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thebadboyfanclub · 11 months

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The Lover Of The Seven Kingdoms (Tywin x Reader)

First of all, I’m sorry but you cannot tell me anything when it comes to Tom hiddleston being the perfect young Tywin Lannister. Second, I love writing morally grey female characters and I wrote grant maester pycelle and mushroom in cause I wanted to show how a lot of male historians portray women in one way cause it’s just easier.

The lover of the seven Kingdoms” grant maester Pycelle had used as a description of (y/n) Martell, the second wife of Tywin Lannister, the symbol of femininity for a plethora of men in kings Landing, the mother of lord Ezra Lannister and lady Asena, the scandalous twins and one of the few bastards that later became legitimate and inherited Lannisport, then they had three more, lady Nymeria, Lady Zara and Lord Sorin, (y/n) was the secret passion of Tywin since she stepped foot at court, she was to be Joanna’s lady in waiting.

Her appearance was one carved by the Gods, long dark raven hair that curled down to her waist, olive skin, and almost black eyes, her lips thick, and a body as juicy as the fruits of her land, her twin brother Dorian had sent her to Kings landing as a way to show respect and also expand her horizons.

“Princess (Y/n) had relations with one of the bastards of house Dayne when she denied him the man gutted himself in front of her, Doran sends her away to avoid more scandals caused by her lustful appetite”

Mushroom note, Joanna liked her, she was smart and endearing, and she knew how to play her part, however, what Joanna had not taken in mind is that (y/n) stopped at nothing to get what she wants, in this case, it was the young Tywin Lannister, the tall man with muscles everywhere, blue eyes and blonde hair was the subject of desire for a plethora of ladies, none of them had the guts to go after him, (y/n) was not like them, she had her eyes set and the game had begun.

“My lord”

(Y/n) called for Tywin, the hour was quite late but Tywin was the hand of the king, the hour did not matter when they were things he needed to pay attention to, papers to be signed and payments to be settled.

(Y/n) had studied his schedule, Joanna was already in bed and Tywin was free, most of the servants were dismissed so they were no prowling eyes to catch her.

Tywin halted and turned to look at the girl that called for him, she wore a rather sheer dress which was unlikely of hers, Dornish people were always costumed to very light choices in clothing, still, this was a step further, if the candles burned a bit brighter Tywin would have been able to see… well everything.

“Princess (y/n), is there something wrong?”

“No, not exactly, I was hoping to talk to you, in private”

Tywin hesitated, (y/n) was just outside her chamber, she was holding the door open which meant that her choice of privacy was her room, still, curiosity about what it could be that needed to be discussed in such a secretive way was enough for his feet to go one and then the other inside.

(Y/n) closed the door before she spun to rest her back on the wood, a smirk playing on her lips as her plan was going smoother than she expected, the room was decorated in cherry red and gold colors, some orange as well and the intense smell of vanilla and musk took over Tywins senses.

“So, I would prefer it if you started talking”

“Do you like being the hand of the king?”

“You summoned me to ask me if you like my occupation?”

“No, I summoned you because I have a pair of eyes, eyes clear enough to see that something has been bothering you”

“Well I am flattered that the princess cares to ask for my well-being, however, I must go”

“You can’t lie to me Tywin, if it’s not your duty then it has something to do with me, you have been avoiding me, you can’t even look me in the eye”

Tywin once again chose to not speak he only made a b line for the door to which (y/n) was resting, she had managed to think of everything down to reaching for the handle when he did, making their hands touch, Tywin did not pull his away, he let it rest on top of hers as he towered over her and she looked up at him with doe eyes.

“Is it me, my lord? It is my presence that is bothering you?”

“No”

“No? You are breathing quite heavily, your eyes travel below my lips, and… dare I say you could have moved me if you truly wanted to, no one is here, my lord, you can confess to me”

“(Y/n)-“

“Go on, confess”

Her voice was barely above a whisper as she gawked at Tywin with lustful eyes with a hint of innocence, she had done this before, Tywin was a mere puppet, a bug that got caught in the spiders' web and was now waiting to experience her poisonous bite.

Her kiss could be described as venom, it made his entire body feel like it was burning and her touch was the only remedy, his addiction started and ended with her, he had been fantasizing about her every night, haunting him like a succubus and stealing the life out of him, at an instant he forgot everything, his wife, his status, his entire life would crumble if someone were to find them, none of it mattered, all that he cared about was to see her, take her.

He took her right on her window, some servants had even reported that they could see the young princess bareback as her moans grew some attention, alas none of them thought something of it, most of the castle had seen a generous amount of men go in and out of (y/n)s chamber at all hours of the night.

Tywin was in utter awe with (y/n), he almost felt like he would faint as he reached his high, it was the only time Tywin considered that (y/n) was a practitioner of dark magic. No other woman had held such power over him in this act.

“My lion”

She had whispered in his ear before she kissed him,(Y/n) was the perfect lover, every night he would slip from his chamber and knock on her door, she would be waiting for him, take him up to the sky, and wrap him with her fire that burned as bright as dragon fire.

Tywin was entirely himself around her, she allowed him to be in control and gave him the euphoric theatrics of prowling on her, which made (y/n) giggle a little, it was refreshing and borderline hilarious to move the strings in the background while Tywin thought he was moving them only because she let him touch them.

“I have exciting news”

“Which is?”

“Princess (y/n) is pregnant, how lovely would it be if we get to marry our children? We could secure Dorne and bind my friendship with her”

“We will do no such thing”

“Tywin, think about it if we-“

“You are forgetting an important thing Joanna, the princess is not married, who knows who the father of that bastard is, my child will not marry anyone of such low status”

What else could he have said? We can’t marry them cause they are siblings? Joanna would be crushed, Tywin had run to her chamber that night, not even bothering to knock as he burst into the room startling her, still once she laid her eyes on him she smiled, she dared to smile as if nothing has happened.

“How dare you announce your pregnancy without even telling me first”

“I thought you had noticed”

“No, I hadn’t and Joanna wants to marry your child with one of our children”

“I am sure we will find a way around it”

“Find a way around it? How are you so calm when the world is crumbling on your feet? You are not married nor betrothed, this child will be declared a bastard”

“This child will be my firstborn, a child created by you and me if you remember, that is all that matters to me”

“Not to the rest of the realm”

“I do not care about the rest of the realm Tywin, that is your problem, it will be royalty in Dorne, I do not care what they call my child here”

“Some said she bathed in goats blood every full moon, she would burn candles and speak in foreign languages to make Tywin stay by her side”

Mushroom claimed, it could be true or just whispers since no one understood the powerful hold that she had on the young lord, Tywin was a fearsome man, calculated and ambitious, yet (y/n) could sway him in any direction she wished with a bat of an eyelash.

It was such a peculiar moment, (y/n) gave birth to twins four moons after her lady Joanna, Ezra and Asena, both of them had their fathers' eyes, sapphires that shined in the light of the sun as (y/n) fed them from her breasts, Tywin had held Asena first, she looked nothing like Cersei still something in him knew that the two girls were born to be each others nemesis, fate had played him like a fiddle.

“I was thinking of going back to Dorne”

“Why?”

“My brother said it is not safe for us, people will talk and I do not want my children to grow up in a venomous environment”

“No, no you will stay, Ezra and Asena Hill has a nice ring to it”

“They are Martells, my love, they shall be called that”

(Y/n) was not ashamed of her children, on the contrary, she adored them and kept them by her side at all times, she taught them how to walk, talk, sing, and dance, a endearing mother with a backbone made of Valyrian steel, a combination made straight out of the seven rings of hell.

“Push, my lady”

“I can’t, (y/n) please make it stop”

“Maester, what is taking so long?”

“The babe has breached, it will not let me pull it out”

“It hurts (y/n)”

“I know, my lady, just one more push”

Joanna fought tooth and nail to survive, unfortunately, her labor did not harvest any fruit for her, the son survived but Lady Joanna did not even get to hold him, grant Maester pycelle held Tyrion and presented him to lord Tywin who was utterly disgusted by the ugly creature.

“That is no son of mine, throw him in the river”

“You will do no such thing”

“This matter does not concern you, princess”

“It does, you may be excused maester”

Pycelle only nodded and left them alone, a strange aura surrounded both of them, Joanna was gone, a deformed babe had taken her life, and (y/n)s belly was ready to pop any minute, what was to be done now?

“Does cruelty excite you?”

“Cersei and Jaime are both healthy and Lannister featured, that… thing could not have been created by me”

“It was not the babes' fault, so I have to remind you that you are also guilty of the thing you are accusing a dead woman of?”

Tywin was a man but that meant little to nothing, if Tyrion was a bastard then there was no difference between him and (y/n)s children, Tywin was in no place to frown upon such an act since he was having another child on the way, a bastard.

“Listen to me, my love, I know you loved Joanna and I loved her too, but the babe survived, it’s the last thing we have from her, grief is a strong emotion, but we have each other to lean on, don’t you want this for us Tywin? for me?”

There it was, her secret weapon, that sweet voice that dripped of honey and the big doe eyes, she knew how to play the damsel in distress down to every detail, Tywin put his lips in before he shook his head in defeat, his wife had departed but his mistress stood before him, demanding a place at his table and life, which he was willing to give her.

Cersei was frantic, the announcement of her father's betrothal to the princess (y/n) and the reaffirmation of her bastard children had brought her to an utmost stage of rage that she was going around her room like a hurricane, she was throwing things and cursing as loud as her lungs allowed it.

How could he do this to her? To her family? That woman had slithered her way into their life like a snake and was now feasting over her mother's dead body, this was just plain disrespectful to her mother.

Tywin found Cerseis handmaidens outside her chamber as the sounds that came from it could put to shame any wild animal, the ladies looked frightened and not one of them dared to go in, however, all of them tried to warn him in leaving the lady be, suggesting that this has probably happened before.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“Get out”

“Young lady I advise you-“

“Shut up! I don’t want to listen to you! How could you marry her?! How could you do this to my mother?”

That was the last thing she said before a harsh slap landed on Cerseis's cheek, the girl was taken back by the act since her father had never hit her, he would discipline her but mostly by raising his voice or finding peculiar tricks of punishment, for Tywin to get physical with his daughter meant that she had gone too far.

“You do not get to judge my decisions, you will welcome your brother and sisters and you will be nice to my wife whether you like it or not, did I make myself clear?”

Silence only looks that could kill were exchanged

“Did I make myself clear?”

“Yes Father”

“My love?”

(Y/n) walked into the room, she had heard everything although she chose to reside in the act of being clueless, Tywin had turned away from his daughter and walked to his soon-to-be wife’s side, his hand found hers and brought it up to his lips, (y/n) smiled fondly before she scanned the room with her eyes, a puzzled look on her face as the room was upside down.

“What has happened? Is the young lady alright? The handmaidens were stuttering when I asked about the noises”

“Yes, no need to worry, my dear, Cersei was just redecorating”

“Oh, well if she wishes I can help with that”

“No, no, Cersei is quite specific, she prefers doing things her way, hence this scenery, we should live her”

“As the young lioness wishes, but before we leave”

(Y/n) took a few steps so she can stand ahead of Cersei, Cersei truly felt like a lioness, one that was trapped in a cage to be exact, as much as Cersei wanted to believe she could outsmart anyone (y/n) had years up on the horse, so naturally she was now trotting past Cersei with her caring smile and eyes that lit up, Cersei was left to looking like a kid that threw a tantrum whilst (y/n) looked like a mother that did her best to keep the peace.

“I know you are angry at me, I would be too, I will not try to be your mother, I do however hope that one day you will view me as your ally or your friend even”

(Y/n) went to caress Cerseis cheek which Cersei flinched away from that earned her a cold hard stare from her father, (y/n) only bit her lip in defeat, then it was replaced by a smile of hope, (y/n) genuinely wanted things to go as smooth as possible, to keep all of Joanna's children close to her, it was the least she could do she wasn’t a complete monster, as much as Cersei liked to think of her as one.

“Perhaps it’s too soon, I am asking way too much of you, I hope you have a great day, sweetling”

“Put everything back in its place, now”

Tywin instructed in a stern voice before they exited the chamber that Hurricane Cersei was occupying, Tywin was sure that she would throw something at the door once it was closed and he stood correct when a loud bang was heard.

“She is a young girl that lost her mother, having an attitude with me is inevitable”

“Cersei is not a normal young girl, she has a superiority complex over everyone, our children will not interact with her yet”

“That won’t be a problem, Asena is not… fond of Cersei either”

“I wonder why, let us not think of Cersei right now, it is time for Nymeria to be fed”

“See how beautiful it sounds when it rolls off the tongue? And you wanted to name her Lydia”

Since this babe was the first legitimate child of Tywin and (y/n) he had the suggestion of picking the name of the beloved girl, on the contrary (y/n) was not budging, she was adamant on naming her daughter after the biggest warrior queen Dorne has ever known, her precious Nymeria.

“The princess never wanted to marry lord Tywin, she was far more interested in keeping their relationship private, howbeit Lord Tywin was too consumed by his emotions for her to consider the fact that the princess could have been wed, she simply chose not to”

Grant maester Pycelle added when asked about their wedding. (Y/n) did not care about her children being legitimate or owning land, Dorne was her home, her brother had congratulated her on the birth of her twins and even offered to have them in Dorne, and her family was delighted by (y/n) bringing forth new heirs for the Martells, it was only Tywin that wanted to make it official, to let everyone know that the princess was now cloaked by the lion, her life as the lady of the rock had begun and Dorne had entered a land that they never really thought of earning.

“In a day you will be my wife, therefore, my children’s good mother, I expect them to treat you as such”

“I do not, Tywin they are in mourning, you cannot expect them to make it easy for me”

“I am not dimly witted my dearest, I know they will have some thoughts over our marriage, albeit I will make sure they keep it to themselves”

Requests are open!

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writing-for-life · 2 months

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The Self-Love, Sex, and Pursuit of the Helm Novels: A Tragicomedy in Three Movements

Part 1~~By the Sea, I Mean in the Dreaming: A Comedy Prelude, where crack ships find their way into Dream’s Library, and absolutely everyone is left stranded.

People, I’ve done it, and I’m scared. This… erm… short trilogy has been sitting in my drafts for ages, and the unhinged Muhulhu post has finally kicked my arse into editing part 1. So here it is without further ado: fourth-wall-breaking madness, secrets about Merv and Matthew you never wanted to know, and the unholy beginning of that relationship (titles inspired by “The Love, Sex, and Pursuit of Happiness Novels” by Steven Paul Leiva).

Here’s a little excerpt, link to full story on Ao3.

And next when it’s edited: Part 2~~Bully For You (Is it sarcastic, or an expression of praise, or something else entirely? Who will ever know…): An Unhinged Interlude, where the Lord of Dreams loses his bearings (no, not those ones), and even Desire needs a stiff drink.

I am tagging the Muhulhu inception crew, but I will need to start with the founding members of the cult: @so-i-grudgingly-joined-this-site for indulging my silly ask that kicked this whole thing off, @marlowe-zara who also gave us her deep psychological insight from the get-go and @roguelov who created the first bit of fanart for this monster (and said fanart gets hinted at in the fic—Murphy is desperately trying to figure out which way up to hold that thing to make sense of it. He is a bit slow sometimes).

Further honourable mentions: @tickldpnk8 (whom we have to thank for the HelmLord) , @ginoeh , @rriavian , @4typercent , @windsweptinred , @throwingbread , @tryan-a-bex (for the best drabble ever—now you’ll understand what I wrote about the similar premise, and Lucienne indeed needs a raise 🤣), @zzoomacroom

I also dare to tag @safeuphigh because you know my more serious stuff, and this is definitely not that, and a writer who takes herself too seriously is not a serious writer. Or something like that 🤣

And @rey-jake-therapist because you always get tagged, and just because I can 😜

New weirdos and Muhulhu enjoyers are warmly welcome in our midst!

#murphy and his cool hat #crack fic #dream of the endless #morpheus #muhulhu #drat! a helmlord story #the sandman #dream x helm #morpheus x helm #crack ship #crack treated seriously #<<< but not really #I’ll never recover from these #and this is the harmless one #queue crew

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cainluvr69 · 6 months

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Main Story 2 Chapter 21 - Dyed by the World (Second Half)

Previous Chapter

6 - I've Finally Found You, My Bride

Kelvin: You're looking for the missing Queen?! She got cursed into a bird by an unknown wizard?! There's no way you can do that, it's going to be impossible!

Rustica: Thank you for your concern. But you needn't worry about it at all. Aria is to be my bride, you see. I need to find her as fast as I can. She must be scared out of her wits.

Kelvin: I'm telling you, it's impossible! Someone who knows as little about the ways of the real world as you is going to die within days out there! Huh? What's with that leather bag? It's full of gold coins…

Rustica: I encountered some people in trouble, so I'm lending this to them. They said they would return it in full by tomorrow.

Kelvin: Are you stupid?! There's no way they're going to return that! This is what makes you such an easy mark!!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: I've finally found you, my beloved bride…

Kelvin: …sniffle… I can't believe it… You really found her… Congratulations, Lord Rustica! This has really made me believe in the power of love.

Rustica: Thank you, Kelvin.

Western Villager: That nobleman traveled all this way just to find his bride who'd been turned into a bird, I hear.

Western Village Kid: Sis, is that bird a princess?

Western Village Sis: I don't know… I wonder if we'll get to see him turn her back into a human with magic?

Kelvin: Alright, let's put her into that birdcage. She said doing that will lift the curse, right? That witch your family trusts.

Rustica: Yes, she did. Come here, Aria. I'll take you back to the palace. Your family is waiting for you. I'll break the curse that's been placed on you. So please, come into this cage. <Amores Viesse>

Aria: …uh…ah… …Rustica…

Rustica: Aria! I knew I'd see you again.

Aria: …ah…Rus…

Rustica: …Aria…?

Kelvin: …Something's wrong… Lord Rustica…

Western Villager: Look! The princess just turned into a monster…! Oh, goddess, she's attacking! Everyone, run…!

Western Villager: Kyaaaa…!

Western Villager: Wahhhh…!

Rustica: Aria! It's me, Aria…!

Western Village Kid: Kya…! It hurts… Sis, help me… Sis…!

Rustica: Ah… …! <A…> <Amores Viesse>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: …

I blinked slowly. It felt like I'd been dreaming for a long time. I couldn't tell when it had begun. Perhaps the dream I'd seen had been not a dream, but a memory… My eyelids felt heavy, so I let them close again. My head felt stuffed full of cotton, like a teddy bear's body. It was fluffy and soft, yes, but also heavy with water, soaked all the way through. There were white feathers dancing through the air. I wonder where the bird they were from was? I hadn't been able to catch sight of it even once. It felt as if I were witnessing the sand in an hourglass, individual moments of time slipping through my fingers. But it was very beautiful.

