Zero no Tsukaima - Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi, page 1
part #27 of Zero no Tsukaima Series
Chapter 1: The Ostland
“Huh...”
Louise let out a deep sigh. She was on the deck of the Ostland. In front of her eyes, led by Guiche and Malicorne, the students of the Academy of Magic were creating a commotion.
Colbert was in the center of the circle. Previously, they heard how he had died during the attack by a group of mercenaries from the Albion army; but he was actually alive, and apparently, Kirche had secretly brought him back to Germania.
It was a mystery why Kirche did that. Louise inclined her head.
“Oh my, Louise. How is this ship my Jean made?”
Her hand went around Louise, and Kirche smiled sweetly.
Louise stared at the wings of the Ostland which were protruding from its deck. They were enormous wings, which were about three times larger than the ones of normal ships. Usually, wings which are set up in ships were wood, like the support, with a spreading sail. But this ship was different. To achieve that strength, instead of wood, tall iron masts were used. Reaching 100 mails tall, these straight iron masts could not be produced in Tristain.
In the middle of the wings, there was an engine room with huge propellers! It looked like the “steam engine” Colbert prided in. Apparently, it was something Colbert and the Zerbst family made using the “Happy Little Snake” from some time before as a model. From their outer appearance, they looked like two long, huge iron boxes with massive chimneys. With the energy from the steam which is generated from the combustion of coal and the heating of water, these huge propellers revolved- this is its mechanism.
Those two things were the product of Germanian mechanics who were excellent metallurgists.
“What a great ship.”
Louise expressed her thoughts briefly, and...
“To manufacture iron which could be of use to make such long and strong masts in Tristain is impossible! Louise, do you understand? For the sake of turning my Jean's design into reality, the fire technology of Germania is indispensable! It was a just like a fated meeting between the fire Zerbst and the Flame Serpent! In other words, the fruits of love!”
Unabashed, Kirche combed her hair back. Disgusted at Kirche who had now caught a teacher, calling him “My Jean," Louise said,
“So it's a teacher this time? You are really really someone who falls in love irrationally, huh?”
“It is my personality to be attracted to great gentlemen. I am only faithful to that.”
“Then why did you do things like lying about him dying and taking him away?”
Louise asked. At her words, Kirche displayed a somewhat lonesome look. Yet, she smiled immediately.
“There are a lot of reasons for adults. Complicated reasons.”
While waving her hand, she rushed over to Colbert.
Colbert was explaining the Ostland to the students.
“With the buoyancy acquired using these huge wings, the consumption of wind stones is minimized, and this ship should be able to travel for a long distance... uwa!”
Suddenly embraced by Kirche, Colbert let out a shout. Laughter escaped from the students. Saito was amongst the students. He was laughing quite innocently.
I know you are happy that he is still alive, but... Louise pouted.
Explain properly your kiss with princess.
Although when I was kissed during the drop, I thought, "Well, it's fine...", the kiss between Saito and Henrietta was still an uncommon relationship. Louise did not miss the hot atmosphere which drifted between the two. Although I questioned Henrietta, I still don't know whether that feeling was real or not... Louise declared. Oh no! Because he had stopped the army of seventy thousand and became the hero of Tristain, looks like Henrietta's eyes are clouded as well.
How would Saito react towards the Queen's feelings? Is Henrietta still better after all?
Louise recalled their kiss. Henrietta and Saito were just like characters of a soap opera, having something hot residing in their looks. What eyes! Looks which were as if they had just noticed the sudden destiny which came to them without them knowing it.
You had said so many times you like me that much, and yet what is thisssss~! Completely agitated, Pong! Louise kicked recklessly into the side of the ship.
“You are in a bad mood huh?”
Louise looked around, and saw Siesta standing there, holding a tray.
“Why are you here?”
With a voice similar to a snarl, Louise said. Nowadays, Siesta was Saito's exclusive maid. Right now, she was supposed to be cleaning the room.
“Because the students who had gathered said that they wanted to have their lunch on the ship. The workers carrying the meal are not enough, so I was called as well. Anyways, this is really an awesome ship, right? This is my first time seeing a ship with such long wings.”
Siesta was not aware of the incident involving Louise's attack by Myoznitnirn last night. And looks like she did not recognize this great ship, Ostland, which was made by Colbert who was living at Germania for some reasons, at all. With an innocent expression, her view shifted around restlessly from the deck to the mast and the wings.
The meal which was on the tray consisted of sliced bread, ham, and vegetables - a light meal. Louise took one of them, and started stuffing her mouth quietly.
Siesta whispered near Louise's ears,
“Was Miss Vallière found by Saito-san during the ball?”
Ugh! the bread she was eating got stuck at her throat. At her reaction, Siesta narrowed her eyes and whispered,
“Soooooo what's the maaatter? Oh my, oh my, oh my. Judging by that expression, looks like he did not, huh? If that's the case, I won the bet. If I won, that means...”
Siesta's face shone brightly.
