When Henrietta returned to her own bedroom, Saito took a breather while in the underground bedroom. After staying there for about an hour, he left the room. The tunnel was so narrow, he had to bend down, and then he saw something on the floor.

  “What the——slippers?”

  The pair of slippers gave him an odd feeling. Is this not Louise’s? How could she have gotten here? Saito suddenly felt his blood run cold.Was it possible that she heard it all?

  It must be. Louise came here and saw everything, from start to finish. Saito hurried along through the tunnel and hastily made his way to the bedroom on the second floor.

  The door was not locked. Saito charged inside.

  “What is going on?”

  Louise’s clothes were scattered on the bed. Thief? The thought flashed for a moment.

  No.

  Louise’s bag was not here. On the bed was a piece of parchment, and Saito’s face turned an ashen pale. There was a single phrase written.

  “I’m sorry.”

  In that moment, Saito was ready to burst into tears. Just imagining the pain Louise must of felt when she saw him and Henrietta cooing affection for each other, and then leaving this note, made Saito dizzy. All her sentiments were conveyed in two words, and Saito understood.

  “That girl . . . after seeing me getting close with Princess . . . she wanted to give up.”

  He knew her personality: stubborn, does not listen to reason, dead serious.

  However, all she really wanted was for him to find happiness. If it was for him, she would not hesitate to sacrifice herself. Like at Romalia, she already gave her all to let Saito return to his home in his world . . .

  And again this time: she probably believed that if she disappeared, then he would become happy.

  Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger and yanked him from the sheath.

  “Derf! Where is Louise?”

  “Huuh, what now? Hm, about an hour ago, Louise was crying——I don’t know why——and she packed up her luggage and ran out. Was there another fight?”

  Saito, clutching Derflinger, rushed out of the room. When he arrived at the dining hall, he shook Siesta awake.

  “Siesta! Have you seen Louise?”

  “Nope . . . What happened?”

  “It seems like she ran away.”

  Siesta sighed. Then she stared with wide eyes at Saito, unable to take her eyes off.

  “What did you do? Since you made Miss Valliere angry enough to run away, then surely you did something really unacceptable. Sure, she always throws tantrums, but it’s not like her to truly be this furious.”

  Saito winced, “Let’s talk about this later. I have to go after her on horseback.”

  “I am going to help——”

  “No. Siesta, you will stay here. It is already late, it might be too dangerous.” Saito took an oil lamp off a table, used a candle flame to light it, and hurried outside. When he got to the stables, he discovered his horse was not there.

  Louise rode it and left. Saito, enduring the torment of despair, started to dash onward.

  “So, how’d you guys start fighting today?” Derflinger asked Saito from behind.

  “It wasn’t a fight.”

  “Then what was it?”

  “It was my fault. Everything.”

  Saito ran while it was dark. He was speculating on where Louise would possibly escape to. Home? Or the Magic Academy? But if she wanted to really disappear, she wouldn’t go to those places.

  "I’m sorry."

  Saito from those brief words on the parchment came to an understanding that Louise wanted to completely vanish from his eyes. From within, he did not blame himself, yet hated his own words. (!)

  I must hurry. This is my only chance. If I cannot find her soon, it’s possible I won’t see her ever again.

  “Even if you pursue after her so urgently, she might not be willing to see you. She was quite angry, no? Well, what is said doesn’t matter, she would eventually run away on an impulse,” Derflinger said in a carefree voice.

  Saito could not answer. His mind was preoccupied with Louise.

  “In addition, you can’t outrun a horse,” said Derflinger.

  Despite the odds, Saito did not slow down his pace. His feet would not stop.

  In an instant, a peaceful and contented life crumbled. It was not an ordinary way to spend time everyday.

  It was a time when one has to diligently take good care of themselves.

  It was too easy to lose Louise now, Saito had realized at last the circumstances. At the same time, he realized how much he loved Louise. Then he thought that he might of come to that conclusion too quickly . . .

  No.

  It is not being hasty.

  I was enticed by the charms of Her Highness, it was my choice to kiss her. He told himself how fond he is of Louise’s mouth, and so it was just Her Majesty’s will to come together . . .

  I really am the worst guy ever.

  After thirty minutes of continuous jogging, Saito still could not see any sign of Louise. The open night sky covered everything in profound darkness. Only having an oil lamp to depend on while walking through the street was extremely challenging.

  “Should I continue down the way I was heading? Or take the other path on this forked road? Maybe after seeing me give chase, she hid somewhere?”

  He gathered his strength to go in the same direction, and he was beginning to get short of breath. The next moment, two noble horsemen appeared up ahead who were holding staves in front of them which were illuminated by magic. They appeared to be arguing about something, coming nearer.

  “Really! How stupid is brother! You manage to lose things so easily!”

  “Sorry . . .” said a young voice. He sounded similar to Saito’s age. Excitedly, Saito stopped jogging in order to inquire them.

  “Excuse me! I would like to ask something if you don’t mind.”

  Saito noticed their exceptional capes, and the two nobles stopped their horses.

  “What is the matter?” the young man asked. He was wearing a black, feather-plumed hat and a feathered cape.

  “Have you seen a noble woman riding a horse pass by?”

