healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-05-30 09:55 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-05-30 09:55 pm
Entry tags:
Riquet | To Warm a Wavering Heart
MahoYaku Masterpost
Thank you to K for the following translation!
CHAPTER 1
Riquet: Okay, here I go.
Oz: Go on.
Akira: (Oh....it’s the Central wizards. I wonder if Riquet is practicing magic.)
Arthur: Do your best, Riquet! It’ll be fine; we’re watching over you.
Cain: You’ve got this! Just stay calm and give it your all without fear.
Riquet: Yes!
<< Sunrotea Edif >>
Riquet raises his lantern, and chants his spell quietly.
(Wind rustling)
The next moment, a small whirlwind is born, spinning at the center of their circle.
Arthur: Yay! You did i—
(Wind intensifying)
A thunderous roar drowns out Arthur’s voice. The whirlwind expands rapidly into a raging tornado that looks like an imposing tower.
Akira: (Amazing......!)
Oz stands with his hair whipping around in the fierce wind, looking up at the roaring tornado, and murmurs to himself.
Oz: ......All the leaves are going to be blown off the trees.
Riquet: I did it.....
Riquet looks up at the massive tornado with childlike wonder, his eyes sparkling.
The tree branches creak under its force, and the windows of the magical quarters, some distance away, tremble in the gale.
Even as he brings forth this terrifying tornado, Riquet looks innocently delighted at his success, as if it were nothing more than putting on new clothes.
I’m struck by the incongruity.
Riquet: I did it!
Riquet is a Central wizard. They cherish justice, fairness, and valour — each of them have
what it takes to be leaders.
Even Riquet, an innocent youth. He had been raised as a disciple of a god, in an enigmatic religious organization on the border of Central Country.
Riquet has the purity of an angel, the lovable charm of an innocent child; in him, too, lies the perilous uncertainty of a wizard.
CHAPTER 2
Riquet: Sage.
Akira: Good day, Riquet. The tornado that you summoned during practice yesterday was incredible.
Riquet: Yes! I’m glad it went well! Um.....I’d like to consult you about something, so could you lend me an ear?
Akira: Of course! What do you want to consult me about?
>Option:
Akira: Relationships in the magical quarters?
Riquet: Oh no. I’m not worried about that at the moment.
I’ve made friends, you see!
>Option:
Akira: Eating habits in the magical quarters?
Riquet: Why do you assume it has to do with food?
Akira: You seem very fixated when it comes to food...
Riquet: That’s not true. I modestly offer thanks for the blessings I receive everyday, and simply eat the food prepared without wilful complaints!
>Option:
Akira: Dating and relationship advice?
Riquet: What does that mean?
Akira: Advice about love, for example...
Riquet: Ah.....The promiscuous stuff. I do not worry over things like that.
Akira: Well, how about I listen to your story at length? I was just thinking that I’d like to get to know you better, Riquet.
Riquet: Me?
Akira: I don’t know when I’ll return to my world, right?
I don’t want to leave everyone at a loss in case I suddenly have to go back.
So I’m writing about everyone in the sage’s book — what they’re good at, what they’re bad at.
Riquet: Must we be separated?
Akira: That won’t be until someday in the future. Until then, let’s keep getting along.
Riquet: Yes! Um....let’s go to my room then. I’d like to talk to you alone.
Akira: All right. I’ll come by, then.
CHAPTER 3
Akira: So this is Riquet’s room.....
>Option:
Akira: What a clean and neat room.
Riquet: I clean it every morning and night. After all, a pure environment will bring forth a pure spirit.
Akira: It’s admirable that you clean your room everyday. I should learn from you......
>Option:
Akira: What a lovely lantern.
Riquet: Yes. The lantern’s light lifts my spirits.
When I gaze at it, it reminds me of my time at the religious organization......
>Option:
Akira: A white rug...Aren’t you afraid of getting it dirty?
Riquet: I only enter my room after I’ve properly cleansed myself of impurities; as long as I’m careful, I won’t drop anything on it out of carelessness.
