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ChapterOne:ASecretBoat

Louisewaslyingonherbed.Shewasdreamingthatshewasbackinherhomeland,athreedayrideawayfromtheTristainAcademy,whereshewasborn.

TheyoungLouiseinherdreamwasrunningaroundnearthehouse,eventuallyhidinginthebushesofthelabyrinth-likevegetationtohidefromherpursuers.

Louise,whereareyou?Comeoutnow!shoutedhermother.Inherdream,Louisewasbeingreprimandedduetoherpoorresultsinmagicalstudies.Shewasconstantlybeingcomparedwithhersisters,whohadmuchbetterresultsthanher.

Louisesawapairofshoesthatappearedbelowthebushes.

MissLouisereallyishopelessatmagic.

Icompletelyagree.Whycantshebelikehertwooldersisterswhoareverygoodwithmagic?

Louise,uponhearingthosewords,feltsadanddejectedasshebitherlips.Theservantshavestartedlookingforherinthevegetation.Louisetriedherbesttoescape.SheretreatedtotheplaceshecalledtheSecretGardenthecentrallake.

TheSecretGardenwastheonlyplacewhereLouisefeltatease.Itwastranquil,withnooneelsearound.Flowersbloomedeverywhereandbirdsgatheredonthebenchesnearthelake.Andinthemiddleofthelaketherewasasmallislandonwhichasmallhousemadeofwhitemarblerested.

Nexttotheislandwasasmallboatoriginallyusedforleisure,butnowderelictandforgotten.Heroldersistershadgrownup,andwerebusystudyingmagic.Herfather,whohadretiredfromhismilitaryduties,nowspendshistimeminglingwiththenoblesnearby.Herfather'sonlypastimewashuntingwildgame.Hermother'sonlyinterestwastoteachherdaughtersandcouldnotcarelessaboutanythingelse.

Therefore,besidesLouise,nooneevercametotheforgottenlakeanymore,much

lessrememberedthatsmallboat.ThatiswhywheneverLouisewasreprimanded,shewouldcometothisplace.

InLouisesdream,theyoungerversionofherjumpedontotheboatandsnuggledintoablanketthatwaspreparedearlier.

Asshehidinsideherblanket,anoblecladinacloakappearedfromthemist-coveredisland.

Thenoblewasaboutsixteenyearsold.InLouisesdream,shewasonlysixyearsold,atenyeardifferencelaybetweenthem.

Haveyoubeencrying,Louise?Hisfacecouldnotbeseenasitwascoveredbyala

rgehat.

ButLouiseknewexactlywhohewas:hewastheViscount,thenoblewhohadjustinheritedthelandsaroundherhomeland.Louisefeltwarmandfuzzyinside;theViscountwasthemanofherdreams.Theyhadoftenfrequentedbanquetstogetherand,furthermore,theirfathershadalreadymadeanengagement.

Isthatyou,Viscount-sama?

Louisehaphazardlycoveredherface;shedidnotwantthemanofherdreamstos

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eehercrying.Itwouldbeembarrassing.

Iwasinvitedbyyourfathertodayregardingtheengagement.

Hearingthis,Louisewasevenmoreembarrassedtothepointthatshedidnotevendareliftherheadup.

Really?Butthatwouldnotbepossible,Viscount-sama.

Louise,mysmallanddaintyLouise,doyoudislikeme?theViscountsaidinjest.

Louisegentlyshookherheadandsaidabashedly,No,itsnotthat.It'sjustthatImstillyoungandunready...

ThefacehiddenunderneaththehatrevealedasmileandextendedahandouttoLouise.

Viscount-sama.

Lady,pleasetakeholdofmyhand.Quickly,thebanquetisabouttostart.

But

Haveyoubeenscoldedagain?Dontworry.Illtalktoyourfather.theViscountsaid

Louisenodded,stoodupandreachedfortheViscountshand.Whatbighands,aren'tthosethehandsthatshehadalwaysdreamedofholding?

JustasshewasabouttograsptheViscountshand,asuddengustofwindblewthehatfromtheViscountshead.

Eh?!Louiselookedathisface,perplexed.Becauseitwasadream,Louisehadreturnedtohersixteenyearoldself.

What...Whatareyoudoing?

ThepersonunderneaththehatwasnottheViscount,butherfamiliar,Saito.

Louise,comequickly.

ItdoesntmatterwhetherIcomeornot,whyareyouhere?

Dontbesonarrowminded,haventyoufallenformealready?repliedSaito,whowasmpudentlydressedintheViscountsclothes.

Onehastowonderwherehegotthatmuchconfidencefrom.

Dontbestupid,Iwasjustmuddle-headedthattime,youbetterstopdreaming!

Stopmakingupexcuses,myLouise.

Whois'yourLouise'?!

Saitopretendednottohearheratall,andinstead,cameclosertoLouise.

Whatareyoutryingtodo,youidiot?!

Ignoringhercomplaints,SaitoproceededandliftedLouise,whowasintheboat,intohisarms.

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Whyisityou?LouiseaskedinfrustrationwhilepunchingSaito.ButSaitodidnotgetangryatall,insteadhisgrinbecamewider.ThismadeLouiseslowlyturnredfromembarrassment.Shedidnotknowtheexactreason,butshefeltgoodinSaitosarms.ThismadeLouiseevenmoreanxious.

Saito,lyinginhisbed,slowlyopenedhiseyes.Thetwinmoonsinfullcircleshoneontotheroom,lightingitupbrightly.Louise,sleepinginherbed,moanedasthoughshewashavinganightmare.

Saitoprayedthatshewouldcontinuetosleep.HequietlygotupandslowlyapproachedthesleepingLouise.

Whatisitpartner?NotSleeping?DerflingeraskedSaitoquiteabruptly.

Shhhh...Saitoturnedaroundandputhisindexfingerontohislips.

Don'twantmetospeak?Whynot?

Shhhh...Saitoshookhishead,onceagaindrewhismiddlefingeracrosshislipsandstaredathispartner,Derflinger,withannoyance.

Iwontforgiveyouforgivingmethecoldshoulder.Mypartnerwakesupinthemid

dleofthenightwithouttellingmeareason.Thismakesmeangryanddepressed!

Aftersayingthis,Derflingermovedandshookhisbody,likehewasreallyangry.Whatadifficultsword.

Awakenedbytherattlingofthesword,Louiseturnedaroundandopenedhereyes.

Saitosheartskippedabeat.

Sittingup,LouisestartedtoscoldSaito.

Dontbesofullofyourself!Youbetterdosomecleaningup,don'tyouseethedustgatheredeverywhere?Donttellmethatyouhavedoneitalready,youslow-witte

dfool.Youresuchadimwit!

Saitosbodywasfrozensolid,asthoughtheHardenspellhadbeencastedonhim.

ButafterLouisefinishedscoldingSaito,shelaydownoncemoreandslept.Apparently,shewasjusttalkinginhersleep.Eveninhersleep,LouisewasorderingSaitoabout.Saitofeltsimultaneouslyrelievedandsaddened.

Derflinger,whowaswatchingSaitoallthistime,gaveahaplesssigh.

Shestalkinginherdreams,huh?Butitdoesntseemtobemusictoyourears,Saito.

SaitostaredangrilyatDerflinger,whohadalmostspoiledhisplanandquicklywalkedtowardshimandsaid,Youbetterkeepquiet,youidiot!

Yourereallytoomuch,Ishallnotforgiveyou!Ifmypartnerwantsmetobesilent,thenIwilldefinitelybesilent!Butforsuddenlywakingupinthemiddleofthenightandbeingsosneakyaboutit,youlldefinitelysufferretributionevenifyoutellmeyourreasonnow.

Derflingerssenseofcuriosityisthesameashispartner's.ItseemshewantstoknowSaitosreasonforwakingupinthemiddleofthenightnomatterwhatitta

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kes.

Saitosighed,andthenpointedtothesleepingLouise.

WhatabouttheNoblesdaughter?

Whatdoyouthinkpartner?

Saitousedhishandsandmadeagestureresemblingaheart.

Whatdoesthatmean?

Itrepresentslove.

Thatgirllikesyou,partner?

Yes.

Howdoyouknow?

Saitostoodup,anddancedwhilenotmakinganynoise.

Ah...youarereferringtotheball?

YousawLouisesexpressionwhileweweredancing,right?

Yeah,Isawit.

Herfacewassored...Saitosaidwhileinadaze.

Yeah,itwasveryred.

Sheseemedtowanttoholdmyhandsandnotletthemgo.

Areyousure!?

Derf,yourejustapieceofmetal,soyoullneverunderstandagirlsheart.Ifagi

llooksataboylikethat,itmeansshesindirectlytellinghimthatshelikeshim.Saitosaid,whileknockingonthesword.

True,Imbutasword,andIdontunderstandinterpersonalrelationshipsatall.Butsinceyousaysopartner,itmustprobablybetrue.

Saitonoddedhappilyandsaid,Yourereallysensible,Derflinger!

Then,mygoodpartner,sinceyouresurethatshelikesyou,areyougoingtoravishher?

Yes!Imsurethatshelikesme,andIthinkI'mgonnaravishher!...Err,whatdoes'ravish'mean?

Thatsimpossible.IvebeenaroundforalongtimeandthisisthefirsttimeIveherdofafamiliarravishingitsmaster.Youreincredible!

Ah...thatfeelsgood.Come,praisemeagain.

Mypartner,yourefantastic!

Saitostoodupandbuoyantlyasked,Derf,who'sthemosthandsomemanintheworld?

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Ofcourseitsyou,partner.

Whoisthegreatestpersoninthisworldwithoutmagic?

Ofcourseitsyou,partner.

ThepraiseswentstraighttoSaito'shead.Hefeltasifthewholeworldwascheeringforhim.OnehastowonderifhehasaproblemwithhisIQ.

LouiseisreallyfortunatethatIhavetakenalikingtoher.Thegreatandhandsomeme.

Ifthathaughtygirlreallylikesyou,thenwhydidshehavetoscoldyoueveninherdreams?

Derflingerwantedtocontinuevoicinghisopinions,butwasstoppedbySaito.Louiseisinrealityextremelystubborn.Shewouldnotbareherheartthateasily.

Isthatso?

IfIwentoverandaskedher,shewoulddefinitelyreply:'Whatareyousaying?Youstupidfamiliar!'

Likeyousaid,doyoureallyknowherinsideout,partner?

Ofcourse!Althoughshesalwaysdenyingit,inrealityshedesperatelywantsmetoconquerher.Shesalreadydeeplyinlovewithme,butLouiseisaveryheadstronggirl,shewonttellmethatshelikesmedirectlyduetoherpride.

Partner,youmustbeageniustohavededucedthis.

Sonow,ImtorepresentplanetEarthand'ravish'thisBishojofromHalkeginia.Youunderstanddontyou,Derf?Socouldyoudomeafavorandkeepyourmouthshut?

Derflingershookhisbody,signifyingagreement.

Ifthatsthecase,Iwillremainsilentthen.

SaitothankedDerflingerandonceagainapproachedLouise.

Louisewasstillindeepsleep.NomatterfromwhatangleyoulookatthesleepingLouise,shestilllooksasbeautifulasever.Saitotookadeepbreath;theroomwasfilledwithanicefragrance.

Saito,tremblingslowly,liftedLouisesblanket.

MoonlightshoneontoLouisewhowaswearinganightgown.EventhoughLouisewaswearinghernightie,onecouldstillfeelhersmoothandsuppleskinthroughit.Althoughjustslightly,herbreastshaddeveloped.Also,Louisedidnotliketo

wearundergarmentswhensleeping.Saitoknewthisextremelywell-hewastheonewhopreparedherundergarmentseverymorning.ZnTB2C101.jpg

Saitowassotouchedthattearsnearlycameoutofhiseyes.Fromnowonwardsthepetiteandcutegirlwillfinallybemine,hethoughttohimself.Hehasbeenwaitingforthismomentforaweek,eversincetheball.

Rubbinghishandstogether,SaitoapproachedthesleepingLouiseandsaid,Itadakimasusayingthat,hesnuggledunderLouisesblanket.

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Ah,Louise,Louiseyourskinisreallysosmoothandsupple.HahaSaitoyouidiot

Saitodidnotknowwhyhecalledhimselfanidiot,butnonethelesshewasbecomingmoreandmorearoused.

HehuggedLouisewithoutthinkingtwiceandkissedhercheek.Louisedidnotlooklikeshewouldwakeupanytimesoon;shewasquiteasoundsleeper.

Louise,mydearLouise,yourface;youhavethecutestfaceintheworld...Followingthat,justasSaitowasabouttoliftupLouisesnightgown,shesuddenlyawoke.Saitowasinitiallyshocked,butherecoveredquicklyandhuggedLouisetightly.

What...Whatareyoudoing?!

LouiseimmediatelyrealizedwhatwasgoingonandstruggledtobreakfreefromSaitosarms.

Cantyoujuststaystill?

Why...why...areyouhuggingme?

Whatareyousaying?Ithoughtthatyoulikedme!?SaitostaredatLouiseinfrust

ration;Louisefelttheangerandstoppedstruggling.

What?

SaitoplacedhishandsonLouisesshoulderandasked,Arentyouinlovewithme?

What...what...nonsenseareyoublabbering?

ItsallrightLouise,Iunderstandhowyoufeel.Imtheonethatunderstandsyouthemost.Dontbenervous,justrelax.

SaitoslowlymovedhislipstowardsLouises;Louisesfacebecamepalerandpaler.

Me,inlovewithyou??

