healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-03 06:47 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-03 06:47 pm
Main Story | Chapter 10 | Words of Blessing
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 10: Words of Blessing
10.1 Our First Party
10.2 A Wizard Friend
10.3 A Warm Meal
10.4 The Magic of Words
10.5 Rutile’s Precious Memories
10.6 Those Awaiting Wizards
10.1 Our First Party
Cain: Oz and the Northern wizards are still missing, but we should follow Arthur’s lead and head over to the Central capital. Everyone should get ready to travel.....
Akira: Yes.
Chloe: Sir Sage! Sir Sage! I have a guest for you!
Akira: A guest?
Envoy: I-I’m an envoy from the capital, with a message from Prince Arthur: preparations for the parade are still underway, so he would like you to wait here for a while longer.
Cain: I see. The capital must be in disarray, after all.
Akira: When should we depart, then?
Envoy: Tomorrow, or the day after.... We will send another envoy your way when preparations are complete. Until then, do relax and spend the time as you please.
Akira: I see. Thank you.
I guess we should wait at the magic headquarters for a while, then.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: A parade and a party, huh.... I’ve only ever been to a relative’s wedding party — what am I going to do about etiquette....?
(Knock knock)
Chloe: Sir Sage, can I come on in?
Akira: Chloe? Yes, of course.
(Door opens)
Chloe: Excuse me. Can I ask a question?
Akira: What is it?
Chloe: Arthur mentioned stuff like a parade and a party and a ceremony, but do we get to participate in all that too?
Akira: Yes. They’ll all be held in Central Country.
Chloe: Yay~!
Chloe raises both his arms and leaps up in delight.
Chloe: I've always wanted to go to a party! I've made clothes for parties before, but I've never actually been to one!
Yay! I'm so so happy! I love designing clothes! What kinds of clothes should I make this time?
Chloe spins around and around in a dance of joy.
I can’t help but smile watching him.
Akira: Seeing you this delighted makes me happy too.
Chloe: Of course I’m happy — it’s a party! Don’t you like parties, Sir Sage?
Akira: I’ve never really been to one, you see.....
Chloe: Then we’re the same! I’ll make you an awesome outfit, Sir Sage. I’m making one for Rustica too.
Rustica is tall and handsome, so he looks good in everything.
But getting him into the outfit is the hard part! He does his buttons up all wrong, and his laces are always coming untied. He’s clumsy in the weirdest ways, so it can be a whole chore.
Chloe calls it a chore, but it looks like he really enjoys taking care of Rustica.
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10.2 A Wizard Friend
Akira: So you and Rustica are pretty close, Chloe.
Chloe: Hmm, yeah. I guess so? I hope that’s the case, but Rustica is a bit quirky, so.....
Rustica is actually a noble, you see. He’s also a famous harpsichord player. He said he’s been to parties before.
He told me to watch out because parties will make your eyes spin.
Akira: Make your eyes spin?
Chloe: They'll spin from looking around at all the people, they’ll spin from all the twirling you do as you dance, and they’ll spin when you’ve had too much wine, too.
Akira: Ahaha!
I laugh at the silly advice.
And Chloe’s smile grows even bigger.
Chloe: You laughed! I’m glad. Sir Sage, you said you came here from another world all alone, right?
I was alone until I met Rustica, so.... Let’s get along.
I’ll work hard so that I can be of use to you, Sir Sage!
Chloe flashes me a big, bright smile of encouragement.
His kindness touches my heart.
Akira: Thank you very much, Chloe. Let’s all enjoy the party together.
Chloe: Yeah!
Rustica: Chloe~? Chloe, where are you?
Chloe: Ah, Rustica’s calling for me. I bet he lost something again. I have to go.
See you later, Sir Sage!
Akira: See you.
✦✧☾✧✦
Some are looking forward to the party; others, not so much.
Akira: The bread is delicious.... Nero, did you bake this?
Nero: Yeah.
Akira: It’s so good! The wheat flavor is delicious, and the outer layer is crisp, but it’s perfectly soft underneath....
Nero: Thanks.
Akira: Bradley would be delighted. I hear he loves delicious food.
Nero: Is that so.
Hey, Mister Sage. Can I go home already?
Akira: I’m sorry.... We can discuss living arrangements later, but I still want you to take part in the party and the parade.
Nero: A party and a parade..... Do I really have to go?
