Zero no Tsukaima x Monster Girl Quest : Hero of Two Worlds

by Pea Brain Writer

The adventure has ended; the History has turned its last page. The destiny has been fulfilled; The world has reached its conclusion. That is how it should be. And yet sprung an alternative possibility; worlds that should not exist, conjured by a playful mind. Where will a history taken off-course lead to; not a living soul could tell. [Note: Guest's reviews can't be replied to.]

24. Arc 6 Chapter 19: Homecoming

Back when writing this story purely for personal enjoyment, The Author half-assed certain points just to get by quickly. This section is where it was particularly bad. The Author ended up having to rewrite large part of it and had to work on three chapters at the same time. Hopefully, it came out much better than how it was.

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Arc 6: The Cursed Family

Chapter 19: Homecoming

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"They're going home."

Louise: "Yeah, going home."

On the Austri Court, the eastern courtyard of the school, we have a clear view of the students crowding at the front gate, waiting for transports coming to pick them up.

Tomorrow starts the summer break. I don't really understand how breaks work since I never went to school, but supposedly it is a long period where there are no classes; eighty days this time, from what Louise told me. Eighty days are about two and a half months, with each month equally lasts thirty-two days here; pretty close to how our calendar works.

During that time most students and teachers go back home, or visit the capital where their parents are working. For students and teachers who don't, the school still hires the staffs to make them meals each day like usual, but not as grand as when there are classes, since many staffs go home as well.

"Well, what about you?"

Louise is one of the minorities; she scrunched up her face every time I asked her about it.

Louise: "Stop bothering me about that. When I want to, I will tell you."

Louise seems to be afraid to go home, and it probably has to do with the business with Nerian last week. She's probably in trouble already for that; it would be unfair to push her about it.

"Well then...Do you have something else to do?"

Louise: "Something to do, huh...If Princess gives me another mission, there would be. But she hasn't contacted me since that day."

That day means the day some noble threatened to take Nerian away. Thinking about it still makes me anxious.

"Since we're on the subject, do we have to do anything else about Nerian? Signing some papers or something?"

There were a few times Alice had to sign some papers to officially settle disputes, even if all parties already came to an agreement. Nobles with authority will probably have to do the same here.

"Don't I have to sign something too?"

Alice: "All treaties only required the rulers of the kingdoms involved, so no. Anyway, putting your name on these papers is actually putting responsibility on your shoulders. Unless it is needed, no one would want to do that in their life."

"Ah, well, if I don't need to, that's fine. I just thought, maybe I should think of a cool signature in case I have to sign something."

Alice: "...Idiot."

...I've been thinking about Alice pretty often lately, especially the mundane interactions we had; more often than before, at least.

Or maybe it's the opposite. I hadn't been thinking about Alice as much as I should during the two months since I came here; it just begun after the matter with Nerian was settled.

This two-month period is longest we ever spent apart without so much as a letter, now that I think about it. Even as used to working separately as I am, it's starting to get to me. Either that or the time in this place was too full of action for me to think about anything else.

Well, having Nerian with me is a very big step forward. I probably don't have to worry too much about the actual travel itself for now.

Nero and Neris, though, are a bit of a worry. They're used to me and Alice going out on a job, but this is the first time I've been away for so long. They have Alice, Tamamo, many of our friends and acquaintances to keep them company, so they're probably not too lonely. Still, how should I make up to them when I get back?

Louise: "...ey. Hey! Listen to me when I'm talking!"

"! Ah, sorry, just thinking about things."

Louise: "I can tell that just by looking."

"What were you saying again?"

Louise: "I said, you will have to think of a good explanation for what the bird is when we go back to my house."

"Oh, uh, so we're going to your home after all?" Thought she doesn't want to.

Louise: "...Yeah. I have to report to Father about the...decision I took the liberty to make on my own. And you're gonna help me explain what kind of creature that thing is to my father, and convince him to take it in."

"Uh...I guess I can't say she's a monster?"

Louise: "No. Putting aside how he's going to ask what a 'monster' is, that's basically, no, literally saying I took a devil into our house. Father will be FURIOUS, kingdom's saviour or not. I could very well be forbidden from leaving the house, like—..."

"...What is it?" Why did she trail off?

Louise: "...You don't need to know. Anyway, I will have to bring this up with my family at some point...probably during this summer break. You'll have to think up a good explanation for that thing's existence."

"Can I say she's a harpy?"

Louise: "...I guess that could work. It's not as bad as a devil. You'll still have to come up with a good explanation as to why it looks nothing like an ordinary harpy."

"She doesn't look that different from an ordinary harpy that much, though."

Louise: "Well, it does to people who know how an actual harpy here is supposed to look like and have common sense."

"How do harpies here look like?"

Louise: "First, they're only as big as humans, probably a bit smaller. Second, their faces are clearly different from humans': you can tell with just a glance if you're close enough. Their eyes are especially telling; they have bird eyes."

"Ah, yeah, the harpies in my home are the same size as humans too. That's the only real difference though. Now that you say it, most of the monsters' eyes are like human ones. I've never thought about that before."

Louise: "...I'm starting to think maybe that's what set demi-humans apart from true devils."

They're not devils, or evil, but there's no use trying to correct that with Louise.

Louise: "Wait, so why do you think this thing is a harpy? If your harpies aren't this big?"

"Well, that's what they said. The people back home, I mean."

Louise: "...I see."

I see that she gives up understanding this.

Anyway, it seems we'll have to take Nerian to see Louise's family pretty soon. Louise still makes disgusted face when talking about Nerian; what she feels on the inside probably matches too. But there is hope now. What she did that day was the same as what once convinced me and Alice that our dreams could be more than dreams. Someday, Louise will change her mind as well.

Siesta: "Excuse me..."

Siesta calls from behind, then looks between us anxiously.

Louise: "What is it?"

"Don't scare her."

Louise looks at Siesta coldly, and doesn't listen to my warning. Louise seems to be in a bad mood most of the time lately.

Siesta: "Ms. Vallière, your ride is here."

Louise: "What?" Louise frowns. "What ride?"

Siesta: "Eh? Uh, one of the carriages at the school gate is specifically asking for Ms. Vallière, so...Is it not sent by your family to pick you up?"

Louise: "...I don't remember asking for a ride. There's no reason my family should assume I'll be going back home on their own either."

"Well, maybe they want you to go back for some reason?"

Louise: "Then they would at least send me a letter first. ...Don't tell me..."

Louise seems anxious all of a sudden. Maybe she does have some idea.

Siesta has gone off to do her own things, but Louise is still deep in thought.

"There isn't really anything to do here, is there? Let's go; we'll know what it is about once we're there."

Going somewhere itself doesn't sound too bad. The sky today is clear and cloudless, as has been in the past few days. Sunlight is stronger than ever; it's hot even here under the shade of a tower. Taking lessons under this heat probably isn't a good idea. I see. Now I kind of get the point of this break. If it's cooler at Louise's house, that's all the more reason we should go.

...Wait, what's that black spot up there? It's hard to see with the sun getting in my eyes. The spot is coming closer, until it takes a winged shape. ...It looks like an owl...An owl? Flying at that height? In broad daylight?

The big owl glides down toward us, and...lands on the surprised Louise's shoulder.

Louise: "! What's with this thing?"

"It's holding something in its mouth."

Louise picks a roll of paper from the owl's mouth and unfurls it, her eyes scanning from top to bottom.

Louise flinches a little, then starts reading it anxiously. Her eyes widen, her face pales, her whole body shaking.

Just what is in that...Right, can't read word on it.

"Louise? What does it say?"

Louise: "...It seems we're going back to my house today...Go call your bird; we'll take it with us."

Resignation mixes in with Louise's words.

Louise walks in the direction of the dorm with nervous steps, like she's being sent to war rather than going back home.

[...]

Nerian will be following us on the sky. We'll be slowing her down a lot, when we could just ride her all the way. Since Louise needs time to mentally prepare herself, as she said, we'll take the carriage like other students.

Her carriage is both bigger and more decorated than others nearby though. There are very few students still left to gawk at us though; most are already gone. The school ground's silence is a stark contrast to the loud noises made by students doing activities just yesterday.

Louise has the most severe expression I've ever seen from her as she gets on the carriage. The chauffeur opens the door for Louise and bows, then looks at me confusedly when I follow after her.

Chauffeur: "Lady Louise, this man is...?"

Louise sits down and looks sideway at a window, ignoring him.

"Uh, I'm her familiar."

The chauffeur looks even more confused now. He looks to Louise again, who still doesn't acknowledge him, so he just closes the door and gets back to his seat. Then the carriage starts moving.

I can feel the wheels grinding against the roads and the occasional rocks through the seat. The school seen through the back window slowly becomes smaller; the sight makes me both anxious and excited at the same time.

Louise: "...What are you smiling for?"

Louise doesn't look any less weary of life, but now she also scowls a little show annoyance.

"Well, it's been months since I came here, and I've always been in the school. The trip to Albion was more us being strung along in every direction; I only got to see the port town for a few hours. But now I'm about to go live in another place for two months, and it's your house, so I feel a bit excited."

Louise: "...Well, good for you. Just pray you will still retain that excitement once you get there."

"What does that mean?"

Louise looks out of the window. It doesn't look like she will ever answer that.

Because of what she said, my excitement dies down. What did she mean by that?

Speaking of Louise's home, Louise is a noble, so of course her family members are nobles too. From the examples I've seen of the nobles here: the students, Wardes, people at the Royal Palace, though I don't want to think badly of Louise's family, I can't help but expect them to be not much better.

The school is full of nobles, but there are rules to keep them in line, and the principal is a reasonable person who doesn't abuse commoners. But Louise's house would have its own rules, and the people enforcing it would be her parents, who might not be like the principal. Her father I met once, but that was during an emergency; he might be different in normal setting.

Actually, there is a much closer example: Louise's treatment of me at first. If she has gotten the idea of how to treat me from her family, either as a commoner or as a familiar, I can expect her family to be really strict, among other things. Things aren't going to be easy for me there.

Wait, more importantly, looking at Louise's tendency to be overly worried and strain herself, especially how she was willing to throw her life away too easily sometimes, I should be more worried for Louise and how she was raised to have those sides to her.

Okay, let's stop here. We've just gotten out of the school, I shouldn't overthink things yet. Also, I was just as, if not more willing to throw my life away than Louise was, and it was definitely not Mother's fault, so I should be the last person to judge her family.

My friends did say I tend to think too much or be too worried about things, or 'overthinking what you shouldn't be thinking about' as Alice put it, especially when it comes to Nero and Neris.

With them I have an excuse, that I'm their father, but Louise isn't my daughter; she has her own very real parents. As an outsider, I shouldn't have any right to manage her life. Just thinking about it is rude enough.

So, let's stop thinking about Louise's problems and focus on Nerian, who's following us from above.

The Queen gave Nerian to Louise's family. While that's better than her being given to that noble I don't remember his name, I still can't relax. I don't even have Louise's words that they're going to treat her right. If anything, Louise's opinion on monsters makes me even more worried.

Now I finally understand the true terror of being stranded in an entirely foreign land. I don't know anything at all, not even what's normal for the place; what people would or wouldn't do to each other and everything else.

Now I appreciate just how lucky I was to have had Louise with me. I barely worried about anything when it was just me alone, but now there's Nerian.

The destination is still a long way away; I shouldn't worry myself into exhaustion. I'll just stop thinking about all this and occupy myself with the constantly changing view outside the window. Maybe Louise will be in the mood to talk about her family soon.

{...}

"Demri."

Lord Treasurer: "Your Majesty, how can I serve you?"

It is almost time for the council's meeting, but since Lord Treasurer happens to be here, I will just ask about that quickly.

"About the ownership of the giant avian, have you received the list of the applicants?" There should be only Duke of La Vallière's name on it.

Demri raises his eyebrows in surprise.

Lord Treasurer: "I received papers that bear Your Majesty's signature and had signed it six days ago. I believe the council should be preparing for the final discussion by now?"

