Main Story 2 | Chapter 19 | The Bellwether

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Chapter 18 << | index | >> Chapter 20


Chapter 19: The Bellwether
19.1 Together in Tragedy and Comedy
19.2 All I Wanted
19.3 Moon in Water, Flower in Mirror
19.4 In the Blizzarding Planes
19.5 Where His Soul Lies
19.6 Miracle Like a Dream
19.7 Realm of Righteousness
19.8 To Believe
19.9 Rustica’s Secret
19.10 The Guide With Cold Eyes

19.1 Together in Tragedy and Comedy

Akira: ....Man-made wizards.....?

Murr: Indeed.

Murr responds with a nod. Stars streak across the blue sky overhead.
Before I can follow up, Murr’s gaze darts across the garden. He’s found something that brings a smile to his face.
Upon closer examination, I see that a white, foggy mist has begun to drift about the garden.

Murr: Looks like your wizards have found the exit to their labyrinth.

Akira: Ah... Shylock and the others?

Murr: Indeed. I’m looking forward to their grand entrance.

Murr stands next to me with the attitude of a guest ready to enjoy a circus.
This is how the Western wizards make their entrance:
The white mist dances to and fro amidst the trees, leaving a clean, cool aroma in its tracks that feels like a refreshing wake-up call.
Everything that the white mist touches begins to glitter, as if being repainted with brilliant colors.
The next moment, the great, round tree in front of our eyes grows a pair of long legs.
Then, a hand holding a pipe and a hand holding a birdcage, followed by arms clutching a sewing box.
The Western wizards make their way into the picture like they’ve escaped from a reflective wall made of water.
Shylock cooly raises his eyebrows and asks:

Shylock: Are you all right, Sir Sage?

Akira: Yes. I’m fine.

Chloe: Thank goodness! You turned into a tree and started wilting in front of our eyes, you know!

Rustica: And that’s when we realized we were under a spell.

Murr: I figured it out! Are you proud of me?

Shard-Murr gazes at the laughing Murr and jokingly whispers in my ear.

Murr: He’s quite capable. I expect nothing less from my own core.

I almost burst out laughing, but I stifle my laughter.
Because Shylock is glaring at Shard-Murr.
His sharp, piercing gaze seems to give Shard-Murr a sense of smug satisfaction; he smiles.

Murr: Hello there.

Shylock: ......

Murr: Smoke is usually used as a deceptive prop when performing magic tricks; but the smoke from your pipe broke through my deception.
Well done.

Shylock: I have no intention of listening to your heartless praise. We knew you were here, and yet we let you steal Sir Sage away from right under our noses.
I would’ve much preferred you taunt us head-on. What an awful man — offering praise crueler than sarcasm.

Shylock’s brows knit together in bitter frustration.
At a glance, he may seem like a whimsical person, but he actually carries a heavy sense of responsibility — so maybe he was worried about me.
Shard-Murr blinks, before breaking out into a gentle smile.
He tilts his head and giggles. He seems to be having quite a good time.

Murr: Sometimes you remind me that you’re younger than me. And it always makes me feel good.

Shylock: Silence. Murr, look for the purple shard. It belongs to you.

Murr: Me?

Murr (shard): Or me?

Shylock: You are but one of many soul shards. I will feed you to my Murr. So that I can bring him back....

Murr: Which Murr are you talking about? Am I about to get eaten?

Murr (shard): Perhaps I belong to you. Or the squirrel....

Shylock: Do not speak all at once.

Murr (shard): Go on.

Murr: Go on!

Murr (shard): Thank you. Then....
May I offer a suggestion? Sir Sage, I’d be glad to hear your take on it.

Akira: Y-yes.

Murr (shard): My dear Western wizards, I’d like all of you to consider it as well.

Rustica: I am happy to hear it, Mister Murr Hart. My name is Rustica Ferch.

Chloe: And I’m Chloe Collins. Murr and I are friends! So this feels kinda weird....

Shard-Murr responds to Chloe’s bewilderment with a zany wink.

Murr (shard): You’ll get used to it in no time. Pleased to meet you, Rustica, Chloe.

Rustica and Chloe both smile; it seems like they’re both fond of the Shard-Murr we’ve met today.
Shylock is the only one who remains guarded, his pipe in hand.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve warmed up to Shard-Murr, but.....
Shylock, on edge — looks kind of adorable.

Shylock: Let’s hear this suggestion you speak of.

Murr (shard): You are collecting soul shards in an attempt to regain the old Murr.
In other words, you want to feed me to the Murr standing right there and make us one.

Shylock: Yes.

Murr: We’ll get lumped together!

Murr (shard): And I am a hapless soul shard, robbed of his freedom.... I have no means by which to resist your machinations.
But could you offer me some time? Let me see the world before I get "lumped together" with that Murr over there.

Akira: See the world?

Murr (shard): Indeed, Sir Sage.
I want to see how flora is currently distributed throughout this world with my own two eyes.
Perhaps this is something I could do after I become one with Murr, but those observations may not be my own.
Perhaps I will not even care to observe the flora. Murr has many interests, after all.
He is very busy letting his eyes wander and his mind churn.
Sir Sage, could you kindly allow me to accompany you on your journey?

Shard-Murr bows with such grace that it almost looks like he’s putting on an act.
Chloe expresses his surprise before I can even open my mouth.

Chloe: Are you offering to join us on our journey?

Murr: Yes.

Rustica: Fantastic! Murr is a genius of the centuries. To think we’d get to travel with both his core and his soul shard.
That feels wonderfully reassuring, does it not, Sir Sage?

I agree with Rustica. His memories and knowledge may have been shattered and scattered, but Murr is still an unbeatable genius.
If we can take Shard-Murr with us instead of feeding him to Murr, we’ll have twice the brains.

Akira: Yes — I agree. Shylock, what do you think?

Shylock: I oppose it.

Murr (shard): Oh my.

Murr smiles. Shylock isn’t just being obstinate about his opinion of Murr.
Fear, caution, and forethought. A palette of emotion churns within his gaze as he carefully observes his dangerous friend.

Shylock: You may be a brilliant advisor, the best guide that Sir Sage could ask for.
But you might also guide him onto the path of destruction.

Shylock looks directly at me.

Shylock: Sir Sage. You’re aware of the tragedy that befell the Northern twins... Sir Snow and Sir White, right?
We all believed that their honeymoon days would last for eternity; that they would be together forever, even if heaven and earth turned upside down.
Yet they fought to the death because of one simple inquiry from Murr.

I do know what happened to the inseparable twins, Snow and White.
Murr saw that they spent every waking moment together, and asked Snow:
"Don’t you want to experience loneliness?"
Snow began to yearn for solitude; White, in turn, rejected his departure, and eventually, they broke into a duel to the death.
Snow survived, and White became a ghost.
Thinking of that, I grow anxious and steal a glance at Murr. Murr continues to smile.
There’s a certain haughtiness to it.

Shylock: I should be clear: Murr does not wish to destroy others.
He simply directs his fascination at his targets, peers inside of them, and rips them apart, dissecting their contents out of pure curiosity.
There’s neither goodwill nor malice involved; it is simply in his nature.
An inquisitive, innocent, and irresponsible spirit who brought about Sir White’s death and changed the very rules of this world.
When he directs that knife of fascination at your heart — I can’t promise whether it’ll bring about a tragedy or a comedy....

Murr (shard): I would say both. For we will be friends.

Akira: ....Friends.....

Murr (shard): Indeed.
To converse with one another out of mutual interest and curiosity — is that not simply friendship?

Those words remind me of something the very first Murr I met said to me:
"If we could become friends — I would be very happy."
I feel something in my heart shifting, as I recall the many, many sights that have passed before my eyes since then, and the swell of emotions that accompanied them.
A mysterious world full of unknowns. During my time here, I came to think....
I want to be as sincere as I can to those who reach out their hand in friendship.
Murr may rip me apart.
But perhaps I, too, will tear Murr apart.
For, as he says, we will become friends. We’ll experience tragedy and comedy together.
Just as I have with all the wizards.

Akira: ....All right.

Shylock: Sir Sage....

Akira: Shylock. I really appreciate your concern.
I want to accept this Murr, just as you and all the other wizards accepted me into this world.

I turn to Murr.

Akira: Will you come with us?

Murr (shard): It would be my pleasure.
Might I ask you to pick up the soul shard lying in the tree cavity and carry it around with you?
I can take human form, but I still cannot move about of my own free will.

I search inside the tree cavity, just as I’m told.
And spot a gleaming shard of purple sapphire buried under some rotting leaves and nuts.

Akira: Does this work?

Murr (shard): Yes. Please tuck me away in a pocket, or somewhere you won’t lose me.

Akira: A-all right. Maybe I’ll sew it onto something.....

Chloe: I can take care of that later. Does that mean Murr will stick to Sir Sage for the whole journey?
Just like Sakitty?

Chloe asks, pointing to the familiar akin to a black cat sitting on my shoulder.

Murr (shard): I see. Perhaps I should also shrink to a size more befitting of my status as a transportable being.
In other words, I’ll make myself the same size as your familiar and perch atop your shoulder.

Rustica: That’s a good idea. It’ll help us differentiate you from this Murr over here. What do you say, Murr?

Rustica turns around to ask Murr — the childish, cat-like Murr with the shattered soul, that is.
Murr has squatted down by a giant root, staring up at Shylock.

Murr: ............

Shylock’s eyes are glued to the ground. He seems to be lost in thought.
After a while, he catches Murr’s gaze and flashes him a smile.

Shylock: What is it, Murr?

Murr: Shylock. Who do you love more: me, or the me over there?

Shylock’s eyes widen.
Stunned, he unknowingly lets his pipe slip to the ground.
The pipe rolls to Murr’s feet.
And its gorgeous silver detailing glitters in the light of the moon.
But Murr is not looking up at the moon. He stares at Shylock, with a pouty frown on his lips.

Murr: Who do you love? Why won’t you give me a shard tonight?

Shylock is paler than the moon.
Murr gives no heed: he grabs Shylock’s leg like a cat rubbing its cheek against its master, asking to be spoiled.
He retrieves the pipe, and smiles at Shylock, looking for praise.
Shylock staggers.
And Shard-Murr whispers in shock:

Murr (shard): Shylock, you.... Look at what you’ve done to my heart.

He sounds both fascinated and amused.
A remark as light as the night wind, befitting of the carefree Murr.
Yet Shylock’s denial rings across the gardens like a scream tearing the darkness into shreds.

Shylock: You’re wrong! I... I never wished for such a......

Murr: You don’t want your pipe? I’ll keep it then. I’ll hide it!

