healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2022-12-11 03:18 pm
healingbonds) wrote2022-12-11 03:18 pm
Entry tags:
Main Story 2 | Chapter 12 | To the City of Wealth
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 11 << | index | >> Chapter 13
Chapter 12: To the City of Wealth
12.1 A Mysterious Shop With Echoing Bells
12.2 The Two on the Same Wavelength
12.3 The Royal Emergency
12.4 Suspicion in the Air
12.5 I’m Watching Over You
12.6 Call His Name and He Appears
12.7 Lost for Words
12.8 The Ice-Cold Glare, Revived
12.9 The Offer
12.10 A Fair Price
12.1 A Mysterious Shop With Echoing Bells
Cain: Hmm, which way was the shop again......
Riquet: After the third turn, there should be a shop with a butterfly motif bell amulet hanging in the entrance. Those were the instructions.
Cain: You’ve got a good memory, Riquet.
Riquet proudly puffs out his chest.
Riquet: There’s a butterfly on Shylock’s pipe too. I thought they might be matching.
Arthur: Isn’t it this shop over here?
I turn my gaze in the indicated direction to find a shop with a butterfly-shaped bell amulet swaying and tinkling over the entrance.
Peering through the eaves, I can see a row of exquisitely crafted pipes.
From the back of the shop, I hear someone steadily chopping tobacco leaves.
Cain: Hey, do you have a moment?
Owner: Come a little closer.
The gloomy voice of an old man echoes from the depths of the shop.
Owner: You’re wizards, aren’t you?
We exchange looks, before stepping inside.
The moment we cross the threshold, a miraculous change takes place.
The dark veil of night time falls over the City of Wealth.
Cain: Huh!?
Owner: Don’t be alarmed. I just cast an illusion spell.
The voice now belongs to a young, cheerful woman. Riquet exclaims in surprise.
Riquet: The old uncle turned into a young woman.
How very like a Western wizard; nevertheless, she seems formidable.
I go for a handshake more forcefully than usual.
Cain: I’m the Sage’s wizard, Cain. I came on Shylock’s recommendation. And you are......?
Owner: I’m Sylves. You can call me Syl.
A soft, warm hand grasps mine in return.
The person facing me is an alluring, curvy woman with round cheeks and mysteriously enchanting gray eyes.
There are tons of accessories framing her face, decorating her fingers and her neck. She flashes me a charming, broad grin.
Sylves: Delighted to meet you.
Cain: Me too, Syl.
She wipes the smile off her face, tucking her chin apprehensively.
Then, she starts talking as fast as a fired arrow.
Sylves: Hey, something really powerful came to town, right? It’s gotta be Oz or Mithra. I know this is for a mission, but....
Shylock said I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but he’s asking way too much of me. How am I supposed to not get worked up?
How’s Shylock doing? I thought he was coming along today. I guess he doesn’t like the City of Wealth very much.
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12.2 The Two on the Same Wavelength
Sylves: Oh well, that’s too bad. He hates politics, and I guess you could say the entertainment district in the Town of Nectar does feel more ephemeral? Transient? Like a short-lived dream?
A place like that suits him better. He doesn’t feel like a man you can trap with authority or money. But he told me he likes the City of Wealth too.
Riquet: Are you the person who made Shylock’s pipe?
Sylves: Oh no, not at all, sweetheart. I could only dream of it! I admired him so much that I’m copying him.
You know, he always praises the pipes I make. But he won’t use them. That kind of thing makes him so irresistible it almost drives me insane.
Riquet: I know what you mean.
Cain: You do!?
Arthur: You know!?
Riquet: A while ago, he praised the portrait I drew of him.
But he refused when I asked him to hang it up in his bar.
Sylves: Oh my, how wonderful...... I can practically see it happening. He’s so cold even though he’s the one who lured you in to begin with — I love that.
Riquet: He has such a kind voice and face, but the fact that he won’t spoil you..... It really makes me go, agh....!
But I tell myself that someday, I’ll make him, for sure.......! So this is what they mean when they say someone is irresistible.......
Arthur: Is that so...... I’m not sure I understand it yet.......
Cain: Syl, we have some things we’d like to ask. Let’s save the Shylock stories for later.
Sylves: Sure. Shylock asked me to be nice to you guys, after all.
Sylves brings her pipe to her mouth and inhales deeply.
I hear the sloshing of water from the back of the store. I start talking, half listening to the hiss and bubble of rising steam.
Cain: Has anything strange been going on lately? Especially around the Western palace......
Sylves: Of course. But does that have anything to do with the < Great Catastrophe >? You’re a soldier from Central Country, right?
Cain: Did you hear that from Shylock?
Sylves: I can tell by the way you carry yourself. I don’t love the Western government, but I’m not exactly keen on selling them out to our neighbors.
I’m sure Shylock would be sad to see this city fall to Central Country. So, you have to answer my question first.
Her frankness puts me at ease. This is much easier than trying to probe around for each other’s real intentions.
Cain: Sure, I’ll tell you. I don’t know if this is connected to the < Great Catastrophe >.
But I have no intention of stirring up any trouble. The prince of Central Country himself is one of the Sage’s wizards.
Riquet looks up at Arthur, who simply stands there, motionless.
Cain: If there are any threats or disturbances in the Western royal family, I want to keep my lord out of it.
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12.3 The Royal Emergency
Cain: That’s my first priority. Can you accept that?
Sylves: Hmm..... You sound like you think the world of him.
Her observation strangely flusters me. I fumble for an excuse, keenly aware of Arthur’s presence.
Cain: Well, my lord is important to me. He worries me a great deal, but I want to stand by his side and offer him my strength.
Sylves: Isn’t the prince supposed to be brutally ruthless and terrifying? I heard he was raised by Oz.
Riquet: He’s not like that at all! Prince Arthur is a wonderful person.
Sylves: You’ve met him before? What about your friend over there?
Arthur: Oh, um..... Well...... Actually, Sylves.......
Cain: Enough, Arty. No, this guy hasn’t met Prince Arthur yet. He’s still a rookie, you see.
