mhyk translations live here

Mitile: I'm snacking on these baked goods. Here, come look - they're shaped like stars! Aren't they cute?

Akira: Wow, they really are! The bag looks like it's full of scoops of tiny stars...! These are probably unique to the Star Festival, right? That must make it an extra special treat.

Mitile: You can have some if you want, Master Sage! On top of being super cute, they're also really yummy.

Akira: Really? Thank you!

Akira: .....Mm! They're light and fluffy, and not too sweet - I bet you could eat a ton of these and not feel full.

Mitile: Take as many as you want. It would be a big help...

Akira: "Help"? Did you accidentally buy too many?

Mitile: Um, you see... At this shop, when you buy ten items, they'll give you this bonus star-shaped charm.

Mitile: See, there are two big stars and two little stars, connected to make a pattern of four, kinda like us Southern wizards.

Akira: You're right...! It's even painted the perfect shade of green to represent all of you.

Mitile: Exactly! ...That's why I want to get three more charms, so I can bring them back as souvenirs for us.

Mitile: I feel like if we all have something matching like that, then even on days like today when we can't be together, we won't get too lonely.

Mitile: Still, no matter how delicious these sweets are, I'd probably end up with a stomachache if I tried to eat so many of these all by myself......

Akira: Well, then - if that's the case, I'm happy to help. Let's go buy lots of sweets and take home matching charms for everyone!

Owen: I wanted to try making a goopy, sticky, spongy thing, soaked in sweet condensed milk. But I ended up making something that looks more like the charred remains of a corpse.

Nero: Yeah, because you just threw all the ingredients together randomly… Ugh, what am I gonna do with this pile of charcoal?

Mithra: It smells delicious in here. What are you making?

Nero: Gah…! Another one of 'em…

Owen: You're just in time. Look, Mithra. It's your favorite. Go ahead, stuff yourself to your heart's content.

Nero: C'mon, now. Just 'cuz Mithra ain't a picky eater doesn't mean he'll wanna --

Mithra: Munch, munch. Oh, this is nice and crunchy.

Nero: No way you actually ate it… Is your stomach okay?

Mithra: Yes, my stomach is perfectly fine. And this tastes very good. You said I could have more?

Owen: See? The burnt mess is already taken care of. Aren't you lucky that your little problem has been solved so easily?

Nero: If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had any problem in the first place… And how am I supposed to get the burning smell outta here before breakfast…?

----

Spring 2020 Short Story 2

Shylock: It's been getting quite warm lately, hasn't it? At this time of year, the time passes quickly, and your mind is more relaxed.

Arthur: That reminds me - the Great Sage once mentioned that in their world, when the weather begins to warm up, many people take it as a chance to try something new.

Cain: Huh, that's neat. Why don't we give it a shot and start a new habit?

Cain: For example, every night before bed, we can do 300 sit-ups!

Arthur: 300 sit-ups… What a brilliant idea! I'd like to give it a try as well.

Shylock: Fufu, that's a very healthy endeavor. When the time comes, allow me to support you by preparing a drink to ease your fatigue.

Arthur: Thank you! I look forward to it. Oh, I know - how about we invite the Great Sage to join us for our sit-ups?

Cain: Since it's part of their world's culture, it might make them really happy! Let's go find them now. Seeya, Shylock.

Shylock: Of course. Take care… …Hm.

(the two leave)

Heathcliff: Ah, Shylock. Didn't we just meet in the common area? When did you get here?

Shylock: Fufu. Heath, are you certain you know who you're speaking to?

(magic sparkle)

Murr: Ahaha! A resounding success! Didja see how good my Shylock was?

Heath: Woah, Murr?! That was a magical disguise…? But you had me absolutely convinced, so why did you give yourself up?

Murr: It's all part of the game! It felt like the right time to start a new round.

Murr: After all, spring is the time of new beginnings!

----

Spring 2020 Short Story 3

Mitile: Oh -- Mr. Leno, Riquet! Look, I found a tree covered in flowers!

Lennox: Ah, good job, Mitile.

Riquet: Mitile, thank you!

Mitile: Ehehe. Well then, let's set up under this tree. Spread out the cloth, arrange the lunchboxes… and we're done!

Riquet: So this is "flower-viewing"... Having a picnic under a tree in full bloom is a wonderful part of the Great Sage's culture.

Bradley: Well, lookin' at flowers while ya eat isn't gonna make the grub any worse.

Mitile: Uwoh, Mr. Bradley?! Why are you here?

Bradley: Pipe down, pipsqueak. The places I go are none of your business.

Bradley: Alright, let's take a little look-see at these lunchboxes. Tomato sandwich, coleslaw, bits a' fruit… No meat?!

Bradley: Seriously… Eatin' plants, starin' at plants, how's that fun? This "other world" sure has some lame-ass culture…

Lennox: …I'm sorry. I hadn't expected that any of us wouldn't be able to eat vegetables, Bradley.

Brad: Huh?

Lennox: Don't feel bad. Many children can't handle vegetables. They can be sensitive to the bitterness or unfamiliar flavors.

Brad: …Hey, buddy. Don't go treatin' me like a kid. Of course I can handle eating some puny vegetables.

Lennox: Haha, that's good to hear. Well then, let's begin our flower-viewing lunch.

Riquet: Ugh, after all of that, I'm starving…

Shylock: Sir Snow, Sir White. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Snow: I heard that White had already thanked you for your help earlier, so I came to offer my gratitude as well.

Shylock: Fufu. You needn't worry yourself about thanks, as I would consider us already even. I am incredibly satisfied to have been shown such a beautiful, vivid, and deliciously ephemeral sight.

Snow: Come now, don't be shy. Your assistance was the very reason why we were able to hold this year's festival. In return, what can we do for you?

Shylock: …Very well, if you insist. I'm currently looking for a shop that carries essential oils - if you wish to help me, may I ask you to help me locate it?

Snow & White: Easy peasy!

--

Snow: Ta-da! Shylock, this store will have all the essential oils your heart desires!

White: Not only that, but the store sells essential oils not just for aromatic pleasantries, but for medicinal usage. As such, there are some precious oils and extracts here that can only be found in this region.

Shylock: Certainly, there seems to be quite a selection of Northern specialties. These are all very unique finds - it makes me want to spend the rest of the afternoon browsing their collection.

Shylock: Now, that said, some of these rarities are so unique that even I'm not familiar with them. If it's not a problem, could I ask for your recommendations?

White: Recommendations… Well, as an ingredient in spells, perfumes, and whatnot, we've used this one.

Shylock: Mercia fruit oil, is it?

Snow: That's right. Every town we've ever settled in has had this essential oil for sale, so the scent evokes many familiar memories. 

Shylock: …Fufu, that will be perfectly fitting.

Snow & White: "Fitting"…?

Chapter 2

Shylock: Thanks to you two, I've gotten my hands on some excellent essential oils. I'm very grateful for your help.

Snow: Come, now. I should be the one thanking you.

White: I must say, I am curious - Shylock, what did you mean when you said the Mercia fruit oil would be "perfectly fitting"?

Shylock: I mean it in the sense that it will be wonderfully appropriate for what I intend to use it for.

Shylock: <<Inviebelle>>.

Snow: Oh…!

White: Afterglow Lilies* in a small glass bottle, suspended in essential oils…

Shylock: Please, allow me to offer you this. Sealed within this bottle is a one-of-a-kind potpourri made with Afterglow Lilies and Mercia fruit extract.

Snow & White: For us?

Shylock: Of course. Consider this my personal thank-you for continuing to keep this wonderful festival alive.

Shylock: I would like to humbly express my wish that, even if the flower within may change shape and wilt with time, the fragrant memories you two have made will continue to bloom forever.

Snow: Shylock…

White: To transform and preserve the Afterglow Lilies in this way… I never would have thought of it.

Shylock: Is it to your liking, then?

Snow & White: Definitely! Thank you, Shylock!

Snow: Maybe next year, White and I will prepare some potpourri as well, and we can exchange gifts.

Snow: When that time comes, can we hope for your cooperation again?

Shylock: Yes. If fate allows, it will be my pleasure.

---

Akira: It's an invitation to "Hazebloom Wonderland".

Mitile: Hazebloom Wonderland?

