Zero no Tsukaima

Chapter 4: The Two Knight Corps[]

Three days after setting sail from Tristain, the "Ostland" arrived at Romalia"s southern port, Cittadella. It was indeed very fast. Even with a fully extended sail on a high speed, cargo-less ship, the distance by sea would take a week.

Cittadella was a fortress city constructed next to a big lake. It was convenient for ships to land and set sail, so the lake naturally became a port. Various ships were brought to the many piers that stretched along the sh.o.r.e. Purely from looking out towards the sea, the port had an appearance not unlike a typical rest stop for ships.

Well, when an oddly shaped ship such as the Ostland docked... a crowd gathered all around the pier. Saito and the crew were a little troubled from this.

Their arrival at Romalia was not an official visit.

In order to not attract the attention of Gallia, their arrival was officially an "academy field trip" by name. Of course, their real purpose was to covertly head for Henrietta"s location, but that was a secret.

Naturally, their arrival created quite a memorable ruckus for officials.

On the pier, a spectacled person with the dull appearance of an important Romalian official eyed the Tristainian government-issued port doc.u.ments, and then he stared at the Ostland suspiciously.

"Students of the Tristain Academy of Magic? What an incredible ship you"re riding on. What"s with this ship?"

Unlike normal, everyday ships used in Halkeginia, the Ostland had a large wingspan. Not only that, but on the tail and each wing of the ship was a large propeller unfamiliar to most. Official or not, anyone would think that it was suspicious.

The acting leader, Instructor Colbert, responded innocently.

"Ah, it is a new model of ship that I developed in Germania."

"On top of the wings, what are those strange bladed turrets?"

With an arrogant att.i.tude, the official pointed his wand at it and inquired.

"Through the power of steam, it is a device that provides propulsion. I called it the "water steam engine"."

The official narrowed his eyes at that point.

"Without using the blessed magic of G.o.d, you dare to fly in the sky with this strange device...is this not heresy?"

At the words of "heresy," the officials" aides sprang into action. All of them drew the holy items from around their neck; their hands trembled at the ready. All of Romalia"s officials were clergymen after all.

The conversation was making Tiffania uneasy.

In order to hide her mixed elf blood, she was wearing a wide-brimmed hat, which she now pulled over her head more.

This action apparently caught the eye of the official.

"Hey you. Let me see that hat."

Tiffania was trembling awkwardly.

"What"s wrong? I said let me see that hat. Did you not hear me?"

As the official reached for the hat, Tabitha softly chanted a spell. Seeing that motion, Kirche brazenly clung onto the officials arms.

"Ah! From close-up, I see that you"re quite the man!"

"Wh-what are you doing?!"

"You do such a fabulous job, don"t you, Mr. Wonderful Clergyman?"

"Not really..., anyways let me go! Stop trying to corrupt me!"

"There are a lot of things in this world that are more fun than praying to your G.o.d, you know?"

As all eyes gathered at their exchange..., the battle-experienced Tabitha completed her spell with the slightest of motions. Tiffania"s hat started to glow.

With that, Kirche abruptly released the man.

"I guess it"s as Mr. Official says. I may have come on too strongly."

The official cleared his throat and once again turned towards Tiffania.

"The hat, please."

Finally giving in, Tiffania handed over her hat.

"Hmm...you"re much prettier without the hat."

"Huh", Tiffania thought as she checked her ears. Somehow they were that of a normal human being! The shocked Tiffania looked to the side at Tabitha. Somehow, this little blue-haired girl had helped her out with a spell.

Unbeknownst to Tiffania, the spell "Face Change" that could change appearances was a high-level square spell. At some point, Tabitha had apparently reached the capability of a square cla.s.s mage.

In any case, nothing seemed to be out of place with the port doc.u.ments. (Of course, since it was genuinely issued by the Tristainian government.) Since everything was in order, the official had no further inquiries.

A heavy weight collectively lifted off of their chests.

It was sort of ironic that they managed to get away by the skin of their teeth. Little did they know, they were inching towards disaster.

Leaving Cittadella by horse-drawn carriage, it would take a day to finally arrive at the capital of Romalia.

According to this country’s customs, wands and weapons had to be stowed away in their baggage before arriving at the city gates.

