pasting

Chapter 6

Heathcliff: I’ll protect you, Master Sage. Please don’t leave my side.

Akira: G-Got it! All right, let’s go!

Chapter 2

Chloe: Ah... Good morning.

Nero: You're up early. You're the tailor from the West, right?

Chloe: Yeah, I'm the Western wizard Chloe! I was wondering if I could help you out. Isn’t it hard to do everything alone?

Nero: .............

Chloe: (....Ah.... Was that a bad move...? Right, the Eastern wizards like being alone.....)

Nero: .....No, I'm all right. It's fine.

Chloe: I-I see.... Sorry.....

Nero: My bad. I have an easier time doing things alone. But, uh...... thanks.

Chloe: (Ah, he smiled. Thank goodness.)

Nero: Come back when I'm done. I'll give you some freshly-baked bread.

Heathcliff: ..........

Chloe: (Ah....! Heathcliff from the East... He's such a pretty boy... I would love to make clothes for someone so pretty....) (I bet delicate clothes would look great on him, and simple styles would make his beauty stand out. I could also try making it gorgeous, without being cheap....)

Heathcliff: ...........

Chloe: (Ah, he noticed me! I guess I was staring too hard... Wh-what should I say to him....)

Heathcliff: ..............

Chloe: H... hello. Nice weather today.

Heathcliff: .........Hello.... It really is.

Heathcliff: Ah..... Yes.... I'm also.... I'm sorry. I'm not used to talking to people.....

Chloe: No worries!

Heathcliff: .....Thank you, Chloe. For speaking to me....

Chapter 3

Lennox: Rutile. Please don't kidnap my child.

Chapter 4

Akira: I see. I'm glad. Nero was worried about you. He asked me to check in; he said you came to help him in the morning, but he refused, so he wanted to make sure you didn't feel bad about it.

Chloe: Nero...... He's super nice.......

Akira: Everyone here is kind, right? They can be clumsy about it, but they all do care for each other.

Murr: Shylock~.

Chloe: Hawawa....

Chapter 5

Murr: I have a question, Mr. Shylock!

Shylock: Yes, Murr.

Murr: I'd like to know how the < Great Catastrophe > feels about me~~!

Shylock: Your teacher doesn't have the answer to that question. Moreover, the person who tried to discover the answer completely ruined his own soul, so I have no intention of ever finding out. Next question.

Chapter 8

Akira: ...Chloe, earlier you looked at Shylock and said, “I'll do my best,” right? What did you mean?

Chloe: Ah, you heard me? That’s embarrassing... That's, um... Shylock looked kind of sad, so.... I thought he'd be happy if we managed to solve this mystery. Because he probably got angry for our sake, right? So I thought, if we make this a good night for us, maybe Shylock will be happy too.

Chapter 10

Chloe: Hey, Sir Sage.

Chloe smiles, his violet eyes glittering behind the elegant mask. Like a student on the first day of class; like a masquerade mask that wanted to join in on a party.

Chapter 2

Shino: So, in other words, you’re saying that whoever gives the greatest chocolate to Faust is gonna be the best pupil in the East?

Heathcliff: The greatest chocolate? …I think it’ll be all right if whatever we give him just tastes good. But more than that… If we’re having a cooking contest, there’s no way we’re going to be able to beat Nero, right? 

Shino: Hmph. Anyone can cook, s’not that hard. Even humans do it.

Nero: …

Heathcliff: (Oh… Nero actually looks offended…)

Shino: Alright, Nero. Teach me how to make chocolate.

Nero: Hell no. 

Shino: Why?!

Nero: Because I’m gonna be the one to make the best damn chocolate he’s ever had in his life. Heath, you can have a bite too.

Heath: Th-Thanks…

Shino: What about me?!

Nero: Well, I dunno. Weren’t you the one who said it’s easy to make?

Shino: But I want to eat some too!

Heathcliff: Hey, Shino. You have to actually apologize first…

Lennox: “Thank you for what you do for me everyday☆”

Lennox: “Don’t go too far with those jokes of yours☆”

Chapter 4

Shino: To Faust. You’re doing great. Thank you. Keep doing your best from now on.

Faust: Why are you acting so haughty about this… 

Shino: In addition to that, the chefs in this world are also amazing. They do great work, and everyone should be grateful to them. From the representative of the Eastern pupils, Shino. 