Akira: Yes - it's a place owned by Shylock, after he inherited it from an old friend. I was brought there before, and it's a lot of fun.

Akira: I was thinking that we could go there later today, and I could escort you. Would that be okay?

Mitile: Yes, of course! But what kind of place is this "Hazebloom Wonderland"?

Akira: It's kind of like an entertainment district, with lots of different themed areas. But since it's your birthday, I'd like to bring you to a spot with some fun rides. 

Mitile: So cool…! I'd love to go there. So where is this place? When should we leave?

Akira: Actually, we have this magic door that will take us there right away!

Saying that, I held out a small door the size of a photo frame in front of Mitile. Mitile looked curiously at the door, the frame of which was entwined with delicate ivy and blossoming flowers.

Mitile: So we can get there right from here…! Okay, then after the birthday party is done, we can go. I'm really excited, Great Sage!

Chapter 2

[location: manor hallway]

Akira: Mitile, are you ready to go?

[location: Mitile's room]

Mitile: Yeah! I just finished putting my signature on the invitation. Next, I'll recite my spell, just like how the Sage said…

Mitile: <Orotnik Sealsispilce>!

When Mitile cast his spell, the invitation in his hand began to glow.

As if in response to the invitation, the door frame I held also started to emit light.

Fog overflowed from the door, gradually flooding the room with white haze. As the fog thickened, a sweet scent enveloped us.

[location: Hazebloom Wonderland]

Mitile: This must be Hazebloom Wonderland…!

His eyes brimming with curiosity, Mitile gazed at the colorful stone tiles at his feet, and then at the carousel horses spinning through the indigo sky. Then, he looked down at his own body.

Mitile: Huh? My clothes changed…?

Akira: People who are invited to this place will have their clothes magically changed when they arrive. 

Akira: Wearing that coat over your shoulders makes you look more mature than usual. You look really cool, Mitile!

Mitile: Ehehe, thank you!

Mitile: This thing over here must be one of the carousel rides* that you told me about, Great Sage. It looks fun!

Mitile: …Huh? There are a lot of seats, but they're all empty. Are there no other visitors?

Akira: This visit is just for you, Mitile, so right now, it's just the two of us.

Mitile: Just for me…! Then, does that mean I can pick whatever seat I want?

Akira: Definitely. Which one do you want to try first?

Mitile: In that case, this seat with all the flowers would be great!

Bouncing excitedly on his feet, Mitile climbed into the teacup-shaped seat of the park ride.

Mitile: It smells so sweet and nice… nn, huh? I suddenly got kind of sleepy…

Akira: Oh, I forgot to mention…! Each seat's flowers have a different fragrance with different effects, and I suppose this one makes you sleepy.

Mitile: Mn, I see….. wow…. it's definitely…..making me more relaxed…..

After that, Mitile wanted to run around the whole play area, trying out one ride after another. 

Before long, he led us over to one particular area, which was paved with scattered round cobblestones.

Mitile: Great Sage, let's see this attraction next! Actually, I had my eye on it when we first walked by it ages ago.

Mitile: "If you step on the flower, the flower will bloom". What does that mean?

Akira: Here, let me explain it as we go. I think it's easier to understand while you're actually doing it.

Akira: Mitile, try hopping onto that cobblestone.

Mitile: ? Okay, got it. Here we go--

As soon as Mitile's toes touched the stone, it began to glow and transform.

Chapter 3

Mitile: Whoah! The stone's got a flower pattern!

Akira: It's my turn next, then.

Mitile: Huh? Great Sage, your flower pattern is different from mine, isn't it?

Mitile: …Ah, both stones went back to normal.

Akira: That's because our flower patterns don't match. This is a game where we want to light up tiles with matching flower patterns, and if you match them all with no mistakes, you win.

Mitile: Oh, that sounds interesting! Let's try it again, Sage!

-

Soon enough, Mitile and I were easily matching the flower patterns. 

Akira: (I thought it would be difficult, but thanks to Mitile's good memory, things are going well. It's pretty reassuring.)

After some more time, the ground was in full bloom with flower designs, leaving only two white stones blank.

Mitile: Great Sage, we've taken turns stepping on stones until now, but how about we try to step on the last two at the same time?

Akira: Sounds good! Okay, let's step on three. One, two… three!

Our timing matched up perfectly, and we each hopped onto a stone at the same time. Every stone lit up at once with a dazzling white light.

The light slowly faded, coalescing into a field of flowers that spread across the ground.

Akira & Mitile: Wow~!

Mitile: "If you step on the flower, the flower will bloom"...

Mitile: So it means that if you successfully match all the flower stones, a real field of flowers will bloom!

Standing in the center of the newly-sprouted flower garden, Mitile lets out a sigh of admiration. Glancing at Mitile, I quietly take something out of my bag.

Akira: Actually, Mitile, I have another gift for you. Here you go. You said you wanted new ones of these, didn't you?

Mitile: Huh? This is…

Mitile: Wow, notebooks and pens for studying! And this pen looks really grown-up, like the one that Dr. Figaro uses!

Mitile: I can't wait to use them as soon as I can. Thank you very much, Great Sage!

Akira: I'm glad you like it! I thought that something you had said you wanted was a good idea, so I put a lot of thought into picking them out.

Akira: …But I especially wanted you, who works so hard all the time, to be able to take a break and play around. That's why I invited you here.

Mitile: Great Sage… Thanks to you, I was definitely able to relax a lot today! Tomorrow, I'll make sure to get back to working hard.

Mitile: I want to keep being helpful to you, and it makes me happy to be relied on by Riquet and Dr. Figaro.

Akira: You have my full support, Mitile. Whenever you need to take a breather, we can do it together. Just like we did tonight.

Mitile: Yes!

Mitile hugged his gift close to his chest, and smiled like a flower in full bloom.

Just watching him treasuring his gift made me feel as though I had received a gift myself.

Akira: (It makes me happy to see Mitile happy.)

[flower petals start flying]

Mitile: …..Huh? Something is falling… are these white flower petals?

Although there's no wind, flower petals had started floating through the air, from some unknown source.

Akira: (That's right… Shylock said that when the heart of the special guest had been satisfied, the gates of the playground would close.)

[location: Mitile's room]

Mitile: …Ah, we're back in my room.

Akira: Yes, we've returned to the manor.

Mitile: My clothes are back to normal, and it feels like I just woke up from a dream.

Mitile's gaze dropped to his hands, where he was still holding the invitation and the gift I had given him. His eyes widened in surprise.

Mitile: White petals…

Akira: Oh… a few petals got caught between your gifts and followed you home.

Mitile: So even though it felt like a dream, it all really happened…

Mitile: Great Sage, thank you for giving me such a wonderful time! I'll never, ever forget this day.

-

*i can't tell exactly what kind of ride it is, but i think it's one of those spinning teacup/saucer rides? i don't know exactly how to describe it nicely so i went with carousel ;w;

** if you know a better way to translate 花霧の遊戯場 please let me know :'] 

--

Card Episode - "To Make Everyone Smile"

Akira: Mitile, your birthday party the other day was such a blast. It made me happy to see you smiling so much.

Mitile: Yes, it was a super fun party!

Mitile: Not only were Dr. Figaro, Mr. Lennox, and nii-sama there, but the Central wizards also helped throw the party.

Mitile: Between all the congratulations and gifts I recieved, the time just flew by!

Akira: Ahaha, that's the most important part. Come to think of it, when you opened your gift from Riquet, you were all surprised, like "wow!", right?

Mitile: Ehehe… I wasn't expecting him to get me a gift, so I was surprised.

Mitile: …Ah, speaking of surprises, Mr. Oz was there too. He even helped Riquet and nii-sama with the decorations.

Mitile: Then, Arthur, Cain, and I all cracked some birthday poppers together!

Akira: It sounds like everyone, including Oz, really wanted to make your birthday celebration special.

Mitile: If that's true, that makes me happy… I received a lot of congratulations from everyone, so I think it'll be my turn to congratulate them next.

Mitile: I want to prepare happy birthday parties that will make everybody smile… Mr. Oz included!

--

Home screen line

---

(location: manor lounge, day)

Heath: Ah... Rustica and Oz?

Rustica: Good afternoon, Heathcliff.

Oz: Hello.

Heath: Good afternoon. What are you looking at....?

Heath: Waugh! That box has a human face on it?!

