healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2022-12-11 03:11 pm
healingbonds) wrote2022-12-11 03:11 pm
Entry tags:
Main Story 2 | Chapter 11 | The Western Magical Technology Forces
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 11: The Western Magical Technology Forces
11.1 The General’s Warning
11.2 A Familiar Feeling
11.3 The Power of Magical Science
11.4 The Condition Offered
11.5 Who Will Accompany the Sage?
11.6 Cain’s Idea
11.7 Conflicting Feelings
11.8 The Royal Capital of the West
11.9 Someone’s Watching
11.10 Both Today and Yesterday
11.1 The General’s Warning
Liliana: .........
Coachman: Princess Liliana, please move away from the window to the back of the car.... It’s dangerous.
Please don’t worry yourself over General Barnett. He’s the greatest warrior on this continent.
Liliana: Hmph. I’m not worried about him — I’m simply testing him.
Coachman: Wha....?
Liliana: You heard nothing. Haha.... Liliana trusts the general.
Coachman: Yes.... Yes, indeed.
✦✧☾✧✦
Sacrificium: .......!
Akira: Sakitty!?
Sakitty and the Western wizards suddenly look down to the earth and brace themselves.
When I belatedly glance in the same direction, a swarm of winged people come flying through the air.
I can’t believe what I’m seeing — until I recall how Nicholas and the other members of the Central Magical Technology Corps did the same.
Akira: (Magical technology....)
But their movements are swifter and smoother than those of the Central Magical Technology Corps.
Like beasts nimbly rushing up a steep cliff, they cut through the sky and arrive right before our eyes.
Gil: ........
And the tall blonde man at the center of them all....
Overwhelms me with his sharp gaze.
His flashy air is quintessentially Western; a slight smile rests upon his lips.
He seems friendly, yet intuitively I shrink back.
I’m not scared of him; Mithra and Oz are far more terrifying. But....
Something just tells me I don’t stand a chance against him. As I hold my breath, Chloe mumbles.
Chloe: ....Woah.... He’s a proper, cool guy.....
Rustica: A proper cool guy?
Chloe: Um.... How do I say it.....
Gregory: Shh, be careful! He might look as flashy as an actor, but he’s......
The blonde-haired man lifts his arm as if it’s the most natural thing to do.
His slightest gesture carries immense composure and dignity. The talkative Gregory shuts his beak in an instant.
Tension fills the windless sky.
Gil: I appreciate the praise. But let’s refrain from gossiping right in front of my eyes, shall we?
Chloe: Ah, I-I’m sorry.....
Gil: It’s fine. I am Gil Barnett — a general of Western Country.
See that castle up ahead? That is Cortese Castle, belonging to the great Western noble family of the same name.
Venturing across the skies above the castle is an act of irreverence. You must immediately change course and make your way around.
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11.2 A Familiar Feeling
Gil: If you refuse, we will recognize you as traitors; enemies to the Cortese family — as well as the Western royal family — and you will be executed.
Chloe: Executed!?
Murr: Huh, you’re gonna execute us?
Shylock: How fascinating. Shall we deal with them, then?
Rustica: Oh, you’re surprisingly belligerent about this.
Chloe: H-hang on! I think it’d be a bad idea for us to become traitors to Western Country!?
Akira: A... Agreed! I think that’s a bad idea!
I timidly look over Shylock’s shoulder and make eye contact with general Gil Barnett.
That alone is enough to overwhelm me: I find myself getting flustered and cowering in his presence. I know what this feeling is.
It’s when you desperately want to sound eloquent in front of your teacher or someone important, but instead you find yourself grasping for words.
It’s different from trembling with dread in front of a terrifying monster.
These are amazing people who won’t glare or roar at you; in fact, you might even find them friendly and admirable.
He derives power from his sociability.
He knows how to lead an organization: he knows how to grasp people’s hearts and bring them under his control.
I can sense his knowledge, experience, and charisma.
And so can the men in the sky behind the general: they trust him and admire him.
For now, he might just be calmly awaiting our response, but the moment he unleashes his orders....
The soldiers will move in perfect synchrony. And that perfection will make them more powerful than a magical beast.
In that sense, he reminds me of Faust and Bradley.
Akira: (....Don’t shrink back. Pretend you’re talking to Faust. At this rate, we’ll become traitors....)
(Okay....)
I lift Sakitty, whose hair is standing on end, and bring it close to my chest, hugging it tight.
Then, hoping he won’t notice, I take a small but deep breath, and introduce myself.
Akira: Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am the Sage, Masaki Akira.
The general blinks.
Gil: You’re the Sage?
Akira: Yes. And these are the Sage’s wizards from the West. Their names are....
Shylock: ....Shylock. Pleased to meet you.
Murr: It’s Murr!
Chloe: I-I’m Chloe. Chloe Collins.
Rustica: I am Rustica Ferch.
The general opens his mouth, ready to respond to the Western wizards’ introductions.
But instead, he ends up stroking his chin and pausing, before gesturing at me to continue.
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11.3 The Power of Magical Science
Gil: Do go on.
Akira: Yes. ...Erm. We understand that we’re not allowed to fly above Cortese castle.
But may we land on the ground here and enter the castle? We’re actually here to visit.
Gil: You want to visit Cortese castle?
Akira: Yes. We’d like to greet Princess Liliana, who we hear is on her way back from the royal palace.
Gil: .........
The general’s eyes grow sharp with suspicion. He hasn’t glared at me, but I find myself stammering in an attempt to explain.
Akira: Ah, erm! Um, the truth is, this bird is Princess Liliana’s, uh......
Gregory: Liliana.....!
That’s when Gregory flies out in a burst.
He heedlessly rockets downwards.