Louisesdreamjustnowflashedbeforehereyesagain.Saitowasexactlythesameasinherdream,speakingtoherinthataudaciousmanner.Thankstothat,themoreLouiselookedatSaito,theangriershebecame.BoththeSaitoinherdreamandtheSaitoinrealitymadehermad,reallymad.Youcouldsayitwaspurerage.

Louisewasnowtremblinginanger,butSaitomistookitforshyness,asLouisehadhadnopriorexperience.

Areyoustillnervous,thisismyfirsttimetoo.RelaxwhileItakeoffmypants...

LouisefeltSaitoholdingupherwaist...

Asswiftasaflamesalamandercatchesitsprey,LouiseshotherrightlegupwardandstruckSaitobetweenthelegs.

"Arhhh!"

Saitoimmediatelyfelthisspinecarrytheexcruciatingpainfromhisgroinallthewaytohisbrain.Saito,notabletotakethepain,beganfoamingatthemou

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thandrolledoffofLouisesbed.Louiseslowlygotupandgrabbedthehorsewhipwhichwasplacednexttoherbed.

Saito,seeingthewhip,triedtoescape,butthewhip-bearingLouisealreadyhadherfootonSaitoshead.

Whatdidyouwanttodotomejustnow?!

Saito,slowlyrecoveringfromhispain,managedtospeak,Arentwejustlikeloverswhisperingsweetnothingstoeachotherjustnow?

LouiseusingherfoottoapplymorepressureonSaitosheadreplied,Thatsonlywishfulthinkingonyourpart.

DoesitmeanthatImmistaken?Arentyoufondofme?

Whoisfondofwhom?

Well,dontyoulikeme,MissLouise?

HahaPleasetellmethereasonforyoubelievingthat,butyoudbettermakeitsimpletounderstand,otherwiseIwillnotbeabletotellwhatwillhappentoyou

Well,duringtheball,youlookedatme,yourfamiliarwiththoselovelorneyes.

Louisewithherfaceturningredreplied,SothatswhyyouthoughtthatImfondofyouandclimbedintomybed?

Thatscorrect,MissLouise.Isyourhumblefamiliarreallymistaken?

Youredefinitelymistaken,Ihaveneverheardofafamiliarclimbingintoitsownersbed.

Iwilltakenoteofitthenexttime.

LouisegaveasighandsaidinatonethatseemstopitySaito,Therewontbeanexttime.

Master,Look!Look!Thetwinmoonsareshiningsobeautifullytonight!Saitosaidindesperation.

Anyway,itstoolateLouisesaidinavoicetremblinginanger.Underthetwinmoomoonlight,Saitoscriesofpaincouldbeheardmanymilesaway

ThesametimethatSaitowasbeingbadlybeatenup,FouquetwasstaringidlyattheceilingsomewherefarwayfromtheacademyintheCityofTristainsGenoaprison.Shewasthetriangleearthmage,whowasapprehendedbySaitoandCo.twodaysagoforthetheftoftheStaffofDestruction.Asshewasinfamousforstealin

gvaluabletreasurefromvariousnoblesshewasplacedinGenoaprison,themaximumsecurityprisonlocatedintheCityofTristain.

Shewouldbechargedincourtthefollowingweek.Asshehadcausedagreatdealofshametonoblesalloverthecountry,shewouldmostprobablyeitherbeexiledorbegiventhedeathsentence.Eitherway,shewouldn'tbeallowedinTristainanymore.Atfirst,shethoughtofescaping,butshelatergaveupthatthought.

Insidehercell,therewasnothingexceptforshoddylookingbedandatabletha

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twasmadeofwood.Eventheutensilssheusedweremadeofwood.ThingswouldbequitedifferentiftherewasjustsomethingmadeofmetalLikeaspoon.

Shehadwantedtoturntheprisonwallsandironbarsintosoilusingalchemy.Withoutherwand,whichwasconfiscated,thatwouldnotbepossible.Magicianswerehelplesswithouttheirwands.Furthermore,theprisonwallsandironbarsarespeciallyenchantedtoresistmagic.Evenwiththeuseofalchemy,shewouldnotbeabletoescape.

Itsreallymeanofthemtolockupafeeblefemalelikemyselfhere.Fouquetgrumbledtoherself.Thenshethoughtabouttheyouththathadapprehendedher,Thatboyisquitestrong,cantbelievethathesanordinaryhuman.Whoexactlyishe?Thenagain,itdoesntconcernmeanymore.

Timetosleep...Fouquetclosedhereyesandlaiddown.Justasshehadclosedhereyes,shequicklyopenedthemagain.

Fouquetheardsomeonewalkingdowntothedungeonwhereshewasheld.Sheheardpeculiarnoisesthatsoundedlikeaspur.Shededuceditcouldnotbeawarden,astheydidnotwearspursontheirboots.Fouquetquicklysatup.

Apersonwearingacloakappearednexttohercell,hisfaceunseenasitwascoveredbyawhitemask.Judgingfromthelongwandvisiblebeneathhiscloak,hewasamage.

Inaratherscornfulmanner,FouquetexclaimedImsurprisedtoseeavisitorinthemiddleofthenight!

Themaninthewhitemaskdidnotreply,andinsteadgaveFouquetacoldstare.

Fouquetinstinctivelyknewthatthispersonwashiredtokillher.Somenoblesshehadstolenfrommusthavethoughtthatsentencingherincourtwastoomuchofahassleandhaddecidedtohireanassassintokillher.Someoftheitemsshehadstolenfromtheimperialfamilywerelikelystolengoodstobeginwith,andinordernottoletsuchatruthsurfacetheimperialshadprobablydecidedtosilenceher.

Well,asyoucansee,thisdoesntlooklikeaplacetoentertainsomeone.ButIthinkyourenotherejustforacupoftea,right?Fouquetsaid.

Shebegantothink,ThoughImwithoutmywand,Iwillnoteasilygiveupwithoutafight.Imnotonlywellversedinmagic;Imprettygoodinclosecombattoo.However,Impowerlesstostophimshouldheusemagic.Therefore,Imustsomehowlurehiminsidemycell.

Justthen,themaninthecloakspoke,AreyouFouquetoftheCrumblingEarth?

Hisvoicesoundedstrongandyouthful.

Imnotsurewhogavemethisnickname,butyes,IamFouquetoftheCrumblingEart

h.

Themaninthecloakraisedbothofhishands,implyingthathedidnotintendhostility.

IhavesomethingthatIwouldliketotellyou.

Whatisthat?Fouquetrepliedinarathersurprisedtone.Donttellmethatyourengtospeakonmydefense.Whataweirdo.

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Idbehappytospeakinyourdefense,mydearMathildaofSaxe-Gotha

Fouquetsfacebecamepale.ThatsanameIhadforgotten,orrather,wasforcedtoforget.Thereshouldbenooneinthisworldthatknowsthatnameanymore

Whoexactlyareyou?

Thecloakedmandidnotanswerherquestionandinsteadasked,Mathilda,doyouwishtoserveAlbionagain?

Fouquet,whohadlosthercool,replied,Thatsimpossible!Iwillneverservethosewhohadmurderedmyfatherandannexedmyhome!

Dontbemistaken,nooneisaskingyoutoservetheAlbionroyalfamily.Theyregoingtobeoverthrownsoon.

Whatdoyoumean?

Arevolutionistakingplace.WeregoingtooverthrowtheweakandpowerlessImperialfamily,andsucceedingthemwillbemorecapablenobleslikeourselves.

ButarentyoupartofTristainsnobility?WhathasAlbionsrevolutiongottodowityou?

WeareaconsortiumofnobleswithoutborderswhoareworriedaboutHalkeginiasfuture.WewishtounifyHalkeginiaandregaintheholylandthatfounderBrimirhadoncesetfooton.

Fouquetsmirked,Pleasestoptalkingnonsense.Ifthatsthecase,whydoesyourconsortiumofnobleswithoutbordersneedme?Imjustaprisoner.

Weneedskilledmagiciansnowmorethanever.Willyoulendusyourhelp,FouquetoftheCrumbingEarth?

Fouquetwavedherhandsandreplied,Pleasestopdreaming

YouwishtounifyHalkeginia?TheKingdomsofTristain,Germania,Albion,Gallia,

andanumberofsmallerkingdomswhichareconstantlyatwarwitheachother?Unifyingthemwouldbelikeamidsummernight'sdream.?

Hmm!Gettingtheholylandbackhowwouldyoufightagainsttheall-powerfulelves?

Forhundredsofyears,theholylandhadbeeninthepossessionoftheelveslivingnorthofHalkeginia.Humanshadattemptedcountlesscrusadestogetbacktheholyland,butfailedmiserablyeachtime.

Theelves,distinguishedbytheirdistinctlypointedearsanduniqueculture,hadlonglifespansandwerehighlyproficientwithmagic.Assuch,theywerehighlyeffectivewarriors.Defeatingthemwouldbeanuphillbattle.

IhavenolovefornoblesandIhavenointerestinHalkeginia.AsforregainingtheHolyland,theelvescanstaythereforallIcare!

Themanintheblackcloaktookouthiswandandreplied,Illgiveyouachoice,FouquetoftheCrumblingEarth.

Letshearitout.

Eitheryoubecomeourcomradeor

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Fouquetfinishedthesentenceforhim,OrIwouldimmediatelyperishhere?AmIcorrect?

Thatiscorrect.Sinceyoualreadyknowoursecret,Icannotletyoulive.

Younoblesarereallyaconceitedbunch.Youllneverconsiderotherpeoplesfeelings,Fouquetsaidwithachuckle,Toputitnicely,youreinvitingmetojoinyou,butinrealitythereisnootherchoice,isthere?

Themanintheblackcloaktoorepliedwithachuckle,Thatscorrect.

Letmebeapartofyourconsortiumthen.Ihatepeoplewhodonotknowhowtogiveorders.

Letsgothen.

Fouquetplacedbothherhandsontoherchestandasked,What'sthenameofyourorganization?

Doyoureallywishtojoinus,orareyoujusttoyingwithme?

IjustwanttoknowthenameoftheorganizationIwillworkforfromnowon.

Themanintheblackcloakremovedakeyfromhispocket,unlockedFouquetscellandanswered,TheReconquistadors.

[edit]ChapterTwo:HerMajestysMelancholy

Morning.

Louisesclassmatesstaredwide-eyedatherassheentered,mostlybecauseshetowedbehindherachained,locked,andbadlybrokenbeingwithherintotheclassroom.Herfaceemittedanextremelydangerousaura,andherbeautifulbrowcurvedinanger.

Shequicklyfellintoherchair.

Whoa,Louise.Whatdidyoujustdraginhere?MontmorencytheFragranceaskedLouise,herjawdropping.

Myfamiliar.

OhrightitdoeslooklikethatifIlookcloser.Montmorencynodded.Althoughhugeweltsanddriedbloodplaguedtheface,onecouldstilldefinitelyrecognizethatthisthingusedtobecalledSaito.Hisheadwaslockedupwithhiswrists,andhewasdraggedinlikeasackoftrash.

Whatdidhedo?

Hesnuckintomybed.

OH!Montmorencyexaggerativelyshowedhershock,frayingherbeautifulcurvyhair.Vulgar!Oh,sneakingintothatbedissoOh!Dirty!Unclean!Veryunclean.Shebitonherhandkerchief,whilemumblingaboutreputationandancestorsandthelike.

Rufflingherfieryredhair,KircheenteredtheclassroomstaringatLouise.Itmustbeyourseduction,right,Louise?Dirty,dirtyLouise,youseducedSaitolik

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eawhore,didntyou?

Whosdirtyhere?Isntthatyou?NowayIdseducehim!

Geez...allinjuredlikethat...poorkid...letmehealyou.KirchehuggedSaitoshead.Herhugebreastsnearlysuffocatedhim,butheofferednoresistance,andratherenjoyedthesuddenheaventhatcametohim.

Whoawhoawhoa...

Areyouallright?Wheredoesithurt?Illhealyouwithaspell.

Quitlying.Youcantusewater-typehealingspells,canyou?YourrunicnameisHeat,asinheatstroke.Goandcooldownalittle.Louisesaidindignantly.

ItsArdent.AR-DENT.IneverthoughtyourmemoryisZerotoo.KircheglaredatLouiseschest.LookslikethenameZeroisntjustaboutyourchestandyourmagic!

Louisesfacewentredinaninstant.Despitethat,shelaughedcoldly,bitingherlip.WhydoIhavetotakethisfromawomanwhocanonlyboastofherbreasts?Areyousayingthatallawomansworthisinherbreastsize?Thatsareallymessedupwaytothink.Yourbrainmustbeemptyorsomething...allthenutrientswenttoyourb-breasts...yourbrainmust...m-mustbee-em-empty...Althoughshetriedtoappearcalm,hervoiceshook.Sheseemedtohavetakenaverypersonalo

ffense.

Yourvoiceisshaking,Vallire.AndKirchegentlyheldSaito,hisbodystillfullofbruisesandinjuries,andtouchedhisfacewithherchest.Oh,mydear,doyouthinkthatbig-breastedKircheisstupid?

N...no...y-youreveryintelligent!Saitoappearedinecstasy,buryinghisfaceintoKircheschest.Louisesbrowraisedatthat,andsheforcefullypulledinthechaininherhand.

Youcomeoverhere!Saito,lockedhead,wrists,andentirebody,heavilyfellontheground.Louisesteppedonhisback,andcoldlyspoketohim.Whogaveyoupermissiontospeakinhuman?Youresupposedtosaywoof,dog.

Woof.Yes,maam.Saitorepliedquietly.

