healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-04 12:36 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-04 12:36 pm
Main Story | Chapter 11 | The Flight to the Parade
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 11: The Flight to the Parade
11.1 A Hectic Hour
11.2 Take My Hand
11.3 Marks of the Catastrophe
11.4 A Symbol of Hope
11.5 Turn Fears Into Smiles
11.6 Matching Outfits
11.7 The Celebratory Parade
11.8 Amidst the Cheers....
11.1 A Hectic Hour
Heathcliff: Your nails....? You paint your nails?
Chloe: Yup, isn’t it cute? I’ll paint yours too, Heath!
Heathcliff: Uh, umm....?
Shylock: It’s actually quite sensible to decorate your fingertips. We cast spells with our fingers when we’re not using our magic tools, after all. Putting effort into them will increase your power.
Chloe: Really! Okay then, I’m gonna make them even fancier..... Woah....!
Little sheep: Baa, baa!
Baa!
Riquet: Woah... Such tiny sheep!
Mitile: Aren’t Mister Leno’s sheep so cute?
Lennox: I didn’t know when we’d get to go home, so I made them small and brought them with me.
Figaro: Yawn.... It’s been a while since I’ve had this much free time. Rutile, can you brew me some tea?
Rutile: Dr. Figaro, you’re going to get as round as a cow if you laze around all day.
Figaro: Hey, cows are great.
Akira: We were told to wait until another envoy came for us, so.....
Cock Robin: Grr—, squawk squawk!!
Chloe: Woah, what now!? A frigate bird!?
Heathcliff: No... It’s a person.....
Figaro: Looks like he’s under a spell. Here we go!
Cock Robin: ........hh.
Akira: Mister Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Sir Sage! Why are you all just sitting around like this!?
Akira: Huh? But we were told to wait here......
Cock Robin: The parade’s going to begin any moment now!
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: Oh no, oh no, we need to hurry! I need to pack this and that and..... Oh, Rustica, are you all packed?
Rustica: Yaawn.... Good morning. Why the rush, Chloe? There’s still plenty of time till the party.
I slept so well. Looks like it’s time for some afternoon tea. Let me boil some water and.....
Chloe: Save the tea for later! There was some kind of miscommunication — we need to hurry and leave right now!
Rustica: Really. This is the first time I’ve heard about that.
Chloe: Because this is the first time I've mentioned it! Ah, your bedhead.....! Rustica, stay still, I’m gonna fix you up.
Rustica: Yaawn.... Okay, I’ll pack my bag with magic. Some socks, a handkerchief, an umbrella.....
Chloe: Rustica, that’s not an umbrella! That’s some snake that was crawling around....!
Rustica: A necktie?
Chloe: A snake....!
✦✧☾✧✦
Shino: Can’t they make up their minds? First they tell us to wait, then they tell us to come. What a fuss.
Heathcliff: Look.... They probably have their reasons.
Cain: I’ll lead you guys to the capital by broom. Cock Robin, give me the detailed rundown.
Cock Robin: Uh, umm, we’re going to meet with Prince Arthur at the entrance of the city. Then we’ll have you transfer over to the ceremonial carriages for the parade.
There will be a crowd of people hoping to see you as the carriages make their way to the castle. If you could wave at them....
Cain: Got it. Let’s go! Everyone follow me!
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11.2 Take My Hand
Murr: There he goes.
Shylock: Cain certainly enjoys leaping ahead and grabbing the reins — perhaps it’s because he was the former general of the knights. Let’s follow his lead.
Cock Robin: Ah, wait for me! What should I do.....!?
Figaro: You can take the elevator. The headquarters’ tower connects to the Central tower, right?
Snow: Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be functioning. Something might have happened to the Central tower.
Rutile: Then I can take you. I’ll make sure you don’t fall, so please hop onto the back of my broom.
Cock Robin: Th-thank you! I’d feel perfectly comfortable riding behind a wizard as kind as you!
Rutile: Leave it to me! I’ll fly even faster than a frigate bird!
Cock Robin: Huh?
Figaro: Hey, good luck. Rutile is usually very calm and gentle, but he’s an absolute speed demon when he’s flying.
Cock Robin: Huh!?
Rutile: Here we go~.
Cock Robin: W-wai..... Aaaaaahhh......!
The moment Cock Robin mounts the broom, Rutile shoots up into the air.
They zip through the sky like a shooting star.
Cock Robin: Y-you’re going too fast! Too fast.....!! Wait, please slow down.....!
Rutile: Huh? I can’t really hear you~.
Akira: W-will he be all right.....
Lennox: I think he’ll be fine. Rutile is flying slower than usual.
Rustica: Sir Sage, allow me to fly you there. May I take your hand?
Akira: Ah.... Thank you, Rustica.
Rustica: It’s an honor.
Rustica takes my hand and bows with the grace of a prince.
He’s the second wizard who’s let me ride his broom, after Murr.
Rustica has me sit in front of him, then wraps his arms around me from behind.
Rustica: Do excuse me. I know there are people who have their guests ride behind them, but I tend to be a bit careless, so.
I’m always afraid that I might lose the person riding with me.
So please bear with me for the course of this short flight.
I was growing a bit nervous at how close he was — speaking right into my ear — but his gentle and relaxing presence puts me at ease.
The soft scent of his refined perfume brightens my mood.
Akira: Oh, it’s fine. Thank you for letting me ride on your broom. Are you sure I’m not too heavy?
