Said a voice from the lower left corner of the room. We all became alert. I, in particular, braced myself in case something happened. Seconds passed and nothing moved.
–I-I told you not to disturb when there are customers! Damn chattering sword...
–T-Talking s-sword?
I asked dumbfounded. The three of us remained intrigued. The armorer pulled a sizable blade from a barrel. This one, rusted both on its edge and guard, had a shape unlike any I had ever seen.
–You do nothing but scare away customers.
–Yes, of course! And isn't it that people have grown tired of your lies?
I opened my eyes like saucers after hearing It's voice again and they sparkled. On the hilt, something similar to a mouth was moving as if it was animated. "Th-this is fascinating! A sword that speaks our language!" I kept Storm Ruler in the scabbard and approached the man, who was whispering with the blade.
–Excuse me, how much do you want for it?
I spat at him, swallowing my excitement. "This find is something historic. I wonder what era it's from. It looks very ancient. Can it tell me something that hasn't been told in books? Will it have unique abilities like my catalyst? What a thrill!" The guy blinked violently.
–Sir?
–I would like to…
I stopped myself in time. "Wait a minute." I looked at my companions and smiled, "I'll kill two birds with one stone." I approached them.
–Louise, we're taking that sword.
The little girl stepped back and raised an eyebrow.
–What? That scrap?
–Listen.
I put a hand on her shoulder. I did the same with Saito and, with some force, I pulled them closer to me, something that took them by surprise.
–That sword has magical properties.
–I don't doubt it. However...
–It doesn't seem to be able to cut anything.
The familiar answered for her. She nodded. My eyes couldn't stop sparkling and I couldn't contain my excitement.
–Imagine the possibilities when we restore it. A talking sword... What if it was wielded by a great soldier decades ago? What if it can enhance Saito's skills? What if it tells us some historical fact from a point of view not written in the books? It's a unique opportunity!
I exclaimed while raising my hands. Louise was startled. Saito sighed.
–Again...
Whispered the boy. I realized, again, that I got carried away. I pulled myself together after feeling an unusual warmth in my cheeks.
–Lo-Louise, how much ecus do you have on you?
She answered softly after a few seconds.
–Five hundred ecus.
I nodded and turned around.
–Armorer, how much do you want for the sword?
–Sir, a-are you sure you want to take it? This sword...
–Of course. I know a quality weapon when I see one. I think I proved that a moment ago, didn't I?
I made sure to remind him of what happened minutes ago. He swallowed and glanced at the sword only to look back at me.
–One hundred ecus. It's been in that barrel for years and it's been nothing but trouble. Although...
He looked at it carefully.
–Yes... Maybe if you sharpen it it will be useful, what do you say?
–We'll take it with us.
–Hey, I still don't...!
I turned and looked her in the eyes. I intended to convey my excitement. She hesitated and, after sighing, nodded.
–Fine. We'll take her.
–Perfect!
I exclaimed. I took it out of the armorer hands and he, still in shock, went to the counter. Louise handed him the corresponding coins and, before we left, the merchant handed a scabbard just as old as the sword to Saito.
–I hope to see you again, good sirs. Have a nice day.
–Likewise.
The familiar one answered for everyone. I admired the sword up and down as I walked in the direction of the door.
–Amazing.
–You have good taste, young man!
I smiled at It's animated tone of voice.
We walked out of the tent. The 'mouth' on the hilt kept moving as It spoke.
–It's not every day you meet a talking sword...
At that instant, Louise took the blade from my hands and threw it to Saito, who caught it with difficulty. I was more surprised by her strength than by the gesture. "How can you...? No, Alessandro. It's just like Anäis. Better not to ask." She looked at me somewhat annoyed.
–I hope this sword is worth it, Alessandro.
I swallowed saliva once I came back to reality.
–Do-Dont worry, it will. Trust me.
We left the narrow street. Saito put his weapon on his back, with it sheathed. Thanks to his clothes, he looked like a foreign soldier from somewhere far away. "And so far away..." I smiled. We stopped at a crossroads. I looked in several directions.
–Now that Saito has his sword, I'd like to buy the materials I need before lunchtime. Louise, I think we passed an alchemist's store earlier, but I don't remember exactly where it was located. Could you guide us there, please?
