Zero no Tsukaima

The sun set on the other end of the desert... even though evening had arrived, peace had not arrived in the city of Eumenes, on the other hand it got even more lively.

The cries from the stores along the road, and the lively hustle and bustle of the music. While it also was an elven city, it was completely different from the quiet atmosphere of Adyl, and was full of energy.

Returning to the hospital, Tiffania and Luctiana were already able to move around without assistance. According to the two elves in the hospital, although their wounds already had healed, they had used a lot of their strength - so if they wanted to journey across the desert, they were going to need to rest. Having said that, if you were talking about a human magician, it would take three days and three nights of casting water magic for the same result. The Firstborn Magic of the Elves is really powerful, thought Saito.

But really, they couldn't stay for too many days in this town. 'The Steel-Blooded Party' would not give up the search for Saito's group, and if Louise already was in the area, they needed to meet up as soon as possible, and tell her about 'The Holy Lands'.

"Tiffa, am I too naive? She clearly hurt you very badly."

Saito asked while sitting on the chair next to the bed.

The two of them were in a hotel room that was arranged by Ari. Although the room wasn't very high class, the sheets were properly washed, and the room was completely clean. Tiffania was lying on the bed by the window, and the pajama wearing Luctiana, whose breathing sounded like she was fast asleep, was sleeping in the back bed.

"No, Saito. You are very kind. I believe that you didn't make a mistake, Saito."

Tiffania shook her head.

"Really...."

Saito's words lacked confidence.

At the time, he originally believed that releasing Fatima was the right thing. However, if the escaped Fatima tried to do something harmful to Tiffania again... not only could Tiffania be hurt again, she could even be killed... thinking this, he couldn't help but doubt whether or not his decision was correct.

"But it is a little unfortunate... I wanted to chat with that girl."

"It'll be fine if that day can come."

"Ah...."

Although her movements were small, Tiffania nodded her head energetically. Seeing this Tiffania made Saito believe that one day, maybe humans and Elves could peacefully coexist.

Right. It seemed like humans and Elves coexisted in this city. If only this dispute over the "Holy Land" ended, it definitely would be a possibility.

When he returned his attention, he discovered Tiffania looking at the sunset through the window.

"Halkeginia forces have already arrived in the area."

Tiffania said.

"Ah, I think Louise and the others should be coming with them."

"This journey with me and Saito, will also end here."

Tiffa's voice was filled with a lonely tone... and then Tiffania shook her head in a rush.

"Oh, this... this, this kind of thinking is bad. With great difficulty, Saito can return to everybody's side, moreover, Louise is also really worried about you too, Saito.

"Tiffa...."

You could just see her blue eyes, with a warm expression, getting misty as she gazed at Saito.

Seeing this, Saito's heart couldn't help but move.

"Saito, I'm very sorry."

"Huh?"

Saito couldn't help but be confused, suddenly hearing Tiffania apologizing to him. Apologizing to him, what was ultimately the reason... after thinking a moment, he thought of the issue.

"Don't tell me, you're still feeling sorry about making me your familiar?"

But Tiffania shook her head.

"N, no. Actually...."

Tiffania seemed to draw a soft breath to gather her courage, and then said.

"It's because I like Saito."

"What...!"

"Really I know this shouldn't be, because Saito already has Louise. But there really isn't anything I can do, I can't suppress my feelings...."

Tiffania said to Saito with a tear-stained expression.

"I like you, I like you to the point it's almost impossible for me to comprehend."

"Ti-Tiffa...."

Seeing Tiffania's suffering expression, Saito could only feel pain in the pit of his stomach.

The confused Saito promptly shifted his line of sight. If he continued to look at Tiffania's face... I'm afraid Saito would be unable to think first.

But this also wouldn't work... thought Saito. After all, Tiffania possessed incomparable charm. Although she was burdened with misfortune, she was also a strong and virtuous person, also adding to the complicated situation. Moreover, her temperament and manners were also good, and the most important thing of this complicated situation... this kind of girl has expressed feelings of adoration to me... there isn't a man that wouldn't be affected. But....

"I know, Saito already has Louise."

"... eh, ah."

Saito could only respond with an awkward nod.