Like an eerie vine clinging to a tall, supple tree, Murr reaches up towards Shylock’s arm.
Shylock cannot take the pipe. He clutches his forehead and cheeks in agony.
The loose strand of hair hanging over his forehead is like a crack darting across a porcelain artifact: tragic, yet beautiful.

Murr: Hey, Shylock......

Shylock: ....You must not, Murr. Do not say another word to me.

Shylock pushes his hands against Murr’s shoulders in an attempt to peel him off.

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19.2 All I Wanted

Murr looks shocked — like a child who doesn’t understand why he’s being scolded.
Shylock was Murr’s guardian; he cared for Murr since the day his soul was shattered.

Shylock: From now on.... Do not speak to me any more than necessary.

Murr: Huh?

Shylock: Do not let me influence you unnecessarily. You won’t be able to go back to being yourself.

Murr: But... huh, but....?

Shylock: ......I never wanted to shape you to my desires.....
.....All I wanted was to once more.....

He falls silent. His raspy breath trembles with sorrow.
Shard-Murr watches the exchange between Shylock and the Murr staring up at him without a word.
How does he view this scene? As a tragedy? Or a comedy?
He turns to the night sky, narrowing his sharp gaze as it absorbs the droplets of moonlight filtering into the garden.
Then, Shard-Murr speaks, his eyes fixed on his beloved moon:

Murr (shard): Well, no need to take things too seriously.
Your building blocks didn’t turn out the way you wanted them to? Then just knock it all over.
Your soul will shatter if you get too close to the moon. Now that we know what happens, it shouldn’t be too difficult to recreate the situation, right?

He spins around and looks at Shylock.
I can’t tell if he’s trying to cheer him up or lighten the mood. But maybe he’s being cruel.

Shylock: ..........

Shylock glares at Murr with a fiery gaze sharper than a knife.
I’ve never seen Shylock so furious. It terrifies me, but I’m also mesmerized.
It’s rare for Shylock to emit this kind of raw, burning fury.
I can’t blame him: Shylock has been laboring away to gather the shards of his same friend who just made light of his efforts.
Of course he’s furious.
Shard-Murr wipes the smile from his face and raises his hands in an apologetic gesture.

Murr (shard): That wasn’t my best idea.

Now it’s Shylock’s turn to express his disappointment at Murr’s generic response.

Shylock: Murr would never say such a thing. You are a particularly strange shard.

Murr (shard): How so?

Shylock turns his gaze away, before reluctantly mumbling:

Shylock: .....You are kind.

I nod in vigorous agreement.

Akira: I’ve been thinking the same thing. It’s like, I can sense some affection, or even love from you.....

Chloe: Agreed! Your air is ever-so-slightly kinder than the rest.....

Rustica: Yes, there’s a certain friendliness to you. Though I’m sure the shards we met till today were also trying to be friendly in their own way.

Shard-Murr stands up straight and pulls down the rim of his hat in a twee gesture.

Murr (shard): How touching. I’ve met many people throughout my life, but I’ve rarely been called kind......

Shylock: Rarely?

Murr (shard): Well, pretty much never.

Shylock: I thought so.

Murr: What about me? Am I kind?

Shylock: ...........

Murr (shard): Of course you are. Take that to heart.

That’s when a bird comes flying above our heads.
It’s wavering to-and-fro, spinning around in circles like it’s lost its sense of direction.

Chloe: Is that bird.... Gregory....?

Rustica: You’re right. Maybe he’s looking for the botanical garden. Birds tend to have poor night vision, after all.

Rustica brings his index finger to his lips and whistles through his fingers.
A sound mimicking a bird call echoes across the night sky, and the bird comes fluttering towards us.
I raise my voice so he won’t lose his way.

Akira: Gregory! Gregory!

Gregory: Sir Sage..... Sir Sage!

It was Gregory.
His glorious wings are in terrible shape — they’re tattered and covered in dirt.

Akira: What in the world happened to you, Gregory....?

Gregory: .....Liliana nearly murdered me!

Akira: Huh.....!?

Gregory: Liliana isn’t Liliana! Someone is impersonating her! Or someone is controlling her like a marionette!
Sir Sage — please save us! I can’t do anything in this bird body.....
But I.... All I want is to meet the Liliana whom I love once more.....!

Shylock turns his eyes to the ground.
Rustica’s hollow gaze wanders across the garden, as if chasing the night wind.
He spots one of Gregory’s feathers.
It’s carried by the wind.

Rustica: All I want is to once more....

Chloe: ......Rustica.....?

I brush the dirt off of Gregory’s wings and hold him tight in my arms.
To tear your heart to pieces yearning for someone.
Will I feel the same way when the day comes for me to leave this world?
All I want is to meet you once more.
I miss you.

Akira: .....It’s okay, Gregory. We won’t just toss you away.
Because I wish to see you and Liliana smiling next to each other, too.

Gregory: Sir Sage....!

The tears in Gregory’s eyes reflect the light of the stars.
According to Gregory, Liliana departed from Cortese in the middle of the night.
Her destination: the Western royal palace.
We decide to head back to Cortese Castle and to wait till morning before departing.
The Western wizards are usually so loquacious, but tonight, they’re all silent.
I tuck Murr’s soul shard into my shirt pocket.
Shard-Murr then shrinks to the size of my palm and snuggles into my pocket.

Murr: If you’ll allow me. Two men with the same face might draw too much attention, after all.

Gregory: Huh? Do we have another new neighbor?

Sacrificium: .............

Shard-Murr in my pocket, Sakitty on my right shoulder, and Gregory on my left shoulder. The population density around my upper body has increased yet again.

Gregory: Well, hello, I guess. I’m Gregory. I work at Cortese Castle.

Murr (shard): I’m Murr Hart. I guess I’m in the midst of my job hunt.

They exchange a handshake in front of my chin. Sakitty sort of takes part too. Cute.
Chloe asks me a question before we head back to Cortese Castle.

Chloe: Hey, Sir Sage.... Do you mind if I stay here for a bit longer and look for Kelvin?

Kelvin is the wizard we met in the botanical gardens.
He seems to know about Rustica’s past, which is otherwise shrouded in mystery.
Now that he’s decided to face Rustica’s past, Chloe’s eyes are filled with determination.

Chloe: I might not meet him tonight, but I still want to look for him. For my own sake as well.

Akira: Then we'll stay and look for him with you.

Shylock: That’s right, Chloe. No need to hold back.

Chloe: No, it’s fine. I’m sure you’re all exhausted, and this area seems pretty safe....

Rustica: Then I’ll stay with you.

Rustica smiles. Chloe gazes up at him with his brilliant purple eyes.

Rustica: There’s someone you want to meet, right, Chloe?

Chloe: That’s right.

Rustica: What was his name again? Mister Kelvin? What kind of person is he?

Chloe blinks slowly. There’s a hint of uncertainty in his gaze, but he looks right into Rustica’s eyes and responds:

Chloe: Someone who knows about your past, Rustica.

Rustica: About my past?

Chloe: That’s right.... Someone who knows the past that you’ve forgotten.

Rustica: ...........

Chloe: You see, I.... I want to know about your past, Rustica.
That’s why I want to speak to Kelvin. That’s why I’m staying behind tonight to look for him.
But if you’re okay with that, please join me.

The night breeze drifts by, carrying the aroma of flowers with it.
Chloe subconsciously alternates between gripping his fingers and rubbing them together.
A bizarre nervousness envelops us all.
We’re holding our breath, eyes fixed on Rustica’s peaceful expression.
We fear that his gentle smile will evaporate in an instant.

Rustica: That’s fine.

Rustica tilts his head and smiles. Chloe exhales a sigh of relief.
"But," Rustica continues....

Rustica: Why do you want to know about my past?

Chloe: Why....? Isn’t it normal to feel like that?

Chloe’s voice wavers with anxiety; he sounds like a hurt, confused child who has just been accused of stealing.

Rustica: Why?

Chloe: Because.... Because you’ve known me since I was little. So I want to know about your past too.

Rustica: Ah, I see.

Chloe: I just want to know. What’s wrong with that?

Now it’s Rustica’s turn to be surprised.
Because he sees tears in Chloe’s eyes.

Chloe: ........What’s wrong with that? I want to talk about my dear master of magic — who I’ve traveled with all these years — like he’s someone I know.
I want to watch over you in peace, thinking, I know everything about you, Rustica.....
I want to know where you came from. Where you’re going. How long we can be together. I want to know how....
.....How I can make sure these happy days never come to an end.......

Chloe sobs and hangs his head. But after wiping his tears with the back of his hand, he lifts his eyes and glares at the botanical gardens.

Chloe: ......Geez..... It’s the second time I’ve cried here. I’m gonna get sick of this place.

Murr (shard): That makes me sad.

Murr: Wanna see some fireworks? Will that cheer you up?

Rustica bends down and peers into Chloe’s face.
He looks a little nervous — but maybe that’s my wishful thinking.
Because I want Chloe to be special to Rustica. I want that for Chloe, who has been traveling with Rustica since he was a boy.

Rustica: I’m sorry, Chloe. Not knowing my own past never caused me trouble, so....
I thought it was the same for you. But now I realize I was making you anxious.

Chloe furrows his brows. His earnest, teary gaze is very lovable and adorable.

Chloe: Why are you so kind? Don’t say it like that — not knowing your past hasn’t actually caused me trouble.

Rustica: Then why do you want to know? Is it not enough to know the current me?

Chloe: ......I don’t know..... I don’t know...... Am I being selfish......?
I just want to know..........

Shard-Murr murmurs, with a quiet smile.

Murr (shard): How avaricious.

Cat-like-Murr says, with a twinkle in his eyes.

Murr: It’s only natural to feel like that!

Shylock is silent. The moon illuminates his melancholy back.
If I could learn every single thing about someone. If I could learn every single thing about this world.
Would that cause the stirrings of my heart to be quelled for eternity? Could I spend my days in peace?
Like an omniscient god?

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19.3 Moon in Water, Flower in Mirror

Figaro: .....ah.... ah, hahh......

All I can hear is the sound of my own breath in the sheer white darkness.
The frigid air robs me of my warmth, and with it, my ability to think.
I clutch the edges of my coat — far too thin to protect me from the cold — and wrap it around myself.
I gaze upward at the falling snow.
So this is what it means to be human.
What frail, fleeting beings.
When there are men like demons who can alter the weather with just their mood.
If this weather were the result of Oz throwing a temper tantrum...
I would be desperate to put him in a good mood.
There’s someone I want to save.
I can’t afford not to make it in time anymore.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Flash) (Boom)

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

(Flash) (Boom)

Snow in the painting: Did you get it!?

(Whoosh)

White in the painting: ..............! It changed direction! It’s going to disappear!
Don’t let them get away!