Sylves: Oh my, really?
Riquet: If Arty is a rookie, does that make me his senior?
Arthur: Y-yes, I think so. Commander Riquet....... But still, I really think–.......
Arthur looks up at me pleadingly. I bet he’s considering telling Sylves the truth about his identity.
I understand wanting to respond in turn to Sylves’ sincerity. But we have to tread carefully here.
Cain: Anyway, I’m only asking to prevent trouble, not to cause it.
Sylves: All right. I’ll trust you, since you came on Shylock’s recommendation.
She concedes, reaching for her pipe. Ground tobacco leaves float into the air and pack themselves into the pipe chamber.
Green and purple sparks burn merrily, emitting a smokeless scent of forests and grapes.
Sylves: There haven’t been any official announcements, but I’ve heard that members of the Western royal family have been dying one after another.
Cain: .......Why? Is there a plague? Or is this a delicate matter, like political assassinations by poison....
Sylves: I don’t know. The King apparently remains unharmed, but his heirs have been dying in rapid succession......
Arthur: His heirs........ Madam Sylves, do you know of the curse of the royal scepter?
Sylves: Of course. The royal scepter changes the one who wields it, right?
Arthur: Yes. If the curse has anything to do with the string of deaths, we should exorcize the scepter.
But the scepter is an item of the Western royal family regalia...... It won’t be easy to get access to it.
Are there any wizards close to the Western royal family who might be able to provide counsel on the matter?
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12.4 Suspicion in the Air
Sylves: I haven’t heard of any. Murr no longer associates with the royal court, and the people have come to hold magical technology in higher esteem.
Besides, I think the curse of the royal scepter is nothing more than mere superstition.
Riquet: Why?
Sylves: Royals are simply normal people who become kings and queens. It’s not strange for someone to change under the heavy burden of responsibility.
Arthur: ................
Arthur blinks before turning around to me, a question written in his eyes.
I don’t know what he wants to ask of me.
Sylves: I don’t think the curse caused the string of suspicious deaths in the royal family. And if we assume there’s some political motive at play.......
Princess Liliana from the Cortese family is the next in line. Who would benefit from her ascending to the throne?
The answer is no one. The Cortese family have neither powerful allies backing them nor acclaimed political players among them; their lands are leisurely botanical gardens.
The only person who would stand to reap any benefit is Prince Arthur from Central Country.
Arthur: Me?
Sylves: You?
Arthur: Ah, I mean, Prince Arthur, whom I’ve never met before. Why would you say that he would benefit........?
Arthur frantically tries to cover for his unintended outburst. I can feel my heart pounding too.
Cain: Why would Arthur benefit if Princess Liliana became heir to the throne?
Sylves shrugs before continuing.
Sylves: Central Country fears Western Country’s rise to prominence. So.....
If Prince Arthur of Central Country were engaged to Princess Liliana, the next Queen, there would be peace between the two countries, right?
Cain & Riquet: Engaged?
Arthur: Engaged........?
Sylves: That’s right. A girl from the quaint countryside becoming Queen: the only party who could find a cause for celebration in all this would be a neighboring country eager to see the West weakened.
If the deaths are indeed caused by poison as part of some larger political plot, it would be reasonable to suspect Central Country. Wouldn’t you agree, Mister Central Soldier?
I raise my eyebrows and laugh easily, careful to conceal my inner thoughts.
Cain: Interesting speculation, but you forgot something important. Poison and political plots aren’t a very Central way to go about things.
Sylves: Well, you have a good point.
Cain: But from what you say, there seems to be swirling suspicion around the Western palace. I’ll refrain from bringing Prince Arthur here.
Sylves: That’s a good idea.
Cain: Thanks, Syl. You’ve been a great help. Next time I visit, I’ll come with Shylock.
Sylves: I’d be delighted. Please send him my regards.
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12.5 I’m Watching Over You
Cain: Of course.
I shake Syl’s hands heartily before turning away, valiantly holding myself back from rushing and tripping through my words.
I want to grab Arthur’s arm and bolt out of there. I steal another glimpse at the shop behind me.
Sylves: Take care, fair soldier. And you too, Commander Riquet and Rookie Arty.
It’s the deep, masculine voice, laced with amusement. In the dark recesses of the shop, a tall man with gray eyes puffs smoke from his pipe.
I feel dazed. The second we step out of the shop, we’re back in the daytime hustle and bustle of the City of Wealth.
I turn around again.
The shop with the butterfly amulet is gone.
✦✧☾✧✦
Owen: ................
........Where did all the people here come from........?
Oz: ................ I wonder.........
Owen: ........Where are they going?
Oz: ........I do not know.
........I never imagined the human population would grow this much........
Owen: ................
Oz: ........When will you return to your usual self?
Child: I want this, please, mister!
Owner: Thanks for the business! Here’s your change. Come again anytime.
Owen: ................
Oz: That’s the shop..... What exactly did he mean by pretty colors........
Owen: Oh........
Oz: What is it?
Owen: ........Nothing.........
Oz: .............. Is there something you want?
Owen: Um.........
Child: Please! I want this one, this one, and this one!
Owner: Sure! Don’t drop them! Here’s your change!
Child: Thank you!
Owen: ............. Those sparkling things......It looks fun to hand them to him.........
Oz: .......Do you want to give him some coins?
Owen: ................?
(Clinking of coins)
Oz: You mean these, right? Round, sparkling pieces of polished metal........
Owen: Are they for me?
Oz: Yes.
Owen: ................ Can I give them to that person........?
Oz: Yes. Choose something you like and hand the coins to the man.
Owen: ................
.......No, it’s okay.........
Oz: Go on. I will watch you from over here.
Owen: ................
Oz: Do not be anxious. If anything happens, I will be there right away.
Owen: Really........?
Oz: Yes.
Owen: ........You’ll really stay here?
Oz: Yes. I will stay here and watch over you. Now run along.
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12.6 Call His Name and He Appears
Owen: Okay.
