–A duel?
–Yes. I'm going to put you in your place. First because, besides being a rude commoner, you're a familiar. And secondly for making two beautiful ladies cry.
"This is getting out of hand." I grew impatient.
–I didn't see them leave in tears. Rather, you got what you deserved.
My companions laughed, further provoking the irritating blond. "Apparently, besides being an idiot, he's a womanizer." I smiled.
–I'll be waiting for you in front of the chapel in an hour. If you don't come, I'll call you a coward for the rest of your existence.
He waved his cloak and walked quickly out of the place. Saito laughed. Once the confrontation was established, the huddle of students dissipated, commenting on how they felt about the duel. "I won't deny that seeing Guiche being verbally crushed like that was comforting, but I wonder what Gandálfr will do against a mage, especially unarmed." I approached the boy who proclaims to be from another world. "I hope we can talk once and for all."
–Saito.
–Oh, it's you… Em… A-Alessandro?
I smiled.
–Yes. Louise was...
My gesture of happiness was cut short when I saw a pink-haired demon approaching our position fuming. I stepped back in fear. Saito looked at me curiously. Suddenly, Louise hit him violently on the head.
–You fucking idiot! What do you think you're doing!?
She grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the place. "I must say, it's funny to see a young girl of such a small size accomplish feats like that." Anäis, which meowed to make me aware of their presence, and I followed.
–"Did I miss something?"
She sounds sleepy. "I wish I was a cat so I could forget about earthly worries."
–Not the most interesting thing. The 'great' Guiche de Gramont has challenged Saito to a duel. They will meet in an hour in front of the chapel.
–"How vulgar you humans are."
I chuckled.
–You're absolutely right.
Louise and Saito stopped in the shade of a tree.
–How can you even think of accepting a duel against a mage? He's going to crush you!
–You're hurting me!
He let go of her grip. Louise looked overpowered.
–We'll go talk to Guiche now so you can apologize. Hopefully, he'll forgive you if you beg enough.
–I refuse.
At that moment we managed to catch up with them.
–I'm not going to apologize to an idiot like that.
–Don't you get it? A commoner will never beat a noble!
Louise shrieked.
–With any luck, you'll only suffer bruises.
Saito shook his head and turned to me. I could see an impressive determination in his eyes.
–Alessandro, where is the chapel?
I pointed.
–In the backyard of the left wing.
–Alessandro!
Louise shouted at me. Saito was about to leave the place when I grabbed him by the shoulder, which surprised both of them. "I'm sorry if I'm going to look incredibly suspicious for what's about to happen, but I won't let Gandálfr get badly hurt because of his stupidity." I took a deep breath. "Fortunately, I have a plan. Well, if you can call it that." I looked him in the eyes.
–Listen, Saito.
The boy paused.
–Guiche is a complete idiot and I'd love for you to give him what he deserves, but Louise is partly right. He's a mage and you're helpless.
–Partly!? I've got every...
–Unless...
I interrupted her before she continued to bawl with a wave of my hand. The three of us looked into each other's eyes. I showed them the sword-catalyst. "Yes, I admit it, I am aware that if I hand him my weapon and he activates his powers as Gandálfr he will defeat Guiche. Especially since a second year student of a magic academy should not exceed the Linear level. This would cause suspicion from Louise and Saito himself, as I have no real reason to help him in such a way, and even more so if I act confident in his victory, something quite unlikely in the eyes of the young nobles... Okay, maybe it's not such a good idea." I instantly regretted my plan, but it's too late.
–No, I refuse! Saito is not going to fight and risk getting badly hurt.
–Louise, what level of magic do you think Guiche has?
I asked ignoring her reaction. This irritated her quite a bit, but she restrained herself.
–H-His best spell is summoning, but I've never seen him combine two elements.
"That's insightful. Remembering your opponents's most potent spells gives you a great advantage when it comes to combat." I let out a sound of approval.
–That means he has not yet reached the Linear level. Well, that increases your chances, Saito.
–"Dear, your lack of discretion is making me sick. Then the questions will come and you'll feel cornered."
Anäis commented heavily. Against all odds, I smiled. "I want to see Gandálfr in action. If the legends are true, the show is guaranteed."
–Maybe…
I whispered. The boy watched us in surprise. Just as Louise was about to complain again, her familiar turned toward the chapel courtyard.
–Where do you think you're going?
–To wait for the time of the 'duel' to arrive.
He remarked so calmly, putting quotation marks around the duel word.
