Zero´s Partner

The soft sound of rain still filled the room, and the space was enveloped in a comforting tranquility, as if the world outside had slowed down for a moment. The fine drops gently drummed against the window, creating a subtle melody that rocked the lazy morning. The air was slightly cold, making the warmth of the blankets even more inviting.

Saito lay there, staring at the ceiling with a distant look, though not restless. There was something about that moment, that silent peace, that made him want to stay there forever. Beside him, Louise was still asleep, her chest rising and falling gently, her pink hair spread across the pillow like a delicate veil. Her features, free from the usual proud and impatient expression, were serene, and Saito couldn't help but smile a little as he saw her like this.

For a moment, he allowed himself to simply observe her. Louise seemed so vulnerable and yet so inaccessible... something about her fascinated him, as if there were an invisible barrier he wanted to cross, but didn't know how. His gaze traced her face, the lashes fluttering slightly, her lips parted as she breathed softly. Without thinking, he turned on his side, getting a little closer, until he could feel the gentle warmth of her body near his.

Louise shifted slightly, an almost involuntary movement, as if responding instinctively to his presence. Her face turned a little toward him, and she let out a soft sigh before slowly opening her eyes. The soft morning light filtered through the cracks in the window, bathing the room in a warm glow.

"Is it already this early?" she murmured, her voice soft and husky from sleep, tinged with a hint of surprise.

Saito smiled, his heart beating a little faster than he'd like to admit. "Seems like it. The rain must have rocked you to sleep."

Louise blinked a few times, her eyes still heavy with sleep. Her gaze met his, and for a moment, they just stayed there, looking at each other without hurry. There was something comforting in that silent exchange, a camaraderie that didn't need words.

"You're already wide awake, aren't you?" she asked, her voice a little more alert now.

"Yeah, I guess so," Saito replied with a mischievous grin, stretching his arms lazily in the bed. "But don't worry, you can keep sleeping if you want."

Louise furrowed her brow slightly, as if considering it. Part of her just wanted to close her eyes again and lose herself in that tranquil warmth. She had never been fond of lazy mornings, always insisting on fulfilling her responsibilities with discipline. But there, with Saito so close and the rain still falling outside, it seemed like an acceptable excuse to allow herself a little more rest.

"I'd like to stay like this a little longer," she whispered, looking away, as if admitting it was a bit embarrassing. "Just... don't make me get out of bed yet."

Saito chuckled softly, sliding down to lie next to her but keeping a respectful distance, as if respecting that little moment Louise was trying to preserve. "I won't rush you. We can stay here as long as you want."

The silence took over again, but it was a pleasant silence. The sound of the rain continued outside, the rhythm of their breathing intertwining in the air. Saito closed his eyes for a moment, just feeling that warm atmosphere. Maybe it was just a passing illusion, but for now, everything was fine.

However, reality always finds a way to sneak in. Louise sighed, breaking the silence. "Saito... I think we're wasting time."

He opened his eyes, looking at her with a hint of reluctance. "Yeah, looks like the peace is over, huh?"

She made a face but quickly sat up, pulling the covers off and adjusting her dress with a practical movement. Sleepiness was still there, but the sense of duty was starting to take over. "Let's go, before I lose track of time and have to listen to the teacher scold me again."

Saito dramatically sighed, getting up right after. "Yeah, yeah, Miss Disciplined. Let's go before the world falls apart."

She shot him a look of mild irritation, but there was a playful glint in her eyes, something that made her quickly look away so he wouldn't see the faint smile threatening to appear on her lips.

They both left the room, walking together down the halls, feeling the light morning chill against their skin. But even as the day continued and duties called them, that small shared memory of peace would stay with them. A silent promise, a moment that, in some way, brought them closer than any words ever could.

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The classroom was silent, with all eyes on Sensei Chevreuse, who, with a serious expression, was closely observing her students. The sound of water still dripping from the roof indicated that the recent rain had stopped, leaving behind a fresh, damp air that permeated the ancient stones of the castle. Sensei lightly touched the dark wooden desk with her fingers, breaking the silence with a subtle gesture. When she noticed no one was speaking, her firm voice echoed through the room, inviting the class to engage.

"Montmorency, could you explain how the combinations of elements work in magic classes?" Sensei asked, her sharp gaze fixed on the student, who immediately straightened up with a proud posture.

Montmorency, pleased to be called upon, stood up with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what to say. She smiled confidently at the class, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she prepared to share her knowledge. "Of course, Sensei!" Her voice was clear and commanding. "When it comes to magic, the ability to combine different elements is crucial in determining a mage's power level. Mages who can combine two elements start at the basic level, the Line, which is just the beginning of any advanced training."