✦✧☾✧✦

Gilles: I will be going to her Majesty's bedchambers. I don't need an escort for that.

Soldier: Huh?

Gilles: What?

Soldier: Ah, no, never mind… As you wish, sir. Please excuse me.

Gilles: Be seeing you. … Oh, I see. She's an unwed girl right now. If I visit her bedchambers too thoughtlessly, unpleasant rumours will propagate, I suppose. Things were much more convenient before. Though Mistress Zara was uncomfortable with those circumstances…

✦✧☾✧✦

Gilles: Pardon the intrusion.

Portrait Rustica: Hello, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: Good evening, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: It's been a while. Have you been well?

Gilles: I've been busy. I met your real version, by the way. Where's Mistress Zara?

Portrait Rustica: She's laying down at the moment.

Portrait Rustica: She just returned from an outing of her own, but she seemed tired.

Portrait Rustica: I comforted her as best I could.

Gilles: I'm not surprised. She ascended the throne in front of a crowd of dignitaries from all around the continent. She's been conducting audience after audience. Even though up until now, she's been seeing people in that hidden room of hers in the palace. Though I've heard even his Majesty, may he rest in peace, barely spoke with her anymore. All she had for conversation were the lot of you.

Portrait Rustica: And you, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: Zara enjoys talking to you, you know.

Portrait Rustica: But you can be a bit too harsh with her sometimes, so you should try to be more gentle with her.

Gilles: I will, I will. Hmm, so she's laying down… I imagine she wants to be alone. I've got a book I want to start in on, so perhaps I'll simply leave for the night.

Portrait Rustica: You should comfort her.

Portrait Rustica: Comforting her would be a better idea.

Portrait Rustica: You should comfort her gently.

Gilles: … Mistress Zara. It's Gilles. How are you feeling this evening? Did you get to talk with your sweetheart?

Zara: …I did.

Gilles: Oh, that's good to hear. And what did you talk about?

Zara: … …We didn't talk about anything. Nothing brought the conversation forward. It ended as soon as it started.

Gilles: And yet, you're the one protecting the peaceful passing of his days while keeping yourself to the shadows. You ensure that banks will always provide money for him to live comfortably, make sure he has a steady supply of people who want his experience as a musician, and should he come close to discovering your secret… You silence the people who would've leaked it to him.

Zara: …

Gilles: As if he's a single piece upon a game board, and you're the player who determines where he moves. Western Country's true Queen, Mistress Zara. The love story you pen is a truly fascinating one.

Zara: It's not "love".

Gilles: Even if it isn't, the fascination remains.

Portrait Rustica: It's Zara's atonement.

Portrait Rustica: Zara is a kind person, you know.

Portrait Rustica: Protecting me and developing this country is how she atones for what she's done to Aria.

Gilles: Call it whatever you want. After however many centuries of merely watching him, your story is finally getting more pages written. Please, let me listen to the end. Your melancholy, pitiful, ruthless, reticent story…

Portrait Rustica: That's too much.

Portrait Rustica: You're going too far.

Portrait Rustica: I think that's a bit much.

Zara: You have gone too far.

Gilles: My apologies. Your noble, daring, insatiable love story.

Zara: …

Portrait Rustica: You should talk to me instead.

Portrait Rustica: If I were to call it anything…

Portrait Rustica: I would call it a most wonderful time.

Gilles: Oho.

Portrait Rustica: Zara's resolution has been strengthened.

Portrait Rustica: So that she may protect me.

Portrait Rustica: She's collecting all the mana stones the world has to offer.

Gilles: All to destroy <the Great Calamity>.

Zara: … I never expected Lord Rustica to be chosen as a Sage's wizard… Or that he'd have that ancient, sinister crest of a black lily engraved upon his skin… I refuse to allow it. In the previous conflict, half of the Sage's wizards turned to stone. Even though they had the world's strongest wizard Oz with them, they still couldn't defeat <the Great Calamity>.

Portrait Rustica: I imagine I'll be the next one to turn to stone.

Portrait Rustica: Goodbye, Zara.

Portrait Rustica: I'll be returning to Aria's side first.

Zara: I won't let that happen. I'll protect you no matter what. And what will protect Lord Rustica from disaster? Tell him, Gilles.

Gilles: The Final Weapon, Ultima.

Zara: Correct. According to the theory, Ultima should fire with a force equivalent to the quality of the mana stones powering it. We must turn wizards to stone. And prepare their stones for Ultima…

Gilles: We must kill the Northern wizards.

Zara: And prepare their stones for Ultima…

Gilles: We must kill Oz.

Zara: And prepare his stone for Ultima… And destroy <the Great Calamity>. I cannot let the Sage's wizards, much less the ones from Central Country, make decisions on Lord Rustica's behalf. I will crush the Northern wizards, I will crush Oz, and I will crush <the Great Calamity>, all so that I can keep him safe.

Gilles: Exquisite. I applaud you.

Portrait Rustica: It's so reassuring to hear you say that, Zara.

Portrait Rustica: Thank you. It sounds absolutely lovely.

Portrait Rustica: I'm sure you'll be able to do it.

Zara: …This is my atonement. Aria would agree with me.

Gilles: I'm eagerly anticipating watching this story's progression. When should we expect the ever-essential Ultima to be completed? The Professor has provided us with a prototype, but isn't the real one already finished?

Zara: Why do you think that?

Gilles: Because I can't trust those two. Nova and Professor Hart. I especially can't get a good grasp of Nova.

Portrait Rustica: I've been feeling the same way, actually.

Portrait Rustica: But Nova is the one who told Zara that I'd been chosen as a Sage's wizard, wasn't he?

Portrait Rustica: But the researcher from Langrenus Island that Nova introduced us to has gone missing.

Zara: Hmm. If it comes to it, we'll part ways with him. Artificial wizards, military airships, and the Final Weapon, Ultima… Once we have them all at hand, we needn't continue to associate with undesirables.

Gilles: Of course.

✦✧☾✧✦

Western Villager: The goats and chickens are all acting up… What's up, guys? Why're you making a fuss in the middle of the night? Is there a wolf? Or an intruder? …Wha…?! The grass and trees over here are all withered! Just earlier today they were photosynthesizing happily… What…? So much of my livestock has fallen over ill…! What's going on here?! Heeeey! Anyone! It's an emergency! Can anyone come over here…! Yeah, here. Sorry for yelling in the middle of the night like that. C'mon, look at this. … …What happened? Who are you? …A dog…? No… Oh, no… …ah…ahh…what's going on? I'm so dizzy all of a sudden… …! What's that…?! …Get away! Stay away from me! Uwaaaahhhh…!

7 - Even If It Changes The World

Cain: A "walking Hell", huh…

Arthur: Cain.

Cain: Your Majesty.

Arthur: Majesty… Ah, right. I asked you to call me that while we're in Messier Palace.

Cain: We wouldn't want them thinking you're so soft you can't even keep your servants in line, after all.

Arthur: If they think I'm naive, they'll try to take advantage of Central Country…or that's what Lord Figaro said, at least.

Cain: Figaro's got useful advice. He said he'd give me another lecture later. I gotta work hard finding what I want to do with myself so I can protect you and Central Country better.

Arthur: I appreciate it. But please don't forget. There are things that no one but you can do, Cain.

Arthur's words reminded me of what I'd done a few days ago. I tried to gain the confidence of the soldiers in a Western officers' club by acting the villain. It's not like I didn't get a good response to it, and it's not like I didn't learn something from it. But the bitterness I'd swallowed down with the alcohol didn't make my heart dance at all. I think I'd wanted to be useful so badly that I'd gotten really ahead of myself. Just like a newbie who'd barely swung a sword before pushing themself until their arms and back are screaming at them, I'd ignored what my heart had been screaming at me. It's an important kind of pain. It's a kind of suffering you have to endure if you want to be worth something. Arthur smiled at me. It felt like his blue eyes had seen straight through to what I was thinking about.

Arthur: You mustn't force your heart to do something that doesn't reflect who you really are. You should live according to your own principles, and as the days pass you by, merit will naturally be born from them.

Cain: Arthur…

Arthur: I believe in you, Cain. And I'm not the only one. Master Sage does, and so do the other Sage's wizards. If you're going to jump, then I will blindly leap into the sky behind you. And I will fall, my arms spread, with no broom or magic to catch me. Do you understand what I'm telling you?

When I couldn't answer, Arthur gently touched my hand. As if he'd given me something, something important, I placed my other hand on top of the first, and lifted them. His eyes, more vivid than the clearest blue sky, sparkled with light.

Arthur: It means I can trust you with my life, Cain. As much as if I'd made a promise to you. It's quite a thing to do. I know that now.

Cain: …

The beauty of Arthur's words made something deep in my chest grow warm, slowly but steadily. Belief in someone is the same as making a promise to them. Those words were like a shock to my system. The world had changed just then. I felt myself relax. I clasped Arthur's hand in both of mine and smiled at him.

Cain: …It really is…

Arthur brushed his fingers against my cheek and smiled brightly. And then he gallantly turned his back to me and walked away. He waved his hand a bit, and then looked back at me.

Arthur: I truly, sincerely wish that everyone in the world could be connected like this. Even if it's not forever. Just for a moment would be enough. But still overcoming nationality, race, age, and gender. And we will be friends.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Lo--……Figaro…

Figaro: You do keep almost addressing me reverently. Are you confusing yourself?

Faust: … You saved my life. The lives of my students, as well. I should kneel in front of you and bow my head and apologize for all of the many times I've been discourteous. But at the same time… I'm also afraid of trusting you. I don't want to be betrayed again.

Figaro: …Yeah, I bet.

Faust: I was thinking about it the entire time I was recovering. About what you were thinking about when you threw me away. And then something clicked into place. Maybe I wasn't the one who was betrayed. Maybe I wasn't meeting what you were expecting of me.

Figaro: You've got a real thing for punishing yourself, don't you. Well, it is true you weren't meeting expectations, but…

Faust: …

Figaro: No, you're not the bad one in this equation. My upbringing and the failure of interpersonal relationships were just all building onto each other back then… I just arbitrarily put too many expectations on your shoulders. Like, "maybe he's here to save me," or something like that…

Faust: I wanted to live up to those expectations.

Figaro: …

Faust: And I got spoiled by you, too. Maybe it's because I never knew my father, but meeting someone who could guide me for the very first time…

Figaro: Ahh, I see… You were abandoned by your father. And I was the second time your father abandoned you. Of course you can't trust me, not when that's who I am to you.

Faust & Figaro: …

Faust: (There's no way an attitude change at this point is going to get his forgiveness…)

Figaro: (…Am I just really bad at making up with people…?) (If I want to regain his confidence, then I need to properly communicate with him. And then ask him to be my disciple again…)

Faust & Figaro: Um…

Figaro: Ah… Please, you go first.

Faust: Ah… Okay. … …This latest battle made me truly aware of how powerless I am. I don't want to lose anyone ever again. So even if it's just until the day we fight <the Great Calamity> again, that's fine. But would you be willing to teach me magic again?

Figaro: Huh…?!

Faust: …I knew it, that's asking too much…

Figaro: No… It's fine, it's totally fine. Are you sure…?

Faust: Will you teach me magic again?

Figaro: Of course I will.

Faust: …Thank you… It's shameful that I can't repay your kindness, Lord Figaro. I'm just being dependent on you…

Figaro: That's not true… I can't figure out how to make the words come out right, but I really am happy right now. Thank you for saying it, Faust… (I feel like I'm dreaming… I can't believe I'd get to be Faust's teacher again…)

Faust: (So he really won't say that he wants me to be his disciple again…) Allow me to express my gratitude, Lord Figaro. To one again have your encouragement and instruction is…

Figaro: Hold on a sec, Faust. Knock it off with the formalities. Just talk to me like you normally do.

Faust: Are you sure?

Figaro: I've got a lot of enemies, after all. It'd be best if people don't know we've got anything to do with each other. I'll expect it during lessons, though.

Faust: I unde… Got it. Good to be with you again.

Figaro: Don't get it twisted. It makes it twice as tasty for me, so it's not a bad thing.

Faust: Is…that right…

Figaro: Good luck on your investigation around Cortes.

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: My, my! So this is what kind of mechanism you're using here! Western Country is quite fascinating. Is there anywhere else I might take a look?

Sage's Lattice: Oh yes, Lord Snow! Please, come right this way with me.

White: …

Bradley: God damn, Figaro really knows how to treat a guy like a workhorse… What's the issue, White? I hardly ever see you on your own.

White: How apt. We do prefer to be together than to be alone. And yet, just look at Snow now. He's enjoying himself perfectly well without me. Had he not killed me, I'm most certain Snow would have come West in his pursuit of loneliness.

Bradley: Can I say something?

White: Yes.

Bradley: You should be savin' that kind of heavy conversation for Oz or Figaro.

White: You're so cold, Bradley dear…!

Bradley: The two of you are the weird ones here. Northern wizards're supposed to live proudly indepedent lives. No matter who you meet, no matter who you keep by your side, in the end, you still stand alone.

White: Hmmmmph… I wouldn't have expected the man who built an organization around himself to say something like that.

Bradley: I built it for my own benefit, not outta any kind of sentiment. Keepin' someone with you or tryin' to kill 'em is just proof you respect their soul. The essence of who they are.

White: And permitting that essence of who they are to change is part of that?

Bradley: It doesn't change, man. Someone's nature ain't that malleable. It just means there was more to 'em than you realized. That's what it means to have two different lives.

White: I don't want to hear about that sort of thing.

Bradley: Don't freakin' pout at me about it. You're gonna go from a regular ghost to a vengeful one.

White: I've already been one for ages now.

Bradley: Hey! Don't just up and vanish on me! Jeez… … …I get it, Eva. I'm not making a mistake.

✦✧☾✧✦

Child: Hey, hey! Heeeey, mister!

Isaac: …

Child: I said, hey!

Mother: Oh, don't pester him… I'm so sorry. And when you're helping us carry our things, too…

Isaac: …It's fine…

Mother: We were in such a pinch when our wagon's axle broke. I really can't thank you enough for offering to help us.

Child: Ahaha! Mom's acting all humble because this guy's soooo cool!

Mother: Dear! Don't say things like that! …I'm so sorry…

Isaac: …It's fine…

Mother: But, it really is true… I was startled by how handsome you are. Are you a traveling performer, maybe? Or an actor?

Isaac: … …All I did was wash my hair and body…and get new clothes. …I cut my hair and my nails…

Mother: Well, that's still upright of you. My son and husband hate cutting their nails for some reason.

Child: Hey, hey! Tell me your name, mister! Where are you from? What's your family like? Is everyone in your family huge too? What should I eat to get as big as you?

Isaac: …You shouldn't follow me…

Child: Whaaaat? C'mon, let's talk about stuff! What's the strongest thing you've met so far? What's the tastiest thing you ever ate? Hey, hey, why won't you tell me? Man. You're soooo mean, mister.

Isaac: …

Mother: Dear, you can't treat him like that. Apologize for being rude to him.

Child: But…

Mother: You love to talk to people, but not everyone you meet is going to love it too. For example, our companion here is very strong, but if we were to ask you to lift the same things he can, you wouldn't be able to, right? He could have thrown our broken wagon aside and shoved past us, but he chose not to do that. He's not being mean at all. In fact, he's treating you plenty nice. He's a very generous and upstanding person.

Child: …Okay…

Mother: Traveler, let me apologize to you in place of my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart…

Isaac: …

Child: I'm sorry, mister… I… Um, I just wanted to talk to you more… I just felt a little lonely since you didn't reply. Thank you for carrying our things for us.

Isaac: … …Isaac.

Child: Huh…?

Isaac: My name. …Isaac.

Child: Mister Isaac!

Isaac: …Actually, I also… …Wanted to talk with people…who noticed what I was doing… …Even just a little bit… …Please, let me…

8 - Days Threaded With Merit

Figaro: All righty, Master Sage. Things are basically settled here, so we can talk now.

Akira: Basically settled?

Murr: Lord Figaro and I have been discussing our plans from this point forward since last night.

Figaro: That's a very pretty way of saying you left me to make all the big decisions.

Murr: It was a very stimulating night. By which I mean I narrowly escaped with my life.

Akira: I, um, I'd prefer it if you got along with one another.

Figaro: Shylock and Murr are already on their way to the City of Nectar. If they're trying to keep those two out of things around here, then with the two of them gone, they might start getting careless. And even if there's a trap waiting for the two of them, I have full confidence in their ability to survive it.

Murr: I'm honored.

Figaro: We've had the Eastern wizards leave the Western manor for the time being. We got a report of an incident near Cortes, so we told them to investigate it.

Murr: Easterners are very serious-minded, so they're not well-suited for political scheming and conspiracies. If we left them here, they'd just get used by our opponents.

Figaro: We sent Bradley to the Western military headquarters to put pressure on the head of the Magical Technology Corps. Western Country responds better to passion and raw emotions than things like "pride" or "loyalty". Which means the army is better strengthened by good, energetic morale. Without that morale, they're not as coordinated and start getting sloppy.

Akira: (Western Country is scary, but at the same time they're a very straightforwardly lively country…)

Figaro: On that subject, even though morale is pretty low in the East they do put effort into keeping themselves serious about what they're doing, and Central actively works to keep morale up. The South isn't especially eager to participate in conflict, and the North is the complete opposite. But because of that, they're very easy to fool with Murr's magic specialty.

Akira: Murr's specialty?

Murr: Provocation.

Akira: Oh…

Figaro: You stirred them up several times last night, didn't you?

Murr: Oh, no. I didn't use magic at all yesterday. Perhaps you're getting on in years, Lord Figaro?

Figaro: What was that?

Murr: One's patience tends to wane as they age, and all that.

Figaro: Y'know…

Murr: Oh my, it seems we've gotten off track. As Lord Figaro just explained, Western Country's soldiers get emboldened when morale is high. In this regard, General Barnett is an ideal commander. He's excellent at emboldening the soldiers' spirits.

Figaro: Should someone like that weaken, his troops will weaken, too. Bradley's the number one choice for showing who's on top here. He's got the charismatic commander thing down pat.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Yo.

Gilles: …You are…

Bradley: A Northern wizard. The one famous for being the King of Bandits, the one and only Bradley Bain. And you're the Western general, ain'tcha? You ain't stupid enough to underestimate me, yeah? So let's try to get along, brother.

Gilles: … I'd rather not, personally…

Bradley: You think you get to turn me down? I don't mind cleaning out this treasure trove you've dropped me into, y'know. So? What'cha gonna do?

Gilles: …I'll welcome the opportunity, I suppose. I have read your autobiography…

Bradley: I ain't the one who wrote that.

Gilles: My goodness…

Bradley: If y'wanna ask me somethin', just ask and I'll tell ya. But first things first, how about tellin' me which bar the West's best alcohol gets poured at?

