Mitile | The Day the Flower Will Blossom

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Note: While we do substitute other honorifics as usual, the one exception here is that Mitile still calls Rutile "nii-sama"—we didn’t love either option of "big brother," or Mitile just calling him by name.

CHAPTER 1

Mitile: Um, I have to focus my attention, and....

Figaro: That’s right. Give it a try.

Akira: (Ah... It’s the Southern wizards. Looks like Mitile is practicing magic.)

Rutile: Dr. Figaro. Isn’t it still a bit too difficult for Mitile to make a carriage float in air?

Figaro: I’d agree, but Mitile said he wanted to give it a go.

Lennox: Rutile, you pulled it off when you were around his age. I’m sure Mitile can do it as well. You’ve got this, Mitile.

Rutile: Do your best!

Mitile: ....Yes!

Figaro: Now now, stay focused.

Mitile: Yes! Focus, focus.....

(Clatter)

Akira: (Ah...! The back wheels floated into the air.)

I can’t help but....


Option: Cheer.

Akira: You can do it, Mitile!

Mitile: ....!

Upon hearing my voice, Mitile’s nervous cheeks turn bright red.
More determined than ever, he purses his lips and closes his eyes.


Option: Holds my hands together as if in prayer.

Akira: (You can do it, Mitile!)

Mitile keeps staring intently at the carriage.
I’m captivated by the sharp, serious, and unwavering light in his childlike eyes.
It’s different from the usual, sweet Mitile. There’s a fierceness to it that reminds me of a young warrior.

Akira: (He’s cool....)


Mitile: << Ortonik Sealsisplice >>

The moment Mitile utters his spell, the back wheels of the carriage begin to spin. They fall off the carriage and fly into the air.
The carriage tilts heavily backwards and crashes to the ground.

Mitile: Aah....

Figaro: Oh no. That’s too bad. I wonder if the carriage is okay.

Lennox: I’ll fix it up. Don’t worry about it, Mitile.

Mitile: ....Yes....

Rutile cheerfully encourages the disappointed Mitile.

Rutile: You’re getting there. Last time the carriage didn’t budge an inch; this time, the back wheels floated into the air.
It’s proof that you’re improving, Mitile. Let’s keep at it!

Mitile doesn’t smile and reply, "You’re right!"
He bites his lip and looks up at Rutile. His youthful eyes are full of disappointment and ambition, glaring like the sun.
Mitile nods solemnly.

Mitile: ...Yes. I’ll do my best.

Mitile is a Southern wizard. They’re kind, sociable, and love helping others; they’re peaceful and gentle, and live their lives just the way they are.
But Mitile is a little different. He’s cheerful and hard-working, just like his older brother Rutile, but....
A fierce passion like a fire spitting embers lies within him.


CHAPTER 2

Mitile: Sigh... I messed up, even though I finally convinced Dr. Figaro to teach me powerful magic.

Mitile sighs in the dining room. Riquet sits next to him and cheers him up with a smile.
Sitting at a distance, I listen to their conversation while reading the sage’s manual.

Riquet: I’m sure you’ll get there — so long as you pray for the good of the people, and continue your efforts purely and properly.

Mitile: Purely and properly....

Riquet: Here, I’ll peel this peach for you. The juice makes your fingers all messy, but I’ll pray that your magic improves while peeling it.

Mitile: You just want to eat it yourself, right, Riquet? You should use a knife. It’s a soft fruit so it dribbles easily.

Riquet: But if you peel it with your hands your fingertips get all sweet too.

Mitile: They’ll get all itchy. Geez... Riquet, I’m jealous of how laid back you are.

Riquet: Laid back?

Mitile: Because you have talent, Riquet. You started proper training after me, but I feel like you’re improving faster than me.

Riquet: It’s because I pray for the good fortune of others. Mitile, it might be because you live an impure life as a disciple of God.

Mitile: What do you mean, impure....

Riquet: For example, perhaps you give in to temptation?

Mitile: Temptation? I don’t skip practice. I haven’t done bad things either....

Riquet: How about giving in to delicious foods....?

Mitile: You’re the one who offered me a peach, Riquet.

