After saying goodbye to the cooks and the rest of the servants, who were very kind to us, even calling us "The Sword of Commoners", we returned to the sophomore dormitory. Saito, with a full stomach, stopped to pick up the clean clothes with the aid of Siesta. I decided to walk back to my room alone. "Anäis must be waiting for me." On the way, I thought about what happened in the kitchens as the image of Chef Marteau came to mind. I shuddered, "What a… Peculiar man. Poor Saito." I smiled bitterly. "I got carried away. If Siesta doesn't show up, I don't know if I would have been able to keep asking him about his life." I opened the door to the room carefully. My familiar was sprawled on the desk chair. She fixed her blue pearls on me.
–"I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow, dear. You were so engrossed in your conversation with the commoner by the fountain that you did not notice my presence."
I scratched the back of my neck.
–I'm sorry, Anäis. You know how I am when something interests me.
–"I had a slight idea, but I preferred to see for myself. You ask too many questions, Alessandro."
–I got a little carried away with them, I know. When did you get back?
The cat stretched, yawned and jumped to the floor.
–"Shortly before the young maid came to the rescue. Now, let's go to bed."
She commanded haughtily. I averted my eyes at the tone used. "Is every woman in this place going to order me around?" I watched Anäis as she climbed onto the bed after scratching her nails on the chair legs. "Women and cats." I opened the closet.
–Let me change first at least.
–"As you please."
Except for the cape, I shoved the rest of the uniform into the laundry basket. I picked up the first pair of pajamas I could find.
–"Have you thought about pursuing a military career once you're done with your apprenticeship as a mage?"
Her question surprised me greatly, especially since she seems to know my condition. "I guess even your analytical skills have their limits." I sighed once I finished and looked at her.
–No. I hate violence and wars. I firmly believe that all conflict can be resolved with words. Only barbarians and murderers would use weapons at the drop of a hat.
She laughed softly.
–"You have a lot to learn, but I quite agree with your ideals. I hope the day doesn't come when some event changes your mind, dear."
I was about to reply, but then a strange sound was heard in the distance. I turned towards the door.
–What was that?
–"Something that is none of our business."
She sentenced earnestly. I shrugged and undid the bed on the right side.
–"What were you talking about with the irritating little girl's familiar? If it's no bother to ask."
I slipped into the comfort of the bed. I covered up to my stomach and watched her as she curled up next to my feet.
–No, it's okay. We exchanged information about his world and ours. Apparently, Saito comes from a place full of very disparate people. There are similarities between the two worlds, but perhaps the most striking thing is that people there can't do magic like in Halkeginia.
I paused. I put a finger to my lower lip. "Mmm… Maybe humans don't, but... What if there are other occult races, like elves, that do manage to conjure enchantments?"
–"I see. A world without magic... Interesting."
Another strange sound, coming from the same place as before, startled me.
–Again?
–"Alessandro, focus. What did you tell him about our world?"
I snapped out of it.
–Eh, yeah... Not too much. A bit of history, focused on Romalia, geography and culture.
–"Like a private tutor. Why am I not surprised?"
Her answer made me lower my head.
–I-I like to share my knowledge. That's all.
–"I know. I didn't mean to offend you, dear. Good night."
That ended our conversation.
–Good night, Anäis.
I thrust my body fully into the sheets. "Anäis…" I smiled. "Such familiar could only be summoned by someone like me. Despite everything, she's a pleasant creature... When she wants to be. I hope to find out more about her soon." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After a minute, I heard a clatter in the hallway. As if someone had kicked down a door.
–What the hell is going on tonight?
I stood up and picked Storm Ruler up from the table.
–"Always the same."
I heard her voice echo in my head, but I didn't think anything of it. I carefully opened the door to my room and glanced outside. "Mmm..." Suddenly, I saw certain noble tugging at the hood of a certain familiar as he carried a basket of clean clothes.
–Hey, there's no need to be so aggressive! I've already apologized...
–Shut up! I've been waiting for you to come back for an hour! As soon as we get to my room you'll find out what's good.
I narrowed my eyes. "Why am I not surprised..." I left my catalyst by the door. I stepped out into the hallway once these disappeared upstairs to check what had happened. I sighed.
–Anyways...
–Good evening, boy who speaks with swords.
The voice of a certain young woman startled me for the third time since I arrived at the Academy. I held on to the door frame and directed my gaze towards the source of the door. My eyes widened like saucers once I beheld what was there. "Oh, Founder..." Kirche was leaning sensuously against the door of her room. Her gaze fixed on me and a smile on her face. She was wearing a violet outfit that left little to the imagination. I turned red as a tomato.
