This work is a fictional one. I do not own any of the series. Oregairu is owned by Watari Wataru, while Zero no Tsukaima is owned by Yamaguchi Noboru (RIP). This work is solely my imagination that currently lived rent free in my head, hence I had to post this work before I update anything else.
This work is based on Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsu no Kishi EP12 "The Farewell Wedding Ceremony"
"Yo, Hachiman," an irritable voice greeted me as I exited the abandoned chapel, with Louise sleeping soundly in my hands. I turned to the side and my irritant intensified.
"Julio..." Just what I need after deal with emotionally wrecked Louise, a damned multi-facades pretty-face knight that begging to be punched in the face (in my honest opinion, but Louise repeatedly denied and forbid my wish). Did I mentioned I wanted to punch his face? No? I wanted to punch his face, badly.
"Did you want to ensure Louise didn't ran away from the mission?" I asked him with guarded voice. He might be friendly with me, and ridiculously flirty with Louise (I'm not jealous, I swear), but I still couldn't cast away my doubt on him. After all, he was the Pope's right hand man for a reason. If he proved to be hindrance here, friendly or not, I had to incapacitate him before sent Louise off somewhere safe.
"Heh, it is so you to be guarded even against me," Julio chuckled. "But, you got it wrong though," he then stared at Louise, who still sleeping soundly in my hand, before turned his gaze onto me. "I'm here is nothing but to ask her to run away, instead."
Seeing my confusion, Julio explained "Indeed, I already heard about Ministers decision on sacrificing Louise so Princess Henrietta can retreat from Albion's mainland. Queen Henrietta might be crucial for current war; being Queen of Victory and all, but I'm more interested in Louise's safety instead."
"Is it because you want to protect Louise the 'Void Mage'?" I countered.
Silence.
But it was enough answer for me, after all no answer might tell more than answer itself.
"So, be it," I guessed I couldn't complain much if he wanted to help me instead. "I guess you came at the perfect time then," I passed Louise from mine to Julio's hand. Being petite and soundly sleeping she was, Julio took her from me with no problem. "Take care of her," I said to him as I walked away from the chapel.
"Please," I pleaded.
"Gladly," Julio answered my pleas. "However, what about you?"
"I might disagree with the Ministers' decision for making Louise a sacrifice," I started as I got farther from them. "Still, some sacrifice had to be made, not only for Henrietta, but for Louise as well."
"Ho..? Colour me surprised then. If I recall correctly, you said it yourselves; 'dying for honour is nothing but the highest of stupidity', right?"
"..."
"Then tell me this, isn't that is the very thing that you are going to commit? Did you change of your opinion?" Julio asked me seriously, which was rare by itself.
"... Like I said to Wardes at his deathbed, I might hate stupidity," even after his death, that scumbag still haunted me, huh? "But, if there anything I hate even more, it is hypocrite".
"I swore to Henrietta multiple times, to Prince Wales when he's dying, to both Duke and Duchess of Valliere, and even to that traitor Wardes; that I will protect Louise." I stopped for a moment and gripped my ever trusty partner, Derlf who was considerately keep his silence, as if to renew and affirm my oath. "If I turn from my oath, I'll be the one I loathed the most; a hypocrite that only knows to yap around but can't back it up!"
Julio chuckled at my answer. "I'm might be a man, the one who loves cute, beautiful girls, but at this moment, you've made me want to say "I love you" and totally mean it, you know".
I deadpanned at him which only made him laughed even more.
"..." "..."
"Well then," after a few moment of silence, I broke it, "Please take care of her."
I took a stride, then two and then I sprinted off as fast as I could. If me of the past tried to do this, he might be out of breathe after a while, but the current me, being empowered by Gandalfr's Blessing, trained my mind and body with the best of Royal Musketeer, I could reach sub-sonic in a blink of eyes.
I did not to turn around even once, lest my will would crumbled.
"...Where...am I?" slowly, but surely my sight returned. From my limited sight, I could see people hunched over all over the places.
