healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-05-24 07:40 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-05-24 07:40 pm
Entry tags:
Chloe | Dreams Shared With the Sewing Box
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
CHAPTER 1
Akira: The weather is so nice.....
Chloe: Ahaha!
Akira: Oh... The Western wizards are having tea in the yard. They look like they’re having fun. I should take a look.
Hello. Is this a tea party?
Chloe: Sir Sage! You should join us.
Rustica: Don’t be shy; here, have a cup of tea. We were all looking at Chloe’s sketchbook just now.
Chloe: R-Rustica! Don’t tell Sir Sage, I’m embarrassed.....
Shylock: It was full of lovely ideas. Apparently these outfits are based on animals.
Akira: That sounds lovely!
Murr: Look, look! Rustica is a goat, and Shylock is a peacock! I’m a cat!
Akira: Wow....! These are all unique and wonderful! Is there a design for Chloe?
Chloe: None for me! This kind of flashy outfit wouldn’t suit me!
Shylock: That’s not true. You’re very charming, Chloe.
Chloe: Really?
Rustica: Of course. What kind of animal would you be? How about a puppy?
Murr: How about a mouse! You’ll get eaten by me!
Chloe: Ahaha! Stop it~!
Chloe is a cheerful young man. He loves chatting, and he’s great at creating things. He wants to be a tailor one day.
Just as Shylock said, Chloe’s expressions are all charming. He’s always leaping back and forth between expressions, spinning around from one to another.
Sometimes he’ll get nervous; other times, he’ll be embarrassed — then he’ll smile, and then he’ll shrug his shoulders in sadness. He’ll panic, and he’ll get mad. He’s always busy.
CHAPTER 2
Chloe always seems so natural that he makes me feel like I’m watching the main character of a story, and I empathize with him.
Akira: (We’ve only just met, but strangely enough, he makes you feel like you’ve been friends for a very long time....)
(I want to know more about Chloe.)
Chloe. If you don’t mind, could you tell me about yourself after the tea party is over?
Chloe: About me?
Akira: Yes. I’m currently taking notes in the sage’s manual on all the wizards here.
So that everyone will have an easier time transitioning after I return to my world. Could we chat?
It can be about what you’re good at, what you’re bad at, what you don’t want to do — anything at all!
Chloe: Got it! Then can you come to my room later? I’ll clean it up and wait for you there.
Akira: Yes, thank you.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: So this is your room, Chloe....
Option: It looks like a room for sewing!
Chloe: Ehehe. I finally got my own room, so I decorated it completely to my liking!
I’m having so much fun making all sorts of things!
Option: That’s a lovely sewing machine!
Chloe: Isn’t it nice! I found it while we were traveling Western Country!
I really wanted it, but we were traveling, so.
I decided I’d buy it if it was still there when I visited again.
But when I went to check it out, apparently someone had purchased it right before I got there, and it was gone....
Akira: Oh no!? What happened?
Chloe: Ehehe... It turns out the person who bought it was Rustica. He gave it to me as a gift!
Option: That’s a lovely shirt!
Chloe: Really!? This is what I’m working on right now!
It was supposed to be for personal use, but it might be nice to make matching designs for all of Western Country!
Chloe: This room is so sunny, I love it! Thank you for preparing such a lovely room for me, Sir Sage!
Ever since I met Rustica, I’ve mostly been traveling, so I’m really happy to have my own room!
CHAPTER 3
Akira: Oh, right. You and Rustica have been traveling the world all this time.
Chloe: Yeah! We visited all sorts of places. We even went to an island on the far end of Western Country. We got caught up in a storm and wound up on a deserted island — it was rough.
Akira: Wow, you’ve experienced so much! Chloe, during all your travels with Rustica....
Option: What was the most fun experience you had?
Chloe: It might’ve been a festival in a remote region of Western Country? They decorated the trees all around town with candy. It looked like a candy forest!
