Main Story 2 | Chapter 15 | The Tragic Noble

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16


Chapter 15
15.1 Crossroads of Secrets
15.2 The Wizard’s Apprentice
15.3 A Thrilling and Entertaining Tale
15.4 Bizarre Incidents at the Royal Botanical Garden
15.5 He Who Lives in the Garden
15.6 A Smile for Familiar Brushstrokes
15.7 The Unasked Questions
15.8 Violet-Colored Determination
15.9 At the Magical Technology Headquarters
15.10 Faust’s Manual


15.1 Crossroads of Secrets

Snow: There goes Eva.

White: What were her parting words? Did I hear her mention a monstrosity awakening in Western Country?

Bradley: Yeah.......

Snow: Mysterious incidents have been occurring all over the world. I wouldn’t be surprised if a magical creature awakened in any of the five countries.
However, we should truly take heed if the situation warrants a warning from a witch like Eva.

Bradley: Yeah.

White: Is something the matter, Bradley?

Bradley: What?

White: You seem distracted. What happened between you and Eva?

I shake my head, trying to blow off White’s comment.
Punishing Nero. I know I have to think about it one of these days — but absolutely not today.
There’s no way I can let these guys catch a single glimpse of hesitation or weakness.
Just as I’m figuring out how to dodge their questioning, I sense a familiar presence.
It’s Mithra.

Mithra: << Arthim >>

On the heels of Mithra’s voice, a door appears in front of us.
A bolt of murderous intent hits me.

Bradley: ................!

I draw my gun, cocked and loaded before the door even opens.
Sure enough, Mithra steps out of the door, irritation written all over his face as he holds his glowing magic skull before him.

Mithra: What’s gotten into you?

Bradley: You’re the one who looks ready for a fight.

Snow: How wonderful, Mithra. Have you rushed here to join the mission?

White: But what a shame! We’ve already resolved the problem.

Mithra: I couldn’t care less about the mission. I’m in the worst mood possible because someone decided he wanted to interfere in my business.

Mithra’s words remind me of the scene from earlier.
The invincible Northern wizard Mithra trying to get his way by strong-arming the young Southern siblings, but forcing them to tears instead.
Just thinking about it turns me off. My lips curl in distaste.

Bradley: Don’t go stealing my lines. Aren’t you the great Mithra of the North? I don’t wanna see you acting so pathetic.

Mithra: You’re dead.

Mithra looks furious: his green eyes sparkle with blazing rage, veins stand out on his forehead.
Yeah, this feels way better. I break into a grin, reveling as tension crackles in the air.
The twins force their way in between us.

Snow: Come now, calm down!

White: No fighting, boys! What are you so angry about, dear Mithra?

Mithra: .............

Mithra makes an incredibly sulky expression before he lets out a huge sigh.
He helplessly hunches his wide shoulders. It’s an unusual display from him; I arch an eyebrow at the sight.

Bradley: What’s wrong, brother?

Mithra: You wouldn’t get it even if I told you. You’re so selfish and carefree. I bet you’ve never had to take care of a single other person before.

Bradley: Hah? Did you forget I led a whole gang of bandits?

First off, I don’t want to hear this from Mithra — he’s the last person who gets to accuse me of being carefree when he must be the most capricious guy in the entire North.
Before I can give him a piece of my mind, Mithra rambles on.

Mithra: A gang of bandits sounds strong. But I’m dealing with weaklings. And to top it off, one of them is an idiot.

Bradley: Who are you talking about? The Flores brothers? You’re taking care of them?

Mithra: .............
Anyway, Snow, White.

Mithra blatantly changes the subject. I guess he can’t deal with anyone seeing the Flores brothers as his weakness.
I get it. The bonds wrought from attachment suffocate me with cold fear.
I want to keep these feelings in the dark, hiding them from the world like a beast crudely digging up the frozen earth to bury its bones in secret.

Snow: What is it, Mithra?

Mithra: Arthur is Oz’s apprentice, right?

Snow & White: Uh.......

The twins are also trying to bury a secret.

Bradley: (Judging from their begrudging expressions....... Don’t tell me Oz actually took that prince as his apprentice?)

Mithra: There’s no point in hiding it. What I want to know is whether Oz fed Arthur any mana stones.

Snow: Well, if it’s just stones......

White: I don’t see why he wouldn’t have.

Mithra: Right?! Isn’t that what any normal person would do!?
Okay, another question.
If you guys acquired a mana stone of this high quality, how would you feel?

Snow: We’d be delighted.

White: Absolutely delighted.

Bradley: Yeah, for sure.

Mithra: Right!? I knew it: he’s just an idiot. He doesn’t understand a single thing!

Mithra tears at his hair, his voice a low snarl.
I recall the Southern brothers and their ashen faces as they cowered before Mithra’s irate outburst.

Bradley: (So Mithra tried to feed Rutile a mana stone.)
(And it was unbearable enough to make him cry.......)

Mixed emotions surge within me. Mithra and the twins continue their discussion.

back to top


15.2 The Wizard’s Apprentice

Mithra: How did Oz make Arthur eat the stones? Did Arthur put up any resistance?

White: I do not know. You can ask Oz yourself if you’d like. Maybe that would serve to bring you two closer.......

Mithra: What about Figaro? Doesn’t he have any apprentices?

Snow: Quite a lot went on between our dear Figaro and his apprentice, you see.......

Mithra: Honestly, Figaro should’ve taught Rutile and Mitile properly. He’s been by their side all this time.

White: That should have been Tiretta’s role. She should have taught them before her death.

Mithra: Right? She taught me......

Bradley: (Figaro had an apprentice?)

I’d almost tuned out their conversation, but this little bit of information sends me reeling in shock.
This is the first I’ve heard of Figaro taking on an apprentice. I’d never even considered the possibility.
If a guy as egotistical and arrogant as him had an apprentice, he would’ve taken them everywhere, flaunting them left and right.
Conversely, if they were a wizard he would’ve been ashamed of parading around, he never would’ve taken them in as an apprentice in the first place.
That’s why I assumed he didn’t have any apprentices.
But if he does — that’s information I can use.
I can keep that card up my sleeve to bargain with if Nero ever gets found out.
Snow and White might look caring, but they’re cruel and ruthless.
The same goes for Oz. You can’t cut a deal with them: it doesn’t matter whether you appeal to their intelligence, morals, or emotions; it’s meaningless to reason with gains and losses.
But I could negotiate with Figaro. We’ve sniffed that out about each other.
That’s why Figaro managed to force me to my knees in prison and wrangle a promise out of me.

