Disclaimer: I do not own Fallout, Familiar of Zero, or Assassin's creed. Fallout belongs to Bethesda Studios, Assassin's creed belongs to Ubisoft, and The Familiar of Zero was written by Noboru Yamaguchi. Please support the official release.

Louise's POV:

I dismounted my horse, handing the reins to a servant to lead him into the stables. I opened the bag I was carrying to check the bottle of health potion I purchased for the fifteenth time since I left the store 'He better feel grateful, this cost me most of my allowance' I made my way towards the school structure, rubbing my sore butt with my free hand.

When I found out about my familiar's injuries I decided to buy him something to accelerate the healing process, just as any good master should.

'Besides, I want him at his best' I added as an afterthought, then I stopped in my tracks '...do I?'

I stared at the bag in my hands for a moment, I didn't just ride on a horse for six hours thinking of nothing...

No, all I thought about was my familiar: Lone.

I replayed the fight scene over and over in my head...it was incredible to say the least, I've never seen someone fight like that. 'It was almost like a dance...he was so graceful and precise' I recalled the fight scenes once again, the way he slammed the golem in the ground, and how he dodged those spears, making their attacks hit one of their allies

He could give the princess's royal guards a run for their money, and something tells me he was holding back...

'And when I give this to him, he'll recover to full strength in a matter of hours' I narrowed my eyes at the bag, mauling over it in my head. I cannot control him, he made that very clear.

So what if the only reason he's been humoring me was so he could recover? My hands shook at the thought, he could just up and leave, my one success could just walk out the door and never come back...

'No! No...that can't be it' I shook my head from those thoughts, remembering what happened in the cafeteria.

"Anyone who messes with my master messes with me!"

Why would he do that? He had no reason to, I ripped him from his home and told him to eat on the floor. He had every reason just to let those insults and murmurs come at me. But he didn't, he stood up for me...and I thank him for that.

The shaking in my hands relaxed 'I can't just waste this can I?' I thought to myself with dry humor. I already made my decision, I am a noble, and I will take care of my familiar...even if there's a chance he would walk out on me.

I really hope he doesn't.

I continued my walk towards the school entrance- "Louise!" Hearing a certain Germanian whore call my name, I quickened my pace, almost to a sprint.

Then I couldn't feel my feet on the ground, and no matter how much I moved my legs the entrance didn't get any closer. Looking down I could see I was floating in mid air "W-what!? A levitation spell!?" I frantically kicked my legs to no avail. I heard footsteps nearby and turned my head to see Tabitha and Kirche walking up to me, Tabitha waving her staff "So you're the one who casted the spell" I realized "Put me down! This is forbidden!"

"Calm down Louise, we just want to talk to you, you were gone for quite a while" Kirche the whore waved it off as if it was nothing 'What do you mean calm down!? I'm being held against my will!'

"Apologies" Tabitha said, she wasn't reading her book like usual. She then gently lowered me to the ground...

Once I felt my feet touch the sweet earth I relaxed somewhat, but then I tensed up again and glared at the two "What do you want!? I have places to be!" I angrily shout at them. I was irritated, with good reason. 'You don't just put a levitation spell on someone and expect it to be okay!'

"Tabitha wanted to talk to you about something important, me however..." The redhead's eyes went down towards the bag I was carrying, I quickly put it behind my back to hide it from her vision "What's that you got there?"

"None of your business" I shot her down quickly, I see that sparkle of curiosity in her eye.

"Does it have something to do with a certain familiar that beat Guiche in a duel?"

My glare hardened at the Germanian "Even if it was, why would I tell you?" I practically hissed at her.

"Is it a gift?" Kirche's said in a kind voice, but it was laced with a hidden venom that I almost didn't catch.

I quirked my eyebrow at the question '...what is she thinking?' I narrow my eyes at Kirche suspiciously "Again, why should I tell you?"

"Well I just find it a bit odd...the nearest town is three hours away, so you spent six hours on horse back to get something"

I chuckled mockingly "I'm surprised you can do the math"

"I'm just saying, going so far for a familiar...I'm just wondering you're intentions, he is a fine specimen" Kirche said as she gave a smirk towards me, then she seemed to be looking off into another world past me 'Is she blushing? ...wait a minute'

All the questions about my familiar, it was so obvious.