Such a rule had pa.s.sed over the head of Saito, who carelessly crossed the gate with Derflinger still on his back. Of course, this caused one of the guards to stop them.

“Hey, you over there!”

‘Huh?,’ Saito openly thought, as the guard shuffled over and put his hand on Derflinger.

“What kind of backwater town are you from?! I cannot forgive anyone who openly carries a weapon in this city!”

The bearer of the sword appeared to be a commoner, thought the guard. With a pompous att.i.tude, the guard grabbed Derflinger off Saito’s back and threw it on the ground.

“Wh-what the h.e.l.l are you doing?!”

Just then, the guard noticed Saito’s mantle.

“What the h.e.l.l? Are you a n.o.ble? Still, what is the big idea walking by us carrying a sword? What is with the northern countries that commoners are allowed to prance around acting like n.o.bles? This is blasphemous to G.o.d!”

Saito started to voice his complaint, but Derflinger popped out of its scabbard and beat him to it.

“Hey! What’s the deal with throwing a person – no, a sword onto the ground!”

“What is this, an intelligent sword? Whatever the reason, carrying it is not allowed. You should put it in your bag or load it on your horse…in any case, get over here. You look suspicious.”

Still, Derflinger continued bombarding the guards.

“Shut up, you dolts! Guarding your cursed house of frothy prayers!”

“…house of frothy prayers, you say?”

‘Oh boy, Saito thought, holding his head. Sorry from the extra trouble caused, Saito hurriedly grabbed Derflinger to shut him up. The fuming sword clattered about, making it quite difficult to keep it in the scabbard. As Saito finally pinned it inside the scabbard, it seemed to finally cool down a bit.

“Hey, how many times have I told you! Instead of being so offensive, you really should come up with nicer ways of naming things.”

“…how dare this sword! Insulting Romalia’s guards equates to insulting G.o.d and Founder Brimir!”

“Can it, greenhorn. What do you claim to know about Brimir? You’d best be quick to apologize and then run along to chant your prayers.”

With cries of ‘What!’ and ‘Unforgivable!’, the guards grabbed the hilt of Derflinger.

“Hey, what are you doing!”

Saito rushed to stop them.

“Demon! Time to turn you into a lump of smoldering iron!”

“Interesting! Let’s see you try it!”

“Stop it!”

It had turned into a scuffle. Louise and the others watched over it with a dazed expression. Because of some unnecessary words, the resulting scuffle turned into a very bad situation, they decided.

But, it seemed like they were destined for trouble anyways. Saito had unfortunately flung the vigorous guards away.

“Wah! I’m sorry!”

“You think sorry is going to cut it?! You have just used force on the servants of G.o.d and the Founder! We shall halt this blasphemy here! …Men! Come out and stop these suspicious individuals!”

At those words, many guards flooded out of a small area.

“Blasphemy!”

“This may be related to the incident! Seize them!”

Their hands grasped at their holy items. Seeing their holy wands, Kirche said,

“Uh oh. These guys are Paladins.”

Tabitha responded to her words.

Blowing a whistle, Sylphid dropped down from the sky. Tabitha and Kirche jumped on its back. Tabitha then cast ‘Levitation’ on the panicky, confused Tiffania, lifting her onto Sylphid’s back.

Only Louise was left standing in front of the Paladins.

“What is this!?”

Louise ruffled her pink hair and shouted directly at the Paladins.

“We are the Tristainian government! Currently, we are heading towards Her Majesty, Queen Henrietta, who is staying in this country! Laying a hand on us will be a significant breach of diplomacy! Do you understand?”

The Paladins looked at each other.

“…Her Majesty, Queen Henrietta?”

“Did you not receive this information?”

‘Uh oh.’ Louise thought as her face paled. Come to think of it, Henrietta’s visit had been undercover. Although the upper echelon of the government may have known, there were many of the lower-ranked guards that wouldn’t know.

“b.a.s.t.a.r.ds…, going as far as using the name of the queen of Tristain…, this is looking more and more suspicious.”

“You have done plenty to invoke the judgment of the church. Prepare yourselves!”

Kirche picked up the panicking Louise into her arms.

“Jean, Guiche, everyone, you guys follow us with ‘Fly’. Saito! Come here and hop on!”

