healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2022-05-29 01:53 pm
healingbonds) wrote2022-05-29 01:53 pm
Entry tags:
Main Story 2 | Chapter 3 | Once Upon a Time
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 2 << | index | >> Chapter 4
Chapter 3: Once Upon a Time
3.1 Their Compromise
3.2 Mundt’s Law
3.3 An Unexpected Skill
3.4 The Holy Wizard
3.5 The Truth About Faust
3.6 Vincent’s True Intentions
3.7 The General’s Ploy
3.8 A Warm Western Welcome
3.9 Gift From a Wizard
3.10 Rustica’s Past
3.1 Their Compromise
Eastern wizards are misanthropic, shy, and unsociable.
That’s why they absolutely loathe being subjected to events like inspection tours by oh-so important people.
In fact, they hate attention, so having someone observe them as they do anything makes them miserable.
So the Eastern wizards acquiesced to Prince Vincent’s tour with bitter expressions, but if they could really speak their minds, they would’ve said:
"You’re telling us to ‘act natural’ as you peer in on us? That’s impossible. Frankly, we think the entire premise of this tour is insane."
"If you want to observe us acting as we always do, you need to skilfully conceal yourself with magic so we cannot recognize your presence."
"But Vincent cannot. Thus, this whole inspection tour is a waste of time. For he will never see us in our natural state."
But instead, they said...
"Well, if it’s what you want to do, Mister Sage...."
They’re putting up with my request.
So I couldn’t have complained even if I had opened the door to an empty room.
But the Eastern wizards were all there. They sat at their tables, each reading a book.
The room was completely silent.
✦✧☾✧✦
Drummond: Sir Sage... Are the Eastern wizards training....?
Faust: It’s called self-study.
Faust replies without lifting his eyes from the page. The other three continue to read in silence.
Their message is: "Well, we can let you watch us read."
Because I’m aware of how obstinate and difficult the Eastern wizards are, I feel like breaking out into teary, thunderous applause to thank them for their willingness to compromise.
But Mister Vincent is displeased after his friendly interactions with the sociable Central and Southern Countries.
He doesn’t recognize their gracious concession; all he sees is stubborn resistance.
(Clap clap)
He claps his hands twice, and speaks.
Vincent: Begin your training immediately.
Shino: .......
Faust: .......
Nero: .......
Heathcliff: .......
The Eastern wizards are pissed.
I thought they would hunker down in their silence, but gradually, Heathcliff begins to get distracted by Mister Vincent and the rest of us.
He’s the son of a high-ranking noble in Eastern Country; he shoulders the reputation of both his family and his country.
He can’t fall into Mister Vincent’s poor graces.
Faust shoots a concerned glance towards an uneasy Heathcliff.
He releases a quiet, defeated sigh, and closes his book.
Faust: We can offer you nothing entertaining.
But if you can accept that, then we can proceed.
Vincent: That is fine. Show me how you usually train.
Shino & Nero & Heathcliff: .......
Their faces say, "How the hell are we supposed to train as usual with people watching us...?" But they say nothing.
Faust: Then let’s pick up from where we left off yesterday.
Shino: What, we’re not doing practical training? Let’s do practical training. I can show off my talent that way.
Heathcliff: Nobody needs to know about your talent but me. Or are you saying you want a promotion in Central Country?
Heathcliff hisses at Shino, who isn’t very worldly when it comes to politics.
True. If Vincent took a liking to Shino, it’d be a problem for everyone involved.
Shino doesn’t seem to get it, but he does like what Heathcliff just said. He huffs with a grin.
Shino: I see, I see. You’re talking big now. If that’s the case, I’ll stand back.
Faust. Begin the lesson. Right away.
Faust: Talk to me like that one more time and I’ll curse you. All right. Nero, let’s review what we learned yesterday. Summarize Mundt’s Law.
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3.2 Mundt’s Law
Nero: Did we even mention a Mundt yesterday...? Are they a man? A woman?
Faust: Mundt is a woman. But the law has nothing to do with gender. You should know this.
Nero: Am I, like, using it?
Faust: You’re always using it. Using isn’t really the right word — it’s a law, so we’re talking about an axiom.
Nero: Uuh....
Faust: I see. Thanks, Nero. Shino, do you know the answer?
Shino: Mundt’s Law? Am I using it too?
Faust: Yes. It’s fundamental to magic. It’s also inextricably intertwined with the disposition of Eastern wizards.
Shino: If I can use it just fine, why does the name matter?
Faust: I see. Thanks, little kitty.
Shino: Little kitty?
Faust: That’s your new name. Since the name doesn’t matter, right? Next, Heathcliff.....
Shino: Hang on! A kitten!? Can’t you come up with a name more befitting of my talent.....
Faust: Shh. Silence, little kitty.
Shino: Nero! The teacher is insulting me!
Nero: You insulted him first. You should at least remember what he taught you.
Shino: That’s rich coming from you.
Nero: Well, when you put it like that....
Faust: Quiet, both of you. Heathcliff, can you answer?
Heathcliff, who was trying to placate Shino, stands up the moment Faust calls his name.
Heathcliff: Yes. Mundt’s Law is one of several laws pertaining to psychological processes of magic.
The more you focus, the stronger your magical functions will be, but in exchange, you’ll lose other sensations and narrow your field of vision.
Faust: Exactly.
Lose sensation... Heathcliff’s answer makes me anxious.
Have I been burdening them without realizing how magic works?
Akira: Um, Faust... May I ask a question?
Faust: What is it?
Akira: Does that mean when you focus on magic, you damage your other nerves....?
Faust: No. It simply means you cannot cognize them.
Akira: Cognize.....
Faust: Yes. The same thing happens to humans too. Have you ever been so immersed in one activity that you failed to hear something, or forgot to keep track of something?
Akira: Oh, yes. Like when you don’t realize that someone’s been calling your name....
Faust: It’s the same thing.
We use magic with our hearts. The more we focus our hearts, the stronger our magic gets; but in exchange, our perceptive senses grow dull.
You must have firsthand experience with this. Particularly Shino.
Shino: Sometimes when I use my spell to defeat really strong monsters, the world goes dead silent. My hearing comes back in no time, but...
Faust: I see.... The fact that you can focus that much is proof of your technical proficiency.
Which is wonderful, but I will need to teach you as much as I can, as quickly as possible....
Faust doesn’t smile; his expression is grave as he crosses his arms.
Shino frowns and shakes his head.
Shino: Don’t give me any more homework than you do already. Why’d you single me out?
Faust: Because it’s relatively un-Eastern.
Shino: What about it? What is Eastern-ly?
Faust: I lived in isolation in the Valley of Storms for a long time, so I can’t say with complete confidence, but....
Eastern wizards are defined by their caution. We are cautious of both danger and comfort.
In other words, we’re not suited for the hyper-focused magic that Mundt’s Law describes.
Because those who are cautious and guarded are excessively aware of their surroundings and struggle with single-minded focus.
We loathe immersing ourselves outside of the places where we already feel at ease.
Shino: Does that mean Eastern wizards can’t get strong?
The more you focus, the stronger your magic gets, right?
Faust: Not necessarily. We aren’t very good at hyper-focused magic, but we are skilled at parallel magic.
Akira: Parallel magic....?
Nero laughs, resting his cheek against his hand.
Nero: It’s like cooking. You cast a bunch of spells at once, and keep them all running at the same time.
You chop the ingredients while preparing the pot and grilling a few things and washing the dishes.....
So, multitasking.
Now that I think of it, the Eastern wizards seem like they’d be really good at multitasking.
Faust: Parallel magic is also called multi-magic. Multi-magic requires one to concentrate while overseeing the entire scene.
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3.3 An Unexpected Skill
Shino: What do you mean by overseeing the scene?
Faust: I mean you need to take a step back and observe yourself with a composed eye.
Heathcliff: That might be hard for Shino.....
Shino: I do it just fine.
Heathcliff: You do not.
Nero laughs awkwardly as he watches Heathcliff complain to Shino.
Nero: He’s probably better at it than the Central wizards. He might not look it, but Shino is cautious and discreet. The guys from Central are wild boars.
Nero smiles at Faust, expecting him to agree.
But he just responds with a serious nod. In truth, Faust was originally a Central wizard.
Faust: Let’s continue our discussion of multi-magic. Once you grow familiar with multi-magic, you can use a particular sophisticated kind of magic.
Shino: I wanna do that.
Faust: I said "once you grow familiar."
Heathcliff: Can you use it, Mister Faust?
Faust: More or less. But I think Nero’s better at it than I am.
Nero: Oh, what’s this? What kinda magic?
Faust gazes at Nero before answering.
Faust: Sealing magic.
Nero: .........
Without moving his hand from his cheek, Nero laughs.
Nero: Nah, I’m not all that good.
Faust: Sophisticated sealing magic requires a precise command of multiple mediums and magic circles; it’s like building a machine.