(Footsteps)
Oz: ................
Owen: Hello........ Um.........
Owner: Yes?
Owen: ................
Owner: Everything looks delicious, right? Take your time choosing.
Owen: Okay.........
Then...... This one, please..........
Owner: Sure! You picked the most popular one! Here’s your change.
Owen: ........Oh........ Thank you.
Owner: Come again anytime!
(Running footsteps)
Owen: .......Look what I got!
Oz: I see. You did well.
Owen: Ehehe...... He said I got the most popular one........
Oz: Could you please go again and buy more for Riquet and the others? Yellow, green, blue, and red ones...... Can you do it?
Owen: Yes! I can do it!
Oz: Really?
Owen: Uh huh! Ehehe.........
✦✧☾✧✦
Despite asking around town, we haven’t learned anything more than what we already got from Sylves.
Most people don’t even know that the royal family’s been hit with a string of sudden deaths.
Royal funerals are usually announced in grandeur, but it seems like they’re keeping the situation hushed up.
Cain: All that’s left is the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps. We have to look into Nicholas too: he’s our main mission.
Arthur. You should head back. I’m not taking you to the headquarters with us.
I address Arthur more forcefully than usual, cutting off any chance for him to object. He agrees readily.
Arthur: ........You’re right. I can’t cause trouble for others by being there.
Riquet: No way..... Are you going back?
Arthur: I’m sorry. Let me know if you find anything on Nicholas or Nova.
Cain: I’ll call Oz and get him to send you to the Western tower.
Arthur: Thank you.
Arthur smiles wanly. I feel bad, but our options are limited. I call for Oz.
Cain: Oz! Are you there, Oz!?
I yell at the sky, unsure of how to go about calling him.
The next moment, Oz appears before me. He looks slightly exasperated.
Oz: ......No need to be so loud.
I can hardly react: I’m frozen to the spot, eyes and mouth hanging open from shock.
Owen, who was so shy before, sticks close to Oz.
He hides behind Oz, his arms fastened around Oz’s waist.
Oz turns to Owen, murmuring gently.
Oz: Don’t you have something for them?
Owen: Yes ........
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12.7 Lost for Words
Owen hesitantly approaches Riquet and Arthur and hands them something wrapped in paper.
Owen: Here........
Riquet: Wow! Thank you. Have you tried them? Weren’t they delicious?
Owen: Yes........
Arthur: Thanks, Owen. You chose such a pretty color, just like Riquet asked. I’ll treasure them.
Owen: Okay!
Owen breaks into a wide smile, before bashfully retreating behind Oz’s back.
He hasn’t called me Sir Knight a single time since we returned. For some reason, I’m strangely frustrated.
Cain: I-I see the two of you got really close.
Oz: .......Are you saying that to me?
Cain: You said all those things about not trusting him and keeping an eye on him, but you guys got real friendly, huh?
Oz: We did not.
Oz looks away abruptly, while Owen anxiously looks up at him.
After a moment of hesitation, Oz gives in and turns to smile at Owen.
He pats Owen’s round head, almost like he’s pacifying a small child.
Owen laughs in pure delight.
He hops up and down excitedly, all the while holding tightly onto Oz’s arm.
Owen: Ehehe........
I’m dumbfounded. As is Arthur. At a loss for words, we simply stare at the two of them.
Arthur: Ah........
Snapping out of it, Arthur retrieves his broom without his spell. Oz merely blinks.
Oz: Where are you going?
Arthur answers, clearly flustered.
Arthur: I am heading to the Western tower.
Oz: By yourself? I can take you there with my magic......
Arthur: You don’t have to worry. It’s all right. Cain, Riquet, I’ll leave the rest to you.
Riquet: Huh? Y-Yes.
Before any of us can react, Arthur takes to the skies in a swirl of wind.
Dragging my gaze back to the ground, I find Riquet glaring at Oz.
Riquet: You’re so dense, Oz. You could’ve taken him there immediately with your magic.
Oz: ................. Th.............
Cain: Why don’t you catch up and take him there? Hey, Owen. Come here.
I hold my hand out with a smile, but Owen just looks troubled and hides behind Oz.
Owen: ................
Cain: Huh?
My outstretched hand hangs in the air, lost on the way to its destination.
Somehow, I feel really unsettled. I was so worried about leaving them, so I should be happy that Oz and Owen are getting along. And yet.
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12.8 The Ice-Cold Glare, Revived
After some thought, Oz forcefully pries Owen from his side and tries to pass him back to me.
Owen frowns, his protests turning sorrowful.
Owen: Don’t wanna....... Don’t leave me behind........
Oz: I will be back in no time.
Owen: But........
Oz: There is nothing to be afraid of. I will protect you.
Owen: ................
At his steady and unflappable tone, Owen stops his tantrum.
He looks up at Oz obediently. I can almost see the childlike trust in his gaze.
Oz cradles Owen’s shoulders and deposits him in front of me, before disappearing the next moment.
Cain: ................
I will protect you.
Cain: (There’s no doubt about it when Oz says it. There’s no wizard stronger than Oz........)
(Then...... What can I even do?)
There’s a parched gust of wind rustling in my chest.
I think and worry over Arthur and Owen, my heart swaying to and fro between possible solutions; and yet none of my concern holds as much weight as a word from Oz.
I feel defeated by my own helplessness. Sighing, I look up, only to find.......
Owen glaring at me with an icy gaze.
Owen: ................
Cain: Whoa, you scared me!
Is he mad about getting left behind? I immediately grab Riquet’s skinny arms and pull him closer to me.
Cain: Get behind me, Riquet!
Riquet: Huh!? What’s happening!?
I shield Riquet behind me. I remember Owen had that look in his eyes before setting Cerberus on me.
When I reach for my sword, Owen’s frosty gaze darts around.
Owen: ......Where is this?
There’s no trace of childishness in his tone. Relieved, I let out a breath. He’s back to the usual Owen.
Cain: Oh, it’s just you........
Owen: Hah?
Riquet: This is the City of Wealth. Would you like some swirly candies?