–Do you intend to fight unarmed?
I asked. Saito turned around once more and looked me in the eyes while smiling sincerely.
–I appreciate the help, but I must face my problems alone.
I stayed in place. "Wow. Amazing. I don't know if it's because of the effect of the runes, but the kid's got guts." Louise was about to speak, but I interposed a hand in front of her. Our eyes met and I gestured for her to hold on a little longer. Saito left resolutely. Once things seemed to calm down, a certain girl kicked me in the shin.
–Ah!
I bent down in pain and stroked the area. Anäis was watching us curiously.
–You deserve it for being nosy!
I snorted.
–That's true, I am a meddler, but I just wanted to help. Saito had the idea to confront him since he challenged him and you know it.
I defended myself. She, after giving me another annoyed look, sighed.
–He's stubborn, rude, an idiot, a...
–Your familiar.
–Huh?
I slowly sat up and smiled at her.
–He's your familiar, Louise.
I said more calmly, still smarting from the kick. She thought for a moment and lowered her head. I felt as if the air around her had changed.
–W-Why couldn't I summon a normal familiar? Why can't I get anything right?
She whispered sadly.
–Louise...
–"Alessandro, we'd better go."
I was surprised by the tone used by Anäis. I looked at her in astonishment and then looked back at Louise. She was holding back tears. "Anäis is right. There is still not enough trust between us for me to be the one to comfort her." I nodded at my familiar's comment and turned, ready to make my way toward the chapel. She stretched and raised her head. However, to both of their surprise, I stopped after a couple of steps.
–Louise, I promise I won't let anything bad happen to him. If Guiche goes too far, I will intervene in the duel. You have my word.
I said. Now, we set off with decision.
Once we crossed part of the courtyard, Anäis raised her tail.
–"You're quite the gentleman, dear. Maybe your style isn't so bad."
I sighed with a smile.
–More like an unfortunate idiot, as well as overly suspicious. When it comes to problems, I always look for the best solution. Unfortunately for me, things don't usually turn out well. I have been involved in fights and arguments when my aim was to avoid them. I never learn.
The cat laughed lightly.
–"You're going to help a stranger for reasons I can't quite understand. You humans are most interesting creatures. I've barely been here for a day and, in all honesty, I'm glad to be your familiar."
I blinked several times and paused to look at her. I blushed.
–I mean… Thank you.
–"You don't have much competition to speak of either. The tristanian one is irritating, the redhead is all bust and provocations, and the blondy... No comments."
She said wearily. I lowered my head in disappointment and kept walking. "Well, I'm the best of the worst. That's something, I guess." I sighed.
–"Don't be sad. You have a most peculiar smell. Hardly anyone in this school gives off one that can match you."
That comment caused me to stop again and focus. "Again you make reference to my condition by talking about smells." I frowned. Before answering, however, I weighed the last sentence. "Hardly anyone can match me, what does she mean? Besides, how the hell does she know?" I gritted my teeth.
–Anäis, I don't quite understand you.
–"What do you want to know?"
I backed up a couple of steps. Her blue-blue pearls were glued to my brown eyes. "What is this feeling?"
–Wh-who are you?
–"I already told you. A cat named Anäis."
I clenched my fists. I made sure no one was around.
–That answer doesn't work for me.
–"You just asked me who I am, and I just told you the truth. If you're not happy with my answer, that's your problem."
She replied haughtily. I became angry.
–That's enough!
I raised my voice. I don't usually do that, but it gets on my nerves. "I hate talking about my condition, especially if the person treats me with pity, something Julio and Vittorio do all the time after I have a stroke." I waved my arm violently.
–You're not just a cat, but a familiar with the ability to communicate telepathically. So far I have no problem. Now then, what's all this smell I'm giving off? What's a shame? Explain yourself!
She cocked her head in disdain and gave me an annoyed look. Silence.
–"First of all, don't talk to me in that tone, kid."
Her voice, hoarser than before, startled me. It echoed in my head as if we were a in huge hall. I gulped.
–"Secondly, you demand too much for nothing."
I'm speechless. I felt my whole body weighing me down.
–"Listen to me, Alessandro de Cittadella. When you address me, you will do so with respect. Do not forget for a moment that I consider myself your equal."
The feeling suddenly disappeared. She, without another word, walked out of the place proudly, as if nothing had happened. "W-what just happened? What are you really, Anäis? Why do you know my condition?" I took several deep breaths. "Okay. Focus, Alessandro. The duel will be in forty-five minutes and I promised I would take care of Saito. After that, I'll go to the library to do some research on my familiar's runes." I recovered from the situation that I've just experienced, "Damn it."