Stupiddog.Doitagain.Whenyousayyeswhatdoyoudo?

Woof.

Exactly.Yousaywoofonce.ThenwhatdoyoudowithIunderstand,mistress?

Woofwoof!

Riiiiight.Yousaywooftwice.WhataboutIwannagotothebathroom?

Woofwoofwoof!

Eeeeexactly.Yousaywoofthreetimes.Thatsprettygoodvocabularyevenforastupddog,soyoudonthavetosayanythingelse,gotit?

......woof.

A'woof'ingdeariscutetoo!KirchesaidasshecaressedSaitoschin.Awww...youancometomybedtonight.Howsthat?Icanlet'woofwoof'lickalotofplacesyoudlike!

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Saitosuddenlyspranguponhisknees,wagginghistail,whichisabroomthatLouisetiedonhisbehindlastnight.Therewereevenearsmadeofragsonhishead.

Woof!Woof!Woofwoof!

Louisesilentlyandforcefullypulledthechaintight.Youlittle...Andsheangrilysteppedonhim.

DidntIsaywoofthewayyoutoldmeto?!Saitohadenough,stoodupwithaIbetiveyoualessonface,anddovetowardsLouise.Allshehadtodo,though,waspullthechainsonhisfoot,andhefellwithaheavythud.

Youhaveabsolutelynodifferencefromadogatitspassionatephases.NotonlydidyouwagyourtailataZerbstwoman,youevenattackedyourownmistress.Despicable.Very,very,very,veryunbecoming.Louiseretrievedherwhipfromherbag,andbegantovigorouslybeatSaitowithit.

Ouch!Stop!Stop!S-T-O-P!Hisbodylockedup,Saitocouldonlyrollaroundonthefloor.

Ouch?Isntitwoof?ItsWoof!Dontalldogssaywoof?

Soundsofwhippingreverberatedthroughoutthelecturehall.LouiseshairflewaroundasshechasedSaito,whowastryingtocrawlaway,andcontinuouslywhiphim.Saitomadewhimperingwoofswheneverahitconnected.NobodywouldhavethoughtthatthisSaitowasthelegendaryfamiliar.ZnT02-039.jpg

Thestudentsintheclassroomwatchedthisembarrassingscene,wondering:DidthiscommonerreallybeatGuichetheBronze?DidhereallycatchFouquetoftheCrumblingDirt?

CRACK!CRACK!

ThestudentssilentlywatchedherbeatSaito.Sheonlynoticedjustnow,withhe

rfullattentionatbeatingSaito,thateverybodywaslookingather,andherfacegrewred.Shehastilyputawayherwhipandheldherwrists.Di...discipliningendshere!

Weknowitsdisciplining,butgeez...horrifiedbythescene,thestudentsturnedaway.

Arentyoutheonewiththeheat,Vallire?Kirchesaidinboredom.

Louiseviciouslyglaredather.Saito,undercontinuousinjuriesandpain,fainted,andsimplylaidlifelessontheground.Theteachersdooropened,andProfessorKaitaappeared.

Thestudentssatintheirseats.ProfessorKaitawastheonewhoscoldedProfessorChevreuse,whofellasleeponguarddutyduringtheFouquetincident,andwastoldbyOsman'Youreprettyeasytoanger'.Sportinglong,jetblackhair,andapitchblackcape,hiseverymovegaveanunfriendly,uncomfortablefeel.Althoughhewasquiteyoung,hisunfriendlymannerandcoldlookearnedhimillreputefromthestudents.

Let'sstarttheclass.Aseveryoneknows,myrunicnameisgust.KaitatheGust.Hewasenvelopedwithshockedstares,andsatisfiedbythat,hecontinued.Doyouknowwhatthemostpowerfulelementis,Zerbst?

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fromtheclassroom.Tostopthem,Colbertwavedwithbotharms,andcontinued.Ihavesomethingtotelleveryone.Colbertexaggerativelytiltedhisheadback,causinghiswigtoslideofftotheground.ThetensemoodKaitabuiltsuddenlycollapsed,aslaughterenvelopedtheclassroom.

Tabitha,whosatinfront,pointedathisbaldedheadandsuddenlysaid,Shiny.

Thelaughtergrewmoreintense.KirchelaughedwhilerappingTabithasshoulder,Youcanreallytalkwhenyouspeakuponceinawhile!

Colbertblushed,andloudlyyelled.SILENCE!Onlycommonerslaughoutloud!Noblesonlycovertlysnickerwiththeirheadsdowneveniftheyfindsomethingfunny!Otherwise,theroyalcourtwillquestionourschoolseducationalresults!Theclassroomfinallyquietedtothosewords.

Allright.Everyone,todaywouldbethemostimportantdayforTristainMagicalAcademy.ThisisourgreatFounderBrimirsbirthday,averycelebratoryday.Colbertsfacestraightened,andheplacedhisarmsbehindhisback.

ItishighlyprobablethatHisMajestysdaughter,thebeautifulflowerthatweTristainianscanproudlyboasttotherestofHalkeginia,PrincessHenrietta,will,toourgreatfortune,passbytheAcademyonherwaybackfromvisitingGermania.

Whispersandchatterfilledtheroom.

Therefore,wemustnotallowanyslack.Asthisisverysuddennews,wehavebegunpreparationstoreceivehertothebestofourabilities.Duetothis,todaysclassesareherebycancelled.Allstudents,pleaseputonyourformalwear,andassembleatthemainentrance.Thestudentsanxiouslynoddedinunison.Colbertseverelynoddedinreturn,andloudlyannounced,ThisisanexcellentopportunitytoletHerMajestythePrincessknowthateveryonehasmaturedasmodelnobles.EveryonemustpreparetotheirbesttoletHerMajestywitnessthisfact!Dismissed!

***

Fourgolden-helmetedstallionsledacarriagequietlyontheroadtotheMagicAcademy.Thecarriagewasexquisitelyadornedwithgold,silver,andplatinumsculptures.ThosesculpturesaretheRoyalSeals.Ononeofthose,aunicorncrossedwithacrystalstaffsignaledthatthiscarriagebelongstoHerMajestythePrincess.

Onecanfind,uponcloserexamination,thatthestallionsdrawingthecarriagewerenotnormalhorses.TheywereunicornsliketheoneontheRoyalSeal.Unicorns,which,bylegend,wouldonlyallowthepurestgirlsridethem,werethebestforleadingthePrincessscarriage.

Thecarriageswindowshadivybordersandcoverings,asifdisallowingtheoutsidefromlookingin.BehindthePrincessscarriageisCardinalMazarin,whohasheldallTristainpoliticalauthoritywithanirongripsinceHisMajestypassedaway.HiscarriagessplendordoesnotlosetoHerMajestytheQueens.Infact,hiswasevenmoreembellished.ThedifferenceofthesetwocarriagesontheroadclearlyshowswhocurrentlyholdsthetopauthorityinTristain.

AroundthetwocarriageswastheImperialGuard,adivisionofmageguards.Composedofthemostprominentnoblefamilies,theMagicImperialGuardistheprideofallnoblesinthecountry.Everynoblemaledreamsofwearingtheblackcape

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oftheMagicImperialGuard,andeverynoblefemaledreamsofbeingtheirbrides.ThisImperialGuardisTristainssymbolofprosperity.

Theroadispavedwithflowersascommonerscheeredfromtheroadside.Everytimethecarriagespassedthem,onecanhearLongliveTristain!LonglivePrincessHenrietta!andsometimesevenLongliveCardinalMazarin!thoughthatpalesincomparisontothePrincess.Heisnotwell-regardedasheisrumoredtobeofcommonerblood.Somesayitsjealousytohisposition.Asthecarriagescurtainsopened,andasthecrowdsseetheyoungPrincess,thecheersgetevermorepassionate.Shealsoreturnedagenialsmiletothepeople.

***

Henriettaclosedthecurtains,anddeeplysighed,losingtherose-likesmilethatshejustsenttothecrowds.Allthatwasleftwasdistressanddeepmelancholyunbecomingofherage.ThePrincessis17thisyear.Withaslimfigure,lightblueeyes,highnose,sheisaneyecatchingbeauty.Herslenderfingersplayedwithhercrystalstaff.AsofRoyalblood,sheis,ofcourse,amage.

Neitherthecheersalongtheroadnortheflowersflyingintheaircouldcheerherup.Sheseemedtobeholdingdeeppoliticalandromanticanxieties.

Sittingbesideher,Mazarinwatchedherwhileplayingwithhisbeard.Wearingahatlikethatofapriestandagreyformalsuit,hewasaslimandfrailmanofforty-someyearsold.Hishairandbeardhavealreadygrownwhite,andevenhisfingerslookedlikeskinonbones,creatinganappearancefartoooldforhisage.EversinceHisMajestydied,hisirongriponbothforeignrelationsandinternalpoliticshaveconsiderablyagedhim.

HejustlefthiscarriageandenteredthePrincesss.

Hewantedtotalkaboutpolitics,butthePrincessonlysighed,andpaidnoattention.

Thatisyourthirteenthtimetoday,YourMajesty.Mazarinnoted,annoyedandconce

rned.

Hmm?What?

Thatsighing.Thoseofroyaltyshouldntdothatallthetimeinfrontoftheirsubordinates.

Royalty?!What?Henriettawasshocked.ArentyoutheKingofTristain?DoesntYourghnessknowabouthisrumorsonthestreets?

Iamnotaware.Mazarinrepliedindifferently.Hewaslying.HeknewabouteverythinginTristain,andevenHalkeginia,downtotheamountofscalesonthefiredragonslivinginthevolcanoes.Heknewallaboutit.Hejustpretendedthathe

didnt.

Thenletmetellyou.TristainsRoyalfamilyhasbeauty,butnotitsscepter.Cardinal,youretheoneholdingthescepter.Birdsboneswearingagrayhat...

Mazarinblinked.ThewordsbirdsbonescomingoutofthePrincessstung.Pleasedonspeakofcommonersrumorssocarelessly...

Whynot?Theyrejustrumors.IllmarrytheKingofGermaniaasyoutoldmeto.

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Wecanthelpthat.AnalliancewithGermaniaisextremelyimportanttoTristain.saidMazarin.

ThatIknow.

YourMajestyunderstandstherebellionbeingcarriedoutinthatWhiteCountryAlbionunderthoseidiots?ThosepeoplecantseemtotoleratetheexistenceofroyaltyinHalkeginia.Hefrowned.

Impolite,unrefinedimbeciles!Theyretryingtohangthatpoorprince!Eveniftheentireworldcanforgivetheiractions,FounderBrimirshallnotforgivethem.Iwouldntforgivethem.

Indeed.However,Albionsnobilityhasunsurpassedpower.TheAlbionianRoyalFamilymightnotevensurvivetomorrow.OneofFounderBrimirsthreebestowedroyaltiesisgoingtofall,justlikethat.Meh...countriesthatcannotsolvetheirowninternalstrifeshavenorighttoexist.

TheAlbionianRoyalFamilyisnothinglikeGermanias.Theyreallmyrelatives.YouhavenorighttosaythatevenasCardinal.

Ihumblyapologize.IwillaskforforgivenessfromFounderBrimirbeforeIgotobedtonight.However,whatIjustsaidisthetruth,YourMajesty.

Henriettaonlysadlyshookherhead.Eventhatgestureradiatedherbeauty.

WordisthatthosestupidAlbioniannobleshavethegalltodeclarehowtheyregoingtouniteallofHalkeginiaasone.ItcertainlyseemslikethosepeoplewouldsettheirsightsatTristainafterextinguishingtheirroyalty.Ifitreallyturnsoutlikethat,itwouldbetoolateifwedonttakestepstopreparerightnow.MazarinseverelyexplainedtoHenrietta.Shelookedoutthewindow,pretendingtopaynoattention.Readingtheopponentsactionsandcounteringitatthefirstavailableopportunityistruepolitics,YourMajesty.IfwecancreateanalliancewithGermania,thenwecancreateacovenanttocounterAlbionsnewgovernment,andensurethislittlecountryssurvival.

Henriettacontinuedtosigh.Mazarinopenedthecurtainandlookedoutside,and

sawtheshadowofhispride.Ayoung,breathtakinglysharp-lookingnoble,sportingafeather-hatandlongbeard,marchedwiththeconvoyoutside.Amedalofagriffinfastenshisblackcape,andonelookonhismountshowswhy.Ithadaneagleshead,wings,andtalons,andithadalionsbodyandhindlegs.Agriffin.

ThismanistheleaderofoneofthreeMageGuarddivisions,theGriffinKnights,CaptainLordWardes.HisdivisionisthemostmemorableamongsttheentireMageGuard,andespeciallytoMazarin.Wieldingformidablemagicalprowess,theMageGuardisorganizedthroughextremelyselectivetrialsamongstnobles,andeachmemberridesamagicalbeasttohisdivisionsname.TheyaretheTristainiansymbolsoffearandpride.

Yousummonedme,YourHighness?Wardesseyestwinkled,andapproachedthecarriage

windowonhisgriffin.Thewindowslowlyopened.Mazarinlookedout.

Wardes-kun,HerMajestyisfeelingdepressed.Canyougetsomethingforusthatcancheerherup?

Understood.Wardesnodded,andobservedtheroadwiththegazeofaneagle.Hequicklyfoundasmallsectionofthestreet,andhadhisgriffinheadthere.Pullingouthislongstafffromhiswaist,hechantedashortspell,andbrisklywavedit.Asmallgusteruptedfromtheground,collectingallthepetalsstrewnonthegroundintoWardeshands.Hereturnedtothecarriagewiththebouquet,andpr

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esentedittoMazarin.Mazarinstrokedhisbeard,andsuggested,MayCaptainpleasepresentthistoHerMajestyyourself?

