Kirche's sudden appearance took us by surprise. With her usual smile on her face, she carried in her hands the golden sword with which she tried to coax Saito. The boy and I looked at each other. "This woman never gives up." Quickly, the aforementioned replied with a question.
–M-Me?
–Of course. Here.
She held out the sword carefully. The familiar hesitated for quite a while. In my head, the idea of Louise seeing him return with that object didn't sound too good. Finally, she practically placed it in his hands, causing him to grab it.
–As I said, this sword is a gift for you. It's of no use to me, since I neither know how to wield it nor do I want it to decorate my room.
–Really?
–Don't you trust me?
She asked hurt. Kirche's eyes began to glow with unusual intensity. Saito and I gawked at each other. However, I resisted before I fell into the spider's web woven by the germanian woman. "I have the feeling that, since she hasn't won in her particular duel against Louise, she's trying to get rid of the object that reminds her of it." My companion stood up and pulled the golden blade from the scabbard. He smiled like a kid.
–It's fantastic! Thank you very much!
–You're welcome.
Suddenly, Kirche's attention was focused on me. Her smile changed to a gesture of seriousness. Our eyes met and I tensed up.
–Can we talk for a moment? Alone.
My face must be a poem right now. I gulped. "Why do you want to talk to me so suddenly? I thought after what happened on the Day of Nothing you'd never speak to me again. I'll play along for now." I nodded shyly.
–Saito, would you mind...?
–No, don't worry. Thanks for today, Alessandro. I needed it.
He gave me a sincere smile. I returned it, though with some nervousness about what might happen next.
–See you later.
Saito finally said.
–Bye bye.
Kirche waved goodbye with a charming smile. As soon as the familiar was far enough away, the student sat down next to me. We both watched the boy walking happily with his new toy. I tried to avoid eye contact.
–You've become good friends in a very short time.
She mentioned to break the ice. "The word friends is perhaps too much." I replied naturally.
–At first, I found it hard to believe he came from another world. A few days ago we spoke alone for the first time. We are not as different as I thought. Two strangers far from home.
–I see.
Saito disappeared from our field of vision. I proceeded to look her in the eyes. Kirche, keeping the serious gesture, imitated me. Surprisingly, I didn't feel as uncomfortable as I expected. "Don't look down, Alessandro. By your honor, don't."
–Why are you helping Vallière?
She said directly. I pushed aside any thoughts of her bust and opened my eyes like saucers. I was caught off guard. She raised her eyebrows. "This is going to be interesting." I cleared my throat.
–On the day of the duel between Saito and Guiche, I replied to you that I choose my friendships. I still keep…
–That answer was good in front of her to make her happy. But I am not stupid, romalian. There is something else, am I wrong?
Her answer left me frozen, especially with the inquisitive tone employed. "How did you...?" Before I could continue my train of thought, she put a finger to her lip and closed her eyes.
–Wouldn't you find it strange that a foreign student, about whom no one knows anything, enrolls in your academy and just happens to hang out with the loneliest and most criticized person in the class? Because it does to me.
She sentenced, making our eyes meet again. Those damned amber-colored gems she has for eyes penetrated my being to the soul. I am completely at her mercy. "This girl is very perceptive. I have underestimated her because of her past attitudes. Think, Alessandro! Think!" I stammered several times to no avail. She cocked her head to one side, awaiting an answer to, surely, rebut it. "How do you know I initially approached Louise out of interest? Would she have overheard my conversation with Anäis that evening before the Day of Nothing? I'm not a spy though". Kirche suddenly smiled.
–What's the matter, has the cat got your tongue?
She asked in a wry tone. "I'll speak just enough. Yes, I will." I managed to focus at last.
–Louise and I are very similar. I had no trouble empathizing with her.
–You don't seem to have a problem conjuring elemental incantations; and I assume you have a modicum of swordsmanship. Not to mention your good manners. Vallière has no qualifications to be a student at this academy, but you do.
She pointed at me with the index finger of his right hand. Her comment annoyed me, since I was now beginning to sense her intentions. I clenched my fist.
–Kirche, if you came here looking to turn me against Louise, I assure you that you won't achieve anything.
I answered seriously. To my surprise, she just giggled. However, it was not as on other occasions, but a… Sincere giggle? She waved her hand.
–My my. If you claim to be like her, I could never convince you to do something you don't want to do.
Silence fell. The germanian girl looked straight ahead again, toward a group of third-year students who were strolling through the courtyard at that moment. Among them, I could make out two holding hands. A smile formed on Kirche's face. Her visible eye narrowed.