Chapter 1

Oz: ............ Faust told me what happened during Eastern Country’s holy festival when the Northern wizards went along with them.

Snow: Ah, that.

White: We pulled it off with the power of friendship between the Eastern and Northern wizards.

Chapter 1

WHY ARE THEY SO JOYOUS AND HAPPY WHAT THE FUCK RIGHT AFTER EAST PRELUDE

Chapter 3

Akira: Rustica, you and Chloe were traveling the world before you came here, right?

Rustica: Yes. I had always been traveling, and Chloe tagged along with me.

Chloe: So feel free to ask us anything! I can tell you how to find a good place to stay, and how to pretend you’re human.....

Mitile: You won’t need to pretend you’re human. Because wizards are appreciated in Southern Country.

Chloe: Eh...? Oh, right. You mentioned that.

Chloe nods, but he still looks anxious. Timidly, he asks Mitile.

Chloe: ...Are you sure we’ll be all right? They won’t tell us to leave or get out?

Mitile: I think we’ll be fine. Oh, but they might ask you for help sometimes. Like, they’ll say, please fix this, or please get that for me.

Chloe: ........

With eyes filled with anxiety and hope, Chloe quietly glances at Rustica. I don’t know what kind of wish Rustica saw in that gaze. But he smiles gently and responds.

Rustica: It would be delightful to meet people who want to get along with us. Isn’t this exciting, Chloe?

Chloe: Yeah......

Chloe’s careful, short response reflects the pain he’s experienced from being hurt over and over again.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: I borrowed a dagger from Mister Cain! Ta-da! Isn’t it so cool!

(Unsheathes)

Mitile: That’s neat! I’ll take that!

Rutile: Nope. This is cool, so nii-sama gets to keep it.

Chapter 4

Akira: Lennox, can you tell me about your memories from your travels?

Lennox: I don’t think I could express them succinctly. But, well.... They were all good memories.

Lennox says clumsily, then pushes up his glasses and smiles quietly. He notices that I haven’t taken my eyes off of him, and gives me a wry smile as he resumes talking.

Lennox: How should I put it... I've seen many sights that I'll never forget, and I've gone through many unforgettable experiences. None of them are the sorts of things you'd read in books, but for me... They all feel special. There are people whose faces I will never forget, despite knowing that we’ll never meet again, and there are simple exchanges that I will never let go of. Um, what was it called... It's like that, but I can't remember the right word....

Mitile: Like that?

Lennox: I'll tell you when I figure it out. But we're planning on leaving early tomorrow morning, so you should rest early today.

Chapter 6

Shylock: Why don't we go ask them what's wrong. Chloe, what will you do?

Chloe: I... I'll go too.

Rutile: Don't worry. They might treat us to some delicious milk!

Rutile’s cheeriness makes me feel at ease, but I steal a glance at Chloe’s anxious profile and pray that his concerns are proven wrong. Please don’t let this gentle friend of mine get hurt; instead, I hope he’ll be happily surprised by the experience.

Chapter 8

Lennox: I think so. They mentioned picking up a strange baby creature that had been whisked away by a hawk down by the Southernmost bay.....

???: Muumuu....

It looks like a sea lion, but upon closer inspection, there are actually tiny legs buried under all its fur. It climbs up the bag with its short legs.

Chapter 9

Muumuu becomes our idol during the few days we spend traveling to our destination. Rutile and I absolutely adore him.

Muumuu: Muumuu.....

Mitile: You woke up from your nap? Good morning, Muumuu. You'll fall if you climb out of the bag.

Akira: Cute....

Rutile: Cute... He’s like a doll made of cotton....

Figaro: He's so popular. In my next life, I'm going to be reborn as that creature.

Mitile: Why is it shaped like a heart and a pipe?

Figaro: I thought Shylock might blush and appreciate it.

Rutile: I think Mister Shylock is the kind of person who will laugh dryly instead.

Chapter 10

Rutile: Ta-da! It's your time to shine! The reliable knight is here to save Muumuu!

His line is gallant, but his actions, not so much: Rutile gets down on his knees and chips away at the tree root. It turns out the root is hard, and he’s not really getting anywhere. Rutile looks up, exhales, dusts the grass off his nose, and puts the dagger away.

Rutile: Nope. Magic is faster.

Chapter 1

Heathcliff: Whoever gets paired with them is going to have a rough time....