Rustica: Not at all. I feel like I’m carrying a feather.
Well then, shall we go? It might be a bit shaky at first, but we’ll be flying steady soon enough. So please don’t be afraid.
Rustica’s broom floats into the air, and I can feel the tips of my toes leave the ground.
(Whoosh)
I realize that each wizard’s personality is reflected in how they ride their broom.
Murr’s flight was a complete mess — a rollercoaster of a ride — but Rustica flies with a delicate, gentlemanly grace.
I can see why Chloe is so attached to him.
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11.3 Marks of the Catastrophe
Rustica: Is the wind too chilly?
Akira: No, I’m all right.
Rustica: Sir Sage, how was the weather back in your country? Was it a cold place? Or was it quite warm?
Akira: Well.... It was neither extremely hot nor extremely cold. It would get moderately warm, and moderately cold.
Rustica: That’s wonderful. So you could have different experiences while living in one place.
That means you're familiar with the flower that blooms in the gentle sunlight, the bright sky that glitters in scorching weather, and the snow that falls upon a freezing night.
Akira: Yes.... When you put it like that, I guess I am.
Rustica: Your country, and your life there — it all sounds like a beautiful poem.
My heart grows warm at Rustica’s straightforward praise.
As I gaze at the vast, sprawling lands beneath us, I’m overcome by nostalgia for my world.
I had forgotten about it because of how busy I was, but I loved that world and its four seasons.
Akira: Yes, it was.... I mean, my world had its problems too, but I still think it was a lovely place.
And I like this world too. Day by day, I’m coming to like it more and more. It’s mysterious, and beautiful, and a little scary.....
Rustica: That’s wonderful. I’m happy to hear that, and I think this world would feel the same.
A gentle wind blows through the sky and the earth.
But as we fly on, the vast and beautiful landscape that had been flourishing with nature slowly begins to reveal the cruel scars of destruction.
Mitile: There was a landslide over there.....
Riquet: And there’s a giant crack in the ground over there. Was there an earthquake?
Lennox: How terrible... Catastrophes have left their scars across the land.....
Cain: It must be because the < Great Catastrophe > got so close.... Prince Arthur said the Central capital was in terrible shape as well.
Shino: The Eastern forest was a mess too.
Heathcliff: Does that mean Blanchett Castle....?
Shino: No. The castle region seemed to be relatively well-off. The forest must have protected it.
Master and Mistress are both safe.
Heathcliff: I see......
Shino: But magical creatures from the ancient past have been revived. For humans, it must feel like the end of the world.
Figaro: I see. So that’s why they need a hero.
Rutile: ....What do you mean?
Cock Robin: Mister Rutile! Please don’t make such a sharp turn!
Figaro: When the world is on the brink of despair, people yearn for heroes — for symbols of hope. But this will be a bit of a dangerous gamble.
Chloe: A dangerous gamble? Why is it dangerous?
Faust: Hmph. Because a hero can easily be transformed into a villain.
There may be people who believe that we will save the world—
But there are just as many who will claim that we will let the world fall to destruction because we are not strong enough.
That’s just how humans are.
Shylock: Oh my. So that means we don’t know whether the crowd will toss flowers or hurl stones at us during the parade.
Akira: Oh no.....
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11.4 A Symbol of Hope
Chloe: Eh....? I finally get to participate in a party and a parade, but everyone’s just going to hate me again....?
Rustica: Nobody will hate you, Chloe. They’re all eagerly looking forward to meeting you.
Chloe: But......
Rustica: Don’t you agree, Sir Snow, Sir White?
Snow & White: That’s right, that’s right!
....Is what we’d like to say, but.......
Snow: Faust has good reason to worry. That was why we wanted to get Oz to bring Mithra and the others along.
White: Because humans fear Oz and the Northern wizards the most.
If people see that even these wizards are with us, they’ll surely feel at ease, but.....
If they see that these wizards refuse to listen to us, it will simply compound their anxiety. For we won’t look like we’re working together.
Chloe: But.... Does that mean that dressing up is pointless....? Nobody will welcome us...?
Cain: We just need to look confident, no matter the circumstances. There’s no use in getting hung up on the fact that we failed to convince Oz.
Plus, I bet Prince Arthur made extra preparations to make up for who we’re missing.
Riquet: Indeed.... If we show the people that we are truly here to serve them as disciples of God, I am sure it will put their worries to rest.
Shino: What do you mean, serve? We’re not slaves.
Heathcliff: Shino......
Shino: We were chosen for a role that we never asked for. Why do we have to suck up to people on top of that?
Riquet: Isn’t it simply right to use your God-granted powers for the greater good?
Shino: Who I choose to be of use to is a decision for me alone.
I’m willing to sacrifice my life for my Master and Mistress at Blanchett.
But if anyone else wants to use my power, they’d better beg me for it.
I refuse to kiss up to a bunch of jerks who sit around and whine all day.
Riquet: ....You are thinking like an oppressor. We are more fortunate than humans, and must.....
Nero: What do you mean, fortunate? They’re out here throwing rocks at us.
What do we get from fighting the < Great Catastrophe >? What do we get from fighting public criticism? Absolutely nothing.
Rutile: Please calm down, everyone.... Even so, I’m sure we can become a symbol of hope for somebody out there — just by existing.
Once they remember what it feels like to hope, peace will return to their hearts. And they will no longer reach for rocks to hurl at us.
Faust: How naive.