–Do you like Louise?
Her question almost caused me to fall off the bench. I blushed hugely and gripped the edge of the seat with both hands.
–Of course not! We only get along because we've both been through similar events, especially when it comes to magic.
She looked at me full of curiosity.
–Really? You were also null for magic?
I gradually calmed down from her previous question, although that playful tone she usually employs makes me uncomfortable. I looked straight ahead trying to give as sincere an answer as possible without quite understanding the reason. "I am answering the questions of a person who, from what she has shown me so far, could use everything against me. Her personality and mine are not even compatible. However, I admit that surprising insight has made me curious." I sighed.
–I was. In fact, I still am.
I answered frankly. I paused.
–I have too much trouble learning new spells, especially ones higher level than mine.
The image of Louise uttering incantations and failing came to mind. A smile formed on my face, but not with the intention of laughing at her, quite the opposite. "I look forward to seeing her in action when she discovers her true power." Kirche hadn't said anything since she asked me about magic, so I continued.
–Maybe that's why I'm a bit confident in Louise's abilities. Maybe one day she'll manage to cast a spell that doesn't end in an explosion and impress us all, don't you think?
I asked, turning my head in her direction. I was mildly surprised to see that she was staring at me with a charming smile on her face. I opened my mouth like an idiot. Something inside me stirred.
–Your faith in little Vallière is commendable. She is fortunate to have someone like you on her side.
She paused. "Did she just care for Louise?" She closed her eyes and continued.
–Certainly, she has managed to conjure her familiar without problems, despite the fact that he is an undisciplined commoner. Perhaps you are right.
She said. Kirche slowly sat up and faced me without losing her smile. I was speechless by her words.
–You're much more interesting than I thought, boy who speaks with swords. See you around.
She said goodbye and accompanied the last with a wink full of sensuality. An unusual burning ran up and down my body. She turned and started walking towards the bedroom.
–See you…
I whispered, but Kirche didn't hear it. As I watched her walk away, I sighed.
–This woman is going to drive me crazy.
A few days later, I woke up before the usual time due to a nightmare related to my past. I took several deep breaths as I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "Father..." After a series of thoughts about my family, I got out of bed and went to open the window to get some air. As soon as I placed my hands on the latch, I spotted a person I instantly recognized in the courtyard. "Siesta?" What caught my attention, more than her presence, was her attire and an object she was carrying in her hands. The former, much more appropriate for travel than her usual maid's dress, consisted of a blouse, a brown vest and a skirt of the same color. My guess as to the functionality of the attire came from a small-sized suitcase that she held firmly in both hands. "Curious. Will she have to attend some important event? In the papal residence, when a servant had a relative married, they were given several days off." I didn't give it much more importance and, once the window was ajar, I got ready to change from my pajamas to my uniform.
–"Good morning, dear."
Anäis's sleepy voice surprised me, but not as much as other times. The cat stretched out on the bed as she yawned.
–Good morning, Anäis.
–"You're up early. Everything okay?"
Her analytical skills are to be commended. I took the opportunity and stroked her belly for a while. I have plenty of time. She closed her eyes.
–I've had a nightmare.
–"About what?"
–My father's death.
There was silence. Anäis purred lightly. After a couple of minutes passed, I watched her calmly. "I suppose I should strengthen my bond with her as much as I can. She is my life partner after all." I smiled and sat up.
–I'll leave the door pulled up.
–"Your understanding of my basic needs is appreciated."
She replied with some irony.
Once in the dining room, Louise, who arrived last, sat down next to me after a cordial greeting. I looked for Saito for a few seconds, but the boy was nowhere to be seen. My companion noticed what I was doing and, without looking at me, closed her eyes.
–I am sorry to inform you that he is not coming.
She said with some annoyance. Fearing the worst, I lowered my head.
–What has he done this time?
The tristanian faced me.
–Crossing the line, again. That dog didn't think it was enough to show up in my room carrying Von Zerbst's damned 'gift' in his hands. And yesterday actively complained that I made him do my laundry. Who does he think he is!? Besides, now I have to put up with that chattering sword as well.
Her voice was getting higher and higher, causing me to recoil in my seat, if that's possible. "He shouldn't have accepted the sword so lightly... I can't believe he's so tame as to not know that every time Kirche comes near him, he has to run away for his health, physical and mental." I cleared my throat.
–Y-You're going to leave him without food again?