Grasping tightly onto Derflinger, Saito jumped towards the ascending Sylphid. Springing through the air, he skillfully caught Sylphid’s leg.

Letting out a short cry, Sylphid accelerated upwards. Colbert and the rest of the Knights of the Ondine quickly cast ‘Fly”, chasing after Sylphid.

“The heretics are escaping! After them!”

From the small building, horses quickly emerged, sprouting wings as they flew up. The Paladins mounted the horses and chased after Saito and the others, who had just raised their heresy level with further blasphemy.

Looking at the horses, Louise shouted.

“It’s Pegasi!”

Native to the area of Romalia, the winged, holy horse, Pegasus, was the steed of the Paladin. Glimmering with radiant white light, they steadily drew closer and closer.

Normally, the flying speed of a Pegasus was comparable to that of a wind dragon…, but Sylphid wasn’t escaping at full speed.

“The ones using the ‘Fly’ spell can’t escape at this rate…”

Catching Kirche’s words, Saito drew close to her.

“Hey, Kirche! How are we going to get away?! We’ve got ourselves into a lot of unnecessary trouble!”

Kirche brushed her hair up and glared at the ‘one who started it’.

“Don’t you know how frightening the ‘Paladin’ are? That if they decide that someone is ‘blasphemous’, it is not a trivial thing? They can informally conduct the judgment of the church and cut down anyone they see fit.”

The color drained from Saito’s face.

He was reminded of a ruckus between himself and Beatrice. Looking backwards, Tiffania was trembling. Most likely because of hearing the words "judgment of the church", it refreshed her memory of the ruckus caused by her ears a little while ago.

Viewing the streets of Romalia from sky high, it seemed to be divided into strict districts like a checkerboard. No matter whichever district it was, a beautifully carved tower stood ever so proudly over the heads of other buildings.

"Seriously, insulting the clergymen in this place full of churches is the last thing you would ever want to do. At least consider about it throughoutly before doing so."

Hearing Kirche say so, Saito stared at the Derflinger in his hands

"Oi, you big mouthed sword. Go and reflect yourself"

Derflinger replied unwillingly

"It"s not fair, all the time sitting in the sheath has made me very agitated. But most important of all is that I hate this country. The man who founded this country named Forsythe, I abhor him!"

"These ancient things just forget it! Because of you, you"ve already caused me enough trouble already!"

Hearing Saito"s scolding, Derflinger returned into the scabbard, slightly chattering, as if it really was reflecting on itself.

Looking backwards at the Ondine Knights, they were almost flying erratically, like an airplane in turbulence. They were tired. The "flying" spell wasn"t designed for long distance journeys, since it required great concentration.

"At their limit"

Kirche described calmly. Tabitha below raised her staff and pointed to somewhere.

"Tavern"

Kirche nodded her head. Understanding Tabitha"s intention, Sylphid started diving.

"W-what are you thinking! Why should we ever land!"

"To use that bar as a defense"

"Defense?!"

Louise and Saito roared in unison.

"You give me another choice, genius. We can"t escape any longer, being caught is the last thing you"d ever want. If this goes on, a fight is going to break out anyhow. Better do it in a tavern since there"s usually no one at daytime."

Sylphid accurately arrived at the targeted street. The pedestrians were so surprised at the sudden Wind dragon, they all fled. Kirche jumped off Sylphid, and kicked open the tavern"s door.

Unwary of the trouble about to be bestowed on him, the bar owner welcomed them with a warm smile and a "How may I serve you". Kirche took a rough glance inside the inn. As expected, there were not many customers to speak of. Only a man dressed like a clergyman sat with bartender.

It"s common sense in Romalia not to drink wine in broad daylight, who would otherwise be treated as non-believers. Even if anyone wanted to, they would have done it in secrecy at home. Kirche relaxed. The less involved, the better.

"What would you like to order, miss"

Seeing n.o.ble customers, the owner of the inn came and asked, rubbing his hands gleefully.

"Today, I"ll take this inn."

"Eh?"

The dumbfounded shopkeeper looked at the unending line of n.o.bles walking in, so shocked that his eyes could have dropped out.

"What, What is this?"

