healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2022-11-13 12:50 pm
healingbonds) wrote2022-11-13 12:50 pm
Entry tags:
Main Story 2 | Chapter 10 | The Scepter's Curse
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 10: The Scepter's Curse
10.1 Haunted Regalia
10.2 A Question and a Promise
10.3 I Swear in the Name of God
10.4 Separate Ways
10.5 Castle Atop the Hill
10.6 The Princess and the Servant
10.7 Blessings for Their Love
10.8 The Woman’s Voice and the Nightmare
10.9 Never Let Me Go
10.10 Next to the Princess Stands....
10.1 Haunted Regalia
Akira: You want us to save Princess Liliana....?
At my utterance, the bird named Gregory flaps his wings in a grand display.
Gregory: Indeed! O kind Sage, please lend us your strength!
Free Princess Liliana from the curse of the royal family’s scepter!
The curse of the royal family?
Does that mean Princess Liliana belongs to the Western royal family?
Is she a princess of Western Country the same way Arthur is the prince of Central Country?
Actually, what is this scepter thing he’s talking about?
Chloe notices my confusion and kindly offers up an explanation.
Chloe: Sir Sage. A scepter is like a fancy staff.
It’s also said to be an item of regalia that embodies the authority of Western Country’s royal family.
Akira: I see.... You know a lot about this, Chloe.
Chloe shyly narrows his warm purple eyes in response to my praise.
Chloe: Rustica taught me when I was little.
I once spotted a princess in a painting who was so pretty that I tried to copy her and make her dress. She also had a scepter, so I was going to make that too, but.....
Rustica told me, "This is a royal symbol — and you could get punished for imitating such insignia."
I recall what I learned in history class back at school.
Mimicking the emblems of national and royal authority is the equivalent of declaring yourself king.
Alternatively, it can be seen as denigration of the state. That’s why you can be charged with treason even if you don’t mean to insult anybody.
Gregory looks at Chloe in absolute disbelief.
Gregory: You tried to make a counterfeit of the royal scepter....?
Wizards truly come up with the most outrageous of ideas.
Chloe: I wasn’t trying to be bad, okay?
It was really beautiful, so I wanted to make the same thing for myself. What’s wrong with that?
Before Gregory can respond to a surprisingly pouty Chloe, Murr chortles in delight.
Murr: Excellent! Chloe, you’re absolutely correct!
At times, authority and tradition are the dams that block the currents of inquiry and imagination!
For authority is what grounds merit and value in high plaudit! As such, when authority crumbles, what was once thought to be traditionally valuable falls with it!
Heaven and earth are turned upside down! First place becomes last, and last becomes......
Shylock: Murr. I can sense this will get long, so please save it for later.
Murr: Ahahaha! But there’s no greater entertainment in the world!
Murr giggles and spins through the air.
I recall what Murr once said.
"Let’s turn flowers into fireworks and stones into jewels."
A topsy-turvy upheaval of values.
Shylock: The curse of the royal scepter... I’ve heard of it before.
Shylock lowers his gaze as he strokes his lips. His gaze wanders as he traces his memories.
Shylock: The scepter passed down through the Western royal family is inherited by the heir to the throne.
But unnerving rumors surround this scepter....
Akira: Rumors....?
Shylock locks eyes with me and nods.
Shylock: Indeed. It’s said to drain away one’s heart.
Chloe: It drains away the heart!?
Gregory: Yes.... Princess Liliana always lived in fear.
She feared the curse of the scepter; she was scared that it would change her.
And yet I failed to lend an ear to her concerns....
Gregory’s wings tremble as he clutches his tiny head.
Rustica, who had been silent until now, slowly speaks up.
Rustica: ....Does this mean Princess Liliana is related to the line of succession in some way?
Gregory: .....Well.....
Gregory’s beak trembles in discomfort as his words falter.
That’s when the elevator arrives.
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10.2 A Question and a Promise
Riquet: We’re here, Sir Sage.
............! Oh, what a pretty bird! Can I touch it too?
Gregory: Who is this!? Do you know him?
Riquet: It talks......! How rare to find a talking bird! Did you hear it, Oz?
Oz: That is no bird.
Riquet: It is a bird.
Owen: Bird!
Riquet: Right?
Owen: Bird!
Oz: It is not a bird.
Gregory: Oz? Did someone say Oz? Surely you can’t be talking about the strongest wizard in the world?
Akira: Ah, yes. Actually, Oz is right her–.......
Gregory’s beak drops open as he recoils in wordless alarm. He cowers, covering his tiny head with his wings.
Gregory: Oz is here.......!? Is he coming now!? Which direction is he approaching from.......!?
Gregory steals apprehensive glances at the sky, agitated. It’s like he’s expecting some giant monster to appear.
At the sight of Gregory’s terror, Arthur reaches out to stroke his feathers gently.
Arthur: It’s okay. You don’t have to worry. There is nothing dreadful about Sir Oz; he’s a kind person.
Gregory: Are you the wizard Oz then.......?
Arthur: I am not.
Gregory: If only you really were him! The strongest wizard in the world could definitely rescue Princess Liliana!
Arthur: Princess Liliana......?
Gregory: Well, you see......
Before Gregory can start speaking from his perch on Arthur’s arm......
Owen grabs Gregory with both hands, clutching him tightly.
Gregory: ......Ooof!
Owen: Birdie! Sir Knight, look! It’s a bird!
Cain: Th-thanks, Owen. You did great catching it and showing me.
But I think you might’ve strangled it just a bit......Can you try to hold it a little more gently?
Owen: Oops, sorry.
Gregory: Ack, ack...... You’re violent for someone with such an innocent face......
As his elder brother, you should keep an eye out for him, you know?
Cain: Elder brother? Me? You think I’m his brother?
Gregory: Am I mistaken? You two share the same eyes.
Chloe: That’s true. I guess you guys could look like brothers to people who are meeting you for the first time.
Cain and Owen exchange glances. Gregory seizes the chance to make a hasty escape, flying away from Owen’s clutches......
To alight on Oz’s head.
Gregory: Please forgive my impudence. You, sir, simply look to be the tallest person here. I’d be much obliged if you would allow me to stay atop your head for the moment.
Oz: ............
If I told Gregory exactly whose head he perched on, I bet he would faint right away.
Owen: Birdie......
Gregory: Hey, hey, stay back. Don’t come near me until you get your elder brother to teach you how to handle birds properly.
Cain: Owen, come play with me for now. Here, I’ll give you some candy.
Arthur: Ahaha. Come here.
Once more, Arthur reaches out a hand to Gregory as he paces on top of Oz's head, safe from Owen’s reach.
Arthur: Who is he, Sir Sage? What on earth happened here?
Akira: Well, you see...... Gregory was magically transformed into a bird.
According to his story, the Princess Liliana he mentioned is in grave danger......
I relay Gregory’s story to Arthur and the others.
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: I see. In short......
The daughter of the Cortese family, Princess Liliana, has fallen under the curse of the Western royal scepter......
Akira: Yes. You’re probably aware, but the King or Queen holds a royal scepter......
There are rumors that the scepter in the possession of the Western royal family is cursed — that it devours the heart of whoever holds it.
Arthur: I’ve heard the rumor. It’s one of the strange ghost stories of the world.
But that’s curious: isn’t Princess Liliana the eldest daughter of the Cortese family?
The Western royal family comprises members of the House of Mastandrea. Why would Princess Liliana of the Cortese family have fallen under the curse of the royal scepter?
Gregory: ............
I’m sorry, but I cannot divulge any further details until you promise to assist me.
Shylock: Wizards do not make promises.
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10.3 I Swear in the Name of God
Gregory: Do not utter such cruel words! I promise — I will pay any amount you care to name.
Riquet: We are not being cruel, nor do we need any rewards.
But can you tell us more about the situation? You see, we have our own important mission to carry out.
We’re in Western Country to head to, um.......
Cain: The headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Riquet: We have to go to the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Gregory: Why would the Sage be taking a party of his wizards to the headquarters? What in the world is going on?
Don’t tell me..... Could it be that the moon is going to attack soon?
There is unmistakable fear and apprehension in Gregory’s voice.
I flash him a reassuring smile.
Akira: There’s nothing to worry about. We’re simply investigating how we can be better prepared to face the < Great Catastrophe > when it attacks.
Gregory sighs in relief, before fixing his gaze on me.
His azure eyes are fervent, wise, and filled with sharpened determination.
He must’ve been a reliable and competent servant to his lady before he was forced into this avian form.
He takes off from Arthur’s side and flies to me, bowing deeply for the second time.
Gregory: Sir Sage. Let me return to my previous request. I am deeply sorry, but I cannot divulge any further details at this point.
As much as it pains me to adopt such a manner, someone in my position could cause trouble for the Cortese family should I speak thoughtlessly......
Noticing Gregory’s reluctance, Shylock draws closer to me and softly whispers into my ear.
Shylock: Sir Sage....... I believe this likely concerns the matter of succession to the Western throne.
