The sudden appearance of certain students caused any attempt at conversation about Saito's blade to be forgotten. Kirche, strangely, was carrying another sword whose guard I thought I had seen before, but could not remember where. They approached us, which annoyed Louise greatly.
–Von Zerbst, what the hell are you doing here?
She shrieked, scaring Saito and I. The germanian giggled.
–I live here. Specifically, in that door.
She jokingly pointed out. This made Louise even angrier.
–Then why don't you go to your room and leave us alone!
Tabitha hadn't lifted her eyes from her book at any time. "Is anyone able to concentrate on reading when these two are present? It would be impossible for me." Something crossed my mind at that instant. I started to close the door of my room quietly.
–Well, if you'll excuse me...
The tristanian placed a foot between the door and the frame, preventing me from moving forward.
–I'm not done with you yet, Alessandro! Need I remind you that we bought this junk because of you?
I gulped. I cursed inwardly.
–"I can't wait to see how you get out of this, dear."
Anäis's pompous voice echoed in my head. Her tail wagged from side to side on the bed. Finally, I opened the door and, without a chance to say anything, Louise pushed Saito inside, sending me out of the way.
–Just today I don't feel like putting up with that idiot.
The little girl mentioned. Once they entered the room, I prepared to close the door. However, Kirche followed shortly after. Smiling mischievously, she passed me in an instant. I blinked several times. Tabitha followed suit. In a matter of seconds, there were four people in my room who at no time asked my permission to enter. I closed the door, sighed after thinking about what was about to happen, and prepared myself as best I could.
–Who gave you permission to enter!?
–I'm wondering the same myself…
I whispered. I prepared myself to sit on the bed. Tabitha had done the same next to Anäis, whom she quickly observed before returning to her book. "I'd like to know what she's reading." Kirche and Louise faced each other. Rather, given the difference in height, Louise faced the... I blushed.
–Calm down, Vallière. I didn't come here looking for a confrontation.
–Then why are you here!?
–Louise, please, don't raise your voice so much. It's late.
The girl looked at me and, far from apologizing, turned her head angrily. Kirche took advantage of the moment to approach Saito and hand him the sword she was holding. The boy was surprised.
–This is for you, darling.
She winked at him in the process. He blushed and, after leaving the rusty blade on the table, took the gift. He pulled the sword out of the scabbard and Louise, the familiar and I widened our eyes like saucers. "It can't be..." The golden sword from the armory.
–This is...
–Do you like it?
She asked, pleased. My head began to spin. "So they were indeed following us. However..." I cut myself off from the world around me. "How could they have made it to the capital at the same time we did? There were no other people in the stable when we left. And along the way I didn't spot any other students." I glanced at the germanian woman. "Why did you do that? Maybe..." Louise folded her arms and leaned against the wall. "Will she seek to steal Saito from her because of their rivalry? According to Louise, she always gets what she wants, especially when it comes to men." I ended up sighing. "Women…"
–It's great! How It shines…
–What are you up to, Von Zerbst?
Louise asked. The germanian woman put a hand to her chest and looked surprised.
–Me? Nothing. I just came across this sword in an armory and thought Saito would like it. Can't I give a gift selflessly?
She shrugged her shoulders and closed her eyes proudly. Louise clenched her fists.
–So you followed us?
I took a moment and glanced over at the book Tabitha was stuck in. I managed to read a couple of sentences. I was surprised. It was about an adventure story I remembered reading a few years ago. "And here I thought she might like dense reading. It would be interesting to chat with her alone sometime. If her apparent introversion allows me to do so." Saito fiddled with his new, albeit useless for combat, gift.
–You know, Vallière? It's pathetic that you couldn't afford a sword like this and instead equip your familiar with a piece of rusty metal.
–It's Alessandro's fault!
–What?!
I was startled, "Why am I being pulled into your argument?" The tristanian pointed her finger at me.
–You were the one who insisted on buying that talking piece of junk!
Kirche was surprised to hear this. Tabitha raised her head in intrigue and stared impassively at the sword that remained on the table.
–Talking? Do swords talk back to you when you talk to them? You have a peculiar ability, romalian.
The girl gave me a humiliating smile. I looked away, not sure what to say. I heard a chuckle in my head. "Damn cat..." Kirche folded her arms, highlighting her attributes, and stood in a pose of superiority to face Louise.
–You see, Louise. My family, unlike yours, can afford to buy wonders like this all the time.