Rutile: Mister Faust.....
Faust: Humans possessed by fear will easily carry out more horrifying cruelties than the most vicious wizard in the world.
What if the crowd turns into a violent mob? What if they attempt to trample your brother to death?
What will you do then, wizard of the South?
Rutile: I.....
Figaro: I’ll protect him.
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11.5 Turn Fears Into Smiles
Rutile: Dr. Figaro.....
Figaro: And I will also protect you from the stones they hurl, Faust. Because I can smile in the face of such cruelty.
Faust: ...........
Figaro: I understand why you loathe humans. But at this rate, they’ll simply see wizards as their enemies.
We need to put smiles on our faces to make up for the Oz and the missing Northern wizards. Otherwise, we won’t even be able to fight the catastrophes.
Faust: Are you telling me to force a smile!?
Figaro: Listen.....
Lennox: I’ll do it.
Everyone grows silent at Lennox’s words.
Lennox: I will smile in your stead, Sir Faust, and for the rest of the Eastern wizards too.
We all turn around and look at the usually-quiet man with puzzled expressions on our faces.
Mitile: ....You will, Mister Lennox?
Lennox: Yes.
Mitile: You’re going to force a smile....? Um, I don’t think I’ve really seen you smile all that much, Mister Lennox.....
Lennox: Really?
Mitile: Yes.... Could you please try to smile right now?
Lennox: ..........
Lennox: ....Like this?
Lennox bares his teeth and grins.
And in that moment, the tension among the wizards shatters as they burst into peals of laughter.
Faust: Haha. Now that’s certainly not it.
Lennox: ....Really?
Figaro: Ahaha! No no, it was absolutely charming! All the girls in Central will fall in love with you for sure.
Rutile: Mister Lennox, you’re so cute.
Lennox: Am I....?
Shino: Hey Heath, you should give it a try. You’ve got a pretty face if nothing else, so you’ll have the girls squealing in no time.
Heathcliff: What do you mean, "if nothing else".....
I breathe a sigh of relief at the lightened mood in the air.
Murr twirls through the bright blue sky with gleeful laughter.
Murr: Ahaha! How fun! Whether they throw stones or flowers at us — it’ll still be fun!
We are wizards. We can turn things into anything we want them to be. So let’s turn the flowers into fireworks; and the stones into jewels!
Let’s laugh and carry on, regardless of who is watching us — be it bustling crowds, singing flowers, or pallid ghosts!
His eyes glimmer with the beauty and terror of a burning moon.
I freeze in place, captivated, until Chloe flies up beside me.
Chloe: Hey, hey, Sir Sage.
Akira: What is it, Chloe?
Chloe: Remember how the twins mentioned that we won’t look like we’re working together because the Northern wizards are missing?
I was actually thinking that it’d be nice if we could wear matching clothes — since it’s a party and all.
But everyone here is so unique, with all different styles, so I had a hard time coming up with a single uniform. That’s why.....
Still on his broom, Chloe pulls out his sewing box and flips open the lid.
In an instant, matching robes appear atop all the flying wizards.
Chloe: I made us matching robes and outfits instead!
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11.6 Matching Outfits
Rutile: Oh, these outfits are amazing!
Shylock: My, they are quite stylish.
Shino: They look really cool.
Snow: We match!
White: We match!
Snow & White: We love to match!
Chloe: I was wondering if we could wear these during the parade!?
Cain: I think that’s a great idea. Uniforms make you feel more disciplined and prepared.
Heathcliff: Reminds me of school.
Figaro: If you can’t afford to spare a smile, how about you at least wear this outfit?
Faust: No; I’m simply going to wear it because I like it.
Lennox: Thank you, Chloe.
Rustica: I’m glad everyone loves your outfits, Chloe.
Chloe: Ehehe.... Yeah!
Murr: Oh! Look! Arthur’s flying this way!
Cock Robin: Your Highness! Please, I told you to wait....!
Arthur: I’ve come to pick you up! I’m glad you’re doing well, Sir Sage. The carriage for the parade will be that way — we’re all ready to go.
Chloe: I’ve never seen such a fancy carriage! Amazing!
Rustica: It looks like this will be quite a joyous parade. Let us head onwards, Sir Sage.
Akira: Yes!
✦✧☾✧✦
Drummond: Oh, they made it in time! Lord Vincent, the Sage and the wizards have arrived at the outskirts of town!
Vincent: ............ Is that so.
Drummond: Goodness, making me all nervous like that...... Where are you headed, Lord Vincent? Will you not be observing the parade?
Vincent: I will leave the rest to you all.
Drummond: I-I understand!
Soldier: Lord Vincent! We have a problem!
Vincent: What now.
Soldier: I apologize; this report was delayed due to the parade, but the Central tower......
Vincent: What......?
✦✧☾✧✦
The Central Country troops briskly march onwards, as the band plays a cheerful, curious tune.
Thus our parade starts, with the soldiers taking the lead.
The townspeople gather along the main street, some leaning out of their windows, and wave at us with smiles on their faces.
(Cheering)
Central Country man: It’s the Sage and his wizards!
Central Country man: The wizards from the magic headquarters who defeated the < Great Catastrophe >!
Central Country man: We have nothing to fear from the < Great Catastrophe > as long as they’re around!
Central Country woman: Thank you, dear wizards......!
Central Country man: Blessings to the wizards of the magic headquarters!
Confetti and flower petals of every color imaginable swirl and dance against the brilliant blue sky.