–Go-Go-Good night.
Was all I managed to say, choking on the way. I went into my room and slammed the door violently. I was barely breathing, leaning against the wood. "Father was not wrong. Damn Germanians." Anäis raised her head and cocked it once she looked at me.
–"What did you see out there? I heard the voice of the little tristanian girl and her familiar, but then something else happened, did not?
The blush was slowly disappearing.
–Ye-Yes. That woman is going to finish me off before my illness does...
I whispered the last thing to myself.
I woke up after a night of rest that my body needed, especially after what I saw yesterday before going to bed. A shiver ran down my back. "Women..." It's worth mentioning that, before I closed my eyes, I heard movement and strange sounds coming from upper floors. Anäis guessed, if I remember Louise's words correctly, that she would be punishing Saito for some reason related to Kirche or tardiness; or both. "Given the rivalry between them, I wouldn't be surprised. Poor Saito." After saying goodbye to Anäis and promising to bring the best of the menu at lunchtime, I headed to the main hall of the central tower.
Today's classes were pretty light. Being the first week of the course, we pretty much did nothing but reviewed and performed basic incantations. While Anäis eagerly devours the food I have been able to bring her, I am writing in my journal. I don't do it as regularly as I did when I was a kid, but I like to keep a record of my experiences. "At least now no brother will be able to burn it." A few minutes after my familiar finished with her delicacy and lay down on the bed, someone knocked on the door. I left the diary to dry and put the pen in the inkwell.
–Come in, it's open.
I said loudly. The door opened carefully and I could see the people I've shared the most time with since I've been here. "Today Louise let the boy have breakfast and lunch. Thank goodness." I smiled and they walked through, Saito closing the door behind him.
–Good afternoon, Alessandro.
–Hello, Alessandro.
–Good afternoon, what brings you here?
I sat up and placed the diary near the window so that the ink would dry faster. Louise sat in a chair next to the table and Saito remained standing at her side, like a faithful squire. "Although, the way she treats him, he might as well be her fighting cock." She, who entered the room with a gesture of annoyance, smiled kindly.
–I want to ask you a favor.
I opened my eyes in surprise. I sat down next to her and offered Saito a seat. He denied it with his hand.
–Go ahead.
–You see, Alessandro. This useless dog is good for nothing.
Those words came out of her mouth and her gesture changed from one moment to another as she watched her familiar out of the corner of his eye. I tensed up. "W-We got off to a good start." Saito and I looked at each other. He shrugged his shoulders. She continued.
–She has no manners, magical aptitude or skills useful for a servant. He only knows how to handle the sword. Although I'm starting to doubt about that, because yesterday before we went to bed he mentioned that he had never wielded one until the duel with Guiche.
–H-Hey...
–You shut up!
Louise uttered while clenching her fists. Saito stepped back in fright. I averted my gaze. "Louise, I understand that you don't know Gandálfr's capabilities yet, but I assure you that they are real. He is a great fighter. Besides, he's a human being, what's this 'useless dog' stuff? I wish I could tell her that without her questioning or suspecting me. Or insult me for supporting Saito. Think, Alessandro." After a few seconds weighing options, I raised my head.
–Okay, how can I help you?
–Tomorrow is the Day of Nothing. I need you to accompany us to the city. I'll buy him a sword and check if he really knows how to defend himself or if the victory in the duel was a matter of luck. I understand that you, wielding one as a catalyst, understand something about them, don't you?
I listened to her carefully and nodded. "Mmm... I also have to go to the city." Then, something dawned on me. "Wait a minute. I know how to wield a sword, but I understand next to nothing about its manufacture. Also, given the tone used, why do you assume I have nothing to do tomorrow? Sometimes your insolence gets the worst of me." I thought about it for a few seconds.
–Before accepting or rejecting the offer, I must warn you. I am not a sword expert. I can tell the difference between a quality edge and a sword forged by a novice smith, but my knowledge stops there.
–It's more than we know.
She mentioned sincerely. I put a finger to my lip. I ended up smiling.
–Then all right. I'll go with you.
–Really?
Louise said while smiling. Saito mimicked her gesture and his body relaxed. "I guess having me there for support is a relief for him." I sat up.
–Yes. Besides, I have to buy alchemy materials. The vast majority of my stock didn't survive the trip from Romalia.
I pointed to the chest where I keep what little I have left.
–I'd end up going sooner or later. Better to do it in pleasant company.
–Perfect! See you tomorrow at breakfast. I'll talk to Principal Osmond to request two well-trained steeds.
