healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-03 02:40 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-03 02:40 pm
Entry tags:
- .mahoyaku,
- .main story,
- .translation,
- arthur,
- cain,
- oz,
- riquet,
- shino
Main Story | Chapter 9 | The Northern Tower
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10
Chapter 9: The Northern Tower
9.1 Disciple of God
9.2 Memories of That Day
9.3 The Northern Wizard Oz
9.4 A Destiny Never Asked For
9.5 Lingering Traces of Feeling
9.6 Entangled Threads
9.1 Disciple of God
The three Central wizards — Arthur, Cain, Riquet — and I set out to persuade Oz.
We gather in front of the elevator in the magic headquarters tower to discuss our strategy.
Cain: Oz lives in the North, but he’s a Central wizard. I think it’s better for just the Central wizards to go; he probably wouldn’t be too pleased if all of us showed up.
Akira: If Oz becomes our leader, will the Northern wizards cooperate with us?
Cain: Yeah. Because no one can stand up to Oz.
The Northern wizards dislike human festivities, so they’ve never joined the annual parade.
The previous sage always got told off for it whenever he visited the Central castle. But if Oz is with us, you should be fine.
Akira: That’s a relief to hear.
Arthur: Even if Sir Oz isn’t around, we will protect you, Sir Sage. Cain, how are your eyes?
Cain: Yeah. I couldn’t see you guys earlier, but I can now.
Riquet: Perhaps you can’t see people until you touch them?
At that, the rest of us turn around to look at Riquet.
Riquet: Just now, our eyes met after I touched him.
Akira: Now that you mention it...... I think that was the case for me as well.
Arthur: Same for me.
Cain: Now that you mention it, that might be true.......
Arthur: I’m glad we figured out a solution, Cain.
Cain: Yeah. It’s all thanks to you, Riquet.
Cain’s large hand reaches out to casually ruffle Riquet’s hair.
Riquet shrinks back stiffly, his big eyes widening in surprise.
Riquet: ......Please stop. I’m a disciple of God — only those who have committed virtuous deeds are allowed to touch my body.
Cain: What’s this "disciple of God" that you speak of?
Riquet: It means those of us who have this mysterious power. We have been sent by God to grant miracles to His chosen ones.
Arthur: I’ve heard of this...... There’s a church that refers to wizards as gods and disciples.
They don’t let wizards out into the world; instead, they keep them confined deep within the church walls and make them go along with their activities.
Don’t tell me, Riquet......
Riquet: The outside world is corrupted. So once this tainted mark on my forehead is erased, I intend to return to the Church.
Cain and Arthur look at each other.
Arthur bends down, smiling kindly at Riquet.
Arthur: The outside world isn’t corrupted. Not everything is good and pure, but I believe there are many things that will bring you happiness, Riquet.
Riquet: I don’t believe you. I saw people fighting yesterday too.
I see how it is — wizards who are ignorant of their roles as disciples of God will lie and try to seduce me to the outside world.
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9.2 Memories of That Day
Arthur smiles, a little wryly, as Riquet glares at him.
Arthur: As long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter which world you live in. We won’t steal away your happiness.
But please, don’t decide that this world you know nothing about is an evil one.
Riquet: Why shouldn’t I?
Arthur: Because if you come to despair in your world, there will be nowhere left for you to go.
If you make that your only paradise.
Riquet: ............
Arthur: Paradise can exist anywhere. Even if, someday, you come to be abandoned — in time you’ll find someone else who needs you.
No matter where we go, no matter how we live our lives, know that it’s possible for you to find happiness. It’s all up to you.
Riquet: ......It’s up to me......
Cain: That’s right. Plus, I can’t see your face unless I touch you. It’d be troublesome if I couldn’t do that.
Riquet: Woah...... Please stop touching my head.
Cain: Ahaha! Sorry, my bad. All right, Sir Sage, Your Highness. Shall we go?
Arthur: Yes.
Cain inserts a beautiful stone into the stone tablet in front of the elevator, and pulls the lever down.