Thatwouldtrulybeagreathonor.Wardessaluted,andturnedtotheothersideofthecarriage.Thewindowslowlyopened,Henriettaextendedahandtoreceiveit,andshowedherlefthandtohim.Wardesemotionallyheldherlefthand,andlightlykissedit.ZnT02-053.jpg

Stillquiteupset,Henriettaasked,Whatisyourname?

YourMajestysMageGuard,GriffinKnightsleader,LordWardes.Hegratefullyloweredhisheadandreplied.

Amodelofnobility.Howveryfineofyou.

IammerelyalowlyservantforYourMajesty.

Therehavebeenfewernobleswhowouldsaythislately.WhenGrandfatherwasstillalive,ohmy...underthegreatPhilippeIIIsreign,thewholenobilitysharedthatkindofmarvelouschivalry.

Sadtimesnowadays,YourMajesty.

MayIexpectyoursinceritywhenIgetinsuchupsettingtimesagain?

Whenthathappens,nomatterwhereIam,inbattleorintheskies,nomatterwhatImustleavebehind,IwillrunovertoserveYourMajesty.

Henriettanodded.Wardessalutedonceagain,andleftthecarriagesside.

Isthatnoblequitecapable?sheaskedMazarin.

LordWardes.HisrunicnameisLightning.EventheWhiteCountrycanonlyboastofwpeoplewhocanprovetobeamatchagainsthim.

Wardes...IthinkIveheardofthatplacebefore.

IthinkthatisclosetoLordValliresterritory.

Vallire?Henriettasmemorycametobeing,andshenodded.Thatnameisnowintheirdestination,theMagicAcademy.

Cardinal,doyourememberthenameofthenoblethatcaughtFouquettheCrumblingDirt?

Imafraidnot.

Arentyouabouttoknightthemsoon?Henriettawasshocked.

Mazarinwasuninterested.Ithinkitshightimeforknightingrulestochange.Oneneedstoserveinthemilitarytodeservethat.Howcanthetitleofaknightbesoeasilygivenawayforarrestingathief?Eitherway,itseemswewouldbefightingAlbionwithGermaniasoon,anditwillnotbeagoodideatoloseournoblesloyaltyduetojealousy.

Youmadealotofdecisionswithoutmeknowing.

Mazarindidnotreply.Continuingtomumble,HenriettarememberedthatthenameVallirewasamongthenobleswhocaughtFouquet.Itwillallworkout,Henrietta

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thought,andcalmeddown.

MazarinlookedatthePrincess.YourMajesty,itseemsthatthereissome...instabilitybetweentheRoyalCourtandpartofthenobility.

Henriettashook.

SomethingaboutinterveninginthePrincesssmarriage,anddestroyingouralliancewithGermania.

ColdsweatdrippedfromHenriettasforehead.

Youhavenotbeenexposedtothem,haveyou,YourMajesty?

Afteralengthofsilence,Henriettarepliedannoyingly,...No.

IlltakeYourMajestyswordforitthen.

IamthePrincess.Idonotlie.Henriettabreathedasighofrelief.

...yourfourteenthtime,YourMajesty.

Justsomethinginmymind.AllIcandoissighnow.

Asroyalty,yourcountrysstabilitycomesbeforeyourfeelings.

Imlikethatallthetime.Henriettarepliedapathetically.Shelookedattheflowersinherhands,andsaiddejectedly,...areflowersontheroadnotablessing,Cardinal?

AllIknowisaflowerpickedtoapersonshandsistheflowersblessing.

***

AsthePrincesswentthroughtheAcademygates,rowsofstudentsraisedtheirst

affsinunison,silentandserious.Afterthemaingateswerethedoorstothecentraltower.OsmanstoodatattentiontheretoreceivethePrincess.Asthecarriagesstopped,servantsrushedtolaydownredcarpettoitsdoor.Guardstenselyannouncedherarrival.

HerRoyalHighnessoftheKingdomofTristain,PrincessHenriettahasarrived.

Thefirstoutthedoor,however,wasCardinalMazarin.

Thestudentsgrunted,butMazarinpaidnoattention,standingatthesideofthecarriage,holdingthePrincessshandasshealighted.Thestudentsfinallyapplauded.Ayouthful,flowerysmileemergedfromthePrincesssfaceassheelegantlywaved.

ThatsthePrincessofTristain?Heh...Imbetterlookingthanthat.Kirchemumbledhmydear,whodoyouthinkisprettier?SheturnedtoSaito,lockedtightandlyingflatontheground.

Woof.

Icantunderstandyouifyoujustwoof!Whoisit?

SaitolookedtowardsLouise,whowasattentivelylookingatthePrincess.Ifonl

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yshecouldstayquietlikethat,sheisaverypure,moving,andquitebeautiful.Nomatterhowmadshegets,howcoldshetreatshim,andevenifheistreatedlikeadog,thissoftlookandsuchastunningappearancecanputSaitoinatrance.

Louisesuddenlyblushed,whichSaitosaw.Whatisthisabout?Heturnedtowardswhatevershewasfacing.Ahat-wearing,rathercool-lookingnoble,ridingonamagicalbeastwithaneaglesheadandalionsbody.Louisewaswatchinghimenthralled.

Saitofounditweird.Thatnobleseemslikeaniceguy,butthatsnoreasontolookathimsodeeplyandevenblushlikethat.AmIbeingjealous?Hethought.No,thatcantbe.IdonthavethatkindofrelationshipwithLouise.Herebuttedhimself.

Nomatter,Saitothought.IstillhaveKirche.Abrunettewithawell-endowedcleavage.Apassionatebeauty.Ifitturnsoutlikethat,ImightaswellgoforperfectKirche.Hethoughtratherexcitedly.ButKirchewasblushingandwatchingthatnobleaswell.Saitoloweredhishead,suddenlyfeelingtheheavinessofallthechainsonhim,weighinghimtotheground.TabithasimplyreadherbookasifthePrincesssarrivalmeantnothingtoher.

Andyoujuststaylikethat.HesaidtoTabitha.SheraisedherheadandlookedatwhatLouiseandKirchesaw,lookedatSaitoagain,andsimplymumbled,Justthre

edays.

***

Thatnight...

Saitolaidinhisstrawbed,watchingLouise.Itseemslikeshecouldntcalmdown.Shewouldstanduponemoment,andsitdownthenext,worryingaboutsomethingwhilehuggingherpillow,eversinceshesawthatnoblethatday.Afterthat,shesaidnothing,returnedtoherroomlikeaghost,andsincethensatonherbedjustlikethat.

Youre...actingweird.Saitostarted,butLouisemadenoanswer.

Hestoodup,andwavedinfrontofhereyes.Shedidntmove.

Abittooweird.Hethenpulledonherhair.Louiseshairwasverydelicate,verysoft,asifevenpullingthemslightlywouldbreakthemoff,thatkindofsoft.Heputinsomeforcetothepull,andshestillmadenoreaction.Sameforwhenhepulledonherface.

Timetochangetoyourpajamas.HegrandlysalutedtoLouise,andreachedforherblouse,slowlyunbuttoningit.Nowshehadonlyherunderwearleft.Still,shedidnotmove,asifinaspell.Boring...whatswrongwithher?Geez...Saitocoug

hed.

Louise-sama.Frommyworldtheresthisartcalledbreast-expandingmassage.

Hemadethatup,ofcourse.Saitoblushed.

Yourubitlikethis,andthenitllslowlygetbigger.Youcansayitsakindofmagic.Saitoextendedhishands,reachedaroundasiftohugher,andstartedrubbingherback.Whatsthis?Wherearethey?Whyarenttheythere?Oh...thisistheback.Andthenheshookhisheadonpurpose.Geez...Igotitwrong.Theyrebothflat

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,thatswhy.

Louisestilldidntmove,noteventothisratherdisgustingactfromSaito.

I...whatamI...IDIOT!WHATDIDIJUSTDO?!Afterrealizingthat,heforcefullyshookhishead,andbeatitwithhisownhandsonthebed.Hewasvisiblyembarrassedthatheactuallydidthat.Andthenhewasdepressed.Heknowsthatasaperson,beingscoldedandyelledatissometimesglory.Butifitonlyhurtsifsomeonesayssomething,thenheisntworthbeingnoticed.

Justashewasthrashingabout,somebodyknockedonthedoor.

Whocoulditbe?SaitoaskedLouise.

Theknockswereveryorderly.Itstartedwithtwolongknocks,andthenthreeshortones...

Louisesuddenlywokeupfromhertrance.Sheputonherclothes,stoodup,andopenedthedoor.

Standingtherewasagirl,coveredentirelyinablackveil.

Shelookedaround,andthenwalkedin,closingthedoorbehindher.

...youare?AshockedLouisebarelymanagedtovoice.

Theveiledgirlmadeashhgesturewithafingeronhermouth,andtookoutastafffromherblackcape,lightlywavingitwhilechantingashortspell.Glowingpowderfilledtheroom.

Asilencingspell?Louiseasked.Theveiledgirlnodded.

Theremightbeextraearsandeyesaround.

Aftermakingsuretheroomhadnomagicalearsandnopeepingholes,sheslowlyremovedherveil.

InfrontofthemisreallyPrincessHenrietta.Saitoheldhisbreath.Louiseisalreadyverycute,butthisPrincesscanmatchherincuteness,andstillhavethisadmirableelegance.

Louisefranticallywentdownonherknees.Saitodidntknowwhattodo,andjuststoodthere,withnoideawhatwasgoingon.

Henriettacoolly,andgentlyspoke.Ithasbeenawhile,Vallire.

[edit]ChapterThree:AChildhoodFriend'sRequest

PrincessHenrietta,whohadjustappearedinLouise'sroom,lookedlikeshehad

beenovercomewithemotion,andhuggedthekneelinggirl.

"Oh,Louise,Louise,mydearLouise!"

"Thiswon'tdo,YourHighness.Comingtoahumbleplacelikethis......."

Louisesaidceremoniously.

"Oh!Louise!LouiseFranoise!Pleasestopactingsoformally!YouandIarefriends!Wearefriends,arewenot?"

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"Iamnotworthyofsuchkindwords.YourHighness."

Louiserepliedwithasteely,strainedvoice.Saito,stupefied,juststaredasthepairofbeautifulgirlsembraced.

"Stopthat,please!NeithertheCardinal,myMother,orthosegreedycourtaristocratswhobuzzaroundwearingfriendlyfacesarehere!Oh,don'tIhaveanyfriendswhowillopenuptome?IfevenLouiseFranoise,myoldfriendwhomI'vemisseddearly,actssodistant,Iwouldjustdie!"

"YourHighness......"

Louiseliftedherface.

"Whenwewerelittlechildren,didn'twegettogetherandchasebutterfliesatthepalacecourtyard?Andgotallmuddy?"

Withashyface,Louiseanswered.

"......Yes,andLaPorte-samathechamberlaintoldusoffforgettingourclothessodirty."

"Yes!That'sright,Louise!Wewerearguingoverthosepuffycreamcakes,anden

deduphavingarealscuffle!Oh,wheneverwefought,itwasmewhoalwayslost.Youwouldgrabmyhair,andI'djuststartcrying."

"Notatall,princessachievedvictoryonatleastoneoccasion."

Louisesaid,lookingsentimental.

"Youremembered!Lookingatthetwoofus,onecouldcallthatbattletheSiegeofAmiens!"

"Thatwaswhenwewerefightingoveradressinprincess'bedroom,wasn'tit?"

"Yes,inthemiddleofour'Make-BelieveRoyalCourt',weendedupfightingover

whowouldplayprincess!Anditwasmyblowtoyourstomach,LouiseFranoise,thatsuccessfullydecidedit."

"I'dfaintedinthepresenceofprincess."

Afterthat,thetwoofthemexchangedglancesandbrokeoutinlaughter.Saito,amazed,justkeptwatchingtheminthatstate.Theprincessmayhavelookedlikealady,butshewasactuallyatomboy.

"That'smorelikeit.Louise.Ah,I'mgettingsonostalgic,tearsarecomingout."

"Sohowdoyouguysknoweachother?"

Saitoasked,asLouiseclosedhereyesinreminiscencebeforeanswering.

"Ihadthepleasureofservingasprincess'playmatebackwhenwewerechildren."

Afterthat,LouiseturnedbacktoHenrietta.

"But,Iamdeeplymovedthatprincesswouldremembersuchthings.......Ithoughtyou'dalreadyforgottenaboutme."

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Theprincessgaveadeepsighandsatdownonthebed.

"HowcouldIforget?Duringthosetimes,everydaywasfun.Therewasnothingatalltoworryabout."

Therewasaprofoundsadnessinhervoice.

"Princess?"

LouiselookedworriedasshepeeredintoHenrietta'sface.

"HowIenvyyou.Freedomissuchawonderfulthing,LouiseFranoise."

"Whatareyousaying?You'retheroyalprincess,areyounot?"

"Aprincessborninherkingdomislikeabirdbeingraisedinacage.Yougohereandthereonyourmaster'severywhim......."

Henriettasaid,lookinglonelyasshegazedatthemoonoutsidethewindow.ShethenheldLouise'shandsandgaveasweetsmilebeforespeaking.

"I...I'mgettingmarried."

"......Youhavemycongratulations."

Louise,whosomehowfeltthesadnessinthattone,spokeinasubduedvoice.