Akira: Succession to the throne....?
Shylock: Indeed. And matters of succession would be highly confidential national secrets.
I can understand why he cannot tell us the whole story until we agree to assist him.
Akira: So that’s how it is.......
The situation might be more dire than I originally assumed. I take a renewed look at Gregory.
His strong gaze is unwavering, earnest in its mute appeal.
Gregory: I apologize for my reticence despite asking for your help. ......However, Sir Sage.
I can say this for sure: there is no one in this world who is more important to me than Princess Liliana.
You will find no falsehood in my feelings. I swear in the name of God. I want to protect her no matter what it takes.......!
Please help me, Sir Sage!
Gregory bows deeply, his body curled up in a gesture of deep obeisance.
His words are as filled with the passion and ardor that characterize the residents of Western Country.
"I swear in the name of God." These are words wizards could not speak easily.
Akira: (So Gregory loves this Princess Liliana......)
I wish I could help him.... With that thought in mind, I look up and see the Western wizards standing before me.
And the Western wizards love romantic gossip — so they’re completely on his side.
Chloe: Wow, that was so touching...! So you just want to save the lady you love. Sir Sage, I want to help him!
Rustica: What a splendid tale of love. I’d be delighted to lend you a hand.
Shylock: It would haunt my conscience to close my eyes and ignore an impending tragedy.
Murr: Shylock loves the pure love of youth!
Gregory: Thanks, folks! Oh, I guess that was too uncouth. Gracious heroes, may I ask you your names?
Murr: Murr!
Shylock: I am Shylock.
Rustica: My name is Rustica.
Chloe: And I’m Chloe! I hope we’ll get along, Gregory!
Gregory: Ah.... Murr, Shylock, Rustica, Chloe. Thank you!
And you too, Sir Akira! I assume I can thank you, right? You will allow your wizards to lend me their assistance....?
Akira: Um....
Unsure of how to respond, I turn to look at the Central wizards.
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10.4 Separate Ways
Smiling, the Central wizards nod at me.
Cain: Go ahead, Akira. Once we reach the headquarters, it’ll still take us some time to find anyone who can put us in the way of what we’re looking for.
It would’ve been a great help to have the Western wizards with us, but we can gather information on Nicholas just fine on our own.
We’ll round up what we can and wait for you. So go and help Gregory out.
Akira: Cain...... Are the rest of us okay with this too?
Arthur: Yes. It must be a stroke of fate that brought us together like this.
If anything, I’m only sorry we can’t go along with you and the Western wizards, Sir Sage.
Akira: Thank you..... We’ll catch up with you the second we solve Gregory’s problem.
Arthur: I will await your return.
Riquet: Prince Arthur. Are we parting ways with Gregory here?
Arthur: Yes. I presume the others will be heading to the Cortese lands in the West.
Riquet: What a shame. I wanted to play more with bird-Gregory.
Gregory: I would be delighted to play with you once I return to my human form, whether it be cards or board games.
Owen: Are we saying bye?
Riquet: Yes, Owen.
Owen: I wanna touch him one more time.
Gregory: Huh? Oh fine, but be gentle. Please.
Gregory draws his wings back as Owen strokes his tiny forehead.
Owen: Good boy, good boy.
Gregory: Haha, that tickles. Hey, your brother learns pretty quickly.
Cain: Huh? Oh, yeah.
Gregory: You’re a very kind brother.
Cain laughs uneasily. He gently pulls Owen’s hand away from Gregory.
Cain: Okay, time to say goodbye.
Owen: Bye bye.
And so we split into two parties upon reaching the Western tower.
The Central wizards make for the City of Wealth.
And the Western wizards and I accompany Gregory to the Cortese lands.
✦✧☾✧✦
Shylock allows me to ride behind him on his broom.
The wind carries a delightful scent wafting from his flowing hair.
Shylock, noticing my evident nerves, flashes me a teasing smile.
Shylock: Sir Sage. Please hang on tight.
Akira: Y-yes.
I’m not the only one in a slight panic.
Gregory: You’re really sexy.....
I’ve met many a beauty in my life, but none as enticing as you.
Shylock: Fufu... I can’t say I’m surprised.
Shylock politely parries Gregory’s acclaim; he’s accustomed to hearing such praise. Gregory shrugs his shoulder-wings.
Gregory: I put my heart into that, you know? I would have had the maids of the house blushing for sure.
Shylock: Do treat me to the same emotion one day. Gregory, would you like to perch on my shoulder?
Gregory: No thanks. I can already see myself getting bashful like a naive little boy.
And with that, Gregory (for some reason) decides to make my shoulder his resting spot.
Sakitty is there too, so the area around my face seems quite popular today.
Gregory gazes at the Central wizards who grow more distant by the second.
Gregory: Sir Sage. Is Prince Arthur....
Akira: Ah.... Yes. He’s the prince of Central Kingdom.
Word that Arthur was summoned as a Sage’s wizard has spread both within and outside Central Country’s borders.
Gregory: I see.... I heard that he was summoned as a Sage’s wizard, but....
Gregory gazes at Arthur’s back; it seems like there are words stuck in his throat.
A fresh breeze blows through the azure sky; a pleasant smell tickles the tip of my nose.
And with it comes Shylock’s faint murmur.
Shylock: ...Ah, Cortese....
....They were in charge of that botanical garden.....
As we fly to the Cortese lands, Gregory tells us his story piece by piece.
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10.5 Castle Atop the Hill
Gregory: I’d like to explain what happened to Princess Liliana, but I must first request complete confidentiality....
Chloe: We won’t tell! We can’t promise you, but please trust us.
What kind of relationship did you and Princess Liliana have, Gregory? Were you two in love? Or was your love unrequited?
Rustica: Clue me in too. You said you loved her more than anyone else.
Gregory ruffles his feathers; it seems like he’s shrugging.
Gregory: So you’re not going to laugh and make a fool of me. As I mentioned earlier — I am a mere servant.
This love is a misalliance.
Chloe: I would never make fun of you. Love that defies social status sounds wonderful!
Gregory: ...Really?
Chloe: Of course. I’m rooting for you. I’m also a commoner, but I’m friends with Rustica, who’s a noble.
Rustica: That’s right.
Gregory: Haha.... Thank you. I love how free-spirited you wizards are.
Shylock: You are also a free spirit. Perhaps you were not before — but now, you carry yourself with your own wings.
You might be about to embark on the most futuristic adventure of love: one that defines you neither as a human nor a bird.
Light reflects off Gregory’s azure eyes as they shimmer under the sunlight. It looks like he’s tearing up.
Gregory: You’re all so kind. Sorry for calling you damn wizards earlier.....
Murr: Don’t worry about it! Just tell us the rest of your tale!
Gregory nods and stares ahead at the endless green horizon.
A magnificent castle sits atop a low hill in the distance.
Gregory: See that? That's Cortese Castle.
Chloe: I do! It’s so lovely, sitting atop the hill like that.
Gregory: Cortese Castle has a rich history, you see. The locals are fond of it too — they all call it the castle on the hill.
We were raised in that castle.
Princess Liliana is the only daughter of our lord. She’s five years younger than me, turning eighteen this year. I’m twenty-three, and I serve as her personal attendant.
The Cortese lands are quite peaceful; the family might be distantly related to the royal line, but we never experienced any of the drama that comes with royal succession.
The one thing the Cortese family can boast of is the Royal Botanical Garden, established right around the time the country was founded.
Akira: The Royal Botanical Garden....?
Could this be the botanical garden that Shylock mentioned earlier?
Gregory: Indeed. It’s an institute for botanical research that belongs to the Western royal family.
Akira: So it’s the king’s research facility?
Gregory: Exactly. In the distant past, a salt pollution disaster destroyed all the precious plants across the country.
In order to prevent such a tragedy from repeating itself, our generous king built a grand botanical garden.
Akira: Salt pollution....? Like when high tides from a hurricane spread salt across the land?
Shylock: Normally, yes.
Akira: Normally?
Shylock: The botanical garden came into existence because a wizard conjured up a tornado from the sea and sent it inland.
I’m dumbstruck. Gregory, too, seems stunned as he flaps his wings repeatedly.
Gregory: The history books state it was a catastrophic hurricane....
Shylock: Unless my memory is failing me, it was a wizard-made disaster.
Chloe: Why would that wizard do such a thing?
Shylock: Who knows? Perhaps he felt excluded from human circles, and simply wanted to get his revenge....
By destroying what humans worked to protect.
If he were an Eastern wizard, his actions might have been accompanied by bitter loathing or considerable determination....
But we’re talking about a voluptuary Western wizard. Perhaps he was simply addicted to criminal mischief.
Chloe: ....And then what happened?
Shylock: I hear Murr turned him to stone. Murr was quite close to the Western royal family back then.
Murr, do you recall?
Murr: I dunno~!
Murr hooks the tips of his toes on his broom and hangs upside-down.
I feel my chest grow tighter and release an audible sigh.