We wave at the townspeople, relieved by their enthusiastic welcome.
Central Country man: Prince Arthur! Long live Prince Arthur!
Central Country woman: See, look over there! That’s our prince! He saved us that day when the catastrophe struck!
Arthur: Thank you, everyone.
Being the prince of Central Country, Arthur naturally gets showered with cheers of encouragement and support from the crowd; the other wizards also receive the same reception.
Central Country man: General Cain! Thanks for your hard work!
Central Country woman: Sir Cain! Come have a drink at my shop again sometime!
Cain: Sure, thanks!
Central Country girl: Aahh! What a pretty person!
Central Country girl: I saw him last year, too! He’s the Eastern wizard, Sir Heathcliff!
Heathcliff: ............
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11.7 The Celebratory Parade
Heathcliff: ..........
Shino: Hey, at least wave to them.
Heathcliff: No, that’s too embarrassing.....
Shino: What is? You should take more pride in yourself.
You’re a chosen wizard, and a dashing beauty who takes after Mistress. There’s nothing embarrassing about you, Heath....
Central Country girl: And the boy next to him is so tiny and cute!
Shino: Did she just call me tiny?
Heathcliff: She said you were tiny and cute. You should wave to them, Shino.
Shino: Don’t be silly. Times like these, you’re supposed to blow them a kiss with your thumb — like this.
Central Country girl: Aaaaah.....!
Central Country girl: He’s cute, but he’s also so cool!
Central Country girl: I love him too!
Shino: Heh. Did you hear them squeal? The girls from Central sure are cute.
Heathcliff: I guess I could learn a thing or two from you when it comes to your nerves of steel......
Central Country woman: Look at those adorable twins!
Elderly Central Country man: My goodness....! I can’t believe children so young are working to save the world.... What admirable wizards they are........
Snow: Good day, Miss!
White: Good day, Mister!
Central Country woman: Good luck!
Elderly Central Country man: Don’t push yourselves too hard, all right?
Snow & White: Hee hee! All right!
Figaro: You’re putting on an impressive show, Sir Snow, Sir White.
Mitile: Wow.... The streets are filled with people.....
Rutile: Right, it’s amazing! There are more people here than Mister Leno’s sheep.
Lennox: You’re counting them like sheep.....?
Faust: Hey, what happened to putting on a smile?
Lennox: Oh, that’s right. ....Haha. Good afternoon.
Faust: Fufu. You’re terrible at this.
Nero: Sigh..... I’m really not a fan of standing out like this......
Chloe: Really? That kind of Eastern sentiment feels like a waste. I love being the center of attention!
Nero: I don’t get how you Western wizards are so cheerful.
Chloe: Everyone has their eyes on me! Everyone’s waving at me! I feel like everyone loves me....!
Shylock: Fufu. You’re so adorable, Chloe.
Chloe: Don’t you like all this attention, Shylock?
Shylock: My specialty is charming people under the light of the moon, not the sun.
Central Country woman: Hey, sexy guy from the West! Is it true that Western wizards love to deceive and betray women?
Shylock: Of course it’s true.
Rustica: Of course not, my dear.
Chloe: You two are completely different types, but you both know you’re sexy.....
Shylock & Rustica: To a certain extent.
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11.8 Amidst the Cheers....
Rustica: Hm? Could that person over there be my bride....?
Chloe: Rustica, please! Not here!
Rustica: But Chloe.... Mmgh.......
Chloe: Come on, zip your mouth and wave!
Rustica: Mggh..... Ahahaha, good day.
Central Country man: Good day, good wizards!
Central Country child: Hey, Mister Wizard, can you show me some magic?
Murr: Sure!
Murr stands up in response to the innocent child’s request and lifts his hand into the air.
When he utters his spell, rainbow-colored lights begin to cluster around the ring on his left hand.
Murr: << Eanul Rambul >>!
They fly high into the air, bursting across the blue sky.
And scatter like fireworks.
Surrounded by rubble, the people of the city look up at the bright sky with smiles on their faces.
Central Country child: Wow....!
Central Country man: Amazing.... So this is the miracle of magic....!
Central Country woman: I’m sure they’ll protect us from the next < Great Catastrophe >!
The crowd erupts into loud cheers of delight, the people’s faces lighting up with smiles all around.
My heart wells up with pride; I’ve only known them for a short while, but it makes me happy to hear so much praise for these people who I’ve come to think of as friends.
But amidst the delighted cheers, I hear somber voices.
Central Country man: ......Who are they trying to fool....... The Northern wizards are the crucial ones, but they aren’t even here.
Central Country man: They always just do as they damn well please. Things must have ended up like this because they cut corners during the fight against the < Great Catastrophe >.......
Central Country man: At this rate, the world’s gonna end next year......
Akira: ............
(......I knew it. Everyone’s concerned about the Northern wizards......)
(Snow and White are also Northern wizards, but......)
(......Where are they...... Bradley, Mithra, and Owen......)
Riquet: ......Ah......
Akira: What’s wrong, Riquet? Do you see a familiar face in the crowd......?
Follower of the church: ............Wizards are meant to be the disciples of God! What a deplorable charade!
Central Country man: Woah, what’s wrong with you, old man! Don’t start yelling out of nowhere on such a joyous day......
Central Country man: He’s part of that sketchy cult. Just leave him!
Akira: Riquet?
Riquet: ......No...... It’s nothing.