Kirche did not answer, she was scratching over a check with a pen, and placed it in the hands of the owner.

"That, that much!"

"It may not be enough, when the time comes, don"t hesitate to ask for more"

"Ye-Yes! Although, what are you planning to do? Is it a party?"

"More or less, although the fireworks would go a bit wild, I hope you wouldn"t mind, would you?"

Fireworks?

The owner turned around. Tabitha was instructing the Ondine Knights how to make a fortress out of chairs and tables.

"Whoa! Wait, wait! You people! What is this! Waa!"

The shopkeeper"s complaints were drowned by the sound of windows shattering. The guards outside were already in formation and casting spells.

"Uwha! What"s going on! What is this! Ah, holy knights!"

As soon as the shopkeeper saw the pure white cape st.i.tched with a holy cross, he legs turned jelly.

"You, You, who are you!"

Kirche pitied the poor guy

"Get down. It"s dangerous"

Saito dragged Tiffania, trembling like never before, into the tavern and let her sit down. Tiffania hugged herself as if attempting to use the academy"s dress and her large b.r.e.a.s.t.s to conceal herself, sitting down in a corner still like a statue.

"Saito"

"It"s going to be alright. No matter what happens I will protect you. Besides, it seems like I"m at fault as well, so sorry."

Tiffania nodded her head, still shaking. Saito put his hand on Derflinger. Outside of the shattered windows, a solemn line of Holy Knights stood proudly.

The Ondine Water Spirit knights made a cover under the windows using chairs and tables, standing off with their wands. Tabitha and Kirche made commands lacking details. They had already turned into something like a commander and vice-commander.

The only customer here, they offered him to leave due to obvious reasons, but to everyone"s surprise, he turned down that offer with a smile.

"There"s no food better than this" and drank down the red wine in one gulp.

Colbert silently observed the Holy Knights" actions from a crack through a table. Normally, he would be the one trying to stop this brutal fight, but this time he didn"t mention a single complaint to Kirche. Saito, observing Colbert transitioning from being calm to being realistic in this situation, concluded that it may be a brutal fight, but is the correct decision.

In comparison, Guiche, Captain of Ondine Knights, kept mumbling "How did it turn into this" and knelt on the floor covering his head like an ostrich.

Louise"s body seemed to shake with fury over something. It wouldn"t matter what words were used to comfort her. Louise with an extremely high dignity just can"t stand an insult through being mistaken and treated like a criminal.

Saito huffed and puffed, taking a break next to Kirche and Tabitha.

"Now what?"

Kirche laughed

"Alright! Every one of the brave knights here, Let me describe the plan today"

Everyone held their breaths, waiting anxiously for Kirche to name their position and objective.

"Try and stall as much time as possible"

"That-That"s it?"

Kirche nodded.

"Right. As long as we buy time here, the news of a riot will be delievered to the Pope eventually. Do you think Queen Henrietta wouldn"t have noticed by then?"

"Wow, how much patience do we need"

Guiche voiced his thoughts, stunned.

"Is that so? You could always go outside and surrender to the Knight"s trial, you know. We are all guilty of insulting an official. I wouldn"t want to be taken and be beheaded or whatever."

Saito, then said with determination.

"Me and Derflinger are the only ones who insulted them. I"ll go alone."

"Saito!"

Louise cried running towards Saito.

"Don"t! If you"re going, I"m coming with you"

She bowed her head with embarra.s.sment.

"You are my familiar. Your responsibility is also mine. Therefore I"m also going with you"

Saito looked at Louise emotionally.

"Louise"

Louise blushed.

"A-as a master, I have my responsibilities. That"s why, I won"t allow you to go."

"I won"t"

Grateful to the core, Saito hugged Louise. Letting herself drown in this emotional conversation, Louise also hugged him back red-faced.

"Be-because master and a familiar are together as one."

"I understand. I understand."

"Hey, do these things somewhere else."

Malicorne frowning so hard that he looked as if he was 50 years older pulled them apart. The two just now tightly embracing each other were red to the core.

Kirche complained

"No matter what you said, it just won"t work."

"Also, if we let you go out by yourself, it would hurt our reputation, wouldn"t it?"

Malicorne flicked his thumb up with a snap. Malicorne"s words seemed to be an infection to the other Ondine Knights, all saying "That"s right, that"s right!"

