Main Story 2 | Chapter 20 | Resolve to Lead

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Chapter 19 << | index | >> Chapter 21


Chapter 20: Resolve to Lead
20.1 Something You Cannot Bear to Lose
20.2 Moved by the General’s Words
20.3 The Child Loved By the Sun and Moon
20.4 Here Comes Daybreak
20.5 I Don’t Want to Lose Anyone
20.6 In the True Sense of the Word
20.7 The New Queen of Western Country
20.8 The Pinch Continues
20.9 Before the Coronation
20.10 The Monarch’s Regalia in the Girl’s Hands

20.1 Something You Cannot Bear to Lose

Eva: Listen well, young Bain boy.

Bradley: It’s Bradley. About time you remember my name, Eva.
I’ll make sure you won’t regret it.

Eva: Oh? What an insolent child...... Very well.
Listen well, Bradley.

Bradley: All right.

Eva: We are Northern wizards — resilient beings with free, untrammeled souls.
In order to live strong and unshackled.......
You must not allow yourself to possess anything you cannot bear to lose.

Bradley: Nothing I can’t bear losing?

Eva: Yes.

Bradley: Not even my magic tool?

Eva: Exactly. You must love it as if it were a part of your own body, all the while having the resolve to cast it aside at any moment.
You and I are proud, solitary kings. Even if you encounter something that might move or sway your heart.
You must not become a captive and lose your soul to another.

Bradley: Captive? You’re saying that just having something one-of-a-kind makes you as good as a prisoner?

Eva: In the Northern lands, to possess something you value equal to your own life is to forge the chains that will bind you.
Look at Oz. He is indifferent to all manner of things — nothing moves his heart.
He is the loneliest soul in this entire world. And that makes him invincible.

Bradley: And you, Eva?

Eva: What of me?

Bradley: Could you throw something away, no matter how much you loved it?

Eva: Naturally.
I will never allow myself to live at the mercy of the mere whims of my heart.

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Oh, my dearest.....
I would change the shape of my soul for you.
So long as you remain yourself — I would not fear becoming someone other than myself.

Shylock: ...........
They say that love makes fools out of sages, but....
I’m shocked to hear such a lowly, prideless confession from someone as esteemed as yourself.
Changing the shape of your soul? That is neither adoration nor yearning.
That is mere subordination.

Murr: And that’s fine. Subordinating yourself to the one you love is happiness.
I have no need for an immutable soul.
I agree that it’s wonderful to protect one’s soul as it exists. For there is beauty in the unalterable.
But if we have no need for change, then you and I may as well be alone in this infinitely vast universe.
If there’s no need for friction, then there would be no need for the billions of stars in this world to clash, explode, and be reborn again.
I want this world to hurt me and teach me. I want this world to show me what I don’t know, fill me with anxiety, and strike fear into me — and then force me to revel in delight at the discovery.
I love this beautiful world. I always......
Yearn for the light that lies beyond my reach.

Shylock: .......This is quite an unfortunate truth, but.....
You have the most beautiful soul I have ever known.

Murr: Ahaha. That really is quite unfortunate.

Shylock: ....So, please.....
Don’t speak of changing your soul......

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: Today was a delight.
I hope it was the same for you.
Zara.

???: I won’t forget it until the day I die.
Thanks to Aria’s kindness, today will become a memory I cherish for the rest of my life....

Rustica: Let’s keep making memories together, then.
You are my beloved Aria’s older sister; that makes you as dear as my own older sister.

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

Rustica: And we are both wizards. I was raised freely in Sapphire Castle, without being hidden away.
Zara. You too will one day be free.....

???: Sir Rustica. Please show me your face, just one last time.....
Come closer.... I want to burn you into the back of my mind, so I will never forget.

Rustica: Of course. You may look at me all you wish. But no need to burn me into your mind, for I will come to meet you.
As many times as you wish.

???: .......Thank you. But please.....
Refrain from showering me with kind words. I become more sinful every day.
For if I never met you.... If this burning desire in my heart never came to be, then I......
I could have loved both Aria and this world.

Rustica: Zara?

???: ...What beautiful eyes.... What a kind gaze — one that only knows the beauty in this world.....
You were loved by all since the day you were born, you have lived a life of fairy-tale fortune.....
Never hurt by others, never feared; your eyes have never been sullied by witnessing filth.....
Sir Rustica, your beautiful soul would remain unchanged no matter what world it existed in.

Rustica: Zara. You too are loved and celebrated.
I love you.
As does Aria.

???: .............
......I love you too......
......Sir Rustica.......

✦✧☾✧✦

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

Cain: Owen...........

Owen abruptly turns his face away without a trace of his usual faint smirk.
I scowl at him; it’s the only thing I can think of doing, since I can’t look at Arthur’s face.
It’s not like I can’t actually see him because of my injury from the < Great Catastrophe >.
I’m just filled with so much wordless guilt that I can’t bring myself to face Arthur.
That’s when it clicks: the way I’ve been acting makes me feel I have to come up with excuses to justify myself.
What the hell am I doing?

Arthur: It’s okay. We have a companion here. Ah, I see him over there.

Arthur looks back towards me. Feigning ignorance, Owen keeps his face turned away as he crosses his arms.
Owen flicks a covert glance at me.
I continue glaring freely at him; the last thing I wanted was for Arthur to see me in a place like this.
So I pour every savage drop of my wretched self-loathing into hating Owen for it instead.
But for a split second, Owen’s gaze wavers helplessly.
I panic at the sight, struck by guilt. He looks like a small child...... I could almost mistake him for the little Owen who shows up under the effects of his injury.
But in an instant, Owen returns my glare with an equally sharp, feral glare of his own.

Cain: (So he can make that face when he’s his real self too, huh?)

Arthur: Got it. Thanks. Owen. Come with me.

Arthur grabs Owen’s arm, dragging him over to where I am.
I’m bewildered; Owen looks the same.
I muster up the courage to look up at Arthur, only to find neither contempt nor disappointment.
He’s dressed in his training uniform, his bright blue eyes twinkling.
The second I see him in disguise, I put on a grim expression and start berating him.

Cain: Are you out of your mind, Arty!? Only high ranking officers are allowed in here! An ordinary soldier like you should know his place!

I lightly shove Arthur back, stabbing a finger into his chest.
The worst thing that could happen here is for Arthur’s cover to get blown. I’m putting on this whole act to get him out of here safely.
Arthur looks confused, but he takes a glance around the club and plays along.

Arthur: Please accept my apologies. However......

Owen: You don’t need to apologize, Arty. Here, take a seat. Move over, Sir Knight.

Owen forcefully seats Arthur down next to me.
All the women and generals I’d been talking to hurriedly move to make room.
The new seating order goes: me, Arthur, Owen, and then the women flanking Owen and me on each side.

Woman: Have a drink.

Woman: One for the other gentleman too.

Owen and I hold out our glasses, glaring daggers at each other across Arthur seated between us. I lower my voice and grill them.

Cain: What were you thinking? This isn’t some practical joke.

Owen: Hmph. You’re the one who’s fooling around. If you’ve made up your mind, then surely you can continue your charade even in front of Sir Prince, right?

Woman: Sir Prince?

My blood runs cold at Owen’s slip of the tongue. Owen recrosses his legs, smiling at the woman next to him.

Owen: That would be me. I’m a prince from a country of hellhounds. Shall I tear your throat out and bite you to death?

Owen probably means it as a threat, but with the flow of alcohol, she doesn’t seem to take him seriously. She blushes, ducking her head shyly.

Woman: Oh my, how terrifying. But I wouldn’t mind being eaten right up.

Owen: What are you, stupid? You’d get along with Sir Knight. I’ve fed him to my dogs before.

Cain: Hey......

Before I can object, Arthur sits up and looks at me. The motion makes me flinch; his face fills my whole field of vision.

Arthur: We have to talk. I mean, please allow me a word with you, Sir Cain.

Cain: What is it, Arty? What could be so important that we have to talk about it here? It’s late. A kid like you should be at home and in bed.

Arthur: A kid?

Arthur raises an eyebrow: looks like he’s a little mad about that.

Arthur: I would like to discuss your reputation, Sir Cain.
I am acquainted with your steadfast loyalty, but for you to act against your own heart in pursuit of that—.......

From behind us, a fingertip reaches out and pokes Arthur’s cheek. Owen turns Arthur’s face toward him and whispers into his ear.
I am baffled by their sense of familiarity as they trade whispers and sneak glances at me.
Owen isn’t leading him astray, right? It makes me restless, uneasy.

Arthur: .......Okay.

Arthur nods, still slightly confused, before detaching himself from Owen’s side.
Then, he leans closer to me, draping his arm across the back of the sofa. Arthur brings his lips towards my ear.
I catch a waft of expensive perfume from his hair and skin, which no disguise could hope to hide.
The turn we’ve taken into hushed conversation makes me nervous. Beyond Arthur’s shoulders, I see Owen, his chin resting in his hand.
Arthur whispers in a low voice.

Arthur: ......Don’t sell the part of your soul that makes you a knight.

How much of the story did he hear from Owen? My heart hurts at his earnest, sincere tone.
I pull Arthur in by his shoulders, whispering back near his ear.

Cain: .......There’s a misunderstanding. I’m just trying to win these Western military guys over so I can get my hands on information about Nicholas.
It’s too dangerous for you to be here. You have to leave right now. Oz and Riquet are at the–.......

I glance up, and my words die in my throat. The weight of an imposing presence and several sets of footsteps are heading in our direction.
The orderly, solemn rhythm of the footsteps indicate a party of officers and their superior.
The pleasant chatter dies down and the laid-back atmosphere turns taut.
Maybe this is the General Barnett the other men were talking about.

Gil: .............

It’s entirely possible that a Western Country general might recognize Prince Arthur of Central Country.

Cain: (This is bad. We’re in trouble if word gets out that the prince of a non-allied country snuck into the general’s club.)

I swiftly pull Arthur close to me and start massaging his back.

Arthur: ......Wh......!?

Cain: What’s wrong? Do you feel sick? Looks like you had too much to drink. You better just head on back. Owen!

Owen: Huh?

Cain: Take care of Arty for me. Bring him to the inn.

Owen looks pissed.

Owen: Why do I have to listen to you, Sir Knight?

Arthur also looks up sullenly.

Arthur: I wasn’t done talking either.

Neither of them are listening to me. I pick up the book with one hand, conscious of General Barnett’s presence.
Apparently, it’s a novel that the general likes. My strategy was to read it aloud and catch his attention.

Cain: Please. I need both of you gone. I have to read this book.

Arthur: Now?

Owen: Why?

Cain: The general likes it. Don’t you get excited when you meet someone who likes the same things as you?

Arthur: Do you like that book too, Cain?

Cain: I haven’t read it, but........

Arthur: He won’t be happy if you’re only pretending to like it. He’ll be sad when he finds out you’re lying.

My heart wavers at Arthur’s words, which remind me of my mother. I shake my head bitterly.
I whisper into his ear, keenly aware of our surroundings.

Cain: .....Neither you nor Oz can lie. That’s why this has to be my role. Watch me charm my way into their confidence.

Arthur: That is not how trust works. Trust built on lies has a way of crashing down on you in the most critical moment.
Out on the battlefield, who would entrust their lives to someone without genuine trust or honor?

The shock I feel at his words strikes me like a blow to the head.
Arthur’s right: troops’ morale would only diminish under the command of a faithless general.
Any soldier would rather put their life on the line for justice or pride.
But in the face of vague, distorted ideals of half-corrupt authority and trumped-up false justice — how could that ever propel you to take a first step and run forward?
Arthur speaks, his gaze as resolute and exalted as those of the first king’s from the portrait hanging in Granvelle Castle.

Arthur: You are my knight, Cain. There is no need for you to stoop as low as deception and scheming.

My heart wavers, shaken by indecision. I want to answer Arthur’s pure, unsullied feelings.
But I might be more useful to him if I betray his wishes.
Nicholas and the white-haired woman. The research on Adams Island, which sank into the sea. Should I give up for now and try tracking down other leads?
This isn’t about my honor or my reputation. The question I’m asking myself is: which way does true loyalty even lie? What would Leno or Shino do if they were in my place?

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20.2 Moved by the General’s Words

I steal a look at Owen. He frowns, before sighing — almost resignedly.
He reaches across Arthur’s body, pulling me in by my collar to whisper into my ear.
His voice is oddly high-pitched, like there’s something he’s shy about.

Owen: Hey....... If you really insist.
I can kill the Western general for you.

My eyes go wide.
Owen scowls and turns his head away sharply, as if clumsily trying to hide his embarrassment.
He sulkily fiddles with his fringe, but there is a sense of triumph in his gaze.

Owen: It’s my special treat — just for tonight, okay?

Turning pale, I shake my head.

Cain: Absolutely do not do anything like that. That would be a diplomatic nightmare.

Owen: .......Hah?

Owen probably thought he was offering to do an embarrassingly good deed — but that would undeniably be an assassination.
Imagine a Northern wizard killing the Western general in front of the Central prince. That would make things way too complicated.

Cain: Don’t do anything unnecessary, just take Arthur and–......

Owen: Unnecessary? That’s all you have to say after I offered to help?

Cain: I appreciate the sentiment, but your help won’t be of much use right now.

Owen conjures his magical trunk. I raise my eyes to the ceiling, before attempting to persuade him again.

Cain: I just said not right now, didn’t I?

Owen: I’m going to turn you into stone. That’ll show you. No one gets to order me around.

Woman: A....... A trunk just appeared out of nowhere.......

Woman: W-was that magic?

Owen flashes a threatening smile at the ashen-faced women.

Owen: That’s right. You heard me: I’m going to eat you up.

Arthur: Could you stop that, Owen?

Woman: .......I-I’m not afraid! Wizards aren’t a big deal.

Woman: This place is filled with people from the Magical Technology Corps! Officers, this way.......!

Cain: Calm down! Owen, close your trunk! Do not open the lid!

Owen: ......Don’t order me around!

Arthur: That wasn’t an order. Neither Cain nor I would dream of forcing Owen of the North to bend to our will.

Arthur touches Owen’s arm before turning his gaze on me.

Arthur: That goes for you too, Cain. I can only express my wishes for you — never demands. After all, you cannot force a heart to follow your bidding.

His words are melancholy, yet gratifying.
People’s hearts. How easily feelings can change everything.
And yet how fickle those same hearts are. What can I hope to accomplish with these feelings?

Gil: What is the matter?

Owen and I simultaneously steel ourselves against the voice, and coincidentally step into position to shield Arthur.
I can’t see the person who just arrived. But I can tell through the atmosphere in the room and the attitude of everyone in it —
This guy has to be General Barnett.
There’s a complete change in the easy, pleasantly drunk air of the general’s club from just moments ago.
Not in a bad way. It’s not like they’ve all gone stiff from fear.
Rather, it feels like being present before him reminds each officer that they are soldiers.
His mere presence in the room bestows pride on the Western officers and raises their morale.
I’m overwhelmed, even without seeing General Barnett for myself.
If he radiates this much charisma in a normal setting, how much leadership would he command on the battlefield?
As a soldier from a neighboring country, the mere thought is terrifying.

Cain: .......I apologize for the commotion. My name is Cain, a former knight from Central Country.

I hold my hand out with a friendly smile. Will he shake my hand?
My concern only lasts a few seconds; a broad palm instantly grasps my hand.
At that moment, a tall, competent-looking man comes into view before me.
He seems outgoing and reliable, the very picture of an ideal superior officer.

Gil: I’m Gil Barnett. Are those two your friends?

I nervously introduce the two of them to the general.