'She wants to bed him' The thought alone raised my anger to new heights.

"You stay away from my familiar!" I jabbed my finger in front of her face, the surprising action of mine pulled her out of her stupor "He doesn't need you distracting him from his duties!"

He doesn't really have any duties yet, but I'm sure as hell not letting a Zerbst touch him. Anyone but a Zerbst. Especially noy this Zerbst.

At this point it's not just the rivalry between our families, I hate her with a passion. All those damn degrading insults she makes every day to make my life miserable...

"Oh~" Kirche held her hand up to her mouth in mocking "Are you keeping him all to yourself? The strapping man surrounded in mystery? I'm sure he has his ways in the bed..."

...I-...I can't even begin to form a proper sentence at this...what she was suggesting, bedding a familiar, is just wrong. It'd be like asking her to bed her fire chameleon, or asking Tabitha to- 'I'm not gonna picture it!'

"I-is there something mentally wrong with you!? He is my familiar! It'd be like accusing you of bedding you're lizard!" I shouted to her, said lizard was behind her and tilting his head at the shouting I was making.

"Are you saying he's available?" Kirche immediately asked, eyes lighting up.

"Not for you" I answered bluntly, my right eyebrow twitching in irritation. We just glared at each other, just daring one to look away, if someone were to look from a distance they might see lightning crossing back and forth between us.

"Enough"

Although quiet, it was firm. I turned my head to see Tabitha looking at me, I was so absorbed into my argument with the whore I forgot about her presence "...right, you wanted something didn't you?" I asked hesitantly, Tabitha rarely talks to anyone, much less initiates it...

"A warning" Tabitha...clears it up a little 'Who am I kidding? That doesn't clear it up at all! Warning? She's warning me about something?'

"I'm sorry?" I asked, making sure my confusion was known.

"Familiar" She said simply as she pointed her staff towards me "Dangerous"

'...is this because of what happened with her dragon?' I thought to myself "If this is about your dragon-"

"No" She immediately interrupted, raising her hand to me, as if she knew I was going to bring it up "His eyes"

I blinked a few times, Kirche gave her an odd look too "Tabitha, my best friend...you need to start being more specific" The whore, while annoying, was right. 'Tabitha is trying to say that my familiar is dangerous because of his eyes...wait a minute' "Did you see him with his hood down?" I questioned seriously.

Even though I am his master, I haven't seen him take off that hood once, it seemed a part of him. And if she saw it...what does that say about me as his master?

"Was he handsome?" Kirche questioned just as seriously.

...I slowly turned my head and gave annoyed glare at the redhead 'Seriously?'

Tabitha shook her head for no "Not face, eyes...eyes of a killer"

...

"Be careful" Tabitha said as a final warning.

Later...

"Eyes of a killer..." I muttered to myself 'What does she mean? How would she know the eyes of a killer?' I stood just outside the door of my room, mauling over what Tabitha told me.

I remember him being asked if he was some kind of soldier yesterday with the headmaster, but he gave a vague response...

'All those weapons' The thought had crossed my mind that he had killed people before, but I haven't asked yet. Reasons being that I've only known him for barely two days, and the second being I'm afraid of the answer.

But he is still my familiar, and I don't care about any warning Tabitha may be giving me. 'Since when did they care anyways?' I almost growled in annoyance, they choose now of all times to care about what happens to me.

'And I sure as hell don't need help with my own familiar' Perhaps it's the stubborn part of me, but I feel like I have something to prove...no, scratch that, I do have something to prove.

For most of my life I have had no magical talent, and then when I finally get one success I get warnings by a student who had her familiar taken down by him. Everyone always whispers how I can't control my familiar, and I see some of the worried glances the teachers give me in the hallways. No one here respects me, they don't trust me to look after him.

My hands clutched the bag tighter "I'll show them" I declared to myself.

I beat back the little voice in my head that says that I can't do it, and I grab the handle and open the door.

"Lone! I'm back, and I-...?" The room was empty.

'Is...he's gone!? Where did he go!?' I ran over to my bed, he wasn't there. I ruffled my hair and racked my brain, wondering where he could be-

"Boo"

"KYAAAAAA!" I jumped into the air at the sudden voice, screeching too my fear's content. I immediately grabbed my wand and pointed it at...the hooded bastard himself.