She stated without losing her smile. "She and Andrea would make a good couple." I lowered my head. "Wait a minute, what do you mean by 'afford wonders like this all the time'?" I remembered the armorer's words. "The man said it was worth a fortune for belonging to a famous alchemist. I wonder how she got it."
–This is a germanian sword. Like me, the difference in status with the rest of the Academy is obvious. A tristanian like you could never compare.
She narrowed her eyes with pride. Before responding angrily, Louise's attitude changed completely. A smile full of malice formed on her face.
–Are you so sure about that?
–Totally, little one.
She emphasized the adjective. Louise looked in our direction.
–Very well. Alessandro, would you mind crossing swords with my familiar for a moment?
–What?
We answered in unison. She grew impatient.
–Get up at once!
We looked at each other. "As much as I'm tempted to help Louise teach Kirche a lesson, this is getting out of hand. It's one thing to uncover the lies of a greedy armorer, quite another to cross swords in my room." I raised my arms and shook my head.
–I'm not going to confront Saito in a furnished room full of people. Especially if it's mine.
She bristled. "If something goes wrong, I could be expelled. I'm the only student who uses a sword as a catalyst. The blame would fall on me instantly."
–Doesn't infuriate you that this idiot laughed at you!? What little pride you have!
–Little Vallière, you should solve the problems yourself instead of constantly looking for help.
Kirche mentioned without being provoked by Louise's comment. "I can't talk." The tristanian, red as a tomato, faced her again.
–Says the one expelled from her previous academy because she got tired of being ignored by men and had to move to a neighboring country! Pathetic!
The germanian girl did react this time.
–How dare you?!
The tension could be cut with a knife. In an instant, they both pulled out their wands and pointed them in the direction of their opponent. "They expelled her? Interesting..." I opened my eyes like saucers. "Wait a minute, we're in my room!" I got up from the bed and tried to get in the way.
–Please stop!
–You stay out of this!
Louise scolded me. However, before any disaster could occur, a gust of wind blew into the room, causing the contestants's wands to fly out of their hands and land in mine. We were all startled. There was a sound behind me.
–Dueling is forbidden.
Tabitha whispered. I sighed in relief. "Thank the Founder." Kirche smiled again and, after retrieving her wand, walked past me and looked at Saito, who was still marveling at his toy.
–"They are taking you for a clown, dear."
–In that case, let Saito decide which sword is better.
I returned the other catalyst to its owner after cursing under my breath because of Anäis. Louise gave me a look that sent a shiver down my spine. She stood next to the germanian woman.
–M-Me?
Mentioned the boy, frightened. "You poor thing. I pity you, Saito." The two students put their hands on their hips and crouched down.
–Of course! After all, you're the one who will be carrying the sword in battle.
Louise scolded him. The familiar picked up the rusty blade and paused for a moment to compare the two. "On the outside, there's no color. In fact..." I looked at the blades and the young women. I smiled. "They are a reflection of their purchasers. Kirche's is, in appearance, splendid. Shiny, gilded, jeweled on the guard... All flourishes. However, its use in combat is practically nil. Louise's, on the other hand, is reminiscent of her inability to perform conventional magic, but the fact that it can speak and possibly has unique properties make it special, as if it were a Void mage." Saito turned his gaze to the girls and swallowed. They hurried him closer.
–Which one is better?
They said in unison.
–Can't I choose both?
Within seconds, they both kicked him in the shin. I was very surprised. The familiar was in pain and almost fell to the ground. "And then I say I'm bad at dealing with women." I approached him and held him by the shoulders.
–Saito, are you all right?
–No...
He answered with a groan. Louise and Kirche moved a little away and sat up. They looked into each other's eyes defiantly. "I have a bad feeling about this." Tabitha picked up her cane out of caution. "Are they going to clash again? They're going too far."
–I'll take this opportunity to say what I think of you, Vallière. You are despicable. You have never conjured a spell well and you always act like an insufferable child.
Her words caused me to feel enormous empathy for Louise. "Despicable..." Something inside me began to stir.
–Yeah? Well, you're a conceited and brainless girl! What good will that body be to you when you get old? You'll never find anyone who really loves you!
–Look who's been talking! How many people have been interested in you in your whole miserable life!?
–That's enough!
I raised my voice and stood up, leaving Saito leaning on the chair. They were surprised by my suddenness. I faced them angrily.
–Do you intend to argue all night? Besides, I remind you that we are in my room!
I looked Louise in the eye once they both calmed down.
–Don't let what a person who treats you like that says affect you, Louise. Kirche is partly right, though. Sometimes you act as if we all owe you something.
–See? Even the boy who...
–As for you...
