An hour and a half after forming an improvised hunting party, we members of said party met in the courtyard together with our guide, who was none other than the secretary of Principal Osmond: Miss Longueville, the main suspect of, at least, having helped Fouquet, the thief of the object known as the Staff of Destruction. Of this, by the way, we do not even know its form. Saito was dragged by Louise because of his familiar status. Even so, he did not put up any resistance.
Before leaving, I said goodbye to Anäis, who warned me to be careful. "I'd hate to lose one of the few people I can talk to without breaking out in hives," she said. I shook my head at the thought. Once we had prepared the carriage with which we would travel to the outlaw's supposed lair, the six of us climbed into the vehicle, dividing up as follows: Louise and Saito sat on one side, with Kirche and Tabitha in front of them. At the front of the vehicle, Miss Longueville and I would control the horses in case of problems. She took the reins in a quick hand movement.
–Don't worry, I'll drive the cart.
She assured me as she smiled. A shiver ran down my spine at that moment. I nodded slowly.
–Go ahead!
She ordered as she shook the reins. The animals obeyed and we began to move forward. A doubt appeared in my head. I decided to formulate it out loud and as innocently as possible, trying not to sound suspicious.
–Even if we know more or less the exact location of the thief's lair, how will we find it? We could be looking all day.
The principal's secretary thought about the answer for a few seconds.
–According to reports from Tristain's royal espionage service, there are several huts scattered throughout this forest. Some are still in use today. However, we are looking for one that has been unoccupied for years, which is located east of a stream next to the road.
The precision with which she described the place raised even more suspicions in me. "It is completely impossible that, in one day, the spies could have discovered all that. Especially since, in the event that they did, they would have, at the very least, already recovered the Staff of Destruction." A nervous feeling ran through me.
–How long will it take to get to that place?
Kirche asked. The woman answered without turning around.
–Between an hour and a half and two hours. That's if we don't pass the stream.
She added with a chuckle.
The next half hour we spent practically in silence, with the occasional comment here and there. I was drifting off to sleep when someone decided to speak after several minutes.
–Louise.
–Yes?
Saito turned to her.
–If Fouquet is able to use magic, that means she must be a noble, right? In that case, why would a noble need to steal something?
His question suddenly woke me up. Several images from my past popped into my mind. I sat up properly in the seat and, seeing the silence of the other people present, decided to answer after clearing my throat.
–Not all practitioners of magic are nobles. You may lose your status, but not your skills.
I said after turning my head in his direction.
–What do you mean?
The familiar continued with the interrogation. In this case, the words did not come out of my mouth. Miss Longueville began to speak.
–What the young man means is that many nobles throughout Halkeginia have been stripped of their titles over the centuries, becoming little more than commoners. The reasons are endless. From family feuds to civil wars.
I felt her words as if a knife was repeatedly plunged into my chest. I averted my gaze to the forest. "There is also the possibility that your own mother decides that, since you are not a valid person, the time comes to disinherit you without warning. It's been two years since that day and still, every time I think about it, my stomach churns. If it weren't for Vittorio..." Longueville continued speaking.
–At that point, some become mercenaries, assassins, thieves... Criminals of the worst kind.
The woman closed her eyes and smiled wistfully.
–Even I lost my status a few years ago.
She sentenced. This surprised everyone present, especially me. Silence fell momentarily. I fixed my eyes on her and, despite everything I've gleaned from that last sentence, a surge of strange empathy washed over me. "On the one hand, she has just confirmed my suspicions: this woman knows how to use magic, knows Fouquet's whereabouts, and shares a hair color with her. There is no doubt about it. However, something inside me prevents me from accusing her." I felt a presence moving behind me.
–And how did you lose your status? If it's not too much to ask.
Kirche's sudden question allowed me to calm down.
–That's none of your business, Von Zerbst! Don't be rude.
Louise replied. The germanian leaned back in her seat after a sound of disapproval.
–You take all the fun out of life, Vallière.
Fortunately, Louise did not respond, thus avoiding a possible verbal confrontation that would not help anything. A light went on in my head at that very moment. "It's risky, but if I manage to indirectly rat out Fouquet maybe we can sneak up on her and get this over with as soon as possible." I confronted the director's secretary.
–I'm curious, what was your predilect element?