–Of course. It's not far. Follow me.
She answered much calmer. Just before I lost sight of the armory alley, out of the corner of my eye I saw two young women dressed in the Academy uniform, who, given their appearance, I recognized instantly. "What are they doing here, are they following us?" Saito and Louise were a few meters in front me. To avoid questions, I quickened my pace without giving too much importance to the fact.
We arrived at the alchemy materials store later than I expected. While it's true that Louise avoided the center of the shopping area, called 'forum' in my native Romalia, being the Day of Nothing I don't think it was too crowded. Still, she's the one who knows the city, so I preferred not to say anything. "I am surprised that so many businesses remain open here on a day like today. In Romalia, the religious center of Halkeginia, it is mandatory for the vast majority of stores and workers to close. The influence and power of the papacy are equivalent, if not superior, to any existing monarchy on the continent." This time I did not wait for Saito to open the door of the shop for us. I went in first. A little bell similar to the one in the armory rang over my head. Once the three of us passed, an old man welcomed us. Long beard, gray hair, glasses...
–Good afternoon, young men!
–Good afternoon.
I smiled, "Are all veteran alchemists the same? Will I end up like that too when I reach their age?" That thought caused me to pause in place and my gesture turned into a much more serious one. "Getting to her age..." I felt a hand land on my shoulder. I startled and looked quickly towards the person.
–Are you okay?
My eyes met Saito's. I recovered my smile.
–Yes, why do you ask?
–You suddenly froze.
I opened my eyes in surprise. "Damn."
–I-I haven't personally gone shopping for alchemy materials in months. I just missed it, that's all.
I lied. The familiar hesitated initially, but ended up nodding. Out of nowhere, he chuckled lightly.
–Saito?
–I'm sorry. It's just that you remind me a little of me.
We walked in the direction of the counter.
–How so?
–In my world there is a device called game consoles. You can play a lot of different games on it. I remember, when I was younger, I used to get really excited if my parents gave me as a gift one that I wanted.
–Game... Console? And you say you can play a lot of games?
–It's hard to explain. You see, when...
–Are you going to chat for a long time? Alessandro, I remind you that we are here for you.
Louise's voice silenced us. She stood at the counter with her arms folded and her face unfriendly. "Whenever we talk about an interesting topic, someone interrupts us. It bothers me to think that the person I most want to spend time with here is Saito and not a woman... Alessandro, you'll never change." The boy and I looked at each other and sighed. I approached my companion and the alchemist.
–Excuse my manners. I was looking for a number of materials for different types of potions and salves.
–Very well. Do you have a list?
–Of course.
I searched in my shoulder bag, which I purposely brought with me to carry as many materials as possible, for a list written on a piece of parchment. I found it without further ado.
–Here.
Saito gazed in wonder at some of the items the store had hanging on the walls. Stacked boxes, full shelves, tables with different alchemy tools... "They are well stocked. Louise has brought me to the right place."
–If my memory serves me correctly, we should have everything. I'll look for the 'Germanian fire gecko skin' first. Lately, there have been problems with the purchase of goods from the east of the eastern giant and I don't remember if we have enough left.
–Problems?
The old man walked to the other side of the counter, where a large amount of exotic-looking materials remained away from the customers.
–Yes. Apparently, the area is not well defended due to its sparse population and extreme climate. Because of this, bandits raid travelers, expeditions and merchants all the time. We have already spoken to Queen Henrietta begging her to send a letter to Kaiser Albricht II for more soldiers to guard the place, but we have not received a reply.
I nodded out of inertia, but the old man's back was turned. "I've always wondered what it must be like to live in places like this. Romalia, with its pleasant though hot climate in summer, has been my home for seventeen years. Eastern Germania, the Holy Land, the Eastern Counties... I wish I had time to see those regions with my own eyes." Louise snorted.
–Those germanians are always the same. Barbarians...
Her comment brought a smile to my face. The old man made a sound of approval.
–Wonderful.
He calculated the amount written on the parchment and put it in another container.
–You're students at the Academy, right?
He asked as he searched for the rest of the ingredients.
–We are.
The girl answered for both of them.