"Eh?"

Amongst the mountain of papers I had to sign last week...Ah, right, there was one scheduling for the only applicant, Duke of La Vallière, to come before Royal Court.

"I remember now; I already signed the letter of summon to the applicant three days ago. I apologise for confusing you."

Lord Treasurer: "It is all right, Your Highness. I am more worried about how much you have been pushing yourself as of late."

Very true, but I cannot speak about it, no matter how much I want to complain.

It has not been a month since I've ascended to the throne as a queen, but my old life seems so far away. My days now are spent meeting with so many people their faces blend together. Some came with complaints, some with requests, some used trivial business as a front and instead brought up the vacant positions in the court, and some came to boast about their sons' desirable quality.

They came both in person and in papers that needed to be read very carefully. Many times I wanted to just put in a signature and be done with it, but it was no more than a passing thought, especially when I think about some of the papers that, despite being screened once before reaching me, still hid malicious contents beyond my imagination that could very well shake the peace of the country, if only indirectly.

Just the other day, there was a request to construct an entrance on the west side of the nobles' residential area for ease of travel; the way it was worded was so mundane I almost put in my seal on reflex. It was such a good thing I had asked for the city plan on a whim, and was able to know the location the entrance was requested to be made faces the small woods that surrounded the Royal Palace.

If the entrance were to be made there, they would have to clear out the trees in a large area, and the 'ease of travel' was but a short route straight from the nobles' residential area to the palace, where it would only be a small detour to come in through the main road. The people who made the request likely simply loathed to travel through the same road as the commoners. Once I deduced that, the paper went straight to the 'rejected' pile.

It is because these kinds of papers keep coming, that I can do nothing but take a deep breath, pick up the papers one by one to go through carefully, before placing them to the left or right, until either the papers or work time run out.

It has been like this, every day, with no breaks in between. Which day was the day of Othel, which day was the day of Yr, which day was the day of Void, I could never tell anymore. Sometimes I woke up in the morning, worked, and once I got on the bed at the end of the day, I could not recall what I had done or whom I had spoken to during the day.

Lord Treasurer: "Your Majesty?"

"Eh? Ah, what is it, Demri?"

Lord Treasurer: "You had been quiet for a while, so I wonder if there is something troubling Your Highness."

"I simply have a lot to think about, please do not be worried. If you can perform your duty efficiently that will be enough help for me." In fact, it would be a lot of trouble for me if any of them were to not complete their duty for any reason.

Lord Treasurer: "As your wish." Demri bows slowly, as permitted by his age.

He is but one of the old nobles since Father's or even Grandfather's reign, most of whom have been very capable, and still are. It is because they perform their duty very well, that my work is as light as can be.

When the day comes that they all retired, will I be able to find someone to replace them? I do not think I have the charisma that would draw people of various backgrounds, nor the eyes capable of perceiving others' talent correctly like Grandfather did.

Honestly, if it is not for Lord Wales, if Mazarini were to tell me that a marriage to the Germanian Emperor would prevent the work load from escalating any further, I would think about it even if I have the choice not to.

It is very fortunate it did not come to that.

Well, it's not supposed to be like this forever, according to Mazarini. Once I am settled in my position, things will lighten down a bit.

Lord Treasurer: "About the matter of the ownership of the giant avian Your Majesty asked."

"Ah, yes, what about it?"

Sometimes I am really disappointed with myself. I, who let her mind wander off in the middle of a corridor in front of a subject, still have a long way to go to be a proper queen.

Lord Treasurer: "I heard the summon for the applicant is scheduled during the next Day of Yr. I want to tell you in case it had slipped your mind."

"It did slip my mind. Thank you for reminding me..."

It amazes me how quick our officers can be sometimes. Since I signed the summon three days ago, it should have reached...

...

Lord Treasurer: "...Your Majesty?"

It seems I have forgotten about one more thing, and I can't blame anyone for this, since I'm the only one to know about it.

Louise: "Princess, please, please, make sure to notify me before sending the word about this to my House, preferably three days ahead, I beg of you."

"I can arrange that, but is there a reason for that? The name in the certificate will have to be the duke's name, so he will have to be notified about it soon. I assume you will have a talk with him about this matter after this, if not already?"

Louise: "Naturally. I plan on doing that, eventually."

"Eh?"

I have visited Louise's house once long ago. I was still a child so there is very few I can still remember, but I did not get the impression that Louise's family was particularly terrifying. Though Duchess of La Vallière might have been a bit too stern sometimes, she never directly hurt Louise. In fact, I barely remember anything she said or did, which means she must have been a normal noble lady.

And Louise's middle sister, Miss Cattleya, was a very gentle woman. I even remember I and Louise in a little squabble over her attention. Fufu, such nostalgic memories.

...It is very sad and very despicable that rumours harming the reputation of La Vallière House's honor have spread around. I, who had once visited them for a time, can confidently say that the rumours are all nonsense, especially ones about Miss Cattleya. They are the most insulting accusations that can ever be made against a woman. If the person responsible for the rumours is caught, even discounting my personal feelings, the person will be severely punished for slanders against nobles.

Okay, my mind is wandering again. Anyway, there should be no real danger that could happen to Louise because of this. What Louise displayed was probably the 'teenage worries' they talk about. I have heard from many nobles that their children during this age tend to react overly strongly to even the most trivial of things. Louise was probably the same.

How enviable of Louise. I wish I would be able to have that kind of experience as well.

"Thank you for your fast and efficient work, Demri. I will see you at the meeting."

Lord Treasurer: "Yes. Good day to you, Your Majesty."

One more matter over and done with, one less to worry about. Good thing, indeed.

{...}

~My Dear Louise~

Your father received a letter of summon from the royal court the other day. It stated that I was to be evaluated for the ownership of 'Giant Avian of Tarbes'. Tarbes here meant the battlefield where the Albion's army invaded Tristain a month ago. What is the meaning of this? I asked your mom and Eléonore, and no one knew of this; that only leaves you. The matter about your excursion to Albion and bringing back the former Crown Prince Wales still hasn't been explained to us. We are still waiting.

This letter should reach you at the very start of a summer break; the carriage we sent for you will arrive in the same day. Once you are back at home, I need you to explain to our family what happened.

PS. The boy that was with you said he was your familiar, is that true? Who was he? How did that come to be? You will have to tell your father very thoroughly. Don't keep secrets from me, okay?

And if that boy does anything to you, you have to tell your father. I will have him beheaded.

By the way, Eléonore has a magical taming device. If you want to borrow it, I can ask her for you.

~Your Father~

Luka: "Hey, what does the letter say?"

"You don't need to know."

He can't read it anyway, but I feel safer folding it and putting it away.

...Haa...

I almost blamed Princess when I read the letter—shame on me, but I know better than anyone Princess is not someone who would break promise for no reason. It's probably just the process being what it is.

But still...Aahh...I know I can't hide it forever, but my heart isn't ready yet...There was that thing about going to Albion behind their back, and now this... I'm not ready to meet Mother...Maybe give me two more years...

...And, while its master is worrying her head off, the familiar is admiring the view like nothing matters.

Luka: "How much further is your home?"

"...Three days."

Luka: "That's pretty far. If we let Nerian take us, it would take only an hour, you know."

"I said I'm not riding that thing again. Do you know how much I am regretting ever taking you in?"

Luka: "Nerian isn't—Eh? Me?"

Thinking back on it, all the chaos that has been going on started the moment I summoned this guy to be my familiar. Fighting Guiche, being witness to Fouquet's theft, hurling out lunch, ingesting a Love Potion, taking in a devil; all of them very unnecessary and unneeded in my life.

Aah...I can't do this...

Luka: "What's wrong? Motion sickness?"

"No. Can you be still and not say anything for a minute."

Luka went quiet like I said. Obedience is one good thing about him. The only good thing, which isn't even always trues. Sometimes he just stopped listening to me and did as he like. Can that really be called obedience?

There were a lot of troubles, but without him we probably wouldn't have been able to save Prince Wales, I might have been captured by Wardes, Tristain would probably have lost the battle at Tarbes.

And...just now this guy said he was excited to be going to my house.

At least it's not all bad.

[...]

[...][...]

It's the second day in a carriage. I'm not as exhausted as I thought I would be. The cheap inn last night gave me a better rest than I thought; much better than the prison room at the royal palace, even with worse bedding.

Luka really is used to traveling, isn't he; it's clear just from how he seems to know around the inn really well. He must've been telling the truth about how he used to travel around. Not that I ever doubted that part of his story.

Luka: "So, how is your house like?"

He just feels like asking now?

If it's any other time I would tell him to just wait and see for himself when we get there, but it's getting boring just sitting around with nothing to do but read books.

"Normal. No different from any other noble household."

Luka: "How is your normal like? I've never seen a noble's house before."

"Didn't you say you know some noble back home?"

Luka: "That...Well, I did, but the nobles here might be different."

If it's any other time I would be pointing out how unconvincing that excuse is, but I don't feel like finding faults over these things now.

"Most nobles with any family history live in castles and govern the land surrounding it. The exceptions are those who found positions in the government instead of living with their household. That, and the minor ones who work for the lord of the main area and are given a small pocket of land; those usually live in a smaller mansion, usually lacking fortification castles have."

Luka: "Right, it was kinda like that back home too. Do they have towns around castles here too?"

"Castle towns, you mean. There aren't many towns in Tristain, and the only ones there are are centered around castles, yeah. They're mostly left to their own devices; the lords would only provide protection and preside over only really major crimes. They also tend not to tax the townspeople as much; it's pretty much common sense by now towns grow better with minimal interference. So, yeah, there are towns around some castles. There isn't any in our territory though; our land isn't a trade route."

Luka: "So there aren't many towns... Wait, then where do people sell their goods? There has to be a market close by."

"Of course, there are markets everywhere. What are you talking about? Do your people count the markets as towns?"

Luka: "No, I mean, the markets are in the towns. Wait, there are markets outside of towns?"

"Of course there are. They only open a couple days a week; other times, there's pretty much no traffic at all. But there usually are some other establishments, like an inn, around them, mostly for the convenience of the locals and the travelers. Maybe you're confusing those for towns?"

Luka: "I don't think so… I don't have the clear picture of how they do things here so I can't tell for sure."

"You'll probably get to see a few soon. I said there are no towns in our land, but obviously there are markets. Ours are especially well-cared for too, compared to most other areas. We have enough resource and manpower for that."

...Why is he looking at me like that?

"What's with that surprise?"

Luka: "Ah, no, it's just, I knew you are smart, but that was a very good explanation."

! Why would he just suddenly praise me like that?! Isn't he embarrassed at all? Sheesh...

"Ahem...! Anyway! La Vallière's territory is on the border of Germania, so our castle also acts as a fortress to repel their force in case of invasions; most of the space inside our walls is reserved for setting up an army."

Luka: "Your house is on the border? Germania is Kirche's country, isn't it."

"That's right. In fact, von Zerbst's land is directly across from La Vallière's. There have been conflicts between Tristain and Germania on the border throughout history. During those time, La Vallière and von Zerbst would be one of the first to clash, that's why we've always been on edge around each other."

Luka: "So, your family and Kirche's family have fought before?" Luka looks surprised.

"To be accurate, my House and hers had fought in the past; the earliest time was thirty years ago."

Luka: "That's before you were born." Luka looks relieved. "So, is it because of that that you don't like Kirche?"

"Part of it. Most of it is because that girl is infuriating."

Luka: "So that's how it is."

"That's how it is."

Luka: "I hear you say Kirche's country is barbaric all the time, so I thought you don't like Kirche because of her country."

"I don't like Germanians. That I don't like that Zerbst girl is a separate fact."

Luka: "Oh. Why don't you like Germanians?"