I asked much less directly than Kirche. Nevertheless, the meaning of the question gave me away. The woman turned her head in my direction, closed her eyes and smiled politely.
–Earth.
A bucket of cold water suddenly fell on me, metaphorically speaking, of course. Though perhaps it would have been less painful if it had been real. I nodded as I smiled back at her and locked myself in my thoughts. "Damn it. I should have warned the others before I left." I gulped. "One thing I don't understand is why she is acting so suspiciously. Clearly, if you've been paying attention to the way she's been talking and acting so far, you'd assume she knows too much to be nothing more than a secretary. Besides, she has just confessed that she is capable of using magic and Earth is her element." One possibility caused me to shudder. "What if she plans to wipe us out once we discover the truth? After all, we are the only witnesses to her theft. I must be alert and ready to fight at any moment." I spent the rest of the way in silence.
Once we reached the supposed creek, Longueville stopped the horses with a slight tug on their reins. This caused me to wake up. The woman addressed us.
–You can get off here if you wish. The cabin shouldn't be far. I'll tie up the horses and then join you.
Most nodded in agreement. However, with the impatience of the moment, I shook my head. "I will not allow you to ambush us." I tried to speak as naturally as possible.
–It would not be a good idea for you to stay alone, Miss Longueville. Fouquet might be nearby. I will accompany you.
–Are you sure?
–The bandit will think twice before attacking several people. That increases our chances.
I faked a smile of false friendliness. The director's secretary returned the gesture with apparent sincerity.
–You're a real gentleman, young man. All right, we'll tie up the horses by the side of the road. The chances of the wagon being stolen are minimal.
Now, the members of the hunting party got out of the vehicle. As soon as the woman turned her back to me, I quickly faced Saito. I approached him and whispered in his ear.
–Watch your back.
The young man was surprised. I nodded to make him understand that something was wrong. He seemed to understand the situation. The students and the familiar set off through the forest in an easterly direction. I watched them carefully until they were lost in the trees. I turned my gaze then to Fouquet. "Be careful, Alessandro." Anäis's words echoed in my head. This one held the reins in her hands and began to pull the equines.
–Come on.
She said. I followed her closely, making sure there was nothing strange around. A minute later, the secretary crouched down next to a tree and began to wrap the rope around the trunk.
–Do you think we can catch Fouquet?
The thief asked in a tone she had not used before, reminding me at times of our previous confrontation. I placed my right hand on Storm Ruler's hilt. I gulped.
–In a head-on confrontation we would stand little chance. Fortunately, our mission is to retrieve the Staff of Destruction, so we might not even have to fight.
The woman was taking too long to tie a double knot. I slowly drew my catalyst. A telltale chuckle escaped the outlaw's lips.
–It would be a real shame if Fouquet showed up.
At that very instant, she turned around at lightning speed. I got what I was looking for, but before I could utter a single word, a small-sized stone hit my forehead. I let out a groan of pain. I was thrown off balance by the speed the small object had gained. A second rock, bigger this time, hit my stomach. I dropped Storm Ruler by inertia. I felt the blood gushing from the wound and dripping down my face. At some point, I was on my knees on the ground, slowly losing consciousness. The last thing my eyes caught sight of was Fouquet walking past me and watching me with a look of false sorrow on his face.
–I'm sorry, romalian. Your friends will be next.
Before I fainted I cursed under my breath. "I'm a complete idiot."
The sweet spring breeze coming through the windows caressed my face pleasantly. I smiled once I finished the thirteenth chapter of Autumn Dreams, a novel I happened to find in the library. "The author knows how to leave us with honey on our lips, that's for sure." I sat up and headed for the bed. Anäis was lying on it with her eyes partially closed. "Sometimes I wish I could be like her." I sat down next to her and watched her. The animal yawned.
–"Are you finished with your reading, dear?"
–Yes, I don't feel like reading anymore today.
–"Good. It's time for bed. Blow out the candlesticks when you're ready."
Her words startled me. I raised my eyebrows and made a funny face.
–Sleep? But it's in the afternoon.
I looked up and, without warning, the room was practically dark, lit in sections by candles from the chandeliers. An uneasy feeling crept up my back.
–What the hell...?
I turned my head in the direction of the window and a bright light blinded me. I put my arms between my face and its source. "What's going on!" I felt my body getting heavier and heavier.