ItwasatthatmomentthatHenriettanoticedSaito,whohadbeensittingonhisbundleofstraw.

"Oh,forgiveme.WasIintruding?"

"Intruding?Howwouldthatbe?"

"Well,isn'theyourlover?Ohno!ItseemsIwassocaughtupreminiscingthatIdidn'trealizemyblunder!"

"Huh?Lover?Thatcreature?"

"Stopcallingmethat."

Saitosaidwithadisappointedvoice.

"Princess!That'sjustmyfamiliar!Don'tevenjokeaboutitbeingmylover!"

Louiseshookherheadwildly,denyingHenrietta'swords.

"Familiar?"

HenriettalookedatSaitowithablankexpressiononherface.

"Buthelookslikeahuman......"

"Iamahuman,Princess."

SaitogaveastrainedgreetingtoHenrietta.

AndhewasevenmorehurtbyhowhardLouisehaddeniedtheywerelovers.Eventhoughthatreallywasthecase,ithurtallthesame.

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HerecalledLouise'sprofileasshegazedattheotheryoungnobleduringtheday.

Atanyrate......I'mafamiliar.Anearthling.Notanoble.

AndIwanttogohome.Iwanttoeatateriyakiburger.Yeah,andImightevenreceiveananswerattheonlinedatingservice.Painfulthoughtslikethesewereswirlingtogetherintoachain.

Feelingagreatweightuponhim,heputhishandonthewall.AsfastasSaitohadbecomeelated,hisfeelingsfelljustassoon.Whatahecticpersonality.

"True,true.Oh,LouiseFranoise,youmayhavechangedsinceouryoungerdays,butyouarestillquitethesame."

"Ididn'tmakeitmyfamiliarbecauseIwantedto."

Louiselookeddisappointed.Henriettagaveoffanothersigh.

"Princess,whathappened?"

"No,it'snothing.Forgiveme,oh,I'msoashamedofmyself.It'snotsomethingIshouldtellyou......butIamjustso......"

"Pleasetellme.Whattroublesaretheythatcauseprincess,ascheerfulassheis,tosighlikethis?"

"......No,Icannottellyou.PleaseforgetIsaidanything.Louise."

"Iwillnot!Didn'tweusetotalkabouteverything?Princesswastheonewhohadcalledmeafriend.Won'tyoushareyourworrieswithyourfriend?"

AfterLouisespoke,Henriettagaveoffacheerful-lookingsmile.

"You'vecalledmeafriend,LouiseFranoise.Thatmakesmesohappy."

Henriettanoddedherheadindetermination,andbegantotalk.

"YoumustnotspeaktoanyoneaboutwhatIamabouttotellyounow."

Afterthat,shegaveaquickglanceinSaito'sdirection.

"ShouldIstepoutside?"

Henriettashookherhead.

"Amageandherfamiliarareasone.Iseenoreasonforyoutoleave."

Andwithasadtone,Henriettastartedtalking.

"IamtomarrytheEmperorofGermania......."

"Germania,yousay?!"

Louise,whohatedGermania,spokeoutinastonishment.

"Thatcountryofbarbaricupstarts?!"

"Yes.Butitcan'tbehelped.Itmustbedonetosolidifyouralliance."

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HenriettaexplainedthepoliticalclimateofHalkeginiatoLouise.

TherewasaninsurrectionamongthenoblesofAlbion,anditlookedliketheRoyalFamilywouldsoonbeoverthrown.Iftherebelswon,thenthenextthingwouldbetheinvasionofTristain.Todefendagainstthis,TristainwaslookingtoformanalliancewithGermania.Forthealliance'ssake,itwasdecidedthatPrincessHenriettawouldbemarriedintotheGermanianImperialFamily.......

"Sothat'swhy......"

Louisesaidwithadepressedvoice.ItwasclearfromHenrietta'stonethatshedidnotdesirethiswedding.

"Itisalright.Louise,IhavelongsinceabandonedthenotionofmarryingtheonewhomIlove."

"Princess......"

"Thosetwo-facedAlbionnoblesdonotwantTristainandGermaniatobecomeallies.Twoarrowsareeasiertobreakwhentheyarenottiedtogether."

Henriettamurmured.

"......Therefore,theyhavebeensearchingfranticallyforanythingthatwouldinterferewiththemarriage.

"Andthey'vefoundsomething......"

Saitodidn'tknowanythingabouttheallianceorAlbion,butinanycase,itseemedlikeitwassomethingserious.Yup,asbigasanotherYagoto,Saitothoughtwithanod.

"Thenthisisaboutthatthingthatcouldgetinthewayofprincess'wedding?"

Louiseasked,herfacelookingpale,andHenriettagavearegretfulnod.

"Oh,FounderBrimir...pleasesavethisunfortunateprincess......"

Henriettacoveredherfacewithherhands,andcrumbledonthefloor.Saitowasalittleshockedatthedramaticgesture.He'dneverseenanythingsograndioseinhislife.

"Tellme,please!Princess!Justwhatisitthatcouldinterferewiththeprincess'wedding?"

Louise,likeshehadalsobeeninfected,rattledoffwithanagitatedlook.Withbothhandsstillonherface,Henriettalookedlikeshewasinpainasshebeganmuttering.

"......ItisaletterthatIhadwrittensometimeago."

"Aletter?"

"Yes.IfthoseAlbionnoblesgettheirhandsonit......theywouldprobablysenditforwardtotheGermanianImperialFamilyassoonastheycould."

"Whatkindoflettercouldthatbe?"

"......ThatIcannottellyou.ButiftheGermanianImperialFamilyweretoread

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it......theywouldneverforgiveme.Themarriagewillfallthrough,andwithit,thealliancewithTristain.ThenTristainwouldstandaloneagainstthestrengthofAlbion."

LouisegaveagaspandseizedHenrietta'shands.

"Wherewouldthatletterbe?TheletterthatwouldbringcrisistoTristain!"

Henriettashookherhead.

"Itisnotwithus.Thetruthofthematteris,itisalreadyinAlbion."

"Albion!Butthen...!Isitalreadyintheenemy'shands?"

"No......theonewhoholdstheletterisnotwiththerebelsofAlbion.Astheconflictbetweentherebelsandhiskinsmenunfolded,PrinceWalesoftheRoyalFamily......"

"ThePrinceWales?ThePrinceValiant?"

Henriettabentbackandlaiddownonthebed.

"Oh,it'sadisaster!Soonerorlater,PrinceWaleswillfallcaptivetotherebels!!Andwhenthathappens,theletterwillcometolight!Andeverythingwould

beruined!Ruined!Withoutanalliance,TristainwouldhavetotakeonAlbionbyitself!"

Louiseheldherbreath.

"Then,Princess,thefavorthatyou'reaskingofme......"

"Impossible!It'simpossible,Louise!HowcouldIbesoterrible?It'sallconfusing!WhenIthinkaboutit,Icouldn'taskyoutodosuchadangerousthingastogotoAlbionwhilethisconflictbetweenthenoblesandtheroyalistsisunfolding!"

"Whatareyousaying?Beitthekettlesofhell,orintothejawsofadragon,i

fit'sforprincess'sake,I'llgoanywhere!ThereisnowaythethirddaughteroftheHouseoflaVallire,LouiseFranoise,couldoverlooksuchacrisisforprincessandTristain!"

Louisekneeleddownandloweredherheadreverently.

"Pleaseleavethismattertome,theonewhohascapturedFouquetthe[CrumblingEarth]."

Saito,whohadbeenleaningonhisarmagainstthewall,turnedtolookatLouiseandspoke.

"Hey,wasn'tthatme?"

"You'remyfamiliar."

"Woof."

"Afamiliar'sachievement,isitsmaster'sachievement."

Louisesaidwithperfectconfidence.

"Andafamiliar'smistake?"

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"Thatwouldbeyourmistake,wouldn'tit?"

Thoughhefeltsomewhatcheated,itwasuselesstoobjectwhenLouisegotintoherusualthreateningattitude,soSaitojustnoddedhalf-heartedly.

"Soyouwillhelpme?LouiseFranoise!Youareadearfriend!"

"Ofcourse!Princess!"

LouisegraspedHenrietta'shands,andastheformerspokeheatedly,thelattergaveinandstartedcrying.

"Princess!I,Louise,foreverfriendofthePrincess,willbeyourconfidante!Haveyouforgottenmyvowofeternalloyalty?"

"Ah,theloyalty.Thisloyaltyandsincerefriendship!I'mdeeplymoved.Iwillneverforgetthroughlifeyourloyaltyandfriendship!LouiseFranoise!"

Saitoopenedhismouthgaping,andstaredhalfamazedatthetwo.Itwaslikeaconversationbetweentwopeoplewhoweregettingdrunkwiththeirownwords.Ah,sothisishowit'slikefornoblesandprincesses,it'stroublesome,Saitowasstrangelyconvincedashewatched.

"Louise.Sorrytobotheryouwhileyou'rereaffirmingyourfriendshipandeverything."

"What?"

"GoingtoAlbioninthemiddleofawarisfine,butwhatuseamIgonnabe?"

"I'veboughtyouasword.Youcanusethat,atleast."

"Yeah.I'lldomybest......"

Saitoloweredhisheadgloomily.Cometothinkofit,theyhaven'ttalkedabouttheLegendaryFamiliarGandlfr'srunethathadappearedonthebackofhislefth

andyet.ButevenifIsayit,it'sjustgoingtobeawaste,Saitothought.

Legendaryornot,shestilltreatsmelikeadog.

"ThenshallwegotoAlbion,findtheCrownPrinceofWales,andgettheletterback,princess?"

"Yes,thatiscorrect.Ifeelconfidentthatyou,theoneswhohavecaughtFouquetthe[CrumblingEarth],shouldbeabletoaccomplishthisdifficultmission."

"Asyouwish.Howurgentisthistask?"

"I'veheardthatthenoblesofAlbionhavemanagedtodrivetheroyalistsintoa

cornerofthecountry.Itwilljustbeamatteroftimebeforetheyaredefeated."

Louise'sfacelookedseriousasshebowedtoHenrietta.

"Thentomorrow,weshalldepart."

Afterwards,HenriettaturnedhergazetowardsSaito.Saito'sheartskippedabeat.ThoughLouisewasalsofoolishlylovelyandneat,PrincessHenriettawassobeautifulthathealmostgasped.Hermillet-coloredhair,trimmedrightaboveher

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eyebrows,wasswimminggracefully.Herblueeyesshonebrilliantlylikethesouthernseas.

Whiteskin,onwhichfloatedafeelingofpurity,anoselikeapricelessandfinelyshapedsculpture.......

SaitostaredatHenriettaasifhewasinatrance.Louiselookedatthiswithachillygaze.Itdidn'tseemlikeshewasinagoodmood.

Whyareyoulookingatmelikethat,Louise?Ah,isitbecauseI'mstaringattheprincesswithadmiration?Couldyoupossiblybegettingjealous?Butweren'tyoublushingwhenyousawthatnoblewiththefeatheredhat?Andweren'tyoucompletelyoutofitafterthat?

It'sfunnyhowjealousyou'regetting,Louise.Saitoshookhishead.

Ratherthanyourlover,aren'tIjustyourfamiliar?

WillIneverbemorethanadogforyou?

I'mjustyourdog,sowhyareyoulookingatmelikethat,Louise?Ah,isitbecauseIamadog?Isitbecausesomeonelikeme,who'sjustatthelevelofadog,islookingather?Myapologies.Pleaseforgivemeforeverbeingborn.Woof.

Saito'sheadspunforameretwoseconds.

LouiselookedawayfromSaitowitha"Hmph".Saitoturnedawayaswell.

Henriettadidn'tnoticethesubtleexchangebetweenSaitoandLouise,andshebeganspeakinginacheerfulvoice.

"Dependablefamiliar-san."

"Yes?Youmeanme?"

AfterHenriettacalledhimdependable,theslumpingSaitobecamehappier.

"Naw,that'stoomuch.Justtreatmelikeadog."

"Pleasekeeptakingcareofmymostpreciousfriend."

Andthenshegentlyheldoutherhand.Ahandshake?hethought,butthebackofherhandwasturnedupwards.Whatsortofgesturewasthis?

Louisespokeupwithanastonishedvoice.

"Thatwon'tdo!Princess!Toofferyourhandtoafamiliar!"

"Itisalright.Thispersonwillbeactingformysake,andwithoutareward,Iwon'thavehisloyalty."

"Ah......"

"Offeringahand?Thewaysomeonedoestoadog?Isthathowyoutreatyourdogs?"

Saitostoopedandloweredhishead.

"That'snotit.Ooh,thisiswhyyou'readog......,acommonerdogwhodoesn'tknowanything.Whensheoffersherhand,itmeansyoucankissher.That'ssayin

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gitplainly."

"That's...howaggressive......"

Saito'smouthopenedwidely.He'dneverthoughtthathe'dbeallowedtokissaprincessfromanotherworld.

HenriettasmiledsweetlyatSaito.Hissmileappearedbusiness-liketootherpeople,butSaitowasthinking?I'dloveto?.Tobelikedbysuchaprincesswouldn'tbehalfbad,hethought.

SaitogrinneddeliberatelyatLouise.Louisemutteredunderherbreathandturnedherfaceaway.

Ah,what,soyou*are*gettingjealous.Justlookatyourself.Thisiswhatyougetforgettingcharmedbythatnoblewiththeplumedhatandblushing,Saitothought.

SaitocaughtHenrietta'shand,andthenfirmlypulledhertohim.

"Eh?"