Murr: You make it sound like it can't be you, but you guys usually hit the winning number on the roulette during times like these!

Heathcliff: Eh?

Snow: Heathcliff, Owen. Come here for a moment..

White: We’ve decided what the next holy festival is going to be! The Eastern wizards are going to perform the Eastern Country’s festival!

Snow: The Northern wizards will be their support!

Heathcliff: Eh........

Owen: What?

Shino: I hate waiting. I refuse to wait for you guys every time we have to do something.

Shino glares at the Northern wizards. The Northern wizards don’t even bother to glare back; Mithra even refuses to hide his yawn.

Mithra: Yaawn... I'm sleepy... Hm? Did you say something?

Shino: I’ll kill you, you bastard.....

Heathcliff: Shino! He's a Northern wizard.....

Bradley shrugs and proceeds to put his elbow on Nero’s shoulder with strange familiarity.

Bradley: Plus, if you need our strength, that means you’ve got a pretty tough opponent, right?

Nero: I'm not your damn armrest....

Bradley: Oh? What's this? You're gonna defy me?

Nero: Get off of me. You're annoying.

Nero looks irritated, and shoves Bradley away. Bradley doesn’t seem to care; he’s laughing away.

Chapter 2

Shino: It's nothing. Owen is just a bully. Ignore him.

Owen: Huh. You think you can just say that?

Shino: Shut up. If you say anything unnecessary, I'll spill your secret too.

Owen: ..........

Mithra: A secret? You have a secret?

Bradley: Is it a weakness? Tell me later, Eastern shorty. I'll give you some allowance.

Then, out of nowhere, Mithra clutches Faust’s head.

Faust: .....!?

Heathcliff: Mr. Faust!

Shino: Hey, Mithra!

Nero: Stop it, Shino!

In an instant, the Eastern wizards react like alarmed cats, fur standing on end. Mithra looks down at Faust, and says, nonchalantly.

Mithra: I just thought this hat was nice.

Eastern Wizards: ........

The Eastern wizards stop moving as if suddenly deflated. In the next moment, they’re visibly furious over Mithra’s contempt for their teacher.

Bradley: Ahahaha! Don't scare them, Mithra. Easterners are gloomy and cowardly.

Shino: Cowardly? Want me to show you whether or not I'm a coward?

Snow: Come now, Shino!

White: Bradley, you too!

Bradley: Listen up, you gloomy Eastern wizards! From here on out, I'm your boss.....

In that very moment, Nero pulls out a small bottle and shakes it. It's pepper.

Bradley: ......hh, ah-choo!

(Poof.)

Snow: Nero! Why did you shake pepper on him out of nowhere!?

Nero looks ready to pop a vein; he exhales deeply, as if to release his anger.

Nero: Sorry. I reached my limit.

Chapter 3

Faust: Same goes.... Eastern wizards are sensitive to their surroundings, after all. Shino, how about you?

Shino: I'm fine.

Faust and Nero look at Shino, impressed. It’s true; Shino really does look fine. Shino takes a step towards the mountains, sniffs, and squints his sharp eyes.

Shino: The stench of carcasses and the screams of death are where I was born. They were where I crawled and wandered about until I arrived at Blanchett.

Heathcliff: Shino....

Shino: For me, they're just some old friends. Let's go.

Chapter 4

Akira: ....You won't do anything bad, right?

Nero: Don't be silly, Mr. Sage.

Nero smiles, as if to reassure me. But what comes out of his mouth has the exact opposite effect.

Nero: Of course I'll do bad things. I'm a wizard.

Shino: You're interested in Heath?

Zasha: Ah....

Zasha blushes and looks away. His boyish reaction makes him feel more familiar.

Zasha: I'm sorry... I've never seen a noble like the man in the church.

Shino: Don't worry about it. Heath looks beautiful and cool and smart, after all. He's my master. Isn't he amazing?

Zasha: Ah... Yes....

Shino: Heh. You can talk to him. Heath, say something to Zasha. Look, you can touch him too.

Heathcliff: Don't talk about me like you're lending him a toy!

Chapter 5

Feeling my throat growing tight, I look to the sky, but even the moonlight is covered by heavy clouds. I fear the darkness sticking to my body. I yearn for the light of the < Great Catastrophe >.

Faust: You won't listen to me?

