Zero no Tsukaima:Volume9 Chapter3 - MTL

“Why didn’t you explain?”　

In the living room of Tiffania's house, Louise said, as she looked down at Saito, who was lie sprawled on the floor, receiving Siesta’s treatment.

Those eyes had not a single grain of shyness or liveliness from the night before. She went back to calling Saito a "dog" and whipping from a year ago. Only insults directed at the chest could make Louise this mad.

“That’s because I thought you should hear it from Tiffa! That’s why I kept silent!”

Saito, all muffled up in bandages, shouted. Louise looked down at him with demonic eyes.

“Haaaahn? Haaaaahn? Hear it from Tiffa? Master-sama comes first!”

Louise trampled down on Saito’s back. She twisted her heel against it. Saito struggled in pain.

“You. You got into your stride again? Recently, because I was a little sweet, did you misunderstand something? But, now, you recalled it, right? You are a dog. No, dog is too high for you, you are more t-t-t-tttt-t-terrible.”

Louise's voice began to tremble.

“You are below dog! Amphibian! A gecko!”

Siesta corrected Louise,

“Miss Valliere. A gecko is a reptile.”

“Right. Then, you are a medusa! Medusa!”

Louise continued trampling Saito down.

“Maybe you should cease for now… Saito-san seems to be reflecting it…”

“Reflecting? This medusa is not capable of thinking. That’s right, only it’s body remembers.”

Swaying in slow motion, Saito stood up. With his whole body wrapped up in bandage, looking miserable, he decisively pointed a finger at Louise.

“What are you talking about! For what you are bullying a person with heavy magic and feet? The main point is – I did not do it on purpose!”

Saito’s single phrase made Tiffania, who was watching Saito and others "communicate" in terror, blush. Siesta anxiously looked at Tiffania. Elves were considered to be strong in natural magic and were notorious of having bad relations with humans. Siesta was frightened to see an elf for the first time.

Noticing such reaction, Tiffania lowered her head.

“That’s right. I am scary after all. A half-breed.”

Though Siesta kept on alternately looking at Saito and Tiffania… she said, in a determined way, “E-elves are certainly scary, but… you helped Saito-san. And, you do not try to harm us. I am sorry for being afraid.”

“Thank you.”

Tiffania smiled. Siesta answered with a smile of her own. However, Louise watched Tiffania suspiciously.

“Tsk, why is an elf here in Albion?”

“That…”

Faced with Louise’s clear hostility, Tiffania felt at a loss. Louise approached Tiffania and pulled her long ears.

“Au. Auau.Auu.”

Tiffania, having her ears pulled, moaned in a painful voice.

“Hmph. Not fake.”

“T-they are real…”

“…”

Then, Louise groped Tiffania’s chest. Tiffania, pushed by a girl smaller than her, covered herself.

“Huuh.”

“What is THAT?”

“C-chest…”

“Chest.”

“Not lying. Really, it's the chest…”

“Crazy.”

Louise muttered from the bottom of her heart.

“Not really…”

“It’s strange, no matter how you think about it. Your shoulders and waist are so thin, but, why is your chest so big? I-i-it’s not in balance with your lower body as well. Give me a break. If you’d walk like this in Tristain, you would be given a death penalty.”

“Even if you say so…”

Louise’s shoulders began to tremble.

“The level is different. The level. No super-size. I am like this, but, I will not admit this chest. Yes, definitely, I won’t admit. Because, the chest is defined by the way one likes it.”

“Au. Auauauaua. Auau.”

Without showing any signs of her anger decreasing, Louise shouted at Tiffania.

“Apologize! Apologize! Apologize to me! ‘I’m sorry for having such boobs!' Now!”

“Hyaa”

While asking for the unjust apology, Louise kept on gropping Tiffania’s chest, making her moan in tearful voice.

Saito stood up and shouted at Louise.

“You! Stop bullying Tiffa!”

Hearing him, Derflinger muttered.

“Both are supporters of nothingness, but, this one has a chest of Void as well.”

“Besides, you would need to divide even that into half…” Siesta muttered.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Louise’s kick flew straight between Saito’s legs.