I look to the ground where he’s headed, spotting a carriage and a woman’s face peering through its window.
Akira: (Is she... Princess Liliana?)
Gregory: Liliana! It’s me! Please, come to your senses.....!
Western soldier: Is that bird talking!?
Western soldier: Was that bird the one who was gossiping about the general!?
Gregory: Liliana....!
Gil: Stop!
General Barnett lifts his right arm, and a crackling blue-white fire gathers in his hand.
Is this also the power of magical technology?
Gil: Be it bird or Sage’s wizard, we’ll shoot down anything that approaches the carriage.
Shylock: I won’t let you.
Shylock lifts his pipe to his lips as it begins to glow.
From behind, I can see the decorative butterfly moving ever-so-slightly, collecting a ball of hazy smoke.
Shylock: I’m sorry, but I’ve grown quite fond of him and his little romance.
The general looks our way, and his soldiers collectively prepare to attack Shylock.
The same blue-white flames unleash the most bizarre sounds as they gather around their arms and chests.
Shylock: ....I can sense mana stones being extinguished; I underestimated how boorish this could feel....
Murr Hart. There is no end to my loathing for the man who invented magical science technology.
The general grins in amusement.
Gil: How could you insult the man standing next to you like that?
Shylock: ...So you know Murr?
Gil: Remember my introduction? I have information on the Sage’s wizards.
You are heroes to our country as well. We would like to treat you with respect.
Please stop that bird. If he gets any closer to the carriage, we’ll roast him whole.
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11.4 The Condition Offered
Shylock: We’ll stop him if you agree to negotiate with us.
Gil: Later. Not now.
Three! Two!
The general begins to count down, but Gregory continues to shoot towards the carriage.
The general probably won’t let him get any closer than halfway between us and the carriage.
Chloe: Gregory, stop....!! If we become traitors, we’ll wind up in prison....!
Rustica: That’s where Bradley was. He said he didn’t want to go back.
Chloe: Gregory, stop....!
Akira: Gregory, don’t push it! We can still save Princess Liliana for sure!
Gregory: .......!
Hearing our concern, Gregory slows down, with agony written across his avian body.
He turns around right around the midpoint.
Chloe & Akira: Thank goodness....!
Rustica: Thank goodness.
Gil: Good. Don’t attack.
We appreciate your cooperation, Sage’s Wizards.
Shylock: ......We could say the same.
Gregory weakly flutters towards me.
Gregory: I apologize, Sir Sage.... My mind went completely blank.
Gregory is apologetic: he tucks in his wings with a melancholy air as Sakitty repeatedly presses against him with its front paws.
I reach out and stroke his back.
Akira: Don’t worry about it. You finally saw your lover again; it’s only natural for you to react like that.... I’m just glad you’re safe.....
Gregory: ...Sir Sage.... You’re not going to reprimand me....? You’re so kind.....
I will surely repay you for your gracious actions.
Murr: Ahaha! The short-tempered bird who almost threw away his life actually feels bad!
Gregory: Ugh.... I mean, I deserve it, but you could be a little bit nicer......
While we’re busy celebrating Gregory’s escape from a close brush with death, the general orders one of his men to relay a message to someone on the ground.
The soldier flies down, and returns with a response for the general. He nods, and tells us:
Gil: Sir Sage. Sage’s wizards. We will allow you to enter Cortese castle.
Chloe: Thank goodness...! So should we enter through the front gates?
Gil: Yes. And we have one more condition.
Gregory: Condition?
Gil: Sir Sage. You will allow me to escort you.
He bends in a gracious bow. Then, with a faultless gesture, he offers me his hand.
I can tell he won’t accept a refusal. As I consider whether to take his hand, Murr comes up to me.
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11.5 Who Will Accompany the Sage?
He whispers to me from behind so the general can’t hear.
Murr: You’re a hostage!
Akira: H... Hostage!?
Shylock also glances at me over his shoulder and mumbles.
Shylock: ....I thought so. For all their assertiveness, they certainly are cagey.....
Akira: ....What should we do....?
Murr: No worries! Humans like to alienate wizards, but they trust you, Sir Sage!
Wasn’t it the same back in Central? The humans came to capture you first!
They want to keep you under their control just in case anything happens.
Akira: But I’m not some piece of property.... Should I refuse?
Murr: It’s okay! You have the twins’ Sacrificium.
I look down at Sakitty, sitting in my arms.
Murr: If you’re in danger, it’ll let us know — and it’ll even protect you, Sir Sage. Plus, you have Gregory!
Gregory: Huh, me?
Murr: You wanted to repay him, right? Looks like you already have your chance!
Gregory: ...Leave it to me! I shall protect Sir Sage!
Shylock: We’re counting on you, Gregory.
Gregory: Got it. Make sure you follow my lead, kitty cat.
Sacrificium: .........
Akira: A-all right. I’ll accept the general’s offer.
My heart pounds as I respond with a deep nod. The general is looking at us with a gaze that says, "Yup, they’re having a confidential discussion."
Akira: We’ve decided!
Gil: You’ve decided.
Akira: I’ll go with this kitty and this bird — Sakitty and Gregory!
Gil: Sakitty and Gregory.
Akira: Please escort us through the castle.
Gil: It’s an honor, Sir Akira. Please call me Gil.
He bows deeply, then locks eyes with me in an unwavering gaze. I’m strangely nervous as I say his name.
Akira: G... Gil.
He laughs. His easygoing smile makes him seem like a good person and a bad person at once.
Gil: If you’ll excuse me.
He wraps his arm around me and lifts me into the air. I cling to his arm as I step off of Shylock’s broom.
It feels strange: I don’t know how he’s floating in the air. Where’s the machinery? I peer at his back as he carries me.