Shino: You’re the one who won’t listen to me. It’s better if I’m there. I’ll be useful.

Faust: Got it. Then head back to the wizards’ quarters right now.

Shino goes silent at the sound of Faust’s strict voice. I can’t see his face in the darkness, but I can tell he’s hurt and frustrated. Faust quietly instructs Shino. This time, it’s not just his usual glumness — you can hear dignity and sincerity in his voice as well.

Faust: You're a man who can become a hero. But if you get impatient and waste your courage, you're going to lose your life. I've seen plenty of people like that. I don't want to cast aside your talent and future the same way. I will tell you when I need your strength. Let me ask you again — can you listen to me?

Shino: .....Got it.

Nero laughs wryly as they walk off.

Nero: I feel like I've caught a glimpse of you. From back when you were a leader of the revolutionary army....

Faust: You've got the wrong man. Let's go.

Heathcliff: If it's Mr. Faust and Nero, I'm sure... ....Hey, Shino. Don't sulk.

Shino: I'm not sulking.

Shino stands straight and gazes into the darkness.

Shino: That was the first time someone told me I could be a hero.

Chapter 6

Snow in the Portrait: The Eastern wizards do understand gratitude. They like being alone, and they dislike interacting with others, but at their core they are polite and respectful souls.

Mithra: Why do they like being alone? I like the freedom that being on my own gives me, but I feel like they are different. They like being alone, but they hate how they are lonely. They hate being with others, but they express great care towards them. It seems complicated.

Snow in the Portrait: They've been hurt by others and don't want to get hurt any further. Because they know pain, they're cautious and deeply loving.

Chapter 7

Heathcliff: ....Yes. Wizards turn to stone when they die. We usually shatter into pieces, but.... Something must have happened to this wizard so he wouldn't shatter, even after turning to stone....

Shino: ....I’d never seen a wizard turned to stone until now. Heath, have you seen one before?

Shino realizes after asking that Heathcliff took part in the battle against the < Great Catastrophe > where he lost half his comrades. Heathcliff furrows his brows sadly and nods.

Heathcliff: ....In the last battle. Our master turned to stone like this, too.

Shino: .......... I see....

Shino falls silent; he doesn’t know what to say.

Chapter 8

Zasha: That's not true...! ....That can't be true! Then that would mean this village has nothing at all!

Shino: That's right. This village is like an abandoned graveyard. That's what it is.

Heathcliff: Shino.....

Zasha: ....You....!

Shino: I was the same! I was abandoned by my parents and forgotten by the world. I had nothing at all. That's why I refused to listen to anyone. I lived alone; my world was me alone. Because if I cut off the world and lived within my loneliness, I could forget that I had nothing, and be the protagonist of my own world.

Zasha: ..........

Shino: Everyone else was a fool. They were all weak, stupid, and worthless. I might be worthless, but so are you — that's what I thought. This village has twisted its loneliness and aggravated its mistaken beliefs too far. But Zasha, you're different. You looked at Heath and were interested — in nobles, in the outside world.

Heathcliff: I might be a wizard, but I will never lie to you. I will never hurt you.

Nero: Well, of course you wouldn't. Even though you're all peevish and sulking and twisted and shut-in now.....

Faust: Who did you just call peevish and sulking and twisted?

Nero: I was a man with no sense of self, so... If someone needed me, and gave me a role, I'd drool for it in delight. Even if I knew he wouldn't listen to a single thing I had to say, even if I couldn't stand it.... If he said, "I need you, or else I’m in trouble" then I'd be deeply moved and wag my tail. ...Man, I had it coming....

Faust: ........ Is this about your past?

Nero: It's about my past. Your least favorite kind of food, right, Mr. Faust?

Chapter 9

Bradley: Nero, are you all right!?

Nero: ...... Yeah.... Thank.....

Bradley: Hey, fucker, don't go around shaking pepper when I'm saying cool shit! I didn't get to look good at all, man.

Nero: ..........

Bradley: I forgot what I was trying to say, though! What was that about? Were you mad? What were you all pissed for? You're just Nero. Know your place.

Nero: I'm.... seriously glad that I stopped working with you....

Chapter 10

Heathcliff: .....Kuh.....

Shino: Heath...! Zasha, you.....!

Zasha: .....It's your fault! It's all your fault!

Akira: Are you okay, Heath.....!