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: If he overdoes it there's sure to be some backlash, but Bradley's very good at adjusting himself. Even if he gets too into things, in the end, he's still a prisoner. We're the ones holding the reins.

Akira: (Bradley's amazing for being able to match that general…)

Figaro: As for you, Master Sage, you're worried about the Sage's Lattice, aren't you?

Akira: Yes… It feels like something bad might happen to them once I return to Central…

Figaro: It does, doesn't it. So why not turn them into real, proper allies? At the moment they're being threatened into serving here to keep the Sage tied down, but… If we could adjust things so that they're fully on the Sage's side, then her Majesty would have so generously given us a fifty-man troop as a present. Not to mention how each and every one of them is tremendously skilled in their area of expertise.

Akira: But, how would we…

Figaro: We just have to undo the deception. It'll completely nullify the spell their conductor's got them under. If they align themselves against Western Country against the Queen's wishes while she's trying to boost her popularity with the people, the people will blame them and not her. And you're worried about that happening, right?

Akira: Yes… I don't want to trouble them or our allies in Central Country…

Figaro: I know you don't. But in point of fact, there's no reason whatsoever to blame them. It's nothing more than a psychological effect. The Western people have a lot of expectations of their freshly-crowned Queen. Given those high expectations, they'll think anyone who brings shame to their young Queen is the enemy. But their new Queen has no real substance to what she says just yet. She's got no experience, no proof of actual results. There's just the hope that something will be done for them, that something wonderful will happen.

Akira: …Now that you mention it, I think you're right… I've even heard people say she was just taking it easy in Cortes until now…

Figaro: Exactly. And on the other hand, you have real merit behind what you say, Master Sage. You've settled all sorts of incidents all over the world. You've got the concrete results she lacks. Not to mention that all of the Sage's wizards, including the Northern wizards, are willing to obey you, even coming all this way with you. That's merit the people can trust. They can put their faith in the way that you've lived in the days that came before today.

Something about that felt really…incredible. I'd come from another world. I didn't know a single person here in this one. But despite the mystery of who I was, I still had some quality that made people trust in me regardless. The irreplaceably precious days I'd spent with them here were what made up my reputation. It felt miraculous.

Figaro: And so… Wah, Master Sage. Why are you crying?

Murr: My goodness, Figaro… You should be more clever than that. Please take my handkerchief, Master Sage.

Akira: …I'm sorry… I'm being such a crybaby lately…

Murr: Your tears fall because you view us through the lens of your open heart. There is no higher honor.

Murr handed off his handkerchief to me, and then took my hand in his, pressing his lips to my fingers. I smiled, still on the edge of tears. Murr beamed back, and then turned to look at Figaro.

Murr: I didn't use even a whit of my specialty, just so you know.

Figaro: I know you didn't.

Figaro nodded his head, though his face looked somewhat pained.

Figaro: Master Sage. I want to say once again that you are worth having faith in. But the Western people don't necessarily have that in their heads. So you should let them know it, as courteously as you can. What you mustn't do at times like this one is embarrass your target. Isn't that right, Murr?

Murr: Precisely so. Once one experiences heartbreak and humiliation, they'll stubbornly reject whatever it was that made them experience it in the first place. Unnecessary offense or insult needn't be part of mutual understanding. I don't mean this in a moralistic right-or-wrong sort of way, but in regards to how to efficiently adjust herd mentality. Figaro. If I were to say to you "You don't even know that?", what would you do?

Figaro: I'd think it's a tragedy someone as clever as you couldn't think of something more intelligent to say.

Murr: See? No motivation whatsoever to understand. And it's impossible to know how long it'll take for him to become positive about these things again once he's gotten all sulky about it. My goal is not to disgrace him, nor is it to turn him to stone. I want to understand him. And so I must properly and politely explain myself to him, keeping who he is and how he thinks in high regard.

Murr bowed politely to Figaro. Figaro just shrugged, smiling.

Murr: The people of this country expect much of their young Queen. They picture her bringing about a beautiful tomorrow, their hearts dancing in their chests. And when that time comes… What will she have done? Heavy crown upon her brow, she must have done more than simply sit in her big fancy chair. And her advertising fees mustn't go unpaid. She needs to pay the price for making our dear Sage a political signboard without permission. …well, being honest will only make things more complicated. You will be mired in a swamp of obligations.

Akira: That's true, isn't it… But… Then, what do we do…?

Murr: Why, it's simple. As we've been mentioning, the Queen is the star of the hour. You simply to need to match her.

Akira: Huh…? I do?!

Murr: Oh, yes. You will be Murr Hart Productions' newest star…

Figaro: With supervising director, Figaro Garcia.

Murr: We will turn you into a sensation. The process will be simple. First, you must praise the new Queen as generously as you can. The Western people are already enamored with their queen. Seeing another powerful figure praising her will make them adore you as well, Sage. And when the masses have their interest caught by the Sage, your reliability and achievements will become common knowledge. And when popularity and goodwill are equally split between you and and the Queen, that's when you will make a dignified but gentle proclamation. "Must I stay in a place like this?"

Figaro: "Thank you for letting us impose on you for so long. Please take care, everyone." That kind of thing.

I needed to become as popular as the Queen herself…

Akira: C…can I really become someone that impressive? I don't feel like I'm capable of it, personally…

Murr: Of course you can. Don't worry your pretty little head, my dearest Sage.

Figaro: Don't worry. Be confident in yourself. You're super cute, and you've got a great personality.

Akira: That's not what you usually tell me…

Murr: You don't, Figaro? Whyever not?

Figaro: I do tell you that! I say all sorts of wonderful things about you!

Murr: Master Sage. Your accomplishments form the trust people have in you. I did say that, but… It's also a reflection of your beauty. For example, your gentle smile, the kindness and care you extend to all those around you… The many challenges you've overcome, your steady and resolute nature, your inner strength, your dazzling eyes. The aura around you is colored by the sparkling emotions that have passed through your heart… And it is more beautiful than the most precious of gemstones.

Figaro: I agree with all of that, but… If I were going to say it, I wouldn't be so stuck up about it. The air around you is different from when you'd first arrived in this world. It's bright, it's brave, it's kind… And it's got melancholy and resolve in it, too. It's beautiful.

Murr: Now, Master Akira. Let us present you to the world.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Nero.

Nero: Teach. Are y' all healed up?

Faust: I'm fine now. Have you heard about how we'll be leaving for Cortes soon?

Nero: Yep. The Sage apologized for askin' me to do somethin' while I'm still recovering, but I'd rather be up and movin' anyways. Otherwise I feel like I'd get caught up in some royal court conspiracy bullshit.

Faust: That's how I feel, too. I'm no good at political posturing, myself. Nero, I want to be upfront with you. The relationship I have with you is a comfortable one. The time I spend with you is the ideal way for my heart to mend when I'm tired of dealing with other people.

Nero: …Wh-what's all this all of a sudden… Haha… Y'plannin' on breakin' up with me?

Faust: Why would I do that? I'm complimenting you.

Nero: …Just, y'know, a feeling…

Faust: No… Maybe that's what you'll be saying to me in just a little bit.

Nero: Huh… I don' think I'd say that to you, but now I'm gettin' nervous…

Faust: Me, too…

Faust & Nero: …

Faust: Nero. We're going to be talking about something that isn't going to be fun for either of us.

Nero: Okay.

Faust: Without getting too deep into it, the relationship I've had with you has been a very comforting one. Being with you lets me forget how much of a pain I can be.

Nero: It's been the same for me, Faust.

Faust: …But. I've been reflecting on the battle we had a few days ago. If we want to be a team that can fight life-or-death battles like that… I think we should have a better understanding of one another's skills and pasts.

Nero: …Pasts, huh… Yeah… You're right.

Faust: …

Nero: I gotcha. I'll talk. I don't wanna keep lettin' myself feel hurt when I think about those guys.

Faust: …Alright.

Nero: But, for real, y'might wanna actually break up with me after this. I'm…fine with it, but what about you…?

Faust: …Nero…

Nero: Teach, what we've had up til now…might be completely different from now on. Like we're standin' on other sides of a thick line drawn in the sand. If you're good with that, so am I. Let's go.

Faust: Thank you. Nero, I want you to tell me what kinds of locations you have experience fighting in, what monsters you've fought, and what tactics you've used in the past. If possible, I'd also like a list of all the forms of magic you can use, as well your personal strengths and weaknesses, and likes and dislikes.

Nero: Hmuh? By my past, you meant, like…a battle resume kind of thing?

Faust: That's right.

Nero: What the hell! Say that first next time!

Faust: But someone suspicious finding out about the full extent of your magical capabilities could put your life in danger.

Nero: Who's suspicious? I've never doubted you or Heath or Shino.

Faust: Nero…

Nero: (That was close… If the conversation kept bein' heavy like that, I really would've started talkin' about other things…)

Faust: (Whew… Nero's such a goodhearted person…)

Nero: (Teach's super straitlaced, so he'd definitely never let it slide if he found out I used to be a bandit…)

Faust: Well then, let's conduct flawless preparations for heading to Cortes while exchanging information. <Salliuqnart Mulcredo>

Nero: Teach… Are you really gonna carry all that luggage with you?

Faust: Yes. I've recently realized that the more curseworking tools I have available to me at a moment's notice, the better.

Nero: (The battle before kinda traumatized him, huh…)

Shino: Faust, Nero. We're ready to go.

Heathcliff: That's a lot of luggage, isn't it?

Faust: Good timing, you two. Could all of you stand in a row here for a moment?

Heathcliff: M--Mr. Faust. You already applied sanctuary blossom pollen to both of us earlier.

Faust: I'm aware. It's better to cover all of our bases.

Shino: He's right, Heath. We don't need to worry if we're properly prepared. Last night I reviewed all the magic I thought we might need on this mission. I'm basically good there.

Heathcliff: That's really impressive?!

Nero: That's way too impressive?!

Faust: Alright, perfect.

Shino: Heh.

Nero: (Shino's kinda traumatized, too…) Well… I guess if you guys're doin' all this, we'll feel way more secure from now on.

Shino: Hey. Nero, you do it too. You almost died!

Faust: I'm going to dust you with shielding ash now.

Heathcliff: Oh, you have warding salt, too.

Nero: Waugh! Achoo…! …Tha--sniff, thanks!

9 - If the Truth Would Bring Sorrow

Arthur: Excuse me. … Lord Oz…isn't here… I was certain I felt his presence… …I wonder where he went…

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: … Figaro, is it.

Figaro: What's wrong? Why are you on the roof? Also, I brought them along, but why are the twins in their painting…? I was thinking it was strange that they were in their painting during the day, but apparently you were the one who did it?

Oz: The painting is wet.

Figaro: They kept arguing with each other even in the painting, so I put them in the fountain for a while. I think they're unconscious. They both got nice and properly suffocated. Or maybe they thought they should've been, so they are, like a placebo effect.

Oz: Why…

Figaro: Why were they fighting? No idea. I should be asking you why you decided to trap them in their painting.

Oz: Because they started fighting.

Figaro: …

Oz: I did not desire to listen to them.

Figaro: Man, this sucks. I did the same thing you did. Anyways, way more importantly, wanna hear about my disciple? You do? You do?

Oz: … You have no disciple.

Figaro: Fufufu. I tooootally do. You should go and treasure your own disciple more, you know. I heard you're avoiding Arthur? Aww, you're just making the both of you so sad and lonely.

Oz: …Arthur is not my disciple.

Figaro: He should be. Hey, wanna hear about my disciple? Maybe it'll put you in the mood for one of your own.

Oz: That is unnecessary.

Figaro: Whaaaat? Why's that?

Oz: You were the one who said you didn't wish to speak of disciples. You also said it had been a very long time since you felt such inclinations.

Figaro: Whaaaat? Did I reeeaaally say that?

Painting Snow: …ugh, cough cough…!

Painting White: Cough cough…!

Painting Snow & White: I thought we were going to droooown!

Figaro: Yeah, you only thought you were.

Painting Snow: Figaro, you are a terrible child! Oh my, if it isn't Oz.

Painting White: Oz is another terrible child! Why are you climbing on the roof?

Oz: Stay quiet for now.

Painting Snow & White: Wahhhh, we got turned over…!

Oz: Figaro, I have something I wish to ask you.

Figaro: Sure, shoot.

Oz: How much have you told Faust?

Figaro: How much of what?

Oz: Of your crimes.

Figaro: …How about we talk about literally anything else…

Oz: Have you not told him?

Figaro: You mean what I did with you? Pretty sure he knows even if I don't say anything. And Faust is an adult, so…

Oz: How did he learn of it?

Figaro: What do you mean, "how"… You know, Oz, I'd rather we talk about something more fun than this, okay?

Oz: … Would you accept me telling Faust about what you have done?

Figaro: Absolutely not? Okay, I need you to take a good look at me. My disciple came back, so every little bit of me is happy. Oh, I get it… Arthur asked you directly about the old days, didn't he.

Oz: …He has not yet asked. However, I imagine he will ask me very soon.

Figaro: Are you going to tell him the truth?

Oz: … He said that it would make him sad. To find that the dreadful stories about me are true. Long ago, you told me that I must not make children sad.

Figaro: I sure did.

Oz: What if telling the truth makes a child sad?

Figaro: Even if it makes him sad, Arthur will still want the truth. That's the kind of kid he is.

Oz: … White.

Painting White: Oh, he turned us back up.

Painting Snow: We've just been staring at the withered leaves here on the roof.

Oz: For the two of you, the truth is something that led Snow to want to forsake White.

Figaro: Hey, don't make them start fighting again…

Oz: Did you want to hear that truth, White?

Painting White: To be honest, I do not know.

Painting Snow: …

Painting White: Thought at times I have wished things had simply ended without my knowing it… I have also been grateful it didn't end with me never knowing.

Painting Snow: Dearest Oz. You should simply tell Arthur to wait a bit longer. You'll tell him one day. But for now, he should be patient. It is a tale too harsh for children's ears.

Figaro: That's definitely true.

Oz: …

Painting White: Hohoho. It must be difficult for you, Oz. We were quite cruel to you when you were young. We, too, hold responsibility for your setting fire to the world.

Oz: Then, why… Why did we not begin by burning you?

Painting Snow: Hohoho. It is because we have both blessed and cursed you.

Painting White: It is because you would have felt lonely without us. It is because we love you very, very much. In our own ways.

Figaro: What a terrible conversation this is, truly.

Oz: …

✦✧☾✧✦

I was drifting about aimlessly through the Western manor's gardens, Saku-chan nestled on my shoulder. I was looking for Gregory. I found a bunch of birds resting in the shade of a tree and called to him softly, my voice low.

Akira: Gregory… Is Gregory here?

And then a voice just as quiet as mine responded, calling my name.

Gregory: Master Sage, Master Sage.

It was Gregory's voice. I turned my head and there Gregory was, fluttering in the air.

Gregory: My sincerest apologies. I swore to be your escort to repay you for what you did for me, but my place is always to remain outside…

Akira: It's just fine. I have all of the Sage's wizards here, plus Saku-chan, too.

Gregory: I've also found myself quite indebted to the Southern wizards.

Akira: The Southern wizards?

Gregory: Yes. Please follow me. I want you to see this too, Master Sage.

Gregory led the way into the heart of the gardens, and I followed. Tucked between the roots of a big tree whose branches were decorated with small red fruit were Lennox and Mitile.

Mitile: Master Sage!

Akira: Mitile, Lennox. Lennox, are your wounds okay now?

Lennox: Yes, thanks to you.

Mitile: Um, we made friends with Gregory, so we made him a birdhouse with magic. We wanted to make him a place where he could listen in on people in the palace while staying out of sight, so a birdhouse like this should be just perfect for him.

Akira: A birdhouse… You made it just for him?

Gregory: How rude. I have a place to sleep with a roof over my head now.

Akira: Y-you're right. I'm sorry.

Gregory: There's a bird that's a bit bad at being a bird around, you see. It seems it has no place to call home, so I tried to help it build a nest, but it doesn't seem to be able to relax there… Look, it's there in the window of the castle. It's hiding and keeping an eye on us. It seems to be incredibly timid.

Lennox: I wonder if it got attacked by an animal. It doesn't seem to be able to eat calmly either, and it's lost a lot of weight.

Mitile: So we made it a birdhouse so it can eat in peace!

Gregory: Thank you. You Southern wizards are truly as generous as the rumors say.

Mitile: Ehehe, I'm glad we could help. We already set up the house, so let's put a little bit of distance between it and us. It'll probably be easier for it to approach if there's no one around.

Lennox: Good idea. Let's go back to our lodgings. What will you do now, Master Sage?

Akira: There's something I want to talk to Gregory about. Gregory, would you be okay with coming to my room?

Gregory: Yes, of course…

Gregory fell silent. There were other people coming close. He was almost killed by the new Queen once. I didn't want to risk anything else happening to him if he was discovered. It was important that he act like a regular bird sometimes. The people we encountered were gardeners tending to the palace gardens. They were gossiping about us interlopers in the Western manor.

Gardener: That Sage was honestly one handsome chap. His long white hair, especially…

Akira: (I wonder who they're talking about…)

Gardener: I saw one of the Northern wizards! He was carrying a long staff, and he had some real intensity. It was amazing.

Akira: (That person's part of Central now…)

Gardener: I saw the Southern wizards. They all seemed to be good, upright people.

Gardener: They really do, don't they! But they weren't much different from regular garden-variety rural humans. If all we're gonna do is get to glimpse them, I'd rather see the Northern wizards than the Southern ones. It'd give me something to talk about.

Gardener: Right, right.

Mitile: …

Gregory: How rude they were! Why, I'll go set them straight at once!

Lennox: No, no, definitely not! The fact that you're here even as a bird is a secret.

Gregory: I know that, but… …I'm so sorry, everyone. Western humans love attention. They're not so good at seeing the value in simpler, more quiet things, so they tend to prefer the big, loud, showy stuff…

Lennox: It's fine. They weren't wrong. But I'm still happy that you got upset on our behalf. Isn't that right, Mitile?

Mitile: Ah… Yes! That's right.

Gregory: Please don't mind them. The birdhouses you made were first-rate. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.

Mitile: Don't worry, I wasn't gonna let it get to me! Let's go, Leno.

Lennox: Yeah…

Akira: Thank you for the birdhouses, you two!

Lennox: Of course.

Mitile: You're very welcome.

✦✧☾✧✦

Gregory: What did you want to talk about, Master Sage?

Akira: About Liliana. You said that the current Queen tried to kill you, right?

Gregory: Yes, she did… I can only make assumptions at this point in time, but the Queen is not Liliana.

Akira: So it's not that someone is controlling her, but that it's not her at all?