Owen: Hah? The City of Wealth? I’ll take that candy.
Riquet: Ah, you took so many.......!
Owen scoops a whole handful of candy and crams it into his cheeks.
He doesn’t say anything, probably because his mouth is full.
But he grows bored of the silence soon enough.
Owen: ................
Cain: Um........
His mismatched, icy gaze grazes disinterestedly over me before he disappears.
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12.9 The Offer
Owen disappears, leaving a small stone whirling and dropping to the ground in his wake.
Riquet: Geez......! Owen was being such a good child until just now.
I try to agree and say, "You’re right," but I just can’t get it out.
The sound of animated laughter echoes through the City of Wealth.
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: Thank you for accompanying me.
Oz: Why have we come to the Western tower?
Arthur: There’s been a change in the situation...... I will head back to Granvelle Castle now.
Oz: In that case, let me take you back to Central Country.
Arthur: No, it’s really all right. ......Um.......
Sir Oz. Have I changed?
Oz: Yes.
Arthur: ......I see.......
Oz: You grew taller.
Arthur: ......Anything else?
Oz: What has made you lose heart? Your face looks so composed.
Arthur: ......I look composed? Do I usually look out of control........?
Oz: You usually laugh with your whole face — from your eyebrows, eyes, and nose, to your mouth.
Arthur: ............. Haha......
Then I guess it’s fine. Please tell me if my face becomes too composed again, Sir Oz.
Oz: I will.
Arthur: I’ll leave everyone else to you. Please take care.
Oz: Of course. I will bring Nova’s stone back. Wait for us at Granvelle Castle.
✦✧☾✧✦
Figaro: .........
A sage’s manual, huh.... It’s been ages since I last kept a diary.
(Knock knock)
Figaro: ....... Is that Shino?
Come on in.
(Door opens)
Shino: Figaro.
Figaro: What’s going on? Aren’t you heading off to the City of Rain?
Shino: We’re going after this. I need to ask you something.
Figaro: What is it?
Shino: I heard you can erase memories. That you’re good at manipulating minds.
Figaro: Who told you that?
Shino: The twins.
Figaro: What chatterboxes. I guess I have some knowledge on the matter.
Shino: Can you erase just a part of someone’s memory?
Figaro: It depends.
Shino: ....I see. Let’s make a deal.
Figaro: A deal?
Shino: This isn’t really ideal for me, but.... If, in the future, I need to have part of someone’s memory erased.....
I want to request your assistance. I’ll pay any price.
Figaro: Haha.... I refuse.
Shino: But why?
Figaro: Faust will yell at me. And you shouldn’t offer to pay any price so easily.
Especially if you’re dealing with a wizard.
Shino: I have nothing to offer but my own body. ...Oh.
I’ll give you one of my nails. If you want, I can give you my hair or my blood.....
Figaro: Uh.....?
Shino: .......!
Figaro: .....Oh, hey, stop! I get it, that’s enough. I’ll take just your nail.
Shino: So you accept my offer?
Figaro: No way, this isn’t nearly enough. The most it’ll do is keep my mouth shut. Whose memories are you trying to steal?
Heathcliff's? Did you do something terrible to him?
Shino: What always hurts him is the truth, not me. I’m protecting him.
Figaro: ............
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12.10 A Fair Price
Shino: ....If Heath discovers the terrible truth and can’t bear the weight of it......
I want you to steal away his memories.
Figaro: ......... I’ll consider it when you can prepare the fair price.
Shino: The fair price?
Figaro: This little nail won’t do. Though it is enough for me to curse you to death.
Shino: What do you need?
Figaro: I need a Shino who can protect his friend from the terrible truth.
Shino: ....He doesn’t exist. That’s why I’m asking.
Figaro: Too bad. Looks like your friend’s going to get crushed by the weight of the truth.
Here, show me your finger. I’ll fix up your nail.
Shino: ....Stop acting like you’re some holy man! What about you!?
If you can control minds, I bet you’ve stolen away plenty of memories from the people closest to you!
Figaro: << Possideo >>
Shino: ....You didn’t have to fix it. Don’t do what I haven’t asked you to do. You won’t even do what I want you to.
Figaro: Shino. If you continue to tinker with someone’s memory, they will eventually cease to be your friend.
They’ll become nothing more to you than a convenient, human-shaped toy.
And you will come to realize that your relationship is worthless.
Shino: I’d never steal Heath’s memories for my own sake. I’m doing this all for Heath.
Figaro: That’s what you want to believe. But you’re really only doing this for yourself.
Shino: I’m not.
Figaro: ..........
Shino: I’m not gonna ask you for help. Don’t tell anyone about this.
Figaro: I can’t make that a promise.
Shino: Figaro. I might not be able to beat you right now, but......
In ten years, I’ll overtake you.
Figaro: Wow. What confidence.
Shino: Keep that in mind, and don’t do anything you’ll regret in the future. Don’t tell anyone.
Figaro: Where’s the "please"?
Shino: I’ll never say that.
Figaro: Shino.
Shino: Hm?
Figaro: << Possideo >>
Shino: ..........
.....Huh....? Where am I.... Figaro....?
Figaro: Hey, Shino.
Shino: ........Did you cast a spell on me?
Figaro: You don’t remember? You wanted me to fix up your nail. Look.
Shino: ....You’re right. There’s a bloodstain..... So my nail got torn off.
Figaro: But it’s all healed now. You should say thank you, okay?
Shino: Thank you.
Figaro: Good boy. You’re heading off on a mission, right? Take care.
Shino: Yeah. Now that my finger’s all fixed up, I can go all-out for this mission. See you.
Figaro: Yup, good luck. —Oh, one more thing, Shino.
Shino: Hm?
Figaro: In a few hours, you might suddenly remember a certain something.
Shino: What are you saying?
Figaro: And then you’ll have a good idea of what I’m trying to say, so mull it over, okay?
Shino: Hmph. I don’t get it, but okay. See you.
Figaro: Yes, yes.
(Door closes)
Figaro: ..........