I run towards Heath. His whole shoulder and chest are soaked in blood. Heathcliff crouches in pain, curled up as if hugging his own arm.

Heathcliff: ......Uugh.......

Akira: Heathcliff! Heath, use this.....

I take off my jacket and try to press it against his wound. (Slap) But then Heathcliff roughly slaps my hand away.

Akira: .....Heath....?

I thought this uncharacteristic gesture was because of the pain. But slowly his pained breathing turns into a growl. Heath’s gentle, lonely eyes — like a window on a rainy day — begin to glimmer like those of a cold beast. He shakes like a beast raising its fur, and places his bloody hand on the ground. His nails are terrifyingly long.

Heath growls from the depths of his throat, as if to overwhelm Shino as he approaches. Seeing the change in Heath, Shino is lost for words.

Shino: .....Heath.....

Heathcliff: ..........

Chapter 11

I frantically chase after Shino, who looks like he’s about to get dragged away by the freaky giant fish that has its teeth sunk into his body.

Akira: .........hh. ......Heath....

Heathcliff has pinned me to the ground and licks his lips with cold eyes. His hair is standing up on end, slowly turning from gold to black.

Chapter 12

Akira: Shino! Shino, pull yourself together....!

Shino: ....How's Heath....?

Akira: Zasha, stand back! I-I'll handle this....!

Zasha: Y-you can use magic too!?

Akira: I can't! But I'm sure it'll be all right! Because this is the scythe of a hero....!

“You can become a hero.” I think about how Shino felt when he heard those words, and grip the scythe as if in prayer. Then....

Shino: ......., He's right.....

Shino staggers as he pulls himself up from off the ground. His cheeks are stained bright red from blood, but his eyes are as sharp and alive as ever as he glares at the monster.

Shino: Give that to me... I will protect you. It's my duty.

(Rustle)

Heathcliff: ....Sir Sage... It's dangerous, please run.....

Heathcliff also pulls himself upright. They’re hurt, and in pieces, but still trying to protect me.

They surround the injured Shino and Heathcliff, as if to protect them with their backs. I feel my heart well up with warmth. The Eastern wizards like being alone. But when their comrades are hurt — when they are in danger, they will approach them without a second thought, and gather together as one. They could run away all alone; they could hide all alone. And yet. This is what I love about them.

Shino: ....Faust, Nero....

Nero: You worked hard. Everything's all right now. When we get back, I'll bake you the best lemon pie.

Shino: ......Yay......

White: Shino! Heathcliff! Ah, you're hurt so badly, poor things... I'll fix you up right now.

Shino: ....I wasn't cool at all......

Shino mutters as the twins fix him up. Shino has lost so much blood that he's about to pass out. I hold Shino's hand and shake my head.

Akira: You were cool. You were cool the entire time. Thank you for protecting me, Shino.....

Shino smiles ever-so-slightly. He looks towards Heath worriedly, who also has a smile on his pale face.

Heathcliff: Did I cause you trouble...? My memory gets kind of fuzzy mid-way....

Shino: You lost consciousness after being sliced by the axe.

Heathcliff: ....Was that all? I feel like... Like I saw a bizarre dream....?

Shino: That's all.

Chapter 1

Arthur: Chloe, Shino: even though you had such dangerous roles to play, you carried out the mission successfully. Thank you.

Figaro: It’s just as Mitile says. Mr. Oz of Central is a clumsy speaker, so Dr. Figaro of the South will explain it for him~!

Lennox: Dr. Figaro......

Rutile: I-Is that all right? Interrupting like that even though we have Sir Oz, the strongest wizard, right here......

Arthur: It’s perfectly fine. Sir Oz is kind, and Sir Figaro is Sir Oz’s frien——mmmhm!!

Cain: Hey hey, Figaro. Don’t cover my lord’s mouth so casually.

Figaro: Sorry, my bad. Don’t worry, everyone. I’m just your average Southern wizard, but the other day, I actually drank the night away with Oz. Then, he was instantly captivated by my incomparable eloquence, and became my fan in just one night.

Figaro: Fufu. I agree, I agree. And that’s why Oz will let me get away with all sorts of things. Right, Oz?

Oz: .........

Figaro: Right?

Oz: Are you trying to threaten me..... Take your hands off Arthur.

Figaro: Oops, sorry, Arthur! That’s just how it is, so follow along, okay!