He was chuckling darkly 'T-that sounds so creepy...wait a minute, he did that on purpose! And he's laughing it up!' I glowered at him, I considered blowing him up anyway.

"Couldn't resist" He offered, he didn't sound sorry at all, more indifferent "So, why were gone for so long?" He got straight to the point.

'...right' I remembered why I was here and held up the bag for him.

"...do you want me to clean the bag?" He questioned, his voice taking a mocking tone 'He's not serious right?...is he getting me back for earlier? With the plate on the floor?'

"No!" I yelled, I opened up the bag and pulled out the health potion for him to see "Drink this"

He looked hesitant for a moment, he then carefully grasped it, and then began examining it "What is it?"

"It's a health potion, it will greatly assist the healing process" I explained, he looked towards me and tilted his head.

There was a pause in the room, a moment of pure silence "...why?" He asked, his tone was suspicious towards me.

I was taken back by this "What do you mean why? Your my familiar! And I'm suppose to take care of you, especially if your sick or injured!" I yelled at him, it's like he just doesn't get this concept. As if it's completely foreign to him.

"..." He stayed silent, and just swished the red liquid around in it's container.

Then he raised his left arm over it, the arm with the strange...thing on his wrist, I'm not sure what to call it. 'What even is that? It glows, and I remember seeing him looking down at it often last night'

"Seems good" He announced, he then uncorked the bottle "I drink all of it?"

"U-uh yeah..." I was a little surprised how he just took it like that, he seemed really hesitant before.

In fact, he stared at the bottle for a few more seconds, as if deciding whether to drink it or not. But in the end he put the bottle into the inners of his hood and tilted it upward, gulping it down. He gagged for a moment, and then continued.

I tried leaning down to get a better look at his face, but he positioned the bottle just right so that I couldn't 'Is he doing this on purpose?' In the end I stopped trying.

Lone pulled the bottle away and spoke "That tastes horrid" He said simply, setting the empty bottle on the table behind him.

I gave him a small glare 'What did you expect? For it to be delicious?' "I'm so sorry it's not up to your standards" I reply sarcastically with crossed arms.

Lone scoffed a bit at me "Whatever, so what now?"

"The affects should start soon, you'll heal much more quickly" I answered curtly, walking over to my bed and sitting my sore butt on the soft fabric, letting out a content sigh "I was on horseback for six hours just to get this for you, and it cost me most of my allowance" I complained, mostly to myself, while taking off my boots. 'I'm a good master' I assured myself, like Kirche said, not many would go this far for a familiar.

Lone didn't comment, when the silence lasted longer than I expected I looked up to him again...he was reading some sort book, a library book.

"Where did you get that?" I asked immediately.

"I can't read" He answered instead, my eyes narrowed at the familiar.

"That was not the question I asked!" I yelled at him 'Did he go out, against my order!?'

"You were gone for six hours, what did you think I was gonna do? Sleep all day?" He infuratingly waved me off with indifference "While you were gone I made use of you're headmaster's clearance for me to study on my own accord" He closed the book and threw it at me, it scrambled in my hands before I barely caught it. I held it tightly against my chest as if it's about to move away on it's own. 'Don't just throw school property! Unmannered dog...'

"Turns out, I can't read you're language" He said and gave out a loud sigh.

'Is he that annoyed about it?' I just gave him a blank stare, the word 'headmaster' then triggered something in my head 'The headmaster! I almost forgot!"

We were so late.

Jumping up from my bed and throwing aside the book, I grabbed my boots and ran for the door "We totally forgot about the headmaster! We're suppose to meet him and we're late!" I yelled out, pulling up my boots over my feet and up my ankles 'Stupid! Stupid! How could I forget!?' I berated to myself.

Lone just stood there irritatingly not moving "So?"

I glare at him "We're suppose to talk with him about the conditions of our familiar contract!"

"..." He sighed "Whatever, I'll meet you there" He walked over to my window, fumbling with the lock before opening it.

'W-what is he doing!?' "Hold on a second, what are you-?" He jumped out.

"OH MY GOD!" I yelled in horror, and quickly sprinted to the window. I poked my head out, the wind blowing on my hair, looking towards the ground "LONE!" I called out, I didn't see a body splattered on the ground...

