After a night of catching up on lost sleep, I woke up fully rested. Being the second Day of Nothing of the course, I took the opportunity to get up later than usual. "Breakfast is served later today, so I still have time to get ready." Yesterday, before going to sleep, I recapped on what had happened since the school year began. "Saito's appearance during the Summoning Ceremony has caused a huge stir in my life. I sometimes wonder if Vittorio, since he is a Void user, somehow predicted that the boy would be summoned by Louise. She, being from the Vallière family, has royal blood running through her veins. What if he sent me here because of it? Have Lífprasir and Mjöovitnir been summoned in Albion and Gallia and only Gandálfr was left to make an appearance? No, that doesn't make sense. Vittorio made it very clear to me that if anyone summoned one of the legendary familiars to let him know, so that possibility is ruled out. There is very little information on Void magic despite what I may have read in my life on the subject."
After sitting up, the first thing that entered my field of vision was the small figure of Anäis, who was sleeping peacefully at the foot of the bed at the opposite end from me. "Then we have my own familiar. Professor Colbert has yet to inform me if he has found anything in the forbidden section of the library. I am not a Void user. Therefore, Anäis should not stand out beyond the fact that she can communicate telepathically, knows part of my past for some reason, and hides too much under that calm appearance. Yeah, all normal." I closed my eyes and stretched. I got out of bed. I walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. "My hair has grown longer than it should have." I remembered that in less than two weeks it would be the Familiar's Day. "Decided. I'll ride into town the afternoon before to trim it a bit." The mere thought of riding for six hours elicited a huge cringe from me. "I doubt there's a barber here, though…" I came out of the bathroom after washing my face. "I lose nothing by asking Siesta."
I glanced out the bedroom window. I sighed. "How much longer will the bad weather last?" The sky continued to be overshadowed by countless storm clouds. I changed clothes and, for the first time since I've been here, decided not to wear the academy uniform. Instead, and still keeping the white shirt, I put on a dark blue embroidered romalian vest decorated with lilies, the characteristic flower of southern Romalia. For the legs, dark brown pants will do. I decided to use the second pair of travel boots I ordered packed from the servants at the papal residence along with other summer footwear or footwear made for special situations. A pair of bracelets to adjust the shirt sleeves finished off the outfit. I fastened Storm Ruler to the belt, decorated with the Serevare emblem. I prepared to leave and then I noticed that Anäis had awakened. She stretched out on the bed.
–Good morning, sleepyhead.
She yawned.
–"When the weather's bad, it's bad taste to get up early. Besides, look who came to talk. I wouldn't be surprised if the maid was waiting for you on the other side of the door. Try not to make any strange sounds this time, will you?"
I felt her comment like a right hook.
–Give me a break. I was drowsy and didn't expect her presence.
–"What an underdeveloped survival instinct. Well, go get some breakfast and remember to get me some too. Or, better yet, send the girl. Who could resist your charms dressed like that?"
I decided not to make light of her unwelcome remarks. "In a way, I missed her verbiage. It comforts me to know that our relationship is back to normal." I smiled.
–See you later, Anäis.
–"Bon appetit, dear."
I walked to the door and opened it. I crossed the threshold and left it cuddled up in case my familiar needed to relieve herself or felt like taking a walk. This time, Siesta was not in the hallway. Instead, I spotted a reddish hair at the end of the hallway. The young woman turned at the sound of my footsteps. She was wearing her academy uniform as if we were on a school day. Something surprised her.
–Well well, look who has decided to change his attire. You look unrecognizable, boy who speaks with swords.
She smiled. Despite still being a little annoyed by her attitude and the nickname she's given me, I returned the gesture. "I wonder if she's bad with names or just likes to tease me." I walked over to where she stood and stand next to her.
–Thank you. I thought a young lady like you would choose a different type of dress on the Day of Nothing.
She raised an eyebrow.
–Are you implying that the uniform looks bad on me?
Thanks to the fact that she was still wearing part of her smile, I didn't let her deplorable performance sway me.
–I would never disrespect a woman like that. I was brought up as a gentleman, Miss von Zerbst.
Kirche chuckled lightly. She turned and looked at me.
–I suppose you are hungry, aren't you? Would you accompany this beautiful young woman to breakfast, gentleman?