"Therefore, I desperately thought about it and finally figured out how best to handle it."

"Oh?"

"This, my mother was also once a concubine of the Archduke."

"Con-concubine...!"

Tiffania seemed to say some rather incredible words.

"I can be Saito's number two, number one can be Louise."

"Uh, Tiffa, are you joking?"

Saito immediately asked. But Tiffania's expression was completely earnest.

"No, I've seriously thought about this. Moreover, I heard from my mom when I was young, the previous king of the elves had many wives and concubines in his harem...."

"Wait, wait a minute...."

The confused Saito immediate cut her off. Concubine, lover, number two... those type of words that only appeared in dramas, were incessantly hovering in Saito's mind.

Saito finally thought at that point, he'd never previously thought about this, but that could be considered a method. This way, Louise, Siesta, Tabitha, and Henrietta wouldn't be sad... perhaps. Of course, morally it couldn't be justified, can't be justified... huh, would it really be unjustified? Didn't I hear of a country on Earth that also allowed you to marry three wives and have four concubines...?

Although that thought flashed through his mind for a moment, Saito immediately shook his head.

The most important sweetheart that appeared in his mind... was the appearance of Louise.

"What was I imagining...?"

Of course he couldn't allow this kind of thing. Ever since the matter with Henrietta, he swore in his heart that he would never again make Louise sad.

Saito let out a little "Uh-huh".

"No, it's not alright! You can't be a concubine, it's not alright!"

Hearing that, Tiffania's face showed a sad expression.

"It's not alright?"

"Oh...."

Tiffania raised her head and gazed at Saito. Saito's heart almost couldn't help but waver from this, but Saito's heart was constant, and he shook his head.

"Why?"

Tiffania's pointed ears hung dejectedly.

Her clear, sea-blue eyes immediately became wet with tears.

"Uh, this...."

Seeing her show this sad expression, made Saito suddenly unsure what to do.

He didn't want to made Louise sad, but his way, he was just swapping Tiffania's sadness, was this okay? If he properly explained, maybe Louise would accept... no, but....

"Saito, I can't be your mistress?"

"Mis-mistress? Ti-Tiffania is this really what you want?"

"Oh, it doesn't matter, this is fine. I want to be Saito's mistress."

"Tiffa...."

Her face was very close. Tiffania's warm breath brushed Saito's cheek. Unaware of the room, and just as the two people's lips were naturally going to meet.

"Eh, you guys still want to do it at this time?"

Luctiana said in what seemed like a speechless tone, not knowing how long she'd been awake.

"Oi, I really hate this, hate it, hate it, this is why barbarians are barbarians!"

"Sorry for being a barbarian, I'm so really sorry.."

Saito, desperate to the point of silence, used both hands to apologize to Luctiana. Tiffania, who was shy to the extreme, hid in her bed and covered her head with her blanket.

"Truly, barbarians are barbarians! Affectionate regardless of the situation, kissing."

"What kiss!"

"How? Angry?"

"I'm sorry."

You can see Saito obediently kneeling on the ground for his crimes.

"It's alright, it doesn't matter. I also have an interest in those kinds of barbaric acts."

Luctiana shrugged and laughed.

And then suddenly she showed a serious expression to Saito and asked.

"So, the barbarian military forces are already in the area?"

Saito raised his head and nodded.

"It seems so."

"Are they coming to seize "The Holy Land," or coming to retake you?"

Luctiana's face became a little grim. Tiffania, sensing the change in the atmosphere of the room, stuck her head out from the shelter of the blanket.

"I think it should be both."

"If we hand you over, will the army stop?"

"They should... no, I'm not sure."

Saito told the truth.

After all, the one that was coming was that Romalian Pope, no one knew what he was thinking in the depths of his heart. At least Saito could be sure, he and Tiffania were only props in the Pope's eyes.

"First, I'm helping you based on my own beliefs, and a little academic curiosity. But I don't want to help with the resurrection of "the devil". If your partner hurts my fellow elves, then I won't help you again."

As opposed to her previous attitude, Luctiana said this in total seriousness.

"I know."

Saito strongly nodded.

"I will do my best to prevent this war from happening, I promise."