Akira: You don’t want to, Nero?
Nero: Not really......
Akira: But you ran a restaurant — you must be used to dealing with people?
Nero: I presented myself as a human when I ran my shop. Only wizards or severe weirdos would visit a wizard’s restaurant.
The moment you say you’re a wizard, people will admire you, hate you, suspect you, avoid you, or fear you.
I’m sick of it.
Akira: Nero........
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10.3 A Warm Meal
Nero: I get that you and Arthur are working hard for the sake of wizards, but.....
Nothing’s gonna change. What you should really do is pretend that you’re not a wizard, and just like that, you’ll be free of all your burdens.
Riquet: So you never intend on using your God-granted powers for the sake of others? You’re just going to selfishly live an easy life?
Akira: Riquet......
Nero: Haha.... Those are some harsh words first thing in the morning. Good morning, little guy from Central. What do you want for breakfast?
Riquet: I cannot eat soiled foods.
Nero: What? I’d never feed you any rotten crap. Are you saying I don’t keep the kitchen clean?
Riquet: No, that’s not..... I can only eat holy beans, holy milk, holy eggs, and fruit.
Nero: What are you talking about.... Can you draw me a picture?
Riquet: ......Red things, like this..... Yellow things, like this......
Nero: Okay, so a banana and an apple. You’re a kid, so you need to get more nutrients. How about carbs? Can you eat bread?
Riquet: I can eat bread.
Nero: Got it.
Without a hint of magic, Nero skillfully gathers the kitchen utensils to begin cooking.
A pleasant rhythm fills the kitchen.
He handles the pan with such grace that I feel like I’m watching a musician or a dancer; it fills my heart with excitement.
Nero: Here, thanks for waiting. The bread is fresh out of the oven, so it’s still warm.
Riquet: ........
Nero: What’s wrong?
Riquet: I’ve never eaten warm food.....
Nero: Huh? What kind of life have you been living? Were you being bullied?
Riquet: No. They took good care of me.
Nero: I see. But if I cared about someone, I’d never offer them a cold meal.
Riquet: Thank you for the meal.
Nero: Yeah, eat up. In any case, I refuse to attend the party or the parade......
Riquet: ....It’s delicious......
Nero: Hm? Haha, right? Doesn’t it taste great?
Riquet: ......I’ve never eaten anything so good.......
Nero: .........
Riquet: It feels like my mouth is in heaven..... It’s truly delicious. Thank you so much, Nero.
Nero: ........ You’re welcome.
Riquet: ....This is good too! I didn’t realize the outside world had such delicious food.....
Ah..... But is this temptation....?
Nero: Temptation? What are you talking about?
Riquet: Father Priest told me that the outside world is corrupted and full of temptation — that’s why both humans and wizards have fallen.
That is why the Church is protecting me from the outside world until my powers can be put to proper use.
I need to erase this tainted mark from my forehead and return to my people at the Church as soon as possible....
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10.4 The Magic of Words
Nero: Who is this father priest? Is he a wizard?
Riquet: No. He’s human, but he was chosen by God — he can hear His voice.
He taught me my way of life.
Nero: ............. ...Humans are even using kids now, huh.....
Riquet: Huh?
Nero: How old are you?
Riquet: I’m sixteen.
Nero: You seem younger than that..... Must be because you were locked away all this time....
Riquet: I wasn’t locked away. They were simply protecting me from the corruption of the outside world. They’re all very kind people.
Nero: ......Got it. Feel free to eat as much as you want. There’s plenty to go around for seconds, too.
Riquet: Yes, thank you!
Mitile: Riquet!
Riquet: Mitile.....
Mitile: Ah... Hello Sir Sage. Mister Nero, too — breakfast was delicious!
Nero: Thanks.
Mitile: Riquet, when you’re finished eating, let’s head to the courtyard together. My brother will be teaching lessons!
Riquet: Rutile will? Am I allowed to join you?
Mitile: Of course! We’re friends now, Riquet.
Riquet: Friends..... Got it. I’ll join you then.
Mitile: Ah.... Sir Sage, Mister Nero, would you like to join us too?
Nero: I’m good. Study hard, guys.
Akira: I’ll drop by to see how things are going later.
Mitile: All right. See you later!
Riquet: Ye~s!
Riquet and Mitile exchange smiles.
The hint of childishness in their interactions warms my heart.