She paused, letting the words settle as she surveyed the class with a satisfied look. "When three elements are combined, the mage reaches the intermediate level, the Triangle. And finally, when a mage can combine four elements, they reach the peak of their ability: the Square. This is the highest level, the most powerful class."

Montmorency sat down with an air of triumph, while the students absorbed her words. But then, a movement beside her caught everyone's attention. Kirche stood up with a sly smile, dramatically tossing her long red hair behind her.

"And Sensei, we have a student who is Zero in all elements, our dear Louise. Well... she still hasn't managed to control any specific element. Maybe we need to create a new ranking to highlight the Zero," Kirche said, her voice laced with malice, as a sarcastic laugh echoed through the room.

A flush instantly spread across Louise's face. Even though she was used to such teasing, being ridiculed in front of the class was always a painful blow. She lowered her head slightly, her fists clenching the hem of her uniform, trying to hide the shame and frustration swirling inside her.

Saito, sitting beside her, felt a rising anger within himself. He hated seeing Louise treated that way. His first impulse was to stand up and silence Kirche with a sharp reply, but he held back. Louise had asked him not to intervene, and he respected her wishes. Even so, he couldn't prevent his jaw from clenching and his hands from forming fists under the desk.

The class finally ended, and the students began to disperse through the castle corridors. The sun, which was shining again after the storm, streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful reflections on the polished stone floor. Louise and Saito walked side by side, and he noticed she was quieter than usual, her shoulders slightly slumped.

"Hey, Louise... Don't mind them. I know you'll make it, if you try hard enough," Saito tried to encourage her, but his voice wavered a bit. He wasn't good at comforting others, and he knew that words didn't always suffice.

Louise lifted her face, and seeing Saito's determined expression, a subtle smile formed on her lips. "Idiot familiar," she said, her voice still somewhat ironic but carrying an unexpected warmth. "I know I'll make it. After all, I'm a Valliere," she added, crossing her arms with renewed confidence, as if needing to reaffirm it to herself.

She paused for a moment, turning toward her room. "This morning, I'm going to study a few things. I want some privacy. You can go explore the castle for now," she said, giving him permission to leave for a while.

Saito nodded, already used to the moments of solitude Louise required. However, before he could walk away, she suddenly turned around, lightly biting her lower lip, as if hesitating to say something.

"Ah, and... come to my room later. I'll have them bring lunch there. Understood?" She said in a firm tone, but with a slightly nervous undertone.

Saito raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unusual invitation. "Alright, princess," he replied, a playful smile on his lips.

Louise's eyes widened for a moment, as if she hadn't expected such a casual response. Quickly looking away, she cleared her throat before adding: "And... this afternoon, we're going to buy you a proper sword. I need you ready to protect me, like a familiar should."

She tried to sound firm, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her confident expression. Before Saito could tease her more, she suddenly turned and quickened her pace toward her room.

Saito stood still for a moment, watching her disappear down the corridor. He sighed and smirked to himself. "That girl..." he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. She was definitely full of surprises, and he couldn't help but feel intrigued by her.

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The morning sun illuminated the Tristain castle, casting golden rays over the stone corridors. Saito walked through the inner courtyard, stretching after a relatively peaceful night's sleep. He had grown accustomed to the castle's rhythm, and although challenges continued to arise, he had learned to appreciate the small moments of peace. The world around him seemed to be in constant motion, but now he knew he could find tranquility, even if just for brief moments.

As he passed near the kitchen entrance, he saw a slender figure trying to balance some large wooden boxes. It was a young maid with dark hair and gentle eyes. Her face showed effort as she tried to carry more than she could manage, and Saito, noticing her struggle, couldn't help but approach.

"Hey, need some help with that?" Saito asked, his voice calm and friendly.

Siesta looked up, surprised, and when she saw him, a warm smile appeared on her face. "Saito! Are you sure? They're a bit heavy..."

He laughed softly and grabbed the boxes effortlessly, balancing them with ease. "I've been through much worse. This is nothing."

Siesta blushed and guided Saito to the kitchen's storage room. As they arrived, some cooks and assistants noticed their presence and began whispering among themselves, exchanging respectful glances.

"Isn't that the commoner who faced a noble?" one of the cooks murmured quietly.

"Yeah! He fought Guiche and won! And he even had the guts to argue with that noble Louise in the cafeteria… no one's ever dared to do that and get away with it."

The murmurs turned into a wave of silent admiration. Saito, unaware of the attention he was receiving, set the boxes down and sighed in relief.

"All done. If you need anything else, just call," he said, smiling at the girl, who was looking at him with a mixture of admiration and shyness. "By the way, how do you know my name?"