Bradley: (I can’t pass this up.)

If Figaro has an apprentice, it’s gotta be a Northern wizard.
Even if Figaro became a Southern wizard, I can’t imagine him choosing a weak wizard as his successor.
It might be someone I know. If not, I just have to trick the twins into spilling.
In the span of just a few seconds, my mind whirs with dizzying mental calculation. I shrug, keeping a smile on my face.

Bradley: It’s Figaro we’re talking about. I know he trained that guy properly.

Snow: Oh, I didn’t realize you knew him.

White: Which one of them told you about it?

Bradley: (Which one? Huh, so I have met Figaro’s apprentice.)
Isn’t it obvious? There’s no way Figaro would tell me.

Snow: So you must have heard it from that sweet child. That’s surprising; I didn’t realize the two of you got along so well.

White: But then again, you have spent significant time together as fellow sage’s wizards.

Bradley: (Sage’s wizards?)
(Did I hear that right? Does that mean they’re at the magic headquarters right now? Or was it someone who turned to stone in the last battle?)
(Figaro’s so full of himself, so it has to be a wizard powerful enough to earn his recognition, but also willing to worship him.......)
(......No, Figaro might’ve chosen someone who still flattered his ego and boosted his reputation, without necessarily worshiping him.)
(In that case, there’s only one possible answer.......)
(It’s Murr.)

Snow: What did dear Faust say about his teacher?

Bradley: Fau—? Eh? Mur–......Fau–?

Snow: What’s wrong? You sound like a boiling kettle.

Bradley: .......S-Sorry. I was holding back a sneeze.

Snow & White: Really?

Bradley: Anyway, what was that about the curseworker?

Snow: Did he say anything else about darling Figaro?

White: Figaro has been dispirited lately. But it would really cheer him up if Faust had any praise for him.

Bradley: (It’s not Murr, it’s Faust...... Never would’ve seen that coming.......)
(So Figaro’s the kinda guy who lets his apprentice get away with talking shit. He just laughs it off.......)
(It’s not like I can talk, but man, that’s pathetic. I really hate that we’re so similar.......)

Snow & White: Bradley, dear?

Bradley: Oh, yeah, he totally did. He praised him a whole lot.

Snow & White: Really!?

Bradley: I mean, you could say he was praising him........ In a roundabout, disparaging sort of way.
........I see, it’s the curseworker......
(I guess that’s still a bargaining chip, if things ever come down to it. But.......)
(I feel like Nero would blow up at me.......)

Mithra: Hah...... I’m still frustrated.......　
I need this out of my system. I want to go on a mission. I’m ready to go on a mission right now.

White: We’ve just completed the mission.......

Mithra: Well, Bradley.......

Bradley: Hey, cut it with that tone. Duking it out with me isn’t some consolation prize.
..............
You wanna let off some steam, right? Come with me, Mithra.
Who knows? I might even show you a good time.

back to top


15.3 A Thrilling and Entertaining Tale

Gil: I have faith in you, Cortese. You may lay on the frontier, but you are a city with a great history....

Officer: General Barnett, I have an update.

Gil: How did it go?

Officer: The latest volume was not yet available in town.

Gil: .....Impossible.....!

Officer: Perhaps unsurprisingly, it takes a bit longer for various goods — not just books — to reach the shops here compared to more metropolitan areas.....

Gil: I see. Thank you. My goodness, I really ought to have picked up a copy at the royal capital before we departed.....

Officer: I thought we were heading straight back to the capital?

Gil: There’s been a change of plans. Princess Liliana is going to spend the night at Cortese Castle.

Officer: I see. I suppose that makes sense.
She may live at the royal palace now, but this castle is still Princess Liliana’s precious family home.

Gil: Precisely.
We must speak to the Cortese household and ensure all security measures are sufficient to protect the first in line to the crown....

Liliana: Gil.

Gil: Princess Liliana. What brings you here.....

Liliana: Ward them off.

Gil: As you wish. Step back, all of you.

Officers: Yes, sir.

Gil: What is the matter?

Liliana: Murr and Shylock frighten me.

Gil: Well, they are seasoned wizards, after all. I understand how you feel.

Liliana: Get rid of them.

Gil: We have welcomed the Sage’s wizards into the castle as our guests; it’ll be quite difficult to get rid of just the two of them without a proper justification.

Liliana: Can’t you figure something out?

Gil: We are talking about two masters of the human psyche; they’re absolute monsters. One is the master of a bar that has seen several centuries of customers; the other is a genius and a research psychologist, among other things.
One misstep will immediately incur their suspicion.

Liliana: It’ll all be the same in the end. If they spend too much time with us, they’re bound to grow suspicious sooner or later.
Gil. Would you be able to turn those two into stone?

Gil: I suppose it is possible, So long as the professor permits us to use that thing.
But you know very well that it would be unwise to turn Murr and Shylock to stone.
We need them in Western Country. In your country.

Liliana: ...........
Oh, my.... My country? What a brazen expression. The king still lives, you know?

Gil: Oh dear, please pardon my slip of the tongue.

Liliana: ......Gil. Please.
I don’t need much time. Make Murr and Shylock go away.
I can’t even steal a glance at him because I’m so afraid of them. And it’s been so long since I was last this close to him....

Gil: .............
How does this plan sound, then? I spoke to a member of the Cortese household, and they consulted me about a problem they’ve encountered.
The Royal Botanical Garden, which is situated a little way off from here, has seen a number of bizarre incidents.
I’ll ask those two and the Sage to head over and see if they can solve the issue.

Liliana: That’s an excellent idea. Thank you, Gil.

Gil: Of course. The pleasure is mine.
I am a fan of popular novels, but your tale is more thrilling and entertaining than any other story in this world.
I will be sure to see it through to the end.

Liliana: Who do you think you’re talking to.... But, fine. I’ll forgive you this once.

Gil: I appreciate your magnanimity. And what shall we do about the other one?

Liliana: The other one? ....Oh, you mean that boy....
Take him too. I don’t particularly dislike him, but I’ve allowed him his fair share of happiness.
Which he enjoyed in my stead.
But he has me now. So that boy won’t be necessary anymore.

Gil: As you wish.