You can think of it like lining up several thousand wheels in proper order and starting them all at once. You need the capacity to concentrate while keeping an eye on the big picture.
Shino: I bet Heath could do it. He’s good at tinkering with clocks and machinery.
Heathcliff: Sealing magic, huh.... I’ve heard stories of sealing magical beasts and stuff, but.....
Would it be possible to seal away an opponent with stronger magic than your own?
Faust: It is. Sealing is about covering for a difference in pure magic power with technique.
I’m absolutely fascinated by this subject.
Suddenly, a question comes to mind.
Akira: So, if cautious Eastern wizards are good at sealing spells....
What about the Northern wizards? I feel like they’re always talking about sealing away Oz, or some other person.....
Faust opens his mouth, then pauses and looks at Nero.
Nero seems to have something to say. Faust smiles, and points his finger at him.
Faust: Go on.
Nero: Ah, no. I don’t mean to....
Faust: Judging from our conversations over drinks in your room, you know more about sealing magic than I do.
Shino: Huh. That’s an unexpected skill.
Heathcliff: Well, cooking is like the prime example of multitasking.
Nero: Ah.... Well.
Nero strokes his chin and turns his whole body around to speak to me.
Nero: Think about it this way. Common seals are like wax seals.
Akira: Wax seals? You mean the ones you stamp onto important letters?
Nero: Yeah. They’re easy to open, but it’s also really obvious that you’ve opened them.
You can’t go around pretending you haven’t opened the letter.
True. I nod, and ask him to continue.
Nero: Northern wizards’ seals are like this: they dig a deep hole in a really tough rock, stuff it with whatever’s important to them, and put a heavy lid on the opening.
It’d be physically impossible for most anyone to open the lid. But if someone could....
Heathcliff: They could pretend it was never opened and seal it back up like nothing happened?
Nero: Exactly. Which makes it worthless as a seal.
Akira: But that wouldn’t be possible with advanced sealing magic?
Nero looks agitated, for some reason; he furrows his brows and nods.
Nero: That’s right. The moment you try to break the seal, the caster immediately knows you’re messing with it.
Even worse, sometimes it’ll tell other guys too.
It’s like if someone told you to pass through a forest without tripping a single thread — when the whole forest is covered in them.
If you get caught for even a split second, the whole forest will burn into charred earth, and the caster will come flying your way.
Nero sounds like he’s speaking from experience.You can hear how nerve-wracking and difficult it must have been.
But there’s something strange about it. Faust notes it too.
Faust: You sound like someone who’s breaking seals.
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3.4 The Holy Wizard
Nero turns to look at Faust without saying a word. Then, he claps his hands and starts laughing.
Nero: Ahaha!
Faust: .....? Did I say something strange?
Nero: No no, I’m just thinking I suck at explaining things. I’m no match for you, Mister Faust.
Faust: What’s with the sudden praise?
Nero: Come on, I’m being genuine.
Shino: Nero. Isn’t this called "trying to laugh it off"?
Nero: Shut up, little kitty.
Shino: Stop calling me that!
Heathcliff: But that was really fascinating. I want to try casting and breaking seals like that one day.
Nero: Yup. I think you’d be good at it, Heath.
Nero smiles at Heathcliff. It’s a gentle gaze — like he’s watching over an excellent disciple.
Faust also smiles as he watches on.
Faust seems gloomy and obstinate, but he’s a different person when he smiles.
The gentle, fleeting expression makes him look like a noble and benevolent priest.
That’s when Mister Vincent furrows his brows.
Vincent: You. Take off your glasses.
Faust’s smile disappears. He doesn’t even bother to glare at Vincent as he rejects him.
Faust: I refuse.
The creases between Mister Vincent’s brows grow deeper. Unable to conceal his irritation, he asks Drummond.
Vincent: I’ve seen his face before. What’s that wizard’s name?
Drummond: His name is Faust.
Vincent: Faust?
Shocked, Mister Vincent stares at Faust even more intently.
Faust’s name holds special significance in Central Country.
For it is the name of the wizard who was the First King Alec’s friend — the wizard who helped found the Granvelle Family Dynasty.
A hint of puzzlement and respect creep into Mister Vincent’s gaze.
Vincent: Faust... That’s the name of the Holy Wizard, Sir Faust.
Your eyes are purple, too — just like the legend... Could you be related to the Holy Wizard?
Faust doesn’t respond.
He returns Mister Vincent’s gaze with stubborn silence. After a while, Mister Vincent shrinks back: he shrugs his shoulders and averts his eyes.
Faust hasn’t made it public, but he’s not related to the legendary Faust — he is the legendary Faust himself.
But the historical record is wrong. He parted ways with Alec in a fateful goodbye.
Faust quietly gazes at Mister Vincent, the descendant of the very friend who tried to kill him.....
And, after a long silence, looks away.
Faust: We’ll be discussing complicated matters now. You’re interrupting our lesson. Please leave.
Drummond: Faust.... You’re being discourteous to Lord Vincent.
Vincent: No. This is fine. We will be leaving now.
Surprisingly, Mister Vincent replies without protest and leaves the room before anyone else.
Confused, I nod to the Eastern wizards as we head out the door.
✦✧☾✧✦
Mister Vincent is murmuring to himself as we walk down the hall.
He’s rubbing his chin with fretful, excited passion.
Vincent: .....Why didn’t I realize until now? He is his living mirror image....
Drummond: L-Lord Vincent?
Vincent: Sir Faust. He looks exactly like the Sir Faust in King Alec’s painting.
Drummond: We are talking about Faust, correct?
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3.5 The Truth About Faust
Vincent: Do not use his name so lightly. Be more respectful. He may be the sworn friend of the Founding Father of our nation.
Drummond: Oh dear, no, Prince Vincent. I know they have the same name and all, but that can’t be true.
Thanks to Sir Sage, I’ve been able to meet many wizards, and I now see how good they can be.
But rest assured: Faust is properly rude, insidious, and cruel.
Akira: Don’t say that.... Faust is a kind person.
Drummond: Oh, please.....
Cock Robin: He’s right. Sometimes he makes small talk with Canary.
Drummond: Why would you make small talk with a curseworker....!? What if he curses you? He’ll kill you if you let him get ahold of a single hair from your head!
Cock Robin: See, that attitude is the problem!
Drummond: But he’s a curseworker!? He curses people!
Vincent: That might be his temporary guise. I can recall many legends....
Ones where holy men and noble sages disguise themselves as poor and destitute to test the true character of statesmen.
The poor, old, meager woman who the main character shunned turns out to be a beautiful goddess.
I’ve heard those kinds of stories before too. Mister Vincent nods with complete conviction.
Vincent: I hear the holy Sir Faust entrusted our country to King Alec before disappearing.
Perhaps he sensed our country was in danger... That our world was in danger, and appeared before us on this earth to save us once more.
Drummond: Faust has been a Sage’s wizard for quite a while now.
Vincent: I am telling you to use his title. He really might be the very same individual. Do not forget to pay him the utmost respect when addressing him.
Mister Drummond almost laughs him off, but Mister Vincent is so serious that he pulls himself together.
Drummond: Yes, sir.
Cock Robin: Ahaha. Imagine Mister Faust being the legendary Faust himself.....
Drummond: Fool! What are you laughing for!? You need to pay him your respects as well!
Cock Robin: Y-yes, sir!
Mister Vincent watches them from the corner of his eye and gives a serious nod.
A thought passes through my mind.
Akira: So you trust Faus... The legendary Sir Faust? Even though he’s a wizard?
Vincent: Of course I do. He lent his magical power to the great cause of establishing Central Country.
Akira: But couldn’t you say the same for the Sage’s wizards today?
They’re all lending us their strength to save the world.
Vincent: ........
Akira: I hear your ancestor — Mister Alec — treated wizards like his friends.
Isn’t that why the legendary Sir Faust was so cooperative?
I mean, maybe the reason their relationship broke down was because he stopped treating them like friends, but.
Mister Vincent falls silent.
He’s not silent because he’s irritated or dissatisfied; I can tell he’s taking a step back and observing his values and his worldview.
Because just as I want to protect the wizards, Mister Vincent wants to protect humans.
And so he can grant due respect to the wizards who will help him and his people.
Akira: (The legendary Sir Faust, the holy wizard of the Founding, huh....)
(There are many people in Central Country who remain devoted to the Faust of the past.)
(If we reveal Faust’s true identity, I’m sure it’d make it easier for humans to trust wizards, and that would help establish a better relationship between the two groups, but....)
(Faust would never agree to that....)
Alec betrayed Faust. There was a severe rupture between humans and wizards, and Faust was burned at the stake.
Faust has loathed humans and Central Country ever since.
Faust: Hey.
That’s when I hear his voice.
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3.6 Vincent’s True Intentions
Vincent and the others stiffen up, their backs straight as they turn around.