✦✧☾✧✦
Rutile: All right now, Mitile, Riquet. I’m going to teach you two some new words today.
Mitile & Riquet: Yes!
Rutile: Riquet, how well can you write?
Riquet: Write.....
Mitile: Don’t you know how to read and write?
Riquet: It wasn’t part of my job.... Does everyone here know how to write?
Mitile: Yes, my brother taught me!
Riquet: ........... .......I see.....
Rutile: Then let’s start by learning how to write your name, Riquet.
I love the name Riquet — it has such a beautiful ring to it. How about you, Riquet?
Riquet: Ah.... I like it too.....
Rutile: That’s great. "Riquet." This is how you spell your name.
Riquet: R-i-q-u-e-t......
Rutile: Well done! Next, Mitile, could you write your name? Make it look extra nice, so that Riquet can read it.
Mitile: Got it! Watch me, Riquet. "Mitile"...... This is my name.
Riquet: M-i-t-i-l-e. Mitile. Got it! I’ll try writing it out.
Rutile: Excellent job, you two. Both humans and wizards use words to express their thoughts and feelings to others, right?
That's why words are so important. Words express the heart, and in turn, the heart is also drawn to words.
If you use kind words, you become a kinder person. If you use cruel words, you become a crueler person. The words you use will tinge your heart, dyeing it different colors.
And the words that you receive can also influence the color of your heart. If you hear nothing but strict and cruel words, your heart shrivels up and becomes all sad and miserable.
That's why words are the same as magic. They can bring blessings upon yourself and others, but they can also cast curses the same way.
Riquet: I see......
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10.5 Rutile’s Precious Memories
Riquet: I would like to use words of blessing. Because I want to bless others and make them happy. This includes you two as well.
Rutile: Thank you. That already makes me happy; you’re a kind, good boy, Riquet.
And the same goes for Mitile, too. I love you two very much.
Mitile: Ehehe......
Riquet: Ehehe.....
Riquet and Mitile blush and giggle to each other.
(Footsteps)
Nero approaches me as I observe the heartwarming moment.
He awkwardly averts his gaze as he mumbles.
Nero: I’ll do the party and the parade.
Akira: Eh? Really....?
Nero: Just this once. None of it is taking place in Eastern Country, so....
If we wizards show up all fancy — looking all tough — for these events, people will be less likely to take advantage of laid-back guys like them, right?
Akira: Nero.... Thank you.
Nero: No need to thank me. It’s basically just a free meal and drinks, after all.
...What about the Northern wizards? They’re not going to show up, right?
Akira: I’d like them to come, but..... They probably won’t show up unless someone stronger than them — like Oz — commands them to.....
Nero: Yeah, that makes sense. ....It’s for the better.....
Akira: Nero?
Nero: No, it’s nothing.....
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: Rutile.
Rutile: Sir Sage.
Akira: I was listening to your lesson from a distance. Please let me join in next time. I’d love to learn about the world with everyone else.
Rutile: Giving the Sage a lesson — the prospect makes me nervous, but I’d love to have you!
Akira: Rutile, both you and your brother Mitile are wizards, right? Were your parents wizards too?
Rutile: Our father was human, but our mother was a witch. She was known as the great witch Tiretta, and she was apparently quite famous.
She passed away after she gave birth to Mitile, but she was a bright and cheerful witch.
Akira: I see.... Rutile, you must be a kind person because she was a wonderful mother.
Rutile: Thank you. Mother was an important person in my life, but it’s also thanks to one of her friends.
Akira: Miss Tiretta’s friend?
Rutile: Yes. I met him when Mitile was still in Mother’s tummy. I was a child at the time, but he still seemed like such a cool man.
Powerful witches and wizards can tell when their life is coming to an end.... When Mother told me that she didn’t have much time left....
I fell into shock, and almost started crying. But her friend showed me an incredible spell: it was so powerful that he blew away an entire mountain in an instant.
Akira: A whole mountain in an instant.... I didn’t realize magic could be so powerful.....
Rutile: Yes. After that, the cool uncle gave me a weird talisman and promised me this: "I will protect you and your brother."
Rutile smiles bashfully.
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10.6 Those Awaiting Wizards
Rutile: Those words really heartened me. Because I knew that I wouldn’t be alone, even after Mother died.
And he was right — my little brother was born. Then my mother passed away, and my father followed, leaving just the two of us behind.....