–"Be careful, Alessandro."
Anäis's sweet voice echoed in my head as on few occasions before. Slowly, I was forced to close my eyes.
I opened my eyes slowly. I was no longer in my room. Nor was it night or was there a bright glow at the window, but the sunlight illuminating the few spaces through which it filtered through the branches of the trees. My head was about to explode. "I've overindulged again..." Then, a series of images popped into my mind. "Fouquet... I have to warn the others!". I tried to quickly sit up, but everything spun around me. I directed my gaze steadily towards the ground as I supported myself on hands and knees. A series of drops of blood began to rush onto the ground beneath my head. "The wound..." I brought my right hand to my forehead and considerable pain shot through the area. I let out a groan and closed my right eye out of inertia.
–Damn it.
The fingers had turned reddish. "I must close this wound as soon as possible." Before getting up, however, I looked for other possible openings. My legs and arms were in perfect condition. A constant discomfort throbbed in my belly, but there was no blood nor did I feel anything beyond the surface of it. I coughed a couple of times and, now I sat up. I closed my eyes trying not to get dizzy from the blood loss. "How long have I been unconscious? Have they captured Fouquet?"
Just then, my sight stopped on the wagon on which we rode here. The horses remained still tied to the tree. "I must hurry." I opened the latch on the water bottle I always carry with me. I picked up Storm Ruler from the ground. I conjured the spell and a small-sized stream of water came out of the object. "My healing abilities can't compare to Count Mott's, but a small breach shouldn't be a problem." Over the next few seconds, the pain gradually subsided to practically a minor annoyance. The water returned to its original container. I took a deep breath.
–That should do it.
Just to the east of my position, some distance away, a considerable explosion was heard, similar to the one caused by Louise's Void magic yesterday morning but much more powerful. I opened my eyes wide. "What the hell was that?" I wasted no more time cleaning the now closed wound or the blood that had dripped down my face and stained part of the white uniform shirt. I quickened my pace through the woods, crossing the trail and heading for the source of the explosion. "Louise may have used a failed spell. That means Fouquet isn't done with them yet. I must hurry."
The minutes it took me to reach the edge of the clearing where the hut where Fouquet was supposedly hiding seemed like an eternity. Just before I caught a glimpse of the small clearing, I leaned against a tree. I was panting as if I had run several hundred meters. "This is not the time to suffer an attack." As soon as I felt I was ready, I took a careful look around. The situation was surprisingly normal, at least from my position. The students and Saito stood to the side next to Tabitha's dragoness with their guard up. "Sylphid must have been following us from the sky." A few meters away from them, a pile of dirt scattered at different heights occupied a good part of the clearing.
Then I saw her. I gritted my teeth. Fouquet was walking slowly in their direction with an object in his hands. The students were startled. A small conversation began. I tried to sharpen my hearing. "From here I can't understand what they are saying." I made the decision to advance along the edge of the forest, hiding in the trees. I sought to gain the outlaw's back by taking advantage of the mound of earth. "If what she is carrying in his hands is the Staff of Destruction we are in trouble." Fouquet let down his hair and removed his glasses, tossing them carelessly to the ground. I quickened my pace. Now if, as I crept closer to her, I could hear them clearly.
–You are Fouquet!
Saito mentioned. The boy tried to unsheathe Derfflinger, but the woman raised the stolen object with both hands. She laughed mischievously.
–I wouldn't do it if I were you, young man.
The familiar reluctantly stopped.
–Don't force me to murder you coldly like your friend the romalian.
Her words provoked a different reaction in us. The others shuddered. I, for my part, smiled thinking of the surprise she's going to get when she sees me on my feet. "It's not that simple to finish me off, miss." I slowly unsheathed Storm Ruler and opened the stopper of the water wineskin. The female students were speechless at Fouquet's threat. Only Saito reacted.
–What have you done to Alessandro!?
–What do you do when you have a plague of rats in a warehouse? Fumigate.
She commented full of pride, not giving importance to the fact that she had just admitted to a murder. Then, the woman prepared to do something with the Staff of Destruction. She pointed one end of it at my companions.