After a good while of assorted thoughts, I set off. "My head is about to explode." I felt a presence nearby and turned my body. My surprise was huge to see the dragon Tabitha summoned barely a few feet away. He was looking at me with curiosity.
–Hello, little friend.
I smiled kindly. He didn't flinch. I tried to approach him and, luckily, he did nothing to stop me.
–You know, you remind me of another dragon I met a few months ago. His name is Azzurro. You are both majestic creatures.
At my compliment, the being lowered his head and narrowed his eyes.
–May I?
I raised my hand and, very carefully, placed it on his... cheek? It allowed itself to be caressed with no problem. In fact, he uttered a sound by way of thanks, similar to those Azzurro emitted in such situations.
–Your master is lucky. I wish I...
Suddenly, the dragon noticed something and raised his head again, taking me by surprise. It turned around, and then I could see a small figure a few meters away from us. It's Tabitha, my deskmate. I smiled again.
–Your familiar is very well-behaved.
She did not respond immediately, but walked over and stood in the shadow of the dragon.
–She is.
She whispered without looking away from my eyes at any time. Her expressionless gesture made it hard to read. "This is the second time I've heard her voice. She sounds like a child but, if she really is the best in the class, that means she's hiding a great power. Or that she's very smart. Or both." I blinked.
–So, It's a…
–It's female. Her name is Sylphid.
I nodded as I stopped ruminating.
–I see. Nice to meet you, Sylphid. I'm Alessandro.
I put my right hand on my chest. She opened her mouth and made a sound of approval. Tabitha watched us both silently. Her gaze fixed on me again. She adjusted her glasses.
–She likes you.
Her response elicited a look of surprise on my face, which contrasted with hers. I smiled again.
–The feeling is mutual. Dragons seem to me to be fantastic beings. I would go so far as to say that they are man's best friend and not the dog.
I laughed. She didn't even flinch. Then, I remembered the confrontation between Saito and Guiche.
–I'm late. I have to go.
Tabitha stood in the same place with the same expresion.
–Goodbye.
With that the little blue-haired girl said goodbye. Sylphid made another sound. "What an intriguing person." I turned and began the walk to the courtyard in front of the chapel. A question popped into my head "Where would Anäis have gone? I'll have to talk to her later and... Apologize? Should I do that?" I sighed.
I arrived at my destination with still a few minutes left before the duel. I took advantage of that time and headed to the chapel looking for a breather. "As I mentioned, I am not the most devout believer in the world, especially since seeing the founder murdering elves like a fanatic is not an easy thing to digest, mainly after years of learning the teachings of the Romalian Church. These thoughts are considered heresy, so no one must ever find out that I have them. Even being friends with the Pope would not save me from being stoned, hanged, burned alive..." I shuddered. I entered the enclosure and intended not to cross myself. I did it out of respect. I sat down in one of the last pews of the small chapel and sighed. I shut myself in my thoughts. "Let's recap what happened these days and look for solutions: first we have Louise and her human familiar, Saito. I'm sure I've already raised enough suspicions among some people, like Professor Colbert, for example. Damn me and my tongue. I must stay close to them while appearing to want a friendship, which is not entirely untrue. She's irritating but she doesn't seem like a bad girl. He, well... We've hardly spoken; then we have the Anäis affair. I'm going to the library after the duel to check out rune manuals. A talking cat who, for some reason, knows my condition and reads people like open books. Also, that discussion earlier... Anyway; my illness has also given me the first warning. We haven't had alchemy class yet, but I hope to advance enough this year to have a higher success rate with potions than at the Romalian Academy. Spells are more complicated. I haven't mastered any Triangular spells yet. I should practice the Days of Nothing while there is no class". The minutes passed and I was still locked in myself.
–Are you all right?
I heard a voice coming from the aisle between benches. I looked up and beheld a dark-haired, blue-eyed maid. "We've met before." I opened my mouth aghast trying to remember if we had had any conversation. She became visibly uncomfortable. I reacted.
–Excuse me. I was absorbed in my thoughts.
I smiled as best I could. The young woman calmed down. For the first time, I looked her up and down. Certainly well made. Her features are pleasing.
–At this hour there are usually no students in the chapel. I was surprised to see you come in and sit alone. I'm sorry to have interrupted.
She said. She apologized with a bow.