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Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12
Chapter 11: The Flight to the Parade
11.1 A Hectic Hour
11.2 Take My Hand
11.3 Marks of the Catastrophe
11.4 A Symbol of Hope
11.5 Turn Fears Into Smiles
11.6 Matching Outfits
11.7 The Celebratory Parade
11.8 Amidst the Cheers....
11.1 A Hectic Hour
Heathcliff: Your nails....? You paint your nails?
Chloe: Yup, isn’t it cute? I’ll paint yours too, Heath!
Heathcliff: Uh, umm....?
Shylock: It’s actually quite sensible to decorate your fingertips. We cast spells with our fingers when we’re not using our magic tools, after all. Putting effort into them will increase your power.
Chloe: Really! Okay then, I’m gonna make them even fancier..... Woah....!
Little sheep: Baa, baa!
Baa!
Riquet: Woah... Such tiny sheep!
Mitile: Aren’t Mister Leno’s sheep so cute?
Lennox: I didn’t know when we’d get to go home, so I made them small and brought them with me.
Figaro: Yawn.... It’s been a while since I’ve had this much free time. Rutile, can you brew me some tea?
Rutile: Dr. Figaro, you’re going to get as round as a cow if you laze around all day.
Figaro: Hey, cows are great.
Akira: We were told to wait until another envoy came for us, so.....
Cock Robin: Grr—, squawk squawk!!
Chloe: Woah, what now!? A frigate bird!?
Heathcliff: No... It’s a person.....
Figaro: Looks like he’s under a spell. Here we go!
Cock Robin: ........hh.
Akira: Mister Cock Robin.
Cock Robin: Sir Sage! Why are you all just sitting around like this!?
Akira: Huh? But we were told to wait here......
Cock Robin: The parade’s going to begin any moment now!
✦✧☾✧✦
Chloe: Oh no, oh no, we need to hurry! I need to pack this and that and..... Oh, Rustica, are you all packed?
Rustica: Yaawn.... Good morning. Why the rush, Chloe? There’s still plenty of time till the party.
I slept so well. Looks like it’s time for some afternoon tea. Let me boil some water and.....
Chloe: Save the tea for later! There was some kind of miscommunication — we need to hurry and leave right now!
Rustica: Really. This is the first time I’ve heard about that.
Chloe: Because this is the first time I've mentioned it! Ah, your bedhead.....! Rustica, stay still, I’m gonna fix you up.
Rustica: Yaawn.... Okay, I’ll pack my bag with magic. Some socks, a handkerchief, an umbrella.....
Chloe: Rustica, that’s not an umbrella! That’s some snake that was crawling around....!
Rustica: A necktie?
Chloe: A snake....!
✦✧☾✧✦
Shino: Can’t they make up their minds? First they tell us to wait, then they tell us to come. What a fuss.
Heathcliff: Look.... They probably have their reasons.
Cain: I’ll lead you guys to the capital by broom. Cock Robin, give me the detailed rundown.
Cock Robin: Uh, umm, we’re going to meet with Prince Arthur at the entrance of the city. Then we’ll have you transfer over to the ceremonial carriages for the parade.
There will be a crowd of people hoping to see you as the carriages make their way to the castle. If you could wave at them....
Cain: Got it. Let’s go! Everyone follow me!
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11.2 Take My Hand
Murr: There he goes.
Shylock: Cain certainly enjoys leaping ahead and grabbing the reins — perhaps it’s because he was the former general of the knights. Let’s follow his lead.
Cock Robin: Ah, wait for me! What should I do.....!?
Figaro: You can take the elevator. The headquarters’ tower connects to the Central tower, right?
Snow: Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be functioning. Something might have happened to the Central tower.
Rutile: Then I can take you. I’ll make sure you don’t fall, so please hop onto the back of my broom.
Cock Robin: Th-thank you! I’d feel perfectly comfortable riding behind a wizard as kind as you!
Rutile: Leave it to me! I’ll fly even faster than a frigate bird!
Cock Robin: Huh?
Figaro: Hey, good luck. Rutile is usually very calm and gentle, but he’s an absolute speed demon when he’s flying.
Cock Robin: Huh!?
Rutile: Here we go~.
Cock Robin: W-wai..... Aaaaaahhh......!
The moment Cock Robin mounts the broom, Rutile shoots up into the air.
They zip through the sky like a shooting star.
Cock Robin: Y-you’re going too fast! Too fast.....!! Wait, please slow down.....!
Rutile: Huh? I can’t really hear you~.
Akira: W-will he be all right.....
Lennox: I think he’ll be fine. Rutile is flying slower than usual.
Rustica: Sir Sage, allow me to fly you there. May I take your hand?
Akira: Ah.... Thank you, Rustica.
Rustica: It’s an honor.
Rustica takes my hand and bows with the grace of a prince.
He’s the second wizard who’s let me ride his broom, after Murr.
Rustica has me sit in front of him, then wraps his arms around me from behind.
Rustica: Do excuse me. I know there are people who have their guests ride behind them, but I tend to be a bit careless, so.
I’m always afraid that I might lose the person riding with me.
So please bear with me for the course of this short flight.
I was growing a bit nervous at how close he was — speaking right into my ear — but his gentle and relaxing presence puts me at ease.
The soft scent of his refined perfume brightens my mood.
Akira: Oh, it’s fine. Thank you for letting me ride on your broom. Are you sure I’m not too heavy?
Rustica: Not at all. I feel like I’m carrying a feather.