"It's not just me; most Tristanian nobles hate Germanian. Those barbarians don't understand what it means to be nobles; doing whatever they want, disregarding traditions entirely. Do you know that in Germania, as long as they have money, anyone can purchase lands and be titled a noble? Ridiculous! They may have a lot of money, but what about social decorum, obligations and responsibilities that come with the land, not to mention loyalty toward the royal family and one's own country: what makes a noble a noble? So many of them are only ever interest in their own well-being. Do you know that Germania has as much land as Gallia, but can't muster even one-fifth of Gallia's military? The 'nobles' of that country would rather stay cooped up in their unearned land than to fight for their country. That's why everyone calls Germanian uncultured barbarians."

I wasn't going to say all that, but they just kept pouring out once I got started. Still, it was what I and Tristanian nobles really feel.

I need to breathe, while Luka just looks at me and blinks.

"But of course you wouldn't understand, being a commoner and coming from a foreign land."

Luka: "Yeah, well...I really don't get it all that much." Luka rubs the back of his head.

"But now you probably get why I hate that Zerbst so much. That girl is like all other Germanians, no, she's even worse. She doesn't know decency, doesn't know shame, just like you the other day."

Luka: "Huh, how did it become about me?"

"I just said it as an example."

Hmph, thinking about it irritated me.

"...You haven't been secretly doing more of t—that, have you? W—With that maid or someone else?"

Luka: "There's no way I'd do that, and I and Siesta are just friends."

"Hmph! What kind of friends act all intimate like that."

Luka: "What are you talking about? I was the same with you, wasn't I?"

...!

"Y—You're the one talking nonsense! I and you are just master and familiar, nothing more!"

Luka: "...What are you looking at?"

"...The window! I'm watching the road! To see if we're there yet!"

Luka: "Didn't you say it's going to take three days?"

"...Just be quiet!"

[...]

[...][...]

Luka: "Can you teach me how to read?"

...I must be hearing things; it has been three days on the road, so it's not strange for me to be tired. I was keeping my head down reading too. It must be hallucination caused be dizziness.

Luka: "Why are you looking at me like that? Not being able to read is inconvenient at times, you know."

"You...want to be able to read?"

Luka: "Again: why so surprised?"

Of course I am surprised. This guy and a book...? The picture never even crossed my mind at all. Not only is he a commoner, this guy also says and does things incomprehensible; so much that I never would have imagine him learning to be sensible.

Then there's the fact that this guy never seems to ever be still, always wandering around; picturing him sitting in place reading in peace...seems too surreal.

"Learning to read isn't easy, you know, especially at your age; I don't know how many years someone like you would need."

Luka: "That's too rude. I told you I can read, just not the language here. I know what books are, and I am speaking your language aren't I; I'm not starting from zero."

"And just why do you want to be able to read?"

Luka: "Because just sitting around is boring."

Luka's gaze is on the book on my lap. I'm bored with reading and nothing else to do, but if I can't even read...I don't want to imagine how that would be.

"Okay, but I don't know if I have a book that can be used for practice."

Amongst the seven I've brought from the dorm, the one with the easiest vocabulary should be...

Luka: "What's that?"

"[The Origin of Magic: Founder and the Four Great Elements]. The content is about the basic knowledge regarding the Four Elements of magic, some myths about the birth of magic, and a bit about hypotheses."

Luka: "That sounds like a textbook."

"I don't waste time reading books that are not educational."

Luka: "Okay. I already know you're very serious about your study. If Neris has a bit more of that seriousness Alice wouldn't have complained so much." Luka shakes his head.

"What are you talking about?"

Luka: "Uh, the people back home."

His eyes widened before answering...Suspicious.

"Who?"

Luka: "Who...Who what?"

"Those two you mentioned: who are they?"

This guy doesn't want to tell me. Why doesn't he want to tell me?

Luka: "They are...monsters." Avoiding my eyes.

"Monsters...Which mean devils."

Luka: "I told you they're not devils."

"I heard that the first time, which was ages ago. Well, whatever."

They're devils, that's why he didn't want to tell me, because he's afraid I would get angry.

"If it's about devils you've told me so much about them I'm tired of it. Whether you are friends with three or three hundreds of them I'm not going to care anymore."

Luka still doesn't look satisfied, but nods without saying anything.

I don't know what he was hoping for, but if he thinks that now that I somewhat got used to the giant bird, I would stop hating devils, he should drop that line of thinking right now. That is impossible. Never. Not over my dead body.

"Enough about that. You want to learn to read, don't you. So we'd better get started—!"

...

Luka: "What are you standing around for? It's dangerous, you know. The carriage is moving."

...If I'm going to teach Luka how to read, I would have to sit beside him. Not only that, I would have to get really close to him so we can look at the same book.

It's just sitting beside each other; why do I feel restless?

Impossible, unacceptable, there's no way I would ever feel anything like that with this guy. There!

*thud*

Luka: "Wah...! You didn't have to sit down so hard."

See? I'm totally fine. I was just confused for a moment.

"Are you going to read or not?"

Luka: "I am. So, how do I start?"

...Yeah, how do we start?

Think back to when Sister Eléonore and the tutors forced all those lessons into my head, what I started with back then.

"We'll start from the letters. If there are some pens and papers, I'd write them out for you, but we don't have them, so watch where I point at."

Just focus on the lesson. Don't think about unnecessary things.

Let's start from the most important word: each letter's sound, then combining it into a word.

"So, this reads 'Magic'. Make sure to remember this. It wouldn't be exaggerating to say that a book that doesn't contain this word doesn't exist."

Luka: "Is there a word for 'Hero'?"

Luka leans in to get a closer look, his shoulder hits mine...!

No, stop, calm down. What am I getting worked up for. Get it together...!

"O...Of course not! This isn't a picture book for children!"

[...]

That's quite a few words we've gone through. Each time Luka's shoulder hit mine I had to regain my sense and tell myself there's nothing to it. I just can't get used to it.

At least there's a silver lining to this: the feeling that time passed by so slowly had disappeared completely. Actually, I already lost track of how long we have been doing this.

...Anyway, this guy takes this more seriously than I thought. He's completely focused, and his face looks so...

So...close... If I so much as turn my head, my mouth would graze his cheek...

*thump* *thump* *thump*

W—What!? My heart...I feel dizzy. My face is burning; it must be red all the way to my ears right now...!

"S—Scoot back a bit, will you!"

Luka: "Whoa!"

*thunk*

"~~~!" My head...!

Luka: "Why would you push me all of a sudden? It's pretty cramped in here so you need to be more careful. ...Is your head alright?"

I'm holding my head where it hits the wall so I can't see, but I know he's inching closer.

"S—Stay where you are...We'll wrap it up for today..."

Luka: "Well, that's fine by me. Can I hold on to the book though?"

"Do whatever you want, just don't damage it in any way."

...Back in my seat. My head is still sore. At least I've calmed down from...whatever that was.

Luka is still looking at the book. I'll just let him be...I'm spent for today.

{...}

{...}{...}

The morning of the fourth day, we set out from the inn we rested at last night. According to Louise, we'll reach her house late in the morning.

That's a relief, because we've been feeding Nerian from Louise's pocket money. Her mood seems to have worsen each time she had to pay.

I don't think much about it now, but it was so surprising when Louise told me yesterday that we had entered her land yet it would still take many more hours before we reach her house, and so we should spend the night out here first.

Louise doesn't lie about these things, but when people at the inn all greeted Louise by name and with flatteries, any doubt I had left was gone. Even I was treated very well because I was with her.

When sitting beside Louise for dinner, the people looked as if they were seeing the most shocking sight; some of the women whispered to each other. That was when I remembered a non-noble like me wasn't supposed to get to sit next to Louise, but nothing came out of it, though she had me sleep in the room adjacent to hers, instead of in the same room.

The carriage is running along the dirt road. Looking out on the left side, I see stretching grasslands, mostly flat ground mixed with occasional bumps. On the right are meadows that had recently been finished with the harvest, with stacks of hay waiting to be put onto carts.

This is Louise's home.

Looking at the peaceful countryside, then at Louise who is watching the outside of the window on her side in silence, the sight makes Louise looks very much like a demure noble girl, like one of the daughters of high-class families that I used to see back home. She's like a different person entirely from the temperamental girl she usually is.

...

Louise suddenly turns her head back inside and looks down at her feet, her hands placed on her knees.

"Is your family that scary?"

I've avoided the question all this time, but we're nearing our destination, maybe we should talk about it now.

Louise looks back up at me and...maybe she's trying to look angry, but her fear and anxiety make it look unconvincing.

Louise: "No. …You wouldn't understand even if I tell you. You need to see for yourself... Though I doubt you would get it then, either."

Louise looks back down, her hands clamp on her knees, taking deep breathes occasionally.

...It's a bit depressing to see her like this. If only there are some words to cheer her up, but I don't know the situation. I could tell her that I will help her anyway I can, but what can I do to help someone who's anxious in her own house, when I haven't even been there myself.

"If..."

Louise stops her fidget, but doesn't look up.

"If you are made to clean your house as a punishment, I'll help."

I really am saying anything that comes to mind at this point.

Louise: "...There's no such punishment."

"Well, the school made you clean the classroom, though."

Louise: "...If only that's all it takes."

...Either I made it worse, or my words didn't have any effect at all. At least Louise stops her fidget for the moment.

[...]

Louise: "We're almost there; prepare yourself, and don't embarrass me."

Almost there? What kind of castle it is; maybe I can look at it before we get there.

The sun is high in the sky, since it's almost noon. Our carriage is going up on a hill; I can't see it yet.

The pointy tip of a tower comes into view first.

As the carriage goes up the hill, the rest of the castle reveals itself. It comes into full view once we reached the top.

The surrounding small hills and wide plain make the castle look even grander; it looks, and probably is bigger than the Royal Palace. Tall and thick walls with tens of meters wide moat at their base, a gateway wide enough for Nerian to pass through, two giant statues at least twenty meters tall placed on both sides like gatekeepers. Though not to the extent of Demon Lord Castle, this one looks more imposing than almost all others I've seen, at least on the outside.

I think I understand a bit more about the 'pride' and 'honor' the nobles like to talk about. This is probably both the how and the why.

The carriage stops across the gateway.

Sounds of chains moving; the giant statues are moving their arms, slowly releasing the big chains securing the drawbridge. They are just like the golem of that thief.

*thump!*

The tremor from the bridge hitting the ground can be felt to the carriage we're on; the horses must be used to it, or they would've been more spooked.

"How do they know we're here?" There's no one on the other side.

Louise: "The messenger from the inn we rested at informed my house since last night, and..."

Louise points upward, at a bird flying in the sky. Its shape looks like an owl, and in broad daylight again.

Louise: "That's one of my family's servant animal."

"I see. It told your house we're here."

The owl flies toward us, into the carriage...and lands on the top of my head. The carriage moves forward across the bridge.

Owl: "Welcome back, Lady Louise."

A speaking owl. I should be surprised, but I'm more annoyed that the owl is treating me like a bird stand.

Louise: "...Are Father and Mother in?" Louise asks, trying to act normal.

Owl: "Master and Mistress are waiting inside."

Louise swallows, paling visibly.

The carriage passes through the gate. The chains are moving again, probably drawing the bridge back up; I'm too busy looking at the castle ground.

In terms of size, the courtyard at the school doesn't even compare. Groves and thickets grow sporadically, and maybe systematically, throughout the ground. There's a garden of flowerbeds to one side.

On another side is a lake; in the middle of the lake is a small piece of land, like an island. That must be the pond Wardes talked about. He called it a 'pond', but with this size it's more like a small lake. There's a small pier with a single rowboat, probably for relaxing.

The carriage comes to a halt in front of a large mansion. It is four stories tall, with clean and strong looking white stone wall.

A female servant waiting in front of the mansion opens the door of the carriage. Louise steps down first, I follow, and the maid closes the door. The carriage continues, probably to a garage somewhere; this place is so huge I can't see everything at once.

The owl finally takes off from my head.

The maid opens the mansion's door for Louise—but she stops before her hand touches the handle, and looks up, with a shocked expression; the calm and professional air vanished.

Maid: "W—W—What is that, milady!?"