But knowing that we have this uncle watching over us.... That alone reassures me, and I can keep walking forward with my head held high, telling myself, "hang in there, and keep doing your best."
Akira: He sounds like a wonderful person. It reminds me of the story of Daddy Long Legs1 from my world.....
Rutile: Long legs? Now that you mention it, he did have long legs! Mother introduced him to us as an uncle, but he actually looked a bit younger than that.
Ah! I got carried away chatting for so long. It just brought back all these memories.....
Akira: No, thank you for telling me all this. I hope you get to meet your Daddy Long Legs one day.
Rutile: Me too!
✦✧☾✧✦
Central Country man: Today’s the day of the Sage’s wizards’ parade! We’ll get to see the heroes who defeated the < Great Catastrophe >!
Central Country woman: The wizards sure are taking their time......
Central Country man: Even if you call them heroes, wizards are just liars who only act according to their whims. Are you sure they didn’t just ditch?
Central Country woman: No way...... But we put so much effort into preparing for their welcome on top of carrying out the restoration work.......
Central Country man: They must have been this irresponsible when fighting against the < Great Catastrophe > too...... That’s why we’ve suffered such great damages......
.....Even though we suffered as much as they did, why are we the ones who have to welcome them......
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: ............ Everyone is late.......
Cock Robin: Indeed......
Arthur: We were supposed to meet up at the outskirts of town and head to the parade together. I explained all this to Cain.
It’s already time...... Did something happen? Maybe I should go and check.
Cock Robin: Y-you can’t! Prince Arthur, if you’re gone too—....
Arthur: Then could you go check on them for me, Cock Robin?
Cock Robin: I understand. If I hurry by carriage, I’ll be there in half a day —
Arthur: No, that’d be too late. If you fly at the speed of a frigate bird, you should be there in no time.
Cock Robin: Well, sure, but I’m not a frigate bird...... ......!?
Arthur: << Pernoctant Nixzo >>
(Wings flapping)
Cock Robin: Squawk, squawk squawk squawk!?
Arthur: I’m counting on you, Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Squawk......squawk squawk!
1) Referring to Jean Webster’s 1912 novel Daddy-Long-Legs, in which an orphaned young woman is looked over by a mysterious benefactor
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Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11
Chapter 10: Words of Blessing
10.1 Our First Party
10.2 A Wizard Friend
10.3 A Warm Meal
10.4 The Magic of Words
10.5 Rutile’s Precious Memories
10.6 Those Awaiting Wizards
10.1 Our First Party
Cain: Oz and the Northern wizards are still missing, but we should follow Arthur’s lead and head over to the Central capital. Everyone should get ready to travel.....
Akira: Yes.
Chloe: Sir Sage! Sir Sage! I have a guest for you!
Akira: A guest?
Envoy: I-I’m an envoy from the capital, with a message from Prince Arthur: preparations for the parade are still underway, so he would like you to wait here for a while longer.
Cain: I see. The capital must be in disarray, after all.
Akira: When should we depart, then?
Envoy: Tomorrow, or the day after.... We will send another envoy your way when preparations are complete. Until then, do relax and spend the time as you please.
Akira: I see. Thank you.
I guess we should wait at the magic headquarters for a while, then.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: A parade and a party, huh.... I’ve only ever been to a relative’s wedding party — what am I going to do about etiquette....?
(Knock knock)
Chloe: Sir Sage, can I come on in?
Akira: Chloe? Yes, of course.
(Door opens)
Chloe: Excuse me. Can I ask a question?
Akira: What is it?
Chloe: Arthur mentioned stuff like a parade and a party and a ceremony, but do we get to participate in all that too?
Akira: Yes. They’ll all be held in Central Country.
Chloe: Yay~!
Chloe raises both his arms and leaps up in delight.
Chloe: I've always wanted to go to a party! I've made clothes for parties before, but I've never actually been to one!
Yay! I'm so so happy! I love designing clothes! What kinds of clothes should I make this time?
Chloe spins around and around in a dance of joy.
I can’t help but smile watching him.
Akira: Seeing you this delighted makes me happy too.
Chloe: Of course I’m happy — it’s a party! Don’t you like parties, Sir Sage?
Akira: I’ve never really been to one, you see.....
Chloe: Then we’re the same! I’ll make you an awesome outfit, Sir Sage. I’m making one for Rustica too.
Rustica is tall and handsome, so he looks good in everything.