I can remove the dirt with magic, too, if I get it dirty. And Oz said that salt is good for removing stains from a rug!
Akira: So, what did you want to consult me about?
Riquet: Um, you can start. I just have to answer your questions, right.
Akira: Yes. Okay, could you give me a simple self-introduction?
Riquet: Riquet Ortiz. 16 years old. I lived in the headquarters of a eschatological religious organization on the border of Central Country.
.........What else should I say? There's not much for me to talk about......
Akira: Could you tell me things like what you’re good at and what you’re bad at?
Riquet: I think it’s neglectful to use "being good" or "being bad" at something as excuses......but let me see. I’m good at waking up early and performing religious services.
I’m not good at reading and writing. I’m learning right now.
Akira: I know. Rutile is impressed with how fast you’re picking things up.
Riquet: Really! I can even read books now. Reading books is interesting.
There are many things I didn’t know about written in books. Though I can’t tell whether they are lies or truths.
Akira: Why do you think that?
CHAPTER 4
Riquet: Because some of the things written in books are different from what Father Priest says.
Akira: Do you think that what Father Priest says is the most correct?
Riquet: Yes. Father Priest has devoted his life for the sake of world peace, and he’s someone who I respect.
Wizards should devote themselves to the people. However, there are many foolish souls in this world, so they should follow in the teachings of the chosen ones.
Akira: The chosen ones....
Riquet: Sage, you might be one of them; you arrived from a different world with a mysterious power, and you’re respected by everyone.
>Option:
Akira: It’s embarrassing when you say it like that.
Riquet: It is our fortune as chosen wizards to be able to serve and devote ourselves to you. Please, guide us to the path of paradise.
>Option:
Akira: I’m not all that great...
Riquet: Please don’t be modest. I know that in serving you, we are serving the people of the world.
Riquet looks at me, his expression filled with reverence—the same way he had looked up at the massive tornado, with a steadfast heart filled with light.
I find myself at a loss at his pure but precarious affection.
Akira: ......Have you grown closer to the Central wizards?
Riquet: Yes. They’re very kind to me. Cain is slightly unrefined, though.
Akira: Ahaha. The Central wizards all have their own way of thinking, right? What do you think of them?
Riquet: Well......
CHAPTER 5
Riquet: Prince Arthur is a wonderful person. I’ve heard that royal families are the greatest evil, keeping their wealth to themselves, but Arthur himself is very kind.
As for Cain, leaving aside the fact that he takes pride in being a knight — a wicked occupation that makes a living from violence — I think he’s a wonderful person.
Oz is......a wicked wizard. His existence is unforgivable, but the other day, he peeled the skin off some chestnuts for me.
Arthur says, "It’s a misunderstanding that Oz is called wicked;" Oz says, "Think it over yourself."
Cain says, "Knights have a duty to protect the people; we’re definitely not wicked." Nero says, "There is no need for wizards to serve the people"......
Sage. Which of these is the truth? Was Father Priest telling lies?
Have I not been loved — respected — by Father Priest and the members of the religious organization?
Akira: Riquet......
Riquet stares at me desperately, uncertainty and bewilderment written in his lovely eyes.
I can’t give him a simple answer. Because Riquet might wholeheartedly swallow up any answer I give him without thinking any further.
I can’t say something superficial.
Akira: .....I can’t say for sure which one is correct. I can only give you my opinion.....
Riquet: Why? Everyone calls you Sage, so why can’t you decide?
Akira: I’m sorry I can’t help......But I know how confusing it can be to receive lots of information.
The place I came from was just like that. "They were a good person," "They were a bad person," "That person will succeed," "That person will fail" — there were always so many opinions.
You might be swayed left and right over every little thing, even something as simple as making a purchase—but in the end what’s important is your own opinion.
Riquet: .....My own opinion......
Akira: That’s right. What does Riquet think?