She asked as if she already knew the answer. However, the invitation did take me by surprise. It took me a few seconds to react. The germanian woman, who started downstairs, looked displeased.
–I'll take your silence as a no then.
–Wait!
She stopped. I passed her on her right.
–I suppose it's rude to refuse an invitation from a beautiful young woman, am I wrong?
As she had done with me, I didn't even bother to look at her. I heard the sound of her heels clicking against the steps. We spent the rest of the way to the dormitory entrance in silence, walking practically parallel. Once we reached our destination, we waited for the storm to subside long enough for us not to get soaked.
–I hate the rain. It leaves my hair in a deplorable state. And the cold chills me to the bone.
My companion complained. Then, the same idea came to me as the day before. I unsheathed my catalyst. Kirche was surprised and took a step back. I turned my gaze to her.
–If you stay by my side, you might be able to keep your hair in perfect condition.
She narrowed her eyes. She soon understood what I meant and smiled mischievously.
–I remember that, just a few days ago, you told me that you are not good at magic.
Her words, still hurtful, didn't hurt me. I shrugged and turned my body towards the courtyard.
–Then our paths diverge here.
I uttered the incantation and the rain began to move away from Storm Ruler's blade, creating a sort of invisible umbrella around me. As soon as I started to walk towards the main tower, I felt a body position itself right behind me. Its proximity caused me to blush. Specifically, the light touch of her breasts against my back and right arm.
–Romalian, if you don't walk, the spell will dissipate and we'll get soaked.
I took a deep breath and obeyed.
Instead of having breakfast together, Kirche and I separated as soon as we reached the dining room. The presence of Louise and Saito at the dining room door caused the tristanian to watch us carefully, piercing us, at least me, with her gaze. The germanian woman, reading the situation as good as me, politely said goodbye and thanked me for the service. She sat down next to Tabitha. The two of them, or rather, she began to talk happily while her interlocutor read a book, as usual.
Louise started questioning me once we sat down to breakfast. I had to explain to her in detail that our meeting had been fortuitous. Saito took pity on me with a look. "I don't understand why it bothers her that Kirche and I talk. Even that we could become friends. She has never made a pass at me like she did with Saito. And in case she did, why does she care? Someone should explain to her that this control she tries to exert over the rest of us is incredibly irritating." After a hearty breakfast and a pleasant greeting from Siesta, who informed me that she would personally take a plate of food to Anäis, which I appreciated, we left the dining room.
–How much longer is it going to rain?
–What a stupid question. It's spring. It's perfectly normal for it to rain.
The young woman answered without hesitation.
–As I understand it, tristanian springs and autumns usually have weeks of uninterrupted thunderstorms and torrential rains.
I added, seeking to ease the tension that Louise had created between us as soon as I saw me standing next to Kirche.
–What a bore.
–Good morning, young people.
Said a voice behind us. We turned in unison and there was Professor Colbert smiling gently, as always. I returned the gesture.
–Professor Colbert, can we help you?
Louise asked. The man nodded and looked me in the eye.
–I need to speak to Mr. Alessandro for a moment. It's about that matter you know about.
He indicated. I opened my eyelids and became excited, although I contained my joy.
–Did you find anything?
–More or less. Come with me, please.
I looked at the student and her familiar.
–If you'll excuse me.
–See you later.
–Bye.
They said goodbye. I walked to stand next to the professor.
–We'll talk in my lab. You know, walls have ears.
–I-I understand.
His comment put me on alert. "What did you find out, Professor? I hope it's not something bad." We headed without wasting time to his laboratory, located on the second floor of the tower.
The information shared with me by Professor Colbert was proving difficult to digest. That's regardless of whether he told me everything he had discovered, which I question. "So there have been other 'Anäises' throughout history that have always been familiar to sorcerers related to Water or healing magic. The runes don't lie and the symbols were the same on at least four other occasions. That leads me to wonder the following. Were they another 'Anäises' or...?" I paused in front of my bedroom door. "The cat knows too much for reasons I can't yet fathom. And she doesn't seem willing to share them. I must tread lightly or she might go back to not speaking to me. However, putting this matter aside..." I sighed after calmly thinking about my future actions regarding my familiar.
–It had to happen precisely to me.
I whispered. I lowered the handle.