Cain: We’ll take this elevator to the Northern tower.
Akira: It’s pretty convenient how you can cross national borders with an elevator.
Cain: The elevator is fueled by mana stones. Mana stones are like fossils which contain magical energy.
The stone casts a faint glow, diminishing slowly like a piece of burning coal before disappearing in a brilliant flash of light.
Riquet: Do you know where in Northern Country we can find Oz?
Arthur: I think Sir Oz is probably in his castle in the North.
Cain: I wonder if we can find it. I hear that it’s shrouded in so many layers of illusion that few have ever seen it.
Arthur: I’ll be your guide.
Riquet: Have you been there before?
After a brief moment of hesitation, Arthur looks at me and nods imperceptibly.
Arthur: I was raised there.
(Elevator dings)
✦✧☾✧✦
In the elevator, Arthur tells us his story as we make the journey to the Northern tower.
Arthur: When I was born, the whole country celebrated my birth. But my father and mother kept one thing a secret.
—The fact that I was born a wizard. Central Country does not discriminate against wizards, but prejudice against them still remains.
Eventually, the truth got out, and...... Rumors spread about my mother being a witch who had tricked my father.
My mother took them deeply to heart and grew depressed...... When I was four years old, she ordered a loyal servant to abandon me far away in the Northern mountains.
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9.3 The Northern Wizard Oz
Riquet: She threw away her own child!? How horrifying......
Arthur: I don’t blame her — she must have felt truly desperate.
.....It was a snowy, cold, blizzarding night......
I didn't even understand that I had been abandoned.... I kept crying, because I wanted to return to the castle.
Gradually, I grew sleepier and sleepier. Before I knew it, I could no longer feel the cold.
I was a child, but I realized that I was going to die.
But that was when Sir Oz appeared. He took me home to his castle.
Shaken by Arthur’s tale, I try to imagine the scene.
Oz, who comes across a young child on the brink of death lying in the snowy mountainside.
A freezing, tranquil moment.
Arthur: He saved my frozen soul, provided me with meals, and gave me a bed to sleep in. He even taught me magic.
That was how he raised me until I reached the age of thirteen.
Cain: Oz did......?
Arthur: Sir Oz is a kind person. People often misunderstand him, but......
An evil man would never save a dying child. It may have been nothing but a whim on his part — but to me, he is my savior, and my master in magic.
But when I turned thirteen, people from the Central castle came for me, and...... I haven’t seen Sir Oz since then.
Not even once; not even after he was summoned to the magic headquarters as a Central wizard........
Cain: Why? Did you fight before you left?
Arthur: I don’t know...... When my father fell ill, and his servants came searching for me......
Sir Oz didn’t say a single word. I thought I would be able to return soon afterwards, but......
......Perhaps Sir Oz is furious with me? For forgetting his kindness in raising me, and leaving his castle behind......
(Clatter)
Arthur: ......It looks like we’ve arrived. Sorry...... I got carried away talking about myself.
Akira: No...... I’m glad you told us about what happened between you and Oz.
I hope you can meet him and speak to him today.
Arthur: Thank you, Sir Sage.
✦✧☾✧✦
When we arrive at the Northern tower, we’re greeted with a freezing blast of cold air.
We exhale snowy white puffs of breath; beyond the window, a world of pure silvery brilliance stretches out in front of our eyes.
It is so cold that I can’t help but shiver. But the scenery is enchantingly beautiful.
So beautiful that I feel like it could suck me in.
Akira: (The air is so clear...... The snow and the forests smell almost primordial......)
(The snowy mountain ranges, the vivid blue sky...... How lovely......)
Riquet seems to feel the same way. He leans out the window, gazing at the landscape with rapt enchantment.
Riquet: ......It’s beautiful......
Cain: You’re right...... The weather was miserable the last time I came, but Northern Country is beautiful when the sun’s out.
Arthur: I’m happy to hear that. The North is like a second home to me.
