Masaki Akira Protection Squad Translation Blog

A Heart of Celebration for the Season ~Outing with Figaro~

Chapter 1

One afternoon, bathed in warm sunlight. Figaro invited me to the market to pick up some treats for the Southern wizards.

Figaro: Sorry to ask you to come with me even though it’s your day off.

Akira: No problem! In fact, I am happy I get to shop together with you, Figaro. (Besides, Figaro's birthday party is tonight...) (We needed to keep him away from the manor while everyone got things ready anyway, so this was perfect timing.)

Figaro: Sweets, tea, and fruits… There are so many options, it’s hard to decide. Something easy to snack on during training breaks would be nice. Which one would make you happy, Master Sage?

Akira: Hmm, let's see… I think I’m happy with anything, but maybe something that’s easy to eat with one hand… Oh, this candy!

Figaro: Did you find anything interesting?

Akira: Yes. Chloe told me about this candy before. It pops and crackles in your mouth, and with every pop you get a different flavor. It’s delicious and fun.

Figaro: Hmm it doesn't sound very relaxing to eat, though. Young people really do like exciting things, don't they? If Mitile wants some, we could buy a jar... Oh? Hey hey, Master Sage.

Akira: Did you find something interesting too, Figaro?

Figaro: Apparently these cookies have a "fluffy-chewy" texture. I wonder what they’re like.

Akira: “Fluffy-chewy”! It's hard to imagine from the name alone, but it certainly sounds delicious.

Figaro: That sounds new. Do you think they're popular?

Akira: It's my first time seeing them too, so… Perhaps there aren't many people who know about it yet? Maybe they're about to become popular?

Figaro: Then we're getting in on the trend early. Let's surprise everyone with the latest trendy sweets.

[Time passed]

After that, we visited a few more stalls, discussing our options as we picked out snacks we thought everyone would enjoy.

Figaro: Thank you for accompanying me today, Master Sage. Thanks to you, I was able to find some great things. As a thank-you, here. A little treat from me to you.

Akira: This paper bag… it’s the fluffy chewy cookie!

Figaro: Ahaha, I like that reaction. Since we’re here, why don’t we take a break on that bench? While we’re at it, let’s try the cookie. I think they sell warm drinks over there too.

Akira: Sounds good! Actually... I bought something for you too.

I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a paper bag identical to the one he just gave me. Figaro's eyes widened, and then he let out a soft laugh.

Figaro: Could it be? Matching treats? Guess we really do think alike.

Akira: Ehehe. I bought it while you weren't looking. Let’s try them together!

***

Chapter 2

We bought drinks from a nearby stall and took a seat side by side on a bench. As we opened the bags of cookies we gave each other, a rich buttery aroma filled the air.

Akira: Wow, that smells wonderful…

Figaro: Maybe it’s fresh from the oven? It’s still slightly warm too.

Akira: Looks delicious. Let's dig in! Mm...! It's so light and fluffy when you first bite into it, but the more you chew, the chewier it gets!

Figaro: Munchmunch… Ooh this is… It's different from the usual soft, moist cookies, isn't it? I see, so this is the fluffy-chewy texture… It'd go well with coffee or milk, and I bet kids would love it too. There really are interesting sweets, aren't there?

Akira: I’m glad you liked it.

Figaro: I should be the one thanking you. Thanks for the treat.

Still smiling, Figaro suddenly glanced up at the sky. He popped the rest of the cookie into his mouth, dusted off his hands, and stood up.

Figaro: Master Sage, can you wait here for a bit?

Akira: …? Of course. (Did he forget to buy something?)

I watched Figaro heading back toward the market and continued eating my cookie. As I gazed at the peaceful scene before me, a light drizzle began to fall.

Akira: Huh!? But it was sunny just a moment ago...

The bench was sheltered by a roof, but the rain didn't look like it would stop anytime soon.

Akira: (What should I do… I didn't bring an umbrella today...) (I hope Figaro isn't getting soaked. Did I pack a towel or anything...?)

Figaro: Sorry for making you wait, Master Sage.

At the sound of a gentle voice, I looked up. When I looked up, Figaro had somehow returned without me noticing and was holding out an umbrella toward me.

Akira: An umbrella… Did you leave to buy it?