The next day, Siesta visited me minutes before breakfast. She greeted me politely and handed me a letter stamped with the Serevare coat of arms. I thanked her for her excellent work, although I am a little concerned that her diligence may not go unnoticed by the rest of the students or the service.
After a demanding morning of classes in which the professors have begun to teach real subject matter, I sat down in my desk chair and began to calmly read the missive. "What pristine handwriting Vittorio has." His affectionate greeting is accompanied by words of thanks for my information and some concern for my situation, especially socially. "I should talk to other students. No longer just to, as he says, not to arouse suspicion, but because of Louise's temperament and the control she exerts over Saito. Kirche does not seem as stupid as I initially thought and Tabitha, the other student with whom I have had more contact, is rather sparing with words." Finally, the letter reports that Julio is currently in Albion acting as a papal diplomat. This generated some doubts in my head. "In Albion? Now? I thought he would remain in Germania until the summer. I wonder what is happening on the island." I curled up the missive and tucked it away in one of the desk drawers. From another drawer I pulled out a blank piece of paper. I dipped my pen in the inkwell.
–The events following the confrontation with Count Mott have given me many doubts. I must warn Vittorio, in the unlikely event that he is unaware of the situation, that there is a faction on a continental scale that plans to unify Halkeginia, shedding innocent blood if necessary.
I began to write.
–I will also add the news about Gandálfr and Derfflinger.
After several minutes in which not a single noise besides that exerted by the pen on the paper was heard in the room, I finished my writing. I left it to dry on the table so that I could send it off as soon as possible. Anäis had left shortly before my return from classes.
Nine days later, and after a peaceful morning, I was walking up the stairs of the dormitory towards Louise's room. I had decided to train together with Saito and Derfflinger to improve my skills not only with the sword, but also by practicing some Linear spells. The last week had been quiet. Saito didn't act like a mindless idiot again and the waters calmed down enough to make me believe that my student life was completely normal. There were no health ailments or strange happenings.
Anäis and I have agreed to start practicing a number for the Familiar's Day exam in hopes of excelling enough to not come in last place. We will combine my skill with Water along with her, she says, extraordinary agility, which I have not had the pleasure of contemplating to this day. The mere thought of facing a legendary familiar and her weapon of choice elicited an unusual excitement in me. "I know I have no chance of winning, but to be mentored by Derfflinger herself is a true honor." Once I reached my goal, I repeatedly knocked on the door.
–Yes? Who is it?
A female voice answered my knock.
–It's me Alessandro. Can I speak to you for a moment?
The wood moved within a few seconds. Louise was on the other side with her usual countenance.
–Go ahead.
I obeyed and she stepped aside. Unfortunately, there was no one else in the room. I turned to the tristanian.
–Where is Saito?
–So you were looking for him. I ordered him to go to sword training.
The young woman sat in the chair next to the desk.
–I tried to teach him manners and how to act according to protocol, but to no avail. Therefore, he will practice with the sword day in and day out until the exam comes.
She explained to me with a certain weariness in her tone of voice. After understanding what she meant, I looked away. "Poor kid. Knowing her, she'll surely make him train for hours without a break. Although, for me, this situation is beneficial." I repositioned my cloak.
–In fact, I had come to propose exactly that: to train together.
Louise raised her eyebrows.
–Really? How convenient. Very well. You'll find him in the backyard, where there are hardly any students present to see how ridiculous he can get.
–Louise...
I tried to talk some sense into her. "I wonder if you'll ever stop treating him like a common stray dog." She instead opened one of the desk drawers, ignoring me completely.
–Besides, by training with you maybe he'll learn some etiquette. Since you warned him last week, he hasn't done anything majorly stupid again.
I sighed, "Sorry, I'm not going to act as a mentor. Especially from someone who could cost me my head." I turned and proceeded to walk out of the cabin.
–No promises. See you later, Louise.
–See you later.
The young woman said goodbye.
The courtyard was filled with sophomores practicing with their familiars for the Familar's Day test. Most of them were working out well together. I paused for a moment before crossing over the covered walkway separating the two spaces. I sighed, "And I haven't even begun to think about what order we're going to do the exercises in yet." I scratched the back of my neck and continued on my way. I glanced into the backyard and, to my surprise, Saito was not practicing next to Derfflinger, but was sitting with his back leaning against the small chapel dedicated to the Founder. What caught my attention the most, however, was the object next to him. "What is he still doing with that sword?" I walked to his position. The familiar became aware of my presence halfway. He stood up and waved to me.