I should’ve left him a surprise.
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Chapter 11 << | index | >> Chapter 13
Chapter 11 << | index | >> Chapter 13
Chapter 12: To the City of Wealth
12.1 A Mysterious Shop With Echoing Bells
12.2 The Two on the Same Wavelength
12.3 The Royal Emergency
12.4 Suspicion in the Air
12.5 I’m Watching Over You
12.6 Call His Name and He Appears
12.7 Lost for Words
12.8 The Ice-Cold Glare, Revived
12.9 The Offer
12.10 A Fair Price
12.1 A Mysterious Shop With Echoing Bells
Cain: Hmm, which way was the shop again......
Riquet: After the third turn, there should be a shop with a butterfly motif bell amulet hanging in the entrance. Those were the instructions.
Cain: You’ve got a good memory, Riquet.
Riquet proudly puffs out his chest.
Riquet: There’s a butterfly on Shylock’s pipe too. I thought they might be matching.
Arthur: Isn’t it this shop over here?
I turn my gaze in the indicated direction to find a shop with a butterfly-shaped bell amulet swaying and tinkling over the entrance.
Peering through the eaves, I can see a row of exquisitely crafted pipes.
From the back of the shop, I hear someone steadily chopping tobacco leaves.
Cain: Hey, do you have a moment?
Owner: Come a little closer.
The gloomy voice of an old man echoes from the depths of the shop.
Owner: You’re wizards, aren’t you?
We exchange looks, before stepping inside.
The moment we cross the threshold, a miraculous change takes place.
The dark veil of night time falls over the City of Wealth.
Cain: Huh!?
Owner: Don’t be alarmed. I just cast an illusion spell.
The voice now belongs to a young, cheerful woman. Riquet exclaims in surprise.
Riquet: The old uncle turned into a young woman.
How very like a Western wizard; nevertheless, she seems formidable.
I go for a handshake more forcefully than usual.
Cain: I’m the Sage’s wizard, Cain. I came on Shylock’s recommendation. And you are......?
Owner: I’m Sylves. You can call me Syl.
A soft, warm hand grasps mine in return.
The person facing me is an alluring, curvy woman with round cheeks and mysteriously enchanting gray eyes.
There are tons of accessories framing her face, decorating her fingers and her neck. She flashes me a charming, broad grin.
Sylves: Delighted to meet you.
Cain: Me too, Syl.
She wipes the smile off her face, tucking her chin apprehensively.
Then, she starts talking as fast as a fired arrow.
Sylves: Hey, something really powerful came to town, right? It’s gotta be Oz or Mithra. I know this is for a mission, but....
Shylock said I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but he’s asking way too much of me. How am I supposed to not get worked up?
How’s Shylock doing? I thought he was coming along today. I guess he doesn’t like the City of Wealth very much.
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12.2 The Two on the Same Wavelength
Sylves: Oh well, that’s too bad. He hates politics, and I guess you could say the entertainment district in the Town of Nectar does feel more ephemeral? Transient? Like a short-lived dream?
A place like that suits him better. He doesn’t feel like a man you can trap with authority or money. But he told me he likes the City of Wealth too.
Riquet: Are you the person who made Shylock’s pipe?
Sylves: Oh no, not at all, sweetheart. I could only dream of it! I admired him so much that I’m copying him.
You know, he always praises the pipes I make. But he won’t use them. That kind of thing makes him so irresistible it almost drives me insane.
Riquet: I know what you mean.
Cain: You do!?
Arthur: You know!?
Riquet: A while ago, he praised the portrait I drew of him.
But he refused when I asked him to hang it up in his bar.
Sylves: Oh my, how wonderful...... I can practically see it happening. He’s so cold even though he’s the one who lured you in to begin with — I love that.
Riquet: He has such a kind voice and face, but the fact that he won’t spoil you..... It really makes me go, agh....!
But I tell myself that someday, I’ll make him, for sure.......! So this is what they mean when they say someone is irresistible.......
Arthur: Is that so...... I’m not sure I understand it yet.......
Cain: Syl, we have some things we’d like to ask. Let’s save the Shylock stories for later.
Sylves: Sure. Shylock asked me to be nice to you guys, after all.
Sylves brings her pipe to her mouth and inhales deeply.
I hear the sloshing of water from the back of the store. I start talking, half listening to the hiss and bubble of rising steam.
Cain: Has anything strange been going on lately? Especially around the Western palace......
Sylves: Of course. But does that have anything to do with the < Great Catastrophe >? You’re a soldier from Central Country, right?
Cain: Did you hear that from Shylock?
Sylves: I can tell by the way you carry yourself. I don’t love the Western government, but I’m not exactly keen on selling them out to our neighbors.
I’m sure Shylock would be sad to see this city fall to Central Country. So, you have to answer my question first.
Her frankness puts me at ease. This is much easier than trying to probe around for each other’s real intentions.
Cain: Sure, I’ll tell you. I don’t know if this is connected to the < Great Catastrophe >.
But I have no intention of stirring up any trouble. The prince of Central Country himself is one of the Sage’s wizards.
Riquet looks up at Arthur, who simply stands there, motionless.
Cain: If there are any threats or disturbances in the Western royal family, I want to keep my lord out of it.
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12.3 The Royal Emergency
Cain: That’s my first priority. Can you accept that?
Sylves: Hmm..... You sound like you think the world of him.
Her observation strangely flusters me. I fumble for an excuse, keenly aware of Arthur’s presence.
Cain: Well, my lord is important to me. He worries me a great deal, but I want to stand by his side and offer him my strength.
Sylves: Isn’t the prince supposed to be brutally ruthless and terrifying? I heard he was raised by Oz.
Riquet: He’s not like that at all! Prince Arthur is a wonderful person.
Sylves: You’ve met him before? What about your friend over there?
Arthur: Oh, um..... Well...... Actually, Sylves.......
Cain: Enough, Arty. No, this guy hasn’t met Prince Arthur yet. He’s still a rookie, you see.
Sylves: Oh my, really?