Oz: It's a piggy bank. Its name is Patrick.

Rustica: Allow me to demonstrate - you bring a coin to his mouth, and...

Heath: Oh, I see. It's... eating the coin...?

Rustica: We purchased it at a general store run by a wizard, back when Chloe and I were travelling the countryside together.

Rustica: I tend to spend my money rather freely, so Chloe suggested we get a piggy bank to save some money in.

Rustica: We decided that when it was full, we would treat ourselves to a stay at an exquisite inn. Until then, though, we would save our spare coins.

Oz: ...Does the coin slot have to be shaped like a human mouth.

Rustica: Ahaha, it's unique, isn't it? Chloe was surprised with my choice at first, but he ended up loving it.

Heath: It seems kind of terrifying, but I supposed that if you had to use it every day, you'd get used to it....

Oz: ...The bank doesn't seem to have a door on it. How do you get the coins out?

Rustica: Turn Patrick upside down and shake him! If you then tell him the amount of money you require, it will be dispensed... Mhm, like that.

Rustica: Now, would either of you two like to borrow our friend Patrick?

Heath: Eh?

Rustica: You may find yourself requiring lodging or supplies when out on a mission. Why not make use of Patrick to steadily build up some savings, so you have a little nest egg if you find yourself in need?

Rustica: It worked excellently for Chloe and I - I believe it would be fun for each country to work together to save money, and have passionate discussions about how to spend it.

Heath: I- I see... It would definitely be fun to work together like that, but I think having that creepy piggy bank in the room would still be hard for us to get used to....

Oz: ............

Heath: Um, and what about you, Sir Oz?

Oz: ..... These kinds of bizarre trinkets tend to please the other Central wizards.

Oz: I will borrow it.

Rustica: Yes, by all means. Patrick will be delighted to spend time with you.

Rustica: May you enjoy your travels together!

--

Akira: (These voices are…)

Akira: Murr, Faust. Hello.

Murr: Ooh, Sage! Heyo!

Akira: This is a rare combination. Are you two shopping together?

Murr: Yep yep!

Faust: No, not exactly… I was doing a small tasting to pick out a wine for myself, and Murr pounced on me.

Akira: Ahaha, I see.

Akira: Are you going to buy anything from this shop?

Faust: No, I'm still making up my mind…

Murr: Hey, hey! That shop across the street is also super yummy! You come too, Sage.

Akira: Um, are you sure it wouldn't be a bother?

Murr: No way! Come on, pick up the pace, Faust!

Faust: I'm coming, okay? Don't push the Sage around like that.

(scene change to another shop)

Murr: Mmm! It has a mellow aroma, and the texture is refreshing, but it still has a surprising zestiness. What a tricky flavor to pin down…

Murr: Why, it's the taste of an evasive infinity that reminds me of the night sky surrounding my beloved moon!

Akira: (Infinity?! I wonder what that tastes like…)

Murr's description of the wine had sparked my curiosity, and Faust seemed to feel the same way, slowly swirling his glass before taking a sip.

(gulp sfx)

Faust: Certainly, the aroma has a complex depth to it, yet the flavor is bright and refreshing. Overall, even though it's light, it leaves a pleasant feeling in your throat. This is delicious.

Murr: Right? Good, good!

Murr: Ooh, I know. Faust will definitely like this one, too. Bottoms up!

Faust: Mm.

Akira: (Faust seems to be having a good time. Maybe they're surprisingly compatible?)

Murr: Sage's drink looks yummy too! I'm gonna try some of that!

Akira: Huh? But, this is just…

Murr: Excuse me! I'd like to taste that one!

The shop attendant handed Murr a tasting glass, and he clapped his hands excitedly.

(gulp sfx)

Murr: Nn~? The taste is sweet and full-bodied, like something you've never had before, but with a pleasant familiarity, like something you drink all the time!

Akira: Murr, it's juice.

Murr: Whaaaaat!? Really? Ahaha, I didn't even notice!

Murr laughed in delight, his cheeks flushed a rosy warm color.

Akira: (Maybe he's gotten more drunk than usual…?)

Murr: I'm feeling good, so let's hurry and get to the next shop!

Chapter 2

Murr: This shop's wine has a deeply rich, fruity sweetness! But the aftertaste leaves your mouth a little bitter.

Even though he was definitely tipsy, Murr's descriptions were vivid and clear. Faust nodded along, pleasantly drinking the wine he was handed.

Time passed easily with this atmosphere. Suddenly, Murr turned to us with a serious expression.

Murr: Juicer…? I hardly know her. *

Akira: ……Huh?

Murr: The unfriendly root vegetable got "beet" up. *

Akira: …Murr?

Faust: …..Pfft.

Akira: (Oh, he's doing wordplay! I didn't think Murr was the type to make cheesy puns like that…)

Faust: Haha. I have no idea how you come up with them so quickly like that.

Murr started tossing out more puns, and Faust laughed away. Maybe it was just because they were both starting to get drunk, but they looked like they were having plenty of fun.

Murr: Hey, hey! What's up with that look,Sage?

Akira: Huh?!

Akira: (Whoops, he must have caught me smiling away…)

Akira: Ah, nothing… I was just wondering if we could make more puns related to the harvest festival…

Akira: Since you two are doing such a "grape" job. *

Faust & Murr: ……

Akira: …Ah, was that terrible…?

Murr: Ahaha, fantastic! Where did that come from? Sage, you're a jokes prodigy!

Faust: Quite the comedian, huh.

Akira: Oh, ahaha! I was afraid I had messed it up.

Murr: Got any more? I'd love to hear 'em!

Faust: Yeah, me too. But can you give me a second? I'm going to buy a bottle from this shop.

Murr: Bingo! I knew you'd be a fan of this one!

Faust: Thanks to this tasting tour, I was able to come across some delicious wines. Thank you.

Akira: (It looks like they sampled a lot, so I'm glad he found something he liked.)

Drunk Passerby: He~ey! That was pretty funny!

Akira: H-huh? Me?

When I turned around, a red-cheeked customer was calling out to me and staggering our way.

Drunk Passerby: Yeah! Whatever you were sayin' before, can ya say more like that?

Akira: Uh, umm…

Akira: (Another pun, just like before…Hm. I'm totally blanking…!)

Murr: Meow mya-mya-meow!

Drunk Passerby: Huh, what's the deal!?

Murr: Purrr… I've gotten drunk enough to become a cat! Meow, meow~

Drunk Passerby: …Wahaha, that's awesome! Your cat impression is spot on! Man, thanks for the laugh!

(thwap)

The person heartily patted Murr's back and stumbled away.

Akira: (Wah, I'm still reeling… he was in and out like a storm.)

Akira: Murr, thank you for helping out!

Murr: Ahaha! It wasn't me, it was cat-me!

Faust: Sage, Murr. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Faust: I made my purchases, and now I was just going to wander around for a bit longer, but… What are your plans?

Murr: Eh?! You're done already? My plan was to get more drinkies with Faust!

Akira: I think you're already drunk enough, Murr, so maybe it is a good time to call it a day…

Faust: …That's right, Murr. How long are you going to keep up that spell?

Chapter 3

Faust: He's been using magic to raise his body temperature all day, in order to pretend like he's drunk.

Akira: Huh?!

Murr: Ding ding ding! You found me out!

(magic twinkle)

Murr waved his hand, and before my eyes, his reddened cheeks faded back to normal.

Akira: But what was the point of faking it?

Murr: I wanted to see how you two would react if I got totally drunk!

Faust: Is that so. Well, did we meet your expectations?

Murr: The results show that both of you… are perfectly compatible with me!

Akira: Murr, when you actually get drunk, do you behave like that?

Murr: I wonder! Do ya wanna find out?

Akira: I am kind of curious… maybe a little.

Murr: Then there's only one way to know! Come on, let's head to the next shop together!

Faust: I don't mind if you leave me behind, so you two have fun.

Murr: Huh~! Why, why? Does Faust hate drinking with me that bad?

Murr's cheeks flushed red once more. Faust raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth, completely deadpan.

Faust: It's a nightmare.

Murr: You're so heartless! Was all that quality time we shared together just a game to you, Faust?

Faust's shoulders started to shake with laughter - Murr's exclamations could easily be taken out of context, or lead to a misunderstanding.