Ah...Of course.

Nerian lands behind us, causing strong gust with her wings. Aside from the maid, who retreated until her back is pressed against the mansion's wall, other workers in the castle ground are also spooked.

I just do as I always do: stroking Nerian's head.

Louise: "I can't believe I'm actually bringing this thing in my house..."

Louise complains as expected, but I'm not going to talk back this time. It's a way for Louise to relieve her stress, which she has accumulated a lot in coming here.

"Can she stay here for now?"

Louise: "Put it somewhere over there. No workers would dare enter the mansion with this thing so close to the door."

Nerian does as I told, moving to an open space some distance away from the road.

Louise is already walking toward the entrance without waiting for me. Nerian...should be safe there, I hope.

Louise: "Don't be so worried about it. The workers saw that thing coming with me; they wouldn't dare do anything to it." Louise says without turning to look at me, but she's right about what I'm worrying about.

We passed the door, coming into the entrance hall. Three pair of workers, all neatly dressed, are standing in wait on both sides, men on one side, women on the other, all bowing to Louise as she walks past. Another man, elderly, dressing a little differently from other male workers, waits in front of a large staircase. He bows as Louise reached him.

Butler: "Lady Louise, welcome back."

Louise: "Jerome...Where are Father and Mother?"

Louise asks the same thing she did the owl earlier, but with more dread.

Jerome: "Master and Mistress are waiting in the main living room. Lady Louise is probably tired from the trip, but Master had ordered me to bring you and your company to meet him as soon as you arrived. Please follow me."

Louise: "Okay..."

I can feel the stares from the rows of servants behind us, but they don't whisper or show it on their expressions like the people at the inn. I guess this is what they call professionalism.

The old man, probably a butler, leads us through the hallway, up the stairs to the second floor.

The further we go, the more impressive the mansion looks. The floors, the walls, the decorations, everything screams 'rich' so loudly even someone ignorant to the value of all this can't help but take notice. It might be even gaudier than the Royal Palace.

The old man butler stops in front of a room, and opens the door for us. This must be the destination.

The room isn't particularly big, considering how impressive the place has been so far. On one side is an exit to a terrace, with a lot of windows to let the light into the room. Around the room are pieces of furniture like the ones seen in a typical mansion: bookcases, small sculptures, paintings, red carpets with simple patterns, an unlit fireplace is on one side of the room with two unlit lamps sit on top of it; luxurious without looking messy.

It's a little hard to say, and would be harder if Alice is here, but the living room here might be even better than the one at Demon Lord Castle. The overall quality is a close match, but there are more windows here; brighter, and probably has better airflow.

In the middle of the room is a sitting area: A small, expensive looking wooden table, surrounded by one long chair and three single chairs, all with cushions on their seats and backrests.

Two of the single chairs are occupied: an elderly-looking man with blond hair and mustache, with slight white mixed in, a monocle on his left eye; it's Louise's father. He looks the same as the last time I saw him.

That means the other person must be—!?

What is this? This...pressure. It's coming from the other person in the room: a woman.

She has the same hair as Louise, but tied up in a bun. She dresses reservedly; her entire body covered from neck down. No accessories, but the clothes themselves look clearly expensive.

Is she Louise's sister? But the butler said her father and mother is here, and there's no one else in this room. But then, her face—that can't be the face of someone older than early thirty. Actually, even that would be a stretch; if not for her hairstyle, she would look more like early twenties, but that's impossible when considering Louise's age.

Is she even human?

She must be. There's no way a monster can let out so much power and still hide her presence from me. I would be able to tell.

Her expression is calm, neutral. Her sharp eyes are the only trait that can be associated with 'scary', but she has much stronger presence than the father; the elderly man with a strong and stern face. Louise also seems more intimidated by her mother than her father.

I didn't even notice her pressure until she looked at me. She's probably cautious of me, a stranger, and what I am feeling right now is a sliver of her hostility.

Louise: "Father, Mother, I am back."

Louise reports. She looks and sounds even more anxious than when she spoke to the princess.

Louise's father gets up from his chair, spreading out his arms and speaks with a genuine smile.

Pierre: "Louise, my sweet daughter came back. Come on, let me give you a hug."

Louise walks to her father; her first step looks a bit hesitant, but once in her father's embrace she relaxes.

That's a relief. At least Louise and her father seem to have a good relationship. I probably worried for nothing.

Louise kisses her father's cheek once, and step back.

...Whenever I got back from a trip, Neris always did that to me too.

I've lost count of how many days it has been since I last got to hug Nero and Neris.

...When will I get to see them again...

Karine: "Louise, who is that boy?"

...! I can feel the sharp pair of pink eyes staring at me from across the room before I even look at it. I waited at the entrance of the room as Louise approached her parents, but of course I'm still in open.

Louise's mom's voice is cool, neutral, but contains an abnormal amount of pressure.

Louise seems to be hit by the pressure entirely, even though it's not directly aimed at her. She's standing straight with her neck stiffened, like she doesn't even dare to breathe. This is the first time I've seen Louise like this, not even when she was criticized by a room-full of nobles.

Louise: "I—He is...my familiar..."

Karine: "I heard from your father. So it is not the one outside."

Louise: "No, it's not. That...is a f—friend of my familiar..."

Louise didn't say 'pet'. I'm glad.

Pierre: "So, the 'giant avian' mentioned in the royal missive is that one, isn't it."

Louise: "Yes, it is..."

Pierre: "The rumored giant avian from the recent skirmish is also that one."

Louise: "Yes, it is..."

Louise can't do anything but answer obediently; it's a different kind of obedience from when she's with the princess. Louise, who I thought was in a rebellious phase, becomes like a completely different person with her parents. This is beyond my expectation...

Pierre: "Hm...As I thought, there are much in that battle that wasn't made known to public. How did all of it happen; why had you gone all the way to Albion and brought back Prince Wales; can you tell us?"

Louise hesitates, glancing at me. She's asking for help, but I honestly don't think I can help much when it comes to her family matters; she hadn't even told me what she wants to tell her parents.

Louise's mother follows her gaze to me, then turns to face me fully. Her attention which was divided between Louise and me until now is directed at me in full, along with the unseen pressure. This is making me tense.

Karine: "It seems we need to talk about the familiar first, Dear. Louise, call him in."

Louise: "Yes, Mother...Hey, come here."

It's making me tense trying to approach them without being awkward. This isn't like dealing with nobles and royalties from back home; what worked then might not do now. And I was never skilled at that; that was more Alice and Tamamo's scene. It's worse that Nerian's fate might be depending on their moods. We could always escape from this country as the last resort, but it's infinitely better if we don't have to do that.

Now that I'm under the gaze of Louise's family, my eyes go to Louise's mother instinctively.

Wardes's presence was intense; he was emanating power exceeding ordinary human, just like King of Sabasa.

Louise's mother completely dwarfs both of them without even visibly trying. She's not releasing all of her power for sure, but by a rough guess she's probably at least as powerful as Queen Harpy. She might be one of the rare humans born with enormous potential, like Heinrich.

Louise: "This is the familiar I summoned..."

Louise says to her parents, then looks at me, nudging me to introduce myself with her eyes.

How should I do it? I'll just...bow as curtly as I can first, then speak with a clear voice, without being too loud. Have to make a good impression, for Nerian's sake.

"My name is Luka, Louise's familiar."

Louise's father scrunches his brows, his hand strokes his beard thoughtfully.

Pierre: "I heard about that once already; even now I still can't fully believe it: a human as a familiar. Louise, are your sure this is not a misunderstanding?"

Louise: "I am...Hey, show them the thing."

Wait, by 'the thing'...

...Oh, this isn't back home, and the speaker isn't a monster. That surprised me. Damn it, Alma Elma.

She probably means the characters on my left hand; normally my glove hide it, so I have to take it off.

Pierre: "This is...familiar's runes." Louise's father widens his eyes.

Karine: "Which means it is true, Dear."

Louise's mother doesn't change her expression, but she seems satisfied; settled. The pressure lets up a bit as she turns back to speak with Louise.

Karine: "So, about your father's earlier question, what were you about to say?"

Louise swallows, and starts to recount the events.

[...]

What Louise has told her parents so far mostly matches up with what I remember. Though she did leave out a few trivial bits, the important ones were all there: from the princess's visit to the school; Louise persuading her to talk, then volunteering to go retrieve the letter from Albion; herself deciding to save Prince's life.

Basically, Louise is trying to say it was all her idea.

If even I can tell, her parents that are watching slightly shaken Louise would definitely see through it.

Louise: "A—And, the battle at Tarbes, it...went as it was told to public. I went with the ship that was to send the prince back, so I...got to see the whole battle with my own eyes." Louise looks down.

Pierre: "You were there too?! Why didn't you tell me! Oh, I'm so glad you are alright."

Louise's father pulls her in for another hug, probably tighter than the last time since Louise's expression looks a bit strained. Louise's father releases her, his face turning furious.

Pierre: "What were those idiots at the royal court thinking, sending a girl on a ship that was going to meet the enemy!? I will go to capital and demand an answer! They want to make enemies of La Vallière? Fine!"

Karine: "Calm down, Dear."

Pierre: "How can I! One little mistake and what would have happened to my precious daughter!? What if she was captured by those Albionians!?"

Karine: "Louise is my daughter as well."

Louise's father stops in his track, then his anger recedes rapidly, regaining his composure.

What was that? Louise's mother's words must have more meanings that the obvious one.

Karine: "Louise, continue."

Louise: "Yes, Mother..."

Louise looks both awkward and embarrassed, probably because her father got angry in her stead. I don't understand the feeling myself, but I have seen Nero with similar expressions when I or Alice pamper him. He was probably embarrassed like this.

Louise: "The battle proceeded as the royal court told: Tristain was losing then...a giant avian appeared, and...there was a mysterious light that destroyed Albion's fleet, making us the victors."

The mysterious light was Louise's spell, that she still hasn't told me about. What is it about, really? The magic strong enough to destroy an entire airship fleet.

Louise's father nods.

Pierre: "Now I see. If the giant avian indeed performed such feat in the battle, it would be reasonable that the royal court would get involved. Still..."

Louise's father picks up a parchment from the table and show it to Louise.

Pierre: "...Why am I called to the capital as a candidate for the position of its caretaker? Moreover, the missive implied that the request was already acknowledged by our House, despite I not hearing about any of this. You know something about this, don't you?"

Louise avoids her father's gaze.

Louise: "I...Uh...It was me...who accepted the task from Princess."

Actually she made the request herself. Though the princess did confirm to us she and Prince already planned to give Nerian to us, so I guess that's not a total lie.

Louise's father simply nods.

Pierre: "I expected as much. What was the reason it was given to you, though?"

Louise glances at me again. I don't know if she did it on reflex or if she really wants me to help her. Though I guess it is a good time to speak up.

"Excuse me..."

Louise's parents turn to me once I raised my hand.

"It was mostly because of me, I think."

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

Uwa. Louise's father doesn't like me. His expression makes it so clear there's no way to miss it unless you're blind. Better tread carefully here.

"I was the one who found Nerian's egg. Uh, Nerian is the name I gave her." I really don't want to refer to her as an avian or a bird, but saying 'harpy' here might start another long line of questions, according to Louise.

"She hatched and came to think of me as her father since then. The Queen was finding someone who is, well, rich enough to take care of Nerian. There was a man, a noble, who wanted to take Nerian in, but he didn't seem like he would treat her well, so I...didn't want to him to be given the role, and I told the Queen as much."

It might not be a good idea to mention I argued with a noble, in front of the queen. They might decide I'm a bad influence on Louise or something.

Pierre: "It hatched? When did this happened? Louise, you told me in a letter that you would only summon a familiar in your second year, so this boy couldn't have been with you for more than a few months. Did that bird mature so much in that span of time?"

Louise's father looks out the window, at Nerian in the castle ground, with a curious gaze.

Louise: "Uh, you are correct, Father. I only summoned him at the start of this semester."