Because stories like this make me understand why humans fear wizards.
The terror of living in a world where wizards can destroy what is precious to you on a whim.
An uneasy emptiness; a feeling of powerlessness that haunts you and wears you down day after day.
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10.6 The Princess and the Servant
Gregory: Erm.... May I return to my story?
Gregory cuts in again, gesturing with his wings from one side to another.
Rustica copies the gesture and nods.
Rustica: Go on.
Gregory: Thanks. Where was I.... Right. The Royal Botanical Garden.
In short, the Cortese family oversees the Royal Botanical Garden, but aside from that, the castle is a peaceful one of no particular significance.
The lord is a laid-back fellow, and a lot of his close servants are elderly men and women.
I was known as the hardest working guy at Cortese Castle.
Chloe: Huh, that’s so cool!
Gregory: It would be, if we were talking about the royal castle where the most elite of the elite assemble.
But in my case — it doesn’t say much. That’s how peaceful and boring the castle would be to an ambitious young man with lofty goals.
But that’s why the lord remembered me well....
And allowed me to serve as Lady Liliana’s personal servant since I was young.
✦✧☾✧✦
Liliana: Gregory.
Gregory: Yes, what is it, Princess?
Liliana: Father mentioned that you were a hard-working and attentive young man who’s also very cultured and smart.
Gregory: You honor me.
Liliana: Since you’re so smart, Gregory, do you know who I’m going to marry?
Gregory: I can’t say.... Isn’t it too early for you to be thinking about this? Princess Liliana, you’re only seven years old.
Liliana: That’s true, but....
Gregory: But?
Liliana: But I want to marry you, Gregory. I like you the most.
Gregory: Ahaha. Well, I appreciate the thought.
Liliana: Gregory, you’re the loveliest person in the whole castle. You’re a skilful swordsman and horseman. You’re smart, and you wake up early. And your handwriting is pretty.....
Gregory: I have to concur. The elders are too laid-back.
Liliana: Will you marry me, Gregory? May I ask for Father’s permission?
Gregory: Lady Liliana. As much as the lord spoils you, he will not return an affirmative answer to that question.
Liliana: But why?
Gregory: Because this match is a misalliance.
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: No....!
Rustica: This is heartbreaking.... Even though she must be a beautiful bird who would look perfect by your side.....
Gregory: No. No, she’s not a bird. Liliana is a human. And I was also originally a human.
Rustica: Oh, right! I apologize.
Watching you, I can’t help but picture an avian love affair....
Gregory: I mean, I get it, but.
Chloe: So? So? How did you actually fall in love with Princess Liliana?
Gregory: Let’s see.... I think I was twenty years old, and the princess had just turned fifteen.....
✦✧☾✧✦
Liliana: Gregory! How was my dancing?
Gregory: It was wonderful.
Liliana: Ehehe, thanks! I’m going to dance to another song, so watch closely!
Gregory: Yes, I’ll be cheering you on.
Lord: Gregory.
Gregory: My lord.....
Lord: A dance, huh. Liliana is now fifteen years old. You must already know what I’m about to say, but.....
Gregory: ....Of course. I understand my place. I am a mere servant....
Lord: The Cortese family may be distantly related to the crown, but we are completely removed from the conflict that comes with royal succession.
I know it may be a tall request for someone like you — a young man with a bright future ahead — but won’t you take her hand in marriage?
Gregory: Huh?
Lord: Huh?
Gregory: What.....
Lord: I’m asking you to take Liliana’s hand and the future of the castle.....
Gregory: Huh!? You know I’m a commoner, right!?
Lord: Don’t worry about it.... Worst case scenario, we can just adopt some noble’s child.
Gregory: .......
While I’m very much humbled by your offer, may I have some time to consider it?
Lord: Huh....? I thought you wanted to marry her....?
Gregory: No, quite frankly, I never once considered her seriously in my whole life. It was out of the question.....
Lord: You’re going to turn her down....?
Gregory: No, no, no... I mean, that’s not what I mean, but she’s just fifteen years old.....
Lord: Gregory, I’m begging you! You’re the only one I can count on!
Gregory: Uhh.....
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10.7 Blessings for Their Love
Chloe: Uh.... Wait, so that’s how it went down....? I was expecting more of a pure love story.....
Gregory: Don’t look so visibly disappointed! It’s gonna turn into a pure love story!
Shylock: We’re about to arrive at the castle atop the hill.
Gregory: Hang on! Let me tweet a little bit more!
So ever since then, there seemed to be this silent understanding that we were engaged. That’s how we were raised.
At first, I wasn’t sure of how to deal with the development. But as Liliana matured, I began to see her in a different light.....
Chloe: Yeah! There we go! This is what I was waiting for!
Time taught you two the most precious lesson: that your soulmate was by your side all along....
Murr: I think there’s a simpler biological explanation here.
Chloe: Biological explanation?
Murr: She grew from a larva to a mature adult. That’s why Gregory came to see her as a potential suitor.
Chloe: Why do you have to say it like that!?
Gregory: What do you mean, larva!? My lady is neither an insect nor a fish!
Murr: I experience romantic attraction through my soul, but plenty of organisms out there choose mates based on the perceived ages of their potential suitors, right?
What do you say, Rustica? You’ve known Chloe since his larval days.
Chloe: You’re bringing us into this conversation now!?
Shylock: Murr. Your obscene phrasing is both cruel and crude.
Murr: Are you claiming that mere discussion of natural instincts should be considered obscene? In that case, every creature in love would be a vulgar low-life.
"I want that!" "I love that!" In the end, it’s all desire — your favorite thing. Why won’t you allow these feelings to exist in their innate form?
Shylock: Because I know of a man who pursued that instinct and became a beast.
Animalistic urges of love should be bound with moderation and reason; only then will desire become decorous and tasteful....
Gregory: Amazing. You wizards speak like academics.....
Rustica: I’ve known Chloe as both a child and an adult — but I can say he’s wonderful in both forms.
Chloe: Rustica! I think you’re making things worse by speaking up now!?
Rustica: Is that so?
Akira: S-so that’s how you and Princess Liliana came to be engaged?
If the lord approves of the union, isn’t your difference in status irrelevant?
Gregory: That’s what I thought too.... But things really took a dark turn these past few months.
✦✧☾✧✦
Liliana: Gregory.... I need to apologize to you. I was a selfish child.
Gregory: What’s wrong? What gives.....
Liliana: I never once considered your predicament: I simply wished for you to stay by my side, taking your existence for granted.
Because I always felt at ease with you watching over me, Gregory....
But you... You were simply too kind; you stayed by my side because you couldn’t refuse Father’s wishes.
Gregory: Princess Liliana.....
Liliana: I’m sorry. And thank you. You can now be free of me.
I know you’ll find yourself a lovely bride.... I’ll speak to Father about this, so.....
Gregory: What’s going on? Why are you saying all this now...?
Liliana: I simply realized. I’ve confessed my love to you on numerous occasions, but you never once said the same to me, Gregory....
....So that was the truth of your feelings......
Gregory: .........
....Oh silly Liliana..... No. I’m the fool here. I can’t believe I’ve made you worry like this....
Liliana: Gregory?
Gregory: I love you, Liliana.
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: Yaaaay~!! He said I love you~!
Rustica: Congratulations, Gregory! Congratulations, Princess Liliana! Let me perform a song of love for you.
Murr: I’m gonna cast my blessings! << Eanul Rambul >>!
Shylock: Let us say cheers — I’ll prepare the finest wine.
(Fireworks)
The Western wizards decorate the blue skies with fireworks and the tune of the violin as they celebrate with clamor.
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10.8 The Woman’s Voice and the Nightmare
I join the party, tossing flower petals with Murr, who conjured them using magic.
Gregory is moved.
Gregory: You guys are really going all-out for me.....
If I were a bard, I’d pay you to sit in the front row of my performance.
Chloe: I’m so happy Princess Liliana’s feelings came across! So what happened next?
Murr: Things are supposed to take a dark turn, right?
Chloe: Hang on, what?! Oh, right, he did mention that.....
Rustica: Right, he also asked us to save Princess Liliana......
Shylock: Why don’t we listen to the rest of his tale?
The Western wizards are even more eager to hear Gregory’s story than before.
Gregory: The day that Liliana and I realized that our feelings were united.... Was also the first day a sign of misfortune befell us.
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: His Highness the Crown Prince and his family were involved in a carriage accident...?
Lord: Indeed.... I hear his young children were also involved.....
Gregory: This doesn’t bode well. His Majesty is quite unwell — what’s going to happen if His Highness doesn’t survive the accident....?
I do pray for his safety....
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: The Crown Prince only just passed away the other day. Yet now the duke who is second in line to the throne has died from a sudden illness....?
And several other individuals in the line of succession have met similar untimely ends lately....
Is the royal palace overrun with assassination plots...?
Liliana: .....Gregory..... I’m scared......
Gregory: Do not fear, Princess Liliana. The noble blood of the royal family may run through your veins, but.....