Faust: I'm kidding. Your drink recommendations are very good. Thanks to you, I've come across some excellent wines.

Faust: It's just that, when it's with you, it's hard to keep myself from drinking too much.

Faust seemed to be telling the truth. Though I can't help but wonder if it's the alcohol letting him be this honest, his reasoning is fair.

Akira: I understand. When Murr was sitting next to me and describing the taste of each wine, I found myself wanting to try it too, even though I don't drink alcohol.

Murr: Ya~y! High praise! Well, I'll have to work twice as hard to find even more scrumptious wines for you!

Faust: Oi. Were you even listening?

Murr: Yep, roger that!

Murr: I'm saying that, if I'm drinking special wine that can only be tasted today, I'll let Faust and the Sage hear my special words that can only be spun today!

Murr: How's that? Sound good?

Murr explained his plan, and just the idea of it was getting my heart racing. 

Murr: Let's toast to this fun afternoon, a precious moment that we'll never have again!

Faust & Akira: ……

Faust: You really are exceptional at recommending drinks.

Akira: Ahaha, he is, isn't he?

Murr: Yippee! The next leg of our wine-tasting tour awaits!

-

* these were originally puns in jpn, but since wordplay is really hard to translate, i settled for puns with similar structure/effect in english. they really are making jokes that bad… 

additional note: i had to fight for my life to make the wine descriptions sound as flowery as they are in jpn and i took tone over exact phrasing. Take it up with murr, y'all,

----

Training Story: Let Me Hear Those Words Again

(location: manor courtyard)

Akira: Good evening, Murr. What are you up to out here?

Murr: It's officially happy hour! Time for a drink!

Akira: Oh, that bottle…

Murr: Good eye! It's one of the bottles I bought at the festival the other day, when I was doing tastings with Faust.

Akira: I didn't even notice you bought anything. There were so many different wines, how did you decide on the ones to buy?

Murr: Easily. I bought the ones that Faust gave the yummiest descriptions of!

Akira: Oh, I see. Faust was definitely talkative that day - almost as much as you, Murr.

Akira: By the way, even though you chose it based on Faust's description, what do you think of it?

Murr: Something about this wine just makes folks want to talk about it, huh? It's intriguing!

Akira: …That is interesting.

Murr: So! Do you want me to tell you about it?

Akira: Yes, please!

Murr: Well, it's…

Akira: It's……

Murr: Let's ask Faust about it!

Akira: Huh? Faust? Can't I get your opinion?

Murr: It's fine! I'm sure that if we drink this wine together, we'll have the same thoughts about it!

Murr: Hey, Great Sage. Let's go find Faust and invite him!

----

Home Screen Voiceline:

Shylock: Ah, yes. The wines from that period were delightfully refreshing - I'm quite a fan of them, myself.

Nero: Huh, really? Which one was it? I wanna try a glass too.

Shylock: Here, this is the one.

Nero: Heh. It's the one that's as old as Teach.

Faust: Do you have to keep bringing that up?

Nero: You're the one who said it first…

Shylock: If we look further back, there's most likely some wines that are the same age as Nero. Shall we have it later?

Faust: Oh, good. He won't be left out.

Akira: Drinking wine that's as old as they are… it seems like a nice way to have fun.

Arthur: I agree. I imagine that it's quite a moving experience to taste a wine that has aged alongside you.

Arthur: If it was possible, I would have liked to have found wine from around the time Oz was born…

Akira: (That would make the wine at least 2000 years old…)

Oz: …… This wine is from the year of your birth, Arthur.

Oz: You had asked me to pick out a bottle of wine for you. Even if you cannot drink it now, you can keep it as a souvenir for when the time comes.

Arthur: Yes…! And when that day arrives, I hope you will be there with me, Master Oz.

Murr: Hey, Sage, are you drinking too? I've sampled so many different kinds that I ran out of fingers to count 'em on!

Akira: Um, doesn't that mean you drank a lot? Are you going to be okay?

Murr: It's fiiine! Even if ya run out of fingers, you still have plenty of toes! But isn't the Sage having juice tonight?

Akira: That's right. It's really delicious, so I'm happy I get to have as much as I want. But your drink is wine, right? Which year is it?

Murr: This one! The barrel with the big cross slashed on it!

Akira: Ah.

Immediately, Mr. Bacchus came flying over.

Bacchus: Hey…! Did you drink that wine?! I told you it was a failure!

Murr: How exactly did you fail, though? You won't know until you try it!

Bacchus: Well, yeah, I suppose that's right, but still…!

Murr: Everybody! Have you tried this one yet?

Rutile: Huh? Which one does he have?

Nero: What, is it somethin' super good?

Bacchus: Hey!! Cut it out! Murr, you're unbelievable!!

True to the rumors, Bacchus's wines and juices were all extremely tasty. The wizards all drank heartily, refilling their glasses again and again.

It was fun to compare them and discuss the difference in taste and feeling - even if the opinions only ended up settling on "delicious" and "more delicious".

We were all talking, arguing, and bantering, and before long, the wine cellar had taken on the lively atmosphere of a bar.

Nero: Oi, Brad ...ley. I think you've prob'ly had enough to drink.

Bradley: Don't gimme that. If anythin', go nag at the Southern kid here instead.

Rutile: Bacchus wine is really the best! Every single one is so yummy…! Hey, isn't that right, Mr. Faust?

Arthur: Rutile, you're talking to Master Oz.

Maybe it was because they had been drinking plenty of Bacchus wine, but everyone seemed more cheerful than usual.

At one point, at Arthur's request, Murr and Mr. Bacchus kicked off their shoes and began to demonstrate grape-stomping on the spot.

The two began to sing as they stomped happily on the empty floor. Their voices didn't quite match, and they were making up lyrics on the spot, but just watching it made me feel exhilarated.

Akira: Ahaha, this is so much fun. I think everyone is more drunk than usual.

Shylock: I suppose they are all in the right mood to get pleasantly intoxicated. It must be due to the exceptional taste of today's wine.

As Shylock and I took in the peaceful scene, Bradley approached us with a bottle of wine in hand.

Bradley: Oi, pipe-guy. Yer glass is lookin' way too empty.

Without waiting for Shylock's approval, Bradley took the glass from his hand and poured him some wine. 

Shylock: Are you going to serve me my drink? My, what an honor. …Oh, this wine.

A familiar bottle, with the label removed - Mr. Bacchus had only offered it as an afterthought. Calamity Wine.

Bradley: I still haven't heard your opinion on it.

To be honest, I was curious, too. What would Shylock do with such a troublesome thing - the wine that had fascinated the hearts of many people, and broken the heart of his friend Bacchus?

Shylock brought the glass to his lips and took a sip. Then, he took a few more sips, as though he wanted to be sure. Finally, he opened his mouth.

Shylock: ……It is certainly a beautiful drink.

Shylock: However, I don't think I would like to serve this wine at my own bar.

Akira: …Why not?

Shylock: Because it is too complete. There is no evolution, and no development. 

Shylock: Regardless of the time that has passed, this wine may retain its exact taste.

Shylock: But…

Shylock looked up through the crowd, and watched Bacchus sing.

Shylock: Bacchus wines will change. Every year, without fail, the flavors and aromas will intricately, delicately transform.

Shylock: I love to unravel how his effort, ambition, and affection are reflected in these subtle changes. He doesn't have to say a word, for his wine will do it for him.

Shylock: To allow a life's drama to stain your tongue, though its source is absent… That, I believe, is what it means to taste wine.

Bradley: …I knew you'd say that.

Bradley didn't say anything else, and returned to the group, looking satisfied.

The glass in Shylock's hand was once again empty. This time, he filled it with some sort of Bacchus wine.

Shylock: This is the wine that Bacchus gifted to me earlier.

Shylock: He told me that this was the very first wine he made at this winery. It was one of the few that he stored with magic, preserving it indefinitely.

Akira: That must make it very precious…

Shylock: Indeed, it is a wine to treasure. Bacchus insisted, saying that since I had been willing to give up Bennett wine, he would give me this in return.

The color was rich and beautiful, like liquid rubies. It swirled leisurely against the rounded bottom of the glass.

The depth of its color was astonishing and vivid - although it should have been made a long time ago, it appeared fresh, as if it had just been born.

