healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-02 08:28 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-02 08:28 pm
Main Story | Chapter 8 | A Mixer with the Wizards
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 7 << | index | >> Chapter 9
Chapter 8: A Mixer with the Wizards
8.1 Getting to Know Each Other
8.2 Vibrant Personalities
8.3 Little to Say
8.4 Those Who Were Lost
8.5 The Cost of Kindness
8.6 The Bonds That Connect
8.7 Steps Towards Cooperation
8.8 Signs of a New Life
8.1 Getting to Know Each Other
And thus began our midnight tea party — the wizards’ mixer.
According to the sage’s manual, the wizards’ personalities varied depending on where they were from, so I had them group together by country.
It seems like some of them know about fellow wizards from their same country.
Arthur: I’m Arthur, a wizard from Central. I’ve met Cain before.
Cain: I was a knight of Central Country. It’s an honor to meet you again like this.
Riquet: I’m Riquet, a Central wizard. I was a disciple of God who spread the teachings of the Church. Excuse me, who is the person in charge here?
Cain: Person in charge...... Sir Sage only just arrived, so......
Shylock: If we’re going by age, shouldn’t it be Sir Snow and Sir White, since they’re the oldest?
Snow: Stop shoving responsibility onto the elderly.
White: We’ve lived this long because we avoided taking responsibility for anything, you know?
Murr: Isn’t it Oz? He’s not here right now, but he is the strongest.
Upon hearing Oz’s name, Arthur shifts in his seat, his restlessness apparent.
Next to him, Riquet’s face — as lovely as a maiden’s — hardens into a frown.
Riquet: So Oz is the person in charge then? I see.
When will he be here?
Arthur: That’s an excellent question. Does anyone know?
His question is met with silence from the table. Arthur looks crestfallen, and Riquet raises an eyebrow.
Arthur: So nobody knows......
Riquet: So nobody knows at all?
Cain: I’ll introduce him instead. Oz is a Central wizard.
He used to be the instructor of the Central wizards...... He was our... What was the word? He was our teacher and trainer.
He’s the strongest wizard of us all. I’m sure many of you know of him, but he doesn’t really show his face around here often.
That’s it for our introductions. Could the Western wizards introduce themselves next?
Shylock: I’m the Western wizard Shylock. I was the teacher of the Western wizards — just in name, though.
Murr: I’m the Western wizard Murr! I love shiny things!
Rustica: Murr? Are you the famous philosopher?
The young man with the bearing of a noble looks at Murr, surprised.
Rustica: How unexpected. I’m honored to meet you, Philosopher Murr.
Chloe: Do you know him?
Rustica: He’s a very knowledgeable scholar, and one of the greatest minds of our era. His research involves the truth of the universe, and the < Great Catastrophe >.
Chloe: Wow, that’s incredible!
Murr: Grrr~, woof woof!!
Chloe: .............!? What was that!? Is this what they say about the thin line between geniuses and freaks?
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8.2 Vibrant Personalities
Rustica: What a magnificent cry. I’m impressed.
Shylock: It’s been a while since I met someone with praise for Murr. May I ask for your names?
Rustica: My, I apologize. My name is Rustica. And this is Chloe.
Chloe: Hello, I’m Chloe. I’ve been traveling with Rustica, and he’s been teaching me magic over the course of our journey.
That’s why I’m like Rustica’s pupil. My dream is to become the best tailor in the land!
Shylock: Were you traveling with a purpose? Or was it a journey without a goal?
Rustica: We’re on a journey to find my lost bride.
Shylock: A journey of love, I see. What kind of person is she?
Rustica: She’s a wonderful person.
Shylock: Anything else?
Rustica: She's a wonderful person.
Chloe: Um, I'm sorry.... It's kind of, uh, really hard to explain....
Shylock: No worries. I'm quite familiar with lunatics.
Murr: Lunatics are the best! I love all things weird!
Rustica turns his gaze on me with an elegant smile.
Rustica: Sir Sage, you came from an unknown world — were you on a journey too?
Akira: I wasn’t traveling, but...... Before I knew it, I ended up here.
Rustica: That’s nice. You didn’t have to go through the trouble of packing.
Akira: A-ahaha. That’s true.
Chloe: How are you going to get back? Can I visit your world too, Sir Sage?
Akira: We actually don’t know how I can return yet...... We’re currently searching for a way.
Chloe: Oh...... I see. I’m sorry.
Chloe takes in my predicament, and furrows his brows in sympathy.
But his face immediately brightens up with an encouraging smile.
Chloe: Then, when you find out how to get home, take me with you! Until then, I’ll make lots of clothes for you, Sir Sage.
Akira: Thank you.
Rustica: Chloe is very clever with his hands.
Chloe: Ehehe. See, I designed and made Rustica’s clothes. I’ll make clothes for everyone else too!
Shylock: Faust, how about you ask him to make you some clothes? Weren’t yours ruined during our last battle?
Faust, who had been drinking his tea, gives Shylock a wordless gaze.
Shylock smiles and continues talking.
Shylock: Please introduce the Eastern wizards next.
In the sage’s manual, it says that the Eastern wizards hate humans.
True to their description, they look more uncomfortable than anyone else in the room. They were the first to grab the seats at the end of the table.
Faust: ............
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8.3 Little to Say
Faust places his cup on the table. His gaze is fixed downwards as he interlocks his fingers and falls into a long, deep silence.
Akira: Um, if you’re still feeling unwell, please don’t force yourself......
Faust: Eastern wizard, Faust.
Chloe: ....Anything else?