I locked my eyes with hers after interrupting her. No amount of intimidation could stop me now. She stepped back.
–People like you are unbearable. You think you're the best just because the Founder has bestowed you with lush beauty. You should stop criticizing the rest and reflect a little more on your actions.
I said, tired of this spectacle. The germanian woman froze. I looked around me and noticed that everyone was showing a different gesture on their face: Louise lowered her head in shame; Saito had his eyes open like saucers; Tabitha had closed her book and was staring at me, with no expression on her face; Anäis sat on her hind legs and contemplated the scene with curiosity; finally, Kirche turned her head, hiding under the bangs that always cover her right eye.
–"Good interruption, dear."
–That's the way to talk, champ! Damn pesky childs.
Anais's comment aside, we were all surprised to hear a metallic voice coming from Saito. Initially, the rivals thought it was the familiar and gave him a terrified look.
–What did you...?
–Said?
–I-I didn't do it, I swear!
The boy defended himself by placing the rusty sword in front of him.
–The sword.
Tabitha mentioned. I put aside my anger and approached Saito with some enthusiasm. We all looked at the blade with curiosity.
–A sword can't even sleep peacefully any more...
–The sword... Does it speak?
Kirche asked, incredulous. "Now who is the madman!?" The blade placed its 'mouth' directed towards Saito.
–You, boy. Despite that idiot face of yours, I can sense your skills.
–My skills?
–Alessandro.
Louise turned her head and looked me in the eyes.
–Your sword can talk too?
–In the two years I've been wielding it, it hasn't spoken a single word.
I replied, "That's fantastic. It has spoken again once it has felt the power of Gandálfr." I smiled like an idiot as I contemplated the object.
–I have to thank you for getting me out of that shop.
Louise sat up after hearing that. After sighing, she put a hand to her forehead.
–Why do I always end up around weird people?
That comment hit me like a cold shower. I narrowed my eyes. "It didn't need to be said out loud, woman." The sword twirled of its own accord in Saito's hands. It 'looked' at us one by one as It judged us with strange sounds.
–What year are we in? No, it doesn't matter, where are we? answer me, come on!
More than demanding, the being seemed full of curiosity. "Will It have amnesia? I want to ask It so many things..." I giggled trying to normalize the situation.
–We are at the Tristain Academy of Magic. Year 6243 after the death of the Founder.
She? If she has a gender, turned to me.
–¿¡6243? It's been centuries since the last time... Tristain, you say?
–That's right. I'm Alessandro. How are you?
The sword seemed to rejoice.
–Ah, someone with manners! My name is Derfflinger, but you can call me Derff.
The moment I assimilated her name, my gesture changed completely. From the outside, I looked like I had been shot in the chest with a gun. "What?!" Seconds later, I started to tremble and grabbed the object's holster in my hands without Saito's permission. I looked at it dumbfounded. "This is...fantastic! Founder, sometimes faith returns to me like a horse after battle. Derfflinger, the sword wielded by Sasha, the first Gandálfr. Incredible..." I gazed dementedly at the artifact.
–"Alessandro."
Anäis's voice woke me up. I took a quick glance around the room and everyone in the room was looking at me. Sitting on the floor, worshipping a rusted object as if it were a holy relic. "Too suspicious, right?" I handed the sword back to Saito in embarrassment.
–So-Sorry, I got carried away...
–I see...
The boy held it carefully, afraid I might take it away again.
–And you are?
–Saito.
–I like your name!
The familiar, calmer, laughed.
–I like you. I think I'll keep this sword.
He said holding it with both hands. Kirche stepped back, defeated. Louise took it as a personal victory and smiled proudly as she placed her hands on her hips. I was beside myself with excitement. "Derfflinger. In one week I have met Gandálfr and his legendary sword. I will inform Vittorio as soon as I receive his reply." I sat up.
–Well, it's getting late and we have class tomorrow.
I commented to the air. Tabitha got up from the bed, placed her book under her arm and headed for the door after saying goodbye by fixing her eyes on mine. Or so I assumed. Saito imitated her. Louise and Kirche, after giving each other one last hateful glance, turned around briskly.
–Good night.
–See you tomorrow, Alessandro.
Saito said.
–Good bye.
Whispered Kirche, who carried her 'gift' as a sign of defeat. Tabitha opened the door and went out first, with the tristanian behind her. Once I closed, I sighed in relief and leaned my forehead against the wood.
–What a discovery. Derfflinger...
I said to myself. I had forgotten everything that had happened before.
–"They're finally gone. Let's go to sleep, Alessandro."
