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Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 4 (Part 2)

Following is part 2 of my translation of Chapter 4 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains episodes 7-62 to 7-65.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut!!

Episode 7-62

Silver: …Hmm. It’s not so bad. Thankfully, most of these ingredients and cooking tools are ones we’re used to.

Sebek: Ne’er have I felt so grateful in my life for having completed those Master Chef courses…

Silver: Yeah. Once we get back to the real world, maybe we should talk to the principle and recommend he make it a required course.

Yuu: All that time I’ve spent cooking for myself at Ramshackle Dorm really came in handy.

Grim: Woooah, that smells so good! Henchman, are you makin’… cheese risotto in that big ol’ pot you’re stirrin’?

(Yuu nods)

Silver: That’s right. There wasn’t any pepper in the supplies we got a hold of, but we were able to season it with some salt and wild herbs we found growing around here.

Sebek: And I have completed the herb roast chicken and the vegetable garnish!!

Grim: Sweet! I’m starvin’ over here. Time to dig in!

(Sebek clops Grim on the head)

Sebek: Restrain yourself!! The Imperial Guards shall be served first! Your shamelessness exceeds you, beast.

Grim: Aww, come on. Whoever lines up first gets first dibs at school.

Sebek: This isn’t school! Know your place! ….Now then! My deepest apologies for keeping you all waiting. Dinner is served!

Imperial Guards: Gurururu…. Gauu?

Lilia: That sure did take a while. …Yuck. What’s this mushy white shit?

Silver: That’s cheese and oatmeal…. It’s a risotto made with oats.

Lilia: Ri..sotto?

Silver: Please do give it a try. It should be fine.

Lilia: You sound pretty confident there. Well then, time for a taste test… *munch* ……!!

Silver: …How is it?

Lilia: This is some top-notch stuff! I’ve had something like this before, at a get-together with the old fuddy-duddies from the senate over in the royal capital. We ate with plates bigger than my head, and there was just this one tiny little dollop of this kind of stuff on mine… I had no idea it was made with such a big pot.

Sebek: Please also help yourself to the meat and vegetables!

Lilia: Let’s see… *munch* ….!! Hmm!? This meat is so soft. Don’t tell me you didn’t cook it all the way through!? We’ll get sick, you moron!

Sebek: I assure you, I cooked it thoroughly! I gathered stones from the riverside and assembled a simple furnace using my magic… It’s been properly roasted, so there’s no need to worry.

Lilia: *munch* …It’s so savory. Reminds me of the type of meat you can get at the inns by the ports. It’s… not half bad.

Sebek: Truly, I am honored to receive your kind words!

Lilia: Time for dinner, you dolts! Eat up and then get to sleep!

Imperial Guards: Garururu! Fuarinaa!

Sebek / Silver: *sigh of relief*

Baul: General, I bring news. The “Iron Ones” have withdrawn to the Canyon of Howling Winds. However, we can’t underestimate their obsession with our land’s resources. It’s possible they may regroup and bring back reinforcements, so we should remain on high alert.

Lilia: Good work. Now go take a break and get some food while you can.

Baul: No, I should go tend to the equipment, in case the enemy…

(Baul’s stomach growls)

Lilia: Bwahaha! Sounds like your stomach’s saying food comes first.

Baul: Ack…!

Lilia: You’re our troop’s number one glutton, Baul. Cut the act and just go eat something already. Like I always say, you can’t fight on an empty stomach.

Sebek: Sir Baul! Please, come sit over here. I’ve your meal ready for you.

Baul: …Hm. Did you lot make this?

Sebek: YES, SIR! I would be most delighted if it’s to your liking!

Baul: ….Get this crap away from me, I don’t want it.

Sebek: But….

Baul: DO NOT MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF! I SAID I DON’T WANT IT, HUMAN!!!

Sebek: Yes, sir… My apologies.

Lilia: Shut the hell up! We’re trying to eat here, quit it with the screaming match. Do what you want, but you better not go pass out on me from an empty stomach.

Baul: I’ve got some provisions with me, so please don’t worry about it.

Sebek: …….

Silver (whispering): Sebek, this is just a dream. In the real world, Sir Baul wouldn’t…

Sebek: I know! I don’t need to hear that from you. My grandfather imparted so much of his knowledge to me. He’d oft purchase books for me when I was growing up, and it’s thanks to him I’ve such a passion for reading. Were it not for the “Silver Owl”, then perhaps I could’ve strengthened my connection with my grandfather while in this dream… I shan’t ever forgive those miscreants!

