Main Story 2 Chapter 19 - External Influences
1 - Tragedy and Comedy in Tandem
Akira: …Artificial wizards…?
Murr nodded in response. Above his head, I felt like I could see the stars moving through the indigo night sky, like a time-lapse photo.
I was about to ask him something else when he looked away from me. The question "Are you looking for something?" was on the tip of my tongue.
I looked, too. And now that I was paying attention, I could see a hazy, white mist had started to drift through the garden.
Murr: It seems your wizards have found the exit to the labyrinth.
Akira: Ah… You mean Shylock and the others?
Murr: That would be them, yes. I'm looking forward to what kind of grand entrance they'll make.
He stepped towards me, taking a place at my side, and said that--as if he were waiting for a circus performance to begin.
And this was how the Western wizards made their entrance:
The white mist drifted between the trees, bringing with it a refreshing scent, one that could've pulled me free from a reverie had I been in one.
All that the mist touched began to sparkle, like glitter in water, painting the world in new and vivid tones.
And then, a long leg sprouted from the stout trunk of the tree in front of us.
Next, an elegant hand holding a pipe, and another holding a birdcage, and finally, one holding a sewing kit.
The Western wizards stepped through the invisible, wavering wall that separated them from us.
Shylock spoke first, arching an immaculate eyebrow.
Shylock: Are you unhurt, Master Sage?
Chloe: Thank goodness! We were just walking together when all of a sudden you turned into a tree and started withering!
Rustica: We only realized we had been caught in an illusion after that.
Murr: I noticed! Praise me!
Seeing such an innocently smiling Murr, the soulshard Murr leaned over and whispered into my ear, levity plain in his voice.
Murr: He's got promise. I should expect no less from my body, even if he is just my body.
I had to stiffen my face so I didn't snort.
Shylock was glaring at the Murr next to me, after all.
His eyes were narrowed to dangerous slits, but Murr simply smiled a contented, catlike smile.
Murr: When it comes to magic, smoke is one of the classics of deception. And yet the smoke from that pipe of yours undid my deception.
Very impressive.
Shylock: Spare me the insincerity. I knew you were in this place, and our Master Sage was swept away right before our eyes.
I'd rather you simply mock me directly. How cruel you are, with your compliments sharper than your sarcasm.
Shylock frowned, frustration clear on his face.
Even if he seemed selfish and egotistical, Shylock was a person with a strong sense of responsibility. He must have been worried about me.
The shard of Murr blinked, and his expression softened.
He tilted his head to one side, just a little, and grinned. It seemed to me he was enjoying this very, very much.
Murr: Every once in a while you manage to remind me you're younger than me. It's put me in a good mood, it most certainly has.
Shylock: Silence. Murr, go look for a purple shard. It belongs to you.
Shylock: You are just a single shard of many. And I am going to feed you to my Murr. I'll be returning you to him…
Murr: Which Murr is that? Am I gonna get eaten?
Murr: I do believe I belong to you, yes. Or perhaps, to a certain squirrel…
Shylock: Don't speak at the same time.
Murr: The stage is yours.
Murr: Why thank you. Well then…
I have a proposition. Would you care to listen as well, Master Sage?
Murr: My beloved Western wizards, I would like you to pay attention as well.
Rustica: I would be happy to, Sir Murr Hart. I am Rustica Ferch.
Chloe: I'm Chloe Collins. I'm already friends with Murr! So this feels kinda weird…
The soulshard Murr winked at the obviously confused Chloe.
Murr: I'm sure you'll grow used to it easily enough. A pleasure to meet you, Rustica, Chloe.
Rustica and Chloe smiled. They both seemed intrigued by the shard of Murr that they'd only just met today.
Shylock, however, was still firmly on guard, his pipe at the ready.
Maybe it was just because I felt completely at ease with this shard of Murr, but…
Something about this tremblingly tense Shylock without a trace of his usual composure was pretty cute.
Shylock: What kind of proposition?
Murr: You're seeking to gather the various shards of Murr and return them to him.
You intend to give me to that Murr there so that I can become part of him.
Murr: I'm just a poor little shard of a soul that you intend to deprive of his freedom… And I have no real way of keeping you from accomplishing that, either.
But why not give ourselves a bit of time before it comes to that? I'd like to see more of the world before I become part of that Murr.
Murr: Yes, Master Sage.
Specifically, I'd like to see what the distribution of vegetation in the world at present is with my own eyes.
I'm sure I could do the same having become part of that Murr, but I'm unsure I would have the same thoughts on the subject, you see.
I'm sure that me wouldn't even look at the plants this world has to offer. If nothing else, Murr will always be fascinated by many, many things.
He's always calmly examining everything in the world around him and putting his mind ceaselessly to work, after all.
How about it, Master Sage? Would you let me accompany you on this journey of yours?
He bowed to me so courteously it looked like he was putting on an act.
But before I could even open my mouth, Chloe's eyes grew wide.
Chloe: So basically, you want to come with us?
Rustica: How wonderful! For Murr, renowned as the greatest genius of the millenium and further, to be our travelling companion.
Wouldn't that feel so heartening, Master Sage?
Rustica was right. Even with his memories and knowledge in pieces, Murr was still a genius.
Travelling with a shard of Murr instead of letting him be eaten would mean we would have two reliable geniuses on our side.
Akira: That's true. I'm in favor of it. What do you think, Shylock?
Murr was grinning. It wasn't him that Shylock's stubborn opposition was being aimed at.
Fear, wariness, prudence. Many emotions wavered back and forth over Shylock's face as he discreetly flicked his gaze towards his dangerous friend.
Shylock: It's entirely possible that you may make a wise advisor for the Sage. You may be the best guide they could ask for.
But the path you might lead them down could just as easily be one to their destruction.
Shylock's eyes were looking at nothing but me.
Shylock: Master Sage. You are aware of the Northern twins… Of Lords Snow and White and the tragedy that befell them.
I had thought not even the destruction of our world could separate them. That they would always be in their eternal honeymoon.
It took only a few small words from Murr to drive them to try to kill one another.
I had heard that story before. The twins, Snow and White, had always been together.
Seeing them, Murr had once asked Snow a question.
Do you not want to know loneliness?
And so Snow sought loneliness, White refused to let him leave, and in the end, their fighting led to death.
Snow was left alive, and White was left a ghost.
I suddenly recalled the uneasiness that story had left me with when I first heard it, and I glanced at Murr. He was still smiling the same way he always was.
I now clearly saw that smile as an arrogant one.
Shylock: To be perfectly clear, Murr does not wish for the destruction of others.
He simply becomes interested in them, looks within them, and then through nothing more than pure intellectual curiosity, rips them open for analysis.
It is done neither virtuously nor with ill intent. It is simply his nature.
Lord White's death and the way this world subsequently completely changed were entirely caused by this man's innocent, irresponsible, inquisitive nature.
Should he aim that deadly weapon at you, Master Sage, who can say if we would be witness to a great comedy or tragedy…
Murr: Or perhaps we'll witness both? Since we're going to be friends.
Murr: Oh, yes.
Take curiosity to the power of interest and add a healthy number of conversations, and the resulting sum is friendship, is it not?
His words reminded me of the very first Murr that I met.
"I want to be friends with you," he said.
And with just that, my heart had been swayed. I thought of all the different things and places I'd seen because of those words, and a wave of nostalgia rolled over me.
A strange world full of things I'd never seen before. That was how I'd started to think of this world as I'd lived in it.
"I want to be friends with you." I wanted to let the feelings I had for the person who had told me that affect me as deeply and sincerely as I could.