–Alessandro!
I didn't open my mouth until I was a few meters away from him.
–Good afternoon, Saito.
–Taking a walk?
I shook my hand.
–Not today. I was looking for you.
–Me?
He pointed to himself while opening his eyes in a gesture of surprise.
–Yes. I spoke to Louise a moment ago. She told me you were here, training.
The familiar emitted a grunt in response. He looked away somewhat annoyed.
–That idiot told me that, since I don't have any protocol, the best I can do is practice with the sword until exhaustion. Oh, and that she'll think of something on the day of the test so I don't make a fool of myself.
The look on my face as a result of his answer must have been mocking to say the least. "Founder, I want to believe that someday they will respect each other. I'm not asking that much, am I?" I took in his situation and thought hard about what to say next. I walked past him and stood in front of Derfflinger and the golden sword.
–There's nothing I can do about the latter. Louise is smart. Trust her a little.
I bent down and carefully proceeded to hold the legendary sword in my hands. I stood up and, after casting a proud glance at the object, I turned around. I offered it to him. Saito looked at me doubtfully.
–On the other hand, I could use a training partner to keep me in shape. What do you say?
I smiled as I waited for an answer. The familiar pondered the idea. After a quick glance at his legitimate sword, he ended up nodding.
–Okay. I guess it's more fun if I can practice with someone.
–Thank you.
I insisted on my offer. Instead, the boy walked past me, leaving me dumbfounded, and picked up Kirche's cursed sword. He pulled it out of the beautifully decorated scabbard, leaving it in its original place. I faced him.
–Saito, what are you doing?
He cocked his head to one side.
–Taking my weapon.
Before answering some expletive, I stopped and took a close look at the back of his left hand. The runes emitted no glow. "Maybe it's because he's not in a dangerous situation and I was wrong, but…" I tried to sound as reasonable as possible.
–Use Derfflinger, please. I think taking advice from a sword with magical properties will be extremely useful.
Saito didn't even think about it and dismissed the offer with his hand.
–No way. Honestly, I like Derff, but I don't think it will be useful in combat until I repair it. And Louise isn't willing to spend any more money on me.
He paused and continued after looking at the legendary sword again.
–Besides, she hasn't said a single word all day.
I listened to his arguments and, although with my knowledge of the matter they sound stupid, I admitted that his point of view was not entirely wrong. I was struck by the nickname he has given his companion. "I'm afraid you won't see the true value of Derfflinger until you wield it in a real confrontation. At least, if they communicate from time to time and the sword convinces him, that may happen sooner rather than later." A somewhat convoluted idea flashed through my mind as I was about to continue my futile attempts at reasoning. "Wait a minute, maybe I could..." I made a decision. I accepted his excuses and smiled.
–All right.
I walked to the chapel wall and left Derfflinger leaning carefully against it.
–If he doesn't want to learn the easy way...
I mentioned in a low voice. "He'll do it the hard way." As soon as I sat up again, I proceeded to unbutton my cloak. I laid it down on one of the benches under the row of trees that surround almost the entirety of the academy walls, carefully placing the academy clasp on top of it. I rolled up my sleeves. I took a deep breath. "I never came to believe that I would face a legendary familiar. Much less two, and specifically Gandálfr. Here we go." I pulled Storm Ruler out of the holster and wielded it tightly.
–In position.
Saito understood what I meant and stood a few meters away from me. I looked for a more open spot, away from walls or trees, and prepared myself.
–We will not overdo it. As soon as one of us loses balance or is disarmed, it's over, understood?
–Good.
He replied briskly. "It is truly an honor to challenge you, Gandálfr." I raised my sword and my eyes bore into his.
–One more thing!
His words broke my concentration as I was about to give the signal to begin.
–Yes?
–Are you going to attack me with magic?
Instead of answering immediately, I weighed a possibility that existed thanks to the situation. "I think I'm playing with fire by doing this, but I want to see what you're capable of, Saito." I smiled somewhat haughtily and purposely relaxed.
–Do you think I need to cast spells to be victorious? Don't worry, we'll fight on equal terms. That way, if someone sees how I defeat you, they won't think it was because I used magic, but because of my skill with the sword.
