The mention of my mother's name felt like an arrow through my head. I froze. The silver knife I carried in my right hand rushed against the plate, causing a clattering sound that startled the Count and Siesta, startling the former most of all. "W-What did you just say...?" I began to tremble and a deep anguish gripped my body. I cut myself off from the rest of the room. "How does this guy, a tristanian noble I've never heard of, know my mother?" Our eyes met. His lips moved, but I couldn't make out what he was saying.

Within the chaos that was my head right now, a bit of sanity broke through. "Physically, my brother and I are like the sun and the moon. He, blond with emerald green eyes, is the spitting image of my mother. I, on the other hand, share more similarities with my late father. So how does he know who Lucrezia Fontana de Cittadella is? Will they have corresponded and will she have mentioned something to him about his, currently, only legitimate son?"

Two images popped into my head at that very instant: the first, a painful episode that occurred shortly before my brother went to study in Gallia, took place in the Fontana residence in the capital, where I have spent a large part of my life. There, Vincenzo tried to play a joke on me after finding my old diary open on the desk in my room. I tried to retrieve it by all means, but it ended up in the flames of a fireplace. I've never considered myself a violent person, but I guess patience has its limits. I punched him in the nose, causing my mother, after listening to the housekeeper, to punish us both. I recovered the little that was saved from the fire: loose pages, the drawings of the runes of the legendary familiars and some story my father had told me about the war… Since that day, and despite past quarrels that ended in a good port, I have never again tried to engage in a conversation of more than three words with him. Fortunately, a few months later my mother sent him to Gallia to train as a mage. I have not seen him since.

The second image, much more recent, I consider the worst moment of my existence. When I moved to the Serevare residence, the only thing I have thanked my mother for since she started treating me with contempt, my life changed for the better: the pains took a while to appear; I met wonderful people, especially Julio and Vittorio, to whom I owe practically everything I am now; I grew as a person; I learned magic thanks to Ludwig, a Circular mage that Vittorio hired to teach me the basics. The germanian man had a lot of patience with me… However, all that started to fall apart once I told Vittorio about my illness, shortly before he was elected Pope. He has always taken care of me. He taught me to listen without being seen, to lie, to approach certain people with care… I haven't had too many opportunities to put his teachings into practice. And here I am now, lying through my teeth.

Still, the mere mention of my mother's name has just brought me down. I will never forgive her for disinheriting me. In her eyes, I was a weak and useless piece. A sick pawn. She had never had any plans for me, which gave me a freedom of thought and action uncharacteristic of nobility. Hence my current way of being, coupled with other experiences, of course. A letter accompanied by a court order through which my mother withdrew my surname… She informed Vittorio through a damned letter that I, Alessandro Fontana de Cittadella, became only Alessandro, disinherited son of the Fontana de Cittadella family. Anger, sadness, disappointment, impotence... Adjectives that define very well what I felt throughout the time. Let's add also health ailments because of it. I had gone from being the respected son of the second most important family in the country to little more than a bastard adopted by the future Pope.

Fortunately, Vittorio legally granted me his surname to pursue my studies at the Romalian Academy of Magic. Then, the love and warmth that Francesca's arms offered me for a few months helped enormously to bring me out of that darkness. I felt truly loved for the first time in my whole miserable life by someone outside my family, adoptive or otherwise.

–Vincenzo, are you all right?

On this occasion, the Count's voice did manage to bring me back to reality. I nodded effusively and smiled. His face showed real concern, as well as Siesta's.

–Y-Yes.

I managed to say.

–Did the wild boar make you sick?

–N-No, sir. It's just that… I-I didn't expect you to know my mother. So far away from home, you know…

I was articulating the words with trepidation. My voice, much weaker than during the hearing, gave me away completely. The man smiled again and took a sip from his glass. I was trying to recover little by little. An impossible task given the situation.

–I have not had the honor of meeting her. I haven't even corresponded with her. But I've heard things…

He gestured with his free hand.

–A woman like few your mother. Of strong convictions. Without her, our dream would never have been possible.