If we were to count members in the line of succession on a family tree, there would be at least five individuals who came before you.
I do not believe this trouble will reach the peaceful lands of Cortese.
Liliana: ........ I hope so, but.......
But a few months ago, I heard a strange voice in my bedroom.....
Gregory: A strange voice?
Liliana: Yes..... I think it must’ve been after the Five Countries’ Peace Conference in Central Country....
I couldn’t sleep, because I felt like someone was watching me in the dark of the night. That’s when I heard a creepy woman’s voice.....
"I choose her."
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: ....It’s been a living nightmare since then.
Individuals in the line of the succession began dropping left and right.....
And now Princess Liliana is the closest living successor to the throne.
Akira: That many members of the royal family have passed away!?
Shylock: I can’t say I know much about it, but the line of succession in the Western royal family is actually quite complicated.
They abide by the right of primogeniture regardless of gender. And when the thread of direct lineage ends.....
They take a child from one of several royal households. The Cortese family can be found at the very end of this list of royal households.
Murr, noticing my confusion at this string of unfamiliar words, pipes up to clarify.
Murr: These kinds of rules exist to prevent competition for succession to the throne.
Succession conflicts usually emerge between brothers, or uncles and nephews. So to prevent that.....
The right of succession passes exclusively from the parent to the firstborn. In the event that a successor has no children, they’ll bring in a child from a fixed list of royal households.
So all the non-firstborn members of the royal household should still be alive.
Rustica: Which means.... If something happens to His Majesty, Princess Liliana.....
Gregory: Will become the Queen of Western Country.
The Queen of Western Country. The stakes of this humble love story have suddenly skyrocketed.
And I’m once again forced to confront that this is a completely different world than my own.
People I know usually don’t come seeking romantic advice because the love of their life is about to become Queen.
Shylock: So that’s why you requested strict confidentiality. None of this information has been made public yet.
Gregory: It was such a string of unfortunate events — they must be keeping it undisclosed to prevent the citizens from falling into panic.
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10.9 Never Let Me Go
Chloe: But I wonder what’s going on with the woman’s voice that Princess Liliana heard.....
Murr: "I choose her."
Shylock: Do we know who the voice belongs to?
Gregory: We do not.... But Liliana believes it’s the scepter’s voice.
Rustica: So the cursed scepter of the royal family has chosen Princess Liliana to inherit the throne?
Gregory: At the very least, that’s what she feared.
✦✧☾✧✦
Liliana: No.... I don’t want to go to the City of Wealth. I don’t want to go to the Royal Palace.
If we go, the cursed scepter will drain away my heart.... I’ll no longer be myself.....
Gregory: ....Princess Liliana.....
Liliana: Gregory, save me! I don’t want to be the Crown Princess.... I don’t want to be the Queen.
Let us get married. I’m going to become your wife, and we’ll live here in peace together.
I want to grow old watching over the Cortese lands from atop this hill, and.....
Gregory: .....Liliana. I cannot become your husband.
Liliana: But why!?
Gregory: Because you will one day become the Queen of Western Country. And I.... cannot become King.
Liliana: But.....!
If you are turning me down because you loathe me, then I’ll give up! But if that’s not the case — I refuse to let this be our goodbye!
Gregory: I don’t want to let you go either! But.....
We were just notified that the people serving Cortese are strictly forbidden from entering the Royal Palace....
....I’m going to negotiate with the Royal Palace one more time to see if they’ll at least let me stay by your side.
Liliana: Why? Why won’t they let me take you or my ladies to the Royal Palace?
I don’t want to live all alone in a palace where people are dropping dead like flies.....
Gregory: It’ll be all right, Liliana. I’ll stay by your side. I won’t take my eyes off of you.
Liliana: I’m begging you, Gregory... Don’t make me go to the palace alone. I know I’ll lose my heart.....
I have a horrible feeling that I’m going to become someone you don’t recognize....
Gregory: Liliana.....
Liliana: I love you, Gregory. ....Never let me go.....
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: ....But no matter how many times I beseeched the Royal Palace, they would not allow me to accompany Lady Liliana.
Servants from the Royal Palace swept into Cortese and took Lady Liliana with them — it was like she had been kidnapped.
Chloe: That’s awful... Poor Princess Liliana.....
Shylock: And what did you do? I presume you did not sit back and watch idly as all this unfolded.
For if you did, you would not be a bird at the present moment.
Gregory: Haha, right on.
Despite my many negotiation attempts, the Royal Palace flat out refused to let me see Princess Liliana. Frustrated, I....
Well. In retrospect, it might sound thoughtless, but I snuck into the Royal Palace.
Chloe: You snuck into the palace!?
Murr: You would’ve been dead meat if they found you! Congrats on surviving!
Akira: And were you able to meet Princess Liliana....?
Gregory: ....Yes.
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: ....Liliana.... Where are you....?
Even if you become the queen, to me, you will always be the little princess who I promised to protect.....
Liliana: ........
Gregory: Liliana!
Liliana: Who goes there?
Gregory: Liliana.....?
Liliana: Calling my name with such familiarity....
.....What a presumptuous man you are.
Gregory: Liliana, it’s me, Gregory! I came to see you!
Liliana: Oh....?
....My, my. Thank you, dear Gregory. Liliana is very happy.
You risked your life to come see me.... You must really love me.
Come to my room and show me how your beautiful azure eyes look by the warm lights of the palace.
Gregory: ....What’s going on?
Liliana: ........
Gregory: Something is off.... Is it because of the scepter? Let go of that thing, Liliana!
Liliana: ....Such impudence....!
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10.10 Next to the Princess Stands....
Gregory: I tried to steal the scepter from Liliana’s hands.
But I was blinded by a sudden flash of brilliant light.
As I squinted through the blinding light, I saw another person standing next to Liliana.
Rustica: Another person? What did they look like?
Gregory: He was.... An ostentatious man. With long white hair.....
✦✧☾✧✦
???: .............
(Boom)
Gregory: ......! Aaaaagh.....
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: My body was surrounded by a brilliant light....
And next thing I knew, I was a bird.
Akira: ....A man with long white hair.....
Chloe: That kind of sounds like the wizard Nova.....?
Shylock: The cursed scepter.... The princess with the half-drained heart.... And the wizard Nova.....
Murr: Top that off with the suspicious deaths of the royal lineage, and you’ve got a really wicked situation!
I grow nervous at the mention of this man who sounds like Nova.
What if we do run into Nova?
Will I be able to protect everyone from someone that even the Northern wizards couldn’t defeat?
Akira: ....Gregory. What happened after you were transformed into a bird at the palace?
There’s a reason we’re headed to Cortese Castle and not the royal palace, right?
Gregory: Of course.
Initially, I was terribly confused and even mourned my bodily transformation, but......
I chose not to dwell on it and decided to use my avian form to survey the Royal Palace instead.
Murr: You’re really good at your job!
Gregory: That’s how I discovered that Liliana was planning a trip home in preparation for her official relocation to the Royal Palace.
General Barnett and several of his men will be accompanying her on her return.
I managed to track down the carriage by departing early and intercepting the party on their way to Cortese, but....
A powerful gust of wind blew me away, far into the distance.
And that’s how I met you all.
Maybe that chilling gale was actually God’s fair guidance.
Shylock: Or someone realized you were tracking the carriage and blew you away with magic.
Chloe: Someone? Do you mean Nova?
Rustica: Maybe someone has cast a mysterious spell on the scepter.
Murr: In any event, we’re about to meet this drained-heart princess, right?
Gregory: Yes. We should be able to meet her.
I’m begging you, Sir Sage. Please save her.
Please bring back the childish, innocent, and gentle Liliana.
I smile at Gregory as he bows deeply before me.
I reach out to stroke his back.
Sakitty, who had been gazing at him in silence this whole time, floats into the air and circles around him to express encouragement.
Akira: I’ll do whatever I can to help you.
Because both the Western wizards and I want our love stories to end happily ever after.
Gregory: Thank you, Sir Sage......
✦✧☾✧✦
Western Soldier: General Barnett.
Gil: What is it.
Western Soldier: Wizards seem to be approaching from the Eastern skies.
Gil: I see.
Western Soldier: Judging from their trajectory, their destination is likely Cortese Castle....
Gil: Let them be. They’re merely birds of passage.
Liliana: Finish them off.
Gil: .........
Liliana: Finish them off. Cortese Castle is my home.
The very prospect of allowing wizards to approach my homeland with such ease makes me sick.
Gil: These are not your enemies flying directly above your castle during wartime....
Liliana: Can’t you take a hint, General Barnett? I’m telling you to deploy the Magical Technology Corps.
Show me your strength.
Gil: ....I see. Roger that, then.
Men, prepare for battle.
Western Soldier: Yes, sir!
But General Barnett.... Why are we to fight these wizards....?
Gil: You simply need to ward them away. They should abide by our warning — unless they’re up to no good.
