"
Luka: "My home had just begun experimenting on them for two years, and they were copied from what was already built. If the people here invented those on their own then this place must already be more advanced than mine."
"Those things? I can't see how they're such a big deal."
Luka: "Then there's the machine the teacher earlier created. People at my home had just started building things similar to that not long ago, and that was a lot of people working together. That teacher invented that on his own; I think that's amazing."
"What's amazing? It broke so easily."
Luka: "That was because of your explosion."
Can this idiot not bring up the same thing over and over? How irritating. This rags too, getting dirtied so easily. How many more times do I have to re-wash it? I've had to go get new water every ten minutes since earlier. And this room is on the fourth floor! When am I going to finish wiping all these tables? Isn't there a bigger bucket?
"Were those toys considered as something important back in your home?"
Luka: "Well, it's like...My home is pretty similar to yours, not counting the floating ships; towns and buildings look pretty much the same. When a certain genius created a lot of amazing things we have never seen before, a lot of us became enthusiastic to figure out how to use and improve on them. So they're being given more and more attention and importance."
"I can't imagine it at all."
Every time I speak to this guy it always feels like we're talking fictions, or I'm talking to someone insane.
"Give me some examples; how were they amazing?"
Luka: "Hmm. Well...it's kinda hard to think up one on the spot; most of them will probably give you nightmares..."
"What the heck does that even mean. Don't scare me..."
Luka: "Ah, right, water pipes."
"Hah? Water pipes? How are those amazing?" They have been in used for thousands of years.
Luka: "It's not like that. Uh, for example, when I did laundry—no, not that—when I went to get water for you in the morning I always had to go all the way to the fountain in the courtyard, did't I? Since that's where the water came out."
"Hm."
Luka: "Well, after researchers studied the equipment left by that genius, we found a way to send water to high place without needing someone to carry it."
"...You're not talking about aqueducts, are you? Because those actually start at higher elevation before being brought into cities."
Luka: "No, I mean without aqueducts."
"Oh, I see. How was that amazing? We can get the same results just by having someone carry a bucket of water."
Luka: "For example, from whatever water source that supplies the fountain in the yard, we could connect it to your room using pipes, then cover it with something like a cap. Now, whenever you need water, you can just open the cover and get it straight from the pipe; no need to go all the way down to the yard to get it."
"Is something like that possible?" Sounds kind of farfetched.
Luka: "Unbelievable, right? The first time I saw it I was surprised too."
Getting water straight from the source, without having to go out of the room. I admit it sounds very convenient; the water stored in a container eventually gets stale and has to be changed often.
"Just to be clear, there is no magic or windstones involved, is there? Because we can do it here as well if that's the case." Although it would be so inefficient and resource-consuming that only the most luxurious places can get it installed.
Luka: "Not at all. My home doesn't even have windstones. What we used was a machine similar to what the teacher showed us earlier, but bigger and more complex."
"Then, if Mr. Colbert or someone else continue their works, someday I might be able just get water in my room?"
Luka: "Maybe. The King of, ah, one of the countries said that in a decade or so we'll be able to get it installed in most of the civilian's houses. They might be able to do it here too, if not in your generation then your children's "
"Hmm...That sounds interesting."
If it would be so easy that they can even be installed in commoners' houses, and not needing magic or precious resources, it would be convenient for nobles who are not rich and not proficient in Wind and Water as well.
"But I think we're fine as we are now. No need to expend so much time and resources just to get water a few mails up from the ground."
Luka: "Well, imagine we can get water from a room nearby, and you can get the water to clean the rags from there."
"So, what do we have to do to get it installed in the school?"
[...]
[...][...]
Back to school, to my and Luka's ordinary life. It's as if what happened in Albion was just a dream, and we simply woke up to the same peaceful, mundane life we've always led.
But in reality I'm just trying to distract myself from the truth. Deep down I know this peace is just a front; an illusion.
Albion. Prince Wales. Alliance with Germania. A lot is moving behind the scene. As the outsiders such as us are spending days and nights under the false tranquility, the people inside, Princess and the Royal Court, are desperately finding a way to fight the threat that only becomes more imminent as days gone by.
We can only hide our worry and keep our eyes and ears open, silently waiting for the day it blows up into something we dread.
...
I was so sure I wasn't careless in the slightest, that I was keeping my guard on the entire time. I never thought, when all the rage and confusion and everything reached the limit, it would erupt right under my feet.
And now, it's too late...
PBW: "We rest a bit after the long-winded lectures, with a sprinkle of melodramatic episodes, from the last chapter. Now we're back to watching Louise and Luka's relationship developing at a snail's pace."
Ilias: "How was that slow; that was definitely on the far end of the 'fast' side. Take me for example, I have been treating monsters as pests for forty thousands years and that has not changed even now."
PBW: "As if you can be taken for any example. Anyway, the next two chapters will contain The Author's acrobatic leaps of logic in a not-good way, so please be patient. Or not."