"Nerian hatched on the day of the battle. She, uh, came out looking like that."

Pierre: "What? Is that true, Louise?"

Louise: "Um, yes, I believe so, Father. I was not far away when it happened..."

Pierre: "That is quite hard to believe..." Louise's father look out of the window, at Nerian in the yard, with narrowed eyes.

Uh, did I just screw up? A living being born already mature-looking is unnatural, obviously. They could believe her to be some kind of dangerous beast.

Pierre: "Unbelievable... Yet the truth stands before me. I know you wouldn't lie to us without a reason, Louise, and I don't see any of it."

Karine: "...Did the fact Her Majesty the Queen has entrusted the care of the avian to House of La Vallière have to do with your familiar's connection to it?"

Louise: "Y—Yes, it was part of the reason. Her Majesty stated so herself..."

I can't help but be tense at Louise's mother's words. I can't tell what she's thinking under her flat expression. Maybe she already noticed something about Nerian...That's the feeling I get.

Karine: "You said you were there to accept the avian from Her Majesty. However, Her Majesty could not force such a task on us, most of all since, officially, the request was supposed to be made from our side; that was what I heard about the selection process. What was your reason for agreeing with this?"

Oh no. Of course she's going to ask that. How we answer this question could make or break this situation.

"Uh—"

Karine: "Keep your silence, familiar. I am asking my daughter."

This could be bad...For Louise, mostly.

It was because of me. I wouldn't give Nerian to that noble, so Louise had to step in.

That excuse isn't going to fly; I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't risk so much just to make their familiar happy. No way Louise's parents are going to accept that.

Knowing that, Louise still did what she did. I always know Louise is a gentle girl despite how self-centered she usually is.

Louise: "Because...Her Majesty the Queen...was looking for someone to take care of it. I...thought I could be of help. And...the avian did great service for the kingdom, so I thought...if House of La Vallière gets to take care of it...it might reflect well on us..."

It sounds to me like she's trying to convince herself those are also technically true, so she wouldn't have to lie to her parents...

...Damn. It really hurts to see someone burden themselves for my sake. I'm just not used to being the one saved instead of doing the saving.

If her parents don't buy it, I'm going to come clean and just tell them the truth. I'd rather we become fugitives than letting Louise's relationship with her family worsen.

Louise's father ponders for a while. Then he lightly sighs.

Pierre: "I see now. I understand you meant well, but you really should have consulted with us before making the decision."

Louise: "I'm sorry, Father, Mother..."

Karine: "...We taught you to serve the Royal Family and the kingdom, but not to the point of foregoing your and the House's welfare entirely."

Louise: "...I'm truly sorry, Mother..."

Louise hangs her head down, looking really depressed. I don't like seeing her like this at all...

Pierre: "Well, let's go take a look at the avian first, shall we? We can talk about it after that."

Karine: "...I agree. The decision can wait until after we have all the information."

They stand up from the chair, and start walking toward the door, which the old man butler already has opened.

Louise follows after them a few steps behind, still looking a bit glum.

I want to talk to Louise, but her parents might hear us and become suspicious we're hiding something. She, and I, will have to endure for now.

The way back is even tenser than earlier. We're approaching what could be the moment of truth.

The door to the yard opens. And—!?

Oh...That surprised me... The soldiers are probably just being cautious; they're just surrounding Nerian, not pointing their weapons at her.

Don't be hasty; this is Louise's house. Nothing too bad is going to happen. Probably.

Louise's father and mother stop, twenty steps before we reach Nerian.

Pierre: "Hm...So this is the giant avian that was said to have saved Tristain's Army from defeat. It looks very similar to one of the demi-humans, the harpies."

So they noticed the similarity. That's only natural, I guess. I'm more surprised more people didn't make the connection. Well, I've never seen how harpies look like here.

Karine: "It does. But the humanoid part looks much closer to human than common harpies; the head, especially."

Pierre: "You think so too, huh."

Louise's father and mother look up at Nerian, especially the human-looking part, carefully.

But what they said just now means the harpies here don't look as similar to human as the harpies I know, just like the scylla at the school. Their intelligence must be lower too...

Pierre: "Louise, can it speak human language?"

Louise: "I don't think so. I've only heard it makes bird sounds." Louise is a bit tense, but still less than when we first arrived.

Pierre: "Well, that was a foolish question on my part, I guess."

Not at all. Not on our side of the world. But his words just make how this side of the world view monsters a lot clearer.

I can't let this go, though, even if this might go against their common sense and make them suspicious.

"Excuse me, uh, she can't speak, but she can understand our talk just fine."

Now I'm the target for three pair of eyes. I can't help but be tense.

"Ah, but she can't understand complicated topics yet, since she's still young."

Pierre: "Still young?" Louise's father raises his eyebrows and looks at Nerian again. "Right, you did say it just hatched. Hm, we can't use human's standard to decide based on appearance, I see."

Karine: "Dear, what might you be looking at." Louise's mother says in very slightly lower voice.

Pierre: "Ah, uh, no, it's not like that Karine. I just stated based on an observation..."

Though Louise's mother doesn't change her expression, I know that tone well. All married men do.

Pierre: "Ahem. Louise's familiar, what does it eat?"

"Kuh!"

Louise: "Guh!"

I and Louise choke on air at the same time. Louise probably thought of the same thing.

Louise's father raises his eyebrows. Oh no.

"Uh, she eats like human does, vegetables and meat, but she can eat them both raw and cooked. And if the food tastes good, she will say so; if it tastes bad, she might complain..."

There was that thing, once, not that long ago. Alice who was learning cooking from Tamamo had Galda taste the food she made. For over a year after that, Nerian wouldn't even look at the food Alice gave her.

Of course, the main guinea pig was me. I still remember how some of the dishes were like...

Well, even Tamamo gave up on Alice ever cooking anything that resembles food, so there's no point bringing it up anymore...

Pierre: "What a picky bird. But it suffices to say we can feed it almost any normal food, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

The first phrase might've ticked me off a little if said by other people, but I'm not going to think much when it's from Louise's family, if she got her bluntness and rudeness from her family. Alice is like that too, after all.

Pierre: "The problem is where to keep it. Can it even be put in the same place as the dragons..."

What? They have dragons here? At home? Aren't they for military use...?

Oh, but if he's asking that, he must at least be considering taking Nerian in. That's a good sign.

"There's a forest near the school; she can live there. Uh, Nerian can live in the wild as long as there's nothing that threaten her. She's the type to settle in one place too, so she won't wander far. In fact, she has been living like that for the past two weeks near the school, and there has never been a problem."

Pierre: "You let it live in the wild? What if it harms people or their livestock?"

"She won't." That annoyed me a bit, even if this is Louise's father I'm talking to.

Pierre: "How can you be so sure? Didn't you say you only found it hatched recently?"

"Oh." Right, that's the story I'm going for. "I got that from observation..."

Pierre: "Suppose what you say is true, other people won't think so. If the students or the locals get scared and hurt it, or even just notify the authorities, it would be blamed on the negligence by House of La Vallière."

He's right. That's what I've always worried about, isn't it, that others will harm Nerian, and not the other way around.

Before, if anything happens, I can just take Nerian and run away. But now it's not just us anymore; it would affect Louise's family too.

Louise: "Father doesn't need to be worried. I heard that one of my classmate's familiar, a dragon, also lives in the same forest. There hasn't been any problem by either of them. As for the responsibility on our part, Her Majesty explicitly entrusted the giant avian to me in front of witnesses. If I am nearby, it can be said that the bird is still under my care, and I will be ready to dissuade any situation that comes up."

Louise's father listens and nods along.

Pierre: "I see. At least, that could be an option."

Louise: "Also...that bird only listens to my familiar."

Pierre: "He found it as it hatched, so the story goes."

Louise: "Yes."

"Yes."

Pierre: "But during the break it will have to live here, in this manor. I will take this time to observe its behavior. If it appears to be docile enough, I guess it can live near its perceived parents."

Louise's father considers it some more. Then he turns to Louise's mother.

Pierre: "Karine, what do you think?"

Karine: "I believe that is fine. Having a pet that needs to be taken care of nearby could be a good influence on Louise's sense of responsibility. After all, from what was seen of Louise and her familiar, it was probably the boy that did the caring."

Louise's mother looks at us. The word she used to call Nerian is a little hard to swallow... And Louise flinches like a kid that was caught doing something bad.

Pierre: "All right, that will have to be the answer for now. Will that do, Louise?"

Louise glances at me. I nod. Louise turns back to answer.

Louise: "Yes, Father."

Louise's mother hasn't taken an eye off us since earlier.

Karine: "Louise, you did hear what I said, did you not? You cannot leave all the care of the avian to your familiar. You were the one who received it from Her Majesty; you must be the one to care for it, is that understood?"

Louise: "Yes, Mother..."

Maybe this is a good thing; Louise will be more used to Nerian. She might not drop her hatred for monsters, but at least Nerian can be an exception, for convenience's sake.

Pierre: "All right, since we have come to an agreement, it's time for lunch. The meal should be ready by now. Jerome, have the avian be brought into the stable."

Jerome: "Yes, My Lord."

"Oh, I'll go with her. I need to reassure her to settle her in place."

Pierre: "Do that. Oh, Jerome, take the time to show him where he will be staying as well."

The matter seems to have settled nicely.

As Louise's family goes to have a meal together, I'll be securing Nerian's and my place to live; this is a good progress.

So that's the stable. It looks huge on the outside; definitely big enough for Nerian. No wonder, if they keep dragons here.

The butler goes up to a man carrying what looks like cleaning equipment.

Jerome: "New arrival, per Master's order. The stall at the end is still free, isn't it?"

Keeper: "Yeah, it is. I take it the big girl at the back is what's going in it. Where'd our lord gotten such a strange thing from?"

Jerome: "It was entrusted to the House by Her Majesty The Queen. Absolutely don't slack off this time."

Keeper: "Seriously? I should be getting a raise for this..."

Jerome: "Do your job well enough, and you might get exactly that. Master is never one to overlook good work."

Keeper: "Yeah, I know. I wish he'd overlook some work though, like, the ones I forgot to do."

Jerome: "Be glad you still keep your job. Well, you perform well enough usually."

Keeper: "'Kay, 'kay, thanks for the compliment, boss. You can put it at the stall now; I've kept the whole place clean. By the way, who's the lad there with you?"

Jerome: "He is an attendant of Lady Louise. Master would wish for him to be treated like one of ours."

An attendant, not a familiar. Did he just happened to choose that word, or does he really not know? But, wasn't the butler in the room too when they talk about my familiar status? Maybe he just wasn't listening.

Keeper: "I'll do that. I'll tell the others too, just in case, though I know you'll brief us on it later anyway."

Jerome: "Do that."

Keeper: "Oh, by the way, I'm Jan. You'll be seeing me around while Lady Louise stay here, so let's get along."

"I'm Luka. Nice to meet you. Uh, this girl is Nerian. She's safe so you don't have to worry about her. Would the dragons hurt her though?"

Keeper: "You don't have to worry about that. The dragons here are all well trained. The stalls are all reinforced with magic too, so they can't get out even if they thrash around. They might get a bit rowdy with the newcomer, but they'll get used to it."

"I see..." So Nerian is at least safe physically.

The butler leads the way into the dragon stable. The whole building is made of stone and the door is made of steel, probably so they wouldn't burn down from the dragon's fire.

The stalls are more like jail cells, made up of metal bars, though they're pretty spacious. The dragons inside perk up and look at us the instant we step in.

They don't growl, huh. I thought they would. Their eyes are fixed on me and Nerian, probably because we're unfamiliar to them.

Out of six stalls, the four at the front are occupied. The butler leads us to the left one at the back.

Nerian is being put in a cage. It's really mostly for her own safety, but still this is...

Nerian seems to understand what's happening. She looks at me worriedly.

"Nerian, we'll be living here for the time being. This place is safe, so don't worry, okay?"

Nerian: "*kweh!*"

"Don't worry, I'll be here; I'm not going anywhere. I'll visit you every day."