Western Soldier: And if they resist?
Gil: We’ll turn them into fuel. Because our magical technology runs on the stones of wizards.
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Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 10: The Scepter's Curse
10.1 Haunted Regalia
10.2 A Question and a Promise
10.3 I Swear in the Name of God
10.4 Separate Ways
10.5 Castle Atop the Hill
10.6 The Princess and the Servant
10.7 Blessings for Their Love
10.8 The Woman’s Voice and the Nightmare
10.9 Never Let Me Go
10.10 Next to the Princess Stands....
10.1 Haunted Regalia
Akira: You want us to save Princess Liliana....?
At my utterance, the bird named Gregory flaps his wings in a grand display.
Gregory: Indeed! O kind Sage, please lend us your strength!
Free Princess Liliana from the curse of the royal family’s scepter!
The curse of the royal family?
Does that mean Princess Liliana belongs to the Western royal family?
Is she a princess of Western Country the same way Arthur is the prince of Central Country?
Actually, what is this scepter thing he’s talking about?
Chloe notices my confusion and kindly offers up an explanation.
Chloe: Sir Sage. A scepter is like a fancy staff.
It’s also said to be an item of regalia that embodies the authority of Western Country’s royal family.
Akira: I see.... You know a lot about this, Chloe.
Chloe shyly narrows his warm purple eyes in response to my praise.
Chloe: Rustica taught me when I was little.
I once spotted a princess in a painting who was so pretty that I tried to copy her and make her dress. She also had a scepter, so I was going to make that too, but.....
Rustica told me, "This is a royal symbol — and you could get punished for imitating such insignia."
I recall what I learned in history class back at school.
Mimicking the emblems of national and royal authority is the equivalent of declaring yourself king.
Alternatively, it can be seen as denigration of the state. That’s why you can be charged with treason even if you don’t mean to insult anybody.
Gregory looks at Chloe in absolute disbelief.
Gregory: You tried to make a counterfeit of the royal scepter....?
Wizards truly come up with the most outrageous of ideas.
Chloe: I wasn’t trying to be bad, okay?
It was really beautiful, so I wanted to make the same thing for myself. What’s wrong with that?
Before Gregory can respond to a surprisingly pouty Chloe, Murr chortles in delight.
Murr: Excellent! Chloe, you’re absolutely correct!
At times, authority and tradition are the dams that block the currents of inquiry and imagination!
For authority is what grounds merit and value in high plaudit! As such, when authority crumbles, what was once thought to be traditionally valuable falls with it!
Heaven and earth are turned upside down! First place becomes last, and last becomes......
Shylock: Murr. I can sense this will get long, so please save it for later.
Murr: Ahahaha! But there’s no greater entertainment in the world!
Murr giggles and spins through the air.
I recall what Murr once said.
"Let’s turn flowers into fireworks and stones into jewels."
A topsy-turvy upheaval of values.
Shylock: The curse of the royal scepter... I’ve heard of it before.
Shylock lowers his gaze as he strokes his lips. His gaze wanders as he traces his memories.
Shylock: The scepter passed down through the Western royal family is inherited by the heir to the throne.
But unnerving rumors surround this scepter....
Akira: Rumors....?
Shylock locks eyes with me and nods.
Shylock: Indeed. It’s said to drain away one’s heart.
Chloe: It drains away the heart!?
Gregory: Yes.... Princess Liliana always lived in fear.
She feared the curse of the scepter; she was scared that it would change her.
And yet I failed to lend an ear to her concerns....
Gregory’s wings tremble as he clutches his tiny head.
Rustica, who had been silent until now, slowly speaks up.
Rustica: ....Does this mean Princess Liliana is related to the line of succession in some way?
Gregory: .....Well.....
Gregory’s beak trembles in discomfort as his words falter.
That’s when the elevator arrives.
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10.2 A Question and a Promise
Riquet: We’re here, Sir Sage.
............! Oh, what a pretty bird! Can I touch it too?
Gregory: Who is this!? Do you know him?
Riquet: It talks......! How rare to find a talking bird! Did you hear it, Oz?
Oz: That is no bird.
Riquet: It is a bird.
Owen: Bird!
Riquet: Right?
Owen: Bird!
Oz: It is not a bird.
Gregory: Oz? Did someone say Oz? Surely you can’t be talking about the strongest wizard in the world?
Akira: Ah, yes. Actually, Oz is right her–.......
Gregory’s beak drops open as he recoils in wordless alarm. He cowers, covering his tiny head with his wings.
Gregory: Oz is here.......!? Is he coming now!? Which direction is he approaching from.......!?
Gregory steals apprehensive glances at the sky, agitated. It’s like he’s expecting some giant monster to appear.
At the sight of Gregory’s terror, Arthur reaches out to stroke his feathers gently.
Arthur: It’s okay. You don’t have to worry. There is nothing dreadful about Sir Oz; he’s a kind person.
Gregory: Are you the wizard Oz then.......?
Arthur: I am not.
Gregory: If only you really were him! The strongest wizard in the world could definitely rescue Princess Liliana!
Arthur: Princess Liliana......?
Gregory: Well, you see......
Before Gregory can start speaking from his perch on Arthur’s arm......
Owen grabs Gregory with both hands, clutching him tightly.
Gregory: ......Ooof!
Owen: Birdie! Sir Knight, look! It’s a bird!
Cain: Th-thanks, Owen. You did great catching it and showing me.
But I think you might’ve strangled it just a bit......Can you try to hold it a little more gently?
Owen: Oops, sorry.
Gregory: Ack, ack...... You’re violent for someone with such an innocent face......
As his elder brother, you should keep an eye out for him, you know?
Cain: Elder brother? Me? You think I’m his brother?
Gregory: Am I mistaken? You two share the same eyes.
Chloe: That’s true. I guess you guys could look like brothers to people who are meeting you for the first time.
Cain and Owen exchange glances. Gregory seizes the chance to make a hasty escape, flying away from Owen’s clutches......
To alight on Oz’s head.
Gregory: Please forgive my impudence. You, sir, simply look to be the tallest person here. I’d be much obliged if you would allow me to stay atop your head for the moment.
Oz: ............
If I told Gregory exactly whose head he perched on, I bet he would faint right away.
Owen: Birdie......
Gregory: Hey, hey, stay back. Don’t come near me until you get your elder brother to teach you how to handle birds properly.
Cain: Owen, come play with me for now. Here, I’ll give you some candy.
Arthur: Ahaha. Come here.
Once more, Arthur reaches out a hand to Gregory as he paces on top of Oz's head, safe from Owen’s reach.
Arthur: Who is he, Sir Sage? What on earth happened here?
Akira: Well, you see...... Gregory was magically transformed into a bird.
According to his story, the Princess Liliana he mentioned is in grave danger......
I relay Gregory’s story to Arthur and the others.
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: I see. In short......
The daughter of the Cortese family, Princess Liliana, has fallen under the curse of the Western royal scepter......
Akira: Yes. You’re probably aware, but the King or Queen holds a royal scepter......
There are rumors that the scepter in the possession of the Western royal family is cursed — that it devours the heart of whoever holds it.
Arthur: I’ve heard the rumor. It’s one of the strange ghost stories of the world.
But that’s curious: isn’t Princess Liliana the eldest daughter of the Cortese family?
The Western royal family comprises members of the House of Mastandrea. Why would Princess Liliana of the Cortese family have fallen under the curse of the royal scepter?
Gregory: ............
I’m sorry, but I cannot divulge any further details until you promise to assist me.
Shylock: Wizards do not make promises.
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10.3 I Swear in the Name of God
Gregory: Do not utter such cruel words! I promise — I will pay any amount you care to name.
Riquet: We are not being cruel, nor do we need any rewards.
But can you tell us more about the situation? You see, we have our own important mission to carry out.
We’re in Western Country to head to, um.......
Cain: The headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Riquet: We have to go to the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Gregory: Why would the Sage be taking a party of his wizards to the headquarters? What in the world is going on?
Don’t tell me..... Could it be that the moon is going to attack soon?
There is unmistakable fear and apprehension in Gregory’s voice.
I flash him a reassuring smile.
Akira: There’s nothing to worry about. We’re simply investigating how we can be better prepared to face the < Great Catastrophe > when it attacks.
Gregory sighs in relief, before fixing his gaze on me.
His azure eyes are fervent, wise, and filled with sharpened determination.
He must’ve been a reliable and competent servant to his lady before he was forced into this avian form.
He takes off from Arthur’s side and flies to me, bowing deeply for the second time.
Gregory: Sir Sage. Let me return to my previous request. I am deeply sorry, but I cannot divulge any further details at this point.
As much as it pains me to adopt such a manner, someone in my position could cause trouble for the Cortese family should I speak thoughtlessly......
Noticing Gregory’s reluctance, Shylock draws closer to me and softly whispers into my ear.
Shylock: Sir Sage....... I believe this likely concerns the matter of succession to the Western throne.
Akira: Succession to the throne....?