Riquet: I don’t know.......I’m so lost. It’s painful to feel lost, so I thought I’d consult you.....
Riquet sighs, almost at his wits’ end, and looks at me helplessly.
CHAPTER 6
Riquet: Actually....I wanted to consult you about the religious organization.
After coming to the magical quarters, I haven’t returned even once. Everyone there must be worried, including Father Priest.
Even if I decide to fulfill my duties alongside everyone else here, I still think it would be better for me to go back and explain my situation.
But......if I return to the religious organization, I have a feeling I might not be able to come back here. And even if I could.......
I have a feeling that might mean I would never be able to go back to the religious organization again.
Akira: Riquet......
Riquet: I cannot choose one or the other. I don’t want to lose either of them. So, I wanted Sage to make the decision for me......
I recall the stories that Riquet had told of the organization. Of the people who had kept him confined since he was a child, who restricted even what he could eat......
I cannot bring myself to like them, nor trust them. But they were as good as family to Riquet.
If I speak badly of them without thought, Riquet’s heart would be deeply wounded.
Akira: ......Have you talked to Nero or Mitile? You’re close to the two of them, aren’t you?
Riquet: I didn’t ask them clearly, but I did ask in a roundabout way.
Akira: What did you ask them?
Riquet lifts his gaze, looking at me.
His clear, wide gaze glitters like the waters of a lake under the morning sun.
Riquet: I asked if they loved me.
I blush at his unabashed question.
Riquet: Nero said, "Well, yeah" and smiled at me with his eyebrows turned downwards. Mitile blushed and went quiet for a while, and then he said, "I like you."
Both answers made me so happy...... If I weigh them against the days that I spent with Father Priest, I feel like I’m wavering.
I know that I shouldn’t be comparing who is more important to me...... Have I fallen from grace in the pursuit of pleasure?
Akira: No, I think it’s fine. Anyone would want to stay with the people they are close to, and the people they love.
Riquet: Even you, Sage?
Akira: Yes, of course.
CHAPTER 7
Riquet: Out of the 21 wizards in the magical quarters, who do you want to stay with?
What a difficult question to answer.
Akira: Um......I want to be with everyone!
Riquet: But if you could only choose one person?
Akira: Uh......Um......
I steal glances at Riquet. He sits up straighter in excitement and anticipation, his eyes shining expectantly.
>Option:
Akira: Ri.........Riquet, I guess......?
Riquet: Yay! I’m so happy! I get to be Sage’s favourite!
Akira: (He’s so delighted......How cute.......)
>Option:
Akira: M... Murr, I guess.....?
Akira: I like cats......And there are parts of Murr that are really quite cat-like......
I feel that this is a safe answer to give, but Riquet just purses his lips.
Riquet: Eh, is that so? Murr likes to play pranks, so I think he might steal away your things.
Akira: R-really?
Riquet: That’s right! But, I understand. If that’s how you feel.
Oh well.
Akira: (He sighed at me......)
Akira: Um, I’m asking for future reference, but Riquet, what counts as a wicked thing to you?
Riquet: Well.....Uncleanliness, dishonesty, carelessness, greed, rivalry, sloppiness, and selfishness are all wicked, right?
Akira: What if...I have even one of those traits......
Riquet gives me a cold look of frank contempt, as if looking at something impure.
Riquet: Huh.....? I’d be disappointed.
Akira: (What an honest child......)
CHAPTER 8
Akira: Then I’ll try my best not to disappoint you...... Can I see your magical object?
Riquet: Of course. I’m happy to show you.
Smiling, Riquet holds out his empty hand; a lantern appears, floating out of nowhere.
It releases a divine, guiding light.
Riquet: At the religious organization, I lit the lanterns for all of the disciples.
It was a truly divine ritual. Listening to their words of thanks, I felt the keen joy of fulfilling my calling.
I imagine the scene from Riquet’s words.
Inside the church as the sun starts to set, disciples with lanterns in their hands reverently stand before Riquet, forming lines along the sides of the solemn altar.
