Rustica | A Tale of Love and a Birdcage

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

CHAPTER 1

Akira: Oh... I hear a beautiful melody. Is this a piano...? No, it sounds a bit different....

Chloe: Sir Sage. Rustica is playing the harpsichord.

Akira: Rustica is?

I turn my eyes towards Chloe’s voice. I don’t know when it got there, but an instrument resembling a piano lies in the corner of the hall.
The Western wizard Rustica is playing this instrument called a harpsichord.
The music that flows from his elegant fingertips is beautiful; it’s glorious and filled with love, it makes you feel like your heart is being cleansed.
I look around, and catch sight of various wizards in the area. Some stay in the shadows of the hall; others idle under the trees, or by the window outside.

Akira: (Are they all here to listen to Rustica’s performance? I heard wizards loved music, but I guess it’s true....)

The Western wizards, the Southern brothers, the young Eastern wizards — even Oz and Owen are here. I’m surprised.
When Rustica stops playing, they silently depart.

Akira: (It’s like a gathering of cats....)

I clap and approach Rustica to thank him for his lovely performance.

Akira: Rustica. Thank you for the wonderful song. You’re an amazing musician.

Rustica: Hello, Sir Sage. I’m honored by your kind words.

Rustica takes a bow as proper and elegant as his performance.


Option: What’s the title of the song you were playing?

Rustica: It was an impromptu, so there is no title.

Akira: Impromptu — you mean you came up with it as you played? That’s amazing...!

Rustica: Thank you. Sir Sage, you were also humming a lovely song in the kitchen while boiling hot water in the kettle the other day.

Akira: I was just humming....

Rustica: That song was also joyful and warm and lovely, you know? Please allow me to listen to it another time.


Option: I’d like to hear more!

Rustica: I would be honored. If I find a harpsichord to my liking, may I place it in the hall of the magic headquarters?

Akira: Of course! We should all gather and enjoy your performances, Rustica!

Rustica: Yes, I’m looking forward to it.


CHAPTER 2

Akira: Where did you get this harpsichord?

Rustica: I spotted it in a noble’s house in Central. I asked if I could play it, and they replied yes, of course, so....
I brought it to the magic headquarters using magic.

Chloe: I-I think they expected you to play it on the spot....?

Rustica: Ah, I see. I didn’t realize you could take it that way.

Akira: P-please return it to them later....

Rustica: I will; I had plenty of fun, after all.

Rustica smiles gently.
Rustica is a peaceful and kind wizard. But he is a little strange, a little airheaded, and a little too relaxed.
For example....

Heathcliff: Mister Rustica, thank you for the lovely performance.

Akira: Heath, Shino....

Shino: Were you playing that instrument? I want to touch it too. Can I? I’ll give you this.

Rustica: A giant rhinoceros beetle.... Bringing me such a wonderful rhinoceros beetle — you must be my bride.

Chloe: Wait, Rustica...!

Rustica: << Amorest Viesse >>

Shino: Wha....!!

The moment Rustica utters his spell, Shino turns into a tiny bird and is sucked right into Rustica’s birdcage, which appears out of nowhere.

Heathcliff: Sh-Shino....!

Rustica: We’ve finally met. My dear bride.


CHAPTER 3

Rustica is looking for his lost bride. A wizard looking for his dear bride might sound romantic.
But Rustica has a habit of assuming that anyone who feels right — men and women of all ages — is his bride, and trapping them in his birdcage.

Akira: (He talks about his bride, but his bridal standards are also all over the place.....)
(The other day he turned an old grandma who was a skilled knitter into a bird; this time, it’s Shino with his rhinoceros beetle....)

Chloe: Geez, stop that! Rustica, let Shino go....!

(Rustle)

Chloe hurriedly unlatches the door to the birdcage. The tiny bird Shino pops out and turns back into a human.

Heathcliff: Are you okay, Shino!?

Chloe: I’m sorry, Shino! Rustica doesn’t mean any harm!

Heathcliff and Chloe help Shino up. His face is pale, and he clutches his chest as he stares at Rustica in shock.
I wonder if he’s angry about being called a bride — but it turns out Shino’s face is stiff for a different reason entirely.