She denied.
–No, that wouldn't work. Apparently, someone...
She implied as she glared at me. A shiver ran down my spine.
–Contributed to the fact that this punishment did not have the desired effect last time.
–I had nothing to do with it!
I defended myself against her obvious accusation. And it was true. It was Siesta who was in charge of feeding him that night. Perhaps my presence in the courtyard had made her think wrong. Still, it would have helped if Anäis had left some of the dinner. Louise calmed down a little.
–From now on, he will stay with the rest of the familiars in the courtyard while I go to class. After all, in the classroom he falls asleep, doesn't pay attention, looks up the girls' skirts...
She enumerated. The last made me look away. "Saito..." Finally, I sighed and waited for the psalms to come.
–For once, I'm with you, Louise.
I whispered. The tristanian apparently didn't hear me. After thanking the Founder for the food, we enjoyed our meal. At one point, she stopped and stared at the plate. Her hands were trembling slightly. I was about to speak, but a look of sadness interrupted me. The little girl lowered her head.
–You know something? On days like today, I wish Saito was your familiar and not mine. You two understand each other very well, except for the obvious differences, of course.
Her comment left me stunned. I understood instantly that it must be something she has been thinking for a long time given the tone she used. Gandálfr's runes popped into my mind. "If only she knew the truth..." Then, the image of a certain cat replaced that of the other familiar. I averted my gaze. "I rather doubt that Anäis would put up with Louise a quarter of what Saito has been putting up with. In fact, the moment she would employ that spoiled child tone, my familiar would spit one of her retorts at her, leaving her alone and not giving her a chance to respond, as she has already done to me on a couple of occasions." After a long silence, I smiled and addressed her.
–The day of the duel between Saito and Guiche we had a similar conversation, remember?
Louise looked at me and opened her mouth slightly, surprised by my words. She nodded.
–Back then, I told you that your familiar was your familiar because it was dictated by fate. I still stand by that position, Louise. Besides, you may be the first person in centuries to summon a human familiar. That makes you special, don't you think?
I finished without losing my smile, much more empathetic this time even though I was lying through my teeth. The tristanian assimilated my words. After a few seconds, she smiled relieved.
–Yes, I believe it. Thank you, Alessandro.
–It was nothing.
The day went by without a hitch. Classes have become more interesting this week and soon we will start teaching, at least in theory, Linear spells. While I'm waiting for dinner time, I'm reading a book about Tristain that I requested from the library. Anäis enters my field of vision at that moment. She seems to be looking for a place to make herself comfortable. I remember then that Professor Colbert, who has told me privately that for now he has not found anything about what I told him about, has informed us today that in two weeks an event known as 'Familiar's Day' will take place.
This event, which apparently always occurs in the third week of Feoh, consist of no class on that day. Instead, an examination will take place for familiars summoned by the second year students of the Tristain Academy of Magic. The show will be attended by Queen Henrietta herself, her entourage and some highborn nobles. Between them and the teachers, they will decide which familiar is the most outstanding, awarding a monetary prize to its master. "Personally, I'm not too interested. I'm not a spendthrift person, and I also don't feel like having to practice a circus act alongside my familiar to please others. I suppose, if Anäis gives a proper speech, I'll pass." I looked at the cat, involved as much or more than I was in all this. "She's always saying we're equals. I should ask her." I closed the book and placed it on the desk.
–Anäis, I have something I need to talk to you about.
–"Go ahead."
I informed her above what the matter was all about. She said nothing and just waited for me to finish speaking. Once I finished my speech, she closed her eyes and bowed her head again.
–"I thought you were a little more competitive, dear."
She replied mockingly. I was mildly surprised. "Good point."
–And I am, but when I'm participating in the event myself. Here you're the one who decides.
A chuckle rang in my head.
–"Is the master giving the opportunity to decide about both of them to her familiar?"
–Don't make it harder, please.
I begged. The cat's eyes widened and her blue pearls were glued to me.
–"Don't worry, Alessandro. I'll be sure to show them what I'm capable of. Even you will be impressed."
Her reply generated more questions than answers. I raised an eyebrow.
–I fear what you can do. All I ask is that you don't embarresed me.
–"When have I ever done that since we've known each other?"
–Continuously…
Anäis laughed again.
–"Easy, dear. I know very well how to deal with nobility."
The conversation ended there. I sighed deeply. "So far, your abilities consist of possessing human intelligence and speaking through telepathy. They seem amazing to me, but perhaps that's not enough to impress the royal court." I sat down next to her and petted her. Then, someone banged on the door.