Maybe I really would get ripped open by Murr.
But maybe I could rip Murr open, too.
Because we'd be friends, just like he said. We would experience all of our comedies and tragedies side by side.
And with all the rest of the wizards, too.
Akira: Shylock. Thank you so much for worrying about me.
But I want to accept Murr the way that you, everyone, this world accepted me.
Having said that to Shylock, I turned to face Murr.
Akira: Will you come with us?
Murr: I would be happy to.
Well then, would you terribly mind retrieving the shard from the trunk of that tree and holding onto it for me?
Actualized though I may be, I still cannot move it of my own will.
I looked for the tree in question, like he told me to.
The sparkling shard of purple sapphire had been tucked away among tree nuts and decaying leaves.
Murr: Yes. Please put it in your pocket or somewhere else it won't be liable to fall out.
Akira: G-got it. Where should I keep it…
Chloe: I'll take care of that later. And once I do, that means you'll get to be with Master Sage forever, right, Murr?
Like Saku-chan?
Chloe's question was directed at the black cat-like familiar that had curled itself around my shoulders.
Murr: I see, I see. Perhaps if I'm being carried around, I should make myself a size that's easiest to carry around as well.
I will make myself as big as that familiar and sit upon your shoulders as well.
Rustica: That's a wonderful idea. It'll make it much easier to differentiate you and our Murr. What do you think, Murr?
Rustica turned his question to the other Murr. The Murr whose soul was split to pieces, the innocent, catlike one.
Murr was crouched on top of a big tree root, staring directly at Shylock.
Shylock was staring at some spot on the ground, deep in thought.
Before long, he noticed Murr was staring at him, and Shylock smiled at him.
Shylock: What is it, Murr?
Murr: Shylock, between me and that me, which one do you love more?
Shylock's eyes widened.
He was shocked speechless. His pipe slipped out of his fingers.
Shylock's pipe rolled over to Murr, still crouched on his root.
The elegant silverwork reflected the silver light of the moon, shining beautifully.
But Murr wasn't looking at the moon. He was looking at Shylock, lips bent in a pout.
Murr: Hey, which one of us do you love? Are you not giving me that shard tonight?
That moment, Shylock was paler than the moon itself.
Murr snuggled up to Shylock like a cat looking for affection from its owner, clinging to one of his legs.
He picked up Shylock's pipe too, smiling up at him, hoping to get praised.
Shylock staggered.
The shard of Murr was stunned silent.
Murr: Shylock, you… Just what kind of me have you made?
He sounded impressed. He sounded amused.
As light as the night breeze, as capricious as Murr always was.
In comparison, Shylock's voice as he denied it all was more like a scream ripping through the darkness of night.
Shylock: I haven't! I… …It's not like I wanted…
Murr: Do you not want your pipe? I picked it up for you. Watch out, I'm gonna hide it!
Murr twined his arms around Shylock's arm, uncannily like a vine coiled around a tree.
Shylock didn't take back his pipe. His face was locked in an expression of anguish.
His normally primly styled bangs were hanging limply now, the individual hairs against his pale skin like cracks running through porcelain. It was beautiful, and very, very sad.
Shylock: …You shouldn't do that, Murr. Don't say any more about this to me.
Shylock put a hand on Murr's shoulder, brushing him off like a garment he no longer wanted.
Murr was shocked. He looked like a child who didn't understand how he'd made someone else angry with him.
From the day his soul had shattered, Shylock had always watched over him, living ever-present at his side.
Shylock: From now on… Please don't interact with me more than is strictly necessary.
Shylock: You won't get anything more than what you need from me. I can't go back to you.
Shylock: …tsk. It wasn't that I wanted to shape you into something I wanted…
…I just…all I wanted was…
He didn't say anything more. He took a long, shaky, deep breath in, and it sounded painful. Heartrending.
The Murr in the shard said nothing, simply watching Shylock and the other Murr intently.
I wondered what exactly was reflected in his eyes right now. Did he think he was watching a comedy, or was this a tragedy?
He looked up to the night sky. He let the overflowing silver light of the moon above wash over him, and his bright eyes narrowed.
Without turning his eyes from the moon, from his love, the Murr in the shard spoke.
Murr: Well, we don't need to be any more serious than that.
If the toy you were building didn't turn out right, then you just need to pull it apart all over again.
He got too close to the moon, and so, his soul fell to pieces. Since the outcome of the experiment is well known, it should be easy enough to reproduce, yes?
Murr turned and smiled at Shylock.
Maybe he was trying to comfort him in his own way, even if he phrased it like a joke.
Shylock glared at Murr. If looks could kill, this one would have shredded him to ribbons.
I'd never seen him so openly angry before. It was frightening, and yet I was fascinated by it despite that.
It was so rare to get to see even just glimpses of Shylock's naked emotions, and yet right now, they were burning brightly for all of us to see.
Certainly, right now the very friend he'd worked so hard to collect the fragments of his soul for was mocking him for doing exactly that.
It was only natural he'd be angry.
The Murr from the shard's smile vanished, and his expression grew serious. He lifted both hands, palms facing forward, a gesture of surrender.
Murr: No, that was a bad idea.
It was such a half-hearted reply. Shylock was hurt, and it showed plainly on his face.
Shylock: Murr would never say such a thing. You…are a most peculiar shard.
Shylock averted his eyes. He didn't want to say it, but he mumbled it under his breath.
I nodded fervently in agreement with Shylock's words.
Akira: I think so, too. How do I put it, um, I can feel your goodwill, or your affection, or…
Chloe: I get it! Like, the atmosphere around him is kinda softer than usual…
Rustica: A friendly feeling, yes. Although I think the other shards of Murr we've met thus far were also quite friendly.
The shard of Murr straightened his back. With the flourish of a performer, he tipped his hat.
Murr: I'm moved. I've met many, many people over the years, but I can't say I recall…
Murr: I can't say I recall ever being called kind before.
Shylock: Oh yes, I'm sure.
Murr: What about me? Am I kind?
Murr: But of course you are. Have confidence in yourself.
Suddenly, a bird flew over our heads.
It flew unsteadily, first going the wrong direction and then turning around and trying again…and again…and again.
Chloe: Um, that bird… Isn't that Gregory…?
Rustica: My, so it is. He must be looking for the botanical garden. Birds cannot see well at night, you see.
Having said that, Rustica elegantly put his index finger in his mouth and whistled.
A sound like a bird call echoed through the garden--and then the bird that had been dancing around in the sky led its dance in our direction.
I called out to him so that he wouldn't get lost again.
Gregory: Master Sage… Master Sage!
The bird that had been flying through the air was, in fact, Gregory.
His beautiful, vibrant wings were filthy with dirt. He looked absolutely ragged.
Akira: What happened?! Gregory…
Gregory: …Liliana tried to kill me!
Gregory: Liliana isn't Liliana! Someone is pretending to be her! Or maybe she's being manipulated!
Please, Master Sage, please help her! There's nothing I can do for her when I'm just a bird…
If only I could just…one more time… If only I could see my beloved Liliana just one more time…!
Shylock looked down, his expression a heavy one.
Rustica simply averted his eyes, as if he were trying to follow the night breeze's path through the sky.
And in the end, his eyes fell on one of Gregory's lost feathers.
It danced through the air, not a care in the world.
Rustica: Just one more time…
I carefully brushed the dirt from Gregory's wings, and then held him gently in my arms.
He wanted to see her so badly his heart was trying to tear itself to pieces.