Grim: Wait, what? Baul doesn’t want his grub? Then I’ll take your plate off your hands for ya! Thanks!!

Baul: Wha- You damn beast! What an impudent little creature you are!

Yuu: Knock it off, Grim!

Grim: Maaan, this stuff is good! The cheese is pipin’ hot and nice and sticky, and the meat’s just drippin’ with juice ♩

(Baul’s stomach grumbles)

Baul: Arrrghhh….!!

Lilia: Hahaha! You’ve got guts, picking a fight with Baul.

Baul: Damnit…. Fine! It’ll be a waste if that blasted little beast eats it all. Hand it over!

Grim: What! You said you didn’t want it! This stuff’s mine now!

Sebek: S-Sir Baul! There’s still plenty left to go around!

Silver: We’ll fetch you another plate right away.

Episode 7-63

Lilia: Baul, that was your third helping of that “Risotto” stuff. Was it really that tasty? Kufufu.

Baul: …W-Well, now that I think about it, there really wasn’t anything wrong with the food.

Sebek: I’m delighted to hear it!

Baul: Ahem! At any rate…

Lilia: Mm. The “Silver Owl” has been leaving the Canyon of Howling Winds and coming out to these parts more and more often.

Baul: They’re laying waste to the Land of Briar as if they owned the place…. Those vile thieves!

Lilia: A hundred years ago, they landed in Cape Sunrise crammed aboard a single, tiny little sailboat… And then we blinked, and now they’re all over the place, far outnumbering we fae. All the land to the east of the Canyon of Howling Winds pretty much belongs to them now.

Baul: Grrrr…. Damn those humans!!! We should’ve driven them out right from the start!!

Lilia: I doubt her Majesty the Queen had any idea things would get this bad.

Sebek / Silver: ………..

Lilia: Had they just lived here quietly, respecting our lands and our wildlife, then we easily could’ve just left them alone… But we can’t let them keep tearing up the mountains and forests like this. We need to hurry and deliver Lady Mallenoa’s letter to their fortress as soon as possible.

Grim: Lady Mallenoa? Who’s that?

Sebek: Know you not of Lady Mallenoa, you imbecile? Why, she is the Young Lord’s… Ah! …I mean to say, Lady Mallenoa is the princess of the Land of Briar.

Lilia: The boy’s right. She’s the lone daughter of Queen Maleficia. She’s both our master as well as the Lady of Briar Castle.

Silver: Briar Castle? Not the Black Scale Castle over in the capital?

Lilia: In the south of the Land of Briar lies Verdant Moors, a wetland. And at its center stands a great citadel. All the vagrants who come from beyond the Canyon of Howling Winds and the Coral Sea are greeted by its fearsome gaze. That is Briar Castle.

Baul: Lady Mallenoa commands the Imperial Guards, and she's the cornerstone of our country’s defense. Under her orders, we’ve been dispatched to the “Silver Owl” as delegates, and we are to deliver her requisition to them. We just departed from Briar Castle today.

Sebek: By “requisition”, do you mean….

Baul: Isn’t it obvious!? It’s our final warning to the “Silver Owl” - to cease with their irreprehensible actions at once!

Lilia: *sigh* If we could just fly there, we’d be there in an instant.

Silver: Is there a reason you all aren’t using flying magic?

Lilia: All the delegates we’ve sent to their fortress have disappeared one by one.

Sebek/ Silver: What!

Lilia: Our job is to deliver this letter and search for the missing delegates along the way. Additionally… we have to track down any "Silver Owl” members who’re mining without permission and drive them out.

Baul: Damnit… Diplomacy is supposed to be the aristocrats’ job. I don’t understand why all this is being forced into your lap, General!

Lilia: It’s because there just aren’t that many fae around, compared to humans. We’ve been short on hands ever since the “Silver Owl” showed up. Besides, those aristocrats are all useless. They faint as soon as they get a whiff of iron. I’m sure Lady Mallenoa kept that in mind when she chose me for this.

Baul: But that’s…

Lilia: Our next step is to get through the Dark Night Forest, cross over the Verdant Moors, and then head for the Canyon of Howling Winds. And once we make it through the Canyon, we’ll continue searching for the missing delegates at the Crimson Plain and the Dragon’s Tail Mountains on our way to the fortress. It’s located at the eastern tip of the continent.

Silver: …Sounds like it’s going to be a long journey.