It didn't matter about Romalia or the puppet queen of Gallia, Henrietta definitely wouldn't actively help with the Holy War. Retaking the Holy Land required the possessors of the Void... Louise and Tiffania, of course, including Saito, didn't intend to be one of the Pope's thugs.

And he already knew the location of the "Holy Land", so it wouldn't be impossible to find the magical equipment to stop the rising of the Halgekinian continent before starting a war with the elves. Of course, this would assume that the "magic equipment" the Pope spoke of actually existed....

Luctiana closed her eyes and said.

"I know, I'll believe you for the time being. Then let's head to where the barbarian forces are, and we can talk after that."

"Thank you."

Seeing that Luctiana was willing to believe his words, Saito couldn't help but feel sincere gratitude.

At that time, the hotel room door suddenly opened.

"Hey, something bad is going on!"

Ari, who was originally supposed to leave town, burst into the room with a pale face.

"What's going on?"

"The 'Steel-Blooded Party' has surrounded Eumenes."

"What did you say?"

The surprised Saito shouted.

"Are you saying the fact we're hiding out here has been exposed?"

"You could also say that the girl you let go definitely tipped them off."

Ari glared at Saito, suspecting that he deliberately let Fatima go.

"That...."

"But their actions are too fast. In any case, the matter of us hiding in Eumenes must have already been exposed."

Luctiana spoke for the speechless Saito.

"All in all, it's better for us to leave town."

"Right, it would be bad if they went door to door and searched the hotel."

At that time, Ari's ears gently twitched.

"Someone is coming."

"What?"

Saito's ears didn't hear a thing.

But Ari's sharp eyes stared straight at the door.

"Ari, you shouldn't have been tracked?"

"I thought I was being careful."

"Tiffa, hide behind me."

Tiffania nodded her head.

Saito grabbed Derflinger, who was leaning on the wall. The runes on his left hand glowed, and Saito's senses immediately sharpened. Thanks to his gift, Saito could also hear the subtle footsteps, and it wasn't a hotel worker, it obviously was the steps of a well-trained person.

Saito drew Derflinger, and quietly approached the door.

At that time, the sound of the footsteps stopped in front of the room door. At that moment, Saito quickly opened the door, and put the blade of Derflinger to the throat of the person standing in front of the door.

"It, it's you...!"

Saito exclaimed to the person at the tip of his blade.

Tiffania covered her mouth with both hands, and her face also showed a surprised expression.

"Well, isn't that a really dangerous way to say hello, kid?"

A woman wearing a hood, bowed her head and laughed while looking at Saito.

She was known as the biggest thief in Halkeginia, known as "The Crumbling Dirt" and the alias Fouquet.

"How, you know her?"

Ari asked Saito.

"Sort of...."

Although he was still on guard against his opponent, Saito first moved the point of Derflinger away from her. Although you could say he knew her, instead it would be better to say she was the target with whom several grudges existed. But since Tiffania, who admired Fouquet was here, Saito definitely wasn't planning to expose her past at this time.

"But Fouquet, how did you end up in this kind of place?"

While Saito was feeling surprised... Tiffania ripped off the quilt and yelled.

"Matilda-nee!^[2]"

"Oh, Tiffania, how fortunate that you're alright."

Fouquet relaxed her mouth and showed a smile and immediately rushed to Tiffania and embraced her tightly. Fouquet was tenderly patting Tiffania's beautiful hair, her face lacked even a trace of that grim thief's expression, and the two looked just like mother and daughter.

Although at first Saito still wasn't sure whether or not he should interrupt the reunion of these two.

"Right, how did you end up here?"

But Saito still opened his mouth and asked Fouquet. Depending on her answer, he may still have to draw his sword on her.

"Eh, this is truly some welcoming. I even got commissioned by Romalia to come and help you."

"Commissioned by Romalia?"

This caused the images of the Pope and Julio to appear in Saito's mind. As it is, Saito didn't matter, but Tiffania was a possessor of the Void. If she was caught by the elves, they naturally would pay any price to rescue her.

"Anyway, I was definitely ordered to kill you two on the spot if the rescue failed."

"Is that right."

Fouquet grinned.

Saito couldn't help but sigh. He was already well aware of Romalia's methods, and getting mad now wouldn't help the matter.