But getting him into the outfit is the hard part! He does his buttons up all wrong, and his laces are always coming untied. He’s clumsy in the weirdest ways, so it can be a whole chore.
Chloe calls it a chore, but it looks like he really enjoys taking care of Rustica.
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10.2 A Wizard Friend
Akira: So you and Rustica are pretty close, Chloe.
Chloe: Hmm, yeah. I guess so? I hope that’s the case, but Rustica is a bit quirky, so.....
Rustica is actually a noble, you see. He’s also a famous harpsichord player. He said he’s been to parties before.
He told me to watch out because parties will make your eyes spin.
Akira: Make your eyes spin?
Chloe: They'll spin from looking around at all the people, they’ll spin from all the twirling you do as you dance, and they’ll spin when you’ve had too much wine, too.
Akira: Ahaha!
I laugh at the silly advice.
And Chloe’s smile grows even bigger.
Chloe: You laughed! I’m glad. Sir Sage, you said you came here from another world all alone, right?
I was alone until I met Rustica, so.... Let’s get along.
I’ll work hard so that I can be of use to you, Sir Sage!
Chloe flashes me a big, bright smile of encouragement.
His kindness touches my heart.
Akira: Thank you very much, Chloe. Let’s all enjoy the party together.
Chloe: Yeah!
Rustica: Chloe~? Chloe, where are you?
Chloe: Ah, Rustica’s calling for me. I bet he lost something again. I have to go.
See you later, Sir Sage!
Akira: See you.
✦✧☾✧✦
Some are looking forward to the party; others, not so much.
Akira: The bread is delicious.... Nero, did you bake this?
Nero: Yeah.
Akira: It’s so good! The wheat flavor is delicious, and the outer layer is crisp, but it’s perfectly soft underneath....
Nero: Thanks.
Akira: Bradley would be delighted. I hear he loves delicious food.
Nero: Is that so.
Hey, Mister Sage. Can I go home already?
Akira: I’m sorry.... We can discuss living arrangements later, but I still want you to take part in the party and the parade.
Nero: A party and a parade..... Do I really have to go?
Akira: You don’t want to, Nero?
Nero: Not really......
Akira: But you ran a restaurant — you must be used to dealing with people?
Nero: I presented myself as a human when I ran my shop. Only wizards or severe weirdos would visit a wizard’s restaurant.
The moment you say you’re a wizard, people will admire you, hate you, suspect you, avoid you, or fear you.
I’m sick of it.
Akira: Nero........
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10.3 A Warm Meal
Nero: I get that you and Arthur are working hard for the sake of wizards, but.....
Nothing’s gonna change. What you should really do is pretend that you’re not a wizard, and just like that, you’ll be free of all your burdens.
Riquet: So you never intend on using your God-granted powers for the sake of others? You’re just going to selfishly live an easy life?
Akira: Riquet......
Nero: Haha.... Those are some harsh words first thing in the morning. Good morning, little guy from Central. What do you want for breakfast?
Riquet: I cannot eat soiled foods.
Nero: What? I’d never feed you any rotten crap. Are you saying I don’t keep the kitchen clean?
Riquet: No, that’s not..... I can only eat holy beans, holy milk, holy eggs, and fruit.
Nero: What are you talking about.... Can you draw me a picture?
Riquet: ......Red things, like this..... Yellow things, like this......
Nero: Okay, so a banana and an apple. You’re a kid, so you need to get more nutrients. How about carbs? Can you eat bread?
Riquet: I can eat bread.
Nero: Got it.
Without a hint of magic, Nero skillfully gathers the kitchen utensils to begin cooking.
A pleasant rhythm fills the kitchen.
He handles the pan with such grace that I feel like I’m watching a musician or a dancer; it fills my heart with excitement.
Nero: Here, thanks for waiting. The bread is fresh out of the oven, so it’s still warm.
Riquet: ........
Nero: What’s wrong?
Riquet: I’ve never eaten warm food.....
Nero: Huh? What kind of life have you been living? Were you being bullied?
Riquet: No. They took good care of me.
Nero: I see. But if I cared about someone, I’d never offer them a cold meal.
Riquet: Thank you for the meal.
Nero: Yeah, eat up. In any case, I refuse to attend the party or the parade......
Riquet: ....It’s delicious......
Nero: Hm? Haha, right? Doesn’t it taste great?