And then everyone dressed up like a wizard. We joined them, making sure nobody found out that we were real wizards.
It was fun; it felt like everyone was my friend!
Option: What was the happiest experience you had?
Chloe: Hmm, I can think of a lot, but....
It might’ve been making a debutante dress for the daughter of a rich merchant.
Akira: You made something like that, Chloe? That’s amazing!
Chloe: Ehehe... I made it as a thank-you for offering us a room on a stormy night. She said the dress she was planning to wear got all soiled, so.
She really loved it; I was so happy.
Akira: That sounds wonderful. Isn’t living in the magic headquarters a little boring after traveling for all this time?
Chloe: Not at all! I’ve never lived with anyone besides my family, and everyone here is so much fun!
I’m especially happy I get to speak with people my age. Arthur and Heathcliff are from respectable families, so I was nervous around them at first, but they’re really easy to talk to.
I was also scared of Shino, because he seemed kind of standoffish, but when I talked to him he turned out to be a good guy — kind of like a little brother. Mitile and Riquet are also good boys....
Ah, I’m sorry! I just kept talking! Where should I start — what do you want to know about me?
CHAPTER 4
Akira: Please give me a brief introduction!
Chloe: Got it! My name is Chloe Collins. I’m 20 years old. I’m from the Foaming City in Western Country.
Akira: Twenty years old.... That means you’re...
Option: The same age as Rutile!
Chloe: That’s right! That’s why I get along pretty well with Rutile. He’s so cheerful and fun!
He has such a pretty face that I thought he might be kind of delicate, but then he gets on his broom and races with hawks!
We talked about dyeing some clothes with vegetable dye next time.
Option: Older than Heathcliff!
Chloe: Yeah! Heathcliff is mature, so I was a little nervous around him at first, but....
His shy and modest personality makes me want to protect him — I think he’s cute, like a little brother.
Plus, he’s extremely beautiful, so making him all sorts of clothes feels really rewarding! It’s exciting!
Option: Younger than Cain!
Chloe: Yup, yup! Cain is so cool; he really seems like an older brother!
I mean, Rustica is older than me too, but he can be a bit of an airhead, so I’ve never been around someone like Cain!
He’s the former head of the knights at that age — he’s so cool.....
CHAPTER 5
Akira: What do you like and dislike, Chloe?
Chloe: I like sewing and fashion. I also like gratin. And talking to people. I also like bottles of perfumes and nail polish.
I dislike.... Loud, angry voices.... And.... It’s gotten better, but I used to be scared of women.
What I’m good at and bad at is being alone. I can handle it, and I’m used to it, but.... I actually can’t get used to it, and sometimes I can’t handle it.
Ahaha. That makes no sense. Was that an okay answer?
Chloe laughs with his brows turned downward. I nod. For some reason, I feel like my own wounds are being agitated.
I think it’s because I, too, have wounds that I want to laugh off.
Akira: Um... Why are you scared of women....? You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to.
Chloe: Ah, don’t look so worried! It really isn’t that serious now. How should I put it....
Chloe laughs helplessly as he opens and closes his hands.
Chloe: I... was bullied by my older sisters at home.
CHAPTER 6
Chloe: I... was bullied by my older sisters at home.
My eyes widen.
Chloe: I was a wizard, so my family kept me hidden in the sewing room my whole life.... Oh, my parents were tailors.
I could do work with magic, so they never chased me out of the house, but. They wouldn’t let me go outside; they said it would ward off their customers.
I was a nuisance, so my sisters hated me too. Every day they told me I was ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy.
That’s how I was raised, so I always thought, "I’m sorry for being ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy...."
Akira: ....That’s terrible.....
Imagining Chloe’s childhood makes my heart ache.
Chloe is still smiling painfully.
Chloe: It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s all in the past, so I’m all fine now! Plus, I can make whatever clothes I want now.
I was only allowed to do chores here and there back then, but I was always so jealous watching my father and sisters create such beautiful clothes.