✦✧☾✧✦

With Princess Liliana’s permission, we enter Cortese Castle.
"Please wait here while we prepare the guest rooms," the servant says, and takes us to a terrace with a lovely view of the castle.

Gregory: My apologies for the wait, Sir Sage. We really ought to have taken you to a spot with a roof.....
But this is one of Cortese Castle’s loveliest resting spots, so please don’t take it personally.

Gregory treats us with greater respect and attention than any other servant.
Even now, he flaps to and fro, commanding the servants as they prepare the tea.

Gregory: Bring that set over here, please. Have you warmed the cup? Oh look, you’ve got the handle facing the wrong way.

Servant: What’s with this bird...? It chirps with such eloquence, and it’s as attentive as Gregory was.
But I appreciate the tips; they’re helpful. Um, how are we supposed to set the teaspoons again?

Gregory: Alongside the teacups. And I’m not a bird, I’m.....

Servant: Poor Gregory. He was so close to marrying into wealth, but the princess had to be chosen for the crown.
He’s actually a bit of a coward, so he couldn’t tell anyone that he was her fiance and husband-to-be.... And now he’s gone.....

Gregory: I’m not a coward. I just know my place.

Servant: Oh, birdie. For context, Gregory is a young servant of the castle who just went through a terrible heartbreak.

Gregory: You don’t need to tell me. I’m Gregory.

Servant: Huh? But you look like a bird.

Gregory: I understand why you might see it that way. By the way, I believe you’ve forgotten something.

Servant: Um, the fact that Gregory is my supervisor?

Gregory: That too. But more importantly, remember to cover the teapot with the warmer.

It’s a typical, lively, Western conversation — it warms my nervous heart.

Akira: (They really surprised me back there.... I thought the Western wizards were going to get into a fight with the Western general.... Gil.)
(If they’d fought, I wonder which side would’ve won?)
(The wizards, or the general commanding a force armed with technological weapons of magic.....)

That’s when a silver-haired, elderly servant approaches us.
His shoulders are hunched apologetically, but he observes our faces closely as he begins to speak.

Butler of Cortese Castle: Erm.... We have a request for the Sage and his honorable wizards......

Akira: Yes, what is it?

Butler of Cortese Castle: I am terribly sorry to trouble you when you must be exhausted from your travels, but.....

Chloe: A request?

back to top


15.4 Bizarre Incidents at the Royal Botanical Garden

Butler of Cortese Castle: You see, bizarre incidents have been plaguing the renowned Royal Botanical Garden, which lies within our domain.....
We have been receiving reports about these incidents for a while, and we have consulted with our lord, but we have not been able to resolve the matter.....

Shylock: Have you heard about this, Gregory?

Gregory: I did catch a rumor of it.
I suppose they must’ve been treading carefully. It is the Royal Botanical Garden, after all; it could potentially harm the royal family’s reputation.
Plus, there’s a real weirdo who lives in that garden....
.
Chloe: Weirdo?

Gregory: He’s a wizard. He’s made the Royal Botanical Garden his secret home, and he pops up to surprise the guests and researchers who visit.
He doesn’t steal anything or harm any of the plants, but he runs around singing strange songs, and it’s been giving us a headache.

Rustica Strange songs?

Gregory: Songs making fun of the Western royal family, or cracking jokes about the plants and the research surrounding the garden.
It kind of puts a damper on the mood if you’re a guest looking forward to visiting the gardens, you know?

Rustica I understand. I suppose I could enjoy a funny song every once in a while.
But if you’re in a botanical garden, you’d want to hear someone sing praises about the botany.

Butler of Cortese Castle: We are truly sorry to ask this of you Sir Sage, but....
Could you and your wizards investigate the Royal Botanical Garden?

Gregory: Hang on. I want to have Sir Sage meet Princess Liliana before they go.
That’s why we were waiting here, on the terrace, until the guest rooms were prepared. Are they ready yet?

Butler of Cortese Castle: What’s with this bird? He’s as pesky as Gregory was.

Gregory: I am Gregory. Who’s preparing the rooms?

Butler of Cortese Castle: The guest rooms? Uhh, I’m sure someone is.....

Gregory: Pull yourself together, will you!? The Sage is our guest!

The old butler shakes his head as Gregory chides him in a flurry of feathers.
I try to placate Gregory.

Akira: I-it’s all right, Gregory. I’m quite forgetful too — it happens to all of us.

Gregory: Sir Sage, you’re so kind.... I apologize with all my heart.

Akira: Please don’t worry about it. We can’t meet Princess Liliana until the rooms are prepared, correct?
Then we can head to the garden first, and speak to Princess Liliana when we return.

I turn to look at the Western wizards. Murr merrily levitates and flips his body upside down mid-air.

Murr: Sure! I wanna go to the Royal Gardens~!

Shylock: So long as it’s what Sir Sage desires.

Chloe: I wanna go too!

Rustica Then I suppose we’ll all take a peek at the mysteries of the Royal Botanical Garden before we meet Princess Liliana.

Butler of Cortese Castle: Ah......

Rustica smiles, but the butler seems to have something to say.
We all turn to see him lock eyes with Rustica, and....

Butler of Cortese Castle: Sir Rustica, could you stay here?

Rustica Huh?

Chloe: Just Rustica? Why?

Chloe stands up, more surprised than Rustica himself, who blinks in confusion.
The old butler awkwardly rubs his hands, struggling to find an answer.

Butler of Cortese Castle: Er, well, you see, we have an instrument we would like Sir Rustica to take a look at.... He is a renowned musician, after all......

Rustica You want me to take a look at it? Has it been damaged?

Butler of Cortese Castle: Not really, but we think it would be good to have you look at it.....

Rustica Who is we?

Butler of Cortese Castle: N.... No one in particular.... This is my own request. Could you please.....

Akira: What should we do, Rustica?

Rustica I don’t mind.

Gregory: I apologize for the trouble..... Since when did we have such a fancy instrument lying around this castle?

Chloe: Then maybe I’ll stick around too....? Won’t you get lonely, in an unfamiliar castle all by yourself?

Rustica It’s all right. You should go visit the gardens, Chloe.
You were delighted when we visited that field full of flowers — you said it would be a great inspiration for your designs.

Chloe: I did, but.....

Rustica I’m sure the gardens will inspire some wonderful designs. Have fun.

