healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-05 01:23 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-05 01:23 pm
Entry tags:
- .mahoyaku,
- .main story,
- .translation,
- arthur,
- chloe,
- heathcliff,
- murr,
- rustica,
- shino,
- shylock,
- snow,
- white
Main Story | Chapter 15 | A Request from Drummond
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16
Chapter 15: A Request from Drummond
15.1 A Pure Desire
15.2 A Bizarre Report
15.3 Who His Ambitions Are For
15.4 The Mystery of the Palace
15.5 The Strange Palace
15.6 Bizarre Butterfly Scales
15.7 A Puerile Prank
15.1 A Pure Desire
The next morning, Shino, Heathcliff and I report last night’s happenings to Arthur.
Arthur: Good morning, Sir Sage.
Snow: Heathcliff, Shino, you're both so early to rise.
White: What good boys you are.
Shino: Don't treat me like a kid.
Heathcliff: I didn’t expect to see you two here as well, Sir Snow and Sir White.
Snow: Indeed. We wanted to have some morning tea together. We asked Oz to join us too, but he refused.
Arthur: .........
White: Arthur, no need for you to feel down. I assume he simply doesn't want to face you because he couldn't use his magic last night.
Arthur: But... It's all due to the injury left by the < Great Catastrophe >; it's not Sir Oz’s fault.
And are you all right, Heathcliff? You still don't know what your injury is, right?
Heathcliff: Yes.... And we’re still in the dark about Mr. Faust’s and Murr’s injuries as well.
Shino: Once we figure out what someone’s bizarre injury is, is there any way to cure it?
Snow: We're currently working on finding a solution. We really have so much to do.
White: But once we're through with the inauguration ceremony this afternoon, we should have some room to breathe.
Snow: Which involves greeting the citizens down in the square from the castle balcony.
Shino: We get to speak to the crowd from the balcony...? That sounds cool — it’s just like what the Lord of Blanchett does.
I’m ready to greet them right now.
Arthur: Ahaha. It'll happen soon enough. We're set to greet them at noontime.
White: Now then, Sage. Why are you here? You came to tell us something, right?
Akira: Yes. Last night, when we went to the cemetery....
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: .....A graverobber?
Heathcliff: That's right. They simply took the corpses without laying a finger on the treasures that lay within the coffins....
Arthur: I’m also concerned by what you said about the buried treasure being affected by the < Great Catastrophe > drawing too close, as well as the shadow of a giant bird......
Snow: The shadow of a giant bird....
White: I feel like I've heard of it before, but perhaps I have not.....
Arthur: Really?
Snow: Hm.... I feel like I almost have it.
White: When you grow older, your memory just doesn't work the way it used to.
Shino: We can't just wait around hoping that Snow and White will recall anything. I'll help with the investigation.
But I want a reward.
Arthur: A reward?
Heathcliff: Hold it, Shino! I apologize, Prince Arthur. Shino is still a child.....
Shino: You're the naive child here. Hey, your Highness. I'm a mere servant who has never known his parents. I want something that will gain me the trust of society.
Arthur: I see.... But I cannot be the one to grant you anything.
Shino: Why?
Arthur: Because if I grant a personal reward to a vassal of the Blanchett family — the great nobles of the East — it'll compromise our diplomatic relations.
But I can slip in a word to the royal family of Eastern Country. What is your desire, Shino?
Shino: Make me a knight assigned to a general, or the close advisor of a minister.
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15.2 A Bizarre Report
Heathcliff: ....A knight assigned to a general....? Do you plan on leaving Blanchett?
Shino: Yeah, with you. Heathcliff, you’re going to be the general or the minister.
Heathcliff: Wh-what are you saying, you idiot!? There’s no way I could be a general or a minister, and I wouldn’t want to, either......
Shino: But why? If anyone speaks poorly of a general, he can just chop off their heads. That way, nobody will start rumors about you.
Heathcliff: Listen......
Arthur: Haha..... I don’t know about that reasoning. People speak ill of me, even though I'm a prince. There’s really nothing that will shield you from rumors.
Shino: ..................
Arthur: But if all goes well, I will write a letter to the royal family of the East. Is that all right?
Shino: Yeah. Please.
Heathcliff: Shino......
(Door opens)
Nicholas: Excuse me.
Arthur: Oh, Nicholas. Good timing. There’s something I’d like the Magical Technology Corps to investigate. It looks like there was a graverobbing incident at the capital’s cemetery—.
Nicholas: A graverobbing incident?
Arthur: Yes. I hear that all the graves were overturned.
Nicholas: What a fanciful tale you’re telling. My subordinates went to the cemetery this morning, and they reported nothing out of the ordinary.
Shino: That can't be true. Last night we saw......
Nicholas: You must have been dreaming. Why were you at the cemetery anyway?
The people will get anxious if they find out that wizards have been prowling the cemetery. They’ll think you’re carrying out suspicious rituals.
Arthur: Don't be rude. The Eastern wizards received a bizarre report from a maid at the castle and went to investigate.
Nicholas: A bizarre report?