–I must thank you, human familiar. Until you came along, I had no idea how the staff worked. That's why I joined the hunting party and lured you kids here. I figured that someone would eventually figure out how it worked and do the job for me. However, I was counting on the fact that it would be teachers and not students who would be chosen. Fortunately for me, Gandálfr himself decided to use his legendary familiar skills.
Her last words left me frozen. "How does she know that-" For the first time in my life, instead of thinking about what she had said, I decided to act. "There will be time to question her later, Alessandro. You only have one chance. This is not the time to fail." I began to conjure the spell once I was at the right distance.
–Well, this ends here, you whippersnappers.
Instead of getting the desired result, a whip of water curled around the outlaw's neck. The latter let out a groan and released the Staff out of inertia. She brought both hands to the affected spot, but it would do no good. The others were as surprised as she was.
–W-What the hell?!
The woman exclaimed. I began to walk slowly in her direction keeping the spell, tightening my grip a little more.
–You shouldn't have underestimated this rat, Fouquet.
–Alessandro!
Saito exclaimed. Once I reached the position of the director's former secretary, I lowered the arm that held the sword, more out of inertia than on purpose. The woman watched me out of the corner of her eye. Silence reigned in the clearing for several seconds.
–I was too incautious.
I began to speak. The others approached slowly in case anything unexpected happened, even though our opponent was practically defenseless.
–If I had found out earlier, I might have saved myself an assassination attempt.
Fouquet chuckled softly.
–I was right to try to get rid of you earlier. Your insight is commendable, young man.
With each passing second, my body grew heavier and heavier due to the loss of blood. "It is unlikely that I will lose consciousness again, although it is a possibility that is there. I must try to find out as much as I can about her." I grimaced at his comment.
–And yet I almost came off badly.
I tightened my grip on the whip around her neck suddenly, which unsettled her and caused her to let out a whimper.
–I would like to ask you a series of questions, Fouquet, if that's your real name. Who do you work for? Stealing a magical object of such caliber from such an important institution is a risky move. Especially if you act alone and on a day like yesterday, where surveillance was tripled.
–Alessandro, your forehead…
Louise broke in, worried. I shook my head.
–There is nothing to worry about. I closed the wound with magic.
The bandit laughed, out loud this time. She looked me straight in the eye.
–If you think I'm going to tell you anything, you're very wrong. You're nothing but stupid kids trying to be heroes.
Kirche imitated her gesture and placed her right hand on her hip, striking that pose of superiority so characteristic of her. This caught the woman's attention.
–For being nothing more than stupid kids we have managed to capture you. What position does that leave you in?
Her comment caused Saito, of all people, to smile. I would have, but the headache was slowly taking its toll on me. The conversation died here. "She doesn't seem willing to tell us anything. We won't get anywhere this way. I'd love to get it off her tongue where she got the information about the legendary familiars. There's probably some important noble behind her, but without subjecting her to torture she won't say a word. It's a pity." I felt a prick in my belly area at that very moment. The spell almost dissipated due to the pain. I gritted my teeth. I noticed that Saito was carrying Derfflinger in his hands.
–Saito, finish this. It will be easier to tie her up if we knock her out.
Before Fouquet could say another word, the familiar nodded. The runes on his hand glowed and, although it looked like he was going to break her in half, he just punched her directly in the pit of her stomach, causing the woman to stifle a shriek and fall to her knees on the ground. I unwound the water whip at once. Saito picked up the unconscious outlaw in his arms, preventing her from hurting herself further. Then, my legs could not resist any longer and I imitated Fouquet's move. I stuck Storm Ruler into the ground, holding the hilt tightly for support. I began to gasp. Everyone became alarmed.
–Alessandro!
–Are you all right?
Louise and Saito exclaimed.
–Calm down. I'll hold on. I've lost quite some blood, but I'll hold out until we get back to the academy. We should tie up Fouquet and return the Staff to its place as soon as possible. That is our mission.
I looked up and smiled to reassure them. However, the reality was different. The gash on my forehead had been worse than I expected, causing my vision to blur at times even though it was already closed. A crippling headache was gradually developing in the affected area. To make matters worse, the second blow I received, to the stomach, seemed to be taking effect now. I looked at Fouquet, who remained unconscious on the floor. "Damn it. I almost didn't make it out of this alive and caused my colleagues to get killed. I've put the mission in danger because of my indiscretion." I closed my eyes and sighed. Someone crouched down next to me at that moment. I was shocked when I saw who it was.