Riquet: This isn’t a temptation because it’s not an impure food. I’m blessing it with a prayer for you, Mitile.

Mitile: Geez... You always come up with the most convenient rules, Riquet.

Riquet: ......
Fine then, I won’t give you any.

Mitile: And you get mad easily.....

Riquet: I’m not mad. Disciples of God don’t get angry.

Mitile: And I’m not impure.

Things aren’t looking too good. I approach them, pretending I don’t notice anything, hoping to calm things down.

Akira: Hello, you two. I was so engrossed in my book that I didn’t realize you were here.


CHAPTER 3

Akira: Hello, you two. I was so engrossed in my book that I didn’t realize you were here.

Mitile: Hello, Sir Sage.

Riquet: Hello.

Akira: I see you’re sharing a snack. I’m glad you two get along so well; it makes me happy.

Mitile and Riquet meet each others’ eyes and nod with smiles on their faces.

Mitile: Yes!

Riquet: We’re very close!

Akira: I thought so!

Riquet: I was praying for Mitile while peeling this peach, you see.

Mitile: Riquet is super kind. He was cheering me up because I was feeling down.

Akira: Were you feeling down because of the magic training earlier?

Mitile: Yes.... I can never do things the way nii-sama does. Sir Sage, do I not have any talent?

Akira: I don’t think that’s true....


Option: What does Rutile say?

Mitile: Nii-sama is kind of like.... Let’s take it slow~.

Akira: That sounds just like him.

Mitile: NNii-sama doesn’t understand how I feel. He was powerful to start with, and he learned directly from our mother, who was a great witch.
Ah... But I do appreciate how much he encourages me, though.


Option: What does Lennox say?

Mitile: Mister Lennox doesn’t say anything. Even if I ask him for advice, he’s just like, hmm.

Akira: Well, he’s a man of few words, after all.

Mitile: Also, one time he told me that magic is used with the heart, so my impatience is dragging me down.
He let me hug his sheep to calm down. It did make me feel peaceful.


Option: What do you think, Riquet?

Riquet: Me?

I ask Riquet, and Mitile’s shoulders stiffen nervously. He’s listening closely without looking at Riquet’s face.

Riquet: I’m still learning all sorts of things from Mitile and Rutile, so I can’t say. But Mitile is a good teacher.

Mitile: Riquet....

Mitile smiles, relieved. Riquet laughs innocently, but then adds...

Riquet: Oh, but the other day I cast a spell more skillfully than Mitile, even though it was my first attempt.

Mitile: .....

Mitile shrinks back slightly. Riquet doesn’t seem to notice.

Akira: (I see.... He thinks Riquet is going to catch up to him, so he feels the need to practice more.)

Bradley: It’s ‘cuz he sucks at teaching.

Bradley’s voice pops in out of nowhere.

(Footsteps)

He approaches us, grabs the peach, and digs right into it, skin and all.


CHAPTER 4

He approaches us, grabs the peach, and digs right into it, skin and all.
Riquet freezes up, and Mitile furrows his brows.

Riquet: My peach....

Mitile: Sucks at teaching? Don’t insult Dr. Figaro like that.

Bradley: It’s the truth. Plus, the guy’s doing it on purpose. That bastard’s trying to stunt your growth.

Mitile: ....No way....

Bradley: Isn’t that cruel? Even though you’re trying so hard to improve.

Bradley shrugs, and finishes the peach in no time. He sucks the juice off his fingertips.

Bradley: Hey, Southern shorty. If you’ve got the guts and determination to get better, I’ll personally train yo—.

Riquet: My peach....!

Before Bradley can finish his sentence, Riquet shoves him aside.

Bradley: Ouch, the hell was that for!?

Riquet: I was praying for Mitile — you’re the absolute worst, stealing my peach like that!

Bradley: Shut up! It doesn’t belong to anyone but the guy whose mouth it ends up in! If you’re gonna complain, I’ll take all the rest of these peaches too!

Riquet: No! Give them back!

Bradley: Hmph. You think a bandit’s gonna give back what he’s taken?

Riquet: ....Take this!