–Years ago, many of your people were regular customers. Over time, other alchemy stores opened their doors and now I hardly see your uniforms. What grade are you in? If it's not a bother to ask.
–Sophomore.
She sentenced. With that, the old man ended the conversation. We spent a few minutes in silence, with Saito standing still next to Louise and her much more relaxed at how efficient the alchemist turned out to be. Once he had everything ready, he carefully placed the vials and assorted containers on the counter. I handed over the corresponding amount of money and we said goodbye politely, especially me, given the good manners of the seller. I stowed the materials in my shoulder bag. "There is still more than enough money left." The image of my familiar came to my mind. Specifically, her runes. "I wonder if we can stop at a bookstore before lunch. Maybe I'll find something there rather than in the academy library." We left the store.
–Louise, since it's still a while before lunchtime, could we visit a bookstore on the way?
The little girl looked at me questioningly. However, she preferred not to ask any questions.
–I suppose so. There's one very near here. Let's go.
She said.
The bookstore chosen by the tristanian girl has that vintage smell that I like so much. It has three floors and is located in a small square. "I have met many people throughout my life, but very few have made me as happy as a good book." Louise and Saito offered to help me in my search for books on runes and familiars. I joked about Saito finding information about his own nature. They were not amused, even when I explained the joke. "I guess, if you don't know the truth behind Gandálfr's runes, it's not so funny. Either that or my humor is terrible." We split up by floor at my companion's request to finish as soon as possible, as she claims to be very hungry. After about fifteen minutes of searching, I found nothing interesting in the family section, which, fortunately, was located on my floor. I sighed.
–After this, the only thing I can think of is to talk to Professor Colbert directly. Either that or illegally infiltrate the forbidden section of the library. However, my stealth skills are not as good as I'd like...
Just before descending the stairs, in the fantasy stories section, the cover of a work I instantly recognized made me stop. I pulled out the copy and smiled as soon as I read the title.
–Princess Lu.
A maelstrom of memories flooded my thoughts. "I must have read this story about five...maybe six times. Founder, thank you." I decided to take the book with me. "When I moved into Vittorio's residence, I rummaged through my belongings for days. All to no avail. I assumed it would have been left with other possessions in my family's palatial home." I sighed as I descended the stairs. "As a little boy, I dreamed of being a knight as brave as Ivaldi, the hero of the story. I wasn't afraid of anything." I saw Louise talking to Saito in the distance. "Growing up, and more so suffering from a seemingly incurable disease, is horrifying." I smiled as soon as they noticed my presence.
–Did you find anything?
She asked.
–As far as familiars are concerned, no. However...
I showed her the copy. She was surprised and a smile formed on her face.
–Princess Lu? My sister Cattleya used to tell me this story to help me sleep when I was little. Although, between stories, some parts varied.
–There are different versions. Maybe your sister knew most of them by heart and that's why she modified the story.
–It is possible, yes.
The copy barely cost me a few ecus, which, for the state it was in, surprised me. "I guess the story isn't as popular as it was ten years ago." We left the library and Louise directed us to follow her for the third time. We would eat at a tavern frequented by nobles and other academy students.
Once we ordered our food, we sat down at a free table by a window in the room. Certainly spacious, the tavern was crowded. Students from all grades of the academy, citizens of different social classes, the occasional noble... "You can tell it's a tavern in the capital." While we were waiting for the food, Louise addressed me.
–Alessandro.
–Yes?
–How is Romalia? I remember that, while this idiot was unconscious because of his stubbornness, you told me that you come from the south of the country, but you have always lived in the capital.
The change of tone used when referring to her familiar took us both by surprise. He looked away wearily. I smiled as I thought about how to approach the question and remembered my homeland.
–Romalia is... Different.
I began.
–Although it is true that my family comes from Cittadella, we only spent the summers there. My mother preferred the residence in the capital, especially because of its proximity to the rest of the nobles and ecclesiastics. My father, on the other hand, was a decorated general of the revolts that ravaged the country two decades ago. He was much more countrymanlike. He hated politics and courtly intricacies.
I paused. I closed my eyes.
–I haven't set foot in Cittadella since he died. That was seven years ago...
Silence. "I have spoken too much, as usual. Fortunately, I chose the word death and not murder. Damn the politics." I sighed.