I wonder if I'll feel the same way when the day I leave this world finally comes.
I want to see you again, just one more time.
I want to see you again so much.
Akira: …It'll be okay, Gregory. I won't abandon you partway through.
I want to see somewhere where you and Liliana can smile together again, too.
Gregory: Master Sage…sniff…
Gregory's eyes were wet, starlight reflected in tears that hadn't yet fallen.
From what he told us, it sounded like Princess Liliana had departed in the small hours of the morning.
Her destination was Western Country's royal palace.
We needed to return to Cortes Palace, wait for morning, and then depart as well.
It was strange not hearing a peep from the normally talkative Western wizards.
The shard of Murr's soul was in my breast pocket.
When I'd slipped it in there, that Murr had shrunk himself down to no bigger than the palm of my hand, and slipped into my pocket with it.
Murr: Pardon me. I feel as though two people with the same face would rather stand out.
Gregory: What? Are there more people here now?
In my breast pocket, a shard of Murr. On my right shoulder, Saku-chan, and on my left, Gregory. Things were getting rather crowded around my head.
Gregory: Regardless, good to meet you. I am Gregory, a servant at Cortes Palace.
Murr: I'm Murr Hart. You could say I'm currently seeking employment.
They shook hands in front of my chin. Saku-chan put out a paw too, which was absolutely darling.
But before we set out for Cortes Palace, Chloe had something he needed to say to me first.
Chloe: Um, Master Sage… Is it okay if I stay here for a while and look for Kelvin?
Kelvin was the wizard we'd met here in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
It seemed he knew things about Rustica's past that no one else did.
Chloe's determination to face Rustica's past shone brightly in his eyes.
Chloe: I might not be able to see him tonight, but I'd still like to look for him. For my own sake, too.
Akira: If you're going to put it like that, then we can stay with you, too.
Shylock: Most certainly, Chloe. Please, don't be modest.
Chloe: No, really, it's fine. Master Sage and all of you are so tired, and if it's around here, things should be safe, so…
Rustica: Then allow me to stay with you.
Rustica smiled at Chloe, and Chloe looked up at him with his vivid violet eyes.
Rustica: There's someone you want to meet, isn't there?
Rustica: His name is Kelvin, you said? What kind of person is he?
Chloe blinked at him. For a moment, I saw Chloe hesitate, but he met Rustica's gaze resolutely.
Chloe: He's someone who knew the past you.
Chloe: Yeah… He's someone who knows about the past that you've forgotten about.
Chloe: Um, I… I want to know about your past, Rustica.
That's why I want to talk to Kelvin. That's why I'm staying behind and looking for him tonight.
And if you're fine with it despite that, then I do want you to stay with me.
The scent of flowers wafted past us on the breeze.
Chloe had his hands clasped tightly, unconsciously rubbing his fingers together.
He was oddly nervous.
No one took a breath. We were all staring at Rustica's calm, gentle face.
I had a terrible feeling that his smile was going to vanish.
Rustica: Of course, I don't mind.
Rustica simply tilted his head slightly and smiled. Chloe sighed in relief, just a little bit.
But Rustica hadn't finished speaking yet.
Rustica: But why do you want to know about my past?
Chloe: What do you mean, why… Isn't that obvious?
Chloe's voice was trembling. He looked hurt and confused, like a child that was being accused of stealing.
Chloe: Because… Because you knew me when I was a kid, and I want to know about you, too.
Rustica: Oh, I see. That makes sense.
Chloe: I want to know. Is that wrong?
This time it was Rustica's turn to look surprised.
After all, there were tears in Chloe's eyes.
Chloe: …Is that wrong of me? I want to learn more about the teacher I've traveled with.
He said he knows everything about you, Rustica… And I'd feel so much better if I knew, too.
Where did you come from? Where will you go? How long can I be with you? What should I do…
…sniff… Will we always get to be happy together…
Chloe sobbed, looking straight at the ground. He rubbed the back of his hand over his eyes, glaring at the botanical garden.
Chloes: …sniff, jeez… This is the second time I've cried here. I'm starting to hate this place.
Murr: Now that's a true tragedy.
Murr: Wanna see fireworks? Would that make you feel better?
Rustica knelt down and looked into Chloe's eyes.
He seemed to be confused, just a little bit. But maybe that was just what I was hoping for.
I wanted Chloe, the person who had traveled with Rustica since he was a child, to be special to him.
Rustica: I'm so sorry, Chloe. I'm not worried about not knowing my past, and that must be why…
You must have thought that I thought of you the same way. I made you feel so insignificant.
Chloe looked down at him. His cheeks were still wet with tears, but his eyes shone brightly with his love for Rustica.
Chloe: Why are you being so kind? Even if you say something like that, then I'm not really upset at all.
Rustica: Then why? Is knowing the me of right now not enough?
Chloe: …sniff…I don't know… I just don't know… …Am I being selfish…?
Even though it's just wanting to know more about you…
The Murr in the shard spoke with an odd smile on his face.
The catlike Murr's eyes sparkled.
Murr: That's a normal thing to want!
Shylock said nothing. Moonlight illuminated his anxious back.
What if one could know everything about someone? About this world?
Your heart would never waver, and you could live your days in peace.
Like an omniscient deity.
3 - The Moon in the Water, a Flower in a Mirror
Figaro: …gh, hah… Hahh…hah…
I couldn't hear anything but my own breathing in the pure-white darkness of the blizzard.
The bitter cold was stealing away both my body heat and my ability to think clearly.
I wrapped my arms around myself, my thin clothes not nearly enough to keep me warm in these conditions, but I still had to try.
I stared up blankly into the endless deluge of falling snow.
This was a human.
What delicate, fragile creatures they are.
Even though there's a devilish man out there who can change the weather with nothing more than his whims.
What if this blizzard was all because Oz was sulking again?
Right now, I rather desperately needed him to cheer up.
There's someone I want to help.
I won't be able to stand it if I've missed my chance because of this.
Painting Snow: Did that finish them?!
Painting White: …! They changed direction! They're trying to conceal themselves again!
Don't let them escape!
Mithra: Of course not. Excuse me, pardon me.
Bradley: Hold it! Go after mine, too!
Painting Snow: Sylves! Please, you must carry us!
Bradley: You can keep your painted asses sat right there. Sylves, is there anything up ahead we need to be aware of?
Sylves: I don't know… But there's stairs leading deeper into the building, and there's probably…
Sylves: There's probably a way into the underground waterway.
Bradley: An underground waterway, huh. Snow, White. You wait with her here.
Painting Snow: Mmgh… It's rather vexing, but I suppose we have no choice.
Painting White: Bradley. Be sure they are made well aware of the Northern wizards' might.
Bradley: Don't even need to tell me that.
(That said, are those things even alive…?)
(But if they aren't, then what the hell are they…)
Bradley: So this is the underground waterway, huh… Hm…?
Bradley: Mithra. Where's those things?
Mithra: Please don't talk to me right now. I'm currently trying to locate them.
They attacked my head when I found them, and then immediately hid themselves again before I could counterattack. Hmph. Rather cowardly tactics, aren't they.
Bradley: What are they? Spirits? Familiars?
Mithra: I believe I told you not to talk to me right now.
Bradley: I'm just talkin' to myself, asshole.
Mithra: Hah? Are you kidding? You were just talking to me, weren't you? You most certainly were.
Bradley: Dammit, I get it! Don't get distracted! Focus!
Bradley: Damn, watch out! Say something if you found them!
Bradley: …! Space is getting unstable…!