Figaro: Yeah. I saw some ominous-looking clouds approaching and figured a shower was on the way. Hey, why don’t we walk around the market for a bit?

Akira: Of course. A walk in the rain sounds nice too. Then, I’m gonna buy an umbrella too…

Figaro: Aw, don’t say things like that. I was in the mood to share an umbrella with you. Here, come over here.

Figaro pulled me in and our shoulders brushed against each other.

Akira: Uhm, if we use magic, the rain won’t get to both of us, right..?

Figaro: But doesn't this make your heart race a little more? After all, we don't get many chances to go out together like this.

Akira: …!

Even as he joked, Figaro's smile remained gentle and composed. After that, the gentle rain continued to fall. As we enjoyed the rainy market, I gradually found comfort in how naturally we fell into step with each other.

***

Chapter 3

When we returned to the manor and opened the dining hall doors, party poppers went off all at once.

Arthur: Happy birthday, Lord Figaro!

Figaro: Wow, what's everyone doing here? Could this be my birthday party? I'm touched.

Faust: Judging by that reaction... don't tell me you already knew.

Figaro: Of course not! I'm happy you all put together a surprise for me.

Snow: Then the surprise is a big success!

White: Yup, a big success!

Rustica: Well then, let’s start the party. Let's celebrate with a harpsichord performance.

Shylock: Happy birthday, Lord Figaro. Do stop by the bar for a celebratory drink as well.

Murr: Ya~y! I'm gonna sing, dance, drink, and celebrate too!

Nero: Eat your fill today. I made plenty of your favorites.

Shino: Yeah. You better be grateful.

Cain: Why are you acting so proud?

Heathcliff: It was Nero who made it, though.

Riquet: Figaro. I'd like to have another joint lesson with the Southern wizards sometime. You think so too, right, Oz?

Oz: If that’s what you wish.

Figaro: Haha. I'd always be happy to.

Mithra: Anyway, please just die already.

Owen + Bradley: Agreed.

Figaro: Come on, now. What a thing to say. I was in such a good mood, too.

Snow: Well then, why don’t we make Dear Figaro happy with our special plan!

White: Since we’re all living together in this manor. Rather than only spending time with people from the same country or those we're already close to, let us mingle with all sorts of people and deepen our bonds with everyone alike.

Snow: And so, Whitey and Heathcliff—whose birthdays are close to Figaro's—worked extra hard for this!

White: Since Snow and I share a birthday, we settled it with rock-paper-scissors. I won, so I'll be presenting the gift! Dear Figaro, happy birthday~! Here, a present from me!

Akira: These dolls look exactly like Snow and White…! They're adorable!

Chloe: They’re cute, right~! I helped with the decorations on their outfits, too!

Figaro: Uwa…

Snow: Right~! This way, we'll always be keeping an eye on you, Dear Figaro!

White: You can even sleep with them when you're feeling lonely.

Figaro: I have a feeling this would keep me awake at night...

Snow + White: Huh?

Figaro: No, nothing. Thank you very much.

Heathcliff: Uhm, next is from me… Please have this, Dr. Figaro, and happy birthday.

Figaro: This is... What is it? That's quite a peculiar rod. The tip is shaped like a cat's paw while the other end is… a fist?

Heathcliff: Each side has a different purpose. The cat's paw side can be used to scratch an itch on your back or retrieve something from a narrow space...

Akira: (I-it’s a back scratcher…!)

Mitile: The fist on the other end is modeled after mine! Please use it to massage your shoulders!

Rutile: The fist attachment can be swapped out, so there's one modeled after mine too. Here, look!

Figaro: You’re right. Rutile’s is a little bigger than Mitile’s. And whose fist is this intimidating-looking one modeled after?

Heathcliff: It’s modeled after Lennox’s. Please use it when your shoulders are really stiff.

Lennox: Though my version is pretty heavy. If you drop it, it might leave a hole in the floor. Please be careful.

Figaro: Hey, hey. If I used that thing, I'd dislocate my shoulder.

Akira: Ahaha. But it seems like it’d work wonders on any kind of stiffness.

Figaro: Really? Then I’ll let you borrow it sometimes, Master sage.

Even while he occasionally grumbled, Figaro looked genuinely happy to be surrounded by everyone celebrating him.   I returned Figaro's happy smile and offered him my congratulations.

