Chapter 114: The Tense Atmosphere in Tristain

Author "I should never have written about an unpopular anime. My already small subscriber count has dwindled to almost nothing, sigh…" (╯﹏╰)

"I was summoned to this world as Princess Henrietta's familiar, so naturally, I will protect her and ensure she comes to no harm. But if it's against her will, I won't follow even the Queen's orders."

Henrietta showed a look of gratitude at Wood's words, while the Queen of Tristain displayed an expression of frustration.

"If the Kingdom of Albion launches a full-scale attack on Tristain, staying here is a death sentence. How can you call this protecting Henrietta?"

When one kingdom is conquered by another, the invaders never leave the original royal family alive because they could pose a future threat. As the heir to Tristain, Henrietta's fate would be grim even if she were spared.

"Why is Her Majesty so convinced that Tristain is doomed to lose? If Tristain wins this war against Albion, then not only would the princess not need to flee, but Tristain would also gain a substantial advantage."

The Queen of Tristain forced a bitter smile at Wood's words. She was about to argue, but Wood cut her off before she could speak.

"Under normal circumstances, Tristain's army would indeed be no match for Albion. But have you forgotten, Your Majesty? As a legendary familiar, I possess the ability to see the future."

"While the future is something that exists, it's ultimately an event that hasn't happened yet. If the future we foresee is one we do not desire, why not use our own strength to change it?"

Tristain Magic Academy

Only three days had passed, but the number of students at the Magic Academy had already dwindled by more than half compared to before.

Thanks to Wood's warning, the Kingdom of Tristain had discovered in advance that the Kingdom of Albion was planning to wage war against them.

The students at the Magic Academy came from wealthy and noble families. Once their families got wind of the impending war, most of them sent people to fetch their children.

Among the students at the academy were not only the nobles of Tristain but also those from Germania and Gallia. Since Tristain and Albion were about to go to war, these students from other kingdoms had no reason to stay and risk getting caught in the conflict.

The Vallière family, to which Louise belonged, had also sent someone to bring her home. On the one hand, they were concerned about her safety, and on the other, they believed that someone as inept as Louise wouldn't be of much help.

Ever since Saito's impressive performance in the battle against Fouquet, his treatment had slightly improved. Now, he was allowed to eat at the table and converse with Louise as an equal. Aside from the fact that he still had to sleep on a bed of hay every night, Saito felt he could manage.

After all, even though Louise's flat chest was nothing to look at, her face was still quite attractive. As long as she gave him some benefits daily, sleeping on hay wasn't completely unbearable.

Today, Louise received a second letter from her family, in which her mother sternly ordered her to return home immediately. She warned that if Louise hadn't returned by the time a third letter was sent, her eldest sister, Éléonore, would personally come to fetch her.

As the eldest sister, Éléonore was someone Louise feared most. If she came to the Magic Academy, Louise wouldn't be able to resist.

After much deliberation, Louise decided to leave for Tristain's capital before Éléonore arrived at the academy.

Saito, curled up in the hay, was dreaming of being surrounded by beautiful women when a sharp pain abruptly pulled him out of his dream just as he was about to make a move on a buxom lady.

"Louise, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what you just made me miss out on? I'm telling you, even a familiar has his dignity! Just because you're a little cute doesn't mean I won't fight back."

The pink-haired girl who had brutally stomped on Saito was, unsurprisingly, Louise herself. Louise had initially planned to wake Saito more gently, but his pervy expression was so infuriating that she couldn't help but lash out with her foot.

"Stop with the nonsense. Éléonore will probably arrive at the Magic Academy in a day or two, so we need to leave here immediately."

"Isn't that a good thing? At least your family's estate is safer than here, right?"

Through his interactions with the maid Siesta over the past few days, Saito had learned why so many students were leaving the academy. Even in another world, war is unavoidable…

As someone from a peaceful time, Saito naturally wanted to avoid the chaos of war. He thought that going home with Louise to wait out the conflict wasn't a bad idea.

But before he could finish speaking, Louise's whip lashed out.

"I am a noble! Running away would be the same as trampling on the honor of the Vallière family. Besides, Princess Henrietta is my best friend. She needs help now more than ever…"

As night fell, two figures quietly slipped out of the Magic Academy and, mounting a horse, began their journey to the capital of Tristain.

Perhaps it was because of the natural authority masters hold over their familiars, or maybe Saito was just powerless against Louise's beauty. Either way, despite his reluctance, Saito eventually agreed to accompany Louise to Tristain's palace.

Not only were Louise and Henrietta close friends, but after recent events and their shared circumstances, Saito and Wood had also formed a decent friendship.

With both countries preparing for war, Tristain's capital was under heavy guard, even at night.

Many of the capital's residents knew that Tristain stood little chance against Albion, so they had already begun leaving the city, hoping to board airships bound for Gallia or Germania.

The once-prosperous city was now in disarray, reflecting the approaching war.

A noblewoman traveling with a swordsman, like Louise and Saito, was particularly conspicuous in such an environment, so it wasn't long before they were mistaken for spies and surrounded by soldiers.