"Are finally awake, Louise?" a smooth voice called me out. With a slight strain, I turned around and saw the one who spoke.
"...Julio?"
I sat up before turned around to find myself on a flying ship. "Wait a second! What am I doing on the evacuation ship? I have to stop the enemy from advancing even further!" I shouted as I finally regained my bearing.
"Lady Valliere," a familiar voice called out to me. I turned and noticed the maid, Siesta and the staffs from Charming Fairies approaching me. "Lady Valliere, where is Hachiman?" Siesta asked me.
"Hachiman...?" for a moment, a dark feeling appeared in the depth of my heart, but before I could squash it or answering Siesta...
"He's not here," a resolute voice of Julio di nothing but making the dark feeling even stronger. I turned to Julio to ask for his clarification, "He volunteered himself to face against Albion's troop, alone."
!?
"What..."
"Hachiman went to face against Albion alone," Julio repeated himself. "He said it to me himself, that he's going for Albion, while you are in deep sleep."
"No way... There's no way Hachiman, of all the people will do that!" I denied. After all, Hachiman was a slacker, wanting nothing but relaxing around and repeatedly telling me voluntarily dying is a stupid notion!
"...deep sleep?" soft voice of Siesta muttered. "He... used that potion? But I gave it to him for him to use to run away with Lady Valliere! Why did he use it to..." Siesta stricken with fear as she slowly realised she unknowingly causing this situation, albeit involuntarily, before fainted.
"Hachiman... in order to save my life..." I slowly picking up the pieces. No no no NO NO!
I rushed to the bridge, to tell the captain to turn the ship around. But after a few steps, the owner of Charming Fairies, Scarron, held me back, as Jesse tended on Siesta.
"Let me go, Scarron!" I ordered him. However, he remained unrelenting, holding me tight.
"I'm sorry, Louise-chan! But it's too late to go back now!"
I knew he was right... I understood that he was right...
Even so...
"Hachiman is still on the Albion's land! We still have time to..."
"This ship not only the refugees, Louise-chan!" pleaded Scarron. "Her Majesty, Queen Henrietta also aboard this ship!"
At this, I finally snapped. I can feel the blood drained from my face. If it was true, then...
"If we landed back to Albion, it also may jeopardizing Queen Henrietta's life," Julio explained.
I fell on my knees. To go to my familiar, or to get Ann to safety...
"No way..." Now I knew this dark feeling that I had from before. The feeling of fear and hopelessness. The very same feeling I'm feeling right now, seeing Albion getting farther and farther. I could not made the ship turned towards Albion again, lest I would risk Ann's life, yet I could not cast a simple Fly spell to go to Hachiman's side...
For a Void Mage, I was pathetic, not to be able to save both person I loved from death at the same time...
"Hachiman..."
"What did you say!?" disbelieved dripped of my voice. I couldn't believed that my own trusty Minister, Cardinal Masalini himself would order such a cruel mission. To my own cousin, no less. "Turn the ship, immediately! We will go retrieve Louise" I ordered Cardinal Masalini.
"Your Majesty..." Cardinal Masalini tried to appeal against my order, but I heed him no attention and started going to the bridge to relay the order myself. "Please, Your Highness! If we turned back to Albion right now, you will definitely get killed!"
"But I can't let Louise being a sacrificial lamb for my own life!" I raised my voice in desperation, hoping the cardinal see my point.
*THUD*
*GASP*
A small thud and Agnes, Captain of Royal Musketeers also my own personal bodyguards gasped. I turned around and surprised to see Cardinal Masalini was on his knees and his head on the floor; prostrating.
"Please, I beg of you, Your Highness," Cardinal Masalini pleaded. "In any event you fall here, it doesn't just meant a failure in immediate tactical warfare! Our kingdom also will fall into chaos, signaling for our definite defeat against the usurper!"
"Cardinal..."
"If you still insist to turn back, not only Miss Valliere noble act would been in vain, you also desecrated her will!"