I’d think, I also want to make nice clothes. And if I wear beautiful clothes, then maybe even I can change.... Even if I’m skinny and ugly.....
If I can make such lovely clothes, then maybe even I can be of use to someone wonderful......
As Chloe’s voice grows hoarse, I can’t help but exclaim forcefully.
CHAPTER 7
As Chloe’s voice grows hoarse, I can’t help but exclaim forcefully.
Akira: ...Chloe, you are wonderful. You’re cool, you’re adorable, and you’re kind. I love you — we all love you, Chloe!
Chloe looks surprised. Then he laughs shyly, his cheeks flushing.
Chloe: Thank you, Sir Sage..... Ehehe.... That makes me so happy.
Rustica said the same thing to me, you know..... Rustica was one of our customers. He just happened to drop by the shop one day.
Akira: Rustica did? That was how you two met?
Option: What was your first impression of Rustica?
Chloe: I thought he was such a cool gentleman! I’d never seen someone wear such fancy clothes. I was a little bothered by his bedhead, but he was so handsome.
How should I put it — the way he moved his hands and arms were completely different from the usual customer’s.... You could really tell that he was from the upper-class.....
I only secretly watched him from the sewing room, but I was enchanted; I felt like I was dreaming.
Option: How old were you?
Chloe: I think I had just turned 13. I was skinny and small, so apparently I looked younger than that.
I’d only ever talked to my family, and I hardly spoke to them anyway, so I had no idea how to hold a conversation.
Even though I’m so talkative now. Unbelievable, right?
That’s why, even if a lovely gentleman dropped by, I could only secretly watch him from the sewing room.
Chloe: But while I was gazing at him, Rustica started looking this way and that, and said to Father....
There must be a wizard here. Aren’t you hiding a wizard?
Akira: He sensed your presence from the sewing room!
Chloe: My family panicked and tried to play dumb, but Rustica came walking right into the sewing room without hesitation.
My heart was beating so fast. Because aside from my family, he was the first person I’d ever seen up close.
CHAPTER 8
Chloe: My heart was beating so fast. Because aside from my family, he was the first person I’d ever seen up close.
Rustica was beautiful, refined, and lovely. He looked at me and smiled kindly. Then.....
Chloe suddenly begins to laugh, his body rocking back and forth.
Chloe: He said, "You’re so good at sewing — you must be my bride," turned me into a bird, and trapped me in his birdcage.
Akira: (Rustica, not again....! You were so cool up to that point.....)
Chloe: And then he kidnapped me. I was so confused.
I thought I was going to get eaten by a big bad wizard. Because I’d been told wizards were no good.
But a little while after we’d left the town, Rustica let me out of the birdcage and said....
Akira: (What did he say....? Something like "I kidnapped you in order to save you"....?)
Chloe: Sorry. Wrong person.
Akira: (Rustica.....!)
I think about what a dashing airhead of a gentleman he always is, and cover my face.
Chloe: He told me he’d take me back home, but that’s when I exclaimed: "I don’t want to go. Take me with you."
And that’s when I finally realized that I’d been at my limit. That I had always wanted to run away from home.
Chloe closes his eyes and exhales deeply. It’s not a sigh; it’s as if he’s trying to painfully catch his breath.
Chloe: Rustica said, "Sure." And that’s how we came to travel together.
CHAPTER 9
Chloe: Back then, I was skinny, ignorant, and timid; I didn’t even know how to hold a real conversation. But Rustica was always so kind to me.
Let’s see.... He’s gracious like it’s the normal thing to do. He doesn’t solicit gratitude or make you bask in his superiority. He’s not kind because he’s forced to be; he simply is.
I can’t really put it into words, but... Rustica is naturally kind. Just as the wind blows, and the clouds pass by in the sky; just as the sun sets at the end of day.
Akira: I think I understand. When you’re with Rustica, your heart just feels warm.
Chloe: Yeah.....