  The two, one a young man and the other a young woman, looked at each other.

  “Was there someone who just recently came by?”

  “Are you looking for a lady with long pink hair?”

  In response to what the young noble described, Saito nodded.

  “Yes, exactly! So she must of went on toward this direction.”

  Wanting to continue the conversation with Saito, the nobles hollered for him to stop.

  “Hey! Wait! Do you intend to go after her! We have missed her but an hour ago!”

  “I intend to somehow catch up with her! Thank you!”

  As Saito was starting to run again, the young noble immediately called out, “If you don’t mind, we can send you to the next relay station.”

  The relay station was a place where horses could be rented for public use. A horse could be rented after paying some money.

  With a firm voice, the female of the party raised a protest. She was wearing a shiny, gorgeous and a monochromatic black-and-white dress. A finished lace weave cloak surrounded her face. She looked like a beautiful doll.

  “But now we’re in the middle of a task! This is exactly why I don’t like to go with you, Leu Leu brother! Really, another brother should have come along with me!”

  Nevertheless, the young ’Leu Leu’ still urged Saito.

  “I insist.”

  “Oh, thank you very much. However, you don’t have any issues? Don’t you still have work to do?”

  “Since I lost something . . . I would like to go back again.”

  The horses resuming cantering. It looked like the two people were brothers and sisters.

  “It is just the same as when we didn’t have work! While we were on our journey, Leu Leu unexpectedly got sick in the stomach. There was nothing we could do, so I had no choice but to go alone.”

  “Forgive me, Jeanette! After we arrive to Tristaina, I’ll buy you all the candy you want.”

  When he was done speaking, a broad grin appeared Jeanette’s face.

  “Well! You better!”

  As the two were discussing, Saito anxiously stared ahead. Jeanette, noticing Saito was like this, said, “Bleu, why don’t you ask this guy?”

  “But, that might not be an easy topic to talk about?”

  “What are you saying? You carelessly lose things and you still dare speak against me!”

  The dialogue was a bit peculiar, but Saito did not pay any attention to it. At the time he didn’t notice much.

  After his younger sister made a point, Bleu seemed to have come to a decision. He turned his head towards Saito to ask him.

  “May I ask you about something? I heard that nearby there is a noble known as Chevalier De Hira . . .”

  Although the noble started to sound funny, but Saito kept it to himself.

  “I guess that would be me.”

  “Wah, what!”

  It could be made out from Bleu’s face that he was quite startled.

  \r \r \r

  “Well!”

  Next to him, Jeanette also opened wide both of her eyes. Bleu showed a pleased expression to flaunt at Jeanette.

  “See! Do you see this! Jeanette! I am special like this! When we are trapped Founder Brimir is always standing at my side!”

  “You just have good luck, that’s all.”

  “What is so great about finding me?”

  Regarding to Saito’s confusion, Bleu, in an overdone nonchalant way, said, “So we could kill you!”

  Saito’s body suddenly became rigid. So much that he felt it was only a joke. Next to him, Jeanette laughed cheerfully.

  “So this is how it is. Only this guy. The most important part of that file that you forgot where you left behind. That, brother. You could take one glance at it and remember everything if this was all it described.”

  “That wouldn’t work either. I’m kind of absent-minded.”

  The siblings started to argue, and Saito stared blankly at them. They said they wanted to kill him, and now they suddenly are bickering with each other. He really could not make sense of the situation.

  “Because it has to be like this, it seems that I have no option but to kill you. Please, if you can, do not offer resistance. It is inconvenient for both parties and will also be a waste of energy.”

  “Uh-huh. If you are like an obedient lamb, then it will be just like going to sleep and you’ll be sent to the Founder."

  Saito asked in a low voice, “So, you’re not really joking?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll ask again . . .”

  “It’s quite a pity . . .”

  When Bleu made that comment, Saito swiftly reacted. He leaned to one side, and immediately gripped at the handle of the katana that was hoisted at his waist, and swung the blade.

  It was quicker to take the katana out compared to pulling out Derflinger from behind or taking out the pistol that hung from his jeans. Using the sword directly would be the fastest way to strike.

  However, he could not see Bleu in front of him anymore. Effortlessly he had dodged Gandálfr’s lightning speed attack, and rose into the air. From horseback he didn’t even use magic, but simply leaped.

  It was a frightening display of skill.

  Bleu landed on the ground. Facing Saito, he was about to rush towards him when he felt a powerful gust of wind coming from his right, and Saito tumbled onto the ground. It was Jeanette’s wind magic attack.

  “Nnnuuhh . . .”

  “It’s clear that this swordsman, it seems, has already surpassed the majority of magicians.”

  Bleu pulled out his staff. It seemed to be a kind of flexible, whip-like staff. With it in hand, he lifted the brim of his hat in a classy way. The face under the hat was someone similar in age to Saito. It can be said that he was quite the elegant gentleman. When he slightly rubbed his nose, his expression was wonderfully cute.

  He really looked like one of those kids at the Magic Academy that was a noble official’s son, which made Saito feel unsure of what to do. But, he could not become careless. That cute little face just announced that he wanted to kill him, and it was evident he possessed formidable skill.