Sir Sage. Once we make it over those mountains, there’s a lake that’s as big as the sea.
Beyond that lake, at the peak of a high mountain, is Sir Oz’s......
Riquet: Woah......!
Suddenly, a strong wind sweeps through the air.
Cain moves to shield me, one hand going to the hilt of his sword.
I know this by now: an unnatural wind marks the presence of a wizard.
When the wind subsides, a tall figure stands before us.
It’s Oz.
Arthur: ......Sir Oz......
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9.4 A Destiny Never Asked For
Oz: What business do you have in these remote lands?
Leave.
Everyone freezes at Oz’s harsh voice.
But Arthur still pleads in desperation.
Arthur: Sir Oz, please hear us out.
Oz: I’m telling you to go home.
Arthur: Sir Oz, it’s me, Arthur. I might have grown taller, but I’m Arthur — the boy you raised.
Oz: ...........
Arthur: I apologize for not even sending a letter after all this time. Please, forgive me for my ingratitude.
Even if...... Even if you cannot forgive me, please listen to what they have to say.
We would like you to lend us your strength, Sir Oz.
My chest grows warm at the slight quaver in Arthur’s voice.
Cain seems to be similarly moved; he places his arm around Arthur’s shoulders, and calls out to Oz.
Cain: That’s right, Oz. Come to the magic headquarters, and lead us. You’re the only one who can.
The humans will feel at ease if they realize that you and the Northern wizards are on their side.
But leaving that aside, you should forgive Prince Arthur! Hasn’t he apologized enough?
Oz: This has nothing to do with you, knight from Central.
Cain: It has everything to do with me. He is my lord. And you are my comrade.
Arthur: Cain......
Riquet: Oz! I hear that you’re the strongest wizard in the land.
Then please tell me how to get rid of this mark. Please release me from this role.
I never asked for this!
Riquet pleads with a raised voice.
Oz turns both eyes on him, his gaze cold.
Oz: That goes for us all. We are all burdened with roles we never wished for.
Do not assume that you alone can escape.
Riquet: ............
Oz: Sage. Do not get involved with me. Take them back to the magic headquarters in Central.
Akira: But......
Oz: This is no place for people like you.
I’ve warned you.
Arthur: Please wait, Sir Oz......!
Arthur reaches out towards Oz as he turns to leave.
In that moment, Oz catches sight of the crest on the back of Arthur’s hand......
And for the first time, his expression changes.
His eyes widen with a shock akin to despair.
Oz: ......Why......
Arthur: I have also been summoned. I, too, am one of the wizards at the magic headquarters!
Just like you, Sir Oz! I am not speaking to you as the prince of Central Country!
Please, come with us......!
Oz: ............
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9.5 Lingering Traces of Feeling
Oz: ............
Oz vanishes like fallen snow, leaving Arthur’s pleas hanging in the air.
We are left behind in this beautiful world.
Arthur: ......Sir Oz......
Cain: Please cheer up, Your Highness...... I’m sure you’ll make up one day.
Arthur: ......Thank you.
Riquet: I can’t escape from this role......?
......How am I supposed to tell Father Priest about my disgrace......
The icy cold air sparkles under the vivid blue skies.
We’ve failed to persuade Oz.
Arthur’s expression as he stands there, silent and still, is so painful that I can’t bear to look at it.
(Rumble)
Then, the distant sound of rumbling earth.
Riquet: ......What is this sound.......?
Don’t tell me...... It’s the roar of some creature.......?
Cain’s grim gaze sweeps across the landscape, and he grasps our hands.
Cain: Let’s return to the magic headquarters. Right now.
Akira: Y-yes.
Cain: You too, Prince Arthur.
Arthur: ......Ah......
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur looks up helplessly, and freezes in his tracks.
He gazes intently out the window, his limpid eyes blown wide open.
It is impossible to get a clear view out the narrow window, but it looks like a gigantic white creature — so huge it blots out the entire expanse of glittering frost and blue skies.