My declaration of intent did not go unnoticed. Initially, the boy had been stunned. Soon, that unusual pride he possesses came to the fore. He raised his eyebrows.
–Don't get carried away, Alessandro. I've defeated one of you before.
I continued with my false boast of superiority.
–Don't think I'll make it as easy for you as Guiche. Besides, I'm not in the habit of hiding behind metal automatons while fighting. Now, on guard.
Saito swallowed and held the golden sword with both hands. I took the usual position I usually use. "Storm Ruler may not be very elongated or wide, but it defends well against heavy blows, and that allows me to respond quickly. If the runes activate I'll be in trouble, but I mustn't give up before I start. I'll look for his weak spots and get this over with as soon as possible. It wouldn't be a good idea for me to get an ailment just now." I took a couple of deep breaths and braced myself.
–Go ahead!
The boy started charging forward and prepared to strike carelessly, which allowed me to guess the move he was going to make with some ease. I dodged the slash by stepping back and the familiar, without any skill, let the weight of the sword control his body more than it should and he lost his balance. I took a quick glance at the back of his hand where the runes were engraved and they did not glow. Not even a faint light.
–With attacks like that you won't achieve anything, Saito!
–Shut up!
He tried to hit me with another slash, but the result was the same. This time I counterattacked and hit his back with the flat part of the blade, causing him to almost rush into the grass of the courtyard. "I guess, from time to time, it doesn't hurt to have some fun at other people's expense." I assimilated what I had just thought. "What am I saying? I'm not like that." I shook my head and focused back on the fight. The boy looked annoyed.
–Now you're going to find out!
His third attack was violently blocked by one of mine. Our faces were mere inches from each other, making clear the difference in height that exists. I smiled again.
–I'm very sorry, but this ends here.
With a quick flick of my wrist, I pushed his sword away and rammed him with the pommel of my catalyst, hitting him squarely in his chest and causing him to fall to the ground on his haunches in an instant. Saito let out a groan of pain, provoked more by the fall than by the slight impact of my weapon. I relaxed my posture and returned to my usual affable gesture. Seeing that he didn't react, I became concerned.
–Did you really hurt yourself?
I asked. The familiar, far from answering, looked carefully at his weapon, which was lying on the ground beside him, and then focused his attention on his hands. He did not say a word for a long time.
–It is clear that my victory against that idiot of Guiche was a stroke of luck.
The boy sat up. His eyes were fixed on the ground beneath his feet. He clenched his fists in anger.
–Count Mott and his soldiers humiliated me. And now so have you. I don't know how to handle a sword and I don't have much interest in learning either. I know my duty here is to be Louise's guardian, but I didn't choose that job. Tell me, Alessandro, why doesn't anyone understand me?
He explained with a certain anger in his tone of voice. Our eyes met as soon as he asked me a question that, to this day, I could not answer with complete certainty. Instead, I decided to withdraw into myself for a moment to think carefully about what to say next. "I may have made a mistake by acting high-handed, even if it was all a lousy performance. I hurt his pride. Well done, Alessandro." I sighed and sheathed Storm Ruler.
–I'm sorry, Saito. I didn't mean to humiliate you this way. For a moment I thought your runes would activate just like in the fight against Guiche and I would have to give my all to try to defeat you.
The familiar, disconcerted, did not react as I expected.
–And how do you know that?
His question completely threw me off. I swallowed hard and answered hastily.
–We-Well... You-Your runes glowed brightly as soon as you wielded my sword in the duel against Guiche. It's likely that if you use a real weapon like Derfflinger they will do so again.
My explanation seemed to please him enough for him not to ask any more questions that could corner me. Saito placed a finger on his chin and carefully observed the place where I had previously left his companion. Now calmer, I decided to accompany my words with a little reflection.
–Saito, I understand your position, but Louise is your master. Your duty as a familiar is to protect her in dangerous situations. I understand that sometimes there are frictions, especially with someone of such a character, but make an effort.
I picked up the golden sword from the floor.
–One last thing. Stop using this blade. As a work of art it is exquisitely crafted, but as a weapon it is too impractical.
–Alessandro is right.
A voice from behind me commented. I turned around. We were both surprised by Louise's sudden presence. The tristanian approached us.
–You're gawking at that damn sword Von Zerbst gave you. On top of that, and knowing my relationship with her, you still use it as if it were nothing. I hope you have learned your lesson after a humiliation like the one we have just witnessed.