Sakitty won’t stop pawing at the general’s face.
Gil: Hey, hey, what are you doing?
Akira: (Maybe he’s a bad person after all....)
Gregory: Hey, kitty-cat, calm down. We have to lie low for now.
And that’s how we wind up stepping foot in Cortese castle.
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11.6 Cain’s Idea
Cain: ......That’s the castle up ahead. Should we make a stop around here?
Arthur: Good idea, Cain.
Arthur agrees to my suggestion.
The Western palace looms in the far distance, a thumb-sized silhouette towering over the City of Wealth, the capital of Western Country.
Vast stretches of wilderness and grassy plain unfold beneath our brooms as we ride high in the sky.
When I begin my descent, Riquet raises his voice, puzzled.
Riquet: Why aren’t we flying into the city?
Cain: We might do that any other time, but we’ll stick out like sore thumbs if we fly in on our brooms.
You heard the strange things the bird said; I figure it’s better to gather information before heading to the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Riquet: Gather information?
Arthur: Yes. As things stand, the Western royal family might be in a precarious situation.
If so, those at the Magical Technology Corps headquarters, and many other parties, will be all the more wary of our presence.
If we drop by the headquarters before we have any other information, there’s a high chance that our every move will be scrutinized and monitored.
It’s easy enough to throw someone off our trail, but we don’t want to run into any misunderstandings......
Arthur muses, lifting both his hands off his broom.
He runs his hands through his windswept and disheveled hair, tousling it further.
Catching onto his intentions, I shrug.
Cain: Oh? Is this a job for Arty, my disciple-slash-subordinate?
Arthur grins at me over his shoulder.
Arthur: That’s right, Sir Cain.
Lately, Arthur has taken to concealing his identity and going incognito on his affairs under the guise of Arty.
For all that he is a Sage’s wizard, Arthur is also the prince of Central Country. His presence is more than enough to cause a great commotion in any setting.
I understand his need for disguise. But Arty worries me more often than not.
Cain: Don’t do anything dangerous, Arty. That’s an order from the top.
Arthur: Wow. I’m stealing that line to use on you next time.
Cain: I always follow your orders. Well....... Half of the time, anyway.......
Oz: .......Will there be trouble?
Oz questions us bluntly, his voice low.
He must be reacting to my remark about "anything dangerous."
Behind me, Owen startles at the displeasure in Oz’s voice and tucks himself in closer.
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11.7 Conflicting Feelings
"If this is going to become dangerous, return to the magic headquarters." That’s what I read in his sternly penetrating and bitter gaze.
Arthur gazes fixedly at Oz, smiling.
Arthur: There’s nothing to worry about, Sir Oz. But for the moment, I will not be introducing myself as the prince of Central Country.
Riquet: So you’ll just be Sir Arthur?
Arthur: Yes. I’m just a wizard named Arthur, born in Central Country and raised in the North.
Riquet: Hehe.
Riquet breaks into a smile, seemingly won over by the casual introduction.
I feel a small stab of bitterness. I wish Arthur could go back to being a normal boy: I do want that, every now and then.
But on the other hand, I think of him as the one and only person who can save us all — both Central Country and this very world.
Above all, I want to lay down my life in the service of his ideals.
That’s my dream.
Cain: (I know I’m being selfish. I want to grant him freedom as his friend, but I want to exalt and serve him as his vassal.......)
I wonder what kind of face Oz is making right now. I turn around out of curiosity, but.......
Owen covers my eyes.
Owen: You can’t!
Cain: What!?
Owen: Um, it’ll hurt if you look at the sun. Even if you close your eyes, you keep seeing little flashing lights........
Cain: Okay, I get it! Let go, let go, we’re going to fall........!
Oz: << Vox Nox >>
Oz chants his spell, bringing our plummeting bodies to a gentle halt in the air.
We descend leisurely into a smooth landing. At that point, Owen removes his hands from my face.
A wide road cuts through the vast plains, leading all the way to the Western capital, the City of Wealth.
I can’t see any human figures, but I do see extravagant carriages and merchant wagons, accompanied by hoofbeats and voices.
The sound of trampling hooves, chattering people, and enticing merchants at open stalls hawking their wares along the road.
Coachman: My lord, my lady. We will shortly arrive at the City of Wealth.
Traveler: Oh, I’m famished....... I can smell the delicious food from here. What should we eat when we get there?
Stall owner: The prices in the City of Wealth are really steep! You should get everything you need here before you get swindled in the city!
Traveler: You’re the swindler here. The shops in the City of Wealth charge far more reasonable prices than you do.
Stall owner: Good gracious, they must’ve been vicious thieves, then! Are you sure they didn’t lift anything important from you?
I listen carefully, while Owen seizes my arm and clings onto me.
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11.8 The Royal Capital of the West
Owen stares at sights closed off to me, the overwhelming uncertainty in his expression tempered by curiosity.
New places can be scary. I flash him a reassuring smile.
Cain: This is the royal capital of Western Country, the City of Wealth. The royal capital is the city where His Majesty lives.
Owen: ......His Majesty.......
Cain: That’s what you call the king.
Does he understand? Owen gives me a tiny nod. He speaks, looking straight ahead.
Owen: Um, there are three carriages coming in....... One carriage went away. And there’s one, two.......four, five people.
Cain: Oh, okay?
That matches my count from their footsteps. I withdraw my hand from where I was instinctively grasping the hilt of my sword
In a moment, Arthur and the others join us on the grassy plains. Riquet’s eyes start sparkling the moment he steps foot on the ground.
Riquet: I remembered something! On our last mission here, I ate some candies with pretty patterns on them.
I want to have them again today. Can we go get some?
Arthur: Let’s buy some if we can find them. Do you remember where the shop is?