The stomach of the creature writhes and squirms as it ascends.
If we could get a closer look, I’m sure it would be bigger than a bullet train...... Bigger even than an oil tanker ship.
Riquet: ......Is that a Grand Dragon.......? I thought they had gone extinct in the distant past......?
(Roar)
In the next second, a deafening roar resounds throughout the ground.
The walls of the Northern tower start to tremble violently, spraying fine grains of crumbling sand.
Cain: Hurry, to the elevator!
Riquet: ......Got it!
Arthur: Sir Sage, this way!
✦✧☾✧✦
We make a flying leap onto the elevator.
Beyond the window, the giant creature flying in the sky notices the tower, and turns to charge towards us.
It looms steadily closer with every beat of its wings, as the wind becomes a typhoon so strong that we stagger under its force.
Cain: Move, move, move......!
The creature is so huge that it could very well knock down the Northern tower simply by crashing into it.
Arthur shields me, and I grip Riquet’s hand tightly as I look out the window beyond the elevator doors.
The last thing we see is — the gigantic creature’s jaw and fangs gaping wide open.
And then......
A shadow appears, standing between the tower and the creature, as if protecting us from it.
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9.6 Entangled Threads
It was only for a split second — it might have been my imagination. Maybe nobody else noticed.
Not even Arthur, who had been protecting me.
But I was certain that I saw him.
Akira: (......Oz......!?)
Oz raises his staff towards the sky.
And the doors of the elevator close.
✦✧☾✧✦
Riquet: ......That surprised me......
Cain: That wasn’t my imagination, right...... Did you guys see it too?
Arthur: Yes....... That was indeed a Grand Dragon, like the ones I’ve seen illustrated in books......
Riquet: I thought unicorns were the only creatures who could wield magic like us?
Cain: To think that even the Grand Dragon would come back to life...... Was this also caused by the < Great Catastrophe >......?
The wizards turn pale; even to them, that gigantic creature was a fearsome existence.
(Footsteps)
That’s when Shino approaches us.
Shino: Looks like you ran into a monster. I saw one in the Eastern forest, too.
Cain: The Eastern forest? Do you mean Sherwood Forest?
Shino: Yeah. I ran into a wyvern. It was a tough opponent.
Cain: You defeated it?
Shino: Yeah.
Cain: You’re amazing!
Shino looks a bit pleased at Cain’s praise.
Shino: Well, yeah.
Arthur: ......I need to report this to the ministers...... Sorry, I’ll have to return to the castle for a bit.
Cain: Understood. Shall we postpone the parade and the inauguration ceremony?
Arthur: No, we’ll hold them as planned. We need to offer the people hope after the suffering they went through under the < Great Catastrophe >.
I’m sorry that I keep asking for you to lend me your strength, but please work with me.
Akira: Yes.
Cain: Gladly.
Riquet: ......I understand.
Shino: A parade and a party? Do I get anything for participating? Can I become someone of status, like the Master of Blanchett?
Arthur: You can become a hero. Everyone will look forward to witnessing your great deeds.
Shino raises his eyebrow and grins.
Shino: A hero, huh. Not bad.
Cain: You’re an interesting one. Eastern wizards are supposed to hate humans and attention.
Shino: There’s something that I want.
(Footsteps)
Shino answers shortly, and then walks away.
Arthur, too, leaves for the Central castle. His face bore a despondent expression before he left; I don’t think the appearance of the gigantic creature was solely to blame.
Of course he’s sad. Because Oz — the man who raised him — treated him with such harsh coldness.
Akira: (It’s probably better if I don’t tell him about seeing Oz at that last moment...... I might be wrong, and I don’t want him to worry.)
(I hope Oz is safe..... It’d be good if they could make up.)
(Since Arthur is feeling so down...... I have to work harder to make the party and parade a success.)
✦✧☾✧✦
Central Country woman: I hear that the Sage and the wizards are coming to the capital!
Central Country man: It’s the parade they hold every year after they’ve held off the attacks of the < Great Catastrophe >!