  “Who are you!?” Saito turned over to stand up, using his katana for support.

  “Should we tell him?” Bleu asked Jeanette.

  “No way! Seriously! You are such an idiot!”

  “Don’t call me an idiot! The other brothers used to be in charge of these things, so I just don’t remember the procedure!”

  Then he turned to Saito, “My apologies. I cannot tell you. Anyway, that first strike was not bad! Looks like that legendary familiar stuff is true.”

  Bleu’s face gradually became a smile. Saito felt that he had seen that kind of smile before. Oh yes, in the past he had seen this expression often in an arcade with those wrestling video games. He would use all his pocket money to play them. There were a ton of game addicts. Whenever these guys met a good opponent, they would have this kind of smile . . .

  “Hey, Jeanette.”

  “What!”

  “Can’t you let me have some fun?”

  “Even if I say no, you’ll just do whatever it is that’s in your head. Eh, I don’t care. After this our brothers will just scold you and it’ll all be your fault.”

  “Of course that’ll happen. But you don’t have to care or get involved.”

  Bleu turned towards Saito again.

  “Very well. You, what’s your name? Hira . . . Hiragu . . . Hirago . . .”

  “Hiraga.”

  “Yes, that’s right! You’re Hirako. Your luck isn’t bad. It’s only a little, but you get to live for a while longer. And I’m different from my brothers, who are only interested in money. I purely enjoy fighting. Especially someone as challenging as you.”

  “Our brothers do not just like money alone! Our brothers serve a greater purpose!”

  “You really are so noisy, and as far as I’m concerned it’s the same.” Bleu wrinkled his eyebrows.

  During the random arguing, Saito could not launch an offensive. Bleu did not show any openings. Sweat dripped down his forehead.

  “Eh? Why didn’t you attack? I obviously left a lot of opportunities . . . how unusual. Oh well! Then, let’s start from my side! C’mon!”

  Bleu waved his whip-like staff. Saito distanced himself about 20 mails. He was on the alert for some type of ice-arrow magic. Within his view, the tip of the staff gathered magical energy, shining with pale rays of light, and it starting forming into a rough tree-like shape.

  “Blade?!”

  The huge tree-like blade was going for Saito’s head. In a critical moment, he jumped to the side and avoided the attack.

  The strength of this “blade” could not be underestimated. The dust on the ground swirled into the air. If he used the katana to make an attack . . . the whole sword would probably shatter.

  “Not bad. That was ‘only’ a blade. Although, it was a bit bigger than the usual. And about you! That was terrific! You’re the first to be able to dodge that attack!”

  This is gonna get messy, thought Saito as he stuck his katana into the ground and unsheathed Derflinger from behind him.

  “Oi, partner, looks like we came across a formidable opponent!”

  “What’s with him . . . I’ve never seen as thick a magic “blade”. . . That guy has some extraordinary power.”

  But . . . I cannot lose here. I must get a horse to find Louise. Thinking about this, Saito’s body was shaking.

  The glowing runes on his left hand glowed intensely. When Bleu saw Saito like this, he grinned more gleefully.

  “Excellent. Quite excellent. Worthy to be known as the swordsman that overwhelmed many mages. But . . .”

  Saito concentrated on Bleu. He watched every move that he made. With the experience of countless battles, he was accustomed to predicting when his opponents would strike.

  Not yet. Not yet. No, not yet.

  Bleu proceeded to speak, “You, it seems, only know about the mages of light. Why is it that we mages for 6,000 years until the monarchy were above everyone else . . . for this reason, let me tell you. Square level, triangle level, all these levels do not mean much of anything. Let me teach you something. As your “mage assassin.””

  Bleu raised his own “blade” up high.

  Now.

  Saito flung himself, charging directly towards Bleu’s chest. His right hand firmly held Derflinger and he swiped. In a split second Bleu reduced the size of his “blade” to block the assault.

  A fierce sound exploded, with sparks and pale rays of magic clashing. Almost simultaneously, Saito retrieved the automatic pistol with his left hand. He loaded a cartridge into it.

  He jabbed the gun’s muzzle into Bleu’s abdomen, then pulled the trigger. With invisible speed three consecutive rounds were shot out.His hand felt like it really hit the target. However, Bleu had not collapsed.

  “Well done! Well done! Unexpectedly you put out a lovely sword-and-bullet combination attack! But regarding to that gun, we are experts on protecting ourselves from them.”

  Pop, a deformed bullet came out of Bleu’s abdomen and fell on the ground.

  “Wha . . . !”

  “This is the simplest method. In the area about to be hit, hardening that part of the body is good enough. With practice, it becomes second-nature.”

  Saito suddenly tilted the pistol, firing at Bleu’s head. If he didn’t get rid of the enemy, the enemy would get rid of him. This kind of terrifying attack would overwhelm anyone. However, Bleu’s forehead flashed with a silver glow, and the bullet was flicked out. Until then, Saito continued to shoot in vain, but there was no opening, and Bleu using the ‘Harden’ technique deflected each one.

  “It’s surprising that your gun can fire continuously! When did they come out with such a remarkable model!”

  From Saito’s stunned hands, Bleu came toward him and abruptly seized the automatic pistol. It appeared that his gaze was transfixed on the weapon for a while, and then grinned at Saito.