Cain: They are my subordinates, Arty and Wen.

Owen: You’re a wizard, right?

Owen declares. I recover from my momentary shock and set him straight.

Cain: You’re being rude, Wen. Watch your mouth. The general is the leader of the Magical Technology Corps.
You probably mistook the traces of consumed mana stones for a real wizard’s magic.

Owen: Mana stones......? .......How many do you have to use up to give off that kind of aura?

Owen smiles thinly, laced with revulsion and animosity.
General Barnett remains impassive. He fixes his gaze on Arthur, gesturing for us to sit down.

Gil: Please, do take a seat.

Arthur: Thank you.

General Barnett waits for Arthur to sit before he does.
He takes the seat next to me, replacing the women who bowed and retreated.
His unhurried manners are smart and crisp. Still, every inch of his bearing conveys consideration, without coming off as too intimidating.

Gil: So you are a former knight of Central Country.

Cain: Yes.

The general gives me an amicable smile.

Gil: As proud as I may be of our Western troops for being the vanguard of valor on the continent, I confess to finding my convictions diminished in the presence of a Central knight.
Every single knight of the Central order possesses dauntless bravery, from the most veteran member to the youngest apprentice.
They know the meaning of true honor. They do not succumb to the allure of an easy victory, but remain warriors worthy of carving their names into history.
And you belong amongst their ranks. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Cain: Ah........ Thank you. I hardly deserve such high praise.

I can’t help feeling deeply moved, despite knowing it must be mere flattery.
The general knows of the Central knights I’ve always admired, and recognizes their splendor. Arthur’s eyes, too, glow at his praise.

Gil: What might that be?

The general’s questioning gaze lands on the book next to me. Seems like what I hear about him liking popular fiction is true.
This means I get to carry out my original plan. I pick up the book enthusiastically.

Cain: It’s a novel I like. I’ve heard that you enjoy this one too. I could read it aloud if it pleases you.

I smile at the general, then turn around to speak briskly to Owen.

Cain: Cover up Arty’s ears for me, Wen.

Owen: Hah? Why?

Cain: There might be things in this book kids shouldn’t be allowed to hear.

Arthur: You keep going on about that, but I’m not a kid anymore–...... I’m not a child, Sir Cain.

Owen: I’ll let you listen. You should tell a story that will give Arty nightmares and keep him up at night.

Arthur: You can try, but scary stories won’t keep me awake. Because I am not a child.

Cain: It’s not a scary story. Well, at least I don’t think so.......

From the opening lines I read just now, I have the feeling this book is going to get pretty risque. I take a quick look at the general’s face.
He looks murderous, all of his earlier amiability gone.

Cain: Wh...... What’s the matter, Your Excellency–......

The general slowly shakes his head, his gaze boring into me.

Gil: At best, that book is nothing more than a pale adaptation....... Or at worst, a despicable abasement of the original work.

Cain: Oh...... I-I see......

Gil: The original story is about the friendship between an heiress and her maidservant, as they are swept up in an inheritance struggle over the heiress’ family’s estate. It is both a coming-of-age story and a swashbuckling tale of adventure.
In spite of that–.

Cain: Yes?

Gil: It was mauled and reduced to a ludicrously nonsensical tale where the two protagonists fall in love with the same traveling merchant and compete for his affections.
Do you mean to tell me you enjoy this book?

Cain: Y-Yes.

Gil: Frankly, I am deeply aggrieved to hear it. I have nothing further to say to you.

Cain: W-wait! Sorry. I’ll tell you the truth. I–......

Gil: I believe I’m addressing Cain Knightley, the Sage’s wizard.
And likewise, that should be the Northern wizard Owen.
As for the last member of your party..... I shall refrain from speaking that name here.

The general says, fixing his gaze on Arthur. Arthur takes in a deep breath and answers clearly.

Arthur: Then allow me. I am Arthur Granvelle, the prince of Central Country.
I apologize for concealing my identity from you, General Barnett.

The general gapes at Arthur’s forthright proclamation. For the first time, he looks thrown off balance.
He takes a cautious sweep of his surroundings, before drawing his shoulders in.

Gil: ......Forgive me; I have no recourse but to momentarily pretend I didn't hear you.
I would have to kneel before you if I knew of your identity. I’m afraid that would attract too much attention in our present situation.

Arthur: I’m sorry; I did not mean to put you in a difficult position.

The general chuckles at Arthur’s immediate apology. He leans forward, pitching his voice low.

Gil: ......Pray listen to my next words without alarm. At the moment, there’s an important personage in this country who has collapsed and taken to bed with a sudden illness.
His condition is deteriorating rapidly before our very eyes, and if things continue as they are — it is uncertain if he will even last through the night.
Should the presence of dignitaries traveling incognito through the country be discovered at such an inopportune time, it would simply arouse needless suspicion.
I implore you to leave the country with haste.

Arthur: An important figure in Western Country......

Gil: I cannot divulge any further details. Do you understand what I am saying?

Arthur: Yes...... You have my thanks. But can I ask a question of you?

Gil: Please, by all means.

Arthur: Why did you warn us?

Gil: I don’t see the need to overcomplicate such trifling details, and I would really prefer to be spared the headache of dealing with troublesome matters.

The general flashes an unabashed grin. For all his arrogance, his gaze is kind as he looks at Arthur.

Gil: You are young, and there is hope in your heart. And despite living in this splintered world, you choose to believe in the beauty of its restoration.
I would far rather win a favor from you than decry your name and sink our countries into hostility.

Arthur: You have my gratitude, General Barnett.

Gil: Please do call me Gil. Now, I would not go as far as to offer you counsel, but...
Unless you have pressing matters, I would suggest staying in the City of Wealth for the time being.

Cain: Why?

Gil: A coronation will take place any day now. I expect all of the sage’s wizards will receive invitations to attend the ceremony.

His words clear up any doubts about which important Western figure is currently taking his last breaths.
It has to be the Western king.
Looks like we picked a terrible time to visit Western Country.

Gil: Well then, if you would excuse me. I will arrange an escort for your way back.

The general bows and departs.
I reflexively jump to my feet and bolt after him.
He treated us fairly and justly. I couldn’t bear the guilt of lying to him.

Cain: Please wait.

Gil: What is it?

Cain: ......I’m sorry for lying. Please accept my apologies.

The general’s shoulders shake with laughter. I can tell from his expression that he isn’t mocking me.

Gil: I suppose I should expect no less — how fitting for a Central knight. On the contrary, I found your attempt rather refreshing. Why were you trying to win me over?

Cain: Eh?

Gil: I have met countless people who have tried to ingratiate themselves into my favor by falsely claiming to have read some book or the other.

Cain: I–...... I’m really sorry about that. I truly mean it.

Gil: That much is clear. I am increasingly convinced that the people of Central are unsuited for trickery and scheming. Nicholas was like that too.

I stare when he mentions Nicholas.

Cain: Do you remember Nicholas?

Gil: Of course. He was a hero, and the former captain of the Central Order of Knights.
Kindly spare some empathy and imagine my distress at having to receive such a towering figure as the guest commander of my army.

The general grumbles, before smiling at me.

Gil: I heard stories about you from him. He said you were the kind of exceptional talent that only crops up once every hundred years.
Nicholas sounded incredibly proud when he spoke about you.
I could sense his genuine love for Central Country and all her knights. I was sorry to hear what happened to him.

The general places his palm on my shoulder. I let out a shaky breath at the searing rush of emotions surging through me.
He was destroyed as a force of evil, but he was also the man I once looked up to.
My heart clenches upon hearing such words of praise for Nicholas. I kept telling myself that was the only way things could have turned out, but the pain never stopped being so hard to bear.
If I’m the one who drove the lauded knight of justice into becoming a villain, doesn’t that make me the true evil in this story?
The general shakes his head, like he’s dismissing my wordless self-reproach.

Gil: Please understand that I am expressing distaste over the fact that you have not taken command of the order after ousting a warrior of Nicholas’ caliber from his rank.
You hardly strike me as the kind of person who should be playing at espionage and intrigue in a place like this. You need the right man for the right job, after all.
The West can be prejudiced against wizards, yet we are also open-minded and magnanimous enough to honor and welcome Professor Hart at the palace.
Central Country has become secretive about its affairs; gone is the equanimity that the hero Alec showed as he revolutionized both wizards and the country.
Under Central Country’s rules and customs, loyal and true knights bear the humiliation of being treated like faithless wretches.
You do not need to accept that image. Keep your sword honed and sharpened, and be your lord’s shield and support.

Such powerful, reassuring words from the foreign general feel like a ray of salvation, a compass pointing me forward.
Perhaps he’s only trying to buy me over with honeyed words.
But I want to believe in their truth.

Cain: Thank you, Your Excellency.

Gil: I advise you to support your lord and cease indulging in such bad habits.
Well, you could always desert your country and go into exile here should you fail to lead a revolution. We would spare nothing to handsomely welcome a knight such as yourself.

Cain: I will never abandon my country, because I am a Central knight.

The general laughs brightly.

Gil: I thought you would say that.

Cain: General Barnett. Did you notice anything strange about Nicholas while he was living in Western Country?

Gil: Why would you ask that?

Cain: I heard that he was looking into the sunken Adams Island.
He’s never shown interest in the sea. But if he has any unfinished business, I’d like to see it through for him.......

Gil: I see. A friendship befitting of the Central knights.
I do love the dramatis personae of Central knights. If my memory serves, Nicholas was......
He was courteous, and particularly careful to keep a distance between us. I don’t believe he ever came to trust me.

Cain: Is that so......

Gil: But I do recall one thing. He learnt that I was an avid reader and approached me with a question.
He wanted to know if there were any descriptions of a "Wandering Hell" in the old stories or folklore of the West.

Cain: Wandering Hell.....?

Gil: Yes. I’ve never heard of it. What about in Central?

Cain: This is my first time hearing it, too.

Gil: I see. Alas, that is all I have to leave you with.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Wandering Hell...... I’ve never heard of it. How about you, Owen?

Owen: Who knows.

Arthur: Does your trunk lead to hell, Owen?

Owen: Sure does. Want to take a peek, Sir Prince?

Cain: Stop it, Owen.

Owen: Hmph. You missed the chance to turn into a villain, Sir Knight.
Well, I bet it’s only a matter of time. I’ll be looking forward to when it happens.

(Woosh)

Cain: ......He disappeared..... Honestly, I don’t know what his problem is......

Arthur: Owen was worried about you, Cain.

Cain: Impossible.

Arthur: Still, I think that’s why he came looking for me. ......Did I misunderstand?

Cain: Definitely. Maybe he’s not as awful as I thought he was, but......
He’s still a really awful guy. Be careful he doesn’t pull one over you.

Arthur: You think so......?

Cain: ......Wandering Hell......
Hah....... I can’t believe that’s the only lead I have to show for the whole night.

Arthur: We only met the Western general because of your incognito operation.
Thanks, Cain.

Cain: Arthur......
I should be the one saying that.

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20.3 The Child Loved By the Sun and Moon

Liliana: ........

Elderly Man: .....Please... Please, I beg of you....
I won’t tell a single soul about you.... I promise.....!

Liliana: I have never known a human who kept their promises.

Elderly Man: Eek....! S-save me....! Someone! Someone.....!

Liliana: Your resistance is futile. You expect to escape from me?
I’ve treated you quite well, haven’t I?

Elderly Man: Aaagh... My body.... It’s like I’m wasting away from disease.......
....My arms, they’re like twigs.......

Liliana: You have served your purpose.
Now rest in peace.

Elderly Man: ..........

Liliana: .....Sigh.....
Success.
I’m sorry, dear Albert.
But it simply won’t do to look elderly when I meet him.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: .....Zara....
A witch who was raised in seclusion.... Like me?

Kelvin: ....Were you hidden away by your family too?

Chloe: Yeah..... They told me that people would hate my whole family if anyone found out I was a wizard....

Kelvin: Hmph. Let them hate. Anyone who hates these mysterious powers is probably a bore anyway.
Wizards aren’t even loathed — they’re just deemed suspect.

Chloe: Deemed suspect....?

Kelvin: That’s right. When something disappears; when something breaks. When someone’s fortune turns to misfortune.
They suspect that it’s because of our mysterious powers.
Because it’s hard to believe in what you can’t see with your own two eyes.
That means it’s easy to suspect what you can’t see: things like affection, friendship, and goodwill.

Chloe: ....But.....
But Rustica believed in me.
One time, when I was still working at the tailor shop, I came up with an embroidery design while I was sewing away.
I thought, if I put this together with this and that, I bet it’ll look really nice — and it did.

Kelvin: That’s awesome! You do seem really stylish.

Chloe: Hehe! Thanks... Kelvin, you’re really kind too.
....But my sisters said, there’s no way you could’ve come up with that kind of design. You must’ve stolen someone else’s idea.

Kelvin: That’s awful. What the hell!

Chloe: I was used to it, but.... But, you know. Rustica believed in me.
He said, "That’s amazing, Chloe." Even though there was no proof. He didn’t doubt me at all.
And that was the first time I could finally acknowledge that I had done something amazing with that embroidery.
I was so happy; I was so proud. And it was all because Rustica believed in me....

Kelvin: That’s how Sir Rustica is.
He never suspects anything or anyone. He thinks this world is made up of kindness and compassion.
And it’s because Sir Rustica only ever knew of happiness: of kind and fortunate things.

Chloe: .....I don’t think it’s possible for someone to only ever know happiness, but.... I feel like I understand....
Rustica never speaks poorly of anything; he can always find the good in anything. He’s really good at it.
Even if someone tricks him or treats him foully, he never says a bad word about them.
I always wondered how he was able to do that.
But..... Is it possible to live your whole life only knowing kind and fortunate things?

Kelvin: It was possible. In a certain household, in a certain era.

Chloe: A certain household in a certain era.....

Kelvin: Back when the Sapphire Castle of the Ferch family still stood in the City of Wealth.
Rustica was born into the peak of the Ferch family’s glory.

Chloe: The Ferch family?

Kelvin: The most splendid noble family ever known to Western Country — a dazzling household that attained great glory.
They wielded more power than the Western royal family: nobles and tradesmen from all across the continent wished to do business with the Ferch family.
The family built their Sapphire Castle with treasures and wealth amassed from across the world — there, they held festive dinner parties night after night.
Key political decisions about war, taxation, policy, and the like were made during these banquets at Sapphire Castle — rather than at the Western Royal Palace.

Chloe: So the Ferches were more important than the king?

Kelvin: Their successful business made them important: they had received incredible returns from their investments in the transportation infrastructure used across the continent.
You know the key passageway that stretches from Western Country across Central Country all the way into Eastern Country? You can thank the Ferch family for building that.

Chloe: That’s amazing!

Kelvin: And when catastrophe made its way down from Northern Country, there were rumors that the good fortune of the Ferch family would protect us all.
The Ferch family was loved by all: not just by the royal family, but by nobles, commoners, scholars, and artists as well.
That’s why everyone proffered their blessings when a wizard was born into the family.

Chloe: And that was Rustica....?

Kelvin: That’s right.
Back then, this is what everyone in the City of Wealth called the baby born to Sapphire Castle:
The child loved by the sun and the moon.

Chloe: (.....Wow......)
(Rustica is just so different from me....)

Kelvin: And until I met Sir Rustica in person, this was how I felt about the noble from Sapphire Castle:
A child loved by the sun and the moon? Don’t make me laugh. I’m sure he was raised to be a spoiled, greedy brat with neither manners nor patience.
But the Sir Rustica I met was completely different from my expectations.
He was so kind, caring, and sincere.....
He gave things away so easily that it made you worried for him.