Shylock: Indeed. And matters of succession would be highly confidential national secrets.
I can understand why he cannot tell us the whole story until we agree to assist him.
Akira: So that’s how it is.......
The situation might be more dire than I originally assumed. I take a renewed look at Gregory.
His strong gaze is unwavering, earnest in its mute appeal.
Gregory: I apologize for my reticence despite asking for your help. ......However, Sir Sage.
I can say this for sure: there is no one in this world who is more important to me than Princess Liliana.
You will find no falsehood in my feelings. I swear in the name of God. I want to protect her no matter what it takes.......!
Please help me, Sir Sage!
Gregory bows deeply, his body curled up in a gesture of deep obeisance.
His words are as filled with the passion and ardor that characterize the residents of Western Country.
"I swear in the name of God." These are words wizards could not speak easily.
Akira: (So Gregory loves this Princess Liliana......)
I wish I could help him.... With that thought in mind, I look up and see the Western wizards standing before me.
And the Western wizards love romantic gossip — so they’re completely on his side.
Chloe: Wow, that was so touching...! So you just want to save the lady you love. Sir Sage, I want to help him!
Rustica: What a splendid tale of love. I’d be delighted to lend you a hand.
Shylock: It would haunt my conscience to close my eyes and ignore an impending tragedy.
Murr: Shylock loves the pure love of youth!
Gregory: Thanks, folks! Oh, I guess that was too uncouth. Gracious heroes, may I ask you your names?
Murr: Murr!
Shylock: I am Shylock.
Rustica: My name is Rustica.
Chloe: And I’m Chloe! I hope we’ll get along, Gregory!
Gregory: Ah.... Murr, Shylock, Rustica, Chloe. Thank you!
And you too, Sir Akira! I assume I can thank you, right? You will allow your wizards to lend me their assistance....?
Akira: Um....
Unsure of how to respond, I turn to look at the Central wizards.
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10.4 Separate Ways
Smiling, the Central wizards nod at me.
Cain: Go ahead, Akira. Once we reach the headquarters, it’ll still take us some time to find anyone who can put us in the way of what we’re looking for.
It would’ve been a great help to have the Western wizards with us, but we can gather information on Nicholas just fine on our own.
We’ll round up what we can and wait for you. So go and help Gregory out.
Akira: Cain...... Are the rest of us okay with this too?
Arthur: Yes. It must be a stroke of fate that brought us together like this.
If anything, I’m only sorry we can’t go along with you and the Western wizards, Sir Sage.
Akira: Thank you..... We’ll catch up with you the second we solve Gregory’s problem.
Arthur: I will await your return.
Riquet: Prince Arthur. Are we parting ways with Gregory here?
Arthur: Yes. I presume the others will be heading to the Cortese lands in the West.
Riquet: What a shame. I wanted to play more with bird-Gregory.
Gregory: I would be delighted to play with you once I return to my human form, whether it be cards or board games.
Owen: Are we saying bye?
Riquet: Yes, Owen.
Owen: I wanna touch him one more time.
Gregory: Huh? Oh fine, but be gentle. Please.
Gregory draws his wings back as Owen strokes his tiny forehead.
Owen: Good boy, good boy.
Gregory: Haha, that tickles. Hey, your brother learns pretty quickly.
Cain: Huh? Oh, yeah.
Gregory: You’re a very kind brother.
Cain laughs uneasily. He gently pulls Owen’s hand away from Gregory.
Cain: Okay, time to say goodbye.
Owen: Bye bye.
And so we split into two parties upon reaching the Western tower.
The Central wizards make for the City of Wealth.
And the Western wizards and I accompany Gregory to the Cortese lands.
✦✧☾✧✦
Shylock allows me to ride behind him on his broom.
The wind carries a delightful scent wafting from his flowing hair.
Shylock, noticing my evident nerves, flashes me a teasing smile.
Shylock: Sir Sage. Please hang on tight.
Akira: Y-yes.
I’m not the only one in a slight panic.
Gregory: You’re really sexy.....
I’ve met many a beauty in my life, but none as enticing as you.
Shylock: Fufu... I can’t say I’m surprised.
Shylock politely parries Gregory’s acclaim; he’s accustomed to hearing such praise. Gregory shrugs his shoulder-wings.
Gregory: I put my heart into that, you know? I would have had the maids of the house blushing for sure.
Shylock: Do treat me to the same emotion one day. Gregory, would you like to perch on my shoulder?
Gregory: No thanks. I can already see myself getting bashful like a naive little boy.
And with that, Gregory (for some reason) decides to make my shoulder his resting spot.
Sakitty is there too, so the area around my face seems quite popular today.
Gregory gazes at the Central wizards who grow more distant by the second.
Gregory: Sir Sage. Is Prince Arthur....
Akira: Ah.... Yes. He’s the prince of Central Kingdom.
Word that Arthur was summoned as a Sage’s wizard has spread both within and outside Central Country’s borders.
Gregory: I see.... I heard that he was summoned as a Sage’s wizard, but....
Gregory gazes at Arthur’s back; it seems like there are words stuck in his throat.
A fresh breeze blows through the azure sky; a pleasant smell tickles the tip of my nose.
And with it comes Shylock’s faint murmur.
Shylock: ...Ah, Cortese....
....They were in charge of that botanical garden.....
As we fly to the Cortese lands, Gregory tells us his story piece by piece.
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10.5 Castle Atop the Hill
Gregory: I’d like to explain what happened to Princess Liliana, but I must first request complete confidentiality....
Chloe: We won’t tell! We can’t promise you, but please trust us.
What kind of relationship did you and Princess Liliana have, Gregory? Were you two in love? Or was your love unrequited?
Rustica: Clue me in too. You said you loved her more than anyone else.
Gregory ruffles his feathers; it seems like he’s shrugging.
Gregory: So you’re not going to laugh and make a fool of me. As I mentioned earlier — I am a mere servant.
This love is a misalliance.
Chloe: I would never make fun of you. Love that defies social status sounds wonderful!
Gregory: ...Really?
Chloe: Of course. I’m rooting for you. I’m also a commoner, but I’m friends with Rustica, who’s a noble.
Rustica: That’s right.
Gregory: Haha.... Thank you. I love how free-spirited you wizards are.
Shylock: You are also a free spirit. Perhaps you were not before — but now, you carry yourself with your own wings.
You might be about to embark on the most futuristic adventure of love: one that defines you neither as a human nor a bird.
Light reflects off Gregory’s azure eyes as they shimmer under the sunlight. It looks like he’s tearing up.
Gregory: You’re all so kind. Sorry for calling you damn wizards earlier.....
Murr: Don’t worry about it! Just tell us the rest of your tale!
Gregory nods and stares ahead at the endless green horizon.
A magnificent castle sits atop a low hill in the distance.
Gregory: See that? That's Cortese Castle.
Chloe: I do! It’s so lovely, sitting atop the hill like that.
Gregory: Cortese Castle has a rich history, you see. The locals are fond of it too — they all call it the castle on the hill.
We were raised in that castle.
Princess Liliana is the only daughter of our lord. She’s five years younger than me, turning eighteen this year. I’m twenty-three, and I serve as her personal attendant.
The Cortese lands are quite peaceful; the family might be distantly related to the royal line, but we never experienced any of the drama that comes with royal succession.
The one thing the Cortese family can boast of is the Royal Botanical Garden, established right around the time the country was founded.
Akira: The Royal Botanical Garden....?
Could this be the botanical garden that Shylock mentioned earlier?
Gregory: Indeed. It’s an institute for botanical research that belongs to the Western royal family.
Akira: So it’s the king’s research facility?
Gregory: Exactly. In the distant past, a salt pollution disaster destroyed all the precious plants across the country.
In order to prevent such a tragedy from repeating itself, our generous king built a grand botanical garden.
Akira: Salt pollution....? Like when high tides from a hurricane spread salt across the land?
Shylock: Normally, yes.
Akira: Normally?
Shylock: The botanical garden came into existence because a wizard conjured up a tornado from the sea and sent it inland.
I’m dumbstruck. Gregory, too, seems stunned as he flaps his wings repeatedly.
Gregory: The history books state it was a catastrophic hurricane....
Shylock: Unless my memory is failing me, it was a wizard-made disaster.
Chloe: Why would that wizard do such a thing?
Shylock: Who knows? Perhaps he felt excluded from human circles, and simply wanted to get his revenge....
By destroying what humans worked to protect.
If he were an Eastern wizard, his actions might have been accompanied by bitter loathing or considerable determination....
But we’re talking about a voluptuary Western wizard. Perhaps he was simply addicted to criminal mischief.
Chloe: ....And then what happened?
Shylock: I hear Murr turned him to stone. Murr was quite close to the Western royal family back then.
Murr, do you recall?
Murr: I dunno~!
Murr hooks the tips of his toes on his broom and hangs upside-down.
I feel my chest grow tighter and release an audible sigh.
Because stories like this make me understand why humans fear wizards.