Gregory: It couldn't possibly be her. I admit my evidence is somewhat lacking, but… Liliana has a habit of playing with the hair at the base of her neck.

Akira: She does…?

Gregory: Like this, twisting it around her finger… But she also had difficulty pinning her hair up. I once saw her trying to massage it into place and covering it with hair oil.

Akira: Even princesses have it rough, huh…

Gregory: But I overheard her attendants talking about how the Queen no longer has that habit. I believe that, using magic or something else, someone has replaced Liliana.

Akira: How terrible… (But when I talked to them earlier, Oz and the others said something completely different…)

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Oz, Mithra, what did you think during the coronation?

Chloe: About the idea that the witch manipulating Western Country has turned herself into Princess Liliana…

Akira: Is the new Queen a wizard?

Oz: … No. I felt no presence of magic in her.

Mithra: I also felt nothing of the sort.

Akira: What about from the scepter? They say the scepter is what's cursing Western Country.

Mithra: You're asking if there was the presence of a curse? Not at all. Though it was positively dripping with human obsession and the presence of Western spirits. About as much as one could reasonably expect from something that old. Isn't that right, Oz.

Oz: Yes. However, I did feel the presence of magic in the tall blond man.

Akira: General Barnett?

Oz: Yes.

Mithra: Of course you did. He's a wizard, isn't he?

Akira: No, he isn't… He's the human head of the Magical Technology Corps. …Or, is he a wizard?

Mithra: He must be. Although I suppose he felt closer to a mana stone than a living wizard.

Akira: Shylock said the same thing…

Mithra: Regardless, the point is that Liliana is a human.

Chloe: Are you sure?

Mithra: Of course. I don't make mistakes.

Chloe: Then, can you feel the presence of any other wizards? Like around the palace, or maybe lurking around the tower…

Oz & Mithra: …

Oz: …I sense nothing…

Mithra: There's nothing to sense, no…

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: (Then… I wonder where she is.) (The witch controlling Western Country from the shadows, Zara…) It's hard to imagine both Oz and Mithra misreading the presence of magic…

Gregory: I see… Then I think I'd like to focus on continuous surveillance of the Queen from the sidelines for now.

Akira: Of course. Thank you very much. Is it okay if I ask one more thing?

Gregory: Yes, of course.

Akira: I'd like for you to tell me more about Liliana.

Gregory: About Liliana…?

Akira: Yes. So that when we leave the Western manor, we can do it in a way that won't upset the Western people… I've been told I should praise the new Queen as highly as I can.

Gregory: I see… So it's not about Liliana herself, but so that you may return to your home in Central, Master Sage.

Akira: But I do also want to make sure that everything concerning you is properly sorted out, too… That's what I've been thinking I want to do.

Gregory: Thank you very much.

Akira: I don't have any objections to this plan of commending the Queen, but… I don't know anything about Liliana herself, so I want to know more about who she is as a person. If I don't know that, then I'll just be praising her looks and nothing else… And I just can't help but feel that that's uncomfortably superficial. When your Liliana has safely and securely become Queen and is ruling over this country… If I were to say anything careless, that would just cause more problems for you down the line. So I want to know all of the parts of Liliana that you fell in love with… And even if it's not just her good parts. I want to know all of her. Would you be willing to tell me about her?

Gregory: …Master Sage… Thank you so much. I'm so happy to hear that. The Liliana showered with applause at the coronation ceremony is not Liliana. It felt as though the world had forgotten her, instead singing praises for someone who merely looks like her… So I am so very, very happy to hear that you want to remember Liliana as she truly is. Even when things are being so stressful for you, Master Sage…

Akira: So, are you okay with telling me about her, Gregory?

Gregory: Of course. I'd be happy to. I'll talk until dawn breaks if you'll let me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …I can see feathers near the window… Rustica…

Owen: Your teacher's turned into something fun.

Chloe: Owen…

Owen: Who did it to him? You should tell me. Was it the general that smells like mana stones? Or her red-haired Majesty? Well, not that I care either way. You should take revenge. Why not use that magic of yours to put people in states of apparent death and humiliate and slaughter them all?

Chloe: …I'm not doing that. Although I will probably try to get payback somehow. But I don't want to do anything that I wouldn't want to tell Rustica about.

Owen: Hmph. Hypocrite.

Chloe: No, I don't think I'm a good kid, pretending to be one or otherwise. I've never thought of myself like that. What about you, Owen? Why are you still here instead of leaving?

Owen: Should I have?

Chloe: No, I didn't mean that. I'm sorry if I worded it weirdly. I was just thinking that I hadn't seen you around for a while. But…now you're here.

Owen: I'm just here to harass people. They'll get so nervous trying to figure out what terrible thing I'm going to do here that they won't be able to sleep. Maybe I'll kill her Majesty and all of those people swarming Master Sage. Killing humans is pretty boring, though.

Chloe: …So the Queen really is a human?

Owen: Is she a wizard? If she's a wizard, then she'll turn to stone if I kill her. Should we find out?

Chloe: … Gasp… I almost got sucked in. No, that's bad, we're not doing that.

Owen: Fufu. I like that part of you.

Chloe: If someone was reeeaaally good at hiding things, do you think they'd be able to hide their magic from Lord Oz?

Owen: Probably. We Northern wizards have strong magic, but we're not always good at sensing anything other than hostility. Wouldn't you Western wizards who love change and ferreting out details be better at that?

Chloe: That's what I thought, too. If Rustica was feeling better, I'd ask him, but… I wish Murr and Shylock were here…

Owen: Why aren't they?

Chloe: They were asked by the palace to go on a mission, so they're at the City of Nectar. I stayed behind because I'm worried about Rustica.

Owen: Hmmmm.

Chloe: … …So, if someone was hiding their magic, if they weren't being hostile, a Northern wizard wouldn't be able to notice them at all?

Owen: Hah? We would notice.

Chloe: Wh…which is it?

Owen: We would notice. We never let our prey get away from us.

Chloe: I see…

Owen: But, maybe, in the million to one chance that what we were chasing was a Western wizard who's good at changing themself… We might not notice…?

Chloe: …

Owen: But I would still notice. Oz and Mithra have no idea.

Chloe: Could you come with me?

Owen: Huh? No way.

Chloe: Please!

Owen: I said no!

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: …Why am I here…

Chloe: If I'm right, the Queen should be walking through this hall pretty soon. I thought you'd be able to spy on her. And then tell me if she's really a human or if she's a wizard.

Owen: Ask Murr or Shylock. If they didn't notice, that'd mean she's a human.

Chloe: But… She's here!

Liliana: …

Chloe: …Well?

Owen: …I can't tell. It's not about if she's a human or a witch… The smell of mana stones on that guy with her is too strong.

Chloe: Shylock said that, too… That he smells like used-up mana stones. When we almost ran into her a while ago, the general was with the Queen then, too. So that might've been why Murr and Shylock didn't notice.

Owen: If her Majesty is a wizard or not? Why not just kill her?

Chloe: Huh?

Owen: If she turns to stone, she's a wizard.

Chloe: … N-no, we can't do that.

Owen: Hmph.

Chloe: (Is she Zara…) (Is she really…the reason Rustica loses his memories…?) …For now, I guess I should talk to Murr and Shylock about it.

10 - Please, Remain As You Are

Shino: So this is Cortes… The new Queen's hometown.

Heathcliff: It seems like a nice, peaceful town. But something feels weird…

Faust: The air is stagnant. The local spirits are all in chaos.

Nero: It feels like some kinda contaminant got in here. …Hey, look. Ain't that the place? There's a crowd.

Shino: Let's check it out.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: This is terrible…

Shino: Walls and entire buildings have been torn down, and all the plants in the area are withered…

Heathcliff: …There's desiccated animal carcasses, too…

Nero: Weren't there any witnesses to whatever happened here?

Cortes Citizen: … There were, but…

Faust: Can we meet with them?

Cortes Citizen: …They were already almost dead when we found them… Right now their families are making their final goodbyes.

Shino: Were they badly injured?

Cortes Citizen: …Their wounds… It was as though they'd had the life sucked out of them, turning them aged and haggard… Last night, they kept crying the same thing out in their sleep. That they'd seen a monster made of poison…

Shino & Heathcliff: A monster made of poison?!

Cortes Citizen: Yes… At first, it was only the size of a rabbit, but as it kept following the street, it seemed to flicker, and it somehow grew to the size of a goat… And there were noises around it as the plants started to wither and animals collapsed around it… And by the time we'd realized that, it had vanished…

Faust: …Poison… Could you let me see the victims? I might be able to do something to help them.

Cortes Citizen: Yes, of course.

Faust: Sorry for the trouble.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Excuse me. … Lord Oz still isn't here… …Ah well. I'll leave him a note. I'll write it on the window with magic so that only he'll be able to see it. …Lord Oz. Tomorrow, I return to Central Country. Before I do, I'd like to see you at least once, and speak with you. Your avoidance of me has left me feeling downcast. … Let me erase that part…

Oz: …

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: …We are going someplace to be alone.

Arthur: Then, please, let me. I can at least take us to the sky together. <Pernoctant Nixzo>

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: The stars are so bright tonight. It reminds me of the sky in the North.

Oz: … I need to speak with you.

Arthur: …Yes. I do, too…

Oz: I will hear what you have to ask me only once you are fully grown.

Arthur: When I'm an adult…?

Oz: …? …Perhaps I misinterpreted. But that is fine.

Arthur: …Alright. Then it's fine for me, too. Because you'll stay at my side until I'm an adult.

Oz: I will.

Arthur: …

Oz: I am watching you.

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: I was not born to meet you. I was born for my own sake. I do not seek to please you nor any other, nor have I ever lived to do so.

Arthur: …Yes…

Oz: And so, I have lived. One day, the things I have done during my life will bring you sorrow.

Arthur: …

Oz: I have never once desired to bring you sadness. Despite this, my very existence has grown to become something that has wounded your heart, leaving deep scars within you. This is why I have let go of your hand. Should you live in the world of man and forget me… The storm which you must weather would become naught but a gentle rain. That is what I believe.

Arthur: …

Oz: Yet… The loneliness I experienced only after I met you…was truly… …

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: The…difficulty I had in arriving at the days spent with you cannot be put in words. …I imagine my words would not sufficiently convey it, regardless. I do not understand the things that have happened to me, either. Still… I have a request to make of you.

Arthur: …A request, Lord Oz…?

Oz: Yes. Should one day my existence pain you and bring you sorrow. I am the one you should resent for it. Not this world.

Arthur: …

Oz: You must not misunderstand. Please, stay as you are… Loving this world. Should your heart become discordant and as violent as a storm's wind… You must not break your friends, nor the world around you. For one day, you will find something to love… …And you will be able to unhesitatingly…extend your hand…and embrace it in your arms. I ask that you do not defile this world. Please, I ask that that alone is something you do not misinterpret in my words.

Arthur: …Lord Oz… …I can't. Even if it's something you ask of me, Lord Oz, I cannot accept that.

Oz: …Arthur…

Arthur: Were I forced to pick between you and the world, I would always pick you. Just as you lifted me from the snow when I was just a baby, no matter what happens… I will lift you from this world, Lord Oz.

Oz: …

Arthur: Alright, here.

Oz: …What's that pose for.

Arthur: Please hug me. Although it can't be like when you used to pick me up in your arms when I was little, since I'm much bigger now. Please don't overthink things. No matter who you may be, you are the only person who can be who you have been in my life. And you're the person who saved my life and taught me how much fun the magic I'd been forbidden from really is! …I-I'm just so glad that…you didn't decide to abandon me, too…

Oz: … …As if I could.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: …I wonder if that bird decided to go into the birdhouse we made? I'll go check up on it for a moment.

Mithra: Mitile.

Mitile: Mithra…

Mithra: That person isn't here, yes? I was looking for you.

Mitile: You were looking for me…?

Mithra: You said you wanted one, didn't you? A mana stone.

Mitile: …! I did…

Mithra: Shall I tell you how to eat one?

Mitile: Please!

Mithra: That means you want to eat one, right?

Mitile: Yes, I do. I thought over it a lot, but I've made up my mind. I want to become strong. I'm scared of getting hurt like Shino and Heathcliff did, but… I'm the son of the Great Witch, Tiletta. I'm a wizard. I'm not ordinary. I can do so much more than this.

Mithra: That's exactly right. You're the child of the Great Witch, Tiletta. You'll become a powerful wizard.

Mitile: I will…!

Mithra: And if you become a strong wizard, then Rutile's going to regret ever refusing to accept a mana stone from me. "Sorry, you were right, please give me a mana stone." He didn't know a thing when he rejected it. "I'm so sorry, Mithra. You were right. I was wrong." And then when he comes to me like that, I'll reject him ninety-nine times in a row. And if he asks me a hundredth, then I'll give him this little one. That'll teach him to turn down a gift from me. But for you, I'll give you one that's especially good.

Mitile: Will a better one make me stronger?

Mithra: Obviously. Though there's no way for a regular mana stone to make you as strong as I am. It has to be of particularly good quality. And I'm going to give you one of those particularly good ones. Just for you. Here, take it. It's the stone of a witch I killed who had lived for more than a thousand years.

Mitile: …A dead witch…

Mithra: She was so strong that Owen was aiming for her, too. Now, open your mouth.

Mitile: Do I eat it just…like this?

Mithra: Yes. Put it in your mouth, and it'll naturally become part of you. You'll understand when you try it.

Mitile: Okay… Then let's do it. … …nom.

Mithra: … Did it disappear in your mouth?

Mitile: Not yet.

Mithra: I see. Probably soon, then?

Mitile: Not yet…

Mithra: That's odd. Maybe try swallowing it?

Mitile: W-won't it clog my throat?

Mithra: If it got absorbed as soon as it did, that would be ideal, but…

Mitile: Is there some kind of trick to get it to happen?

Mithra: Trick… Perhaps feeling as if it belongs to you.

Mitile: Belongs to me… (This belongs to me.) (This is mine.) (It's mine.) (This is mine.) (I'm going to become a powerful wizard.) (I'm Tiletta's son!) (The son of the Great Witch!) (Everyone, everyone, will remember me!) (Look at me!) (I'm Mitile, son of Tiletta!) …ah… It vanished…

Mithra: Did you absorb it?

Mitile: Amazing… I totally get what you meant! It's part of me now…

Mithra: Isn't it? It's much easier to simply experience it than to try to explain with words.

Mitile: Yeah… …gh…!?

Mithra: What's wrong?

Mitile: Kh….agh…!

Mithra: Mitile? Mitile, what's wrong?

Mitile: Ah…ah…! Ahh, ahh, ahhhh…!

Mithra: Mitile?

Mitile: I feel hot…and…sleepy…I don't know…!

Mithra: What… What are you talking about? Did you eat something strange?

Mitile: Ah…ah… …

Mithra: …Are you okay now?

Mitile: … Hehe… Ehehe… Ahaha… Ahh-haha! Ahahaha! Hehe, ehehehe! Ahahaha!

Mithra: Mitile! Mitile!

Mitile: Gyahaha! Gwah gwah! No, no, no!! No! Help…!

Bradley: Look at me.

Mitile: …!

Mithra: Bradley.

Bradley: Mitile, look at me. Don't look away. Look right into my eyes.

Mitile: Ahh… Ahh!

Bradley: Right here. Don't look away! Mithra, you fed him a mana stone, didn't you? Eatin' a rock that's too strong for you gets you taken over by it.

Mithra: Excuse me?! That's not true. Nothing like that ever happened to me…

Bradley: That's because there's only one wizard stronger than you.

Mitile: Hehe, ehehe… Tadaaaa, tadaaaa. Wauuuugh…!

Mithra: What's going to happen to Mitile? Is he going to die?

Bradley: It's happened before. If you don't want him to die, start callin' his name. It'll help him remember himself.

Mithra: Mitile, Mitile…!

Bradley: Look at me! At me! Mitile!

Mitile: …!

Bradley: Respond, Mitile!

Mitile: …Right…!

Bradley: Who am I?

Mitile: …Brad…ley…

Bradley: Good job, kid. Think you can hold onto me? Here, wrap your arms around me.

Mitile: …I--I'm scared! My chest hurts…!

Bradley: You'll be okay. You're a strong kid. We're here for you, too. Mithra, keep your eyes on Mitile's face. And keep sayin' his name.

Mithra: Mitile, Mitile…

Mitile: Mithra, Mithra…! …Mithra! Mithra!! Ehehe! Ahahahaha!

Mithra: Mitile! Mitile! Don't struggle, you'll hurt yourself?

Bradley: …It's fine, he's fine. You go on back. I've got him.

Mitile: Ahh… Ahh… …Ahhhh…

Bradley: Name?

Mitile: …Bradley…

Bradley: Your name. Say it.

Mitile: … … …tile… Mitile… …

Mithra: Mitile!

Bradley: He's only passed out. But we gotta keep an eye on him all night. If it overtakes him in the middle of the night and he can't pull himself back, he'll turn to stone.

Mithra: What should I do?

Bradley: Keep callin' his name and remindin' him of who he is. The rest is up to him.

Mithra: …

Bradley: Haah… Adrenaline's goin' down… You're a real fucking idiot feeding a stone that strong to Mitile. Did you do it because he's Tiletta's kid?

Mithra: That has nothing to do with you.

Bradley: Guess not. Don't do that to Rutile. If you gotta, pick out a weak one…

Mithra: I won't. He rejected it.

Bradley: Turnin' down a stone from you is a hell of a waste. 'Least it means he ain't goin' through what Mitile did, but still…

Mithra: …

Bradley: Go tell Figaro what happened, Mithra. Just in case.

Mithra: There is no such case. I'll protect him.

Bradley: … Is that right.

Next Chapter

#.main story tl #i feel like i might be writing figaro as too valley girl...it's so hard being a teenage girl when you're a 2000 yr old man

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obeymelya · 1 month

Text

LuciLya | Dancing In The Moonlight

During the party at the Demon Lord's castle Lucifer and I snuck away together, I clung to my dress, stumbling a bit in my heels as he chuckled and gripped my waist to help me walk. We stopped in an area where the Devildom moon shined brightest, the place illuminated with it's natural light. The music could still be heard from where we stood as the love of my life offered his hand to me, bringing me into his arms as we gently swayed to the soft melody in the distance.

#obey me lucifer #anime #obey me nightbringer #obey me #lucifer morningstar #luciferandlya #lucifer x lya #lya x lucifer #lyarose #lya rose #lucilya #lucifer #originalmc #oc #original character #main character #mc

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memento-morri-writes · 2 months

Note

hi !! I was wondering if you have any dnd characters you wanna talk about :) (in response to ur tags on my post)

ARE YOU KIDDING ME, OF COURSE I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this is going under the cut because I talk too much!

So, the love of my fucking life is my swashbuckler rogue, Rook. (art of him here and here.) He has a very, very fucked up backstory, which I talked about here. (mind the tws on that post.)

