The soft morning light filtered through the bedroom curtains, bathing the room in golden hues. The air still carried the residual warmth of the night, and the peaceful silence was broken only by the rustling of the covers as they shifted. Saito slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the brightness.
Beside him, Louise was already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching him with a curious yet serene expression.
"Good morning, Saito," she greeted softly, a small smile dancing on her lips.
He stretched lightly before turning his face to look at her. His green eyes shimmered in the daylight. "Good morning, Louise."
She tilted her head slightly, the smile still present. "Did you sleep well?"
Saito let out a satisfied sigh. "Yeah... It was a peaceful night. What about you?"
Louise nodded, seeming pleased with his answer. "Yes, I slept well too. I'm glad you're comfortable here with me."
He blinked, surprised by her gentle tone. Louise rarely expressed such consideration so naturally. A subtle warmth rose to his face, but he simply smiled back. However, before he could say anything, she slightly furrowed her brows, as if she had just realized something curious.
"I just had a very strange realization, Saito," she murmured thoughtfully.
He raised an eyebrow. "Really? What is it?"
Louise tilted her head slightly, observing him more closely. "Now that I'm listening carefully, you have a very strange accent."
Saito blinked in surprise. "Strange, huh?"
"Yes. It's very unusual," she clarified, crossing her arms.
He couldn't help but smile in amusement. I guess Japanese accents aren't exactly common around here...
"It's called Japanese," Saito explained, pausing for a moment. "Japan, more specifically. Like I said before, that's where I'm from. Well, Tokyo, to be precise. It's about thirty miles from the capital."
"Tokyo..." Louise repeated in a quiet tone, as if tasting the word on her tongue.
"That's right. You know, it's interesting," he continued, leaning forward slightly. "You, Siesta, and everyone else I've met in Tristain speak a form of Japanese. You all have slight nuances in your accents, too. You more than Siesta, now that I'm paying attention."
He furrowed his brows slightly, thinking. French tones, to be precise. I can't pinpoint exactly where in France, but I can definitely hear it.
Well, except when Kirche speaks. She has a slight German touch. It's kind of hot, but her personality ruins it.
Louise tilted her head, intrigued. "Really?" She studied him closely. "But Saito... you're speaking in Tristainian with me right now."
He blinked, surprised. "Are you sure? It sounds like Japanese to me, Louise. Well, at least that's what I'm hearing. I remember we talked about this when you cast that translation spell."
She nodded, thoughtful. "Yes. But I can assure you, I'm speaking in Tristainian, and that's exactly what I'm hearing from you as well."
For a moment, the two sat in silence, contemplating this strange aspect of the spell. What sounded like their native tongue to one was heard as Tristainian by the other.
Before they could dwell on it further, a sudden glow lit up the air near the table, catching Louise's attention. The light intensified for a moment before vanishing, leaving behind an elegant envelope resting on the surface. Intrigued, she got up and walked to the table, picking up the letter. As she opened it, her eyes quickly scanned the contents before lighting up with satisfaction.
"It looks like my father has responded to my request," she announced, turning to Saito with a sparkle in her eyes. "I can keep Siesta as my maid."
Saito smiled. "That's great! I'm sure she'll be very happy."
Louise nodded, carefully folding the letter. "Yes, and so am I. Remember your promise."
"Of course, princess." Saito smiled, glad to have helped Siesta avoid an unfortunate fate. "If you want, you can explain a few things to me over breakfast."
Louise smiled at Saito's suggestion and gestured for him to sit at the table with her. The morning light streamed through the dormitory windows, bathing the space in golden tones. Before continuing, she called out to a passing servant in the hallway to bring breakfast.
"Bring breakfast for two, and make sure it's fresh," she ordered, her voice firm but gentle. The servant nodded quickly before hurrying away, leaving them alone for a moment while Louise organized her thoughts.
"Alright, Saito. I'll explain some important things about Tristain and the nobility." She stirred her tea delicately, choosing her words carefully. "Our government is a monarchy, with Queen Marianne on the throne and her daughter, Henrietta, as the heir. But besides them, the noble houses hold enormous influence. Our status is determined not just by title but also by family lineage and reputation."
