Etude of the Mischievous Mask | Chapter 4

[healingbonds]

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Chloe: Ahh, that was fun!

Murr: It was!

Chloe: It felt like school! Even though I've never been to school. Murr, you're a scholar, so did you go to school?

Murr: I made one! But it fell apart so fast!

Chloe: Wh-why? ...But I'm jealous. School, huh....

Murr: Ah, it's Sir Sage!

Chloe: Huh... He's carrying a lot of papers....

Akira: Chloe, Murr! .... Ah, whoops....

Chloe: Ah, I'll hold some! What's with all this paper?

Akira: These are all jobs that have been sent to the magic headquarters. It looks like there’s trouble all over the world....
But I can’t read the characters on these reports, so I was going to consult Mister Cock Robin about it. Chloe, have you gotten used to living here?

Chloe: Yup! I joined Southern Country’s training lessons today.

Akira: I see. I'm glad. Nero was worried about you.
He asked me to check in; he said you came to help him in the morning, but he refused, so he wanted to make sure you didn't feel bad about it.

Chloe: Nero...... He's super nice.......

Akira: Everyone here is kind, right? They can be clumsy about it, but they all do care for each other.

Chloe: What about you, Sir Sage? Do you need help with anything?

Akira: I’m all right! There are a lot of things that surprise me, but everyone helps me out.

Chloe: I’m glad.

Akira: How about you and Murr?

Murr: Chloe wants to do school.

Akira: School?

Chloe: Ah... I just wanted to train and have lessons with the Western wizards.

Akira: That sounds like a good idea! Why don’t we ask Shylock? I’m sure he’s in the bar right now, getting ready for work.
Once I’ve put these papers away, let’s go see him!

✦✧☾✧✦

After putting away the papers, Chloe, Murr, and I head over to the bar in the magic headquarters.
Chloe is a little nervous, but his violet eyes glitter as if he's looking forward to something.
Chloe is like a student on the first day of classes; he's anxious, but he dreams of the happy days that await him.
He's restless because he’s worried that he won't fit in, but he's also excited about all the lovely events and wondrous surprises that lie ahead.
I want to make Chloe’s wish come true. Because I, too, feel the same way — in a new classroom, in a new town.

Murr: Here we are! Coming in!

Chloe: Wait! Let me think of what to say first—.

(Door opens)

Murr: Shylock~.

Chloe: Hawawa....

✦✧☾✧✦

There are two wizards at the bar. It’s Shylock, on the far side of the counter, and Rustica, sitting at a counter seat.
They turn around and smile at us simultaneously.

Rustica: Good morning, Chloe, Murr. You too, Sir Sage.

Akira: Good morning. The tea looks delicious.

Shylock carefully pours black tea into the cup before Rustica’s eyes. He laughs, jokingly.

Shylock: This place is currently a cafe. He begged me to make some morning tea; he's very good at getting you to do things for him.

Rustica: He chose such perfect leaves that I thought he was my bride for a moment. I ended up getting trapped in a teapot, though.

Chloe: You did it again, Rustica...? Sorry about that, Shylock.

Shylock: It was quite the thrilling and entertaining experience. Though I must say, being a bird in a cage doesn't suit my style. Chloe, were you looking for Rustica?

Chloe: No, um... I wanted to ask you a favor, Shylock.

Chloe stands up straight and replies in a serious tone. Shylock smiles gently.

Shylock: My, people really want my assistance today. If it's more difficult than pouring morning tea, I'd gladly be of service.

Chloe: W-wait, you'll accept if it's difficult?

Shylock: I love being asked to do things. Especially if it's by an adorable tailor wizard.
Go on.

Chloe: I... I want to do magic training. I heard you were supposed to be our teacher, Shylock, so I wanted you to teach me about magic....

Shylock: Oh, that’s all? I'd be glad to teach you anything you don't know.

Chloe: Um, I want to do it like a school. Mr. Figaro holds lessons for Southern Country, and it’s like sitting in class....

Chloe says shyly. Shylock tilts his head in curiosity.

Shylock: So you mean you'd like to play a role and undergo a simulated experience? Such as a forbidden date between a noble lady and her servant?

Chloe: ....A forbidden date between a noble lady and her servant...?

Rustica: What a tragic theme.

Murr: Shylock, I don’t think Chloe is ready for that one.

Shylock: Ah. Right, you said teacher and student. What does the role of a teacher require? I've never been to school, you see.

Murr: Yeah, back when I did school, all my students were old grandpas!

Rustica: How about private tutors? I once met a lady who was a private tutor.

Shylock: I think I can manage that. Chloe, would you like to be a noble's son?

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