–Do you need help?
Our eyes met. I was speechless at Kirche's unexpected concern. Yes, Kirche Von Zerbst, the same young woman who had repeatedly teased me since our first conversation. I reacted later than usual and answered truthfully.
–I would love to say no, but that would be lying through my teeth.
I managed to get a half smile out of her with my comment. I started to sit up slowly. Then, the germanian girl brought her body closer to mine. Specifically, her breasts to my torso, which caused me to blush.
–Lean on me, come on.
I obeyed like a pet. She put her left arm around my waist, for which I was inwardly grateful. Fortunately there were no ailments and I managed to stand up. I smiled at her.
–Thank you. I think I can continue on my own from here.
We parted for my own good. The other three members of the team remained with Fouquet. Louise and Saito seemed undecided on how to act next. Only Tabitha, the one who picked up the Staff of Destruction and kept it in its rightful container, was on the move. "Right, they don't know where the cart is." I directed my gaze in the supposed direction that the place where the outlaw tried to assassinate me should be, guiding myself with the remains of the stone golem.
–I will return with the cart. Give me a few minutes.
I started walking once they nodded. Kirche followed me.
–I will accompany you.
I looked her in the eyes without stopping.
–I can do this by myself.
–We don't know if Fouquet is acting alone. It is possible that she has an accomplice. Besides, allow me to doubt your claim. I just saw you fall on your sword as if you had been defeated in combat.
Her logic completely undid me; added to a sincere concern that comforted me. Instead of replying, I merely fixed my eyes straight ahead and continued on our way through the forest.
We reached our destination within a few minutes. I have to admit that the walk back was much more bearable for me than the outward journey even though not a single word left our lips. "I guess, with Fouquet captured, I should no longer hurry and try to prevent the murder of people I care about." I crouched down by the tree where our guide previously tied the horses. I untied the knot quickly. "I see she didn't care that they might have escaped. So she was counting on ending our lives anyways." I picked up the reins and ordered the animals to follow me. Kirche watched me closely without moving a muscle. I opened my mouth in bewilderment.
–Is something the matter?
I asked her directly. She walked silently until she was right in front of me. Barely a meter separated us. My heart began to pound. Then the germanian woman walked past me and headed for the cart. She started looking for something in the back of it. "What do you…?" When she seemed to have found what she intended, she smiled slightly. She returned to her position and, without warning, pulled a white handkerchief from between her hands.
–We must clean up that blood before it dries any more. It wouldn't be a good idea for you to go back to the academy with your face like that.
I was puzzled by her explanation. Kirche pointed to the water bottle that I always carry on my belt when I go on missions and trips.
–May I?
She asked in a tone full of kindness, which was not like the Kirche I had known so far. "Why are you acting so suddenly like this? I can understand your concern, but this is too much." I nodded out of inertia. She then picked up the object and opened the stopper, pouring some of its contents onto the handkerchief. Without the need for words, time around us stopped at that very moment. The young woman lifted the cloth. A charming smile occupied her lips. An unusual warmth ran through my cheeks. As soon as I felt the scarf on my forehead, I closed my eyes and simply enjoyed the moment. After an indefinite but longing time that I longed for as soon as Kirche stopped, I opened my eyelids again. Only two words came out of my mouth.
–Thank you.
Minutes later, all the members of the hunting party, including the thief of the Staff of Destruction, were in the carriage on our way back to the academy. I decided that I would drive, but several voices were raised against the idea. Kirche and Louise insisted that it is madness for me, in my present state, to pretend to drive the carriage alone. In the end, they agreed to my request on the condition that Saito would accompany me as a precaution in case I started to feel unwell.
We propped the principal's secretary up against the wood that separates the driver's seat from the rest of the vehicle. The familiar would tie her down beforehand to avoid any possible unpleasantness. "With the blow he gave her, she'll be asleep for a while". The women were talking about the reward we will get for completing the mission when Saito caught my attention.
–Is it normal for nobles to participate in these missions?
I smiled at his curiosity.
–Nobles, yes. Students of a magic academy, no. In fact, an opponent like Fouquet is out of our reach.
I realized something. I looked the boy in the eyes.