–"Have you invited someone into our home without telling me again?"
–Actually… No.
I answered dumbfounded. I got up, went to my destination and opened the door.
–Alessandro, I need your help.
–Saito?
The boy, who started talking as soon as he saw me, had a worried look on his face. His voice sounded full of anguish.
–May I come in?
–Yes, of course.
I stepped out of his way and he entered decisively. I didn't understand anything that was happening. Anäis curled up on the bed pretending to be asleep. Once I closed the door, the familiar looked me in the eyes.
–Siesta is gone.
His statement surprised me even more. I raised my eyebrows. Then I remembered that this morning I had seen her in the courtyard with travel clothes and a suitcase in her hands.
–Today, early in the morning, I saw her in a different outfit than usual in the courtyard. She was looking at the dormitory tower.
–Chef Marteau told me that a certain man by the name of Count Mott has taken her away and she now works for him. Louise told me that this guy is one of the patrons of the academy. He comes and goes all the time to talk to the director about different matters.
I nodded, "I understand your loss, but that's the way our society works." I sat down in one of the chairs next to the table.
–I see. It's a pity. Siesta is young and diligent. We'll miss her around here.
Saito, rather troubled, approached me.
–I want to go talk to that guy.
His proposal caused me to startle. I opened my arms, trying to express myself better.
–Saito…
–Alessandro, Siesta has been very good to me since we met the day of the duel with Guiche. If she had left of her own free will, I would never follow her. But the chef told me that's how things work around here. A noble chooses a servant as payment and the academy hands him over. It's not fair.
I folded my arms, impatient.
–Saito, listen...
–Besides, Louise told me that this Mott guy is not like the rest of the local nobles. It's known that he likes young girls. I can't tolerate him trying to make her his mistress against her will.
He finished hurriedly while gesticulating. I could feel the anguish in his voice. I thought for a few seconds how to deal with this. I sighed deeply.
–Listen to me, please.
I motioned for him to take a seat and he obeyed, especially by my tone. I looked him in the eyes.
–First of all, you don't know this man personally. You are accusing without proof, based on the assumptions that Louise, or other people, have made about him, a noble. A noble who, to make matters worse, is a benefactor of the academy.
I paused. Saito nodded, averting his gaze along the way. "He doesn't seem very convinced." I continued.
–Secondly, what you are proposing is madness for different reasons. I sense what your plan consisted of, so before you make a decision, I'll explain you a few things: that man is a noble. You are a commoner. If he looks at the runes engraved on your hand and understands a little of the matter, he will assume you are a familiar and might consider you little more than a stray dog. Here enter I, a young noble student of the academy. What business could I possibly want to transact with that count? Add to the mix that I am a foreigner and don't know him at all.
I pointed out, expressing myself as best I could. Saito bowed his head in defeat. He clenched his fists and closed his eyes. I felt sorry for him. "I'm sorry, Gandálfr, but there is little I can do in this matter." Then the boy looked me in the eyes.
–You know Siesta. You know she's a great girl.
–True. But that's not enough reason to request a personal audience with a count.
I sentenced. He gave up because of my insistence. I waited for him to make a sound decision. In the meantime, I weighed, for mere pleasure, how I would convince with a noble whom I do not know to return to the academy a young servant girl with whom I am barely acquainted. "What would he ask for in return - money, another servant girl? I would need time to come up with a good plan." I terminated my line of thought. Saito stood up from the chair at that moment with a gesture of decision on his face.
–I'll go on my own.
–What?
I opened my eyes wide. He walked in the direction of the door without looking at me.
–I appreciate your opinion, Alessandro. However, Siesta is one of the few people who see me as a human being. I can't leave her in the lurch.
I stood up and stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.
–I won't let you do such a stupid thing!
I said seriously. "I helped you in the duel with Guiche. We found Derfflinger together, your weapon of choice. If you think I'm going to let you lose your life for trying to save a servant girl, you are sorely mistaken, Gandálfr. This affects not only you, but also your master and my own honor." I put aside my budding friendship with him, putting his status as a legendary familiar above it. Saito pulled out of my grip.
–I'm sorry, but the decision has already been made. After all, I have nothing to lose. Every day that passes, the possibility of returning to my world seems more unrealistic. I'm not backing out just because of your damned protocol.
–This is not about protocol! It's your life that's at stake, Saito. You have too much to lose.