Mithra: I believe it's trying to escape somewhere. …tsk, as if I'd let you!
<Arthim>
Bradley: ……
…Northern Country, huh… Man, even though that's where we just left.
……
Heh… Finally dragged yourself out of hiding.
C'mon, let's dance.
I'm sure I heard someone's voice.
My whole body felt like it was burning up. I couldn't even begin to describe how much it hurt.
I felt so weak. I couldn't tell if I had my eyes open or not.
I hurt so bad I couldn't run away and yet, there was something soothing, too.
I was so tired. The darkness felt like it was trying to pull me into itself.
Faust: (Shino… I wonder if Shino made it out okay… Nero and Heath, too…)
(…I can hear someone's voice…)
???: I see… Like the moon in the water, a flower in a mirror.
It's a metaphor for something unattainable. You're trying to reflect more than just images with your mirror, but you need to diversify your interpretations and own emotions to put it into practical use.
Reflections, refractions… They're not how things really are.
Haha… Though I guess it's a good trick for a stubborn perfectionist like you.
My eyes shot open with a start.
It was so dark, I'd thought I had to have been imagining things.
A tall and broad figure, one I was very familiar with, was running through the waterway towards me. Towards the demon separating us.
It was Lennox.
Lennox: <Forsettao Meiuvat>
He pulled out his broom and deftly jumped atop it, despite how narrow the passage was.
He flew forward with enough force to break down a log gate, as if he was actually planning on ramming into the waterway demon like that.
It wasn't going to work. There was no possible way an attack like that was going to land. Those massive claws were going to cut him down.
It only took me half a second to figure that out. But then, I realized, that wasn't his aim.
Even if his attack didn't connect, it would still buy a few extra seconds of time.
Faust: (We still have a chance.)
The moment I thought that, my blood began to pulse in my veins. I think I just started moving on reflex, seeing Lennox like that.
Maybe he was just a beautiful hallucination. I didn't care. I stopped thinking and forced myself up onto one knee, unsteady though I was.
Faust: (This is it. I'm almost out of magic.)
(I don't have my focus. I have to bet it all on this.)
(I've only pulled this arte off once before, but…)
…kh…!
The claws caught Lennox and slammed him to the ground.
And then he shoved himself back up, an undying soldier refusing to stray from his target.
I let blood puddle in my palm, and then scattered it over the water below me.
Faust: <Salliuqnart Mullcredo>
I closed my eyes, chanted my spell, and the blood in the water began to shine brightly--taking the shape of my magic circle.
I held one hand up.
Beyond my palm, I could see Lennox swinging his leg at the giant demon.
We hadn't said a thing to each other, but he understood exactly what I was doing.
He kept its attention away from me, not stopping even as it cut him open, slammed him into the wall, again, and again, and again.
Lennox: …gh…!
<Forsettao Meiuvat>!
The water flowing through this waterway began to collect in front of my palm, drop by single drop.
A thundering whirlwind whipped around me--I was at the eye of the storm.
The drops of water formed an elegant, intricate pattern, so delicate it could've been drawn in spider's threads instead. And the shape they drew out was so very similar to my mirror.
Pale light began to collect inside the demon's creaking ribs, its aim focused on Lennox.
Which was the precise moment I'd been waiting for.
I was so exhausted and drained of strength that I couldn't even yell his name.
And yet, as if he'd heard me anyways, Lennox threw himself down to the waterway floor.
A pale beam shot out from the demon's ribs.
If I did nothing, that terrifying, dazzling, merciless light was going to pierce right through me.
The same moment I processed that, I recited my spell.
Faust: <Salliuqnart Mullcredo>!
The water droplets that had woven themselves into a shape almost like my mirror finished their work, forming a reflective surface at the center.
The light hit dead on, the impact making me stagger. The overflowing white light threatened to blind me.
But the demon's beam of light failed to pierce through me.
It was swallowed up by my impromptu magical focus…my mirror made of the water flowing through this underground waterway.
Perhaps it was because I'd not just made it on the spot, but from Western Country's flowing waters, but the mirror wasn't perfectly stable.
It swelled up to a massive size and then shrank down to the size of my palm, and then did it all over again, but in the end, it still somehow absorbed the attack.
I'd lost consciousness a couple of times in the middle of that shockwave. The fact that I was somehow still on my feet was downright strange.
The light that had surged out from the demon flickered out, and the attack was over.
For a moment, everything was quiet.
And then…
The same pale beam of light shot out of my liquid mirror.
Lennox: …!
You reflected it back…
I felt a violent, gruesome urge, and anxiety twisted violently in my gut.
But my stance stayed firm, and the demon's pale light didn't stray from its course: right back into it.
The light engulfed the waterway demon, and it creaked and screamed with the same sound metal made when it warped out of shape. It was a sound of agony, I thought.
Its form crumpled, as did I. Everything was so dark. Everything sounded so far away.
The last thing I heard was Lennox's voice.
My mouth moved, but I don't know if I said something or not.
In the midst of pain so sharp it made me feel like I was slipping out of myself, two strong arms looped around my chest.
They were so warm and comforting around my frigid frame.
I gripped one of those large hands as tightly as I could.
Faust: …I leave Shino…to you… There's a spacial distortion…just past here…
Lennox shouted something, I think. Maybe it was a scream.
But I really couldn't hear anything anymore. What a lamentable thing, really.
Even though I still have so many things I need to say to you…
4 - A Blizzard Rages over the Snow
Shino: …gh, Heath…! Where are you?! Heath…!
I can feel his presence right around here… Which means he shouldn't be dead. …Heath…!
Shino: Heath…!
…He's back in human form… He's covered in wounds…
Hold on, I'm going to warm you up with magic right now, and make you something to wear…
<Matzah Sudipas>!
Shino: …You're just fine! Don't worry! I'll definitely save you!
Nero, where did all the others go? We need to gather people and go save Faust…
Shino: You…! Are you okay?!
Slender Youth: …ah…
…h…help…
Shino: …?!
…You're kidding me…
…gh!
(It followed us all the way here! Or is this a different one?!)
(I can't beat it on my own! Where's Nero?! Heath…)
(Calm down, calm down… There's no one who can protect Heath here but me!)
(Protecting him is my purpose. I promised him, so I'll protect him.)
(If I fail here, I'll never be able to look Faust in the eye again!)
…Fine then! I'll take you down!
Heathcliff: …kh…ah…
…Shino…
Shino: Uoooogh…!
<Matzah Sudipas>!
Mithra: What's wrong? You're all in tatters.
Shino: Hah…
…You saved me… I could kiss the tips of your shoes right now.
Mithra: Please don't do anything weird. And move.
Pardon the intrusion, but that's my prey.
This time, I'll turn you into scrap with my crystal skull.
Shino: Watch out…! It can shoot beams out of its ribs!
Mithra: That isn't a problem.
I'll attack it from the front and win.
<Arthim>
Short Gentleman: Hah…haah…! It's freezing! I'm going to freeze to death…!! Hey, you, are you alright?!
Slender Youth: …hh, yes. Thank goodness you're not hurt.
…That red-haired man is…?!
Short Gentleman: I'm not sure what he's up to, either… He just crashed head-first into that hollow bone monster…
Slender Youth: Amazing… The blizzard coming from that crystal skull of his is breaking the skeleton's light apart!
Could this red-haired wizard be the legendary…
Shino: Mithra, yeah. That's a narrow escape from death you had.
Slender Youth: Mithra… As in the Northern wizard, Mithra?!
Short Gentleman: Y-you said Mithra…?!