–That leads me to think… How did you manage to destroy the stone golem?
I asked, "Because of the chaos caused by Longueville's betrayal, I haven't had time to think about certain things. There's the fact that the woman knows Void magic, but it's not worth talking about that matter with these people." The students paused and Louise took the floor.
–Saito used the staff to explode the automaton.
She answered proudly, something that took me by surprise. Almost as much as her story. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief.
–Really? Is the object that powerful?
–It is indeed. I had never seen a firearm capable of producing such an explosion on impact with its target.
Kirche interceded. I was partially convinced by the certainty of her words. Saito continued with the story.
–The Staff, as you call it, is a rocket launcher similar to the ones in my world.
–Rocket... Launcher?
Unconsciously, my eyes began to glow in that characteristic way that, for some reason, amuses certain people. I continued speaking after the boy nodded.
–In your world, can you launch rockets with fireworks from a portable cannon?
I asked full of curiosity. Saito smiled and shook his hand.
–No no, it doesn't work like that. The rocket launcher carries a projectile that explodes when it hits the target. It's nothing like fireworks.
Explained the familiar with the help of his hands. I tried to imagine how the mechanism of such an extraordinary invention would work. "I wonder if I could take a look at the Staff once we return to the academy. Maybe, if I'm able to convince the principal..." Suddenly, Saito startled and pulled the reins to the right. I froze.
–Be careful!
Kirche exclaimed. The young man sighed and handed the control back to me.
–You shouldn't take your eyes off the front.
His comment gave me an apologetic half-smile.
–I-I'm sorry...
I focused on the horses. My companion seemed to notice something after a few minutes of silence.
–Hey, Alessandro, how did you know that the director's secretary was Fouquet?
His question surprised me. I shrugged my shoulders.
–I had my suspicions. Fouquet possessed too much information for only a day to have passed since the attack on the academy. That added to the color of her hair and the element she was an expert in. My assumptions became true once she told that she lost her social standing due to some past incident.
I sighed and looked away after admitting a grave mistake.
–Maybe I should have warned you earlier…
Louise squirmed in her seat.
–Of course you should have! We could all be dead by now.
I lowered my head.
–I'm truly sorry. However, accusing someone without hard evidence of such a serious crime could have consequences. Please understand my position.
The little girl calmed down. After a while, they continued to talk about banal matters while Saito and I remained silent. The familiar leaned back on the seat and slipped his arms behind him nonchalantly. Without warning, a stabbing pain filled the pit of my stomach. I squirmed slightly trying not to draw attention to myself. "No! Now is not the time!" I narrowed my eyes and gripped the reins tightly as a precaution. I gritted my teeth. "How could I not have thought of this before? Fouquet really hurt me. It was clear it was going to happen, but I didn't expect it so soon..." I looked up and began to breathe heavily. A bead of sweat trickled down my forehead. "Founder, give me strength." I performed a prayer in my head as the pain spread to other parts of my body. I felt a hand land on my shoulder, which caused me to startle. I opened my eyes wide and looked at the person responsible for my reaction.
–Are you all right? You look very pale.
Saito asked, concerned. I shook my head as best I could and smiled trying to relieve the tension.
–Ye-Yes, I'm fine. It seems that Fouquet has hurt me more than expected. I need to rest for a moment. Could you hold the reins in the meantime?
I lied. The boy seemed to believe my cover and nodded. I handed him the reins and carefully leaned back in the seat without another word. It took me a good stretch of the road to recover enough to stop feeling pain.
After arriving at the academy, a squad of the royal guard was waiting by the main tower of the academy. We handed them a still unconscious Fouquet and they thanked us for the good work, though they didn't seem to quite believe that random students had been able to capture one of Tristain's most wanted outlaws in such a short time. "That's understandable. I know more than anyone present about Gandálfr's abilities from the legends told in some books, and even so I would have a hard time admitting that the story Saito has told me is true. But with this boy you must expect anything."
A servant withdrew with the cart. Two teachers took the Staff of Destruction inside the building. Siesta ran to inform us that Principal Osmond and Professor Colbert are waiting for us in the former's office. The commoner denoted an incipient happiness with our return, especially with that of a certain familiar, but she managed to contain it as best she knows how.