Bradley: Hey! Stop it! Put the damn pepper away!

(Pepper shaking sounds)

Riquet: There! There! There!

Bradley: Ah-choo!

(Poof)

Mitile: Ah...!

Because of his bizarre injury, Bradley disappears the moment he sneezes.
Riquet screams, with tears in his eyes.

Riquet: Ah.... The rest of the peaches for Mitile disappeared too! Oh no....

Mitile: Please don’t worry about it, Riquet. Your feelings are enough.

Riquet: But I wanted to eat them too....

Mitile: So you did want to eat them.... I’ll bring you some delicious fruit next time. The fruits from Southern Country are delicious, you know.

Mitile gently soothes the disappointed Riquet. My heart warms at the boys’ sweet friendship.

Akira: That’s right, Mitile. I’m taking notes in the sage’s manual on all the wizards here.

Mitile: You’re writing about us in the sage’s manual?


CHAPTER 5

Mitile: You’re writing about us in the sage’s manual?

Akira: Yes. Because I don’t know when I’ll return to my world....
I wanted to make sure that everyone would have an easier time after I was gone by taking notes on important matters in the sage’s manual.

Mitile: I see... I never thought about how we might have to say goodbye out of nowhere one day.....
That makes me sad... But it won’t be for a while, right?

Akira: Mitile... Yes. I’m sure it’ll take a long time.

Mitile: Yay! I’m sorry. That was childish of me.....

Akira: No, thank you! So could you tell me about yourself, Mitile?

Riquet: You should, Mitile. I spoke to Sir Sage as well. It was very fun.

Mitile: Got it. Then let’s talk in my room!

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: So this is your room, Mitile....


Option: What a lovely desk.

Mitile: Thank you! It’s the same desk I used at home.
The village carpenter taught nii-sama and I how to build it together.
It took a long time, but I really love this desk! See, we engraved the date and our names here....

Akira: You’re right! How nice... I want to try building one someday.

Mitile: I’ll help you out then!


Option: There are lots of jars.

Mitile: Yes! I keep all the magic potions I’ve made in them.

Akira: You always work so hard. I’m impressed. Huh...? Is this lead-like object also a potion?

Mitile: Ah... This is, um.... It’s a used bullet I picked up.

Akira: A bullet...?

Mitile: It was... Kind of cool....

Akira: (How boyish....)


Option: You keep plants in your room.

Mitile: Yes! They brighten up the room, and I hear good things happen when you take care of plants.

Akira: Good things?

Mitile: If you water them every day, watch their leaves grow, and wait for flowers to blossom....
You have more things to look forward to—it’s just like making new friends. That’s what they say.

Akira: Huh... That’s lovely. Maybe I’ll decorate my room with flowers too.

Mitile: Please do!


Mitile: Please make yourself comfortable. I’m a bit nervous, taking care of a guest all on my own....

Akira: Don’t take it too seriously. But I do feel like I’m visiting a student’s home.

Mitile: What do you mean?


CHAPTER 6

Mitile: What do you mean?

Akira: Ah... It was a common practice back in my world, where teachers would visit their students’ homes.

Mitile: We all come and go into other peoples’ homes in Southern Country too. To borrow spices and farm supplies.... nii-sama is also a teacher, but he pays visits to help others.

Akira: Everyone in Southern Country gets along so well.

Mitile: Yes. We trade eggs and vegetables and herbs all the time, and sometimes we get together for barbeques.
I like buying things with my allowance, but food tastes even more delicious when it’s a gift from somebody else!

Akira: That sounds like a lovely way of life. Can you give me a brief introduction, then?

Mitile: Yes. Mitile Flores. I was born in the Town of Clouds in Southern Country, and I’m 15 years old. My mother was the great witch Tiretta.

Mitile’s expression grows soft as he pulls out a small, framed portrait from his desk like a treasure.
A beautiful woman smiles within the frame. Her determined, bright smile reminds me of Rutile.

Mitile: This is a portrait of my mother. She passed away when I was born.
Apparently she knew what would happen, and that’s why she had someone paint this portrait of her before she gave birth to me — that’s what nii-sama told me.

