healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-18 11:44 pm
healingbonds) wrote2020-07-18 11:44 pm
Main Story | Chapter 18 | You Can Walk All Alone
MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes
Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19
Chapter 18: You Can Walk All Alone
18.1 Leaving a Mystery Behind
18.2 Scattered Hearts
18.3 Rutile’s Feelings
18.4 On Wizards
18.5 I Want to Be Your Friend
18.6 The World of His Dreams
18.7 The Shadow of Unrest
18.1 Leaving a Mystery Behind
And thus, we leave the Central castle.
As if we are being chased out: a stark contrast to our arrival.
Snow: So in the end we couldn't find Owen......
White: They didn’t even see us off. The situation in the Lunar Eclipse Palace is also bothering me, but first we need to regroup and figure out what to do next.....
Shino: We're just going to head back like this? Seriously?
Akira: Shino......
Shino: What about the graverobbing incident at the cemetery? It has to be related to what was going on in the Lunar Eclipse Palace.
And what happened to the inauguration ceremony? Let’s negotiate with Arthur. I'm sure he can do something about it.
Cain: Don't put Prince Arthur in an even more difficult position. He's suffering more than anyone else.
Shino: How do you know who's suffering the most here?
Cain: Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a bit, but....
Shino: You can handle all this because you're a knight. But I'm a nobody. I was supposed to make a name for myself.
Heathcliff: Shino......
Cain: I am also a nobody. The days when I was the General of the Order of Knights are behind me now — they stripped me of my title when they discovered that I was a wizard.
Riquet: Um......
Mitile: What is it, Riquet?
Riquet: I'm going back to the Church.
Mitile: Huh!?
Nero: What are you saying? What do you get out of heading back to a place where they won't even feed you decent meals?
Riquet: I'm worried about the people of the Church, and....
I don’t see how the Sage's wizards are doing good if we caused the people at the castle so much trouble......
Mitile: That’s the Northern wizards’ fault!
Mithra: Oh? Want to repeat that for me?
Bradley: What the hell, you shitty brat?
Mitile: It's the truth!
If you guys never did bad things, people wouldn’t hate us wizards! People wouldn't think of us as a nuisance!
Mithra: What are you saying? If people want to hate us, they should feel free to.
And if you don't like them, just kick them out of your way. It’s simple; you just have to be strong.
Mitile: See, that kind of thinking is what makes people hate wizards!
Mithra: What’s wrong with that?
Why do you want to be loved? Why do you fear being alone? It’s not going to kill you.
Mitile: Because I don't want to see the people precious to me get hurt!
Mithra: ..........
Mitile: I don't want to get hurt, either! If we’d been friendly, and if Owen had been a good person, then I’m sure the people at the castle would've listened to us.
When the soldiers tried to hurt nii-sama — if I were strong enough, I would've wanted to beat them up.
But if I’d done that, more people would’ve rushed over and it would’ve caused a bigger commotion. And ultimately it would’ve turned into a fight, which means someone would've gotten hurt.
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18.2 Scattered Hearts
Rutile: Mitile......
Mitile: What's wrong with being kind? What's wrong with getting along with everyone? It’s not going to kill you.
Mithra: It's unnecessary. You simply have to defeat every person who comes your way.
Mitile: Listen......!
Mithra: I am prepared to get hurt. I am prepared for the people around me to get hurt as well.
In order for me to live freely — I accept the fact that I may be wounded all over.
Mitile: .......
Mithra: "I don't want you to get hurt, so please change your way of life" — I can't just agree to that.
Mitile: ......Even if it means someone precious to you will get hurt?
Mithra: I have no such person. And I don’t plan to find one, either.
Mitile: Then I feel sorry for you.
Mithra: .........
Mitile: ......Anyway, Riquet. Please don't say you're quitting. Let's do our best together!
Riquet: ......If, as Mitile says, it is truly possible to get along with everyone......
If being a Sage's wizard is a wonderful role that involves serving humans, just as the holy wizard Lord Faust did....
Faust: A wonderful role? Now that sounds like something I’d much rather refuse.
Riquet: .........
Figaro: Where are you going, Faust?
Faust: I'm headed back to Eastern Country. I'll return to the tower when the < Great Catastrophe > strikes.
Isn't that good enough? I’m tired of it.
I'm tired of people having high hopes and celebrating me; I'm tired of people losing hope and chasing me away.