Her words caused me to look around. Several sophomores and some familiars were watching the scene from a distance. "I wonder at what point they got there. At least I didn't come out defeated, like Guiche, nor am I writhing in pain on the floor." Most went back to whatever the Founder knew they were doing. The young man returned with Derfflinger on his back.
–Louise, the idea I told you about in the morning doesn't seem so bad at this point, don't you think?
Saito said to his master. The little girl, far from responding like a civilized person and for reasons unknown to me, hit him on the head violently, which made me open my eyes like saucers.
–Stop talking nonsense. Now move! It's bad enough that I'm being laughed at for not knowing how to cast spells without you being humiliated in public.
Louise placed a hand on the boy's right ear and pulled it with unusual force. The familiar let out a groan of pain.
–Ow! Wait, Louise, you don't need to... Ow!
–Shut up and walk!
They didn't even say goodbye. I stood transfixed, watching the academy's fashionable couple. "I wonder what idea could provoke such a response." I sighed and smiled.
–I guess some things never change.
–Good afternoon, my lord.
The voice of a certain servant girl with a skill for stealth worthy of an assassin caused me to recoil in fright. I placed a hand on my chest and felt my heart beat violently against it in a matter of seconds. She remained indifferent just a few feet away from me.
–Siesta, don't scare me like that!
The young woman realized her mistake and apologized with a bow.
–I'm sorry! I thought you heard me approaching.
She explained awkwardly. I finally calmed down and shook my head.
–With Louise shrieking like that I'm afraid paying attention to my surroundings is an arduous task.
I walked over to the bench where I had rested my cloak and picked it up.
–Siesta, help me put my cloak on properly, please.
–Right now.
I performed the same motion as every morning and, while she made sure nothing was out of place, I attached both parts to the clasp with the academy emblem. I thanked her with a head move. Finally, I returned the shirt sleeves to their original place.
–I have been watching your duel with Saito. Congratulations, my lord.
Siesta gave a half-smile. "I am perfectly aware of your affinity towards Saito, so I understand that your joy is not exorbitant. Besides, it wasn't even a duel as such." While making sure there was nothing misplaced, I glanced around the courtyard. Most of the students present when Louise appeared were still there, practicing circus acts with their familiars for the test that will take place in a few days: Kirche's igneous salamander was shooting flames from its mouth, reaching several meters high; Malicorne's owl was flying in the direction his master ordered him to change every few seconds; Guiche was proudly stroking the chin of his giant mole... All except Tabitha, who was standing next to Kirche reading a book, as usual. For a moment I thought she hadn't prepared anything yet, but then I remembered that her familiar is a wind dragon, which in itself is impressive.
I shuffled through different possibilities of what could happen regarding me and Anäis if we don't start practicing as soon as possible. "I need to get a decent grade beyond whatever kind of show we get to put on. However, the only thing my familiar has shown me so far is having a viper tongue and a rhetorical skill worthy of a philosopher." The maid stood by my side, waiting for me to give her an order.
–My lord, I do not mean to pry into your affairs, but I am rather curious. What have you and Lady Anäis planned for the Familiar's Day test?
The way she mentioned my familiar's name, with such respect, surprised me. "It seems Anäis has deigned to speak to someone else. Interesting." I responded somewhat dejectedly.
–I have decided to leave that matter in her hands… Paws. However, time is passing and my familiar does not seem to have any intention of getting down to practicing a supposed number that she herself has proposed. As you can understand, I am not entirely convinced by the idea.
–Lady Anäis seems to be a... reliable creature, if I may say so. Surely she must have thought of something to make you both look good in front of her majesty, the royal entourage and the rest of the academy.
Her words reminded me that the queen would be attending the event.
–Queen Henrietta will be attending the test. I had forgotten.
I put a hand to my face and cursed to myself. The commoner intervened again.
–This year will be different from previous years. Her Majesty's presence is because, having ascended the throne half a year ago, she must prove that, despite being a teenager, she will be a worthy queen, so attending events like this is a first step. At least that's what the rest of the tristain-born ladies and lords say.
She bowed by way of excuse in case she had spoken too much. I made light of the fact, but was grateful for her explanation. "In all honesty, I wouldn't want to be in the queen's position. Although I don't know if mine is much better." I sighed.