Etude of the Solitary Bandit | Chapter 7

[healingbonds]

Chapter 6 << | index | >> Chapter 8


Mithra: How ridiculous...... I really should just seal those brothers away.
I’ll just kidnap them in their sleep. I always get discouraged from going through with my plans because I see their faces and end up talking to them.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: ............
<< Arthi...... >>

(Rustle)

Rutile: ......Nn...... Is everything all right, Mister Mithra?
Yaawn...... It must be terrible not being able to sleep...... Should I make some tea?

Mithra: ............

Rutile: Yaawn...... Please wait......just five minutes......

Mithra: You’re just falling back asleep, aren’t you......
............ Goodness, what is this......

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Zz, zzz......

(Crash)

Cain: ......Woah!! You scared me!!

Owen: Do it now.

Cain: Huh!? What!? Owen!? What are you doing?

Owen: Do it now — that thing you said about getting better at magic and taking back your eyeball. Stop putting it off. I’ll kill you.

Cain: ............ I refuse.

Owen: Why?

Cain: A knight doesn’t fight battles that he has no chance of winning. You’re a tough enemy: I know that much. I have no intention of sending myself off to an honorable death in combat.

Owen: ............

Cain: I’ll defeat you someday, and take it back with my own hands. Until then I’ll continue to train.

Owen: ............
Hmm.......

Cain: If you get it then leave already. Yaawn...... Honestly, what time is it?

✦✧☾✧✦

After that, the days pass without any progress in the Northern wizards deepening their relationship.
I let out a sigh as I look over the documents that Mister Cock Robin sent over.
There is a mountain of reports flooding in regarding strange incidents in Northern Country. Many of them relay information on sightings of monstrous beings, or of strange occurrences that affect the entire region.

Akira: (They say the lands of the North have powerful magic....... We need the strength of the Northern wizards to solve the problems there. But I don’t want to force them to do things against their will......)

Snow: It appears that the Western wizards went on their first mission the other day.

White: I’m glad that the mission was a success. But I wonder when us Northern wizards will be able to come together......

Shylock: If we — the Western wizards — can be of help, I’d be delighted to offer our assistance, Sir Sage.

Akira: Shylock......

Shylock: Our very own Western Country has undergone the most drastic changes in recent years.
Being caught between the bewildering change of the era and your surroundings while trying to stay true to who you are: we’re familiar with those feelings of anguish and confusion.
It must be the same for the wizards from the North.

Akira: ......How do you adapt to the changing surroundings and times, Shylock?

Shylock: Just as I always do: I smoke my pipe and relish the change.
No matter what you’re up against, you can find enjoyment in it with a bit of creativity. And within that enjoyment you will find what it means to be yourself.

The refreshing wind lifts Shylock’s hair so it flutters in the breeze.

Akira: (That’s true...... After I came to this world without smartphones or convenience stores, there have been times where it’s been troubling and suffocating.)
(But it didn’t mean that I couldn’t take joy in my life here just because it was an unfamiliar world. I’m sure the Northern wizards, too......)

Akira: I’m going to go discuss things with Bradley.

Gripping a sheaf of the reports, I start running in the direction of the magical headquarters.
At that moment, Bradley’s voice comes from behind me.

Bradley: Hey, Sage. I have something to say to you. It’s about making Mithra and Owen cooperate.

Akira: Bradley......! So you’ve been thinking over it as well.

I thought that Bradley had lost interest and given up after what happened before. But he just nods like it’s a matter of course.

Bradley: Of course. I haven’t gotten my reward yet.
I’ve had enough of begging. I’m going to grab what I want with my own two hands. — Say, I’ve got a good idea. Lend me a hand.

Akira: Of course! Shylock and the others said that they’d help as well.

Bradley looks at Shylock, and grins broadly.

Bradley: Sounds good. I’ll give you guys a taste of that danger you all like so much.

Shylock: Oh, my. How thrilling.

Bradley: Mithra and Owen both have strong egos, but they’re simple at their core. Make them think the mission is a game, and have them compete against each other.
If it comes with a feast, then all the better. Though, Mithra is a gross eater, and Owen has a sweet tooth.

Akira: Now that you mention it, they seemed happy with the feast at the party! Well then, I’ll ask Nero to......

Bradley: I’ll ask him.

Bradley gives me a small smile. He might be a Northern wizard, but it’s a peaceful smile, befitting the warmth of the sunshine.

Bradley: I’ll bow my head, and ask properly. This is my evolution. Not bad, right?
I used to think it was real fucking uncool to act all modest. But it’s just a matter of increasing the weapons I can use, be it limbs or wings.

(Clapping)

Before I can open my mouth, the sound of applause rings out. Snow and White are clapping; after a beat, Shylock follows suit.

Shylock: How wonderful. If someone as terrifying as you bowed their head, anyone would be blown away.

Bradley: Excellent. I feel like we might just get along.

Akira: Well then, I have just the right mission for you! It’s this matter here......

Bradley: Which one? Show me.

(Flips page)

Bradley: ......Cracking down on a gang of bandits?

Chapter 6 << | index | >> Chapter 8