  “This looks like it has been elaborately wrought! It’s not bad! Can I have it?”

  He was not kidding about it. The mood was like that of a casual conversation between friends. Saito could tell from his tone, he had not revealed the true reason for wanting it (!)

  “You taking my gun . . .”

  Saito grabbed Derflinger with both hands and slashed with all his might. Bleu moved backwards a little, avoiding the sharp point.

  “If you weren’t a familiar, you wouldn’t be able to move so fast, and in my opinion your achievements are just third-rate. The cream of the crop would be someone who uses magic as well as I.”

  Once more, he lifted up his “blade” and it was expanding rapidly.

  “All of my power is going into this spell!”

  The huge “blade edge” was brought down onto Saito. But, Saito was not going to wait an eternity, and dodged it. While in the middle of evasion, he inquired Derflinger.

  “That guy . . . why does he have to move so fast! I can’t hit him at all!”

  “There are those who are like that . . . In the long history of mages, some guys are born to fight. . . Basically, you’ve got really bad luck this time.”

  “Even so, attaining that kind of speed is inhuman!”

  Thinking that the attack was avoided, Bleu still brought down the “blade.” The force blew Saito rolling onto the ground.

  “Aww. Aww! Don’t tell me it’s all over!”

  Saito sprung onto his feet. No big deal, it was only a scratch. However, the next time could still be highly unpredictable.

  “Eh?,” at this moment, Derflinger said in a low-voice.

  “What is it, Derf?”

  “Originally, it was like this. During when the “first life” was made. Well, granted that it was so, but after all, that is how they become so strong.” (!)

  “What are you talking about?”

  The giant “blade” spell that smothers. The unnatural leaps of evasion.

  “It’s not complicated, see. That guy’s body, if I’m correct, is not his true original body. Foot . . . wrist . . . knee . . . elbow . . . there’s an ace up his sleeve. All these parts, had magic applied to the “first life.” Thus they have the ability to move so fast. But, who would do these things?”

  “Stop trying to escape!” Bleu’s impatient cry could be heard.

  Derflinger’s words exposed the truth, and it allowed Saito to keep a level-head. Now, the smallest movements of the opponent were seen through clearly, as he dodged attack.

  “Well, if we know the reason, then there’s a way. Even if you’re an elf, you still wouldn’t be able to achieve such fine control. It’s like using a dragon’s flames to toast bread. It would just turn into ash.”

  “Then, what should I do?”

  “Alright, I will absorb his magic. Using this opportunity, you go get that sword that’s from whatever country, and rush to stab him. Although, that guy’s magic power is weird . . . It’s excessively powerful. I can’t be certain . . .”

  “You can’t be certain about what?!”

  “Well, there’s no choice. Try to kill him, alright?”

  Saito inched toward the katana stuck in the dirt.

  “Hey, hey! Don’t tell me you’re trying to run away!” In a moment, Bleu waved his “blade.”

  Derflinger shouted unexpectedly. “Partner! Now! Stick me into the ground!”

  Saito did as he was told, and thrusted Derflinger into the earth.

  “What!?” Bleu let out an astonished sound. Right away, his own magic “blade” was steadily sucked in with a ‘whoosh’ by Derflinger.

  Saito flung himself towards the standing katana.

  “Screw him good, Derf!”

  “Yuh——your . . . it’s clear this is not just any sword!” Bleu’s leisurely facial expression disappeared. The next moment, he took something out from his chest. Indeed, it was a bottle containing some liquid. Sensing what it was, Derflinger yelled out.

  “This is BAD! Partner! Hurry!”

  “Eh?”

  Just as Saito was going to charge into Bleu, he stopped in his tracks. The next instant, Bleu exhausted the whole bottle. Then, he emitted a deafening roar.

  “RUUUUOOOOOAAAAA!”

  The range of the “blade” increased two-fold in an instant. Incredulously, Saito stared at it. It began to burst out with power.

  The “blade”, like a python, started to wreck Bleu’s surroundings. If anyone were to rush into it at this point, even Gandálfr would not be able to withstand it. There were no openings to break into.

  However, even though the “blade” was a chaotic hurricane now, Derflinger unceasingly continued to absorb it.

  Tch.

  Saito noticed a crack appeared on Derflinger’s surface.

  “Derf?”

  “Listen well, partner. When I’m done absorbing all of his magic, use your sword to chop him up. Got it?”

  “Hey, hey! Stop it!”

  Saito became aware of the situation that was shifting slowly, not towards his favor.

  The crack on Derflinger’s surface continued to grow larger. Unable to restrain his emotions, Saito threw himself at Derflinger. However, the energy waves from the “blade” magic sent him flying.

  “I can’t stand . . . I can’t bear it. I’m afraid that because of the drug, this guy’s power is too much . . . It seems like my body cannot resist much longer.”

  “Derf!”

  “Don’t. Although our time together was short, but I am truly happy. Living for six millenium really has its advantages.”

  “Stop casting! Stop casting your spell! Derf!” cried Saito.

  The frantic, uncontrolled magical “blade” began to swell. Derflinger’s sword body was slowly splitting apart.

  “You had better apologize to the arrogant young lady.”