Faust: No.
Heathcliff: Ah.... Mr. Faust kept all the Eastern wizards together. He’s my teacher.
Heathcliff adds on timidly, trying to help.
But Faust simply furrows his eyebrows even more.
Faust: There is no reason for you to treat me like a teacher.
Heathcliff: But.....
Faust: Two of us turned to stone.
Faust’s voice is hoarse.
A heavy silence falls across the room. I don’t know what to say, but as I struggle to find the right words, two voices speak up at the same time.
Lennox: In the previous battle.....
Figaro: The catastrophe.....
Lennox: Ah, go ahead, Dr. Figaro.
Figaro: No, you speak first.
Riquet: Excuse me.
As the Southern wizards press each other to speak first, Riquet raises his hand.
For some reason, Murr calls on him like a teacher.
Murr: Yes, Riquet. You may speak.
Riquet: You said your name was Faust. Are you by any chance the holy wizard Faust, who was said to be involved in the founding of the Central Country Kingdom?
Faust refuses to meet his gaze.
Faust: You have the wrong person.
Riquet: But.....
Faust: ............
Akira: Ah... Um, there was a wizard like that?
Riquet: Yes. He’s a noble wizard who dedicated his life to serving humans. Father Priest always told me to look to him as my role model.
Faust: Heathcliff. You’re next.
Heathcliff: Ah.... Yes.
I’m Heathcliff, a wizard from Eastern Country. ....Please take care of me.
Cain: Heath and I are close in age, so we hung out pretty often. I’ll introduce you later, Prince Arthur. You too, Riquet.
Arthur: I see. Nice to meet you.
Riquet: Nice to meet you......
Heathcliff: Ah.... Yes. Hi.
Faust: Keep going in order.
Nero: Okay, guess I’m next, then...... I’m Nero. Uh..... That’s all.
Faust: Are you stupid? You told us absolutely nothing about yourself.
Nero: You pretty much did the same.......
Faust: What was that?
Nero: Nevermind..... Uh, I ran a restaurant in Eastern Country.
Mitile: Nii-sama, did you hear that? He ran his own restaurant.
Rutile: That’s amazing. You must be a wonderful chef.
Nero: Uh, thanks..... And that’s why I’d like to go back as soon as I can......
The < Great Catastrophe > only attacks once a year, right? I’ll just show up when the time comes.
Sorry, but does that sound all right to you all?
Shylock: That’s absolutely fine. Up till now, no one but the Sage lived in this building — the only time we all got together was to defeat the catastrophe.....
Cain: Wait. Hold up one second.
I was going to bring this up later, but... As everyone here knows, the < Great Catastrophe > this year was different — it was powerful.
Cain: It turned ten of our comrades to stone. In order to prevent such a tragedy from repeating itself, we need to train together and plan ahead; I want us to build our sense of unity as a group.
Nero: ....What are you trying to say?
Cain: We’re all going to live here together and prepare for the next attack.
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8.4 Those Who Were Lost
Cain: We’re all going to live here together and prepare for the next attack.
Snow: I think that’s a good plan.
White: I agree. We have ten new wizards, after all. It would be quite difficult for all of us to work together on short notice.
Snow: On top of that, there’s the issue of our bizarre injuries. How does that sound to you all?
I look across the room, surveying everyone’s reactions.
All of the Eastern wizards immediately look disgusted.
Faust: Living together.....?
Heathcliff: Here? For a whole year....?
Nero: I would seriously rather not.....
But there is one Eastern wizard who voices his agreement.
Shino: I’m fine with that. I can sleep anywhere so long as I have a roof over my head.
Cain: And you are?
Shino: Shino, an Eastern wizard. I’m the guardian of Sherwood Forest, and a servant of the Blanchett family.
Faust: ....The Blanchett family? So you mean Heath’s family?
Heathcliff steals a sideways glance at Shino before nodding with a sigh.
Heathcliff: ....Shino is my childhood friend.
Faust looks at the two of them and raises his eyebrows in exasperation.
Faust: ....Why don’t any of you know how to introduce yourselves?
Nero: I mean, considering the example that you set.....
Faust: Shino.
Shino: What.
Heathcliff: Hey, be polite. Mr. Faust is our teacher.
Shino: I haven’t learned a single thing from him. Besides his name.
Faust: And I haven’t been paid for any services. Are you Heathcliff’s friend?
Shino shoots a quick glare in Heathcliff’s direction.
Shino: No. We’re not friends.
Heathcliff looks ready to pop a vein.
Heathcliff: Oh, is that so?
I can feel a sharp tension in the air: the two of them are keenly aware of each other, yet stubbornly refuse to make eye contact.
Shino: I serve Master and Mistress — Heath just happens to be their child.
Heathcliff: Yes, that’s right. And you just happen to be one of our servants.
Shino: Exactly.
Heathcliff: I see how it is.
Shino: Hmph.
Nero: What’s going on...? Are you two fighting....?
Heathcliff & Shino: Not at all.
Faust: And I don’t care. But Shino, listen to me.
Shino: What.
Faust: This was Heathcliff’s first battle. And it was a bitter, traumatic one: he lost two comrades right before his eyes.
Shino: ..........
Heathcliff: ............
Faust: Be kind to him, at least for tonight.
Shino: .....Got it.
Faust: Good. That’s it for Eastern Country introductions. Next.
I look at Faust in surprise. He has an unapproachable air, but he isn’t unkind.
Akira: (And I hear he was gravely injured protecting his comrade....)
Figaro: I guess we’ll go through our introductions next. But first, can I ask a question?