Nerian: "*kweh!*"

"Good girl."

The metal door closes. It's not actually prison so the clang doesn't terrify me as I thought it might, but it's still sad to see Nerian, and all the dragons here being treated like animals.

No, for the dragons here, they might as well be animals; I can't sense any sign of intelligence from them at all. Just how...

Jerome: "Follow me. I will show you the servants' quarter, where you will be staying."

We left the stable behind. But now I can't get that question off my head, even though it will probably seem really weird to the people here if they get asked.

"Uh, I've never seen male dragons before. Are there male dragons out there?"

The butler doesn't stop, but he glances back at me, a little surprised.

Jerome: "All mystical beasts only have female members of their species. I had thought it was common sense, but I have not left the La Vallière's land for so long so I would not know if that had changed. Has a male dragon been found recently?"

"Uh, I've never heard of anything like that, so probably no."

Jerome: "I see. Then I would assume my understanding is still correct."

He resumes walking.

So even as they are, they're all female... Wouldn't that make it difficult for them to secure human's semen?

"How do new dragons are born, then? Who are the fathers?"

The butler doesn't glance back this time.

Jerome: "Now I see. That would not be common knowledge. So that was where your earlier question came from. I'm sure you know all mystical beasts require the male members of animals to bear young. Of course, only the species of appropriate size are applicable. For dragons, horses are commonly used, as they are both species we use as steeds."

Animals... This is too unbelievable...

Some monsters are capable of substituting animals for humans, like Queen Ant, but that's only as the last resort, since the children will come out weaker. But for the monsters here that's normal...

...It's useless to think about it. I should get used to this already. The monsters here are similar to the monsters I know in some aspect, but there are many significant differences between them. It would be arrogant of me to push my beliefs on the society here...

If someone starts saying all the livestock must be treated like humans and we can't kill them for their meat, our world will definitely reject the idea. Maybe Lucia or someone could find a way to get meat without killing actual animals, but that might still be awkward if we're supposed to treat them like humans.

But it's a different story for the 'demi-humans'. From what I've learned, they're definitely more intelligent than animals. I will never stand for it if they're treated like the dragons in there.

Thinking about all this is making my head hurts.

Servant: "Chief."

A maid stops the old man butler as we pass her by in the corridor.

Jerome: "What is it?"

Servant: "There's trouble at the laundry. Please come with me, it's urgent."

Jerome: "Can it wait? I am in the middle of guiding Lady Louise's attendant"

"Uh, you can go. I'll just wait around here."

Jerome: "I cannot do that. This is a task Master has given me; I cannot neglect it for such a mundane reason."

"Well, I'd like stop by the toilet first. Can you tell me where it is?"

This place is huge. I really want to know where the toilet is beforehand.

Jerome: "...All right. Go straight down this hallway until you found a maid sitting at a junction. Ask her for further direction and tell her this is from me."

"Thank you."

Jerome: "I should thank you. Now, Dorothy, what could be so urgent?"

The butler walks down the corridor. The maid glances at me briefly before following him.

I guess it's time to do some exploring on my own, though I can't stray too far. Wouldn't want a repeat of that incident at Grand Noah.

So, down this hallway and...There she is, the maid sitting in front of a junction.

"Uh—"

Maid: "Stop. Who are you? Passed this point is a restricted area."

What? Why the hostility?

"Uh, I'm Luka, I came with Lou—Lady Louise. Jerome-san, the...head of the servants, told me to ask you where the toilet is."

The maid raises her eyebrows, but still doesn't drop the cautious glare.

Maid: "...All right. Go down this hallway, pass the first intersection, turn right at the second, turn left at the next one, then go straight until the end. You will see it."

"Thank you."

So the way straight ahead is restricted but to my left is okay.

"...Can I ask what's beyond that corridor?"

Maid: "No. Ask the chief, or Lady Louise herself."

"Okay."

I should go now; her glare's getting more intense, and she seems like she wants to say more but is holding herself back.

What is it that had her so defensive? Is there some kind of secret in this house?

{...}

{...}{...}

Pierre: "I see. All the danger you've been put in aside, this year seems to be looking up for you. More than anything, I'm glad you're doing well, Louise."

"Yes, Father."

Sitting at the dining table, reporting how I did at the school, the usual for coming back home. Though there's a lot more to report this year.

Pierre: "Still, to think you were sent to the Albion in the middle of a civil war; while I should be glad Her Majesty trusts you to that extent, it was still too reckless, from both of you."

Ugh. I knew that's coming, but my stomach still churns.

"Princess sent one of her royal guards with us, and I thought that would make it okay, but..."

Pierre: "...Right, Wardes the son. If I see that bastard, I'm going to bash his face in. His father was far from exemplary as both a noble and a human, but he wouldn't have stooped so low. Selling his own country, and even his fiancé! How could he!"

Unlike Princess, I have no desire to protect Wardes. He really is unforgivable.

Father reacted as expected. What's really worrying is...

Karine: "..."

Mother is eating quietly, using all the correct utensils with perfect manner, as always. Her expression hasn't changed during the entire time I recounted my story. She was like this the last time and the time before that too, but I thought these past few months would've been hectic enough to surprise even Mother...

It's killing me more and more not knowing what she thinks of what I did...especially since I broke one of the few rules she gave me when I enrolled.

Pierre: "Well, we managed to resist the invasion, causing considerable damage to the enemy in the process, and Her Majesty was safely crowned. It will be peaceful for a while, at the very least until Louise graduate. Don't you think so, Karine?"

Karine: "..."

Pierre: "...Karine?"

Karine: "...I apologise. I was considering something."

Mother was...distracted...? Mother, whose focus never wavers, whose eyes and ears never miss anything, was distracted...?

Karine: "It is a trivial thing. No need to trouble yourself with it, Dear."

Pierre: "...Alright."

Karine: "As for you, Louise. That your disputes with the daughter of the Zerbst Household have lessened is a positive development. You should keep it that way."

So, she was listening, at least...

"Yes, Mother."

Karine: "Next, would I be right to assume that your familiar stayed with you in your room?"

"Eh?"

Pierre: "What!? There's no way...Is that true, Louise?!"

"Eh?" Wait, what's happening? "Uh, Luka did stay with me in my room...that's what all the students with familiars that can fit into their room do."

Pierre: "How did the school allow it?! Your father won't stand for this! I forbid the brat from staying in your room starting next semester!"

"Eh!?"

Karine: "So you have been sleeping in the same room as the boy for the past few months. Had there been anything strange happening? Have you felt something you normally do not? Have you found yourself acting in a way you never did?"

"Ehhhh!?" What!? What is happening!? Why is Mother asking me that?!

Pierre: "What are you talking about, Karine!? Our Louise would never do such a thing!"

What is Father talking about!? What are they both talking about!?

Karine: "Quiet, Dear. This needs to be asked. Louise is already at that age."

No way! I can't be hearing this from Mother!

Pierre: "But Karine, even you were a bit older when—"

Karine: "..."

Pierre: "...Ahem. Uh, I don't think Louise will be...having an interest in those matters yet. She has been focusing on her study. Haven't you, Louise?"

"Y—Yes! I've put my all into the lessons!"

Karine: "Even though you have missed more than a couple of classes this semester?"

"Ugh!" I was just asking for that, wasn't I? "M—Mother needs not be worried! There has been absolutely nothing going on between me and my familiar, no matter what you might be imagining!"

Karine: "...I see."

Is she satisfied? She is, right? Thank God. Thank Founder.

Pierre: "...Karine, you worry too much. Just because Cattleya has been getting better lately doesn't mean something else will happen to our other daughters. Eléonore said she was doing well in her letter just last week, didn't she?"

Wait, what did Father say?

"Sister Chii has got better?"

Pierre: "Oh right, we haven't told you yet. Well, I don't know for sure if she has truly got better, but the symptoms have been quiet for the past six months. She has even been walking around more. This is the best we've seen yet."

"That's...a very good news! Can I see her?!"

Pierre: "I don't see why not?" Father turns to Mother.

Karine: "Eléonore will arrive tomorrow. You should all go see her together. Cattleya will be happy. For now, you should get settle in."

Geh. So soon...Though, yeah, Sister Chii will be very happy for sure!

...Oh.

"Uh...Mother, aren't you going with us?"

Karine: "It will take some time for you to catch up. Someone has to oversee the house during that time. I will take time to go myself later."

Right. That sounds like the usual Mother.

Anyway, I'm glad we've forgotten the thing about Luka. Father will probably bring it up again, but for now, let's just forget about it.

[...]

[...][...]

I didn't get to speak with Luka at all yesterday. He wasn't there during dinner either, not amongst the servants that waited in the dining hall.

My room was as I left it. The sense of familiarity was undoubtedly there, yet I couldn't help but feel the lack of Luka's presence. He never made much sound in the first place, but it still felt quieter.

Father said he has put Luka to work like other servants in our house. Luka is good with housework, and he has gotten along quickly with the workers at the school, so he's probably doing well.

It still feels weird not having him there at dinner or breakfast. Right now though, it's the time I'm usually attending class, so his absence doesn't feel too out of place.

The door opens. Someone comes into the living room.

Eléonore: "Father, Mother, I am back."

Pierre: "Eléonore, welcome back. Has your luggage been taken care of?"

Eléonore: "I believe Jerome has seen to it."

Sister Eléonore sits down. She chose the chair next to me on purpose, I'm sure.

Pierre: "That's good. You came at just the right time. How have you been?"

Eléonore: "I have been fine, Father, though not as active as this shrimp here, I am sure."

Oh no...

"W—Welcome back, Sister Eléonore..."

Eléonore: "What is that look? Shouldn't you be happy to be seeing your dear eldest sister, huh, shrimpy Louise?"

"Uuw! Hai(m) ha(pp)y!"

My cheeks, they're at the limits! I knew it! She's still a bully!

Eléonore: "You've been one little rascal lately, haven't you? Is this your idea of being rebellious? How cheeky."

"Uuu~" She finally let go... My cheeks feel like they've been stretched so much they're hanging...

Eléonore: "To answer your earlier question more accurately, Father, I have been as fine as I can be in that place."

Right. Sister Eléonore is a researcher at 'Academy', the royal research institute, where only the academically able can get in. Now that I think about it, Guiche did suggest giving the bird to Academy once, didn't he? He wasn't confident at all when he said it so I didn't even give it any mind.

Pierre: "I see. That is a relief to hear." Father says neutrally. Why do I feel like there's a bit of hidden meaning in that?

Eléonore: "Father, is it true that Cattleya's symptoms had stopped?"

Pierre: "The weakness is still there, but nothing else have happened for the past six months."

Eléonore: "I see. It could've entered a stable period, though I don't know if it even has one. Have you had her looked at?"

Pierre: "The usual physician said as much: that she seems to be stable, but the weakness isn't going to get better."

Eléonore: "What a useless bunch. That's why I said things need to be changed, yet those blockheads wouldn't listen!"

Sister Eléonore's getting angry again. She gets angry all the time so it's nothing new.

Eléonore: "...Haa. Can I see Cattleya?"

Pierre: "That's why I said you came at the right time. I and Louise are going to see Cattleya, and we were waiting to ask if you want to come too. Karine will take care of the house in the mean time."

Eléonore: "I certainly want to, Father. Let us go. Mother, I will give you the report later. Is that fine?"

Karine: "It is fine. Go see your sister. Cattleya will be delighted."

Father and Sister get up; I have to follow.

Out of the main living room, we're heading to the right side of the mansion, where Sister Chii's quarter is.

Going passed the maid guarding the entrance, walking upstairs, and the familiar door is in sight.

Father goes up to the door.

*knock knock*

Pierre: "Cattleya, it's me, your father. Louise and Eléonore are here too."

There's movement from the other side. Oh, I'm so excited!

Footsteps, then the door opens, revealing a familiar face behind it.

Cattleya: "Father, Sister Eléonore and..."

Sister Chii looks at me, and smiles broadly.