"Basically, I hate Romalian clerks."

"The Crusaders are cruel and only knows how to brag! I"ve already wanted them to get a taste of who is the real hero around for a long time!"

These dangerous words echoed throughout the tavern. Looks like it really came from the bottom of their hearts.

Whatever they say, n.o.bles of Halkeginia just love getting involved in these conflicts. Saito shook his head shrugging.

"Huh. What"s with whoever"s G.o.d. Since ancient times, isn"t it because of G.o.d"s existence we"ve been having all these wars?"

Thinking of the Histories lessons he"d been in, Saito said.

Different religions, because of just this reason, have caused countless battles on Earth. However, as everyone was saying while being full of themselves, n.o.body heard Saito"s monologue.

That is, except for one person.

It"s the sole customer sitting calmly in a chair despite all the commotion. That hat on his head was wide and low, covering his face. After hearing Saito"s claim, he laughed, then used a pelicular voice and spoke

"That was really some interesting things you"ve said"

"Is that so? Well, it"s going to be really dangerous here soon, so it would be better if you leave. Sorry to cause you all the trouble!"

"Nah, let me stay and watch"

What a peculiar person, but now was not the time to think about this.

Saito looked outside again behind the crudely made defense.

"Hmm, those guys still haven"t attacked so far"

Kirche observed. Since the Crusaders have broken the windows, they didn"t move an inch at all. Looks like they only broke the windows to understand the situation inside.

Another few moments of standing off each other pa.s.sed. A crusader walked out from the surrounding formation. His expression was incredibly irritating to anyone who saw it, and shook his head two or three times, as if disgusted with the whole incident. While he walked, Saito voiced his thoughts.

"He looks like Guiche in some way."

"Please don"t compare me with him."

The gentle man, who looked like a bishounen, had a head of long dark hair. His black hair spilt cleanly into left and right straight down from his forehead, dangling on both sides.

The man gave a polite bow and called out softly to the people taking defensive actions inside the inn.

"I am the captain of the Crusaders representing Alieste monastery, Carlo Christiano Trompontino. To everyone one within the tavern, you have been completely surrounded. Being the humble servants of G.o.d and our Ancestors, I dislike pointless battles. Therefore, are you willing to honestly surrender?"

"We will gladly do so if you can ensure our safety."

Kirche bargained.

"Despite I really want to do so, but right now we are handling another case and has accepted an order to arrest every suspicious person and put them up for trial. If you can prove your innocence to G.o.d, we can discuss further details."

The Ondine Water Spirit Knights yelled out loudly, complaining. They knew thoroughly the so called trial is just an abbreviation for your sentence for your "crimes".

"We are not heretics!"

"Real n.o.bles from Tristain!"

"If you are n.o.bles from Tristain, then accept your trial like a n.o.ble. There is nothing wrong with using your body to prove your innocence. If you can"t do that, then we have no choice but to treat you like one."

"Go ask his holiness the Pope! We"re Romalian guests!"

Hearing Saito"s raged yells, the Crusader named Carlo laid out his hands in a carefree way. A man looking like he would be of rank vice-captain came forward and whispered something in his ears.

"Since you are so stubborn about standing down, looks like we must trial you no matter what. How unfortunate, to bleed unnecessary blood today, to cast unnecessary magic. Ho ho, perhaps this is a training given from G.o.d."

Carlo lifted the holy cross hanging from his chest and magically stuck it to his forehead. With that done, his beautiful and gentle face turned into one with a strong scent of fierce cruelty.

"Crusaders! As believers and servants of G.o.d and Founder Brimir, eliminate the heretics!"

Magic thickened around the crusaders.

Carlo stood with his back facing Saito and the others. Exactly like a conductor of an orchestra of spells.

The environment inside the tavern was very tense.

Tabitha displayed her side of anxiety, one rarely seen, and gave specific orders to the Ondine Knights.

"Expand Air Shields. The more the better. Now."

Without hesitation, the Ondine Water Spirit Knights chanted spells, creating air shields in front of the tavern.

At the same time, the Crusaders have finished their spells.

Each of them held their respective wands out. Dragons in scales of flames slithered out from the tip of their wands, entangling together multiple times, and took shape as one giant single dragon.