Shino: Yeah. Mithra will win. …You'll win, won't you?!
Mithra: Of course I will. I only let one of its attacks hit me on purpose.
Shino: You got hit?! You?!
Mithra: I didn't get hit. But this is certainly quite strong, isn't it.
It could kill about half of the Sage's wizards.
Heathcliff: …Automata…
…A mechanical wizard… Nova made…
Shino: Don't move, Heath! You're hurt bad.
Heathcliff: Shino… Nova constructed that. We met Nova.
How's Nero? Where's Mr. Faust?
Shino: …tch, Mithra! Hurry it up! There's something I need you to do!
Mithra: Are you trying to command me?
Shino: Faust and Nero are going to die!
Mithra: …
Understood. I will "hurry it up."
<Arthim>
I aimed my rifle at that big-ass doll, observing it from afar.
Bradley: Three, two, one…
I snapped my fingers, and the magic circle I'd prepped in the snow earlier kicked into gear.
This was a fun little trick we used pretty often for a distraction back in my bandit gang days. A magic circle with no one around it would suddenly kick up a little flurry of snow, and launch out a ton of hail-sized chunks of ice.
The big-ass doll softly faded into nothing, and none of the ice hit it. Which was supposed to have happened, obviously.
A second later, it reappeared a little ways away.
The big-ass doll had started gathering light in its chest while avoiding my circle.
Bradley: One, two, three…
I was counting down to the beam firing. It charged up to four, and fired on five.
I focused, checking how far that beam could go. With my hand as a ruler, at this distance, it spanned the length of my thumb to the tip of my index finger.
Bradley: …'Bout mid-range. Which means my rifle's got the better range.
Which meant that if I could keep things long-distance, I had the advantage.
I lined up my sights and put my finger to the trigger. I calculated the strength of the wind and the angle it was blowing, and then fired.
Boom, headshot.
I was pretty sure that hurt, since its head flopped over on it shoulders.
But, nope, just like Mithra had said, there wasn't actually anything solid inside its hood.
There was a grinding noise as it adjusted its body, jerking around creepily as it regained its balance.
It didn't take long for it to return to its original pose, and then it turned its whole self around, looking in my direction.
And then it came at me way too fucking fast.
I aimed my rifle again, observing my prey. If its weak point wasn't its head, then I guess it really was in its ribs?
I could see something that looked like a mana stone in there. I took aim at the center of its ribs and fired again.
Hit it dead on. Didn't look like it did anything, though.
It just kept charging at me. Didn't even falter. It was an undying, unfeeling soldier.
I fired again, and that didn't do a thing either. One more time.
I kept firing--two shots, three--kind of horrified by how sturdy the damn thing was.
Bradley: (Something like this was hangin' around in Western Country, huh…)
(It's not alive. If it's a doll or a tool, then did someone make it for some specific purpose?)
(It could pretty easily kill any of the lil' ones back at the manor.)
Pretty soon, I was going to be within range of its beam. Deep breath in, deep breath out.
I focused all my senses, wound up my magic, and put my finger to the trigger.
Bradley: (I'll take it down with the next shot.)
<Adnopotensum>!
My magic bullet embedded itself deep in the big-ass doll's ribs.
Finally, its movements stopped. A weird pale light wrapped around it, and its bones creaked and groaned.
Just when I thought it was tryin' to pull something else, it fell into itty bitty pieces of trash.
Bradley: Hah… Don't waste my time.
As I was walkin' over to check out the wreckage, I suddenly felt traces of space getting messed with, right around here.
Bradley: (Izzat Mithra? No…)
(…Nero?)
It was faint, but I could definitely feel Nero's presence.
No. It was Nero, but it was barely anything. It was so weak it might've faded away before I could find him.
Bradley: (Is he tryin' to hide himself? Or is he about to die?)
(No, he can't…)
It was nothing to be joking about. I had a sick feeling in my gut. I needed to find him right this second. I pulled my broom out, and set off.
The only thing standing between me and that vague presence of his was the white labyrinth of this blizzard.
5 - Whereabouts of One's Life
Nero: …gh…!
<Adnodis Omnis>
Curly-Haired Woman: …ah…it's not so cold anymore…thank you…
Skinny Old Man: Thank you so much… I'm so sorry… Making that barrier reach all of us…
Curly-Haired Woman: Hey, where are you going?!
Nero: …You guys stay here… I need to…
Curly-Haired Woman: You can't do anything in that shape!
Nero: …You guys should…build a cave or somethin' out of snow…in case the barrier fails…
Wait 'til morning, then get outta here.
Nero: Hahh…hahh…
(I can…barely see in front of me…)
<Adnodis…>
<Omnis>
……
(…don't even have enough strength left to fly…)
(If I push myself too hard, will I die? I…)
(…If I do, ain't that the wrong order…)
(Rather than someone like me, Teach 'n Shino should…)
(They should be the ones who survive.)
…hah…
…gh!
…kh…ugh…
(…Hey, Brad…)
(If I turn to stone somewhere you don't know about, what are you gonna do…)
(If it's somewhere you can't reach, you won't mourn me, will you…)
(I used to think that turnin' to stone for your sake and getting eaten by you was the highest honor in the world.)
(Everyone thought so.)
(…Too late for that, now.)
(I'm just a traitor. I betrayed you, and this pure white landscape…)
(I was so tired I threw you both away…)
……
<Adnodis…>
<Omnis>!
Lennox: Hah… Hah…!
(Where are Shino and the others? A spacial distortion must mean…)
(If I don't hurry, Lord Faust's life is going to be in danger. How far away is Lord Figaro…)
(…! This is Lord Faust's mirror…!)
(This is the spacial distortion… Did Shino's group escape through here?)
Faust: …gh…uu…
Please… Take care of…
Lennox: I understand.
(He's delirious… I don't think he heard me respond.)
(The magic's faded, so his legs…)
(What awful burns… So he really did choose not to heal them.)
(This means he chose to never forgive himself.)
(…I need to save you. I'll save you no matter what I have to do.)
(I'll keep looking for a way to do that.)
(You don't need to be a hero of national salvation. You don't need to be a saint. Even if you keep hating humans and Lord Alec…)
(This time, I'll be sure to bring you happiness.)
<Forsettao Meiuvat>
Lennox: …!
…Is this Northern Country…?
Hah… Hah… I'm getting colder… Lord Faust…
……I can sense wizards near here…
And Lord Figaro's, faintly…
Mitile: We made it to the Eastern Tower faster than I was expecting! Um, how do we set the elevator to take us to Western Country?
Rutile: Right… The Central wizards went to the City of Fortune, didn't they?
Since they hadn't returned by nightfall, it's safe to assume they got an inn in town.
You know, probably at that inn Cock Robin arranged for us to stay at…
Mitile: I remember! Riquet said he wished he could've slept over with us. So maybe that really is where they are tonight…
Rutile: Well then, there we go!
Rutile: We made it to Western Country! Quickly, let's find Lord Oz!
Rutile: Mitile, come ride my broom with me! I can really let loose with the speed then!
Mitile: Huh?! Right now?!
Rutile: Yeah! Just line up your broom right next to mine!
Mitile: But Dr. Figaro said that moving between brooms while flying is dangerous…
Rutile: It's fine! Dr. Figaro does it too!
Mitile: Th…that's true! Okay! I'm coming over!
Rutile: Your spot's waiting for you!
Mitile: One, two…
…I did it!
Rutile: Well done! Alright, hold on tight, now!
Mitile: Yep! Got it……wah, waaaahhhh!!