Akira: Ah... Go ahead.
Figaro: Did the Southern wizards chosen before us all turn to stone?
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8.5 The Cost of Kindness
Every wizard who fought against the < Great Catastrophe > falls silent at Figaro’s question.
After a long pause, the twins nod.
Snow: They did.
White: The kind Southern wizards stepped forward and tried to protect the rest of us.....
Mitile: ....So they really.....
Rutile: .....I see..... They were such kind people, after all......
Lennox: ............
A cloud hangs over the Southern wizards’ expressions.
I, too, am shocked. So I hadn’t met a Southern wizard until now because they had all passed away.
Figaro: I see..... Ah, I mean. I had prepared myself for this news, as unfortunate as it is.
But if that’s the case.... Then I can agree to living together.
I don’t want to let these boys turn to stone. I want to train them so they’re prepared to fight the < Great Catastrophe >.
Mitile: Train us.... You say that, but doesn’t that go for you too, Dr. Figaro?
You can’t use strong magic either. Plus, you said your back hurts because you rarely get to exercise.
Figaro: Ahahaha. Good point.
Snow: Figaro.
White: Oh Figaro.
Figaro: Can the cute little twins over there stay quiet for a second?
Snow: He called us cute.
White: Then I guess we can stay quiet.
Rutile: Do you know those twins?
Figaro: Somewhat. Ah, excuse me, I’m getting sidetracked.
Let me introduce myself again. I’m Figaro, a Southern wizard. I run a small clinic in Southern Country.
Rustica: So you’re a doctor? That’s wonderful.
Figaro: Thank goodness I’m a wizard. Because even if I slip up during a surgery, I can always get away with it by turning my patient into a zombie.
Rustica: ..........
Figaro: I’m just kidding.
Rutile: I’m Rutile. I teach at a school in the South. And this is my little brother Mitile.
Mitile: I’m Mitile. I'm in school, but I’m also learning magic from Dr. Figaro.
I’m still learning and improving, but I’ll become a great wizard one day!
So please don’t look down on us just because we’re from the South.
I can’t help but smile at Mitile’s enthusiasm.
I remember how I wanted to get good grades and impress my teachers when I had just started attending school.
Akira: Of course. Please do your best.
Mitile: Thank you!
Shino: But Southern wizards are weak.
Mitile: ............
Shino: Plus, they’re easily swayed by their emotions. No matter where you go, Southern wizards just drag the rest of us down.
Heathcliff: Shino!
Shino: It’s better to tell them now — so they won’t get wiped out later.
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8.6 The Bonds That Connect
Mitile: ....Yeah, well, Eastern wizards have terrible personalities and foul mouths.
Rutile: Hey now, Mitile!
Shino: What?
Heathcliff: What?
Nero: What?
Faust: What?
Mitile: Eastern wizards and Northern wizards give all of us wizards a bad reputation!
You guys were fighting against the Central Country army earlier today, too!
Faust: Oh? Are you saying the wizards of Southern Country would’ve solved the problem by letting them burn you to the ground?
I see. So that’s what you’re teaching them, Figaro.
Figaro: Don’t take it the wrong way, Faust.
Mitile: Dr. Figaro! You said that wizards and humans should help each other!
Figaro: I did say that. I sure did say that.
Faust: You irresponsible man..... You haven’t changed in the least.
Figaro: Hey, come on now, Faust.....
Rutile: Is he an acquaintance?
Figaro: I guess he might be, you know?
Lennox: ....I think I do know him.
Lennox finally breaks his long silence, his expression unchanging.
He sets his eyes on Faust and stands from his seat.
The leg of his chair catches the tablecloth, which in turn pulls the plates toward the edge of the table; they look like they’re about to fall, but Lennox pays no heed.
Lennox: Sir Faust — Central Country’s founding hero. I am the wizard Lennox who fought under your command.
I have been searching for you.
Mitile: Really!?
Rutile: Really!?
The brothers exclaim in surprise as they lean forward to catch the plates, inches from the ground.
Lennox comes to his senses and turns around.
Lennox: ....Thank you for catching the plates. But why are you so surprised?
Mitile: Because we thought you were just a normal shepherd until yesterday. And now you’re an weathered warrior and all.....
Rutile: And you were searching for someone all this time? Why didn’t you tell us? You could’ve talked to us about it.
Faust, on the other hand, immediately looks disgusted.
Faust: .....You’ve got the wrong man.
Lennox: Sir Faust.....
Before Lennox can press him further, the twins interrupt with a sigh.
Snow: Goodness gracious, everyone here seems to be tangled up in connections.
White: It looks like this year’s < Great Catastrophe > will be just as troublesome.
Faust: .............
Lennox: ...........
Heathcliff: ..........
Shino: ............
Snow: Lastly, we’ll introduce the Northern wizards: I’m Snow.
White: I’m the Northern wizard, White. The two of us make one.
Snow: We’ll introduce the remaining three.
White: Bradley — absent.
Snow: Owen — absent.
White: Mithra — also absent. That’s all.
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8.7 Steps Towards Cooperation
Rutile: Are the Northern wizards busy......?
Snow: You could say they are......
White: You could also say they’re not......
Mitile: ......There’s no way the Northern wizards will work with us......
Everyone hates wizards because they do bad things. Don’t you agree, Sir Sage?
Mitile asking for my opinion makes me flustered.
Snow, White, and Bradley are all Northern wizards.
I don’t know anything about this world, so—
I can’t say that they’re at fault for sure.