Riquet: If Arty is a rookie, does that make me his senior?
Arthur: Y-yes, I think so. Commander Riquet....... But still, I really think–.......
Arthur looks up at me pleadingly. I bet he’s considering telling Sylves the truth about his identity.
I understand wanting to respond in turn to Sylves’ sincerity. But we have to tread carefully here.
Cain: Anyway, I’m only asking to prevent trouble, not to cause it.
Sylves: All right. I’ll trust you, since you came on Shylock’s recommendation.
She concedes, reaching for her pipe. Ground tobacco leaves float into the air and pack themselves into the pipe chamber.
Green and purple sparks burn merrily, emitting a smokeless scent of forests and grapes.
Sylves: There haven’t been any official announcements, but I’ve heard that members of the Western royal family have been dying one after another.
Cain: .......Why? Is there a plague? Or is this a delicate matter, like political assassinations by poison....
Sylves: I don’t know. The King apparently remains unharmed, but his heirs have been dying in rapid succession......
Arthur: His heirs........ Madam Sylves, do you know of the curse of the royal scepter?
Sylves: Of course. The royal scepter changes the one who wields it, right?
Arthur: Yes. If the curse has anything to do with the string of deaths, we should exorcize the scepter.
But the scepter is an item of the Western royal family regalia...... It won’t be easy to get access to it.
Are there any wizards close to the Western royal family who might be able to provide counsel on the matter?
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12.4 Suspicion in the Air
Sylves: I haven’t heard of any. Murr no longer associates with the royal court, and the people have come to hold magical technology in higher esteem.
Besides, I think the curse of the royal scepter is nothing more than mere superstition.
Riquet: Why?
Sylves: Royals are simply normal people who become kings and queens. It’s not strange for someone to change under the heavy burden of responsibility.
Arthur: ................
Arthur blinks before turning around to me, a question written in his eyes.
I don’t know what he wants to ask of me.
Sylves: I don’t think the curse caused the string of suspicious deaths in the royal family. And if we assume there’s some political motive at play.......
Princess Liliana from the Cortese family is the next in line. Who would benefit from her ascending to the throne?
The answer is no one. The Cortese family have neither powerful allies backing them nor acclaimed political players among them; their lands are leisurely botanical gardens.
The only person who would stand to reap any benefit is Prince Arthur from Central Country.
Arthur: Me?
Sylves: You?
Arthur: Ah, I mean, Prince Arthur, whom I’ve never met before. Why would you say that he would benefit........?
Arthur frantically tries to cover for his unintended outburst. I can feel my heart pounding too.
Cain: Why would Arthur benefit if Princess Liliana became heir to the throne?
Sylves shrugs before continuing.
Sylves: Central Country fears Western Country’s rise to prominence. So.....
If Prince Arthur of Central Country were engaged to Princess Liliana, the next Queen, there would be peace between the two countries, right?
Cain & Riquet: Engaged?
Arthur: Engaged........?
Sylves: That’s right. A girl from the quaint countryside becoming Queen: the only party who could find a cause for celebration in all this would be a neighboring country eager to see the West weakened.
If the deaths are indeed caused by poison as part of some larger political plot, it would be reasonable to suspect Central Country. Wouldn’t you agree, Mister Central Soldier?
I raise my eyebrows and laugh easily, careful to conceal my inner thoughts.
Cain: Interesting speculation, but you forgot something important. Poison and political plots aren’t a very Central way to go about things.
Sylves: Well, you have a good point.
Cain: But from what you say, there seems to be swirling suspicion around the Western palace. I’ll refrain from bringing Prince Arthur here.
Sylves: That’s a good idea.
Cain: Thanks, Syl. You’ve been a great help. Next time I visit, I’ll come with Shylock.
Sylves: I’d be delighted. Please send him my regards.
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12.5 I’m Watching Over You
Cain: Of course.
I shake Syl’s hands heartily before turning away, valiantly holding myself back from rushing and tripping through my words.
I want to grab Arthur’s arm and bolt out of there. I steal another glimpse at the shop behind me.
Sylves: Take care, fair soldier. And you too, Commander Riquet and Rookie Arty.
It’s the deep, masculine voice, laced with amusement. In the dark recesses of the shop, a tall man with gray eyes puffs smoke from his pipe.
I feel dazed. The second we step out of the shop, we’re back in the daytime hustle and bustle of the City of Wealth.
I turn around again.
The shop with the butterfly amulet is gone.
✦✧☾✧✦
Owen: ................
........Where did all the people here come from........?
Oz: ................ I wonder.........
Owen: ........Where are they going?
Oz: ........I do not know.
........I never imagined the human population would grow this much........
Owen: ................
Oz: ........When will you return to your usual self?
Child: I want this, please, mister!
Owner: Thanks for the business! Here’s your change. Come again anytime.
Owen: ................
Oz: That’s the shop..... What exactly did he mean by pretty colors........
Owen: Oh........
Oz: What is it?
Owen: ........Nothing.........
Oz: .............. Is there something you want?
Owen: Um.........
Child: Please! I want this one, this one, and this one!
Owner: Sure! Don’t drop them! Here’s your change!
Child: Thank you!
Owen: ............. Those sparkling things......It looks fun to hand them to him.........
Oz: .......Do you want to give him some coins?
Owen: ................?
(Clinking of coins)
Oz: You mean these, right? Round, sparkling pieces of polished metal........
Owen: Are they for me?
Oz: Yes.
Owen: ................ Can I give them to that person........?
Oz: Yes. Choose something you like and hand the coins to the man.
Owen: ................
.......No, it’s okay.........
Oz: Go on. I will watch you from over here.
Owen: ................
Oz: Do not be anxious. If anything happens, I will be there right away.
Owen: Really........?
Oz: Yes.
Owen: ........You’ll really stay here?
Oz: Yes. I will stay here and watch over you. Now run along.
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12.6 Call His Name and He Appears
Owen: Okay.
(Footsteps)
Oz: ................
Owen: Hello........ Um.........
Owner: Yes?