Divine Right or my personal desire...
"If you still insist on upholding your Noblesse Oblige, or you guys called it Divine Right here, then you must be prepared for one day you will be trapped between Divine Right or your own personal desire. All I hope is; you can face the consequence of that choices, for you not to regret the choices you made"
I remembered the day when we finally put Prince Wales' body to eternal rest, Hachiman warned me of this moment when he saw me try to push aside my personal feeling against my duty as a Noble and Royalty. I vividly remembered his expression at that moment; regrets and resignation, as if already foresaw this moment coming.
I fell on my knees, where Agnes immediately by my side; to support me, physically at least.
As I wallowed in my regret, suddenly the door yanked open, surprising Cardinal Masalini and I, while Agnes immediately stood in front of me, sword and gun armed in case of any attacks.
"Your Highness!" called out a very familiar voice. I could see the surprise etched on Cardinal Masalini's face, I guess even myself was surprised, but my relief overcame me, so I threw myself upon the person who just entered my private chamber. It might be a foolish thing to do, seeing we were still in high alert in case of the invasion, but I just couldn't help myself.
"Louise!"
To my relief, Louise returned my hug. At that moments, I realised that she didn't came alone. With her, there was the representative from Holy Land Romalia, Julio, the maid that always by Louise and Hachiman side; Siesta, and other two that I didn't recognised but from similarity possessed, I guess they were Siesta's family.
Wait a second...
"Louise, where is..." I tried to ask Louise, but seeing her tear-stricken face, Julio's changed demeanor, Siesta subtly flinched, I fear the worst...
"Your Majesty... No," Louise started but then she corrected herself, "Ann, there is something I need to tell you".
Under the darkening night sky, the battlefield was large and desolated, similar to an endless sea. I stood at its center, by my own lonesome, if we consider Derlflinger as weapon, trying to face up to seventy thousands fanatical Albion troop, including Tristain bewitched soldiers from South Gatha. The smell of blood and sire permeated the air, and the ominous rumble of war drums echoing throughout the plains.
I tighten my grips on Derflinger, feeling the sword's hum of power coursing upon my arms. "Look like it's just you ands me, eh? Partner?" Derlf voice gave me a reality check for this was a reality, not a nightmare.
I nodded, a grim smirk etched on my face. "It wouldn't be the same otherwise, I guess?"
"Hey, Derlf?" I called the ancient sword.
"What is it?"
"... I'm going to die, right?"
Derlf seemed silent at first before answered me grimly, "Probably."
"Well if you're going to die, then what a better way than do your best to act like a hero."
"Heh, like hell I'm doing something as ridiculous as being a hero," I spat out. Bantering like this surely calmed me a little bit, as calm as someone could be when staring Lady Death in her eyes.
Is this it? My final moments? Slowly but surely, faces of people that I considered important flashed in my mind; from bubbly and energetic Yuigahama, perfect and beautiful Yukinoshita, sly yet innocent Isshiki, playful and cute Komachi, to sisterly and mature Siesta, responsible and regal Henrietta and last but not least prideful yet insecure Louise. To think they were my last things flashed through my minds, what did it mean, I supposed?
Taking a deep breathe, I looked over the advancing troops. My mind sped over every possible approaches, figuring out possibilities, strategic positions and ideal distances. Every action I pulled off needed to be precise and considered carefully as it could determine the difference between survival and demise.
Like a tsunami, Albion's first wave crashed down upon me. Driven by my Gandaflr's Blessing, I moved instinctively. With Derflinger becoming an extension of myself, became nothing but a blur of destruction and death in my hand. Onslaught upon onslaught of hostile crashed against me, but I was ready.
In my previous training with Derfl, I noticed not only I gained the blessing of martial prowess, but also some minor Void Element magic. Granted, I could not utilize those power as I didn't have any Noble Blood, but that where Derflinger filled the equation. Apparently, the Founder Brimir enhanced Derfl with the ability to absorb incoming magic, became a boon to any Gandaflr that wielding Derfl.