Arthur: Phew.....! I think I have a picture of what’s going on!

Chapter 3

Figaro: Whether you treasure your home base, or whether you value your destination. The people of Central and South are both kind and like to help others, but Central wizards have a strong sense of duty, and will prioritise fulfilling their mission. To that end, they are prepared to brave risks and make sacrifices as necessary. Just like Faust in the past, they make good leaders.

Chapter 5

Akira: You’re the idiot, Oz!

Oz: What did you say?

Oz looks ready to pop a vein at the word "idiot."

Chapter 6

Cain: Eh? What about Oz?

Akira: His stomach hurts!

I blurt out.

Arthur: Your stomach!? Sir Oz, would you like to rest somewhere?

Oz holds his head at my terrible excuse.

Oz: ...... You’re the idiot....

Figaro: ......Thank you. You’re a good guy.....

Lennox: Well, I am a better person than you, Dr. Figaro.

Figaro: ......

Lennox: No taking back your words.

Chapter 7

Riquet: ............Are you making fun of me?

Oz: ......I’m not, but bear in mind: I was alone for more than a thousand years. I lived with Arthur for only a few years.

im not pasting this entire convo just reread it its the one where early rike is chatty and unused to social interactions. like a child. like little arthur

Chapter 10

Mitile: We got this disgusting lizard as an amulet from Mister Mithra, but it hasn’t shut up for a while now....!

Mithra's amulet: NopeNopeNopeNopeNopeNopeNope. RunRunRunRunRunRunRun.

Chapter 11

Arthur as a child: Sir Oz! Sir Oz!

Oz: ......What is it?

Arthur as a child: When I grow up, will I become a strong wizard like you, Sir Oz?

Oz: ............ Yes. You’ll become a wizard even stronger than me. I will grant you all the blessings of this world. As long as you grow up healthy and become happy, then I have no other wish. Become a wizard even stronger than me, and, I pray.... Please do not turn into stone before I do.

Chapter 12

Arthur: ......I had an old dream..... Of you, Sir Oz......

Oz lowers his eyebrows, his expression mingled with a wry smile.

Oz: A dream where you were reckless and twisted me around your finger? Even though you’re all grown up, you haven’t changed in the least.

Mitile: Yes! Leave it to us!

Mithra's amulet: NopeNopeNopeNopeNopeNope. RunRunRunRunRunRun.

Figaro: I said, "Come on guys~! You’ve got this~!"

Oz: How creepy......

Chapter 1

Akira: Um.....

Oz: What is it?

Akira: What exactly is the purpose of the holy festival, and what does it entail?

Oz: .......... It is difficult to explain to humans using words.

Figaro: That’s your answer to everything. It’s a miracle you managed to raise a child.

Figaro: Think about it. If you tried to drag the shut-in Faust out of his room by force, he’d be absolutely livid, right? So you bring a kitten to put him in a good mood. That’s what this is.

Faust: You couldn’t think of a better example?

Chapter 2

Figaro: Not a bad choice. The Western wizards are amicable party-goers, after all. But they can be disrespectful at times.

Shylock: Oh my, you’re spot on. I thought we were all on our best behavior in front of terrifying individuals like you, but....

Figaro: See? There you go again, Shylock. You don’t think I’m terrifying in the least, but you went ahead and said it anyway. You have a habit of pricking people with needles — you like to go out of your way to step on the lion’s tail. What are going to do if I ever get mad?

Figaro narrows his eyes. Shylock responds with a delighted smile.

Shylock: We’ll tremble in fear and excitement. We enjoy both, you see.

Figaro: What bad kids you are. See that, Sir Sage? And Shylock’s actually one of the more decent Westerns out there.

White: The issue is Murr..... The original spirits will either adore him or strike him down with furious wrath.

Oz nods and turns to look at Faust.

Oz: Faust.

Faust: What.

Oz: The Eastern wizards should accompany and support the Western wizards on their mission.

Faust: What?

Chloe: Shino, Heathcliff, I’m so glad you two are joining us! I was so nervous when I heard we’d be carrying out a ritual I’d never even heard of! I stuffed my bag full of tons of fashionable clothes, so let’s get dressed up later!

Heathcliff: Y-yeah. Thanks.....

Shylock: The spirits of each country have temperaments akin to the same country’s wizards. So the Eastern wizards are probably more to their liking.

Nero: So we’re like, your type....?

