To Adam Hazard and duked: I was planning to answer your questions here, but then duked's review gave me a new idea to open this chapter that would do so for me. I'm glad that you all like my story!

It was an emotional rollercoaster to me, from that night to the next day.

After dinner, I followed Big Sis Cattleya back to her bedroom so I could talk with her. I started sulking about how Big Sis Eleonore treated me during the whole journey back to our home, and she calmly remarked that it's only because my family is very worried of you, being the youngest daughter and… well, 'untalented'. Of course, I told her that I have been doing better after the Spring Summoning Ritual, and everyone was now recognizing her power. I didn't say anything about Void yet because it might concern her. And that really cheered her up, albeit not in a very excited way because of her health.

She then asked me if I knew about Wardes' betrayal, and I nodded without a word. Though, maybe because of my emotionless answer, Big Sis asked back in worried if I was okay, and I quickly reassured her that I was completely okay, but disappointed at how Wardes betrayed Tristain.

Then… she suddenly changed the tone of the conversation by asking if I was in love with someone. That caused me to immediately deny it, though my red face only made her curiosity raise.

She told me that I talked nicer and more polite to the servants, which was something I didn't do before studying in the Academy. She even said that I looked more relaxed and less demanding.

That's when I slipped: "Wisdom helped me a lot."

"Oh? Your familiar? I'm glad that you started listening to the servants."

"Well… he's more than that…"

"How so?"

At that point, I was going to say more, but then I realized something:

I didn't truly know how of a person Wisdom actually was. More like, his own history.

He always kept distance, despite the fact that I have already accepted and forgiven his 'mistakes'. And I was very certain that he DID have emotions, but decided to conceal it to 'properly do his works'.

Later on the revelation, I tried to see if I could tap into his mind again, but apparently he had it covered. Given how he shook his head to me, I knew that I won't be able to see more.

I have tried to ask more about his family, but all he said that 'I have no true family'. I thought that his parents were dead or something, but he didn't say anything further so I couldn't confirm it. And 'The Nobles killed them' theory was out of window too, because if that's really the case…

Any personal questions to him earned me no answers either.

I tried asking the servants if they heard him talking about it in private, but not even the closest one like Chef Marteau or Siesta knew anything.

Maybe, just maybe, he used various spells and fighting styles to hide his true self further…

Big Sis' question snapped me back, and I replied in embarrassment that I didn't actually know him that much. I then spoke about Wisdom's unique mystery silence, and he was the one teaching me how to use magic. That surprised her because she, along with the rest of my family except my mother, didn't know about him being able to use magic, and… well, being the infamous Mage Killer. I didn't say about the last part to her though.

"Do you like him?"

And it's just another cycle of me trying to deny embarrassingly and my sister teasing me the whole time.

However, that night, it did give me a question of my own:

Did I have feelings towards Wisdom? Something more than just a pretend Master-Familiar relationship?

The question kept me awake until Big Sis told me to go and talk with Wisdom. However… I felt that he's not going to answer me, again, so I decided not to and just forced myself to sleep.

…Then it came the next day.

I had a conversation with my own father about the upcoming war. My father said it was pathetic and troublesome for the Princess to listen to the Cardinal's orders, though he said that her new secretary (Probably Prince Wales under Wisdom's illusion spell) at least had more common senses. I argued back that Albion was not going to just give up Tristain that easily, and she needed to take actions. To my surprise, my father did agree about it, but he said that defending the nation in silence was better than declaring war because their army won't be able to take Albion face-to-face.

He then suddenly asked about the situation of Wardes and if I knew anything. I nodded and explained the trip to Albion and also exposed Prince Wales being in Tristain as well. However, I hid the fact that Wisdom could use magic, and instead said that we helped the Prince stand against the betrayer and make him retreat, then we escaped in a run-away ship without Reconquista noticing. That surprised my family, a lot.

However… instead of continuing that topic, father suddenly told me to find a new groom and left without further words. That irritated me, but I didn't raise my voice back to him and tried to calm my nerves.

That didn't work when Big Sis Eleonore started boasting of her 'prediction' turning true. The final nail was when, for some reasons, my mother asked me if I actually had another lover. And they started asking me (and guessing) of the person's position.