Shino: Yes. That the shadow of a giant bird crawled out of the cemetery and destroyed the tower....
Nicholas: The shadow of a giant bird? Haha...... You really went and took the nonsensical ramblings of a young girl for truth.
Shino: ..........
Snow: But that goes for your subordinates as well — what were they doing in the cemetery first thing in the morning?
Nicholas: There were several complaints from citizens about a strange light coming from the cemetery in the middle of the night.
To think it was all because of you...... All you ever do is create trouble......
Shino: .........
Heathcliff: Shino, where are you going!?
Shino: I'm going to check out the cemetery. Those graves were definitely overturned.
Nicholas: Do as you please.
Akira: Please let me go with you.
Shino: Got it. Come along, then.
Nicholas: How pointless. I’ve confirmed that there was nothing unusual with my own two eyes. Or would the absence of graverobbers be inconvenient for your purposes?
Shino: What?
Nicholas: Even Oz, the strongest and most feared wizard in the world, couldn’t use his powers in front of the people. We, the Magical Technology Corps, were the ones who repaired the tower gates.
This could very well be your attempt to fabricate chaos at the cemetery in order to restore authority to your reputation, could it not?
Arthur: Nicholas!
Heathcliff: Mister Nicholas, Captain of the Magical Technology Corps. I too was there to witness the damage wrought by the graverobbers.
Nicholas: ...... You're the Blanchett family’s.......
Heathcliff: I see you are suggesting that we have disgraced the dead in order to manufacture accomplishments in our name.
I will remember that well — especially for the sake of my own country’s close ties with Central Country.
Nicholas: .....I offer you my deepest apologies. Please forgive me for my foolish words.
Heathcliff: Oh, I can't assure you anything; you know very well that people from Eastern Country hold deep grudges.
Nicholas: ........ Please excuse me. I’ll be taking my leave.
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15.3 Who His Ambitions Are For
Arthur: Heathcliff. I apologize on behalf of Nicholas.....
Heathcliff: No, it's all right. Please don't worry about it.
Anyway, I'll tag along with you, Shino, Sir Sage.
Shino: Yeah.
Heathcliff: What are you grinning for?
Shino: You were so cool.
Heathcliff: No I wasn't.... I shouldn't have lost my cool like that; how embarrassing. They're going to call us gloomy, vindictive wizards again.
Snow: We'll accompany you as well.
White: Shall we take our leave?
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: This......
The cemetery looks undisturbed; there isn’t a single trace of the overturned graves.
Perhaps someone shoveled the dirt back after we left.
Shino: Let's dig everything up again. The bones might still be gone.
Snow: Stop it, Shino. If we dig up the graves now, then the people really will start baseless rumors.
Shino: But.....
White: And there’s no need to — I can sense that the corpses are gone. Someone must have taken them.
Snow: Something horrible might befall the Central capital soon.
White: How interesting. We should offer a warning to Arthur.
Shino: ......
Heathcliff: Shino, let's go.
Shino: Yeah.
✦✧☾✧✦
Snow: Well then, Sage, we will go report the situation to Arthur.
Shino: We'll continue with our own investigation. I’m not letting the Magical Technology Corps steal all the credit.
White: Make sure you come back in time for the inauguration ceremony.
(Footsteps)
Drummond: Sir Sage! Thank goodness, what perfect timing....
Akira: Mister Drummond.
Drummond: Please lend us your power! Since the approach of the < Great Catastrophe >, we have received repeated reports of mysterious incidents happening all over the capital!
And now there’s a possibility that we may have to postpone the inauguration ceremony......
Shino: Huh? What about waving at everyone from the balcony?
Heathcliff: It looks like there’s a problem. Let's be patient and wait.
Shino: ....Fine. That means we can investigate as much as we want without worrying about the time. Let's go, Heath.
Heathcliff: Shino! I’m sorry, Sir Sage. Please excuse us.
✦✧☾✧✦
Heathcliff: How are you planning on continuing this investigation anyway?
Shino: Anything will do, so long as it brings us recognition.
Heathcliff: Recognition.... Shino, were you serious about making me an Eastern Country general....?
Shino: Of course I was. You'd never go for a title like that on your own.
Heathcliff: Shino, you don't know what you’re talking about.... If I become a general, what are you going to do if we go to a war with Central Country?
It means we’ll have to fight against Prince Arthur and Cain.
Shino: When that happens, I'll seize this entire castle and offer it to you.
Heathcliff: ......Shino......
Shino: I'll destroy anything in this world to create a path where you can walk with your head high. I'll steal anything and grant it all to you.
Heathcliff Blanchett. You are a man worthy of all this. So do not refuse what I offer you.
Heathcliff: ...........
Shino: You don't need to do anything. I will make you a hero. And when that happens, we can go back to the way we used to be.
Heathcliff: ....The way we used to be....?
Shino: ......You always used to be so happy whenever I brought you something.
Heathcliff: B-but.... You’re talking about flowers and squirrels!?
Shino: A generalship and a castle are the same sort of thing.