Well then, shall we go? It might be a bit shaky at first, but we’ll be flying steady soon enough. So please don’t be afraid.
Rustica’s broom floats into the air, and I can feel the tips of my toes leave the ground.
(Whoosh)
I realize that each wizard’s personality is reflected in how they ride their broom.
Murr’s flight was a complete mess — a rollercoaster of a ride — but Rustica flies with a delicate, gentlemanly grace.
I can see why Chloe is so attached to him.
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11.3 Marks of the Catastrophe
Rustica: Is the wind too chilly?
Akira: No, I’m all right.
Rustica: Sir Sage, how was the weather back in your country? Was it a cold place? Or was it quite warm?
Akira: Well.... It was neither extremely hot nor extremely cold. It would get moderately warm, and moderately cold.
Rustica: That’s wonderful. So you could have different experiences while living in one place.
That means you're familiar with the flower that blooms in the gentle sunlight, the bright sky that glitters in scorching weather, and the snow that falls upon a freezing night.
Akira: Yes.... When you put it like that, I guess I am.
Rustica: Your country, and your life there — it all sounds like a beautiful poem.
My heart grows warm at Rustica’s straightforward praise.
As I gaze at the vast, sprawling lands beneath us, I’m overcome by nostalgia for my world.
I had forgotten about it because of how busy I was, but I loved that world and its four seasons.
Akira: Yes, it was.... I mean, my world had its problems too, but I still think it was a lovely place.
And I like this world too. Day by day, I’m coming to like it more and more. It’s mysterious, and beautiful, and a little scary.....
Rustica: That’s wonderful. I’m happy to hear that, and I think this world would feel the same.
A gentle wind blows through the sky and the earth.
But as we fly on, the vast and beautiful landscape that had been flourishing with nature slowly begins to reveal the cruel scars of destruction.
Mitile: There was a landslide over there.....
Riquet: And there’s a giant crack in the ground over there. Was there an earthquake?
Lennox: How terrible... Catastrophes have left their scars across the land.....
Cain: It must be because the < Great Catastrophe > got so close.... Prince Arthur said the Central capital was in terrible shape as well.
Shino: The Eastern forest was a mess too.
Heathcliff: Does that mean Blanchett Castle....?
Shino: No. The castle region seemed to be relatively well-off. The forest must have protected it.
Master and Mistress are both safe.
Heathcliff: I see......
Shino: But magical creatures from the ancient past have been revived. For humans, it must feel like the end of the world.
Figaro: I see. So that’s why they need a hero.
Rutile: ....What do you mean?
Cock Robin: Mister Rutile! Please don’t make such a sharp turn!
Figaro: When the world is on the brink of despair, people yearn for heroes — for symbols of hope. But this will be a bit of a dangerous gamble.
Chloe: A dangerous gamble? Why is it dangerous?
Faust: Hmph. Because a hero can easily be transformed into a villain.
There may be people who believe that we will save the world—
But there are just as many who will claim that we will let the world fall to destruction because we are not strong enough.
That’s just how humans are.
Shylock: Oh my. So that means we don’t know whether the crowd will toss flowers or hurl stones at us during the parade.
Akira: Oh no.....
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11.4 A Symbol of Hope
Chloe: Eh....? I finally get to participate in a party and a parade, but everyone’s just going to hate me again....?
Rustica: Nobody will hate you, Chloe. They’re all eagerly looking forward to meeting you.
Chloe: But......
Rustica: Don’t you agree, Sir Snow, Sir White?
Snow & White: That’s right, that’s right!
....Is what we’d like to say, but.......
Snow: Faust has good reason to worry. That was why we wanted to get Oz to bring Mithra and the others along.
White: Because humans fear Oz and the Northern wizards the most.
If people see that even these wizards are with us, they’ll surely feel at ease, but.....
If they see that these wizards refuse to listen to us, it will simply compound their anxiety. For we won’t look like we’re working together.
Chloe: But.... Does that mean that dressing up is pointless....? Nobody will welcome us...?
Cain: We just need to look confident, no matter the circumstances. There’s no use in getting hung up on the fact that we failed to convince Oz.
Plus, I bet Prince Arthur made extra preparations to make up for who we’re missing.
Riquet: Indeed.... If we show the people that we are truly here to serve them as disciples of God, I am sure it will put their worries to rest.
Shino: What do you mean, serve? We’re not slaves.
Heathcliff: Shino......
Shino: We were chosen for a role that we never asked for. Why do we have to suck up to people on top of that?
Riquet: Isn’t it simply right to use your God-granted powers for the greater good?
Shino: Who I choose to be of use to is a decision for me alone.
I’m willing to sacrifice my life for my Master and Mistress at Blanchett.
But if anyone else wants to use my power, they’d better beg me for it.
I refuse to kiss up to a bunch of jerks who sit around and whine all day.
Riquet: ....You are thinking like an oppressor. We are more fortunate than humans, and must.....
Nero: What do you mean, fortunate? They’re out here throwing rocks at us.
What do we get from fighting the < Great Catastrophe >? What do we get from fighting public criticism? Absolutely nothing.
Rutile: Please calm down, everyone.... Even so, I’m sure we can become a symbol of hope for somebody out there — just by existing.
Once they remember what it feels like to hope, peace will return to their hearts. And they will no longer reach for rocks to hurl at us.
Faust: How naive.
Rutile: Mister Faust.....