Shino: Y-you....! I might’ve been caught off guard, but you managed to turn me into a bird — you’re actually pretty powerful, aren’t you!?

Akira: Really?

Surprised, I turn around to look at Rustica. He’s smiling happily.

Rustica: Your praise is making me blush.

Shino: Don’t let a guy with this much magical power run around like an airhead. It’s dangerous!

Shino does have a point. If you can’t match up to Rustica’s power, you’ll be turned into a bird.
I had kind of let the matter sit, but it might be a good idea to talk to him about it.

Akira: Rustica. I’d like to speak to you — is that all right?

Rustica: You’d like to chat? Of course. I’m sure you have a lovely tale to tell me; I’m looking forward to it.

Akira: Uh, that’s not really what I meant....


CHAPTER 4

Chloe: I’m sorry, Sir Sage! I’ll make sure to talk to Rustica about it, so please don’t get mad at him.

Chloe jumps in with a worried face to defend Rustica, who doesn’t seem to get what’s going on at all. I laugh and shake my head.

Akira: I won’t get mad. I just wanted to talk to Rustica about himself. I’m going around and asking all the other wizards, too.
I’m taking notes on everyone in the sage’s manual so that I can head back to my world at any time. That’s why I want to interview him.

Rustica: Are you going home? When will you be back?

Rustica smiles like a gentle breeze.
If I return to my world, I might never meet anyone here again — Rustica’s innocent smile makes such an explanation feel tactless.

Akira: I don’t know quite yet. May I interview you, Rustica?

Rustica: Of course, Sir Sage. Let me invite you to my room.

Akira: Is that all right?

Rustica: Of course.

Chloe: Are you sure? Isn’t it a mess?

Rustica: It’s all right. I danced with my closet when I was half-asleep this morning, but it means my room is only so messy.
It should be clean by midnight. So please take a nap and wait till then, Sir Sage.

✦✧☾✧✦

I visit Rustica’s room at midnight.

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


Option: That’s a lovely birdcage.

Rustica: Thank you very much. This birdcage is a bit strange — birds will fly into it on their own and chirp away.

Akira: Really!

Rustica: Yes. Apparently they feel comfortable in it.
I’m delighted whenever I wake up in the morning to a lovely guest.


Option: That’s a lovely painting of a lady.

Rustica: Thank you.

Akira: Is she your bride, Rustica?

Rustica: Oh no. I’m just a hobbyist art collector; this is a painting by an ancient, famous artist that I obtained many many years ago.
After listening to me play the harpsichord for years, she’s now begun to sing along to it.

Akira: The painting sings!? That’s amazing.... Will she sing right now....?

Rustica: She’s rather shy, so it might be difficult. Please secretly drop by another day.


Option: That’s a lovely cupboard.

Rustica: Thank you.

Akira: Even the plates lined up inside are well-made and fashionable.....

Rustica: I’m a hobbyist art collector. These are the works of famous pottery artists and glass artists.
Drinking tea from a beautiful teacup makes it taste even more delicious.


CHAPTER 5

Rustica prepares a teapot using magic and boils me some tea.

Rustica: The date has changed. Yesterday was a wonderful day. I hope today will be a wonderful day as well.
It’s midnight, but would you like some morning tea? Or would you prefer some evening high tea? Or perhaps some afternoon tea — you’ve just taken a nap, after all.

Akira: Um, please choose whatever you feel like drinking, Rustica.

Rustica: How wonderful. The luxury of choosing makes me feel like the master of time.
I don’t know which to choose; do I feel like morning, afternoon, or midnight? I love them all — they’re all unique.
Could you give me some time to think about it as we drink our tea?

Akira: Huh? Um, of course.....

In the end, I don’t know which kind of tea he served me, but it was very delicious.

Akira: Wow, it’s delicious..... It’s a little strange and refreshing and... huh!?

I take a glance at my arm holding the tea cup and let out a shout of surprise. My skin is faintly glowing all over.

Rustica: Ah, it looks like your tea contained moonlight berries, Sir Sage. It suits you quite well.

Akira: I-is that so....?

Rustica: Yes. You’re as beautiful as the moon.

A line like that would usually make me laugh out loud, but it feels strangely nice coming from the refined and pure Rustica.
I face Rustica with my body glowing like a ghost or a fairy.