Lilia: Kufufu. You getting scared? Now then, Night Raven College envoys, do you see why I don’t have time to go to your stupid school?

Sebek / Silver: …….

Lilia: What good will it do you to come with us? You’re about to step into a hornet’s nest here. I’m saying this for your own good, go back to your school already.

Silver: No! Having heard you said all that, I want you attend Night Raven College now more than ever.

Lilia: The hell?

Silver: You’re right, there’s not much we can teach you about “magic”, but I… I have no doubt all the memories you’d make at school would be invaluable for you.

Sebek: Silver….

Silver: We’ll come invite you again when your mission’s over – we’ll invite you to our alma mater, Night Raven College!

Lilia: I highly doubt my mind’s going to change… You still intend to stick around?

Silver: Yes, sir!

Lilia: Even if you’ll be putting your life at risk?

Silver: YES, SIR!!

Lilia: … I don’t know much about humans, but I get the feeling there's a bunch of weird ass types at that school?

Silver: There’s certainly a lot of people with strong personalities.

Sebek: We are a diverse group…. In nationality, species, and culture.

Silver: And that’s precisely why there’s so much for us to learn there every single day.

Lilia: *sigh* Do what you want, I don’t care anymore.

Silver / Sebek: Thank you!!

Episode 7-64

Baul: General! I know I’ve said this before, but I’m staunchly opposed to letting these humans accompany us!

Lilia: Well, they can at least make our food and carry our stuff. And we’ll just dump them on the side of the road if they get in our way. They aren’t our responsibility.

Baul: ….If you say so, General.

Lilia: I’m much more concerned about Briar Castle. If we’ll be able to wrap up this mission and get back home faster, then I’ll make use of whatever I can, be it a bunch of humans or fae.

Yuu: You must be so worried about the princess.

Lilia: Me? Worried about Lady Mallenoa? Ah ha ha ha! I’m not worried about the princess, I’m worried about the castle and my own hide! Last thing I want is to come back and find the place in ruins from another one of her little tantrums.

Sebek: What?

Lilia: The Draconia clan that rules the Land of Briar, they’re descended from dragons – admired for being the apex of the followers of the night. The princess of your country might be some pretty little maiden who everybody’s supposed to protect… But over here, our princess is strong as hell - frighteningly so. And not only that, she’s a major tomboy, she’s hotheaded, she’s selfish and quick to anger. ….And she’s ill-natured beyond belief. She’s without a doubt the Land of Briar’s most disastrous princess. If you dawdle around, she’ll either strike you with lightning or roast you to a crisp. Mark my words, I’m not kidding here. She’ll seriously do it.

Baul: G-General! You shouldn’t speak ill of the princess!

Lilia: My bad. But I was actually being quite nice, you know. She’s had me wrapped around her little finger for the past 300 years, ever since I’ve known left from right. If Lady Mallenoa were the type of princess who just sat around the castle all day waiting for her prince to come on a white dragon… Goodness knows my life would’ve been so much easier.

Baul: GENERAL!

Lilia: I mean…. It seems she’s going to behave for us for the next two or three years, so I’m thankful for that, at least. Even knowing her, she’s not going to do anything reckless until her precious little egg hatches.

Sebek / Silver: Egg!!??

Lilia: What now? Keep it down…

Silver: L-Lady Mallenoa already has an heir!?

Sebek: W-Where is the Young Lor- …Nay, where is His Eggcellency!? I-Is he residing with his parents at Briar Castle!?

Yuu: (Tsunotarou came from an egg!?)

Baul: Why are you so interested in the whereabouts of the heir’s egg, huh? You’re being awfully suspicious… You better not be after that egg!

Silver: W-We’re not! We just, erm, we didn’t even know the heir was already born…!

Lilia: *sigh* …Even a toddler could tell you where that egg is right now. Dragon eggs don’t hatch without their parents’ love and magic poured into them, and the safest place in the whole country is right between Lady Mallenoa’s arms. Doesn’t matter if they know where the egg is, not like they can do anything about it.

Baul: Yes, but don’t forget what happened to the Dragon-eyed Duke! We can’t go trusting these outsiders! We need to remain vigilant.

Lilia: The Dragon-eyed Duke, Levan, huh… If he’d just come back safe and sound, we wouldn’t need to be doing all this. That couple’s been overloading me with a bunch of work since I was a kid.