Chloe: .....Yeah.... That’s the Rustica I know too......

Kelvin: Haha...... It’s been so long since I last saw him, but he’s still the same. ....His clear, pure eyes....
I’ve felt embarrassed about myself many times in front of those eyes.
For being so hotheaded, distrustful, stingy, and pessimistic.....

Chloe: Kelvin.....

Kelvin: .....I wanted to be a musician, you see. But I was scared that I would put on a pathetic performance and become a laughingstock, so....
So whenever I saw a real musician, I taunted and bullied them.
It was really pathetic. All I actually wanted was to sit by their side and listen to their performance, and maybe even touch their instrument.
During one of my journeys, I ran into Sir Rustica playing the flute, and taunted him. What is that! That’s a funny melody! And a silly song!
In response, he laughed, and said, that’s not true. It’s a lovely song. You should try playing the flute as well.
And that was the first time I could finally admit that I wanted to play the flute.
I’ve loved Sir Rustica since that day.

Chloe: .........

Kelvin: And Sir Rustica loved me back.
It came as naturally as sugar candy being sweet: he was used to being loved, so he, too, loved others easily.
His belief was unwavering; he was never reluctant to give his kindness to others.
So he offered his belongings, his time, and his love with great generosity — and he offered them to anyone.

Chloe: (....He did the same to me... I’m just one of the people he offered his kindness to....)
(To me, Rustica is special, but....)
(But to Rustica, I’m just another.....)

Kelvin: Are you all right?

Chloe: Ah......

Kelvin: You look unwell. I hope it’s just the dim moonlight.....

Chloe: I’m all right.... Ah.... I need to look for Rustica!
Rustica was with me until just a moment ago.

Kelvin: I know. I sensed his presence.... Where is he now?

Chloe: Well.... A wizard I’d never seen before appeared out of nowhere and swept him away.

Kelvin: Huh!?
Did Zara sweep him away!? But she’s never tried to do anything to Rustica himself before.

Chloe: Why did Zara turn Rustica’s bride into a bird?
If that witch is the one who’s making Rustica suffer like this.....
Will defeating her — and freeing Western Country from her grasp — make Rustica happy....?

Kelvin: I don’t think Sir Rustica.....
Is the kind of person who would rejoice in someone’s defeat.

Chloe: ........

Kelvin: He would feel nothing but sorrow.
That’s why he had no choice but to forget.

✦✧☾✧✦

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

I was in a room that smelled quite lovely.
A sweet, but refreshing floral fragrance, mingling with the scent of freshly-baked sweets — how refined.
It made me feel rather nostalgic.
Loneliness and rapture entangled with each other, tossed about by a soft, sweet breeze.
The room had beautiful windows as well. Outside, I spotted the sky before daybreak, and an extravagant palace.
I felt sleepy, so I considered sleeping.
I took off my clothes and left them scattered on the floor. I covered my mouth with my hand and yawned.
That’s when I thought, something is off.
If someone were here, and they saw me scattering my clothes like this, they would say:

???: Come on, Rustica.
They’re going to get all wrinkled.

Rustica: I’m sorry.

I apologized to that certain someone and folded my clothes. I couldn’t remember their name.
I found a hairbrush and brushed my hair. I recalled the words someone once said to me as they were brushing my hair.
The fragrance was the same as well: a sweet but refreshing flower, freshly-baked sweets.
A flower basket, swaying in the breeze. Small purple flowers. Glittering jewels. A delicate porcelain teacup....

???: Rustica. My angel. All who meet you will attain happiness.
You have pure eyes and a magnanimous spirit. You understand how this world works.
At times, you may be faced with words that you cannot bear to listen to.
But you mustn’t blame those who utter such uncouth words. There is no need to feel any anger towards them either.
Those with pitiful hearts are wretched souls who were never blessed by fortune.
If they had been filled with love — they would be good, earnest souls.
So you must not loathe them, or think of them as enemies. You must offer them your hand.
Offer them your kindness and sympathy. We of noble blood have a duty to master our moral fiber.
Sweet Rustica. Please offer your love to the world.
So that everyone can attain happiness.

The sky began to grow brighter. Navy and purple veils flaunted their presence across the hem of midnight’s dark dress.
The birds began to sing. My eyes were almost closed.
I laid down on the bed. Laying down made me fortunate.
Being able to sleep when you want to is a sign of freedom, liberation and peace.
I began to hum. I fell asleep to my own lullaby.

✦✧☾✧✦

Aria Mastandrea was the princess of Western Country — and my fiancee.
I loved her since the day I met her.
She was like a little sister. People often commented on how similar we were.
We were very fortunate. Aria loved listening to me play the harpsichord, and I loved listening to her talk.
Aria taught me about all the things she loved.
Smoothly baked pastries; sealing wax; blue birds pecking away at petals; green shoes; buttons with gold rims; the gardens of the Royal Palace.
His Majesty, the King; her Majesty, the Queen, and myself. Her favorite chamberlain, Francesca. The lizards who would appear by the windowsill on rainy days.
But Aria was also lying to me. For there was someone she loved even more.
One day, as we were strolling through the gardens of the Royal Palace, Aria confessed her secret to me with a brooding expression.
She checked our surroundings to make sure nobody was watching. Her gaze was sincere; her eyes filled with tears.
As if she were a sinner.

Rustica: Why are you crying?

Aria responded.
I am terrified.
I have never once gone against my parents’ bidding.
But I am about to.
Please take the secret I am about to tell you to heart.
I grow nervous. For I had never once held a secret in my life.
In the shadows of the trees, isolated from the presence of any others, Aria whispered to me:
I have a twin sister.
Her name is Zara.
The Western Royal family considers twins a sign of misfortune.
That’s why my elder sister, who was born a wizard, was raised in secrecy.
She lives in that tower. I once begged you to look up at it.

Rustica: I do recall that. You asked me to look at the bird on the windowsill of the tower.
But I saw no bird.

Do forgive me. I lied to you.
I simply wanted my beloved sister Zara to witness my husband-to-be, Rustica.

Rustica: I see. So your elder sister lives in that tower....

Sir Rustica, I have one request to make of you. I will never ask anything more of you again — so could you please hear out my wish?
Could you please walk through the royal gardens with Zara, as if she were me? She will be dressed in my clothes.
If possible, could you please take her into the outside world? Zara has never left the Royal Palace.

Rustica: In other words....
You want me to take your dear sister out for a stroll?
I would be absolutely delighted.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: ...............

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

Liliana: .......He’s fast asleep.......

Rustica: .......Nn......

Liliana: ..............

Rustica: .....I’m still sleepy.........
Chloe...........

Liliana: ...............

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: .....Does that mean Rustica is doomed to keep forgetting?
.....Forgetting me.... Sir Sage, and everyone else.......

Kelvin: That’s right. The same way he forgot about me.

Chloe: I.... I wonder if there’s anything we can do?

Kelvin: Would you be able to tell him?
"The bride you’ve been searching for is dead, Sir Rustica. You killed her."

Chloe: ........I.....
I don’t want to..........

Kelvin: Of course you don’t. If you told him, Sir Rustica would no longer be himself.
The blessed noble who was loved by the sun and the moon would be no more.
I don’t want to see Sir Rustica howl like a beast, consumed by sorrow and misery, anymore.....

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

Kelvin: .....I have to go. You don’t know when or where the witch might be listening in.
I’m going to avoid this area for a while, and I suggest you do the same.

Chloe: Wait, Kelvin......!

Kelvin: Take care of Sir Rustica.

Chloe: Ah........
......He disappeared.......
......If I tell him the truth, the Rustica I know will be no more.......
But.... Who is the real Rustica.....?
Does Rustica’s happiness... depend on continuing to search for his bride who is longer with us.....?
But.... I don’t want to force Rustica to remember.... Such a horrible thing......
.............
I need to search for Rustica........
......I can’t waste time feeling glum. I need to find Rustica, and......
.......And I need to save him. Because Rustica is my savior!
.......I need to tell Sir Sage! Everyone said they’d head back to Cortese Castle before departing to the Western Royal Palace......
If the witch lives in the Western Royal Palace, I guess I should head there first to look for Rustica.
I have to hurry.....!

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20.4 Here Comes Daybreak

Shino: This is......

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

I can tell we’re in Western Country by the spirits.
It doesn’t look like the bone monsters surrounding us are going to attack.
Figaro still looks wary of the guy who shares Murr’s face.
Mithra looks mad about having to travel through space using an opening someone else made.
Nero is unconscious again. I don’t know when he’ll enter a critical state. I need him to get treatment right away.
Shino keeps his guard up as he darts between the curseworker and Nero, all while supporting Heathcliff.
He radiates more murderous rage towards the monsters than any of us.

Bradley: Fall back, Eastern tiny. Mithra.

Mithra simply flicks his eyes at me.

Bradley: Let these fuckers know who they’re up against.

That did the trick: the easily-distracted Mithra snaps into focus on the opponents before him.
The guy with Murr’s face laughs.

Murr: Welcome. Please use that building over there however you please.
Allow me to deliver medical supplies right away. It looks like there are many in your midst who have suffered injuries.

Shino: What the hell.....!? You know why we’re all hurt — it’s because of these things you’re commanding!

Heathcliff: Shino......!

Shino’s eyes are bloodshot with fury at the bloodied, battered state of his comrades.
Even if I can sense the protective spell the curseworker cast over him, I’m amazed that they managed to fight their way through that situation. I’m truly impressed by Shino’s courage.

Figaro: Please gather the supplies as soon as possible. We’ll also need a few practiced healers.

Figaro might sound calm, but I can hear the barely checked rage in his voice.

Murr: I understand. I would love to stay and offer my assistance, but I have matters elsewhere that need my attending.

Figaro: Where is elsewhere?

Murr: I have to welcome Sir Sage.

Figaro frowns. I’m not happy about it either. I don’t want this Murr getting anywhere close to the Sage.

Bradley: (Do I make him take Mithra along? But that’ll leave us one short here.)
(I’m guessing this Murr is one of his soul shards in physical form; the actual shard is probably tucked away on that cat.)
(Should I just shoot down the cat? How will the bone monsters react to that?)

As my mind races through possible next steps, Figaro entrusts the unconscious Faust to Lennox.

Figaro: Sorry. I know you’re hurt too.

Lennox: Not at all......

The next moment, Figaro conjures his magic orb.

Bradley: (That guy’s got a short fuse too.)

His methods are shockingly similar to the twins. He puts on a front as if he’s someone with common sense, but he’s quick to resort to violence.
I call out to Figaro, still cradling Nero in my arms.

Bradley: Southern doctor. You just focus on taking care of the injured. I’ll take care of things here.

Mithra: I’ll bring down every last one of them.

Murr doesn’t even flinch.

Murr: Is anything the matter?

Figaro: I would like to hurry up and treat my patients.
And I’d like to avoid getting attacked in the middle of treatment. So I’ll take care of them first.

Murr: I wouldn’t have brought you here if I wanted to attack you.

Bradley: What do you want with the sage?

Murr: My role is to gather all of the Sage’s wizards in this palace. Ah — I see.
It may have been inappropriate to assemble you all in the middle of the night. Is that why you’re so suspicious of me?
What would normally be considered an innocuous act in daylight can turn into a disreputable undertaking in the middle of the night. What a strange world this is.....

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Mithra’s skull unleashes a blizzard laced with blue flames, winking Murr out of sight.
Figaro and I are stunned speechless. The cat previously lounging at Murr’s feet springs up and flees into the distance.
Murr reappears on top of the cat once it’s put enough distance between us.

Murr: Oh my. Northern wizards have such short tempers.

(Cat snarling)

Murr: Hey. Could you get me closer to those people again? There’s nothing scary about them. Come on now, please......

Mithra looks over his shoulder at me, ignoring Murr mumbling to himself in the distance.

Mithra: I’m going to go get Sir Sage.

Bradley: That’s not a bad idea. Do you know where he is?

Mithra: I’ll track his presence somehow. Well, I’ll get going. It feels like he’s in Western Country.

Mithra says, shooting a fleeting glance at Nero lying within my arms.
I instinctively throw my guard up against Mithra.

Mithra: Is that person going to die?

I feel blindly nervous, unsure of the reason behind his question. Is Mithra thinking of demanding his stone?

Bradley: He won’t die. He’s too stubborn for that.

Mithra: Really? That’s good. Shino asked me to save him.

I can hardly believe my ears at the compassion in his words. I never imagined Mithra of the North would say such a thing.
Mithra’s gaze stays on Nero, a smile ghosting around his lips.

Mithra: Well, I’m off now.

Bradley: Thanks. I’m counting on you.

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Mithra disappears, leaving us in the night breeze.
I look up, meeting Figaro’s gaze. He seems equally shocked at what he heard. Wordlessly, we avert our gazes.

Figaro: Let’s hurry. This way, Lennox. Can you walk, Heathcliff?

Heathcliff: ......I’m fine.

Shino: I’ll support him. How is Faust?

Lennox: His breathing is shallow. Let’s lay him out on a bed.

Shino: Bradley!

Bradley: I’m coming! Nero’s okay.

Traces of blue start creeping along the fringes of the pitch black night sky.
Dawn is coming. It’s time for Oz’s magic to return.
That means we won’t have any more trouble if the bone monsters attack us, even with the Sage and all the young wizards gathered here.
I’m chilled at the relief that runs through me.
How crazy, feeling reassured at the thought of Oz’s presence.
Am I half-asleep? I need to snap out of it and steel myself to stand alone.
There’s a limit to how many people I can save. I have to stick to my priorities and cut off the rest.
Glaring ahead, I fall into step after the others.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: The sun will rise soon......

Oz: Yes......

Rutile: Mitile and Riquet fell asleep. They must have been tired.

Oz: ............
Why......

Rutile: Eh?

Oz: Why did you bear children?

Rutile: ............
Um...... I didn’t......

Oz: Ah..... Indeed.

Rutile: Ahaha...... Did you mean to address Mother?

Oz: Yes.

Rutile: Are we really that similar? I used to get that a lot when I was around Mitile’s age.

Oz: You are not. But you bear some semblance to her, and the two of you blurred together in my mind.

Rutile: How interesting. ......Were you close to my mother?

Oz: No..... I actually had little interest in her.

Rutile: ............

Oz: Yet now, after all this time, I have something to ask of her.

Rutile: What is it?

Oz: ........... Was there anything......
Was there anything you didn’t want your children to find out about......

Rutile: Are there possibly some things you don’t want Prince Arthur to find out, Sir Oz?

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

Rutile: Ah...... Sorry...... I just had the feeling that might be the case.

Oz: ............
I should have spoken to her.

Rutile: To Mother?

Oz: Yes. She talked ceaselessly.

Rutile: Ahaha. I can imagine.

Oz: ......Whenever people speak, their hearts flow through their words into my heart.
I hated that.

Rutile: .........

Oz: But now I wish I had listened to her.

Rutile: ......Why did you hate it?

Oz: ......Well......
Because I could not understand.
Even if I tried, I still could not.
So I did not want to listen to what people had to say.
I do not understand myself either.
That is why...... I cannot put that self into words.
When I turned my heart into words, I did so wrongly.
And I grew weary of delivering what was wrong, over and over again.

Rutile: ............

Oz: ......Why are you crying?

Rutile: ......I’m sorry...... It’s probably because I feel the same way......

Oz: But you speak a lot.

Rutile: Ahaha..... But...... I truly feel the same.
I thought I was listening and speaking carefully, but......
There are times I couldn’t understand, or properly convey my feelings.....
......I’ve felt hurt at times, and I’ve hurt others in turn...... Even though I want to be kind......