Chloe whispers, as if reflecting upon his happiness. The eyes that had formed a pained smile earlier are now sparkling with lively joy.
Chloe: Being with Rustica made me love myself more and more, bit by bit. Because Rustica will praise me no matter what I do.
Even if it’s just waking up early in the morning, or tying a bow, he’ll say, "Chloe, you’re amazing".... The first time I made clothes, too — he said, "That looks wonderful; the best in the world."
Those words made me think, maybe I’m not a failure. Maybe I’m not ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy....
Maybe I’m just me, and.... I’m allowed to love myself.
Maybe I’m allowed to freely get close to what I like, and avoid what I don’t like, all as I please.
Chloe smiles and looks me in the eye. His gaze reflects his timidity, his pain, his sorrow — and his kindness, born out of overcoming it all.
CHAPTER 10
Chloe: Sir Sage. Can I show you my magic tool?
Akira: Yes, of course.
Chloe lifts his arms over his knees. A sewing box appears out of nowhere.
Chloe: I used this at home. Rustica went back to pick it up after he kidnapped me.
It contains bitter memories, too, but.... I shared my dreams with this sewing box. I want to create beautiful clothes one day.
I want to create lots of lovely clothes for lovely people.... That wish is slowly coming true right now.
It’s because you told me I could make everyone’s clothes, Sir Sage. Thank you so much.
Akira: Chloe.....
Chloe: I really love everyone here. I’m so lucky I get to make clothes for the people I love!
I couldn’t get along with my family, but I hope I can live with everyone here like we’re family; I hope I can be of use to them.
I might still have a long way to go, but.....
Akira: That’s not true. Chloe, the matching outfits you made were the reason people around the world came to trust us.
You helped wizards all around the world. We all need you, Chloe. So please, take care of us from here on out as well.
Chloe’s blinks, wide-eyed.
With eyelids so red that he looks like he’s on the verge of crying, he shows me a full smile.
Chloe: I’m so happy.... I feel the same way, Sir Sage. Please take care of me!
CHAPTER 1
Akira: The weather is so nice.....
Chloe: Ahaha!
Akira: Oh... The Western wizards are having tea in the yard. They look like they’re having fun. I should take a look.
Hello. Is this a tea party?
Chloe: Sir Sage! You should join us.
Rustica: Don’t be shy; here, have a cup of tea. We were all looking at Chloe’s sketchbook just now.
Chloe: R-Rustica! Don’t tell Sir Sage, I’m embarrassed.....
Shylock: It was full of lovely ideas. Apparently these outfits are based on animals.
Akira: That sounds lovely!
Murr: Look, look! Rustica is a goat, and Shylock is a peacock! I’m a cat!
Akira: Wow....! These are all unique and wonderful! Is there a design for Chloe?
Chloe: None for me! This kind of flashy outfit wouldn’t suit me!
Shylock: That’s not true. You’re very charming, Chloe.
Chloe: Really?
Rustica: Of course. What kind of animal would you be? How about a puppy?
Murr: How about a mouse! You’ll get eaten by me!
Chloe: Ahaha! Stop it~!
Chloe is a cheerful young man. He loves chatting, and he’s great at creating things. He wants to be a tailor one day.
Just as Shylock said, Chloe’s expressions are all charming. He’s always leaping back and forth between expressions, spinning around from one to another.
Sometimes he’ll get nervous; other times, he’ll be embarrassed — then he’ll smile, and then he’ll shrug his shoulders in sadness. He’ll panic, and he’ll get mad. He’s always busy.
CHAPTER 2
Chloe always seems so natural that he makes me feel like I’m watching the main character of a story, and I empathize with him.
Akira: (We’ve only just met, but strangely enough, he makes you feel like you’ve been friends for a very long time....)
(I want to know more about Chloe.)
Chloe. If you don’t mind, could you tell me about yourself after the tea party is over?
Chloe: About me?