Vincent: What is it?
Faust pushes up his glasses. I can tell he already regrets initiating a conversation.
Faust: You always kept your distance from the magic headquarters. Why are you conducting these repeated inspection tours now?
I can understand coming once. But this is your third tour.
What necessity do these tours serve?
Vincent: .........
Mister Vincent’s lips are sealed tight. I can see hesitation in his eyes.
I don’t know the source of his hesitation.
Akira: (A need to inspect the magic headquarters....?)
Faust responds to Mister Vincent’s silence with a cynical, cold smile.
It’s the expression he shows when he scoffs at how foolish and heartless humans are.
Faust: Vincent.
You are Arthur’s family and Cain’s former master. I’ll let you return home in peace today.
But try selling us out. I’ll curse your bloodline for generations until it meets its miserable end.
He laughs with the face of a curseworker — one that sends chills down my own spine, despite knowing how kind Faust truly is.
For just one instant, Mister Vincent catches his breath, fear dancing in his eyes.
It’s not a fear of wizards. It’s a lonely kind of fear — as if he’s going to be abandoned by the ancestor he reveres....
I’m surprised
He, too, wishes for someone to be watching over him.
Vincent: ....I will take your words to heart.
Faust: Hmph.....
Faust disappears into the library, a long shadow trailing behind him.
✦✧☾✧✦
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Fufu.... My, what a lovely garment. Western Country is always at the forefront of fashion.
Noble wearing a hat: Indeed. Central Country is behind the times; Western Country will build the future.
Thanks to magical science technology, we’ve modernized more rapidly than our neighbors, making us the most powerful and wealthy nation on this continent.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: But... I’ve heard a terrifying rumor.
Noble wearing a hat: A terrifying rumor?
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: It’s about Oz and Mithra.... The infamous wicked wizards who control the weather and shake the very earth we stand on.
I’ve heard they have sided with Central Country....
Noble wearing a hat: What!?
Oz and Mithra!? Why would they side with Central Country....!?
Don’t tell me they’re after our wealth and technology.....
???: What’s the fuss?
Noble wearing a hat: Ah.... General Barnett....!
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: If it isn’t Sir Gil Barnett....! Never in my dreams did I imagine meeting the most renowned man in Western Country in a place like this!
Gil: No; it is my honor to meet you all, dearest ladies and gentlemen. Would you mind telling me what the fuss is about?
Noble wearing a hat: General Barnett. Is it true that Oz and Mithra are with Central Country...?
Gil: ........
Yes, it is true.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Oh my! Oh dear.....!
Noble wearing a hat: What in the world is Central Country thinking!?
Gil: Now now, ladies and gentlemen. There is no cause for concern.
They are merely in Central Country because they are the Sage’s wizards.
Noble wearing a hat: The Sage’s wizards... I’ve heard of them.
Aren’t they the wizards who push back the < Great Catastrophe > with the help of the wizard from another world...?
Gil: Indeed. They are preparing for their next battle against the < Great Catastrophe >....
In the magic headquarters of Central Country. Because that is where the Sage resides.
Apparently the wizards will only listen to the Sage’s commands.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: So as long as the Sage is around, Oz and Mithra will stay placated?
Well, that is a relief.... But it’s quite unfair that Central Country gets to keep the Sage all to themselves.
Gil: Well, that’s the thing. Evidently, the royal family simply chose to establish the magic headquarters within their own borders where they could entertain the wizards.
But there is no rule that the magic headquarters must be in Central Country.
Noble wearing a hat: Oh! So that means....!
Gil: Our king wishes to place both the Sage and the Sage’s wizards under our country’s jurisdiction.
I’ll bring both Oz and Mithra to visit you in this very Celestial Villa in no time.
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3.7 The General’s Ploy
Noble wearing a hat: Marvelous! I knew we could count on General Barnett!
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: I’m frankly terrified of the real Oz...
Noble wearing a hat: Well, apparently he’ll listen to the Sage. I’d love to see him! General, I’m looking forward to it!
Gil: Well then, if you’ll excuse me.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Please wait, General.
Gil: ........
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: General Barnett, I hear you’re a fan of popular fiction.
Gil: What about it?
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Have you gotten a chance to read Meg Lumos’s latest work, "The Melancholic High-Tide Meat Pie"?
It moved me to....
Gil: Silence. Do not tell me what happened. I have yet to get my hands on it. I just got back from an expedition, you see.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Oh my! Then please do! It was very entertai.....
Gil: Silence. Thank you. I will see you again.
✦✧☾✧✦
Gil: I can’t believe it.... I didn’t realize Meg Lumos had released a new novel. Make sure to secure a copy immediately.
Western officer: Yes, Sir.
Gil: If the title mentions meat pie, that might mean Margaret is the protagonist this time, after being a side character in Meg Lumos’s previous work....
Margaret’s specialty was meat pie, after all. And she was secretly in love with her mistress’s fiance; I adored the scene where she cut a slice of pie for him. It was a masterpiece.
Western officer: General.
Gil: What is it?
Western officer: I realize this is incredibly arrogant of me, but please allow me to issue you a warning.
Gil: I know. Once again, Margaret’s love might not come to fruition.
Western officer: No! This is about what you said earlier, General. What do you mean, relocate the magic headquarters....? This could cause you all kinds of trouble....
Gil: Hmph. Are you telling me to avoid making bombastic statements?
Western officer: I simply do not want to see you harm your own reputation! Unlike those grand nobles who merely attained their status through birth, you are someone who secured your position with your own skill and talent.
I mean, you were known as the prodigal son until just a few years ago, but now you’re a completely different man....
Gil: "Nobles who merely attained their status through birth" and "prodigal son," huh. I think you’re the one who needs to watch your tongue.
Western officer: I apologize....
Gil: I forgive you. My bombastic statements are intentional, you see. It’s like offering strong liquor to a drunk man.
Both our country’s nobles and Central Country’s administration are watching with laid-back attitudes, but we’re witnessing the birth of a new nation.
Unless we confront the situation soon, this continent will once again fall under the rule of the King of Demons — even before the < Great Catastrophe > ends us all.
Western officer: King of Demons? New nation? What are we talking about...?
Gil: The magic headquarters. The Sage, and the Sage’s wizards.
If the Sage really can control Oz and Mithra.... Then he commands power equivalent to the king of an entire nation.
We must deal with him immediately.
Western officer: ....But this Sage from another world is fighting to protect us all, isn’t he?
Gil: So what?
Western officer: You talk about him like he’s evil....
Gil: Even if he were a holy man who had never harmed a single insect in his life, the fact that he has Oz and Mithra standing behind his back at all times is more than enough to make him an evil villain.
Western officer: I’m not too sure about that....?
Gil: The magic headquarters is dangerous, and its operations lack transparency. We ought to seize the whole thing and keep it under our control.
And I’ve already begun secret negotiations towards that goal.
Western officer: With whom?
Gil: You think I would just blabber away such sensitive information? If you want to hear it, you’ll have to swear to guard it with your life.
It’s classified information, after all. I doubt you could handle the psychological burden.
Western officer: ....I apologize for my careless question. I will never repeat such a....
Gil: Prince Vincent, the younger brother of the Central King.
Western officer: Why’d you tell me.....!?
Gil: Haha. I wanted to add some excitement to your life.
Savor the taste. And then get me Meg Lumos’s latest work as soon as possible.
Western officer: Y-yes, sir!
(Footsteps)
Gil: ....I presume Prince Vincent is conducting inspection tours as I speak. He must be mulling over the question of the magic headquarters:
Will he leave this powerful, yet highly risky card in his hand, or will he cast it away?
Hmph... I bet he’ll get rid of it. This is his chance to cut off the prince who poses a threat to his position.
He could say, I’ve left the magic headquarters to Western Country. You should focus on your most pressing duty: saving the world. And just like that, he’ll tear him away from political matters....
And if anything happens to the prince, he can wear the crown.
Royal families sure are scary. But that’s what I like about them.
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3.8 A Warm Western Welcome
Vincent: ........
Since parting with the Eastern wizards, Mister Vincent seems lost in thought.
Maybe Faust was right: maybe there is some ulterior motive behind these inspection tours.
Cock Robin: Sir Sage. The Western wizards are at the bar, correct?
Akira: Ah, yes. That’s right.
Mister Cock Robin’s words bring me back to my senses. I need to focus on the task at hand.
I gulp.
Central. South. East. Things have gone smoothly up till now, but this is where the fight begins.
Because Western wizards love a good prank.
Akira: (....But this is our third inspection tour, and they seemed calm when I talked to them yesterday.)
(I’m sure it’ll all be fine....)
Ah.... Here we are. Let me check in on them first.
✦✧☾✧✦
And there stand four Mister Vincents.
Vincent: What is it?
Vincent: What is going on?
Vincent: What in the world is happening?
Vincent: I certainly wonder what it is.