  When the moment came that the immense “blade” was fully absorbed . . . Bang! As if coming from inside and the magic energy reached critical levels, Derflinger exploded into millions of bits and fragments.

  Bleu received the force of the explosion and flew out, eventually landing on the ground.

  From the sky, like little specks of stardust, the fragments of Derflinger slowly floated downwards, and Saito could only stare at them stupefied.

  What had just happened did not register in his brain. The whole world, in a split second simply froze.

  Suddenly, a hotness flowed into his cheeks. Finally, Saito recovered from the shock. With a calmness that was cultivated from battle, which didn’t give Saito any chance to soak in his grief, he spoke faintly about the present situation:

  “Derf died.

  “Derf . . . You bastard . . . I thought I told you to stop . . .”

  Containing indescribable grief, the runes on Saito’s left hand erupted in a radiance never seen before, made brighter by the dark night. It looked like his whole hand was shining, and holding firmly to the katana, the blade reflected out scattered rays of light.

  “I clearly told you to stop!”

  From the past, during the battle with Wardes, Derflinger’s words echoed in Saito’s mind.

  ’Gandálfr’s source of power is feelings! Anger! Sadness! Love! Pleasure! Anything is good! And now you seem to be really shaken, my Gandálfr!’

  He was a snarky, slow and muddled partner.

  But even so, when trapped, he always could find a way out.

  After all, how many times had he helped Saito?

  After all, how many times had he saved Saito?

  “I don’t want to be shaking like this!” Saito howled.

  The blown away Bleu had recovered at last and stood up. The blast still left him a bit dizzy.

  “That was really an outstanding sword . . . he actually sucked up all my magic . . . what a pain in the ass.”

  While Bleu was shaking his head, from twenty mails away, Saito holding the katana charged at him. What, with my speed I can still make it even from this distance!

  Saito was running fast enough that to him, Bleu looked like he was immobile. Undaunted, Bleu raised his arm and started to chant a spell. ……

  by that guy . . .

  Derf was killed by that guy.

  His body was light and graceful like a long wing, the opposite to his heavy laden heart. He was unable to hold back the tears that were rising forth. A fierce, unstoppable emotion was inside him, the feeling that it was too easy to lose close friends, and Saito knew this well.

  If only I tried harder.

  If only I was stronger.

  If only I was more. If only I was better. If only I was greater . . .

  ’Wow, amazing. I look down on you. You are a "useless familiar."’

  ’But, don’t worry partner. I’ll help you by absorbing the spells! That’s me, Gandálfr’s left hand: Derflinger!’

  ’Partner, go above the ship. It’s a blind spot, where the cannons can not reach.’

  ’Don’t just stand around. Blocking that tornado is your job. Gandálfr.’

  ’Hey, lady, when I give you the signal, just pull the lever down there below the seat. That’s the latest weapon that Mr. Colbert installed.’

  ’Partner, you are were always very brave.’

  ’Have confidence. You are strong. Just listen to my instructions now. Follow them, all right? If you do so, you can surely win.’

  ’This fellow is like that. She has the movements of an assassin.’

  ’Cast that ’Dispel’ on me!’

  All of what Derflinger had said in the past flashed by in less than a second. Saito took a leap and during that moment, Derflinger’s words pushed through his head once more.

  ’Don’t forget! I’m not the one fighting! I am just a sword!’

  What are you saying. You’re not just a sword.

  He was a partner that always gave reliable advice. It did not matter what time of day it was, he was always an amusing, fun friend.

  During Saito’s proud moments; chaotic times; cheerful memories; sorrowful moments; even on the brink of death, he was always by his side.

  But, he has already passed on.

  A wild, animalistic roar came out from Saito. It was the sound of great sorrow. The indescribable emotions made his heart fill with rage, as his runes were shining ever brighter. The glowing hand held the sword; from handle to tip the katana’s edge had a marvelous luster. This light no doubt shows that he has been greatly affected by this one fact:

  Derf was gone.

  Right when Bleu was gathering on the staff tip the magic for a “blade” attack . . . Saito ran even faster, aiming at Bleu’s chest.

  “Whuh . . . now he’s faster than me?”

  Saito practically wanted to bury the whole sword into him, and he stabbed the katana into Bleu’s abdomen.

  “Derf. You’re really an idiot.”

  Jeanette either did not want Saito to finish victoriously, or she was stricken with grief.

  The next moment, Saito felt a blow to his head, and he toppled onto the ground.

  Oh, right.

  There was still another enemy. In the remote parts of his mind, Saito cursed himself many times.

  Seeing both her older brother and Saito lying on the ground, Jeanette gasped.

  “What a fool. I can’t imagine how he’s my brother. How about I just leave him lying here . . .”

  Even saying this, Jeanette held her unconscious brother, and starting treating the sword wound with magic. It was evident that the wound was fatal, but it gradually closed up. That was the astonishing power of water magic.

  While trying to get her fallen brother onto a horse, Jeanette glanced at Saito sprawled on the ground.

  “You chose life.”