Akira: Once again, happy birthday, Figaro!

***

Even If We See Different Scenery - Card Episode

Akira: Good afternoon, Figaro. Are you watering the flowerbed?

Figaro: Yup. Mitile asked me to do it because he has to go on a mission. There are medicinal plants and herbs planted around here, after all.

Akira: Oh, you’re right! There are new buds too! This one is the herb that was used in the class I joined the other day, right?

Figaro: That’s right. The plants are so lush and full of life this time of year. It’s really nice, isn’t it? It really makes taking care of them worthwhile. While we’re at it, I’m gonna pull out some weeds too.

Akira: …I wonder, do you like this season, Figaro?

Figaro: Hm? Why are you asking?

Akira: It was around this time of year when you were born, wasn’t it? You seem so at home taking care of the flowerbeds that I wondered if you liked this season…

Figaro: Hm... I don't think I've ever really thought about it before.  Back when I lived in the North, everything was always covered in snow so seeing greenery was pretty rare.

Akira: Come to think of it… Even during the same season, the scenery can look completely different depending on the country. But I like it. The lush greenery and blooming flowers beneath the snow… They both have such vitality to them and feel so full of life. 

Figaro: …You’re right. Before I knew it, spending this season like this—taking care of plants and relaxing—had become the norm for me.  Now that you mention it, I think I might actually like it quite a bit. The endless snowy landscape... and the lush green one, too.

***

Card Voiceline

Are you ready, Master Sage? Going out on a rainy day can be quite charming, don’t you think? We could use magic to keep the rain away, but how about using an umbrella today instead? The sound of raindrops falling on it is rather soothing, and while we're at it, why don't we share one together? It'd make it feel more like a date, wouldn't it? 

What Matters in Negotiation

Chapter 1

“The Ark of Wisdom”, the embodiment of the wisdom forged by the scholars of the Eastern Country. When we visited there the other day, I saw many people striving to leave their knowledge behind for future generations.

Akira: (I wonder what everyone would want to leave behind?)

Figaro: Hello, Master Sage.

Akira: Figaro.

Figaro: Thinking about something? You looked awfully serious.

Akira: Yes, a little bit. I was thinking about when we visited The Ark of Wisdom… Figaro, is there anything you’d like to leave behind for future generations?

Figaro: Hmm.. Now that I think about it, it’s a tough one. I’ve lived a long time, so I’ve had plenty of chances to learn from others and reflect on them, but… Oh, right. Do you have something that you want me to teach you, Master Sage?

Akira: Something I’d like Figaro to teach me…?

Figaro: Yup. This is about passing knowledge down, right? I can’t think of anything right away if it’s for everyone else, but if it’s something that would help you, I might be able to answer it.

Figaro chuckled as though in jest. Still, hearing that offer from someone as wise and dependable as Figaro made me happy.

Akira: (What I want to learn from Figaro… There are so many things, but for now it would be…) …I want you to teach me how to negotiate with adults and higher-up.

Figaro: Oh, that’s a good one. And that’s my specialty. But, why do you want to know?

Akira: When Mister Vincent came to inspect the manor the other day, a lot happened in the courtyard, remember? Uhm… first of all, thank you very much for helping me.

Figaro: Don’t mention it. We were helped by your courage as well. We are even.

Akira: Oh no, I’m not like that… I was so overwhelmed that time, so you really helped a lot when you intervened. But, from now on, as a Sage, I may find myself involved in negotiations more. If that happens, I can’t keep relying on you forever. I’d be happy if you could teach me about it.

Figaro: …I see. You’re really a kind and serious kid. If that’s what you want, leave it to me. Let’s start our lesson now.

[Classroom]

Akira: I’m looking forward to learning from you!

Figaro: Sure. Ahaha, your face looks so tense.

Akira: I-I’m sorry… Now that we’re actually doing this, I’m starting to feel a little nervous.

Figaro: You don’t have to be so formal. We’ll keep things fun and make it hands-on.

Akira: Hands-on…?

Figaro: Yup. All you only need to do is chat with me. But, I’ll be slipping a few negotiation techniques into the conversation, so see if you can spot them. First, let’s help you relax. Can I sit beside you?

Akira: Yes, of course!

Figaro: Thanks. Well, then, excuse me. Next comes a little massage to help you relax. I wonder which I should start first. Right? Left?