I could tell, now, that it harbored the single-minded and devoted passion that the creator had for his work.

Shylock: No matter how much time has passed, and how much the world around him has changed, he will continue to make wine. And I will continue to eagerly await it…

Shylock: I'm looking forward to finding out what it will taste like this year. Just the thought of it makes my heart dance.

Shylock lowered his arm, his voice barely a murmur. As if harboring a deep love for a yet-unseen future. As if soaking in the imagined flavor of a treasured fantasy.

After a moment, his long eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes with a smile. He stared at me with eyes more deeply red than even the wine.

Shylock: Sage. Please, toast with me - to celebrate our continued fortune and happiness.

Akira: Yes, of course…!

What will the next wine produced by Mr. Bacchus taste like? What kind of dramatic tale will it tell?

We raised our glasses, each filled with new hope for the old wine.

That shared moment was warm and luxurious. Smiling at each other, we took a sip.

--

Akira: Really?!

Rutile: That's fantastic! Then, let's not waste time…!

The air was abuzz with anticipation, and Bradley caught Bacchus's eye with a piercing gaze.

Bradley: We'll be purifyin' the corruption, but don't get yer hopes up for much more.

Bradley: Got it?

Bacchus: … It doesn't matter. Please, just do it.

The wizards all raised their hands towards the affected fields.

Shylock: Then, let's begin.

Shylock: Inviebelle.

Bacchus joined the other wizards facing the fields, and they all followed Shylock's lead.

Murr: Eanyu Rambul!

Bradley: Adnopotensum.

Faust: Satillquinart Mullcreed.

Nero: Adnodus Omnis.

Oz: Vox Nox.

Arthur: Pernoctant Nixzo.

Rutile: Orotnik Setomaouge!

A gust of wind swirled up from the ground and tore through the vineyard. The vines swayed in the wind, then started to shine with bright white light.

When the wind settled, all the lush, fruit-bearing grapevines from mere moments ago had vanished.

Oz: The purification is done.

Just as Murr said, the Great Calamity's influence hadn't been too difficult to remove. But despite that, nobody could celebrate.

Akira: The fields…

Faust & Nero: ………

The field before us was desolate. 

It was as though the Calamity had frozen time to preserve the endless harvest, and with the successful purification of its influence, time had moved ahead all at once. Vines withered, branches snapped and littered the ground, and the whole field became overgrown with weeds.

Shylock: Because of the Great Calamity's influence, the crops did not need tending for quite a while.

Shylock: Now that the abnormal fertility has been cleansed from the fields, they have simply returned to their natural state.

Rutile: So that's the end of it… Such an important vineyard…

Arthur: …….

Akira: (And right after Mr. Bacchus had rediscovered his motivation to make wine…)

Everyone's gazes gathered on Mr. Bacchus. 

To be faced with the devastated remains of his fields - it must be heartbreaking. Of course everyone was worried about him.

However…

Bacchus: I'll just have to start over from scratch, then. Now's a good opportunity to revise my approach.

Bacchus: I'll adjust the composition of the soil, and find improved fertilizer. Oh, and it's a good idea to look into starting new grape varieties!

Bacchus showed no signs of feeling hopeless. In fact, he was glowing with excitement.

He was brimming with idea after idea about how to improve his fields, making plans with the enthusiasm of a daydreaming child.

Bacchus: …Ah, I'm just so excited. A wizard's life is long, but I still feel like it isn't enough.

Bacchus: There are still so many things I want to try -- so many challenges I need to overcome if I want to improve my winemaking.

Bacchus: With this fresh start, I will definitely surpass Bennett wine!

Shylock: Hm, I look forward to seeing it.

Mr. Bacchus faced the vineyard. Today, his gaze fell on barren fields, but his words shone with enthusiasm for what awaited him in the future.

His grape-colored eyes were no longer dull nor hollow. Now they shone like a vibrant, juicy fruit - full to bursting with beloved passion.

[location: Bacchus's wine cellar]

With the field's abnormality cleansed, the rest of the post-festival cleanup went smoothly.

Then, Bacchus invited us back to his wine cellar.

Arthur: This really is a stunning amount of wine. There's so much of it…

Rutile: And to think Mr. Bacchus made every bit of it…!

Barrels of wine from many different eras were packed into the cellar.

This was a testament to a man who had dedicated his entire life to wine. It was almost overwhelming to see such a large cellar packed to the brim with many, many years of his efforts.

Bacchus: I've been storing things here for hundreds of years. The long-term storage is maintained with magic, so everything is preserved perfectly. That's pretty much the only involvement magic has in my winemaking process. 

Bacchus: Other than that, I don't use magic at all. If you take shortcuts to cut out labor or time, the wine will taste rushed and lazy.

Nero: I feel that. 'm pretty picky about that kinda thing, too.

Mr. Bacchus guided us through the wine cellar, and we followed him down the long aisle.

Bacchus: As you can see, the barrels are all in chronological order. And though some of the barrels might look the same, they're all crafted with slightly different materials, not to mention a lot of ingenuity.

Bacchus: Once it has aged enough, the wines are bottled. That means that whatever barrels I keep in here are my own archived reserves.

Bacchus: Younger wines are closer to the entrance, and the further back you go, the older the wines are. This area is around… four hundred years old.

Akira: Eh, four hundred years…?

Faust: This wine is as old as I am…

We looked over the crowded shelves of wine barrels in wonder. Suddenly, Oz's eyes landed on one barrel, and he stopped.

Oz: ……

Arthur: Master Oz, is everything okay? …Huh, this wine barrel has some sort of special mark on it, doesn't it?

The barrel had a big red "X" slashed across it in red paint. Mr. Bacchus grimaced awkwardly.

Bacchus: Um, that one is -- Listen, I had a surge of childish inspiration. I decided to ignore my usual process and make something totally different.

Shylock: Fufu. The wines from that year were certainly unlike any other.

Bacchus: Not another word out of you! It was terrible, and that's the end of it. Gaahh! Just remembering it is so humiliating…!

Akira: (I get the feeling that's a dark time in his history…)

Bacchus: Don't worry about it, okay? Here. Each of you, please take a glass.

Bacchus's magic floated a wine glass in front of each of us. It was a simple, casual glass, like the ones that were used at the harvest festival wine tastings.

Once everyone had received a glass, Mr. Bacchus smiled and clapped his hands together.

Bacchus: Now we get to the fun part! Help yourself to whatever you'd like. All-you-can-drink wine, from any year you want!

Murr: Yahoo! An open bar!

Bradley: Aren't you a generous fella? Well, if ya insist, then it would be rude not to.

Faust: For real? That's quite a big-shot move…

Bacchus: It's a small price to pay. You reminded me of why I love winemaking, and renewed my passion for wine. Consider it my thanks.

Nero: This is kind of crazy. I never thought the day would come where I'd have unlimited access to Bacchus wine.

Rutile: Thank you so much, Mr. Bacchus!

Bacchus: Don't be shy - help yourself to as much as you'd like. And for those who don't drink alcohol, we have grape juice as well. There are a couple excellent varieties - ones that are only served on special occasions.

Akira: Wow, they sound delicious…! I would love to try them all.

Arthur: If Bacchus made it, then the grape juice should be just as exceptional as the wine. 

Bacchus: …Oh, and there's some Calamity Wine left, too. If you're curious, I guess you could try a bit.

Bradley: Wow, y'sure lost yer sparkle real quick there.

Nero: Well, you can't really blame him…

At Mr. Bacchus's insistence, we all took our glasses and decided to enjoy the feast of wine to our heart's content.

Rutile: Where should I even start? Even if I only have a small glass of each, I don't know how I'll be able to try all of them - there's just so much!

Bradley: Oi, South big bro. Let's pick up where we left off on our li'l drinking competition from earlier. Y'know, since I didn't get the chance to whoop your ass properly.

Rutile: Okay, that sounds like fun! But since this wine is so fancy, let's take our time and savor it properly. Bradley: Agreed. It's too good to waste by chuggin' it like a madman.

--

Guest: I heard that Bacchus himself is here… Oh, you must be him.

Shylock: Unfortunately, I am not. Bacchus is this gentleman over here.

Surprised at Mr. Bacchus's youthful appearance, the guest's eyes widened behind the lenses of their glasses. 