She mimicked me and turned her gaze to her familiar. He was startled by the girl's gesture.
–Let's go.
That was all Louise mentioned. Saito nodded and opened the door for her.
–See you tomorrow.
–See you later, Alessandro.
–Bye...
I threw a knowing glance at the boy and he smiled bitterly. He closed the door slowly. I sighed.
–I've never met anyone as unbearable as Louise.
–"I agree."
Anäis soft voice surprised me. Neither Louise nor Saito noticed his presence. And I didn't think anything of it either. I watched her as she came out from behind the bed.
–Where were you?
–"Avoiding being seen so that girl wouldn't talk too much."
I rolled my eyes and walked over to her. I crouched down beside her.
–I'll be gone most of the day tomorrow. I hope you won't cause trouble for the servants or other students.
She yawned, giving an image full of tenderness. She lifted her tail and, after sitting up, passed to my right without looking at me.
–"If you think that, despite appearances, I act like any other animal, let me tell you that you are very wrong."
She replied haughtily. I snorted.
–And I must believe you, of course. Especially when you scratch your nails on the desk chair.
Anäis went up to the desk and began sniffing the environment.
–"Mmm... Lavender. Brings me memories."
Mentioned her as she ignored me. I smiled and sat up, ending our little conversation. "She eats like a person, communicates like a person, and acts like a person. I guess she's partly right." I glanced at my journal and saw that the ink had dried. I picked it up, reviewed the writing and closed it, placing it on the shelf next to copies of different subjects related to magic, history and medicine.
–"Your plan to gather information about the girl and her familiar is going well, dear.
Her statement hit me like a punch. I stared at the desk.
–Yes...
My brain began to ruminate. "Am I really acting right? I don't think befriending a number of people while getting information about them to send to the one who has done so much for me is a bad thing. Vittorio is my friend. Thanks to him, I have been able to study both at the Romalia Academy and here. His support, certainly unconditional, has taken me far. And I have only caused him problems. I feel that, if I do this, maybe I will manage to recover our initial relationship, where there were no arguments or reprimands. However..." I closed my eyes. "Louise and Saito are good people. After I helped them for no apparent reason, they both see me as a support and maybe something more. I guess making friends so I'm not alone is the logical thing to do, though... What if they find out I'm sending letters about them to Romalia? What if they accuse me of spying?" A shiver ran down my spine.
After a light breakfast, Saito, Louise and I reach at the stables. The tristanian requested two horses for our little adventure to the capital. The headmaster granted the request without a problem, although the little girl told me that it is mandatory to explain the reason for the trips since, being nobles, the academy could get into trouble with their families if something were to happen. "Logical." A groom had the equines ready at the appointed time. He retired after a bow.
–Good. It will take us three hours to get there. We'll pause halfway to rest.
Louise mentioned. Saito sighed.
–I've never ridden a horse. Just thinking that I have to spend three hours on one...
–And three more on the way back.
I added. The boy looked at me and lowered his head. "I don't feel much like it myself. Fortunately, I learned to ride years ago and consider myself proficient." I looked at both animals: one is black with a dark brown mane. The brightness of his coat and proud attitude denoted his youth; the other, light brown with a blond mane, seemed to be getting on in years. I approached the younger one and he watched me cautiously, although his body was relaxed, with his ears pointed in my direction. The adult didn't even flinch at my presence.
–Have you really never ridden, Saito?
–No.
I took a step forward and, seeing that the animal was not looking for a confrontation, I raised my right hand, never looking it directly in the eyes. The creature, after a few seconds, approached to sniff it with complete confidence.
–Then you and Louise had better ride the other one.
I advised them. The horse let me stroke its muzzle.
–Hello, little friend, how are you?
My future traveling companion relaxed completely and responded with a soft whinny while wagging his tail.
–I'm glad to hear it.
–Are you able to understand what he's saying?
–Of course not, you idiot.
Louise answered for me. "Unfortunately, that ability is possessed by Julio, not me." I smiled at the thought.
–No, but I can deduce that he is a healthy and strong animal, although I believe he has been ridden only a few times.
I approached the side of the horse and he didn't even bother. I propelled myself after securing my left foot in the stirrup and got into position. The animal shook his head and raised it proudly.
–Good.
I whispered. Louise approached the other one calmly and it, completely docile, preferred to look away. Saito watched me curiously.
–With the sword you look like a knight and all.
–Do you want to go up at once?
The little girl, already on the horse, told her familiar. I laughed.
–I guess I'll have to get a suit of armor someday.