Heathcliff: They're not the same!
Shino: They are the same, because they all suit you. They’ll also please Master and Mistress. Anyway, for starters, let's secure our prestige in Central Country.
We need to outdo the Magical Technology soldiers who are gloating over repairing the tower gates.
Heathcliff: ...........
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15.4 The Mystery of the Palace
Akira: Mister Drummond. What do you mean by mysterious incidents.......?
Drummond: Yes, well.... There have been reports from the capital detailing ancient treasures glowing curiously, and people have been witnessing long-extinct creatures from the distant past.......
Amongst the reports, our biggest concern is the dreadful happenings at the Lunar Eclipse Palace......
Akira: Lunar Eclipse Palace?
Drummond: It's a palace filled with historic ruins, artifacts, and artwork of incredible academic value collected from all around the world. Many magical tools are stored there for safekeeping as well.
According to the curator, you can no longer enter the palace. To be more precise, once you enter the palace, you can never return......
And you see, I haven’t been able to contact Cock Robin after he went to check on the palace......
Akira: You can’t reach Mister Cock Robin?
Drummond: Yes... I asked the Magical Technology Corps to help me out, but they refused, saying they had so much to do.....
Sir Sage... He can be rude and careless at times, but he is a precious and hard-working employee of mine.
I realize I've been incredibly rude to you and the chosen wizards, but may I ask for your cooperation?
Akira: .....
Murr: It's Sir Sage. Heeeey, Sir Sage!
Akira: Murr... And the Western wizards....
Rustica: Good morning, Sir Sage. Last night was simply wonderful.
Chloe: It was so fun! I even made a new friend~. I'm going to make her a scarf!
Shylock: What were the two of you discussing?
Akira: Well...... There have been all kinds of mysterious incidents occurring at this place called the Lunar Eclipse Palace, and Mister Cock Robin seems to have gone missing because of it.
Rustica: He got lost in a palace? It must be quite huge.
Chloe: He said there were mysterious incidents going on, so maybe it’s all under a spell?
Shylock: There were many bizarre items in that palace, after all.
Akira: Are you familiar with the palace?
Shylock: Murr was very fond of it, you see. He would sneak in without permission, browse around without permission, steal items without permission, and also add items without permission.
Drummond: H-he did what with the great artifacts of our country!?
Shylock: Please direct your complaints at Murr. But you want us to look for the missing Cock Robin, right?
Drummond: ....I do. Could you please save him?
Shylock: Well, so long as you don't mind relying on these irresponsible, lying wizards.
Drummond: ............. Of course not. I beg you.
Shylock: Understood.
Rustica: I’m sure you must be anxious not knowing what has happened to him. I understand that feeling all too well.
For I, too, am looking for my lost bride.
Drummond: ....I see. I hope you... Manage to find her.
Rustica: Thank you.
Chloe: You're a nice old guy. Let me help out! We should all work together!
Murr: Yeah! Let's go!
Akira: Oh...... P-please wait! Can I come along too? I’m worried about Mister Cock Robin......
Murr: Sure! Wanna hop on my broom?
Akira: Uh......
Shylock: Murr, you fly like an acrobat. I'll take you instead, Sir Sage.
Akira: Please! Thank you!
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15.5 The Strange Palace
Shylock: The Lunar Eclipse Palace lies just beyond that forest. We’ll be there soon enough.
Chloe: The weather is so nice today! It’s perfect for flying.
Rustica: It's also the perfect weather to host a tea party in the garden. We can sing and dance, round and round.
Murr: Sounds fun! Hey, Sir Sage, do you like to sing?
Akira: I'm not very good at it, so....
Murr: It doesn’t matter whether you’re good or bad! The real question is, do you like it or hate it?
Rustica: That's right. Sir Sage, if you like something — whether it’s singing or dancing — you should enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Chloe: We don't want to have fun with a talented singer — we just want to have fun with you, Sir Sage!
If you're enjoying yourself, then so are we!
Akira: Haha... Then I guess I’ll sing the next time you host a tea party.
Chloe: Yay!
Akira: Um... May I ask you all a question?
Shylock: What is it?
Akira: Why did you accept Mister Drummond's request?
Of course I'm worried about Cock Robin. But... Mister Drummond hasn’t treated wizards very well up till now.
I got the impression that Western wizards were carefree and lived life as they pleased, so I was surprised that you agreed to help him without a word of complaint.
Shylock: It's very simple. I'm doing it because I decided I wanted to.
You are correct when you say that we are not particularly influenced by our surroundings: we do indeed live life as we please.
I am interested in the Lunar Eclipse Palace, and I would feel quite terrible letting Cock Robin just die. That's why I took the job; it’s simple.
However, I am neither driven by a sense of justice; nor by any concern for my reputation. So if I grow tired of this job, I'll simply cast it aside.
Akira: I-I see....
Rustica: Wizards may live long lives, but it's still a waste to spend your time on things that make you sad or angry.
Chloe: We're not very good at staying depressed, you see. But we are really good at smiling — even if that might seem a little distorted.