Nero: Hah, I'd be surprised too. That guy is actually way older than me.

Guest: Wow… Even long before my grandfather was born, Bacchus was making wine here!

Faust: He was probably making wine before your great-great-great-grandfather was born.

Bacchus: Well, can I get something for you?

Guest: No, I just wanted to offer you my gratitude.

Bacchus: Gratitude?

Guest: My family has been enjoying Bacchus wine for generations. I have looked forward to it year after year.

Guest: It's a shame that there is no new wine this year, but I look forward to tasting the next one. Hopefully, I'll be sharing it with my children and great-grandchildren.

Guest: Your wine is one of the greatest pleasures of my lifetime. Thank you for continuing your work for so long.

As he spoke, the guest reached out for a handshake. 

Mr. Bacchus gratefully grasped the guest's wrinkled hand, squeezing it like a lifeline.

Bacchus: …Thank you so much.

With that, the harvest festival came to an end.

And, naturally, the results of the wine-selling competition were tabulated…

Bradley: 60, 61…

Shylock: 59, 60…

The empty wine crates were counted, and compared with the sales records from the day. Together, they formed a final count of each booth's sales.

Shylock: …How satisfying. We sold exactly 400 bottles.

Rutile & Arthur: … …

Faust & Nero: … …

Bradley: …398.

Bacchus: …We won!!

Rutile & Arthur & Akira: Hooray!!

The sales at both booths had been steady, and it was an intense competition. However, in the end, it seemed there was a surge in sales, allowing Shylock to pull ahead by a slim margin.

The wizards on Shylock's team each let out sounds of joy and relief.

Faust: Whew…

Nero: Man, that had me on the edge of my seat.

Akira: Shylock, congratulations!

Shylock: Thank you. But I really owe this victory to Bacchus, for providing his marvelous wines.

Shylock: And above all else, I offer my greatest thanks to you all for your cooperation. Even Sir Oz performed his role as salesperson most elegantly.

Arthur: Lord Oz. Your customer service was definitely wonderful!

Oz: …

Akira: (That was definitely a unique sight… Oz taking payment kind of felt more like a shakedown…)

Shylock: And you two? You have no complaints about this, I trust?

Bradley: Hah. If it can't beat out Bacchus's wine, there's no point in even havin' the field. I'll hand it over.

Bradley: But the profits from this li'l game are still all mine.

Nero: Yer pretty shrewd, even though ya lost.

Bradley: Cost a' labor, naturally.

Murr: I've gotten enough data from my research on Calamity Wine. I'm washing my hands of the fields!

Murr: And besides, it was super fun to see Shylock get all serious about winning!

Murr: How about it, Shylock? Didja have fun, too?

Shylock: Hmm. I think I'll leave that to your imagination.

Akira: (Well, it seems like he enjoyed himself…)

The tension from earlier had completely melted away. In its place, a feeling of relief and pleasant fatigue washed over us.

Looking like a weight was lifted off his shoulders, Mr. Bacchus walked up to Shylock.

Bacchus: …Shylock. You saved me today. I can't thank you enough.

Bacchus: But… did you really have to go that far? Even though you wanted to win, you didn't have to give up such a valuable wine collection for a game…

Shylock: Because to me, it was a very serious competition. I gave it everything I had. That's all there is to it.

Shylock: And I knew you would have a change of heart, because I know you.

Shylock: Truly, thank you for your help today.

Bacchus: Shylock…

Shylock: Now that we have braved the storm, let us celebrate the newfound sunshine.

Shylock produced a bottle of wine, twisting the cork out with a well-trained hand. 

Bacchus: Hey, that's Bennett wine…

Shylock: Indeed - the very wine that you protected. If you don't mind, I would like to share a drink with you.

Bacchus: …

Bacchus chewed at his lip, glancing hesitantly between Shylock and the offered glass of wine.

The deep red wine swirling in the glass matched the color of Shylock's eyes. Bennett's legacy, the history of its rise and fall, was crafted into this drink.

Bacchus: …Of course I'll drink it. Thank you.

Mr. Bacchus accepted the glass of wine. Expertly, he turned the glass in his hand, appreciated the aroma, and then took a sip.

Then, after he swallowed quietly, a sob escaped his drawn lips. His face crumpled, and he started to cry.

Bacchus: …Uu…. It's delicious…

Bacchus: It's the most delicious, and the most frustrating…! This is the impeccable flavor that haunts me, that I want to surpass more than anything…!

He groaned to himself, tears streaking down his cheeks. His voice wavered, nearly breaking from the pain and passion contained within his words.

Words of love, seeping out like blood from a beaten heart.

Shylock looked at him softly, his dark eyelashes lowering.

Shylock: …It's good to hear you say that.

Murr: Hey, Brad - from the moment you drank the Calamity wine that first time, you must have known it was a losing fight, right?

Murr: If you're a true connoisseur, I doubt you would have put so much faith into an inadequate wine. You could probably taste that the wine wouldn't hold up.

Bradley: There's no foolin' ya, huh?

Bradley: Yeah, it was no real Bacchus wine. 'S a shame there's no real batch this year, I've got a real hankerin' now.

Bradley: But at least we made that poor bastard quit his snivelin'. His cowardly face was so infuriating, I wanted to slap that look right off'a him.

Murr: I see! Even though you lost, you're still taking it as a victory!

Murr: Well, I for one loved the Calamity Wine! Especially the name!

The day after the harvest festival competition. We once again visited Bacchus's vineyards.

Rutile: The vineyards have safely been returned to M. Bacchus's care. They're his again, but…

Nero: There's still the issue of the mutant crops.

Bacchus: I tried destroying the Calamity vines and replacing them with my own crops several times, but they came back in full force each time. If this keeps up, I won't be able to make my own wine.

Bacchus: Since you all went to such lengths to get my field back, I'm hesitant to beg for another favor, but…

Bacchus: I would like to make a formal request of you, Sage's Wizards. Please, do something to fix my fields.

Arthur: Of course. In order to truly return the fields to your control, I'll give it my all.

Faust: In order to purge the Calamity's influence, we'll need to ascertain the extent of the abnormalities. Before we can do anything, we'll have to do some research, and look at…

Murr: Ooh! I did my research! I was super careful, and looked over every last leaf of the vineyard!

Bradley: This guy, seriously. He was fully skippin' meals to investigate it. Shylock: Well then, Murr. Did your investigations yield any insight?

--

As we quietly absorbed the facts, the few remaining wines were steadily selling out.

Rutile: At this rate, Mr. Bacchus's vineyards will…

As the atmosphere grew tense with anxiety, Shylock's calm voice got our attention.

Shylock: We have yet to play our final hand.

Shylock: <Inviebelle>.

As soon as he recited his spell, a bottle of wine appeared in his hand. The dark bottle was polished to an enticing shine.

Akira: A new bottle…?

Before I could even ask what it was, Murr's eyes narrowed at the bottle.

Murr: Ah, that's Bennett wine.

Akira: Uh…

I almost couldn't believe it. I looked at Shylock in shock.

Akira: (Bennett wine? But, that wine is…)

Akira: Aren't there very few bottles left…?

I had been told that by none other than Shylock.

He had explained that there was a limited amount of Bennett wine left, and as no more was being produced, what remained was very precious.

Shylock himself was greatly looking forward to opening and drinking those last bottles; he anticipated seeing who it's with, when he does it, and under what circumstances.

My face went pale, but Shylock simply nodded elegantly at me, as if to confirm that I was correct in my "no way!" response.

Shylock: Indeed, this wine is very dear to me.

Shylock: But if this is not a special occasion on which to use it, then what is?

Shylock: Besides - haven't you learned this of me by now? I hate to lose.

Saying that, he glanced sidelong at Murr. Although his voice was languid, his unfaltering smile was like a blade pointed at Murr's throat.

Murr narrowed his eyes coldly in return, like a cat facing off with its prey.

Murr: Of course. I can still read ya like a book, Shylock.

Bradley: Ahahaha!

Raucous laughter interrupted the moment. Bradley sidled up and clapped his hand on Shylock's back, looking thrilled.

Bradley: Looks like you're gettin' pretty heated too, huh? What a damn treat. Ya don't see this very often.

Akira: Shylock…

Faust & Nero: ……

The gathered wizards all seemed to be at a loss for words. Shylock hadn't said much, but he didn't need to - he had made his proposition clear.