Oz: Is that so......
If someone as kind as you finds it difficult, then it must be a hard endeavor for anyone else.
She was wild in temperament, but you have a tender heart.

Rutile: You are a kind person too, Sir Oz......

Oz: .....That is untrue.

Rutile: You’re good at conversation, you know? Your feelings have reached me. I want to believe that they have......

Oz: ............ Riquet told me.
And I felt the same way too.

Rutile: Eh.....?

(Chirping)

Oz: ......The sky is growing lighter.

Rutile: Could it be the sunrise?

Oz: It is still too early.

Rutile: Maybe your magic will work if you try. Can I ask you to give it a go?

Oz: Very well.

Rutile: Please sit here. At least you won’t fall and hit your head if you end up falling asleep.

Oz: Like this?

Rutile: Yes! Please!

Oz: ............
<< Vox– >>
Zzz............

Rutile: Ah! It’s still too early......!

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20.5 I Don’t Want to Lose Anyone

I’m flying through the midnight sky with Murr, Shylock, Gregory, and Murr’s soul shard.
We’d headed back to Cortese Castle for a moment, but we just couldn’t sit still, so we left Chloe a message and headed off on our own.
Nobody around me is talking — even though I’m traveling with Western wizards.
My exhaustion from the afternoon is catching up to me: I catch myself dozing off on Shylock’s broom.

Murr (shard): You’re going to fall, Sir Sage.

Akira: ...........!

Shylock turns to look at me in surprise. He smiles at me worriedly.

Shylock: I apologize for my oversight, Sir Sage. It’s a bit of a tasking journey for a human.
I can cast a spell to make sure you won’t fall off the broom, but would you rather take a break somewhere?

Akira: I’m all right. But if you could make sure I don’t fall, I’d appreciate it.....

Mithra: <<Arthim>>

A familiar voice rings across the sky.
The next moment, the door in space appears out of nowhere, and Mithra steps out into the night breeze.

Akira: Mithra.

Mithra is about to smile — but then he spots Sakitty and his expression turns to disgust.

Mithra: You’re still keeping that thing with you?

Sakitty ignores him and digs its nose against my shoulder.
Mithra approaches me and flicks his arm back and forth like he’s brushing off some dust. Gregory leaps up.

Mithra: And there’s a bunch of other strange creatures too.

Gregory: Hey, watch it.....!

Mithra: And this is the guy we failed to kill just moments ago.

Murr (shard): You mean me?

Shylock: Murr was nearly killed?

Murr: By whom? Mithra? Oz? Shylock?

Akira: W-wait a moment, Mithra. Don’t brush them off of me.

I protect Gregory and shard-Murr with my arms as I ask for confirmation from Mithra.

Akira: When you say you nearly killed Murr, do you mean Murr’s soul shard? Did you meet him somewhere else?

Mithra: Soul shard? Ah, now that you mention it, you did say something about that before.
Something did seem a little off. He was riding a cat and all.

Akira: A cat?

Murr: I’m jealous~! I wanna ride a cat too!

Murr (shard): I’m glad to hear that the other shards are enjoying their lives as much as I am.

Shylock: So did you kill Murr’s soul shard? Did the Murr go back to being a shard, or did the Murr just disappear entirely?

Murr: You’re getting your research done, Shylock!

Murr (shard): Are you going to write a thesis on the subject?

Shylock: Silence, Murr. Mithra, what happened to Murr?

Mithra: He’s still riding that cat. He said he wanted to welcome Sir Sage, so I came to take you instead.

Mithra’s brows are furrowed. It looks like something happened that made him awfully irritated.

Akira: Why did you end up fighting Murr’s soul shard?

Mithra: Because he attacked us with these dolls, like bone-monsters.
Faust and Nero are on the brink of death, and Heathcliff and Lennox were also badly beaten.

Akira: Huh......!?

My mind goes blank. My heart beats rapidly, and I feel like I’m about to pass out.

Akira: Wh.... What......

Mithra: These things like bone-monsters.... These doll-like beings attacked us. I won, of course.

Faust and Nero are on the brink of death, and Heath and Leno are hurt.....
I recall each and every one of their smiles. The thought of losing any of them makes me want to scream in terror.
We’ve faced dangerous situations over and over again.
I always said, "See you later," as they left the magic headquarters, while acknowledging the ever-persistent threat that anyone could lose their life at any moment.
But I had never once truly prepared myself to say goodbye.

Akira: (Oh no, oh no, oh no....)

My breath grows short from anxiety and bewilderment. I grab Mithra’s arm.

Akira: W.... Will they be okay?

Mithra: Probably. Figaro is with them.

Akira: .....Phew......

I let out a sigh of great relief. My heart feels at ease.
In the next moment, my stomach churns and my fingertips begin to tremble.
It was only a matter of seconds between the moment I was told they were on the brink of death and the moment I was reassured they would be okay.
But those seconds felt like an eternity. I catch myself tearing up.

Akira: ........Thank goodness..... Will I be able to see them? Could you please take me to where everyone is?

Mithra: Of course.

Mithra’s eyes are fixed on me.

Shylock: Sir Sage.....

Shylock grips my shoulder and holds me close. I seem to have nearly lost my balance with relief.
Shard Murr mumbles by my chest:

Murr (shard): Dolls like monsters made of bone.... Those are likely man-made wizards.

Shylock: Man-made wizards? Do you mean to suggest you made wizards? I can’t believe that you would make such.....

Murr (shard): I did not. But the blueprint still remains in my laboratory.
Perhaps someone discovered it and brought those plans to life.

Mithra: <<Arthim>>

Mithra opens the door in space. Gregory chirps out of concern:

Gregory: Are you all right?

Akira: Yes......

His round, avian eyes seem to contain a spark of a gentle smile.

Gregory: You’re a very kind person. I think the wizards are quite fortunate to have their sage care about them so deeply.....

It’s only natural for me.
Because if any one of them didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be here today.
I can go on living in this world thanks to them.
I don’t want to lose anyone.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: <<Arthim>>

Mithra takes us to an unfamiliar room.

Figaro: Sir Sage.

Akira: Figaro.....

I’m about to continue when I realize that his fingertips are soaked in a deep red color.
I look down and see Faust lying on the bed before us, covered in wounds from head to toe.

Akira: .........!

I cover my mouth with my hands to stifle my scream. Gregory flutters about in surprise.
Upon noticing Gregory, Figaro covers Faust’s body with a sheet.

Figaro: What a pretty bird. Or I guess he’s a person? I’m sorry, but I’ll have to ask you to step outside while treatment is in progress.

Akira: I-I’m sorry. Figaro — will Faust be all right?

Figaro looks me in the eye, and nods, with his ever-reassuring smile.

Figaro: Of course he will. Because he has Dr. Figaro by his side.

Akira: Thank goodness..... Please take care of him!

Figaro’s hazel eyes twinkle with a gentle warmth.
It might be my imagination — but he looks happy.

Figaro: I will. Leave it to me.

Akira: What about Nero? Is Nero all right?

Figaro: He will be, so long as he continues to rest up. But if he pushes his limits, that’ll be it. He’s over there in the other room.

Akira: Thank you! I’ll go check in on him.

Figaro: Ah, don’t go alone. Shylock, could you please stick to Sir Sage?

Shylock: I will. Are you suggesting that this place is dangerous enough that we can’t leave Sir Sage alone?

Figaro: Correct. I’ll explain later. Mithra, can you bring Rutile here?

Mithra: Hah?

Figaro: I need another helping hand because I want to check in on Nero and Heath as well. He’s probably somewhere in Western Country.

Mithra: No way.

Figaro: Why?

Mithra doesn’t answer. I look up and spot a pout on his face.

Akira: .......Did you two fight?

Mithra: He’s just so stubborn.

Figaro: Please, Mithra. Find him fast. While you’re at it, could you bring Oz here too?

Mithra: Absolutely not.

That’s when I hear a voice from my chest pocket.

Murr (shard): Let me assist you.

The next moment, Murr’s soul shard grows human-sized.
Figaro and Mithra instantly put their guards up.
Murr narrows his crafty eyes and smiles.

Murr: I am a doctor of medicine, you know?

Murr’s shard reaches for Shylock’s hair tie, tugs it, and snatches it away.
Shylock furrows his brows in irritation.
Murr then speaks to me while bundling his own hair in a ponytail.

Murr: Let’s go, Sir Sage.

I press my hand against the purple sapphire shard tucked away in my chest pocket and nod.
I glance at Mithra before we leave the room.

Akira: Could you please look for Rutile, Mithra.....?

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

Mithra’s lips are turned downward in visible dissatisfaction. He sighs, exasperated.

Mithra: Just this once, okay?

Akira: I’m sorry. Thank you.

Mithra: <<Arthim>>

And with that, Mithra disappears into the door in space.
Shylock touches my back and begins walking.
Murr tries to chase after him, but Figaro calls out to stop him.

Figaro: Murr, hold it.

Murr: What?

Murr (shard): What is it?

Figaro: Um... Wow, this is confusing. I’m talking to Shylock’s pet. Help me out here. You’re a doctor of medicine, right?

Murr: I might’ve forgotten?

Figaro: Then I’ll teach you. Ah. I know what this reminds me of: our lesson at the magic headquarters.....

Figaro mumbles with a bitter expression.
It feels like the Southern wizards’ healing lesson happened ages ago.

Lennox: Excuse me. —Sir Sage.

Right as we turn to exit the room, Lennox comes bounding in. His outfit is also stained with blood.
He catches sight of me about to comment, and smiles.

Lennox: I’m fine; it’s just a scratch. Please look after Nero and Heathcliff.
What is this bird....? It might be better to keep it out of the room.

Gregory: I agree. Sir Sage, I will leave your side for a little while.

Lennox’s eyes open wide upon hearing Gregory’s voice.
Figaro laughs as he dexterously continues his treatment.

Figaro: Come on, you should at least catch on to the fact that the bird is under a transformation spell. Faust wouldn’t be too happy with you.

Lennox: You’re right.

Their voices are tender, as if in prayer.
Awaiting the moment Faust opens his eyes in a quiet orison.
In faith.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock and I head to the room where Nero is resting.
We enter and see Shino, whose expression turns the moment he sees Murr’s soul shard.
He instantly conjures his scythe and swings it within the narrow room.
Murr ducks and avoids his attack by a hair’s breadth. A second too late and he would’ve lost his neck.

Murr (shard): Looks like I’ve accumulated a substantial amount of enmity here.

Shylock: As per usual. Shino, this man is the soul shard we picked up at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
He’s a different soul shard than the one who attacked the Eastern wizards.

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

Shino peers at us with deep, probing caution.
His sharp gaze and short fuse make me realize that he must’ve seen hell.
Shino is a bold wizard, overflowing with confidence. His quips always make me smile.
Yet here he is, every fiber in his body focused in a state of nervous tension — all speaking to the level of danger he experienced.
Shino sighs and tucks away his magic tool.

Shino: Sorry about that. Sage, please look after Nero.

Nero lies in bed with his eyes closed. Shino mumbles as he quietly gazes down at Nero’s face.

Shino: According to Figaro, Nero’s wounds were the worst of all.
He took the first blow and warned the rest of us. That’s how we all made it out alive.

Shino locks eyes with me.

Shino: So when he wakes up, be sure to praise him lots and lots.

Akira: I will.... Shino, what about you? I sent you off on a really dangerous mission....

I’m really, really sorry.
I catch myself before I can say it, because I recall what Bradley told me.

If you’re going to give us a role, then don’t look so glum about it.
Give us a reason to be proud.
What words can grant him pride?
I think it over as I closely observe Shino’s stiffened expression — and then I realize.
Faust and Nero were on the brink of death; Heathcliff was also badly injured.
Shino put up a fight under unimaginably lonesome circumstances.
He swung his scythe at Murr because he was trying to protect his comrades all alone.

Akira: Shino...... Thank you.
It’s all thanks to you that Faust, Nero, and Heath managed to make it back alive.
Because you put your life on the line for them — I could see them again today.
I’m so grateful you were there for everyone. .....Thank you so much......

Shino is startled; he gazes at me with his red eyes open wide.
Then, his gaze begins to waver, like the gentle tides of the ocean at sunset.
An expression akin to a smile through tears. But it contains far too much fearlessness and pride to call it such.

Shino: Well, of course.

I feel tears welling up in my own burning eyes, and avert my gaze.
I look down at Nero, who is still asleep. I figure he probably doesn’t like it when people watch him in his sleep.
His deathly-white skin pains my heart.

Akira: Thank you, Nero. You too.....

My voice trembles. Shylock gently touches my shoulder.
He casts down his gaze and whispers.

Shylock: Are you all right, Sir Sage?

Akira: Yes.... Shylock, Murr. Could you take care of Nero for me?
I want to see Heathcliff. Shino — can we visit him now?

Shino: I’ll take you over. Shylock, please watch after Nero.

Shylock: I will. Shino, please stay by Sir Sage’s side. If anything happens....

Shino: Yeah. It’ll be all right. We have Bradley with us too.

Akira: Bradley?

Shino: He was here till a little while ago. He left when I came in, and said he’d be watching over from afar.

Akira: From afar.....

Shino: He said he’d shoot down any danger that approached. Good thing you still have your head.

Shard-Murr responds with a shrug, and I turn to look out the window.
I can feel the presence of someone watching over us.
Someone protecting us: someone who may be far away...
Yet remains closer to me than god himself.

back to top


20.6 In the True Sense of the Word

Heathcliff has suffered severe lacerations.
His whole body is covered in bandages and gauze, both blood and medicinal herbs seeping through the dressing.
The smell of bloody iron and bitter herbs envelop the gentle, noble Heathcliff.
It pains me to see such a timid, kind soul reduced to this state.

Akira: Heath..... I’m so glad you made it back safely......
It’s all thanks to you and Heath that Faust and Nero made it back alive......
.....Thank you so, so much.......

Heathcliff: Sir Sage........

Heathcliff sits up, flustered by my apologetic stance.
Shino quietly makes him lie back down. He strips off a bandage that was hanging loose, and swaps out the old herbs for new ones.
Shino treasures Heath from the bottom of his heart. I can sense Shino’s anger through his silence.
Heath makes no mention of any pain from his wounds; he simply shakes his head.

Heathcliff: I haven’t.... I don’t think I was very helpful. I barely remember what happened.

"I barely remember what happened." My heart skips a beat at those words.
Heath sometimes turns into a beast resembling a black panther due to his injury from the < Great Catastrophe >.
But he still doesn’t know. I grow worried: did his bizarre injury act up?
Shino responds, his expression unchanging:

Shino: You were brave.

Heathcliff: Really......?

Shino: You were. Faust said so himself: he told me, "Your master is very brave."

Heathcliff: Mr. Faust did.....?

Shino peers into Heath’s face and flashes a gentle smile.

Shino: You were the most fearless of us all as you attacked the enemy.

Heathcliff: Me....?

Shino: That’s right. I’ll tell you everything. Once your wounds have healed.....

Shino strokes his pinky finger in slight hesitation.
But when he catches Heath gazing back at him, he closes his eyes, as if erasing the last remnants of his doubt.
Then, quietly and awkwardly — so as to avoid Heath’s wounds — he hugs Heath.

Shino: Nothing in the world is scarier than the idea of you turning to stone.
I promise you, Heath:
I will protect you.