We don't want to blame anyone else for our smiles or our tears, so every choice we make is our own; in the end, we’re all alone.
Akira: All alone...? But Chloe, you and Rustica get along so well. The same goes for Murr and Shylock.....
Rustica: We are lonely beings. For no matter how much time we spend in company — at the end of our lives, we’re fated to turn into cold stone all alone.
That's why we want to huddle close while we can, and share our warmth with those who are precious to us.
Shylock: We've arrived at the palace, Sir Sage.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: So this is the Lunar Eclipse Palace......
Chloe: It's kind of dark in here...... I'm getting creepy crawly feelings.....
Shylock: ......
Rustica: What’s wrong, Shylock?
Shylock: I sense Murr's presence.....
Chloe: Murr is right here.
Murr: I'm right here!
Shylock: Yes, you're right.... Don’t mind me. Let's go.
✦✧☾✧✦
(Creaking)
Shylock opens the door, and we are greeted with the interior of an old, Western-style building.
A curious atmosphere hangs about the place; artifacts I've never seen before are lined up all around the room.
As I walk around marveling at everything I see, a butterfly comes flitting our way.
It flutters through the air, covered in glittering dust that sparkles as its wings shift between colors — one moment purple; the next, yellow.
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15.6 Bizarre Butterfly Scales
Chloe: What's with that butterfly....?
Rustica: It's strange but beautiful.
The butterfly gently lands on Rustica’s shoulder.
And in an instant, it swells to the size of a horse carriage.
Its long, straw-like tongue slithers and wriggles back and forth as it attacks Rustica.
Akira: Rustica.....!
Rustica: << Amorest Viesse >>
Without losing a second, Rustica raises the birdcage that he always carries with him.
The giant butterfly shrinks right before our eyes, sucked straight into the birdcage.
Rustica: Phew, that was surprising....
Chloe: Are you okay, Rustica!?
Rustica: I'm fine. But now I know that a butterfly has a terrifying face upon close inspection. It'll probably turn up in my nightmares tonight.
Chloe: Geez, Rustica, you're always so laid back.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
But then I frown, noticing that butterfly scales continue to shimmer and flutter around us.
Even though the butterfly has already vanished, the glittering scales increase steadily in number — to the point where I start to feel suffocated.
Then I realize that the scales have surrounded us.
Shylock: Don't move.
I nod and nervously hold my breath.
Shylock puts his pipe to his mouth, and slowly blows out a cloud of white smoke.
Enveloped by the smoke, the glittering scales begin to spin around and radiate light like a disco ball.
The scales continue to emit light as they gather into what looks like a giant face.
The face peers into mine, and laughter rings through my ears.
(Demonic laugh)
Butterfly scales: Gyahahahaha!
Akira: ......!
I feel my head spinning at this series of incomprehensible events.
Shylock: Shh.......
Shylock places his index finger on my lips, and I desperately clamp my mouth shut.
He puts his pipe to his mouth again, and leisurely breathes out a long stream of smoke.
At that moment......
Murr: Wah!!
Akira: Gyaaah!
Startled by Murr, I let out a resounding scream.
(More demonic laughter)
Butterfly scales: Gyahahahaha!!
The laughing face made of scales turns toward me, and closes in from above my head.
Just as I am about to be swallowed by its giant, gaping mouth—
A large, polka-dot patterned cloth wraps around me, as if protecting me.
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15.7 A Puerile Prank
Chloe: << Suispicibo Voitengok >> !
Akira: .........!
In an instant, the polka-dot patterned cloth turns into a raincoat, fitting itself perfectly on my body.
But as soon as the glittering scales fall onto the raincoat, it glows with a blue flame and dissipates into cinders.
In the meantime, Shylock banishes the glittering scales with the smoke from his pipe.
I instinctively pat my body down, but I don’t seem to be burnt anywhere.
Akira: Wh-What was that?
Chloe: A temporary protective spell. You’re not hurt anywhere, right?
Akira: Yes, I’m all right. Thank you.
Chloe beams cheerfully.
Pipe still in his mouth, Shylock narrows his eyes and glares into the darkness.
Shylock: Stop with this puerile prank right now. Come on out.
Akira: What do you mean, come on out? Is there someone else in this room?
Shylock: Oh, yes. In fact, he’s a wizard with a terrible personality who makes a hobby out of provoking others.....
???: Oh dear, what a nasty description.
Akira: ......!
We all look up in astonishment at the voice echoing from the darkness.
I’ve heard that voice before.
The darkness flickers, and takes the shape of a human.
And Shylock swallows his breath.
Shylock: ....Don't tell me.....
???: It’s been ages since we last met, yet you insult me so coldly.
I don't dislike that about you, though.
A presence slowly steals closer.
The dark human-shaped silhouette takes his hat in hand, and sweeps it into a gentlemanly bow.
Before us—
Chloe: Huh....!?
Rustica: Oh?
Murr: Eh?
There stands another Murr.
???: Welcome to the Lunar Palace.
Grinning broadly, the other Murr snaps his fingers.