Akira: Rather than pointing fingers...... How about we try to figure out what we can accomplish together, and work on that instead?
Cain mentioned it earlier, but if we can all live here together......
I’m sorry for making it all about myself, but I like the idea. It makes me happy because I have nowhere else to go......
It would be a relief if I could stay in the company of people that I trust.
Nero: Trust......? You’re talking about us?
Akira: Yes......
Nero: Why would you trust us?
Akira: Well...... You all seem to say whatever you want...... So I don’t feel like anyone’s lying......
Nero: ............
Akira: The Northern wizards seem like a scary bunch, but...... It’d be nice if we could get along in time.......
Stealing eyeballs and causing mental breakdowns; getting murdered by beasts...... It all sounds pretty scary, but......
Cain: If we want the Northern wizards to cooperate, we’re going to need Oz’s help.
He doesn’t like being friendly with others, but he’s not an unnecessarily aggressive person.
If we can get Oz, the strongest wizard, to keep everyone in line, I’m sure the Northern wizards will listen to him, and the people will feel at ease.
Don’t you agree, Prince Arthur?
Arthur: That’s true.......
It might place a burden on Sir Oz, but...... Having him here would be a relief for everyone.
Figaro: I feel the same way. I’m speaking as a newcomer here, but the last < Great Catastrophe > was unlike any of the attacks that came before.
If it was strong enough to turn ten wizards to stone this time, the next < Great Catastrophe > might be even more powerful.
All of the wizards — not just from the North, but also Central, West, East, and South — have to work together to stand up to it.
Arthur: It’s just as Sir Figaro says. Sir Sage......
Akira: Yes.
Arthur: I’m thinking of holding a series of events for the Sage and his wizards: victory parades, parties, and of course, the inauguration ceremony.
If we can gather all twenty-one wizards in the capital for that, it’ll help to put the people at ease after the disasters they’ve suffered through.
And if we can show that even the Northern wizards, who everyone sees as a threat, are loyal to you, Sir Sage......
I believe we can prevent any more unnecessary commotion like what happened tonight, because people fear wizards.
For that reason, I’d like to go persuade Sir Oz to help us, but...... What do you think, Sir Sage?
Akira: I agree...... I’ve only met him once, but Oz seemed reliable.
It would be incredibly reassuring if he would take our side. But......
Arthur: But?
I hold my tongue.
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8.8 Signs of a New Life
What did that passage written in the sage’s manual mean, then?
"Prince Arthur is so easy to get along with. Life at the magic headquarters would be so much more enjoyable if he were one of the wizards here."
"But Oz would probably never allow it. He always disappears whenever Arthur comes to visit, and staunchly refuses to meet him."
Akira: ......No, it’s nothing. Let’s go persuade Oz.
Arthur: Yes. I’ll do my best, Sir Sage.
Snow: Then it’s decided. That’s enough for tonight.
White: All of you can feel free to choose a room to rest in.
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: I’m glad everyone seems nice! Rustica, I’ll go find a room for you.
Rustica: Thank you, Chloe.
Cain: I thought we were just going to introduce ourselves, but it basically turned into a meeting. Heath, introduce me to your friend.
Heathcliff: He’s not my friend.
Shino: That’s my line.
Rutile: Mitile. You shouldn’t be so rude.
Mitile: But...... That guy was so rude...... Um, can I share a room with you, nii-sama?
Rutile: There’s nothing to be scared of here. You’re all grown up now, so you should sleep alone.
Mitile: But......
Rutile: Don’t worry. Father and Mother are watching over you from heaven, Mitile.
Mitile: ....... Ah, Mister Lennox! Can we—....
Lennox: Sir Faust, please wait.
Faust: Leave me alone. You’ve got the wrong man.
Mitile: ...... He seems busy......
Riquet: Mitile, was it?
Mitile: Ah...... Yes.
Riquet: Shall I take the room next to you?
Mitile: Really?
Riquet: Yes, gladly. I’ve been taught to help the small and the weak, after all.
Mitile: I’m not weak! But thank you......
Riquet: Not at all. This is my job as a disciple of God.
Nero: ............
Sigh...... I want to go home......
Shylock: Nero.
Nero: Ah...... Yes.......
Shylock: You’re a chef, is that right?
Nero: Well, yeah......
Shylock: Great. Can I leave tomorrow’s breakfast preparations to you?
Nero: Well...... Sure...... If it’s just breakfast......
Shylock: Thank you. The kitchen is that way. ......Oh?
Murr. Are you taking the painting to the kitchen? What are you going to do with it?
Murr: I’m gonna smoke Snow and White!
Snow in the portrait: Murr, stop it!
White in the portrait: Don’t smoke us!
I listen to their lively conversation as I turn to make my way to my own room.
As I do, I notice Arthur pensively standing in the courtyard.
I don’t really know what's going on between Oz and Arthur.
But looking at Arthur makes me hope that we can persuade Oz to come around.
✦✧☾✧✦
Vincent: ......Arthur has been chosen as one of the Sage’s wizards?
Soldier: Yes. It seems like he’s been summoned to the magic headquarters! Now that Prince Arthur is one of the chosen wizards, the people must feel more relieved!
Vincent: ......I see. You can leave now.
Soldier: Yes......!
Vincent: ............
I’m not going to let him continue playing the hero — winning over the people’s hearts like that. If not for him, I would have been next in line for the throne.
Drummond failed to secure the Sage, too......
Since it’s come to this, I have no choice but to use the parade and the inauguration ceremony to completely destroy the people’s faith in Arthur and the wizards.......