Her praise for the person who destroyed my life caused such a feeling of disgust in my body that I even began to feel physically ill. I stopped eating when there were still three-quarters of the delicacy left. "I gave in too soon to Saito's stupid plan. And all to save a servant girl I don't even care about. Damn my luck…" I thought back on that thought. "No, he's not to blame for this, specifically. And neither is she." I shot a glance at the one indicated. Siesta remained standing next to the count, but her eyes went from him to me continuously. Then, I remembered something Mott had just mentioned. "Our dream? Whose dream?" I decided to play my last card by acting like the worst Vincenzo I have ever known would, a despot proud of his actions. "I'll try to pry as much information out of him as I can. If my mother is involved, maybe Vittorio will be interested in what this tristanian count has to tell." I smiled as I shyly took a sip from my practically full glass.

–I have always admired my mother, sir. She taught me everything I know.

I affirmed, appearing unusually confident. I continued before he replied.

–I can't wait to graduate as a mage so I can help our people.

This pleased the count enormously, who laughed.

–Of course, your mother will be proud of you, Vincenzo. Few young men would show up at night at a stranger's residence to try to help a friend in such an, if I may say so, absurd matter.

He took the last bite of the remaining boar meat on his plate. I nodded wearily as he sighed. Siesta poured him more wine after a gesture he made without looking at her.

–Reconquista will unify Halkeginia, Vincenzo. It has cost us a lot of effort, money and suffering, but we will succeed. After all, what less than us, the Chosen Ones, to rule this magnificent continent full of corruption, weak monarchs and increasingly scarce resources.

He said excitedly. I opened my eyes wide at the crazy things I had just heard. I tried not to look too surprised, but it was impossible. "This man's delusions of grandeur equal those of my mother. In fact, that people like that are involved in a work of such caliber worries me. Especially with such conviction. Reconquista... I have never heard of a faction by that name. From what I have been given to understand by the Count so far, it seems to have formed in the last few decades. I must urgently inform Vittorio about this as soon as I receive his reply, not only about the Derfflinger affair. Be careful, Alessandro. You are playing with forces beyond your reach… Should my mother ever find out what happened here tonight." I gulped at the thought. I recovered as best I could, smiling falsely. "Imitating Vincenzo is tricky, especially with every word out of your mouth, sir." I raised my glass.

–To the cause.

He mimicked me.

–And to us.

And we drank.

For the next half hour, the count told me some of his most remarkable experiences. Apparently, when he was twenty-two years old, his father betrothed him to the daughter of a marquis of southern Tristain whom he did not even know. However, she died before the wedding. Since then, he has tried to stay out of nuptial affairs. Nevertheless, he needs offspring, so he plans to marry soon. "Fortunately or unfortunately, my mother remarried an island noble, so he has no options her. That guy made my life miserable for the two years we lived together under the same roof. He treated me like I was a bastard, even though my mother still recognized me as a legitimate son back then."

The Count made some comments about how he likes women, something that made me uncomfortable, especially because of the confidence with which he began to treat me as a result of bringing up Reconquista. Siesta blushed when he talked about her. I gave the poor girl a look full of empathy. I ended up eating some more dinner, but I barely tasted the food due to how overloaded I was by everything that had happened. The alcohol was starting to affect him when his attitude suddenly changed to a much more serious one. He leaned his right elbow on the arm of his chair and placed his cheek on it.

–That squire who always accompanies you. This… Agostino.

He began to speak again, trying to get my attention. I was uncomfortable with his tone.

–A strange fellow, if I may say so. I've never met a noble, whether of low or high birth, so uncouth with his superiors.

He added. I tried to get out of the way by inventing an excuse.

–His grandfather was given a title for his exploits in the Holy Land. He was granted a lordship at the southern end of Romalia, several kilometers east of Cittadella.

–What an insolent fellow. You shouldn't let him talk like that, Vincenzo.

He replied sharply, as if ignoring my comment. "Every time he calls me by that name I retch. Damn my ability to improvise." I ended up giving in to his quest for conflict, but not in the way he expected. I settled back in the seat.

–Don't worry, sir. I'll crack down hard once I get back to the academy. Despite everything, and admitting his apparent lack of manners, he's a good kid. He would give his life for me if the occasion arose.

–I don't doubt it. I only hope that, the next time we meet, he will treat me with the respect I deserve. I am his superior after all. Oh, and please, choose his attire Vincenzo. I have never seen such strange and inappropriate attire for an audience with someone of my level.

He finished with a proud gesture. His tone of contempt, added to the situation, began to really annoy me. "I can't wait to see the look on your face when we bring you the book, sir." I smiled.