“W-why me…”

Painfully trampling on, Saito’s head covered in cold sweat, Louise said,

“Then, it wasn’t you groping her. I won’t permit you to live. You cannot embrace an elf secretly. What did you and that girl do? Tell. What you were doing with her chest? Was it fun? Tell me – I won’t get mad. I will kill you though.”

Finally, Saito fainted in agony from Louise’s kick. Without changing her expression, she turned to Derflinger.

“Hey, wasted-sword! What did you say just now?”

“Void user?”

“Not that, the part about being the same?”

While still holding onto his aching groin, Saito stood up slowly. He threw a glance at Tiffania and when she nodded, his face became serious and he informed Louise.

“Tiffa… is the same as you, a Void user.”

* * *

When Tiffania finished explaining to Louise, lunch had already passed.

Though Tiffania said she wanted to talk about it when the night comes, but, because of Louise’s constant pressing, she gave in.

Hesitant, Tiffania spoke, though it was not easy for her to do that.

Her elf mother was a concubine of an archduke, Albion's King’s younger brother. Her father was the controller of the Royal Treasury, responsible for managing the Royal Family’s treasures. One day, she found a ring in the Royal Family Treasury, which fit with the music box she found before, yet, nobody could hear the melody but her.

Once it came into public that an elf was in the Royal Family member’s concubine, Albion’s King sent Knight Corps. Thus, her father and mother died.

Then, once spell runes appeared in her head, she placed a "memory disappearance" spell on the knights, and survived…

“Is that a Void spell?”

Emberassed, Tiffania lokked at Derflinger.

“Indeed. "Forgetting" spell.”

“Why Void can erase one’s memory?”

“Think about it. What was written in the preface of the Founder’s Prayer Book?”

“Magic elements govern small grains. Void governs even smaller particles…”

“Exactly. One can control a person’s brain with the help of those small particles. Memory and thoughts are connected with those small particles. "Friendliness" and "hostility" are just matter of difference in the flow of these small particles that void can change. However, "forgetting" Void is different. It goes even further into these small grains and erases their existence completely of the central smallest particles.”

“So, you are saying that…”

“Anyway, the spell that the half-elf lass uses, is a true Void.”

Louise placed her hand on her chin, in a deep musing.

“I see. So, when Saito’s void familiar contract wore out… there was no way to for me to find him.”

Saito asked,

“How many are there of those void users?”

“Maybe 4 people.”

“Maybe? What?”

“Brimir passed his treasure to four of his followers respectively. This way, granting them with power. Three of them created Halkeginia’s kingdoms. The users come as direct descendants from that lineage… therefore – four people.”

“Tristain, Albion, Galia and Romalia.”

“Then, the one that attacked us the other day was one of those? So, not everyone are as gentle as Tiffania.”

Recalling Myozunitonirun's attacks upon them, Saito said,

“Who knows. Even if they are descendants of the direct line, it’s thousands, no, tens of thousands of people that we are talking about. Naturally, between them can be vicious and gentle ones. There are just like common people in that regard.”

“Anyway, what if all four users awaken their Void.”

“Who knows.”

“Stop talking as if it does not concern you!”

Saito said angrily.

"Hey, Derflinger.”

Louise said, in a serious tone.

“What?”

“Why do we have to get our Void awoken?”

Derflinger answered quickly,

“To regain the sacred ground. That’s what is written in the Founder's Prayer Book.”

Louise nodded, recalling.

“If four Void’s users, rings, treasures and familiars are gathered…then, the power of Brimir becomes complete.”

“…What are Brimir’s powers?”

“I remember.”

“Derf?”

“It’s true. But…it exceeds my imagination. I’m not exaggerating. I don’t remember it well… I just absent-mindedly remember that it was huge.”

“And, why have you never talked about it?”

Derflinger said, in an unusually tired voice,

“I don’t want to put these kind of things on your shoulders. It’s worrisome. That one can be changed into a completely different person. The power, that, with just a flick of a hand, can do such utter changes and, moreso, change one’s ideals. Hey, Louise. You understand me, right?”