'OBVIOUSLY I DIDN'T HAVE ONE! IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE, I WOULD RATHER PICK WISDOM!'

…That was my instant thought at that moment. And then the image of his smile flashed in my mind…

My face burnt up, but at the right moment Big Sis Eleonore guessed a Chevalier. She and my mother started complaining about my 'poor choice', which seriously irritated me further. I tried to explain to them, but they just shut me up instantly. And that's the final point to break my patience and I ran off, ignoring the shouting from both of them.

I headed to the lake in the courtyard and hid myself in the boat with a blanket covering myself. In there, my childish-self resurfaced, as tears poured out of my eyes. My memories of childhood returned, and that time there was nobody I could rely on to share. The ones who could either betrayed me or were far away… not even Big Sis Cattleya knew…

…Until minutes later, someone sat in the boat… and Wisdom's voice called out for me and told me about my father's plan. He then asked me what I would do next, and waited in silence.

…I shouldn't be surprised at this point. I shouldn't. But somehow, I was surprised at how he already found me out, despite the fact that I didn't use any magic to run here… then I remembered that I did run pass some servants, so maybe he has noticed me…

Flipping the blanket aside, I sat up and tried to talk to him about my problems, but my current state prevented me from performing a good conversation. Thankfully, being very observant, he probably had figured out everything before meeting me. Though he didn't say anything about it and instead rowed the boat away from the land to make sure my father wouldn't be able to lock me up.

Derf, which looked different overnight, suddenly asked about my feelings towards Wisdom. Obviously I tried to deny, but it seemed that they had already talked with the rest of my family. Fortunately Wisdom stepped in and explained of the suspicion of her mother towards him causing the current situation. He then talked about how caring my family actually is, which is true, but I didn't really like how father and Big Sis Eleonore treated me like kid. I needed to show them how much I have changed.

Then… I decided to make a test, and asked him how he would act if…

I said I love him at that moment.

I didn't say the whole sentence out loud, but he understood. And…

He didn't answer, not directly. But, he did say about not being interested in a relationship… for that moment. And… he told me to hold my words until I have a clear answer.

…And he was right. That feeling… was not real.

The first time I met him, I only thought of him being a commoner that didn't care to live until I 'gave' him a reason to. An obedient servant who took his work seriously and never stepped over any moral boundaries. He did his best to make sure that both of our reputations wouldn't be tainted, and even defended me if people said bad words to me. He was also a good mediator…

And a good executor, by killing one of the corrupted Counts without any helps. I was very scared and thought that my life as a Noble was over. However, unless we spoke it out ourselves, nobody ever suspected that he and I was related. And it was something I was glad.

He also single-handedly planned and captured Fouquet when no Nobles even suspected of her disguise, proving that he's way smarter and less hard-headed in thinking than any of us.

At that point… he showed me that he was not a commoner, not at all. His magic went beyond everything I knew or heard of, and the fact that he was using magic the entire time behind everyone's back without us noticing was something not to be underestimated.

I had a small thought that our roles will be reversed after I found out that truth. However, it never changed. He even told me what affinity I have, and taught me how to use my power properly. From that point, other than being Master-Familiar, we were now Student-Teacher whenever he helped me performing spells.

…And it stayed true, even till now.

I was still too naïve, too childish. I still needed more time to learn how to use my magic, learn how to be a proper Noble, learn how to gain everyone's trust, and learn how to control my emotions. I was still affected by the opinions around me, and that's why when people thought about me and Wisdom possibly being a couple, I reacted violently. That needed to be fixed.

After thanking him for his comfort, I remembered about not giving him a reward yet. So… I decided to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. That's to make sure I would try to find more about him and understand him further.

Or… maybe, secretly, I did want a person to look after and take care of me like Big Sis Cattleya and Wisdom. Someone to protect and carry me in their arms…

"…Your family doesn't look happy, my mistress." Wisdom says as the boat gets closer to the dry land.

"Duh, partner. Other than this little miss' mother, no one expected you to be Mage Killer. Prepare to get spell blasted, partner."

"Do you expect it to happen?" The familiar refers if the sword expected him to get surprised by it.

"Not at all."