Mithra: Obviously not. I’ll be going first.

Bradley: Hang on! Leave my prey to me!

Snow in the painting: Sylves! Take us along!

Sylves: B-but.......!

Bradley: You guys wait here. Sylves, what’s past that point over there?

Sylves: I don’t know...... But if those stairs go beneath this building, then.......

Bradley: Then what?

Sylves: They should lead to the underground waterway.

Bradley: Underground waterway, huh. Snow, White, you guys wait here with Sylves.

Snow in the painting: Hmm...... How vexing, but very well.

White in the painting: Bradley. Show those things the true strength of the Northern wizards.

Bradley: That was always the plan.
(But are those things even alive......?)
(And if they aren’t, what on earth are they....)

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: ......So this is the underground waterway...... Huh......?

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

Bradley: Mithra. Where did those guys go?

Mithra: Don’t talk to me. I’m trying to track their presence.
When I tried attacking the one I ran into, it simply vanished without returning my attacks. Hmph. What a cowardly creature.

Bradley: What are those bastards? Ghosts? Familiars?

Mithra: I told you: don’t talk to me.

Bradley: Hey, I’m just talking to myself.

Mithra: Hah? You’re lying. You just talked to me. You totally did.

Bradley: Okay, fine! Don’t get distracted! Focus!

Mithra: .............
<< Arthim >>

(Flash)

Bradley: That was close! You coulda warned me first!

Mithra: I found them.

(Flash) (Whoosh)

Bradley: ............! Space is distorting.......!

Mithra: Looks like it intends to escape somewhere else ......Not on my watch!
<< Arthim >>

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

(Flash) (Flurry of snow)

Bradley: ..............
......Back in Northern Country, huh......We just left here, you know.

(Puppet appears)

Bradley: ..............
Hmph..... Look who finally showed up.
Let’s have some fun.

✦✧☾✧✦

I thought I heard someone’s voice.
My whole body feels like it’s on fire. It’s screaming in pain.
I can’t move. I can’t even tell if my eyes are open.
Even as this inescapable pain consumes me, my heart feels at ease.
An all-consuming somnolence drags me into the darkness.

Faust: (Shino.... Did Shino manage to escape....? What about Nero and Heath....?)
(....I hear a voice......)

(Flash)

???: I see.... Moon in Water, Flower in Mirror.
It’s an idiom that speaks to what we can never attain. The mirror serves as your medium for introspection; with a more flexible mind, you’ll be able to expand its usage.
To shine and reflect.... To return what’s been given in its same form.
Haha.... I think it’s the perfect trick for your chaste and stubborn soul.

(Flash)

Lennox: Sir Faust......!

Faust: ...........

My eyes open in shock.
I must be seeing an illusion in the dim light.
A tall, familiar man dashes across the underground waterway, headed straight for the demon.
It’s Lennox.

Lennox: << Forsettao Meiuvat >>

In a split second, he conjures his broom and adroitly leaps onto it in the narrow underground waterway.
Stop. Your attack won’t reach it. It’ll swipe you away with its giant arms and claws.
I know that right away. But I also realize what Lennox is aiming for.
His attack might not reach the monster, but he can buy me time.

Faust: (We can still win.)

In that instant, blood begins to rush through my body. Perhaps it’s just an instinctive reaction to seeing Lennox.
He might just be a convenient illusion. But I choose to stop thinking and stand, my legs shaking.

Faust: (This is it. I’m out of magic.)
(And I don’t even have my mirror. So this is my last shot.)
(I’ve only managed to pull this spell off once before....)
...........!

Lennox: Agh......!

The demon’s talons send Lennox crashing into the ground.
But he stands up again and rushes towards the beast like an undead soldier.

Faust: Ah...... hah......!

I cup my palms to catch the blood flowing from my body and scatter it by my feet.

Faust: << Satillquinart Mulcreed >>

Then, I close my eyes and utter my spell. The blood scattered around the waterway becomes a glowing magic circle.
I raise a hand in front of myself.
Beyond my palm, I can see Lennox swinging a kick down against the giant demon.
We haven’t exchanged a single word, but Lennox seems to capture every thought passing through my mind.
He moves as if to taunt the demon; the injuries on his body accumulate as his attacks continue.

Lennox: ....Ugh......
<< Forsettao Meiuvat >>!

The water flowing through the waterway gathers by my palms, one droplet after another.
A powerful breeze blows, and a whirlwind emerges around me.
The droplets begin to form a complex pattern like a spider’s web, generating an ellipse akin to the shape of my magic tool.
The demon’s ribcage begins to chatter and gather its blue light — it’s getting ready to finish Lennox off.
I was waiting for this.

Faust: .....Leno.....!

My body is too exhausted to shout, "Get down!"
But Lennox gets the message: he ducks down on the floor of the waterway.
The demon unleashes its flash of blue light.
The blaze of lightning rushes towards me, ready to pierce through my body.
I chant my spell.

Faust: << Satillquinart Mulcreed >>

The water droplets form a reflective surface, much like my magic tool.
A blinding white light consumes the waterway, and I recoil from the sheer force of the attack.
But the blue-white light emitted by the demon does not cut through my body.
Instead, the attack is swallowed by the makeshift magic tool — the mirror I’ve formed from water.
It is a makeshift tool, and the water comes from Western Country, so the mirror can’t sustain its size or form.
It oscillates between growing to a massive scale and shrinking to the size of my palm as it absorbs the demon’s attack.
I lose consciousness a number of times from the sheer force of it all — I don’t know how I’m still standing.
But the demon’s light gradually dims and fades out, signaling the end of its attack.
For a brief moment, complete silence falls upon the waterway.
Then......
The mirror of water unleashes the same flash of blue lightning.

Lennox: .........!
Specular reflection.....

The impact of the attack almost throws my whole upper body into the air, making me feel like I’m floating.
But I stand firm and send the blue lightning straight back at the demon.
The white light envelops the waterway demon as it unleashes a creaking sound in resistance.
But I see its silhouette crumble away as my vision fades into darkness, and my world fades into silence.
The last thing I hear is Lennox’s voice.

Lennox: Sir Faust......!

I move my mouth, unable to tell if I have managed to force out any audible sound.
Staggering pain dims my consciousness, but I can feel his arms wrap around my back.
My cold body appreciates the warmth of his touch.
I grasp his large palm.

Faust: .....Take care.... of Shino...... The distortion in space.... lies ahead.....

Lennox is shouting.
But I can’t hear what he’s saying. And that makes me tremendously sad.
Because there are so, so many things that I have to tell him......

back to top


19.4 In the Blizzarding Planes

Shino: .....Heath.....! Where are you!? Heath......!
I can sense his presence around here.... He can’t be dead. .....Heath.....!

Heathcliff: .........

Shino: Heath......!

(Patter)

Shino: .....You’re human again..... But you’re injured all over.......
Hang on. I’ll warm you up and get you some clothes in a second.....
<< Matztzah Sudipas >> !

Heathcliff: .....uu.....

Shino: ....Don’t worry! I’ll save you!
Nero, where are the other guys? We need to get them together to save Faust......

Skinny youth: ........

Shino: You....! Are you okay!?

Skinny youth: ......Ah....
......S.... Save me.......

(Rustle)

Shino: ........!?
.....Don’t tell me.......

(Demon)

Shino: .............!
(This thing followed us! Or is it a new one!?)
(I can’t finish it off alone! Where’s Nero!? Or Heath.....)
(Calm down. Calm down.... I’m the only one who can protect Heath right now!)
(It’s my role to protect Heath. I promised I’d protect him.)
(And if I lose here, I’d never be able to face Faust again!)

(Demon attack)

Shino: .....Bring it on! I’ll be your opponent!

Heathcliff: ......gh.... ah.....
......Shino.......

Shino: Aaaaaah......!
<< Matztzah Sudipas >>!

Heathcliff: ..........!

(Flash)

Heathcliff: Shino........!

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Flash) (Boom)

Heathcliff: ..........! Mithra.....!

Shino: ......Mithra.....

Mithra: What’s wrong? You’re hurt all over.

Shino: Hah.....
.....Thank god. I could kiss the tips of your shoes right now.

Heathcliff: Wha......

Mithra: Please don’t do such a strange thing. Move.
I’m sorry, but this beast is mine.
My skull will turn it into ice and shatter it into pieces.

(Demon attack)

Shino: Watch out.....! It shoots lightning from its ribcage!

Mithra: Not a problem.
I’ll attack it head-on and end it before it hits me.
<< Arthim >>

Shino: .......!

Skinny youth: ......Uugh.....

Short gentleman: Pant.... Pant....! It’s so cold!! I could freeze to death.....!! Are you okay!?

Skinny youth: .....Yes. Thank god you’re okay.
...........! Who is that young man with the red hair.....!?

Short gentleman: I don’t know..... But he’s fighting that bony monster head-on.....

Skinny youth: Amazing..... The skull blasted out a blizzard that completely destroyed the blue light.....!
Could it be.... is that red-haired guy the legendary.....

Shino: That’s Mithra. Looks like you just barely escaped death.

Short gentleman: M-Mithra....!?

Shino: That’s right. Mithra will win. ....You will, right!?

Mithra: Of course I will. I just happened to take a blow back there on purpose.

Shino: You what!? You took a blow!?

Mithra: I did not. But this thing is pretty strong.
It could probably kill at least half of the Sage’s wizards.

Shino: ............

Heathcliff: .....Automata.....
......A mechanical wizard..... Nova did this......

Shino: Heath, don’t move! You have terrible injuries.

Heathcliff: Shino.... Shino, that guy is Nova’s pawn. I met Nova.
What happened to Nero? Where’s Mr. Faust?

Shino: ....Mithra! Hurry up! There’s something I need you to do!

Mithra: Do you intend to command me around?

Shino: Faust and Nero are on the brink of death!

Heathcliff: ........!? No way.....!?

Mithra: ...........
All right. Let’s hurry.
<< Arthim >>

(Boom)

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: ..............

I size up the massive puppet from afar, my rifle loaded and ready to go.

Bradley: 3, 2, 1......

I snap my fingers, triggering the magic circle I laid out in the snow field moments ago.
It’s a diversionary tactic from back in my days with the gang. The unmanned magic circle whips up a small snow tornado, kicking up countless icy pebbles that fly in all directions.

(Creak)

The massive puppet dodges the attack and vanishes — just like I figured it would.
A beat later, the massive puppet pops up again a slight distance away.
Facing the magic circle, it starts amassing a familiar blue light.

Bradley: 1, 2, 3......

(Flash)

I start counting as the puppet gets ready to attack: it takes four counts to store up its light energy; it releases its attack on the fifth count.
Straining my eyes, I assess the flight trajectory of the puppet’s attack beam. I hold up my thumb and forefinger, calculating the distance.