Lennox: Sir Faust......
Snow: Oz. Say something.
White: You're the only one who can keep the Sage’s wizards together.
Oz: ........
I certainly could force you to listen to my command.
But I cannot bring your hearts and minds together. And there is no need for that.
Cain: But at this rate, we're going to fall apart.
And that’s fine; we can scatter. I also prefer to live freely. But this kind of goodbye just feels plain awful.
Nero: There’s no way around it, Mister Knight. In the end, we just can't be with other people.
Cain: Nero.....
Nero: Wizards have always been ostracized. That's just how it's always been, for many, many years.
I know plenty of ways to live alone. I never learned how to do the opposite, though; I never had the chance.
That's why I always reach my limit, no matter who I'm with — at some point, I can't stand it anymore. We've all gone through this sort of thing, right?
Even if people say, "poor you"; even if there are nights when you feel absolutely pathetic — sometimes, it's just plain impossible.
I'm not cut out for living in the world — for being connected with others.
A lonely silence envelops the wizards as we fly through the sky.
Everyone here must have experienced true loneliness.
Because they are different from people, they could never huddle close to them.
Lennox: ......Rutile, are you all right?
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18.3 Rutile’s Feelings
Lennox worriedly calls out to Rutile, who has been looking downwards this entire time.
Rutile gives him a tiny nod, and points to the city streets that sprawl outwards below our feet.
Rutile: ......I was just thinking that lots of people walk through the streets of Central......
Bradley: Huh? What are you talking about? Southern wizards sure are a happy-go-lucky bunch.
Rutile makes a slightly troubled smile.
Rutile: There aren’t this many people back in Southern Country. It's filled with mountains, forests, and barren landscapes...... When the sun sets, it goes completely dark.
That's why — when you've been walking down a long road, and you finally run into someone — it makes you happy, even if they're just a stranger.
It doesn't matter if they're a human or a wizard. You chat away, saying how lovely the weather is that day, and if they're in trouble, you help them out.
Rutile’s kind words are carried away by the sunset breeze.
The wizards fly on through the evening sky.
Everyone quietly listens without saying a word; some of them look disgruntled, but others wear more inscrutable expressions.
Rutile: The streets of Central are filled with people. They're all carrying loads of luggage along a narrow path; they continue to walk along, even though it looks like they're about to crash into each other.
If everyone could walk at the same speed, it would be much easier. If everyone were headed in the same direction, arriving at their destination would be a simple task. But......
Their destinations, their walking speeds, the sizes of their bodies — everything about them is different, so they end up colliding, and getting in each other's way as they move forward.
I think they're just like us right now.
Nero: ......
Rutile: We all think differently. We're all different people, headed in different directions. Each of us has our own destination.
We've all walked different paths to get here, and we’ve encountered things that scare us, or things that we hate.
Even if we shove each other out of the way, and glare at those walking by, the path won’t grow any wider.....
If we get used to others shoving us aside, huddle our shoulders, and keep our eyes down — the path still isn't going to get any wider.
If we want to smile and walk along freely, we need to make the path wider......
If we allow the paths in our hearts to grow, then maybe we can all stay together.
No one says anything; no one speaks up in denial or agreement.
We continue to fly, spurred on by the wind, suspended between the lively streets below and the sunset-streaked sky.
Some children run along the ground below as if they’re chasing after us.
They look up, and wave energetically at the sky.
Murr laughs, and raises his palm.
His ring glows, and flower petals fall from his fingertips.
The children laugh merrily and reach out to the flower petals.
Murr murmurs politely.
Murr: You're welcome.
Perhaps he heard them exclaim.
Thank you, Mister Wizard!
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18.4 On Wizards
After returning to the magical headquarters, I stand alone in my own room.
The words of many people hazily drift through my mind.
Rage and hope: at once lonely, earnest, and painful......
My eyes land on the sage’s manual.
I instinctively take it out, and flip through the pages.
One page catches my eye:
(Flips page)
Akira: ......On wizards......
"On wizards."
"I’ve been thinking a lot about the wizards. At first, I thought they were like Superman."
"Or like troublesome supernatural beings, or local gods who make lots of requests."
"They have miraculous magical powers, and they can easily do whatever they want. I thought they must be the real winners in life."
"But that wasn't true."
"They're the same as me."