But selling this precious wine would be on a whole different level from those in the now-exhausted collection.

Shylock: Don't go pouting, now. This is my game, and I intend to win.

Akira: But…

Oz: This competition was Shylock's decision.

Oz: As long as the person involved has made up their mind, there is no point in interfering.

Akira: (...It still doesn't feel appropriate…)

Something that Shylock had dedicated his heart and soul to, carefully guarded, and loved so dearly, was going to be given away.

Just the thought of it made my heart ache.

???: Wait, please!

-- At that moment, someone rushed towards us.

Shylock: Bacchus?

Bacchus: I have wine! Here, sell this!

He breathlessly recited his spell, and many cases of wine appeared.

Rutile & Arthur: …!

Oz: This wine…

Bacchus: These are vintage bottles from my archives that I've made over the years. If you need wine to sell, sell these!

Keeping up his desperate momentum, Bacchus rushed up to Shylock and bowed his head deeply.

Bacchus: Shylock, I'm sorry…! I apologize for causing you so much trouble.

Bacchus: You even sold so much of your precious collection to try and get my vineyards back. 

Bacchus: So I can hardly get away with sitting around and sulking any longer…!

Shylock: ……

Shylock didn't offer a word of comfort nor reproach to Mr. Bacchus, whose body trembled as he continued apologizing.

Instead, Shylock narrowed his eyes and put his hand on Bacchus's shoulder, as if to calm him.

Shylock: Come, then. The true competition has just begun.

(fade to black and back)

Rutile: Everyone! We have Bacchus wine over here!

Arthur: Please take this chance to taste the history of Bacchus's magnificent winemaking!

As the Sage's wizards worked, Mr. Bacchus himself reached out to guests at the front of the shop.

Bacchus: Even though there's no new batch this year, we are re-releasing many wines from previous years! Older and more recent wines alike are available!

Tourist: Bacchus wine?

Tourist: Wow, they're right. So many discontinued wines from past years…!

As soon as we set the new  stock out on the storefront, rumors of Bacchus wines spread throughout the market, and guests began to gather in no time.

Tourist: Is this really the rumored Bacchus wine? I wanted to try it for the first time this year.

Tourist: You're going to love it. …Ah, this wine! I've been looking for it for ages, and couldn't find it anywhere!

Nero: Whoah, that must be a new record time for pullin' in new customers…

Akira: (Bacchus' wine really is famous, isn't it…!)

People who were buying Bacchus wine for the first time. People who had tasted it countless times before. A wide variety of customers from all walks of life were flooding the shop.

Among them, there were some folks who seemed to be regulars, and they eagerly made small talk with Mr. Bacchus.

Tourist: Bacchus, the wine from the year before last was delicious. My wife asked me to see if I could bring more home.

Bacchus: Eh? Th-thank you!

Arthur: Bacchus. I can't find any wines from that year. Are there any left, or have we sold out?

Bacchus: There should be some in this case over here. Give me a moment, I'll dig it out.

Tourist: Excuse me! Can I get one of these?

Tourist: May I have two bottles of this wine?

Akira: Yes, coming right up! Oz, I'm sorry to ask, but I need a hand… Could you take their payment, please?

Oz: Very well. …Give me your money.

Tourist: Uhh…

The word spread quickly from person to person, and the store was soon bustling again. Even local townsfolk sometimes stopped to lend a hand at the shop. 

Resident: You guys seem busy! I'm free right now, so I can help you out a little.

Faust: My savior. We were just in need of more manpower.

Tourist: Ah, isn't this nostalgic… this is what my deceased father used to drink.

Tourist: Oh, here's the wine from ten years back! I'm so happy. I missed that year's vintage.

Rutile: You're in luck, then! We have plenty of bottles in stock. Feel free to take a look.

People flocked to peruse Bacchus' wine, and many seemed to have gotten their hands on something they had been searching for. 

Each customer's face was aglow with joy, as if they had been reunited with an old friend.

Shylock leaned over and whispered to me, in a voice so soft that only I could hear.

Shylock: Although this scene seems to have made you speechless, it has helped you to understand what I meant, hasn't it?

Shylock: You can feel how beloved Bacchus wine is, and how it has made a home in the hearts of many.

--

Nero: Huh… is that how he's gonna play this…

Brad: Hah… Damn, that's good! And I can drink as much as I want.

Tourist: …Seeing that guy is making me want to stick around and have a drink.

Tourist: Ah, me too…! Do you want to get in line to try and buy what he's having?

Upon closer inspection, more and more people on the street were stopping and gathering around, interested in what Bradley was enjoying so heartily. 

Akira: (Or maybe this is what he was aiming for the whole time…!?)

I found my eyes drawn to Bradley, and he smiled at me wryly.

Bradley: There's more than one way to do business, kiddo.

Meanwhile, Shylock, who had set up shop in the stall next to Bradley and company, was not about to be outdone.

Tourist: This is amazing…! So many fantastic wines…

Tourist: There are even wines from a winery in the Eastern country that closed down a long time ago. Are these really for sale?

Shylock: Yes, of course. And they are only available for today, so please don't miss out.

Tourist: Oh… this wine was my grandfather's favorite, back when he was still alive.

Shylock: My, your grandfather must have been quite discerning. Compared to the others, that wine is rather young, but it is a marvelous drink that is said to carry a hundred years' worth of enjoyment in one glass.

Shylock: The flavor is soft and elegant on the tongue… If you decide to try it, I hope you can enjoy the taste of your grandfather's memories.

With an extensive collection of rare wines that would make any wine connoisseur swoon, and Shylock's elegant and masterful service, the wines were selling like hotcakes.

The other wizards and I were helping as well, contributing to the overall sales.

Nero: Here're some complimentary snacks. It's just simple seared bacon and cheese, but it would pair well with a glass of wine.

Tourist: They're even serving snacks? That's very thoughtful.

Tourist: Over here, please, sir!

Faust: More and more people are showing up… I think it would be a better idea to leave the cooking to you.

Nero: Then you'd have to take over the customer service, Teach. You'll be the first face the customers see, so you gotta be friendly n' approachable, got it?

Faust: Approachable…?

Nero: Don't gimme that look. Even though it's customer service, it's still just a festival stall, so you can be casual about it.

Faust: I'm no good at that kind of thing, no matter how casual. 

Nero: It'll be fine. You're a quick learner. Look, here's a customer.

Tourist: Excuse me.

Faust: ……

Nero: Welcome. If you're lookin' for snacks, my friendly colleague over here will be happy to serve you.

Faust: …Here you go. Please enjoy.

Tourist: Oh, you're a pretty good cook, aren't you? Alright, I'll dig in.

(fade to black and back)

Rutile: Thank you very much. But are you sure it's okay to spoil me like this?

Tourist: Watching you drink is so refreshing that it's making my own wine taste better. Here, drink, drink.

Rutile: Okay, if you insist! …Hah, it's so delicious!

Tourist: How does that young man do it… He downed it all in one go, and his face is hardly flushed at all…

Tourist: How many bottles have you gone through on your own, now?

Bradley: …Huh?

Bradley: …Oi, Murr. Bring me ten bottles of Calamity Wine. I can't be losin' to that pipsqueak.

Tourist: Wow, this guy is amazing too…! The empty bottles are piling up around them!

Rutile: Wow, Mr. Bradley, you can hold your alcohol very well!

Bradley: Naturally. I can drink this kinda booze like it's water.

Rutile: That reminds me of something Dr. Figaro told me! He said that newborn babies are sometimes bathed in alcohol instead of water! …Pwah. I'd like another bottle, please~!

Bradley: I gotcha. Here.

Tourist: Hey, who do you think will win? My money's on the blonde one.

Tourist: I'm gonna go with the sexy, scarred one!

Before long, a betting pool had been started for their drinking contest, and the crowd was abuzz with energy.

Rutile: It feels bad to be the only one drinking. Please have a drink as well, Lord Oz! Mr. Shylock said you should try some.

Oz: Shylock said…

Rutile: Mr. Shylock said that, even though you're serious and won't talk much about how something tastes, you still have a discerning palate.

Oz: I have lived a long time, and had many opportunities to speak. I don't feel the need to take them all.