Akira: Your mother is beautiful! Why won’t you put it on your desk?

Mitile blushes and looks away, scowling.

Mitile: I don’t want someone to see it and tease me about it. There are Northern wizards here too, after all.

Akira: Mitile, you really dislike the Northern wizards, don’t you. Did they do something to you...?

Mitile: I mean, not directly....

Mitile says, and trails off. I figure it’s better to avoid this question, and change the topic.

Akira: Can you tell me what you like and dislike, then? And what you’re good at and bad at?


CHAPTER 7

Akira: Can you tell me what you like and dislike, then? And what you’re good at and bad at?

Mitile: I like my hometown, my friends from my hometown, my family, and good wizards. I also like corn soup.
I dislike bad wizards. I’m good at.... I’m still working on it, but I’m studying up on magic potions.

Akira: Magic potions?

Mitile: Yes. You can brew all sorts of medicinal herbs to make potions that will help people out.
I hear there are a lot of wizards who become fortune tellers or sell medicinal herbs. I’m the second son, so I need to become independent one day.

Akira: You’re really thinking about your future!

Mitile: There are lots of wizards in the town I’m from, but there are some villages in the South that don’t have any wizards at all. I want to help out in places like that.
But I’ve never even gone on a journey alone, so... I think I might get lonely or scared.

Mitile blushes and smiles.

Mitile: I’m bad at... magic, I guess.... My magic isn’t as powerful as nii-sama’s. Maybe that’s why Dr. Figaro won’t put any passion into teaching me.

I recall what happened during practice earlier. Mitile looked really disappointed when he couldn’t lift the carriage.
But I sensed an indomitable spirit and potential in how he refused to give up.

Akira: (Figaro adores Mitile. I don’t think he’s refusing to teach Mitile seriously because he improves slowly....)
("He sucks at teaching" — I wonder what Bradley meant by that.)
I can’t use magic, so your magic looks impressive to me, Mitile. Maybe you’re a late bloomer?

Mitile: Late bloomer?

Akira: It means your talent takes time to blossom. I’m sure there are all sorts of wizards, just as there are all kinds of people.

Mitile: You’re right... I hope that’s the case.
Thank you, Sir Sage. I feel a little more confident now.

Mitile’s smile makes me smile too.


CHAPTER 8

Akira: But I think it’s also a matter of how compatible you are with the teaching style. I was bad at English, but then one of my teachers was really interesting. That’s how I came to like the subject.

Mitile: I-I don’t dislike Dr. Figaro, you know?

Akira: Ah, that’s not what I mean... Like, maybe you’d prefer a stricter teacher, rather than someone who teaches you kindly.
Mitile, you’re a passionate student, so maybe Figaro’s gentle teaching style feels a little lacking.

Mitile: That might be true... Dr. Figaro is laid back, after all.

Akira: Then how about you try switching teachers? Bradley seems like he’s keeping an eye out for you; plus, I think you two would be a pretty good match.

Mitile furrows his brows, troubled. It looks like he wants to nod, but at the same time he doesn’t want to nod at all.

Akira: I guess not...? You’d feel bad for Figaro....?

Mitile: I don’t think Dr. Figaro would mind. But....
Mister Bradley is a Northern wizard.

Akira: Y-yes.
(I mean, Figaro is also from the North....)

Mitile: If I learn from a Northern wizard, won’t I become like them?

Akira: Right, you said you didn’t like Northern wizards. Does that go for....


Option: Mithra too?

Mitile: I hate him. ...Keep it a secret from nii-sama, though.
I hear he knew Mother, but. He’s sloppy and haughty. Plus he acts all close with nii-sama.....
But I think he has a handsome face.

Akira: (He’s surprisingly weak to pretty faces....)


Option: Owen too?

Mitile: I could never get along with him! He’s mean and creepy and weird.
...But the Mister Owen I met the other day was weirdly easy to talk to....

Akira: Really?

Mitile: Yes. He was happy when I gave him some chocolate.

Akira: (That might’ve been Owen’s bizarre injury....)


Option: Snow and White?