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Chapter 7 << | index | >> Chapter 9
Chapter 7 << | index | >> Chapter 9
Chapter 8: A Mixer with the Wizards
8.1 Getting to Know Each Other
8.2 Vibrant Personalities
8.3 Little to Say
8.4 Those Who Were Lost
8.5 The Cost of Kindness
8.6 The Bonds That Connect
8.7 Steps Towards Cooperation
8.8 Signs of a New Life
8.1 Getting to Know Each Other
And thus began our midnight tea party — the wizards’ mixer.
According to the sage’s manual, the wizards’ personalities varied depending on where they were from, so I had them group together by country.
It seems like some of them know about fellow wizards from their same country.
Arthur: I’m Arthur, a wizard from Central. I’ve met Cain before.
Cain: I was a knight of Central Country. It’s an honor to meet you again like this.
Riquet: I’m Riquet, a Central wizard. I was a disciple of God who spread the teachings of the Church. Excuse me, who is the person in charge here?
Cain: Person in charge...... Sir Sage only just arrived, so......
Shylock: If we’re going by age, shouldn’t it be Sir Snow and Sir White, since they’re the oldest?
Snow: Stop shoving responsibility onto the elderly.
White: We’ve lived this long because we avoided taking responsibility for anything, you know?
Murr: Isn’t it Oz? He’s not here right now, but he is the strongest.
Upon hearing Oz’s name, Arthur shifts in his seat, his restlessness apparent.
Next to him, Riquet’s face — as lovely as a maiden’s — hardens into a frown.
Riquet: So Oz is the person in charge then? I see.
When will he be here?
Arthur: That’s an excellent question. Does anyone know?
His question is met with silence from the table. Arthur looks crestfallen, and Riquet raises an eyebrow.
Arthur: So nobody knows......
Riquet: So nobody knows at all?
Cain: I’ll introduce him instead. Oz is a Central wizard.
He used to be the instructor of the Central wizards...... He was our... What was the word? He was our teacher and trainer.
He’s the strongest wizard of us all. I’m sure many of you know of him, but he doesn’t really show his face around here often.
That’s it for our introductions. Could the Western wizards introduce themselves next?
Shylock: I’m the Western wizard Shylock. I was the teacher of the Western wizards — just in name, though.
Murr: I’m the Western wizard Murr! I love shiny things!
Rustica: Murr? Are you the famous philosopher?
The young man with the bearing of a noble looks at Murr, surprised.
Rustica: How unexpected. I’m honored to meet you, Philosopher Murr.
Chloe: Do you know him?
Rustica: He’s a very knowledgeable scholar, and one of the greatest minds of our era. His research involves the truth of the universe, and the < Great Catastrophe >.
Chloe: Wow, that’s incredible!
Murr: Grrr~, woof woof!!
Chloe: .............!? What was that!? Is this what they say about the thin line between geniuses and freaks?
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8.2 Vibrant Personalities
Rustica: What a magnificent cry. I’m impressed.
Shylock: It’s been a while since I met someone with praise for Murr. May I ask for your names?
Rustica: My, I apologize. My name is Rustica. And this is Chloe.
Chloe: Hello, I’m Chloe. I’ve been traveling with Rustica, and he’s been teaching me magic over the course of our journey.
That’s why I’m like Rustica’s pupil. My dream is to become the best tailor in the land!
Shylock: Were you traveling with a purpose? Or was it a journey without a goal?
Rustica: We’re on a journey to find my lost bride.
Shylock: A journey of love, I see. What kind of person is she?
Rustica: She’s a wonderful person.
Shylock: Anything else?
Rustica: She's a wonderful person.
Chloe: Um, I'm sorry.... It's kind of, uh, really hard to explain....
Shylock: No worries. I'm quite familiar with lunatics.
Murr: Lunatics are the best! I love all things weird!
Rustica turns his gaze on me with an elegant smile.
Rustica: Sir Sage, you came from an unknown world — were you on a journey too?
Akira: I wasn’t traveling, but...... Before I knew it, I ended up here.
Rustica: That’s nice. You didn’t have to go through the trouble of packing.
Akira: A-ahaha. That’s true.
Chloe: How are you going to get back? Can I visit your world too, Sir Sage?
Akira: We actually don’t know how I can return yet...... We’re currently searching for a way.
Chloe: Oh...... I see. I’m sorry.
Chloe takes in my predicament, and furrows his brows in sympathy.
But his face immediately brightens up with an encouraging smile.
Chloe: Then, when you find out how to get home, take me with you! Until then, I’ll make lots of clothes for you, Sir Sage.
Akira: Thank you.
Rustica: Chloe is very clever with his hands.
Chloe: Ehehe. See, I designed and made Rustica’s clothes. I’ll make clothes for everyone else too!
Shylock: Faust, how about you ask him to make you some clothes? Weren’t yours ruined during our last battle?
Faust, who had been drinking his tea, gives Shylock a wordless gaze.
Shylock smiles and continues talking.
Shylock: Please introduce the Eastern wizards next.
In the sage’s manual, it says that the Eastern wizards hate humans.
True to their description, they look more uncomfortable than anyone else in the room. They were the first to grab the seats at the end of the table.
Faust: ............
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8.3 Little to Say
Faust places his cup on the table. His gaze is fixed downwards as he interlocks his fingers and falls into a long, deep silence.
Akira: Um, if you’re still feeling unwell, please don’t force yourself......
Faust: Eastern wizard, Faust.
Chloe: ....Anything else?
Faust: No.