Rutile: I'm sure there are subtleties that only someone with your experience can taste. Can you tell me what you think about this wine?

Oz: ……

Oz accepted the glass of wine, and brought it to his lips.

Oz: …It is thick and heavy, like a pitch-black night. It is a taste that should be savored over time, not consumed in one swallow.

Rutile: Wow, that description is perfect for this wine…! It definitely tastes heavy.

Rutile: As expected of Lord Oz, your words are perfectly chosen to say exactly what you mean. How about this wine over here?

Oz: …It has a unique aftertaste. The fruity aroma lingers even after it's gone down your throat. It's a sensation that will only be understood by people who have experienced it.

Tourist: Ah… What thoughtful sentiments… Perhaps the less time you spend talking about a wine, the more compelling its flavors become.

Tourist: Hey, is that guy a wine critic or something? You see, he has a certain dignified air.

Tourist: Oh, no doubt he is a well-known expert in his field. I can tell just by watching.

(fade to black and back)

Tourist: Haah, it gets kinda boring just drinking wine all day…

Arthur: Are you thirsty? Here, have a drink.

Tourist: Hey, this is wine, right? Aren't you a little young to be drinking?

Akira: Please don't worry. It's a wine glass, but the drink is only grape juice.

Arthur: Drinking juice from this glass makes it look like I'm drinking wine. It's a little cool, isn't it?

Tourist: Yes! It makes you look much more grown-up…

Tourist: Man, now I want some grape juice too. I'd like a glass!

Mother: Oh, something that isn't wine. Excuse me, do you mind if I bring my kids over?

Akira: Sure, go ahead! Anyone is welcome.

Arthur: Madam, you seem to have a lot of bags. If you aren't in a hurry, I can get you a chair so you can rest your feet.

Mother: Well, thank you, that would be lovely.

Child: You're so cool! You look like a prince from a storybook!

Arthur: Haha, what an honor.

Akira: (You're saying that to someone who's an actual prince…!!)

Thanks to the efforts and cooperation of all the wizards, the flow of customers was steady, and both shops were thriving.

Because the two shops were side by side, customers who stopped at one shop would move along to the other, and so on.

Akira: (For now, the amount of wine sold appears to be about even… but…)

Faust: This is no good. The wine should be here by now…

The prepared wines from Shylock's collection were quickly running low.

At this rate, we would have no wine left to sell.

--

Bacchus: …Shylock.

Bacchus: It's fine. I don't need it anymore. Just leave me alone.

Shylock: …Is that so. I understand.

Shylock: Then, if you're sure, then I wish to claim this vineyard in my name.

Bacchus: …Huh?

Shylock: I so dearly anticipate receiving your wines every year.

Shylock: But if that is no longer possible, I would like to have control over your fields; that way, when you wish to make wine again, your vineyards will be in excellent condition for you to resume use.

Shylock: Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some preparations to attend to.

Bacchus: Hey, Shylock…!

(Location: Bacchus's wine cellar)

When Shylock returned, he surprised us all with his declaration.

Bradley: A game?

Murr: Us against Shylock?

Shylock: Yes. I challenge you both to a game for the Bacchus vineyards.

Murr: Motion dismissed! The vineyard is already ours.

Shylock: Objection. If Bacchus threw away the rights to the vineyards, I have as much a right to pick them up as you do, do I not?

Bradley: Big words from someone who's bargin' in late. Well, no harm in hearin' ya out, I guess.

Instead of thanking him, Shylock smiled thinly.

Shylock: Oz. I have one small favor to ask, if I may…

Shylock leaned close to Oz and whispered in his ear. Then, Oz cast his spell.

Oz: <<Vox Nox>>.

Immediately, many bottles of wine appear in front of them.

Akira: Ah?!

Rutile: Tons of wine…!

The wines were all different. The shapes of the bottles are all varied, and the style of the labels all give different atmospheres. Each one was elegant, but somewhat old-fashioned as well.

Peering at the bottles, Murr piped up.

Murr: This must be Shylock's collection!

Nero: Seriously?

Faust: I've only heard rumors…

The older wizards all seemed awestruck.

Apparently, Shylock's collection is legendary among older wizards for the rarities he has amassed over the years.

Shylock opened his mouth leisurely, well aware that his wines were attracting attention.

Shylock: Now, let me explain the game I proposed.

Shylock: At the harvest festival in town, you two will sell the Calamity-influenced wine. I will sell wines from the collection you see before you.

Shylock: Whoever sells the most bottles of wine will be crowned the victor.

Shylock: …What do you think? You're both men who enjoy playing the odds, aren't you?

Shylock smiles, tilting his head with a provocative look.

Bradley and Murr both smiled equally fearlessly, their eyes twinkling and alight.

Murr: Alright! It's a deal!

Bradley: Don't come cryin' to us when ya get stomped, though.

Subsequently, Murr and Bradley declared a strategy meeting and left.

Faust: I'm not sure if it's appropriate, a game like this.

Akira: It seems that Shylock's wine collection is really valuable…

Shylock: You're right, each wine in my collection is very valuable. But the wines Bacchus creates are of equal importance to me.

Shylock: If it's to preserve and return my old friend's vineyards, I will fight and sacrifice whatever I must.

Akira: Shylock…

Arthur: Shylock. Please, let us help you in this competition.

Arthur: If this is something that our friend Shylock truly values, it's valuable to us as well.

Rutile: I agree with Prince Arthur. Let us work with you to protect the fields.

Rutile: Let's all pitch in to get Mr. Bacchus's vineyards back!

Shylock: …Are you sure?

Akira: Of course. Please let me help you. Will you all lend a hand as well?

The Eastern wizards and Oz all nodded.

Oz: If it is what the Sage wishes.

Faust: I may not be much help, though.

Shylock: Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Your presence alone reassures me. Our opponent is the leader of an infamous band of thieves, after all.

Nero: That guy is crazy smart in these kinda battles. But he still ain't a mind reader, and we got a shot if we play our cards right. Let's give 'em hell.

Rutile: Mr. Nero, you seem to know a lot about him. It's like you've known him for a long time…

Nero: Ah, not really, I've just heard rumors along those lines, or somethin'...

Akira: A-ah, well, let's not waste any more time and start preparing for the competition.

Shylock: Yes, I agree. Let us begin with a discussion about how to run a storefront.

And so, we began our preparations for the festival in earnest.

(Location: Wine town plaza, daytime)

Before we knew it, the day of the harvest festival arrived.

The small town was packed with tourists who had come for the wine.

Murr: It's this year's most desirable wine! One sip and you'll go to heaven! Or maybe you'll drown in it and go to hell!

Murr: Come one, come all! You'll regret it forever if you don't buy it! We have tastings, too!

Tourist: What's all this crowd for? Is this wine that good? The bottles don't seem to have labels…

Tourist: It's the best wine I've ever had! It just has a bit of an unusual name - "Calamity Wine"!

Tourist: "Calamity Wine"?

Murr: A special, exceptional wine, born from the influence of the Great Calamity itself! There's nothing else like it in the world!

Tourist: This one…? Mmmm… Ah! It truly is excellent!

Tourist: I've never tasted anything like it.

Bradley and Murr had removed Mr. Bacchus' label from the bottles, and began marketing it as "Calamity Wine".

It seemed to be a strategy to attract attention using the fact that it was affected by the Great Calamity as a thrilling sales pitch.

Bradley: In any other country, folks would steer clear of it, but I know this Western crowd can't resist curiosity and stimulation. They ain't gonna pass up a drink named after the Great Calamity. 

Akira: A-ah, I see how it is…

Still, some people were hesitant.

Tourist: If it's "Calamity Wine", that means it was made with some kind of calamitous influence, right? Wouldn't that make it dangerous to drink?

Murr: Maybe! It could be super dangerous! What if you drink it and grapes start growing out of your body? Or all your blood turns into wine?

Murr: Doesn't the mere thought of it make your heart race with excitement? What a treat to be terrified and tipsy at the same time!

Tourist: Huh, is that right…!? Okay, I'll have a drink! Give me a bottle!

Murr: It never fails!!

Murr used his skillful storytelling to win the hearts of one customer after another, sparking their interest and sometimes even provoking them, resulting in a steady influx of sales. 

Bradley, on the other hand, sat at the storefront and drank his Calamity Wine without saying a word to a single customer.

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