There’ll be an inauguration ceremony too, since we have a new Sage and new wizards! Finally, some good news......
???: ............
A new sage......
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Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10
Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10
Chapter 9: The Northern Tower
9.1 Disciple of God
9.2 Memories of That Day
9.3 The Northern Wizard Oz
9.4 A Destiny Never Asked For
9.5 Lingering Traces of Feeling
9.6 Entangled Threads
9.1 Disciple of God
The three Central wizards — Arthur, Cain, Riquet — and I set out to persuade Oz.
We gather in front of the elevator in the magic headquarters tower to discuss our strategy.
Cain: Oz lives in the North, but he’s a Central wizard. I think it’s better for just the Central wizards to go; he probably wouldn’t be too pleased if all of us showed up.
Akira: If Oz becomes our leader, will the Northern wizards cooperate with us?
Cain: Yeah. Because no one can stand up to Oz.
The Northern wizards dislike human festivities, so they’ve never joined the annual parade.
The previous sage always got told off for it whenever he visited the Central castle. But if Oz is with us, you should be fine.
Akira: That’s a relief to hear.
Arthur: Even if Sir Oz isn’t around, we will protect you, Sir Sage. Cain, how are your eyes?
Cain: Yeah. I couldn’t see you guys earlier, but I can now.
Riquet: Perhaps you can’t see people until you touch them?
At that, the rest of us turn around to look at Riquet.
Riquet: Just now, our eyes met after I touched him.
Akira: Now that you mention it...... I think that was the case for me as well.
Arthur: Same for me.
Cain: Now that you mention it, that might be true.......
Arthur: I’m glad we figured out a solution, Cain.
Cain: Yeah. It’s all thanks to you, Riquet.
Cain’s large hand reaches out to casually ruffle Riquet’s hair.
Riquet shrinks back stiffly, his big eyes widening in surprise.
Riquet: ......Please stop. I’m a disciple of God — only those who have committed virtuous deeds are allowed to touch my body.
Cain: What’s this "disciple of God" that you speak of?
Riquet: It means those of us who have this mysterious power. We have been sent by God to grant miracles to His chosen ones.
Arthur: I’ve heard of this...... There’s a church that refers to wizards as gods and disciples.
They don’t let wizards out into the world; instead, they keep them confined deep within the church walls and make them go along with their activities.
Don’t tell me, Riquet......
Riquet: The outside world is corrupted. So once this tainted mark on my forehead is erased, I intend to return to the Church.
Cain and Arthur look at each other.
Arthur bends down, smiling kindly at Riquet.
Arthur: The outside world isn’t corrupted. Not everything is good and pure, but I believe there are many things that will bring you happiness, Riquet.
Riquet: I don’t believe you. I saw people fighting yesterday too.
I see how it is — wizards who are ignorant of their roles as disciples of God will lie and try to seduce me to the outside world.
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9.2 Memories of That Day
Arthur smiles, a little wryly, as Riquet glares at him.
Arthur: As long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter which world you live in. We won’t steal away your happiness.
But please, don’t decide that this world you know nothing about is an evil one.
Riquet: Why shouldn’t I?
Arthur: Because if you come to despair in your world, there will be nowhere left for you to go.
If you make that your only paradise.
Riquet: ............
Arthur: Paradise can exist anywhere. Even if, someday, you come to be abandoned — in time you’ll find someone else who needs you.
No matter where we go, no matter how we live our lives, know that it’s possible for you to find happiness. It’s all up to you.
Riquet: ......It’s up to me......
Cain: That’s right. Plus, I can’t see your face unless I touch you. It’d be troublesome if I couldn’t do that.
Riquet: Woah...... Please stop touching my head.
Cain: Ahaha! Sorry, my bad. All right, Sir Sage, Your Highness. Shall we go?
Arthur: Yes.
Cain inserts a beautiful stone into the stone tablet in front of the elevator, and pulls the lever down.
Cain: We’ll take this elevator to the Northern tower.