Bradley: ......Medium range, huh? Looks like my rifle has the longer range.

In short, I have the advantage in a long-distance shootout.
I take aim, hooking my finger around the trigger. Calculating the wind strength, I shoot.

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

(Bang)

The bullet nails the puppet right in the head.
Its head lolls to the side: looks like I dealt some damage.
But like Mithra says, it doesn’t feel like there’s anything under its hood for the shot to land.
The puppet’s body tilts creakily, twisting into a bizarre pose to regain its balance.
It quickly reassumes its original stance and turns around entirely.
And flies towards me with ferocious speed.

Bradley: ......Looks like it found me.

I study my opponent, my rifle at the ready. If its head isn’t the weak point, then where is it? Should I aim for the inside of its ribs?
There’s something that looks like a mana stone in there. I take aim at its ribcage, and let loose another shot.

(Bang)

The shot lands inside its ribcage. But the puppet doesn’t seem fazed.
It plows on straight ahead without losing momentum; it moves forward emotionlessly, like a dead soldier.

Bradley: Tsk......

(Bang) (Bang) (Bang)

I pull the trigger again. But that doesn’t stop its advance. Another shot.
Shot after shot, my blood runs cold at its stubborn resilience.

Bradley: (You’re telling me something like this was roaming around Western Country......?)
(It’s not a living creature. If it’s some kinda puppet or tool, who made it? And why?)
(It’d take out any of the younger wizards in the magic headquarters, no problem.)

Any second now: I’m almost within shooting range of that thing’s beam. I let out a deep exhale.
Sharpening my concentration, I channel my magic into the fingertip resting against the trigger.

Bradley: (I’ll take it down with the next shot.)
<< Adnopotensum >>

(Bang)

My magic-infused bullet spins and burrows into the puppet’s ribcage.
Got it — the puppet stops moving. As its bones creak noisily, it’s swallowed up by a blinding blue light.
I’m expecting the light to expand abruptly, but instead the puppet implodes into a million pieces — nothing more than dust.

Bradley: Hah...... That sure took up my time.

I take a step toward the puppet to do a once-over of its remains; at that moment, I feel a spatial distortion in the surrounding area.

Bradley: (Is that Mithra? No......)
(......Nero?)

I can faintly sense Nero’s presence.
But it’s too weak to be Nero: it’s so fleeting that it feels as if it could disappear any moment.

Bradley: (Is he concealing himself? Or is he close to death?)
(No, he can’t be.......)

I can’t even laugh it off. A sinking feeling washes over me. I jump onto my broom, spurred by agitation.
I speed through the snowy labyrinth of the blizzard-streaked sky above the plains, chasing after the faint presence.

back to top


19.5 Where His Soul Lies

Nero: ............!
<< Adnodus Omnis >>

Curly-haired woman: ......It’s less cold now...... Thank you......

Skinny old man: You saved us..... Sorry...... We couldn’t put up a barrier......

Nero: It’s fine......... ......gh.......

Curly-haired woman: Hey, where are you going!?

Nero: ......You guys stay there...... I have to go–......

Lady: You can’t! Not with those wounds–......!

Nero: ....Build a snow cave while you can..... ....And when the barrier disappears....
Wait till morning, then escape.

✦✧☾✧✦

Nero: Hah...... Hah.......
(I can’t see..... The way ahead......)
<< Adnodus– >>
<< Omnis >>
............
(......I don’t even have enough magic left to fly......)
(Am I gonna die if I push it? But–......)
(......This wasn’t how things were supposed to go......)
(Mr. Faust and Shino–.......)
(They’re the guys who deserve to survive, not me.)
............Hah............
............!

(Crash)

Nero: .............hh, ugh..........
(......Hey, Brad......)
(What would you do if I turned to stone in someplace you couldn’t find me......)
(Guess you wouldn’t get to mourn me if I turned to stone somewhere beyond your reach.......)
(I always thought that turning to stone for you — to be eaten by you — was the highest honor.)
(All the others did, too.)
(......It’s too late now.)
(I’m the one who turned my back on it all — betrayed these snow-white lands, betrayed you.......)
(It was just so, so painful that I had to throw it all away......)
............
<< Adnodus– >>
<< Omnis >>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: Pant..... pant......!
(Where are Shino and the others? And what about the distortion in space.....)
(I need to hurry. Sir Faust’s life is in danger. Where in the world is Sir Figaro.....?)
(..........! Sir Faust’s mirror.....!)
(So this is the distortion in space...... Everyone must’ve escaped from here.)

Faust: ......Uugh......
Please.... Take care of Shino and the others......

Lennox: I will.
(He’s delirious.... He probably didn’t catch my response.)
(....The magic wore off... His legs.....)
(What terrible burns..... I was right. He was hiding his injuries all along.)
(He never intends to forgive himself.)
(.....I must save him. I must save him no matter what.)
(There’s a reason I continued searching for him for all those years.)
(He doesn’t need to be the hero who saved a nation. I don’t care if he continues to loathe humans and Sir Alec...)
(This time, I need him to attain happiness.)
<< Forsettao Meiuvat >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: .........!
......Is this Northern Country.....?
Hah... hah..... It’s stealing away all my bodily warmth....... Sir Faust.....
.....I sense the presence of other wizards.....
And Sir Figaro too, though faintly.....

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: We got to the Eastern tower faster than I expected! Where are we heading once we arrive in Western Country?

Rutile: Hmm.... The Central wizards were planning on heading to the City of Wealth, right?
If they aren’t back at the magic headquarters by nighttime, it probably means they’re staying at an inn somewhere.
Remember that place we stayed? Mister Cock Robin arranged it for us....

Mitile: I do! Riquet said he’s stayed there a few times as well. Maybe that’s where they are....

Rutile: Then let’s head there!

Mitile: Sounds good!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Woosh)

Rutile: And here we are in Western Country! Let’s hurry and search for Sir Oz!

Mitile: Yes!

Rutile: Mitile, hop onto my broom! I’m going to fly at top speed!

Mitile: Huh!? Right now!?

Rutile: Yup! I’ll take us right over there!

Mitile: But Dr. Figaro said it was dangerous to swap brooms mid-flight.....

Rutile: It’s fine! Dr. Figaro hops onto my broom all the time!

Mitile: Y.... You’re right! Okay! I’ll give it a go!

Rutile: Come on over!

Mitile: 3, 2, 1.....!
.....I did it.....!

Rutile: Well done! Hold on tight!

Mitile: Yes! I wi.... ......Woaaaah......!
You’re going too fast, nii-sama.....!!

(Woosh)

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Hah......

I exhale, my breath white against the raging snowfields in the dead of the night.
This sure takes me back. Back in the day, I had a whole gang of underlings — and Nero was by my side like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Nero was a strange guy.
He was insolent and brazen. He had guts, but there were times when he’d act like a spineless coward.
He looked at me with such unconcealed contempt and exasperation, and yet he revered and worshiped me.
Any and every Nero was interesting, and I always felt right at home with him.
Eva was right: Nero reminds me of the family I lost.
It felt good — his fed-up, unamused expression; the way his glare said, "You’re an idiot," as he told me off.
I’m a man who worked his way up from nothing. I’m no stranger to the view from the bottom of the pit. I’ve even groveled on all fours, unsightly as that sounds.
The more powerful I got, the more people feared and admired me. Sure, that felt really great.
But the ones who’d smack the back of my head and curse me out — they’re all gone.
Except Nero. He was the only one who didn’t die before me, or die by my hand; he was the only one left standing by my side.
Whenever he’d laugh and nudge me, easily and unreservedly, I felt like the responsibility of being the boss had been lifted — like I had regained my freedom.
As long as I have Nero, things will be all right. I trust that he’s got my back, so I can go anywhere.
Where did we go wrong? Maybe we had just been together far too long.
It would’ve been better if he had betrayed me and stolen from my treasures.
But he betrayed me and threw everything away.
As if none of it meant anything to him.

Bradley: ............

I find Nero, half buried in the snow. He’s lying on the ground in foolishly thin clothing.
It’s too dim outside to see clearly, but his skin looks ashen.
I reach for the nape of his neck, feeling for a pulse. His body is frozen over, his heartbeat faint. His clothes, soaked through and frozen with bright red blood, cling to his body.
Honestly, I’m furious — I’m the only one allowed to mess him up like this.
I’m not used to healing others. I put a hand on Nero’s chest, trying to heal him.
Nero arches off the ground.

Nero: ......ugh........

Bradley: You awake, Nero?

I don’t know if my voice reaches him. With his eyes still closed, Nero moves his lips.
He speaks, his voice faint and feeble.

Nero: The Eastern......guys...... Please.... Save them......

Bradley: The guys from the East are here too? Got it. Now tell me who did this to you.

The strength seeps out from Nero’s body.
He goes slack, as if he’s done his part by letting me know that his comrades are in danger.
In that split second, I can tell that something like his life force begins trickling out of his body.

Bradley: Nero. Hey, Nero......

Nero remains unresponsive.
My heart thunders. With unthinking desperation, I lay my palm over Nero’s chest, breathing hard.
The faint glow of magic flows from my palm through Nero’s body.
But Nero only continues to decline. Did he lose too much blood?
At this rate, he’s gonna die. I try pouring magic into him the way I did in the past.
But it doesn’t work.
I can’t seem to get through to him — like he’s rejecting my transfusion.

Bradley: Nero.

I call his name. The howling blizzard picks up, snow obscuring my vision.
Nero doesn’t react.

Bradley: Nero.

I call out to him again. There: a slight reaction in the tremor of his eyelids.
I was used to losing my comrades. I’d been prepared for Nero’s death, and for my own.
Nero opens his eyes. Flooded with relief, I try once again to infuse him with my magic.
But I fail again. If this were back then, there’s no way I would’ve messed it up.
That is — assuming he trusted me, and wanted to live.

Bradley: ............Tch.

I glare vehemently at Nero; I was planning on chewing him out, but the words die in my throat at the look in his eyes when they finally open.
Nero’s golden eyes are hollow voids: his eyelids are peeled back, but no sign of consciousness shines in his gaze.
He’s lost the will to live.
That’s how he looks.
If I think about it, Nero always seemed to find it hard to live, ever since we first met.
He’s always had a jaded, disenchanted look in his eyes — a look that says he doesn’t trust himself, other people, or even the world.
He had a natural talent for stealing, but he couldn’t handle other people suffering because of it.
He believed in me and worshiped me over anyone else, and yet he betrayed me and condemned me to prison.
I slap Nero’s cheeks, raising my voice in hopes of dragging him back to consciousness.

Bradley: Nero! I’ll give you my magic! Open up and take it!
.........Wake up! How am I going to save the curseworker and the others if you don’t show me the way!