Owen: ................
Owner: Everything looks delicious, right? Take your time choosing.
Owen: Okay.........
Then...... This one, please..........
Owner: Sure! You picked the most popular one! Here’s your change.
Owen: ........Oh........ Thank you.
Owner: Come again anytime!
(Running footsteps)
Owen: .......Look what I got!
Oz: I see. You did well.
Owen: Ehehe...... He said I got the most popular one........
Oz: Could you please go again and buy more for Riquet and the others? Yellow, green, blue, and red ones...... Can you do it?
Owen: Yes! I can do it!
Oz: Really?
Owen: Uh huh! Ehehe.........
✦✧☾✧✦
Despite asking around town, we haven’t learned anything more than what we already got from Sylves.
Most people don’t even know that the royal family’s been hit with a string of sudden deaths.
Royal funerals are usually announced in grandeur, but it seems like they’re keeping the situation hushed up.
Cain: All that’s left is the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps. We have to look into Nicholas too: he’s our main mission.
Arthur. You should head back. I’m not taking you to the headquarters with us.
I address Arthur more forcefully than usual, cutting off any chance for him to object. He agrees readily.
Arthur: ........You’re right. I can’t cause trouble for others by being there.
Riquet: No way..... Are you going back?
Arthur: I’m sorry. Let me know if you find anything on Nicholas or Nova.
Cain: I’ll call Oz and get him to send you to the Western tower.
Arthur: Thank you.
Arthur smiles wanly. I feel bad, but our options are limited. I call for Oz.
Cain: Oz! Are you there, Oz!?
I yell at the sky, unsure of how to go about calling him.
The next moment, Oz appears before me. He looks slightly exasperated.
Oz: ......No need to be so loud.
I can hardly react: I’m frozen to the spot, eyes and mouth hanging open from shock.
Owen, who was so shy before, sticks close to Oz.
He hides behind Oz, his arms fastened around Oz’s waist.
Oz turns to Owen, murmuring gently.
Oz: Don’t you have something for them?
Owen: Yes ........
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12.7 Lost for Words
Owen hesitantly approaches Riquet and Arthur and hands them something wrapped in paper.
Owen: Here........
Riquet: Wow! Thank you. Have you tried them? Weren’t they delicious?
Owen: Yes........
Arthur: Thanks, Owen. You chose such a pretty color, just like Riquet asked. I’ll treasure them.
Owen: Okay!
Owen breaks into a wide smile, before bashfully retreating behind Oz’s back.
He hasn’t called me Sir Knight a single time since we returned. For some reason, I’m strangely frustrated.
Cain: I-I see the two of you got really close.
Oz: .......Are you saying that to me?
Cain: You said all those things about not trusting him and keeping an eye on him, but you guys got real friendly, huh?
Oz: We did not.
Oz looks away abruptly, while Owen anxiously looks up at him.
After a moment of hesitation, Oz gives in and turns to smile at Owen.
He pats Owen’s round head, almost like he’s pacifying a small child.
Owen laughs in pure delight.
He hops up and down excitedly, all the while holding tightly onto Oz’s arm.
Owen: Ehehe........
I’m dumbfounded. As is Arthur. At a loss for words, we simply stare at the two of them.
Arthur: Ah........
Snapping out of it, Arthur retrieves his broom without his spell. Oz merely blinks.
Oz: Where are you going?
Arthur answers, clearly flustered.
Arthur: I am heading to the Western tower.
Oz: By yourself? I can take you there with my magic......
Arthur: You don’t have to worry. It’s all right. Cain, Riquet, I’ll leave the rest to you.
Riquet: Huh? Y-Yes.
Before any of us can react, Arthur takes to the skies in a swirl of wind.
Dragging my gaze back to the ground, I find Riquet glaring at Oz.
Riquet: You’re so dense, Oz. You could’ve taken him there immediately with your magic.
Oz: ................. Th.............
Cain: Why don’t you catch up and take him there? Hey, Owen. Come here.
I hold my hand out with a smile, but Owen just looks troubled and hides behind Oz.
Owen: ................
Cain: Huh?
My outstretched hand hangs in the air, lost on the way to its destination.
Somehow, I feel really unsettled. I was so worried about leaving them, so I should be happy that Oz and Owen are getting along. And yet.
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12.8 The Ice-Cold Glare, Revived
After some thought, Oz forcefully pries Owen from his side and tries to pass him back to me.
Owen frowns, his protests turning sorrowful.
Owen: Don’t wanna....... Don’t leave me behind........
Oz: I will be back in no time.
Owen: But........
Oz: There is nothing to be afraid of. I will protect you.
Owen: ................
At his steady and unflappable tone, Owen stops his tantrum.
He looks up at Oz obediently. I can almost see the childlike trust in his gaze.
Oz cradles Owen’s shoulders and deposits him in front of me, before disappearing the next moment.
Cain: ................
I will protect you.
Cain: (There’s no doubt about it when Oz says it. There’s no wizard stronger than Oz........)
(Then...... What can I even do?)
There’s a parched gust of wind rustling in my chest.
I think and worry over Arthur and Owen, my heart swaying to and fro between possible solutions; and yet none of my concern holds as much weight as a word from Oz.
I feel defeated by my own helplessness. Sighing, I look up, only to find.......
Owen glaring at me with an icy gaze.
Owen: ................
Cain: Whoa, you scared me!
Is he mad about getting left behind? I immediately grab Riquet’s skinny arms and pull him closer to me.
Cain: Get behind me, Riquet!
Riquet: Huh!? What’s happening!?
I shield Riquet behind me. I remember Owen had that look in his eyes before setting Cerberus on me.
When I reach for my sword, Owen’s frosty gaze darts around.
Owen: ......Where is this?
There’s no trace of childishness in his tone. Relieved, I let out a breath. He’s back to the usual Owen.
Cain: Oh, it’s just you........
Owen: Hah?
Riquet: This is the City of Wealth. Would you like some swirly candies?
Owen: Hah? The City of Wealth? I’ll take that candy.