Riquet: No. But I remember the candies. They came in swirling patterns of different colors, like yellow and red and green.......
We put our brooms away, carrying on our conversation as we walk towards the city.
✦✧☾✧✦
The City of Wealth bustles with vibrant activity. I’m buffeted by all sorts of sounds just walking through the city.
Laughing voices and shouting merchants. The beating of hooves, the simmer and bubble of pots, the banging and slamming of doors.
I catch smells wafting from the people thronging the city. Perfume, milk, dust, and iron.
Lady: Oh my, sorry about that, Mister.
Thud! Passers-by snap into view as they bump into my shoulders.
Townspeople: Ahahaha!
Townspeople: Hey! Let’s do it again!
The people burst into peals of laughter, their footsteps tapping along to some kind of signal. Maybe they’re dancing.
Arthur and Riquet look on, their faces beaming.
Arthur suddenly turns around, smiling at me over his shoulder as he touches my right hand.
Arthur: I’m all right, Cain.
I have my hand on my sword hilt again. I exhale deeply at the realization.
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11.9 Someone’s Watching
It’s as Arthur pointed out: I’m on edge. The state of affairs surrounding the Western royal family seems unstable — who knows whether Nova is lurking nearby on top of it.
But I can’t even see a single person, and I’ve made my lord Arthur worry over me — when I’m the one who should be protecting him.
Arthur: This road looks clear and free of hidden corners. There are no strange figures as far as I can see. Oh, right, do you want to walk along my left side?
Cain: How pathetic...... If you’re the one escorting me, that defeats the whole purpose of my role.
Arthur: You’re reliable as ever, Cain. Your injury from the < Great Catastrophe > is none of your doing.
Riquet: Yes, we’re relying on you here. Where are we gathering information from? What about those people there?
Cain: Hey, hang on. People will just get defensive if you start pointing at them and making declarations.
Riquet: You’re right...... They look really displeased. Should I go apologize?
Cain: I know you’re honest and straightforward, Riquet. But for now, let’s settle with bowing to them in apology so we can head over to the pipe shop.
Riquet: The pipe shop...... Oh, right, the one that belongs to Shylock’s friend, right?
Cain: Yeah. We’re going to meet a wizard who Shylock knows.
Then we can check out the city and make for the Magical Technology Corps’ headquarters.
Arthur: Got it.
Riquet: Okay!
Oz: I will wait here.
Oz announces this in a low tone, following on the heels of Arthur and Riquet’s energetic replies.
Oz’s gaze passes over me to land on an area diagonally overhead, as if he’s studying something in the sky.
Cain: Why?
Oz: I can sense a probing gaze.
Cain: Gaze? .......Is it hostile?
Oz: No, it feels observant. Like it’s searching for my true form.
I’m keeping my powers under control, but someone is on guard because they have sensed the presence of ancient magic.
Cain: ....And what does that mean?
Oz: ......I don’t mind it if they keep their distance, but Western wizards are irresistibly curious. The thought of needlessly losing time......
Cain: So you mean you don’t want them to bother you.
Oz: Yes.
Cain: All right. Then let’s meet up afterwards. How about the plaza in front of the goddess statue......
Oz: Call my name. Wherever you are, I will come to you. Be sure to call for me before nightfall.
Cain: Got it.
Arthur: We’re counting on you then, Sir Oz.
Riquet: Oz. Make sure you find the candies with swirling patterns.
If it looks like they’re going to sell out, please buy the prettiest ones.
Oz: What do you mean by prettiest......?
Riquet: The ones in pretty colors that make you go "wow!" at first glance, of course. You know what pretty colors are, right?
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11.10 Both Today and Yesterday
Oz: No color is inherently beautiful nor ugly.
Riquet: Yes they are. Yellow is pretty. So is green.
Arthur: I love blue.
Cain: And I love red. What color do you like, Owen?
Owen: Um......
Oz takes a pause from grudgingly listening to throw Owen a sharp glance.
Oz: Leave that one behind.
Cain: No, but......
Owen: ............
Oz: You do not know when he will return to his usual self. None of you stand a chance against Owen.
He has a point.
I have no way of protecting Arthur or Riquet if Owen decides to hurt them on a whim.
I don’t want to think that Owen would ever do that, but I don’t know enough about him to say for sure.
Getting Oz to keep an eye on him might be the best course of action. But there’s another problem.
I walk up to Oz and whisper in his ear.
Cain: But...... I already told you. Owen will get upset if I abandon him.
Oz: You’re not abandoning him. I will be watching him.
Cain: I guess, but......
Will Owen accept that? I turn to Owen doubtfully.
At his forlorn gaze, I muster up my biggest smile and introduce Oz.
Cain: Owen. I have something to do. Can you wait here for me with Oz?
Owen: ............
Owen steals a glance at an entirely unsmiling Oz.
Arthur gently peers at Owen’s face. He clasps Owen’s hand, smiling.
Arthur: It’s all right. Sir Oz is a kind person. You can tell him anything.
Owen: ......Okay......
Owen gives a little nod. He seems to have placed his trust in Arthur’s smile rather than in Oz.
My heart is thundering. I’m not leaving him behind, right?
Will Owen think that I’m betraying him?
Even if Owen lashes out, Oz can handle it, right? That is, as long as it’s before nightfall.
My mind knows that much, but there’s a stabbing fear in my heart.
Even if my mind knows it, I can’t help feeling uncertain. It’s enough to make me turn around and make a declaration.
Cain: Owen, I’ll come back for you!
Owen lifts his face, smiling up at me.
Owen: Okay......
I can’t say why, but a memory of the past flashes through my mind: I’m gripping my sword as I scream, I’ll protect all of you.