Rustica: Now then, let us begin our awaited tea party. By the way, why was I hosting this tea party again?

Akira: I want you to tell me about yourself, Rustica.

Rustica: Oh yes, that’s right. If I talk about myself it’ll go on for about a week. I’ve lived for a very long time, you see.


CHAPTER 6

Akira: About how old are you?

Rustica: I’ve lived for over 400 years. I have the memorial medal celebrating the establishment of the Granvelle Kingdom, you see.

Akira: I didn’t realize you were that much older than me!

Rustica: Do you dislike older men?

Akira: Not at all.

Rustica: Thank goodness.

Rustica takes a sip of tea and smiles.
I smile too. I forget where we were in our conversation and backtrack my memory in a hurry.

Akira: I’m sure it’s difficult to explain 400 years of your life at once, so could you give me a brief introduction?

Rustica: Rustica Ferucci. I was born into the noble Ferucci family from the West.
My hobby is performing on the harpsichord and collecting art. I like to spend my time enjoying time. Unfortunately, I’m not very good at household chores.

Akira: Ahaha. Chloe does always say you have no day-to-day skills.


Option: What kind of chores are you the worst at?

Rustica: Let’s see.... It’s difficult to choose. I’m no good at chores, but I don’t dislike them, you see.

Akira: Is that so?

Rustica: Yes. Sweeping is fun because I feel like a conductor waving his baton; cooking is fun because I feel like a pretend alchemist.
But when I’m feeling good and having fun, the room ends up messier than it was before I started cleaning, and before I know it, the meal turns into a different substance.

Akira: (Sounds like trouble.....)


Option: What kind of chores are you the best at?

Rustica: Appreciating what others have done with love and gratitude.

Akira: I-is that a chore?

Rustica: It might not be a chore, but Chloe once told me....
...Don’t do anything unnecessary. Instead, when I’m done with everything, praise me with lots of love and gratitude....
That’s why I return love and gratitude to Chloe as if I’ve received a gift from an angel.

Akira: I see! Even if there are things you have trouble with, it’s lovely if it gives rise to that sort of relationship.

Rustica: It’s all thanks to him — I’m grateful that he’s there for me.


Akira: How about preparing for travels and finding places to stay? Do you get to choose those, Rustica?

Rustica: Chloe does that all for me now. I’d always been traveling carefreely, so Chloe is truly helpful.


CHAPTER 7

Akira: I heard that you were traveling to find your bride, but.... Is she a real, existing bride?

Rustica: What do you mean?

Akira: Um, I mean, are you looking for an imaginary bride, or a bride who doesn’t actually exist, or... um, an ideal bride?

Rustica: No. I’m not looking for someone to marry. My bride is a certain person.

Akira: I see! Do you have her name, or do know what she’s good at....?

Rustica: But you see, I’ve accidentally forgotten all that.

Akira: That’s some accident!?

Rustica: That’s why I’ve had a fair amount of trouble finding her again. But I do believe I’ll see her again one day. Because we are lovers bound by fate.

I can’t say anything in response to Rustica’s smile, filled with happiness.
There are many things I want to ask. Are you sure it’s not just your imagination? Is there any proof that your bride really existed?
Even if she’s your lover bound by fate, if you can’t even remember her name, are you sure that’s love?

Akira: (But I don’t want to hurt Rustica....)
Um....

Rustica: Yes. What is it?

Akira: Whenever you meet someone you think is your bride, why do you turn them into a bird and trap them in your cage? Instead of like, approaching them and hugging them....

Rustica curiously tilts his head to the side.
A birdcage — his magic tool — appears out of nowhere. It’s the birdcage that captured Shino earlier.
Rustica gazes at the birdcage. His profile is beautiful; he looks like an elegant porcelain doll.



Like a made-up fairy tale, he looks warm and beautiful, but also surreal.


CHAPTER 8

Rustica: ....I feel like she ran away.

Akira: Ran away....?

Rustica: From this birdcage, in the body of a bird.

Akira: Was a bird your bride?

Rustica: No... I don’t think so, but.....

Rustica covers his lips with the same fingertips that were gracefully playing the harpsichord earlier.
He looks like he’s in deep thought; yet he also looks like he’s forcing his own mouth to stay shut.
His fingers cover his lips like rose thorns surrounding a castle that has been frozen away in time.