Heathcliff: Ah.... Mr. Faust kept all the Eastern wizards together. He’s my teacher.
Heathcliff adds on timidly, trying to help.
But Faust simply furrows his eyebrows even more.
Faust: There is no reason for you to treat me like a teacher.
Heathcliff: But.....
Faust: Two of us turned to stone.
Faust’s voice is hoarse.
A heavy silence falls across the room. I don’t know what to say, but as I struggle to find the right words, two voices speak up at the same time.
Lennox: In the previous battle.....
Figaro: The catastrophe.....
Lennox: Ah, go ahead, Dr. Figaro.
Figaro: No, you speak first.
Riquet: Excuse me.
As the Southern wizards press each other to speak first, Riquet raises his hand.
For some reason, Murr calls on him like a teacher.
Murr: Yes, Riquet. You may speak.
Riquet: You said your name was Faust. Are you by any chance the holy wizard Faust, who was said to be involved in the founding of the Central Country Kingdom?
Faust refuses to meet his gaze.
Faust: You have the wrong person.
Riquet: But.....
Faust: ............
Akira: Ah... Um, there was a wizard like that?
Riquet: Yes. He’s a noble wizard who dedicated his life to serving humans. Father Priest always told me to look to him as my role model.
Faust: Heathcliff. You’re next.
Heathcliff: Ah.... Yes.
I’m Heathcliff, a wizard from Eastern Country. ....Please take care of me.
Cain: Heath and I are close in age, so we hung out pretty often. I’ll introduce you later, Prince Arthur. You too, Riquet.
Arthur: I see. Nice to meet you.
Riquet: Nice to meet you......
Heathcliff: Ah.... Yes. Hi.
Faust: Keep going in order.
Nero: Okay, guess I’m next, then...... I’m Nero. Uh..... That’s all.
Faust: Are you stupid? You told us absolutely nothing about yourself.
Nero: You pretty much did the same.......
Faust: What was that?
Nero: Nevermind..... Uh, I ran a restaurant in Eastern Country.
Mitile: Nii-sama, did you hear that? He ran his own restaurant.
Rutile: That’s amazing. You must be a wonderful chef.
Nero: Uh, thanks..... And that’s why I’d like to go back as soon as I can......
The < Great Catastrophe > only attacks once a year, right? I’ll just show up when the time comes.
Sorry, but does that sound all right to you all?
Shylock: That’s absolutely fine. Up till now, no one but the Sage lived in this building — the only time we all got together was to defeat the catastrophe.....
Cain: Wait. Hold up one second.
I was going to bring this up later, but... As everyone here knows, the < Great Catastrophe > this year was different — it was powerful.
Cain: It turned ten of our comrades to stone. In order to prevent such a tragedy from repeating itself, we need to train together and plan ahead; I want us to build our sense of unity as a group.
Nero: ....What are you trying to say?
Cain: We’re all going to live here together and prepare for the next attack.
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8.4 Those Who Were Lost
Cain: We’re all going to live here together and prepare for the next attack.
Snow: I think that’s a good plan.
White: I agree. We have ten new wizards, after all. It would be quite difficult for all of us to work together on short notice.
Snow: On top of that, there’s the issue of our bizarre injuries. How does that sound to you all?
I look across the room, surveying everyone’s reactions.
All of the Eastern wizards immediately look disgusted.
Faust: Living together.....?
Heathcliff: Here? For a whole year....?
Nero: I would seriously rather not.....
But there is one Eastern wizard who voices his agreement.
Shino: I’m fine with that. I can sleep anywhere so long as I have a roof over my head.
Cain: And you are?
Shino: Shino, an Eastern wizard. I’m the guardian of Sherwood Forest, and a servant of the Blanchett family.
Faust: ....The Blanchett family? So you mean Heath’s family?
Heathcliff steals a sideways glance at Shino before nodding with a sigh.
Heathcliff: ....Shino is my childhood friend.
Faust looks at the two of them and raises his eyebrows in exasperation.
Faust: ....Why don’t any of you know how to introduce yourselves?
Nero: I mean, considering the example that you set.....
Faust: Shino.
Shino: What.
Heathcliff: Hey, be polite. Mr. Faust is our teacher.
Shino: I haven’t learned a single thing from him. Besides his name.
Faust: And I haven’t been paid for any services. Are you Heathcliff’s friend?
Shino shoots a quick glare in Heathcliff’s direction.
Shino: No. We’re not friends.
Heathcliff looks ready to pop a vein.
Heathcliff: Oh, is that so?
I can feel a sharp tension in the air: the two of them are keenly aware of each other, yet stubbornly refuse to make eye contact.
Shino: I serve Master and Mistress — Heath just happens to be their child.
Heathcliff: Yes, that’s right. And you just happen to be one of our servants.
Shino: Exactly.
Heathcliff: I see how it is.
Shino: Hmph.
Nero: What’s going on...? Are you two fighting....?
Heathcliff & Shino: Not at all.
Faust: And I don’t care. But Shino, listen to me.
Shino: What.
Faust: This was Heathcliff’s first battle. And it was a bitter, traumatic one: he lost two comrades right before his eyes.
Shino: ..........
Heathcliff: ............
Faust: Be kind to him, at least for tonight.
Shino: .....Got it.
Faust: Good. That’s it for Eastern Country introductions. Next.
I look at Faust in surprise. He has an unapproachable air, but he isn’t unkind.
Akira: (And I hear he was gravely injured protecting his comrade....)
Figaro: I guess we’ll go through our introductions next. But first, can I ask a question?