Faust: Humans possessed by fear will easily carry out more horrifying cruelties than the most vicious wizard in the world.
What if the crowd turns into a violent mob? What if they attempt to trample your brother to death?
What will you do then, wizard of the South?
Rutile: I.....
Figaro: I’ll protect him.
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11.5 Turn Fears Into Smiles
Rutile: Dr. Figaro.....
Figaro: And I will also protect you from the stones they hurl, Faust. Because I can smile in the face of such cruelty.
Faust: ...........
Figaro: I understand why you loathe humans. But at this rate, they’ll simply see wizards as their enemies.
We need to put smiles on our faces to make up for the Oz and the missing Northern wizards. Otherwise, we won’t even be able to fight the catastrophes.
Faust: Are you telling me to force a smile!?
Figaro: Listen.....
Lennox: I’ll do it.
Everyone grows silent at Lennox’s words.
Lennox: I will smile in your stead, Sir Faust, and for the rest of the Eastern wizards too.
We all turn around and look at the usually-quiet man with puzzled expressions on our faces.
Mitile: ....You will, Mister Lennox?
Lennox: Yes.
Mitile: You’re going to force a smile....? Um, I don’t think I’ve really seen you smile all that much, Mister Lennox.....
Lennox: Really?
Mitile: Yes.... Could you please try to smile right now?
Lennox: ..........
Lennox: ....Like this?
Lennox bares his teeth and grins.
And in that moment, the tension among the wizards shatters as they burst into peals of laughter.
Faust: Haha. Now that’s certainly not it.
Lennox: ....Really?
Figaro: Ahaha! No no, it was absolutely charming! All the girls in Central will fall in love with you for sure.
Rutile: Mister Lennox, you’re so cute.
Lennox: Am I....?
Shino: Hey Heath, you should give it a try. You’ve got a pretty face if nothing else, so you’ll have the girls squealing in no time.
Heathcliff: What do you mean, "if nothing else".....
I breathe a sigh of relief at the lightened mood in the air.
Murr twirls through the bright blue sky with gleeful laughter.
Murr: Ahaha! How fun! Whether they throw stones or flowers at us — it’ll still be fun!
We are wizards. We can turn things into anything we want them to be. So let’s turn the flowers into fireworks; and the stones into jewels!
Let’s laugh and carry on, regardless of who is watching us — be it bustling crowds, singing flowers, or pallid ghosts!
His eyes glimmer with the beauty and terror of a burning moon.
I freeze in place, captivated, until Chloe flies up beside me.
Chloe: Hey, hey, Sir Sage.
Akira: What is it, Chloe?
Chloe: Remember how the twins mentioned that we won’t look like we’re working together because the Northern wizards are missing?
I was actually thinking that it’d be nice if we could wear matching clothes — since it’s a party and all.
But everyone here is so unique, with all different styles, so I had a hard time coming up with a single uniform. That’s why.....
Still on his broom, Chloe pulls out his sewing box and flips open the lid.
In an instant, matching robes appear atop all the flying wizards.
Chloe: I made us matching robes and outfits instead!
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11.6 Matching Outfits
Rutile: Oh, these outfits are amazing!
Shylock: My, they are quite stylish.
Shino: They look really cool.
Snow: We match!
White: We match!
Snow & White: We love to match!
Chloe: I was wondering if we could wear these during the parade!?
Cain: I think that’s a great idea. Uniforms make you feel more disciplined and prepared.
Heathcliff: Reminds me of school.
Figaro: If you can’t afford to spare a smile, how about you at least wear this outfit?
Faust: No; I’m simply going to wear it because I like it.
Lennox: Thank you, Chloe.
Rustica: I’m glad everyone loves your outfits, Chloe.
Chloe: Ehehe.... Yeah!
Murr: Oh! Look! Arthur’s flying this way!
Cock Robin: Your Highness! Please, I told you to wait....!
Arthur: I’ve come to pick you up! I’m glad you’re doing well, Sir Sage. The carriage for the parade will be that way — we’re all ready to go.
Chloe: I’ve never seen such a fancy carriage! Amazing!
Rustica: It looks like this will be quite a joyous parade. Let us head onwards, Sir Sage.
Akira: Yes!
✦✧☾✧✦
Drummond: Oh, they made it in time! Lord Vincent, the Sage and the wizards have arrived at the outskirts of town!
Vincent: ............ Is that so.
Drummond: Goodness, making me all nervous like that...... Where are you headed, Lord Vincent? Will you not be observing the parade?
Vincent: I will leave the rest to you all.
Drummond: I-I understand!
Soldier: Lord Vincent! We have a problem!
Vincent: What now.
Soldier: I apologize; this report was delayed due to the parade, but the Central tower......
Vincent: What......?
✦✧☾✧✦
The Central Country troops briskly march onwards, as the band plays a cheerful, curious tune.
Thus our parade starts, with the soldiers taking the lead.
The townspeople gather along the main street, some leaning out of their windows, and wave at us with smiles on their faces.
(Cheering)
Central Country man: It’s the Sage and his wizards!
Central Country man: The wizards from the magic headquarters who defeated the < Great Catastrophe >!
Central Country man: We have nothing to fear from the < Great Catastrophe > as long as they’re around!
Central Country woman: Thank you, dear wizards......!
Central Country man: Blessings to the wizards of the magic headquarters!
Confetti and flower petals of every color imaginable swirl and dance against the brilliant blue sky.