Y-you're going too fast…!!
I scanned the midnight snowfield, blizzard raging above. My breath came out white.
It was nostalgic. Back then I had tons of henchmen, and right by my side, right where he belonged, was Nero.
Nero was one hell of a weirdo.
He was a shameless brat, and even though he had guts and could keep himself together in tricky situations, he still acted like a coward.
He copped a smug look on his face like he hated my guts, but no, he worried about me and believed in me.
Every facet of Nero was interesting, and every facet was comforting, too.
Eva was right. Nero was somethin' close to the family I no longer had.
I was glad to have someone who'd get upset 'n fed up with me 'n look at me like I'm the world's biggest idiot 'n say whatever he wanted right to my face.
I'd worked my way from dirt nothing to the top. I know what it looked like at rock bottom. I've groveled on my hands and knees like every other pathetic brat in the world.
Every time I got stronger, the more people looked at me. The more I was feared. Hell, I won't lie, it was the greatest damn feeling in the world.
But everyone who'd smack me upside the head and cuss me out was gone by the time I noticed.
Except for Nero. He wouldn't die before me, he wouldn't die because of me, and he'd always be right there, next to me.
Every time we laughed together and he got after me for somethin' without even caring that I was the boss, it lifted the burdens of bein' boss a little lighter. Nero made me feel like I was free.
With Nero there, everything was going to work out somehow. With him right behind me, I could go anywhere. Do anything.
I guess things got complicated somewhere down the line. Maybe we'd just been too close for too long.
Betrayin' me, stealin' my treasure--well, that's all fine.
But he betrayed me and threw everything away.
Like none of it meant anything to him.
I found Nero half buried in the snow. He was stretched out like an idiot in those light clothes of his.
It was kinda hard to tell, but he looked pretty pale.
I tucked my hand behind his neck and checked his pulse. He was freezing cold, and the sound of his heart was weak. His clothes were bloody, and frozen to him where it was worst.
To be honest, I was mad as hell. I was the reason this idiot had gotten as far as he had. All me, no one else.
I put one hand on Nero's chest, and performed healing magic on someone I wasn't…used to using it on.
Nero's back arched.
I didn't know if he could actually hear me or not. His eyes were shut, but I saw his lips moving.
He said something to me in a voice so weak it almost wasn't anything at all.
Nero: …Help the…rest of the…Eastern…
Bradley: The other Easterners are here? Gotcha. Who got you?
The strength drained out of Nero's body.
Like he'd fulfilled some kind of duty by informing someone about the crisis his comrades were in, he just fucking laid there.
I could tell. His life force was slipping away from him as soon as he'd done that.
Bradley: Nero. Hey, Nero…
But Nero didn't move.
My heart pounded. I was breathin' hard, and I put my palm on Nero's chest.
My hand glowed with light, and that light slowly permeated through Nero's body.
But Nero was still desperately weak. Maybe he'd lost too much blood.
Nero was going to die. I got myself ready to pump magic into him, like I would've in the old days.
But it didn't work right.
It was almost like he was rejecting it. I didn't feel any magic transfer, and I didn't feel any response.
I called his name. The blizzard was roaring in my ears. My vision was fading out.
But Nero didn't respond.
I said his name again, and this time, I got a reaction. His eyelashes fluttered.
I'd gotten used to losin' comrades. I'd been ready to die, and for Nero to die, too.
Nero's eyes fluttered open. Relieved, I sent more of my magic into him.
But it didn't work again. There's no way I would've messed up like this in my glory days.
Not as long as he trusted me. Not as long as he wanted to live.
I glared at Nero--if looks could kill, this would've finished the bastard off. I was about to start yelling at him, but when I saw his eyes, all my words died on my lips.
His golden eyes were blank. Nero's eyes had opened, but he was still unconscious.
He had no will to live.
That's how it looked.
Ever since the day we met, it had always seemed like living was hard on him.
He had no faith in himself, in others, in the world.
He was a genius at thievery, but terrible at makin' other people sad.
He believed in me more than anyone else, but he still betrayed me and kicked my ass into a cell.
I smacked his face and yelled at him loud enough to wake the dead--or keep him alive, god willing.
Bradley: Nero! I'm giving you magic! Take it, dammit!
…tch, wake up! If you don't tell me where to go, I can't save the curseworker or anyone else!
But Nero didn't respond.
I was so angry I couldn't stand it. If slapping him wasn't going to wake him up, maybe stroking his cheek would. Or running my hand down his arm with a little too much pressure. Nothing was working. I grabbed him by his shirt.
My breathing was shaky.
I stared dead into his empty gold eyes. I could only see snow reflected back at me.
Bradley: …You bastard, what the hell do you think you're doing? You think you're gonna get to die and get off that easy, huh?
You fucking traitor, thinking you get to take the easy way out. How many people do you think died because of you?!
The only person that gets to kill you is me! And until you've paid all their lives back, you don't get to die!
Your life belongs to me! Understand?!
Nero…!
For a moment, the wind whipping around us stilled.
And his eyes, open but empty, slowly, stiffly, brightened.
He could see me again. He could say my name.
Bradley: I'm giving you magic. Take it. Don't fight it.
Nero nodded--well, it could hardly be called a gesture that big--several times. Once again, I put my palm to his chest, and began the magic transfer.
My palm started to glow, and slowly, that glow spread through Nero, too. This time, there as a response.
Nero's back arched, his eyes heavy-lidded.
Halfway in, he grabbed onto me. And in the hands that held me, I could feel more power in them than before.
Bradley: Don't move. You almost died.
Nero: Please, you need to…Faust… …wait, is Shino…
Bradley: Leave 'em to me. Location?
I didn't even need to ask. Now that I was payin' attention to something other than Nero, I could feel the lil' Easties. And Mithra was close to them, too.
I eased Nero up onto my shoulder, supporting him. His face was twisted with pain, but his eyes were fixed on me. He wanted to say something.
Nero: …Brad… What you said…
Bradley: We'll talk later.
I carried Nero away, to somewhere safer than this.
Figaro: …gh…hah…
…… <Po…ssideo…>
…
…hah…
My violently shivering arms and legs finally…stopped.
Slowly, slowly, my senses started to fade. Even though I was half buried by snow, the cold wasn't hurting anymore.
Was this wind going to sweep me out of this world?
Just like the people of my long-lost home.
With no other way to struggle against their fates, did they cry my name? Did they pray to me?
They believed that something greater than themselves would protect them from the fear and hopelessness that lay before them.
Blended into the blizzard's relentless raging, I heard a person's voice from somewhere far, far away.
A hallucination, maybe?
No, it belonged to a real person. I lifted my head weakly, even as I was crumbling to dust.
I stared up at the dark sky above as snow whipped around me. There was a black shadow above me, like that of a large bird.
Lennox: …Lord Figaro…
Lord Figaro…!
It was Lennox.
That was Lennox riding his broom. To my surprise, he was holding Faust in his arms.
That was the same Faust I'd seen just a little bit ago, laying face down in the underground waterway. I would've thought I'd just imagined that, otherwise.
I hadn't been the one to ride to Faust's rescue, but Lennox had.
And so Lennox had been the one to save him.
Relief and fatigue both settled down heavily on my back. And yet, at the same time, seeing Faust had set my blood on fire.
There were serious wounds all over his body. If he didn't get treatment immediately, his life would be forfeit.
But how…
While I was trying to figure that out, Lennox presented the unconscious Faust to me.
He stared straight at me and spoke.
Lennox: Lord Figaro, please, you need to help Lord Faust. I need to find the other Eastern wizards.