–No, you haven't interrupted anything. I'm sorry if I've worried you. It's just been a long day, that's all.
I added unconsciously. Just as my interlocutor was about to respond, a murmur grew louder outside. We both headed for the door of it.
We left the chapel. Just as I was about to relax for a few moments, I saw a crowd of students in the courtyard in front of me. Students from all grades were surrounding two people.
–Is it time already?
I quickened my pace and, excusing myself on the way, reached the front row, completely forgetting about the maid. Saito was quite calm, with his hands in the pockets of his upper garment. Guiche, on the other hand, was proudly holding up his wand. I gave a quick glance. "Louise is not here."
–I see you've decided to appear, commoner. You're a brave one.
–Who would run away from someone like you?
–Wait a minute!
A shrill voice said. I sighed in relief. "Good thing you came." Louise made her way through the students and approached Guiche. Saito and Guiche watched her curiously.
–Guiche, this is a mistake. Besides, unsupervised dueling is forbidden.
I weighed her statement. "Interesting. A rule I agree with. In Romalia it wasn't like that and people like Andrea abused students who were not very skilled with magic every week." The blond smiled proudly.
–The duels between students, yes. But he's a commoner.
–That's-that's because nothing like this has ever happened before!
Louise was distressed. "He definitely appreciates the boy, even if it's just a little." Guiche smiled again and looked at her mischievously.
–Louise Did he...
He paused dramatically. "This guy gets on my nerves."
–...Could it be that this commoner has touched your heart?
The girl opened her mouth and was silent for a couple of seconds. A blush appeared on her face, only to precede a rather pronounced frown. "I wouldn't want to be Guiche right now." I averted my gaze.
–Wha-what are you saying, how would I...!?
She shook her head to remove any hint of embarrassment.
–I'm not going to sit by while my familiar gets beaten up!
Saito narrowed his eyes and smiled laconically.
–Be-beaten up?
I looked at him, "Don't tell me he hasn't thought of any strategy to deal with a mage." I stroked my temple. "Damn." The blond pushed Louise away.
–Louise, I'm so sorry, the duel has already begun!
A petal flew out of Guiche's flower-wand and, as soon as it hit the ground, a halo of light appeared as it fell apart. From it emerged a bronze automaton in the shape of an armed valkyrie. I squinted. "Not bad. Even I would have to think about how to approach a confrontation like that right off the bat." Saito stepped back in fright.
–My name is Guiche, 'The Brass'. Therefore, the bronze valkyrie will be your opponent.
After my companion's proud comment, the construct shot towards Saito. Without giving him hardly any time to react, the boy was punched in the stomach. Two seconds later, he fell to his knees and threw his hands to the injured spot. I grabbed the Storm Ruler's grip tightly.
–That was a low blow...
A dejected Saito mentioned after coughing a couple of times. Guiche smiled as he glared at him.
–Doesn't it seem obvious to you that a noble sorcerer would use his magic to fight?
I gritted my teeth. "You're partly right, you idiot. But your style is too passive and cowardly. If I were in the commoner's place you'd see what's good..." Louise approached Saito once the valkyrie retreated back to her original position. She crouched down next to her familiar rather worriedly.
–Do you understand now? A commoner will never defeat a noble.
–P-Please stand back...
The boy answered decisively. He slowly sat up. "I think I'll have to act soon."
–You're tough. I'll go all out next time.
–You caught me off guard...
–Surrender at once, you idiot!
Louise shrieked. The others whispered and watched the duel with curiosity. Among them I could see the maid from before. The news of Saito's summoning must have spread like wildfire. "A noble and a human familiar clashing isn't something that happens every day."
–I refuse. It doesn't matter if it's a noble, a sorcerer or a teenager. It irritates me, as well as most of the people here.
Saito said annoyed. I smiled and sighed, "This guy is amazing. He reminds me of myself, only he doesn't think before he acts... Well, sometimes I don't either."
–Stop talking nonsense!
–To tell you the truth, it would be a shame to destroy Louise's toy. If you apologize now maybe I'll forgive you.
Guiche smiled proudly. To the surprise of the others involved in the duel, Saito imitated his gesture.
–You've hardly hurt me. Your dummy is pathetic and you're a conceited idiot.
That last sentence annoyed Guiche greatly, and rightly so. A chuckle almost escaped me. "Saito, you and I are going to get along great. Finally someone who tells smug people what they don't want to hear."
–Yeah? Let's see what you think of this!