  She looked at the letter in her hand. While the two were in combat, the brother’s familiar delivered it. It contained some writing:

  “To beloved Jeanette: You and Bleu are doing fine? In that case, I pray your ‘work’ has not been completed. Just recently Jack contacted us, and apparently the client is unable to garner enough funds. Stop what you are doing, and return immediately. We have prepared for you nice, hot soup.

  Born with a purpose, -

  Damien”

  “Seriously . . . we don’t work for free. Ah, was the down payment received already? But even then, it’s not worth the effort.”

  Mumbling to herself, Jeanette mounted her horse.

  “Well, in this place it’s hard to find business.”


  From Baka-TsukiJump to: ,

  Epilogue[]

  In the chapel, a silver haired girl held her hands together in prayer, facing the delicately carved Founder statue and praying in silence.

  This person gave others the appearance of a pure maiden like from a dream.

  Under the long hair that shined like finished cotton sateen, her eyes that were brimming with admiration for one person were closed tightly. Her unwavering appearance was exactly like a beautiful statue.

  Through the magnificent stained-glass windows, the rays of light that shined into the chapel enveloped the maiden with a heavenly glow. A respectively beautiful statue.

  From the looks of her petite body that was wrapped in nun’s robes and her youthful face, her age seemed to be around 15 or 16 years. Different from the zealous prayers of dedicated believers, there was not even a single word of prayer coming out of her mouth. For her, this was merely as if breathing, a peaceful, gentle prayer. Gazing out from the chapel windows, there was a vast expanse of open ocean.

  Here was the Saint Margaret monastery, located outside of northwestern Gallia on a protrusion of land the area of two square li (1 kilometer), on the pointed end of a thirty square li (15 kilometer) or so peninsula.

  The whole peninsula was almost entirely situated on a rocky cliff.

  The monastery did not have a road connecting to the outside world, and if someone wanted to leave here they would need the assistance of a boat or a flying beast, so to speak.

  This was even more than just ideology, and even if the monastery was isolated from the world, about thirty nuns were living there. (!)

  When the chapel doors were pushed open, several maidens dressed in the same style of nun’s robes walked inside. After they saw the silent, silver haired girl praying, one person among them spoke in a loud voice.

  “Sigh, meeting time has not even started, yet Sister Josette has already begun to pray.”

  Like as if they discovered an extremely amusing quirk, the maidens started chattering and making noise. This is also no wonder, since in a monastery disconnected from the rest of the world, it can be said that there was not much else to do. From being confined to this peninsula, it was hard for the maidens to find anything that didn’t seem ‘out of the ordinary.’

  “Do you know what she is praying about?”

  After a maiden was done speaking, a gleam flashed on the eyes of the red haired girl next to her.

  “Do I have to say it? Of course she’s praying for someone to come here!”

  “Goodness, if the abbess finds out it could be disastrous!”

  The maidens all laughed.

  “Why? This is not something that should be criticized, after all, since that guest is Romalia’s high priest, and he can bring us guidance, and he is one to be respected, right? There is nothing wrong with Sister Josette hoping for him to come, and among us, she is the one who knows him best.”

  Upon hearing this, the peacefully praying Josette could not tolerate it, and she opened her eyes.

  “Don’t speak of this matter so impolitely.”

  “This isn’t good, Sister Josette heard us.”

  Of course it was hard not to hear such loud talking, they spoke loudly on purpose to entertain themselves.

  “Brother is a kind-hearted person. So, he brings to us bored-to-death women news of the cities and towns and all kinds of snacks. That’s all. Thinking that he has some special attachment to me is really rude.”

  “Hey, hey, hey? Sister Josette, no one said anything about having a ‘special attachment’ to you, I only said ‘she is the one who knows him best.’”

  Josette’s face quickly flushed a deep red.

  “Sister Josette turned into an apple! And she happens to be freshly picked, a red, sweet apple!”

  The maidens laughed another round. The embarrassed Josette firmly held onto the holy relic necklace that hung on her neck.

  This sacred silver relic . . . from since she could remember was always with her.

  According to the abbess, when she was abandoned at the front door of the town shelter and in a box crying, that relic was already with her. The abbess found her by chance, and unable to hold back her pain, she brought Josette back to the monastery.

  This holy relic . . . Josette never had taken it off even once. Bathing, sleeping, no matter what she was doing she was not permitted to take it off, this was the abbess’s command.

  It was not just Josette alone, all the maidens who lived in the monastery had to abide with this rule.

  If they did anything like that . . . then they would immediately lose the Founder’s trust, and once that happened then their life would be terminated —— this was what they were told.

  Although in the remote Saint Margaret monastery the rule was not strictly enforced, as that was the only rule set up in the secure monastery located at the national border, but it was still followed. (!)

  Her hands tightly closed around the sacred relic that resembled herself, Josette then breathed slower and more calmly. Turning a blind eye to the clamorous ladies next to her, she walked out toward the outer chapel. (!)

  Next to the chapel were the dormitories built from stone. The chapel and the dorms were all that there was. This was a small, insignificant monastery.

  Beyond the walls that protected against wind, was the vast ocean. Looking from one side to another, in between the gaps of the rising and falling rocks, were several cleared plots of land for small-scale farming. There were kekanaiba (????) rice plants that were certainly resistant to the dampness and wind, carelessly swaying in the sea breeze. Other than the rare visit from the priest the monastery supported a nearly self-sufficient way of life.