Cattleya: "My adorable little Louise."

"Sister Chii!"

My body flies forward. All the worries melt away. This warmth, it's still the same Sister Chii I know.

Cattleya: "My~ Have you got heavier?"

"Sister Chii?!"

Cattleya: "I was just teasing you. You are a bit taller as well. My little Louise is growing so fast."

"Sister Chii!"

The smile, the gesture, the small teasing, I missed them all.

Eléonore: "Cattleya, you look well."

Cattleya: "You look a little tired, Sister. Was there trouble at work?"

Eléonore: "Not exactly. I'm not in trouble, at least. It's nothing you have to worry about."

...All right, I've had my filled. I need to let go for now, or we'll never get anywhere.

Cattleya: "Please come inside."

Sister Chii opens the door wide, letting us in.

The inside of the room is mostly the same, though there are little changes here and there; signs of living. Sister Chii seems to be moving around; that's something to be happy about.

Cattleya: "Please sit down. I will prepare tea."

Eléonore: "I'll do it."

Cattleya: "I don't get to receive guests too often; please let me do it."

Sister Chii smiles and goes back to preparing the tea.

This should be servants' job, but there is no one else on this side of the mansion; as if Sister Chii is in a separate world where she's the only soul.

Sister Chii brings us the finished tea on a tray, sets down the cups, and pours clear red liquid into the white porcelain cups with beautiful flower pattern.

The three of us pick up the cups and sip from them; the mild taste spreads on my tongue as the warmth permeates my chest.

Pierre: "This is very good, Cattleya."

"Yeah, I didn't know you were good at making tea too."

Eléonore: "This is better than the café near Academy we frequent. I'm not just flattering you by the way."

Cattleya: "I'm happy that you all approve. I had a lot of free time, so I have been practicing a few things."

The reflection of my face in the cup looks sullen.

This tea really is delicious, maybe even better than the one made by the workers at the school; I'm not knowledgeable about tea so I can't say for sure. But I know it's the taste gained by practices after practices.

I can picture it. Sister Chii, who cannot go outside, brews tea and drinks it here by herself, day after day, for months, until she mastered it, but never had anyone to taste it for her.

The reflection of my face in the cup scrunches up its brows, as my anger grows.

The thing responsible for forcing Sister Chii into this miserable life can never be forgiven. The thing about that giant bird is too confusing, so I'll just forget about it for now. But this, I will never let it go, no matter what Luka says.

I have the power of Void now, or at least, I hope I still have it. I can do this. I can save Sister Chii.

Cattleya: "How long are you going to stay this time?"

"Probably...the whole break. I missed you so much! I want to stay with you a lot this time around!"

Cattleya: "Really? I'm relieved. Louise went to school and made so many friends, I was afraid you would forget about the sister who only ever stays cooped up in the house."

"That's impossible! No matter what happens Sister Chii will always be the person I love the most!"

Cattleya: "Oh my, I thought you reserved that spot for the princess."

"P—Princess is my number one too! You both are my number one!"

...Sister Chii teased my two times in a row. I hope this means she really is getting better...

[...]

[...][...]

Our talk is as fun as always. A lot of it was about school, both the happy, the surprise, the fun, and the complaints. Sister Chii replied and nodded accordingly, while Father looked on us in silence. If only Sister Eléonore wouldn't bring up my mistakes so much. I knew all about them already, geez...

...If only I can bring this picture to the living room, out there at a vast plain under a refreshing breeze somewhere, at the 'ca-fe' or something sounding similar that had just opened in the capital, or even at the royal palace with Princess; how good would that be.

Cattleya: "Your school seems to be lively. And your familiar, Luka, I would really like to meet him. He must know something about you at school that you haven't told us."

Pierre: "Huh, now that I think about it, that's probably true. Should we interrogate him, Eléonore?"

Eléonore: "I would say that is too much, Father; at least without appropriate reasons."

"Father! Geez...! And Sister Chii too, there's no need to meet with him. He's weird. I only got him because the second years need familiars." Especially the thing about devils. I absolutely cannot let the guy talk about that in front of Sister Chii.

Cattleya: "Oh right, you have been in the school for over a year already. Have you found someone you like?"

...

"Eh?" What did she say again?

Cattleya: "You're at the age where you would be interested in a boy. Do you have anyone you're interested in, or has anyone approached you?"

...So that's really what she said.

"E, eh... Ehhh~…"

Why is Sister Chii suddenly asking about this? She didn't say anything last year, did she?

Pierre: "Hmm, I had wanted to ask the same thing. Louise, you can tell us everything, no need to hold back."

Father who has been quiet all this time suddenly sounds serious.

Eléonore: "You'd better not be keeping this from your family. This is concerning us all."

Why would my r—romantic life be the concern of the House?

Why am I suddenly under pressure here? What is this?

"W—What boy, I don't...It's not the time..."

Sister Chii's smile falls; she looks apologetic.

Cattleya: "I heard your fiancé defected to Albion. I remember that you used to be so happy talking about him when you were young. If you are still hurt about it, then I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"N—No, I'm not sad at all! Wait, actually, I was a little sad, but only at first, and only a little; now I don't feel anything anymore! I hadn't seen him for so long I almost forgot about him, and he was wrong for betraying our country!"

Cattleya: "That's a relief. I don't want to see Louise sad."

Sister Chii looks troubled by something. Should I ask?

Cattleya: "And, well? Is there any boy you're interested in?"

Wait, we're back at this again?

Pierre: "You can say it, Louise. Don't worry; your father isn't going to do anything yet."

Eléonore: "You need to tell us these things so we can gauge if it's going to blow up like last time."

Cattleya: "Father, Sister, you're scaring Louise."

Pierre: "Uh—Hm, I'm sorry. Your father is just worried."

Eléonore: "I'm not sorry. It's better to get opinions on this kind of things. I've seen my colleagues ruined from of bad marriage decisions."

"I—It's not about being scared or not, it's just, this 'boy' you're talking about, there's...none in the first place..."

Yes, the answer was very obvious. None.

So why did my voice get weaker, and why am I thinking of Luka...There should be no reason for that, except the impossible.

It's...impossible.

Pierre: "Louise!? So you do have someone! Who is it; which house is he from?!"

"N—No, there's no such boy!" Father, wait!

Pierre: "I told you, don't be afraid, your father isn't going to do anything just yet."

Eléonore: "Or girl. I know how these things work in school, no need to hide it from me."

Cattleya: "Father, you're scaring Louise again. And Sister, I think that's still a bit beyond Louise."

Our conversation is getting more and more derailed by the second...

...

Things seem to have finally calmed down.

"Father, Sisters, I really don't have anyone yet."

Pierre: "Hm, if you are so adamant about it, your father won't ask anymore."

Eléonore: "Fine, I'll let you off. But don't you think of hiding this from us."

Fuu...I don't know if the thought about t—that guy was real or not...but if Luka's name comes up, there's going to be a big problem.

Cattleya: "I see. So Louise still doesn't have friends of opposite sex, except the one you talked about sometimes, Guiche I think."

"I'm still not sure whether to count him as a friend or not; sometimes he fooled around so much I didn't want to associate with him." Scrunching my face is a good way to show what I think of Guiche and his antics.

Cattleya: "I can't help but be baffled every time we talk about this. How can a girl as nice and cute as Louise be left alone?"

Sister Eléonore...doesn't quip in like I thought; she only crosses her arm. Weird.

"Sister Chii, you're saying that again. There's none. And I don't want any either; the boys at school are full of nonsenses."

I lost hope in half the male population at school when I saw one after another fell for Zerbst's wiles despite knowing she's just playing around; then another half when I realised those who didn't were full of themselves like Guiche.

"I don't have time to care about these trivial things. I have more important things to think about."

Such as finding a way to cure Sister Chii, and serving Princess, as Mother once did to Queen Marianne as a knight.

Cattleya: "I know how diligent you are, Louise; it's one of your charms. But you must not forget about yourself. I want Louise to be happy, to meet someone who truly loves you. You are born into this house, but your world stretches much further."

Sister Chii looks outside the window, as if watching something.

Cattleya: "Out there, there are people who would understand you, who would stay by you. Don't neglect yourself; I want my adorable little Louise to live a happy life."

...Again. Sister Chii is smiling, but she looks sad. Is she lonely to have to stay cooped up in the house all the time? But of course she is.

Hm... Should I ask about her trouble, or should I not?

Cattleya: "Even I have a handsome man visiting me quite often."

...

Father & Daughters: "Ha?"

Her words came out so smoothly...as if it's something you just lightly discuss during breakfast.

D—Does Father...? But he's looking back at me with probably the same expressions I have...And Sister Eléonore is as stiff as a statue.

Pierre: "C—Cattleya, can you explain."

Sister Chii touches her index finger on her chin, not dropping her bright smile, as she glances to her left.

Cattleya: "He first came to me about two months ago. I woke up hearing his voice from that window."

The direction she glances to is the window facing out to the right of the mansion.

"S—Someone climbed Sister Chii's window...Is that true Father?!"

Eléonore: "Father! What is the meaning of this?!"

Pierre: "I—I've never heard about this."

Cattleya: "I don't have too many guests, so I asked him for a chat. At first, he didn't stay for long, but as we grew closer, I invited him into my room for tea."

Eléonore: "Cattleya!?"

Cattleya: "He was well-mannered, and he sounds lovely. I always felt refreshed waking up to his singing voice every morning."

"Father! Someone's making a pass at Sister Chii!"

Pierre: "I know, I'm listening! But our bedroom is on the other side, so we didn't hear anything of that sort!"

Cattleya: "But then one day, he brought his girlfriend with him. I was so surprised."

Eléonore: "What the hell kind of twist is that!?"

My brain can't catch up anymore!

Also, we seem to be shouting a lot since earlier.

Pierre: "W—Who was it, Cattleya! Who was this man and where was he from?!"

"I don't think he had a name, but he should have a nest on top of a tree somewhere in our castle or a forest nearby."

...

Sister Chii has this amused smile on her face, while the rest of us can only blink.

Pierre: "Haa!~ Don't scare me."

"Yeah, me too..."

Eléonore: "Geez, you really haven't changed..."

Cattleya: "But he was really handsome. A thrush with spots so beautifully arranged is very rare, and his beak looked so sharp." Sister Chii giggles.

Right, Sister Chii has always loved animals. The number of squirrels and birds she nursed from injuries, hunger, or cold can't be counted by two hands.

Ever since she got sick, she didn't get many chances to play with animals outside; she must be sad about that.

As I thought, this sickness, no, this vile curse takes away the life Sister Chii should have had. No matter what, I will take that life back for her.

She will be able to take a walk through the garden, basked in warm light and cool breeze, to listen to the voices of the animals she loves, to meet a good man, not just waiting for birds to visit her.

I swear upon this life and soul.

{...}

{...}{...}

It's been four days since we've gotten here. I feel like I've mostly settled into Louise's house.

Sleeping in the shared room with the male servants isn't too bad once I got used to the occasional snoring. The food is decent. The work is a little different since it's gone from doing everything for two people to doing just a few things for tens. They finally decided my regular duties will be to help around the kitchen, after they learned I'm actually pretty strong.

Yeah, this isn't bad at all, if a bit boring. At least they have books here, so I can still practice my reading. Most of the servants here know how to read; they're a big help, since I haven't been able to meet Louise much. The work eats up most of my time. Louise's father and eldest sister don't seem to like me much anyway, so maybe it's a good thing.

There's one thing to be happy about. Louise's house keeps armed guards inside the wall, and they're willing to let me practice with their equipment. I'm getting my sense back.

Servant (M) A: "Oh, Luka, you're going to the toilet?"

"Yeah. I know it's almost time for bed, so I'll hurry."

Servant (M) A: "Yeah, you'd better not loitering around. The nearest one is almost on the restricted side; you shouldn't even be getting close to it past nightfall."

"Huh? Why is that?"

Servant (M) A: "What do you mean why? Don't tell me you don't know the story?"