–Sorry.
Saito said, sorry. Louise, with her mouth half open, also had a pitying gesture on her face. I looked into their eyes and smiled.
–Don't worry about it.
I was going to continue, but the waiter placed our plates in front of us at that moment. "Saved by the bell." Louise thanked the Founder for the food, a gesture I did not accompany. As we waited for it to cool, and I took a long swig of beer, I was better able to clear my head.
–As I was saying. Romalia is a unique city. Full of churches, fountains, works of art in the streets... And, above all, the Cittadella de Saint Forsythe, home of the cathedral that gives its name to it and the papal residence. My family's residence is located near this site.
–Do you also have a pope?
Saito asked. I, although surprised, nodded.
–Of course. He is the head of the church, heir to Saint Forsythe and the Founder himself: Brimir.
–Then your religion must resemble one that exists in my world, whose headquarters is in a country in Europe.
My eyes began to sparkle after remembering the talk we had the other night.
–That continent that reminds you of Halkeginia?
The familiar smiled and nodded.
–It is said that Romalia's climate is very pleasant all year round.
Louise brought us back to the main topic of conversation.
–Almost all year round, rather. The summers are too oppressive, especially in the month of Ior. I have never been a lover of high temperatures.
We began to eat in silence. After savoring and swallowing a piece of the chicken, I continued.
–Besides the weather, something that has surprised me for the better, the Academy of Magic in Tristain is certainly different from the one in Romalia. Although the subject matter is similar, there, at least in the first year, almost all the classes are theoretical.
–Something similar happens here. Apart from my... problems in conjuring elemental spells, during half of the first year we hardly practice magic.
He said that last while averting his gaze and a blush appeared on his cheeks. Saito smiled, but stopped as soon as Louise regained her composure.
–I made the mistake of learning the basics on my own before entering the academy. The classes were mind-numbing, except for the alchemy classes. In retrospect it wasn't a bad decision, since practical magic isn't my strong suit either. I need time to learn and perform elemental spells properly.
–Really?
Louise asked with some empathy in her voice. I nodded.
–Yes. I don't want to imagine what it would have been like to have to practice over and over again in front of peers like Guiche or Kirche without getting positive results.
Her gesture turned somber and he stopped eating for a moment. "We're quite alike in that area, if we don't take into account the small detail that she's a Void mage, of course. In fact, Louise is not magic-denied. She just doesn't know her true power. I, on the other hand..." I took another swig of beer.
–You know something, Saito? Your duel against Guiche reminded me of something that happened this time last year.
The boy was surprised.
–In my class there was a student named Andrea. Tall, green eyes, charming smile... Kind of like Guiche, but worse.
–I can't believe there's anyone more of a jerk than that guy.
Saito mentioned. I chuckled. At that moment, I remembered Andrea's face perfectly. The urge to hit him is still intense to this day.
–For Andrea, there are two types of people: those who go along with him and the... Despicable ones. I was in the second group.
–What?
Louise asked, stunned.
–He called us despicable. For the first few weeks of school I didn't think anything of it. Idiots like that are best not to indulge. However...
I put the cutlery down on the plate and narrowed my eyes. My expression suddenly changed.
–It all blew up one day when he insulted me using a word I hate with all my heart.
I clenched my fists. They felt the air had become heavy.
–I challenged him to a duel. In Romalia they are allowed between students of the same grade, something I find stupid and elitist. Not everyone learns at the same speed.
–What called you?
Saito said. Louise smacked him upside the head before he could process her question.
–It's rude to ask such things!
I calmed down a bit thanks to their little scene. I sighed.
–He called me... Bastard.
Their faces showed different gestures: she was horrified. He remained impassive. Before any more questions arose, I cleared my throat to focus attention on the matter of the duel.
–As I was saying, I challenged Andrea to a duel. The guy was skilled with fire. The opposite of me. When the time came, my legs were shaking. However, I would not let that idiot get away with it. Regardless of the outcome, I was going to prove myself.
I paused to finish eating the chicken. They waited expectantly.
–I won. It cost me horrors. I received several burns on my limbs and one on my back. We both ended up unconscious, but he went down first.