Akira: Ah... Go ahead.
Figaro: Did the Southern wizards chosen before us all turn to stone?
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8.5 The Cost of Kindness
Every wizard who fought against the < Great Catastrophe > falls silent at Figaro’s question.
After a long pause, the twins nod.
Snow: They did.
White: The kind Southern wizards stepped forward and tried to protect the rest of us.....
Mitile: ....So they really.....
Rutile: .....I see..... They were such kind people, after all......
Lennox: ............
A cloud hangs over the Southern wizards’ expressions.
I, too, am shocked. So I hadn’t met a Southern wizard until now because they had all passed away.
Figaro: I see..... Ah, I mean. I had prepared myself for this news, as unfortunate as it is.
But if that’s the case.... Then I can agree to living together.
I don’t want to let these boys turn to stone. I want to train them so they’re prepared to fight the < Great Catastrophe >.
Mitile: Train us.... You say that, but doesn’t that go for you too, Dr. Figaro?
You can’t use strong magic either. Plus, you said your back hurts because you rarely get to exercise.
Figaro: Ahahaha. Good point.
Snow: Figaro.
White: Oh Figaro.
Figaro: Can the cute little twins over there stay quiet for a second?
Snow: He called us cute.
White: Then I guess we can stay quiet.
Rutile: Do you know those twins?
Figaro: Somewhat. Ah, excuse me, I’m getting sidetracked.
Let me introduce myself again. I’m Figaro, a Southern wizard. I run a small clinic in Southern Country.
Rustica: So you’re a doctor? That’s wonderful.
Figaro: Thank goodness I’m a wizard. Because even if I slip up during a surgery, I can always get away with it by turning my patient into a zombie.
Rustica: ..........
Figaro: I’m just kidding.
Rutile: I’m Rutile. I teach at a school in the South. And this is my little brother Mitile.
Mitile: I’m Mitile. I'm in school, but I’m also learning magic from Dr. Figaro.
I’m still learning and improving, but I’ll become a great wizard one day!
So please don’t look down on us just because we’re from the South.
I can’t help but smile at Mitile’s enthusiasm.
I remember how I wanted to get good grades and impress my teachers when I had just started attending school.
Akira: Of course. Please do your best.
Mitile: Thank you!
Shino: But Southern wizards are weak.
Mitile: ............
Shino: Plus, they’re easily swayed by their emotions. No matter where you go, Southern wizards just drag the rest of us down.
Heathcliff: Shino!
Shino: It’s better to tell them now — so they won’t get wiped out later.
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8.6 The Bonds That Connect
Mitile: ....Yeah, well, Eastern wizards have terrible personalities and foul mouths.
Rutile: Hey now, Mitile!
Shino: What?
Heathcliff: What?
Nero: What?
Faust: What?
Mitile: Eastern wizards and Northern wizards give all of us wizards a bad reputation!
You guys were fighting against the Central Country army earlier today, too!
Faust: Oh? Are you saying the wizards of Southern Country would’ve solved the problem by letting them burn you to the ground?
I see. So that’s what you’re teaching them, Figaro.
Figaro: Don’t take it the wrong way, Faust.
Mitile: Dr. Figaro! You said that wizards and humans should help each other!
Figaro: I did say that. I sure did say that.
Faust: You irresponsible man..... You haven’t changed in the least.
Figaro: Hey, come on now, Faust.....
Rutile: Is he an acquaintance?
Figaro: I guess he might be, you know?
Lennox: ....I think I do know him.
Lennox finally breaks his long silence, his expression unchanging.
He sets his eyes on Faust and stands from his seat.
The leg of his chair catches the tablecloth, which in turn pulls the plates toward the edge of the table; they look like they’re about to fall, but Lennox pays no heed.
Lennox: Sir Faust — Central Country’s founding hero. I am the wizard Lennox who fought under your command.
I have been searching for you.
Mitile: Really!?
Rutile: Really!?
The brothers exclaim in surprise as they lean forward to catch the plates, inches from the ground.
Lennox comes to his senses and turns around.
Lennox: ....Thank you for catching the plates. But why are you so surprised?
Mitile: Because we thought you were just a normal shepherd until yesterday. And now you’re an weathered warrior and all.....
Rutile: And you were searching for someone all this time? Why didn’t you tell us? You could’ve talked to us about it.
Faust, on the other hand, immediately looks disgusted.
Faust: .....You’ve got the wrong man.
Lennox: Sir Faust.....
Before Lennox can press him further, the twins interrupt with a sigh.
Snow: Goodness gracious, everyone here seems to be tangled up in connections.
White: It looks like this year’s < Great Catastrophe > will be just as troublesome.
Faust: .............
Lennox: ...........
Heathcliff: ..........
Shino: ............
Snow: Lastly, we’ll introduce the Northern wizards: I’m Snow.
White: I’m the Northern wizard, White. The two of us make one.
Snow: We’ll introduce the remaining three.
White: Bradley — absent.
Snow: Owen — absent.
White: Mithra — also absent. That’s all.
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8.7 Steps Towards Cooperation
Rutile: Are the Northern wizards busy......?
Snow: You could say they are......
White: You could also say they’re not......
Mitile: ......There’s no way the Northern wizards will work with us......
Everyone hates wizards because they do bad things. Don’t you agree, Sir Sage?
Mitile asking for my opinion makes me flustered.
Snow, White, and Bradley are all Northern wizards.
I don’t know anything about this world, so—
I can’t say that they’re at fault for sure.
Akira: Rather than pointing fingers...... How about we try to figure out what we can accomplish together, and work on that instead?