I immediately rush back out into the hallway.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: ............
Vincent: What is it? Aren’t we going inside?
The real Vincent asks with a dubious expression.
I spin around and force a smile.
Akira: Could you give us a moment? I’m sorry, but please stand back a bit further.
Vincent: Stand back?
Akira: Yes, yes, just like that. Plea... Please give me a second.
✦✧☾✧✦
I peer into the bar once more and find the Western wizards.
Murr: Ah, Sir Sage!
Chloe: It’s Sir Sage!
Shylock: Good morning, Sir Sage.
Rustica: How was that, Sir Sage? Did it bring a smile to your face?
Akira: Uh, erm....
Rustica: Central Country, Southern Country, Eastern Country.... Everyone seemed to be conducting such serious training.
So we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to lighten the mood by offering our guests a moment of laughter and surprise.
Akira: Th-thank you. But I think that joke might’ve been pushing it....
Rustica: Oh, my. Was it too adult?
Shylock: But we have yet to perform the second half of our show — that may get slightly extreme....
Chloe: See, I told you they’d probably get mad at us! That’s the problem, right, Sir Sage!?
Murr: So are you saying we’d be better off transforming into Drummond? Sir Sage, would you call yourself a tough critic with comedy?
Akira: Um, um... I don’t know where to begin......
First of all, thank you for your kindness.
Western wizards: You’re welcome!
Akira: But Prince Vincent doesn’t seem to be looking for surprises or laughter at the moment... Not quite yet....
Murr: What do you think he wants? Philosophy? Science? Astronomy?
Shylock: Fine wine that will wash away the headaches from his earthly concerns?
Rustica: How about some beautiful music?
Chloe: Or some new clothes!?
Akira: Um... Would you mind using magic to offer those sorts of things to Prince Vincent?
Western wizards: Of course!
Akira: Then let’s do that! Thank you all!
I give them a big smile and a nod.
Then, I turn around to invite Mister Vincent and his entourage in from the hallway.
Akira: Please come on in!
✦✧☾✧✦
Murr: <<Eanul Rambul>>!
Cock Robin: Woah.... There are constellations from the night sky glittering about the whole room!
Shylock: <<Invibelle>>
Drummond: My goodness..... Floating fruits are getting squeezed into the glass and mixed with liquor!
Rustica: <<Amorest Viesse>>
(Music plays)
Akira: Wow....! What a lovely performance!
Chloe: <<Suispicibo Voitengok>>!
Vincent: .........
Chloe: Ah.... um.....
We’re all elated by the Western wizards’ magic spells.
Well, save for Mister Vincent.
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3.9 Gift From a Wizard
Vincent: .....What is this?
Mister Vincent tugs at a piece of cloth that was floating through the air with Chloe’s magic.
Maybe that undid the spell: the colorful cloth collapses right into Mister Vincent’s hand.
Chloe: ....Th-that’s.... Um, it’s a cravat.....
Vincent: I can tell.
Chloe shrinks back, intimidated by Mister Vincent’s glare.
Chloe: I-I’m sorry......
Rustica: No need to apologize, Chloe. Look. Prince Vincent isn’t angry.
Chloe: R-really....?
Chloe follows Rustica’s bidding and looks up to Mister Vincent.
I pray that Mister Vincent won’t treat him poorly.
Because Chloe is just so good. He loves sewing; he loves it when his creations bring happiness to others.
I don’t want to see him get scolded for showing off his sewing magic; it would be too cruel.
I’m fully prepared to break up their conversation if it becomes necessary.
Mister Vincent takes a close look at the cloth he had daintily picked out of the air, and furrows his brows.
Vincent: Did you make this just now with magic? Or did you use magic to summon something that was already made?
Chloe: Eh, um, I had purchased the cloth from a lovely shop in the Central marketplace....
Vincent: And when did you use magic?
Chloe: Wh... when I styled the cloth!
Vincent: I’ve never seen a cravat styled this way.
Chloe: I came up with it myself.
Vincent: I see. It’s quite fashionable.
Mister Vincent says, and jokingly brings the cloth to his neck.
His smile reminds me of Arthur. Delighted, I turn around to look at Chloe.
Chloe is crying. Maybe it was from surprise. Tears keep spilling from his big eyes.
Rustica seems to be at a complete loss.
Rustica: Ch-Chloe...
Perhaps Mister Vincent is used to dealing with commoners bursting into tears of gratitude upon hearing his words; he seems perfectly calm.
Murr and Shylock exchange glances and quiet smiles.
Vincent: I see. I will return this to you.
Chloe: Um, um....! If you don’t mind, could you please accept this as a gift? It looks very nice on you....
Mister Vincent glares at Chloe suspiciously. Chloe turns paler by the second.
But he still wipes his tears and looks Mister Vincent in the eye.
Chloe: I know you might not want to keep something made by a wizard, but I have not cast a curse on it!
And it contains no strange spells or tricks either, of course! ....You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to, but.......
Vincent: .........
Vincent keeps staring at Chloe, as if to test him.
Then, he nimbly folds the cravat and lifts it with his hand.
Vincent: I will accept this. I trust you.
A smile breaks out across Chloe’s face.
Chloe: Th... Thank you!
Rustica: That’s wonderful, Chloe.
I can’t believe what just happened. In fact, I still think it’s too good to be true.
Because Chloe is so wonderful. Because it was a fashionable style. Because he praised a Central marketplace shop.
There could be many reasons why Mister Vincent accepted Chloe’s offering. He might’ve accepted it on a whim.
But it still makes me so happy.
I try to thank Mister Vincent too.
But I miss my opportunity, because he’s talking to Rustica.
Vincent: Rustica Ferch?
Rustica: Yes.
Rustica responds with a smile. Mister Vincent pretends nothing is going on as he observes him from head to toe.
Vincent: So you’re the musician who was summoned to replace one of the victims from the last battle against the < Great Catastrophe >....
Rustica: That would be me, Prince Vincent. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
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3.10 Rustica’s Past
Vincent: The pleasure is mine. May I ask you a few questions?
Rustica: Of course.
Vincent: Ferch — are you from the Ferch family that fell to ruin?
The great aristocratic family that flourished in the West, known to be wealthier than the Royal family itself....
Chloe swallows his breath at Vincent’s question.
With an intense gaze, he scrutinizes Rustica’s profile.
Rustica simply smiles.
Rustica: I can’t say. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten.
Vincent: ....... I see.
Rustica: And your name is Vincent Granvelle?
Vincent: .....Yes.
Rustica: What a lovely name.
Mister Vincent doesn’t respond; he simply joins his hands behind his back.
Vincent: Rustica. Is there anyone who attends to your personal care?
Rustica: Chloe always takes care of me incredibly well. He’s a very thoughtful boy, you see.
Vincent: Is that enough? If you’re in need of an additional attendant, we can offer you a servant.
Shylock’s eyes open wide, and Murr lets out a whistle. This is a surprising level of hospitality.
Murr: Why Rustica? Even Sir Sage doesn’t have a personal servant.
Vincent: He has Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Huh!? Um, I’m actually a secretary....
Shylock: How strange. We Western wizards love the bizarre, you see.
Does it have anything to do with the reason your haughty attitude suddenly softened?
Vincent glares at Shylock, and his eyes say it all: "Silence."
Shylock brings his pipe to his lips and lightly cocks an eyebrow.
Vincent looks ready to retort, but in the next moment, he seems to have lost his train of thought.
It’s as if he’s been mesmerized by Shylock’s quiet smile. He sheepishly averts his gaze and closes his mouth.
I’m not sure what he meant to say, but I think he might have made the right choice.
Because there aren’t many people out there who can avoid being drawn to Shylock, much less best him in an oral argument.
Shylock: Oh my. How unfortunate.
Murr: What a boring outcome for Shylock!
Well, there is one exception.
Rustica: I thank you for your kindness, Prince Vincent. From the bottom of my heart.
But why are you so kind to me? Could it be.....
Vincent: ........
Rustica: You’re my bride.....
Vincent: Bride?
Chloe: No! No! No! Calm down, Rustica!
Chloe rushes to stop Rustica who has pulled up his birdcage — his magic tool.
Rustica is in search of his bride. That’s why he has a habit of trapping people inside the birdcage when he thinks they might be his bride.
He has no problem going for elderly men and elderly women as well.
Vincent: I don’t quite understand, but I have seen enough. We’ll be taking our leave.
Mister Vincent says and nods to Rustica.
Rustica responds with an equally polite nod. There’s nothing strange about Rustica’s fine manners; he’s always courteous.
But something feels off.
Chloe gazes at Rustica anxiously.
Rustica was the one who saved Chloe from his unfortunate circumstances; he also taught him magic.
In other words, Rustica is Chloe’s master of magic.
But Chloe doesn’t know what happened in Rustica’s past.
He doesn’t even know why Rustica is in search of his bride.