Nero doesn’t so much as twitch.
I’m livid. I frantically pat his cheeks and run my hands down his arms before grabbing his chest.
My breath shakes, trapped in the back of my throat.
His golden eyes stare vacantly at the shower of fine snow; I glare at him, ready to shoot him myself at this point.

Bradley: ......The hell? What are you trying to get away with? You don’t get to die so easily.
You traitor......! Do you know how much of the gang’s blood is on your hands!?
I’ll be the one who kills you! Don’t even dream of dying before we settle our score — I won’t allow it!
Your life belongs to me! Don’t forget it!
Nero.....!

There’s a split second silence in the violent howling of the wind.
Slowly, haltingly, the light shifts in his blank, vacant gaze.
He looks up at me and calls my name.

Nero: ......hh, Brad–.......

Bradley: I’m gonna pour magic into you. Accept it. Don’t resist.

Nero nods weakly several times. I place my palm on his chest again and channel my magic through it.
The faint glow from my palm slowly suffuses into Nero’s body; I finally feel him responding.
Nero’s body arches off the ground, even as his eyes crease with exhaustion.
Partway through, he reaches out and grabs my arm: I can feel a faint trace of strength in his grip.

Nero: ......hh...... Enough......

Bradley: Don’t move. You almost died.

Nero: Please...... Save Faust..... Where are Shino and the others......?

Bradley: Leave it to me. Where–......

I didn’t have to ask: I can dimly sense the Eastern kids nearby. Mithra, too.
I hoist Nero’s arm over my shoulders, helping him stay upright.
He looks at me with a question in his eyes, even as he grimaces with pain.

Nero: ......Brad...... What you said–.....

Bradley: We can talk later.

I move, taking Nero with me.

back to top


19.6 Miracle Like a Dream

Figaro: .....ah.... Hah.....
......<< Po.... ssideo....>>
..............
.....Hah......

The fierce tremors attacking my arms and legs eventually subside.
In their place comes a gradual onset of numbness. Even as the raging blizzard envelops half my body, I feel no pain.
So this was how they departed this world.
The people of the lost village.
With no means of resistance — did they utter my name and pray?
When faced with overwhelming despair and fear — did they believe they were still being protected by a greater being?
Amidst the cackles of the thundering blizzard, I catch wind of a voice in the distance.
Perhaps I’m hallucinating.
No. It really is a voice. I force myself to look up, even on the brink of collapsing.
As I gaze up at the dark sky adorned by white flurries, I spot a dark shadow, like a giant bird.

Lennox: ......Sir Figaro.....
Sir Figaro......!

It’s Lennox.
It’s Lennox on his broom. I’m shocked — he’s carrying Faust in his arms.
Faust, who I saw lying on the floor of the underground waterway in that illusory split second.
I could not go to him. But he was able to.
And he saved him.
I’m overwhelmed by a wave of relief and exhaustion. But the moment I see Faust, I go cold.
He’s in critical condition; his wounds run deep all over his body. He needs treatment now -- or his life is in danger.
But how....?
As I stand there rattled, Lennox lands before me and offers me the lifeless Faust.
He looks at me straight in the eye, and says:

Lennox: Sir Figaro. Please take care of Sir Faust. I will go search for the other Eastern wizards.

Figaro: Ah.....

Lennox: He’s currently unconscious, but he has deep wounds running across his back, his neck, his shoulders, and his right thigh.
The wound on his back is the worst. I’ve attempted aid, but the bleeding won’t stop. Please take care of him.

Lennox bows and tries to leave Faust in my care.
But then he sees my hands and furrows his brows in confusion. My fingertips are frostbitten, turning a grotesque reddish-purple because I haven’t been able to keep myself warm with magic.
I don’t think he caught a clear view of them earlier due to the darkness. But he senses something is wrong and opens his mouth, ready to say something.

Lennox: Sir Figaro......

In that moment, a gust of wind blows through the area. It catches Lennox off guard; he wavers, about to drop Faust.
Reflexively, I raise my arms to support him, but I stumble and fail to catch him, landing myself in the snow.

Figaro: ..........!

Faust regains consciousness — maybe because of the impact from the fall.

Faust: .....u.... Uu.....

Lennox: Sir Faust!

Faust: .....I’m all right..... Shino.... Save Shino and the others.....

Lennox: Understood. Sir Figaro, I’m counting on you.

Figaro: ............

The blizzard wipes out the next words I shout with my frozen throat.
Lennox’s back disappears into the pure white snow and engulfing darkness.
Don’t go. I can’t use magic.
I can’t protest because I don’t want to make Faust despair.
Despair can easily cause one’s physical condition to deteriorate. The moment you realize you won’t be saved, you lose the will to live.
How can I perform an emergency procedure to the best of my ability without him catching on to my current state? I nervously steal a glance at Faust.
My words evaporate.
Faust’s pale-white, lifeless face is lit only by an expression of pure relief.
He believes that I will save him.
Just as he did when he was my adoring disciple.
Just as the villagers of my lost homeland did, before they were buried by the snow.
Ah, I’ve always....
Wanted to live up to the look in those eyes.

Figaro: ....It’s all right.... Everything will be all right.....
I will save you.

A feverish wave of emotion wells up from the depths of my heart.
I’d wanted to say those same words, the day I Iost everything in that avalanche.
Everything will be all right.
You have me.
I am here for you.
I stroke his cold cheeks and repeat it over and over again like a spell. Faust has lost consciousness again.

Figaro: ........Hah.....

My warm eyelids sting from the freezing cold. I lay Faust down on his side.
He has deep wounds running across his back — three sharp lines.
I slice my palm with the knife I keep hidden in my bosom.
And paint a magic circle, red against the field of snow.
The air surrounding me is frigid and pure. I look up and glare at the atmosphere of Northern Country.
It should serve as a wake-up call to the cruel, indifferent spirits of the North.

Figaro: Frivolous beings.... You would do well to remember my name and repent.

I lift my frozen-red fingertips over the magic circle and Faust’s unconscious body.
I close my eyes and utter my spell.

Figaro: << Possideo >>

The roaring blizzard is the only sound echoing across the snowy planes.
I wanted to live up to everyone’s expectations. I wanted to bring about a miracle, like a dream come true.
Not for fame or self-validation. I don’t need honor or respect. It’s fine if I don’t belong anywhere.
I wanted to protect the people I loved. I simply wanted to see them smile.
I wanted to show my bright-eyed worshippers the miracles that they yearned for.
I quietly re-open my eyes.
A small whirlwind takes form atop the magic circle, resisting the gusts of the surrounding blizzard.
The whirlwind gradually swirls larger and larger, surrounding us in the shape of a crown.
The atrocious wounds on Faust’s back begin to rapidly heal.
The ring of wind becomes increasingly powerful, growing as big as the Lake of Death.
The Northern spirits revel in delight, commanded by my fingertips.
I click my tongue and glare at the world around me.

Figaro: Never defy my commands again.

(Crash)

A gust of powder snow dances in wild excitement and ripples outward, knocking down a row of trees in the far distance.
A spray of snow flies into the air; a rumble echoes across the earth.
I breathe a sigh of relief. My magic seems to have returned.
I turn my attention to treating Faust. He’s wounded all over. It looks like he took on someone else’s injuries through a protective spell on top of everything.
I’m so glad I didn’t lose him. I’m so glad I haven’t lost his trust.
Once we get back to the magic headquarters, I’m going to talk to him. We’ll talk about all the things we couldn’t bring up until now.
I’m going to talk to Mitile about the future as well. As for Isaac, I’ll kill him.
Once I finish up Faust’s emergency aid, I take to the skies in search of Lennox.
The skies of Northern Country are crisp and clear. The world is submissive and unresisting: everything around me responds to my command.

✦✧☾✧✦

Eva: << Aura Regina >>

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >>!
......Aaagh.......!

Eva: Hmph....... Worthless scum!

Isaac: Ugh...... Guh......! ......Damn.......! Just die already, you hag.......!

Eva: You will be the one to die here.
......Forgive me, Sophie...... I’m sorry for doubting you......
I shall end to him now: he will be all yours to taunt and torment as you please in the afterlife.
<< Aura Regi– >>

Isaac: Wait......!

Eva: You would beg for your life? Do not tell me you have lost even the last shred of your pride.

Isaac: ......Guh, aaagh.......! I.....I’ll make you a deal.
That girl...... The one who wore these blue jewels. Don’t you want to know her last words?

Eva: .............

Isaac: I was the only one who witnessed her last moments. No one else...... Aagh...... I’m the only one who can tell you.

Eva: ......You would have me spare your life in exchange for that knowledge?

Isaac: .....I’m sick. I’ll be dead before long.

Eva: That does not concern me. I will be the one to kill you.

Isaac: ............

Eva: ......Spit it out.

Isaac: ......She said...... Eva......
......Guh.......

Eva: ......My name? What else?
What did that child say?

Isaac: Eva.......

Eva: .............

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >>!

Eva: ............! Aaaaaagh......!

Isaac: You fell for it!
I got you......!

Eva: Aaaah......! Aaaaagh.......!

Isaac: I’ve forgotten details like that! Just turn into stone already!

Eva: ......Aaaaaahh.......!
......hh, Sophie.......

(Shattering)

Isaac: Ahaha! Serves her right! She became stone!
I turned the great witch Eva into stone!
What a fine mana stone...... Having knowledge really is the best!
When I get back, it’s Figaro’s turn–......
............
......Not yet. He’s scary, because he’s smart.
Without him, I will be lonely.

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19.7 Realm of Righteousness

Bradley: ............
Eva?

Nero: .......What happened.......?

Bradley: ......No, there’s no way.
It’s nothing. Let’s go.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: Hah...... Hah...... I’m so glad we managed to find you all right away, Sir Oz.

Mitile: Sorry for waking you up.

Riquet: Not at all. You were right to do so; this is a matter of great concern regarding the Eastern wizards.
Yawn..... Sorry, I couldn’t hold back my yawn......

Rutile: Where are Prince Arthur and Mister Cain?

Oz: Arthur returned to Central Country.

Mitile: What about Mister Cain?

Riquet: He just left for the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps. He said he’d try talking to them to get the information we need.

Rutile: Like visiting a bar to deepen their friendship?

Riquet: He’ll be pulling an all-nighter and returning in the morning: Nero did the same thing a little while ago.

Oz: ......It is not yet dawn.

Riquet: That’s true. If he returned now, it wouldn’t be an all-nighter.

Oz: Did Figaro tell you to hand me this button?

Rutile: Yes. He said you’d be able to track his whereabouts with it......

Oz: ............
It is still not yet dawn.