Riquet: ......I’ve never eaten anything so good.......
Nero: .........
Riquet: It feels like my mouth is in heaven..... It’s truly delicious. Thank you so much, Nero.
Nero: ........ You’re welcome.
Riquet: ....This is good too! I didn’t realize the outside world had such delicious food.....
Ah..... But is this temptation....?
Nero: Temptation? What are you talking about?
Riquet: Father Priest told me that the outside world is corrupted and full of temptation — that’s why both humans and wizards have fallen.
That is why the Church is protecting me from the outside world until my powers can be put to proper use.
I need to erase this tainted mark from my forehead and return to my people at the Church as soon as possible....
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10.4 The Magic of Words
Nero: Who is this father priest? Is he a wizard?
Riquet: No. He’s human, but he was chosen by God — he can hear His voice.
He taught me my way of life.
Nero: ............. ...Humans are even using kids now, huh.....
Riquet: Huh?
Nero: How old are you?
Riquet: I’m sixteen.
Nero: You seem younger than that..... Must be because you were locked away all this time....
Riquet: I wasn’t locked away. They were simply protecting me from the corruption of the outside world. They’re all very kind people.
Nero: ......Got it. Feel free to eat as much as you want. There’s plenty to go around for seconds, too.
Riquet: Yes, thank you!
Mitile: Riquet!
Riquet: Mitile.....
Mitile: Ah... Hello Sir Sage. Mister Nero, too — breakfast was delicious!
Nero: Thanks.
Mitile: Riquet, when you’re finished eating, let’s head to the courtyard together. My brother will be teaching lessons!
Riquet: Rutile will? Am I allowed to join you?
Mitile: Of course! We’re friends now, Riquet.
Riquet: Friends..... Got it. I’ll join you then.
Mitile: Ah.... Sir Sage, Mister Nero, would you like to join us too?
Nero: I’m good. Study hard, guys.
Akira: I’ll drop by to see how things are going later.
Mitile: All right. See you later!
Riquet: Ye~s!
Riquet and Mitile exchange smiles.
The hint of childishness in their interactions warms my heart.
✦✧☾✧✦
Rutile: All right now, Mitile, Riquet. I’m going to teach you two some new words today.
Mitile & Riquet: Yes!
Rutile: Riquet, how well can you write?
Riquet: Write.....
Mitile: Don’t you know how to read and write?
Riquet: It wasn’t part of my job.... Does everyone here know how to write?
Mitile: Yes, my brother taught me!
Riquet: ........... .......I see.....
Rutile: Then let’s start by learning how to write your name, Riquet.
I love the name Riquet — it has such a beautiful ring to it. How about you, Riquet?
Riquet: Ah.... I like it too.....
Rutile: That’s great. "Riquet." This is how you spell your name.
Riquet: R-i-q-u-e-t......
Rutile: Well done! Next, Mitile, could you write your name? Make it look extra nice, so that Riquet can read it.
Mitile: Got it! Watch me, Riquet. "Mitile"...... This is my name.
Riquet: M-i-t-i-l-e. Mitile. Got it! I’ll try writing it out.
Rutile: Excellent job, you two. Both humans and wizards use words to express their thoughts and feelings to others, right?
That's why words are so important. Words express the heart, and in turn, the heart is also drawn to words.
If you use kind words, you become a kinder person. If you use cruel words, you become a crueler person. The words you use will tinge your heart, dyeing it different colors.
And the words that you receive can also influence the color of your heart. If you hear nothing but strict and cruel words, your heart shrivels up and becomes all sad and miserable.
That's why words are the same as magic. They can bring blessings upon yourself and others, but they can also cast curses the same way.
Riquet: I see......
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10.5 Rutile’s Precious Memories
Riquet: I would like to use words of blessing. Because I want to bless others and make them happy. This includes you two as well.
Rutile: Thank you. That already makes me happy; you’re a kind, good boy, Riquet.
And the same goes for Mitile, too. I love you two very much.
Mitile: Ehehe......
Riquet: Ehehe.....
Riquet and Mitile blush and giggle to each other.
(Footsteps)
Nero approaches me as I observe the heartwarming moment.
He awkwardly averts his gaze as he mumbles.
Nero: I’ll do the party and the parade.
Akira: Eh? Really....?
Nero: Just this once. None of it is taking place in Eastern Country, so....
