Mazarini mischievously smiled.
“It’s a big lie. But, everyone’s sense of judgement is lost at the moment. They can’t believe the scene they saw. Neither can I. However, the truth is that there was an unfamiliar bird fluttering about after the enemy fleet had fallen. There was no choice but to use it.”
“Hah…”
“What? No one cares if what I said was the truth or a lie. What they do care about is whether they’re dead or alive. In other words, victory or defeat.”
Mazarini peered into the princess’s eyes.
“You must use everything that you can use. It’s one of the basics of politics and war. Remember it well, Princess. Because from today onwards, you are the ruler of Tristain.”
Henrietta nodded. It was just as the Cardinal had said. The thinking… could come later.
“The enemy’s morale will be low and they will no doubt be trying to flee. Their supporting fleet is now gone. There’s not a better chance to strike.”
“Yes.”
“Princess. Shall we go forwards to victory?” asked Mazarini.
Henrietta nodded strongly once again. She held up her shining crystal wand.
“All troops, charge! Royal troops, follow me!”
Tired, Louise cuddled with Saito.
“Hey Louise.”
“Hm?” replied Louise, absentmindedly.
A feeling of fatigue overcame her. But this was a nice tired feeling. It was fatigue that came with the satisfaction of accomplishing something.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah.”
“What was that just then?”
“It’s a legend.”
“Legend?”
“I’ll explain later. I’m tired.”
Saito nodded and smiled. He patted Louise gently on the head.
Below them, the Tristain troops had just charged at the Albion forces. The vigor of the Tristain troops was obvious even to a novice. It was vigor that even would triumph against enemies that outnumbered them.
“Yeah, later is fine.”
Looking at the scorched and blackened village, Saito wondered if Siesta was alright.
That evening… With her siblings, Siesta timidly came out of the forest. News that the Albion troops had been defeated reached the village people who had taken shelter in the forest.
Albion's troops were crushed by Tristain’s charge, and many had surrendered. Well, there weren’t any Albion soldiers strutting along the village around noon. The angry bellows, the clash of arms and the explosions had ended. Black smoke rose from the field, but the battle had ended.
A thunderous noise could be heard in the skies above. After looking up, a familiar object was flying in the sky. It was the “Dragon’s Raiment”. Siesta’s face brightened.
When the Zero fighter landed on the field, Saito opened the canopy. Someone from the forest, south of the village, came running towards him. It was Siesta. Saito jumped off the Zero fighter and ran towards her.
Louise watched Saito as he was running off and sighed. “Well, I guess it’s good that that girl is still alive, but couldn’t he spend more time consoling me? The spell just then… ‘Explosion’ of the Void magic branch. It seems like it didn't happen. Perhaps it doesn't feel real because it was Void magic. Am I really the ‘User of Void magic’? Is there some misunderstanding? But it explained how I was able to give Saito the legendary Gandálfr familiar powers. There are lots of legends, aren’t there,” she whispered.
“In any case, it’ll probably be busy from here on. I really feel as if this didn't happen… and I can’t believe that I’m the one mentioned in the legend…” Louise sighed. If this were a dream, I would be so relieved. But I’ve decided not to think too much about it. I should learn from that idiot familiar of mine. Although he’s the legendary familiar, he doesn’t seem like it at all. But perhaps that is for the best. Anyway, this “legend” stuff is too much for me.
“Hey, legendary mage.”
“What, legendary sword?”
Derflinger had called out to Louise in a teasing tone.
“It’s okay to be stubborn… but if you don’t go after him, he’ll get taken by that village girl.”
Louise’s cheeks went red.
“I don't mind.”
“Really?” whispered Derflinger.
Giving a cry of frustration Louise hopped out of the cockpit and chased after Saito. Derflinger watched Louise’s running figure and said in large voice.
“And she even understands that she’s the one mentioned in the legend… Perhaps her love life is more important to her. Humans around this age are beyond help.”
While running, a stream of thoughts ran through her mind. When she looked at Saito’s back, her pulse hastened. Her mind would go blank. It was weird. That idiot. He even kissed me. Is that girl really that good? She might be cute. She’s good at cooking as well. I know boys like girls like that. But, I…I…
The Founder’s Prayer Book, the Void magic branch… they completely left Louise’s mind for the time being.
If I don’t go after that familiar of mine, he’ll be gone somewhere.
If I don’t open my eyes wide and run, I’ll be left behind.
But, if it’s going to be like that… I’ll just continue chasing him.
I’ll chase him wherever he goes… and when he turns around, I’ll hit him good.