Chloe: Yeah.... I will. Thanks, Rustica. I’ll see you later.

Rustica See you later. Sir Sage, Murr, Shylock: please look after Chloe for me.

Akira: We will.

Shylock: Then shall we go?

Murr: Off we go~!

Chloe: I wonder what the botanical gardens are like!

The Western wizards chant their spells to conjure their brooms.
As I watch them prepare for departure, I glance up and catch sight of someone in one of the castle windows.

Akira: (Is that... Princess Liliana....?)

She gazes down at us intently.
I can’t really make out her expression.
But even as a powerful breeze whisks about the sleeves of her dress, she doesn’t budge from her spot by the window.

Rustica Ah.....

Chloe: What’s wrong!?

Rustica This tea is quite delicious.

Chloe: You surprised me! I thought something had happened.

Rustica It’s nothing. I was simply happy.


Rustica flashes us a sunny smile before casually glancing at the castle.
The person by the window immediately shuffles back into the castle, as if running away.
That moment lingers in my mind.
The lady who stood by the window even as the sleeves of her dress danced like petals in a storm.
The bashfulness of her shadow as she retreated into the castle.
You might normally describe it as a gesture of denial.
But for some reason, I see the opposite. It looks like....
Obsession.


Liliana: ......Lord Rustica......

back to top


15.5 He Who Lives in the Garden

Chloe: I hope Rustica is okay. I hope he doesn’t trip up in front of the princess and the general.....

Akira: Rustica will be all right. The people of Cortese Castle were all very kind, too.

Gregory: We’ll treat him with the utmost respect! Sir Sage and his wizards are all our precious guests.

Chloe: Thanks! It’s a relief to hear that.
Sir Sage, have you been to a botanical garden before? What kind of plants do you like?

Akira: I’ve been to a small, local one before. I like all kinds of plants, but I guess I especially like catnip?

Chloe: Catnip! That’s a fun name. What kind of tree is it?

Chloe carries me on the back of his broom, and we chat away as we head towards the botanical gardens.
Murr and Shylock fly lined up behind us, their brooms side-by-side.
I can’t really make out what they’re saying.


Murr: They’ve got an eye on us!

Shylock: They certainly do.
Someone was forcing that poor butler to lie; he looked so nervous.

Murr: The poor guy! Cortese Castle is supposed to be a super laid back place where nobody knows who’s taking care of the guest rooms!

Shylock: It’s not too difficult to figure out who’s injecting a jolt of nervous drama into this elderly butler’s nonchalant lifestyle.....

Murr: It’s gotta be an outsider! Maybe the general?

Shylock: Now why did the Western general wish to isolate Rustica?

Murr: No clue, but it smells like fun! Hey, Shylock!
Between the two of us, who do you think will upset the general more if he spots us flying back into the castle?

Shylock: I can’t say. I do wish he would be pleased to see either of us, but.

Murr: I’d welcome seeing you, Shylock!

Shylock: And I would welcome seeing you, Murr.

Murr: We’re on the same wavelength!

Shylock: We certainly are. It’s nice to have a day like this every now and then.

Murr: Ya~y, let’s mark it on the calendar! I’ll head back! Take care of Sir Sage and Chloe, please!

Shylock: Will do. Take care of Rustica.

(Woosh)


Chloe: And then, Sir Sage, guess what.... ....Huh!? Murr!?

Akira: What’s wrong?

Chloe: Look! Murr’s speeding back to the castle. I wonder what happened?

Gregory: You’re right! And Shylock is speeding towards us.

Akira: Maybe something happened....? Shylock, what’s wrong!?

(Woosh)

Shylock: Sir Sage, I apologize. Something piqued Murr’s curiosity back at the castle.
So he asked us to head to the gardens on our own.

Akira: I see.

Chloe: Well, Murr is interested in everything, after all. I hope he doesn’t get lost all alone.

Shylock: I believe he’ll be fine. He’s a wizard, after all.

Akira: All right. Then we’ll go on our own and let Murr do his thing.
We’re missing both Rustica and Murr, so if the mission looks like it’ll be a heavy lift, let’s withdraw and head back to the castle.
Safety comes first. We can all head back to the gardens later.

Chloe: Ok, got it!

Shylock: I appreciate it. Ah....
We’ll be arriving at the Royal Botanical Gardens shortly. Please stay on guard, Sir Sage.

Akira: Yes!

✦✧☾✧✦



???: Lalala~. The king, the queen, the people~.... Their heads are all full of nothing~.....
Lalala~.... They’ve all forgotten.... The tragic noble, the tragic bride....
Lalala~.... They’re all a joke~....
....Hm? Oh.... Looks like we have a visitor.
Heh, I bet it’s one of the researchers again. Time to serve them a surprise!

✦✧☾✧✦

We arrive at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
It’s a fascinating place — various plants of all sorts cover a vast area of space.
These unfamiliar plants are marked with placards that I can’t read.
The light dancing amidst the greenery mesmerizes me. The air’s a bit humid; it must be because of the sheer density of the foliage.
An elderly researcher of the Royal Botanical Gardens shows us around. He has a small build; his hair is long and his beard is trimmed short.
He’s making a difficult face the whole time, so I wonder if he’s upset at us, but it turns out — that’s just his face.

Researcher: Welcome. We are happy to have you, Sir Sage. This plant over here only grows in the wild in Southern Country; it’s known for its massive thorns.....

Chloe: Ooh, I’ve seen this spiky guy in Southern Country before!

Researcher: My goodness, you’ve seen the real thing? Are you from Southern Country?

Chloe: Nope. I’m a Western.... wizard, but we travel all over the world on our missions.

Researcher: I’m quite jealous. The next plant is found on the Eastern frontier of Central Country and Eastern Country; it’s a vine that is fond of the shadows....

Gregory: I do apologize for interrupting your fascinating seminar, but could you tell us about the bizarre incidents that are going on in here?

Researcher: A talking bird.

Gregory: I’m asking about other bizarre things. The Sage is a busy man, you see.

Researcher: I’m sorry. I just got so excited....

Akira: No, no. Please don’t worry about it. I heard someone was singing a slanderous song about the king and the gardens.....

Gregory: Oh, that’s just Kelvin.

Akira: Kelvin?

Researcher: He’s just a wizard who’s been living here for a few years now. He likes to mess with us and all the guests that come to visit.

Chloe: A lot of Western wizards do love teasing humans.....