Akira: Then, the right one… Figaro: Got it. Ah, your fingertips are a little cold. <Possideo>

***

Chapter 2

Akira: Wow, that’s warm… I can feel the warmth gradually spreading through my body.

Figaro: After all, being cold is the root of sickness. When you feel cold, it’s best to warm your hands and feet and drink something warm whenever you can. For example, Dr. Figaro’s special bitter tea.

Akira: You served that when we visited your clinic the other day, right? I remember all of us drinking it together and going, “It’s so bitterrrrrr!”

Figaro: It’s not the kind of taste younger people are used to. But it’s full of nutrition so it’s good for the body. I’ll brew you a cup after the lesson. I’ll even serve it with some sweets to balance out the bitterness.

Akira: I'd be happy if it included snacks! So, we’ll have a tea party after our lesson.

The conversation felt no different from our usual chats. As we exchanged lighthearted banter, Figaro gradually relaxed both my body and my mind.

Figaro: Good, your left hand’s warmed up nicely too. We’re done with massaging here. Now then, I slipped a few negotiation techniques into our conversation. Can you tell what they were?

Akira: Uhm, let me think… (To help me relax, while we were chatting casually, he sat beside me, and took my hand to massage it…)

A few possibilities came to mind, and a thought suddenly occurred to me.

Akira: …Could it be that, it’s everything?

Figaro: That’s right. When you want someone to agree to your terms, there's a way where you start by asking a small favor and then make a bigger demand at the end. First, to get us closer both physically and emotionally, I made you give me permission to sit beside you. I acted humble so you wouldn’t be on guard. After that, a bit of physical contact to build a sense of closeness.

Akira: So that’s where the hand massage comes in?

Figaro: Yup. I did ask if you wanted a right or left hand first, but I didn’t confirm if it’s okay for me to do the massage. By offering a carefully chosen set of options, you can make the other person feel like they're making the decision themselves while still keeping control of the situation. After that, in the end, we agreed to have a tea party with my bitter tea.

Akira: Amazing… I had no idea you’d been thinking several steps ahead the whole time we were talking! As expected of Figaro. You’re really specialized in negotiation!

Figaro: Since this is a lesson, I did go a little overboard, though. But it’s not really that hard in actual practice. It’s a negotiation technique based on understanding the psychology behind everyday interactions. It’s easier to understand when you experience it for yourself, isn’ t it?

Akira: It totally does!

Figaro: So, now it’s your turn.

Figaro: Let’s see if you can win me over.

[Time passed]

Figaro: …Alright. It was good and felt natural just now.

Akira: I’m glad to hear that… Thanks to Figaro for matching my pace, you helped me to talk easily.

Several hours passed as Figaro taught me various negotiation techniques and had me put them into practice. The sky outside was completely bathed in sunset colors.

***

Chapter 3

Figaro: Look at the time. Are you okay, Master Sage? Are you tired?

Akira: Not at all! I should be the one thanking you for spending so much time with me. The lesson was great, of course, but I really enjoyed talking with you too, Figaro… It made me forget the time.

Figaro: Oh? Looks like you’ve gotten pretty good with words. Is there anything else you want from me?

Akira: I-I wasn’t trying to negotiate anything!

Figaro: Ahaha, I know. I was having fun too, thank you. Then, let’s summarize our lesson. What do you think is the most important thing in negotiation?

Akira: Hmm… It would be…

As I recalled everything we practiced, I put into words what I'd been feeling in my heart.

Akira: Trust and credibility(1)… perhaps? Whenever I talk with you, Figaro, I feel at ease. I know you won't force anything unreasonable on me, and even if you turn down a request, I trust that you'll help me find another way forward. That’s why, I wonder if that’s what really matters in actual negotiations, too…

 As I carefully searched for the right words, I looked up. When I looked up, my eyes met with Figaro who smiled kindly.

Figaro: Perfect answer. Full marks for you.

Akira: Oh, yay!

Figaro: I knew it, you’re really good at this. Without trust(2), negotiation techniques don't work in the first place. Both what I taught you this time and everything else, too.

Besides… Just like what you said earlier in the afternoon, you may find yourself involved in many negotiations from now on, as a Sage. I’d like to be there to support you whenever I can, but I can't always be by your side. 