  Compared to the rest of the world, this place was a tiny . . . tiny, negligible place.

  Josette gazed up at the sky.

  Her life obviously similar to a prisoner’s, an innocent smile appeared on her pretty face.

  As she knew absolutely nothing of the outside world, she did not have much freedom with what she ate and with social interactions.

  Besides . . . the way she was now, she finally learned the “joy” of waiting.

  Twirling her fingers, Josette tried to figure out when he would arrive.

  Once, twelve days ago . . . he said, probably tomorrow or the day after they could meet again.

  \r \r \r

  Thinking and speculating, a new kind of feeling welled in her heart, a restless and anticipation filled her up.

  From the ocean surface a strong gust blew at Josette’s cloak.

  Her silver hair was floating on the wind, gradually blending into the breeze.

  Two weeks later, a wind dragon descended upon the monastery’s courtyard. Alone in the narrow courtyard, space already became tight. From the dormitory, an elderly abbess came out to welcome the guest.

  “Long time no see, Mama.”

  The young person wearing the priest robes of Romalia . . . no, his face simply still showed the remnants of the radiance of youth. Although he had light golden hair that dazzled and sparkled, his eyes that were both different colors, called “moon eyes,” brewed an unsafe aura.

  It was Julio.

  After having respectfully lowered his head as a courteous act, the abbess took on a bewildered expression.

  “Reverend Cardinal Deacon.”

  When he was called by the rank that the palace of Romalia had bestowed on him, Julio laughed and looked at the abbess.

  “What is it?”

  “Even though you have just graced us with your presence, but please forgive my boldness, we do not welcome foreign visitors.”

  “But I am the high priest of Romalia,” as if suggesting that this answer was enough, Julio said. Considering their positions in the monastery, Julio was a far cry from this abbess. Furthermore, Julio was not an ordinary Cardinal Deacon, but a priest that served the Pope.

  The priest of the right hand of the Pope was not going to let an abbess deny his existence.

  “It has to be this way, seeing how you are related to the Founder’s most respected servant then we are at a complete loss. As you know, this place is isolated from the secular world, a religious establishment in order for the orphaned maidens to get closer to God and the Founder . . .”

  The abbess’s voice was mixed with a hint of dread. She had no knowledge of Gallia’s current events. Romalia’s war, King Joseph’s death, as his niece Charlotte succeeded the throne . . .

  Rumor had it, that Charlotte was only Romalia’s puppet. With Romalia’s priest had having such a complicated identity coming to visit . . . surely something unsettling was going to happen, and the idea of it was reasonable.

  “Please do not worry, there is nothing that will happen that would disturb you in any way. I am just following the Pope’s orders, to express profound gratitude for your pious and life’s sacrifice, and also for faithful friendship.”

  Julio, who was finished speaking, took out a leather bag and handed it to the abbess. It was crammed with sparkling gold coins. With one hand she made a holy gesture, and the abbess accepted the leather bag with the other. (!)

  At the same time, she could not help but shudder a bit.

  “Please be sure to pass on to the Pope my deepest gratitude. I am old and weak and of the ignorant generation, and because I pity the orphaned maidens, so I try to encourage them to serve god(s) together with me . . .”

  “I understand, I understand completely, Mama!”

  As if wanting to comfort the old abbess, Julio patted her shoulder.

  “I was also raised in an orphanage. Your deeds are truly worthy of praise and admiration. The reason why I came here, is only because I want to fulfill the dreams and desires of those ones who are like sisters to me.”

  When they noticed that the wind dragon and Julio had arrived, all the maidens poured out from the dormitories to gather around him.

  “Brother! This time what kind of stories are you going to tell us?”

  All the girls in a campfire fashion circled around Julio.

  “How impolite! Such children! Do not forget that you have given yourselves up for God! Have you not noticed the Reverend Cardinal Deacon’s confusion?”

  Even faced with chastising from the abbess, there was no indication that the excitement of the maidens had gone down even a little. With a helpless expression the abbess had no other alternative but to make the holy gesture. (!)

  This was not surprising. The maidens who had been left alone, having come here for reasons of their own, and getting them to have a strong faith from their inner hearts naturally had some difficulties, considering that so far they had experienced bitterness, and returning to past hobbies was a temptation. The lively mood was understandable.

  Julio laughing affably, he asked a question for the maidens.

  “In a little bit I will share stories, but first, where’s Josette?”

  The girls appearing to understand to some extent started whispering in each other’s ears.

  “Where could she be? Or would it be inconvenient for Mister to find her himself?”

  Soon after there was a burst of chattering again. Julio nodded his head and walked toward the chapel. In the monastery, there was no other place to search.

  A silver haired girl, kneeling on both knees, was praying. Even when Julio pushed the door open and walked in the chapel, the maiden continued praying indifferently. Stealthily approaching the girl from behind, Julio stroked the girl’s long hair that slipped out from her cloak on one side. In quite an affectionate way he played around with his finger.

  “Touching a nun’s hair would send you to hell,” the solemn and grave voice of Josette said.

  “If I had a chance to stroke your beautiful, silver hair, what harm is there even if I would go to hell?”