According to Derfl, I could bypass the need of Willpower, basically Mana for this world, and necessary Brimir Blood to cast spell by using Derfl as focus and an access for Willpower. Given, my ability to cast spell severely limited, but it was better than nothing.
One of the advantages I discovered was to imbued the elemental magic that Derfl absorbed within Derfl's blade. Not to mention, I also could imbued the Void Magic that I gained into my attacks. by combining both of these abilities; Pure destruction and death had been unleashed. Taking a tiny bit from Louise's page, I used these abilities not only to deal heavy damage to the opposing troops, but also causing massive disturbance all over the formation by launching the Elemental attacks powered by Void Elements.
By imbuing Void Element, all of my Elemental attacks being able to overpowered every single spells from Albion troop. However, Albion troop did not only consist of Mages, but also knights and monsters. Relying only on Elemental attacks were too inefficient, thus I shifted from wielding a sword to a spear, by imbuing the Void to morph Derfl to various forms.
Each of my attacks was a calculated action, exploiting the enemies vulnerabilities and causing the openings in their formation. After killing soldiers after soldiers, as every of my actions was an epitome of precision, yet slowly I felt my heart become duller and duller, cynical almost.
Despite my newfound abilities, even with Derfl's support, the sheer amount of enemies started to bear a toll on me. As I fought, my muscle burned with exertion, my sweat mixed with the dirt and grime that settled on my skin. Not to mention, with every new cut and wound was a sobering reminder that as powerful and unsurmountable Gandalfr was, I was but a mortal.
"Partner!"
Amidst the pain and killing, I noticed a group of archers, thanks to Derfl's warning, their arrows glinted in the dim light. In one fluid motion, I transitioned Derfl from spear to a bow, loosing out Elemental Arrows, from Elemental attacks we absorbed throughout the battles. Each of the attacks found their marks, obliterating each of the archers.
As the battle dragged on, exhaustion started to creep in. Amidst the harshness of clashing steel and the cries of fallen enemies, the memories of my past surfaced - the memories of isolation, of my cynical detachment from others. The doubt started to influence me. Was this battle worth the misery I had? Did I really thought one person truly being able to turn the tide against such overwhelming numbers? A huge numbers of fanatics and brainwashed bodies?
"Partner, on your side!"
A searing pain lanced through my guts; jerking me back to reality. In my uncertainty, an enemy soldier's blade found its mark, and my shirt was stained with blood, and for the first time in this battle it was mine. I gritted my teeth against the searing pain, beheaded the soldier. I had to focus on the battlefield. If I fell here, not only it would endangered Louise, but also Henrietta and Siesta. They would be killed by the Albion's usurpers, or even worse. Just thinking about it made red filled my vision...
"Derfl, I'm going to up the ante!" I shouted to the ancient sword.
"OU!" Derfl replied in affirmation. He might be a sentient magical sword from the Founder himself, but at the core concept Derflinger still a sword; a weapon for its wielder, a tool of death and destruction.
Focusing on my blessing as Gandaflr, pulling my connection as Louise's familiar, and pushing even more Void Element into Derfl, I could feel the changes happening within me and Deflr. I could feel the enhancement of Gandlfr's Blessing increased multiple folds, with my ability to wield magic even go beyond.
With renewed powers, the my dance of death intensified. Each of my attacks managed to kill around a dozen, minimum. But, I won't last long enough due to my blood loss. Even with this newfound powers I could feel my life slowly fading.
"Partner..." Derfl called me softly. " What in Brimir's name had you done?"
I heard him, but I couldn't afford to answer him. I must push the enemies even further, not giving them any chance to cause any harm to Louise, Henrietta or Siesta. I must push, and push and push!
Everything then blurred into a perpetual cycle of death and destruction. I kept on pushing and pushing, to buy Louise and Henrietta time to fled, to never giving Albion any chance on harming Tristain. And yet, the mortal I still was.