Then I felt something hit my head, it was very small and almost unnoticeable, I reached my hand to the top of my head and tried grabbing it. I felt a powder substance in my palm, I brought it into my line of vision and saw that it was small bits of powdery stone pieces.

'Is he...?' I looked up, moving my body more towards the window. Lone was scaling the building at a great pace.

'He's climbing his way to the top!?' I had one very irritating familiar.

Lone's POV:

It wasn't long after I drank the-'What did she call it? A health potion?' Yes, not long after I drank the health potion I started noticing the affects. I could breathe much easier, my body was aching but I can feel some of the wounds disappearing. I'm still not a hundred percent, but this is much better. 'It's like a stimpack'

So I felt like scaling a building, a bit of free running, it was one of the few pleasures in my life...other than being a smartass that is. And now I don't feel constant pain or stinging anymore.

'For a minute I thought it was poison...I kind of figured she had enough of me after the stunt I pulled earlier today' While I actually knew that this was unlikely, I decided to be on the safe side and scan the bottle with my pip-boy. You can never be too careful.

'Headmaster's office is at the very top if I remember correctly' I grabbed another edge and carefully pulled myself up. Climbing buildings like these take time and consideration, testing out the stability of grasping points before using them, hold on tight against fast winds. The path I used yesterday was easier than this one, the wind wasn't blowing towards me, and on this side there is more parts of crumbling structure and less options to choose from.

Obviously it isn't something that greatly affects it's structural integrity, from what I hear this place has been around for centuries, but this makes it difficult for someone to grab something to hoist themselves up. So I take my time, letting my mind focus on the task at hand. Grabbing hold on stable edges, and testing out others with my free hand, some of the ones I tested had it's surface crumble to dust, to which if I grasped I would've fallen.

Seeing there was nothing I could reach, I readied my hook blade and looked up to see a stable opening. I flashed eagle vision just to make sure, I then jumped up and sunk the hook blade on the side of the structure and hoisted myself up even further.

'Little further...there it is' I see a window just above me, I grasped onto it's ledge and pulled my head over to peak inside.

And there I see, the green haired lady from yesterday kicking the old man's ass while he's on all fours '...the fuck am I watching?' I stared at it with wide eyes, unsure and a bit creeped out 'Weird foreplay?...I should probably come back later' So I just kept climbing, Louise wouldn't be there for a bit anyway.

It was easier climbing from this point, plenty of stable things to grasp and hold my weight, I pulled myself up and onto the roof. Walking up carefully and raising my arm to block the annoying wind coming my way as it flapped the cloth of my hood.

"View's a lot better when you're not worried about being chased" I mutter to myself, still looking at the scene with mild disbelief. Beautiful lush green forests and hills...it was strange to see a land so full of life, looking out at the wasteland never quite gave me this...sense of peace and amazement.

But this wasn't just for sightseeing (While that is a nice bonus), I was scoping out the area the same way assassins a millennia before me had done. The stables, courtyards, the dirt trail, burning it into my memory to the best of my ability.

'...there we go, they should be done when Louise gets there. Right?' I seriously hoped so, otherwise it would be awkward as hell.

For now I decided to give a bit more thought into my conditions for this contract 'New bed, definitely, I can't go back to straw pile after I got that little piece of heaven' This was an absolute must. And if I was gonna be staying here for a long period of time then I will need a bed anyways.

'Obviously being decently fed' I added to the list 'Access to a lab? That'd be nice, make more smoke bombs or poison' that was pretty much it for items. They don't have the technology to make bullets or fusion cells so I can't restock on ammo.

Now on to the harder part, treatment and servitude.

And my thoughts drifted back to the girl with anger issues '...she's not a bad person, hell she even went to lengths to heal me' I don't hate her, a common misconception with the cold indifference and smartassery I display, this is how I am with everyone. I just don't like people in general. But at most, she's the one I respect most out of this school's body of annoying students.

Which honestly isn't saying much, the students here seem retarded, and I've only known Louise for less than two days

'I don't think I would mind taking some orders, as a long as they're reasonable' I threw her a bone 'Besides, if the people around here see I'm subservient to someone then they'll relax, stop taking notice of me'

The battle with that kid was...not the best idea. I'm an assassin, I shouldn't be drawing attention to myself like that. But with all the thoughts in my head of betrayal and anger, the slap to the maid was the final straw, I snapped. I stopped caring about controlling myself.