Akira: ............
......The same......
"The wizards here live their lives carrying the burden of defeating the < Great Catastrophe > that arrives once a year."
"I lived the same kind of life back when I was a salaryman. I laughed like an idiot, but I was always anxious."
"Is there a way out of this unchanging lifestyle?"
"Is there any meaning in going out of my way when nobody expects anything of me?"
"If I manage to be useful and people praise me for it, will that really make me happy?"
"Will someone out there listen to what I want?"
"How am I supposed to forge connections with people?"
"Why does nobody say thank you to me? Is it because I’m a worthless person?"
"If I were a wizard......"
"Would anyone need me for anything other than my magic?"
"......I still haven’t found the answers to these questions. I don’t think they’ve found them either."
"That's why, at the very least......"
"I want to be their friend."
"I want to give them a place where they can be their true selves."
"You need a place where you can laugh at your mistakes and let them go, or else you can’t muster up the courage to take a step forward."
"No one wants to shoulder a role where you’re only going to be attacked over your responsibilities."
"At least in this world, I want to be a friend who can say, ‘What are you doing (lol)’ to them."
"'Don't worry about it.' 'You did a great job.' 'Take a break. Let’s work later.'"
"I want to be a friend who can say that to them."
Akira: ......Sir Sage......
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18.5 I Want to Be Your Friend
Akira: ........
Without realizing, I’m moved to tears while reading the sage’s manual.
I feel the same.
I want to become friends with the wizards.
I want to be someone they can smile freely around.
We don't have to get along like family.
Just like the stray cats who ran away when they first saw me, but, little by little, meowed and came closer to me.
I want to build a small bridge of trust.
Even if it’s a thin, unreliable string, like a spider's web on a rainy day......
As long as there's something you can grasp with your own fingertips, you can carry on walking in this wide world, even if you're all alone.
✦✧☾✧✦
Faust: ........
Figaro: What are you doing out here so late at night?
Faust: Figaro.....
Figaro: Do you plan on leaving this place without a word?
Faust: ........... This has nothing to do with you.
Figaro: Faust. The Granvelle monarchy has continued for generations after Alec's death.
Faust: Your point is?
Figaro: If your wounds haven't healed after being alone for all those years — that means you need someone else.
Faust: ........... .......I don't need anyone.
Figaro: You're so stubborn. Though I guess you've always been this serious and stubborn.
The Faust I knew was a pure and noble hero. There were people who kissed your shadow. Yet now you make a living out of cursing people?
Faust: Shut up. Go away.
Figaro: Wait, hear me out. How does this sound? I'll steal your specialty.
Faust: What are you trying to say?
Figaro: I'm going to curse you, Faust. You don't know what your bizarre injury is. The same goes for Heathcliff.
You can't leave that child alone. Because if you leave this place, there will only be irresponsible wizards left.
And the responsible ones have little magic power. Cain and Lennox — they don't stand a chance against me, or Oz, or Mithra and the others.
You need to stay here. Or else Heathcliff, and the stubborn Shino, and Nero, who has trouble getting along with others — they'll all get beaten down.
Faust: .....Even if I’m gone, there's still Snow and White.......
Figaro: Sir Snow and Sir White are like epitome of carelessness! They were my masters, as well as Oz's!
Faust: ............
Figaro: But you don't have to worry about that. Forget about those poor young boys, and enjoy your good old solitary confinement.
That is my curse; you know very well how words can also form curses. Take care.
Faust: ........You coward....!
Figaro: One more word.
I'm probably going to die soon.
Faust: ..............
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18.6 The World of His Dreams
Figaro: Maybe in fifty years.... maybe in five. It might even be next year.
I guess it’s true, what they say about wizards knowing when they're about to die. Tiretta realized that she was going to die, too.
Faust: ...... ......You're lying.....
Figaro: Unfortunately, I’m telling the truth. Please don't tell anyone else. You're the first person to hear this from me.
Sir Snow and Sir White might have noticed. I’m not too sure about Oz; he can be a bit dense..... In any case, I’ll turn to stone soon enough.
Faust: ......Why are you telling me?
Figaro: When I realized that I didn't have much time left — for the first time, I seriously thought about the world that you and Alec dreamed of.
A world where humans and wizards can live together in harmony.... That’s the world I want to leave behind for the children. And in order to accomplish that, I need your power.