  “Oh! What a day of great judgment! (!) How can I believe that this came from the mouth of the High Priest!”

  Josette facing the front went on to pray as before, with not a bit of desire to turn her head.

  “What is making you upset?”

  “Upset? Are trying to blow me off? Why am I so upset? You are right about me being upset. Before you would come see me every two weeks, but now I don’t know why I’ve been separated from you for a month. But, this isn’t something worth getting angry over, after all, it’s plenty of fun here.”

  “I have a lot of work.”

  “I know. But when the usual routine gets mixed up, then it takes away the joy in waiting for something.”

  Finally at this point Josette stood up, then a slow smile crept up her face and she threw herself into Julio’s arms.

  “Brother.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be all mad at me?”

  “Yes, but now I don’t care anymore. Who else can make brother be my favorite person?”

  After their embrace, Josette tightly squeezed Julio’s hand.

  This priest of Romalia . . . Julio’s first visit was six months ago. Apparently he was searching for monasteries in various regions, on a missionary journey. The far and remote Saint Margarita monastery had captured his interest. Perhaps he pitied that he almost never reached out toward fellow sisters.

  After that, every so often he could be seen coming here. In the beginning, her relationship was not that intimate.

  It was just that Josette was a girl who always looked forward to listening to Julio’s sermons. Then, the sermons gradually became the stories he heard from towns and cities, and the first time that Julio was about to leave, he secretly told Josette:

  “From now on, I will come for you.”

  As for being somewhat attracted to Julio, Josette had not the slightest clue. Compared to similar aged girls, she appeared young, the characteristic curves of a woman not quite distinct. Hair color, was a silver that was almost white.

  Since she was a child, Josette was always self-conscious of her hair that was different from everybody else’s. It’s just like old grandma hair, she would always think.

  Naturally, it was simply because she and the abbess had the exact same hair color.

  Why, all the other girls get to have gorgeous blonde hair, blazing red hair or even midnight black hair, I’m the only one with this bland hair color.

  However, Julio admired her hair.

  “What kinds of tales have you brought for me today?” her eyes shining, Josette asked.

  Indeed, in this monastery, she and Julio were the closest of friends, however they were not in a romantic relationship according to rumors. Brother and sister . . . it was that kind of relationship (T/L: “approximately in the same category”). Even if orphaned Josette never had a brother, surely this kind of feeling was as if she did.

  “Today, there’s something very important.”

  “Something important?”

  What could it be?

  Could it be that, he would pronounce his love?

  If it was then that should be a good thing. But, Julio was the high priest, and she was a nun, it would never happen. It was equal to betraying God. As long as Josette was on earth she did not understand the private affairs priests, merely according to doctrine, she believed two people were destined to never have love. (!)

  “Please continue.”

  Josette looked straight into Julio’s eyes; the “moon eyes” that seemed to be able to snatch away a soul. A delicate face. Even though she did not see him often, Josette was captivated by Julio’s good looks.

  Julio took something out from his pocket.

  “. . . A ring?”

  Embedded in it was a yellowish, earthly gem; it was a somewhat underwhelming ring.

  “Is this for me?”

  However, Julio had not replied. With an earnest gaze, he was simply looking at Josette.

  “Try it on.”

  “It’s a little bit big.”

  Indeed, just as Josette had said the ring really was too big.

  “It’s alright, the surface has been enchanted with magic.”

  Upon hearing Julio saying this, Josette put it on. It then tightened . . . it was incredible that this happened . . . the ring slowly shrunk, until it was the perfect width for Josette’s finger.

  “How amazing . . .”

  With Josette staring wide-eyed at the ring, Julio smiled.

  “Remember when you said you couldn’t use magic?”

  “Of course, I am not born from an aristocratic background. But, this kind of thing is not impossible.”

  This topic was discussed often among fellow companions. During the short amount of free time they had before going to bed, the maidens would make wild guesses about their backgrounds amongst themselves. Relying on limited clues, I was found in Lucia? (???), so perhaps I’m an illegitimate daughter of a great lord . . . and so on. Somewhere on my clothes there is some coat of arms belonging to some lord, etcetera. Of course, everyone knew that the theories were complete nonsense, but no one wanted to be the person that ruined the fun.

  “What is so special about this ring?”

  “This ring was once worn by a ruler of a kingdom. After he died from being drawn into an explosion, my sharp-sighted Azuro eventually picked up this ring.”

  “Wow, you sure like cracking jokes.”

  At this Julio simply burst out in laughter (????). He really was a loud guy. Josette was somewhat bewildered of this . . .

  “Are you serious you can give me something this precious?”

  “Well . . . actually, it’s not yet certain that this would be yours. But, if it really is for you then it would be quite excellent, I think,” Julio implied.

  Josette looked at the ring again. It was a deep, thick colored and beautiful stone. She wasn’t sure if this ring really belonged to a king before.

  What is so important about wearing this ring?

  Staring at the gemstone, Josette gradually began to feel a tender kind of feeling.

  It was peaceful yet unsettling, mixed with anticipation for the unimaginable.

  Although, I still would prefer to hear a proposal of love from him, the thought flashed by.

  From Baka-Tsuki Jump to: ,