I summarized, "The part where I say I had to spend a week in bed in pain from the aftermath and my illness I'll leave for another time." Once I finished, I gave Louise a smile full of sincerity and empathy.
–If a good-for-nothing like me can learn magic and defeat someone in a duel, so can you, Louise. You just have to find your element and a style of your own.
The little girl blushed slightly and smiled back at me.
–Thank you.
I finished the beer since they had already finished their food a while ago. We stood in silence for a while. The image of a person I admire and miss came to my mind.
–After the duel, Andrea temporarily lost his temper, and I gained some fame. Then, I met one of the people I appreciate the most to this day. His name is Donatello, 'The Humanist'.
–What a strange nickname.
Louise mentioned. I smiled.
–It was given to him by yours truly. He was the one who named my catalyst. We've spent a lot of time together. Like me, practical magic is not his thing. Donatello prefers inventions.
–Inventions?
I nodded.
–We spent entire afternoons designing or modifying gadgets. Especially him. Most of them aimed to improve people's daily lives. Unfortunately, we didn't have the funds to carry them out. To make matters worse, last summer, the only time we managed to build something decent, it blew up.
I said this last remark in all seriousness. After two seconds, and after remembering the moment, I laughed. They imitated me soon after in their own way. "I miss you, Humanist." My friend's saddened face as we said goodbye came to mind. "In the summer we'll meet again, I promise." Saito broke into the conversation after remembering something.
–Just thinking about the three-hour drive back makes me want to vomit...
He said, whose face had paled.
Back at the academy, I find myself sorting through the materials I bought. "I hope they don't spoil this time." I placed the story on the shelf. Anäis was eating dinner on the table.
–"I had to go to the kitchens myself to order the food. I'm very angry, child."
I sighed at her comment. "It's been like this since I got here." I faced her... more like faced her loin.
–If you were to eat with the rest of the familiars...
–"You don't mean to treat me like a common little animal, do you?"
She said this as she turned away with a gesture full of... Disdain? On her face. "I'm still having a hard time reading it. I've never talked this long with a cat." A shiver ran down my back and I denied effusively.
–I wouldn't dream of it...
We stood in silence for a while as she finished her dinner. Once she finished, she jumped to the floor and chuckled.
–"You mentioned earlier that the insufferable little girl bought her servant a talking sword. I assume, given your behavior so far, you were thrilled like a little boy."
I averted my gaze and blushed.
–A-A little... But I managed to restrain myself! I guess, beyond how extravagant it is, a sword with magical properties isn't such a strange thing. Storm Ruler, besides being a catalyst, has an ace up his sleeve.
–"I'm sure that sword would make for better conversation than most of the humans residing in this place."
She sentenced. Her statement surprised me a bit, since she has been thinking like me. "Being a sword that looks so ancient, it will have a lot to tell." Anäis climbed into bed and began to groom herself as usual. Then, someone knocked at the door.
–"You've been in demand lately, dear."
I nodded at her comment and turned intrigued to the destination.
–"I wonder who it is. Perhaps the irritating little girl? Her familiar? The dark-haired maid? Or my favorite: the lush germanian. The one who always leaves you speechless."
Before opening the handle, I processed her assumptions. I shot her a look full of anguish.
–Anäis, don't talk nonsense!
The cat laughed telepathically. Still with hot cheeks, I cleared my throat and opened the door. No sooner had I glimpsed half of the visitors' bodies than a voice began to speak.
–Alessandro, we need to talk.
I was surprised, but much less than expected. "Louise and Saito, of course." I blinked several times.
–Yes?
The familiar wielded the sword carefully. It stood between us.
–This scrap hasn't said a word since we left the store. I'm beginning to think the armorer ripped us off.
–It weighs more than I expected.
He mentioned. I leaned against the door and placed a finger on my chin as I analyzed the situation. "This is unusual. According to the Papal Library archives, Gandálfr should be able to wield any weapon regardless of its provenance, size or fighting style. Will it be due to rust perhaps?" I shook my head.
–Sorry I don't think I can help you. The only thing I can think of is to pay a skilled blacksmith to restore it and hope that something happens.
–Well well, isn't this an encounter planned by destiny?
Said a voice I recognized instantly coming from my right. The three of us were surprised given that the hallway was empty seconds ago.