An assassin shouldn't snap.

So to correct this mistake, this term I'm giving to Louise should work in my favor. It won't erase what they saw me do, but it was it better than nothing.

I nod to myself in acceptance with what I came up with, they were fair and lenient. And Louise wouldn't be criticized by her annoying peers on how she can't control me, her familiar, which I've come to learn is apparently pathetic to the eyes of mages. Something akin to not being able to control your dog when he/she runs up and bothers a visitor to your home.

Carefully grabbing the edges of the roof I climbed back down, reaching the window again in no time. I grasped the edges and looked in to see a pair of annoyed pink eyes staring right back at me. Behind her was the surprised looks of the principle and assistant.

Louise then pushed opened the window panel "What are you doing!? Climbing the building!?" She immediately shouted at me.

"What's the big deal? I do it all the time" I say simply.

"You just drank a health potion! You should be taking it easy! Not climbing freakishly tall buildings!"

'Talk about worrisome'

"It helps me relax" I shrug, jumping from the window ledge to the inside of the room, behind the principle's desk "I needed time to myself to think up my terms for this arrangement anyways"

The expression on her face changed, it was quick but I saw the small pained look before she covered it up 'What was that?' I tilted my head at her, then someone coughed towards my left.

We both looked to the principle covering his mouth, coughing for our attention "Anyway, you are late, but I understand circumstances are special in your case...besides, I was planning on having a talk with you anyways"

'Ominous' I scoffed at him internally, I already have an idea what this is about "Let me guess, the fight with the boy?"

"In a sense..." He replied while stroking his white beard.

My gaze narrowed at him, curious "Go on" I urged.

He raised his finger up "Just a moment" He then started walking over to the door of this room. I looked to Louise to see her thoughts, she just shrugged at me, just as uncertain.

When the old man opened the door there was someone just at the other side, ready to knock, but I couldn't see his appearance with the old man blocking my view.

"Ah, Mr. Colbert, just in time to join us"

'That name is familiar' My head clicked at the mention of the name, but I couldn't remember who to assign it to.

"A-ah yes, I came as soon as you called" I recognized that voice, it was the same voice I heard the same day of my summoning to this world.

"He is here, you may ask him what you wished" Osmund told him.

And just as the Old Osmund moved aside, I recognized him immediately, and I tensed up 'He's the one who caught sight of the Apple...' My right hand instinctively checked the pouch attached firmly to my side. This could be the reason why they wanted to talk to me.

'Did he tell them about it?' My mind immediately questioned, and I unconsciously glared at the thirty-something year old man 'If he did they might've decided that a commoner can't be in possession of such a strange item' Commoners are not their equals, they would not trust something of mysterious origin to them. And I am not gonna let this piece of Eden slip my grasp, not after everything that was sacrificed to secure it.

I went through multiple scenarios in my mind for escape, I could jump out the window before they cast their first spell, land safely on the ground with this freefall leg armor. But I could also take a more direct approach, use my pistol and take them out here and now so they aren't a problem later-

"Excuse me for asking this..." The suspicious man said sheepishly, my left hand moved to the holster on my hip.

"But can you remove that strange thing attached to you're wrist?" He asked, pointing to my pip-boy "I'm not sure if you can take it off or not..."

My hand discreetly dropped from my holster 'So it's not about the Apple? I jumped to conclusions' I sigh internally in relief, I wasn't looking forward to dealing with master wizards 'I don't think I'll ever get used to that...' "Why do you ask?" I questioned in indifference.

"Mr. Colbert believes that under it are you're familiar runes, he wishes to examine them" Old Osmund answered it for him, Colbert nodded in acknowledgement.

'My runes? I do remember about them mentioning that, from the burning sensation after that kiss' I stared down at the top of my left hand 'And it glowed during the battle, it was helping me'

While the intentions of this man are still suspicious, my curiosity was piqued, so I wordlessly began fiddling with my Pip-Boy 3000, disengaging the biometric lock only I can open. The others stared at me in anticipation, I pull it off my wrist along with the glove covering my hand.