Shylock: So what kind of bizarre incident has been plaguing this garden?

Researcher: Our research notebook updates in the middle of the night with words that none of us recall writing.
These observations are highly erudite; they point to very precise phenomena that leave us all astonished.
And the handwriting is quite familiar: we thought it might belong to one of our late fellow researchers, but comparisons to past records have been unfruitful.

Akira: Could you show us this notebook?

Researcher: Of course. This way, please.

The researcher hands me a brick of a notebook.
He flips the pages and points to a specific line.
He’s right: there’s something written in distinct cursive.
Unstoppable, yet delicate thin letters, akin to running water....

Shylock: ........

Shylock falls silent. He takes a breath, swallowing his surprise.

Shylock: When did this all begin?

back to top


15.6 A Smile for Familiar Brushstrokes

Researcher: Let’s see.... I think it was around the time the < Great Catastrophe > pulled away from us.
I’ve heard reports of ghost sightings in the middle of the night, too. It’s scared away all the young ones.

Chloe: Are you not afraid of ghosts, sir?

Researcher: Why would I be? If it won’t die without the proper level of water or sunlight, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Chloe: So you’re saying you’re more afraid of plants? Haha, that’s kind of funny!

Akira: What’s wrong, Shylock?

Shylock looks into my eyes.
His wavering red eyes spell out both apprehension and delight.

Shylock: Sir Sage. I believe I might know who left this memo.

Akira: You do?

Shylock: Indeed. It brings me back.... I’m quite familiar with this penmanship.

Akira: Ah... Don’t tell me.....

Shylock smiles and nods.

Shylock: This is Murr’s handwriting.

Chloe: Murr! Don’t tell me there’s a soul shard.....

I take a second look at the research notebook. These letters look completely different from Murr’s writing now.

Researcher: You mean the genius of the ages, Murr Hart!? Well, I’ll be damned! No wonder we all thought we recognized the handwriting!
It’s an honor to have Professor Hart’s ghost visiting our botanical garden!
He must be commending our hard work as we toil away with our research! Ah, I wish I could see him with my own eyes....!

We stand stunned as the researcher holds the notebook tight to his chest and spins around with joy.
He looks ready to kiss the mysterious words on the page. I’m impressed by the former Murr’s sheer popularity.

Chloe: So I guess the bizarre incident was Murr’s soul shard manifesting in physical form somewhere in these gardens....

Akira: Then we should all look for the soul shard together.
Shylock, great news! We’re going to find another soul shard!

Shylock is searching for the shards of Murr’s soul; he’s trying to piece Murr’s soul back together again.
He offers me a gracious bow.

Shylock: Thank you, Sir Sage.

Akira: Could we ask for your help as well? It would be great if we could get the other researchers to search too.

Researcher: Of course, I’ll do anything to meet Professor Hart!

Chloe: Um, we’re looking for a pretty purple shard about this size. Or a grown man with purple hair.

Researcher: A purple shard or a grown man.....

Chloe: That’s right. If he laughs like, "heheheh," that’s the one we’re looking for. If he meows, that’s just the real thing.

Researcher: The real thing goes meow.

That’s when the leaves of a giant tree begin to bristle.
Someone stands atop the greenery right above our heads.
And he has wings.

Akira: ....What is that....!?

(Pan flute sounds)

The winged individual cackles.
I’ve never seen a human with wings. Is he a wizard? A monster?
The researcher glances at me in my confusion and sighs.

Researcher: That’s Kelvin. The wings are just for show. He likes to surprise people with his appearance.
Last month he was a snake from the waist down.

Chloe: Cain would pass out at the sight.....

(Pan flute sounds)

Kelvin: Bwahaha! You morons!

Researcher: Quit it, Kelvin. This is the Sage and his Western wizards. Wizards are your friends, right?

Kelvin: The Western wizards....?

Researcher: That’s right. Why don’t you come down and talk to them?

The individual standing above the trees pauses his movement.
A wind blows, whispering through the leaves. My neck begins to hurt from craning upward for so long. That’s when....
The individual breaks through the leaves and lands on the ground right before my eyes.

Akira: ........!

Sacrificium: .......!

Gregory: What was that for! Don’t go ambushing us like that!

Shylock: Sir Sage!

Akira: I-it’s fine!

The individual turns out to be a boy with giant wings.
He has curly brown hair and dark eyes, and carries a strange-looking flute around his neck.

Kelvin: Did you say he’s Sir Sage?

When the boy — Kelvin — smiles at me, the corners of his eyes crinkle with crow’s feet.
It makes him look like a cautious old man.
Suddenly, Chloe raises his voice.

Chloe: ....Ah.....

He covers his mouth and steps back.
His violet eyes grow wider and wider as he stares at Kelvin.
Kelvin, too, looks at Chloe and freezes up.
And they both exclaim, in terror:

Chloe: Rustica’s.....!

Kelvin: Rustica’s....!

Akira: (Rustica?)

Kelvin dashes up the tree in a complete panic.
He spreads his wings and disappears into the garden.

Chloe: Hang on....!

Gregory: Leave it to me! I’ll catch him!

Gregory spreads his tropical wings and takes off into the sky.
Shylock rushes over to Chloe and strokes his back.

Shylock: Are you okay, Chloe? Do you know him?

Chloe: .....Ah.... Y-yeah......

Chloe’s voice catches in his throat. Shylock tenderly closes his eyes.

Shylock: I apologize; that was tactless of me. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.

Chloe: ....No, not at all! I’m fine.... I was just a little surprised......

Researcher: I suppose it’s best if I excuse myself from this conversation. I’ll head back to my lab.

Akira: Thank you. Please tell us about the plants another time.

Researcher: It would be an honor, Sir Sage.

The researcher bows once before departing, clutching the notebook like a dear treasure.

back to top


15.7 The Unasked Questions

Chloe takes a deep breath. He looks at me with his hand on his chest.

Chloe: Sir Sage... I told you about the bride that Rustica is in search of, right?

Akira: .....Ah.....

Chloe’s agonized gaze brings me back to an earlier day.
Back when I was just getting to know Rustica and Chloe.....
Chloe told me a secret about Rustica’s bride.
Chloe looks at Shylock and speaks frankly.

Chloe: Shylock. Don’t tell Rustica.
Back when Rustica and I were traveling the world together, we met him.... We met Kelvin.
That’s when Kelvin told me a few things about Rustica’s bride.