“So I will borrow Saito-san for one day, right? As for Miss Vallière, please say that you have things to do and leave the room. It's all right! I won't do anything strange like Miss Vallière is thinking. I'll just practice a play, only that. A novel with the title 'A Maid's Afternoon,' just only practice one scene. So...”
However, Louise did not reply. While trembling, she was staring intently at a dot.
“Are you listening? Miss...”
Siesta recognized the target of Louise's gaze, and her eyes bulged.
“Isn't that Her Majesty, The Queen!?”
Just as she said, taking along some guards, Henrietta was about to go towards the students. In order for her to attend the Ball of Sleipnir, she had to stay at the Academy of Magic. Cheers could be heard from amongst the students who had gathered at the deck. Noticing Henrietta who had appeared suddenly, Colbert bowed deeply.
“A magnificent ship, right? Mister.”
“Thank you.”
Looking at the conversation between Colbert and Henrietta, Siesta sighed. The beauty of Henrietta which was described as “The Flower of Tristain” would stand out even amongst other noble ladies. The noble atmosphere drifted even to Siesta, a commoner, pressurizing her.
However... despite being in such a position, Henrietta still had this amiable feeling. Usually, noble ladies would always appear to be puffed up and aloof. Yet, Henrietta who reigned at the top did not make one feel like that. Was it because no one rivaled her?
“This is the first time I've seen Her Majesty, The Queen, so closely. If my family in my home town heard about this, they would definitely be envious...”
Yet, Louise did not respond. Motionless, her gaze was fixated straight ahead at Henrietta. What on earth is wrong with Miss Vallière? Siesta inclined her head. Eventually, her face lightened up. The person she liked was pushing his way among the crowd.
“Saito-san...”
Sure enough, it was Saito, wearing an Ondine mantle. Although Guiche's figure could be seen beside him, Siesta's eyes were only on Saito.
Guiche stepped up in front of Henrietta and bowed elegantly. Saito who was standing half a step behind followed suit, bowing down in an unrefined manner for a knight. The clumsiness which was brought up from amongst the commoners made Siesta's heart beat more.
“Your Majesty, the preparation of your coach is complete.”
With a respectful bow, Guiche said. Because of his delight in directly serving the queen he admired, he showed a proud look never seen before this. It was in stark contrast to Saito who looked embarrassed for some reason.
“Thank you for the trouble.”
She said so, and as if rewarding their work, held out her right hand. At such an action, Guiche froze.
“Guiche-san?”
“Oi...”
Saito prodded him lightly. Because of that, Guiche fell sidewards. Surprised, Henrietta took a step back.
“Wh-What happened?”
“He fainted.”
Saito said wistfully, and the other students who had gathered exploded into laughter.
Looks like Guiche was overcome by emotion and had lost consciousness.
“Well then, I will just express my gratitude to the Assistant Commanding Officer instead.”
Henrietta said in a slightly anxious tone. Around her, tension spread rapidly. Although Saito is a chevalier, he is still of a commoner origin (the truth is that he is a person of a different world). Previously, despite knowing that he was permitted to kiss Her Majesty's hand at Tristain, for him to do so right now before everyone's eyes, was something he could not even imagine, and this made him dizzy.
Saito involuntarily looked up at Henrietta's face, a
“......Eh?”
From Siesta's mouth, a surprised sound leaked out. As might be expected of a girl in love, Siesta did not miss the hot feeling glimmering in Henrietta's eyes, even if it was only for a moment.
“H-How could this be? Don't tell me...”
Impossible, while thinking that, she turned towards Louise. Something grave was happening here as well. Clenching her fists tightly, with her face looking down, standing stiffly, she was murmuring something continuously.
“Miss? Miss?”
Siesta hastily shook Louise. From Louise's mouth which was mumbling something, curse-like words could be heard.
“Though you're a dog, what are you thinking about that is impossible, so there is nothing more dreadful than this or is it Princess-sama is Princess-sama there is nothing less honorable than this you're not serious right you're joking right you don't know what this feeling is an unforgivable dog is really unforgivable yet you and the queen? How amusing...”
“Miss! Miss!”
Paling, Siesta shook Louise harder.
“What!?”
“...That! That, what does it mean!?”
Whilst whispering softly, Siesta pointed at Henrietta and Saito.
“Whether it means this sort or that sort of thing, what you see is true.”
Siesta dropped to the ground clumsily.
“I can't believe it.”
“Even I don't believe it.”
Looks like Henrietta noticed Louise. Displaying a smile devoid of any ill will, she drew near her.
Behind her, with an expression as if he had done something wrong, Saito came as well. Guiche, who had come to, tagged along as well. Louise turned her back roughly against Saito's face, and greeted Henrietta awkwardly.
“I am going back to the palace after this... Before that, I would like to have a meal with you. Is that okay?”
“Be it okay or not okay, no objections. Just do as Your Majesty wishes.”
Henrietta laughed sweetly, after which she turned towards Saito.
“Would you like to join us as well?”
“That, that is... Gladly! Yes!” Guiche replied, standing stiffly. If Montmorency were present at that time, she definitely would not have hesitated to punish him with her magic.