The terror of living in a world where wizards can destroy what is precious to you on a whim.
An uneasy emptiness; a feeling of powerlessness that haunts you and wears you down day after day.
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10.6 The Princess and the Servant
Gregory: Erm.... May I return to my story?
Gregory cuts in again, gesturing with his wings from one side to another.
Rustica copies the gesture and nods.
Rustica: Go on.
Gregory: Thanks. Where was I.... Right. The Royal Botanical Garden.
In short, the Cortese family oversees the Royal Botanical Garden, but aside from that, the castle is a peaceful one of no particular significance.
The lord is a laid-back fellow, and a lot of his close servants are elderly men and women.
I was known as the hardest working guy at Cortese Castle.
Chloe: Huh, that’s so cool!
Gregory: It would be, if we were talking about the royal castle where the most elite of the elite assemble.
But in my case — it doesn’t say much. That’s how peaceful and boring the castle would be to an ambitious young man with lofty goals.
But that’s why the lord remembered me well....
And allowed me to serve as Lady Liliana’s personal servant since I was young.
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Liliana: Gregory.
Gregory: Yes, what is it, Princess?
Liliana: Father mentioned that you were a hard-working and attentive young man who’s also very cultured and smart.
Gregory: You honor me.
Liliana: Since you’re so smart, Gregory, do you know who I’m going to marry?
Gregory: I can’t say.... Isn’t it too early for you to be thinking about this? Princess Liliana, you’re only seven years old.
Liliana: That’s true, but....
Gregory: But?
Liliana: But I want to marry you, Gregory. I like you the most.
Gregory: Ahaha. Well, I appreciate the thought.
Liliana: Gregory, you’re the loveliest person in the whole castle. You’re a skilful swordsman and horseman. You’re smart, and you wake up early. And your handwriting is pretty.....
Gregory: I have to concur. The elders are too laid-back.
Liliana: Will you marry me, Gregory? May I ask for Father’s permission?
Gregory: Lady Liliana. As much as the lord spoils you, he will not return an affirmative answer to that question.
Liliana: But why?
Gregory: Because this match is a misalliance.
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Chloe: No....!
Rustica: This is heartbreaking.... Even though she must be a beautiful bird who would look perfect by your side.....
Gregory: No. No, she’s not a bird. Liliana is a human. And I was also originally a human.
Rustica: Oh, right! I apologize.
Watching you, I can’t help but picture an avian love affair....
Gregory: I mean, I get it, but.
Chloe: So? So? How did you actually fall in love with Princess Liliana?
Gregory: Let’s see.... I think I was twenty years old, and the princess had just turned fifteen.....
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Liliana: Gregory! How was my dancing?
Gregory: It was wonderful.
Liliana: Ehehe, thanks! I’m going to dance to another song, so watch closely!
Gregory: Yes, I’ll be cheering you on.
Lord: Gregory.
Gregory: My lord.....
Lord: A dance, huh. Liliana is now fifteen years old. You must already know what I’m about to say, but.....
Gregory: ....Of course. I understand my place. I am a mere servant....
Lord: The Cortese family may be distantly related to the crown, but we are completely removed from the conflict that comes with royal succession.
I know it may be a tall request for someone like you — a young man with a bright future ahead — but won’t you take her hand in marriage?
Gregory: Huh?
Lord: Huh?
Gregory: What.....
Lord: I’m asking you to take Liliana’s hand and the future of the castle.....
Gregory: Huh!? You know I’m a commoner, right!?
Lord: Don’t worry about it.... Worst case scenario, we can just adopt some noble’s child.
Gregory: .......
While I’m very much humbled by your offer, may I have some time to consider it?
Lord: Huh....? I thought you wanted to marry her....?
Gregory: No, quite frankly, I never once considered her seriously in my whole life. It was out of the question.....
Lord: You’re going to turn her down....?
Gregory: No, no, no... I mean, that’s not what I mean, but she’s just fifteen years old.....
Lord: Gregory, I’m begging you! You’re the only one I can count on!
Gregory: Uhh.....
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10.7 Blessings for Their Love
Chloe: Uh.... Wait, so that’s how it went down....? I was expecting more of a pure love story.....
Gregory: Don’t look so visibly disappointed! It’s gonna turn into a pure love story!
Shylock: We’re about to arrive at the castle atop the hill.
Gregory: Hang on! Let me tweet a little bit more!
So ever since then, there seemed to be this silent understanding that we were engaged. That’s how we were raised.
At first, I wasn’t sure of how to deal with the development. But as Liliana matured, I began to see her in a different light.....
Chloe: Yeah! There we go! This is what I was waiting for!
Time taught you two the most precious lesson: that your soulmate was by your side all along....
Murr: I think there’s a simpler biological explanation here.
Chloe: Biological explanation?
Murr: She grew from a larva to a mature adult. That’s why Gregory came to see her as a potential suitor.
Chloe: Why do you have to say it like that!?
Gregory: What do you mean, larva!? My lady is neither an insect nor a fish!
Murr: I experience romantic attraction through my soul, but plenty of organisms out there choose mates based on the perceived ages of their potential suitors, right?
What do you say, Rustica? You’ve known Chloe since his larval days.
Chloe: You’re bringing us into this conversation now!?
Shylock: Murr. Your obscene phrasing is both cruel and crude.
Murr: Are you claiming that mere discussion of natural instincts should be considered obscene? In that case, every creature in love would be a vulgar low-life.
"I want that!" "I love that!" In the end, it’s all desire — your favorite thing. Why won’t you allow these feelings to exist in their innate form?
Shylock: Because I know of a man who pursued that instinct and became a beast.
Animalistic urges of love should be bound with moderation and reason; only then will desire become decorous and tasteful....
Gregory: Amazing. You wizards speak like academics.....
Rustica: I’ve known Chloe as both a child and an adult — but I can say he’s wonderful in both forms.
Chloe: Rustica! I think you’re making things worse by speaking up now!?
Rustica: Is that so?
Akira: S-so that’s how you and Princess Liliana came to be engaged?
If the lord approves of the union, isn’t your difference in status irrelevant?
Gregory: That’s what I thought too.... But things really took a dark turn these past few months.
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Liliana: Gregory.... I need to apologize to you. I was a selfish child.
Gregory: What’s wrong? What gives.....
Liliana: I never once considered your predicament: I simply wished for you to stay by my side, taking your existence for granted.
Because I always felt at ease with you watching over me, Gregory....
But you... You were simply too kind; you stayed by my side because you couldn’t refuse Father’s wishes.
Gregory: Princess Liliana.....
Liliana: I’m sorry. And thank you. You can now be free of me.
I know you’ll find yourself a lovely bride.... I’ll speak to Father about this, so.....
Gregory: What’s going on? Why are you saying all this now...?
Liliana: I simply realized. I’ve confessed my love to you on numerous occasions, but you never once said the same to me, Gregory....
....So that was the truth of your feelings......
Gregory: .........
....Oh silly Liliana..... No. I’m the fool here. I can’t believe I’ve made you worry like this....
Liliana: Gregory?
Gregory: I love you, Liliana.
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Chloe: Yaaaay~!! He said I love you~!
Rustica: Congratulations, Gregory! Congratulations, Princess Liliana! Let me perform a song of love for you.
Murr: I’m gonna cast my blessings! << Eanul Rambul >>!
Shylock: Let us say cheers — I’ll prepare the finest wine.
(Fireworks)
The Western wizards decorate the blue skies with fireworks and the tune of the violin as they celebrate with clamor.
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10.8 The Woman’s Voice and the Nightmare
I join the party, tossing flower petals with Murr, who conjured them using magic.
Gregory is moved.
Gregory: You guys are really going all-out for me.....
If I were a bard, I’d pay you to sit in the front row of my performance.
Chloe: I’m so happy Princess Liliana’s feelings came across! So what happened next?
Murr: Things are supposed to take a dark turn, right?
Chloe: Hang on, what?! Oh, right, he did mention that.....
Rustica: Right, he also asked us to save Princess Liliana......
Shylock: Why don’t we listen to the rest of his tale?
The Western wizards are even more eager to hear Gregory’s story than before.
Gregory: The day that Liliana and I realized that our feelings were united.... Was also the first day a sign of misfortune befell us.
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Gregory: His Highness the Crown Prince and his family were involved in a carriage accident...?
Lord: Indeed.... I hear his young children were also involved.....
Gregory: This doesn’t bode well. His Majesty is quite unwell — what’s going to happen if His Highness doesn’t survive the accident....?
I do pray for his safety....
✦✧☾✧✦
Gregory: The Crown Prince only just passed away the other day. Yet now the duke who is second in line to the throne has died from a sudden illness....?
And several other individuals in the line of succession have met similar untimely ends lately....
Is the royal palace overrun with assassination plots...?
Liliana: .....Gregory..... I’m scared......
Gregory: Do not fear, Princess Liliana. The noble blood of the royal family may run through your veins, but.....