Lennox: At the moment he is unconscious, and he has especially bad wounds over his back, his neck, his shoulders, and his left thigh.
The wounds on his back are the worst out of them all. I've done some basic treatment, but they won't stop bleeding. Please, you have to help him.
Lennox bowed his head, as if he were entrusting Faust to me.
He looked down at my hands, and found himself puzzled by what he saw there. My fingertips, unprotected from the temperature by my magic, were turning a frostbitten purple.
He couldn't be sure of it in the darkness, but still, he could tell something was wrong. He started to say something.
But just then, a gust of wind buffetted the three of us. Lennox was blown a bit out of place, stumbling over a step. It looked like he was going to let Faust fall.
On reflex I held out both arms to catch him, but it was so difficult to move… I put too much force into the movements and pulled both him and I off balance, sending us tumbling into the snow.
Perhaps because of the sudden pain, but Faust's consciousness returned to him.
Faust: …I'm fine… Shino…you need to find Shino…gh.
Lennox: I understand. Please, Lord Figaro.
The blizzard ripped my objections right out of my frozen throat.
Lennox's back grew distant, disappearing into the darkness of the snow.
Wait. Hold on a second. I can't use magic right now.
I hadn't been able to say that because I didn't want Faust to despair.
Despair would've only made his condition even worse. The moment he thought he couldn't be saved would be the same moment he'd lose the will to live.
Was I going to be able to give him any treatment at all like this, much less good treatment that wouldn't make it seem like I was pretending everything was fine? I stared at Faust fearfully.
And anything I could say vanished.
Faust's passion gone, there was only relief on his pallid face.
As long as I was here, he would surely be saved. That was what he believed.
Just as he had in the long-lost days of him following me as my disciple.
Just as the people of my long-lost hometown had believed, as they'd disappeared beneath the snow.
Ahh, I'd always…
I'd always wanted to be able to meet those expectations.
Figaro: …It's okay… You're going to be okay…
Because I'm going to save you.
Something painfully hot was welling up deep inside of me.
I wished I could've said the same thing the day that avalanche had taken everything from me.
You need not worry yourself.
I am here.
I am here right at your side.
I put my hand to his cold face and repeated those words over and over, as if they were a magic spell. Faust had lost consciousness again.
His warm eyelids were slowly growing colder. I put Faust on his side and let him sleep.
His lacerations, three sharp lines running across his back--were deep.
I plucked out the knife I kept hidden in my breast pocket, and dragged it over my palm.
I drew a red magic circle over the snowfield.
Northern Country's air was frigid, but clear. I glared at it sharply.
I would make Northern Country's calm but cruel spirits remember the scent of my blood.
Figaro: O fickle spirits of the ice… Recall my name and lament having ever forgotten it.
I held my frozen fingers over Faust and the magic circle.
I closed my eyes, and said my spell.
I could only hear the raging of the blizzard.
I wanted to meet their expectations. I wanted to cause a miracle, the likes of which they could only dream of.
Not for my own pride or to spread my name. I didn't need any glory or fame. I didn't even need a home to call my own.
I just wanted to protect the people I loved. I just wanted to see them smile.
I wanted to show those who worshipped me, those who prayed to me, the miracles they wanted to see--I wanted to see their eyes shining because of it.
Yes, open your eyes and see it for yourself.
A small ring of wind formed around the edge of the circle, going contrary to the blizzard's gusts.
The ring of wind grew into something like the shape of a crown, encircling us.
It took only a moment for the miserable wounds across Faust's back to close.
Caring nothing for the thundering wind pressure, the diadem of wind swelled to the circumference of the Lake of Death.
The Northern spirits operated my fingertips in delight.
I clicked my tongue and glared at the world around me.
Figaro: Don't you dare defy my orders ever again.
The spirits danced with a wild mania. It spread out like ripples in the water, flattening far-off grass and bushes.
A small flurry of snow rose up, and a tremor rumbled through the earth.
I sighed softly in relief. One way or another, magic had returned to me.
Now I just needed to focus myself on healing Faust. His body was riddled with wounds. It was like someone had used him in place of a straw doll for a curseworking ritual.
I'm so happy I didn't lose him. I'm so happy I hadn't lost his confidence.
When we made it back to the manor, I'd talk to him. We'd talk about all the many, many things we hadn't been able to before.
I'd talk to Mitile about his future, too. And I'd kill Isaac.
I lifted Faust, now fully and properly treated, into my arms and rose into the air. I needed to find where Lennox had gone off to.
Northern Country's atmosphere accepted my commands submissively, responding to me the way I needed it to.
Isaac: <Animum Vexat>!
…gahhhh…!
Isaac: Gh… Cough…! …Dammit…! You old hag, past your expiration date…
Eva: You will be the one expiring here.
…Sophie, please forgive me… How could I have ever doubted you…
Now, let me perform your last rites, worm. May the next world make good sport of you.
<Aura Regiu…>
Eva: Begging for your life? Have you lost all your pride, now that you stand at death's door?
Isaac: …cough, cough…! A…a deal.
That girl… Don't you want to know the last words of the girl who had this thing with the blue rocks on it?
Isaac: No one knows about her final moments but me. I'm the only…cough…only person who can tell you what they were like.
Eva: …And in exchange, you want your life?
Isaac: …I'm sick. I'll die soon anyways.
Eva: You think I care? I'll kill you myself.
Isaac: …She… Eva…
…cough…
Eva: …My name? What did she say?
Tell me what she said.
Isaac: You fell for it!
I tricked you…!
Isaac: I already forgot if she said anything! Now turn to stone!
Isaac: Ahaha! Serves you right! Now you're stone!
I turned the Great Witch Eva to stone!
So this is what a top-class mana stone is like… It'll make me smarter than anything!
Now I need to go back to Figaro, and…
…
…No, I won't. He's smart, so he's scary.
He'll be lonely without me.
****TL Note: Eva's spell is most likely Aura Regius, which has a meaning along the lines of "breath of a king", taken from Latin.
Isaac's spell is most likely Animum Vexat, which has a meaning along the lines of "disturbance of the heart", also taken from Latin.
7 - Within the Same Righteousness
Bradley: No, can't be.
It's nothin'. Let's keep moving.
Rutile: Hah…hah… I'm glad we were able to find Lord Oz and the others so quickly.
Mitile: I'm sorry for waking you up when you were sleeping…
Riquet: Don't be. The situation regarding the Eastern Wizards is a matter of the utmost importance, so it's only natural that you did.
Yawn… Sorry, my mouth just…
Rutile: Where are Lord Arthur and Cain?
Oz: Arthur has returned to Central Country.
Riquet: Cain was just at the headquarters of the Magical Technology Corps.
It was necessary for him to go there in order for him to look into things.
Rutile: Then did he perhaps invite the officers there to a local bar or something for the sake of improving relations between countries?
Riquet: By that, you mean he's pulling an all-nighter. Nero did that the other day.
Oz: …Dawn has not yet broken.
Riquet: That's true. So we can start our own all-nighter now.
Oz: Figaro intended that you give this button to me?
Rutile: Yes. We hoped that Lord Oz would be able to figure out where it came from…
Oz: …
…Dawn has not yet broken.
Riquet: We understand that. You don't need to say it a second time.
Mitile: So when dawn comes, can we go to the City of Rain with Lord Oz's magic?
That's where everyone disappeared, at an inn in the City of Rain. All of the Eastern wizards, and even Dr. Figaro and Lennox, too…
Oz: There will be no issue.