Faust: ......... .....You're lying. I refuse to believe you. You're just trying to fool me with a nasty lie.
Figaro: That might be true. So this is something like a curse, too.
Faust: ..........
Figaro: Good night, Faust.
✦✧☾✧✦
Riquet: .........
Nero: You're still awake? It’s way past bedtime for kids.
Riquet: Nero......
Nero: Did you get a little hungry?
Riquet: Why did you stop me from leaving? You were the one who said that wizards could never be with other people......
Nero: There was no deep reason for it. I just thought you shouldn’t have to go back to a place where they wouldn’t even feed you a decent meal.
Riquet: ......
Nero: Didn’t my cooking taste good?
Riquet: Yes......
Nero: Tomorrow's breakfast is gonna be bread pudding.
Riquet: Bread pudding......?
Nero: Haha...... It's crispy, soft, and sweet.
Riquet: That sounds delicious......
Nero: Doesn’t it? Now you have something to look forward to as you head off to bed. That's what kids should do.
Just think about what you’re gonna eat tomorrow, and drift away into the land of sweet dreams. Good night, Riquet.
Riquet: Good night, Nero. ......Also, let me say one thing.
Nero: What is it?
Riquet: You said you weren't cut out to live with others, but......
I like the time that I spend with you, Nero.
Nero: ......
Riquet: The food that you make — while you act like it’s a pain, but also like it’s no big deal — in my eyes, those meals are a miracle as wondrous as a dream.
And the words you offered me today, when you told me to stay.
Those words were for me, not for a disciple of God.
You didn't say, "Eat this"; instead, you asked me, "Which one do you like?" That was how I discovered what I loved for the first time in my life.
I came to realize what kind of person I was...... And that’s terrifying, but it’s also exciting — and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Nero: Riquet......
Riquet: I'm sure I'll wake up early tomorrow. I can’t wait to open my eyes in the morning. Thank you, Nero.
Thank you for giving me a reason to look forward to tomorrow.
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18.7 The Shadow of Unrest
Vincent: Did you find the culprits who ransacked the cemetery?
Soldier: We’re still investigating...... Everyone is spooked, you see......
Vincent: How absurd. It’s probably just robbers who used the attack of the < Great Catastrophe > as a cover to steal burial goods from the graves.
Even if there was magic at work, we can handle anything so long as we have the Magical Technology Corps on our side. How is Nicholas doing?
Soldier: It seems like he just regained consciousness......
Nicholas: ............
Vincent: Nicholas.
Soldier: Sir Nicholas......
Vincent: I hear that the Northern wizard Owen manipulated your heart.
As the leader of the Magical Technology Corps, you are not setting a proper example for your subordinates.
Nicholas: ............
Forgive me, Lord Vincent.
I shall offer my life in apology.
Vincent: What?
Soldier: The darkness is swarming around him......!
Vincent: Wh......
Soldier: Lord Vincent! There’s the shadow of a bird looming behind Sir Nicholas......!
Nicholas: ............
Soldier: The shadow......! The bird’s shadow is swallowing up Sir Nicholas!
Nicholas: ......I......
......Wanted to......
(Squawk)
Vincent: What......?
Soldier: It completely swallowed him......! Lord Vincent, please escape!
Vincent: ......!
(Squawk)
Soldier: I-it seems to have flown away! We have to notify Sir Drummond and the Sage’s wizards immediately......!
Vincent: Wait! It might be some kind of magical technology that Nicholas obtained!
Soldier: No way......! Sir Nicholas was just swallowed by the bird’s shadow......
Vincent: Silence! Do not utter a word of this to anyone. Understand?
Soldier: Y-yes......
✦✧☾✧✦
Vincent: ......If the Sage’s wizards continue to strengthen their reputation through achievements, Arthur is going to win more popularity with the people.
If Arthur had never returned to the castle, I would have been the next king.
What do wizards know of the human world? I am the one who is suited for the role, not Arthur......
✦✧☾✧✦
Skinny Central child: Uu...... Uuu......
Mithra: ......
Skinny Central Country child: Uu...... My stomach hurts......
Uu...... Ehehe...... But if I make it through...... Then this thing will be mine......
Mithra: You're right.
Skinny Central Country child: Ehehe...... Uuu...... Fufu......
Mithra: The Umbra Volans is swooping through the land. It should begin soon.