If we wizards show up all fancy — looking all tough — for these events, people will be less likely to take advantage of laid-back guys like them, right?
Akira: Nero.... Thank you.
Nero: No need to thank me. It’s basically just a free meal and drinks, after all.
...What about the Northern wizards? They’re not going to show up, right?
Akira: I’d like them to come, but..... They probably won’t show up unless someone stronger than them — like Oz — commands them to.....
Nero: Yeah, that makes sense. ....It’s for the better.....
Akira: Nero?
Nero: No, it’s nothing.....
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Akira: Rutile.
Rutile: Sir Sage.
Akira: I was listening to your lesson from a distance. Please let me join in next time. I’d love to learn about the world with everyone else.
Rutile: Giving the Sage a lesson — the prospect makes me nervous, but I’d love to have you!
Akira: Rutile, both you and your brother Mitile are wizards, right? Were your parents wizards too?
Rutile: Our father was human, but our mother was a witch. She was known as the great witch Tiretta, and she was apparently quite famous.
She passed away after she gave birth to Mitile, but she was a bright and cheerful witch.
Akira: I see.... Rutile, you must be a kind person because she was a wonderful mother.
Rutile: Thank you. Mother was an important person in my life, but it’s also thanks to one of her friends.
Akira: Miss Tiretta’s friend?
Rutile: Yes. I met him when Mitile was still in Mother’s tummy. I was a child at the time, but he still seemed like such a cool man.
Powerful witches and wizards can tell when their life is coming to an end.... When Mother told me that she didn’t have much time left....
I fell into shock, and almost started crying. But her friend showed me an incredible spell: it was so powerful that he blew away an entire mountain in an instant.
Akira: A whole mountain in an instant.... I didn’t realize magic could be so powerful.....
Rutile: Yes. After that, the cool uncle gave me a weird talisman and promised me this: "I will protect you and your brother."
Rutile smiles bashfully.
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10.6 Those Awaiting Wizards
Rutile: Those words really heartened me. Because I knew that I wouldn’t be alone, even after Mother died.
And he was right — my little brother was born. Then my mother passed away, and my father followed, leaving just the two of us behind.....
But knowing that we have this uncle watching over us.... That alone reassures me, and I can keep walking forward with my head held high, telling myself, "hang in there, and keep doing your best."
Akira: He sounds like a wonderful person. It reminds me of the story of Daddy Long Legs1 from my world.....
Rutile: Long legs? Now that you mention it, he did have long legs! Mother introduced him to us as an uncle, but he actually looked a bit younger than that.
Ah! I got carried away chatting for so long. It just brought back all these memories.....
Akira: No, thank you for telling me all this. I hope you get to meet your Daddy Long Legs one day.
Rutile: Me too!
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Central Country man: Today’s the day of the Sage’s wizards’ parade! We’ll get to see the heroes who defeated the < Great Catastrophe >!
Central Country woman: The wizards sure are taking their time......
Central Country man: Even if you call them heroes, wizards are just liars who only act according to their whims. Are you sure they didn’t just ditch?
Central Country woman: No way...... But we put so much effort into preparing for their welcome on top of carrying out the restoration work.......
Central Country man: They must have been this irresponsible when fighting against the < Great Catastrophe > too...... That’s why we’ve suffered such great damages......
.....Even though we suffered as much as they did, why are we the ones who have to welcome them......
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Arthur: ............ Everyone is late.......
Cock Robin: Indeed......
Arthur: We were supposed to meet up at the outskirts of town and head to the parade together. I explained all this to Cain.
It’s already time...... Did something happen? Maybe I should go and check.
Cock Robin: Y-you can’t! Prince Arthur, if you’re gone too—....
Arthur: Then could you go check on them for me, Cock Robin?
Cock Robin: I understand. If I hurry by carriage, I’ll be there in half a day —
Arthur: No, that’d be too late. If you fly at the speed of a frigate bird, you should be there in no time.
Cock Robin: Well, sure, but I’m not a frigate bird...... ......!?
Arthur: << Pernoctant Nixzo >>
(Wings flapping)
Cock Robin: Squawk, squawk squawk squawk!?
Arthur: I’m counting on you, Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Squawk......squawk squawk!
1) Referring to Jean Webster’s 1912 novel Daddy-Long-Legs, in which an orphaned young woman is looked over by a mysterious benefactor
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Chapter 9 << | index | >> Chapter 11