Riquet: We know that. You don’t have to repeat yourself.

Mitile: Once it’s daytime, could you take us to the City of Rain with your magic, Sir Oz?
It’s not just the Eastern wizards — Dr. Figaro and Mister Lennox also disappeared into the same inn in the City of Rain......

Oz: Leave it to me.

Mitile: Thank you!

Riquet: Ah...... There’s still a light on in the building we visited earlier today.

Mitile: Where is it?

Riquet: See, it’s that building over there.

(Glimpse of building with bright windows)

Mitile: You’re right......
Is that the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps......?

Riquet: Yes.

Mitile: The invention of magical science technology allowed Western Country to develop rapidly, and their army became stronger and more powerful.
That’s what Mister Heathcliff said.

Rutile: Heath is the son of a great noble family in the East, after all.
I hear it’s a renowned military family. If anything happened, they’d take command on the battlefield in order to protect Eastern Country.

Riquet: It’d be nice if nothing happened. We’re already fighting against the < Great Catastrophe > as it is.
I hope people can get along with each other, at the very least.

Rutile: That’s true....... Hmm?

Oz: What is it?

Rutile: There’s a large shadow passing by our feet.......

Mitile: Nii-sama, look! There’s a huge carriage flying through the sky!

Rutile: You’re right..... How incredible........

Riquet: Ah.......!

Mitile: What is it?

Riquet: Wasn’t that Murr peering out of the carriage window just now?

Mitile: Mister Murr? Then maybe the Western wizards are flying the carriage?

Oz: No.
He might seem like Murr, but it is not him.

Riquet: I don’t understand what you mean.

Oz: ............ You saw Murr, but it is not Murr himself–.......

Rutile: Oh.......! I see a princess in the carriage.

Riquet: I want to see a princess too. Can I fly up to catch a glimpse of her?

Mitile: I-I don’t think you should.

Rutile: Where could the princess be going in the dead of the night......?

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

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: My goodness, you exasperate me. I told you they were still test specimens.

Nova: We’ll need even more mana stones for the Ultima.

Liliana: Nova. I want you to bring him to me.
It will take far too long if we have to negotiate with Central Country.
I need to move things along while he is still in Western Country.

Gil: Central Country won’t just take that sitting down. It might even become the seed of conflict.

Liliana: I am prepared for that. ....Nova.

Nova: All right.

Murr: Then I suppose I’ll extend them an invitation as well.

Liliana: Murr.

Murr: You want the Sage and the Sage’s wizards, right?
I’ll bring them here for you. It’ll make for a grand coronation.

(Meow)

Murr: Come along, let’s go. It’s your favorite string. There, there, good job. Come on over here.

(Disappears)

Liliana: .....I still have no idea what goes on in his head. I need to sink him into the royal lake the very moment we finish developing our weapons.

Gil: Please be careful. You never know when the professor might be listening.

Liliana: Hmph..... I don’t feel the slightest fear toward a man who can’t go anywhere without his cat.
...........
Aria...............
Do forgive me. This is my atonement.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: (Is Sir Sage holding up okay...? He was heading for Cortese Castle with that guy who got turned into a bird, but.......)

Western Lady: Fufu...... I had presumed everyone in Central must be staid and dreary .......
But what a smooth talker you’ve proved to be, Sir Cain, and how wonderfully titillating.......

Cain: Haha. Thanks.

Western Lady: Shall I pour you another glass?

Cain: Certainly.

There are many forms of justice. I’ve decided that my own form of justice is to prioritize the protection of my country and my liege first and foremost.
In that case, if I’m protecting my country under the premise of selling out, that should theoretically count as an act of justice.
It’s no different from the way my mother’s form of justice prioritized protecting her child; to that end, she turned a blind eye to what it meant to tell a lie.

(Flashback)

I remember crying while clinging to my mother as a kid.
I’d always been a hyperactive child, but that particular night, it wasn’t that I’d gotten yelled at or seriously scraped up.
My mother gently patted my back as tears silently streamed down my face.
Hey! Cut it out! Have a good day! Take care! Oh, dear! You did great!
My mother’s voice — usually so bright — was small, subdued, and bleakly gentle.

Cain’s mother: It’s all right...... You’re a good boy......

Cain as a kid: ......I’m not. I lied to my friends.

Cain’s mother: You weren’t lying to your friends. They asked if you’d ever seen a wizard, and you kept quiet, didn’t you?

Cain as a kid: That’s basically lying. Even though...... They all said they wanted to meet a wizard.

Cain’s mother: And what did you say......?

Cain as a kid: .......I said, "Me too".......
......But I’m a wizard......
Hey, I told a lie. Lies are bad, right? Isn’t that what Dad said?

Cain’s mother: Yes, dear.

Cain as a kid: My swordmaster said the same thing. And my friends said they hate liars too. ......But I still......

Cain’s mother: You hated having to lie, but you still did what I told you to do, right?
You must never tell anyone that you’re a wizard.

Cain as a kid: ......Yes.......

Cain’s mother: Thank you, Cain. You’re a dear boy for putting my heart at ease.

My mother stroked my head, looking sad.
Normally, hearing "thank you" made me happy, but for some reason, this time it only made me feel worse.
I didn’t want to make my mother sad. But I didn’t want my friends to hate me either.
More than anything else, I was scared of turning into something so twisted that I couldn’t live with myself.
Thinking back, I’m sure that night was the first time I felt torn about the meaning of righteousness.
When I was a child, I thought there was only one kind of justice. I believed that I’d be good as long as I stuck to it.
I won’t do bad things. I won’t give in to temptation. I won’t hurt other people.
I will chase my dreams without giving up. I will be grateful to my parents for raising me. I will treasure each and every friend I make.
It was easy — all I had to do was resist the temptation of bad things. Or so I thought.
I didn’t know.
I had no idea that at some point, chasing after my dreams, respecting my parents, and treasuring my friends would all become things that clashed and conflicted with each other.
All while existing within the same sense of righteousness.

Cain’s mother: I’m begging you, Cain. Please don’t go to the capital.
Isn’t being a knight in the Town of Glory enough for you? Everyone loves you, and our lord here favors you.

Cain: That’s all the more reason I have to go. I only got this chance because of everyone here.
I’ll give it my best shot. This is the day I’ve always dreamed of! It’s okay! Aren’t you proud of your son?

Cain’s mother: You know nothing of the world...... You’re still far too young.

Cain: There’s no need to worry.

Cain’s mother: Surely being an imperial knight isn’t as grand as the rumors would have you believe. You should just stay here–......

Cain: Why are you saying that!? You’ve always supported my dreams ever since I was a kid.
Can’t you send me off with a smile like you always do? Don’t worry. I’ll be all right.

Cain’s mother: ............

Cain: I’ll climb the ranks of the Order of Knights and..... Um, I don’t know what I’ll find yet, but I’ll send you super fancy things from the city, so look forward to them!

Cain’s mother: ......Do as you please.

Cain: ............ I’m off, Mom!

I’ve had my share of disagreements and arguments with other people. Sometimes we just don’t get each other.
I had times when no one agreed with me, and times when I disagreed with everyone else.
At times, I made someone angry over what I meant as a joke; other times, I found myself unable to smile at someone else’s teasing.
Even so, I felt — I knew — that I was loved and protected.
It may not have been flashy or perfect, but I lived in a world which loved me.
The town where I was born was always watching over me.

Cain’s friend: Cain, take care! Make sure you get your name out there!

Cain’s friend: You’re going with all our hopes and dreams! Good luck, Cain!

Cain’s friend: I’ll convince my parents to let me go to the capital too! Wait for me there!

Townspeople: Safe journey! Take care of yourself and do great things!

Townspeople: Those capital folk are a cold bunch, so don’t let their nonsense get to you! If you can’t stand it, just come on home anytime!

Townspeople: Take care, Cain. You’re going to meet so many wonderful people, but don’t forget about us......

Cain: I won’t forget you! Well then, I’m off! Thanks, everyone!

✦✧☾✧✦

I truly thought there was only one form of justice.
No one would have to get hurt, as long as we all followed the same rules.
What a childish fantasy.
There are so many forms of justice, and every person prioritizes them differently in their heart.
That’s not even the end of it: their individual priorities are constantly changing, sometimes following their mood, and other times shifting from day to day.
Which is it today? Individual freedom. Salvation of the weak. Respect for tradition. Equality. Law and order. Freedom. Power.
How to protect and uphold each type of justice also differs depending on the person. You can choose between peace or punishment — between granting someone mercy or making an example of them.
Even so, I wanted to be the kind of good person I always imagined being.
I wanted to be kind and help other people. I wanted to understand people, and I wanted to be friends with them.
I didn’t need anything in return.
It’s not like anyone was forcing me.
I simply wanted to love and protect other people, the way I had been loved and protected by my parents and my friends.

Owen: How idiotic. What a hypocrite you are, Sir Knight. All you spout are naive ideals.

Well, I’m sure that’s what Owen would say if I ever shared these thoughts with him.
I’m not lying or trying to show off by saying this, but the world is a beautiful place in my eyes.
As for the world he sees........
Has there been nothing beautiful in it?

back to top


19.8 To Believe

Owen: We’re almost there.

Arthur: Yes. You can see the lights of the City of Wealth from far away. It is truly a city that never sleeps.

Owen: Why did you change your clothes?

Arthur: I thought it might be better to conceal my status.

Owen: Aren’t you a prince? Doesn’t that put you in a category of superior people?

Arthur: Does it?

Owen: Strength speaks for itself in the North — but in Central, people bow down to social status, right? The common people bow to the nobility, who bow to the royal family.
It’s the king’s right to be arrogant and domineering, the way Oz and Mithra are. Why would you hide your status?

Arthur: The king wouldn’t behave that way. Sir Oz and Mithra don’t act that arrogant or domineering, do they?

Owen: They do.

Arthur: And you, Owen?

Owen: I do.

Arthur: When?

Owen: Hah? Always. I’m doing it right now?

Arthur: I see!

Owen: Yeah.

Arthur: Owen. Anyway, going back to what you said earlier.......

Owen: Don’t carry on with the conversation like it’s nothing! You’re the prince, but you don’t care that I’m looking down on you?

Arthur: It’s not like I even noticed, so it’s fine. Apparently I’ve been holding my status over you this whole time, so that makes us even.

Owen: This is so annoying......

Arthur: Owen. Can you give me more details about what you meant?
Why is Cain trying to throw away his reputation?

Owen: So he can gain the Western military’s trust.

Arthur: To gain their trust......? Wouldn’t he earn their trust more easily by upholding his reputation instead?