Heath’s blue eyes open wide.
It’s the promise they once shared:
A twisted, freakish oath that bound them beholden to one another.
The rays of the brilliant morning sun peer in from the window.
The clear, divine azure darkness and the brilliant, fiery morning light cross paths.
The intersection creates a palette akin to eternity: colors reminiscent of their eyes.
The light dances across Heath’s golden hair as he smiles.

Heathcliff: I will protect you too, Shino.



Shino tries to smile, but his eyes overflow with tears instead.
Heathcliff nearly falls out of bed in shock.
The brilliant rays cast on the floor through the windowsill slowly crawl across the rest of the room.
My heart is full. I take a deep breath, and exhale.

(Door opens)

Lennox: Sir Sage. Your room is ready.
Please rest up. I will keep watch.

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

I hurry and exit the room, in a clumsy attempt to tuck away Shino’s tears.

✦✧☾✧✦

Before I head to the room prepared for my stay, I take a short detour outside the palace with Lennox.
A strange, bittersweet passion swirls in the depths of my heart.
I think if I were in a room with Lennox right now, I’d burst into tears.
And I don’t want to make Lennox worry about me when his master still hasn’t regained his consciousness.

Akira: Thank you. I just wanted to catch a breath of fresh air......

Lennox: Not at all.

Akira: Lennox, how are your wounds.....?

Lennox: I’m fine. My only asset is that I’m very tough.

He gazes at me with a tender smile.
Perhaps he caught on to the fact that I wanted to be alone; he stops at the doors of the palace.

Lennox: I’ll be keeping watch from over here. The sacrificium is with you, after all.

Sakitty turns its nose upwards, as if nodding in response.

Lennox: I’ll rush to your side should anything happen.

Unsure of how to respond, I touch Lennox’s arm.
Since the day I met him, I’ve always sensed his quiet, warm kindness and protective gaze watching over me in this world.

Akira: .....Leno. Thank you for everything.

Kissed by the tender light of the morning rays, Lennox flashes me a smile full of pride.

Lennox: That is my role, after all.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: ............

I take a walk outside the building; my only companion is Sakitty perched on my shoulder.
The sweeping wind ruffles my hair. I turn my back on Lennox, feeling my face crumple up pitifully.
The lovely morning rays, the blue sky and the bright sun paint the perfect picture of happiness.
The sage’s wizards. I truly love them all.
I wanted us to be friends.
But I was also secretly scared.
I was scared of responding to their feelings, afraid of their resolve to fulfill their roles and their desire to help me.
I was scared of anyone getting hurt because of me.
I was afraid of taking on such a heavy role.
I couldn’t possibly bear the weight of anyone else’s life, when my hands are already full with my own life and heart.
But......
There’s a voice in the back of my heart that says:
I want to live up to their feelings.
I want to be the kind of person who can live up to their feelings.
Before I realize it, Sakitty is looking at me.
My heart sways at the sight of its adorable eyes. I’ve been scared of that adoration all this time.
Scared of letting it become important to me; scared of the potential for heartbreak when it becomes precious to me.

Akira: ......Sakitty......

I lift Sakitty with both hands and tightly hold it against my chest.
This creature is the twins’ familiar.
It is an imitation of life, meant to be sacrificed in my place someday.
It looks so much like the cats I love, but it isn’t a real cat.
Even so.......

Akira: I love you...... I love you, Sakitty.
I really do, Sakitty...... I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I’ve been pretending I didn’t like you......
.......I love you...... So, so much...... Thank you for staying with me.......
............ I’m so glad I met you......

Sakitty sleepily rubs its head against my cheek.
All of a sudden, I feel someone nearby. Glimpsing familiar boot tips before me, I raise my head.
It’s Bradley.

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

He watches me intently, rifle in hand as he stands in the glow of the morning sun.
Bradley brings a hand up to caress my cheek, a peaceful smile playing on his face.
He wipes my tears away with his thumb. His wordless gesture is rough and over-the-top, but filled with kindness.
My tears spill over, and sobs wrack my entire body. I’ve gone and drenched Sakitty with tears.
It feels like something changed this morning, or something changed me......
I don’t know how to put it into words.
But I can feel a definite difference.
Within myself.
It’s like what Murr’s soul shard said in the Royal Botanical Garden.
A change in perception means a change of worlds:
You can suddenly become a foreign traveler from a different world.
I think that I.......
Finally became The Sage in the true sense of the word.
A sage with the resolve to lead my wizards.

✦✧☾✧✦

(Birds chirping)

Rutile: ......Mitile...... Mitile, Riquet, it’s morning.......

Mitile: Mm......

Riquet: ......Morning......

Mitile: ......It’s morning......! We have to help Dr. Figaro–......

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Rutile: Mister Mithra.......

Mithra: ............
Oz. I’ll take you along as a special favor.

Oz: That won’t be necessary. It’s dawn now.
<< Vox– >>

Riquet: Ah......! It’s Prince Arthur! Cain too!

Cain: Riquet! Oz! ......? Who else......?

Mitile: Prince Arthur, Mister Cain! It’s Mitile! Nii-sama and Mister Mithra are with us too!

Rutile: Sorry we weren’t at the inn! I’m so glad we all ended up here by chance!

Arthur: ......Sir Oz.......

Oz: .......Arthur......
Hmm......?

Snow & White: Hey~!

Snow: Oz! I knew I sensed you nearby!

Oz: Snow, White.......

White: Last night was terrible! We rescued a Western witch named Sylves–.......
Mithra! Wherever did you go!? Do you realize we were waiting for you in the theater!?

Mithra: It’s too much work to explain, so I’ll take all of you along.
<< Arthim >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: Thank goodness Nero regained consciousness. He fell asleep right after, but.....
It should bring some peace of mind to Sir Sage and the Eastern wizards.

Murr: Hey, Shylock! Don’t you sense Rustica’s presence?

Shylock: I do.... But Rustica is supposed to be at the Royal Botanical Garden with Chloe.....

Murr: That tower is suspicious! I’ll check it out!

Shylock: Be careful, Murr. Someone has been surveilling us ever since we arrived at the palace.
They’ve been keeping close watch on us in particular.....

Murr: I know.
Now why would they be keeping a closer eye on you and me than the Northern wizards? Are they ignorant, or are they plotting something?
Who knows! In any event, I’ll check out the tower! Praise me if I end up finding Rustica, okay?

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

Murr: Shylock~!

Shylock: I will not evaluate anything that you do. You should follow the whims of your own heart.....

Murr (shard): And what about the whims of your own?

Shylock: Murr.....

Murr (shard): You are also a wizard. It’s only natural for you to follow your own heart in order to control the spirits that grant our mysterious powers.

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

Murr (shard): Though I must say, I never once imagined your heart’s desire was to create such an adorable form of myself.

Shylock: ......Murr! Please go check out the tower. Right now.

Murr: Ye~s!

Murr (shard): Oh my?
That’s surprising.

Shylock: .....What is?

Murr (shard): You’re someone who adores idiosyncracy: I would never have expected you to keep the caustic critic by your side while shooing away the disparaged artwork.

Shylock: ....What are you trying to say?

Murr (shard): Let’s say you’re a potter. Right now, you’re basically trying to throw that twisted Murr into the ground to shatter him into a thousand pieces.
That’s the kind of expression you’ve got. Is that version of me a failed experiment?

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

Murr (shard): Ah.

Shylock: What now? Is there something in the sky.....

✦✧☾✧✦

(Woosh)

Chloe: I made it all the way to the City of Wealth without meeting anyone.... ....I need to land soon or I’ll run out of magic.....
Is that the royal palace? It looks like the biggest building in town....
But if the king lives there, they’ll probably yell at me for trespassing on palace grounds....
Huh... someone’s waving at me?
Shylock! Murr!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: Chloe!
Thank goodness he’s safe.....

Murr: Shylock! Rustica was napping in the room at the top of that tower!

Shylock: So that really is where he was.... Thank you, Murr.

Murr: I found Rustica! Are you proud of me? Praise me!

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

Murr: Boo.
Why won’t you say anything? Why do you keep talking to the other me? I don’t like it!

Murr (shard): Do you think this jealousy is born from the depths of my subconscious? Or is it the product of your upbringing?

Shylock: ........Please refrain from asking me that question for now. I’m about to go mad.

Murr: I wanna see that!

Murr (shard): I would like to see that.

Shylock: Chloe! Come down here right now!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: I think we should be all right for now.... Thank you for all your hard work, Dr. Figaro!

Figaro: I could say the same to you, Rutile.

Rutile: I’ll go make some tea. Please get some rest, Dr. Figaro.

Figaro: Thank you.

(Door closes)

Figaro: ..........
What a long day it was.......
Oh, that’s right, Rutile......

(Door opens)

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

Figaro: Oz.

Oz: This.......

Figaro: Ah, the coat button I gave to Leno.... Did Rutile hand it to you?

Oz: That’s right.

Figaro: So you received the button but didn’t come looking for me? You’re so cold.

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

Figaro: Ah, right. You can’t use magic at night. We really need to find a fix for that.....

Oz: ......Neck.

Figaro: Neck?

Oz: Your neck. I see the remnants of a healing spell.

Figaro: Ah..... It’s nothing to worry about. I’ll finish it off.

Oz: Were the man-made wizards really that powerful?

Figaro: Man-made wizards?

Oz: The Sage mentioned it: the Eastern wizards were attacked by man-made wizards, created from Murr’s blueprints.

Figaro: That man really scares me sometimes.... But no, I wasn’t attacked by those things.
But you know what, Oz.... I might be the weaker one now.

Oz: What do you mean?

Figaro: I mean what I said. Thanks for the button.

Oz: ..........
Do not give up.

Figaro: Huh? Yes, uh.... What?

Oz: I am trying to understand.
So don’t decide on your own that you’re going to give up.

Figaro: ...........
....I see........
Haha.........
You may be right.........

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: ......I see...... A lot has happened......

Cain: I’m relieved the Eastern wizards are safe......

Akira: I’m also glad to see all the Central wizards unharmed too.....

Cain: We will protect you and our injured comrades, Akira. Take some time and rest up.

Akira: Thank you...... You two should get some rest afterwards too.

Cain: Yeah. ......But we’re probably somewhere on the grounds of the Western Royal Palace, right?
There has to be a reason for the sudden invitation here.......

Akira: Royal Palace!? Do you mean a palace like Granvelle Castle where the king lives......?

Arthur: Yes. That building over there is Messier Hall.

Akira: You’re right...... I never realized...... ......What a grand palace.......
Then what is this building we’re in......? It looks like it was just built.......

Arthur: ............
I presume it must be the magic headquarters.

Akira: Magic headquarters......?

Arthur: Yes.

Cain: Now that you mention it...... There’s around 20 rooms, and it’s way too lavish for any military barracks.
It looks like the one in Central Country too.
But why would they build it on the grounds of the Western palace.......

Akira: ............
The West’s magic headquarters.......

back to top


20.7 The New Queen of Western Country

Official: His Majesty has passed.....!
As of this moment, His Majesty, Albert Mastandrea, has passed away.
Which means the next individual in the line of succession — Princess Liliana — shall become Queen.....

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: ...........
Send letters of invitation to each country.
My coronation ceremony will take place soon.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chamberlain: And now His Majesty himself has passed away....
What in the world happened to the Western royal family....?

Chamberlain: Will the young princess of Cortese really be capable of fulfilling a Queen’s duties....?

Chamberlain: Shh, watch your mouth....! You’re disrespecting the new Queen!

✦✧☾✧✦

Vincent: So the Western king is dead......

Drummond: What sudden news....... He seemed to be in good health last year......

Vincent: I hear Princess Liliana of the Cortese family will take up the mantle as the new queen of Western Country.
We have received an invitation to the coronation. It is an honor, but I cannot leave Central Country defenseless in my absence.

Drummond: That means......

Vincent: Arthur has accepted the invitation.

Drummond: ......Is that so......

Vincent: You do not look convinced of my decision. Tell me why.

Drummond: .......You have close ties to the Western royal family, Lord Vincent, and often receive invitations from them.
I greatly admire your magnanimity in choosing to yield your attendance at such an honorable occasion to Prince Arthur, but nevertheless–......

Vincent: There is no need to hold back; speak your mind clearly.

Drummond: Wouldn’t that set Prince Arthur up to be antagonized by your followers, Lord Vincent?

Vincent: Your concern is unnecessary on that front.
Arthur has been invited — not as the Central prince — but as a Sage’s wizard.

Drummond: ......Does the new Queen intend to invite all of the Sage’s wizards to her coronation.......?

Vincent: I believe so.

Drummond: ............
Could it be that the Western royal family is completely unaware of what the Northern wizards are like......?

Vincent: ............

Drummond: Wouldn’t it be better to let them know? They should be prepared for the post-coronation feast to devolve into complete and utter chaos.
It simply would not do for a coronation; I propose we tell them the story of the avian skeleton hanging from the chandelier–......

Vincent: The West is after something else. I would have endorsed their plan in the past; it would’ve been a perfect opportunity to get rid of some troublesome obstacles.

Drummond: Their plan......?

Vincent: Western Country intends to seize the reins of managing the sage’s wizards....... No, they mean to welcome them.
I do not know whether they fear Oz and the Northern wizards’ power, or if they are truly sincere about welcoming the wizards.
As the Minister of Magical Affairs, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Why would Western Country — famed for magical technology — be interested in keeping the sage’s wizards close at hand?

Drummond: ...... I do not know.
But the sage’s wizards fight for Central Coun–...... No......
They are heroes fighting to save the whole world.
Right now, our world hangs in a precarious balance; I’ve perused their investigation reports, and read terrifying accounts of mysterious incidents happening all around the world.
This is the time for Central Country and Western Country alike to set aside our borders and cooperate with each other.
He who succeeds in forging that cooperation — he will be the one to hold the rightful title of conquest over the continents.

Vincent: ............

Drummond: Supposing there is a chance that the Western government......
Should they transpire to use the wizards to further their own ends instead of for the salvation of our world.......
I strongly feel we would be obligated to step up and lead the charge to protect them.

Vincent: ............ You have a point......
There is truth to your argument. I’ve revised my opinion of you, Drummond.

Drummond: Hah! The honor is all mine!

Vincent: Minister of Magical Affairs, Lord Drumond. As the representative of Central Country’s Ministry of Magical Affairs, and the host of the magic headquarters......
I call upon you to travel to Western Country and offer counsel and assistance to Arthur and the sage’s wizards on the occasion of their attendance of the coronation.

Drummond: I will proceed with every caution — you may leave it to me!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cock Robin: How unusual to hold the coronation in such great haste. Even with the amount of elevators we have, isn’t this a massive undertaking?

Drummond: Don’t complain, Cock Robin. However, the whole matter does seem uncommonly hasty.

Cock Robin: Right?

Drummond: Hmm..... Under normal circumstances, one would spend more time planning and executing a state funeral befitting the death of the king.

Cock Robin: Perhaps they are worried that neighboring countries will take the chance to attack since a young princess will be stepping into place as their new queen?

Drummond: Hold your tongue! We are the neighboring country you refer to. Be careful of your words.

Cock Robin: I-I understand......

Wandering poet: A new breeze from the West~...... The glittering dawn of a new age always rises from the West~......

Central citizen: Hey, do you have to come all the way to Central Country to sing that kind of song? Sure, you Western lot might be up on your luck lately, but that’s too much.
How much are the Western merchants paying you for this?

Wandering poet: Ah, no, this is a popular song that has circulated around the continents since the distant past...... It’s not a recent composition–......

Drummond: ......What a surprise. It appears that a sense of hostility against Western Country is starting to simmer among the sociable Central citizens.

Cock Robin: That’s only to be expected. At present, the West’s wealth and technology far surpasses that of other countries.
I hope things go well under the new Queen of Western Country......