Akira: ....Rustica?

He’s pulled back to reality and smiles.

Rustica: I’m sorry. It looks like I can’t remember. I’ve lived for 400 years, after all; I’m quite forgetful.

Akira: I see....

Rustica: When I do remember, I’ll report back to you, Sir Sage. With the name of my beautiful bride, and the tale of our beautiful love.

Rustica believes in its beauty — even though such a truth was never promised to him.
He believes in his fortunate future with his bride. Perhaps that’s why names and memories mean little to him.
Wizards are all a little bit strange, after all. Rustica is particularly strange, and when it comes to matters involving romance, he must be even more strange.

Akira: Thank you for telling me about yourself, Rustica. I’m glad to have learned more about you.

Rustica: I’m happy I got to speak to you too, Sir Sage. It was a delightful tea party.

Akira: But please give a warning beforehand when you capture your bride. Because if you get the wrong person, they’ll be surprised.

Rustica: I will remember that. Ah.... The light is fading away.


CHAPTER 9

Rustica takes my hand and smiles. Just as he says, my faintly glowing skin has begun to dim.
Watching the light disappear, Rustica turns his eyes downward as if saying goodbye.

Rustica: I don’t want to forget about you.....

Akira: Eh....?

Rustica: I heard from Prince Arthur. That he forgot the name of the former Sage. Will I forget your name as well?

Akira: I... I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that.

Rustica: May I call you by your name, Sir Sage?

Akira: Ah.... Yes.

Rustica: Sir Akira. If I call your name over and over again, I’m sure I’ll never forget it.
A song remains beautiful even if its title is long forgotten. Even if your image is lost, I pray that our friendship will last for all eternity.

Rustica’s earnest words make my heart warm.
I can’t help but say....


Option: Please do not forget me.

Rustica gazes at me.
I continue, with a bitter laugh.

Akira: I was honestly feeling a little lonely, too. Thinking about how everyone might forget me.....
That’s why.... Even if we do have to say goodbye one day, I hope you’ll remember me.

Rustica narrows his eyes and smiles gently.

Rustica: I’ll make sure you don’t feel lonely. My wish is the same as yours, Sir Sage.


Option: You can forget me.

Rustica’s eyes widen slightly.

Akira: If it happened to the previous sage, I don’t expect myself to be special either... That’s how I feel.
And this moment right now.... I was able to spend some very lovely time with you.
Even if everyone forgets me, and I forget everyone too — even if this moment doesn’t remain in anyone’s memories.....
I will be satisfied.

Rustica lets out a sigh, as if in admiration.

Rustica: What a precious way of thinking about it, Sir Sage.... I’m moved.


Rustica: Good night. Please rest well.


CHAPTER 10

(Footsteps)

Akira: Sigh.... I’m glad I got to speak to Rustica today.
...Huh? Chloe?

Chloe: Ah.... I just got a little worried. Was Rustica okay?

Akira: Ah, please don’t worry — I didn’t yell at him. I’m sorry for causing you concern....

Chloe: That’s not it. You talked about his bride, right....? Did he get all upset....?

Akira: Get upset...?

Chloe falls into a sorrowful silence.
In the darkness illuminated by the moon’s rays, his eyes wander reluctantly.

Chloe: I guess I should tell this to you, Sir Sage.... It’s not like I understand the details either, but.....

Akira: Tell me what....?

Chloe: ...Rustica’s bride is probably already dead.

I fall silent from shock.
The moon glitters with an eerily bright light.

Chloe: Rustica is searching for.... A bride from his memories; a love that was lost.
I know it’s probably better to tell him the truth, but.... ....If he finds out.....
I’m terrified that Rustica will disappear, so I haven’t been able to say anything......

I spin around to look at the magic headquarters. A gentle light spills from the window of Rustica’s room.
A beautiful name. A beautiful tale of love. Rustica’s words make my heart hurt.
I can’t come up with an answer. I touch Chloe’s back.

Akira: Thank you for telling me, Chloe.... So that’s why you were worried.
Let’s carefully look for an answer. For the truth, and for the best possible way to make Rustica happy....
For the Rustica we both love.