Saito nodded, paying close attention. "I see... so everything has to be carefully planned, right?"
"Exactly." Louise set her teacup down on its saucer and looked at him seriously. "That's why, even though I like you, we have to follow certain rules. First of all, I must keep my virtue intact until marriage. There are spells that can verify this, and if I were to fail in this aspect, it would bring dishonor to my family."
Saito blinked, taking in the information. "I understand. I would never do anything you didn't want or that would put you in a bad situation, Louise."
She smiled, seeming satisfied with his response. "I know. But that's not all. If someone wishes to court a noble lady, they must send an official letter requesting permission to begin the courtship. My father and mother would have to approve. In your case, that would be impossible right now, since you don't have a noble title and your origins are unknown. But I will write to them and tell them that there's a student by my side, someone my age, who possesses unique magic. I want them to at least know that I'm interested."
Saito smiled, touched by her initiative. "That means a lot to me, Louise. I know your family has a great name, and that being accepted is a challenge for me. But I want to prove that I'm worthy of you."
Louise blushed slightly, averting her gaze for a moment. "Just keep doing what you always do, Saito. Keep being yourself." She took a small sip of her tea before looking directly at him. "And be patient with me. We'll take things slowly, but I promise I'm serious about this."
He reached for her hand across the table, feeling her fingers tense slightly before they relaxed under his touch. "I'll wait as long as it takes. As long as it's with you."
Louise smiled, feeling her heart beat a little faster. Yes, he was different. And that's precisely why she wanted to do things the right way.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to tell him something important. "Saito... there's something you need to know. I'm engaged. It was an arrangement made by my family, and at first, I didn't oppose it, even though I felt no love." She kept her voice calm and brief, avoiding jealousy. "But now... I just want to be with you. I don't care about this engagement anymore. What really matters to me is what I feel for you."
Saito remained silent for a moment, processing her words. Then, he smiled slightly and held her hand firmly. "That doesn't change anything for me, Louise. I want to try this relationship with you."
He paused briefly, carefully choosing his words. "I've spent my whole life feeling an emptiness in my heart..." He hesitated, omitting the part about having lived that life twice. "But now, that emptiness is gone because I'm with you. I give you my word— as long as you want to be with me, I will fight for us."
Louise squeezed his hand lightly, feeling reassured by his words. "Thank you, Saito. That means a lot to me."
At that moment, the servant returned, carrying a tray with soft bread, fresh fruit, and a steaming pot of tea. He carefully placed everything on the table, gave a small bow, and left in silence, leaving the two alone to enjoy their meal.
The morning breakfast unfolded in a light and comfortable atmosphere. Louise and Saito talked about trivial matters, enjoying each other's company, until a knock on the door interrupted the moment.
"Come in," Louise said, adjusting herself in her chair.
A servant entered and bowed. "Miss Vallière, Mister Saito, Director Osmond requests your presence in his office immediately. Professor Colbert will also be present."
Louise exchanged a glance with Saito before nodding. "Very well, we'll go right away."
They stood up and walked down the stone corridor, passing through the grand halls of the Tristain Academy. Saito noticed Louise's thoughtful expression and lightly squeezed her hand for a brief moment, a quick but reassuring gesture. She squeezed his hand back before quickly letting go, blushing as she looked away.
Upon arriving at the director's office, they were greeted by Osmond himself and Professor Colbert, both with serious but not worrisome expressions. Osmond, as always, held his pipe between his fingers, his eyes sharp and observant.
"Ah, you've arrived. Please, have a seat," the director said, gesturing toward the chairs in front of his large, intricately carved wooden desk.
Louise and Saito obeyed, their attention fixed on the two men.
Colbert cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses, and exchanged a look with Osmond before beginning. "Saito, we've been analyzing the runes on your hand for days, cross-referencing information with ancient records and legends. What we've discovered is... surprising." He paused briefly, letting the tension build. "The runes are identical to those described in the legends of Gandalfr, the familiar of the gods. A legendary warrior, someone who fought alongside great mages in the past." He looked directly at Saito. "But there's something that intrigues us. We've never heard of a Gandalfr possessing their own magic, let alone something like what you've demonstrated so far."