Akira: It’s pretty convenient how you can cross national borders with an elevator.
Cain: The elevator is fueled by mana stones. Mana stones are like fossils which contain magical energy.
The stone casts a faint glow, diminishing slowly like a piece of burning coal before disappearing in a brilliant flash of light.
Riquet: Do you know where in Northern Country we can find Oz?
Arthur: I think Sir Oz is probably in his castle in the North.
Cain: I wonder if we can find it. I hear that it’s shrouded in so many layers of illusion that few have ever seen it.
Arthur: I’ll be your guide.
Riquet: Have you been there before?
After a brief moment of hesitation, Arthur looks at me and nods imperceptibly.
Arthur: I was raised there.
(Elevator dings)
✦✧☾✧✦
In the elevator, Arthur tells us his story as we make the journey to the Northern tower.
Arthur: When I was born, the whole country celebrated my birth. But my father and mother kept one thing a secret.
—The fact that I was born a wizard. Central Country does not discriminate against wizards, but prejudice against them still remains.
Eventually, the truth got out, and...... Rumors spread about my mother being a witch who had tricked my father.
My mother took them deeply to heart and grew depressed...... When I was four years old, she ordered a loyal servant to abandon me far away in the Northern mountains.
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9.3 The Northern Wizard Oz
Riquet: She threw away her own child!? How horrifying......
Arthur: I don’t blame her — she must have felt truly desperate.
.....It was a snowy, cold, blizzarding night......
I didn't even understand that I had been abandoned.... I kept crying, because I wanted to return to the castle.
Gradually, I grew sleepier and sleepier. Before I knew it, I could no longer feel the cold.
I was a child, but I realized that I was going to die.
But that was when Sir Oz appeared. He took me home to his castle.
Shaken by Arthur’s tale, I try to imagine the scene.
Oz, who comes across a young child on the brink of death lying in the snowy mountainside.
A freezing, tranquil moment.
Arthur: He saved my frozen soul, provided me with meals, and gave me a bed to sleep in. He even taught me magic.
That was how he raised me until I reached the age of thirteen.
Cain: Oz did......?
Arthur: Sir Oz is a kind person. People often misunderstand him, but......
An evil man would never save a dying child. It may have been nothing but a whim on his part — but to me, he is my savior, and my master in magic.
But when I turned thirteen, people from the Central castle came for me, and...... I haven’t seen Sir Oz since then.
Not even once; not even after he was summoned to the magic headquarters as a Central wizard........
Cain: Why? Did you fight before you left?
Arthur: I don’t know...... When my father fell ill, and his servants came searching for me......
Sir Oz didn’t say a single word. I thought I would be able to return soon afterwards, but......
......Perhaps Sir Oz is furious with me? For forgetting his kindness in raising me, and leaving his castle behind......
(Clatter)
Arthur: ......It looks like we’ve arrived. Sorry...... I got carried away talking about myself.
Akira: No...... I’m glad you told us about what happened between you and Oz.
I hope you can meet him and speak to him today.
Arthur: Thank you, Sir Sage.
✦✧☾✧✦
When we arrive at the Northern tower, we’re greeted with a freezing blast of cold air.
We exhale snowy white puffs of breath; beyond the window, a world of pure silvery brilliance stretches out in front of our eyes.
It is so cold that I can’t help but shiver. But the scenery is enchantingly beautiful.
So beautiful that I feel like it could suck me in.
Akira: (The air is so clear...... The snow and the forests smell almost primordial......)
(The snowy mountain ranges, the vivid blue sky...... How lovely......)
Riquet seems to feel the same way. He leans out the window, gazing at the landscape with rapt enchantment.
Riquet: ......It’s beautiful......
Cain: You’re right...... The weather was miserable the last time I came, but Northern Country is beautiful when the sun’s out.
Arthur: I’m happy to hear that. The North is like a second home to me.
Sir Sage. Once we make it over those mountains, there’s a lake that’s as big as the sea.