Looking at the serene smile on the face of this lovely youth—a smile that bestows a mysterious strength—the people of the religious organization must have dreamt of a divine miracle.
Riquet laughs quietly, shaking his smooth locks.
Riquet: In the magical quarters, I don’t have assigned everyday tasks. To live every day without having my time planned out for me, to not receive thanks—I really didn’t know what to do at first......
But everyone here accepts me for who I am, and acknowledges my freedom. That makes me incredibly happy.
Akira: I’m happy to hear that. I’m glad we talked a lot today.
Riquet: Me too!
Akira: As for what you consulted me about, I’ll try thinking it over. It’s important to you, after all.
Riquet: Thank you, Sage.....Um.....Can I ask you for one more thing?
Akira: Of course. What is it?
Riquet: I’d like to take a nighttime walk with you. Will you walk with me in the courtyard?
CHAPTER 9
We leave Riquet’s room and wander around the nighttime courtyard.
Riquet breathes in the refreshing night breeze, spreading out both his arms comfortably.
Riquet: Ah, the breeze feels so good.......
Here, I can go outside whenever I want. At the religious organization, I was only allowed to go out during specific hours.
Akira: Was that so......
Riquet: I love taking walks at night. I love studying with Mitile. And I love the food that Nero makes. I also really love you, Sage.
Riquet whispers in a sing-song manner, kicking up the stepping stones and walking ahead of me.
He turns around, and smiles.
Riquet: Hey, Sage?
Akira: What is it?
Riquet: You aren’t lying to me, right, Sage.
I am taken aback. In the darkness of the night, Riquet’s eyes gleam like a cat’s pupils.
Riquet leans his head to one side, an adorable smile on his face.
Riquet: It’s okay for me to believe in you, right, Sage? The Sage’s Wizards aren’t wicked beings, right?
All of the wizards here are different: I like some of them, and dislike others. There are wizards I look up to, and wizards who frustrate me.
I’m scared — of not knowing whether I’m wrong, or if someone else is wrong — of slowly not being able to tell what is right anymore.
I’ve never felt like this before......
Riquet’s forlorn voice quavers helplessly in the darkness.
He bends down and folds up his slender body, covering his face.
Riquet: Sage. What should I do?
If I come to like something, I’d want to possess it.
If I dislike something, I’d become unable to forgive all of it.
The more my thoughts become free, the more I lose sight of my foundations, and the more I feel alone.....
CHAPTER 10
Riquet: I like being free. But being free is lonely. I wander like a ship unable to let down its anchor, mercilessly knocked about from side to side on the stormy seas.
Before this, all I had to do was believe in a single truth. I just had to like what everyone praised as correct, and hate what everyone told me was wrong.
And yet in this freedom I have now, what everyone says is so different, and I lose sight of what I should think......
I’m terrified that the only God in my heart might fade away......I’m scared of him abandoning me and leaving me behind......
Running up to him, I hug Riquet, who seems like he might disappear.
I tighten my embrace, trying to convey my warmth to him.
Akira: Don’t worry......You’re not alone. Everyone here is looking out for you.
Riquet: ......Sage......
Akira: When I first arrived in this world, I was scared, and uncertain.....But now I’ve come to discover many enjoyable things.
You will come to discover many things from now on. The many things you discover and experience might come to hurt you, but......
You don’t have to rush, just take your time to discover what is important to you, Riquet.
Riquet: .......What is important to me......
Akira: What you consulted me about — whether you should return to the religious organization — you don’t have to decide immediately.
Although it’s painful to be troubled, it goes to show that many different futures, many different possibilities lie ahead of you, Riquet.
So don’t rush; let’s slowly, carefully think it over. No matter what you come to like or dislike, you will still be you, Riquet.
Riquet: ......Thank you, Sage......
Riquet closes his eyes in relief, his lashes slightly wet.
The moon watches over us, our figures nestled close together.
Riquet: I’m right here......Discovering my own emotions is unfamiliar, and difficult, but.....