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: ......Nn.....

Lennox: ............

When I open my eyes, I see Lennox.
I glance at the sky peering through the curtains to get a sense of the time.
The sun shines bright and high in the sky. It must be a little past noon.

Faust: Shino........

My throat is parched. I swallow and continue my sentence.

Faust: Where is Shino? Nero was also in terrible shape. And Heath......

Lennox: They are all safe. Nero needs to rest for a while, but Shino and Heath are both up and about.

Faust: I see.......

Lennox: They asked me to call them over when you opened your eyes, Sir Faust. May I bring them here?

Lennox offers me some water in a flask.
I try to lift my head from the pillow, but my body is as heavy as lead; I can’t move.
Lennox lifts my head for me, and brings the flask to my mouth.
This wasn’t an uncommon occurrence long in the past. It feels so familiar that I only return to my senses after I’ve taken a sip of water.
It’s so funny that I begin laughing. I can’t believe I told him, "We have nothing to do with each other," and "I don’t need you anymore."
When here he is, taking care of me like he used to.

Faust: You saved me.

Lennox: I’ve done nothing.

I look into Lennox’s eyes. He may have tough looks and an unadorned manner, but his clear red eyes have always been so pure.
Lennox lowers his gaze and releases a slow, quiet sigh.
I realize I must’ve caused him a lot of concern once more.
I try to extend my fingertips towards him; in response, he grasps my palm. He really is good at reading my mind.
As we remain with our hands locked in a handshake, his unchanging warmth brings back countless memories from the past.
I always felt strangely driven whenever Lennox was by my side in battle.
I felt at ease when he had my back. Back when I had my eyes set only on the future ahead of me.

Faust: .....Where are we?

Lennox: We’re by Messier Hall in Western Country. We’ve all been gathered in this building on the palace grounds.

Faust: "All"? You mean all the Sage’s wizards are here?

Lennox: Correct. The new queen of Western Country is about to hold her coronation ceremony.
And she wants us to stay here until then.

Faust: ......I fear I’m not catching on.

Lennox: Very many things happened in a short span of time......

Faust: Where is Sir Figaro? He saved my life, right?

Lennox raises his eyebrows. It takes me a moment to realize I’ve referred to him with a title.
As I scramble for an excuse, Lennox begins silently laughing. His shoulders rock back and forth in amusement.
His smile soothes my heart.

Faust: I need to offer him my thanks. He nursed me back to health despite my impudent attitude.....

Lennox: I don’t think Sir Figaro was particularly bothered by that. In fact, I think he liked it.

Faust: He liked it?

Lennox: I don’t quite understand the mechanics behind his reasoning, but he tends to prefer it when people walk all over him.

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

Lennox: Perhaps that phrasing might give way to misunderstandings.

Faust: I see you two have grown quite close.

Lennox: Well..... How should I put it? I suppose we have.

I’d spotted them chatting and laughing side by side at the magic headquarters on several occasions.
It was always a heartwarming sight — yet at the same time, I always felt like I didn’t know either of them.
For I didn’t know what kind of day-to-day lives they had lived. And I could sense that in those day-to-day lives, the two of them were like cordial friends.
I feared that by approaching them, I would disrupt their peace.
Perhaps I was being too full of myself, reaching conclusions on my own like that.
But I felt lonely; I was befuddled. I didn’t know how to approach them — the two of them who had become Southern Wizards.

Faust: Leno.... Why did Figaro leave us behind?
Did he ever tell you?

Lennox: He did. But I think you should be the one to ask him, Sir Faust.
I think it will teach him a good life lesson.

I gape — what a haughty statement — almost disrespectful.
Lennox awkwardly averts his gaze.

Lennox: I apologize.... He is your master of magic, after all, Sir Faust.

Faust: No, it’s fine; he is your friend, after all.

We each try to act mindful of our respective complicated relationships with Figaro that have developed over the years.
After we’ve spent some time gazing into each others’ eyes, we burst out laughing in unison.
Lennox silently tightens his grip on my hand.

Lennox: ....I’m so glad you’re all right......

Without saying a word, I pull his hand towards me and lift it to my forehead.

Faust: I’m sorry for making you worry about me..... You always come running to my side when I need you.
Thank you for everything.

Lennox flashes me a smile full of happiness. But then his grin turns a bit mischievous.

Faust: ......What is it?

Lennox: No; I think it might bother you.

Faust: That’s fine. Tell me.

Lennox: Well then: not at all; I’m used to looking for you.

I’m dumbstruck. How am I supposed to respond when he just tossed around the weight of four hundred years like a joke?
Lennox coughs and puts on a serious expression.

Lennox: I apologize. Let me go get Shino and Heath.

Faust: Yes. Please do.

back to top


20.8 The Pinch Continues

Nero: ........

(Door opens)

Shino: I’m back.

Nero: Hey, welcome back. How was Mr. Faust?

Shino: He seemed normal.....

Nero: Well, he’s probably not normal..... Ah....

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

Nero: Man, thank god he’s doing all right — right?

Shino: Don’t look away. You’re being too obvious. ....I’m not crying, anyway.

Nero: I know. Your eyes are always red, after all.

Shino: He was worried about you, Nero.

Nero: I’d love to go say hi, but I was told to stay glued to my bed for at least three days.

Shino: You almost died. You should listen to doctor’s orders. What’s this book?

Nero: Heath was reading it to me.

Shino: No fair.

Nero: Perks of being a patient. He’s really good at reading stories out loud. I could really see the scenes playing out in my mind....

Shino: I know.

Nero: But the preachy ones were a bit hard to listen to.

Shino: I know. Because I’ve done terrible things throughout my life, too.
But, you know.... I know it’s really selfish of me to say this, but......
I feel like I managed to atone. Just a little.

Nero: After what just happened?

Shino: Yeah.........

Nero: You did an amazing job, you know? I think you should be proud of yourself.

Shino: Haha. But you weren’t even watching. ....Hang on, that’s not it. I wasn’t trying to ask for praise.

Nero: Oh, really? Aren’t you gonna ask for some lemon pie?

Shino: Well, I plan on collecting my lemon pie dues. But what I’m trying to say is.....
The same goes for you, Nero.

Nero: ...........

Shino: I can sort of tell that you’re a good-for-nothing. Because you and I have the same kind of air.
But you’re a decent, right-minded guy. You protected Heath. You’re kind to Riquet and Mitile.
I don’t care about right or wrong. The law put me in the poorhouse — a place where kids fought for soup that was barely more than water.
But you gave me a big, warm bowl of soup. Not that I’ve gotten any taller because of it, but.

Nero: It’ll work soon enough.

Shino: But that means I’ll need that soup of yours for a long while. ....So don’t rush to your death, Nero.
Because I still need you.

(Door closing)

Nero: ............
He left......
He’s good...... I coulda gotten sweet talked into becoming his underling like that.

(Door opens)

Nero: Ahaha, did you come back after hearing that?

Bradley: Singing someone’s praises here?

Nero: ............

Bradley: How are you feeling?

Nero: ......Way better.

Bradley: I see.

Nero: Did you come to talk?

Bradley: Huh?

Nero: ......You said we needed to talk.

Bradley: Ah...... We can get around to that after you recover.

Nero: Let’s get it over with now. I’m sure you want to tie up loose ends.
I know how this goes: you have the right to turn me into stone.

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

Nero: But...... Can you wait until after the < Great Catastrophe > comes to do that?
Once we fight it off, then you get to turn me to stone with your own hands.

Bradley: ............Hmph......
You just keep going on and on.... But you know what, Nero?
You really think I’d believe you after you got away once?

Nero: I can promise you.

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

Nero: Once the fight with the < Great Catastrophe > is over, you can execute–......

Bradley: Don’t fuck around with me, you idiot–.......!

Nero: ............

Bradley: ............
......Just focus on healing your injuries. We’ll talk after that.

Nero: ............
Got it, Brad.

Bradley: Yeah......

Nero: ............
Still......
I can’t believe you and Mithra are staying put in a place like this.

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

Nero: I saw Owen just now too. Seems like Oz brought him here.

Bradley: Looks like there’s going to be some sort of coronation.

Nero: That’s the thing. This is the Western palace, right?
It’s not like you guys to keep quiet on someone else’s orders.

Bradley: ............. I seriously underestimated it.

Nero: Eh?

Bradley: I said I seriously underestimated it: there’s a reason the Town of Wealth in the West is known as the city of desire.

Nero: What are you going on about.......?

Bradley: ......I’m on the verge of falling under, too.

Nero: What do you mean!?

Bradley: That’s why I’m telling you to focus on getting better. I need you back.

Nero: ....... ......Ah, I see..... Okay, I get what you mean.......

Bradley: We’re in a real crisis.

Nero: You gotta be kidding. All of you simple-minded idiots......

✦✧☾✧✦

Servant: Welcome, dear sage’s wizards. Allow us to serve you today’s feast.

Snow & White: Yay......!

Mithra: Huh..... There’s venison.

Owen: Hmph...... That’s a cream cake.

Servant: What you see before you isn’t just any cream cake: there are all kinds of fruits hidden beneath the layer of cream.

Owen: Hmph.

Servant: Under the fruits, there are layers of the finest chocolate cream.

Owen: Hmph.

Servant: And below that, you will reach a sponge cake mixed with fragrant roasted nuts.

Owen: Hmph.

Servant: And finally, we have biscuits as the very bottom layer of the cake. We hope you find it to your liking.

Owen: Well, I guess I’ll have some.

Mithra: What will I find in this venison steak when I cut it?

Servant: The venison steak is simply venison steak.

Mithra: Hah? I’m stronger than Owen, you know?

Servant: We will bring out grilled pheasant thighs after the venison steaks.

Mithra: Fine. Make sure the last layer is clams.

Servant: Certainly. We will prepare them shortly.
While you are waiting, please come this way and partake in some entertainment.
We humbly present the newest performance especially crafted for today’s event by our own royal court’s dancer in residence.

Dancer: Welcome, dear Sage’s wizards. By your gracious leave, we shall perform a dance to praise and extol the Northern wizards.

Mithra: Hah.

Owen: Hmph.

Snow: How wonderful!

White: A dance to praise and extol us!

Dancer: Well then..... On to the first program.
The world’s strongest wizard, Oz.

Owen & Mithra: Hah?

Snow: Next, go to the next one!

White: Change it to these boys here!

Dancer: Our deepest apologies. Then, once more from the top......
The world’s strongest boys here!

Snow & White: Yay~!!

Mithra: Huh...... Chomp.

Owen: Hmph...... Chomp.

Bradley: Ugh, geez..... You two got sooo relaxed and sloppy......

Mithra: Waaabaayoubwawey?

Bradley: What the hell are you saying?

Mithra: Heh.

Bradley: Hey. The only thing you’re getting across here is your ridicule.

Snow & White: The churros are so delicious~!

Snow: It’s so adorably decorated~!

White: I almost can’t bear to eat it~!

Snow & White: But we’ll eat it anyway~!

Owen: Hmm..... No matter how much I eat, new plates of slushy and gooey sweet things keep coming out.......
I can’t say I hate the Western palace.

Mithra: Yes. It’s better than the Central palace.

Bradley: Honestly, you guys got tamed so easily. You’ve got some nerve calling yourself Northern wizards–......

White-bearded servant with glasses: The Sage’s wizard, Sir Bradley Bain! I’m sorry to have kept you waiting!
After taking your advice from yesterday to heart, I have conducted countless rounds of trial and error to achieve the perfect compound of spices!
I present to you my new and improved dish, which I’ve named the Golden Fried Chicken!

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

Mithra: It looks delicious.

Owen: It does. You’re not going to have any?

Snow: It looks delicious to us too!

White: If you won’t have any, then we’ll take the first bite–......

Bradley: Hang on. Slow down, you old farts.
Hey, Mister Whitebeard over there.

White-bearded servant with glasses: At your service!

Bradley: I guess I can try one piece.

White-bearded servant with glasses: Please help yourself!

Bradley: Chomp......!
............
Hey......... It’s really good......

White-bearded servant with glasses: I’m honored to hear that!!

Bradley: Let’s get some alcohol here. That’ll make a good pair.

White-bearded servant with glasses: Quite right, sir! Allow me to assemble all the finest the West has to offer!

Snow: Let’s see...... The fried chicken is so crispy~!

White: It’s so crispy~! You can taste all the different spices, and it’s as golden as its name~!

Bradley: Western Country, huh...... Looks like they really get it......

Mithra: Yeah. Western Country gets it.

Owen: Agreed. The West just gets it.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: Hey, let me see Rustica! I know he’s in that tower! Murr told me!

Chamberlain: Why yes, of course. We’ll make arrangements right away.

Chloe: You said that yesterday too! And I ended up waiting the whole day!
I lost my patience and flew up there with my broom, but I didn’t see him from the window....

Chamberlain: I apologize for the inconvenience. By the way, Sir Collins.
In light of your unparalleled talent, we have a special request to make of you.....

Chloe: A request?

Chamberlain: We’d like you to be the exclusive in-house fashion designer of Messier Hall.

Chloe: Designer!?

Chamberlain: If royal exclusivity makes you reluctant to accept our offer, we can also establish an atelier for you in the shopping district of the City of Wealth.....

Chloe: An atelier!? A... an atelier for someone like me.....?

Chamberlain: We’ve been told that you designed all of the Sage's wizards’ garments.
I’m not sure how well-received your work was with the old-fashioned folks of Central Country, but.....
But Sir Collins — the clothes you design are at the true cutting edge of fashion! They’re avant garde works of art. We believe you are a favored child of our era.

Chloe: Child of an era.....
O-okay, you’re going too far. I’ve tried my best to design stylish clothes, but I.....

Chamberlain: The refined countrymen of the West are sure to attain the utmost joy when they put their arms through the sleeves of the clothes designed by Sir Collins himself.
How would you like us to design the interior of your atelier?

Chloe: Hmm..... I guess I’d want it to be a place that’s welcoming to all, and.....
........! Hang on! I never agreed!

Chamberlain: Is that so? But isn’t it fun to imagine what kind of place you’d design?

Chloe: That’s true.......

Chamberlain: Would it have a tranquil atmosphere? Or would you go for something more natural? Or do you want to steal the viewers’ eyes with a flashy interior?

Chloe: Flashy is fun! I guess I’d go all-out for the entrance, but keep the interior a bit calmer and more relaxing......
Wait.....! Let me see Rustica!

Chamberlain: Pardon me?

Chloe: Uh, erm... I’m grateful for the offer, but please bring me to Rustica.

Chamberlain: Of course. Please give us a moment.
While you’re waiting, would you like to tour the atelier of the royal palace.....?

Chloe: Will you really let me see him? Geez..... And where’s this royal atelier?

Chamberlain: Right this way.

Chloe: I’m just going to peek.... While I’m waiting for you to get Rustica......

Chamberlain: Of course, Sir Collins.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chamberlain: Sir Shino Sherwood, the Sage’s wizard.

Shino: What?

Chamberlain: Sir Sherwood, we actually caught wind of your accomplishments prior to your summoning as a Sage’s wizard.
Rumor has it that you have exceptional magical talent on top of being a seasoned warrior with great experience in battle.
The Eastern lord of Blanchett must be quite proud to have you among his ranks.

Shino: Heh, I guess so.

Chamberlain: By the way, Sir Sherwood..... I speak these words in confidence, but....

Shino: ......? What is it?

Chamberlain: The new queen would like to make you an honorary general of Western Country.

Shino: General?

Chamberlain: Indeed.

Shino: A general of Western Country?