I posted several snippets of the prose version I did of my favorite session I've ever played with him here. (again, mind the tws.) (I will gladly share the link to that entire doc if anyone wants to read it, as I'm very proud of it.)

But to be brief, he's the bastard son of a nobleman who's father hated him. He ran away from home as a teen, booked it to the nearest port town, and joined the crew of a pirate ship, captained by a woman named Zara. She was his mentor for YEARS and taught him everything. She also gifted him his magic rapier.

He got named first mate, which some people took issue with since he was one of the youngest crew members. They betrayed him and kidnapped him, giving him to rival pirate captain Kora Wolf, who kept him prisoner for two years before he was able to escape.

He ran away and entered the Feywild and was hiding there for several months before he was recruited by the party.

Currently, my poor man is having a terrible time. Two of the his party members are close with Captain Wolf, and one of them bought her lies about Rook, and now doesn't trust him. On top of this, he's been cursed by a demon lord, which is currently affecting him by not letting him sleep, partly due to terrible nightmares.

He's a super interesting character because on one hand he's very paranoid and mistrusting (especially now with his lack of sleep), but he also has never been shown much kindness in life, and it doesn't take all that much for him to be willing to die for you. He's incredibly reckless and will dive into dangerous situations without a second's thought, especially to save his friends. He joined a pirate crew because he was terrified of getting stuck in one boring place, and that says a lot about him. He idolizes Zara, and I have NO IDEA how he'll react when he meets her again, since he never got to say goodbye and has changed so much in the nearly 3 years since he saw her. Our party's gunslinger lowkey adopted him, and after the scene I linked above, he told someone "I missed having someone to take care of." which almost broke me.

As you can tell, I'm obsessed with this man, and I love making his life miserable. But don't worry, he'll get his happy ending. I have plans for an Inigo Montoya-style revenge duel between him and Wolf, and it's gonna be great.

My other current character is Cyra (she/they), a fire genasi barbarian/fighter. She was raised by a cult-like warband following the destruction of her hometown as a child. Later, she ended up falling in "love" with the daughter of the leader, and having a very toxic, fucked-up relationship with her. She eventually realized how bad her situation was, and realized there was no saving her gf or changing her mind, so she ran off, stealing a sand skiff as she left. They're currently becoming buddies with our party rogue, which was completely unexpected to all of us, players and characters. Last session we left off mid-combat with undead pirates in attempts to get some cursed treasure. Oh, and they have a flaming metal quarterstaff that they can summon by pulling it out of their chest. Which a major villain (who happens to be the rogue's ex-wife) wants so badly she tried to rip it out of Cyra's chest...

As for other characters, I have some very, very fun concepts for a few, including:

Zenara (they/them): tiefling warlock who was an accidental mix of a bunch of character from Critical Role Campaign 2. Occasionally gets possessed by their patron and wakes up with no memories of the shit they've done.

Avra: shadar-kai/reborn assassin who should be dead, but woke up somehow "alive" again after a mission gone wrong.

Morana: character for a future pathfinder game that will happen someday. Autistic necromancer witch with a raven familiar. Creepy as hell and very morbid. No empathy and very practical, to a degree that other people occasionally find disconcerting. Exiled from her hometown for graverobbing and necromancy. Apprenticed under a guy who turned himself into a lich.

I have literally over 30 other character concepts, but most of them are not well-developed, and this post is already WAY too long.

Now, PLEASE, TELL ME EVERYTHING. I wanna hear about your characters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how long have you been playing? what's your favorite class? Tell me all about your fucked up little guys!!!

#transmasc-wizard #morrigan replies #morrigan plays dnd #dnd #thank you SO MUCH for asking me about my special interest aksdjaksdjaskdj. I'm SO SORRY about how long this is.

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dialux · 1 year

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i will burn with a light of my own - notes

Duncan’s prophecy is in three parts:

Moonlight shall be your shield and dawn shall be your sword - refers to Sansa appearing like Talyah/the Mother Rhoyne with the help of moonlight to Lady Zara Wyl, and then how she used the changing light of dawn to appear like Talyah/the Mother Rhoyne to Lord Wyl, Arianne, and the people in the courtyard.

From the eldest shall come the oldest - Jon is the eldest Stark child of the new generation, and he achieves the oldest skill of the Starks, wolfsinging.

The only answer for death can never be death - when Sansa asks the dragon to stop slavery and it offers to burn Meereen and all of Slaver’s Bay to the ground.

The tracts of wood for Castle Wyl’s surrounding walls are made of pine, primarily as a shout-out to my favorite estuary in SoCal, Torrey Pines.

Prince Lewyn really did have a paramour despite being a Kingsguard, which has been living rent-free in my brain since I read Arys’ chapter in AFFC. Not that Sansa knew this, of course, but there should totes be some random weedy looking folks popping out of nowhere to claim Martell blood is what I’m saying ;)

“Grief is a river which carries me along, but I am the river, too,” whispers Zara. “Hate is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger. Rage is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire.” - This line is adapted from the Jorge Luis Borges essay, “A New Refutation of Time,” which goes “Time is the substance I am made of. Time is a river which sweeps me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger which destroys me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire which consumes me, but I am the fire.”

Druselka was Nymeria of Ny Sar’s companion, a priestess of the Mother Rhoyne who accompanied Nymeria on her journey from the Rhoyne when the Valyrians invaded. She claimed to have heard the Mother Rhoyne calling her children home and led her followers back to the Rhoyne, where the Valyrians enslaved them. In this story, her prophecy was a ruse designed by Nymeria to ensure those that followed her to Westeros would not be without a choice (to return home).

The names of the Wyl sisters (Talyah, Zara, and Mariah) are riffs on Hebrew names, though Mariah is notably also used as a Martell name.

The four Sand Snakes they meet in the desert are Obara, Nymeria, Tyene, and Elia.

Sulphurous rivers, as far as I can tell, do not exist on Earth, though there is a “Sulphur River” in Texas; sulfur water, on the other hand, does exist, and often results in a) a very strong smell and b) water on fire. So that’s why the Brimstone burns when dragonfire touches it.

Blue fire is usually considered the hottest color, but purple fire would match the eyes of the Targaryens, wouldn’t it?

Fire turns sand to glass if it’s hot enough. The hills of Meereen have copper in them, which is why they form “a crunchy, icy glass that gleams a blue even brighter than the sky.” Were the glass that formed near the Hellholt to be described, due to the sulphur contamination, it would have been a deep, amber color.

“I will live under it for the rest of the days of my life. And if I falter… then death shall be my reward, as it has been for all the rest of my kin.” - A riff on JRRT’s Silm line, “His valour was as a fire yet steadfast as the hills of stone; wise he was and skilled in voice and hand; troth and justice he loved and bore goodwill to all, both Elves and Men, hating Morgoth only; he sought not his own, neither power nor glory, and death was his reward.”

“You question where you can find a beach without waves,” says the old dragon, “but the truth at the heart of this world is that there are no eyes that cannot dream.” - Taken from the Telugu song “Nee Prashnalu Neeve,” from the movie Kotha Bangara Lokam.

#a tempest; a cyclone #my writing

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artistdove · 1 year

Photo

Too exhausted to draw comic stuff so doodle dump. Aside from Mana, Altair, and Korro, the rest are random ocs made as friends for the main 3. I have more and plan to showcase them but idk when i’ll get time or energy to do it qwq. Slight info on them below

Naos: King of crabs within the realms. Majority of the crabs follow them like a leader, but corrupted ones are difficult to deal with. Korro worked under him for a good while along with the Krill Lord as either messanger, errand gal, or unit control

Vera: Sanctuary veteran sky kid that loves exploring and finding new areas in sky. Assisted Korro in explorations or errands, but is mostly a solo adventurer. Korro’s exploration and nut-job tendencies are most likely because of her.

Shiro: Friend of Mana and Altair. Extreme anxiety due to bullying because of his rabbit form and albinoism. Loves to draw and craft and mostly sticks to Altair or his nook. Eventually befriends Korro, but it took a lot

Zara: Enchantment student that researchs spells and darkness in attempts to aid Altair in curing corrupted individuals. Tried to save Mana but to no avail and is mostly closed off. Despite her intimidating glance, she is motherly and kind.

#my art #sketch #digital art #sky children of the light #sky children fanart #sky children of the light fanart

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starryhiraeth · 2 years

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TOG pregnancy tropes

Lorcan-

•THIS MAN! He goes from protective to basically your shadow

•contact.always.

•full on GROWLS at anyone near you

• you: “Lorcan,hunny.you can’t kill everyone who looks at me”

Lorcan: *holding a man up by his collar* HE LOOKED AT YOU FOR 2 SECONDS TOO LONG

•you have twins,2 girls called Antonella and Ariadne

Rowan-

•He WORSHIPS the ground you walk on

•always makes sure you are the most comfortable you can be

•will fly across the entire world just to get you the food you were craving and be back in time to do all the chores while you eat it (as you find it hard to move)

• “okay so. I just came back from the southern continent to get you the chocolate,now sit there as I make the bed”

•you have a daughter called Zara

Chaol-

•Chaol is probably one of the more sensible but also worrisome

•he’s is really scared someone will hurt you and as a result,becomes your personal escort,EVERYWHERE

•prepared to carry you whenever even if you say your fine

• “I don’t care if we are in the middle of a ball,you need to rest therefore I will be carrying you”

• you have a son called Avel

Dorian-

•His phantom hands will always be on you.ALWAYS

•he knows you don’t want to give up your duties as queen so he brings you all your work to do in the comfort of your shared bed.

•total feminist,backs you up when you want to work and helps you rest,willingly gives you messages too

• *talking to a sexist lord who basically said you were useless*

“Excuse you! my queen can carry a child AND run a country.she is doing a better job then ALL of you. I’d like to see you carry and child and run a kingdom!”

•A girl called Callia

Fenrys-

•when you in public he turns to his wolf form so he can scare anyone you don’t know,away from you

•lots of picnics with healthy food for the baby

•basically one giant teddy bear

•bedrest Is a must,after losing his brother,he is terrified something bad will happen to you,so If only to calm him down,you will take bedrest

•twins,one girl,Velvela and a boy,Idan

Sartaq-

•he is as shocked but afterwards he was running around trying to make sure your safe at all times

•you would run off and have fun with his siblings and he would almost die of panic

•after that incident he makes sure he is always with you

•spoils you absolutely rotten!

•you have a son,Dante

Sam-

•You were one the courtesans so he was very nervous about Arobynn and Clarisse finding out

•visits you every single day,literally,you and this child are the most important thing in the world to him

•most gentle boyfriend ever!

•worried he won’t be a good father seeming as he is an Assassin and you always try to convince him other wise

• “what do you mean someone anonymously paid your debt to clarisse ?”

•you have a daughter called Violet

Aedion-

•Excited as FUCK!

•You find out your having triplets and he tells everyone he’s got a magic dick

•Gavriel helps out a lot and is excited for his grandchildren

•he will have full on conversations with your stomach,like even arguments

• Aedion: what do you think

Baby:*kicks*

Aedion: *gasps* YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

•you have triplets

Oldest is a girl-Adelaine

Then a boy-Alexander

And last,another girl-Amelia

Gavriel-

•he is super serious about the whole ordeal,he doesn’t want to mess up being a father again

•be prepared to be basically baby sat,like literally and you cannot tell me he doesn’t want to make loads of stuff for the baby

•extremity Loving,random kisses to the head,lips,shoulder and tummy

•Aedion is very happy to be a big brother

• “so I made a cot,a rocking horse,a bed for when they are bigger and I even learned to nit and made a little blanket

•you have a girl,Eleanora

Arobynn-

(This one is for my cousin,you owe me Megan)

•protective,almost possessive

•you were his queen anyway but now that you carrying his heir,ooooooo just wait! This man will find you the best maternity clothes,covered in diamond and gold and every gem you could image

•he makes it known he will have an heir but let’s no one near you and will get violent with anyone asks to many questions about you or his child

•has extra guards EVERYWHERE and calls your child “the little killer” at first you protested but since he won’t stop you just can’t be assed to correct him

• “so Dearest,how is our little killer”

“Arobynn!”

“What?!”

•You have a girl-Anastasia

I can do one where babies are toddlers if u want?

#throne of glass #lorcan salvaterre #rowan whitethorn #chaol westfall #dorian havilliard #aedion ashryver #arobynn hamel #sam cortland #gavriel #sartaq #fenrys moonbeam #sarah j. maas #booktok

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josefavomjaaga · 1 year

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Mathieu Dumas gets scolded

@snowv88 wrote

I've never heard of that story with Berthier, Dumas and Eugene, would love to hear it 😆

Well, it’s actually not much of a story but more of an image that seems to be taken right out of some slapstick comedy. Plus, I’m sure I had already translated this bit before but I seem unable to find it again. So here’s a fresh translation (thank you, Deepl!):

From the Souvenirs du lieutenant-général Mathieu Dumas, Tome 3:

For context: this takes place in 1809, after the battle of Wagram and the armistice of Znaim. Dumas is charged with monitoring the execution of the armistice with the Austrians.

[…] Despite the line of demarcation being very clearly drawn in the convention, I often had, in concert with my colleague the Austrian commissioner, to rectify some small infringements in the position of the outposts. The most remarkable was the one which Prince Joseph Poniatowsky allowed himself on the frontier of Gallicia: informed that an Austrian column of a few militia battalions, having with them four pieces of cannon, was withdrawing into Hungary, where the whole Austrian army had rallied, he crossed the line of demarcation with a strong detachment, cut off this column, took an advantageous position on Austrian territory, and pretended to keep it, as well as the prisoners and artillery he had captured. I submitted to the major general the very well-founded complaints of the Austrian commissioner, and asked him for his orders before writing to Prince Poniatowsky. The major general answered me that this affair did not concern him, and that the execution of the treaty of armistice was entrusted to me under my responsibility.

Berthier: Oh, no, no. Leave me out of this. You know perfectly well how this will turn out. Go get through this one yourself.

I did not hesitate to give Prince Poniatowsky the order to comply with the treaty, to return the prisoners and the artillery, and to bring his troops within the line of demarcation. The emperor, directly informed by the prince of his incursion and of the advantages which could result from it in the event of the resumption of hostilities, did not approve my decision. He sent for me to give him an account of it in the presence of the prince major general and the viceroy of Italy; he strongly reproached me, as well as the major general, for wanting to protect the interests of the enemy and for courting them at his expense.

"What do you think you are doing, gentlemen, deciding on your own authority on matters of such importance? It is you who command the army, and I am here il ré di cope? Let us see, General Dumas, your register of correspondence."

[The Italian expression is unknown to me.]

I handed it to him, pointing out my last letter to Prince Poniatowsky; he went through it, displayed great irritation, and threw the register on the floor. As I was answering the questions he addressed to me on various points in dispute relating to the execution of the armistice, and more particularly on the place of Zara, in Dalmatia, which he demanded to be handed over immediately, Prince Eugène, who was walking with him, turned around and gestured to me not to answer; but this was impossible. Berthier kept the most obstinate silence.

This is the scene I just love to imagine: Napoleon, giving his sermon while stomping through the room, Eugène always at his heels and signaling in exasperation behind Napoleon’s back to Dumas to shut the F up, man, while Berthier pointedly stares at a corner of the room, zoomed out.

"You believe yourselves to be very important men, messieurs chiefs of staff! I have made you into too great lords, and you caress those of the Austrian court. If an Austrian general officer had taken it upon himself to give such orders, he would have been sent to a fortress. The chiefs of staff must only be instruments; I have only to bring in young Marboeuf, an ordinance officer, who is there in the salon de service, and I will make him my major general."

Which, I guess, shows how much respect Napoleon had for Berthier and his co-workers. Not. He basically states that every dimwit could do Berthiers job. (We’ll see about that during the Hundred Days, Your Imperial Snobbiness...)

After having thus indulged us, he dismissed us, and there was no more talk of this affair. [...] Although I feared that I had displeased him by doing my duty, I was nonetheless very well treated: the emperor named me grand officer of the Legion of Honour, and granted me an endowment of thirteen thousand francs from the property of convents suppressed in the duchy of Parma [...].

But as is the case so often, Napoleon is all bark, no bite 😊.

#napoleon's marshals #napoleon's generals #napoleon's family #louis alexandre berthier #eugene de beauharnais #mathieu dumas

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cainluvr69 · 6 months

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Main Story 2 Chapter 20 - The Willingness to Lead (First Half)

Previous Chapter

1 - What You Can't Live Without

Eva: Listen closely, child of Bain.

Bradley: My name's Bradley. Get it through your skull already, Eva. Remember it, and I'll make it worth it.

Eva: Fufu, what an impudent little brat. Well then, I'll be sure to remember you. Listen closely, Bradley.

Bradley: Yeah.

Eva: We are Northern wizards. We bear strong and free souls. And so to live with strength and freedom… You mustn't have something you cannot live without.

Bradley: Something I can't live without?

Eva: Yes.

Bradley: Even like a magical focus?

Eva: Yes. Though you may love it as though it were an extension of yourself, you must always be ready to part with it. Both you and I are proud and solitary kings. No matter how many things we encounter capable of moving our hearts. For should your heart be stolen by someone else, you will become their prisoner.

Bradley: Prisoner? You mean just havin' something irreplaceable in the world at all makes you one?

Eva: Here in the North, acquiring something we value the same as our own lives turns that something into a chain, binding us. Just look at Oz. If there is nothing to move your heart, there is nothing you need pay heed. He has the most isolated heart in the world. And because of it, he is invincible.

Bradley: What about you, Eva?

Eva: Excuse me?

Bradley: Would you be able to get rid of something even if you loved it more than anything?

Eva: Of course. Do you really think I would be controlled by the likes of my own heart?

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Oh, my beloved… If it were for you, I wouldn't mind changing the very nature of my soul. As long as you are always yourself, it doesn't matter if I'm no longer me.

Shylock: … I'm aware love afflicts both fools and the wise equally, but… It's still quite a sight to see someone like you throw away your pride with such vulgarities. Changing your soul isn't a gesture of love or adoration. It's an expression of dependency, is it not?

Murr: I'm fine with being dependent. Belonging to the one you love is happiness, don't you think? I don't need an immutable soul. Protecting your heart as it is is a lovely thing. Persistence is a beautiful trait. But if change is unnecessary, then that would mean both you and I wouldn't need companionship in this vast galaxy of ours. If the friction needed to polish a gem is unnecessary, then the collision, collapse, supernova, and subsequent birth of the hundreds of millions of stars shining above us is also unnecessary. I want you to hurt me and in doing so, bring something I've never noticed before to my attention. I want you to show me things I don't yet know about, leave me scared and anxious…I'd enjoy that kind of surprise. I love this beautiful world. My hands will not reach to the stars above… So I am always thinking of them.

