Etude of the Frog Taking Shelter From the Rain | Chapter 1

[healingbonds]

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Akira: Looks like it’ll rain today.....
...Speaking of the rain....



I take a frog figurine out of my desk drawer. It’s an aged, cracked, purple frog.
I can’t help but smile as I trace it with my fingertip.

Akira: This brings back memories.... From the first mission with the Southern wizards.

I gently place the stone frog on my desk and trace my memories. The sound of rain begins to echo from outside the window.

(Rain)

✦✧☾✧✦

When we announce the Southern wizards’ first mission, Rutile and Mitile are overjoyed.

Mitile: Yay! I’ll do everything I can to be useful, Sir Sage!

Rutile: So it’s finally our turn, Sir Sage. I’m a little nervous, but let’s do our best and make sure we don’t get hurt!

Lennox watches over the two of them with a gentle gaze.
Lennox is a man of few words; at a glance, he might seem cold, but he’s actually a very kind wizard who is great at taking care of others.
He’s an experienced soldier, and he always supports the brothers — who have just become Sage’s wizards — from behind the scenes.

Lennox: Dr. Figaro and I will be there to support you, but you never know what might happen. So you should still be plenty careful.

Rutile & Mitile: Yes!

Akira: Do your best, Rutile, Mitile! I’ll be going with you!

Mitile: Sir Sage, I’ll be sure to protect you as well! Can you tell us about the mission?

Lennox: It’s an investigation. We received a bizarre report from a traveler making his way through the Southern wastelands.
In the middle of the wastelands, he spotted a mysterious, unpopulated village where it wouldn’t stop raining, and he asked us to go see what’s going on.

Rutile: A village where it won’t stop raining..... That sounds troublesome. It’ll cause floods and mudslides.

Lennox: Yes. We need to investigate and do something about it.

Mitile: So it’s a job where we get to protect our homeland! I’m so happy!
I wonder if the higher-ups will praise us for it? Maybe my friends at school will hear rumors about me?

Rutile: It would be sad if they got hold of the news through a rumor. If you put a lot of effort into it and do a good job, you should write a letter — don’t be shy.
"I tried my best to protect my homeland. I think I did a great job, so please praise me."

Mitile: But... Won’t my friends think I’m bragging and shun me for it?

Rutile: Wanting someone to praise you for all the effort you put into something is different from bragging, so it’s fine. It’s important to share your experiences with others.

Mitile: I see! I’ll do my best so that I can tell my friends lots of wonderful stories!

Lennox smiles wryly at how the brothers are already thinking ahead to what to do when the mission is a success — even before it’s started.

Lennox: Before we head out on our mission, I’ll teach you two a number of things to keep in mind during an investigation. Come to my room later.

Mitile: What about Dr. Figaro?

Lennox: Of course, Dr. Figaro will be there too —.

That’s when I hear Mithra’s voice sneak up from behind us.

Mithra: You may not.

Mitile: Woah...! Mister Mithra....!?

Mithra: I heard the story. Can you not head out on a mission? You’re causing me trouble.

Rutile & Mitile: Huh!?

Mithra: Don’t "huh" me. You two are both weak, so don’t go wandering off anywhere.

Mithra says grudgingly, gazing down at Rutile and Mitile.
There is a reason for his tyrannical attitude. Mithra promised their mother Tiretta that he would protect the brothers.
When a wizard breaks a promise, they lose their magic. That’s why Mithra is overprotective of the brothers.

Akira: (Should I say overprotective, or just forced safety control.... Rutile and Mitile look unhappy.....)

Rutile: Mister Mithra. I’m very grateful that you’re worried about us, but....

Mithra: Huh? I’m not particularly worried.

Rutile: We are also Sage’s wizards. We can protect the world just like everyon—nyah!

Rutile lets out a voice akin to a squished cat’s when Mithra pinches his nose. Mithra then proceeds to pinch Mitile’s nose.

Mitile: Nya....! I didn’t say anything!

Mithra: I got a sense that you were about to say something along the lines of, "You’re terrible, Mister Mithra." In any case, you two are staying here.

Mithra glances at Lennox, and says with a disinterested voice:

Mithra: You and Figaro can handle it together. Can you just go and do the job?

Lennox uncrosses his arms and pushes up his glasses.
He isn’t overwhelmed by Mithra, and he’s not angry at him, either. Instead, he responds peacefully.

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