Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4

Chapter 4: The Jewel of Fire

The Capital city of Gallia, Lutèce.

As of now...... the betrayal of the southern vassals have triggered the current royalties and citizens to flee massively, similiar to the disturbance at Albion not long ago.

Suddenly titled as an "enemy of God" by the Romalia Church, this furthermores cascades the confusion of Gallian citizens. For consequtive days, strict believers of Brimir have gathered themselves at the church of Lutèce, praying for a miracle.

Distancing themselves from the Gallian King Joseph day by day, the priests and preachers (,seeing not a single trace of belief in the Gallian King himself), between the factions Gallian and Romalia, cautiously make sure that their words are not biased to either side, taking a completely neutral stand in this battle.

A week since Romalia's invasion, Lutèce, once delicate to every inch, has already been submerged with a dark, "end of the world" scent.

The elite Knights of the Eastern Roses' defiance and their purge...... the frightening side of these news and their dispise towards foriegn armies are the only things keeping most of its original army still fighting for King Joseph..... but the morale is at an unprecedented low.

Gallia's defeat could be foreseen by any person. Everyone have developed a genuine feeling of repulsion towards a rule under Romalia, the country about to conquer these territories.

To prove themselves not "heretics", rich merchants all, acting on their own conciousness, transport carriage-full of gold and valuables to this church, the amount of "storage" representing the amount of devotion.

Kind representatives of the commoners, the 王党派の宮廷貴族, attempted seek a small hope of survival for this crumbling country, and became more and more lively with the start of each day.

Yet, whenever these people are at the countryside of Lutèce, at the place of Palace of Versailles...... Every glance at the ruins of the collapsed Grand Troyes courts, once containing beautiful clear sky blue walls, they can't help but feel the reality that all their work is for naught.

The original owner of the collasped Grand Troyes courts, have already moved to a spot east of the main palace, the Concierge. As soon as Gallia has been declared as "enemy of God", the visiting ambassadors or councillors all fled to their own countries like rats fleeing a building on fire. Naturally, as of now there won't be any more guests coming forth, and eventually settled down at this place.

Sitting on the bed which replaced the dining hall's long dining table, Joseph quietly gazed at a old chest on the floor. A smile having no connections with the disturbance outside surfaced between his tidy mustache.

That chest, brought out warm memories beckoning to him.

Memories of childhood...... in the middle of the broad palace, a five-year-old Harold (Charlotte/Tabitha 's father) and the eight-year-old Josepf were playing a game of hide-and-seek.

Joseph, hid in this place after turning the place upside-down with effort. This is a popular chest among the commoners. Although it may not seem to have enough size to fit in a person, the storage space has actually been expanded up to 3 times its original size through magic. It's a one-of-its-kind magical tool.

Full of belief that he would not be found if he hid here, he made an exaggerated claim to his little brother. In the end....."pop", the lid to the chest was opened, Harold poking his head inside.

"I've found you, brother."

"You've actually found this place, wow"

"Heheh, I used 'detection' magic, then this placed started shining. Turns out this thing is a magical item."

"You've already learned how to use 'detection'? Unbelievable"

Harold's displaced a pleased face.

Softly, Joseph mumbled. "If there were any chance, I'd like to see your regretting face even just once. If that were possible, then none of these ridiculous disturbance would have happened. Take a look, your favourite Grand Troyes court, has already vanished. Your loved Lutèce, is already as if situated in the firey ovens of hell. Though said, these are all my work of art. I will not be swayed so easily. The betrayal of half a country does seem kind of sad, but this does not affect me at all. Actually, other than 'whatever', I don't have any other thoughts."

Then Joseph shook his head with a "Hmm....". "Anyways I'll first turn those guys to ashes. Half a country, will be sent to your side soon. Just sit tight and wait, Harold"

Joseph sighed.

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