Just as my power started to slip, a distant roar filled the sky - a sound that break through the battle like a lifeline. I turned, and there were something I never ever thoughts on seeing, not here - Tristain's air armada, with the whole Manticore Knights, led by Duchess de la Valliere, at the helm of the armada.
Reinforcement.
Amidst my battle-filled mind, the word slowly came to me before realised what this meant. Relief poured throughout my broken body, a brief, important break amidst the never-ending fight finally upon me.
"I never thought you and Duchess will help us, Duke de la Valliere," I commented to the man stood right before me. Currently, we were on the helm of the leading ship of Tristain armada with de la Valliere elite fleet that was handpicked by Karin the Heavy Wind herself. True to my words, I never ever thought on de la Valliere would give their help in current war after clearly made their clear stance in the meeting.
Imagined my surprise, when de la Valliere fleet appeared out of nowhere just after Louise and I agreed on leading a mission on saving Hachiman from Albion, without killing himself.
"I know it's a surprise, but that lad had opened up this old bone's eye," replied Duke de la Valliere. "Furthermore, what kind of man wouldn't wage war on someone that clearly try to defile my beautiful daughter and niece," Duke continued with full amount of pride.
"Eh?" I was dumbfounded with his answers.
From our position, I could clearly see the carnage brought by Hachiman upon Albion's troop. In the midst of the carnage, I noticed Hachiman, who currently drenched with blood, from the enemies and his own blood, looking at the armada dumbfounded. I immediately ordered some of our soldier to land and treat Hachiman.
Seeing this, Duke de la Valliere immediately barked his order to our armada. In seconds, or armada started our attacks on Albion's troop while a few medic was dispatched to Hachiman. At the same time, Lady Karin also led her personal squadron of Manticore Knights to decimate Albion's troop. Seeing the Heavy Wind prowess really shook the remaining Albion's troop, leading our armada even more advantages.
Seeing Heavy Wind legendary power in action gave the reminder of our armies morale boost. With our morale peaked, Duke Centurion de la Valliere, true to his standing, lead the armada to push Albion even further.
People always admired Heavy Wind for her power, but a lot of them forgot about Duke Centurion the Armada. Given, his power was not at his wife's level, no one ever did to be honest. But this man, singlehandedly destroyed a multi-nation secret society that planned on multiple regicide all across Halkeginia. People forgot on Duke Centurion prowess was not on pure destruction, but on his wiliness and resourcefulness. There's a reason why Germania never attacked Tristain even after my father, the previous ruling monarch death.
If Karin the Heavy Wind scared people for her ruthlessness and magical prowess, then politician scared of Centurion of Armada for he would destroy you politically and would bring the eternal shame for the eternity.
You could ask formerly Lord Rupert, the brother of current Germania Emperor, if you didn't believe me. Oh wait, you couldn't. He was executed publicly by his own brother, the Emperor himself after being internationally condemned by Albion, Gallia and even Romalia, when he slandered Cattleya de la Valliere.
"What do you mean by that, Duke de la Valliere?" I asked him after seeing our armada's doing well, especially with Duchess Karin and Hachiman involvement.
Duke Centurion gave off a long yard stare, as if remembering something from the past... "You could say that Hachiman reminded me of how I resented my parents yet I was doing the same thing as them; by making our children resenting us. You should see how furious he was when he found out how Karin's treatment causing severe trauma on Louise's psyche, never I see someone stand up to Karin before," Duke de la Valliere chuckled.
"And no, Duke de la Valliere stuff from you, Ann. Just call me uncle, seeing how close you are to Louise".
I turned to him with shock.
"Hachiman also reminded me on how important family is. How my detachment from my family will cause the same thing happened to Noble all over again," Duke... I mean Uncle Centurion explained.
"I guess we should discuss about this in detail after the battle then," Uncle Centurion said. "Especially on how both of you are attracted to same boy. Dear Founder, it's your childhood all over again..." Uncle Centurion sighed.