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Chapter 2 << | index | >> Chapter 4
Chapter 2 << | index | >> Chapter 4
Chapter 3: Once Upon a Time
3.1 Their Compromise
3.2 Mundt’s Law
3.3 An Unexpected Skill
3.4 The Holy Wizard
3.5 The Truth About Faust
3.6 Vincent’s True Intentions
3.7 The General’s Ploy
3.8 A Warm Western Welcome
3.9 Gift From a Wizard
3.10 Rustica’s Past
3.1 Their Compromise
Eastern wizards are misanthropic, shy, and unsociable.
That’s why they absolutely loathe being subjected to events like inspection tours by oh-so important people.
In fact, they hate attention, so having someone observe them as they do anything makes them miserable.
So the Eastern wizards acquiesced to Prince Vincent’s tour with bitter expressions, but if they could really speak their minds, they would’ve said:
"You’re telling us to ‘act natural’ as you peer in on us? That’s impossible. Frankly, we think the entire premise of this tour is insane."
"If you want to observe us acting as we always do, you need to skilfully conceal yourself with magic so we cannot recognize your presence."
"But Vincent cannot. Thus, this whole inspection tour is a waste of time. For he will never see us in our natural state."
But instead, they said...
"Well, if it’s what you want to do, Mister Sage...."
They’re putting up with my request.
So I couldn’t have complained even if I had opened the door to an empty room.
But the Eastern wizards were all there. They sat at their tables, each reading a book.
The room was completely silent.
✦✧☾✧✦
Drummond: Sir Sage... Are the Eastern wizards training....?
Faust: It’s called self-study.
Faust replies without lifting his eyes from the page. The other three continue to read in silence.
Their message is: "Well, we can let you watch us read."
Because I’m aware of how obstinate and difficult the Eastern wizards are, I feel like breaking out into teary, thunderous applause to thank them for their willingness to compromise.
But Mister Vincent is displeased after his friendly interactions with the sociable Central and Southern Countries.
He doesn’t recognize their gracious concession; all he sees is stubborn resistance.
(Clap clap)
He claps his hands twice, and speaks.
Vincent: Begin your training immediately.
Shino: .......
Faust: .......
Nero: .......
Heathcliff: .......
The Eastern wizards are pissed.
I thought they would hunker down in their silence, but gradually, Heathcliff begins to get distracted by Mister Vincent and the rest of us.
He’s the son of a high-ranking noble in Eastern Country; he shoulders the reputation of both his family and his country.
He can’t fall into Mister Vincent’s poor graces.
Faust shoots a concerned glance towards an uneasy Heathcliff.
He releases a quiet, defeated sigh, and closes his book.
Faust: We can offer you nothing entertaining.
But if you can accept that, then we can proceed.
Vincent: That is fine. Show me how you usually train.
Shino & Nero & Heathcliff: .......
Their faces say, "How the hell are we supposed to train as usual with people watching us...?" But they say nothing.
Faust: Then let’s pick up from where we left off yesterday.
Shino: What, we’re not doing practical training? Let’s do practical training. I can show off my talent that way.
Heathcliff: Nobody needs to know about your talent but me. Or are you saying you want a promotion in Central Country?
Heathcliff hisses at Shino, who isn’t very worldly when it comes to politics.
True. If Vincent took a liking to Shino, it’d be a problem for everyone involved.
Shino doesn’t seem to get it, but he does like what Heathcliff just said. He huffs with a grin.
Shino: I see, I see. You’re talking big now. If that’s the case, I’ll stand back.
Faust. Begin the lesson. Right away.
Faust: Talk to me like that one more time and I’ll curse you. All right. Nero, let’s review what we learned yesterday. Summarize Mundt’s Law.
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3.2 Mundt’s Law
Nero: Did we even mention a Mundt yesterday...? Are they a man? A woman?
Faust: Mundt is a woman. But the law has nothing to do with gender. You should know this.
Nero: Am I, like, using it?
Faust: You’re always using it. Using isn’t really the right word — it’s a law, so we’re talking about an axiom.
Nero: Uuh....
Faust: I see. Thanks, Nero. Shino, do you know the answer?
Shino: Mundt’s Law? Am I using it too?
Faust: Yes. It’s fundamental to magic. It’s also inextricably intertwined with the disposition of Eastern wizards.
Shino: If I can use it just fine, why does the name matter?
Faust: I see. Thanks, little kitty.
Shino: Little kitty?
Faust: That’s your new name. Since the name doesn’t matter, right? Next, Heathcliff.....
Shino: Hang on! A kitten!? Can’t you come up with a name more befitting of my talent.....
Faust: Shh. Silence, little kitty.
Shino: Nero! The teacher is insulting me!
Nero: You insulted him first. You should at least remember what he taught you.
Shino: That’s rich coming from you.
Nero: Well, when you put it like that....
Faust: Quiet, both of you. Heathcliff, can you answer?
Heathcliff, who was trying to placate Shino, stands up the moment Faust calls his name.
Heathcliff: Yes. Mundt’s Law is one of several laws pertaining to psychological processes of magic.
The more you focus, the stronger your magical functions will be, but in exchange, you’ll lose other sensations and narrow your field of vision.
Faust: Exactly.
Lose sensation... Heathcliff’s answer makes me anxious.
Have I been burdening them without realizing how magic works?
Akira: Um, Faust... May I ask a question?
Faust: What is it?
Akira: Does that mean when you focus on magic, you damage your other nerves....?
Faust: No. It simply means you cannot cognize them.
Akira: Cognize.....
Faust: Yes. The same thing happens to humans too. Have you ever been so immersed in one activity that you failed to hear something, or forgot to keep track of something?
Akira: Oh, yes. Like when you don’t realize that someone’s been calling your name....
Faust: It’s the same thing.
We use magic with our hearts. The more we focus our hearts, the stronger our magic gets; but in exchange, our perceptive senses grow dull.
You must have firsthand experience with this. Particularly Shino.
Shino: Sometimes when I use my spell to defeat really strong monsters, the world goes dead silent. My hearing comes back in no time, but...
Faust: I see.... The fact that you can focus that much is proof of your technical proficiency.
Which is wonderful, but I will need to teach you as much as I can, as quickly as possible....
Faust doesn’t smile; his expression is grave as he crosses his arms.
Shino frowns and shakes his head.
Shino: Don’t give me any more homework than you do already. Why’d you single me out?
Faust: Because it’s relatively un-Eastern.
Shino: What about it? What is Eastern-ly?
Faust: I lived in isolation in the Valley of Storms for a long time, so I can’t say with complete confidence, but....
Eastern wizards are defined by their caution. We are cautious of both danger and comfort.
In other words, we’re not suited for the hyper-focused magic that Mundt’s Law describes.
Because those who are cautious and guarded are excessively aware of their surroundings and struggle with single-minded focus.
We loathe immersing ourselves outside of the places where we already feel at ease.
Shino: Does that mean Eastern wizards can’t get strong?
The more you focus, the stronger your magic gets, right?
Faust: Not necessarily. We aren’t very good at hyper-focused magic, but we are skilled at parallel magic.
Akira: Parallel magic....?
Nero laughs, resting his cheek against his hand.
Nero: It’s like cooking. You cast a bunch of spells at once, and keep them all running at the same time.
You chop the ingredients while preparing the pot and grilling a few things and washing the dishes.....
So, multitasking.
Now that I think of it, the Eastern wizards seem like they’d be really good at multitasking.
Faust: Parallel magic is also called multi-magic. Multi-magic requires one to concentrate while overseeing the entire scene.
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3.3 An Unexpected Skill
Shino: What do you mean by overseeing the scene?
Faust: I mean you need to take a step back and observe yourself with a composed eye.
Heathcliff: That might be hard for Shino.....
Shino: I do it just fine.
Heathcliff: You do not.
Nero laughs awkwardly as he watches Heathcliff complain to Shino.
Nero: He’s probably better at it than the Central wizards. He might not look it, but Shino is cautious and discreet. The guys from Central are wild boars.
Nero smiles at Faust, expecting him to agree.
But he just responds with a serious nod. In truth, Faust was originally a Central wizard.
Faust: Let’s continue our discussion of multi-magic. Once you grow familiar with multi-magic, you can use a particular sophisticated kind of magic.
Shino: I wanna do that.
Faust: I said "once you grow familiar."
Heathcliff: Can you use it, Mister Faust?
Faust: More or less. But I think Nero’s better at it than I am.
Nero: Oh, what’s this? What kinda magic?
Faust gazes at Nero before answering.
Faust: Sealing magic.
Nero: .........
Without moving his hand from his cheek, Nero laughs.
Nero: Nah, I’m not all that good.
Faust: Sophisticated sealing magic requires a precise command of multiple mediums and magic circles; it’s like building a machine.
You can think of it like lining up several thousand wheels in proper order and starting them all at once. You need the capacity to concentrate while keeping an eye on the big picture.