ᚷᚢᚾᛞᛟᛚᚠ

These symbols were engraved on the top of my left hand, below it are some of my old scars "Are these runes?" I ask, holding it for them to see.

Colbert got too close for my comfort, he was examining my hand as if it was the most fascinating thing he's ever seen "I see..." He muttered, completely drawn in by the sight, moving his head around to look at it from different angles.

"See what?" I question in irritation. Patience was normally something I have plenty of, but not for this man.

The menace in my voice broke him out of his thoughts "A-Apologies, yes these are indeed familiar runes, and they seem to be very rare"

"Rare?" Louise immediately perked up at the word and walked over next to me to get a good look.

'Please! Everyone just get up in my personal space without my say so! It's totally okay!' I complained in my mind sarcastically, but did not voice them.

Then I saw it, that hesitant look on Colbert, the sweat on the side of his temple dripping down. He turned to the headmaster, as if for confirmation, Old Osmund nodded to him 'What's the big idea?'

Colbert then coughed in his hand to regain his bearings, he then turned to us again "Well...I wasn't sure at first since I've only seen the runes once up close, and it was covered up with you're glove, and the other during you're fight with Guiche-"

"You were watching!?" Louise interrupted with a shout 'Ow, my poor ears' I feel so lucky that I'm wearing a hood, it easily covered the massive cringe on my face.

"We all were Miss Vallière " Old Osmund answered her, and turned to me "You're skills are impressive Lone, incredible if I may so"

The praise did not make me feel the need to respond, so I remained silent.

"Anyways," Colbert resumed "It is my job to examine and record runes of the academy's familiars, and I needed to take a better look at yours"

"...that's all?" I asked 'He wanted me here just to get a good look at my hand?' It seemed like unnecessary trouble, to talk about it with the head of the school...but maybe that's because I'm human? Or perhaps it's because I threw him at a band of students with my hook blade. 'Speaking of which, what happened to the wound he had?' There was no signs in his posture that he was injured 'Health potion? Like the one Louise gave me?'

"Yes" His voice broke me out of my thoughts "...so I'll excuse myself and let you get back to you're business"

'He comes all the way up here just for that? Nothing else at all?' It was still suspicious, I'll have to look into it later. I watched as the professor walked away from us and towards the door, every glance he made towards me was caught.

I casually slipped back on my pip-boy, gaining a few looks, but the attention quickly went back to Osmund.

"Ms. Longueville, I would kindly ask that you leave as well, we must respect the privacy of a master-familiar contract after all" The old headmaster told his assistant, said woman then gave curious glance at our direction, and then a slight glare aimed at me.

"Very well" She agreed with no resistance 'What is that glint in her eye?' I only saw it for half a second before she turned around, but she looked intrigued by something 'Just another reason to keep my guard up' I watched her exit the room, only when the door completely closed did I pay attention to the old man again.

Osmund coughed loudly, trying to clear the tension in the room "Now then, shall we get started" He motioned for us to sit down on one of the comfy couches, Louise immediately sat down and let out a small, almost inaudible, sigh of relief 'Tired much-...actually, I'm tired too' I'm not exhausted or anything, but I am feeling a bit sluggish.

I walked over and sat down as well, though I hid my tired state much better than my 'master'...

And just when I was about to turn around to look at her, I caught a blur of white at the edge of vision, I turned my head around and saw that nothing was there 'What was that?' My eyes glanced around, until I found the small white ball of fur skittering across my feet 'A mouse?...wasn't that the old man's familiar?'

"So what have you been able to grasp about each other so far?" Osmund's voice called to my attention again, to which I sighed.

'Can't we just get to the part we make our agreement?' I thought in annoyance.

"H-headmaster? Shouldn't we be trying to set ground rules?" Louise voiced her thoughts hesitantly.

"This is important, a master-familiar bond is a powerful one, and you'll be living together for an extended period of time"

"...fine" Louise relented, surprisingly easily. I look at her in curiosity, only to meet annoyance.

She was glaring at me, and if looks could kill...

"He is stubborn and irresponsible! He refuses to follow most of my orders! And he started a fight with a noble over a peasant! It is embarrassing..." She yelled in my direction, I being the source of her 'frustrations'.

'Fucking annoying...' Her voice her is seriously grating my ears.