Beyond that lake, at the peak of a high mountain, is Sir Oz’s......
Riquet: Woah......!
Suddenly, a strong wind sweeps through the air.
Cain moves to shield me, one hand going to the hilt of his sword.
I know this by now: an unnatural wind marks the presence of a wizard.
When the wind subsides, a tall figure stands before us.
It’s Oz.
Arthur: ......Sir Oz......
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9.4 A Destiny Never Asked For
Oz: What business do you have in these remote lands?
Leave.
Everyone freezes at Oz’s harsh voice.
But Arthur still pleads in desperation.
Arthur: Sir Oz, please hear us out.
Oz: I’m telling you to go home.
Arthur: Sir Oz, it’s me, Arthur. I might have grown taller, but I’m Arthur — the boy you raised.
Oz: ...........
Arthur: I apologize for not even sending a letter after all this time. Please, forgive me for my ingratitude.
Even if...... Even if you cannot forgive me, please listen to what they have to say.
We would like you to lend us your strength, Sir Oz.
My chest grows warm at the slight quaver in Arthur’s voice.
Cain seems to be similarly moved; he places his arm around Arthur’s shoulders, and calls out to Oz.
Cain: That’s right, Oz. Come to the magic headquarters, and lead us. You’re the only one who can.
The humans will feel at ease if they realize that you and the Northern wizards are on their side.
But leaving that aside, you should forgive Prince Arthur! Hasn’t he apologized enough?
Oz: This has nothing to do with you, knight from Central.
Cain: It has everything to do with me. He is my lord. And you are my comrade.
Arthur: Cain......
Riquet: Oz! I hear that you’re the strongest wizard in the land.
Then please tell me how to get rid of this mark. Please release me from this role.
I never asked for this!
Riquet pleads with a raised voice.
Oz turns both eyes on him, his gaze cold.
Oz: That goes for us all. We are all burdened with roles we never wished for.
Do not assume that you alone can escape.
Riquet: ............
Oz: Sage. Do not get involved with me. Take them back to the magic headquarters in Central.
Akira: But......
Oz: This is no place for people like you.
I’ve warned you.
Arthur: Please wait, Sir Oz......!
Arthur reaches out towards Oz as he turns to leave.
In that moment, Oz catches sight of the crest on the back of Arthur’s hand......
And for the first time, his expression changes.
His eyes widen with a shock akin to despair.
Oz: ......Why......
Arthur: I have also been summoned. I, too, am one of the wizards at the magic headquarters!
Just like you, Sir Oz! I am not speaking to you as the prince of Central Country!
Please, come with us......!
Oz: ............
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9.5 Lingering Traces of Feeling
Oz: ............
Oz vanishes like fallen snow, leaving Arthur’s pleas hanging in the air.
We are left behind in this beautiful world.
Arthur: ......Sir Oz......
Cain: Please cheer up, Your Highness...... I’m sure you’ll make up one day.
Arthur: ......Thank you.
Riquet: I can’t escape from this role......?
......How am I supposed to tell Father Priest about my disgrace......
The icy cold air sparkles under the vivid blue skies.
We’ve failed to persuade Oz.
Arthur’s expression as he stands there, silent and still, is so painful that I can’t bear to look at it.
(Rumble)
Then, the distant sound of rumbling earth.
Riquet: ......What is this sound.......?
Don’t tell me...... It’s the roar of some creature.......?
Cain’s grim gaze sweeps across the landscape, and he grasps our hands.
Cain: Let’s return to the magic headquarters. Right now.
Akira: Y-yes.
Cain: You too, Prince Arthur.
Arthur: ......Ah......
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Arthur looks up helplessly, and freezes in his tracks.
He gazes intently out the window, his limpid eyes blown wide open.
It is impossible to get a clear view out the narrow window, but it looks like a gigantic white creature — so huge it blots out the entire expanse of glittering frost and blue skies.
The stomach of the creature writhes and squirms as it ascends.