Shino: I bet Heath could do it. He’s good at tinkering with clocks and machinery.
Heathcliff: Sealing magic, huh.... I’ve heard stories of sealing magical beasts and stuff, but.....
Would it be possible to seal away an opponent with stronger magic than your own?
Faust: It is. Sealing is about covering for a difference in pure magic power with technique.
I’m absolutely fascinated by this subject.
Suddenly, a question comes to mind.
Akira: So, if cautious Eastern wizards are good at sealing spells....
What about the Northern wizards? I feel like they’re always talking about sealing away Oz, or some other person.....
Faust opens his mouth, then pauses and looks at Nero.
Nero seems to have something to say. Faust smiles, and points his finger at him.
Faust: Go on.
Nero: Ah, no. I don’t mean to....
Faust: Judging from our conversations over drinks in your room, you know more about sealing magic than I do.
Shino: Huh. That’s an unexpected skill.
Heathcliff: Well, cooking is like the prime example of multitasking.
Nero: Ah.... Well.
Nero strokes his chin and turns his whole body around to speak to me.
Nero: Think about it this way. Common seals are like wax seals.
Akira: Wax seals? You mean the ones you stamp onto important letters?
Nero: Yeah. They’re easy to open, but it’s also really obvious that you’ve opened them.
You can’t go around pretending you haven’t opened the letter.
True. I nod, and ask him to continue.
Nero: Northern wizards’ seals are like this: they dig a deep hole in a really tough rock, stuff it with whatever’s important to them, and put a heavy lid on the opening.
It’d be physically impossible for most anyone to open the lid. But if someone could....
Heathcliff: They could pretend it was never opened and seal it back up like nothing happened?
Nero: Exactly. Which makes it worthless as a seal.
Akira: But that wouldn’t be possible with advanced sealing magic?
Nero looks agitated, for some reason; he furrows his brows and nods.
Nero: That’s right. The moment you try to break the seal, the caster immediately knows you’re messing with it.
Even worse, sometimes it’ll tell other guys too.
It’s like if someone told you to pass through a forest without tripping a single thread — when the whole forest is covered in them.
If you get caught for even a split second, the whole forest will burn into charred earth, and the caster will come flying your way.
Nero sounds like he’s speaking from experience.You can hear how nerve-wracking and difficult it must have been.
But there’s something strange about it. Faust notes it too.
Faust: You sound like someone who’s breaking seals.
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3.4 The Holy Wizard
Nero turns to look at Faust without saying a word. Then, he claps his hands and starts laughing.
Nero: Ahaha!
Faust: .....? Did I say something strange?
Nero: No no, I’m just thinking I suck at explaining things. I’m no match for you, Mister Faust.
Faust: What’s with the sudden praise?
Nero: Come on, I’m being genuine.
Shino: Nero. Isn’t this called "trying to laugh it off"?
Nero: Shut up, little kitty.
Shino: Stop calling me that!
Heathcliff: But that was really fascinating. I want to try casting and breaking seals like that one day.
Nero: Yup. I think you’d be good at it, Heath.
Nero smiles at Heathcliff. It’s a gentle gaze — like he’s watching over an excellent disciple.
Faust also smiles as he watches on.
Faust seems gloomy and obstinate, but he’s a different person when he smiles.
The gentle, fleeting expression makes him look like a noble and benevolent priest.
That’s when Mister Vincent furrows his brows.
Vincent: You. Take off your glasses.
Faust’s smile disappears. He doesn’t even bother to glare at Vincent as he rejects him.
Faust: I refuse.
The creases between Mister Vincent’s brows grow deeper. Unable to conceal his irritation, he asks Drummond.
Vincent: I’ve seen his face before. What’s that wizard’s name?
Drummond: His name is Faust.
Vincent: Faust?
Shocked, Mister Vincent stares at Faust even more intently.
Faust’s name holds special significance in Central Country.
For it is the name of the wizard who was the First King Alec’s friend — the wizard who helped found the Granvelle Family Dynasty.
A hint of puzzlement and respect creep into Mister Vincent’s gaze.
Vincent: Faust... That’s the name of the Holy Wizard, Sir Faust.
Your eyes are purple, too — just like the legend... Could you be related to the Holy Wizard?
Faust doesn’t respond.
He returns Mister Vincent’s gaze with stubborn silence. After a while, Mister Vincent shrinks back: he shrugs his shoulders and averts his eyes.
Faust hasn’t made it public, but he’s not related to the legendary Faust — he is the legendary Faust himself.
But the historical record is wrong. He parted ways with Alec in a fateful goodbye.
Faust quietly gazes at Mister Vincent, the descendant of the very friend who tried to kill him.....
And, after a long silence, looks away.
Faust: We’ll be discussing complicated matters now. You’re interrupting our lesson. Please leave.
Drummond: Faust.... You’re being discourteous to Lord Vincent.
Vincent: No. This is fine. We will be leaving now.
Surprisingly, Mister Vincent replies without protest and leaves the room before anyone else.
Confused, I nod to the Eastern wizards as we head out the door.
✦✧☾✧✦
Mister Vincent is murmuring to himself as we walk down the hall.
He’s rubbing his chin with fretful, excited passion.
Vincent: .....Why didn’t I realize until now? He is his living mirror image....
Drummond: L-Lord Vincent?
Vincent: Sir Faust. He looks exactly like the Sir Faust in King Alec’s painting.
Drummond: We are talking about Faust, correct?
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3.5 The Truth About Faust
Vincent: Do not use his name so lightly. Be more respectful. He may be the sworn friend of the Founding Father of our nation.
Drummond: Oh dear, no, Prince Vincent. I know they have the same name and all, but that can’t be true.
Thanks to Sir Sage, I’ve been able to meet many wizards, and I now see how good they can be.
But rest assured: Faust is properly rude, insidious, and cruel.
Akira: Don’t say that.... Faust is a kind person.
Drummond: Oh, please.....
Cock Robin: He’s right. Sometimes he makes small talk with Canary.
Drummond: Why would you make small talk with a curseworker....!? What if he curses you? He’ll kill you if you let him get ahold of a single hair from your head!
Cock Robin: See, that attitude is the problem!
Drummond: But he’s a curseworker!? He curses people!
Vincent: That might be his temporary guise. I can recall many legends....
Ones where holy men and noble sages disguise themselves as poor and destitute to test the true character of statesmen.
The poor, old, meager woman who the main character shunned turns out to be a beautiful goddess.
I’ve heard those kinds of stories before too. Mister Vincent nods with complete conviction.
Vincent: I hear the holy Sir Faust entrusted our country to King Alec before disappearing.
Perhaps he sensed our country was in danger... That our world was in danger, and appeared before us on this earth to save us once more.
Drummond: Faust has been a Sage’s wizard for quite a while now.
Vincent: I am telling you to use his title. He really might be the very same individual. Do not forget to pay him the utmost respect when addressing him.
Mister Drummond almost laughs him off, but Mister Vincent is so serious that he pulls himself together.
Drummond: Yes, sir.
Cock Robin: Ahaha. Imagine Mister Faust being the legendary Faust himself.....
Drummond: Fool! What are you laughing for!? You need to pay him your respects as well!
Cock Robin: Y-yes, sir!
Mister Vincent watches them from the corner of his eye and gives a serious nod.
A thought passes through my mind.
Akira: So you trust Faus... The legendary Sir Faust? Even though he’s a wizard?
Vincent: Of course I do. He lent his magical power to the great cause of establishing Central Country.
Akira: But couldn’t you say the same for the Sage’s wizards today?
They’re all lending us their strength to save the world.
Vincent: ........
Akira: I hear your ancestor — Mister Alec — treated wizards like his friends.
Isn’t that why the legendary Sir Faust was so cooperative?
I mean, maybe the reason their relationship broke down was because he stopped treating them like friends, but.
Mister Vincent falls silent.
He’s not silent because he’s irritated or dissatisfied; I can tell he’s taking a step back and observing his values and his worldview.
Because just as I want to protect the wizards, Mister Vincent wants to protect humans.
And so he can grant due respect to the wizards who will help him and his people.
Akira: (The legendary Sir Faust, the holy wizard of the Founding, huh....)
(There are many people in Central Country who remain devoted to the Faust of the past.)
(If we reveal Faust’s true identity, I’m sure it’d make it easier for humans to trust wizards, and that would help establish a better relationship between the two groups, but....)
(Faust would never agree to that....)
Alec betrayed Faust. There was a severe rupture between humans and wizards, and Faust was burned at the stake.
Faust has loathed humans and Central Country ever since.
Faust: Hey.
That’s when I hear his voice.
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3.6 Vincent’s True Intentions
Vincent and the others stiffen up, their backs straight as they turn around.
Vincent: What is it?
Faust pushes up his glasses. I can tell he already regrets initiating a conversation.