I swear to Founder I'd never blushed that hard before.
The arrival of Tristain's reinforcement thrilled me. As their warriors descended, I could see Duchess Karin led a troop pf Manticore Knight and decimated Albion's troop. I felt the burst of hope and energy, my strikes becoming much stronger, more precise than before. With the reinforcements, Albion's troop had no chance of gaining advantages.
After another nameless soldier fell, I found myself facing the General of Albion's troop - a gigantic man with an elaborate armor donned on, his eyes burning with hatred and malice. Without warning, his blade slashed through me, if I not jumped away first. I frowned as I saw the sparks generated from his blade - an enchanted blade, I surmised.
From his features, I could see some resemblances with the usurper Cromwell. I guess the general was someone from Cromwell family as well. Heh, toppling Tudor Family monarchy, accusing for nepotism, yet they did the same crime they accused Royalist of, what a hypocrite.
The general was a competent combatant, but very predictable. His strength was nothing to scoff and his enchanted blade might give some troubles. But thanks to amplified Gandalfr's Blessing, I immediately noted the patterns in his attacks. Giving a classic feint to his right, I rushed into his defense to finish him off, but he read through my feint and blocked my strike with his blade.
Unfortunately for him, that was exactly my plan. As his blade touched Derfl, he absorbed the enchantment out of the blade, boosting his magic even further. The general shocked seeing his blade lost its power, yet I took the chance, beheading the general.
Seeing their leader fall, the Albion's troop's morale crumbled. As their formation already fell apart, with no leader they were just a lamb ready to be slaughtered, especially with Duke and Duchess de la Valliere was here.
Finally, the victory was within our grasp.
And then... I lost my consciousness.
When I regain my consciousness, I realised I was in a extravagant chamber. Then I noticed Louise was sitting by the bed, her face was in a mixed of various emotions - relies, adoration and a lingering hint of fear. A fear of losing me.
She reached out, her fingers brushing against my face, grounding me in the reality. "Hachiman..." she began, her voice trembled in a whisper.
I caressed her finger. "Hey," I said, my voice hoarse and edged with exhaustion.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I... I was so scared. I thought I may lose you."
A smirked etched on my faced, despite of my exhaustion. "Takes more than an army of 70,000 to get rid of me, I guess."
Louise let out a weak laugh, sounding so frail yet optimistic despite the sadness. "Just promise me you'll never do something so reckless again.
I peered into her eyes, I could see the exhausted face of mine reflected in her eyes, "I won't make the promise, Louise." She tried to argue but I cut her off, "Don't forget whose idea initially to go sacrificing herself in the first place." She shut at my words.
"I'm sorry..." she said. "I just want for Ann to be safe..."
"I know," I told her. "I just asking you to at least discuss it with me first, not carelessly decided it by your own, please?" I pleaded.
She tried to held back her tears, but managed to nod her head, agreeing to my request.
Suddenly the door opened, with Henrietta came in the chamber, her royal composure strained under the weight of command. Her eyes met with mine, and for a minute, her stern facade of a queen disappeared, replaced by a gaze filled raw, unspoken emotions.
"Hachiman!" she cried out.
She hurried towards us, as her steps quickening as she was closer to the bed. I barely had the time to react before she was beside, just opposite of Louise, her hands reaching out to gently clasped my shoulder. Her touch was warm, almost electric, sending a chill down my spine.
"Henrietta..." Usually people tended to call the reigning queen of a kingdom with a honorific, but Henrietta gave me her personal request and order to call her informally. And usually I won't listen to such request, but since she was still mourning for her lover death, that's the least I could do as I was the one who gave Prince Wales the finishing blow, he being controlled by the Ring of Andvari not withstanding.
Whatever words I had before froze in my throat as she pulled me into an embrace, her arms wrapping around me with such a tenderness that took me by surprise.
"Thank you," she said, her breathe warm against my ear. "Thank you for everything."