"So it's like this, although I also want to peacefully meet and rejoice with you... but it's a pity, right now there's no time for us to reminisce. We have to immediately leave this city."

"Because the 'Steel-Blooded Party' is hunting you."

"If it was only that, it would be fine."

As Fouquet continued, she lowered her voice.

"They are planning to raze the entire city."

"What did you say!"

Saito suddenly opened his eyes.

"Hey, I can't pretend I didn't hear that, what's going on right now?"

Ari questioned Fouquet.

"When I infiltrated the navy, I heard the 'Steel-Blooded Party' boss say that they prepared a large quantity of 'Jewels of Fire', and planned to blow you and this entire city to heaven."

"No, they can't...."

Hearing this, Saito couldn't help but be stunned.

A 'Jewel of Fire' engulfed Gallia's fleet in an instant, if they used it, they truly could easily burn this city to ash....

"If you don't believe me, you can stay here. But I'm taking Tiffania."

"But... quite a few elves also live in this city."

Hearing these words from Saito, Ari also nodded his head and expressed his agreement.

"Although the 'Steel-Blooded Party' is very crazy, they'd never murder their own kind?"

"Not necessarily, huh?"

This time Luctiana spoke.

Eumenes is a city made for doing business with barbarians, and originally was a place of banishment for those who broke the law. To them, hasn't it always been a thorn in their side!

"That's right... no, with the nature of Aishmail, it could definitely be this way."

Ari spoke as he stroked his chin.

"So elves are also like this, is this worthy of a 'civilized' race?"

"Don't talk like we are like them, we elves are a race that loves peace."

Hearing Fouquet's sarcasm, Luctiana made this kind of protest.

"Anyway, whatever. It's a fact that they've moved a large number of 'Jewels of Fire' into the city. Unless you want to get buried alongside this city, we need to leave immediately."

Fouquet pulled Tiffania's hand.

But Tiffania remained unmoved, and slowly shook her head.

"It's not alright...."

"Tiffania?"

"Because my situation has affected the entire city, it absolutely can't be like this!"

"I understand your feelings, you're a kind and gentle girl Tiffania."

Fouquet tried to persuade her.

"If we rely on the people here, basically, we're not an opponent for the elves. If you stay here, you'll just be another soul lost."

"But...."

"It's impossible." Saito stated this.

"Saito...."

"Only saving ourselves, but abandoning the whole city, how could I do such a thing!"

Saito's voice trembled. In his mind he recalled the businessmen involved in all sorts of activities on the lively street, the city people who happily cheered at Saito's amateur acrobatics, and the image of the elven children....

To unexpectedly want to raze this kind of city, that sort of thing absolutely couldn't be allowed. This city was the hope for peaceful coexistence for humankind and elves.

Saito tightly grasped the hilt of Derflinger. Light immediately glowed from the runes on his left hand, and his body gradually filled with power. This is the power that exists in the "Gandàlfr" in order to protect his master. If he didn't have this power, if he was like he was before on Earth, he'd definitely run first. Everybody is afraid of death... you can assume that is definitely how other people will think.

But now there was already no way for him to escape.

Because in this world, he possessed power.

"Since it's like this, I'll have to step forward bravely."

"I'll think of a way to deal with the 'Jewel of Fire'. Tiffania, you get out of the city with Fouquet."

"I want to go too."

Saito was about to leave the room, but his arm was grabbed by Tiffania.

"It's not okay, this is too dangerous."

Saito shook his head, but Tiffania didn't let go.

"I beg you, Saito, I can't let you go alone. Maybe there's something that I can do, moreover I won't be separated from you again."

"Tiffa...."

As Tiffania gazed at Saito, you could see an expression that she didn't want to be separated.

This hurt Saito's brain. Of course, previously he had avoided a great number of problems with the help of Tiffania. Moreover at the "Dragon's Nest" since he abandoned her, it was the only reason that she got life-threatening injuries... he couldn't experience the same kind of regret again.

"I know. Anyway, the entire city is surrounded, so escape is also dangerous."

"Saito!"

This time Tiffania broke out in a huge smile.

"Hey, I'm also going. My people are in trouble, I definitely can't ignore them."

"Of course, there's also me."