Akira: Yes. I’m currently taking notes in the sage’s manual on all the wizards here.
So that everyone will have an easier time transitioning after I return to my world. Could we chat?
It can be about what you’re good at, what you’re bad at, what you don’t want to do — anything at all!
Chloe: Got it! Then can you come to my room later? I’ll clean it up and wait for you there.
Akira: Yes, thank you.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: So this is your room, Chloe....
Option: It looks like a room for sewing!
Chloe: Ehehe. I finally got my own room, so I decorated it completely to my liking!
I’m having so much fun making all sorts of things!
Option: That’s a lovely sewing machine!
Chloe: Isn’t it nice! I found it while we were traveling Western Country!
I really wanted it, but we were traveling, so.
I decided I’d buy it if it was still there when I visited again.
But when I went to check it out, apparently someone had purchased it right before I got there, and it was gone....
Akira: Oh no!? What happened?
Chloe: Ehehe... It turns out the person who bought it was Rustica. He gave it to me as a gift!
Option: That’s a lovely shirt!
Chloe: Really!? This is what I’m working on right now!
It was supposed to be for personal use, but it might be nice to make matching designs for all of Western Country!
Chloe: This room is so sunny, I love it! Thank you for preparing such a lovely room for me, Sir Sage!
Ever since I met Rustica, I’ve mostly been traveling, so I’m really happy to have my own room!
CHAPTER 3
Akira: Oh, right. You and Rustica have been traveling the world all this time.
Chloe: Yeah! We visited all sorts of places. We even went to an island on the far end of Western Country. We got caught up in a storm and wound up on a deserted island — it was rough.
Akira: Wow, you’ve experienced so much! Chloe, during all your travels with Rustica....
Option: What was the most fun experience you had?
Chloe: It might’ve been a festival in a remote region of Western Country? They decorated the trees all around town with candy. It looked like a candy forest!
And then everyone dressed up like a wizard. We joined them, making sure nobody found out that we were real wizards.
It was fun; it felt like everyone was my friend!
Option: What was the happiest experience you had?
Chloe: Hmm, I can think of a lot, but....
It might’ve been making a debutante dress for the daughter of a rich merchant.
Akira: You made something like that, Chloe? That’s amazing!
Chloe: Ehehe... I made it as a thank-you for offering us a room on a stormy night. She said the dress she was planning to wear got all soiled, so.
She really loved it; I was so happy.
Akira: That sounds wonderful. Isn’t living in the magic headquarters a little boring after traveling for all this time?
Chloe: Not at all! I’ve never lived with anyone besides my family, and everyone here is so much fun!
I’m especially happy I get to speak with people my age. Arthur and Heathcliff are from respectable families, so I was nervous around them at first, but they’re really easy to talk to.
I was also scared of Shino, because he seemed kind of standoffish, but when I talked to him he turned out to be a good guy — kind of like a little brother. Mitile and Riquet are also good boys....
Ah, I’m sorry! I just kept talking! Where should I start — what do you want to know about me?
CHAPTER 4
Akira: Please give me a brief introduction!
Chloe: Got it! My name is Chloe Collins. I’m 20 years old. I’m from the Foaming City in Western Country.
Akira: Twenty years old.... That means you’re...
Option: The same age as Rutile!
Chloe: That’s right! That’s why I get along pretty well with Rutile. He’s so cheerful and fun!
He has such a pretty face that I thought he might be kind of delicate, but then he gets on his broom and races with hawks!
We talked about dyeing some clothes with vegetable dye next time.
Option: Older than Heathcliff!
Chloe: Yeah! Heathcliff is mature, so I was a little nervous around him at first, but....
His shy and modest personality makes me want to protect him — I think he’s cute, like a little brother.
Plus, he’s extremely beautiful, so making him all sorts of clothes feels really rewarding! It’s exciting!
Option: Younger than Cain!
Chloe: Yup, yup! Cain is so cool; he really seems like an older brother!