For almost five minutes, the valkyrie pummeled Saito. He kept getting up again and again as the rest of the students enjoyed the spectacle, some of them as surprised at the boy's tenacity as I was. A final blow sent the familiar flying through the air. Louise placed her hands in prayer position and crouched down beside him. She was holding back tears.
–Stop it now. You can't defeat him...
Saito pretended to get up, but it was getting harder and harder. "Has his stamina been strengthened by the runes?" I decided to take the initiative once I saw how damaged the young man was.
-Guiche, please stop!
–Don't interfere, Loui...
–That's enough!
I raised my voice and walked over to the most curious couple I have ever met. The rest of the students turned their gaze to me, including those involved in the confrontation. Silence. I stood in front of Saito. I tightened my grip on Storm Ruler's hilt.
–How dare you interfere in someone else's duel? Have you no honor?
I gritted my teeth.
–And you? Do you? What a noble you are, hiding behind that automaton.
He became annoyed.
–Wh-what did you say?!
A hand rested on my shoulder. I turned my head and saw Saito standing, holding his stomach with the other. He could barely stand up straight. Louise watched us hesitantly.
–D-Don't get involved.
–You can't handle him. Not under these conditions.
I whispered unceremoniously. Saito lowered his head. "You know as well as I do that I'm right. No matter how much Gandálfr he is, he will never defeat a noble while unarmed."
–You're lucky that unsupervised duels between nobles are forbidden, romalian.
I smiled and faced him.
–I don't intend to fight you. I just want to even the scales.
Guiche and Louise were surprised by my comment. I pulled my catalyst out of its sheath and stuck it in the ground. The murmur increased among the students. I turned and grabbed Saito by the shoulders. He half opened his damaged mouth.
–Listen, if you want to have the slightest chance of giving that idiot what he deserves, take my sword.
–W-Wait!
Louise sat up and looked me in the eye. A tear rolled down her left cheek.
–He can't do magic.
I smiled confidently.
–True, but a sword is a sword.
–Can we get on with the duel or are you going to ramble on?
Guiche commented. I looked at him.
–I have something to propose to you, Guiche de Gramont.
The boy hesitated for a moment, but ended up nodding after understanding the tone of my words.
–I am listening, southerner.
–Since the Valkyrie fights for you, the familiar will carry my sword. What would you gain by defeating an unarmed commoner?
There was silence for a while. "I have staked it on a single cartridge. Anäis, whom I have not seen since we argued, is right. I am acting suspiciously, but I have no choice. Letting Gandálfr die could have consequences, especially after sending the letter to Vittorio. If Guiche accepts, I will breathe easy. If he doesn't..." I became impatient and began to sweat.
–I don't understand why you're helping him, but it's okay.
I took a deep breath. I grabbed Saito's wrist and directed it towards Storm Ruler.
–Finish him.
I sentenced. Louise stepped between the boy's hand and my catalyst.
–Don't do it! If you take it, Guiche won't hold back... That's an order!
The situation is getting complicated. "I am aware that probably the only one who knows the secret of Gandálfr's runes is me, that's why I act so confidently about the duel. I understand Louise's concern and the disparaging remarks towards her familiar by others, but it is impossible for a Basic level mage like Guiche to defeat a legendary familiar if it is armed. At least if what is being told is true."
–Louise...
Saito began to speak.
–I can't return to my world. Therefore, I have no choice but to live here, right?
I opened my eyes wide. "It's the same old song again. He said it in such a way that it seemed real. You and I are going to have a long talk after the duel, Gandálfr."
–W-what do you intend to accomplish with this?
Asked an anguished Louise. Saito pulled her away and I held her by the shoulders. She shook a little. The boy looked into our eyes decisively.
–I may sleep on the floor, my food may be miserable and I may never fit in with you, but...
He paused and picked up Storm Ruler. "Wait a minute. Louise, you make him sleep on the floor? Poor thing..." The runes on his hand began to glow once he wielded the sword.
–I will not bow my head to anyone!
The crowd cheered the familiar's decision.
–Idiot!
Louise shrieked. I released her but she didn't move. She was trembling. "Deep down you appreciate him. He's your life partner, Louise." I smiled. Saito grabbed Storm Ruler in such a way that he looked like an expert swordsman. "She may not be the longest sword, but his slashes and thrusts strike like lightning. Go ahead, Gandálfr. Show me what you are capable of." A look of surprise could be seen on his face. It was as if the fatigue and wounds had stopped affecting him by the way he moved.
–Finish him off!
Guiche said. The valkyrie launched into the attack.