Riquet: Ah, you took so many.......!
Owen scoops a whole handful of candy and crams it into his cheeks.
He doesn’t say anything, probably because his mouth is full.
But he grows bored of the silence soon enough.
Owen: ................
Cain: Um........
His mismatched, icy gaze grazes disinterestedly over me before he disappears.
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12.9 The Offer
Owen disappears, leaving a small stone whirling and dropping to the ground in his wake.
Riquet: Geez......! Owen was being such a good child until just now.
I try to agree and say, "You’re right," but I just can’t get it out.
The sound of animated laughter echoes through the City of Wealth.
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: Thank you for accompanying me.
Oz: Why have we come to the Western tower?
Arthur: There’s been a change in the situation...... I will head back to Granvelle Castle now.
Oz: In that case, let me take you back to Central Country.
Arthur: No, it’s really all right. ......Um.......
Sir Oz. Have I changed?
Oz: Yes.
Arthur: ......I see.......
Oz: You grew taller.
Arthur: ......Anything else?
Oz: What has made you lose heart? Your face looks so composed.
Arthur: ......I look composed? Do I usually look out of control........?
Oz: You usually laugh with your whole face — from your eyebrows, eyes, and nose, to your mouth.
Arthur: ............. Haha......
Then I guess it’s fine. Please tell me if my face becomes too composed again, Sir Oz.
Oz: I will.
Arthur: I’ll leave everyone else to you. Please take care.
Oz: Of course. I will bring Nova’s stone back. Wait for us at Granvelle Castle.
✦✧☾✧✦
Figaro: .........
A sage’s manual, huh.... It’s been ages since I last kept a diary.
(Knock knock)
Figaro: ....... Is that Shino?
Come on in.
(Door opens)
Shino: Figaro.
Figaro: What’s going on? Aren’t you heading off to the City of Rain?
Shino: We’re going after this. I need to ask you something.
Figaro: What is it?
Shino: I heard you can erase memories. That you’re good at manipulating minds.
Figaro: Who told you that?
Shino: The twins.
Figaro: What chatterboxes. I guess I have some knowledge on the matter.
Shino: Can you erase just a part of someone’s memory?
Figaro: It depends.
Shino: ....I see. Let’s make a deal.
Figaro: A deal?
Shino: This isn’t really ideal for me, but.... If, in the future, I need to have part of someone’s memory erased.....
I want to request your assistance. I’ll pay any price.
Figaro: Haha.... I refuse.
Shino: But why?
Figaro: Faust will yell at me. And you shouldn’t offer to pay any price so easily.
Especially if you’re dealing with a wizard.
Shino: I have nothing to offer but my own body. ...Oh.
I’ll give you one of my nails. If you want, I can give you my hair or my blood.....
Figaro: Uh.....?
Shino: .......!
Figaro: .....Oh, hey, stop! I get it, that’s enough. I’ll take just your nail.
Shino: So you accept my offer?
Figaro: No way, this isn’t nearly enough. The most it’ll do is keep my mouth shut. Whose memories are you trying to steal?
Heathcliff's? Did you do something terrible to him?
Shino: What always hurts him is the truth, not me. I’m protecting him.
Figaro: ............
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12.10 A Fair Price
Shino: ....If Heath discovers the terrible truth and can’t bear the weight of it......
I want you to steal away his memories.
Figaro: ......... I’ll consider it when you can prepare the fair price.
Shino: The fair price?
Figaro: This little nail won’t do. Though it is enough for me to curse you to death.
Shino: What do you need?
Figaro: I need a Shino who can protect his friend from the terrible truth.
Shino: ....He doesn’t exist. That’s why I’m asking.
Figaro: Too bad. Looks like your friend’s going to get crushed by the weight of the truth.
Here, show me your finger. I’ll fix up your nail.
Shino: ....Stop acting like you’re some holy man! What about you!?
If you can control minds, I bet you’ve stolen away plenty of memories from the people closest to you!
Figaro: << Possideo >>
Shino: ....You didn’t have to fix it. Don’t do what I haven’t asked you to do. You won’t even do what I want you to.
Figaro: Shino. If you continue to tinker with someone’s memory, they will eventually cease to be your friend.
They’ll become nothing more to you than a convenient, human-shaped toy.
And you will come to realize that your relationship is worthless.
Shino: I’d never steal Heath’s memories for my own sake. I’m doing this all for Heath.
Figaro: That’s what you want to believe. But you’re really only doing this for yourself.
Shino: I’m not.
Figaro: ..........
Shino: I’m not gonna ask you for help. Don’t tell anyone about this.
Figaro: I can’t make that a promise.
Shino: Figaro. I might not be able to beat you right now, but......
In ten years, I’ll overtake you.
Figaro: Wow. What confidence.
Shino: Keep that in mind, and don’t do anything you’ll regret in the future. Don’t tell anyone.
Figaro: Where’s the "please"?
Shino: I’ll never say that.
Figaro: Shino.
Shino: Hm?
Figaro: << Possideo >>
Shino: ..........
.....Huh....? Where am I.... Figaro....?
Figaro: Hey, Shino.
Shino: ........Did you cast a spell on me?
Figaro: You don’t remember? You wanted me to fix up your nail. Look.
Shino: ....You’re right. There’s a bloodstain..... So my nail got torn off.
Figaro: But it’s all healed now. You should say thank you, okay?
Shino: Thank you.
Figaro: Good boy. You’re heading off on a mission, right? Take care.
Shino: Yeah. Now that my finger’s all fixed up, I can go all-out for this mission. See you.
Figaro: Yup, good luck. —Oh, one more thing, Shino.
Shino: Hm?
Figaro: In a few hours, you might suddenly remember a certain something.
Shino: What are you saying?
Figaro: And then you’ll have a good idea of what I’m trying to say, so mull it over, okay?
Shino: Hmph. I don’t get it, but okay. See you.
Figaro: Yes, yes.
(Door closes)
Figaro: ..........
I should’ve left him a surprise.
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Chapter 11 << | index | >> Chapter 13