Chamberlain: That’s correct. We have heard of your desire for such a position.

Shino: You’re just gonna take me and drop me in as a general of Western Country? What are you, crazy?

Chamberlain: Not in the least. We believe it is a position that reflects your abilities, Sir Sherwood.
I don’t know how it works in the East, but Western Country abides by the spirit of freedom and revolution: talent speaks louder than bloodline.
Accordingly, we believe that your achievements ought to be honored by the appropriate position of honorary general.......

Heathcliff: You.

Chamberlain: ......!

Shino: Heath....cliff. My lord.

Chamberlain: My, my......

Heathcliff: Do you know my name?

Chamberlain: O... Of course I do.

Heathcliff: Then say it.

Chamberlain: Sir Heathcliff Blanchett.

Heathcliff: That is my name indeed. And Shino Sherwood is an exceptional vassal who belongs to the Blanchett family.
Were you aware of that fact?

Chamberlain: ......I was.

Heathcliff: I suppose that means the new queen of Western Country is trying to appropriate our vassal — one akin to the most prized of our possessions?
Am I reading your intentions correctly?

Chamberlain: S.... Sir Blanchett, that’s......

Heathcliff: Shino.

Shino: Yes, sir.

Heathcliff: Do you desire rewards from anyone other than myself?

Shino: No, sir.

Heathcliff: Would you call anyone other than myself your lord?

Shino: No, sir. I devote my life to you, my lord.

Heathcliff: Did you hear that?

Chamberlain: Yes, sir.....

Heathcliff: Out of respect for the new queen’s reputation, I will refrain from complicating national relations prior to the coronation ceremony.
But such lowly deeds will not slide by so easily next time.

Chamberlain: I will take that to heart. My actions were entirely of my own doing; the new queen had no part in.....

Heathcliff: Was that what she commanded you to say?

Chamberlain: .............

Heathcliff: I’ve had enough. You may leave now.

Chamberlain: I humbly beg your pardon. Thank you.

Heathcliff: ...........
Phew...... That was such a surprise........
Shino, do you understand? You need to refuse them outright, or else they’ll keep.......

Shino: My lord.

Heathcliff: What’s with that face?

Shino: That was awesome.

Heathcliff: Stop teasing me! That was the kind of thing they’re really not supposed to do, you know!?

Shino: I do. No — I guess I don’t really get it. So what just happened was bad.

Heathcliff: It was really bad!

Shino: I fully intended to serve you, even if I became a Western general.
But I don’t desire rewards from anyone but yourself. I like the ring of that. It’s thrilling.

Heathcliff: I wonder if you really understand.....

Shino: I do. My lord is the best. Long live Lord Heathcliff.

Heathcliff: You’re definitely teasing me now......

back to top


20.9 Before the Coronation

Akira: You want me to bestow the crown and scepter onto the new queen at the coronation ceremony.......?

Gil: Yes. This is a request from the new queen, Her Majesty Liliana herself.

Mitile: That’s amazing, Sir Sage...! I read in a book that this is the sort of role that great priests from famous cathedrals take on. Right, Mister Leno?

Lennox: Yes, that’s right.

Riquet: A great priest...... So Sir Sage will be like a great priest......

Akira: Hang on...... I don’t think I can take on such an impressive role.......

Gil: I hear that you seek to create a world where humans and wizards can join hands and live together in harmony, Sir Sage.
Queen Liliana, Her Majesty, feels the same way. She may be young, but she will be a wonderful ruler.
No, perhaps her youth gives her the ability to gaze across the world with fresh eyes, unconstrained by outdated perceptions.
Just like Prince Arthur.

Akira: ...............
(Princess Liliana. Judging from what Gregory told me, she sounded like an earnest, kind person. But when I think about what Chloe told me, about the witch hiding in the Western palace, Zara...... I think it’s possible that Zara is disguising herself as Princess Liliana.
Mister Gil seems like a nice person, too, but I hear that he buried Gregory in the dirt and left him for dead.)

Gil: Please hear me out, Sir Sage. This is a great opportunity for the Sage’s wizards to be acknowledged by the whole world.

Akira: Acknowledged by the whole world...?

Gil: Yes. The coronation ceremony is the most prestigious holy ceremony in the country. It will serve as proof that the Western government and the Western royal family acknowledge the legitimacy of the Sage’s wizards.
Queen Liliana requested that the Sage’s wizards all participate in the coronation ceremony.

Mitile: We can attend too?

Gil: Of course.
She requested that the Sage’s wizards all bless her and wish that she become a good queen.

Riquet: We get to bless the new queen.......
Sir Sage, isn’t that wonderful
Sir Sage.......? We’ll accept, right?

Lennox: Riquet. Sir Sage hasn’t given his answer yet.

Riquet: Ah. I’m sorry.

Akira: No...... I understand. We’ll take on the role.

Mitile & Riquet: Sir Sage!

Lennox: Sir Sage, are you sure about this?

Akira: Yes......
I believe that if the Sage’s wizards gain widespread recognition through this coronation ceremony, your reputation will make things easier for you going forward.
Kind of like the nation’s idols......

Lennox: The nation’s idols....?

Akira: Take Oz and Mithra, for example...... Strong wizards are famous, but it tends to be for scary reasons.
If we could show people that we also have relatable wizards like Mitile and Riquet on our side......
More people might think of wizards as friends.

Gil: I expected nothing less of you, Sir Sage. I am floored by your thoughtful considerations.

Akira: But...... I don’t know anything about how to run a coronation ceremony. What if I get something wrong...

Murr: Not to worry.

Akira: Whoa....! You surprised me!

Gil: Are you...... Professor Murr Hart?

Murr: Indeed.

Gil: Why are you so small......?

Murr: Because I want my beloved Sir Sage to carry me around at his convenience. Isn’t it convenient to have such a travel-sized me?

Gil: I see......?

Murr: Sir Sage, do not fear. I will whisper the proper conduct in your ear during the ceremony.

Akira: Uh, are you sure this is going to work?

Murr: It will. Dear, kind Sir Sage. Thank you for thinking of us.
May this ceremony become a moment of glory for you and your wizards.

Moment of glory...... Will it really go that smoothly?
I think back to the party at Central Country, and how the Northern wizards came along and made a complete mess.

Akira: (Well, it seems like they’re fond of the Western magic headquarters, but...)

I raise one more request regarding the coronation ceremony.

Akira: Won’t you let us see Rustica?
Chloe has asked numerous times to see him, and yet we haven’t been allowed.
Even when we tried to find him from outside the window, we weren’t able to catch sight of him.
Where is Rustica? Why aren’t we allowed to see him?
Please let us see Rustica.

Gil: I understand. It’s not that we want to keep you from him.
But I hear that he is quite unwell.

Akira: Is that true? But that gives us all the more reason to......

Mitile: Then we should have Dr. Figaro take care of him. Why aren’t we allowed to see him?

Gil: .........
I understand.
Tomorrow is the day before the coronation ceremony. The new queen will host a reception for those she has invited to the ceremony.
Lord Rustica will be in attendance as well. So all of you are more than welcome to attend.

Akira: All right. Thank you.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: ......Rustica......
Why aren’t you even in your room? I can sense Rustica’s presence here......
The floor is covered in feathers......
It’s like someone tore apart a pillow. Was someone fighting in here?
......Rustica.....

✦✧☾✧✦

I hear someone’s sorrowful voice.
If only I could be of help. But it looks like my voice won’t reach them.
The same sort of thing happened a long, long time ago.
I heard a whinny of a half-dead animal.
But upon closer examination, it was a person.

✦✧☾✧✦

(Flashback)

???: Aaaaaaaaah.....
Aaaahhhhhhh........
Why....!?
......Why.....!?
Why?! Why?!
Aaaaaah.....!
Aaaaahh....!
Take me back, take me back....!
Take me back, take me back, take me back.......!
Turn back the clock.....!

Murr: Regarding that wish of yours.
Since time immemorial, men have studied its viability.
And have reached the conclusion that it is impossible. Dear noble of Sapphire Castle, loved by the sun and the moon.
You poor thing. To be honored by the bizarre and ominous epithet of being loved by the moon......
The only person who would rejoice in such a name is myself.

Rustica: Aaaaaah....!
Aaaaah.....!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Still flashback)

Rustica: Aaaaagh.....!

✦✧☾✧✦

I wonder what happened to them.
I hope they’re happy.

Gil: Excuse me.

It looks like someone is visiting me.
Hello. Would you like a cup of tea?

Gil: .........

Oh my. He’s fallen silent. With such a bitter expression on his face. Perhaps he is not a fan of tea.
Give me a moment, please. I’ll see if there is anything else I can offer.
Lovely breeze tonight, don’t you think? I feel like I could fly anywhere in the world.

Gil: ...... Watch out....!

My, what a kind man.
Could you perhaps be my bride.....

Gil: ...... How in the world are we supposed to present this thing in public.........?

✦✧☾✧✦

Gregory: Sigh.... Another day with no leads.
Am I being too careful? Maybe I need to act more bold......
No, if I show myself in front of the current Liliana or General Barnett, they might try to kill me again.....

(Chirping)

Gregory: ......Hm?
I hear a bird crying.....
But it’s not the kind of bird that should cry at night.

(Chirping)

Gregory: Ah...... Here you are......
You should wake up. Someone’s going to step on you if you fall asleep in a place like this.

(Chirping)

Gregory: Are you hungry? Try eating this. It might fill your stomach.
Here you go.

(Chirping)

Gregory: Great! I’m glad you have an appetite. I’ll be on my way, then.....

(Plop)

Gregory: Ah...... You dropped it in the lake? You're a bit of a slow bird, aren’t you?

(Chirping)

Gregory: No worries, I’ll get you another one. Wait for me right here.

(Chirping)

Gregory: .......You kind of remind me of Liliana......

✦✧☾✧✦

Then, the night before the coronation ceremony......
The new queen hosts a reception at Messier Palace.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Sir Sage.

Akira: Arthur.

Arthur: Sir Sage, you look wonderful in that outfit.

Akira: You too, Arthur. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in that outfit. It’s as fitting as ever.
It’s all thanks to Chloe.

Chloe: I mean, I’m happy that you guys are wearing my outfits again too!
I hope Rustica will be able to wear his tomorrow. And Faust, and Nero too......

Arthur: Faust and Nero still haven’t fully recovered. And Rustica......
I really wonder what happened to him. When I spoke to General Barnett, it didn’t necessarily seem like he was trying to keep him from us.

Chloe: Maybe he’s sick... But then, I’d really want to take care of him all the more......

Akira: I asked Oz, and he said it did seem like he sensed Rustica’s presence from the tower.

Arthur: You spoke to Sir Oz?

Akira: Yes. What about you, Arthur?

Arthur: ......I think he’s avoiding me. I can tell that he’s watching over me, but......

Akira: ......I see. Rutile said something similar, that Mithra was avoiding him.

Arthur: I think it’s my fault that he’s avoiding me, but...
There’s no way for me to know unless he tells me.

Akira: (Oh...... He’s actually angry. That’s rare.....)

Arthur: If he thinks that I won’t understand even if he tells me, I think he ought to at least present me with an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings.

Akira: I agree...... I do think he still treasures you very much, Arthur, but.....

Drummond: Prince Arthur!

Arthur: ......Drummond..... And Cock Robin, too......!

Cock Robin: Prince Arthur! Sir Sage, I’m glad to see you’re doing well, too!

Akira: Mister Drummond! Mister Cock Robin!

Drummond: I caught wind of a rumor that you would be in charge of the coronation ceremony, Sir Sage!

Akira: I’m not in charge! I just got tasked with passing the scepter and crown onto the new queen!

Cock Robin: That’s the main event of the coronation ceremony! I’ll make sure to keep record of your magnificent contributions, Sir Sage!

Akira: Haha.... I’ll do my best.
(I guess I’m glad I took on the role if it makes them this happy.....)
(And everyone else seems to be enjoying their meal with relaxed expressions, too......)
(It’s been a while since we’ve all been in such a bright and pleasant atmosphere.....)
(.....Huh?)
(Where did Murr’s soul shard go? I thought I had it in my pocket.....)

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: It’s so pretty!

Riquet: It really is so pretty! I wonder if it’s ice or candy? Or maybe jelly?

Mitile: It kind of reminds me of a mana stone! Want to count down and eat it together?

Riquet: Yes!

Mitile & Riquet: 3, 2, 1...!
Nom!

Riquet: It’s delicious! It’s softer than I thought. Let’s have Nero try it, too.

Mitile: So that he can make it for us later?

Riquet: Hehe, exactly!

Mitile: It really was yummy. I wonder if this is what mana stones taste like.
I hope I can eat a real one someday......

Riquet: Huh?

Mitile: Ah......
Haha, it’s nothing.

✦✧☾✧✦

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

Shylock: Cheer up, Chloe. I’m sure we’ll get to see Rustica tomorrow.

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

Murr: Look, Chloe! They gave me so many jewels!

Chloe: That’s amazing, Murr. You must be loved by so many people here in the palace.

Shylock: He is a legendary figure in the history of Western Country, after all. And he has connections to the royal family.

Murr: Everyone loves me! And I love me, too!

Shylock: Yes.... I, too, will be a version of myself whom I can love.
I gathered Murr’s soul shards in hopes of meeting him again. I raised you with utmost effort and care....

Murr: We were always together!

Shylock: But by raising him, I may change Murr into someone who is no longer Murr. If that’s the case....
Then what are these beloved feelings I harbor for him? Is this narcissism? Or a grotesque desire to control?
Or am I simply chasing precious memories that will never return?

Murr: I dunno. I love you, Shylock!

Shylock: Thank you, Murr......
One of Murr’s soul shards once told me: this twisted creation......
Is my soul. A product of my own actions.
How ludicrous, futile, and absurd. I may never see the old Murr ever again.
Yet I....
I will not regret my own actions. For a Shylock who does not gather the shattered shards of your soul — that would not be me.
And a Shylock who does not love the imperfect, work-in-progress Murr — would also not be me.
So long as I continue to be myself, I will meddle with your soul.

Murr: I agree! What’s wrong with that?

Shylock: I don’t know... I don’t have an answer to that yet.

Murr: Then smile! I love it when you smile, Shylock!

Shylock: .........
Yes, Murr.
I’m sorry for saying such terrible things to you.....

Murr: No problem! I love it when you’re weary too!

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

Chloe: That’s right..... We’re Western wizards, after all.
I refuse to be bound by unease and anxiety! If I’m going to be ensnared, I’d rather be trapped by love, or happiness, or something fun!
I wouldn’t mind if something like that took control of my soul. Because I’d love it!
Because I love every second of happiness. Moments that I spend having fun, loving something, or thinking about how much I love something!

Murr: Now that’s a maxim, Chloe!

Shylock: I agree.

Chloe: Right! I just think that we all met so that we could attain happiness.
So — even if we trip up and make mistakes along the way — we need to live in order to become happier than we were yesterday.

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20.10 The Monarch’s Regalia in the Girl’s Hands

Lady: My, you’re such cute little twins! Would you like a cookie?

Snow: Ye~s, please.

White: Could you get some for me, nice lady?

Snow: Omnom.... Western parties are so flashy and fun! Everyone here is so interesting!

White: Agreed! And they brought our portrait to the party, so we get to enjoy it too!

Snow: Turns out nobody really bats an eye when we escape from the frame! ..... Look, it’s Gregory!

Gregory: ..........

White: You’re right! It’s Gregory!

Gregory: ............

Snow: Is he pretending to be a bird?

White: Thanks for getting along with Sakitty!

