Etude of the Mischievous Mask | Chapter 1

[healingbonds]

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Akira: The weather’s nice today, so I guess I’ll clean my room.
There are a lot more things in here compared to when I first moved into the magic headquarters... Ah... This....

(Knock knock)

Chloe: Sir Sage, are you here?

Akira: Chloe. Yes, I am. Come on in.

(Door opens)

Chloe: Sir Sage, what were you doing? Ah... That mask in your hands. Is it from back then...?

Akira: Yes. It’s the mask from when I headed out to your first practice — with the Western wizards.

Chloe: What a throwback... Back then, we had just arrived at the magic headquarters, right?



I trace the elegant masquerade mask with my fingertips and reach back into my memory.
To the time of the Western wizards’ first practice mission....

✦✧☾✧✦

Now that 21 wizards are going to be living in the magic headquarters together, the place is bustling with move-in preparations.

Rutile: Heave-ho... It’s going to be a lot of work to bring everything from home. I guess we should buy the rest at the Central marketplace.

Mitile: Do we have enough money?

Figaro: Apparently Central Country has provided us with allowance to cover the costs, so we’ll be fine.

Lennox: Mitile, where do you want me to put this?

Mitile: Ah! This way, please!

Some wizards looked like they were enjoying move-in; others, less so. But Chloe looked the most restless of them all.

Chloe: .....

Akira: Huh? What’s wrong, Chloe? Do you need to speak to the Southern wizards?

Chloe: S-Sir Sage. No, no, it’s nothing! I was just passing by!

Akira: Is that so...? Please let me know if you’re confused about anything. Though I’m confused about a lot of things, too.

Chloe: Ahaha! Got it, thanks, Sir Sage! See you later!

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: Rustica, Rustica! The Southern wizards are going out shopping. Maybe we should go too?
We've been traveling all this time, so we don't own much. I wonder what everyone’s going to be putting in their rooms? Do you think we’re missing stuff?

Rustica: Yaawn... Chloe, you should do as you please.

Chloe: Rustica, you slept in till noon again, didn't you? Geez. The Central wizards were up first thing in the morning, you know?
You need to pull yourself together, or else someone will yell at....

Shylock: Yaaawn.... Good morning.

Chloe: G-good morning, Shylock. Were you up late?

Shylock: No, I'm always like this. I'm nocturnal, so this is what’s normal for me. Have a nice day, Chloe.

Chloe: Thanks!

(Footsteps)

Chloe: .....Shylock is so cool. Somehow he doesn't look sloppy even if he wakes up late. I want to get to know him; we're both Western wizards, after all!
But he's so grown-up, so maybe it’ll be difficult.... I did play with Murr the other day! He's weird and fun. Though he can be surprising at times.
I should've tried talking to the Southern wizards, too.... they seem kind of nice, and I like that about them!
But I didn't want to get in their way, since they all seem to know each other. I'm jealous of how everyone in the South knows each other.
Hey, Rustica, are you listening?

Rustica: Yaaawn... I am.

Chloe: Don't lie. Your eyes are half closed!

Rustica: You're very talkative today. Did lots of fun things happen to you? Or do you have a feeling fun things will happen?

Chloe: That's not it... I've never been around so many other wizards for so long. Except for with you, Rustica.
That's why I want to get along with everyone. And that’s why I can't sit still.

Rustica: Why?

Chloe: What do you mean, why? Why I want to get along with everyone? Or why I can't sit still?

Rustica: Both, I guess?

Chloe: Hmm... I want to get along with everyone because I want lots of wizard friends. Because everyone's so lovely.
I'm restless because... I'm not confident in my ability to make friends.
I might be bothering them if I talk to them when they're busy.... I don't want to do something weird, and make them hate me....

Rustica: I won't hate you if you do something weird, Chloe. I might wonder, why is he doing something weird, and then start doing weird things myself for fun, though.

Chloe: I wouldn't do anything weirder than you, Rustica.....

Rustica: Chloe, you'll make friends in no time. You're sweet and kind; you're a great conversationalist, and you're good at sewing.

Chloe: That's what you say, Rustica, but...

Rustica: When you smile, the room grows brighter. Like the birds chirping in the morning; like the color of a flower swaying in the wind—you're someone who brings happiness to those around you, Chloe.
When someone like that is by your side, of course you'd be happy. So be confident and smile. I'm happy right now, Chloe.

Chloe: Rustica....

Rustica: Plus, you make me tea first thing in the morning.

Chloe: Geez, you're so good at getting me to do things! Fine. I'll brew you some delicious tea from these leaves.

Rustica: Thank you.

Chloe: Even delicious tea takes time to brew, after all. Don't sweat it; I can make friends one step at a time.
I’ll say hello to them every day, and chat with them bit by bit, and then they'll remember my face and my name... I won’t sweat it, I’ll just get to know them.
Ah, I'm so excited. I can’t wait to talk to everyone lots and lots!

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