Cain mentioned it earlier, but if we can all live here together......
I’m sorry for making it all about myself, but I like the idea. It makes me happy because I have nowhere else to go......
It would be a relief if I could stay in the company of people that I trust.
Nero: Trust......? You’re talking about us?
Akira: Yes......
Nero: Why would you trust us?
Akira: Well...... You all seem to say whatever you want...... So I don’t feel like anyone’s lying......
Nero: ............
Akira: The Northern wizards seem like a scary bunch, but...... It’d be nice if we could get along in time.......
Stealing eyeballs and causing mental breakdowns; getting murdered by beasts...... It all sounds pretty scary, but......
Cain: If we want the Northern wizards to cooperate, we’re going to need Oz’s help.
He doesn’t like being friendly with others, but he’s not an unnecessarily aggressive person.
If we can get Oz, the strongest wizard, to keep everyone in line, I’m sure the Northern wizards will listen to him, and the people will feel at ease.
Don’t you agree, Prince Arthur?
Arthur: That’s true.......
It might place a burden on Sir Oz, but...... Having him here would be a relief for everyone.
Figaro: I feel the same way. I’m speaking as a newcomer here, but the last < Great Catastrophe > was unlike any of the attacks that came before.
If it was strong enough to turn ten wizards to stone this time, the next < Great Catastrophe > might be even more powerful.
All of the wizards — not just from the North, but also Central, West, East, and South — have to work together to stand up to it.
Arthur: It’s just as Sir Figaro says. Sir Sage......
Akira: Yes.
Arthur: I’m thinking of holding a series of events for the Sage and his wizards: victory parades, parties, and of course, the inauguration ceremony.
If we can gather all twenty-one wizards in the capital for that, it’ll help to put the people at ease after the disasters they’ve suffered through.
And if we can show that even the Northern wizards, who everyone sees as a threat, are loyal to you, Sir Sage......
I believe we can prevent any more unnecessary commotion like what happened tonight, because people fear wizards.
For that reason, I’d like to go persuade Sir Oz to help us, but...... What do you think, Sir Sage?
Akira: I agree...... I’ve only met him once, but Oz seemed reliable.
It would be incredibly reassuring if he would take our side. But......
Arthur: But?
I hold my tongue.
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8.8 Signs of a New Life
What did that passage written in the sage’s manual mean, then?
"Prince Arthur is so easy to get along with. Life at the magic headquarters would be so much more enjoyable if he were one of the wizards here."
"But Oz would probably never allow it. He always disappears whenever Arthur comes to visit, and staunchly refuses to meet him."
Akira: ......No, it’s nothing. Let’s go persuade Oz.
Arthur: Yes. I’ll do my best, Sir Sage.
Snow: Then it’s decided. That’s enough for tonight.
White: All of you can feel free to choose a room to rest in.
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: I’m glad everyone seems nice! Rustica, I’ll go find a room for you.
Rustica: Thank you, Chloe.
Cain: I thought we were just going to introduce ourselves, but it basically turned into a meeting. Heath, introduce me to your friend.
Heathcliff: He’s not my friend.
Shino: That’s my line.
Rutile: Mitile. You shouldn’t be so rude.
Mitile: But...... That guy was so rude...... Um, can I share a room with you, nii-sama?
Rutile: There’s nothing to be scared of here. You’re all grown up now, so you should sleep alone.
Mitile: But......
Rutile: Don’t worry. Father and Mother are watching over you from heaven, Mitile.
Mitile: ....... Ah, Mister Lennox! Can we—....
Lennox: Sir Faust, please wait.
Faust: Leave me alone. You’ve got the wrong man.
Mitile: ...... He seems busy......
Riquet: Mitile, was it?
Mitile: Ah...... Yes.
Riquet: Shall I take the room next to you?
Mitile: Really?
Riquet: Yes, gladly. I’ve been taught to help the small and the weak, after all.
Mitile: I’m not weak! But thank you......
Riquet: Not at all. This is my job as a disciple of God.
Nero: ............
Sigh...... I want to go home......
Shylock: Nero.
Nero: Ah...... Yes.......
Shylock: You’re a chef, is that right?
Nero: Well, yeah......
Shylock: Great. Can I leave tomorrow’s breakfast preparations to you?
Nero: Well...... Sure...... If it’s just breakfast......
Shylock: Thank you. The kitchen is that way. ......Oh?
Murr. Are you taking the painting to the kitchen? What are you going to do with it?
Murr: I’m gonna smoke Snow and White!
Snow in the portrait: Murr, stop it!
White in the portrait: Don’t smoke us!
I listen to their lively conversation as I turn to make my way to my own room.
As I do, I notice Arthur pensively standing in the courtyard.
I don’t really know what's going on between Oz and Arthur.
But looking at Arthur makes me hope that we can persuade Oz to come around.
✦✧☾✧✦
Vincent: ......Arthur has been chosen as one of the Sage’s wizards?
Soldier: Yes. It seems like he’s been summoned to the magic headquarters! Now that Prince Arthur is one of the chosen wizards, the people must feel more relieved!
Vincent: ......I see. You can leave now.
Soldier: Yes......!
Vincent: ............
I’m not going to let him continue playing the hero — winning over the people’s hearts like that. If not for him, I would have been next in line for the throne.
Drummond failed to secure the Sage, too......
Since it’s come to this, I have no choice but to use the parade and the inauguration ceremony to completely destroy the people’s faith in Arthur and the wizards.......
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Chapter 7 << | index | >> Chapter 9