If we could get a closer look, I’m sure it would be bigger than a bullet train...... Bigger even than an oil tanker ship.
Riquet: ......Is that a Grand Dragon.......? I thought they had gone extinct in the distant past......?
(Roar)
In the next second, a deafening roar resounds throughout the ground.
The walls of the Northern tower start to tremble violently, spraying fine grains of crumbling sand.
Cain: Hurry, to the elevator!
Riquet: ......Got it!
Arthur: Sir Sage, this way!
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We make a flying leap onto the elevator.
Beyond the window, the giant creature flying in the sky notices the tower, and turns to charge towards us.
It looms steadily closer with every beat of its wings, as the wind becomes a typhoon so strong that we stagger under its force.
Cain: Move, move, move......!
The creature is so huge that it could very well knock down the Northern tower simply by crashing into it.
Arthur shields me, and I grip Riquet’s hand tightly as I look out the window beyond the elevator doors.
The last thing we see is — the gigantic creature’s jaw and fangs gaping wide open.
And then......
A shadow appears, standing between the tower and the creature, as if protecting us from it.
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9.6 Entangled Threads
It was only for a split second — it might have been my imagination. Maybe nobody else noticed.
Not even Arthur, who had been protecting me.
But I was certain that I saw him.
Akira: (......Oz......!?)
Oz raises his staff towards the sky.
And the doors of the elevator close.
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Riquet: ......That surprised me......
Cain: That wasn’t my imagination, right...... Did you guys see it too?
Arthur: Yes....... That was indeed a Grand Dragon, like the ones I’ve seen illustrated in books......
Riquet: I thought unicorns were the only creatures who could wield magic like us?
Cain: To think that even the Grand Dragon would come back to life...... Was this also caused by the < Great Catastrophe >......?
The wizards turn pale; even to them, that gigantic creature was a fearsome existence.
(Footsteps)
That’s when Shino approaches us.
Shino: Looks like you ran into a monster. I saw one in the Eastern forest, too.
Cain: The Eastern forest? Do you mean Sherwood Forest?
Shino: Yeah. I ran into a wyvern. It was a tough opponent.
Cain: You defeated it?
Shino: Yeah.
Cain: You’re amazing!
Shino looks a bit pleased at Cain’s praise.
Shino: Well, yeah.
Arthur: ......I need to report this to the ministers...... Sorry, I’ll have to return to the castle for a bit.
Cain: Understood. Shall we postpone the parade and the inauguration ceremony?
Arthur: No, we’ll hold them as planned. We need to offer the people hope after the suffering they went through under the < Great Catastrophe >.
I’m sorry that I keep asking for you to lend me your strength, but please work with me.
Akira: Yes.
Cain: Gladly.
Riquet: ......I understand.
Shino: A parade and a party? Do I get anything for participating? Can I become someone of status, like the Master of Blanchett?
Arthur: You can become a hero. Everyone will look forward to witnessing your great deeds.
Shino raises his eyebrow and grins.
Shino: A hero, huh. Not bad.
Cain: You’re an interesting one. Eastern wizards are supposed to hate humans and attention.
Shino: There’s something that I want.
(Footsteps)
Shino answers shortly, and then walks away.
Arthur, too, leaves for the Central castle. His face bore a despondent expression before he left; I don’t think the appearance of the gigantic creature was solely to blame.
Of course he’s sad. Because Oz — the man who raised him — treated him with such harsh coldness.
Akira: (It’s probably better if I don’t tell him about seeing Oz at that last moment...... I might be wrong, and I don’t want him to worry.)
(I hope Oz is safe..... It’d be good if they could make up.)
(Since Arthur is feeling so down...... I have to work harder to make the party and parade a success.)
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Central Country woman: I hear that the Sage and the wizards are coming to the capital!
Central Country man: It’s the parade they hold every year after they’ve held off the attacks of the < Great Catastrophe >!
There’ll be an inauguration ceremony too, since we have a new Sage and new wizards! Finally, some good news......
???: ............
A new sage......
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Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10