Saito furrowed his brow. "So, do you know exactly what they do?" He had figured out some things on his own, but hearing confirmation would help clear up some doubts.
Colbert adjusted his glasses. "Not entirely. We know the runes grant you enough skill to be called the Legendary Swordsman, but we don't know exactly why Louise was able to summon a familiar like you. That remains uncertain." He paused before continuing. "But your magic itself is something completely unprecedented. We've never seen anything like it in historical records. We'd like you to explain in more detail how it works."
Louise clenched her fists on her lap, frustrated. "So there's still no explanation for this?" The anticipation grew in her chest, hoping the director or Colbert had a definitive answer, but the brief silence from both only increased the uncertainty in the air.
Osmond let out a light sigh, bringing the pipe to his lips before speaking. "Unfortunately, even with all we know, we don't have concrete answers. What you represent, Saito, may be something that has never happened before in the history of magic." Silence filled the office for a few moments as Osmond carefully observed the expressions of the two young people before him. "That's why I've decided to take an unconventional measure."
Louise's eyes widened slightly. "What kind of measure, Director?"
He smiled faintly. "I will contact the royal family to request that Saito be recognized as an honorary noble. That way, he can attend magic classes like any other noble student. I believe that once the palace learns of his abilities and what he could represent for Tristain, they will accept the request."
Saito was left speechless for a moment. "I… I'll be able to learn magic alongside the other students? As a noble?"
Osmond nodded. "Yes. This will grant you a more appropriate status for your position beside Louise. Something akin to a 'Quasi-Noble.' Though you still won't have an actual title, your magic makes you valuable enough for this recognition to be considered. It's not unheard of, but it is extremely rare for a commoner to be elevated in this way. If rumors about your magic spread, there will be many eyes interested in you, boy."
Louise brought her hands to her mouth, barely containing a radiant smile. "That's amazing! Saito, now you'll be able to study magic with me!"
She couldn't hide her happiness. If Saito were recognized as an honorary noble, their chances of being together in the future would increase exponentially. That meant the letter she intended to write to her father would carry much more weight.
Looking at Saito, she noticed the determined gleam in his green eyes. He was absorbing everything, feeling the weight of the opportunity being offered to him.
Osmond then intertwined his fingers atop the desk. "Now, Saito, we'd like to hear from you how your magic works. We need to understand your abilities better to determine how this might impact your position here at the academy."
Saito took a deep breath and nodded. "Of course. I'll tell you everything I know." He raised his hand, looking at the runes on his skin before continuing. "My magic allows me to create swords through my will. These swords can have different properties depending on what I imagine. I've already made a dark blade. The only limitation seems to be my own magical energy and the complexity of the sword."
Louise watched him proudly. This was a major first step toward their future together. He was overjoyed with how well his life was going.
...
A carriage stood silently in front of the imposing Tristain Academy, its golden spokes reflecting the soft evening light. Though the carriage had a simple appearance, there was an undeniable aura of wealth and power surrounding it. The coachman, with an impassive gaze, pulled the reins, and the carriage door slowly opened. A servant emerged from the dim interior of the vehicle and, with a precise gesture, gave a slight nod before fully opening the door.
From within, an imposing figure emerged—Count Mott, also known as "The Wave," a Triangle-class mage. His sharp gaze seemed to devour the academy's architecture, absorbing every detail with an almost imperceptible smile on his lips. His face looked foolish, yet his well-trained body showed that he did not neglect his physical conditioning. His aura caused discomfort to those around him. His steps echoed in a controlled manner as he descended from the carriage, heading toward the academy.
He paused for a moment, observing the academy's immense gates, his eyes gleaming with a cold intensity. The air around him felt heavier, and his presence imposed a strange sense of unease.
With a calculated smile and a chilling glint in his eyes, Mott took a deep breath, exhaling the tension radiating from his body. "Let's see how this old academy will entertain me…" he murmured almost to himself, his voice carrying a sinister premonition.