As long as I’m here, I will try my hardest to seek it out — my own future.
Thank you to K for the following translation!
CHAPTER 1
Riquet: Okay, here I go.
Oz: Go on.
Akira: (Oh....it’s the Central wizards. I wonder if Riquet is practicing magic.)
Arthur: Do your best, Riquet! It’ll be fine; we’re watching over you.
Cain: You’ve got this! Just stay calm and give it your all without fear.
Riquet: Yes!
<< Sunrotea Edif >>
Riquet raises his lantern, and chants his spell quietly.
(Wind rustling)
The next moment, a small whirlwind is born, spinning at the center of their circle.
Arthur: Yay! You did i—
(Wind intensifying)
A thunderous roar drowns out Arthur’s voice. The whirlwind expands rapidly into a raging tornado that looks like an imposing tower.
Akira: (Amazing......!)
Oz stands with his hair whipping around in the fierce wind, looking up at the roaring tornado, and murmurs to himself.
Oz: ......All the leaves are going to be blown off the trees.
Riquet: I did it.....
Riquet looks up at the massive tornado with childlike wonder, his eyes sparkling.
The tree branches creak under its force, and the windows of the magical quarters, some distance away, tremble in the gale.
Even as he brings forth this terrifying tornado, Riquet looks innocently delighted at his success, as if it were nothing more than putting on new clothes.
I’m struck by the incongruity.
Riquet: I did it!
Riquet is a Central wizard. They cherish justice, fairness, and valour — each of them have
what it takes to be leaders.
Even Riquet, an innocent youth. He had been raised as a disciple of a god, in an enigmatic religious organization on the border of Central Country.
Riquet has the purity of an angel, the lovable charm of an innocent child; in him, too, lies the perilous uncertainty of a wizard.
CHAPTER 2
Riquet: Sage.
Akira: Good day, Riquet. The tornado that you summoned during practice yesterday was incredible.
Riquet: Yes! I’m glad it went well! Um.....I’d like to consult you about something, so could you lend me an ear?
Akira: Of course! What do you want to consult me about?
>Option:
Akira: Relationships in the magical quarters?
Riquet: Oh no. I’m not worried about that at the moment.
I’ve made friends, you see!
>Option:
Akira: Eating habits in the magical quarters?
Riquet: Why do you assume it has to do with food?
Akira: You seem very fixated when it comes to food...
Riquet: That’s not true. I modestly offer thanks for the blessings I receive everyday, and simply eat the food prepared without wilful complaints!
>Option:
Akira: Dating and relationship advice?
Riquet: What does that mean?
Akira: Advice about love, for example...
Riquet: Ah.....The promiscuous stuff. I do not worry over things like that.
Akira: Well, how about I listen to your story at length? I was just thinking that I’d like to get to know you better, Riquet.
Riquet: Me?
Akira: I don’t know when I’ll return to my world, right?
I don’t want to leave everyone at a loss in case I suddenly have to go back.
So I’m writing about everyone in the sage’s book — what they’re good at, what they’re bad at.
Riquet: Must we be separated?
Akira: That won’t be until someday in the future. Until then, let’s keep getting along.
Riquet: Yes! Um....let’s go to my room then. I’d like to talk to you alone.
Akira: All right. I’ll come by, then.
CHAPTER 3
Akira: So this is Riquet’s room.....
>Option:
Akira: What a clean and neat room.
Riquet: I clean it every morning and night. After all, a pure environment will bring forth a pure spirit.
Akira: It’s admirable that you clean your room everyday. I should learn from you......
>Option:
Akira: What a lovely lantern.
Riquet: Yes. The lantern’s light lifts my spirits.
When I gaze at it, it reminds me of my time at the religious organization......
>Option:
Akira: A white rug...Aren’t you afraid of getting it dirty?
Riquet: I only enter my room after I’ve properly cleansed myself of impurities; as long as I’m careful, I won’t drop anything on it out of carelessness.