I do hope you entertain me, Sir Sage.
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Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19
Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19
Chapter 18: You Can Walk All Alone
18.1 Leaving a Mystery Behind
18.2 Scattered Hearts
18.3 Rutile’s Feelings
18.4 On Wizards
18.5 I Want to Be Your Friend
18.6 The World of His Dreams
18.7 The Shadow of Unrest
18.1 Leaving a Mystery Behind
And thus, we leave the Central castle.
As if we are being chased out: a stark contrast to our arrival.
Snow: So in the end we couldn't find Owen......
White: They didn’t even see us off. The situation in the Lunar Eclipse Palace is also bothering me, but first we need to regroup and figure out what to do next.....
Shino: We're just going to head back like this? Seriously?
Akira: Shino......
Shino: What about the graverobbing incident at the cemetery? It has to be related to what was going on in the Lunar Eclipse Palace.
And what happened to the inauguration ceremony? Let’s negotiate with Arthur. I'm sure he can do something about it.
Cain: Don't put Prince Arthur in an even more difficult position. He's suffering more than anyone else.
Shino: How do you know who's suffering the most here?
Cain: Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a bit, but....
Shino: You can handle all this because you're a knight. But I'm a nobody. I was supposed to make a name for myself.
Heathcliff: Shino......
Cain: I am also a nobody. The days when I was the General of the Order of Knights are behind me now — they stripped me of my title when they discovered that I was a wizard.
Riquet: Um......
Mitile: What is it, Riquet?
Riquet: I'm going back to the Church.
Mitile: Huh!?
Nero: What are you saying? What do you get out of heading back to a place where they won't even feed you decent meals?
Riquet: I'm worried about the people of the Church, and....
I don’t see how the Sage's wizards are doing good if we caused the people at the castle so much trouble......
Mitile: That’s the Northern wizards’ fault!
Mithra: Oh? Want to repeat that for me?
Bradley: What the hell, you shitty brat?
Mitile: It's the truth!
If you guys never did bad things, people wouldn’t hate us wizards! People wouldn't think of us as a nuisance!
Mithra: What are you saying? If people want to hate us, they should feel free to.
And if you don't like them, just kick them out of your way. It’s simple; you just have to be strong.
Mitile: See, that kind of thinking is what makes people hate wizards!
Mithra: What’s wrong with that?
Why do you want to be loved? Why do you fear being alone? It’s not going to kill you.
Mitile: Because I don't want to see the people precious to me get hurt!
Mithra: ..........
Mitile: I don't want to get hurt, either! If we’d been friendly, and if Owen had been a good person, then I’m sure the people at the castle would've listened to us.
When the soldiers tried to hurt nii-sama — if I were strong enough, I would've wanted to beat them up.
But if I’d done that, more people would’ve rushed over and it would’ve caused a bigger commotion. And ultimately it would’ve turned into a fight, which means someone would've gotten hurt.
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18.2 Scattered Hearts
Rutile: Mitile......
Mitile: What's wrong with being kind? What's wrong with getting along with everyone? It’s not going to kill you.
Mithra: It's unnecessary. You simply have to defeat every person who comes your way.
Mitile: Listen......!
Mithra: I am prepared to get hurt. I am prepared for the people around me to get hurt as well.
In order for me to live freely — I accept the fact that I may be wounded all over.
Mitile: .......
Mithra: "I don't want you to get hurt, so please change your way of life" — I can't just agree to that.
Mitile: ......Even if it means someone precious to you will get hurt?
Mithra: I have no such person. And I don’t plan to find one, either.
Mitile: Then I feel sorry for you.
Mithra: .........
Mitile: ......Anyway, Riquet. Please don't say you're quitting. Let's do our best together!
Riquet: ......If, as Mitile says, it is truly possible to get along with everyone......
If being a Sage's wizard is a wonderful role that involves serving humans, just as the holy wizard Lord Faust did....
Faust: A wonderful role? Now that sounds like something I’d much rather refuse.
Riquet: .........
Figaro: Where are you going, Faust?
Faust: I'm headed back to Eastern Country. I'll return to the tower when the < Great Catastrophe > strikes.
Isn't that good enough? I’m tired of it.
I'm tired of people having high hopes and celebrating me; I'm tired of people losing hope and chasing me away.
Lennox: Sir Faust......