"What story?"

Servant (M) A: "Seriously? Hey, why don't anyone tell the lad?"

Servant (M) B: "Because most people don't run their mouth like you do."

Servant (M) A: "Hey, this is serious. The guy should know it so he doesn't screw up and get himself fed to the dragons."

What.

Servant (M) B: "And that's what I mean about you and your mouth; that's nonsense and you know it. You've been here way before that rumor came up and nothing of that sort ever happened."

Servant (M) A: "I was just joking. But hey I'm serious about this. Why the secrecy anyway? It's not like there's anyone in this whole land that hasn't heard of it."

Servant (M) B: "Still doesn't mean you have to go and gossip about it to every damned soul there is. What if Master found out?"

Servant (M) A: "As long as he doesn't know specifically who Luka heard it from, he wouldn't really mind; he's gotten used to it already, I'm sure."

Servant (M) B: "Well, it's your head."

Servant (M) A: "Oka~y. So where was I? Oh, right. You've never heard the story about La Vallière. I know you're Lady Louise's attendant; don't worry, no one here actually thinks badly of Master and his family. We just like to be kept informed, and safe."

"Uh, okay." What's this all about?

Servant (M) A: "So, there's been rumor going around these past few years, about how House of La Vallière was cursed by a devil, especially the women."

...Huh?

Devil?

"Curse?"

Servant (M) A: "Right. Well, the bit about a devil is probably made up, and the curse was a wild guess, but like any rumor, it has to have started from some truth."

He lowers his head down and put his right hand near his mouth, as if to whisper.

Servant (M) A: "You saw Mistress, right? One hell of a beaut, and young too. The people that don't know might think Master likes them young, but do you know how old Mistress really is? She's forty-eight. Forty-eight! And looking like that! Heck, my mom looked like she'd already got a decade on her by the time I was five!"

I don't think you should be talking about your mother like that, actually, no matter how true it may be.

But still, forty-eight? That's a bit unbelievable.

"Isn't she just using magic to look young?" That feels like a rude thing to say, but it's still probably better than saying she's cursed.

Servant (M) A: "Some believe that, yeah, but I've already learned from a trustworthy source that magic like that is super difficult to maintain even for an hour, and Mistress has that look on all the time, for decades, no matter the place, not even when some of the maids bumped into her by chance in unlikely places, so that's out."

So that's how she really looks like, like early-twenty. ...It's hard to judge whether the story is true or not since I really don't know much about this place.

Servant (M) A: "So, that's it for the mother. Not actually a bad thing, I'd say, just maybe a bit creepy for some people. Now for the eldest daughter though, it gets a bit dangerous."

The people in the room are eyeing us cautiously. Tense.

"You don't have to say it if you don't want to." Though I feel like I really should know about this.

Servant (M) A: "Hey, if I have a problem I wouldn't be doing in the first place. Anyway, the eldest daughter, Lady Eléonore, they say she's got brain. Got a job in a place for very smart people. Well, having a duke as a father might've helped; I wouldn't know. The thing about her is that she's got cruel streak, and it gets even worse because when clever and cruel comes together, terrible things get made. Or so the rumor goes. Never seen or heard of anything like that myself in the years I've been here. She's always seemed decent, if maybe too strict on the youngest Lady, and doesn't seem like she's changed much since going to the capital either."

She does seem kinda scary and intense, like the father but more volatile. I wouldn't say she seems that bad though.

Servant (M) A: "That's not the nasty part though. No, that goes to the other one, where it says she has heretical thoughts, says she's committing blasphemy in secret, turned her back on God and Founder. Now, that's serious; more serious than saying someone's dealing with Albion, for example. Wouldn't even have any place to go to on Halkeginia. Of course there's no proof, or things would've gotten real ugly already."

This guy sure knows a lot. Even if it is common knowledge, I doubt most people would know so much, or enjoy talking about it so much.

Servant (M) A: "Yeah, you see: put cruel and blasphemy together, and you get the very picture of devils. It fits. Though to be honest with you, I think the first two came after the one about devil. People like creating two just to put one and three together, you know? Sometimes the other way around."

"I know, actually."

Servant (M) A: "Then of course there's our cute little Lady Louise. Now, no one in this house will ever say actual bad things about her character; she's the family's little darling you know. She's got some interesting manner from the eldest, but she would think twice to kill anything larger than a bug."

That is strange, because I recall her never hesitating to push me to my limits when I first got to the school. So, she's only like that in that specific situation, for some reason.

Servant (M) A: "For some reason not even Master and Mistress know, she can't use magic at all. Not that she doesn't have magic in her; she does for sure. It's just that she couldn't put it into even the simplest of spells. That's unheard off, as far as the story goes. So, some people thought it was the work of something beyond human understanding, which is, you got it, devil."

I see. So all three of them have something weird going on at the same time. I can see how rumors would fly.

"Well, the one about Louise I can already say for sure that it's wrong. She summoned me after all."

Servant (M) A: "Huh? Summoned you? What do you mean?"

Ah. I'm not supposed to say that. The butler told me.

Oh, I know now. It's because of these rumors, isn't it. He doesn't want more weird rumors plaguing the family.

"I mean, I've seen her casting a spell recently."

Servant (M) A: "Seriously? That's cause for celebration. Why haven't we heard of it, though... Well, anyway, that's it for the young lady. Real unfair, if you ask me. She's born unlucky; ironic, I know, to say about a daughter of nobles. But if what you said is true then that's solved. Now, though, for the really nasty one."

"Didn't you say that about the eldest sister?" Also, this is getting too long. I really need to go to the toilet.

Servant (M) A: "Well, sorry I haven't gotten more fancy words. Let's put it like this: the middle sister, the sweet Lady Cattleya has the worst of it. By far. What's more, it's the only one that's probably all true."

Servant (M) B: "Hey, stop. You aren't going further than that."

Servant (M) A: "C'mon, this is the real important one if he's gonna be walking the mansion at night, especially on that side."

Servant (M) B: "I know, but that one's out. Master, no, anyone in the house will really have your head if they found out. They might even look for you if they're in especially bad mood. Oh, also, some of the guys might give you the stink eyes. And the women? Some wouldn't mind, some will absolutely hate your guts for months."

Servant (M) A: "...Damn it, you're right. Forgot about the women. That would be living hell. Sorry Luka, looks like I can't tell you the really important bits. But, well, the point of all this is, be careful of what you ask or say around the family. Don't bring up any of what I told you, or say anything that reminds them. Even if it's an innocent question from someone who wouldn't know better, you might not get off scot-free."

"Got it." I have a really bad feeling about that last one. "I'll be going then."

Servant (M) A: "Hurry it up, alright. Don't follow any beautiful lady you found along the way. Just give any excuse and come back straight away."

What does that even mean? Some kind of scary story for kids?

[...]

Okay, I'm lost.

I was supposed to turn left once I found a maid guarding the junction to the restricted side of the mansion, where the middle sister supposedly live, but I haven't even seen anyone out here. I don't know if I've even passed that junction yet; maybe I got lost even before that. That's not out of question in this darkness.

I really should've remembered they layout instead of relying on a non-permanent landmark like that. If this is during the day I might've recognized some small details, but with only the lamps, I can't make out those.

At least I found the toilet behind me in time, but it's not the same one I always go to. Now I don't know how to get back.

The view outside the window tells me I'm on the third floor. Where are the stairs down?

Also, it's really strange that I haven't met anyone on the way here. It's not that late into the night yet; there should be some servants still up working on some of the last chores.

More than that, even if I haven't spotted anyone because I somehow missed them around the corners or they're in the rooms I didn't check, I should at least be able to sense them in this silence; a lone living being in the empty corridor would've stood out, but there is no one in my vicinity. Maybe I've strayed into the area for guests rooms that no one is using.

"Looks like I have to find my own way back... Haa...This house is just too big."

It's even bigger than Sutherland Inn. How—

?: "You are right. Even I think so too sometimes."

!

My body moves by instinct; I jump away and whirl around before I know it.

A woman, a few steps away from where I was standing. Since when was she there? How did she get that close without me noticing? I wasn't on guard, but still.

?: "Oh my, I scared you, didn't I. Please forgive me."

The woman speaks with a friendly smile. I have to put my right hand down from the left side of my waist. It went there on habits, even though I don't have a sword there right now.

This is Louise's house; there's no threat here.

The woman is of average height, and her figure is probably average as well, though it's hard to tell, since the long-sleeve sweater she's wearing is a little baggy around the torso. Her hands are clasped together in front of her long skirt. Also, it's hard to see in the dark, but her hair looks pinkish.

All those together, I would guess that she is...

"Are you Louise's sister?" The second one.

?: "You know Louise. I see. You must be Luka she talked about. I am the second daughter of La Vallière's household, and one of Louise's elder sisters. My name is Cattleya. Nice to meet you."

"Uh, yes. Nice to meet you."

That's the name I heard from the gossiping guy, so there's probably no mistake.

"I am Luka, Louise's familiar." She's Louise's sister, so I can tell her that, right?

Cattleya: "She told me about you: a human familiar, how fascinating. My little sister is amazing, isn't she?" Louise's sister clasps hands in front of her and speaks with a wider smile.

The reaction is like the princess's when she first heard about it. She must be really fond of Louise.

Cattleya: "So, Luka, you are lost, aren't you. Where do you want to go?"

"Well...I came out to look for toilet. Now I have to go back to my room, but I don't know the way."

Cattleya: "I see. This house is really big, isn't it. It's normal to get lost the first few days. Where is your room?"

"I'm staying at the servants' quarter. The men's side."

Cattleya: "I see. I can take you until halfway, and give you direction the rest of the way."

Is she talking about the restricted area? Because I've definitely strayed into it without knowing. So, she can't leave the area?

That means I'm in the restricted area though. This could be bad.

Cattleya: "You don't have to worry about straying in here. Father won't punish an honest mistake. I will vouch for you if it becomes necessary."

"Um, well, that would help." I get a feeling it will be.

Louise's sister clasps her hands, like she thought of something.

Cattleya: "Oh, before that, can you help me with something?"

"Yes, if it's something I can help."

Catlleya: "You might have heard about it already. I'm not allowed to go outside, so I don't often get to talk to someone. And since Louise and Sister Eléonore have gone to the school and the capital, I haven't had many people to talk to."

Not allowed outside. I knew it.

"Are you sick?"

She smiles.

Catlleya: "That is what they say, but no one knows what it really is. A lot of doctors and healers came to treat me, but no one succeeded."

Louise's sister, it's dark so I can't tell if she looks pale, but other than that she looks fine.

Cattleya: "You can't tell from my appearance."

"Ah, I'm sorry..." I got caught staring unnecessarily.

Cattleya: "Well, if you're not in a hurry, can you stay and chat with me for a bit? I want to know how Louise was doing at school. She told me already, but I want to hear it from someone else's point of view."

A talk. Hm, it's probably past the lights out time already, so there's no difference if I hurry now.

"If it's just a little then I can stay."

Cattleya: "I'm happy to hear that. Thank you. My room is over there; please follow me."

---

PBW: "Allllllright. Finally found a good place to cut. This has been a real workout, rewriting three chapters at once, and converging them into two chapters."

Ilias: "You cannot blame anyone but yourself."

PBW: "I know. The Author cut a lot of corners during the original writing. Now it has come back to bite The Author quite painfully. This work is still mainly for personal enjoyment, but now The Author has to care about the quality and the coherence a bit more."

Ilias: "Looking ahead, things are only going to get worse for you. Now you will have to pay the price for your past laziness. What a miserable creature."

PBW: "Ugh. The Author is already seeing the hours that will have to be put in to fix the mess ahead without cutting all the bits that are still good...By the way, since The Author was basically doing this chapter and the next one at the same time, The Author had already made some progress into the next chapter. That does not necessarily mean the next update will come a bit faster, however."

---

*Edit: Change remarks about Alice's (in)ability to cook, which The Author sorely underestimated, to fit with the answer in Torotoro's Question Corner.