Louise then crossed her arms and closed her eyes "Sure, he is obviously extremely skilled as a warrior" She admitted with great reluctance "But he seems to have no idea what his current situation is! He is a commoner, and a familiar, he can't be going around doing whatever he wants!"

I can feel a spike of irritation nagging the back of my head, but chose to ignore it.

"I-I see..." Old Osmund replied awkwardly.

He then turned to me, still seemingly uncomfortable with Louise's rant "What about you?"

'Let's see...' "For one, she is constantly yelling, my ears are going to bleed if this keeps up" I started.

Louise stood up, infuriated, as I expected "Why you-!"

Old Osmund raised his hand to stop her "Ms. Valliere! Lone showed respect by remaining silent during your turn, show him the same"

The girl stiffened at his words, and meekly complied to his order.

'Finally, it's quieter' "If you're looking for me to say something nice about her, I suppose I can say that she was kind enough to help heal my injuries, and I appreciate it" It saved me a stimpack, to which I clearly can't get more of without the proper equipment "But she also ripped me from my home and branded me as her property, so there's that" I commented casually, which made the headmaster even more uncomfortable.

"The only other thing I have to complain about is her treating me as if I should obey every one of her whims without hesitation, which is not going to happen"

"I see..." The headmaster mumbled to himself "Alright, now that you two know one another's opinion, let's see what we can come up with to satisfy both parties. Lone, please state your terms first"

'Finally'

With the other two occupants of the room fully paying attention to me, I sat up straight, and raised up one finger "One: A new bed"

"You're still on about that..." I caught Louise's grumble.

"Of course, you'll need a place to sleep" The headmaster agreed.

I raised a second finger 'Time to see how much I can get out of this' "Two: I would like access to a laboratory, if you would allow it" It wasn't completely necessary, I could build one with enough time and the right tools, but it'd pretty nice to get that inconvenience out of the way.

"A lab?" The headmaster's eyes blinked a few times with a bit of intrigue "What would you use a lab for?"

"Medicines, and to help repair equipment" I answered, it wasn't a lie, I just left out the part of making poisons as well.

"So you're a alchemist?" Louise asked, I looked her way, she had a raised eyebrow.

"Sort of, I can make plenty of different types of medicines and drugs, but I wouldn't say I'm a master of alchemy, just practiced in it" I answered carefully, I didn't want them to get the idea that I can whip up some miracle medicine...

Well, actually, I probably could. Since this place's technology level is so low, I could probably make a few common medicines from back home that would be very useful here. I am trying to keep a low profile, but it was also something to keep in mind.

I raised three fingers "Three: Teach me to read your language, your permission to use the library is useless otherwise"

"I'm sure Louise can do so in her free time" Old Osmund said, completely passing the responsibility to his student.

"H-huh!?...fine, I'll get you some children books or something" Louise mocked me, but while she did so she came up with a great idea.

"That's a good idea, you do that" My response only served to irritate her further.

"Four" I raised up four fingers "Freedom to do as I choose, and to move about freely, I want time to myself" I said apathetically.

The professor stroked his beard thoughtfully "I suppose that is fine, but you will still be treated as a peasant" He said bluntly "There is nothing we can do to change that, and you will be expected to follow our laws"

Of course, I didn't expect to become one of the nobility, but that's fine, I don't want it "Very well, and my last request is to be simply fed well"

"The laboratory use will probably need some looking into, but all the other terms may easily be met" The Headmaster concluded "Your turn, Louise"

"Right" She nodded "My first term will be to follow my every order-"

"Denied" 'There's no way I'm doing that'

Louise grew frantic "I'll be lenient!"

"I said I wanted the freedom to do as I choose, following every one of your orders without question or resistance is against that term" Of course I saw this coming, it's why I worded the fourth term the way I did. This will make us have to come up with a compromise, one I've already come up with.

"I will follow your orders within reason, for example: I will not attack someone on your say-so alone" I explained "If the order is pulling up someone's seat for them, it's not a big deal, if you ask nicely I'll do it. However, if you ask me to put myself in harms way, I will not do so just because you told me to"

The pink haired girl had an annoyed look in her eye, but relented "I suppose that is reasonable..." She quickly took back her stern posture, sitting up straight "My second term: As my familiar you will protect your master from harm"

'Like a bodyguard?' I've been in that line of work before, but it was annoying as hell considering most of the people I protected were really stupid.