Snow: Oz. Say something.
White: You're the only one who can keep the Sage’s wizards together.
Oz: ........
I certainly could force you to listen to my command.
But I cannot bring your hearts and minds together. And there is no need for that.
Cain: But at this rate, we're going to fall apart.
And that’s fine; we can scatter. I also prefer to live freely. But this kind of goodbye just feels plain awful.
Nero: There’s no way around it, Mister Knight. In the end, we just can't be with other people.
Cain: Nero.....
Nero: Wizards have always been ostracized. That's just how it's always been, for many, many years.
I know plenty of ways to live alone. I never learned how to do the opposite, though; I never had the chance.
That's why I always reach my limit, no matter who I'm with — at some point, I can't stand it anymore. We've all gone through this sort of thing, right?
Even if people say, "poor you"; even if there are nights when you feel absolutely pathetic — sometimes, it's just plain impossible.
I'm not cut out for living in the world — for being connected with others.
A lonely silence envelops the wizards as we fly through the sky.
Everyone here must have experienced true loneliness.
Because they are different from people, they could never huddle close to them.
Lennox: ......Rutile, are you all right?
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18.3 Rutile’s Feelings
Lennox worriedly calls out to Rutile, who has been looking downwards this entire time.
Rutile gives him a tiny nod, and points to the city streets that sprawl outwards below our feet.
Rutile: ......I was just thinking that lots of people walk through the streets of Central......
Bradley: Huh? What are you talking about? Southern wizards sure are a happy-go-lucky bunch.
Rutile makes a slightly troubled smile.
Rutile: There aren’t this many people back in Southern Country. It's filled with mountains, forests, and barren landscapes...... When the sun sets, it goes completely dark.
That's why — when you've been walking down a long road, and you finally run into someone — it makes you happy, even if they're just a stranger.
It doesn't matter if they're a human or a wizard. You chat away, saying how lovely the weather is that day, and if they're in trouble, you help them out.
Rutile’s kind words are carried away by the sunset breeze.
The wizards fly on through the evening sky.
Everyone quietly listens without saying a word; some of them look disgruntled, but others wear more inscrutable expressions.
Rutile: The streets of Central are filled with people. They're all carrying loads of luggage along a narrow path; they continue to walk along, even though it looks like they're about to crash into each other.
If everyone could walk at the same speed, it would be much easier. If everyone were headed in the same direction, arriving at their destination would be a simple task. But......
Their destinations, their walking speeds, the sizes of their bodies — everything about them is different, so they end up colliding, and getting in each other's way as they move forward.
I think they're just like us right now.
Nero: ......
Rutile: We all think differently. We're all different people, headed in different directions. Each of us has our own destination.
We've all walked different paths to get here, and we’ve encountered things that scare us, or things that we hate.
Even if we shove each other out of the way, and glare at those walking by, the path won’t grow any wider.....
If we get used to others shoving us aside, huddle our shoulders, and keep our eyes down — the path still isn't going to get any wider.
If we want to smile and walk along freely, we need to make the path wider......
If we allow the paths in our hearts to grow, then maybe we can all stay together.
No one says anything; no one speaks up in denial or agreement.
We continue to fly, spurred on by the wind, suspended between the lively streets below and the sunset-streaked sky.
Some children run along the ground below as if they’re chasing after us.
They look up, and wave energetically at the sky.
Murr laughs, and raises his palm.
His ring glows, and flower petals fall from his fingertips.
The children laugh merrily and reach out to the flower petals.
Murr murmurs politely.
Murr: You're welcome.
Perhaps he heard them exclaim.
Thank you, Mister Wizard!
back to top
18.4 On Wizards
After returning to the magical headquarters, I stand alone in my own room.
The words of many people hazily drift through my mind.
Rage and hope: at once lonely, earnest, and painful......
My eyes land on the sage’s manual.
I instinctively take it out, and flip through the pages.
One page catches my eye:
(Flips page)
Akira: ......On wizards......
"On wizards."
"I’ve been thinking a lot about the wizards. At first, I thought they were like Superman."
"Or like troublesome supernatural beings, or local gods who make lots of requests."
"They have miraculous magical powers, and they can easily do whatever they want. I thought they must be the real winners in life."
"But that wasn't true."
"They're the same as me."
Akira: ............
......The same......