I remember the Northern wizard with the cold, cruel smile towering over my fallen fellow knights.
That, too, was Owen.
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Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 11: The Western Magical Technology Forces
11.1 The General’s Warning
11.2 A Familiar Feeling
11.3 The Power of Magical Science
11.4 The Condition Offered
11.5 Who Will Accompany the Sage?
11.6 Cain’s Idea
11.7 Conflicting Feelings
11.8 The Royal Capital of the West
11.9 Someone’s Watching
11.10 Both Today and Yesterday
11.1 The General’s Warning
Liliana: .........
Coachman: Princess Liliana, please move away from the window to the back of the car.... It’s dangerous.
Please don’t worry yourself over General Barnett. He’s the greatest warrior on this continent.
Liliana: Hmph. I’m not worried about him — I’m simply testing him.
Coachman: Wha....?
Liliana: You heard nothing. Haha.... Liliana trusts the general.
Coachman: Yes.... Yes, indeed.
✦✧☾✧✦
Sacrificium: .......!
Akira: Sakitty!?
Sakitty and the Western wizards suddenly look down to the earth and brace themselves.
When I belatedly glance in the same direction, a swarm of winged people come flying through the air.
I can’t believe what I’m seeing — until I recall how Nicholas and the other members of the Central Magical Technology Corps did the same.
Akira: (Magical technology....)
But their movements are swifter and smoother than those of the Central Magical Technology Corps.
Like beasts nimbly rushing up a steep cliff, they cut through the sky and arrive right before our eyes.
Gil: ........
And the tall blonde man at the center of them all....
Overwhelms me with his sharp gaze.
His flashy air is quintessentially Western; a slight smile rests upon his lips.
He seems friendly, yet intuitively I shrink back.
I’m not scared of him; Mithra and Oz are far more terrifying. But....
Something just tells me I don’t stand a chance against him. As I hold my breath, Chloe mumbles.
Chloe: ....Woah.... He’s a proper, cool guy.....
Rustica: A proper cool guy?
Chloe: Um.... How do I say it.....
Gregory: Shh, be careful! He might look as flashy as an actor, but he’s......
The blonde-haired man lifts his arm as if it’s the most natural thing to do.
His slightest gesture carries immense composure and dignity. The talkative Gregory shuts his beak in an instant.
Tension fills the windless sky.
Gil: I appreciate the praise. But let’s refrain from gossiping right in front of my eyes, shall we?
Chloe: Ah, I-I’m sorry.....
Gil: It’s fine. I am Gil Barnett — a general of Western Country.
See that castle up ahead? That is Cortese Castle, belonging to the great Western noble family of the same name.
Venturing across the skies above the castle is an act of irreverence. You must immediately change course and make your way around.
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11.2 A Familiar Feeling
Gil: If you refuse, we will recognize you as traitors; enemies to the Cortese family — as well as the Western royal family — and you will be executed.
Chloe: Executed!?
Murr: Huh, you’re gonna execute us?
Shylock: How fascinating. Shall we deal with them, then?
Rustica: Oh, you’re surprisingly belligerent about this.
Chloe: H-hang on! I think it’d be a bad idea for us to become traitors to Western Country!?
Akira: A... Agreed! I think that’s a bad idea!
I timidly look over Shylock’s shoulder and make eye contact with general Gil Barnett.
That alone is enough to overwhelm me: I find myself getting flustered and cowering in his presence. I know what this feeling is.
It’s when you desperately want to sound eloquent in front of your teacher or someone important, but instead you find yourself grasping for words.
It’s different from trembling with dread in front of a terrifying monster.
These are amazing people who won’t glare or roar at you; in fact, you might even find them friendly and admirable.
He derives power from his sociability.
He knows how to lead an organization: he knows how to grasp people’s hearts and bring them under his control.
I can sense his knowledge, experience, and charisma.
And so can the men in the sky behind the general: they trust him and admire him.
For now, he might just be calmly awaiting our response, but the moment he unleashes his orders....
The soldiers will move in perfect synchrony. And that perfection will make them more powerful than a magical beast.
In that sense, he reminds me of Faust and Bradley.
Akira: (....Don’t shrink back. Pretend you’re talking to Faust. At this rate, we’ll become traitors....)
(Okay....)
I lift Sakitty, whose hair is standing on end, and bring it close to my chest, hugging it tight.
Then, hoping he won’t notice, I take a small but deep breath, and introduce myself.
Akira: Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am the Sage, Masaki Akira.
The general blinks.
Gil: You’re the Sage?
Akira: Yes. And these are the Sage’s wizards from the West. Their names are....
Shylock: ....Shylock. Pleased to meet you.
Murr: It’s Murr!
Chloe: I-I’m Chloe. Chloe Collins.
Rustica: I am Rustica Ferch.
The general opens his mouth, ready to respond to the Western wizards’ introductions.
But instead, he ends up stroking his chin and pausing, before gesturing at me to continue.
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11.3 The Power of Magical Science
Gil: Do go on.
Akira: Yes. ...Erm. We understand that we’re not allowed to fly above Cortese castle.
But may we land on the ground here and enter the castle? We’re actually here to visit.
Gil: You want to visit Cortese castle?
Akira: Yes. We’d like to greet Princess Liliana, who we hear is on her way back from the royal palace.
Gil: .........
The general’s eyes grow sharp with suspicion. He hasn’t glared at me, but I find myself stammering in an attempt to explain.
Akira: Ah, erm! Um, the truth is, this bird is Princess Liliana’s, uh......
Gregory: Liliana.....!
That’s when Gregory flies out in a burst.
He heedlessly rockets downwards.
I look to the ground where he’s headed, spotting a carriage and a woman’s face peering through its window.
Akira: (Is she... Princess Liliana?)