But I suppose I could deal with it "That's fine" I accepted.

"Third: You will have chores" Louise continued.

'...chores?'

"That seems reasonable, you will be living with her after all, it's only fair to help her around" The old man supported the idea.

I, an assassin that was trained to kill without being seen, to fight the Templar order to my dying breath...was being dumbed down to housework?

Turning over to Louise, I could see that irritating smile of hers, as if she won at something 'Maybe she did...' It was gonna be a pain in the ass.

"...fine" I reluctantly accepted, it wasn't that big of a deal, and I've already gotten a lot out of the arrangement "What will the chores be?"

Louise counted off on her fingers "Cleaning the room, making the bed, and doing my laundry" Her eyes widened "Oh! And be careful with my panties, they are very delicate" She finished with a innocent looking smile, behind it was the satanic satisfaction she was getting out of this term.

Old Osmund coughed to himself, presumably to get us back on track, but considering what I've seen and heard of him so far...

I mentally sighed 'Little shit, acting so smug' This is why I love that the assassins use hoods, no one could see your face. Right now mine is scrunched up with irritation.

"Fine" I practically seethed.

"Fourth: You will address me as master in public"

"No"

Louise gave me a glare at my response "What is it this time!?"

"I refuse to call you master, that time in the cafeteria was a one-time thing" 'There is only two people I would call that, and it is not out of obedience, but of loyalty, trust, and respect for their ability'

Old Osmund waves his hands for our attention "Settle down! I'm sure we can settle for a compromise...you could call her mistress" He suggested.

"But he is my familiar! He should call me master!" Louise protested, standing up from her seat.

"Eh..." The old man seemed conflicted on what to do.

Louise faced me "It's only in public" She reminded.

Her eyes seems...I'm not sure...determined? She's not gonna let this go.

'It is just a title, and it would only be used in public...' I think to myself. 'I have gotten plenty of leniency with my terms, and it would help solidify my image as being Louise's servant, and under her command...it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but it would benefit both of us in the long run'

I don't care what people think about me, so saying 'master' in public wouldn't be embarrassing or something stupid like that...it's simply the fact that she hasn't earned that title. To me, a master is someone who is an expert, someone who worked tirelessly to become the best. Not this magical high school midget.

But if it will help me in the long run, so be it, it's just a title "Very well, so be it" I gave my answer after a bit of time passed.

Louise took a second to process at first, but then had a confident smile adorned on her face, before sitting back down 'Don't get cocky' "Now for my final term...uh..." She hesitated, and then scratched her head.

The silence was dragging on 'Does she even have a fifth term?' Louise's eyes were closed in heavy thought 'She actually doesn't' I scoffed at the stupidity.

"You don't need to have five terms you know" I deadpanned 'It's not a fucking competition'

"Be quiet!" She shouted at me "I just need a minute to think..."

"L-Louise...I have other matters I need to attend to you realize" The old man managed to get out.

"I know" Her eyebrow twitched as she went into deep thought.

...

Her eyes snapped open "Teach me to fight"

"...huh?" I kept my eyes trained on her,

"Teach me to fight! Like what you did against Guiche..." The girl nervously replied, taking a glance between me and the headmaster.

"Ms. Valliere?" The headmaster questioned, worry engraved in his voice.

"I-I remember what you said...and I don't want to be weak, I'll work hard for it!" Full of determination, she declared to me. Something I rarely see nowadays 'Damn, I sound old...'

Crossing my arms, I stared at her from my spot on the couch, scrutinizing...

Is this a good idea? For some reason I feel like it will be more than just training that I will be accepting...no, I'd be taking this girl under my wing and making her my responsibility. 'I want to go home, it's not a good idea to make connections or responsibilities here' ...I think that, but I don't feel right about it.

"...fine" I answered simply.

Her eyes go wide in shock, she almost fell out of her seat "R-Really!?" She said in surprise as she clutched the arm rests "That easily...?"

"Yes, really" I confirmed " I'm going to work you hard, so don't slack off" That last one was a quote, something my master told me when I started out. 'Pretty cliché, but it works...'

Until I can get home, I'll train the hell out of this annoying girl.