That’s why this time, I’m glad I was able to pass on even a little of what I’ve learned.

Akira: Figaro…

The fact that Figaro entrusted his knowledge to me. Perhaps that, too, was a sign of the trust(3) he placed in me. When I think about it, I was really happy.

Akira: Thank you, Figaro. I still have a long way to go, but… I want to become someone people can feel comfortable negotiating with, just like you, Figaro.

Figaro: You already are, Master Sage.

Akira: Huh?

Figaro: You're always sincere with us. You face us honestly, and you're never afraid to share how you truly feel. You’re more than worthy of people’s trust. And you’ve got a charming personality, too.

Akira: Figaro… I’m so happy to hear you say that. From now on, I'll keep doing my best to live up to that trust!

Figaro: Nice, that’s the spirit.

Figaro’s gentle, thoughtful eyes curved softly. What does my future look like through the eyes of someone who has lived for over two thousand years? It must be something that I couldn’t even imagine. But I wanted to continue trusting and cherishing the man who looked at me with such kindness and compassion in his eyes. That feeling in my heart was unwavering.

***

Something You’d Like to Learn - Card Episode

Figaro: Hey, Master Sage. How do you think someone develops charm?

Akira: C-charm…? That's a bit sudden…

Figaro: I heard it from other wizards. You’re currently going around asking everyone, right? Something like "Is there anything you'd like me to teach you?"

Akira: Oh, right! But, if it’s about that, I don't think I'm particularly charming, though... Maybe it’s better to ask someone else who knows it better. Someone like Snow or White might be more knowledgeable.

Figaro: Those two are in a league of their own, though… Their carefully calculated cutesy act isn’t exactly something I can learn from. I want something more natural and genuine, like you have. It’s important to be approachable, right?

Figaro: As everyone’s beloved Dr. Figaro, I'd like to broaden my appeal beyond just the cool, sly-man image.

Akira: I see… But I think you’re already charming just the way you are, Figaro.

Figaro: Really? You think so?

Akira: Yes! You’re always smiling, you’re easy to talk to, you joke around sometimes, and I feel at ease when I’m with you. That's what makes you so approachable, and it's one of the things I like about you.

Figaro: …huh. Is that so…? I see. You really are adorable, you know that?

Akira: Huh? W-what do you mean by that?

Figaro: It’s nothing. It’s just that I don’t think I can compete with you yet. But thanks, that was helpful.

***

Card Voiceline

I've spent my life wandering through a long night where even the stars could barely be seen. But if I have you by my side... perhaps one day, I'll be able to see the light of dawn.

TL notes: (1) The original uses two different words: 信用 (shinyou) and 信頼 (shinrai). Both can be translated as "trust," but shinyou is more about trusting someone's reliability or ability, while shinrai has a more personal nuance, involving faith and emotional trust. It's kinda hard to fully differentiate them in English.

(2) Figaro actually uses both shinyou and shinrai here, but I decided to translate both as "trust."

(3) The word used here is shinrai. Akira is talking about how he feels that Figaro trusts him not just for what he can do, but as a person.

If It's an Invitation from You

Akira: (The sun is already starting to set, but the plaza is still lively.) (Hm? That person over there alone... isn't that…)

Akira: Are you taking a break, Figaro?

Figaro: Oh hi, Master Sage. Well, something like that. The night’s only just starting, so I thought I’d take a little breather.

Akira: Well, the villagers were keeping you busy until just a moment ago, after all. They kept pouring you drinks and asking you to dance. As you'd expect from someone so popular!

Figaro: Thanks to Mitile and the others, we managed to clear up the villagers’ misunderstandings about wizards. I’m glad the wedding ceremony went off smoothly.  It’s a lovely day. The atmosphere was perfect for a celebration, lively without being overwhelming, with excellent food and drinks and wonderful music.

Figaro: And best of all, you came and found me. Perhaps staying here and taking it easy was the best decision.

Akira: Huh?

Figaro: Oh? Was I mistaken? I thought you’d come to sweep me off my feet. Look, my glass is empty. And Dr. Figaro’s hand is currently available, you know?

Akira: Ahaha, you’re right. It seems I showed up at just the right moment.

Akira: Figaro, since we’re here, would you like to dance with me?

Figaro: With pleasure.