Henriettaabsentmindedlyopenedhermouthinsurprise.Thenbeforetheycouldblink,SaitopushedhislipsagainstHenrietta's.

"Mmph......"

Whattender,tinylipstheywere.Henrietta'seyesopenedwidelyintocircles.

Thecircleswentwhite.ThestrengthleftHenrietta'sbody,and,slippingthroughSaito'shands,shefelltothebed.

"Shefainted?Wh-why'sthat?"

"Whatareyoudoingtoherhighness?!Youd-d-d-dog!"

"Woof?"

WhenSaitoturnedaround,thebottomofLouise'sshoewasflyingtowardshim.

SaitotookLouise'sjumpkickinthefaceandtumbledtothefloor.

"Whatwasthatfor?!"

WhenSaitosaidthat,Louisestampedangrilyonhisface.

"Itwasonherhandshegaveyoupermission,thebackofherhand!Akissonthebackofthehand!Why'dyougiveheranall-outkissonthelips?!"

Louisewassomad,itlookedlikeshewasgoingtocatchfire.

"HowshouldIknow!Idon'tknowanythingaboutyourruleshere."

Ashisfacewasgettingtrampled,Saitospreadhishandsandspokeplainly.GettingsteppedonwassomethingSaitohadexperiencewith.

"Y-y-y-you,you,youdog......"

Louise'svoicebegantremblinginfury.

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Henriettarosefromthebedwhileshakingherhead.Louiserushedtokneelbesideher.ShethengrabbedSaito'sheadandpusheditdowntothebed.

"I-I'msorry!Myfamiliar'smisconduct,ismyownmisconduct!Andyousayit,too!Apologize!"

Theever-pridefulLouisewasapologizingtosomeone.Ontopofthat,shewasshakingallover.IfIdon'tdowhatshesays,she'llprobablygivemehellforitlater.

"Sorry.IonlydiditsinceyoutoldmeIcouldkissyou."

"Andwherecanyoufindsomeonewhowouldgoforthelipswhentheyhearthat?!"

"Righthere."

LouisestruckSaitowithherfist.

"Howforgetful.Whogaveyoupermissiontousehumanlanguage?Justbark.Dog.Comeon,bark,Isay.Everyonelookatthedoggie.Stupiddog."

ThenshestampedstampedonSaito'sheadandgrounditagainstthefloor.

"I-it'salright.Loyaltymustberewarded,afterall."

Henriettabowedherhead,givingrealefforttoappearcalm.

Atthattime,thedoorslammedopenandsomeonecameflyingin.

"You!Theprincess!Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?!"

ItwastheonewhohaddueledwithSaitobefore,GuichedeGramont.

Withanever-presentimitationroseinhishand.

"Whatdoyouwant?"

SaitosaidfromwherehelayonthefloorasLouisecontinuedsteppingonhisface.

"Guiche!You!Wereyoueavesdropping?Didyouhearourconversationjustnow?!"

Guiche,however,didn'tanswerthepair'squestionsandjuststoodinadaze.

"Formyhuntoftherose-like,lovelyprincessbringingmetothisplace......andthenseeingatheft,sotospeak,occurthroughthedoor'skeyhole......thatidiotcommonertakingakiss......."

Guicheflourishedhisimitationroseandcried.

"Duelwithme!Youscoundrel!"

SaitosprangupanddrovehisfistintoGuiche'sface.

"Agah!"

"Duelawaythen,stupid!Istillrememberhowyoubrokemyarm!Let'sgo!"

SaitogaveGuiche,whohadfallentothefloor,ahardkick,thenhesatonhimandstartedwringinghisneck.

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"Th-that'snotfair!You!Gah!"

"So,whatnow?Thisguyoverheardprincess'story.Shallwehavehimhanged?"

Iftheopponentwasaguy,Saitocouldbeveryserious.

"Thatmightbebest......it'sreallytoobadhehadtohearourconversationjustnow......"

GuichecaughtSaitooff-guard,andstoodup.

"YourHighness!Byallmeans,pleaseappointme,GuichedeGramont,tothisdifficultmission."

"Oh?You?"

"Yougotosleep."

SaitosweptGuiche'slegs.Guichefelldowngaudily.

"Letmejoinyourgroup!"

Guicheyelpedashecollapsed.

"Why?"

Guiche'sfacereddened.

"IwishtobeofusetoHerHighness......"

SaitowassensingsomethingfromGuiche'sappearencerightthen.

"You,areyouinlove?Withtheprincess?!"

"Don'tsaysuchrudethings.Iam,absolutely,justwantingtobeofusetoHerHighness."

However,Guiche'sfacewasburningintenselyashesaidthis.TellingbythepassionatelookhewasgivingHenrietta,hewascertainlyunderhercharm.

"Butyouhaveagirlfriend.Whowasthatagain?Uh,Monmon-something......"

"It'sMontmorency."

"Sowhat'sgoingon?"

ButGuichewassilent.Ah,Isee,Saitothought.

"Didyougetdumped?Shecompletelydumpedyou,Ibet?"

"Q-quiet!Itwasallyourfault!"

Itwasthematteroftheperfumeinthedininghall.Whenhewascaughttwo-timing,GuichewasdrippingwithwinefromthetopofhisheadcourtesyofMontmorency.

"Gramont?Ah,ofGeneralGramont?"

HenriettafixedhereyesonGuiche'svacantlylookingface.

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"Iamhisson,YourHighness."

Guichestoodupandgaveareverentbow.

"Areyoualsosayingthatyouwishtohelpme?"

"ItwouldbeanunexpectedblessingformeifIweretobecomeapartofthatmission."

HenriettasmiledatGuiche'senthusiasticexpression.

"Thankyou.Yourfatherisagreat,bravenoble,anditseemsyouhaveinheritedhisblood.Then,please.Wouldyouhelpthisunfortunateprincess,SirGuiche?"

"HerHighnesshascalledmyname!HerHighness!Tristain'slovelyflower,hassmiledherrosysmileatme!"

Guiche,havingfelttoomuchexcitement,fellonhisbackinafaint.

"Ishealright?"

SaitopokedatGuiche.Louisepaidnomindtothedisturbanceandspokeinaseriousvoice.

"Wellthen,tomorrowmorning,weshalldepartforAlbion."

"WehaveheardthatPrinceWaleshassetupcampsomewherearoundNewcastleinAlbion."

"Understood.I'vetravelledthroughAlbionwithmysistersbefore,soI'mfamiliarwiththegeography."

"Itwillbeaperilousjourney.IfthenoblesofAlbiondiscoveryourmission,theywilldoeverythingintheirpowertogetinyourway."

Henriettasatatthedeskand,withLouise'sfeatherquillandsomeparchment,w

rotealetterout.

Henriettaquietlygazedatthelettershehadwrittenherself,beforeshebeganshakingherheadsadly.

"Princess?What'sthematter?"

Louise,thinkingsomethingwasup,calledout.

"I-it'snothing."

Henriettablushed,gaveanodasifshehadsettledonsomething,thenaddedanotherlineattheend.Afterthat,shemurmuredinasoftvoice.

ZnT02-087.jpg

"FounderBrimir.......Pleaseforgivethisselfishprincess.Eventhoughmycountryisindistress,Icannothelpbutwritethisonesentence.......Icannotlieaboutmyownfeelings......."

Henrietta'sfacialexpressionmadeitseemlikeshehadwrittenalove-letterratherthanasecretmessage.Louisecouldn'tsayanythingmore,andjustlookedatHenriettaquietly.

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Henriettarolledupthelettershehadwritten.Shewavedherstaff.Outofnowhere,sealingwaxappearedontherolled-upletter,andasealpresseddownonit.ThenshehandedtheletterovertoLouise.

"WhenyoumeettheCrownPrinceWales,pleasepassthislettertohim.Heshouldthenreturntheletterinquestionimmediately."

Afterthat,Henriettaremovedaringfromtheringfingeronherrighthand,andgaveittoLouise.

"Thisisa?WaterRuby?thatIhadreceivedfrommymother.Itshouldworkasagood-luckcharm,atleast.Ifyouhaveanymoneyconcerns,pleasesellthistogetsometravelfunds."

Louisebowedherheadinsilence.

"ThismissionisforthefutureofTristain.Forthat,mymother'sringwillprotectyoufromtheharshwindsblowinginAlbion."

[edit]ChapterFour:PortCityLaRochelle

Althoughdawnhadjustbroken,Saito,GuicheandLouisehadalreadystartedpreparingthesaddlesfortheirhorses.SlungoverSaito'sbackwasDerflinger.Beca

useofitslength,itcouldnotbeattachedtothewaist.

Louisewasdressedinheracademyuniform,theonlydifferencewasthatshenowworehorseridingbootsinsteadofshoes.Judgingfromthat,itlookedlikeagreatdealoftimewouldbespentridingthehorse.

HowfarwouldAlbionbefromhere?I'mstillnotusedtoridingahorse...Mostprobablymywaistwillachefromtheriding...hethoughttohimself.

Justbeforesettingoff,Guichespokeratherawkwardly.

"Ihavearequest..."

"Whatisitthatyouwant?"Saitorespondedwithhostilitywhileputtinghisbelongingsontothesaddle.HestillcouldnotforgiveGuicheforhurtinghimthatbadlyduringtheirfightsometimeback.

"Iwishtobringmyfamiliaralong."

"Doyouhaveafamiliarinthefirstplace?"

"OfcourseIdo.Allmagicianshaveone."

LouiseandSaitolookedateachother,thenlookedatGuicheagain.

"Where'syourfamiliarnow?"

"Here."Guicherepliedwhilepointingtotheground.

"Butthere'snothingontheground,"Louisesaid.

Guicherespondedbytappinghisfeetontheground.Justthen,agiantbrowncreaturepoppedoutoftheground.

"Verdandi!Oh,mycuteVerdandi!"

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Saito,dumbfounded,asked,"Whatintheworldisthatcreature?"

"Whatdoyoumeancreature?ThisismycutelittlefamiliarVerdandi."

"Youmeanthatyourfamiliaristhatbigthingoverthere?"

Uponcloserinspection,thatgiantbrowncreaturewasactuallyamolewithasizeequivalenttoasmallbear.

"Yes.Ahh...MyVerdandi,youlooksocutefromanyangleIlook.Haveyoueatenyourmealofearthwormsbeforeyouarrivedhere?"

Thegiganticmolehemmedhappilyinresponse.

"Really?That'swonderful!"Guichesaidwhilerubbingcheektocheekwithhisfamiliar.

"Actually...Idon'tthinkthatyoucouldbringitalongwithus..."Saitosaidindisgust.

That'srightGuiche.Thatcreaturemovesundergroundright?

That'sright.Eventhoughit'sslightlybiggerthatusual,Verdandiisstillamoleallright.

Howarewegoingtobringitalong?We'reallridingonhorses.Louisesaidinperturbedfashion.

That'sallright.Verdandimovesalongquicklyunderground.AmIright,Verdandi?

Thegiganticmolenoddedinagreement.

Butwe'regoingtoAlbion!Wecan'tbringcreaturesthatmoveunderground!.Louiseexplained.

Guiche,uponhearingthat,kneltontothegroundandreplied,IcannotbeartheseparationwithmydearVerdandi...Oh!Thepain...

Atthesametime,thegiantmoleseemedtopickupsomescentfromitsnoseanddrewnearerandnearertoLouise.

Whatisthisstupidmoletryingtodo!?

Likemaster,likefamiliar.Theybothsharethesameinterestgirls.Saitosaid.

Stop!Stopthisrightnow!

ThegiantmoleknockedLouiseoffherfeetandstartedsniffingalloverher.

Ah!!!Watchwhereyou'resniffing!Stopit!

Louisebeingconstantlypokedbythegiantmole'snose,startedtorollallovertheground.Allthatrollingdisheveledherclothesandexposedherunderwear.Louisewasstartingtogetveryannoyed...

SaitounconsciouslystartedtobeimmersedinwatchingVerdandiandLouisejustasifhewasadmiringabeautifulpicture...

Ah...Howbeautifulisthesceneofagiantmoleteasingadamsel.

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Itotallyagree.

BothSaitoandGuichenoddedinunison.

Stopblabberingnonsenseoverthere,youoafs!Comeoverandhelpmequickly!Ahh!!!

ThegiantmolesawtheringatLouise'srighthandandstartedpeckingitwithitsnose.

Youinsolentmole!Don'tuseyournosetosniffattheringthehighnesshasbestowedtome!.

Iseenow.It'sthering.Verdandilovesjewels.

Suchanirritatingpest!

Pleasedon'tcallVerdandianirritatingpest.It'sbecauseofmethatVerdandisearchesforpreciousstonesandjewels.ForanEarthmagician,there'snothingmorehelpfulthanthis.

JustasLouisewaspreparingtoblowhertop,asuddengustofwindcameoutofnowhereandblewawayVerdandi.

Whoisthat!?Guicheshoutedagitatedly.

Aratherstoutlookingnoblewearingafeatheredcapappearedoutofthefaintdaylightbehindhim.Saitolookedrathersurprised.

That...Thatpersonis...

WhathaveyoudonetomyVerdandi!?

Guichehastilytookouthisroseshapedwandbutthenoblewearingthefeatheredcapwasfaster.BeforeGuichecouldcastanyspell,hiswandwasalreadyoutofhishand.

I'mnotyourenemy.I'mundertheordersofthehighnesstoaccompanyyouonyourjourney.TheprincessisworriedaboutjusthavingyoufewgoingtoAlbion,butthenagainsendingawholetroopofsoldierswithyouwillbetooconspicuous.Therefore,Iwasappointedtoaccompanyyouallonthisjourney.Thenoblesaidwhiletakingoffhisfeathercapandbowing.