Gregory: Liliana! It’s me! Please, come to your senses.....!
Western soldier: Is that bird talking!?
Western soldier: Was that bird the one who was gossiping about the general!?
Gregory: Liliana....!
Gil: Stop!
General Barnett lifts his right arm, and a crackling blue-white fire gathers in his hand.
Is this also the power of magical technology?
Gil: Be it bird or Sage’s wizard, we’ll shoot down anything that approaches the carriage.
Shylock: I won’t let you.
Shylock lifts his pipe to his lips as it begins to glow.
From behind, I can see the decorative butterfly moving ever-so-slightly, collecting a ball of hazy smoke.
Shylock: I’m sorry, but I’ve grown quite fond of him and his little romance.
The general looks our way, and his soldiers collectively prepare to attack Shylock.
The same blue-white flames unleash the most bizarre sounds as they gather around their arms and chests.
Shylock: ....I can sense mana stones being extinguished; I underestimated how boorish this could feel....
Murr Hart. There is no end to my loathing for the man who invented magical science technology.
The general grins in amusement.
Gil: How could you insult the man standing next to you like that?
Shylock: ...So you know Murr?
Gil: Remember my introduction? I have information on the Sage’s wizards.
You are heroes to our country as well. We would like to treat you with respect.
Please stop that bird. If he gets any closer to the carriage, we’ll roast him whole.
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11.4 The Condition Offered
Shylock: We’ll stop him if you agree to negotiate with us.
Gil: Later. Not now.
Three! Two!
The general begins to count down, but Gregory continues to shoot towards the carriage.
The general probably won’t let him get any closer than halfway between us and the carriage.
Chloe: Gregory, stop....!! If we become traitors, we’ll wind up in prison....!
Rustica: That’s where Bradley was. He said he didn’t want to go back.
Chloe: Gregory, stop....!
Akira: Gregory, don’t push it! We can still save Princess Liliana for sure!
Gregory: .......!
Hearing our concern, Gregory slows down, with agony written across his avian body.
He turns around right around the midpoint.
Chloe & Akira: Thank goodness....!
Rustica: Thank goodness.
Gil: Good. Don’t attack.
We appreciate your cooperation, Sage’s Wizards.
Shylock: ......We could say the same.
Gregory weakly flutters towards me.
Gregory: I apologize, Sir Sage.... My mind went completely blank.
Gregory is apologetic: he tucks in his wings with a melancholy air as Sakitty repeatedly presses against him with its front paws.
I reach out and stroke his back.
Akira: Don’t worry about it. You finally saw your lover again; it’s only natural for you to react like that.... I’m just glad you’re safe.....
Gregory: ...Sir Sage.... You’re not going to reprimand me....? You’re so kind.....
I will surely repay you for your gracious actions.
Murr: Ahaha! The short-tempered bird who almost threw away his life actually feels bad!
Gregory: Ugh.... I mean, I deserve it, but you could be a little bit nicer......
While we’re busy celebrating Gregory’s escape from a close brush with death, the general orders one of his men to relay a message to someone on the ground.
The soldier flies down, and returns with a response for the general. He nods, and tells us:
Gil: Sir Sage. Sage’s wizards. We will allow you to enter Cortese castle.
Chloe: Thank goodness...! So should we enter through the front gates?
Gil: Yes. And we have one more condition.
Gregory: Condition?
Gil: Sir Sage. You will allow me to escort you.
He bends in a gracious bow. Then, with a faultless gesture, he offers me his hand.
I can tell he won’t accept a refusal. As I consider whether to take his hand, Murr comes up to me.
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11.5 Who Will Accompany the Sage?
He whispers to me from behind so the general can’t hear.
Murr: You’re a hostage!
Akira: H... Hostage!?
Shylock also glances at me over his shoulder and mumbles.
Shylock: ....I thought so. For all their assertiveness, they certainly are cagey.....
Akira: ....What should we do....?
Murr: No worries! Humans like to alienate wizards, but they trust you, Sir Sage!
Wasn’t it the same back in Central? The humans came to capture you first!
They want to keep you under their control just in case anything happens.
Akira: But I’m not some piece of property.... Should I refuse?
Murr: It’s okay! You have the twins’ Sacrificium.
I look down at Sakitty, sitting in my arms.
Murr: If you’re in danger, it’ll let us know — and it’ll even protect you, Sir Sage. Plus, you have Gregory!
Gregory: Huh, me?
Murr: You wanted to repay him, right? Looks like you already have your chance!
Gregory: ...Leave it to me! I shall protect Sir Sage!
Shylock: We’re counting on you, Gregory.
Gregory: Got it. Make sure you follow my lead, kitty cat.
Sacrificium: .........
Akira: A-all right. I’ll accept the general’s offer.
My heart pounds as I respond with a deep nod. The general is looking at us with a gaze that says, "Yup, they’re having a confidential discussion."
Akira: We’ve decided!
Gil: You’ve decided.
Akira: I’ll go with this kitty and this bird — Sakitty and Gregory!
Gil: Sakitty and Gregory.
Akira: Please escort us through the castle.
Gil: It’s an honor, Sir Akira. Please call me Gil.
He bows deeply, then locks eyes with me in an unwavering gaze. I’m strangely nervous as I say his name.
Akira: G... Gil.
He laughs. His easygoing smile makes him seem like a good person and a bad person at once.
Gil: If you’ll excuse me.
He wraps his arm around me and lifts me into the air. I cling to his arm as I step off of Shylock’s broom.
It feels strange: I don’t know how he’s floating in the air. Where’s the machinery? I peer at his back as he carries me.
Sakitty won’t stop pawing at the general’s face.
Gil: Hey, hey, what are you doing?