Owen: Huh...... You said the same thing Cain did. You’re just as foolish.
I told him the truth: no one is going to trust a man like him.
People put their trust in vile and repulsive sorts who are more pathetic than you can imagine, and in heartless fools who betray them at the first chance that comes their way.
People who are willing to do anything to protect themselves and their own interests — that’s the kind of person who’s easy to trust.

Arthur: Why?

Owen: It’s obvious. Because it’s easy to follow the rules.
I’m not talking about the law, I’m talking about rules that aren’t written down anywhere. But everyone still knows the unspoken code about how to play the game.
It’s in a person’s true nature.

Arthur: A person’s true nature.......

Owen: That’s it. It’s in their nature to begrudge and envy those who are more fortunate than them; they want to see them fail and lose.
They have desires they can’t fulfill in public, so they indulge in secret. That’s just human nature.
Everyone wants to hide their despicable true self. That’s why, if you reveal your own ugly nature, they feel at ease. They want to become your friend.
That’s what trust is.

Arthur: ............

Owen: ......But no one knows the rules of knighthood.
That’s why they don’t trust him. No one can afford to show him their heart. Haha...... How stupid.

Arthur: .....So that’s why Cain is trying to throw away his reputation? Because he seriously believes what you said?

Owen: Yeah. Are you disappointed?

Arthur: No....... I’m worried. That doesn’t sound like Cain. I wonder what happened.

Owen: ......What do you mean?

Arthur: Cain wouldn’t usually take your words so seriously.

Owen: Hah? How can you say that for sure?

Arthur: Because I trust Cain. I think this is what trust is, Owen.
Cain wouldn’t misconstrue the meaning of trust.

Owen: ............

Arthur: Don’t you believe in him too, when it comes down to it?

Owen: Who? Sir Knight? No way.
Arthur. I’m the one who provoked him into it; I’ve always been waiting for this to happen.
Since the day I stole his eye, I’ve been waiting for him to expose his true nature and reveal what a weak, foolish, and cowardly–......

Arthur: But you don’t seem happy about it.

Owen: Hah?

Arthur: Cain is on the brink of depravity, but you’re not happy about that.

Owen: I am. That’s why I brought you here: to make the situation infinitely worse than it already is.
I bet you’re the very last person Sir Knight would want to see as he loses himself to gambling and lust.

Arthur: ............

Owen: He’s going to lose his mind. I’m so excited that I can hardly wait for it.

Arthur: ............ You’re so contrary.

Owen: I can drop you and let you die, Sir Prince.

Arthur: I do believe some of the things that you said: that you’re a mean wizard who is anticipating Cain’s descent into depravity......
If Cain were to act in an unknightly manner, however slight, then you would want to be there to point and laugh at him.
That’s the reason you’re following him around.

Owen: Haha..... Exactly. I want to see Sir Knight’s crushing fall into despair, when his hypocritical facade is ripped off and his true nature is revealed to the world.
I’m going to laugh at him when that happens.
See? I knew the ideal knight didn’t really exist anywhere.
Everything in this world makes me sick. It’s overflowing with nothing but deception and malice, made up of all the ugly and despicable lies that I love.
Serves him right.
I won’t be fooled.

Arthur: ......But somewhere in there......
Don’t you secretly want to believe in him?

Owen: ............

Arthur: That’s why you came to me......

Owen: Haha..... Don’t be stupid.

Arthur: Owen.

Owen: Shut up. I’ll rip your tongue out.

Arthur: I know how you feel. I’ve been thinking about something similar. I want to trust him......

Owen: ......What?

Arthur: ............
Owen. You’re a Northern wizard who’s lived a long time, right?

Owen: Yeah.

Arthur: ......Sir Oz......
Why do people call Sir Oz the demon king?
Is it because of his strength? Or because......
......He conquered this world and trampled over it in the past as the rumors say?
Did you ever seen him do that......?

Owen: ............
What did Figaro and the twins say?

Arthur: ......I’ve never asked them for the truth. But every time I got furious and indignant over these slanderous rumors regarding Sir Oz’s reputation......
They comforted and consoled me. Like a child, I assumed that meant they were discrediting those stories as mere rumors.
Sir Oz never said anything.

Owen: Fufu...... I see.

Arthur: Do you know anything, Owen? Won’t you tell me?

Owen: Who knows. It might come to me, but I don’t recall anything right now.

Arthur: Why...... Don’t leave me hanging. Just tell me the truth.

Owen: I said I don’t know.

Arthur: Owen. Please.

Owen: Oz was a terrifying demon king, and his destruction of the world was far more cruel than anything the < Great Catastrophe > has done.

Arthur: ............

Owen: Do you believe me?

Arthur: ......Was that a lie?

Owen: Which do you prefer? You can choose whichever one you like, Sir Prince.
Pick the truth you like, and live in that version of the world. All you have to do is clap a lid over the other version and never look at it.

Arthur: ............
I wish I could.
"Serves all of you right." "I never believed it."
"I’m so glad I trusted Sir Oz." .......I want to be able to say that.

Owen: Hmph.......
We’re descending now. Stay put and just follow me. I’ll show you to Cain.

Arthur: Are we just observing? I thought we were here to interfere?

Owen: That’s right. I want you to know what it’s like to feel the worst sort of misery.

✦✧☾✧✦

Western general: Ahaha! You’re an interesting guy, Cain.
What a pity the general isn’t here. Otherwise I’d have introduced him to you.

Cain: General Barnett? I heard he’s in charge of the Magical Technology Corps.
He must’ve been a huge help to Nicholas.

Western general: Yeah. He was supposed to return today, but he got held up by some plans.......
Huh? He’s back......? It appears that he’s already in the City of Wealth.

Cain: That’s great news. Any chance I can meet him right now?

Western general: We’re talking about the general here. He’s not someone you can just walk up to and ask for a meeting. But......
The general is a sociable and convivial person, so I should be able to arrange an introduction when he stops by the club.

Cain: Really?

Western general: Yes. However, it’s already late tonight.

Cain: You always feel like drinking on days when you’ve worked the longest hours. What’s the general into?
Does he like dancing? I’m pretty good.

Western general: Ahaha, I’d like to see that. I recall the general’s liking for popular fiction.

Cain: What a coincidence. I’m a fan, too.

Western general: Really?

Cain: Absolutely. I’d love to read something aloud to him if I get to meet him.

Western Lady: Oh my, what a tempting notion. Those novels are full of risqué dialogue, you know.

Cain: That’s not a problem. Okay, how about it? Would the general be interested if he heard about this?

Western general: Well, if he’s not tired...... But he does love this one. The protagonist is a young maid and...

Cain: Hey, lend it to me. Okay, I’m going to start reading aloud.

Western general: Great! This is going to be good!

Western Lady: How adorable, Sir Cain.

Cain: Let’s start. "That night, anticipation rose in my ample bosom as I awaited my first time–......"

Arthur: Pardon the intrusion.

Cain: ............!?
(Prince Arthur.......! Why — and how is he here!?)

Attendant: I’m afraid I can’t allow you to enter. This is no place for children.

Owen: It’s fine for adults, right?

Cain: (Owen......! You brought him here!)
(This place is a nest of vipers for Prince Arthur.)
(No matter how much you want to torment me, this is absolutely crossing the line!)
(I won’t forgive you this time.)

Owen: ............

back to top


19.9 Rustica’s Secret

Officer: What brings you back so late at night?

Gil: Our greetings to Princess Liliana’s family took less time than we expected. That’s all.

Officer: I’m glad to hear it. Will you be returning home after this?

Gil: That’s my intention.

Officer: Excuse me. General, I have some news....

Gil: What is it?
....You’ve run into someone who looks suspiciously similar to Prince Arthur from Central Country....?
Oh ho. How interesting.
I suppose I’ll stop by the Officers’ Club.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: I hope we find Kelvin.

Chloe: Yeah....

Rustica: If we can’t find him and we end up getting really, really sleepy, we should make a bed here and fall asleep.
The foliage and flowers give off a sweet fragrance. And just imagine the morning dew rolling off the leaves onto our faces as a wake-up call — isn’t it all quite lovely?

Chloe: You’re right....
We’ve done that before, actually. We were camping out overnight, and when dewdrops came splashing onto our faces, we were like, woah! It woke us right up.
Rustica, you said it was all quite lovely back then too. You might not remember it, but....
I hope I can learn how to find beauty in anything, at any moment, just like you do, Rustica.

Rustica: But you’re already so good at finding lovely things, Chloe.
The clothes you make are filled with the lovely things you’ve found.

Chloe: Yeah... Thank you....
Rustica, I.... I’m always going through lots of ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I love you so much.

Rustica: I love you very much as well.

Chloe: Hehe....
I hope Sir Sage and the others are all right. The princess and her entourage are no longer at Cortese Castle, right?

Rustica: That’s correct.

Chloe: I wonder what happened to the princess? Maybe she really is a different person, just like Gregory said.
But if that were true, who’s impersonating her?

Rustica: ....Who.....
.........!

Chloe: Rustica?

Rustica: Chloe, stand back.

Chloe: O-okay...

(Nova appears)

Nova: ...

Rustica: ... You are...

Nova: Rustica Ferch?

Rustica: Indeed.

Nova: The tragic noble.

Rustica: .........

Chloe: Rustica...!

(Rustica and Nova disappear together)

Chloe: Rustica...!? Where did you go, Rustica!?
Who was that!? Did he take Rustica!?
Give Rustica back...! Rustica...!
... Why...

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: .........
I am not doing anything wrong. This is all to protect him...

Nova: Liliana.

Liliana: .........!

Nova: I brought him here, as per your wishes.

Liliana: ...Sir Rustica....

Rustica: ...Where am I...?

Liliana: .........
Nova, please take your leave.

Nova: Certainly. For I have no interest in this matter.

Liliana: Leave right away.

Nova: Liliana.
Do you want him to remember?

Liliana: .........
No.

Nova: ......

(Nova disappears)

Rustica: Ah... There he goes.
Could you please tell me where I am?

Liliana: ...Ah...

Rustica: Is something wrong, Princess Liliana?

Liliana: .........
Sir Rustica...

Rustica: Yes.

Liliana: Za.........
.........
...Do you remember Princess Aria of Western Country?

Rustica: Aria...
...Aria...
.........
...This is the Western Royal Palace...
My bride...
A witch... turned her into a little bird...
...And I...
And I... right here, I...
Aria, I...
...............I...I...

Liliana: Sir Rustica...

Rustica: ...
...What did I do again...

Liliana: .........

Rustica: ...I cannot remember....

Liliana: And that is fine.

Rustica: .........

Liliana: Let me take you to your room. Sir Rustica...

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: Rustica! Rustica...!

(Rustling)

Chloe: ...! Someone’s here...
Rustica!?

Kelvin: Woa...h!