I'mthecaptainoftheGriffinKnights,ViscountWardes.

ThegrumblingGuichequicklyshuthismouth.Formostofthenobles,Guicheincluded,beingabletojointheGriffinKnightsmeantgreatprestige.

WardeslookedatGuicheandspokeapologetically.SorryforwhatIdidtoyourfamiliar.Icouldn'tstandwatchingmyfiancebeingharassed.

What!?

Saitowasshocked.

Fiance?

ThismajesticlookingnobleisLouise'fianc???

Wardes-sama...Louisespokeinatremblingvoiceafterstandingup.

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It'sbeensuchalongtime.MyLouise,mydearLouise.

MyLouise???Whatkindofjokeisthat?Saitothoughttohimself.

WardesapproachedLouiseandwithabeamingsmileonhisface,carriedLouiseup.

It'sreallybeensuchalongtime.Louisesaidwithherfaceturningredwithembarrassment.

Stillaslightasever.Justlikeafeather.

Viscount...pleasedon'tbelikethis...Therearepeopleoverhere...

Wardes,whoplacedLouisebackdownandreplacedhishatsaid,Caretointroduceyourcompanionstome?

Erm...ThatisGuichedeGramontandmyfamiliar,Saito.saidLouisewhilepointingatthemwhileshewasintroducingthemtoWardes.GuichewhodidnotdarelookatWardesdirectly,loweredhishead.Saitofollowedsuitthoughabitunwillingly.

Wardessaidwitharathersurprisedlookonhisface,AreyouLouise'familiar?T

hisisthefirsttimeI'veseenahumanbeingafamiliar.

Thankyoufortakingsuchgoodcareofmyfiance.

"You'rewelcome."

SaitotooktheopportunitytosizeupWardes.Hewasindeedhandsome.EventhoughGuichecouldalsobeconsideredabishonenhimself,hewasalwaysmakingafooloutofhimselfandmakingirrationaldecisions.Hecouldevenrubhisowncheekwithagiantmole.

HoweverforWardes,notonlyhehadthelooks.Hiseyeswerelikethatofaneaglekeenandsharp.Thatmustachehehadfurtherenhancedhissuaveness.

Inadditionhehadamuscularandwellbuiltbody.SaitohadoriginallythoughtthatallmalemagicianswouldhaveabodylikeGuiche,buthewasprovenwrong.EveninhandtohandcombatwithWardeswithouttheuseofmagic,Saitocouldbesubduedinseconds.

Thinkingaboutallthat,Saitogaveadeepandlongsigh.Wardesseeingthat,approachedSaitoandgaveapatonhisshoulders.

What'swrong?Areyouhavingdoubtsaboutthistrip?There'snothingtobeafraidof!Aren'tyoutheonewhocaughtFouquetoftheCrumblingEarth?Withyourcouragealone,nothingisimpossible.

Wardeswhohadfinishedsayingthat,gaveabroadsmile.Withthat,Saitofeltatingeofremorsefulness.

Ishereallythatgoodofaperson?Idon'tthinkthatIcancomparewithhiminanyaspect.That'sright.IthinkLouisewouldbemarriedtohimsoon...Justthinkingofthathasmademealoneandempty...

Louise,notabletocalmdownduetoWardes'appearance,wasfeelingrestlesswithanxiety.Saitohadtoturnhisheadaway,hedidnotwanttoseeLouisethatway.

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Wardesgaveawhistle,andagriffinappearedoutfromthemorningclouds.Itwasamythicalbeastwiththeheadofaeagleandabodyofalion.Andonitsbackwerewingsthatweremadeupofbeautifulwhitefeathers.

Wardeshadclimbedtothebackofthegriffinwithgrace,andthenextendedahandtoLouise.

Comeover,myLouise.

Louiseloweredherheadinhesitationandbashfulness,justlikeagirlwhoisinlove.ThismadeSaitoevenmorejealous.

Whatdoeshethinkhe'sdoing?Comeover,myLouise?YourLouise!?YourLouise!?Whatanobnoxiousfreak!

Saitobeingamale,hadtokeepthosethoughtstohimselfandwentuptothehorseinsilenceintheend.

Louise,whowasstillhesitating,wassuddenlycarriedupthegriffinbyWardes.

Withonehandonthereinsandhiswandintheother,Wardesshouted,Welleverybody,onwards!

Thegriffinmovedforward.FollowingbehinditwereGuiche,lookingfullofadmirationforWardes;andSaito,feelingverydownanddejected.

Saitothoughttohimselfwhilestaringattheblanksky.

HowfarwoulditbetoAlbion?

Fromtheheadmaster'sofficewindow,HenriettawaswatchingSaitoandgroupdepartingforAlbion.Closinghereyes,shestartingpraying...

FounderBrimir,pleasegrantthemprotectionthroughouttheirjourney...

NexttoherwasHeadmasterOsmantrimminghisnasalhair.

Youaren'tgoingtoseethemoff,headmasterOsman?

No,asyoucansee,I'mbusytrimmingmynasalhair,yourhighness.

Henriettashookherheadindisapproval.

Justthen,someoneknockedatthedoor.

Enter,saidtheheadmaster.

Mr.Colbertenteredroomwithananxiouslookonhisface.

Badnews!Headmaster!

Yousaythatquiteoften.Whatseemstobetheproblemnow?

FromthenewsthatI'veheardfromthecastleguards,Fouquethasescaped!

Hmm...saidOsmanwhilestrokinghisbeard.

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Accordingtotheguardwhowasondutythattime,somenobleknockedhimoutusingwindmagic.ThepersonusedtheopportunitythatmostofthemanpowerwasdivertedtoprotecttheprincesstohelpFouquetescape!Thismeansthatsomeoneinsideisaspy!Isn'tthatbadnews?

Henrietta'sfaceturnedpaleuponhearingthenews.

HeadmasterOsmanmadeagesturetoMr.Colbertaskinghimtoleave.

Okay.Okay.We'llhearfurtherdetailsfromyoulater.

AfterMr.Colbertleft,Henriettaplacedherhandsonthetableandsigheddeeply.

Wehaveaspyinourmidst.ThismustbethedoingsoftheAlbionnobility!

Maybeitis...OUCH!saidtheheadmasterwhiletrimminghisnasalhair.Henriettalookedathimhelplessly.

Howcanyoustillbesorelaxed?ThefutureofTristainisatstake!

Theopponenthasalreadymadehismove.Allwecandonowistowait,isn'tit?

Evenso...

It'sallright.Ifit'shim,he'llbeabletocopewithanyproblemsthey'llfaceduringtheirjourney.

Thepersonyou'respeakingofisGuiche?OrViscountWardes?

Theheadmastershookhishead.

Don'ttellmethatpersonisLouise'sfamiliar.Howcouldthatbepossible?!Isn'thejustacommoner?

Yourhighness,haveyouheardofthestoryofFounderBrimirbefore?

Ihavereadmostofthestory...

Theheadmastersmiledandreplied,Then,doyouknowaboutGandlfr?

Isn'tthatFounderBrimir'sstrongestfamiliar?Don'ttellme...

Atthispointoftime,HeadmasterOsmanfeltthathehadalreadydivulgedtoomuch.RegardingthesecretofGandlfrhealwayswantedtokeepthattohimself.AlthoughhetrustedHenrietta,hedidnotwanttheRoyalfamilytoknowaboutityet.

Yes,he'sasstrongandcapableasGandlfrandfurthermore,hecomesfromanotherworlddifferentfromours.

Anotherworld?

That'sright.HecomesfromaworlddifferentfromHalkeginia.OrIshouldsay,fromaplacenotonHalkeginia.Ihavealwaysbelievedthatthisyouthfromanotherworldwillsucceed.That'salsothereasonthatI'msocarefreeevenduringtheseperiloustimes.

AnotherworlddifferentfromHalkeginiareallyexists...

Henriettagazedfaraway.Thesensationoftheyouth'slipstilllingeredonHen

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rietta'slips.Touchingherlipswithherfingertips,sheclosedhereyes,smiledandsaid,

Letmepraythen,forthebreezethatcomesfromanotherworld.

ItwouldtaketwodaystoreachPortCityLaRochellebyhorsefromTristain.Theportcityissituatedonadeepandnarrowgorgeandbecauseofthis,ithasasmallpopulationofthreehundred.AsLaRochelleisthegatewaytoAlbion,thenumberoftravelersistentimesmorethanthelocalpopulation.

Boulderscouldbeseenonbothsidesofthenarrowmountainpathway.Peoplehadcarvedholesintheboulders,turningthemintotavernsandshops.Althoughthebuildingslookordinary,uponcloserinspectiononecanrealizethatallofthemarecarvedoutofasinglerock,afeatdonebySquarerankedearthmages.

Onthenarrowstreet,itappearedtobedarkeventhoughitwasafternoonduetothegorgesblockingthesunlight.Ifonemadeaturnonthestreet,theycouldseeanevennarrowerstreetleadingtoabar.

Onthesignboardresemblingakegofwine,theshop'snamewaswrittenGoldenWineBarrelBar.However,nothingintheshopresembleditsname;theshopwasdilapidatedlikeanabandonedhouse.Pilesofruinedchairscouldbeseenpilingnext

tothedoor.

Mostofthepatronsweregangstersandmercenaries.Whendrunk,theywouldoftenfightoverthesmallestofthingslikestaringincidentsorminorsquabbles.

Wheneverthey'dfight,theywouldfightwiththeirweapons.Therefore,itwascommontoseepeopledeadorseriouslyinjuredinsidethebar.Theshopkeeper,notwantingtoseeanymoreinjuriesanddeaths,putupanoticeinsidetheshop.

Pleaseusethechairswhenyoufightinhere.

Fromthenotice,thecustomerscouldfeeltheshopkeeper'shelplessness.Sotheystartedtousethechairsinsteadoftheirweaponswhenfightingeachother.Ev

enthoughtherewerestillinjuries,noonewaskilledanymore.Fromthenon,chairsthatweredestroyedduringfightsgotpilednexttothedoor.

Today,GoldenWineBarrelBarisfilledwithpatronsasusual.AlmostallthepatronsaremercenariesreturningfromAlbionwhichwasinaninternalstrife.

ThekingofAlbionisfinished!

Don'tthatmeansthatthey'regoingtostartarepublicsoon?

Ifso,letusofferatoasttotherepublic!

Thepeopleofferingtoaststothemselveswereformerlymercenarieshiredbythe

royalisttofightalongsidewiththem.However,facedwiththeimminentdefeatoftheirclients,theyalldecidedtoretreatbackhere.Thiswasnotconsideredtobeadishonorableact.Asmercenaries,theyvaluetheirlivesmorethantheirbeliefs,andsotheyarenotobligedtofighttotheirdeathfortheirclients.

Astheyweredrinking,thebar'sdooropened.Arathertallladyhadenteredthebar.Thehoodtheladyhadworncoveredmostofherfaceexceptthelowerpartofherface.However,fromjustthelowerpartofherfaceonecanalreadybesureaboutherbeauty.Asitwasrareforsuchanattractiveladytocometosuch

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aplacealone,alleyesonthebarwerealreadyonher.

Thelady,unfazedbyalltheeyesstaringather,orderedsomewineandfoodandsatonatableinacornerofthebar.Afterthefoodwasserved,shepromptlypaidup.

That...That'salotofmoney.Isitreallyallright?

Thatincludeslodging.Doyouhaveanyemptyrooms?

Anelegantvoicereplied.Theshopkeepernoddedhisheadandlefthertable.Severalofthemalepatronslookedateachotherandapproachedhertable.

Excusememiss,it'sdangerousforyoutobeherealone.

That'sright!Therearelotsofdangerouscharactersaround.Don'tworrythough,we'llbeheretoprotectyou.

Withavilesmileonhisface,oneofthemliftedupthelady'shood.Whistlesandcatcallscouldbeheardoncethehoodwasremoved.Theladywasquiteabeauty,withherbeautifuleyesandelegantnose.

ThisbeautifulladyisnoneotherthanFouquetofthecrumblingearth.

She'sreallytopnotch!Lookatherskin!It'saswhiteasivory!

Anotherpatronattemptedtoliftupherchinwithhisarm,buthishandwaspushedawaybyFouquet.Fouquetgaveafaintsmile.Anothermalepatronimmediatelystoodup,tookouthisdaggerandplaceditonFouquet'sface.

Aren'tchairssupposedtobeusedinsteadofweaponsatthisjoint?

Thisisonlytofrightenyou.Chairscan'tintimidateanybodyright?Don'tactsoinnocentanymore,aren'tyouheretolookforcompany?We'llkeepyoucompanythen.

Evenwiththedaggerpointedonherface,Fouquetshowednofear.Withaslight

movement,shereachedforawand.

Inainstant,shechantedherincantations.Withthat,thedaggerthatthemanheldturnedintoearthandsettledontothetable.

She's..she'sanoble!

Themenimmediatelybackedawayfromher.AsFouquetwasnotwearingacloak,noneofthemknewthatshewasamagician.

EventhoughI'mamagician,I'mnotanoble,Fouquetsaidnonchalantly.

Mostofyouaremercenariesright?

Themalepatronslookedateachother.Ifshewasnotanoble,theirliveswouldnotbeendangered.Iftheyhaddonethattoanoble,theywouldbekilledwithoutanyqualms.

Yes...Andyouare...?aveteranofthegroupreplied.