Saito, however, shook his head apologetically.
“Sorry... I'm afraid I have some things to do for a bit.”
From the students who were watching him attentively, amazed voices could be heard. It was generally unimaginable for someone to turn down the invitation of a queen. Especially a lunch with the queen, a privilege which could not be acquired even if nobles were to wish for it.
Henrietta displayed a seemingly lonely look for an instant, but immediately changed that with a smile.
“It's alright. After becoming a knight, you would be busy with various things.”
The queen and those invited for the lunch descended the Ostland successively. Guiche, Louise, Henrietta... Feeling that the help of a waiter was necessary, Siesta followed behind Louise as well.
After that, Saito, who was left behind, looked up towards Kirche and Colbert.
The people surrounding the two of them until a while ago could not really attend the lunch as well, but still followed the queen's party. Thanks to them, Colbert was released with difficulties.
“What's the matter, Saito? Why did you turn down the queen's invitation? Aren't you too proud?”
“I have something I would like to ask.”
“Yeah, yeah. I have something I want to ask as well. Who were both of you attacked by last night? Who was that?”
“I don't really know either.”
“What is that? After that, what happened to Tabitha? She had been with you guys last night, but today I didn't see her figure at all...”
"The person I want to ask is Tabitha.”
Saito told Kirche what happened last night.
Louise was attacked by a mysterious lady who called herself “Myoznitnirn,” and was consequently abducted. He had tried to go along to save her, and somehow Tabitha started attacking him.
“Really?”
Kirche's eyes bulged.
“Yeah. But I couldn't hurt her. When I realized, I had already pointed the tip of my sword away. Though I received a blow at my stomach, she could not aim at my weak spots. So it was not a fatal wound.”
Saito removed his shirt, and showed the wound Tabitha inflicted on him last night. Thanks to the users of Water in the Knight Corps, the wound had closed up... but there were still traces left by the “Javelin” incantations.
“I don't know why she had a change of heart... but after that, she attacked that ally of hers until then. So, we rode on Sylphid together, and chased after the enemy which had carried Louise off, and were saved by the teacher.”
Kirche seemingly pondered on it... and turned her face around swiftly. And then, she started to run away.
“Kirche, where are you going?”
Saito and Colbert exchanged glances, and followed Kirche.
Kirche's destination was Tabitha's room in the tower of the dormitory.
Nonetheless, that was an empty shell. Tabitha's figure could not be seen anywhere at all. Kirche folded her arms, and started pondering about it. After that, she asked Saito, with a serious look,
“That girl, when did she come back to the academy?”
“Umm... ten days ago I think.”
Kirche frowned.
“Damn... If it's that girl, she won't say anything at all. Really fishy, huh?”
“What do you mean?”
“That girl went to Germania together with me, but... after confirming Jean's safety, she said “I'm going back,” and really came back.”
“Oi, oi! But, she just came back around ten days ago!”
“That's why! During that period, she must have received some 'mission' again. Dammit...”
“What do you mean by 'mission'!? Isn't she a quiet person? Oh yeah, she had also said...'I'll tell you the reasons after this fight.' Hey, Kirche! Tell me!”
Nnnnn~ Kirche placed her hand at her forehead.
“Well... It's inevitable that this fact is hidden from you for such a long time. Do you know that she is a Gallian?”
Saito nodded. He had heard it directly from Tabitha during their invitation for her to join the Knight Corps.
“She is not just a normal noble. That girl is a Gallian royalty.”
“Hah!? Royalty?”
“That's right.”
Kirche explained to Saito. The whole sad story of Tabitha studying abroad at Tristain Academy of Magic...
The younger brother of the ruling king, Duke of Orleans, who was Tabitha's father, was killed by people of the ruling king. To protect Tabitha, Tabitha's mother drank poison, and became mentally ill.
And then, Tabitha was being sent to Tristain to study abroad, as if getting rid of her...
“But, what is the thing the Gallian royal family didn't allow...?”
Kirche bit her lips. In her usually taunting look, as if she was made to recollect that family line, fiery anger could be seen on her face.
“While treating her so poorly, troublesome incidents happened, forcing that girl.”
“...Troublesome incidents?”
“Still remember the Ragdorian incident?”
Saito recalled the incident at that beautiful Ragdorian lake. Depressing memories were revived. Wales' death... Henrietta's tears. And, the promise with the water spirit...
I had forgotten about the ring... After murmuring that, Saito lifted his face.
“Yeah, I remember. The fight with both of you.”
“That was also the command of the Gallian royal family.”
“Then, the attack on us yesterday...”
“Is most likely an order from the Gallian royal family as well.”
Anger surged in Saito's face.
“Unforgivable!!”
“Before that, shouldn't we worry about Miss Tabitha first?”
Colbert, who had been listening to their words silently until then, frowned seriously and spoke.
“She isn't in her room, could it mean that she was kidnapped...?”
Equally worried, Saito said. But Kirche shook her head.
“That girl won't be so stupid to be caught. She must've hidden herself, I think. Not bothering anybody. That girl is like that.”