Baul: That’s…

Lilia: *Yaaawn* …It’s getting light out. I’m going to bed. You better not let that fire go out. There’s “Silver Owl” members and all sorts of vicious beasts lurking in these woods. You all get some sleep, too. We’ll be leaving at midday.

Baul: …Yes, sir. Rest well. “The Night’s blessing upon ye”.

Lilia: “The Night’s blessing upon ye”.

(Lilia departs)

Baul: Oi, humans. The General might think otherwise…. But I don’t trust you lot one bit. If I see you doing anything suspicious, you’ll be answering to my blade!! Mark my words! Go take one of the empty tents, but don’t bother the Guards while they’re resting. Hmph!

(Baul departs)

Silver: Did you hear that, Sebek?

Sebek: How could I not!! T-The Young Lord has already been born! Ahh… Oh, how I wish to see him, even a single glance will do!! HOW I WISH TO GAZE UPON HIS PEARL-LIKE VISAGE!!

Grim: Pearl-like? Dude, he’s literally an egg.

Silver: …….

Yuu: What’s the matter?

Silver: …..It’s strange.

Episode 7-65

Silver: …It’s strange.

Grim / Sebek: Huh?

Silver: Just now, my father said something like, “For the past 300 years, ever since I’ve known left from right.” And in the real world, he’s 700 years old… Basically, it seems like he’s dreaming of something that happened 400 years ago. But…. He also said the heir’s egg would hatch in another two or three years.

Sebek: *gasps* …I see! You’re right, ‘tis certainly very strange. That’s quite a great inconsistency with how old the Young Lord is presently.

Grim: How old’s Tsunotarou anyways?

Sebek: THE YOUNG LORD TURNED 178 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR!!

Yuu: (Compared to 700 years old, that actually sounds pretty young.)

Grim: What!?? Tsunotarou’s a friggin’ geezer!!

Sebek: What insolence! For the members of his species - those fae descended from long-lived dragons - he’s exceedingly young!

Yuu: Wait… Something’s not adding up here….

Silver: Did you notice it too, Yuu? You’re right, that’s a 200-year difference.

Grim: 200 years!? That ain’t somethin’ we can just write off here.

Sebek: Fae are known for their indifference towards the passage of time, but even so… It’s quite a serious discrepancy.

Silver: So you guys feel the same way, huh. It’s hard to believe my father would forget the date of something as monumental as our Lord’s birth. …Hmm… Neither my father nor Lord Malleus would ever speak much about the past in front of me. And there’s hardly any books on Briar Valley’s history back home or in the school library…. Do you have any idea what’s going on here, Sebek?

Sebek: My grandfather would oft regale me with tales of the Draconia Clan and Sir Lilia’s heroism, however… He hardly ever spoke of Lady Mallenoa-…. of the passing of Lord Malleus’s parents. I’ve read a wide variety of books in order to deepen my understanding of our country and our sovereigns… But again, hardly any of them covered that matter. Further, the Verdant Moors where Briar Castle is located lies outside Briar Valley’s present-day domain.

Silver: Sounds like all this chaos must’ve gone on for a really long time… Just what in the world happened…?

Sebek / Silver: …………..

Grim: Then how’s about we go stop by Briar Castle? Since Malleus’s egg is there and we’re lookin’ for a way to break his spell an’ all. I betcha we can find some clues! Heh, I’m a genius!

Silver: No, that’s… We won’t be able to do that. Dreams are unstable things. They’re more or less mental worlds constructed by the dreamer. And if you stray too far from the dreamer, you’ll often either hit a dead end or run into the “Darkness”.

Grim: Aww, maaan…. Guess we got no choice but to stick with Lilia.

Silver: Correct.

Sebek: Damnit…!!! Why did things have to turn out this way. And I had so hoped to catch a glimpse of the Young Lord!!

Silver: After they deliver that letter, Father and the others will most likely return to Briar Castle.

Sebek: *gasps* And that means I still have a chance!? A chance to gaze upon his regal countenance!? If that is so, then let us complete this mission posthaste!!

Silver: Yeah. Let’s all get some rest and get ready for tomorrow.

Sebek: Hmph! You needn’t tell me that.

Part 1

Part 3

Please note: We will not know what the proper translations of the new places and character names introduced in this chapter are until the official English localizations are revealed, so please take my translations of them with a heavy grain of salt.

#twst #twst spoilers #lilia vanrouge #twst silver #sebek zigvolt #baul zigvolt #the ruler of the abyss #twisted wonderland

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