And then—
(Flash of light)
We are drawn into an infinite, spiraling vortex in space.
Akira: .......!
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Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16
Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16
Chapter 15: A Request from Drummond
15.1 A Pure Desire
15.2 A Bizarre Report
15.3 Who His Ambitions Are For
15.4 The Mystery of the Palace
15.5 The Strange Palace
15.6 Bizarre Butterfly Scales
15.7 A Puerile Prank
15.1 A Pure Desire
The next morning, Shino, Heathcliff and I report last night’s happenings to Arthur.
Arthur: Good morning, Sir Sage.
Snow: Heathcliff, Shino, you're both so early to rise.
White: What good boys you are.
Shino: Don't treat me like a kid.
Heathcliff: I didn’t expect to see you two here as well, Sir Snow and Sir White.
Snow: Indeed. We wanted to have some morning tea together. We asked Oz to join us too, but he refused.
Arthur: .........
White: Arthur, no need for you to feel down. I assume he simply doesn't want to face you because he couldn't use his magic last night.
Arthur: But... It's all due to the injury left by the < Great Catastrophe >; it's not Sir Oz’s fault.
And are you all right, Heathcliff? You still don't know what your injury is, right?
Heathcliff: Yes.... And we’re still in the dark about Mr. Faust’s and Murr’s injuries as well.
Shino: Once we figure out what someone’s bizarre injury is, is there any way to cure it?
Snow: We're currently working on finding a solution. We really have so much to do.
White: But once we're through with the inauguration ceremony this afternoon, we should have some room to breathe.
Snow: Which involves greeting the citizens down in the square from the castle balcony.
Shino: We get to speak to the crowd from the balcony...? That sounds cool — it’s just like what the Lord of Blanchett does.
I’m ready to greet them right now.
Arthur: Ahaha. It'll happen soon enough. We're set to greet them at noontime.
White: Now then, Sage. Why are you here? You came to tell us something, right?
Akira: Yes. Last night, when we went to the cemetery....
✦✧☾✧✦
Arthur: .....A graverobber?
Heathcliff: That's right. They simply took the corpses without laying a finger on the treasures that lay within the coffins....
Arthur: I’m also concerned by what you said about the buried treasure being affected by the < Great Catastrophe > drawing too close, as well as the shadow of a giant bird......
Snow: The shadow of a giant bird....
White: I feel like I've heard of it before, but perhaps I have not.....
Arthur: Really?
Snow: Hm.... I feel like I almost have it.
White: When you grow older, your memory just doesn't work the way it used to.
Shino: We can't just wait around hoping that Snow and White will recall anything. I'll help with the investigation.
But I want a reward.
Arthur: A reward?
Heathcliff: Hold it, Shino! I apologize, Prince Arthur. Shino is still a child.....
Shino: You're the naive child here. Hey, your Highness. I'm a mere servant who has never known his parents. I want something that will gain me the trust of society.
Arthur: I see.... But I cannot be the one to grant you anything.
Shino: Why?
Arthur: Because if I grant a personal reward to a vassal of the Blanchett family — the great nobles of the East — it'll compromise our diplomatic relations.
But I can slip in a word to the royal family of Eastern Country. What is your desire, Shino?
Shino: Make me a knight assigned to a general, or the close advisor of a minister.
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15.2 A Bizarre Report
Heathcliff: ....A knight assigned to a general....? Do you plan on leaving Blanchett?
Shino: Yeah, with you. Heathcliff, you’re going to be the general or the minister.
Heathcliff: Wh-what are you saying, you idiot!? There’s no way I could be a general or a minister, and I wouldn’t want to, either......
Shino: But why? If anyone speaks poorly of a general, he can just chop off their heads. That way, nobody will start rumors about you.
Heathcliff: Listen......
Arthur: Haha..... I don’t know about that reasoning. People speak ill of me, even though I'm a prince. There’s really nothing that will shield you from rumors.
Shino: ..................
Arthur: But if all goes well, I will write a letter to the royal family of the East. Is that all right?
Shino: Yeah. Please.
Heathcliff: Shino......
(Door opens)
Nicholas: Excuse me.
Arthur: Oh, Nicholas. Good timing. There’s something I’d like the Magical Technology Corps to investigate. It looks like there was a graverobbing incident at the capital’s cemetery—.
Nicholas: A graverobbing incident?
Arthur: Yes. I hear that all the graves were overturned.
Nicholas: What a fanciful tale you’re telling. My subordinates went to the cemetery this morning, and they reported nothing out of the ordinary.
Shino: That can't be true. Last night we saw......
Nicholas: You must have been dreaming. Why were you at the cemetery anyway?
The people will get anxious if they find out that wizards have been prowling the cemetery. They’ll think you’re carrying out suspicious rituals.
Arthur: Don't be rude. The Eastern wizards received a bizarre report from a maid at the castle and went to investigate.
Nicholas: A bizarre report?
Shino: Yes. That the shadow of a giant bird crawled out of the cemetery and destroyed the tower....
Nicholas: The shadow of a giant bird? Haha...... You really went and took the nonsensical ramblings of a young girl for truth.