"The wizards here live their lives carrying the burden of defeating the < Great Catastrophe > that arrives once a year."
"I lived the same kind of life back when I was a salaryman. I laughed like an idiot, but I was always anxious."
"Is there a way out of this unchanging lifestyle?"
"Is there any meaning in going out of my way when nobody expects anything of me?"
"If I manage to be useful and people praise me for it, will that really make me happy?"
"Will someone out there listen to what I want?"
"How am I supposed to forge connections with people?"
"Why does nobody say thank you to me? Is it because I’m a worthless person?"
"If I were a wizard......"
"Would anyone need me for anything other than my magic?"
"......I still haven’t found the answers to these questions. I don’t think they’ve found them either."
"That's why, at the very least......"
"I want to be their friend."
"I want to give them a place where they can be their true selves."
"You need a place where you can laugh at your mistakes and let them go, or else you can’t muster up the courage to take a step forward."
"No one wants to shoulder a role where you’re only going to be attacked over your responsibilities."
"At least in this world, I want to be a friend who can say, ‘What are you doing (lol)’ to them."
"'Don't worry about it.' 'You did a great job.' 'Take a break. Let’s work later.'"
"I want to be a friend who can say that to them."
Akira: ......Sir Sage......
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18.5 I Want to Be Your Friend
Akira: ........
Without realizing, I’m moved to tears while reading the sage’s manual.
I feel the same.
I want to become friends with the wizards.
I want to be someone they can smile freely around.
We don't have to get along like family.
Just like the stray cats who ran away when they first saw me, but, little by little, meowed and came closer to me.
I want to build a small bridge of trust.
Even if it’s a thin, unreliable string, like a spider's web on a rainy day......
As long as there's something you can grasp with your own fingertips, you can carry on walking in this wide world, even if you're all alone.
✦✧☾✧✦
Faust: ........
Figaro: What are you doing out here so late at night?
Faust: Figaro.....
Figaro: Do you plan on leaving this place without a word?
Faust: ........... This has nothing to do with you.
Figaro: Faust. The Granvelle monarchy has continued for generations after Alec's death.
Faust: Your point is?
Figaro: If your wounds haven't healed after being alone for all those years — that means you need someone else.
Faust: ........... .......I don't need anyone.
Figaro: You're so stubborn. Though I guess you've always been this serious and stubborn.
The Faust I knew was a pure and noble hero. There were people who kissed your shadow. Yet now you make a living out of cursing people?
Faust: Shut up. Go away.
Figaro: Wait, hear me out. How does this sound? I'll steal your specialty.
Faust: What are you trying to say?
Figaro: I'm going to curse you, Faust. You don't know what your bizarre injury is. The same goes for Heathcliff.
You can't leave that child alone. Because if you leave this place, there will only be irresponsible wizards left.
And the responsible ones have little magic power. Cain and Lennox — they don't stand a chance against me, or Oz, or Mithra and the others.
You need to stay here. Or else Heathcliff, and the stubborn Shino, and Nero, who has trouble getting along with others — they'll all get beaten down.
Faust: .....Even if I’m gone, there's still Snow and White.......
Figaro: Sir Snow and Sir White are like epitome of carelessness! They were my masters, as well as Oz's!
Faust: ............
Figaro: But you don't have to worry about that. Forget about those poor young boys, and enjoy your good old solitary confinement.
That is my curse; you know very well how words can also form curses. Take care.
Faust: ........You coward....!
Figaro: One more word.
I'm probably going to die soon.
Faust: ..............
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18.6 The World of His Dreams
Figaro: Maybe in fifty years.... maybe in five. It might even be next year.
I guess it’s true, what they say about wizards knowing when they're about to die. Tiretta realized that she was going to die, too.
Faust: ...... ......You're lying.....
Figaro: Unfortunately, I’m telling the truth. Please don't tell anyone else. You're the first person to hear this from me.
Sir Snow and Sir White might have noticed. I’m not too sure about Oz; he can be a bit dense..... In any case, I’ll turn to stone soon enough.
Faust: ......Why are you telling me?
Figaro: When I realized that I didn't have much time left — for the first time, I seriously thought about the world that you and Alec dreamed of.
A world where humans and wizards can live together in harmony.... That’s the world I want to leave behind for the children. And in order to accomplish that, I need your power.
Faust: ......... .....You're lying. I refuse to believe you. You're just trying to fool me with a nasty lie.