I can remove the dirt with magic, too, if I get it dirty. And Oz said that salt is good for removing stains from a rug!
Akira: So, what did you want to consult me about?
Riquet: Um, you can start. I just have to answer your questions, right.
Akira: Yes. Okay, could you give me a simple self-introduction?
Riquet: Riquet Ortiz. 16 years old. I lived in the headquarters of a eschatological religious organization on the border of Central Country.
.........What else should I say? There's not much for me to talk about......
Akira: Could you tell me things like what you’re good at and what you’re bad at?
Riquet: I think it’s neglectful to use "being good" or "being bad" at something as excuses......but let me see. I’m good at waking up early and performing religious services.
I’m not good at reading and writing. I’m learning right now.
Akira: I know. Rutile is impressed with how fast you’re picking things up.
Riquet: Really! I can even read books now. Reading books is interesting.
There are many things I didn’t know about written in books. Though I can’t tell whether they are lies or truths.
Akira: Why do you think that?
CHAPTER 4
Riquet: Because some of the things written in books are different from what Father Priest says.
Akira: Do you think that what Father Priest says is the most correct?
Riquet: Yes. Father Priest has devoted his life for the sake of world peace, and he’s someone who I respect.
Wizards should devote themselves to the people. However, there are many foolish souls in this world, so they should follow in the teachings of the chosen ones.
Akira: The chosen ones....
Riquet: Sage, you might be one of them; you arrived from a different world with a mysterious power, and you’re respected by everyone.
>Option:
Akira: It’s embarrassing when you say it like that.
Riquet: It is our fortune as chosen wizards to be able to serve and devote ourselves to you. Please, guide us to the path of paradise.
>Option:
Akira: I’m not all that great...
Riquet: Please don’t be modest. I know that in serving you, we are serving the people of the world.
Riquet looks at me, his expression filled with reverence—the same way he had looked up at the massive tornado, with a steadfast heart filled with light.
I find myself at a loss at his pure but precarious affection.
Akira: ......Have you grown closer to the Central wizards?
Riquet: Yes. They’re very kind to me. Cain is slightly unrefined, though.
Akira: Ahaha. The Central wizards all have their own way of thinking, right? What do you think of them?
Riquet: Well......
CHAPTER 5
Riquet: Prince Arthur is a wonderful person. I’ve heard that royal families are the greatest evil, keeping their wealth to themselves, but Arthur himself is very kind.
As for Cain, leaving aside the fact that he takes pride in being a knight — a wicked occupation that makes a living from violence — I think he’s a wonderful person.
Oz is......a wicked wizard. His existence is unforgivable, but the other day, he peeled the skin off some chestnuts for me.
Arthur says, "It’s a misunderstanding that Oz is called wicked;" Oz says, "Think it over yourself."
Cain says, "Knights have a duty to protect the people; we’re definitely not wicked." Nero says, "There is no need for wizards to serve the people"......
Sage. Which of these is the truth? Was Father Priest telling lies?
Have I not been loved — respected — by Father Priest and the members of the religious organization?
Akira: Riquet......
Riquet stares at me desperately, uncertainty and bewilderment written in his lovely eyes.
I can’t give him a simple answer. Because Riquet might wholeheartedly swallow up any answer I give him without thinking any further.
I can’t say something superficial.
Akira: .....I can’t say for sure which one is correct. I can only give you my opinion.....
Riquet: Why? Everyone calls you Sage, so why can’t you decide?
Akira: I’m sorry I can’t help......But I know how confusing it can be to receive lots of information.
The place I came from was just like that. "They were a good person," "They were a bad person," "That person will succeed," "That person will fail" — there were always so many opinions.
You might be swayed left and right over every little thing, even something as simple as making a purchase—but in the end what’s important is your own opinion.
Riquet: .....My own opinion......
Akira: That’s right. What does Riquet think?
Riquet: I don’t know.......I’m so lost. It’s painful to feel lost, so I thought I’d consult you.....