Ari and Luctiana both stood up.

"Really, do you also want to go?"

This caused Tiffa to frown anxiously.

"Don't worry. Although my fencing isn't up to your standards, I definitely have a degree of self-confidence in my abilities as an elf."

Hearing this, Ari sighed.

"It's pointless even if I stop you."

"Eh, but didn't you just fall for me a little?"

"Mm...."

This immediately made Ari speechless.

"Right, there is no way that I can disobey you, really! But I definitely can't let you go at random. If something unfortunate happened to you, I would be slaughtered by Lord Bidashal!"

"I love you, Ari."

Luctiana lightly kissed Ari's face.

Ari immediately blushed. Seeing those two's interaction, Saito felt that... Ari really was whipped.

"Are you guys for real?"

Fouquet said disbelievingly.

"Anyway, I could care less if you guys live or die, but Tiffania is not alright, I will take her and go."

Saying this, Fouquet prepared to separate Saito and Tiffania.

"Fouquet!"

"Matilda-nee, I beg you... actually, does Matilda-nee not want to try and save the city?"

"I'm definitely worried. But compared to this city, Tiffania, your life is much more important."

"I will protect Tiffa, absolutely."

Saito shrugged, and Fouquet said with a disapproving look.

"Meaning that I'm supposed to believe you?"

"Uh huh."

The two of them glared at each other like this.

Suddenly a tense feeling enveloped the whole room.

After a moment of silence....

Finally, Fouquet deeply sighed.

"Really, against the hero who defended against a 70 000 man army, saying anything more would be a waste of my breath.

"Can we?"

"This is what this girl decided herself. But if anything unfortunate happens to Tiffania, I will have your life, understand?

"So, where did these guys transport the 'Jewels of Fire'?"

Everyone spread a map of the city on the hotel table, and convened a battle meeting. The map was one stolen from the elven navy by Fouquet.

"Previously my uncle said that if you want to make the 'Jewel of Fire' explode, you would need an extremely strong elven power."

Luctiana said.

Since Bidashal once actually made 'Jewels of Fire' for Joseph, he naturally knew about this. Joseph used the "Void" to cause the 'Jewel of Fire' to explode, but the 'Jewel of Fire' normally has a fairly strong enchantment. Relying on elven Firstborn magic, apparently it was quite difficult to destroy the enchantment.

"If you need this large a collection of power in this city... let me see, only here."

Saying this, The point Luctiana pointed at was a large building in the old quarter.

"The Great Temple of Sophia."

Apparently this was the place they used when they need to borrow a large amount of elven power, whenever they built irrigation projects, or if there was a long drought and they needed to pray for rain.

"Do we still have time?" Saito asked.

"Uh huh, if they want to make the 'Jewel of Fire' explode, they'll need a fairly large scale ceremony. Moreover, after the ceremony, there should be a little difference in time before the 'Jewel of Fire' actually explodes. It doesn't matter how crazy that fool is, but it is also unlikely that he plans to die along with this city."

"Then we can't take advantage of it right now and inform the people of the city, and let them immediately run for their lives?"

"There's not enough time, there's no time to do it like this. Besides, how can they believe that their fellow elves would do something like this?"

"If it's like this, we will first need to grab that fool."

Fouquet said.

"Really, we only need to infiltrate that 'Great Temple of Sophia'...."

"But there are members of the 'Steel-Blooded Party' all over the town, what are we supposed to do?"

At this point Ari interrupted the conversation to ask a question.

"There's really no way, I'll act as the bait."

"Fouquet, you're not serious, are you?"

"Yup, I am Fouquet, 'The Crumbling Dirt'. Don't worry, as if I'd get into a head-on fight with the elves. My expertise is in distractions."

Indeed, Fouquet's golem is unsuitable for infiltration and indoor combat. Thus, deliberately making a scene, and drawing everyone's attention would be much better.

"Okay, I'll ask you to do that."

"Leave it to me."

The battle plan was decided through that. Saito rolled up the map on the table, and calmly stood up.

"Let's go."

Everyone nodded, and pulled down the traveler's hoods that they were wearing.

Suddenly, Fouquet looked out the window and complained in a low voice.

1. Keikaku means plan.
2. Big sister Matilda