Itdoesn'tmatter.Inshort,I'mheretohireallofyou.

Allofus?

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ThemercenarieslookedatFouquetwithapuzzledlookontheirface.

What'swiththeexpression?Isitreallythatweirdformetoemploymercenaries?

No.That'snotwhatImeant.Youhavegold,don'tyou?

Fouquetplacedabagfullofgoldontothetable.Afterinspectingthecontentsofthebag,theveteransaid,"Wow...Isn'tthiscugold?

Thebar'sdooropenedagain.Thistime,amanwearingawhitemaskhadenteredthebar.HewasthesamemanwhohadhelpedFouquetescapefromprison.

Well,aren'tyouearly.

Fouquetseeingthatman,gavealowHmmasareply.Themercenaries,seeingthatman'speculiardressing,wereallquitesurprised.Theyhavestartedontheirjourney,themaskedmansaid.

Ihavedonewhatyouhadtoldmetoandhiredallthesemen.

ThemaninthewhitemaskgaveaonceoveratthemercenariesthatFouquethadhired.

AllofyouwereformerlyemployedbytheAlbionroyalist.AmIright?

Thatwasuntillastmonth,oneofthemercenariesrepliedwithglee.

Butthesoontobedefeatedroyalistaren'touremployersanymore.

Themercenarieslaughedinunison.Themaninthewhitemasklaughedaswell.

I'llfulfillallyourmonetarydesires.However,I'mnotlikethesoontobedefeatedroyalists,ifanyonedarestorunawayfrombattle,I'llkillhimmyself.

Sincedepartingfromthemagicalacademy,Wardes'griffinhadbeenendlesslymovingtowardstheirdestination.Eventhoughtherestofthegrouphadalreadychangedtheirmounttwice,Wardes'griffinjustlikeitsmaster,appearedtobetireless.

Holdon,isn'tthepacetoofastforus?Louise,whowasonWardes'griffin,asked.Overthedurationofthejourney,LouisespokeinamoreinformalmannertoWardesthanwhentheywerereunited.ButthatwasalsopartlyduetotheViscount'srequest.

GuicheandSaitoarealreadyonthebrinkofexhaustion.

WardesturnedbackandlookedatGuicheandSaito.JustlikeLouisehadsaid,bo

thofthemwereholdingtheirreinstightlyinfearoffallingoff.Fromthelooksofit,bothofthemwouldcollapsefromexhaustionbeforethehorseswould.

ButIhadoriginallyplannedtojourneytoportcityLaRochellewithoutstopping...

Thatwouldbedifficult,itwouldtaketwodaystoreachbyhorse.

Ifthat'sthecase,whydon'twejustleavethembehind?

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Wecan'tdothat!

Why?

Aren'tweinthistogether?Furthermore,amagicianshouldnotabandonherfamiliar...

Youseemprotectiveofthemboth.Whichoneisyoursweetheart?

Louise'sfaceimmediatelyturnedredandreplied,What...Whatsweetheart!?

Thatsetsmyheartatease.Ifmyfiancetellsmethatshealreadyhasasweetheart,Iwoulddieofabrokenheart,repliedWardeswithasmile.

Butthatwasonlysomethingthatourparentshadagreedon.

Then,doyoudislikeme,mysmallanddaintyLouise?

Please,I'mnotyounganymore,Louisereplied,pouting.

Butinmyeyes,you'reforeverthatsmallanddaintyLouise.

Louiserememberedthatdreamthatshe'dhadafewdaysback,whereshewasbackinthecourtyardofherhome,laVallire.

Thesecretboatontheforgottenlake...

Whenevershewasthrowingatantrumthere,Wardeswouldalwaysbetheretopacifyher.

Themarriagethatwasdecidedbyherparents.

Thebetrothalthatwasdecidedsinceyouth.Theonethatshewouldbemarriedto.Herfianc.

Atthattime,shestilldidnotfullyunderstandwhatwasgoingon.Sheonlyknewthat,solongasshewaswiththemanshehadadmired,shewouldbehappy.

Butnow,shefinallyunderstoodeverything.ShewouldbemarriedtoWardes.

Idon'tdislikeyou,Louiserepliedwithatingeofembarrassment.

That'swonderful,inotherwords,youlikeme?

WardesgentlyhuggedLouise'sshoulders.

Ihaveneverforgottenaboutyouevenafterallthistime.Doyoustillremember?Aftermyfather'sdeathduringthelancercampaign?

Louisenoddedherhead.

WardesbegantoreminisceandnarratedtoLouiseaboutthepast.

Mymotherhadpassedawayearlier,Iinheritedmyfather'sestateandtitle.Wantingtomakeanameformyself,Iwenttothecapital.Fortunately,thehighnesshadadeepimpressionofmyfatherwhohadperishedinthebattlefield,IwasincorporatedintotheGriffinKnights.IhadenteredtheGriffinKnightsasatrainee,trainingwastoughthen.

Fromthenon,youseldomwentbacktoyourestateagain,repliedLouisewhileclos

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inghereyes.Shetooseemedtobeimmersedinhermemories.

MyhouseandestatewerecaredforbybutlerGalgannwhileIputallmyeffortservingthenation.Aftersolong,Ifinallymadeanameformyself,accomplishingwhatIhaddecideduponleavingmyhomeland.

Whatwasthatyouhavedecidedupon?

ToaskyourhandformarriageonceIhavemadeanameformyself.

You'rekiddingright,Viscount?You'resopopularamongthegirls,youhavenoneedtohonoryourpromisetosuchaninsignificantme.

AboutWardes'betrothal.Louisehadcleanlyforgottenituntilshehadthatdreamafewdaysback.ThebridalpacttoWardeswasallbutafleetingdream.Inheropinion,itwasonlyaagreementmadeonawhim.

AfterWardeshadlefthisestatetenyearsago,Louisehadneverseenhimagain.Wardeshadalreadybecomepartofherdistantmemory.Distantmemorieshadsuddenlybecomereality.

Thisjourneyisagoodchanceforustoregainthosefeelingswehadwhenyouwereyoung,Wardessaidwithagentleandcalmtone.

Louisethoughttoherself,doIreallyloveWardes?

Eventhoughshedidnotdislikehimandshedidadmirehimwhenshewasyoung,thatwasallinthepast.

Suddenlyfacedwithafiancandprobablymarriage,shedidnotknowwhattodo.Furthermore,theyhadbeenapartforsomanyyears,shedidnotreallyknowwhetherifshestillhadanyfeelingsforhim.

Louiseturnedherheadandlookedbehind.

ShesawSaitoprostratingonthehorse,itlookedlikehehadnearlyreachedhislimit.Louisepoutedherlips.Goodfornothing!Assoonasshethoughtofthat

,shebecameanxiousandherheartpoundedfuriously.

Wehavealreadybeenonthesehorsesfornearlyawholeday,doesn'thegettired?Arethosegriffinknightsmonsters?Guiche,whowasalsolifelesslyslouchingonthehorse,asked.

Whoknows?Saitorepliedlethargically.HefeltembitteredeachtimeWardestouchedLouise.Hetouchedheragain...thistimehuggingherbytheshoulder...Whatisthatguyupto...Eventhoughyou'reLouise'sfianc,eventhoughIhavenorighttostopyou,youshouldhaveatleastdoneitsomewhereelsewhereIcouldnotsee...

EachtimeSaitothoughtofthat,hebecamemoretiredandhisheartbecameheavi

er.

Guiche,lookingatSaitoinsuchastate,beganteasinghim.Hehheh...Don'ttellmeyou'rejealous?Guichesaidwithasnicker.

Ah!Whatareyouimplying?

Iguesseditcorrectly,didn'tI?Guichelaughedevenharder.

Shutyourmouth,moleboy!

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Mwahaha...Youactuallycarriedaloveforyourmasterthatwouldneverflower?Totellyouhonestly,lovebetweenpeopleofdifferentstatuswillonlyresultintragedy.

Stoptalkingnonsense!HowcouldIeverlikesuchapersonlikeher?Iadmitthatshe'scute.However,shehasanextremelybadcharacter.

Guichesuddenlylookedtothefrontandexclaimed,Look!They'rekissing!

Saito,shocked,immediatelyturnedtothefront.However,WardesandLouisedidnotkiss.

HethenlookedagainatGuiche.Guichewasbarelycontrollinghislaughter.

Arggh!SaitoshoutedandpouncedonGuiche.Bothofthefellofftheirhorsesandbeganfightingeachotherontheground.

Hey!Ifyouguyscontinuefighting,I'llhavetoleaveyoubothbehind!Wardesshouted.

Guichequicklygotbackonthehorse.Meanwhile,Saito,realizingthatLouisewaslookingathim,turnedhisheadaway.

Astheyhadbeentravelingatfullspeedandexchangedtheirtiredhorsesforfreshonesseveraltimes,theyreachedtheoutskirtsofLaRochellebynightfall.

Saitolookedaroundinastonishment.Aren'tweapproachingaport?WhydoIstillseemountainseverywhere?Maybeoncewecrossthismountainweshouldbeabletoseetheocean.

Travelingunderthemoonlight,Saitoandthegroupfinallysawanarrowmountainpathway.Buildingswhichwerecarvedfromboulderscouldbeseenonbothsidesofthepathway.

Whyisaportbuiltontopofamountain?

HearingSaitoasking,GuicherepliedsarcasticallyDon'ttellmethatyoudon'tevenknowwhereAlbionis?

AlthoughSaitoandGuichewerenearlyreachingtheirphysicallimits,thethoughtof'Oncewereachtownwecanfinallyrest'gavethemthestrengthtoengageinsmalltalk.

Yeah,Idon'tknow.

Really?Guicherepliedwithlaughter.ButSaitodidnotlaugh.

Ihavenocommonknowledgeofthisworldandpleasedon'tassumethatIdo.

Suddenly,fromtopofthecliff,torcheswerethrownatthetheirhorses.Theburningtorchesilluminatedtheravinetheywereabouttocross.

What's...What'shappening!?Guichecried.

Thehorses,frightenedbytheburningtorches,threwSaitoandGuicheofftheirbacks.

Astheyfell,ahailofarrowsshowereduponthem.

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It'sanambush!Guicheshouted.

Saitobegantopanic,justashewantedtounsheatheDerflingerwhichwasslungbehindhisback,twomorearrowsflewtowardshim.

Whoa!

Justastheythoughttheywereabouttomeettheirdoom,astronggustofwindblewtowardsthem,changingintoasmallhurricane.

Thatsamehurricanecaughtallthearrowsandsentthemaway.

Wardesraisedhiswand.

Areyouguysallright?Wardesshouted.

I'mallright...repliedSaito.

Damnit!Louise'sfiancjustsavedmylife.Thatsenseofdismalkeptexpanding,causingSaitotofeelinferior.HeunsheathedDerflinger.Therunesonhislefthandstartedglowingagain,relivinghimoftheexhaustionthathehadbeensuffering.ZntB2C401.jpg

I'msolonely,partner.It'stoomuchofyoutokeepputtingmeinsidethescabbard.

Saitolookedatthetopofthecliff,butnoarrowscouldbeseen.

Itwasmostlikelythievesorbandits.Wardessaid.

Louise,suddenlyrealizingsomethingexclaimed,CoulditbethenoblesfromAlbion?

Nobleswouldnotusearrows.

Justthen,thesoundofflappingwingscouldbeheard.Itwasasoundthatthey

werequitefamiliarwith...

Screamscouldbeheardfromthecliffs.

Arrowscouldbeseenshootingtowardsthenightsky.However,allthearrowswereparriedawaybywindmagic.

Afterthat,asmallhurricanecreatedbymagicblewawayallthearchers.

Hmm...Aren'tthosewindincantations?Wardesmumbledtohimself.

Thearchers,attemptingtoambushthem,rolleddownthecliffsafterbeingblownawaybythemagicaltornado.Theylandedhardontotheground,givingoutmoans

ofpain.

Withthemoonasthebackground,afamiliarsightappeared.It'sSylphid!Louiseshoutedconfoundedly.

ItwasTabitha'swinddragon.Afteritlanded,ared-hairedgirljumpeddownfromthedragonandflickedherhair.

Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.

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LouisetoojumpeddownfromWardes'griffinandreplied,Whatdoyoumeansorrytokeepyouwaiting!?Whyareyouhereinthefirstplace?

Nottohelpyouinanycase.WhenIsawyouleavingtheacademyonthehorseinthemorning,IquicklywokeupTabithaandfollowedyouallthewayhere.

KirchepointedatTabitha,fromthelooksofitshewaswokenupfromhersleep;shewasstillwearingherpajamas.Butshedidn'tseemtomindatall,andwasstillreadingabook.

Zerbst!Listentome,we'reonasecretmissiongiventousbyherhighness!

Secretmission?Youshouldhavesaidsoearlier!HowwouldIknowifyoudidnottellmeaboutit?Anyways,bethankfultome,forIhaveapprehendedthepeoplewhowantedtoambushyou!

Kirchesaidwhilepointedtothepeoplewhowerelyingontheground.ThoseambusherswereunabletomoveduetotheirinjuriesandhurledabusestowardsLouiseandthegroup.Guicheapproachedthemandbeganinterrogatingthem.

Louise,crossingherarms,gaveaviciousstareatKirche.

Don'tbemistaken!I'mnotheretoassistyou.AmIright?

Kircheposedsuggestively,andthenleanedonWardes,whowasonthegriffin,andsaid,"Yourbeardmakesyouverymanly.Doyouknowwhatpassionlookslike?

WardesglancedatKircheandproceededtopushherawayusinghislef