Shylock: Rustica’s bride.....

Chloe: .....Yeah......

Streaks of red have begun to color the sky above us.
The light of the setting sun gently embraces the countless leaves and colorful flowers surrounding us.

Chloe: Rustica’s goal has always been to find his lost bride. It’s been that way since the day I met him.
But... I always thought something felt strange about it.
Why don’t you remember the name or the face of this bride you’re so desperately searching for?
When you mistake someone for your bride, why don’t you run to embrace them? Why do you....
Turn them into a bird and trap them in your cage?
But I couldn’t ask.... Because I didn’t want to say anything that might hurt Rustica’s feelings.
......No.... That’s not true.... That’s not all there is to it......

Chloe shakes his head. He laughs lifelessly, his brows turned down.
His smile is more painful than tears.

Chloe: I didn’t want my happiness to come to an end.
I just wanted Rustica to stay kind forever. I didn’t want him to change. That’s what I wanted more than anything else.....
I didn’t care about his bride. I would’ve been fine if he never found her, so long as it meant I could continue traveling with Rustica forever.
I pretended I was his friend, but..... I never tried to think about Rustica’s most precious person — his bride.
.....I’m a terrible person.....

The peaceful, gentle sunset touches Chloe’s sorrowful cheeks, tinting them rose.
His violet eyes that have been fighting back tears begin to glimmer.
He confesses like a repentant sinner — yet he’s innocent, pitiful, and beautiful.

Chloe: I don’t think Rustica remembers Kelvin, but Kelvin seemed to know Rustica.
He greeted Rustica like they were meeting for the first time....
But later, he pulled me aside and asked:
"Is he still looking for his bride?"
"His bride is dead, you know."

✦✧☾✧✦

(Music playing)

Rustica .........

Butler of Cortese Castle: How does it sound?

Rustica There’s nothing wrong with this one either.

Butler of Cortese Castle: Ah, I’m happy to hear that.

Rustica It creates a rich and beautiful sound — perfectly befitting of this gorgeous sunset.
May I?

Butler of Cortese Castle: Of course.

Rustica Thank you. Let me play a song for you, Chloe.
Chloe? ...Ah, right. He’s at the Royal Botanical Garden.
Then I hope this song will bring peace to someone’s heart as we head into the quiet night ahead of us.....


Liliana: ........

Gil: Are you not going to rush to his side and speak with him?

Liliana: ...It’s fine.
Watching him from afar is enough.....
............
......Lord Rustica......
Ah........


(Woosh)


Murr: Rustica~!

Rustica Murr.

Murr: I heard sunset music~!

Rustica You heard sunset music? That’s exactly what I had in mind.

Murr: I did!

Rustica That makes me so happy!
By the way, I thought you were headed to the Royal Botanical Garden.

Murr: I came back to see you, Rustica!

Rustica I didn’t realize you had such passionate feelings for me, Murr....
....! Could it be — you’re my bride.....

Murr: << Eanul Rambul! >>

(Fireworks)

Rustica Wow, fireworks.

Murr: I love fireworks!

Rustica They’re very beautiful.

Murr: They are~!


Liliana: ....Getting in my way like this......!

Gil: Princess Liliana.

Liliana: ....Gil.

Gil: Yes.

Liliana: Is that thing capable of....
Turning even Oz to stone?

Gil: Indeed.
The professor claimed it was theoretically possible.

Liliana: I see.....
.............
Then I suppose I should stand steady in my resolve.
I will make them all mine: Northern Country, Central Country, Eastern Country — and the Sage and his wizards as well.
For the sake of this redemption.

✦✧☾✧✦

Kelvin: ......pant, pant......!

Gregory: Hold it....!

Kelvin: .....Ah....! My pan flute....!

Gregory: I got it....!
Wow, go me!! I caught it with my legs!

Kelvin: .........!

Gregory: Hey, come on! Don’t run! Don’t you want this pan flute!?
Hey....!
......There he goes.....

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: .....The bride Rustica is searching for is already dead......

Chloe nods, ready to burst into tears.

Chloe: I couldn’t tell Rustica. And I think Kelvin told me because he couldn’t tell Rustica either.
Ah, I.... I should’ve been the first to chase after him! I should’ve gone after him and asked him about Rustica.
I act like I know everything about Rustica, but I don’t actually know a thing.....
Rustica forgets everything. Not just when it comes to his bride, but me as well.....
I don’t want him to forget. But I can’t even ask Rustica why he forgets so quickly......

Chloe’s shoulders tremble as he presses the back of his hand against his nose.

back to top


15.8 Violet-Colored Determination

Chloe: .....I thought that was kindness. I thought I was being considerate so that we could stay together.....
I’ll never ask Rustica the questions that he doesn’t want to answer. I’ll be a good boy, so let me stay by your side.
But I now don’t know if you could really call that kindness. Maybe I was just being devious. Because.....
I’m the one who’s been by Rustica’s side all this time.
If I love Rustica, and I really want to save Rustica, I need to take action — even if it means he’ll hate me for it.....
I needed to chase after Kelvin before Gregory did.
.....But I couldn’t..... Because I was scared of the truth......
Because I’m a selfish coward — I’m dishonest, and I turn away from anything that doesn’t spell fun.....

Chloe’s throat trembles, his eyes open wide to keep the tears at bay.
Maybe he thinks it would be devious of him to cry.
Because I’ve felt that way before.
As I stand there, struggling to find the right words, Shylock takes a step forward.
And draws Chloe into a gentle embrace.
With that gesture, the tears in Chloe’s eyes are unleashed. He clings to Shylock, his back trembling as he sobs.

Chloe: .....Shylock......

Shylock: The truth is more terrifying than anything in the world. You have every right to be scared.
And you should not force yourself to bear the weight of burdens you cannot carry. Instead, follow the voice of your own heart.
If your heart impels you to grasp the truth, even if it means the truth will scar you with its terror......
Then you should enjoy that terror. Let us ride the wings of fate.

Shylock gazes at Chloe’s face with an alluring gleam.
Chloe’s eyes widen in surprise.

Shylock: Even if you are overwhelmed by a shock that knocks you out of the sky — keep your eyes open and watch, so that you can one day spin that sight into a poem.
Watch, and see for yourself how powerful this knife called truth can be as it pierces through you.
This is your story. The tumultuous jolting of fate is merely an accessory to adorn your soul.
A fate that threatens you is nothing compared to the passions of your heart.