Still, the bloodstains on my shirt worried her, but I soon reassured her by telling her that I am in no danger. "I don't blame her. Kirche has managed to wipe the blood off my face, but a few drops will rush onto my academy uniform as soon as I get up from the floor." We walked silently up the stairs to the main tower and, despite it being the Day of Nothing, a few students from other grades crossed our path. One young woman stared at my shirt in complete shock. Once we reached our destination, Louise knocked on the door of the room.
–Come in!
An elderly voice invited us in. The tristanian turned the knob and the five of us remaining members of the hunting party entered the office. The students stood in a semicircle in front of Principal Osmond's desk, similar to this morning. Saito remained several paces behind, assuming his role as familiar. We bowed and the director smiled under his bushy beard.
–It has come to my attention that the mission has been a success. Fouquet is in the custody of the royal guard and will be taken immediately to the capital for a thorough interrogation. Likewise, the Staff of Destruction has been recovered in perfect condition. Everything has gone smoothly. I congratulate you, students.
He paused and glanced sideways at me. He continued speaking.
–I hope everyone is well.
I felt the eyes of the people present suddenly settle on me. Initially I watched them with a look of disbelief on my face, but thanks to Louise I soon realized what she meant.
–Ye-Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about it.
I replied embarrassed. "I certainly need a good nap." The director relaxed.
–I'm glad. In that case, and since I don't intend to keep you too long either, let's talk about your reward. First of all, the crown will give you the sum they deem appropriate, divided between Miss Vallière, Miss Von Zerbst and Miss Tabitha. With great regret, and due to his status as a familiar, the young man does not fall within the court's plans, so it will be up to you, Miss Vallière, whether he receives a part of the reward or not.
He pointed to Saito with one hand. Saito said nothing. Despite the initial joy, soon everyone present, except for the adults and me, realized something. However, not a single word left their lips. Instead, attention was focused on the one person who had not been mentioned. The old man continued speaking as if the atmosphere had not changed.
–Secondly and lastly, a party will be held tonight in honor of you three ladies. The event will take place in the ballroom of the central tower, the same one where senior graduations and other important celebrations are held throughout the year. The party will begin at 8:30 p.m. and last until midnight.
He paused one last time before ending his speech.
–That is all. You are dismissed.
He smiled affably and leaned back in his seat. As soon as he uttered the last word, none of those present except me moved. I bowed slightly and turned around without saying anything. I met Saito's eyes. Then, one person decided to comment on the obvious. The obvious to everyone except me, at least.
–What about Alessandro, isn't he going to be rewarded?
Louise asked. I stopped instantly. The director shook his head after thinking hard about what to say next. It took him several seconds to answer.
–I'm afraid not. At least for the moment.
And so, an icy layer of silence fell over all of us. I gripped the hilt of Storm Ruler tightly and closed my eyes. "A small part of me was confident that, despite the fact that the director knows the truth, I would be minimally rewarded right now. I don't plan to complain since, legally, there is no reason to. I am an adopted noble. I use a surname that is not even my own. However... It is unfair. Without me, Fouquet would not have been captured so easily."
My emotions were an uncontrolled torrent. "On the other hand, I didn't participate in the confrontation against the golem. The bandit knocked me out so fast that I couldn't even defend myself properly. I'm pathetic." I opened my eyes again and tried to conceal the helplessness that had just taken hold of me. Saito gave me a look full of empathy. Due to the lack of reasons given by the old man, not only Louise reproached him for his decision, but Kirche joined the reproach by adding a strong argument.
–It's an injustice! Without his intervention we could all be dead right now.
She said in a tone I would never have expected her to use in reference to anyone else. Louise intervened again.
–Exactly! Why...?
–That's enough.
The conversation was about to drift to an unpleasant extreme for me, so I decided to raise my voice for the first time since we crossed the threshold of the door. "This is a joke. The first time they agree on something it's with such a sensitive subject." I turned halfway around and looked the two involved in the discussion in the eyes. I swallowed my pride and smiled pretending to be fine.
–It's not worth arguing anymore. The decision has already been made. Besides, I spent most of the confrontation unconscious because of my incompetence. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll see you tonight.
And with that, I put an end to the discussion. I walked towards the door without looking back, turned the knob and left Principal Osmond's office, leaving everyone in the room bewildered.