Shylock: … Though I'm sure this will come as a disappointment… I don't know anyone who shines as brightly as you.

Murr: Ahaha. Truly, what a disappointment.

Shylock: …So please… Don't say you'll change the essence of who you are…

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: What a fun day today has been. I'd be happy if you felt the same. Zara.

???: I won't forget today until the day I die. Because of dear, kind Aria, I was able to make the best memories I shall ever have in my life…

Rustica: Let's make more wonderful memories together. As my beloved Aria's elder sister, you are my elder sister as well.

???: …

Rustica: And we are both wizards, as well. I was raised freely and unhidden in the Sapphire Castle. So, Zara. One day, you too, shall have your freedom…

???: Lord Rustica. Please let me see your face one last time before you leave… Please, closer… So that I may engrave it into my eyelids, that I never forget it.

Rustica: Please, feel free. But you needn't engrave anything anywhere. I will still come to see you regardless. As often as you wish, as long as you still desire it.

???: …Thank you very much. But, I already… Please don't say such kind things to me. I'll become more wicked by the day. Had I never met you… Had the flame of desire never ignited in my chest… I could have loved both Aria and this world.

Rustica: Zara?

???: …Such beautiful eyes… Kind eyes, in which only a beautiful world exists… From the day you were born, you were beloved by all, blessed like the protagonist of a fairy tale. Living a life unhurt, unafraid, never faced with anything filthy or unclean… I am sure your beautiful soul, Lord Rustica, will never change, no matter what the world may offer you.

Rustica: Zara. You are also beloved and celebrated, you know. I love you. And I know Aria does, too.

???: … …I love you too… …Lord Rustica…

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: ……

Cain: Owen…

Owen turned his face away, without even a smirk on his lips. I glared at him. I didn’t think I could do anything else. I couldn’t see what expression Arthur was making right now. It’s not as if I couldn’t see him because of my injury from the <Great Calamity>. But I felt so guilty, the kind of guilt that can’t be properly formed into words, that I couldn’t bear to look at him. That was when I realized something. I was trying to come up with some sort of excuse for all of this. What the hell am I doing?

Arthur: It’s alright. I have an escort. Ah, right there.

Arthur glanced over towards me. Owen was still not looking at me, his arms crossed–I’d never seen him act like this before. And then, I saw him sneak a glance at me. I just kept glaring at him full force. I’d never wanted Arthur to see me like this. I hated Owen as much as I hated myself. But for just a moment, I saw something I couldn’t put a name to flickering in his eyes. That just made me feel even more guilty, and I didn’t know why. It was as if…I was seeing the little Owen because of how messed up things had gotten. But soon enough, he met my glare with his own equally sharp one. Like a beast.

Cain: (If he’s making that kind of face, he has to be the real one.)

Arthur: Alright, thank you. Owen. Could you come here too, please?

Arthur took one of Owen’s arms and together, they came over to me. I had no idea what to do. Owen didn’t, either. All I could do was steel myself and look up at Arthur. He…wasn’t looking at me with contempt, or even disappointment. He was in his blue training outfit, and his clear blue eyes were sparkling. Seeing him like that…I felt my face turn grim, and I started to yell at him.

Cain: Artie, what are you thinking? Only high ranking military officers are allowed in here! Grunts like you should know their place!

I lightly knocked Arthur away and then jabbed my finger towards his chest. The worst thing that could happen here would be anyone else here finding out who Arthur really was. I was just trying to get him out of here safely. He looked startled at first, but upon realizing what was going on, decided to match my pace.

Arthur: My sincerest apologies. However…

Owen: You don’t need to apologize, Artie. Just sit down right there. Next to Sir Knight.

Owen roughly forced Arthur down next to me. The women and officers I’d been talking with quickly moved out of his way. It was me, Arthur, Owen, plus the women by me and Owen. That was our current lineup.

Woman: Have a glass. One for you, too.

Owen and I were handed glasses while we glared at each other over Arthur’s head. I asked him something, keeping my voice low.

Cain: What are you trying to pull? This is a dirty prank.

Owen: Hmph. The only one playing around here is you. If you’re really so sure of yourself, then surely you can keep doing the same in front of Sir Prince?

Woman: Prince?

Owen’s slip of the tongue stabbed a bit of fear into me, but he simply crossed his legs and smiled at the lady next to him.

Owen: I’m talking about myself. I’m the prince of the Cerberus Kingdom. And I’ll bite your throat out.

Owen had meant it as a threat, but because of the alcohol, the woman took it as a joke. She blushed, and then tilted back her head and presented her neck.

Woman: Ooh, how scary. But I don’t mind if you want to eat me right up.

Owen: Are you stupid? You’d get along great with Sir Knight. I’ve fed him to my dogs before, too.

Cain: Come on…

Right as I was about to argue, Arthur suddenly moved to look at me. He took up my whole field of vision, the only thing I could see.

Arthur: I need to talk to you. Err, rather, I have something I’d like to speak with you about, Sir Cain.

Cain: What’s up, Artie? Is it something so important you had to talk to me here? It’s already late. Kids should be in bed by now.

Arthur: Kids?

Arthur raised one eyebrow. I think…I made him a little mad.

Arthur: It’s an important conversation regarding your honor, Sir Cain. You are a very devoted person, but should you have betrayed yourself to that end…

I saw pale fingers extend past Arthur’s cheek, and then Owen grabbed Arthur’s face and forcibly turned his head. He murmured something into Arthur’s ear. They glanced at me during their quiet conversation, leaving me completely baffled by their newfound…familiarity. This couldn’t be anything good. I suddenly felt restless.

Arthur: …Understood.

While I was being set adrift in a sea of confusion, Arthur simply nodded, and moved away from Owen. This time he got closer to me, putting his arm over the back of the sofa. Arthur’s lips approached my ear. His hair and skin smelled of expensive perfume, the kind that no amount of effort could hide. The idea of having a one on one talk with him was making me just a little bit nervous. Over Arthur’s shoulder, I could see Owen. Arthur whispered into my ear.

Arthur: …Please don’t do anything that would deprive you of your knightly spirit.

I didn’t know how much he’d heard from Owen, but the sincere and earnest tone in his voice made my chest ache. As Arthur pulled away from me, I whispered something back.

Cain: …Don’t misunderstand. I’m trying to win over the Western military to get information on Nicholas. It’s dangerous for you to be here. You should leave immediately. Oz and Riquet should still be…

I glanced up, and my words trailed off on their own. There were heavy footsteps making their way towards us. They were even and composed, like those of higher ranked or commissioned officers. The lively atmosphere around us had become tense. Maybe the general they’d talked about earlier, General Barnett, was here.

Gilles: ……

If it was the Western general, it was entirely probable that he knew what Central Country’s crown prince looked like.

Cain: (I can’t even imagine how things will blow up if the prince of an unfriendly neighboring country is found in a military club.)

I immediately pulled Arthur closer to me, my hand on his back.

Arthur: …Wha–?!

Cain: What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? You must’ve drank too much. We should get you on your way quick. Owen!

Owen: Excuse me?

Cain: Take care of Artie for me. Or at least take him to the inn.

Owen narrowed his eyes at me.

Owen: And why do I have to do what you tell me to, Sir Knight?

Arthur also looked up at me, frowning a bit.

Arthur: I am still not done talking with you.

I wasn’t listening to either of them. I was busy worrying about if General Barnett was here, and I picked up the book I’d dropped earlier with one hand. This was a popular novel the general liked. I’d been reading it aloud to try and catch his attention. That was the plan, at least.

Cain: Sorry, but please, I need you both to leave. I need to read this book.

Arthur: Right now?

Owen: Why?

Cain: Because the general likes it. He’ll be excited if we like the same things, right?

Arthur: Do you like it, Cain?

Cain: Well, I haven’t read it yet…

Arthur: He won’t be happy if you’re only pretending. When he realizes you’re lying, he’ll only be sad about it.

Arthur’s words reminded me of my mom, and my heart clenched in my chest. I shook my head, a bitter taste at the back of my throat. I glanced around, and then murmured something to him.

Cain: …You and Oz are no good at telling lies. That’s why this is something I have to do. I’m doing what I do best.

Arthur: Trust isn’t something so easily won. Trust balanced on top of lies will come crashing down when it’s most important. If trust is lost on the battlefield, then who can you entrust your life to?

I felt like he’d just punched me in the face. Exactly like Arthur had said, morale dropped under leadership that couldn’t be trusted. Everyone put their life on the line for their pride and sense of justice at some point. And if you weren’t sincere about it, all you’d get is corrupted authority and false justice. That’s why you can’t just start running forward. Arthur’s eyes held the same noble look I’d seen in the portraits of previous kings in Granvelle Castle.

Arthur: Cain, you are my knight. You don’t need to concoct any devious plots.

My heart was wavering in my chest. I wanted to live up to Arthur’s pure, unsullied feelings. But… I think someone who betrays those feelings would serve him better. Nicholas and the white-haired woman. The sunken Adams Island expedition. Should I just give up and try a different method of attack? My honor doesn't matter. What even is true devotion? What would Leno or Shino do if they were in my place?

2 - Touched by the General's Words

I stole a glance at Owen. He was frowning, and then he sighed as if to say “Well, there’s no helping it.” He reached over Arthur and put his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me closer. And then, he whispered something in my ear. Owen’s voice was oddly shrill, as if he was embarrassed about something.

Owen: Hey… If it’s the only way, then. I’ll kill the Western general for you.

My eyes widened. Owen frowned, making a weird face, like he was trying to hide his embarrassment. He was messing with his bangs like he was annoyed, but he was eyeing me with a certain sense of pride.

Owen: But only for tonight, okay?

My blood drained out of my face and I shook my head.

Cain: Don’t even think about doing something like that. It’d become a massive diplomatic issue.

Owen: …Hah?

Pretty sure Owen thought that he was offering to do a good deed, which was why he was so embarrassed about it, but it was still undeniably an offer of assassination. A Northern wizard killing the Western army’s general in front of Central’s prince was just a recipe for disaster.

Cain: You don’t need to come up with any plots, just take Arthur and…

Owen: Plots? I’m saying I’ll help you, and you say I’m plotting?

Cain: I’m grateful for the offer, but right now, your talents aren’t really what I need here.

Owen’s trunk appeared out of nowhere. I looked up at the ceiling, and then tried again.

Cain: I said not right now, right?

Owen: I’m going to turn you to stone. I don’t take orders from anyone.

Woman: D-didn’t he just pull that trunk from nowhere… Was that…magic?

Owen smiled threateningly at the pale woman.

Owen: That’s right. Didn’t I tell you? I’ll bite your throat out.

Arthur: Could you kindly stop, Owen?

Woman: …I–I’m not scared! I’m not scared of wizards. There are so many officers from the Magical Weaponry Division here. Everyone, please…!

Cain: Let’s calm down! Owen, put your trunk away! Absolutely do not open it!

Owen: …Don’t order me around!

Arthur: We’re not giving you orders. Neither Cain nor I are trying to subjugate you, Owen of the North.

Arthur placed his hand on Owen’s arm, and then he looked up at me.

Arthur: This goes for you too, Cain. My desires are not meant to be chains. They shouldn’t keep you from listening to your heart.

Those painful words felt so good. My heart. My thoughts and feelings could change everything. And how easily mine had been changed. What could I do with these feelings?

Gilles: And what is going on here?

Owen and I stood ready at the same time. We didn’t even have to say anything. Both of us were prepared to guard Arthur. I couldn’t see who had spoken. But I could tell enough from the air around them. This was General Barnett. The cheery, drunken sense of relaxation in the club had changed. Not in a bad way. There wasn’t any fear shooting up my spine. But all the soldiers in the room remembered something now that he stood before them. All he had to do was stand in the same room as them, and the Western army’s soldiers remembered their pride. Their spirit. I hadn’t even seen his face, and General Barnett had already overwhelmed us. If he was this charismatic on a normal day, I wondered how far his leadership would take him on the battlefield. Speaking as a soldier from the neighboring country? I wasn’t looking forward to seeing it.

Cain: …My apologies for disturbing you. I am Cain, a former knight of Central Country.

I smiled amiably and held my hand out to him. I could only wonder if he’d accept it. But I only had to worry for a couple seconds. A large hand grasped mine moments later. The same moment, a tall, capable-looking young man appeared in front of me. He had the sociable, reliable air of someone you could call an ideal commanding officer.

Gilles: Gilles Barnett, at your service. Would those be your friends?

Still feeling the strain, I introduced the two of them.

Cain: My subordinates. Artie and Wen.

Owen: You’re a wizard, aren’t you.

Owen announced that right to General Barnett’s face. It caught me off guard for a moment, but I knew why he’d felt that, so I explained it to him.

Cain: Don’t be rude, Wen. Watch your mouth. This is the man who leads the Magical Weaponry Division. Using that many mana stones can make someone have the same presence as a wizard.

Owen: Mana stones…? …Just how many would you have to use to feel like that.

Owen smiled a thin smile at him, the expression dripping with malice and hatred. But General Barnett was unmoved. His eyes moved to Arthur, and he gestured for him to sit down.

Gilles: Please, sit.

Arthur: Thank you, sir.

Although Arthur took a seat, General Barnett did not. Instead, he sat down next to me, taking the place of a woman who had gracefully offered up her seat. His leisurely manner was also a smart one. And it wasn’t like he was trying to intimidate or overpower us. It looked like he was being considerate of us.

Gilles: You said you were a former Central soldier, didn’t you?

Cain: Yes.

The general smiled at me, friendly-like.

Gilles: As the general of Western Country, I could call myself its greatest hero, but surely that means little to a Central knight. From Central’s oldest knight to its youngest trainee, each one is fearlessly brave. Now that’s true glory. They don’t get ahead of themselves when victory’s in sight, and that’s how the names of so many heroes have been engraved in their history. And you are one of them. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Cain: Ah… Thank you very much. I’m undeserving of such praise.

I knew it was nothing more than flattery, but my chest was still full of emotion. Even the general of another country saw the same splendor in the Central knights that I’d admired ever since I was little. Arthur’s eyes also glowed with the praise.

Gilles: And that is?

The general gestured towards the book next to me. Seems like the story about him liking this series was true. Finally, I could work on fulfilling my intended objective here. I picked up the book with vigor.

Cain: A book from a series I like. I’d heard that you enjoyed it as well. I was thinking of reading some aloud, if you’d be fine with that.

The general smiled at me, and I looked over my shoulder towards Owen.

Cain: Wen. Cover Artie’s ears for me, would you?

Owen: What? Why?

Cain: I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be some events that children shouldn’t be listening to.

Arthur: You keep calling me a child, but I am no longer… I am not a child, Sir Cain.

Owen: I’ll let him listen. Give us a tale so terrifying it gives Artie nightmares.

Arthur: No matter how terrifying a story it is, it won’t keep me awake or give me nightmares. Because I am not a child.

Cain: It’s not a scary story. Well, it shouldn’t be…

I remembered the bit I’d read just before as getting a bit…spicy. I glanced over at the general. As if the friendly air he’d had earlier had been nothing but a lie, he was now completely filled with bloodlust.

Cain: Is… Is something wrong, sir…?

His eyes met mine and slowly, slowly his head turned to join them.

Gilles: That book is a stellar adaptation… Don’t speak of it as if it’s some vulgar, tawdry product.

Cain: Ah… Um…

Gilles: The play it is based on is an action/adventure coming-of-age story centered around the friendship of a landed noble caught up in an inheritance dispute and one of her maids. In any case.

Cain: Yes.

Gilles: The two protagonists fall in love with a traveling merchant, and both compete for his affection in further more impossible ways. You said you liked it, didn’t you?

Cain: Uh, yes.

Gilles: To be frank, I am absolutely appalled. No further conversation is required.

Cain: W–wait! My apologies. Let me be honest. I'm…

Gilles: The Sage’s wizard, Cain Knightley. And that would be another Sage’s wizard, the Northern wizard Owen. And this gentleman would be… No, enough with names.

The general had been looking at Arthur when he said that. Arthur, however, took a deep breath and said his next words very pointedly.

Arthur: Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am the prince of Central Country, Arthur Granvelle. My apologies for being misleading with my identity, General Barnett.

The general’s eyes widened at such a forthwith introduction. For the first time in this conversation, he was shocked. After carefully observing his surroundings, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

Gilles: …My sincerest apologies. I had not heard you would be visiting. Had I been aware, I would have knelt before you. To do so now would be, well, conspicuous.

Arthur: Let me apologize as well. I was distracted.

The general smiled at Arthur’s immediate apology. He leaned forward, lowering his voice.

Gilles: …Please listen without showing surprise. Important citizens of my country have of late been collapsing with sudden illness. Their health worsens very quickly, and as it stands, it is doubtful they can even make it through the night. Were it to be known that a foreign dignitary is visiting me during this plague, it would draw suspicion. Please, leave as soon as you are able.

Arthur: Western country’s dignitaries…

Gilles: I cannot speak further than this. You understand, yes?

Arthur: Yes… Thank you. However, may I ask one thing?

Gilles: You may.

Arthur: Why did you warn me?

Gilles: I’d rather not cause problems for myself by complicating things with easily-rectified matters.

The general smiled calmly. His manner was arrogant, but Arthur’s eyes were happy all the same.

Gilles: You are young, and there is still hope in your heart. Though we may live in a broken world, I keep faith that it shall one day be beautifully reborn. I would rather do you a favor of something more valuable than saying your name too loudly and bringing both of our nations trouble.

Arthur: My thanks, General Barnett.

Gilles: Please, just call me Gilles. Now, I would not say this is advice, per se… If you have no urgent plans, I would suggest staying in the City of Fortune for the moment.

Cain: Why?

Gilles: A coronation ceremony shall be held on a day very soon from now. I believe the Sage’s wizards were also given an invitation.

Those words alone told me everything I needed to know about the state of the West’s dignitaries, and which among them had fallen ill. Western Country was a monarchy, after all. It seemed we’d arrived at a very delicate time.

Gilles: Well then, I shall take my leave. May there be good company on your way home.

With a bow, the general began to walk away from us. I was after him in a flash. He was a fair sort of person. I needed to do something to get rid of the guilt of lying to him.

Cain: Hold on.

Gilles: What?

Cain: …Sorry for lying to you. Err, my sincerest apologies, I mean.

His shoulders shook with laughter. At least the look on his face meant I hadn’t insulted him.

Gilles: What a very Central thing of you to say. No, it was quite fine. Why were you trying to gain my favor?

Cain: Huh?

Gilles: You pretended to have read a book you’d never touched for the sake of my favor, to the point of troubling your comrades.

Cain: That’s, well… I really do apologize for that. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Gilles: It certainly seems that way. I’ve yet to meet someone from Central who enjoyed deceit. Nicholas was the same way.