I remained there, temporarily astonished, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat against mine. Her hair brushed against my cheek, the scent of floral mixed with smoke and sweat of war. For a brief, surreal moment, the hectic of war melted away, leaving only the softness of her touch and earnest emotion in he voice.
Louise's presence beside us was a comforting, but her eyes flickered with a mix as she watched Henrietta's embrace. I could see relief, but also a hint of something deeper something that I didn't understand. Her hand slipped into mine, with a firm yet gentle grip, assuring me of the comfort of reality, alongside Henrietta's embrace.
Henrietta pulled away slightly, her eyes seeing mine. There was vulnerability there, a depth of feeling that extended beyond than mere gratitude. "When I heard the news from Cardinal Masalini, then when I heard of it from Louise, when I saw you on the battlefield, fighting by yourself... I was so terrified I'd lose you, like I lose Wales," she said, her voice shaking with emotion.
"Henrietta..." I whispered, my voice reflecting a swirl of feeling that I couldn't quite explain. Her compassion, her touch - it was unlike anything I expected, yet it left me feeling both soothed and profoundly unsettled.
Her eyes then softened, her fingertips brushing across a gash on my face with a gentleness that make my heart skipped a beat. Woman, you are making me misunderstanding something here...
"You're hurt," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with concern. "You need to rest, to recover. Let me help you."
Yeah, I really want a rest here, but I didn't think I need any help though. I guess I just need to reject her offer then. "I'll be fine."
"Please," she insisted, her voiced a tender plea. "You really need to rest, just let me help you."
Louise stepped in, her eyes expressing the same concern. "She's right, Hachiman. You pushed yourself too far. Let us help you."
I guess there's some misunderstanding happened here, but being caught between their earnest gaze, I felt a various emotions tighten around me. The warmth of Henrietta's touch, the fierce affection in Louise's eyes - it was an amalgamation of their care and affection that both overwhelmed and calmed me. I nodded, unable to refuse either of them. "Alright," I replied, a sign of surrender to the strange, yet disarming affection they offered.
Author notes:
Hello dear readers.
Let me tell you guys a story, a story on why I can't let go of this story, causing me to not be able to focus on other stories.
You see, a few days ago, I had to help my family to buy some stuffs for my cousin's wedding. At that time, I saw a wedding dress, which causing the song 'I Say Yes - Wedding version.' keep on playing in my head nonstop. So when I'm home, I searched Saito vs 70,000 on Youtube before rewatching the whole Zero no Tsukaima from season 1 until Season F, just to get the feeling of the song. Then... I can't focus on other stories when these scenes keep on popping up in my head.
So, this is the explanation why on earth I writing a new story, instead of updating My Teen Romantic Comedy Changed After Summer Camp Trip, Unexpectedly, even though I already had the story planned out until Christmas Event arc.
As for why I used Hachiman as the MC, instead? Because, why not?
And before you guys said how OOC Hachiman in this story is; this Hachiman already Isekai'd to Halkeginia for a while - he already fought Fouquet, Wardes, witnessing the death of Wales twice, involved in war against Usurped Albion, facing against Duke Centurion and Duchess Karin (ideally though) dealing with Louise, so whether he likes it or not, he had to change. His relationship with Louise is Sibling-like (at least from Hachiman's side), so he won't take the tsundere-ness from Louise, much. Therefore, Louise of this story is much tamer and docile to be compared the OG Louise.
Jokes aside, since I was focusing on Hachiman as my MC for 2 previous stories, I can't moved on from him just yet, I guess?
So there you go folks, the reason on how this stories came to be.
As for continuation... I don't think I'll do it, since this story really came out of nowhere to be honest.
Beside, I also use this story as a practice on writing fighting scene. So what do you guys think? Is it cringe? Is it bad? I won't blame you though as I said before that I left writing for more than 10 years. Like always, if you guys have any constructive comment just lay it on me, but please no flame me though, take a pity on my fragile heart.
So, since I finished with this, I guess I can refocus on other works.
Untiil then...