Figaro: That might be true. So this is something like a curse, too.
Faust: ..........
Figaro: Good night, Faust.
✦✧☾✧✦
Riquet: .........
Nero: You're still awake? It’s way past bedtime for kids.
Riquet: Nero......
Nero: Did you get a little hungry?
Riquet: Why did you stop me from leaving? You were the one who said that wizards could never be with other people......
Nero: There was no deep reason for it. I just thought you shouldn’t have to go back to a place where they wouldn’t even feed you a decent meal.
Riquet: ......
Nero: Didn’t my cooking taste good?
Riquet: Yes......
Nero: Tomorrow's breakfast is gonna be bread pudding.
Riquet: Bread pudding......?
Nero: Haha...... It's crispy, soft, and sweet.
Riquet: That sounds delicious......
Nero: Doesn’t it? Now you have something to look forward to as you head off to bed. That's what kids should do.
Just think about what you’re gonna eat tomorrow, and drift away into the land of sweet dreams. Good night, Riquet.
Riquet: Good night, Nero. ......Also, let me say one thing.
Nero: What is it?
Riquet: You said you weren't cut out to live with others, but......
I like the time that I spend with you, Nero.
Nero: ......
Riquet: The food that you make — while you act like it’s a pain, but also like it’s no big deal — in my eyes, those meals are a miracle as wondrous as a dream.
And the words you offered me today, when you told me to stay.
Those words were for me, not for a disciple of God.
You didn't say, "Eat this"; instead, you asked me, "Which one do you like?" That was how I discovered what I loved for the first time in my life.
I came to realize what kind of person I was...... And that’s terrifying, but it’s also exciting — and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Nero: Riquet......
Riquet: I'm sure I'll wake up early tomorrow. I can’t wait to open my eyes in the morning. Thank you, Nero.
Thank you for giving me a reason to look forward to tomorrow.
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18.7 The Shadow of Unrest
Vincent: Did you find the culprits who ransacked the cemetery?
Soldier: We’re still investigating...... Everyone is spooked, you see......
Vincent: How absurd. It’s probably just robbers who used the attack of the < Great Catastrophe > as a cover to steal burial goods from the graves.
Even if there was magic at work, we can handle anything so long as we have the Magical Technology Corps on our side. How is Nicholas doing?
Soldier: It seems like he just regained consciousness......
Nicholas: ............
Vincent: Nicholas.
Soldier: Sir Nicholas......
Vincent: I hear that the Northern wizard Owen manipulated your heart.
As the leader of the Magical Technology Corps, you are not setting a proper example for your subordinates.
Nicholas: ............
Forgive me, Lord Vincent.
I shall offer my life in apology.
Vincent: What?
Soldier: The darkness is swarming around him......!
Vincent: Wh......
Soldier: Lord Vincent! There’s the shadow of a bird looming behind Sir Nicholas......!
Nicholas: ............
Soldier: The shadow......! The bird’s shadow is swallowing up Sir Nicholas!
Nicholas: ......I......
......Wanted to......
(Squawk)
Vincent: What......?
Soldier: It completely swallowed him......! Lord Vincent, please escape!
Vincent: ......!
(Squawk)
Soldier: I-it seems to have flown away! We have to notify Sir Drummond and the Sage’s wizards immediately......!
Vincent: Wait! It might be some kind of magical technology that Nicholas obtained!
Soldier: No way......! Sir Nicholas was just swallowed by the bird’s shadow......
Vincent: Silence! Do not utter a word of this to anyone. Understand?
Soldier: Y-yes......
✦✧☾✧✦
Vincent: ......If the Sage’s wizards continue to strengthen their reputation through achievements, Arthur is going to win more popularity with the people.
If Arthur had never returned to the castle, I would have been the next king.
What do wizards know of the human world? I am the one who is suited for the role, not Arthur......
✦✧☾✧✦
Skinny Central child: Uu...... Uuu......
Mithra: ......
Skinny Central Country child: Uu...... My stomach hurts......
Uu...... Ehehe...... But if I make it through...... Then this thing will be mine......
Mithra: You're right.
Skinny Central Country child: Ehehe...... Uuu...... Fufu......
Mithra: The Umbra Volans is swooping through the land. It should begin soon.
I do hope you entertain me, Sir Sage.
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Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19