Reaching the dock, Wisdom helps Louise up to the safe ground, and they face an angry Centurion, an annoyed Eleonore, and a worried Cattleya. The head of the house's grip on his wand is tight, but he's holding himself from firing a spell at the familiar since it might hit his daughter accidentally.

Louise decides to act first by stepping forward and bowing down to her family. "I'm sorry for running off. My behavior back then was inexcusable. I hope you can forgive my actions and give me a chance to redeem myself."

Hearing the statement causes the oldest member of the Valliere feel conflicted. He expected her to apologize, but he didn't expect her to actually ask for redemption. The Louise he remembered would only say her sorry then shut up and wait for his judgment… He turns to Eleonore to see her gaze also weak down. His second daughter's lip slightly curls up into a small smile, showing how happy she is seeing her younger sister has changed…

"…Your mother told us everything she knew." The grip on his wand loosens a bit as Centurion turns his focus back to Louise. "I have thought that you have not changed much after just a year in that Academy. However… thinking back of your talk about the current war, your trip to Albion… Maybe I was wrong." He sighs deeply then glances to Wisdom. "…About your… familiar."

"I do not love him. Not now." Louise replies with a determined tone. "Right now, I have my gratitude to him being an excellent servant and respect for his dedicated service to me. I will not let anyone's opinions change my thought of him except myself."

That surprises him even further. The young daughter before him, the one who would cry when she was belittled, who would run away from people's scolding, now stands strong and speaks out her mind without hesitations… and that makes him proud.

"…I see." The spell in his wand depletes, as he lowers his wand down. "You have grown up, my dear daughter, even if it's just a little. But, always remember, you are still our little girl. We will always be worried for your future, no matter what."

Seeing her father has accepted the truth, Louise's expression brightens as she walks forwards and hugs her father. "Thank you, father."

Feeling the affection, Centurion smiles and hugs her back. Quickly after, Cattleya joins in, followed by Eleonore with the girl's expression softens.

"So everything is good heh, partner?" Derf tries his best to lower his voice in order to not interrupt the peaceful atmosphere.

The familiar nods as confirmation, then looks up to the sky. "…It's getting windy." He says to himself.

"Where is mother?" Releasing the hug, Louise asks.

That makes the rest of the family snap back to reality, as Centurion replies, a bit shakily: "Your mother… is preparing her old armor…"

That drains a bit of color out of the youngest daughter's face. "…She is not going to hold back."

"Then she kept her words right." The whole family turns to the familiar as he speaks up. "Is there any places we could fight freely in this mansion?"

"She told us to head to the backyard. It's big enough to train." Cattleya answers.

"You should tell your familiar to give up, little Louise." Eleonore warns. "Mother has told me about his feats, but…"

"This is a fight I won't back down." Wisdom interjects. "Win or lose, I will prove her suspicions of me wrong."

Hearing that gains Louise's face her color. "…And that's why I'm proud of you, Wisdom."

…

A few minutes later

On one side of the battlefield stands Karin Desiree, in her white armor with black mantle. Her left hand rests on the scabbard, while her right one rests on the handle of the sword, ready to pull it out any seconds.

On the other side, Wisdom stands still in his black armor, Derf drawn out and pointed to the ground while his sheath is now positioned on his partner's left side of his hip. Derf's appearance now is no longer of his former self: his blade is longer and thinner and slightly curvier, his handle is smaller and made of full steel which makes him slightly heavier.

The others have stayed away from the battlefield and watch from afar with mixed feelings of the fight. However, all of them hope that the two wouldn't try to hurt the other… badly.

"I recommend you to put the mantle elsewhere, madam Valliere." Wisdom advises.

"I have fought with it through many battles, and it will stay with me as long as I'm still wearing this armor." Karin denies.

With the exchange ends, both lower their stands and ready to engage at any time.

Seconds pass, and none of them makes a move…

Thirty seconds pass. The wind kicks up, sending the leaves up to the air, and a second later they start dropping to the ground.

When the last leaf touches the ground…

In half of second, the two's swords clash against each other, creating a blast wave that sends every leaf and stone fly away from the two. Karin and Wisdom lock eyes as they start grinding their blades, trying to use force to overwhelm the other. Neither of them back down, and the two blades start heating up.