Louise, who was called for the first time by her name by Derflinger, bit her lip.

To become a splendid noble – this was an ideal that she repeated in her mind over and over again. Because of that, she could not say the thing that should be said. Yet, she could not become obedient. It gave her no satisfaction. Not even to a single part of her.

“The thing is that possesses such ‘ideal’ power can make surrounding people unhappy.”

Saito, as well as Louise, became silent. Tiffania shivered, a frightened expression on her face.

“I am unchanged for as many as 6000 years. Though it was tedious, I was happy to experience them. Your histories are the same. Changing it through force or leaving it the way it is, if it exceeds one’s strength.”

“…”

“Hey, Partner?”

“What?”

“Since I met you, I remember various things. Happy things, serious things… difficult things. Various things. I am grateful. Just like Partner and Void user, Louise."

Saito nodded. Louise, with a blush on her cheeks, nodded, too.

“Now, if my love for the time we spent together would be changed to a bother now, then, the whole time spent together in the past would look bothersome as well.”

Saito gently said to Derflinger,

“Don’t worry. Ideals or sacred ground are trivial things. All that I want is to defend important people. I can’t imagine myself hating it.”

Louise said it clearly as well,

“I understand that, even without you saying. I… have decided. For the time being, I will only search for the way to bring Saito home.”

Surprised, Saito looked at Louise.

“Do you have a fever?”

Louise silently kicked Saito straight between his legs. Saito rolled onto the floor in agony. Louise placed a foot on his back and said,

“I won’t use my power for that. No one should be treated as a tool. Therefore, do not worry, you cowardly sword.”

Derflinger said, in a reassured manner,

“I see. If I will say something wrong. Please…”

“Be it gentle or cruel, it does not matter… we'll deal with it anyway.”

Saito, while having his head pressed into the floor by Louise, protested,

“I told you, I did not touch her chest on purpose. It is a terrible misunderstanding.”

Louise crossed her arms and looked down on Saito. Seeing Louise casting side glances, frightened Tiffania opened her mouth,

“I… also though about returning back to the sacred ground. But, it was nothing more but mere thoughts. I am still a half-elf… even though I succeeded Founder’s power, this thing does not change. Therefore, I cannot return to the scared ground that elves fight for, right? No, I do not want to fight against anyone. That’s why I didn’t speak with others… and, when I was exposed – I erased his/her memory. That’s how it was until now.”

Tiffania asserted clearly.

Siesta, who silently listened to everyone’s words, nodded.

“Though I do not understand all the talk about magic… you seemed to reach consensus. So, how about making some food.”

Everyone, with the exception of Derflinger, looked at each other. They certainly were hungry.

“May I borrow the kitchen?” Siesta asked Tiffania brightly. Then, the doorknob turned and the door opened revealing Agnes, who entered into the room. She sat down on the sofa and informed everyone.

“Now, then, vacation ends. I will return.”

“Huh?”

Saito and company looked at each other.

“I was sure we would stay for two-three days more…”

“The homecoming orders came.”

Agnes presented Louise the letter. As usual, it seemed to be brought by the owl.

“The other day, I reported about you being alive, and this one came in a hurry after that.”

“You informed Princess-sama about it?”

“Naturally. After all, I came here for that. You did become Miss Valliere's familiar again, right? Then, I guess, there is no reason to hide it from Her Majesty.”

“However, I wanted to have some rest…”

“Then, take some rest for another ten minutes.”

Louise and Agnes could not refuse Henrietta’s order to "come back."

“In five minutes, prepare for departure.”

Agnes ordered with the face of musketeer commander. Siesta let out a lifeless, “Yeeeees!” as they had brought a lot of luggage together upon coming here.

“We will separate now. Yet, even though it was short, it was pleasant.”

Tiffania said with a smile. After thinking for a moment, Saito said,

“Hey, Tiffa…”

“What?”

“Why don’t you come with us?”

“…Eh?”

Though Louise tried to hit Saito, he quickly caught her hand.

“What are you trying to persuade her about?”

“It is not about persuading.”