Riquet sighs, almost at his wits’ end, and looks at me helplessly.
CHAPTER 6
Riquet: Actually....I wanted to consult you about the religious organization.
After coming to the magical quarters, I haven’t returned even once. Everyone there must be worried, including Father Priest.
Even if I decide to fulfill my duties alongside everyone else here, I still think it would be better for me to go back and explain my situation.
But......if I return to the religious organization, I have a feeling I might not be able to come back here. And even if I could.......
I have a feeling that might mean I would never be able to go back to the religious organization again.
Akira: Riquet......
Riquet: I cannot choose one or the other. I don’t want to lose either of them. So, I wanted Sage to make the decision for me......
I recall the stories that Riquet had told of the organization. Of the people who had kept him confined since he was a child, who restricted even what he could eat......
I cannot bring myself to like them, nor trust them. But they were as good as family to Riquet.
If I speak badly of them without thought, Riquet’s heart would be deeply wounded.
Akira: ......Have you talked to Nero or Mitile? You’re close to the two of them, aren’t you?
Riquet: I didn’t ask them clearly, but I did ask in a roundabout way.
Akira: What did you ask them?
Riquet lifts his gaze, looking at me.
His clear, wide gaze glitters like the waters of a lake under the morning sun.
Riquet: I asked if they loved me.
I blush at his unabashed question.
Riquet: Nero said, "Well, yeah" and smiled at me with his eyebrows turned downwards. Mitile blushed and went quiet for a while, and then he said, "I like you."
Both answers made me so happy...... If I weigh them against the days that I spent with Father Priest, I feel like I’m wavering.
I know that I shouldn’t be comparing who is more important to me...... Have I fallen from grace in the pursuit of pleasure?
Akira: No, I think it’s fine. Anyone would want to stay with the people they are close to, and the people they love.
Riquet: Even you, Sage?
Akira: Yes, of course.
CHAPTER 7
Riquet: Out of the 21 wizards in the magical quarters, who do you want to stay with?
What a difficult question to answer.
Akira: Um......I want to be with everyone!
Riquet: But if you could only choose one person?
Akira: Uh......Um......
I steal glances at Riquet. He sits up straighter in excitement and anticipation, his eyes shining expectantly.
>Option:
Akira: Ri.........Riquet, I guess......?
Riquet: Yay! I’m so happy! I get to be Sage’s favourite!
Akira: (He’s so delighted......How cute.......)
>Option:
Akira: M... Murr, I guess.....?
Akira: I like cats......And there are parts of Murr that are really quite cat-like......
I feel that this is a safe answer to give, but Riquet just purses his lips.
Riquet: Eh, is that so? Murr likes to play pranks, so I think he might steal away your things.
Akira: R-really?
Riquet: That’s right! But, I understand. If that’s how you feel.
Oh well.
Akira: (He sighed at me......)
Akira: Um, I’m asking for future reference, but Riquet, what counts as a wicked thing to you?
Riquet: Well.....Uncleanliness, dishonesty, carelessness, greed, rivalry, sloppiness, and selfishness are all wicked, right?
Akira: What if...I have even one of those traits......
Riquet gives me a cold look of frank contempt, as if looking at something impure.
Riquet: Huh.....? I’d be disappointed.
Akira: (What an honest child......)
CHAPTER 8
Akira: Then I’ll try my best not to disappoint you...... Can I see your magical object?
Riquet: Of course. I’m happy to show you.
Smiling, Riquet holds out his empty hand; a lantern appears, floating out of nowhere.
It releases a divine, guiding light.
Riquet: At the religious organization, I lit the lanterns for all of the disciples.
It was a truly divine ritual. Listening to their words of thanks, I felt the keen joy of fulfilling my calling.
I imagine the scene from Riquet’s words.
Inside the church as the sun starts to set, disciples with lanterns in their hands reverently stand before Riquet, forming lines along the sides of the solemn altar.
Looking at the serene smile on the face of this lovely youth—a smile that bestows a mysterious strength—the people of the religious organization must have dreamt of a divine miracle.