My eyes widened the moment I heard Nicholas’s name.

Cain: You remember Nicholas?

Gilles: Of course I do. He was once a hero who stood as Central’s head of knights. It was quite exhausting having such a great man foisted onto me as one of my subordinates.

After that bit of complaint, the general smiled at me.

Gilles: I heard a bit of you from him. He called you the kind of genius that only comes around once every thousand years. Nicholas had been quite proud whenever your name was brought up. It was clear that he loved Central Country and Central’s knights from the bottom of his heart. What happened to him was very unfortunate.

The general put his hand on my shoulder. The sudden rush of emotion in my chest was so strong, I could feel my breathing waver. Even if he had fallen as something evil, Nicholas had once been someone I admired. Hearing words of praise for him made my chest tight. Even though I’d tried to convince myself there was no other choice, I’d always hated how things had turned out. If the reason that the gallant knight I admired had become a villain was because I’d cornered him, then didn’t that make me the evil one? The general shook his head, as if to reject the self-hatred I’d never voiced aloud.

Gilles: My only complaint is that you led the knights after someone like Nicholas had been driven out. You’re not the kind of person who would be here to try and gather information. The right person for the right place, after all. Though it’s true Western Country tends to discriminate towards wizards, we are still generous enough to welcome the philosopher Hart to the royal palace with open arms. Those from Central are less sociable. The generosity seen when the King of Knights Alec established that country alongside wizards is nowhere to be seen. The current system in place only shames that sincere warrior. You don’t need to look at me like that. If you’re going to turn your sword on anything, turn it on the system.

This foreign general’s words were like a guiding light that had saved me. Perhaps they were simply honeyed words to win me over. But I wanted to think they were true.

Cain: Thank you very much, sir.

Gilles: Even wicked customs can be changed that way. Should your revolution fail and you go into exile, I would gladly welcome you to our country.

Cain: I’m not planning on abandoning my country. I am a Central knight.

The general smiled warmly at me.

Gilles: I thought that’s what you’d say.

Cain: General Barnett. Did anything strange happen to Nicholas during his time in this country?

Gilles: Why do you ask?

Cain: I heard that he headed an expedition to the sunken Adams Island. He wasn’t exactly a man who was fond of the sea. But if he left anything behind that might tell me what his goal was, then…

Gilles: I see. A very Central expression of camaraderie. I’m fond of Central’s knights because you’re all like characters in a book. Now then, regarding Nicholas… Although he was one for etiquette, there were times when he crossed the line when it came to me. I imagine he couldn’t forgive himself for it.

Cain: I see…

Gilles: Oh, but there is one thing I recall. He once asked me if I was an avid reader. Specifically, he asked if there were any accounts handed down through Western legend of an account of a "walking Hell".

Cain: A walking Hell…?

Gilles: Yes. I’d never heard of something like it. What about in Central?

Cain: This is the first time I’m hearing of anything like it, too.

Gilles: I see. I apologize, but that’s as much as I can offer.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: A walking Hell… I’ve never heard of it, either. What about you, Owen?

Owen: Who knows.

Arthur: Perhaps you keep it within that trunk of yours?

Owen: Sure. Want to take a peek, Sir Prince?

Cain: Knock it off, Owen.

Owen: Hmph. So you failed to become a villain, Sir Knight. Well, it’s just a matter of time. I’m looking forward to seeing it happen.

Cain: …tsk, he’s gone… God, he’s so…

Arthur: Owen was worried about you, Cain.

Cain: As if.

Arthur: That was why he came to me. …Am I wrong?

Cain: You’re wrong. Maybe he’s not as awful as I thought, but… He’s still awful. Don’t let him fool you.

Arthur: You think so…?

Cain: …A walking Hell… Sigh… All that work, and that’s the only clue we got.

Arthur: We did get to meet with the Western general, thanks to your infiltration. Thank you, Cain.

Cain: Arthur… No, I should be the one thanking you.

3 - The Child Beloved by the Sun and Moon

Liliana: …

Old man: …Please… Please, I beg you… I haven't breathed a word about you to anyone… I promise you…!

Liliana: When has a child of man ever fulfilled their promises?

Old man: Eek…! Someone…! Help me! Please…!

Liliana: Cease this fruitless resistance. Do you really think you can escape me? I gave you happiness, did I not?

Old man: Ahh… My body… I'm wasting away…like I'm dying… …ahh…my arms are turning into branches…

Liliana: You have fulfilled your role. Now, sleep peacefully.

Old man: ……

Liliana: …Haah… That went well. I'm so sorry, Albert. But I'd rather not meet with him while looking like an old man.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Zara… She's a witch who was raised in secrecy, like I was…?

Kelvin: …Your family hid you, too?

Chloe: Yeah… Since if they knew I was a wizard, all of our relatives would hate us…

Kelvin: Hmph. Then let them hate you. People who hate things they don't understand are all boring people, anyways. Besides, they don't hate wizards. They just mistrust them.

Chloe: Mistrust…?

Kelvin: That's right. They suspect us when things go missing, or if something breaks. Or when something bad happens to someone who's usually lucky. They think to themselves, "Couldn't this be because of the strange powers those wizards have?" It's hard to trust something they can't see for themselves, after all. Mistrusting things they can't see is pretty easy for them. They do it with kindness and friendship and things done in good will, too.

Chloe: …But… Rustica trusted me. Ages ago while I was still doing sewing for my parents' shop, I came up with this embroidery concept. Like, if I did this and this and put it all together, how'd that look? And just like I thought, it turned out absolutely beautifully.

Kelvin: Amazing! You've got a real knack for that kind of thing, don't you?

Chloe: Ehehe! Thanks… You're a kind person too, Kelvin. …But my sisters thought there was no way I could've come up with it on my own. They thought I'd seen someone else's embroidery work and copied it.

Kelvin: That's horrible. How could they?!

Chloe: Well, I was used to it… But Rustica trusted me. He said, "That's amazing, Chloe." I couldn't prove I came up with it on my own, but he didn't doubt me in the first place. It was the very first time I looked at my own embroidery and thought, "He's right. It is amazing." I was so happy and proud of myself. All because Rustica trusted me…

Kelvin: That's who Lord Rustica is, after all. He doesn't mistrust anything. He thinks this world only consists of love and peace. That's because Lord Rustica has only ever known kind and happy things in his life.

Chloe: …I don't think it's possible to have only known happiness, but… I still think I get what you're saying… Rustica never has a bad thing to say about anything. He's very good at finding a silver lining in everything. Even if people trick him or treat him badly, he never says anything about it. I always thought it was weird, honestly. I wondered how he could be like that. But… Is it really possible to live while only knowing kind and happy things…?

Kelvin: He did it. It was possible for that family back then.

Chloe: That family back then, huh…

Kelvin: For the Ferch family that lived in the City of Fortune's Sapphire Palace. Rustica was born to the Ferch family at the height of their prosperity.

Chloe: The Ferch family?

Kelvin: They were Western Country's most dazzling and prosperous aristocrats. They had even more power, politically speaking, than the Western royal family did, and nobles and merchants from around the entire continent did business with them. They amassed wealth from around the world, built the Sapphire Palace, and hosted dinner parties every night. Western Country's important talks about things like war, taxes, and politics weren't discussed at the royal palace, but at Sapphire Palace.

Chloe: So, like, they were more important than the king?

Kelvin: Their power grew from their successful business ventures. Especially with their investments in transcontinental transport. The ones who originally planned, implemented, and maintained the road that runs from Western Country, through Central, all the way to Eastern Country were the Ferches.

Chloe: That's amazing!

Kelvin: People even whispered that the Ferches' divine protection would keep them safe from anything dangerous that came down from the North. The Ferches were beloved by the royal family, the commoners, the nobility, even scholars and artists alike. And that was why when a wizard was born to them, he received nothing but blessings.

Chloe: And that was Rustica…?

Kelvin: Yes. I still remember what the people in the City of Fortune called the baby born in the Sapphire Palace. The child beloved by the sun and moon.

Chloe: (…Ahh, it's unbelievable…) (Rustica and I are as different as night and day…)

Kelvin: Until I met Lord Rustica in person, this was what I thought about the heir to the Sapphire Palace: What do they mean, beloved by the sun and moon? He's just some spoiled brat who got raised up to be selfish and covetous and never had anyone say no to him. And then I actually met him, and Lord Rustica couldn't have been more different than that. He was kind, sincere, humble… He was so generous I actually got worried for him.

Chloe: …I understand… That's the same Rustica that I know…

Kelvin: Haha… It's been so long since I saw him, and he hasn't changed a bit. …His eyes are still so clear… I can't even count how many times I felt ashamed of myself in front of those eyes. I was irritable, skeptical, stingy, pessimistic…

Chloe: Kelvin…

Kelvin: …I wanted to become a musician. But I was scared of putting on a poor performance and getting laughed at… Every time I found a musician to try to apprentice with, they'd cruelly mock me. They really were the worst. Even though I really just wanted to listen to music up close and touch an instrument for myself. I encountered Lord Rustica for the first time while I was traveling, as he was playing a flute, and I laughed at him. What's up with this?! What a weird-sounding song! What a bizarre melody! But he just smiled at me and said, "That's not true. It's a lovely song. Why don't you try to play this flute, too?" And for some reason, when he said that to me… For the first time in my life, I said that I did, I did want to try playing the flute. And I meant it completely. I have loved Lord Rustica ever since.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: And Lord Rustica loved me, too. It was as natural as the fact that candy made from sugar is sweet that people loved him, but he loved them in return so easily. He had an unshakeable faith in himself, but he never strayed from his kind, considerate nature. He freely gave his possessions, his time, and his love to anyone who wanted them.

Chloe: (…That's true for me, too… I'm just one of the people he gave those things to…) (Rustica is a very, very special person to me, but…) (To Rustica, am I…?)

Kelvin: Hey, are you okay?

Chloe: Ah…

Kelvin: You're looking kind of pale. Maybe it's just because of the moonlight, but…

Chloe: I'm fine… Ah… Wait, I need to go find Rustica! He was with me until just a little bit ago.

Kelvin: I know. I could feel his presence… Where is he now?

Chloe: W-well… A wizard I've never seen before suddenly showed up and then vanished with him.

Kelvin: Huh?! Did Zara take him?! Even though she hasn't so much as laid a hand on him before now…

Chloe: Why did Zara turn Rustica's bride into a songbird? If Rustica went through something terrible because of that witch, then… If I were to defeat her, the witch controlling Western Country, would that make Rustica happy…?

Kelvin: Lord Rustica would… I don't think he would be happy with that, no matter who it was.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: You'd just make him sad. So he has no choice but to forget things like that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: …

I was in a room that smelled absolutely lovely. It was a fine perfume, the sweet, refreshing scent of flowers blended with burnt sugar. I felt oddly nostalgic being wrapped up in that aroma. It was a sweet and gentle atmosphere, one of sadness tinged with joy. The windows of this room were also lovely. Through them I saw a magnificently built palace, backed by the pre-dawn sky. I felt a bit sleepy, so I thought I'd lie down for a bit. I undressed, leaving my clothes scattered untidily over the floor, and suppressed a yawn. And then I thought to myself, something seems off. If someone saw my clothes on the floor like this, I knew what they'd say.

???: You can't do that, Rustica. They'll get all wrinkled like that.

Rustica: Oh, my apologies.

I apologized to that someone and folded my clothes. I couldn't quite place what that someone's name was. I found a brush, and brushed out my hair. I heard the voice of someone who had talked to me while brushing my hair, from sometime before now. It smelled the same now as it did then. Sweet, refreshing flowers and candy. Flowers dancing gently in the breeze. Small, purple flowers. Gemstones glittering brightly. A delicate porcelain cup…

???: Rustica. My angel. Everyone fortunate enough to meet you is blessed. Your eyes are pure and innocent. Your heart is serene and unselfish. You understand the underpinnings of this world. It is possible that in the future, you may hear thoughtlessly said words, words not worth hearing. But please, you mustn't criticize the people who say them. There is no reason for you to take offense to them. Those who are so poor of heart are those pitiful, those not blessed with good fortune. Those who are well-loved, however, are earnest and virtuous. You must extend your hand to them without hate, without hostility. Kindness and compassion are paramount. As those of high status, we have a responsibility to learn proper ethics. My sweet Rustica. Please extend your love to everyone you can. This way, everyone will be happy.

The sky began to brighten. A veil of navy and violet fluttered at the hem of the night sky's dark dress. Birds began to sing their lovely morning songs. My eyes were on the verge of falling shut. I laid down on the bed. I laid down on the bed, and I was happy. Being able to sleep for as long as I like made me feel free and peaceful. Liberated. I began to hum a song, and fell asleep to that same song of my own making.

✦✧☾✧✦

Aria Mastandrea was the princess of Western Country as well as my fiancee. I have loved her since the day we first met. She was like a little sister. We were often told we suited one another. We were very happy together. Aria loved the sound of my harpsichord, and I loved the stories Aria would tell. Aria spoke to me often about the things that she loved. Brightly colored pastries, wax seals, bluebirds that pecked at flower petals, buttons with gold around the edges, the royal palace's gardens. His Majesty the King, her Majesty the Queen, me. Her favorite chamberlain, Francesca. The lizards that would appear by her window on rainy days. However, she was lying to me. I knew Aria loved more things than that. I saw her once, as I was walking through the palace garden, contemplating something very deeply. I saw tears in the corners of her eyes as she stared at the garden around her, her gaze very earnest. As if she were committing a sin.

Rustica: Why are you crying?

And Aria replied, She was afraid. She had never disobeyed her parents before. But she was disobeying them for the very first time, right now. Please, she pleaded, take the secret I'm about to tell you seriously. Being told something like that made me quite nervous. For I had never had a "secret" before. Under the boughs of a tree, with no one else around, Aria told me something in little more than a whisper. She had an elder twin sister. Her name was Zara. But twins in the royal family were considered unlucky. And because of that, the twin who was born a witch was forced to live in secrecy. She lived in a tower on the palace grounds. Once, she had asked to look out from the top of that same tower.

Rustica: I remember that. You said you wanted to look at the birds perched by its window. But there were no birds to be seen.

Please forgive me, she said. I lied to you. I wanted to show my beloved elder sister the man who would become my husband.

Rustica: I see, so that's what it was. Your sister lives in that tower…

I have a request, Lord Rustica, she said. I'll never ask you for anything more in my life, so please. Please take a walk through the gardens with Zara, dressed in my clothes, as though she were me. If you can, please take her outside the palace walls. Zara has never been past them before.

Rustica: In other words… I should take your elder sister on an outing somewhere? I would be happy to.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: …

Rustica: …

Liliana: …He's asleep…

Rustica: …mm…

Liliana: …

Rustica: …I don't want to get up yet… Chloe…

Liliana: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …So Rustica's just going to keep forgetting things forever? One day he'll forget me, and the Sage, and everyone else…

Kelvin: That's right. Like how he's forgotten who I am.

Chloe: Isn't… Isn't there anything I can do?

Kelvin: Can you really say something about it? To Lord Rustica? Can you tell him that the bride he's looking for is already dead? That he's the one who killed her?

Chloe: …uu… I don't want to…

Kelvin: Exactly. Because if you tell him that, the current Lord Rustica will disappear. The happy nobleman, the child beloved by the sun and moon, will vanish. I never want to see Lord Rustica suffering like that again, wailing like he was no more than an animal…

Chloe: …

Kelvin: …I need to go. You never know when or where the witch is listening. I'll be avoiding this place for the time being. You should do the same.

Chloe: Wait, Kelvin…!

Kelvin: Take care of Lord Rustica.

Chloe: Ah… …He disappeared… …If I tell him the truth, the current Rustica will disappear… …Then… Who is the real Rustica…? Will he really be happy continuing to search for a bride that no longer exists…? But…I don't want Rustica to remember…something so horrible… … I need to find Rustica… …This isn't the time to be moping. First off, I need to find Rustica… …I need to help Rustica. I at least owe him that much! …Oh, I should tell Master Sage! They said they were going to Cortes Palace, and then heading to the royal palace… If the witch is at the Western royal palace, then that's the first place I should look for Rustica. I need to hurry…!

4 - Dawn is Coming

Shino: This is…

Bradley: …

The spirits definitely felt like Western ones. I didn't feel any hostile intentions from the bone monsters surrounding us. Figaro was still actively wary of the guy with Murr's face. Mithra seemed unhappy with traveling through a door in space that someone else had made. Nero was out like a light again. I didn't know if his condition was stable or not. I wanted to get him properly treated as soon as I possibly could. And Shino was on edge, supporting Heathcliff on his shoulder and fidgeting like he couldn't decide if he wanted to stick close to Nero or to the curseworker. He had the most repressed bloodlust out of all of us right now, even counting the bone freaks.

Bradley: Stand down, Eastern tiny, Mithra.

Mithra glanced over to me, moving only his eyes.

Bradley: Don't make 'em underestimate us.

That was all I needed to say. Mithra focused his attention on what was in front of him, which was impressive, given his short attention span. The guy with Murr's face smiled.

Murr: Welcome. Please, use this manor as you will. I'll arrange for medical supplies to be brought to you shortly. You have many injured, after all.

Shino: You think you get to say that…?! All of their injuries are because of those damn things standing next to you!

Heathcliff: Shino…!

Shino's eyes were blazing with fury for the things that had put his comrades into this state. I could still feel traces of the curseworker's protection magic on him, and he had the guts to try and fight his way out of this. His courage was downright admirable.

Figaro: Get them to me immediately. As well as several people familiar with medical training.

Figaro's voice was calm, but it was steeped in a very obvious, very deadly anger.

Murr: But of course. I'd love to help you myself, but tragically, there is somewhere else I need to be.

Figaro: And where would that be?

Murr: I need to greet the Master Sage.

Figaro frowned, and I wasn't feeling any more happy about that than he was. I didn't want this Murr getting anywhere close to the Sage.

Bradley: (Should I get Mithra to go with him? But if I do that, then we won't have enough people here.) Bradley: (I'm pretty sure this is one of those actualized shards of Murr's soul I've heard about. And the shard was probably attached to that cat of his somewhere.) (Should I shoot it? If I do, how would the bone freaks react?)

While thoughts like that were chasing themselves in a circle in my head, Figaro handed the unconscious Faust off to Lennox.

Figaro: Sorry. I know you're hurt, too.

Lennox: No, it's fine…

But in the next moment, Figaro's magic focus, his orb, appeared at his hand.

Bradley: (This guy's got a short fuse too, huh.)

I was sick of him doing things that reminded me of how the twins wanted to run things. Even if they act like they're sensible, they jump the gun way too damn fast. I held Nero tighter in my arms, and my next words were very pointed.