"What is that!"

"Chorus of Praise. The spell Crusaders are most adapt in. Tricky"

Tabitha replied.

One time, Henrietta and the corpse of Prince Wales made a hexagonal star combination spell. This was very similar in make, only those who can endure vomiting blood and have gone under tough training, like the Crusaders here, were able to perform this miracle like spell.

"They"re really trying to shoot that into the shop!"

Before Saito even ended his yells, the dragon on flames have already began its a.s.sault on the tavern.

Everyone inside the inn curled up fearfully.

A fortunate thing was that the dozen layers of air shields lived up to their purposes, diminishing the power of the flaming dragon. Still, the Ondine Knights expanded a few more air shields in front, like the saying, it never hurts to do more than less.

Of course, the one who eventually killed the creature was Tabitha. Standing up swiftly, she unleased a spell chanted already in preparation.

Glittering ice particles started to orbit around Tabitha, releasing a blinding lime light.

Ice storm.

Tabitha"s ice storm enwrapped the fiery dragon.

All the people around couldn"t care less about the steam generated. When the mist disappeared, seeing Tabitha still standing there heroically, every single soul in the Tavern cheered.

To their disappointment, Tabitha then said

"Out of energy. Take care of the rest"

Then went to the back in the inn.

Gulp. The Ondine Water Spirit Knights couldn"t help but swallow their own saliva. Tabitha"s powerful magic cannot be used anymore, which would, in other words, mean that they have to get through this on their own.

Unexpectedly getting their magic disintegrated, the faces of the Crusaders changed.

"Hmm, even in the standards of heretics, they are doing pretty good."

Carlo casted his next spell smiling.

Since a spell in the fire field was easily defeated, the next spell would be of water type. As the chant continued, the ice arrows began to increase.

And, the defense used respectively for the couple hundred ice arrows was nothing else other than Colbert"s fire magic.

“Ur Kaun Jera Tir Gyfu”

No difference from his average attire from giving a lecture, Colbert calmly sang out magic, generating a fire snake comparable to the size of the now evaporated fire dragon.

As sudden as anyone would be seeing a flaming snake swallowing arrows of ice, it vanished. Only a few left out arrows punctured the table deep. With that, the Crusader"s attack have ended.

But, Colbert also looked like he would be unable to cast anymore spells for quite a while. Scratching his balding head,

"Everyone, I"ll leave the next spell to you guys" and went to the back of the inn as well.

On the streets a bunch of people had already gathered jeering and cheering. Obviously, seeing the bossy Crusaders, usually threatening people in "the name of the Pope", in trouble was something you just couldn"t miss.

Huh! Carlo twisted his face.

"Huhhuh, d.a.m.n, second time"

The next was going to be even more powerful, the students whispered to each other.

Saito tapped Louise"s shoulders.

"It"s time, Louise."

Kirche, Tabitha and Colbert all turned towards Louise. They all knew that Louise was the legendary void user.

The ace of everyone here …, “Void”.

A magic only the Founder could use, of type zero.

Though the Ondine Knights did not know of Louise"s background, they knew of the potential lethal damages she was capable of. Which explained why they all glanced at Louise expecting something from her.

"Please blow all those guys away! Until then, we will defend this place with our lives!"

The next spell the Crusaders were chanting was of wind magic.

Whishhhhhhhhh!

The erratic gust might not be as powerful as the hexagonal star combination, but the power it contained should not be neglected either.

"I"ll block it!"

Saito ran forward carrying Derflinger. The harsh gust of wind was being absorbed into Derflinger. Saito then turned back and yelled

"Louise! Now! Blow those guys away!"

Louise chanted the spell tensely.

Done.

Waving her wand, the explosion went off.

Pang! Accompanying the harmless pop, the blast only dented the ground in front of the Crusaders a little bit inwards.

"That"s it?" Saito thought, his brain taking a break from blocking the fierce winds.

Louise also looked stunned at the damage done by her spell.

"How, how..."

Kirche nodded her head heavily.

"Ahh, I take that you"re feeling very happy right now?"

A shudder was sent down Louise"s spine.

"The way your system works is by conserving a lot of energy, no? Must need some emotions like anger or jealousy or whatever, but recently you haven"t been going through much of either, have you?"