Faust: You always kept your distance from the magic headquarters. Why are you conducting these repeated inspection tours now?
I can understand coming once. But this is your third tour.
What necessity do these tours serve?
Vincent: .........
Mister Vincent’s lips are sealed tight. I can see hesitation in his eyes.
I don’t know the source of his hesitation.
Akira: (A need to inspect the magic headquarters....?)
Faust responds to Mister Vincent’s silence with a cynical, cold smile.
It’s the expression he shows when he scoffs at how foolish and heartless humans are.
Faust: Vincent.
You are Arthur’s family and Cain’s former master. I’ll let you return home in peace today.
But try selling us out. I’ll curse your bloodline for generations until it meets its miserable end.
He laughs with the face of a curseworker — one that sends chills down my own spine, despite knowing how kind Faust truly is.
For just one instant, Mister Vincent catches his breath, fear dancing in his eyes.
It’s not a fear of wizards. It’s a lonely kind of fear — as if he’s going to be abandoned by the ancestor he reveres....
I’m surprised
He, too, wishes for someone to be watching over him.
Vincent: ....I will take your words to heart.
Faust: Hmph.....
Faust disappears into the library, a long shadow trailing behind him.
✦✧☾✧✦
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Fufu.... My, what a lovely garment. Western Country is always at the forefront of fashion.
Noble wearing a hat: Indeed. Central Country is behind the times; Western Country will build the future.
Thanks to magical science technology, we’ve modernized more rapidly than our neighbors, making us the most powerful and wealthy nation on this continent.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: But... I’ve heard a terrifying rumor.
Noble wearing a hat: A terrifying rumor?
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: It’s about Oz and Mithra.... The infamous wicked wizards who control the weather and shake the very earth we stand on.
I’ve heard they have sided with Central Country....
Noble wearing a hat: What!?
Oz and Mithra!? Why would they side with Central Country....!?
Don’t tell me they’re after our wealth and technology.....
???: What’s the fuss?
Noble wearing a hat: Ah.... General Barnett....!
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: If it isn’t Sir Gil Barnett....! Never in my dreams did I imagine meeting the most renowned man in Western Country in a place like this!
Gil: No; it is my honor to meet you all, dearest ladies and gentlemen. Would you mind telling me what the fuss is about?
Noble wearing a hat: General Barnett. Is it true that Oz and Mithra are with Central Country...?
Gil: ........
Yes, it is true.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Oh my! Oh dear.....!
Noble wearing a hat: What in the world is Central Country thinking!?
Gil: Now now, ladies and gentlemen. There is no cause for concern.
They are merely in Central Country because they are the Sage’s wizards.
Noble wearing a hat: The Sage’s wizards... I’ve heard of them.
Aren’t they the wizards who push back the < Great Catastrophe > with the help of the wizard from another world...?
Gil: Indeed. They are preparing for their next battle against the < Great Catastrophe >....
In the magic headquarters of Central Country. Because that is where the Sage resides.
Apparently the wizards will only listen to the Sage’s commands.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: So as long as the Sage is around, Oz and Mithra will stay placated?
Well, that is a relief.... But it’s quite unfair that Central Country gets to keep the Sage all to themselves.
Gil: Well, that’s the thing. Evidently, the royal family simply chose to establish the magic headquarters within their own borders where they could entertain the wizards.
But there is no rule that the magic headquarters must be in Central Country.
Noble wearing a hat: Oh! So that means....!
Gil: Our king wishes to place both the Sage and the Sage’s wizards under our country’s jurisdiction.
I’ll bring both Oz and Mithra to visit you in this very Celestial Villa in no time.
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3.7 The General’s Ploy
Noble wearing a hat: Marvelous! I knew we could count on General Barnett!
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: I’m frankly terrified of the real Oz...
Noble wearing a hat: Well, apparently he’ll listen to the Sage. I’d love to see him! General, I’m looking forward to it!
Gil: Well then, if you’ll excuse me.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Please wait, General.
Gil: ........
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: General Barnett, I hear you’re a fan of popular fiction.
Gil: What about it?
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Have you gotten a chance to read Meg Lumos’s latest work, "The Melancholic High-Tide Meat Pie"?
It moved me to....
Gil: Silence. Do not tell me what happened. I have yet to get my hands on it. I just got back from an expedition, you see.
Noblewoman wearing a brooch: Oh my! Then please do! It was very entertai.....
Gil: Silence. Thank you. I will see you again.
✦✧☾✧✦
Gil: I can’t believe it.... I didn’t realize Meg Lumos had released a new novel. Make sure to secure a copy immediately.
Western officer: Yes, Sir.
Gil: If the title mentions meat pie, that might mean Margaret is the protagonist this time, after being a side character in Meg Lumos’s previous work....
Margaret’s specialty was meat pie, after all. And she was secretly in love with her mistress’s fiance; I adored the scene where she cut a slice of pie for him. It was a masterpiece.
Western officer: General.
Gil: What is it?
Western officer: I realize this is incredibly arrogant of me, but please allow me to issue you a warning.
Gil: I know. Once again, Margaret’s love might not come to fruition.
Western officer: No! This is about what you said earlier, General. What do you mean, relocate the magic headquarters....? This could cause you all kinds of trouble....
Gil: Hmph. Are you telling me to avoid making bombastic statements?
Western officer: I simply do not want to see you harm your own reputation! Unlike those grand nobles who merely attained their status through birth, you are someone who secured your position with your own skill and talent.
I mean, you were known as the prodigal son until just a few years ago, but now you’re a completely different man....
Gil: "Nobles who merely attained their status through birth" and "prodigal son," huh. I think you’re the one who needs to watch your tongue.
Western officer: I apologize....
Gil: I forgive you. My bombastic statements are intentional, you see. It’s like offering strong liquor to a drunk man.
Both our country’s nobles and Central Country’s administration are watching with laid-back attitudes, but we’re witnessing the birth of a new nation.
Unless we confront the situation soon, this continent will once again fall under the rule of the King of Demons — even before the < Great Catastrophe > ends us all.
Western officer: King of Demons? New nation? What are we talking about...?
Gil: The magic headquarters. The Sage, and the Sage’s wizards.
If the Sage really can control Oz and Mithra.... Then he commands power equivalent to the king of an entire nation.
We must deal with him immediately.
Western officer: ....But this Sage from another world is fighting to protect us all, isn’t he?
Gil: So what?
Western officer: You talk about him like he’s evil....
Gil: Even if he were a holy man who had never harmed a single insect in his life, the fact that he has Oz and Mithra standing behind his back at all times is more than enough to make him an evil villain.
Western officer: I’m not too sure about that....?
Gil: The magic headquarters is dangerous, and its operations lack transparency. We ought to seize the whole thing and keep it under our control.
And I’ve already begun secret negotiations towards that goal.
Western officer: With whom?
Gil: You think I would just blabber away such sensitive information? If you want to hear it, you’ll have to swear to guard it with your life.
It’s classified information, after all. I doubt you could handle the psychological burden.
Western officer: ....I apologize for my careless question. I will never repeat such a....
Gil: Prince Vincent, the younger brother of the Central King.
Western officer: Why’d you tell me.....!?
Gil: Haha. I wanted to add some excitement to your life.
Savor the taste. And then get me Meg Lumos’s latest work as soon as possible.
Western officer: Y-yes, sir!
(Footsteps)
Gil: ....I presume Prince Vincent is conducting inspection tours as I speak. He must be mulling over the question of the magic headquarters:
Will he leave this powerful, yet highly risky card in his hand, or will he cast it away?
Hmph... I bet he’ll get rid of it. This is his chance to cut off the prince who poses a threat to his position.
He could say, I’ve left the magic headquarters to Western Country. You should focus on your most pressing duty: saving the world. And just like that, he’ll tear him away from political matters....
And if anything happens to the prince, he can wear the crown.
Royal families sure are scary. But that’s what I like about them.
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3.8 A Warm Western Welcome
Vincent: ........
Since parting with the Eastern wizards, Mister Vincent seems lost in thought.
Maybe Faust was right: maybe there is some ulterior motive behind these inspection tours.
Cock Robin: Sir Sage. The Western wizards are at the bar, correct?
Akira: Ah, yes. That’s right.
Mister Cock Robin’s words bring me back to my senses. I need to focus on the task at hand.
I gulp.
Central. South. East. Things have gone smoothly up till now, but this is where the fight begins.
Because Western wizards love a good prank.
Akira: (....But this is our third inspection tour, and they seemed calm when I talked to them yesterday.)
(I’m sure it’ll all be fine....)
Ah.... Here we are. Let me check in on them first.
✦✧☾✧✦
And there stand four Mister Vincents.
Vincent: What is it?
Vincent: What is going on?
Vincent: What in the world is happening?
Vincent: I certainly wonder what it is.
I immediately rush back out into the hallway.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: ............