"What commoner doesn't know your name? You really are amazing, Saito..." she murmured, her cheeks flushed. "We all respect you a lot. Not just because you faced a noble, but because you showed that you wouldn't let anyone treat you cruelly, not even your own mistress."

Saito scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little awkward. "I just did what I thought was right. I don't like it when people try to step on others."

"By the way, my name's Siesta. Thanks again."

The head chef, a big man with a friendly face, approached and gave Saito a pat on the back. "You've got spirit, kid! If you ever need anything, come to us. The kitchen will always have a special dish for you."

Saito smiled, feeling welcomed by these people. For the first time since he'd arrived in this world, he realized that he had earned something valuable: the respect of those who shared his status. He wasn't just a commoner anymore, not just seen as a mere familiar to a noble – he was someone who made a difference, someone who was recognized for who he was.

As he left the kitchen, he felt the morning breeze brush his face. He knew he still had a long way to go, but moments like that made everything worthwhile. He had friends here, people who saw him as more than just a servant. That feeling of belonging was something new, and it made him feel more confident than ever.

On his way back to Louise's room, as he walked through the quiet halls of the women's dormitory, the daytime breeze came through the open windows, refreshing the air. He sighed, eager to see her. His curiosity about who she really was grew in his chest with each passing day. He knew she wasn't like the others, and the desire to understand her better, to know what went on in her mind, pushed him forward.

However, before he could take a few more steps, he felt a firm hand pull him into a room. The door slammed shut behind him, and he quickly turned, ready to react. His heart raced when he saw Kirche standing in front of him, wearing nothing but a tiny piece of clothing that barely covered her generous curves. Her seductive gaze and provocative smile made it clear what she wanted. She stepped closer to Saito, her intentions explicit, as always.

"Saito... you seem so tense," she purred, running a finger down his chest. "Why don't you relax a bit with me?"

Saito took a step back, his instincts telling him to get out of there as quickly as possible. Any other version of him, maybe at a different time in his life, would've given in to the temptation without hesitation. Kirche was undeniably beautiful, and her confidence exuded a dangerous charm. But now, he felt nothing but irritation and disinterest. He wasn't sure which bothered him more: Kirche's behavior or the fact that she felt entitled to act that way.

"Kirche, what are you doing?" he asked, keeping his voice firm but avoiding eye contact with her daring outfit.

She stepped closer still, trying to press her lips against his, but Saito turned his face, his desire to push her away growing stronger. "Come on, you don't have to go back to that petty girl now... I bet she doesn't treat you the way you deserve."

Her words made his blood boil. He remembered all too well how Kirche had mocked Louise in the classroom, laughing at her magic and personality with disdain. The mere thought of that made any attraction he might've felt for Kirche completely disappear. He wasn't going to let anyone ridicule Louise like that.

"No. I don't want to," he said firmly, gripping her shoulders and pushing her away with determination. Kirche's eyes widened in surprise at his refusal. He had never been so firm in a situation like this before.

She tried one last move, sliding her hands down his arms. "Are you sure? I can give you something she never could..."

Saito sighed, his patience running thin. "Yes, I'm sure. I'm not interested."

He stepped back, opened the door, and left without looking back, leaving Kirche stunned. As he walked back to Louise's room, he realized that something had changed inside him. In another time, he might've been tempted, maybe even given in. But now, his heart and loyalty belonged to someone else, and he wouldn't allow anyone to mock her without consequences. Not anymore.

When he knocked on Louise's door, he felt a different warmth in his chest. He knew he was on the right path. Every moment with her, every gesture of affection, made him feel that something important was growing between them. And even though she was shy and hesitant, he knew she felt the same. The warmth in his chest only grew, and with it, a certainty that he was starting to understand the true meaning of belonging and affection.

He was ready to face whatever came his way, as long as it was by her side.

"What's wrong, Saito?" Louise asked, noticing Saito entering the room so quickly.

"Nothing you need to worry about, princess," Saito said as he entered the room.

Louise watched Saito with a curious look, but the concern still lingered in the air. He seemed... different. There was something in his behavior, an energy she couldn't quite identify, but now, as she saw him approaching, she couldn't ignore it.

She felt a light breeze, and Saito's familiar scent filled her nostrils. But there was something else, something subtle. A hint of sweet perfume that wasn't his. A blend of fragrances she didn't recognize, but with a bit of effort, she realized they belonged to another woman. Her heart gave a small squeeze, but she didn't want to show it. She felt the heat of jealousy rise within her, but she was quick to contain it.