Gregory: .....Please do not speak to me so audibly. I can’t have someone blowing my cover......

Lady: Oh my! Did this bird just speak? Little twins, did you hear it too?

Snow & White: Maybe we did......

Gregory: Kuh......

Lady: ..............

Gregory: Chirp....... Chirp.........

Lady: I guess it was just a bird after all!

Snow & White: Guess so!

Gregory: Chirpppp.......

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: And then, Heath said: Do you desire rewards from anyone other than myself?

Rutile: Oh my god!! Heath is so cool!

Figaro: Impressive.

Heathcliff: Shino, please stop. How many people are you going to tell......

Cain: Looks like everyone’s been through it.

Lennox: That goes for you too, Cain.

Cain: Not at all...... I’ve only wasted my time overthinking things and losing my way.

Murr: But that’s an achievement.

Cain: Murr? Huh?

Figaro: Ah...... I guess Sir Sage dropped the purple sapphire shard.

Murr: When he spilled his drink and took out his handkerchief.

Cain: What do you mean, an achievement?

Murr: I’m talking about losing your way.
You questioned the path you were on because you were not affixed to one specific set of values; rather, you chose to expand your horizons and embrace new information.

Cain: .......

Murr: It means you have an earnest perception, which causes you to question the strengths and drawbacks of different approaches. You have the magnanimity to consider a new worldview that you have allowed into your heart.
It’s proof that you are genuine, brilliant, disciplined, and fair to others. There’s no higher praise I could give.

Cain: Ah......

Murr: Who else here lost their way?

Rutile: I did.....

Shino: .....Me too.

Heathcliff: I’m always lost......

Murr: How about you?

Lennox: Not really.....

Figaro: Well, that’s no surprise coming from you.

Murr: And you?

Figaro: And who?

Murr: Pardon me. I would appreciate your insight as well, esteemed Figaro.

Figaro: Ah. Well, I guess I get pretty lost.

Murr: Fantastic. Please offer yourselves a round of applause.

(Clapping)

Heathcliff: Haha, but all we did was get lost.

Rutile: But this feels good.

Cain: Agreed......

Murr: Your heart will remain at ease if you refuse to think and allow your mind to rush to extreme and absolute conclusions time and time again. For it means you will not sway from left to right and back again.
Allowing your heart to sway and wander is not a sign of weakness.
At times, you need to make a decision. But the time you spend struggling and feeling lost is neither unnecessary nor wasteful.
You are letting your world grow, just as the universe continues to expand.

Cain: .....Letting your world grow.....

Murr: That’s right.
Acknowledgement of a new world alone does not necessarily entail pain. But you went further and tried to accept it, due to your magnanimity and adventurous spirit.
It doesn’t matter that you couldn’t commit to it in the end.
For it allowed you to learn about yourself, and about worlds and people formerly unknown to you.

Cain: ......You might be right.
I felt pathetic, like I did something unnecessary and weird, but..... I feel better after hearing your words.

Murr: There’s no reason for you to be embarrassed. Your courage is worthy of praise.
Cheers to your spirit of adventure!

Cain: Cheers!

Rutile: This Mister Murr sounds like a philosopher!

Heathcliff: He’s also quite kind, gentlemanly, and cool.......

Shino: It’s easy to understand what he’s saying. Kind of a huge difference from the usual Murr.

Figaro: Hmph..... Must be nice when gap moe wins you so much popularity.

Lennox: Dr. Figaro.....

Murr: There’s a reason you’re not loved, Figaro.

Figaro: Silence, brat.

Rutile: Dr. Figaro?

Figaro: Ah, looks like I’m a liiiittle tipsy.....

Murr: I apologize. That was a poor choice of words. This is what I wanted to say.
Your role in the history of mankind is that of a governing body. And no one loves a politician.

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

Murr: For the purpose of any government is to serve a community at large, not an individual.
Within your community, individuals will attain anywhere from 50% to 80% of their potential happiness, at best.
But individuals yearn for 100% happiness, and favor those who will give them 90% happiness.
That’s why nobody loves you. Though perhaps at times you may be revered with fervent passion.

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

Murr: Yet in this world where many species, including humans and wizards, coexist.......
No species has faced a tragic extinction. Each manages to flourish in peace.
That’s all thanks to you.

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

Murr: Thank you for protecting this beautiful world.

Figaro: ........ Hmph.....
Fine. I’ll forgive you.

Murr: I’m glad you seem to be happy, Sir Figaro.

Lennox: If you go too far, he really will get mad.

Rutile: What do you mean, Dr. Figaro is a politician.....?
Did you perhaps lead a village somewhere?

Figaro: ...........
I’ll tell you everything another time.

Murr: Meanwhile, Shylock is your polar opposite. He’s the ultimate individualist.
He consistently offers every individual 100% happiness. That’s why he’s so popular.

Figaro: True.

Murr: Shylock tries to validate everything: each and every individual of differing birth and taste.
But in theory, there’s an inherent contradiction to such a way of life. In a society, if individuals harbor different values and different desires, it’s only natural for them to clash.
A community cannot exist in peace while supporting every single unique trait that its members represent.
But such conflicts never arise in Shylock’s presence. Why do you think that’s the case?

Shino: ........? Because they’re drinking?

Lennox: Shylock’s shop has a great atmosphere. Maybe because it makes you feel like you want to come again?

Cain: That’s it. It’s because everyone loves Shylock.

Murr: Exactly.
Even if Shylock’s guests find themselves in disagreement with each other, they want to act like behaved gentlemen in front of Shylock.
He has provided us with an example of a community that exists in harmony through the power of affection.

Shino: Fascinating.

Murr: I agree. Fascination and affection create a disciplined social order; a natural form of peace.
Even though they too may lose their ways, politicians and masters of bars each have their own methods of protecting the world they love.
Don’t forget that. You feel at a loss because you’ve directed your interest towards something new.
Because you’ve turned a favorable eye at a different set of values, and tried to be accepting of them.
And that’s wonderful. Because it means you know....
That the doors to a new world are wide open right next to you. It means you can go anywhere.
So please, be proud of yourselves.

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: ...........
Hmph. Now you look like your usual self.

Mithra: What was that?

Owen: Nothing. Hey, that’s mine..

Oz: ........

Mithra: Oz. What are you doing here?
You should be with the others, over there.

Oz: I will stay here.

Mithra: And I will too. Don’t get in the way of my meal.

Oz: ............ Don’t eat like a beast. You should remove the hard parts....

Mithra: Ha? Shut up.

Owen: Mithra. Your mouth is full of blood.

Bradley: Omnom.... Beast.....
Oh yeah. Eva mentioned that some beast was revived.
Something about staying away from Western Country. What was that all about?

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Nova........
Hey, Nova. Did nobody ever teach you about restraint?

Nova: You’re the last person I’d expect to hear that from.

Murr: You ran off with my research. What in the world are you up to?
That research concerns a project that I had scrapped. You need to handle it with the greatest caution. The slightest mishap could give way to the worst case scenario.

Nova: And that’s fine.
This world is doomed to end anyway.

(Nova disappears)

Murr: Ah, hey.....
Goodness. What a naughty child.

✦✧☾✧✦

Nova: .............
Not enough..........
Did it escape somewhere.......

✦✧☾✧✦

The next day......
The coronation ceremony for the new queen of Western Country, Her Majesty Liliana, is held.

Akira: I’m so nervous......

Murr: You can do it. Relax.

Chloe: ........Ah......!
Rustica! It’s Rustica!

Hearing Chloe’s cheery voice, I spin around.
I can finally see Rustica again. That thought alone brings a smile to my face.
I watch Chloe as he darts off.....
Towards Rustica, dressed in his formal white attire.

Chloe: Rustica! I’m so glad you’re safe!

Rustica smiles and offers Chloe his right hand.

Rustica: Hello.....

Rustica blinks, with a mystified look on his face. His smile disappears.
Chloe’s eyes widen.
Because the right arm that Rustica offered does not have a hand.

Akira: ...........!

I’m lost for words.
To be precise, it’s not that his hand disappeared.
Rather, it has transformed into a mass of soft, white feathers, which flutter to the ground.
Chloe rushes to gather the spilling white feathers in both his arms.
He must be panicked — in a frenzy, he pushes them against Rustica’s arm.
After a moment, the feathers reform into Rustica’s palm again.
But then the left half of Rustica’s gentle, refined face begins to crumble into feathers.

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

Chloe desperately tries to support Rustica. Each time Rustica looks like he’s about to fall apart into a pile of feathers, he rushes to press his hands against the collapsing part of his body.
Strangely enough, his touch manages to halt the collapse.

Chloe: What’s wrong, Rustica? Did someone cast an evil spell on you....?

Chloe’s face is pale. He’s trying to suppress a scream of horror.
Rustica watches Chloe with kind eyes.

Rustica: ....An evil spell?

Chloe: Za.....
.....Rustica.... Do you know who I am? Do you know me?

Rustica gazes at Chloe. He brings his finger to his smiling lips and tilts his head.
Chloe watches Rustica, teary eyes filled with a prayer.

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

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

Tears spill from his lavender eyes. Rustica smiles, his shoulders rocking back and forth.
That’s when his legs turn into feathers.
As the white feathers scatter and dance about the hall, Rustica’s body begins to topple over.

Rustica: Haha..... You’re the boy who said he’d come with me.

Chloe: Rustica, Rustica......!

Rustica: Huh.....? I can’t stand......
..............!

Bradley supports Rustica’s toppling torso on the brink of collapse.
He’s also at a loss for words, and turns to me as if asking, "What happened?"
I can only shake my head in reply.
Chloe is on the floor, frantically gathering the feathers that made up Rustica’s legs.
Like a doll crafted by Chloe’s magic fingertips, Rustica’s body revives over and over again.

Rustica: I’m sorry, Chloe. It looks like I couldn’t get up on my own again.

Chloe: ......Who did this..... Who did this to you....!?
I’ll beat them up....! .....I won’t forgive them.....! I’ll never forgive them!

Bradley: Calm down, Western tiny.

Chloe: But......!

Bradley: I’ll help you kick some ass when the time comes. But we need to help Mr. Bridegroom right now.

Rustica: I’m all right, Bradley.

Rustica responds with his usual smile.
Then, he looks at me.
He smiles amidst the feathers swirling around us.

Rustica: I’m looking forward to seeing you play such an important role in the coronation ceremony, Sir Sage.

Rustica’s collapse is subdued ever-so slightly.
Chloe hugs him with all his might.
As he clings to Rustica and tears spill from his eyes, Chloe mumbles in confusion.

Chloe: .....You’re so light.... Like you weigh nothing at all.....

Before I know it, many, many people have gathered around us.
The Sage’s wizards. Faust and Nero, who haven’t left their rooms in ages, are also there.
But nobody can figure out what’s going on. Snow, White, Figaro — even Shylock.

Rustica: I’m all right. It’s almost time, isn’t it?
Let us attend the ceremony — Sir Sage, Chloe.

Rustica stands with his own legs and takes Chloe’s hand, guiding him forward.
As if what we all just witnessed were an illusion.

✦✧☾✧✦

[♪ Skin-Deep Comedy ♪]

Hushed silence falls over the gilded opulence and grandeur of the coronation hall.
Amongst those in attendance are representative figures of Western Country, as well as important personages of all the different countries, each one wearing a grave expression.
The room feels charged with authority and prestige.
In the midst of it all stands a young girl barely any older than Arthur.
The new Queen Liliana.
And myself, known to all as the Sage who came from another world.

Akira: Your Majesty, Queen Liliana.
I present to you the most precious treasures of the Western Country’s royal family:this imperial crown and scepter.
Take these esteemed regalia in thy hand, and ascend upon the throne; forget not the grace and dignity that is to be paid to your throne and your people as their queen and sovereign.
By the glory bestowed unto you by the heavens, I charge you to reign with the wisdom, mercy and benevolence.

I nervously place the crown on Queen Liliana’s head, trying to keep my hands the steadiest they’ve ever been in my life.
Once the crown sits atop her head, I present the scepter.

Akira: (So this is the cursed scepter.......)

I steal a glance at Oz: there’s no way he wouldn’t notice if it was truly cursed.
But Oz shows no reaction. The same goes for the twins, Figaro, and Shylock. Even Faust, for all his familiarity with curses, remains silent.
Feeling uncertain, I recite my speech the way Murr’s soul shard whispered it into my ear.

Akira: In this moment, Queen Liliana has become the ruler of the blessedly divine Western Country.
Blessings be upon you from all the Sage’s wizards.

Snow & White: May Her Majesty and Western Country be blessed forevermore.
<< Noscomnia >>

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Owen: << Cure Memini >>

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

Shylock: << Invibelle >>

Murr: << Eanul Rambul >>

Chloe: << Suispicibo Voitengok >>

Rustica: << Amorest Viesse >>

Faust: << Satillquinart Mullcreed >>

Shino: << Matztzāh Sudipas >>

Heathcliff: << Repsevaivulp Sonus >>

Nero: << Adnodus Omnis >>

Figaro: << Possideo >>

Rutile: << Alltinic Setomaouge >>

Lennox: << Forsettao Meiuva >>

Mitile: << Alltinic Sealsispilce >>

Oz: << Vox Nox >>

Arthur: << Pernoctant Nixzo >>

Cain: << Gladius Procella >>

Riquet: << Sunrotea Edif >>

From her throne, Queen Liliana accepts the proffered blessings with downcast eyes and a demure expression. At the end of the litany, she lifts her gaze again.

Akira: I call upon you to swear your oath.

Liliana: Yes, Sir Sage.

Queen Liliana gracefully rises from the throne, taking her scepter in hand.
She turns to the assembled crowd, her smile serene and reassuring with the unspoken vow of living up their expectations of their new queen.
Her smile wavers for a moment as her gaze falls on Rustica, who sways and stumbles, on the verge of falling over.
Chloe frantically supports Rustica by the shoulder as it starts disintegrating into a swirling rain of falling feathers.
Queen Liliana tears her gaze away from them, taking a deep breath to steel herself.

Liliana: O, my dear people. In accordance with the sacred ceremonial rites, I, Liliana, stand before you as the newly crowned queen of Western Country.
Henceforth, I am no longer the princess of Cortese, but swear to uphold my duty as queen to each and every person in this country.
With the advancement of our magical technology, Western Country has come into possession of great wealth and fortune.
But unless wealth is rooted in justice and equity, we cannot claim to have achieved true prosperity.
My wish is to reduce the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, to spread the beauty of art and culture, and to foster the happiness of our people.
I know that the sudden demise of the former King has left chaos and uncertainty in many of your hearts, but I shall become this kingdom’s beacon of light and hope.
Hear me, my people. I have every faith that our country will be the one to stand at the very heart of this continent.

Commotion ripples through the hall at the conviction in her words.
However, it is drowned out by the unspoken acclamation that follows, the eruption of a silent fanfare.
The people of Western Country look delighted, pride and hope shining in their eyes.
They look at their new queen as if gazing upon the sun.

Liliana: With Western Country’s hallowed traditions and scientific advancements in tandem, I look forward to working with the Magical Technology Corps.......
Alongside the saviors of our world, the Sage’s wizards — together, we shall expand the reach of Western Country.
Though we might live in troubled times, I urge all of you: do not lose hope. Through our unity and cooperation, I believe we can usher in the dawn of a new era hand-in-hand.

Finishing her speech, Queen Liliana proffers her courtesy to the congregation.
The next moment, there is an eruption of thunderous applause and cheering.

Audience: Long live Queen Liliana!

Audience: Long live the Queen!

back to top

Chapter 19 << | index | >> Chapter 21