Etude of the Sacred Treasured Sword | Chapter 7

[healingbonds]

Chapter 6 << | index | >> Chapter 8


We didn’t get to hold the afternoon meeting. Mister Celio left, saying that he couldn’t possibly have a discussion with such impudent wizards.
However, we notice a small change.

Nobleman: Prince Arthur...... I support your decision. The treasured sword Caletvwlch should be housed at the castle.

Arthur: Thank you.......! I’m reassured to have you on our side.

Noble: ......Until now, I’ve been so afraid of the public gaze that I never revealed it, but...... My first grandchild was born as a wizard.
Can this country become a place where my angelic, adorable grandchild will be blessed at birth......?

Arthur: We will make sure of it.

Cain: That’s right. It’ll become a country where even a wizard can become a knight.

Riquet: As a disciple of God, I will do my utmost for that to come to pass.

The Central wizards exchange smiles brimming with hope.

Cain: All right, it’s time for a fresh start. Let’s return to the magic headquarters and think of a strategy. You can stay for the night, right, Arthur?

Arthur: I still have work to do. My afternoon was taken up by the meeting, so I couldn’t do anything else.

Cain: You’ll ruin your health if you keep on. ...... Um...... Oz is also, uh, worried about you.

Arthur: You’re bad at lying, Cain. It’s all written on your face.

Cain: ............ He didn’t say it, but I’m sure he’s worried. More importantly, I’m worried.

Riquet: Prince Arthur. Riquet is worried, too.

Arthur: I’ll take a break after we resolve this matter and bring Caletvwlch to the castle. Please spend some time with me then.

Riquet: I understand...... Please don’t push yourself too hard.

Arthur: I won’t.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: I should have just dragged Arthur back.

Riquet: You’re right...... The Central wizards have never even eaten together once.......
There’s a really delicious scent coming from the kitchen...... I wonder what’s for dinner tonight...... I’m hungry...... Prince Arthur......

Akira: You’re getting your information all mixed up, Riquet......

Riquet: That’s right...... I have to think about what to do about the treasured sword Caletvwlch......

Faust: The treasured sword Caletvwlch?

When I look up, Faust stands before me; Shino and Heath have each taken hold of one of his arms as if escorting a prisoner.

Akira: W-what’s going on here......?

Shino: He’s always cooped up, so we invited him to have a meal with us for once.

Heathcliff: You went to Granvelle Castle today, didn’t you, Sir Sage? How’s the situation at the castle?

Riquet: Our commemorative medals are complete. But the people with corrupted hearts won’t hand over Caletvwlch to us......
But to protect our idols, we can’t talk back at them......

Heathcliff: I don’t really get what you’re saying, but it sounds like trouble......

Shino: Commemorative medals are cool. I definitely want one.

Cain: But if this goes on, the commemorative medals will be shelved. Even though they’ve gone to the trouble of making samples......

Shino: Huh? You can’t be serious.

Faust: What on earth happened?

Akira: Actually......

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: ......Okay. I’m about halfway done. I should be able to look through all the documents by morning.
......It’s already sunset...... I wonder what Sir Sage and the others are doing......

(Wind)

Arthur: ......Woah......

Oz: ............

Arthur: Sir Oz......

Oz: Prince of Central Country. Do you still remember what I told you when I picked you up from the brink of death?

Arthur: Eh......?

Oz: "I’ll raise you until you’re an adult, and then turn you into stone and eat you."

Arthur: ......I do remember.

Oz: Then why do you not fear me?

Arthur: Because I’ve already died once...... If you hadn’t saved me then, Sir Oz, I wouldn’t have lived to see the days that I have until now.
I’m grateful to you for taking care of me when I was young.
If I can repay your kindness by turning into stone, then I have nothing to fear, Sir Oz.

Oz: ............
......You are honest and kind. That is why you believe that others are just as honest and kind.
But there are very few people like that. Those who are cowardly, sly, underhanded, and selfish — they believe and act as if everyone is the same as they are.
That’s how this world is. In a world where distrust runs rampant, you will meet betrayal in the face of adversity.

Arthur: ............

Oz: ......But there are others who are saved by people like you.

Arthur: Sir Oz......

Oz: I said I was going to turn you into stone and eat you. I haven’t changed my plans.
You belong to me. Until the day when I turn you into stone and devour you.

Arthur: ......Yes.

Oz: I do not wish to damage the stone that is to become mine. If your heart is weary, your magic will be weakened.
I’m taking you away with me, to protect the value of what will become my stone in the future. Do not defy my words; obey me.

Arthur: But...... I still have work left......

Oz: << Vox Nox >>

(Crackling flames)

Arthur: .......!? Did you burn them!? But those were important documents.......!

Oz: I’ll restore them from ashes if you obey me. Arthur. I heard from Nero: tonight’s dinner is stew.

Arthur: I love stew.

Oz: Then I’m taking you with me. Do you understand?

Arthur: I do. Um, why do you always pretend to be scary every time you talk about something formal?

Oz: ......This is who I am.

Chapter 6 << | index | >> Chapter 8