I retorted in agitation. The boy hesitated at my insistence. "I don't know if the runes have given him unusual courage... Or if he was already this much of an idiot in his world, but when it comes to nobles, you have to tread lightly." Saito was still standing, looking me in the eyes. An uneasy feeling came over me. "At this point, I think I have only three options left: let him go, keeping me on the sidelines but with a huge burden of conscience if something bad happens to him; stop him from going, knocking him out right here and taking him back to Louise's room; or accompany him, taking advantage of my status as a noble and a student of the academy to get an audience with Count Mott."
Mounted on the same equine under the cover of night, we galloped off in the direction of Count Mott's residence, located about a half hour's ride inland. Saito held tightly to my stomach. "Damn my decision-making skills. I haven't even drawn up a plan. We're going straight into the lion's den." The horse we borrowed from the academy stables is about the same one I chose the last Day of Nothing. "Young and impetuous, perfect for an illegal escapade." When I made the decision to accompany Saito, we carefully made our way down from the dormitories. We took advantage of the fact that most of the students would be in their rooms waiting for dinner. We were especially concerned about Louise. I prayed all the way to the stables not to hear her voice. It worked. What we didn't count on, however, was the presence of Guiche and one of his 'friends' at the fountain on the first floor of the dormitory.
When we got to the first floor, we heard at least two people talking. Neither turned out to be Louise. I sighed in relief. My haste prevented me from thinking clearly, so I didn't take into account that neither Saito nor I know where Count Mott's residence is located. "Damn it." We approached carefully and saw, first of all, Guiche. Something occurred to me. "Maybe he knows the count. After all, he is a from Tristain." The other person, a young blonde whose hair consists of long ringlets, took a little longer to recognize. "I can't remember her name…"
–Do you think this will make up for the fact that you were unfaithful to me with that girl?
–Of course not, Montmorency! I'm surprised you believed that rude familiar.
–Excuse the interruption.
I raised my right hand. The two students were startled. They looked at us in surprise. As soon as Guiche was sure it was the two of us, he suddenly stood up with his rose wand in his hand.
–You two, what do you want now? Wasn't it enough to destroy the love life of…?
Saito stepped forward and looked at him seriously. The young noble stopped his verbal attack.
–We want to ask you one thing, nothing more.
The familiar assured. Guiche was surprised. I decided to go straight to the point.
–Where are Count Mott's lands?
The student raised his eyebrows.
–Why do you want to know something like that all of a sudden?
–That's none of your business. Do you know or not?
Saito asked in a demanding manner. Guiche's eyes widened due to my companion's way of expressing himself. I sighed, "I understand that we're in a hurry, but respect him a little more." The tristanian cleared his throat.
Thus we arrived at the current situation. It didn't take us long to catch a glimpse of the count's palace-mansion in the distance. I managed to draw up a plan that I'm not entirely happy with, but it should work. It exposes us both to the minimum. It is not in our best interest for that noble to discover our true identity, especially mine. I ordered the horse to stop galloping and move to a trot. Saito broke away from me a little.
–Are we there?
–Saito, from now on you will do what I tell you to do, understood?
I used an imperative tone, not very typical of me, but the situation required it. The familiar took a few seconds to answer.
–Yes.
–Good. You will let me do all the talking. You play along.
Saito let out a groan.
–That-That's your plan!?
–What did you expect? I haven't had time to think of something better.
I rebutted him. We approached the entrance to the property. The building, an impressive four-story mansion with a dome at its center, oozed opulence. "It was probably built in the last few decades." The gable, visible even in the darkest of nights thanks to the light from the building's various rooms, had several scenes engraved on it. The front gardens occupied a considerable area of the grounds and were surrounded by a wall about four meters high, with a fountain in its center. Two men armed with halberds stood guard at the entrance, which was adorned with sculptures of dragons on either side of it. As soon as they spotted us, one of them raised his right hand.
–Stop!
I stopped my horse a few meters away from the guard.
–Good evening.
I greeted apparently calm. "Don't let nervousness get the better of you, Alessandro. Vittorio must be proud." The guy approached carefully. He looked us up and down before continuing.
–May I ask who you are and what you are looking for here?
His tone, of absolute respect, will be due to my uniform and that we come on a horse. Without losing my proud posture, I cleared my throat after previously regretting what I am about to say.
–My name is Vincenzo Fontana de Cittadella. My squire and friend here present, Agostino de Cittadella, requests an audience with Count Mott, lord of these lands.