Anäis, lying back on the bed and more relaxed, yawned. I smiled exhaustedly at her. "It's been a long day."
–I guess it's for the best.
I started to take off my shirt to put on my pajamas.
–"When you get excited like that, it's like you're possessed by someone else's spirit, dear."
I laughed at her comment.
–It's not every day you meet a talking sword. First you and then her. Interesting events never cease to happen at this Academy.
–"What an honor to be compared to a rusty blade."
I blinked several times. I looked at her and nodded apologetically.
–Sorry...
–"It's okay. I also was surprised by that one... Derfflinger wasn't it?"
–Yes.
Once my pajamas were on, I got my uniform ready for tomorrow and headed to bed after blowing out the candles scattered around the room.
"You were splendid earlier. The way you put an end to the quarrel was worthy of a general."
I remembered what had happened and shook my head as I pushed the blanket and sheets aside.
–Now that you mention it, I feel a little bad for them.
–"Dear, those little girls of daddy's were putting on a pitiful show in our bedroom no less. I can understand the little girl envying the germanian girl for her attributes; and the germanian girl, in turn, acting flirtatiously and shamelessly. However, it doesn't hurt to give them a wake-up call. In time, if they mature, they will thank you for it."
I got into bed. My familiar moved into a more comfortable position for both of us.
–I hope you're right. Good night, Anäis.
–"Sweet dreams."
Two days later, things were back to normal despite the scene in my room. Kirche never spoke to Louise again. Saito continued to perform chores for his master as a personal servant. She yells at him from time to time, but he has stopped being a fool because of the consequences. Today's last class, Alchemy with Professor Colbert, went by rather quickly. More than I would have liked. "This man has an uncanny ability to teach and be listened to." I said goodbye to Louise, explaining the reason, and waited for the classroom to empty. Our professor, once he saw me, smiled and approached my position.
–Alessandro, do you need something?
–I would like to ask you a favor, Professor Colbert.
He was a little surprised but nodded.
–Go ahead.
–You see, last week I was looking for information about runes and familiars in the library. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything useful.
–Really? The public section of the library has a whole bookstore full of books on familiars.
I hesitated for a moment. "I'll get right to the point. So far, that's always worked for me with him." The last students left the classroom. I took a deep breath.
–It's about my familiar. The cat I summoned, remember?
–I remember.
He leaned on his desk.
–I've looked dozens of times at the runes that were etched into her stomach. I swear to you, of all the books I've looked through, I've found nothing similar. Some characters I can recognize, but they have strange modifications at the edges or in the center.
I continued trying to express myself as best I could, even gesticulating. The professor placed a finger on his chin and looked at the floor for several seconds. Finally, he raised his head.
–Would you mind drawing a sketch of them?
I was a little surprised but ended up nodding. He held out a piece of parchment and a charcoal pencil from his bag. I leaned on the table and, carefully, I made a memory to remember as accurately as possible the runes of Anäis. The result was remarkable, highlighting the unrecognizable parts.
–Here you go.
–Perfect. I will look for information in the private section of the library. I'll let you know once I get some results, if I get any.
I was satisfied and nodded. I smiled one last time.
–Thank you very much, Professor.
He returned the gesture.
–It's nothing. I'll see you tomorrow. Take care of yourself, okay?
–You too. See you tomorrow.
The next day, after finishing my business after school, I find myself walking up the stairs to the dormitory. Louise and Saito will go ahead because the tristanian said she had received urgent mail this morning and wanted to read it as soon as possible. "With any luck, Professor Colbert will get some results in the next few days." Just as I reached the second floor, where my room is located, Saito was coming down the other set of stairs somewhat dejectedly, his hands in the pockets of his upper garment. The boy was so engrossed that he did not notice my presence.
–Saito, are you all right?
The familiar was initially startled. Once he assimilated the situation, he calmed down.
–What a fright...
–I'm sorry.
An akward silence appeared for a moment. We looked into each other's eyes.
–Everything all right?
He asked. He didn't seem to hear my question.
–For my part, yes. And you?
Saito was silent. He hesitated about what to answer, which worried me. Finally, he sighed and continued speaking.
–Not too much. Louise told me that she doesn't need my services right now, dismissing me with a wave of her hand. She sat down to read that letter and hasn't looked at me or said a word to me since she opened it.
–I see. You haven't upset her, have you?
I asked as I raised an eyebrow. The boy shook his head and both hands effusively.
–Not at all! This morning she scolded me for washing her favorite pajamas wrong, but I didn't criticize her for her nickname or make fun of her again.