Riquet laughs quietly, shaking his smooth locks.
Riquet: In the magical quarters, I don’t have assigned everyday tasks. To live every day without having my time planned out for me, to not receive thanks—I really didn’t know what to do at first......
But everyone here accepts me for who I am, and acknowledges my freedom. That makes me incredibly happy.
Akira: I’m happy to hear that. I’m glad we talked a lot today.
Riquet: Me too!
Akira: As for what you consulted me about, I’ll try thinking it over. It’s important to you, after all.
Riquet: Thank you, Sage.....Um.....Can I ask you for one more thing?
Akira: Of course. What is it?
Riquet: I’d like to take a nighttime walk with you. Will you walk with me in the courtyard?
CHAPTER 9
We leave Riquet’s room and wander around the nighttime courtyard.
Riquet breathes in the refreshing night breeze, spreading out both his arms comfortably.
Riquet: Ah, the breeze feels so good.......
Here, I can go outside whenever I want. At the religious organization, I was only allowed to go out during specific hours.
Akira: Was that so......
Riquet: I love taking walks at night. I love studying with Mitile. And I love the food that Nero makes. I also really love you, Sage.
Riquet whispers in a sing-song manner, kicking up the stepping stones and walking ahead of me.
He turns around, and smiles.
Riquet: Hey, Sage?
Akira: What is it?
Riquet: You aren’t lying to me, right, Sage.
I am taken aback. In the darkness of the night, Riquet’s eyes gleam like a cat’s pupils.
Riquet leans his head to one side, an adorable smile on his face.
Riquet: It’s okay for me to believe in you, right, Sage? The Sage’s Wizards aren’t wicked beings, right?
All of the wizards here are different: I like some of them, and dislike others. There are wizards I look up to, and wizards who frustrate me.
I’m scared — of not knowing whether I’m wrong, or if someone else is wrong — of slowly not being able to tell what is right anymore.
I’ve never felt like this before......
Riquet’s forlorn voice quavers helplessly in the darkness.
He bends down and folds up his slender body, covering his face.
Riquet: Sage. What should I do?
If I come to like something, I’d want to possess it.
If I dislike something, I’d become unable to forgive all of it.
The more my thoughts become free, the more I lose sight of my foundations, and the more I feel alone.....
CHAPTER 10
Riquet: I like being free. But being free is lonely. I wander like a ship unable to let down its anchor, mercilessly knocked about from side to side on the stormy seas.
Before this, all I had to do was believe in a single truth. I just had to like what everyone praised as correct, and hate what everyone told me was wrong.
And yet in this freedom I have now, what everyone says is so different, and I lose sight of what I should think......
I’m terrified that the only God in my heart might fade away......I’m scared of him abandoning me and leaving me behind......
Running up to him, I hug Riquet, who seems like he might disappear.
I tighten my embrace, trying to convey my warmth to him.
Akira: Don’t worry......You’re not alone. Everyone here is looking out for you.
Riquet: ......Sage......
Akira: When I first arrived in this world, I was scared, and uncertain.....But now I’ve come to discover many enjoyable things.
You will come to discover many things from now on. The many things you discover and experience might come to hurt you, but......
You don’t have to rush, just take your time to discover what is important to you, Riquet.
Riquet: .......What is important to me......
Akira: What you consulted me about — whether you should return to the religious organization — you don’t have to decide immediately.
Although it’s painful to be troubled, it goes to show that many different futures, many different possibilities lie ahead of you, Riquet.
So don’t rush; let’s slowly, carefully think it over. No matter what you come to like or dislike, you will still be you, Riquet.
Riquet: ......Thank you, Sage......
Riquet closes his eyes in relief, his lashes slightly wet.
The moon watches over us, our figures nestled close together.
Riquet: I’m right here......Discovering my own emotions is unfamiliar, and difficult, but.....
As long as I’m here, I will try my hardest to seek it out — my own future.