–Agostino is certainly a strange person.

I commented to the air as I thought about Saito's real situation. The Count finished his drink for the third time so far at dinner. He looked me straight in the eyes. I felt as if my soul had just been annihilated by a Circular spell.

–If I hadn't come with you, I'd probably be rotting in a cell. Or worse…

He sentenced, adding a terrifying smile to the comment. I gulped. Fortunately, I kept my composure physically speaking. My insides were a combination of feelings, mostly negative. "Time to retire." I wiped my lips one last time after finishing a second glass of wine. I decided to change the subject.

–Count Mott, I think I should get back to the academy. It's getting late and I have early class tomorrow morning. I thank you for all you have done for us. It has been a real honor to meet you, sir. The dinner was delicious, my compliments to the chef.

The man was surprised, but accepted reality. He smiled sadly.

–The honor is mine, young Vincenzo. A pity you can't stay longer. Your company is pleasant.

I smiled at him and stood up, putting on my academy uniform correctly. Siesta was heading to my position to move the chair, but I prevented him by doing it myself. I was about to gesture with my hand when I inwardly cursed at what just happened. "Damn my manners." The count imitated me, but he did wait for the maid to act.

–I promise we'll bring that book.

He laughed.

–I don't doubt it. Though perhaps that manuscript is worth too much compared to a servant girl. Well…

He looked Siesta up and down as if she were a piece of meat.

–Those breasts… I'm beginning to think otherwise.

The comment brought a slight blush to my face. A much bigger one formed on the girl's face, who averted her gaze as she lowered her head obligingly. "Alcohol plays tricks on even the best thinkers." He laughed again. We shook hands.

–I wish you luck in your studies, Vincenzo. You will soon be able to join our glorious cause.

–I hope so, sir. I hope so…

I replied pretending to be proud of myself, already tired of everything that had happened in this fateful and forgettable night. My head was smoking as if it were a stoked bonfire. Siesta opened the door after a wave of the Count's hand. Before leaving, however, I shot her a look full of decision, something that surprised her. "I'll get you out of here whatever it takes. If I can stop this guy from getting his hands on you, I will. If only to deny him the pleasure." Thus I left the room.

–Good bye.

After a soldier handed me Storm Ruler at the main gate of the mansion, the same groom from last time brought with him three adult equines. The guards chosen to accompany me went up first, leaving me the most docile of the group. I didn't think anything of it. I wanted to get back to the academy as soon as possible and escape from the world.

The men were surprised that I accelerated as soon as I crossed the entrance leading to the gardens, but they did not hesitate to follow me at a gallop. As they remained several meters behind, I thought about everything that had happened since I had made my infallible plan. I cursed under my breath. "How could a harmless audience with a noble have gone so awry? I shouldn't have used my brother's name, much less the family name of a house to which I no longer belong." I began to feel bad again. "If Count Mott and my mother should ever meet or correspond, I would be in grave danger. The moment she denies sending her son to the Tristain Academy of Magic, the tristanian would request an audience with the principal to accuse me of impersonation. Without Vittorio's protection and with the evidence, I would be arrested, brought to trial and…" I gulped. A sense of distress came over me. "They would execute me. All that I had fought to end up under the executioner's blade."

The image of a certain familiar flashed in my mind. "I have gone too far for a young boy from another world whom I have known for little more than a week. And all to regain the trust of an old friend…" After a few minutes, the dimly lit towers of the academy appeared before us. I sighed in relief.

I reluctantly said goodbye to the soldiers at the main gate of the building. I instructed them to thank the Count again for all he had done for us. I walked quickly and quietly through the courtyard, which was, thankfully, deserted. "They'll be giving curfew soon. The vast majority of students will be asleep by now." I appreciated this. I didn't want to arouse suspicion. As soon as I reached the second floor of the sophomore dorm, I glanced around before accessing the hallway. "Empty."

I quickened my pace to get to the door of my room. I was extremely surprised to find it pulled in. Then, I remembered that I had left it that way myself in case Anäis needed to go outside to relieve herself, take a walk, or whatever cats do. I sighed as soon as I thought of the familiar's name. "Tomorrow I'll deal with her and her incomparable curiosity." I decided. I opened the door. The room, lit by a couple of lamps, was just as I left it. The cat raised her head from her position at the foot of the bed and our eyes met. She yawned.