"D-d-did not, that kind of thing."

Louise twisted around hung her head embarra.s.sed. Saito who started to be unable to withstand the fierce winds b.u.mped onto her.

"Uwaaaa!"

Saito and Louise flew backwards inside the tavern. Though Derflinger may have absorbed a lot of the wind, it was still more than enough to damage the defenses constructed from tables and chairs.

As soon as the Crusaders confirmed the destruction of the defenses inside, instead of garrisoning like before, they raised the staffs in their hands, chanted some sort of spell. As they chanted, colors of red, blue, white and all colors grew from the tip of their staffs.

"Blades. They"re coming in" Kirche informed everyone.

Blades.

Also something Crusaders often used. By inducing magic on their own staffs, this allowed it to prolong into a blade with a different color and power. Not only different in looks, because it was conjured up on a magical staff, its effects could last very long as well. Might as well say that this was a magic than can slice rocks into half in close up battles.

With Carlo being the lead, the Crusaders also began their a.s.saults. Jumping in continuously from the window, the Ondine Knights also made blades to welcome them.

Fights broke out near the window.

Saito also ran in and joined them, holding Derflinger.

The Ondine Water Spirit Knights were basically dot mages. To compensate for their inabilities in magical power, they all had hands-on experience with Saito, himself taught by Agnes herself. Due to this additional help, they were still barely able to hold the Crusaders off.

Sounds of blades clashing with each other filled the tavern.

Malicorne waved his blade wildly, roaring. The a.n.a.lytical Reynald was quite adapt with these blade attacks, swiftly brought his sword down left and right, similar to how he beat one at chess, hunting down the enemy.

Gimli"s fit body looked just like a barbarian right now, swinging his sword with all his might.

Tabitha who couldn"t use magic anymore sat at the back reading a book. She understood that there was nothing she could help with, which made her actions so reasonable. Colbert, on the other hand, fought against the Crusaders with his staff.

If you asked about Kirche, she was currently taking care of the damages done to the inn with the innkeeper. Whenever a table or chair got smashed up during the fight, he would flick his Abacus and show it to Kirche.

"This, too expensive, isn"t it?"

"No, no, these are all made from good wood! Ma"am!"

"Ask the Crusaders to pay the remaining half"

Louise was concerned about Saito while being disappointed at herself. Void magic? Void of magic is more like it! Irritated by herself, she gritted her teeth.

To let Louise rest in ease, Saito sent a Crusader flying with one blow of his. Fearing Gandálfr"s unhuman speed, the Crusader took a few steps back. Unfortunately, Derflinger"s handle had already landed into his stomach, making him pa.s.s out.

Saito looked around, searching for his next victim. Guiche, who was down to his last Valkyrie, was rapidly retreating under Carlo"s aggression.

It was easy for Carlos to take on Guiche, who only had one Valkyrie, his hands holding a fake rose with no petals with a blade extending from the base.

As soon as he noticed Saito coming close, Guiche shook his head.

"Hey, I don"t need your help. Relax, I haven"t even started fighting yet"

Carlos smiled widely and confidently and launched himself at Guiche. His confident smile made him look like he hadn"t even used half of his power yet.

"Oh? Then let me fulfill your wish to the maximum!"

Carlo whacked Guiche"s fake rose away at high speed. Guiche fell back sitting on the ground.

"Defeat. I surrender. Saito, I"ll leave to rest to you."

And started whistling fearlessly. Whichever side they were fighting for, they all broke into laughs.

Carlo smoothly turned his head.

"You"re the next one right, name yourself"

Saito raised his sword in front of him, reporting his name like a n.o.ble.

"I am Saito Hiraga. Remember it."

"What a weird name."

"Shut up, you psycho."

Carlo laughed hearing Saito"s insults and put out his staff. It might be 30 centimeter in length, but the aura around it had a radius of around 1 meter.

"You"re really out of luck. I swear, your life is mine."

"Take it if you can."

Saito edged close step by step, occasionally slashing his sword at Carlo unexpectedly, but Carlo wasn"t that simple either, and caught Derflinger with his staff.

Both of them bounced off each other.

Carlo saw through Saito"s power instantly, infusing more magic into his staff.