Akira: (Maybe he’s a bad person after all....)
Gregory: Hey, kitty-cat, calm down. We have to lie low for now.
And that’s how we wind up stepping foot in Cortese castle.
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11.6 Cain’s Idea
Cain: ......That’s the castle up ahead. Should we make a stop around here?
Arthur: Good idea, Cain.
Arthur agrees to my suggestion.
The Western palace looms in the far distance, a thumb-sized silhouette towering over the City of Wealth, the capital of Western Country.
Vast stretches of wilderness and grassy plain unfold beneath our brooms as we ride high in the sky.
When I begin my descent, Riquet raises his voice, puzzled.
Riquet: Why aren’t we flying into the city?
Cain: We might do that any other time, but we’ll stick out like sore thumbs if we fly in on our brooms.
You heard the strange things the bird said; I figure it’s better to gather information before heading to the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
Riquet: Gather information?
Arthur: Yes. As things stand, the Western royal family might be in a precarious situation.
If so, those at the Magical Technology Corps headquarters, and many other parties, will be all the more wary of our presence.
If we drop by the headquarters before we have any other information, there’s a high chance that our every move will be scrutinized and monitored.
It’s easy enough to throw someone off our trail, but we don’t want to run into any misunderstandings......
Arthur muses, lifting both his hands off his broom.
He runs his hands through his windswept and disheveled hair, tousling it further.
Catching onto his intentions, I shrug.
Cain: Oh? Is this a job for Arty, my disciple-slash-subordinate?
Arthur grins at me over his shoulder.
Arthur: That’s right, Sir Cain.
Lately, Arthur has taken to concealing his identity and going incognito on his affairs under the guise of Arty.
For all that he is a Sage’s wizard, Arthur is also the prince of Central Country. His presence is more than enough to cause a great commotion in any setting.
I understand his need for disguise. But Arty worries me more often than not.
Cain: Don’t do anything dangerous, Arty. That’s an order from the top.
Arthur: Wow. I’m stealing that line to use on you next time.
Cain: I always follow your orders. Well....... Half of the time, anyway.......
Oz: .......Will there be trouble?
Oz questions us bluntly, his voice low.
He must be reacting to my remark about "anything dangerous."
Behind me, Owen startles at the displeasure in Oz’s voice and tucks himself in closer.
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11.7 Conflicting Feelings
"If this is going to become dangerous, return to the magic headquarters." That’s what I read in his sternly penetrating and bitter gaze.
Arthur gazes fixedly at Oz, smiling.
Arthur: There’s nothing to worry about, Sir Oz. But for the moment, I will not be introducing myself as the prince of Central Country.
Riquet: So you’ll just be Sir Arthur?
Arthur: Yes. I’m just a wizard named Arthur, born in Central Country and raised in the North.
Riquet: Hehe.
Riquet breaks into a smile, seemingly won over by the casual introduction.
I feel a small stab of bitterness. I wish Arthur could go back to being a normal boy: I do want that, every now and then.
But on the other hand, I think of him as the one and only person who can save us all — both Central Country and this very world.
Above all, I want to lay down my life in the service of his ideals.
That’s my dream.
Cain: (I know I’m being selfish. I want to grant him freedom as his friend, but I want to exalt and serve him as his vassal.......)
I wonder what kind of face Oz is making right now. I turn around out of curiosity, but.......
Owen covers my eyes.
Owen: You can’t!
Cain: What!?
Owen: Um, it’ll hurt if you look at the sun. Even if you close your eyes, you keep seeing little flashing lights........
Cain: Okay, I get it! Let go, let go, we’re going to fall........!
Oz: << Vox Nox >>
Oz chants his spell, bringing our plummeting bodies to a gentle halt in the air.
We descend leisurely into a smooth landing. At that point, Owen removes his hands from my face.
A wide road cuts through the vast plains, leading all the way to the Western capital, the City of Wealth.
I can’t see any human figures, but I do see extravagant carriages and merchant wagons, accompanied by hoofbeats and voices.
The sound of trampling hooves, chattering people, and enticing merchants at open stalls hawking their wares along the road.
Coachman: My lord, my lady. We will shortly arrive at the City of Wealth.
Traveler: Oh, I’m famished....... I can smell the delicious food from here. What should we eat when we get there?
Stall owner: The prices in the City of Wealth are really steep! You should get everything you need here before you get swindled in the city!
Traveler: You’re the swindler here. The shops in the City of Wealth charge far more reasonable prices than you do.
Stall owner: Good gracious, they must’ve been vicious thieves, then! Are you sure they didn’t lift anything important from you?
I listen carefully, while Owen seizes my arm and clings onto me.
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11.8 The Royal Capital of the West
Owen stares at sights closed off to me, the overwhelming uncertainty in his expression tempered by curiosity.
New places can be scary. I flash him a reassuring smile.
Cain: This is the royal capital of Western Country, the City of Wealth. The royal capital is the city where His Majesty lives.
Owen: ......His Majesty.......
Cain: That’s what you call the king.
Does he understand? Owen gives me a tiny nod. He speaks, looking straight ahead.
Owen: Um, there are three carriages coming in....... One carriage went away. And there’s one, two.......four, five people.
Cain: Oh, okay?
That matches my count from their footsteps. I withdraw my hand from where I was instinctively grasping the hilt of my sword
In a moment, Arthur and the others join us on the grassy plains. Riquet’s eyes start sparkling the moment he steps foot on the ground.
Riquet: I remembered something! On our last mission here, I ate some candies with pretty patterns on them.
I want to have them again today. Can we go get some?
Arthur: Let’s buy some if we can find them. Do you remember where the shop is?
Riquet: No. But I remember the candies. They came in swirling patterns of different colors, like yellow and red and green.......