Shylock: Yes.

Nero: I don’t recall going along with any requests.....

Rustica: What did you bring in the lunch basket? I hope there’s a salmon-avocado sandwich.

Nero: Lunch basket? I don’t have one. I would’ve made one if you asked.

Rustica: I see.... That’s too bad.

Nero: Hang on, what was it... Salmon? If you don’t mind waiting a bit, I can head to the kitchen and.....

Heathcliff: Nero. You’re going along with his request.

Nero: Wha.....

Chapter 4

Shino: Alright. I’ll help you out.

Heathcliff: Wai.....

Noblewoman: Eeeek, a tiny child with a giant scythe.....!

Noblewoman: I like that one. He looks a bit nervous — like a little puppy. I love his clothes, too.

(about chloe)

Chapter 6

Noblewoman: You’re as beautiful and lovely as the moon. Could you show me your magic next time? This is a special reward just for you.... Please accept it.

Heathcliff: ...........

Heathcliff is dumbfounded. And I know it’s because the lady’s sweet gaze contains kindness and affection — nothing else. Shino is the one who retorts in anger.

Shino: Cut the crap. Who do you think he is? He’s the son of the great Eastern nobles, the Blanchett—....

Heathcliff: Hold it, Shino.

Heathcliff steps in to stop Shino. He closes his beautiful eyes for a moment, searching for the right words before locking eyes with the noblewoman. She blushes from making eye contact with Heathcliff in such proximity.

Heathcliff: I cannot accept this.

Noblewoman: But why....? Is it not to your liking? Or are you being modest?

Heathcliff responds to her confusion with a sad smile and a limp shake of his head. He returns the jewel to her hands.

Heathcliff: ....I believe you are a kind person. But you will never understand how we feel. And that makes me very sad.... So I cannot accept this gift. Heathcliff bows and walks away. The lady’s gaze follows his back until he disappears from her sight.

Shino: You should’ve told her you’re the son of a great noble. That you’ve seen tons of jewels like that.

Heathcliff: I didn’t want her to think that I didn’t care for the jewel because I owned plenty already. I don’t know if my message got across to her, but.... .....This place.... Western Country is a little scary.......

Chapter 7

Shino: That was awful.

Nero: That was awful.

Faust: That was awful.

Heathcliff: .....I have to say, it’s kind of hard for me to find anything positive to say about this place......

Rustica: Just think about it: tossing silver coins at your guests is quite lowly behavior. Something is wrong here. A true noble would never do such a thing. Don’t you agree, Heathcliff?

Heathcliff: Precisely. A lord exists for his people, and a party can only go on while its guests remain.

Chapter 9

Murr’s soul shard begins a neat, rhythmic strut, like a grandstanding magician. He approaches the other Murr, grabs his chin, and tilts it upwards. He observes the face identical to his own.

Murr: Hello.

Murr: Hi!

Murr: How are we feeling?

Murr: I’m gonna bite you~!

Murr sinks his teeth into shard-Murr’s finger like a wild cat. Murr’s shard doesn’t bat an eye. He lets Murr have his finger, and turns to Shylock.

Shylock: What a conceited misapprehension. The soul-shattered Murr causes me nothing but trouble.

Murr: I stand by my words. You want me to cause you trouble: I embody both your fear and your thrill.

Murr: It’s certainly possible that he’ll listen to me. But I unfortunately cannot offer you my assistance.

Akira: But why....?

Murr: For it would mean the end of my research. I do apologize — my desires run deeper than the fear gorta’s.

Shylock: And my desires run deeper than yours.

Shylock: Murr. Open your mouth.

Murr: A~h!

Murr: You can’t do it. Because what you fear is not losing me: it is my contempt.

Shylock discards his claim with a scoff.

Shylock: I am a Western wizard. I will savor fear, loss, and contempt all the same. Goodbye, Murr.

Chapter 11

Shylock: I can’t believe you lost your magic tool too......

Antonio: Do you have nothing left to offer? If that’s all, get out of my sight!

Murr: Guh......

Shylock: ....I understand. I’ll place my shop on the table. It’s an old bar located in the Town of Nectar’s entertainment district.

Chapter 12

???: "Sir Sage. Feed Murr the soul shard."

Akira: (Is this.... Murr’s shard?) .....But your research......

Shylock: Sir Sage? Who are you talking to?