–"The irritating little girl must have restrained you well if you're here at this hour, dear."

She mentioned sleepily. I didn't answer. I closed the door and began to change my clothes. The uniform was excessively sweaty. I threw it violently into a laundry basket by the entrance. The servants emptied it and left clean clothes on the table every day. I headed for the bathroom after retrieving a towel from the closet.

–"Someone's had a bad dinner, I see."

Anäis stated as soon as I changed rooms. I gritted my teeth rather angrily. I restrained myself at the last moment and did not give her an answer that would have undoubtedly brought more problems than solutions. After washing myself with a bucket of cold water, which I needed, and before leaving the bathroom, I leaned my forehead against the bathroom door. "I'm stupid." I released some of the pent-up frustration by throwing a punch at the stone wall.

The next day, I woke up completely dejected. For ten minutes, I pondered the idea of not attending classes. I would have managed to sleep a maximum of three hours. To make matters worse, my illness decided to strike violently in the middle of the night. Almost forty minutes of intense pain in practically all my body. I ended up sweatier even than at dinner with Count Mott. I cursed my existence, Saito, the noble, Tristain and even the Founder. Finally, and after another cold water bath, I had sat down on the desk chair to think things over. "I'm so tired…" Despite the physical and mental exhaustion, the image of the Count arriving at the academy mounted on a horse to accuse me of impersonation prevented me from resting. After putting on a clean uniform, I assumed my responsibilities. I looked in the mirror and, out of the corner of my eye, saw the cat stretching out on the bed. "She deserves to know what happened, but now is not the time." I sighed.

–Anäis, I'm sorry I woke you up during the night.

–"Good morning to you too, Alessandro. Don't worry, I know you didn't do it on purpose. Have a good day in class."

She replied crisply. She curled back up on the blanket and avoided eye contact at all times. Although I was annoyed by the gesture, I didn't think anything of it.

On the way to the dining room, where breakfast was already served, Louise and Saito waited for something or someone at the entrance of the room. "I don't have the strength for this." I lamented. As soon as the tristanian's eyes met mine, she and her familiar took off. The boy remained behind, fearful of his master. I tried to prepare myself as best I could for her reprimand.

–Alessandro!

Louise exclaimed. The dejected feeling with which I rose from the bed increased. She placed both hands on her waist.

–How could you give in to this damn dog's stupid plan?

She pointed to her 'stupid dog'. I closed my eyes. Saito lowered his head.

–What if the Count stops you? He's a royal officer, not a student of the academy!

I raised my right hand. Her irritating tone of voice was piercing my head like a spear.

–I'm sorry, Louise, but I don't have time for this. Not now. Yes, I gave in to Saito. Yes, it was a bad idea. I'm aware of that.

I replied exhausted. I stopped, "At this point, I feel I have lost everything. Founder, if the Count finds out the truth, send him as soon as possible to put me out of my misery." I opened my eyes. They were stunned at my response and the tone used, especially Louise. "The dark circles under my eyes don't think they'll do much to hide it."

–I barely slept tonight. I need to be alone. If you'll excuse me...

I started walking towards the dining room, passing by them without saying goodbye properly. Saito was about to interject, but something stopped him.

It's been a terrible morning. I fell asleep in alchemy class, provoking laughter from the rest of the students. Except for Tabitha, who seems to have no emotions. Professor Colbert asked me in alarm if I was okay and, much to my dismay, I said yes, not to worry. That I had just had a bad night. "Two weeks here and already I've been involved in several hairy affairs. First the duel and now a wager with a Count who could uncover my lies with a single letter. Founder, how long will my family continue to make trouble for me?" I have barely eaten so far this day. I have been on the verge of giving in to sleep, again, in the dining room. I whispered goodbye to Louise and Saito, both of whom kept giving me worried looks the whole time, and headed for the bedroom. I dropped onto the bed, falling asleep instantly, not out of pleasure but out of necessity.

When I awoke, the sun was still shining. I hadn't seen Anäis since morning. "She must have been really upset. I'm sorry, but today is not my day." I walked to the window after relieving myself. "It will be dark soon." After getting ready properly, I went out into the hallway to stretch my legs. "I'll take a walk around the courtyard before it's time for dinner." As I walked down the stairs, and thanks to the hours of rest, I calmly thought about everything that had happened: Saito knocking on my room door; me agreeing to go with him; the audience with the Count; and dinner. "Damn it. We were too hasty, especially me. My impromptu plan could cost us dearly." I bit my lower lip. Downstairs in the dormitory, I bumped into a certain someone. Initially I regretted his presence. But then, an idea popped into my head. "It's time to make things right for once." Saito greeted me. He carried a basket of Louise's clean clothes in his hands. I returned the gesture and smiled to let him know I was feeling better.