We put our brooms away, carrying on our conversation as we walk towards the city.
✦✧☾✧✦
The City of Wealth bustles with vibrant activity. I’m buffeted by all sorts of sounds just walking through the city.
Laughing voices and shouting merchants. The beating of hooves, the simmer and bubble of pots, the banging and slamming of doors.
I catch smells wafting from the people thronging the city. Perfume, milk, dust, and iron.
Lady: Oh my, sorry about that, Mister.
Thud! Passers-by snap into view as they bump into my shoulders.
Townspeople: Ahahaha!
Townspeople: Hey! Let’s do it again!
The people burst into peals of laughter, their footsteps tapping along to some kind of signal. Maybe they’re dancing.
Arthur and Riquet look on, their faces beaming.
Arthur suddenly turns around, smiling at me over his shoulder as he touches my right hand.
Arthur: I’m all right, Cain.
I have my hand on my sword hilt again. I exhale deeply at the realization.
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11.9 Someone’s Watching
It’s as Arthur pointed out: I’m on edge. The state of affairs surrounding the Western royal family seems unstable — who knows whether Nova is lurking nearby on top of it.
But I can’t even see a single person, and I’ve made my lord Arthur worry over me — when I’m the one who should be protecting him.
Arthur: This road looks clear and free of hidden corners. There are no strange figures as far as I can see. Oh, right, do you want to walk along my left side?
Cain: How pathetic...... If you’re the one escorting me, that defeats the whole purpose of my role.
Arthur: You’re reliable as ever, Cain. Your injury from the < Great Catastrophe > is none of your doing.
Riquet: Yes, we’re relying on you here. Where are we gathering information from? What about those people there?
Cain: Hey, hang on. People will just get defensive if you start pointing at them and making declarations.
Riquet: You’re right...... They look really displeased. Should I go apologize?
Cain: I know you’re honest and straightforward, Riquet. But for now, let’s settle with bowing to them in apology so we can head over to the pipe shop.
Riquet: The pipe shop...... Oh, right, the one that belongs to Shylock’s friend, right?
Cain: Yeah. We’re going to meet a wizard who Shylock knows.
Then we can check out the city and make for the Magical Technology Corps’ headquarters.
Arthur: Got it.
Riquet: Okay!
Oz: I will wait here.
Oz announces this in a low tone, following on the heels of Arthur and Riquet’s energetic replies.
Oz’s gaze passes over me to land on an area diagonally overhead, as if he’s studying something in the sky.
Cain: Why?
Oz: I can sense a probing gaze.
Cain: Gaze? .......Is it hostile?
Oz: No, it feels observant. Like it’s searching for my true form.
I’m keeping my powers under control, but someone is on guard because they have sensed the presence of ancient magic.
Cain: ....And what does that mean?
Oz: ......I don’t mind it if they keep their distance, but Western wizards are irresistibly curious. The thought of needlessly losing time......
Cain: So you mean you don’t want them to bother you.
Oz: Yes.
Cain: All right. Then let’s meet up afterwards. How about the plaza in front of the goddess statue......
Oz: Call my name. Wherever you are, I will come to you. Be sure to call for me before nightfall.
Cain: Got it.
Arthur: We’re counting on you then, Sir Oz.
Riquet: Oz. Make sure you find the candies with swirling patterns.
If it looks like they’re going to sell out, please buy the prettiest ones.
Oz: What do you mean by prettiest......?
Riquet: The ones in pretty colors that make you go "wow!" at first glance, of course. You know what pretty colors are, right?
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11.10 Both Today and Yesterday
Oz: No color is inherently beautiful nor ugly.
Riquet: Yes they are. Yellow is pretty. So is green.
Arthur: I love blue.
Cain: And I love red. What color do you like, Owen?
Owen: Um......
Oz takes a pause from grudgingly listening to throw Owen a sharp glance.
Oz: Leave that one behind.
Cain: No, but......
Owen: ............
Oz: You do not know when he will return to his usual self. None of you stand a chance against Owen.
He has a point.
I have no way of protecting Arthur or Riquet if Owen decides to hurt them on a whim.
I don’t want to think that Owen would ever do that, but I don’t know enough about him to say for sure.
Getting Oz to keep an eye on him might be the best course of action. But there’s another problem.
I walk up to Oz and whisper in his ear.
Cain: But...... I already told you. Owen will get upset if I abandon him.
Oz: You’re not abandoning him. I will be watching him.
Cain: I guess, but......
Will Owen accept that? I turn to Owen doubtfully.
At his forlorn gaze, I muster up my biggest smile and introduce Oz.
Cain: Owen. I have something to do. Can you wait here for me with Oz?
Owen: ............
Owen steals a glance at an entirely unsmiling Oz.
Arthur gently peers at Owen’s face. He clasps Owen’s hand, smiling.
Arthur: It’s all right. Sir Oz is a kind person. You can tell him anything.
Owen: ......Okay......
Owen gives a little nod. He seems to have placed his trust in Arthur’s smile rather than in Oz.
My heart is thundering. I’m not leaving him behind, right?
Will Owen think that I’m betraying him?
Even if Owen lashes out, Oz can handle it, right? That is, as long as it’s before nightfall.
My mind knows that much, but there’s a stabbing fear in my heart.
Even if my mind knows it, I can’t help feeling uncertain. It’s enough to make me turn around and make a declaration.
Cain: Owen, I’ll come back for you!
Owen lifts his face, smiling up at me.
Owen: Okay......
I can’t say why, but a memory of the past flashes through my mind: I’m gripping my sword as I scream, I’ll protect all of you.
I remember the Northern wizard with the cold, cruel smile towering over my fallen fellow knights.
That, too, was Owen.
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Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12