Shino: ..........
Snow: But that goes for your subordinates as well — what were they doing in the cemetery first thing in the morning?
Nicholas: There were several complaints from citizens about a strange light coming from the cemetery in the middle of the night.
To think it was all because of you...... All you ever do is create trouble......
Shino: .........
Heathcliff: Shino, where are you going!?
Shino: I'm going to check out the cemetery. Those graves were definitely overturned.
Nicholas: Do as you please.
Akira: Please let me go with you.
Shino: Got it. Come along, then.
Nicholas: How pointless. I’ve confirmed that there was nothing unusual with my own two eyes. Or would the absence of graverobbers be inconvenient for your purposes?
Shino: What?
Nicholas: Even Oz, the strongest and most feared wizard in the world, couldn’t use his powers in front of the people. We, the Magical Technology Corps, were the ones who repaired the tower gates.
This could very well be your attempt to fabricate chaos at the cemetery in order to restore authority to your reputation, could it not?
Arthur: Nicholas!
Heathcliff: Mister Nicholas, Captain of the Magical Technology Corps. I too was there to witness the damage wrought by the graverobbers.
Nicholas: ...... You're the Blanchett family’s.......
Heathcliff: I see you are suggesting that we have disgraced the dead in order to manufacture accomplishments in our name.
I will remember that well — especially for the sake of my own country’s close ties with Central Country.
Nicholas: .....I offer you my deepest apologies. Please forgive me for my foolish words.
Heathcliff: Oh, I can't assure you anything; you know very well that people from Eastern Country hold deep grudges.
Nicholas: ........ Please excuse me. I’ll be taking my leave.
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15.3 Who His Ambitions Are For
Arthur: Heathcliff. I apologize on behalf of Nicholas.....
Heathcliff: No, it's all right. Please don't worry about it.
Anyway, I'll tag along with you, Shino, Sir Sage.
Shino: Yeah.
Heathcliff: What are you grinning for?
Shino: You were so cool.
Heathcliff: No I wasn't.... I shouldn't have lost my cool like that; how embarrassing. They're going to call us gloomy, vindictive wizards again.
Snow: We'll accompany you as well.
White: Shall we take our leave?
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: This......
The cemetery looks undisturbed; there isn’t a single trace of the overturned graves.
Perhaps someone shoveled the dirt back after we left.
Shino: Let's dig everything up again. The bones might still be gone.
Snow: Stop it, Shino. If we dig up the graves now, then the people really will start baseless rumors.
Shino: But.....
White: And there’s no need to — I can sense that the corpses are gone. Someone must have taken them.
Snow: Something horrible might befall the Central capital soon.
White: How interesting. We should offer a warning to Arthur.
Shino: ......
Heathcliff: Shino, let's go.
Shino: Yeah.
✦✧☾✧✦
Snow: Well then, Sage, we will go report the situation to Arthur.
Shino: We'll continue with our own investigation. I’m not letting the Magical Technology Corps steal all the credit.
White: Make sure you come back in time for the inauguration ceremony.
(Footsteps)
Drummond: Sir Sage! Thank goodness, what perfect timing....
Akira: Mister Drummond.
Drummond: Please lend us your power! Since the approach of the < Great Catastrophe >, we have received repeated reports of mysterious incidents happening all over the capital!
And now there’s a possibility that we may have to postpone the inauguration ceremony......
Shino: Huh? What about waving at everyone from the balcony?
Heathcliff: It looks like there’s a problem. Let's be patient and wait.
Shino: ....Fine. That means we can investigate as much as we want without worrying about the time. Let's go, Heath.
Heathcliff: Shino! I’m sorry, Sir Sage. Please excuse us.
✦✧☾✧✦
Heathcliff: How are you planning on continuing this investigation anyway?
Shino: Anything will do, so long as it brings us recognition.
Heathcliff: Recognition.... Shino, were you serious about making me an Eastern Country general....?
Shino: Of course I was. You'd never go for a title like that on your own.
Heathcliff: Shino, you don't know what you’re talking about.... If I become a general, what are you going to do if we go to a war with Central Country?
It means we’ll have to fight against Prince Arthur and Cain.
Shino: When that happens, I'll seize this entire castle and offer it to you.
Heathcliff: ......Shino......
Shino: I'll destroy anything in this world to create a path where you can walk with your head high. I'll steal anything and grant it all to you.
Heathcliff Blanchett. You are a man worthy of all this. So do not refuse what I offer you.
Heathcliff: ...........
Shino: You don't need to do anything. I will make you a hero. And when that happens, we can go back to the way we used to be.
Heathcliff: ....The way we used to be....?
Shino: ......You always used to be so happy whenever I brought you something.
Heathcliff: B-but.... You’re talking about flowers and squirrels!?
Shino: A generalship and a castle are the same sort of thing.
Heathcliff: They're not the same!
Shino: They are the same, because they all suit you. They’ll also please Master and Mistress. Anyway, for starters, let's secure our prestige in Central Country.