Chloe: Shylock.....

Shylock: Western wizard Chloe. I implore you to make the choice that will set your soul ablaze. Do not walk the path of a frozen soul.
For I will do anything to preserve your brilliance.

Chloe: .....Thank you, Shylock....!

Akira: I... I will too, Chloe.
I’ve never once thought of you as devious or unfair.
I think I would feel the same way you do if I were in your shoes. So please....
Please let me help you. Please don’t speak so poorly of yourself.

Chloe laughs, his eyes red and tear-soaked.
He looks up, shaking off the lonely tint of the sunset.

Chloe: Thank you, Sir Sage, Shylock..... I’ll ride the wings of whatever fate is tossed my way.
And I’ll protect Rustica from his fate too. Because I owe my life to my master of magic.
.....I’ll make sure he never forgets me again.

Gregory returns to us with Kelvin’s pan flute.
We decide to return to Cortese Castle and wait for night to fall before heading back to the Royal Botanical Garden.
That might be our best shot at running into Kelvin — and the supposed "ghost" that is Murr’s soul shard.

Akira: (We were supposed to head to the Headquarters of the Western Magical Technology Corps, but our little side adventure ended up being a big ordeal.....)
(I wonder if the Central wizards who headed to the headquarters are doing all right?)
(I hope they managed to find some clues that’ll lead to Nova.....)

✦✧☾✧✦

Riquet: So this is the Western Magical Technology Corps headquarters......
There must be people here who know about Nicholas, right?

Oz: Yes.

Riquet: Cain told us to wait for him out here, but it’s so boring just standing around doing nothing.
Did you know, Oz? Magical science is a system where people use mana stones to generate magic.
I heard that Murr invented it. But Shylock said he’s not fond of it.
What do you think, Oz? Do you like magical science? Do you hate it?

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

Riquet: Are you listening?

Oz: I am.

Riquet: That reminds me: the elevators in each tower are also powered by magical technology. I love the elevators.
How far can you go using magical technology? Could you summon a tornado with it?
I heard that science is a field that’s always developing and expanding. Will magical technology become stronger than you someday, Oz?

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

Riquet: Please answer.

Oz: .............
I stand above all else in the world.

Riquet: Are you saying you’re number one? Hehe, that was a really cool line. Can I copy you?

Oz: .......Yes.

Riquet: Which of my questions are you agreeing with?

Oz: All of them.

Riquet: You’re not taking this seriously!

Oz: I am.

Cain: Hey, sorry for making you guys wait.

Riquet: Cain!
How did it go? Did you meet anyone who knew Nicholas?

Cain: I asked after the Western general, but it looks like he’s out on business. They said he’d only be back later tonight or tomorrow.

Riquet: Tonight or tomorrow........

Oz: Once the sun sets, I–......

Cain: Shh, Oz. You never know who might be listening. That’s our most important secret.

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

Cain: It was pretty easy to see when I dropped by their headquarters, but everyone is more or less wary of Central Country.

Riquet: Why?

Cain: I can think of a couple reasons, but the biggest one has to be this guy.

Oz: Do not point your finger.

Cain: We have the strongest wizard in the world calling himself a Central wizard, submitting to the banner of Central Country.
Western Country fears you. If they catch on about your injur–I mean, your nighttime problem, who knows what they might do to you.

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

back to top


15.9 At the Magical Technology Headquarters

Riquet: Don’t worry, Oz. We will protect you.

Oz: That is unnecessary.

Riquet: Huh? It’s obviously necessary.

Oz: I do not need anyone’s protection.

Riquet: Are you sure? But you’re like that at night, right?

Oz: It does not signify.

Riquet: ..............?
What’s that supposed to mean? Are you just being stubborn or do you have any actual grounds for saying that?

Oz: .............
You remind me of Figaro.

Riquet: Me?

Oz: Both of you have the same way of countering anything I say. Are you sure you’re not from the same clan?

Riquet: I’m flattered to hear that I resemble Mitile’s teacher. He’s a wonderful person with deep knowledge of medical skills.

Cain: That’s enough chit-chat. Can you guys listen up now?

Riquet: Okay.

Oz: Yes.

Cain: The people at the Western military headquarters said they could house us. I’m planning to stay there and wait for the general.

Oz: We should return to the magic headquarters. I can bring you here again tomorrow.

Cain: I’d love to take you up on that, but I get the feeling that they’re just making up excuses to shake us off.

Riquet: Oh, it’s so rare to see you furrow your brows. Were they mean to you?

Cain: Well, a little.

Riquet: What did they say to you?

Cain: Forget it, it’s not worth bringing up. Anyway, you guys should head back to the magic headquarters first.

Riquet: I’m staying with you, Cain.

Cain: Riquet.

Riquet: I can’t leave you alone when you’re making that expression. They might get away with acting mean to you if you’re all alone, but surely it’d be harder with two of us.
Oz, please return on your own. You’ll just get in the way.

Oz: Did you not say you would protect me?

Riquet: Didn’t you say you don’t need anyone’s protection?

Oz: .............
I am staying too.

Riquet: Do as you please.

Cain: Hey.......

Riquet: It’ll be fine.

Oz: It will be fine.

Cain: Are you sure? Man, well, you guys better be right.......
............. I’m glad Arthur didn’t come along.
What on earth is happening in Western Country?
I wonder if the Eastern wizards have reached the guild’s ruins yet.......

✦✧☾✧✦

Silves: ....Shylock..... Was it just the Central wizards? Is he not going to show up....?
I wanted to consult Shylock about that problem.....

Western wizard: ....Silves....! Bad news!
Another one’s gone....!
Dorothea — the one who sells aphrodisiac elixir in the back-alleys — she’s gone, along with her whole shop.....

Silves: ....Another one....!? How many have we lost now....!?
The wizards of this city have been disappearing one after another.....
Are these just disappearances? Have they been kidnapped? Or.....

Western wizards: Or they’ve been killed and turned to stone.... .....Because there would be no remains.....

Silves: ....But who in the world would do such a thing.....

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: ....It’s raining again.... I wonder how long Mr. Faust and the others are going to take?
Oh, wow.... The automata in that shop are crafted really elaborately.
I wonder which studio they’re from? Who’s the craftsman....?



???: ...........