"You. Really a plebeian?"

"n.o.ble now."

The lime-colored aura around the staff grew even brighter.

"Ha!"

Following, Carlo continuously poked at Saito without reserving any of his might. Saito"s eyes followed his every motion. No wonder Guiche could be beaten in an instant.

But Saito was different.

Saito saw through Carlo"s motion, cutting his blade in half. Other than showing off, he actually wanted the enemy to lose his will to fight. Looking at the staff sliced in half, Carlo knelt on the floor.

"You. You b.a.s.t.a.r.d."

Saito said to the unsatisfied Carlo

"Please. Can you contact the Pope his holiness? You will know our status after doing so."

"Shameless words from despicable heretics! Ask yourself! For what reason would you and your bunch want to kidnap his holiness? I bet you"re taking him away on that strange looking ship! Speak! Where do you plan to take him!"

Huh? Saito looked confused. Because of Carlo"s words, the fight in the inn also stopped.

"Feels like we"ve been wronged?"

Bleeding from his forehead, Malicorne said clumsily.

"Kidnapping the Pope? What is this?"

The Crusaders started blaming them.

"You heretical kidnappers!"

The man who had been eating all along laughed, standing up behind the completely muddled Saito and the others.

"Carlo, you have done well, although the Pope was not kidnapped."

The face under the hat widened the Crusader"s eyes. Together they put forth their Holy Cross and bowed to him.

"Cesare!"

Cesare? This name seemed familiar to Saito. Turning his head around, he opened his mouth but nothing came out. Isn"t that the person who fought alongside him in Albion, Julio!

Julio stopped using his fake voice, and greeted Saito.

"I was once conductor for the Church"s orchestra. Therefore I"m pretty good at faking voices. You were totally fooled, weren"t you! Bwhahaahahah! Oh my, oh my, how long was it since we last met, Saito! Since sending you off at Albion"s battlefield! Your safety is better than anything!"

Saito looked at Julio"s face with shock.

"What"s with your expression? Took us so long to meet each other again, yet you look like a frightened lizard!"

"What exactly is going on, would thou please explain how it turned like this?"

Carlo interrupted. Julio laughed even harder.

"Oh, that. Carlo, I was the one who made the rumors that his holiness is kidnapped. These people aren"t anyone suspicious, but our guests"

"Huhhh? What does this mean?"

Seeing Saito and the others still confused as ever, Julio explained

"How would I not know that you will be arriving today. However, everything would be boring if you came to the Cathedral so smoothly, wouldn"t it? Therefore, I prepared a enjoyable event for everyone. Spreading rumors of the Pope being kidnapped, then observing the outcome. Like planned, people like you were the first to be suspected. As for me, I followed you all the way from Cittadella. When I knew that you were preparing to land here, I got in as fast as I could. You guys were so insistent on fighting, none of you discovered that you were being followed, I was a little concerned before. Well, at the level of Crusaders, I"d say you"ve pa.s.sed."

"This, all this for nought." The Crusaders were stunned.

The Ondine Water Spirit Knights wiped the blood off their foreheads.

"You jerk! Enjoying yourself! Because of you we almost got trialed!"

Julio did a little shrug.

"Religious trial? The things you are going to do soon will make you consider this to be kind. Not every mission can be completed waving your little swords and casting magic. There"s danger involved in these missions, and I hope you can use your brains more than brute force."

Shifting his beady eyes to the stunned couple sitting in a corner, Julio walked up to Louise and Tiffania and bowed elegantly.

"Miss. Forgive us for being so rude to your arrival. But I did not expect meeting each other at this kind of place."

Julio laughed again. His att.i.tude made the Crusaders frown. Doing whatever they wanted, the young Pope and his a.s.sisting priest made the Crusader"s work hard to handle.

Outside came the sound of wings flapping. It was a wind dragon landing. It"s Julio"s "Azuro". Behind it was Sylphid being caught.

"You. That, I have a lot to talk to you about. Being displeased and that sort of stuff."

Saito said while his body was shaking heavily, yet Julio continued to drive everyone out without giving him a look.

"Alright, alright, let"s talk about this stuff while eating, shall we? Now then, let me lead everyone to the Cathedral."