If we were to count members in the line of succession on a family tree, there would be at least five individuals who came before you.
I do not believe this trouble will reach the peaceful lands of Cortese.
Liliana: ........ I hope so, but.......
But a few months ago, I heard a strange voice in my bedroom.....
Gregory: A strange voice?
Liliana: Yes..... I think it must’ve been after the Five Countries’ Peace Conference in Central Country....
I couldn’t sleep, because I felt like someone was watching me in the dark of the night. That’s when I heard a creepy woman’s voice.....
"I choose her."
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Gregory: ....It’s been a living nightmare since then.
Individuals in the line of the succession began dropping left and right.....
And now Princess Liliana is the closest living successor to the throne.
Akira: That many members of the royal family have passed away!?
Shylock: I can’t say I know much about it, but the line of succession in the Western royal family is actually quite complicated.
They abide by the right of primogeniture regardless of gender. And when the thread of direct lineage ends.....
They take a child from one of several royal households. The Cortese family can be found at the very end of this list of royal households.
Murr, noticing my confusion at this string of unfamiliar words, pipes up to clarify.
Murr: These kinds of rules exist to prevent competition for succession to the throne.
Succession conflicts usually emerge between brothers, or uncles and nephews. So to prevent that.....
The right of succession passes exclusively from the parent to the firstborn. In the event that a successor has no children, they’ll bring in a child from a fixed list of royal households.
So all the non-firstborn members of the royal household should still be alive.
Rustica: Which means.... If something happens to His Majesty, Princess Liliana.....
Gregory: Will become the Queen of Western Country.
The Queen of Western Country. The stakes of this humble love story have suddenly skyrocketed.
And I’m once again forced to confront that this is a completely different world than my own.
People I know usually don’t come seeking romantic advice because the love of their life is about to become Queen.
Shylock: So that’s why you requested strict confidentiality. None of this information has been made public yet.
Gregory: It was such a string of unfortunate events — they must be keeping it undisclosed to prevent the citizens from falling into panic.
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10.9 Never Let Me Go
Chloe: But I wonder what’s going on with the woman’s voice that Princess Liliana heard.....
Murr: "I choose her."
Shylock: Do we know who the voice belongs to?
Gregory: We do not.... But Liliana believes it’s the scepter’s voice.
Rustica: So the cursed scepter of the royal family has chosen Princess Liliana to inherit the throne?
Gregory: At the very least, that’s what she feared.
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Liliana: No.... I don’t want to go to the City of Wealth. I don’t want to go to the Royal Palace.
If we go, the cursed scepter will drain away my heart.... I’ll no longer be myself.....
Gregory: ....Princess Liliana.....
Liliana: Gregory, save me! I don’t want to be the Crown Princess.... I don’t want to be the Queen.
Let us get married. I’m going to become your wife, and we’ll live here in peace together.
I want to grow old watching over the Cortese lands from atop this hill, and.....
Gregory: .....Liliana. I cannot become your husband.
Liliana: But why!?
Gregory: Because you will one day become the Queen of Western Country. And I.... cannot become King.
Liliana: But.....!
If you are turning me down because you loathe me, then I’ll give up! But if that’s not the case — I refuse to let this be our goodbye!
Gregory: I don’t want to let you go either! But.....
We were just notified that the people serving Cortese are strictly forbidden from entering the Royal Palace....
....I’m going to negotiate with the Royal Palace one more time to see if they’ll at least let me stay by your side.
Liliana: Why? Why won’t they let me take you or my ladies to the Royal Palace?
I don’t want to live all alone in a palace where people are dropping dead like flies.....
Gregory: It’ll be all right, Liliana. I’ll stay by your side. I won’t take my eyes off of you.
Liliana: I’m begging you, Gregory... Don’t make me go to the palace alone. I know I’ll lose my heart.....
I have a horrible feeling that I’m going to become someone you don’t recognize....
Gregory: Liliana.....
Liliana: I love you, Gregory. ....Never let me go.....
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Gregory: ....But no matter how many times I beseeched the Royal Palace, they would not allow me to accompany Lady Liliana.
Servants from the Royal Palace swept into Cortese and took Lady Liliana with them — it was like she had been kidnapped.
Chloe: That’s awful... Poor Princess Liliana.....
Shylock: And what did you do? I presume you did not sit back and watch idly as all this unfolded.
For if you did, you would not be a bird at the present moment.
Gregory: Haha, right on.
Despite my many negotiation attempts, the Royal Palace flat out refused to let me see Princess Liliana. Frustrated, I....
Well. In retrospect, it might sound thoughtless, but I snuck into the Royal Palace.
Chloe: You snuck into the palace!?
Murr: You would’ve been dead meat if they found you! Congrats on surviving!
Akira: And were you able to meet Princess Liliana....?
Gregory: ....Yes.
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Gregory: ....Liliana.... Where are you....?
Even if you become the queen, to me, you will always be the little princess who I promised to protect.....
Liliana: ........
Gregory: Liliana!
Liliana: Who goes there?
Gregory: Liliana.....?
Liliana: Calling my name with such familiarity....
.....What a presumptuous man you are.
Gregory: Liliana, it’s me, Gregory! I came to see you!
Liliana: Oh....?
....My, my. Thank you, dear Gregory. Liliana is very happy.
You risked your life to come see me.... You must really love me.
Come to my room and show me how your beautiful azure eyes look by the warm lights of the palace.
Gregory: ....What’s going on?
Liliana: ........
Gregory: Something is off.... Is it because of the scepter? Let go of that thing, Liliana!
Liliana: ....Such impudence....!
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10.10 Next to the Princess Stands....
Gregory: I tried to steal the scepter from Liliana’s hands.
But I was blinded by a sudden flash of brilliant light.
As I squinted through the blinding light, I saw another person standing next to Liliana.
Rustica: Another person? What did they look like?
Gregory: He was.... An ostentatious man. With long white hair.....
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???: .............
(Boom)
Gregory: ......! Aaaaagh.....
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Gregory: My body was surrounded by a brilliant light....
And next thing I knew, I was a bird.
Akira: ....A man with long white hair.....
Chloe: That kind of sounds like the wizard Nova.....?
Shylock: The cursed scepter.... The princess with the half-drained heart.... And the wizard Nova.....
Murr: Top that off with the suspicious deaths of the royal lineage, and you’ve got a really wicked situation!
I grow nervous at the mention of this man who sounds like Nova.
What if we do run into Nova?
Will I be able to protect everyone from someone that even the Northern wizards couldn’t defeat?
Akira: ....Gregory. What happened after you were transformed into a bird at the palace?
There’s a reason we’re headed to Cortese Castle and not the royal palace, right?
Gregory: Of course.
Initially, I was terribly confused and even mourned my bodily transformation, but......
I chose not to dwell on it and decided to use my avian form to survey the Royal Palace instead.
Murr: You’re really good at your job!
Gregory: That’s how I discovered that Liliana was planning a trip home in preparation for her official relocation to the Royal Palace.
General Barnett and several of his men will be accompanying her on her return.
I managed to track down the carriage by departing early and intercepting the party on their way to Cortese, but....
A powerful gust of wind blew me away, far into the distance.
And that’s how I met you all.
Maybe that chilling gale was actually God’s fair guidance.
Shylock: Or someone realized you were tracking the carriage and blew you away with magic.
Chloe: Someone? Do you mean Nova?
Rustica: Maybe someone has cast a mysterious spell on the scepter.
Murr: In any event, we’re about to meet this drained-heart princess, right?
Gregory: Yes. We should be able to meet her.
I’m begging you, Sir Sage. Please save her.
Please bring back the childish, innocent, and gentle Liliana.
I smile at Gregory as he bows deeply before me.
I reach out to stroke his back.
Sakitty, who had been gazing at him in silence this whole time, floats into the air and circles around him to express encouragement.
Akira: I’ll do whatever I can to help you.
Because both the Western wizards and I want our love stories to end happily ever after.
Gregory: Thank you, Sir Sage......
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Western Soldier: General Barnett.
Gil: What is it.
Western Soldier: Wizards seem to be approaching from the Eastern skies.
Gil: I see.
Western Soldier: Judging from their trajectory, their destination is likely Cortese Castle....
Gil: Let them be. They’re merely birds of passage.
Liliana: Finish them off.
Gil: .........
Liliana: Finish them off. Cortese Castle is my home.
The very prospect of allowing wizards to approach my homeland with such ease makes me sick.
Gil: These are not your enemies flying directly above your castle during wartime....
Liliana: Can’t you take a hint, General Barnett? I’m telling you to deploy the Magical Technology Corps.
Show me your strength.
Gil: ....I see. Roger that, then.
Men, prepare for battle.
Western Soldier: Yes, sir!
But General Barnett.... Why are we to fight these wizards....?
Gil: You simply need to ward them away. They should abide by our warning — unless they’re up to no good.
Western Soldier: And if they resist?
Gil: We’ll turn them into fuel. Because our magical technology runs on the stones of wizards.
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Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11