Heathcliff: Ah, I’m sorry.

???: Not at all.

Heathcliff: (I was about to bump into him, so I ended up speaking to a stranger....)
(The City of Rain has many laws — I think this might be a public area where private speech is banned. Thank goodness the officers didn’t catch me....)

???: ........

Heathcliff: (But he’s a very glitzy person. Maybe he’s from the West...?)

???: What an elaborate automaton.

Heathcliff: Ah.......
Y-yes.
(....I responded.....)

???: Do you like machines?

Heathcliff: Ah... Yes.... I like examining intricate designs and devices, so I’m fond of clockwork and automata.

???: I see.

Heathcliff: ....Are you a craftsman?

???: Why do you ask?

Heathcliff: I just had a hunch....
(I mean, he doesn’t seem like a normal person.... But maybe I’m just judging based on his showy appearance....)

???: I see..... Well, I may get the chance to show you my craft one of these days.

Heathcliff: Ah... Is it going to be on display around here?

???: Something like that. I hope you look forward to it.

Shino: —Heath!

Heathcliff: Ah.... Sorry. My friend is calling for me.

???: I see.

Heathcliff: If you’ll excuse me, then. Have a wonderful day.

???: Heath.

Heathcliff: Huh?

???: That’s what he called you.


Faust: .........

(Footsteps)

Shino: Faust, Nero.

Nero: Sorry for the wait. I wanted to stock up just in case.

Shino: On food?

Nero: No, protective talismans and charms. We don’t know what’s coming our way, so we need to be extra careful.

Faust: Where were you, Heath?

Heathcliff: Ah.... A traveler struck up a conversation with me.

Nero: A traveler?

Heathcliff: I think so... He didn’t seem like he was from the City of Rain. But maybe I’m being biased?

Shino: Well, of course you’d want to talk to Heath if you ran into him during your travels.

Faust: ....? A traveler? Was he a wizard?
Or a sage.....

Heathcliff: Was he a wizard? If he was, I didn’t notice it.

Faust: I can’t really discern anything about his identity from his presence. Perhaps this traveler is keeping his true form a secret.

Shino: Or maybe he was a shut-in until yesterday. Just like you, Faust.

Heathcliff: I don’t think so.

Shino: Why?

Heathcliff: He was, um.... Rather flamboyant.

Faust & Shino & Nero: ...........

Shino: So he’s a Western wizard.

Faust: He might be a Western wizard.

Nero: Bet he’s from the West.

Faust: ....Now that we’re all here, let’s head to the site of the Wizards’ Guild.
It’s supposed to be an inn now. We might not find anything, but it should be worth a look.
Shino.

Shino: What.

Faust: Follow my orders. If you rush in headlong, I will knock you out with magic and carry you around over my shoulder.

Shino: Sure. But if you’re being too apprehensive, I’m going to follow my own orders. Got it?

Faust: Absolutely not. Stop replacing my judgment with your own.

Shino: But.....

Faust: When the time comes, I will grant you an opportunity to distinguish yourself.
So be a good boy until then.

Shino: .....Got it.

back to top


15.10 Faust’s Manual

Date: Day [●] of month [●]. Eastern Country, City of Rain. Cloudy, with scattered showers. All members in good condition.
We are investigating the remains of the Wizards’ Guild in search of further information on Nova, the wizard who summoned the moon.
On this same day, the Central and Western wizards departed to the City of Wealth in Western Country.
The Southern wizards left for the capital of Central Country. The Northern wizards’ whereabouts are unknown.
The Sage accompanied the Central and Western wizards. Oz is with them, so I do not anticipate they will have many issues.

✦✧☾✧✦

I met Lennox before we left.
I almost asked of him, "Please take care of Figaro."
But if I left him with such a message, the keen Lennox would clue in.
About the state of Figaro’s body.

Faust: Well, I’m off.

Lennox: Take care.

Faust: You too.

Lennox: I will be fine. We’re just headed to the Central capital.

Lennox’s gentle, sincere gaze makes me want to rely on him again, just as I did in the past.
I never once kept a secret from him. I couldn’t keep a secret from him; that’s why I had no choice but to leave him behind.
Only the very person facing his own numbered days should be allowed to speak of his condition.
Figaro said he was not going to tell anyone else.
I have no idea what goes on in his mind.


But he’s not the only one I don’t understand.
I don’t understand other people’s feelings.
That’s the only explanation for why the man I believed to be my best friend burned me at the stake.


My grandfather died when I was young. He was a quiet, pious man, who left me with these words before he passed:
"Faust. You are unfortunate."
"And when men are unfortunate, they curse other men."
"But you — you must bless those who are fortunate, even if you yourself are trapped in a pit of despair."
"Keep a strong, gentle, beautiful heart."
"That will give your life meaning: your pitiful life of being born a wizard and abandoned by your own father."
"Even on nights when you are forced to sleep in the freezing cold, you must celebrate those who are fortunate enough to warm themselves by the fireplace."
....I never forgot those words, even after my grandfather passed away.
I never once thought of myself as unfortunate. My father may have left us, but I still had my beloved family.
So long as nobody realized I was a wizard, I could support my family; that gave my life meaning.
I was blessed with a wonderful friend.
I also had an sublime master of magic.
I was fortunate.


Figaro. Alec. We once shared tender bonds of trust, but.....
Figaro turned his back on me, and Alec caved to suspicion that turned into betrayal.
My world fell apart. I suppose it must have been my fault.
There’s something within me that makes others want to cast me away. Something untrustworthy.


But, you know — I still tried my very best, staying true to my own earnest convictions.
That’s the only way I know how to live.
I tried to pray for their happiness, just as my grandfather told me to.
I may be trapped in the depths of misfortune, all due to my own shortcomings. But still, I will pray that they have attained happiness, somehow, somewhere.
I tried to pray....
And grew inordinately furious.
What the hell?
No way.
Why should I care?
I’m going to reject this world — the same way it rejected me.

The nation-state is crap.

Religious faith is crap.

The entire populace is crap.

While we’re at it, the blue sky is also crap.


Faust: ............
(Haha..... No, the sky has done no wrong. It doesn’t deserve my fury....)

But in this world full of crap — the Sage said he would trust me.
And I don’t want to betray those feelings.

Faust: Looks like we’ve arrived at our destination.....

Nero: Yeah. I guess we should head in?

back to top


Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16