–Good afternoon, Saito.

–Alessandro! How are you feeling?

The boy asked worriedly.

–Better. I haven't fully recovered yet, but now at least I can have a proper conversation. I'm sorry about this morning. I'm…

–Don't worry about it. Louise and I understand. She was upset that you sent us off like that, though.

He assured me. I sighed in relief. Then, a thought occupied my mind, worrying me greatly. I approached him to speak softly.

–Saito, what exactly did you tell Louise?

The boy was surprised by my tone. He put the basket down.

–Just the part of the deal. I explained to her that Count Mott received us, you talked to him and offered us to exchange Siesta for a book, which Kirche's family has.

He answered seriously. I tried to read his body language. "He doesn't seem to be lying. I see that he has perfectly understood the ruses I improvised. However..." I glued myself to him, our faces being just inches apart. I tried to intimidate him thanks to the size difference. The boy stepped back.

–Now listen to me. Everything that happened during the audience with the Count will remain between us. For the rest of the people, including Louise, you have never heard the name Vincenzo Fontana de Cittadella. Nothing I have said, whether it is a lie or not, will come out of your mouth, understood?

My sudden change of mood startled him. He swallowed and didn't answer. I fixed my eyes on his.

–Understood, Saito?

–Ri-Right. I'm a tomb.

He assured me in a whisper. I was not convinced. I grabbed him by the collar of his strange upper garment with my left hand, lifting him up to his chin. His eyes widened in bewilderment.

–Swear it on your life.

I said, gritting my teeth. Saito began to tremble.

–I-I swear, I swear! I won't say anything.

I let go and looked away. He took a few steps away. I took a deep breath.

–I'm sorry, Saito. I got carried away.

We spent a few seconds in silence. "I hope no one saw us." The familiar hesitated about how to act next. Finally, I decided to speak myself.

–Well. Tell me, have you thought of any plans to get the manuscript from the Von Zerbst family?

Saito slowly pulled himself together. He nodded, still in shock.

–I'll talk to Kirche tonight after dinner.

I placed a finger on my chin.

–Certainly, we can take advantage of his favoritism for you. The border with Germania is three days away. With any luck, Siesta will return to the academy next week.

I replied trying to reassure him, which I succeeded. "I'm afraid of what Kirche or her family will come to ask in return for the book, but I'll figure something out." A shiver ran down my spine. "The last time I said that we got into this mess. Alessandro, you'll never learn." He smiled.

–You think so?

–I'm confident in our chances. However, we must be cautious. We don't want more people to know about it than we should.

Saito nodded again. I smiled at him.

–Tomorrow you will inform me of what Kirche has told you and we will calmly draw up a plan. No improvising, is that clear?

I warned him with a suspicious look.

–Understood!

That night, as I continued with Tristain's book of historical episodes that I had borrowed from the library, the image of Julio came to my mind. I closed the copy and set it down on the desk. "I miss you, brother." I smiled after recalling some adventures we had together. "Francesca's father didn't end up too happy with our little intrusion into his abode over the summer. Much less so when he saw Julio making out with one of his maids while standing guard to prevent my, then, partner and yours truly from being discovered." I laughed.

I raised my head and looked around the room. It was empty. "Anäis hasn't been back in all day..." I began to worry about her. At that moment, someone knocked violently on the door. I was startled. I walked quickly to the destination and opened without hesitation. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, it was Louise, not Count Mott and his guards, whose image appeared in my mind as soon as I realized I was unarmed.

–Where's Saito!

Before I could process even the smallest amount of information, the little girl pushed me away with unusual force. "I'll never get used to this." She took a quick glance around the room. Then, she turned her gaze to me.

–Alessandro, answer me!

–I don't have the slightest idea what you mean!

–Don't lie to me!

–I'm not lying!

We spent a few seconds in silence, staring into each other's eyes. Her nervousness and agitation rubbed off on me. She calmed down a little.

–Saito is gone. I can't find him anywhere.