We need to outdo the Magical Technology soldiers who are gloating over repairing the tower gates.
Heathcliff: ...........
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15.4 The Mystery of the Palace
Akira: Mister Drummond. What do you mean by mysterious incidents.......?
Drummond: Yes, well.... There have been reports from the capital detailing ancient treasures glowing curiously, and people have been witnessing long-extinct creatures from the distant past.......
Amongst the reports, our biggest concern is the dreadful happenings at the Lunar Eclipse Palace......
Akira: Lunar Eclipse Palace?
Drummond: It's a palace filled with historic ruins, artifacts, and artwork of incredible academic value collected from all around the world. Many magical tools are stored there for safekeeping as well.
According to the curator, you can no longer enter the palace. To be more precise, once you enter the palace, you can never return......
And you see, I haven’t been able to contact Cock Robin after he went to check on the palace......
Akira: You can’t reach Mister Cock Robin?
Drummond: Yes... I asked the Magical Technology Corps to help me out, but they refused, saying they had so much to do.....
Sir Sage... He can be rude and careless at times, but he is a precious and hard-working employee of mine.
I realize I've been incredibly rude to you and the chosen wizards, but may I ask for your cooperation?
Akira: .....
Murr: It's Sir Sage. Heeeey, Sir Sage!
Akira: Murr... And the Western wizards....
Rustica: Good morning, Sir Sage. Last night was simply wonderful.
Chloe: It was so fun! I even made a new friend~. I'm going to make her a scarf!
Shylock: What were the two of you discussing?
Akira: Well...... There have been all kinds of mysterious incidents occurring at this place called the Lunar Eclipse Palace, and Mister Cock Robin seems to have gone missing because of it.
Rustica: He got lost in a palace? It must be quite huge.
Chloe: He said there were mysterious incidents going on, so maybe it’s all under a spell?
Shylock: There were many bizarre items in that palace, after all.
Akira: Are you familiar with the palace?
Shylock: Murr was very fond of it, you see. He would sneak in without permission, browse around without permission, steal items without permission, and also add items without permission.
Drummond: H-he did what with the great artifacts of our country!?
Shylock: Please direct your complaints at Murr. But you want us to look for the missing Cock Robin, right?
Drummond: ....I do. Could you please save him?
Shylock: Well, so long as you don't mind relying on these irresponsible, lying wizards.
Drummond: ............. Of course not. I beg you.
Shylock: Understood.
Rustica: I’m sure you must be anxious not knowing what has happened to him. I understand that feeling all too well.
For I, too, am looking for my lost bride.
Drummond: ....I see. I hope you... Manage to find her.
Rustica: Thank you.
Chloe: You're a nice old guy. Let me help out! We should all work together!
Murr: Yeah! Let's go!
Akira: Oh...... P-please wait! Can I come along too? I’m worried about Mister Cock Robin......
Murr: Sure! Wanna hop on my broom?
Akira: Uh......
Shylock: Murr, you fly like an acrobat. I'll take you instead, Sir Sage.
Akira: Please! Thank you!
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15.5 The Strange Palace
Shylock: The Lunar Eclipse Palace lies just beyond that forest. We’ll be there soon enough.
Chloe: The weather is so nice today! It’s perfect for flying.
Rustica: It's also the perfect weather to host a tea party in the garden. We can sing and dance, round and round.
Murr: Sounds fun! Hey, Sir Sage, do you like to sing?
Akira: I'm not very good at it, so....
Murr: It doesn’t matter whether you’re good or bad! The real question is, do you like it or hate it?
Rustica: That's right. Sir Sage, if you like something — whether it’s singing or dancing — you should enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Chloe: We don't want to have fun with a talented singer — we just want to have fun with you, Sir Sage!
If you're enjoying yourself, then so are we!
Akira: Haha... Then I guess I’ll sing the next time you host a tea party.
Chloe: Yay!
Akira: Um... May I ask you all a question?
Shylock: What is it?
Akira: Why did you accept Mister Drummond's request?
Of course I'm worried about Cock Robin. But... Mister Drummond hasn’t treated wizards very well up till now.
I got the impression that Western wizards were carefree and lived life as they pleased, so I was surprised that you agreed to help him without a word of complaint.
Shylock: It's very simple. I'm doing it because I decided I wanted to.
You are correct when you say that we are not particularly influenced by our surroundings: we do indeed live life as we please.
I am interested in the Lunar Eclipse Palace, and I would feel quite terrible letting Cock Robin just die. That's why I took the job; it’s simple.
However, I am neither driven by a sense of justice; nor by any concern for my reputation. So if I grow tired of this job, I'll simply cast it aside.
Akira: I-I see....
Rustica: Wizards may live long lives, but it's still a waste to spend your time on things that make you sad or angry.
Chloe: We're not very good at staying depressed, you see. But we are really good at smiling — even if that might seem a little distorted.
We don't want to blame anyone else for our smiles or our tears, so every choice we make is our own; in the end, we’re all alone.
Akira: All alone...? But Chloe, you and Rustica get along so well. The same goes for Murr and Shylock.....