I commented to the air, but they both heard it. "Yeah, like I could fight in a war..." Louise helped Saito onto the animal and the boy swung up. She set off without warning.
–Let's get the hell out of here!
She pulled the reins to redirect her mount towards the academy gate and he obeyed. I did the same, but in a much more relaxed way.
–It's our turn.
I used a technique Julio taught me to accelerate quickly, especially useful with young equines. The horse instantly understood what I was referring to, taking me somewhat by surprise. "He understood the order so quickly." In a matter of seconds, I was on par with my companions.
–Ple-Please, slow down!
–Shut up and hold on tight!
Both of them were totally out of time. The boy was having a hard time as he had his hands pressed together in... "Really?" I averted my gaze. My horse, despite the movements, seemed to understand me.
–H-Hey, where the hell are you holding on to?!
–I thought it was your stomach?
–You'll see when we get back!
The boy's answer made me laugh, especially since Louise couldn't do anything about it under the circumstances. Seconds later, just thinking about the consequences of laughing at her on such a delicate subject, I instantly pulled myself together.
We arrived in the capital at the scheduled time. Louise's designated stop allowed the horses to rest, and so did we. We left our mounts in a stable near the northeast gate of the wall. I stopped for a while to admire the capital of Tristain: the city had been built around a hill where a huge palace, whose ivory-colored walls have hardly lost their luster in centuries, houses the Tristanian royal family. "At present, power is held by Queen Henrietta, daughter of the late Henry de Tristain, who died almost a year ago. The news swept through Halkeginia from north to south and east to west. The young woman, despite the power struggles that took place in the court, managed to take the crown at the age of seventeen, thanks in part to the support of her mother". Beyond that, the city, of considerable size, is full of life. Even though it's the Day of Nothing, people of all kinds are walking the streets. Louise led us to the artisans's quarter at a brisk pace. Saito, who had a hard time adjusting to the horse's movements, was walking painfully.
–Louise, please don't walk so fast. My backside hurts.
–I remind you that we are making this journey for you. Without a sword, you're practically useless.
–How much farther to go?
I asked to avoid a possible, but given Saito's situation, doubtful confrontation. My companion turned a corner without warning and we entered a much narrower street.
–It should be here somewhere... There! I found It!
Louise exclaimed. She walked quickly to a store whose sign had the word 'Armory' written above the entrance. Next to it, a small sign with a sword engraved on it allowed us to differentiate it from the others from afar. We stopped in front of the door. The little girl turned and looked at Saito with disdain.
–Are you going to open the door at once or do I have to physically force you?
The tone used, added to the words, caused terror in both of us. "She woke up on the wrong foot today. Well, more than usual." Saito quickly pulled the door open and allowed us both to pass. I smiled at him by way of thanks and he returned the gesture with a sigh. Once inside the building, a little bell rang above our heads. Out of the back room came a grown man, dressed in shabby clothes, with glasses on his nose and a thin mustache. He smiled as soon as he saw us after taking a pipe out of his mouth.
–Welcome, young sirs, how can I help you?
His tone, too polite for his appearance, sent a shiver down my spine. "Something tells me he can't be trusted. Though I shouldn't judge a book by its cover." Louise approached the counter.
–Good morning. I was looking for a sword for my... Bodyguard.
She replied with some hesitation. "I understand. It's not easy to say you've summoned a human familiar. Although..." I thought of a certain cat. "I don't know what would be harder to explain." The man nodded.
–All right.
The guy retreated to the back room again. I took a quick look around the place. Weapons of varying quality, size and shape hung on the walls or were stored in barrels. Most were of good workmanship. Louise stopped by one of the barrels.
–Alessandro, may I see your sword?
I turned to her.
–Of course.
I pulled Storm Ruler out of the scabbard and wielded it vertically. Visibly, it had nothing to do with the equipment the store offered. The girl put a finger to her chin.
–You got it in Romalia, right?
–Yes. In fact, it was forged expressly for me.
I smiled as I looked at my catalyst and some memories, both pleasant and hairy, flooded my mind. At that moment, the armorer came out of the back room with several swords of different sizes.
–Lately, many nobles have been equipping their subordinates for security.
He mentioned. After leaving his equipment on the counter, he adjusted his glasses and took a closer look at my sword.
–Mmm... That's a high quality piece. You wouldn't happen to be interested in selling it, would you?
I sheathed it again and smiled politely as I looked at the merchant.
–It's not for sale. I'm sorry.
–A pity.