Mitile: Well, if it’s Sir Snow and Sir White...

Akira: You don’t hate them?

Mitile: They’re Northern wizards, but they’re good to me. They teach me all sorts of things and give me candy.

Akira: They like young wizards, after all.

Mitile: ...Those two are an exception. I still hate Northern wizards!


Akira: But... I think there are things you can learn from the Northern wizards too.


CHAPTER 9

Akira: But... I think there are things you can learn from the Northern wizards too.
Oz is also from the North. But Arthur learned magic from him, and he doesn’t really seem like a Northern wizard.

Mitile: You’re right... I guess that’s fine, then.....

Akira: The Northern wizards are good in their own ways, too. I don’t want you to hate them too much....

Mitile: ......

Mitile makes a troubled face and falls silent.
He picks at his fingernails and mumbles.

Mitile: ...There was a period of time when I couldn’t leave my house.

Akira: You couldn’t leave your house...? Were you ill...?

Mitile: No.... I didn’t want to see anyone, and I couldn’t even go to school. It was only for half a year or so, but....

Akira: Why...?

Mitile: My father, nii-sama, and my neighbors had all taught me that wizards were wonderful beings. I’d heard that my mother in heaven was also a great witch.
But when I went shopping in an unfamiliar big city with nii-sama, I used magic to load a carriage.
And a man who saw me using magic screamed and shouted, it’s a wizard. There’s a wizard among us.

Akira: Ah....

Mitile: I was so surprised.... And everyone who had been kind to us before suddenly glared at us after hearing the man scream.
"A wizard? Did he steal something? Did he curse you? Did he go after your child?"
The atmosphere got scary as people clattered about. We turned this way and that, not knowing where to go until nii-sama carried me away on a horse.
I was so shocked.... I didn’t realize that people were scared of wizards and even hated us. And then I stopped wanting to go outside....
Even though nii-sama tried to convince me, and Mister Leno and Dr. Figaro came to cheer me up, I couldn’t go outside.
Because I was so scared, and so sad, that people in this world could loathe me like that.....

Akira: Mitile....

I was also shocked by Mitile’s story.
Of course you’d be terrified of people if that sort of thing happened while you were still young. It’s not like Mitile did anything wrong.

Mitile: But then Dr. Figaro told me this. "There are good wizards and bad wizards in this world..."
"And people who were treated badly by bad wizards misunderstood what wizards are like, and came to hate them all."
"So if you become a good wizard who helps lots of people, Mitile, I’m sure they’ll come to love wizards."
I was so relieved when I heard that.... Because it meant that wizards weren’t hated for no reason.
After that, I practiced meeting people bit by bit, and eventually I was able to attend school again.

Akira: I see....


CHAPTER 10

Mitile: That’s when I asked Dr. Figaro — what’s a bad wizard?
He told me it was guys like the Northern wizards.

Akira: (Figaro... Why are you digging your own grave....)

Mitile: And that’s why I don’t want to become like the Northern wizards.
Mister Bradley is an inmate, right? I know he takes care of me sometimes, but he’s still a bad wizard.

Akira: You might be right.... But just because someone’s a bad wizard, it doesn't mean everything they do is bad.

Mitile: ........

Akira: And just because someone is a good wizard, it doesn’t mean everything they do is good, either.
I think you should choose the path that will help you grow, Mitile.

Mitile: Sir Sage.... You’re right. I understand. I’ll try listening to them.

Akira: Yes. Please do.

Mitile: Sir Sage, can I show you my magic tool?

Akira: Please! I want to see!



Mitile bashfully shows me a beautiful, transparent jar.

Mitile: It’s this. I usually use it when I’m gathering medicinal herbs.

Akira: What a lovely jar.

Mitile: When I wasn’t going to school, the grown-ups in town and all my friends stuffed this jar full of candy and brought it to me.
They said, "let’s play again," and.... It made me so happy.... This glass jar is my treasure.
I want to become a wizard who can give people wonderful gifts like this.

My heart grows warm at Mitile’s smile.
This strange world might hurt Mitile at times, but it’s also overflowing with things that can make him happy.
I wish to become one of those things as well.