Chloe: Woah! Ah....! I’m sorry for surprising you.....

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

Chloe: Hold on! Don’t go!
Please tell me! About Rustica... About Rustica’s bride!

Kelvin: .........

Chloe: Why is Rustica searching for his bride!?
Is it true that she might be dead!?
Why does Rustica forget everything...!?

Kelvin: .........That’s......

Chloe: .........

Kelvin: ...Sir Rustica...
Sir Rustica forgot about me too.

Chloe: .........Were you Rustica’s friend?

Kelvin: ...What about you?
Who are you? Sir Rustica’s servant? Are you traveling together?

Chloe: I... I am Rustica’s disciple.
Rustica took me under his wing. We were traveling together and searching for Rustica’s bride.
Now we’re both serving as Sage’s wizards. I want to stay with him from now on out. That’s why... I want to know.

Kelvin: I see... So you’re Sir Rustica’s disciple.

Chloe: Yeah... What about you?

Kelvin: I... He taught me music.
I agreed to help him search for his bride if he taught me music in return.

Chloe: You too...?

Kelvin: It’s not "too." I was the only one helping him.

Chloe: ........

Kelvin: Sorry, I... I’m not trying to compete.
It’s just that Sir Rustica is repeating what happened in the past.

Chloe: ...Eh...?

Kelvin: That’s why he forgot all about me, too. But it’s fine.
Sir Rustica would break if he remembered something so horrible.

Chloe: What do you mean...?

Kelvin: Do you want to know?

Chloe: Yeah.

Kelvin: Do you really want to know?

Chloe: ...........

Kelvin: Even if you know, you still won’t be able to save him.
Because it’s all over and done with.
Wizards can awaken miracles, but they can’t turn back the clock.

Chloe: ..........

Kelvin: It hurt for a long time. It was painful to keep it all to myself, so I really wanted to tell someone, but...
I was afraid of being killed. So I turned my feelings into a song, using it like an evasive trick.
Acting like it was real, but also a musical fable at the same time.....

Chloe: ..........
...I’ll never tell Rustica’s secrets to anyone. What do you mean, you were afraid of being killed?
And I’d never keep something like that all to myself. Because... I have Rustica with me.
Rustica told me that I could ask you about his past.

Kelvin: Is that so...
Then I’ll tell you.

Chloe: .........

Kelvin: Rustica’s bride was Princess Aria of Western Country.
Four hundred years ago, Rustica killed her.

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19.10 The Guide With Cold Eyes

(Whoosh)

Lennox: Sir Figaro.

Shino: Faust...! Figaro! Where’s Faust!?

Figaro: He’s all right.

Shino: Ha........... Thank goodness...

Figaro: You guys are covered in wounds too.... Heath, come here.

Heathcliff: ...Uu..... I have no idea what happened... My memory fades out midway...
Shino, do you know anything? Where did Nova go?

Figaro: Nova...? Mithra, did you run into Nova?

Mithra: I did not. All I met was a thing like a doll made of bones.

(Whoosh)

Heathcliff: Ah... Nero...! It looks like Nero is with Bradley. And they have some other people with them too...

Shino: Nero...! Those are the guys I met in the underground waterway. They’re all on their brooms.
Figaro, can you take a look at Nero? He got seriously injured too...

Nero: ....Heath, Shino...! Are you two all right!? How’s Mr. Faust...!?

Lennox: He’s all right.

Nero: Thank go... ........!

Bradley: Watch it, you’re gonna fall off! Don’t go kicking up a fuss when you’re still half dead!

Nero: ... ...My bad...

Figaro: Looks like we’re about to get busy. Mithra, can you open the door in space and take everyone back to the magic headquarters...

(Murr's hat, followed by the guy himself)

Murr: No need.

Figaro: ...This is...

Bradley: Murr...?

The man who appears out of nowhere is the Western wizard Murr Hart.
Right away, I can tell that he is not the real Murr. I look down and see a short-haired black cat by his feet.
Around its neck is a ribbon decorated with a purple jewel.
This Murr is most likely a soul shard that has gained physical form.
I’d heard secondhand about his soul shards gaining physical form, but this shard is even more similar to the Murr I remember than I imagined it would be.
Remembering his bold, proud, provocative manner of speech, I brace myself.
But the Murr standing before me gives off a different impression than the Murr I once knew.
His green eyes are cold and ruthless.... Murr was an annoying man, but he was neither cruel nor nefarious.
Murr’s cold smile leaves me speechless.

Murr: It’s an honor to meet you all. Saviors of our world: the Sage’s wizards.
I would like to extend an invitation to the Western Royal Palace.
I am certain you will enjoy your future home.

Lennox: Future home...?

Figaro: Sorry, but we’ll have to turn you down. As you can see, my hands are full with patients right now. We’ll be returning to the magic headquarters so they can get their rest.

Murr: Not to worry. We’ve prepared a magic headquarters at the Western Royal Palace as well.

Figaro: What did you say?

The corners of Murr’s lips turn upward. There’s not a single shard of emotion in his cold eyes.

Murr: Welcome to the Western magic headquarters. Please welcome your guides today.

Murr turns his neck to look behind himself. That’s when a number of creatures akin to skeletal specimens appear behind him. I count about ten.
Such eerie creations: I detect neither life nor magic from them, but I can sense the presence of a massive amount of mana stones compressed into a small area.
The color drains from Shino’s face. He rushes toward Murr in a fury.

Shino: You brought them here...!

Lennox: Stop it, Shino...!

Shino: What are you trying to do!? It’s their fault that everyone...

Shino stops. It’s not because Lennox is restraining him by grabbing him from under his arms.
It’s because Mithra steps in front of Shino. His usually-languid green eyes direct a sharp stare at Murr.

Mithra: I don’t really care, but... Don’t tell me you’re trying to threaten me.

Mithra is displeased by their choice of tactic: defeating us with numbers.
Murr cruelly arches an eyebrow.
A skull appears at the tips of Mithra’s long fingers.
Immediately, Bradley and I move to stop him.

Figaro: Stop it, Mithra. There are injured people here.

Bradley: I know you’ll be the last one standing if we get into a fight with them. But how many of us will get turned to stone before it’s over?

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

Mithra glares at Murr wordlessly. Murr shakes his silky straight hair and tilts his head.

Murr: A wise call, of course.

Faust and Nero are in critical condition. Heathcliff and Lennox are also gravely injured.

Figaro: All right. Let’s head to the Western Royal Palace.

Shino: Figaro...!

Figaro: But you have to secure a safe, sanitary room for medical treatment. If you can’t do that much, we won’t come along.

Murr: All right. Now, let me guide you there.

Murr has no retort, instead offering a deferential bow.
I gaze at the giant skeletal specimens again. They swing their talons, and a blue-white light begins to gather.
And just like that, a hole appears in space. On the other side of the portal, the scenery changes incredibly rapidly from one place to another.

Figaro: So they can even use dimensional magic.

Murr narrows his eyes like a cat.

Murr: Who do you think made those elevators in the first place?

A chill runs up my spine: a reminder of the horrifying power this man has.
It’s too late to regret it now. But I probably should’ve sent Murr to his grave a long time ago.
Shylock is gathering Murr’s soul shards and fusing them together in Murr’s original body.
Those shards, which have gained physical form under the influence of the < Great Catastrophe >, are each pursuing their own research.
So what is this soul shard researching?
I have a bad feeling about this. I furrow my brows. That’s what Bradley taps me on the shoulder.
He leans forward and whispers in my ear.

Bradley: Hey. If they surround us when we get there, take the injured and the kids and run.

Figaro: What about you?

Bradley: Ha. I’ll scatter them and turn them into dog food. Dogs like chicken bones, right?

Figaro: Are those things chickens...?

Bradley: Got it? I’m counting on you.

Bradley slaps my back — an overly friendly gesture — and moves away from me again.
"I’m counting on you." I never expected him to say anything like that to me. I steal a glance at the barely-conscious Nero.
His former second-in-command, who abandoned him.
If he wants to protect this man, now on the brink of death, then we’re in the same position.

Mithra: Are you done talking? I can end them now.

Figaro: Calm down. Let’s save that for later.

Mithra: Hah?

Bradley: We’ll let you invite us to the Western Royal Palace.

The hole in space expands and reveals a glorious castle on the other side.
It’s the Western Royal Palace.
We pass through the hole and head to the Western Royal Palace.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: ...Rustica killed his bride...?

Kelvin: That’s right.

Chloe: Th.... The bride he’s searching for so desperately....?
That has to be a lie. I can’t believe it... Stop messing around with me! Rustica isn’t that kind of person!

Kelvin: It’s the truth.

Chloe: .............

Kelvin: When Rustica killed his bride, he writhed in sorrow, suffering like a wild beast.
That’s when a certain philosopher offered him some advice.
"If you cannot go on living with these memories, then simply forget them."
"Because in forgetting, you can find salvation."
That’s why he forgot me too.

Chloe: .........No way...

Kelvin: He’ll forget you too. Because for Rustica, to live means to forget.

Chloe: .....Why....
Why did such a terrible thing happen?
Rustica is such a kind person. I can’t imagine he would kill his bride with his own hands.... I can’t....

Kelvin: Shh...
Lower your voice.
You don’t know where she might be listening in from.

Chloe: Who...

Kelvin: .............
The witch.

Chloe: The witch...?

Kelvin: She’s better at concealing herself than anyone else in this country.... No.... In this entire world.
She was once hidden away in Western Country....
But now she’s the witch who is concealing Western Country.

Chloe: ....Concealing Western Country?

Kelvin: That’s right. She tucked away the truth so neatly, as if she were simply sewing it up.
Misdirecting anyone who might follow their intuition... Like a scab that forms before blood can spill.
That witch is not like the demonic Oz. She uses neither fire nor thunder nor blood.
She uses apathy, lies, strife, and rumor to throw mud onto the truth and bury it beneath the earth.
When nobody is paying attention, she performs her trick, playing it off as a boring incident. When someone realizes the truth, she kills them ruthlessly.

Chloe: ...........

Kelvin: The reason that the once-laureate Ferch family fell to earth was because that witch cursed them to death.
She’s also the one who cursed the princess Aria and turned her into a bird.
I tried to tell everyone the truth. And she nearly killed me too. That’s why I ran all the way here.
Now the only ones who know the story of the tragic noble are the few wizards who gather at the Walpurgis Festival...

Chloe: Who is that witch...? Is she still alive...?

Kelvin: ...........Yes. She lives in the Western Royal Palace.
The forgotten princess, Zara.
Aria’s twin sister, who was raised in secrecy because she was born a witch.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: ....
...I could not ask him the question......



???: Do you remember Zara?

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Chapter 18 << | index | >> Chapter 20