He shrugged without losing his smile. "You can tell he's been in the business for years. Storm Ruler could be mistaken for a ceremonial sword if one looked at it from afar. But, given its shape and firmness, it has been forged for combat." Wrapping up the conversation, I glanced around the rest of the store carefully. Louise and Saito approached the counter to look at the weapons the salesman brought out from the back room. Some were better than the ones on display.
–I don't think I can handle most of them.
Saito commented. I heard metallic sounds as my eyes focused on a halberd of simple yet effective design.
–The body must accommodate the weapon. You would be surprised to know, my good sir, that men of lesser stature than yours have wielded considerable sized weapons.
–Very well. Then show us one of the proper size for my servant.
Louise commanded in her usual tone. I rolled my eyes and decided to join them to, as the girl said yesterday, help them. "I don't know how much use I can be here." I sighed. The merchant was surprised but bowed slightly.
–Yes, my lady.
He retreated for the second time to the back room. Saito looked at Louise.
–Do I really have to be armed?
–Of course. So far, you've only proven yourself useful in combat. Besides, if that Von Zerbst approaches you, you'd better have something to defend yourself against her familiar.
I raised an eyebrow. "So that's what it was. Are you really that worried about your familiar hanging out with...?" It dawned on me. "Oh, right. Family squabbles." The image of the germanian woman dressed in her nightclothes popped into my mind and a huge blush formed on my face. I turned away embarrassed. "Damn it... Next time, I mustn't leave my room at that hour."
–I didn't know you cared enough about me to spend your money on me.
Louise faced him in annoyance.
–What are you insinuating? If I fill you with luxuries you might get into bad habits!
Saito shielded himself with both hands for safety.
–I'll buy whatever is necessary for you to fulfill your duties as my familiar. That's all.
While they continued talking, I recovered from strange thoughts. "Strange ones indeed." I took one of the swords the merchant placed on the counter.
–Not bad.
–Do you think it will work?
She asked me. I looked at her and put the object back.
–Let's see what the armorer is going to bring out first and then we'll decide. How much budget do you have?
Louise lowered her head and a reddish hue filled her cheeks.
–Not much.
She whispered. I smiled.
–Then we must choose cautiously.
I answered, "I understand her well. Vittorio gave me a considerable amount of ecus, but it must be borne in mind that I must manage them well, since, before leaving, he informed me of the difficulty of sending money from Romalia." The merchant came out of the back room for the third time, moving the curtain carefully. In his hands he held a long, broad sword.
–Sorry for the wait.
He apologized. We gazed in wonder at the object: the guard is apparently gold-plated, with jewels set in it. A small red rope hangs from the pommel. The scabbard is made of tanned leather. I squinted as soon as the armorer placed it on the counter. "It looks like a ceremonial sword. If it's been used in battle, it's probably belonged to a high military officer and seen little fighting. That's not counting the price it's going to fetch." Saito became excited.
–Wow... It's fantastic!
–Yes, it is...
–Do you want to take a look at the sheet?
The merchant asked. Saito nodded and took the hilt without hesitation. He slowly withdrew the sword from the scabbard and, as soon as I saw the blade, I frowned. "Gold? Who would want a weapon whose blade has been forged in gold? It would definitely be used in religious ceremonies or for knighting." I shot a questioning glance at the merchant. "How did this three-bit craftsman come up with such a sword?" Louise and Saito admired the sword. He swung it slowly.
–Great.
–It's the best we have! Made by the germanian alchemist 'Lord Wermar' himself! It can cut through steel like butter. Its price, logically, is high.
The gibberish coming out of his mouth annoyed me greatly. "Grifter." I returned to an apparent gesture of calm and innocence.
–Yes? I'd like to check it out.
–Huh?
–I want to check if it's as sharp as you say.
I insisted. The gunsmith hesitated. I turned to Saito. I pulled Storm Ruler out of the scabbard for the second time and wielded it firmly, ready to withstand an impact.
–Saito, attack me.
–What?
–Alessandro, what are you trying to do?
–You attack with all your strength.
The three of them looked at me in different ways: Louise remained expectant; Saito, with his mouth open, did not understand the situation; and finally there was the armorer, who raised his hands and began to worry about something.
–The-There's no need to check, sir. You have my word for it.
–I don't mean to offend, good man, but we are not people who are fooled by appearances. Go ahead.
I indicated to Saito once I got ready. The boy seemed to finally understand the ruse and raised the sword, holding it with both hands. The merchant stifled a scream and stepped in before anything harmful to his business could happen.
–Wa-Wa-Wait!
He began to sweat and clasped both hands together in front of his face.
–Excuse me. I... I didn't mean...
–Ha, serves you right, you old liar!