I mean, Rustica is older than me too, but he can be a bit of an airhead, so I’ve never been around someone like Cain!
He’s the former head of the knights at that age — he’s so cool.....
CHAPTER 5
Akira: What do you like and dislike, Chloe?
Chloe: I like sewing and fashion. I also like gratin. And talking to people. I also like bottles of perfumes and nail polish.
I dislike.... Loud, angry voices.... And.... It’s gotten better, but I used to be scared of women.
What I’m good at and bad at is being alone. I can handle it, and I’m used to it, but.... I actually can’t get used to it, and sometimes I can’t handle it.
Ahaha. That makes no sense. Was that an okay answer?
Chloe laughs with his brows turned downward. I nod. For some reason, I feel like my own wounds are being agitated.
I think it’s because I, too, have wounds that I want to laugh off.
Akira: Um... Why are you scared of women....? You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to.
Chloe: Ah, don’t look so worried! It really isn’t that serious now. How should I put it....
Chloe laughs helplessly as he opens and closes his hands.
Chloe: I... was bullied by my older sisters at home.
CHAPTER 6
Chloe: I... was bullied by my older sisters at home.
My eyes widen.
Chloe: I was a wizard, so my family kept me hidden in the sewing room my whole life.... Oh, my parents were tailors.
I could do work with magic, so they never chased me out of the house, but. They wouldn’t let me go outside; they said it would ward off their customers.
I was a nuisance, so my sisters hated me too. Every day they told me I was ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy.
That’s how I was raised, so I always thought, "I’m sorry for being ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy...."
Akira: ....That’s terrible.....
Imagining Chloe’s childhood makes my heart ache.
Chloe is still smiling painfully.
Chloe: It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s all in the past, so I’m all fine now! Plus, I can make whatever clothes I want now.
I was only allowed to do chores here and there back then, but I was always so jealous watching my father and sisters create such beautiful clothes.
I’d think, I also want to make nice clothes. And if I wear beautiful clothes, then maybe even I can change.... Even if I’m skinny and ugly.....
If I can make such lovely clothes, then maybe even I can be of use to someone wonderful......
As Chloe’s voice grows hoarse, I can’t help but exclaim forcefully.
CHAPTER 7
As Chloe’s voice grows hoarse, I can’t help but exclaim forcefully.
Akira: ...Chloe, you are wonderful. You’re cool, you’re adorable, and you’re kind. I love you — we all love you, Chloe!
Chloe looks surprised. Then he laughs shyly, his cheeks flushing.
Chloe: Thank you, Sir Sage..... Ehehe.... That makes me so happy.
Rustica said the same thing to me, you know..... Rustica was one of our customers. He just happened to drop by the shop one day.
Akira: Rustica did? That was how you two met?
Option: What was your first impression of Rustica?
Chloe: I thought he was such a cool gentleman! I’d never seen someone wear such fancy clothes. I was a little bothered by his bedhead, but he was so handsome.
How should I put it — the way he moved his hands and arms were completely different from the usual customer’s.... You could really tell that he was from the upper-class.....
I only secretly watched him from the sewing room, but I was enchanted; I felt like I was dreaming.
Option: How old were you?
Chloe: I think I had just turned 13. I was skinny and small, so apparently I looked younger than that.
I’d only ever talked to my family, and I hardly spoke to them anyway, so I had no idea how to hold a conversation.
Even though I’m so talkative now. Unbelievable, right?
That’s why, even if a lovely gentleman dropped by, I could only secretly watch him from the sewing room.
Chloe: But while I was gazing at him, Rustica started looking this way and that, and said to Father....
There must be a wizard here. Aren’t you hiding a wizard?
Akira: He sensed your presence from the sewing room!
Chloe: My family panicked and tried to play dumb, but Rustica came walking right into the sewing room without hesitation.
My heart was beating so fast. Because aside from my family, he was the first person I’d ever seen up close.