Bradley: Yo, Southern doctor. You've got wounded to be lookin' after. If anyone's gonna be doin' anything right now, it's gonna be me.

Mithra: I'm going to be the one to take them down. All of them.

But Murr wasn't intimidated.

Murr: Did you enjoy it that much?

Figaro: Then hurry it up. I want to get to treating my patients. I'd rather not get attacked while I'm busy tending to them, so finish things up before that happens.

Murr: If we were planning on attacking you, we wouldn't have brought you here.

Bradley: What do you want with the Sage?

Murr: I intend on collecting all of the Sage's wizards here. Ah, of course. Perhaps I shouldn't have gone about this in the middle of the night. Is that why you're suspicious of me? Things that could happen innocently during the daytime can become perilous in the dead of night. This, too, is a captivating aspect of…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Blue flames raged out of Mithra's crystal skull alongside a furious blizzard, and the shape of Murr in front of us was annihilated. Me and Figaro were both left completely speechless. The cat that had been at Murr's feet leapt away, escaping as far from us as it could. And then, above the now distant cat, Murr once again flickered into view.

Murr: Goodness. Northern wizards have such short tempers. Hey, hey. Can you get close to those people over there again for me? Don't be scared. Please, I'm begging you…

Mithra ignored Murr distantly grumbling to himself and turned to face me.

Mithra: I'm going to go get the Sage.

Bradley: Sure, good plan. You know where they are?

Mithra: If I feel for their presence, yes. Well, I'll be going now. I have a feeling they're here in Western Country.

Having said that, Mithra glanced down at Nero, who was still securely in my arms. I was instantly wary of him. It was more instinct than anything.

Mithra: Is that person dead?

I didn't know what exactly he meant by that, but it still put me on edge. He better not tell me to give him Nero's stone.

Bradley: He ain't dead. He's too stubborn for that.

Mithra: Is that right? Thank goodness. Shino asked me to save him.

There was no possible way I really just heard him say something so…human. The concept alone was completely alien to Mithra of the North--he wouldn't even consider it. Mithra was still staring at Nero, and there was even a smile on his face.

Mithra: Anyway, I'm leaving now.

Bradley: Yeah, thanks.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra was gone, leaving behind only the night breeze. I raised my head, and my eyes met Figaro's. He was as shocked as I was by how Mithra was acting. We both looked away without saying anything.

Figaro: Let's hurry. This way, Leno. Heathcliff, can you walk?

Heathcliff: …ah, I'll be fine.

Shino: You can lean on me. How's Faust?

Lennox: His breathing is shallow. We need to get him laying down as soon as we can.

Shino: Bradley!

Bradley: I'm coming! Nero's still doin' fine.

The jet-black night sky was starting to turn blue around the edges. Dawn was coming. The time Oz's magic would return. Even if the bone freaks attacked us after the Sage and the lil' ones joined us here, everything would be fine. I noticed myself feelin' relieved about that and felt a sudden sense of dread. There's no goddamn way I was feelin' relieved about Oz's continued existence. Maybe I was dreamin' or something. I needed to walk around or somethin' to make sure I was actually awake. The amount of people that could actually be saved was limited. I needed to prioritize and cut the rest off. I glared at the air in front of me, and started walking.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: It's almost dawn…

Oz: So it is…

Rutile: Mitile and Riquet are both asleep. I'm sure they must've worn themselves out.

Oz: … Why…

Rutile: Hm?

Oz: Why would one give birth?

Rutile: … I…haven't given birth…

Oz: Yes… Of course not.

Rutile: Ahaha… Are you talking about my mother?

Oz: Correct.

Rutile: Do I really resemble her that much? Although I've been hearing that ever since I was Mitile's age.

Oz: You do not. However, there are traces of her in your countenance. The two of you can be…difficult to distinguish.

Rutile: That's an interesting way of putting it. …Were you close with her? My mother?

Oz: No… I had no particular interest in her.

Rutile: …

Oz: Given we have the opportunity, there is something I'd like to discuss with you.

Rutile: What is it?

Oz: … Is there anything… You would not want children to know of…

Rutile: Is there perhaps something you don't want to tell Lord Arthur about, Lord Oz?

Oz: …

Rutile: Ah… Sorry. That was just what came to mind.

Oz: … We should have talked more.

Rutile: You mean with my mother?

Oz: Yes. She talked often.

Rutile: Ahaha. I know all about that.

Oz: …Every time someone used their words with me, part of their heart entered mine. I disliked that.

Rutile: …

Oz: And yet, as I think of her now, I believe that perhaps I should have listened to what she said more attentively.

Rutile: …Why did you dislike it?

Oz: …Yes, why did I… Because I could not understand them. Even if I attempted to, I could not. Consequently, I did not wish to hear the words of others. I do not understand myself, either. And so… I have no words with which to describe myself. Putting myself into words would be inherently inaccurate. That things would always be conveyed inaccurately…left me weary.

Rutile: …

Oz: …Why are you crying?

Rutile: …I'm sorry… It's just, I think that…I must be the same way…

Oz: You talk frequently, however.

Rutile: Ahaha… But…I really do think I'm the same as you. I want to properly listen to people, I want to properly speak to them… But I can't understand what they're trying to say, and so I can't properly convey what I want to, either… …And so I hurt them and get hurt in return…even though I want to be kind to them…

Oz: I see… If it is difficult for someone as kindhearted as you, then I am sure it must be a trial all must face. Though she had a wild temperament, you are kind.

Rutile: You're a kind person too, Lord Oz…

Oz: …That is incorrect.

Rutile: You did great at talking with me, too. I understood what you wanted to tell me. I want to think that I understand…

Oz: …This is something Riquet has said to me. "I feel the same way."

Rutile: Huh…?

Oz: …The sky grows bright.

Rutile: Does this count as dawn?

Oz: Not just yet.

Rutile: Maybe you'll be able to do it if you try. Could I ask you to do that?

Oz: I shall.

Rutile: Then please sit down right here. That way if you fall asleep and fall over, you won't hit your head.

Oz: Here?

Rutile: Yes! Well then, take it away!

Oz: … <Vox…> Snz…

Rutile: Ah!! It really was a bit too early…!

5 - I Don't Want to Lose Anyone

I was flying through the night sky with Shylock, Murr, Gregory, and a piece of Murr's soul. Although we did return to Cortes Palace, none of us could relax, so we departed again after leaving a message for Chloe and Rustica. I was traveling with Western wizards, but no one said a thing. Having been overtaken by my exhaustion from everything that had happened that day, I was nodding off on the back of Shylock's broom.

Murr: You're falling, dear Sage.

Akira: ……ah!

I startled Shylock, and he turned to face me. He narrowed his eyes a bit and smiled.

Shylock: My apologies for not realizing. I suppose a trip like this is a bit taxing for a regular person such as yourself, Master Sage. I can use my magic to ensure you don't fall, but if you'd prefer, shall we find somewhere to rest?

Akira: I'm fine. But, um, just in case, if you could make sure I don't fall…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Just then, I heard a familiar voice. A door suddenly opened in the night sky, and then, there was Mithra.

Akira: Mithra.

Mithra was as relaxed as always, but when he saw Saku-chan, his face twisted into one of blatant distaste.

Mithra: That thing's still clinging onto you.

Saku-chan didn't mind, though. It was just nudging my shoulder with its nose. Mithra came closer to me and shook his hand a little, like he was trying to get something off of it. Gregory took to the air.

Mithra: There's more of you than I was expecting.

Gregory: Wah, watch out--!

Mithra: And I believe this is the one I missed my chance to kill earlier.

Murr: By any chance, are you referring to me?

Shylock: Murr was almost killed?

Murr: Ooh, by who? By Mithra? By Oz? Or by you, Shylock?

Akira: H-hold on, Mithra. Don't throw them off.

I held Gregory and the shard of Murr protectively in my arms, and then asked Mithra a question.

Akira: Do you mean that you tried to kill a shard of Murr's soul? Where did you meet him?

Mithra: A shard of his soul? Oh, now that you mention it, I do think I heard something about that before. No wonder something seemed off. He was on top of a cat.

Akira: A cat?

Murr: Sounds fuuuun! I want to ride on a cat, too!

Murr: I'm glad to hear that shards other than myself are enjoying their lives as well.

Shylock: You killed a shard of Murr? Did the Murr you killed return to the shard? Or did it destroy it permanently?

Murr: Ooh, what an eager student you are, Shylock!

Murr: Are you planning on composing a thesis on the subject?

Shylock: Be quiet, Murr. Mithra, what happened to that Murr?

Mithra: He was riding on top of a cat. He said he was going to go greet the Sage, so I came here to get you instead.

Mithra was frowning. It seemed like something unpleasant had happened to him.

Akira: Why were you and a shard of Murr fighting?

Mithra: He set bone doll monsters on us. Faust and Nero almost died, and Heathcliff and Lennox got done in, too.

Akira: Huh…?!

My mind went completely blank. My heart started pounding in my chest, and my vision started fading around the edges.

Akira: Wh…why…

Mithra: Like I said, we were attacked by doll-like, bone monster-like things. I won, of course.

And now Faust and Nero were almost dead, and Heath and Leno were badly hurt… Their smiles popped into my head. The idea of losing those smiles scared me so bad I wanted to scream. We'd encountered all sorts of dangerous situations before. I always knew that them losing their lives was a real possibility, and yet I just sent them out with little more than a "Take care." Not a single time had I ever been prepared to face the prospect of them actually dying.

Akira: (What do I do, what do I do, what do I do…)

I was so scared and confused I could hardly breathe. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed onto Mithra's arm.

Akira: Did…did you save them?

Mithra: Probably. Figaro is with them.

Akira: …Haahh…

My sigh of relief came from the very bottom of my heart. And yet at the same time as that relief, I felt my stomach twist itself into a knot and my fingers start to tremble. I was told they were almost dead, and then only seconds later, I was told they were going to be okay. But it had felt like an eternity. There were tears in my eyes, ready to fall.

Akira: …sniff, thank goodness… Can I see them? Can you take me to them?

Mithra: Of course I can.

Mithra was looking straight at me.

Shylock: Master Sage…

Shylock tugged me closer to him. The moment I relaxed, I'd started to slip. From within my arms, the shard of Murr started to speak.

Murr: The probability that these "bone doll monsters" are artificial wizards is very high.

Shylock: Artificial wizards? Are you saying you made a wizard? How could you create something like that all over again…

Murr: I didn't make them. But the plans for them were in my laboratory. It seems someone found them and perfected the concept.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra opened another door in the sky. Gregory whispered to me, worried about how pale and shaken I must've looked.

Gregory: Are you okay?

Akira: Yes…

Though he was in the shape of a bird and all he had for a face were his beak and his round eyes, I still felt like he'd smiled gently at me.

Gregory: You're a very kind person. The Sage's wizards must be happy to know how much you care about them.

But of course I did. If even a single one of them were missing, I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to live in this world only because each and every one of them had helped me. I didn't want to lose any of them.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra took us to a room I'd never seen before.

Figaro: Master Sage.

Akira: Figaro…

I wanted to say something to him, but the sight of his fingertips stopped me. They were stained crimson. I looked down and saw Faust laying on a bed, covered in wounds.

Akira: …!

I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep myself from screaming, and that startled Gregory, who took to the air. Seeing what looked like a bird, Figaro drew the bedsheets over Faust's body.

Figaro: What a pretty bird. Or, a person? Sorry, but I'm in the middle of treating patients right now, so you'll need to wait outside.

Akira: S-sorry. Figaro, Faust is going to be okay, isn't he?

Figaro's eyes met mine and he nodded, his smile a reliable one.

Figaro: Of course he is. He's got Dr. Figaro by his side, after all.

Akira: Thank goodness… Thank you so much!

There was a gentle kindness in Figaro's hazel eyes. And maybe it was just my imagination, but he seemed happy, too.

Figaro: Yep. Just leave everything to me.

Akira: What about Nero? Is Nero okay, too?

Figaro: As long as he rests. If he strains himself, he'll lose his life. He's through the room on the other side of the hall.

Akira: Thank you! I'm going to go check on him.

Figaro: Ah, don't walk around on your own. Shylock, could you go with the Sage?

Shylock: Of course. Does that mean this place isn't safe? Or, unsafe enough that we can't let the Sage be on their own.

Figaro: That's right. I'll explain what's up later. Mithra, I need you to fetch Rutile next.

Mithra: Excuse me?

Figaro: We don't have enough hands here, and I want to check up on Nero and Heath, too. He should be somewhere here in Western Country.

Mithra: I refuse.

Figaro: Why?

Mithra didn't respond. I looked up at him, and he was almost pouting.

Akira: …Did you two have a fight?

Mithra: He's a pigheaded jerk.

Figaro: Come on, Mithra. I need you to hurry. And while you're at it, can you track down Oz, too?

Mithra: Absolutely not.

A voice called out from my breast pocket.

Murr: I shall assist you.

I blinked, and my pocket Murr was full size again. When Mithra and Figaro saw him, their faces turned grim. Murr's bright eyes narrowed to slits as he smiled at them.

Murr: I am still a doctor of medicine, you know.

The shard of Murr reached his fingers towards Shylock's hair and stole Shylock's hair tie, just like that. Shylock frowned at him, looking annoyed. As Murr tied his hair back with his purloined hair tie, he addressed me.

Murr: Shall we go, Master Sage?

I pressed my hand against the shard of purple sapphire in my pocket and nodded. Just before we stepped out, I looked up at Mithra.

Akira: Are you sure you won't help us with Rutile? Mithra…

Mithra: …

Mithra was still pouting, his lips curved down in dissatisfaction. He sighed, but he was being reluctant about it.

Mithra: Just this once.

Akira: I'm sorry for the trouble. But thank you.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra disappeared into a door through space. Shylock stepped toward me and put a hand on my back. The nimble, catlike Murr was about to follow us so he didn't get left behind, but Figaro called out to him.

Figaro: Murr, hold on.

Murr: What, what?

Murr: What is it?

Figaro: Err… That's rather troublesome, isn't it. Could the one that's Shylock's dear pet stay and help me? You are a doctor, aren't you?

Murr: I mighta forgotten how to be?

Figaro: I'll tell you what you need to do. Ahh, just when I was getting a feeling of deja vu, instead it turned into Dr. Figaro's Classroom…

Figaro grumbled to himself, looking bitter. It seemed like it had been a long time since he'd taught healing magic, down in the South.

Lennox: Excuse me. --Master Sage.

Just before we could step out the door, Lennox stepped in before us. His clothes, too, were stained with blood. He noticed me before I could figure out what to say and smiled at me.

Lennox: Don't worry, they're just scratches. Please look in on Nero and Heathcliff. What kind of bird is this…? I don't think you should bring the bird with you.

Gregory: Yes, that's true. Master Sage, I shall leave your side for the time being.

Lennox's eyes widened when he heard Gregory speak. Figaro smiled bitterly, even as his hands moved swifly and skillfully.

Figaro: You should at least be able to identify the presence of a person turned into a bird. Faust is going to scold you.

Lennox: That's true.

Their quiet words sounded like prayers. Both of them were waiting for the moment when those prayers would be answered and Faust opened his eyes again. They had faith that moment would come.

✦✧☾✧✦

I went to the room Nero was supposed to be in with Shylock. Shino was already there. The moment he saw the shard of Murr, his expression changed. His scythe appeared in his hand and flashed across the narrow room. Murr only got a second to dodge. If he'd been even a moment too slow, his head would've separated from his body.

Murr: It seems I've earned quite a bit of resentment.

Shylock: As you always do. Shino, this shard of Murr is one we found in the Royal Botanical Gardens. This shard is different from the one that attacked you Eastern wizards.

Shino: …

Shino eyed us warily, trying to confirm what Shylock had said. It was very easy to tell from the sharpness of his gaze and his lack of composure that something terrible had happened. Shino was a proud wizard and a stranger to cowardice. Any other time, I would've seen a grin on his lips as he boasted about what he'd done. Instead, his whole body was tense. Something had happened that needed him to be that on edge, ready for anything. He let out the breath he'd been holding, and his scythe disappeared.

Shino: Sorry. Sage, come sit with Nero.

Nero was tucked into a bed, his eyes closed. I watched Nero's face quietly, but Shino muttered something.

Shino: Figaro said Nero's wounds were the worst out of everyone's. We were only saved because he took the first hit and told us what to watch out for.

Shino was staring straight into my eyes.

Shino: Be sure you praise him a lot when he wakes up.

Akira: I will… Shino, did you not get hurt at all? Even though I sent you somewhere so dangerous…

I'm so sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. Right as I was about to say that, I remembered what Bradley said to me. I couldn't look apologetic if I was going to give them orders. I needed to be proud of them for what they've done. Be proud of him… What should I say to tell him I'm proud of him? As I thought that, I looked at Shino, at his expression that he was trying so, so hard to keep even. And then I realized something. Faust and Nero had both been badly wounded, and Heathcliff had gotten hurt, too. Right now, Shino was struggling helplessly with something worse than I could ever imagine. When he'd swung his scythe at us just moments ago, he'd been trying to protect his comrades, all on his lonesome.

Akira: Shino… Thank you. Because of you, Faust, Nero, and Heath all came home in one piece. The fact that I can come see them all is all because you were willing to put your life on the line for them. I'm glad you were there for them, Shino. …I'm so, so glad…

Shino's red eyes looked up at me, startled. His gaze trembled, the rippling of the ocean at sunset captured in his eyes. It was the expression of someone very close to tears, even as he smiled at me. But he was so proud and fearless, he wouldn't admit that.

Shino: Yeah, well.

My eyes started getting hot, so I averted my gaze. Instead, I looked down at Nero, still sleeping. I couldn't say I liked seeing his sleeping face like this, though. His skin was so pale it was hard to believe he still had blood pumping through his veins. It hurt to look at him.

Akira: You, too… Thank you, Nero.

My voice was trembling. Shylock gently put a hand on my shoulder. His eyes were closed, and he murmured into my ear.

Shylock: Are you alright, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes… Shylock, Murr. Can I can leave Nero to the two of you? I want to see Heathcliff. Shino, is it okay if I do that right now?

Shino: I'll take you there. Shylock, take care of Nero.

Shylock: Of course. Shino, please stay at the Sage's side. If anything should happen…

Shino: I know. Don't worry. Bradley's here, too.

Akira: He is?

Shino: He was here until just a second ago. After we swapped off, he vanished. So he could keep watch from far away, he said.

Akira: From far away…

Shino: He'll be acting as sniper if anything happens. You should be glad a bullet didn't pass through your skull.

The shard of Murr simply shrugged his shoulders. I looked outside through the room's window. I could feel someone out there, watching over us, protecting us. Even if we were far apart, he would protect me. And he was still much closer than any god was.

Next Chapter

#.main story tl #this chapter was so beefy i had to cut it in half. good lord

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