Vincent: What is it? Aren’t we going inside?
The real Vincent asks with a dubious expression.
I spin around and force a smile.
Akira: Could you give us a moment? I’m sorry, but please stand back a bit further.
Vincent: Stand back?
Akira: Yes, yes, just like that. Plea... Please give me a second.
✦✧☾✧✦
I peer into the bar once more and find the Western wizards.
Murr: Ah, Sir Sage!
Chloe: It’s Sir Sage!
Shylock: Good morning, Sir Sage.
Rustica: How was that, Sir Sage? Did it bring a smile to your face?
Akira: Uh, erm....
Rustica: Central Country, Southern Country, Eastern Country.... Everyone seemed to be conducting such serious training.
So we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to lighten the mood by offering our guests a moment of laughter and surprise.
Akira: Th-thank you. But I think that joke might’ve been pushing it....
Rustica: Oh, my. Was it too adult?
Shylock: But we have yet to perform the second half of our show — that may get slightly extreme....
Chloe: See, I told you they’d probably get mad at us! That’s the problem, right, Sir Sage!?
Murr: So are you saying we’d be better off transforming into Drummond? Sir Sage, would you call yourself a tough critic with comedy?
Akira: Um, um... I don’t know where to begin......
First of all, thank you for your kindness.
Western wizards: You’re welcome!
Akira: But Prince Vincent doesn’t seem to be looking for surprises or laughter at the moment... Not quite yet....
Murr: What do you think he wants? Philosophy? Science? Astronomy?
Shylock: Fine wine that will wash away the headaches from his earthly concerns?
Rustica: How about some beautiful music?
Chloe: Or some new clothes!?
Akira: Um... Would you mind using magic to offer those sorts of things to Prince Vincent?
Western wizards: Of course!
Akira: Then let’s do that! Thank you all!
I give them a big smile and a nod.
Then, I turn around to invite Mister Vincent and his entourage in from the hallway.
Akira: Please come on in!
✦✧☾✧✦
Murr: <<Eanul Rambul>>!
Cock Robin: Woah.... There are constellations from the night sky glittering about the whole room!
Shylock: <<Invibelle>>
Drummond: My goodness..... Floating fruits are getting squeezed into the glass and mixed with liquor!
Rustica: <<Amorest Viesse>>
(Music plays)
Akira: Wow....! What a lovely performance!
Chloe: <<Suispicibo Voitengok>>!
Vincent: .........
Chloe: Ah.... um.....
We’re all elated by the Western wizards’ magic spells.
Well, save for Mister Vincent.
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3.9 Gift From a Wizard
Vincent: .....What is this?
Mister Vincent tugs at a piece of cloth that was floating through the air with Chloe’s magic.
Maybe that undid the spell: the colorful cloth collapses right into Mister Vincent’s hand.
Chloe: ....Th-that’s.... Um, it’s a cravat.....
Vincent: I can tell.
Chloe shrinks back, intimidated by Mister Vincent’s glare.
Chloe: I-I’m sorry......
Rustica: No need to apologize, Chloe. Look. Prince Vincent isn’t angry.
Chloe: R-really....?
Chloe follows Rustica’s bidding and looks up to Mister Vincent.
I pray that Mister Vincent won’t treat him poorly.
Because Chloe is just so good. He loves sewing; he loves it when his creations bring happiness to others.
I don’t want to see him get scolded for showing off his sewing magic; it would be too cruel.
I’m fully prepared to break up their conversation if it becomes necessary.
Mister Vincent takes a close look at the cloth he had daintily picked out of the air, and furrows his brows.
Vincent: Did you make this just now with magic? Or did you use magic to summon something that was already made?
Chloe: Eh, um, I had purchased the cloth from a lovely shop in the Central marketplace....
Vincent: And when did you use magic?
Chloe: Wh... when I styled the cloth!
Vincent: I’ve never seen a cravat styled this way.
Chloe: I came up with it myself.
Vincent: I see. It’s quite fashionable.
Mister Vincent says, and jokingly brings the cloth to his neck.
His smile reminds me of Arthur. Delighted, I turn around to look at Chloe.
Chloe is crying. Maybe it was from surprise. Tears keep spilling from his big eyes.
Rustica seems to be at a complete loss.
Rustica: Ch-Chloe...
Perhaps Mister Vincent is used to dealing with commoners bursting into tears of gratitude upon hearing his words; he seems perfectly calm.
Murr and Shylock exchange glances and quiet smiles.
Vincent: I see. I will return this to you.
Chloe: Um, um....! If you don’t mind, could you please accept this as a gift? It looks very nice on you....
Mister Vincent glares at Chloe suspiciously. Chloe turns paler by the second.
But he still wipes his tears and looks Mister Vincent in the eye.
Chloe: I know you might not want to keep something made by a wizard, but I have not cast a curse on it!
And it contains no strange spells or tricks either, of course! ....You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to, but.......
Vincent: .........
Vincent keeps staring at Chloe, as if to test him.
Then, he nimbly folds the cravat and lifts it with his hand.
Vincent: I will accept this. I trust you.
A smile breaks out across Chloe’s face.
Chloe: Th... Thank you!
Rustica: That’s wonderful, Chloe.
I can’t believe what just happened. In fact, I still think it’s too good to be true.
Because Chloe is so wonderful. Because it was a fashionable style. Because he praised a Central marketplace shop.
There could be many reasons why Mister Vincent accepted Chloe’s offering. He might’ve accepted it on a whim.
But it still makes me so happy.
I try to thank Mister Vincent too.
But I miss my opportunity, because he’s talking to Rustica.
Vincent: Rustica Ferch?
Rustica: Yes.
Rustica responds with a smile. Mister Vincent pretends nothing is going on as he observes him from head to toe.
Vincent: So you’re the musician who was summoned to replace one of the victims from the last battle against the < Great Catastrophe >....
Rustica: That would be me, Prince Vincent. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
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3.10 Rustica’s Past
Vincent: The pleasure is mine. May I ask you a few questions?
Rustica: Of course.
Vincent: Ferch — are you from the Ferch family that fell to ruin?
The great aristocratic family that flourished in the West, known to be wealthier than the Royal family itself....
Chloe swallows his breath at Vincent’s question.
With an intense gaze, he scrutinizes Rustica’s profile.
Rustica simply smiles.
Rustica: I can’t say. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten.
Vincent: ....... I see.
Rustica: And your name is Vincent Granvelle?
Vincent: .....Yes.
Rustica: What a lovely name.
Mister Vincent doesn’t respond; he simply joins his hands behind his back.
Vincent: Rustica. Is there anyone who attends to your personal care?
Rustica: Chloe always takes care of me incredibly well. He’s a very thoughtful boy, you see.
Vincent: Is that enough? If you’re in need of an additional attendant, we can offer you a servant.
Shylock’s eyes open wide, and Murr lets out a whistle. This is a surprising level of hospitality.
Murr: Why Rustica? Even Sir Sage doesn’t have a personal servant.
Vincent: He has Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Huh!? Um, I’m actually a secretary....
Shylock: How strange. We Western wizards love the bizarre, you see.
Does it have anything to do with the reason your haughty attitude suddenly softened?
Vincent glares at Shylock, and his eyes say it all: "Silence."
Shylock brings his pipe to his lips and lightly cocks an eyebrow.
Vincent looks ready to retort, but in the next moment, he seems to have lost his train of thought.
It’s as if he’s been mesmerized by Shylock’s quiet smile. He sheepishly averts his gaze and closes his mouth.
I’m not sure what he meant to say, but I think he might have made the right choice.
Because there aren’t many people out there who can avoid being drawn to Shylock, much less best him in an oral argument.
Shylock: Oh my. How unfortunate.
Murr: What a boring outcome for Shylock!
Well, there is one exception.
Rustica: I thank you for your kindness, Prince Vincent. From the bottom of my heart.
But why are you so kind to me? Could it be.....
Vincent: ........
Rustica: You’re my bride.....
Vincent: Bride?
Chloe: No! No! No! Calm down, Rustica!
Chloe rushes to stop Rustica who has pulled up his birdcage — his magic tool.
Rustica is in search of his bride. That’s why he has a habit of trapping people inside the birdcage when he thinks they might be his bride.
He has no problem going for elderly men and elderly women as well.
Vincent: I don’t quite understand, but I have seen enough. We’ll be taking our leave.
Mister Vincent says and nods to Rustica.
Rustica responds with an equally polite nod. There’s nothing strange about Rustica’s fine manners; he’s always courteous.
But something feels off.
Chloe gazes at Rustica anxiously.
Rustica was the one who saved Chloe from his unfortunate circumstances; he also taught him magic.
In other words, Rustica is Chloe’s master of magic.
But Chloe doesn’t know what happened in Rustica’s past.
He doesn’t even know why Rustica is in search of his bride.
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Chapter 2 << | index | >> Chapter 4