I remembered the little argument they had in the dining room and rolled my eyes. The boy folded his arms in annoyance.
–I'm serious, Alessandro. Louise is unbearable. It's not my fault that my parents didn't raise me to work as the personal servant of a noble teenage girl.
I didn't quite know what to answer. I thought for a few seconds. "Being forced to be a familiar is horrible, especially if you come from another world where, apparently, humans don't possess magical qualities." Saito clenched his fists. He looked like he was about to cry.
–I've been here for a week and I can't take it anymore! Since I arrived, several golems summoned by an idiot have beaten me up, leaving me in a coma; an unbearable brood has bullied me, both physically and psychologically, on numerous occasions for not 'knowing my place'; a giant fire salamander has dragged me to a busty redhead's suite in the middle of the night; I've ridden a horse for six hours on the same day... I hate this damn world with all my heart!
He ended up shouting full of rage. My eyes widened like saucers. I felt sorry for him. Saito turned his head away, holding back tears. He began to tremble.
–I-I just want to go back home...
I looked at him while thinking how to approach the situation. "I've never known how to act in situations like this. Think, Alessandro..." The boy began to sob. I raised my right hand in anguish. "Gandálfr, one of the legendary familiars, shouldn't cry over something so..." In that instant, my brain grasped a truth I had been denying since Louise summoned him. "No, he is neither a hero of legend nor a war machine, but a living being. A human teenager, in fact." I made a decision and walked over to where he stood. I placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to stop his sobbing.
–Saito, I know we hardly know each other. But if I can make the rest of your existence in this world more bearable, here I am. I've never been the most sociable or good listener on the planet. However, perhaps I can help you understand a little more about nobles and protocol.
Saito raised his head in complete astonishment. His blue eyes, with tears in their sockets, met mine. I smiled at him as best I could. The boy ran his forearm over his face.
–W-Would you really do something like that for me?
I put aside everything about my relationship with Vittorio and the intentions I initially had regarding this boy and his master. "I think I've gone too far. There's no turning back. I hope that, for making real friendships, life doesn't play a trick on me." I nodded.
–Of course. After all, you said yourself: we are not so different.
Saito gave me a smile full of gratitude.
–Alessandro... Thank you. I'm glad to know that I can count on someone in this place.
Taking advantage of a momentary silence, I then remembered that we were in the middle of the hallway of the sophomore dormitory. I narrowed my eyes. "I hope no one heard us, especially him." I indicated the stairs down with my thumb.
–Do you fancy a walk around the courtyard while we chat and get some air? I know Louise as well as you do, but not living with her under the same roof is nice.
Saito, much more cheerful, giggled.
–Let's go!
We wandered around the various courtyards scattered around the academy grounds for quite a while. Initially, we chatted about various matters. He explained to me, after reminding me, what a game console consisted of. I had a hard time believing him and didn't understand too much about how such an invention works, but it sounds like fun. "If I get a chance to try it sometime, I won't hesitate to do so." In return for what I told them on the Day of Nothing about my past, he felt comfortable enough to tell me about his. Apparently, and as he already indicated to me, he was a student at a place called 'high school'. He attended there for a couple of years before finally dropping out in search of a job, despite his parents' insistence.
His group of friends, though small, was close-knit. "That he talks so excitedly about them made me a little envious, I don't deny it. I've never needed a lot of people around me, but I have a thorn in my side to feel like I belong somewhere with people who love me. I appreciate or have appreciated Vittorio, Julio, Donatello and Francesca very much, but they didn't even all know each other nor did they ever get to." We ended up sitting on a bench in the shade. A question popped into his mind, partly in an attempt to empathize even more with me.
–Say, Alessandro, have you ever had a girlfriend?
I was shocked about the sudden question. Before I answered, an enormous amount of images from last summer flooded my mind. However, the one I remember most vividly, either because of its importance or temporal proximity, occurred at the Masquerade Ball held at the Academy of Magic of Romalia when winter arrived. That dance loaded with feelings. "Francesca..." Without realizing it, I had been silent for long enough to worry my companion.
–Alessandro?
I heard his voice in the distance and snapped out of it. We looked into each other's eyes without saying anything for a few seconds. I sighed.
–Yes, I have had a girlfriend...
–Really?
I nodded pretending to smile. Saito was hesitating whether to continue asking about it or let it go. "I hope I didn't scare him off." Just as I was about to speak again, someone approached our position with an object in her hands, surprising us and helping me for the first time since I've known her, even though she doesn't know it.
–I was looking for you, Saito.
This chapter is one of my favourites until the moment. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.