Rustica: We are lonely beings. For no matter how much time we spend in company — at the end of our lives, we’re fated to turn into cold stone all alone.
That's why we want to huddle close while we can, and share our warmth with those who are precious to us.
Shylock: We've arrived at the palace, Sir Sage.
✦✧☾✧✦
Akira: So this is the Lunar Eclipse Palace......
Chloe: It's kind of dark in here...... I'm getting creepy crawly feelings.....
Shylock: ......
Rustica: What’s wrong, Shylock?
Shylock: I sense Murr's presence.....
Chloe: Murr is right here.
Murr: I'm right here!
Shylock: Yes, you're right.... Don’t mind me. Let's go.
✦✧☾✧✦
(Creaking)
Shylock opens the door, and we are greeted with the interior of an old, Western-style building.
A curious atmosphere hangs about the place; artifacts I've never seen before are lined up all around the room.
As I walk around marveling at everything I see, a butterfly comes flitting our way.
It flutters through the air, covered in glittering dust that sparkles as its wings shift between colors — one moment purple; the next, yellow.
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15.6 Bizarre Butterfly Scales
Chloe: What's with that butterfly....?
Rustica: It's strange but beautiful.
The butterfly gently lands on Rustica’s shoulder.
And in an instant, it swells to the size of a horse carriage.
Its long, straw-like tongue slithers and wriggles back and forth as it attacks Rustica.
Akira: Rustica.....!
Rustica: << Amorest Viesse >>
Without losing a second, Rustica raises the birdcage that he always carries with him.
The giant butterfly shrinks right before our eyes, sucked straight into the birdcage.
Rustica: Phew, that was surprising....
Chloe: Are you okay, Rustica!?
Rustica: I'm fine. But now I know that a butterfly has a terrifying face upon close inspection. It'll probably turn up in my nightmares tonight.
Chloe: Geez, Rustica, you're always so laid back.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
But then I frown, noticing that butterfly scales continue to shimmer and flutter around us.
Even though the butterfly has already vanished, the glittering scales increase steadily in number — to the point where I start to feel suffocated.
Then I realize that the scales have surrounded us.
Shylock: Don't move.
I nod and nervously hold my breath.
Shylock puts his pipe to his mouth, and slowly blows out a cloud of white smoke.
Enveloped by the smoke, the glittering scales begin to spin around and radiate light like a disco ball.
The scales continue to emit light as they gather into what looks like a giant face.
The face peers into mine, and laughter rings through my ears.
(Demonic laugh)
Butterfly scales: Gyahahahaha!
Akira: ......!
I feel my head spinning at this series of incomprehensible events.
Shylock: Shh.......
Shylock places his index finger on my lips, and I desperately clamp my mouth shut.
He puts his pipe to his mouth again, and leisurely breathes out a long stream of smoke.
At that moment......
Murr: Wah!!
Akira: Gyaaah!
Startled by Murr, I let out a resounding scream.
(More demonic laughter)
Butterfly scales: Gyahahahaha!!
The laughing face made of scales turns toward me, and closes in from above my head.
Just as I am about to be swallowed by its giant, gaping mouth—
A large, polka-dot patterned cloth wraps around me, as if protecting me.
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15.7 A Puerile Prank
Chloe: << Suispicibo Voitengok >> !
Akira: .........!
In an instant, the polka-dot patterned cloth turns into a raincoat, fitting itself perfectly on my body.
But as soon as the glittering scales fall onto the raincoat, it glows with a blue flame and dissipates into cinders.
In the meantime, Shylock banishes the glittering scales with the smoke from his pipe.
I instinctively pat my body down, but I don’t seem to be burnt anywhere.
Akira: Wh-What was that?
Chloe: A temporary protective spell. You’re not hurt anywhere, right?
Akira: Yes, I’m all right. Thank you.
Chloe beams cheerfully.
Pipe still in his mouth, Shylock narrows his eyes and glares into the darkness.
Shylock: Stop with this puerile prank right now. Come on out.
Akira: What do you mean, come on out? Is there someone else in this room?
Shylock: Oh, yes. In fact, he’s a wizard with a terrible personality who makes a hobby out of provoking others.....
???: Oh dear, what a nasty description.
Akira: ......!
We all look up in astonishment at the voice echoing from the darkness.
I’ve heard that voice before.
The darkness flickers, and takes the shape of a human.
And Shylock swallows his breath.
Shylock: ....Don't tell me.....
???: It’s been ages since we last met, yet you insult me so coldly.
I don't dislike that about you, though.
A presence slowly steals closer.
The dark human-shaped silhouette takes his hat in hand, and sweeps it into a gentlemanly bow.
Before us—
Chloe: Huh....!?
Rustica: Oh?
Murr: Eh?
There stands another Murr.
???: Welcome to the Lunar Palace.
Grinning broadly, the other Murr snaps his fingers.
And then—
(Flash of light)
We are drawn into an infinite, spiraling vortex in space.
Akira: .......!
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Chapter 14 << | index | >> Chapter 16