CHAPTER 8
Chloe: My heart was beating so fast. Because aside from my family, he was the first person I’d ever seen up close.
Rustica was beautiful, refined, and lovely. He looked at me and smiled kindly. Then.....
Chloe suddenly begins to laugh, his body rocking back and forth.
Chloe: He said, "You’re so good at sewing — you must be my bride," turned me into a bird, and trapped me in his birdcage.
Akira: (Rustica, not again....! You were so cool up to that point.....)
Chloe: And then he kidnapped me. I was so confused.
I thought I was going to get eaten by a big bad wizard. Because I’d been told wizards were no good.
But a little while after we’d left the town, Rustica let me out of the birdcage and said....
Akira: (What did he say....? Something like "I kidnapped you in order to save you"....?)
Chloe: Sorry. Wrong person.
Akira: (Rustica.....!)
I think about what a dashing airhead of a gentleman he always is, and cover my face.
Chloe: He told me he’d take me back home, but that’s when I exclaimed: "I don’t want to go. Take me with you."
And that’s when I finally realized that I’d been at my limit. That I had always wanted to run away from home.
Chloe closes his eyes and exhales deeply. It’s not a sigh; it’s as if he’s trying to painfully catch his breath.
Chloe: Rustica said, "Sure." And that’s how we came to travel together.
CHAPTER 9
Chloe: Back then, I was skinny, ignorant, and timid; I didn’t even know how to hold a real conversation. But Rustica was always so kind to me.
Let’s see.... He’s gracious like it’s the normal thing to do. He doesn’t solicit gratitude or make you bask in his superiority. He’s not kind because he’s forced to be; he simply is.
I can’t really put it into words, but... Rustica is naturally kind. Just as the wind blows, and the clouds pass by in the sky; just as the sun sets at the end of day.
Akira: I think I understand. When you’re with Rustica, your heart just feels warm.
Chloe: Yeah.....
Chloe whispers, as if reflecting upon his happiness. The eyes that had formed a pained smile earlier are now sparkling with lively joy.
Chloe: Being with Rustica made me love myself more and more, bit by bit. Because Rustica will praise me no matter what I do.
Even if it’s just waking up early in the morning, or tying a bow, he’ll say, "Chloe, you’re amazing".... The first time I made clothes, too — he said, "That looks wonderful; the best in the world."
Those words made me think, maybe I’m not a failure. Maybe I’m not ugly, stupid, cowardly, and lazy....
Maybe I’m just me, and.... I’m allowed to love myself.
Maybe I’m allowed to freely get close to what I like, and avoid what I don’t like, all as I please.
Chloe smiles and looks me in the eye. His gaze reflects his timidity, his pain, his sorrow — and his kindness, born out of overcoming it all.
CHAPTER 10
Chloe: Sir Sage. Can I show you my magic tool?
Akira: Yes, of course.
Chloe lifts his arms over his knees. A sewing box appears out of nowhere.
Chloe: I used this at home. Rustica went back to pick it up after he kidnapped me.
It contains bitter memories, too, but.... I shared my dreams with this sewing box. I want to create beautiful clothes one day.
I want to create lots of lovely clothes for lovely people.... That wish is slowly coming true right now.
It’s because you told me I could make everyone’s clothes, Sir Sage. Thank you so much.
Akira: Chloe.....
Chloe: I really love everyone here. I’m so lucky I get to make clothes for the people I love!
I couldn’t get along with my family, but I hope I can live with everyone here like we’re family; I hope I can be of use to them.
I might still have a long way to go, but.....
Akira: That’s not true. Chloe, the matching outfits you made were the reason people around the world came to trust us.
You helped wizards all around the world. We all need you, Chloe. So please, take care of us from here on out as well.
Chloe’s blinks, wide-eyed.
With eyelids so red that he looks like he’s on the verge of crying, he shows me a full smile.
Chloe: I’m so happy.... I feel the same way, Sir Sage. Please take care of me!