Wisdom decides to move first as he uses more strength and pushes Karin away. He then positions Derf for an uppercut and executes it, but his opponent manages to swing her sword down while being staggered, creating another clashing sound and causing the familiar to back off a bit.

Gaining her balance, Karin goes for a chain of slashes, and Wisdom replies with one-hand counters. His left hand starts gathering magic, and in one of Karin's attacks, he raises his left hand up and blocks the attack by emitting a transparent barrier. Then, the barrier turns into an orb of fire, and the familiar quickly wipes it on Derflinger, encasing the sword in flame. Karin sees it and starts entering defense stance, just in time to block the counterattacks.

Wisdom's warning turns out to come true, because Karin's mantle, slowly but surely, starts catching the heat of the flaming sword. And in one last attack, Wisdom dispatches the flame out towards Karin. Thanks to the armor, she's not burnt, but she definitely feels the heat, and the mantle catches on fire. Quickly casting a Wind spell, she dispels the flame away with the familiar waiting patiently.

"…You could have just attacked."

"That's not the point of this fight."

Having put off the fire, Karin casts Wind Blade and starts firing them towards Wisdom. Instead of blocking, the familiar decides to just side step the attacks in last seconds with Derf sheathed and ready to draw out. Then, with the last Wind Blade heading to him, Wisdom taps once with his pinkie and draws the sword out and blocks the attack. Derf takes the hint and absorbs the spell, and releases once his partner taps twice. The attack returns to Karin, causing her to call out a Wind Barrier to block her own attack.

'Hm… he passed the first test.' Karin thinks to herself. 'Time for the second one.'

Wind starts kicking up, and Wisdom watches Karin gathering magic on the tip of her sword, and once it's done, the Manticore knight releases a tornado towards her opponent. Stabbing Derf to the ground, Wisdom creates a Void Barrier, the one Louise used frequently, to cover himself against the force of the tornado. Repositioning his hands on Derf's handle, he then swings the sword around, creating enough force to destroy the spell.

However, he has to re-create the barrier to block a sudden attack from Karin. Her blade collides on the barrier and changes her flying direction a bit. She quickly stops herself and re-attacks with stabbing moves, and this time Wisdom drops the barrier and starts deflecting normally. The difference is that, her attacks get faster and faster every second passes.

'…Speed increasing spell. A bit rare, but fit for a Wind mage. However…' When the last attack comes, Wisdom slightly dodges to the side, then lifts his left foot up and kicks Karin's legs, causing her to lose her balance and slide away due to the momentum. He then waits for Karin to stand up and turn back to him before speaking: "That only works with someone slower than you, madam."

"…You are still holding back, aren't you?" Karin expects a 'yes' reply.

And it's true. "Correct. However, the same goes to you. Something is holding you back, madam Valliere."

"…True. You passed two milestones. Now…" The wind kicks up again, and this time more force emits from the Duchess. "This time, there is no mercy." Her wandsword starts gathering wind, and she throws away her mantle and uses magic to guide it to Centurion who quickly grabs it once it arrives. "Get ready."

"…I don't like using this, but…" Derf's blade starts covering in flame again, but this time the color is purple. "I will show you what you want to know."

With the last exchange done, the two go all out and dash towards each other and clash their swords. Every time it happens, they push other back and re-clash, or if their attacks deflect each other then they re-engage with multiple slashes before repeating the first case.

For people who are not familiar to battlefield, all they see now are just two blurs, one white one black, constantly slamming against each other with sounds of metal echoing through the whole area. The only one who can catch up is Centurion, and he's both scared and amazed. Scared because his wife is going all out, which is one of the very rare times since no one managed to catch up with her. And amazed, because someone who can match her exists, and it's not someone everyone expects to be.

Then, the two stop for a full second while facing each other out of blade's reach, and what feels like a hurricane blasts out of every direction, showing how damaged the whole battlefield is. Burning marks and cut slashes are everywhere, and somehow NEITHER OF THEM have any cuts on their armors. Power then starts gathering into the swords again…

BATTLE! CHAOS!

MORE! MORE!

HUNGER! THIRST!

MORE! MORE!

BLOOD!

GIVE! ME! BLOOD! NOW!