Saito stared at Louise’s eyes for a moment. Faced with such serious power, Louise pulled away, puffed her cheeks, and fell silent.

“You said you wanted to see more of the world. So, why not come to Tristain for now?”

Tiffania shrank.

“However, I already told that I cannot come to the place and cause suspicion. I have the mixed blood of an elf. And, they are feared of... a lot...”

“We are not afraid of you.”

“Right, you helped us… You cannot be a bad person.”

Saito nodded.

“True. So, if someone says anything, I will protect you. If they are scared, I will convince them.”

“Saito!”

“Just be silent for now, all right?”

Being stared at by Saito again, Louise turned her face down and puffed her lips.

“Do you want to see a different world?”

Tiffania smiled while looking down.

“Thank you.”

“Then, please, prepare. It’s all right. We will wait.”

“We must hurry home, it is an order from Princesss-sama!”

Louise protested furthermore. Not having anything else to argue about, she even accused him of disobeying Henrietta’s orders… To Saito, it reminded him of a child who did not want to lose face in an argument.

Yet… Tiffania did not move.

“Tiffa?”

“After all… I cannot do it.”

“Why not? Do not be afraid. Tiffa helped me before. Now, it is my turn to help.”

Tiffania pointed at the living room’s door. From the openning of the door, children of the Westwood village were anxiously looking into the unfolding scene before them.

“I cannot leave these children alone.”

“Ah.”

Saito was slightly ashamed of himself. Due to the haste, he forgot. No, not only Tiffania lived in here, but, children as well… Tiffania was their parent and an elder sister at the same time.

“That is right. I cannot ask that from you. Sorry.”

“No. I am glad you invited me. Thank you.”

Tiffania gave an sincere smile. When someone as beautiful as Tiffania showed that sort of fairy-like smile, one can't help but to feel one’s sinful nature and turn his/her eyes away.

“…Then, is there anything we can do for you? I would like to at least express my gratitude.”

“It’s all right.”

“You saved my life.”

“You were in trouble and I helped. It’s a natural thing to do. Don’t worry about it.”

Though Saito tried to think of many words to express his gratitude… the only ones he could find were “Thank you”.

“…Please, tell me if you are in the trouble. I will come over flying right away.”

“Ah, thank you. I am glad to be able to meet you. Then, please be happy.”

“Tiffa, you, too. See you again.”

Tiffania, with a startled expression on her face, nodded.

“Yes. Again… See you again.”

* * *

"We’ll come to visit whenever we're in Rosais."

Though Agnes said that while walking down the forest footpath… Saito did not react. Louise, disliking Saito being this way, complained,

“Is something wrong?”

“No…”

“Well, that half-elf lass was beautiful. You miss her huge chest?”

Derflinger, on his shoulder, chirped in.

Louise's eyes narrowed.

“Wrong! It’s just that I can’t do anything, so pitiable…”

Yet, Louise made a sulky, "Hmph!" and started to walk away from Saito.

Seems like she was offended by something.

Saito halted and looked back at the Westwood village where he spent nearly two months. Almost completely hidden by the trees, the tiny house of Tiffania could be seen.

“I want to see the world…” Saito muttered to himself.

That time… he felt something swell in his chest.

Yesterday, when in the garden of Tiffania's house, Siesta asked, "What is Saito-san's dream?" He avoided thinking about it…

What do I want to do?

To find a way to return back.

But, there is more. Another thing, that contradicts it.

To defend Louise.

To be near her, to stay close to this girl.

If he were to find a way to return, then, he will separate from Louise as well.

Sooner or later, he will have to choose one of them.

And, what will his answer be?

It will hurt to leave Louise.

It will hurt to leave everyone with whom he was getting along well.

I want to return, but, though those feelings are not false... parting is the more difficult thing to do. Saito thought.

…Dream

To stay here in this world… Would it be a bad choice?

From the intensive training with Agnes, he somewhat gained more confidence as well.

To protect Louise… this is a test to myself. Some of that power belongs to me.

“Saito-saan! Come!”

Hearing the voice of Siesta, who walked ahead… Saito walked down the road to the plains of South Gotha, leading back to Tristain.