We wave at the townspeople, relieved by their enthusiastic welcome.
Central Country man: Prince Arthur! Long live Prince Arthur!
Central Country woman: See, look over there! That’s our prince! He saved us that day when the catastrophe struck!
Arthur: Thank you, everyone.
Being the prince of Central Country, Arthur naturally gets showered with cheers of encouragement and support from the crowd; the other wizards also receive the same reception.
Central Country man: General Cain! Thanks for your hard work!
Central Country woman: Sir Cain! Come have a drink at my shop again sometime!
Cain: Sure, thanks!
Central Country girl: Aahh! What a pretty person!
Central Country girl: I saw him last year, too! He’s the Eastern wizard, Sir Heathcliff!
Heathcliff: ............
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11.7 The Celebratory Parade
Heathcliff: ..........
Shino: Hey, at least wave to them.
Heathcliff: No, that’s too embarrassing.....
Shino: What is? You should take more pride in yourself.
You’re a chosen wizard, and a dashing beauty who takes after Mistress. There’s nothing embarrassing about you, Heath....
Central Country girl: And the boy next to him is so tiny and cute!
Shino: Did she just call me tiny?
Heathcliff: She said you were tiny and cute. You should wave to them, Shino.
Shino: Don’t be silly. Times like these, you’re supposed to blow them a kiss with your thumb — like this.
Central Country girl: Aaaaah.....!
Central Country girl: He’s cute, but he’s also so cool!
Central Country girl: I love him too!
Shino: Heh. Did you hear them squeal? The girls from Central sure are cute.
Heathcliff: I guess I could learn a thing or two from you when it comes to your nerves of steel......
Central Country woman: Look at those adorable twins!
Elderly Central Country man: My goodness....! I can’t believe children so young are working to save the world.... What admirable wizards they are........
Snow: Good day, Miss!
White: Good day, Mister!
Central Country woman: Good luck!
Elderly Central Country man: Don’t push yourselves too hard, all right?
Snow & White: Hee hee! All right!
Figaro: You’re putting on an impressive show, Sir Snow, Sir White.
Mitile: Wow.... The streets are filled with people.....
Rutile: Right, it’s amazing! There are more people here than Mister Leno’s sheep.
Lennox: You’re counting them like sheep.....?
Faust: Hey, what happened to putting on a smile?
Lennox: Oh, that’s right. ....Haha. Good afternoon.
Faust: Fufu. You’re terrible at this.
Nero: Sigh..... I’m really not a fan of standing out like this......
Chloe: Really? That kind of Eastern sentiment feels like a waste. I love being the center of attention!
Nero: I don’t get how you Western wizards are so cheerful.
Chloe: Everyone has their eyes on me! Everyone’s waving at me! I feel like everyone loves me....!
Shylock: Fufu. You’re so adorable, Chloe.
Chloe: Don’t you like all this attention, Shylock?
Shylock: My specialty is charming people under the light of the moon, not the sun.
Central Country woman: Hey, sexy guy from the West! Is it true that Western wizards love to deceive and betray women?
Shylock: Of course it’s true.
Rustica: Of course not, my dear.
Chloe: You two are completely different types, but you both know you’re sexy.....
Shylock & Rustica: To a certain extent.
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11.8 Amidst the Cheers....
Rustica: Hm? Could that person over there be my bride....?
Chloe: Rustica, please! Not here!
Rustica: But Chloe.... Mmgh.......
Chloe: Come on, zip your mouth and wave!
Rustica: Mggh..... Ahahaha, good day.
Central Country man: Good day, good wizards!
Central Country child: Hey, Mister Wizard, can you show me some magic?
Murr: Sure!
Murr stands up in response to the innocent child’s request and lifts his hand into the air.
When he utters his spell, rainbow-colored lights begin to cluster around the ring on his left hand.
Murr: << Eanul Rambul >>!
They fly high into the air, bursting across the blue sky.
And scatter like fireworks.
Surrounded by rubble, the people of the city look up at the bright sky with smiles on their faces.
Central Country child: Wow....!
Central Country man: Amazing.... So this is the miracle of magic....!
Central Country woman: I’m sure they’ll protect us from the next < Great Catastrophe >!
The crowd erupts into loud cheers of delight, the people’s faces lighting up with smiles all around.
My heart wells up with pride; I’ve only known them for a short while, but it makes me happy to hear so much praise for these people who I’ve come to think of as friends.
But amidst the delighted cheers, I hear somber voices.
Central Country man: ......Who are they trying to fool....... The Northern wizards are the crucial ones, but they aren’t even here.
Central Country man: They always just do as they damn well please. Things must have ended up like this because they cut corners during the fight against the < Great Catastrophe >.......
Central Country man: At this rate, the world’s gonna end next year......
Akira: ............
(......I knew it. Everyone’s concerned about the Northern wizards......)
(Snow and White are also Northern wizards, but......)
(......Where are they...... Bradley, Mithra, and Owen......)
Riquet: ......Ah......
Akira: What’s wrong, Riquet? Do you see a familiar face in the crowd......?
Follower of the church: ............Wizards are meant to be the disciples of God! What a deplorable charade!
Central Country man: Woah, what’s wrong with you, old man! Don’t start yelling out of nowhere on such a joyous day......
Central Country man: He’s part of that sketchy cult. Just leave him!
Akira: Riquet?
Riquet: ......No...... It’s nothing.
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Chapter 10 << | index | >> Chapter 12