"Are you okay?" Louise asked, trying to hide her unease, keeping her voice calm, though there was a slight tremor in her tone.

Saito smiled, a soft, almost carefree smile. "I'm fine. Just had a little chat... with someone who didn't really want to listen."

She looked at him for a moment, trying to process his words, but the scent still lingered. She wanted to ask, wanted to know, but something inside her stopped her. Louise took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment, feeling an internal conflict. She trusted him. And if he said everything was fine, then there was no reason to doubt.

She moved closer to him, saying nothing, just extending her hand. Saito looked at her, surprised, but soon she pulled him closer.

"Don't worry about me. I... I trust you," Louise said with a shy smile, trying to dispel any insecurity that might arise.

Saito felt a wave of affection for her, and without thinking much, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her even closer. "Thank you, Louise. That means more than you know."

She took a deep breath, keeping the jealousy locked inside, deciding to trust him, even with the silent doubt that continued to linger in her mind.

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The early afternoon sun gently bathed Louise's room, casting a warm golden light throughout the space. The small table was set with lunch, and the scent of fresh food filled the air, making the room feel even more cozy. Saito and Louise sat across from each other, enjoying a quiet meal. There was something relaxing about that moment, as if the world around them had slowed down just to let them enjoy each other's company. The tension that had once seemed ever-present between them was now slowly dissipating, replaced by a sense of comfort.

"So, what was your life like before coming here?" Louise asked, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him with genuine curiosity, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Saito chewed a piece of bread before answering, pausing for a moment to reflect. "Well, my world is completely different. There's no magic there, but we have amazing machines that do things that would seem magical to you."

Louise raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Machines that do what magic does? That sounds impossible."

He chuckled softly, more because he felt comfortable with her than because the question was funny. "I know, but it's true. We have vehicles that fly without spells, towers that light up without fire, and even ways to talk to people who are far away."

Louise's eyes lit up with interest, and she leaned forward a little, taking in his words. "That sounds so... fascinating." She seemed completely captivated by the idea of a world where things that seemed impossible to her were an everyday reality.

Saito watched her for a moment, noticing how her voice sounded sweet and enchanting when she spoke with admiration. He couldn't help but smile, something in his chest tightening unexpectedly. Louise noticed his smile, and for a moment, warmth flooded her cheeks, her face blushing lightly. Trying to hide her shyness, she looked away for an instant, but soon returned her gaze to him, still with a slight hesitation.

"My family... well, we come from a noble lineage. My father is a strict man, and my mother has always been very demanding of me. My sisters... they're talented, especially Eleonore. Sometimes, I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't quite fit in."

Saito furrowed his brow, touched by Louise's vulnerability. He had no idea she felt this way, and it made his admiration for her grow even more. "That's not true. You're amazing, Louise. You have a determination that few people have."

She widened her eyes slightly, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. The warmth in her chest grew, but it was the look in Saito's eyes, that deep, intensely green gaze, that made her heart race. How could he look at her that way? How could he see something in her that she didn't even see in herself?

For a moment, silence settled between them. It was a comfortable silence, as if time had slowed down around them, allowing them to savor this moment of connection. Louise felt her heart speed up, and her breathing seemed to become softer, deeper. Saito's gaze slowly dropped, momentarily fixating on her lips. And for a brief instant, the distance between them seemed to shrink, as if they were about to share something more, something beyond simple friendship.

Then a knock on the door shattered the moment, like a spell broken.

"Excuse me, do you need anything?"

Louise immediately pulled away, blushing intensely. She cleared her throat nervously and, with a voice slightly louder than usual, quickly responded, "Ah, yes! Come in and clear the table. Saito and I are going to the city."

The servant entered politely and began collecting the dishes, clearly unaware of the tension still lingering in the air. Saito, on the other hand, couldn't help but grin at Louise's reaction, as she seemed to avoid his gaze with a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort. Saito's sincerity, the way he made her feel, left her speechless and with a face even warmer than before.

As they left the room, he casually asked, trying to ease the tension and joking about the situation. "So, are we finally going to buy my sword?"

Louise lifted her chin, trying to regain her composure, though the blush was still visible on her cheeks. "Yes, yes. And don't think this means you can act however you want just because I'm being nice."

Saito laughed, amused by her attitude, which, although trying to seem stern, carried a touch of affection. "Understood, princess." He tilted his head with a smile, savoring that light moment between them.

And so, they walked together to the city, each carrying a growing feeling, still new but growing, that seemed to deepen with every word, every exchanged glance. The understanding between them, in a soft and silent way, was gaining strength. Perhaps something was still beginning to form, something neither of them could fully comprehend yet. But somehow, they both knew this was just the beginning.

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