Mitile: Thank you so much!
Riquet: Ah… The building we went to at noon, their lights are still on.
Riquet: Look, it's the building over there.
Mitile: You're right…
Is that the Magical Technology Corps headquarters…?
Mitile: I've heard that Western Country's development is being helped by their magical technology, and that it's making their soldiers stronger, too.
That's what Heathcliff told me.
Rutile: Well, Heath is the son of one of Eastern Country's most prominent noble houses.
And they're a military family, too. If anything happens, he'll have to move to the battlefield and take a leading role to protect Eastern Country.
Riquet: I pray there is no such need. He's already fighting against <the Great Calamity>, after all.
I would want people to get along with those whom they share so much.
Rutile: I hope so too… huh?
Rutile: A large shadow just moved under our feet…
Mitile: Look over there! A luxurious carriage is flying in the sky!
Rutile: You're right… How amazing…
Riquet: I saw someone peeking through a window just now… Isn't that Murr?
Mitile: Murr? Then that means the ones that are flying through the sky are the Western wizards?
Oz: Wrong.
Though he may look like Murr, that does not mean he is Murr.
Riquet: I don't understand what you mean.
Oz: …
While it is Murr, Murr himself is…
Rutile: Ah…! The princess is in the carriage, it seems.
Riquet: I want to see the princess. Is it okay if I fly over to get a closer look?
Mitile: I think it would be best not to…
Rutile: The princess, flying in the middle of the night… I wonder what she's doing…
Murr: Goodness me, they're all so dazzled by something this simple. Even though it's nothing more than a prototype.
Nova: We'll need more mana stones for Ultima.
Liliana: So you decided to bring him with you, Nova.
Negotiating with Central Country will take much too long.
We need to move quickly, while he's still in the West.
Gilles: Central Country won't simply stand by and say nothing about this. It could spark conflict.
Liliana: I won't let it. …Nova.
Murr: Well then, I'll extend an invitation to the rest of them.
Murr: What you desire is the Sage and all of their wizards, yes?
Then I'll bring them to you. It'll be such a splendid coronation.
Come now, let's go. Isn't this your beloved string? That's correct, come just a little closer…
Liliana: …I can never understand what that man is thinking. When the weapons program is finished, I'll drop that shard of his into the royal palace's pond.
Gilles: Please take care, regarding the professor. Have you heard anything?
Liliana: Hmph… A man who can't move without his cat is not someone I should be scared of.
…
Aria…
Don't think badly of me.
For this is atonement.
Cain: (I hope the Sage is okay… I know they went to Cortes in Western Country along with that person who got turned into a bird, but…)
Western Lady: Fufu… And here I thought Central was just full of the serious and completely boring types…
But listening to you talk is so lovely and stimulating, Lord Cain…
Western Lady: Would you like me to pour you another glass?
There are many forms justice can take. For instance, I'd decided that protecting my country and my master is what justice is to me.
And so because of that, I think that acting as though I'm going to sell my country out so that I can protect it also qualifies as justice.
My mother's justice that she believed in as she raised me was that she was willing to turn a blind eye to me telling lies.
I remember this time when I was a kid, when I latched onto my mom, crying my eyes out.
I was one of those way-too-active kids, but it wasn't like anyone had scolded me too hard that night, and it wasn't like anyone was hurt.
But still, there were tears rolling down my cheeks, and my mom was gently rubbing my back.
Hey! Stop that! See you later! Take care! Oh my! That's amazing!
That night, my mom's normally bright voice was small and quiet and trembling.
Cain's mom: It's all right… You've been good…
Little Cain: …I'm not good. I told a lie to my friends.
Cain's mom: You didn't tell them a lie, dear. When they asked you if you'd ever met a wizard, you just stayed silent.
Little Cain: That's the same as lying. Everyone said that…they wanted to see a wizard.
Cain's mom: And what did you say?
Little Cain: …"Me too"…
…Even though I'm a wizard…
Hey, I lied to them. Telling lies is bad, isn't it? That's what Dad said.
Little Cain: My swordsmanship instructor said the same thing. That friends shouldn't tell lies to each other. …But I still…
Cain's mom: I know you're upset, but you kept up what I asked you to, didn't you?
About never telling anyone about being a wizard.
Cain's mom: Thank you, Cain. Thank you for making sure I don't worry about you.
My mother sadly stroked my hair.
Normally, being thanked was something that made me feel good, but for some reason, today it just made me feel even worse.
I didn't want to make my mother sad. But at the same time, I didn't want to make my friends hate me, either.
But more than anything else, I was terrified that I'd become a creature that couldn't live with itself. Something that couldn't accept what it had done.
I think…that night was the first time I lost sight of what righteousness is.
When I was a kid, there was only one kind of justice, and I truly believed that as long as I held to it, I would make it out alright.
I wouldn't do anything bad. I wouldn't lose to my own desires. I wouldn't hurt anyone.
I would chase my dreams with all my heart without abandoning them. I would be thankful to my parents for raising me. I would treasure the friends that I met along the way.
I thought it was as simple as just not giving in to darker temptations.
God, I really had no idea.
Sometimes, chasing your dreams and honoring your parents and cherishing your friends can come into conflict with one another.
And it'll all feel like each has the same sense of righteousness to it.
Cain's mom: Please, Cain. Don't go to the capital.
Being a knight here in the Town of Glory is more than enough. Everyone here loves you, and our local lord favors you too.
Cain: But that's exactly why I want to go. It's thanks to everyone that I was able to get this chance in the first place.
I want to do as much as I can. I've been dreaming of this day for ages! I'll be fine! I'm your pride and joy and all that, right?
Cain's mom: There's still so much you don't know about society… You're far too young to be doing this.
Cain: You don't need to worry so much.
Cain's mom: The knights in the capital surely can't be as good as they say. The people in this town still…
Cain: Why are you saying things like that?! Haven't you always been rooting for me to follow my dreams, ever since I was little?
I'd rather you be smiling as you see me off like usual. It's going to be fine. Don't worry.
Cain: Being able to go to the capital is amazing… Err, I don't really know how to put it, but it's like I got given a luxury gift! I'm really excited about it!
Cain's mom: …Do what you wish.
Cain: …
Well then, I'm off, Mom!
Sometimes we misunderstood each other, and then we'd argue. There's all sorts of things we can't see eye to eye on.
Just like how not everyone was always going to agree with me, there were times I couldn't agree with them either.
Sometimes I'd make a joke, and someone'd get angry at me for it. Sometimes someone would make a joke, and I'd find I couldn't laugh along.
But I could still feel how loved and protected I was despite all of that.
I wouldn't say it was perfect, and it certainly wasn't classy, but my world was still one that loved me.
The city I was born in had watched over me.
Cain's friend: Hey, good luck, Cain! Go get as famous as you can out there!
Cain's friend: You've always been the best of all of us! So go 'n get 'em, Cain!
Cain's friend: Once I convince my parents to let me, I'm gonna go to the capital too! So go and wait there for me!
Town of Glory citizen: Take care! Keep yourself safe and rack up those medals in the military!
Town of Glory citizen: Those city folk can be touchy, so don't let it bother you no matter what they say! And if you really can't stand it, you can come back here!
Town of Glory citizen: Cain, take care. I hope that no matter how many wonderful people you meet, you won't forget about us…
Cain: I won't forget! Well then, I'm off! Thank you, all of you!
I'd thought that there was only one form of justice.
If everyone followed the same rules, then no one would ever be hurt.
That had been a childish fantasy.
There's so many different kinds of justice in the world. And just as there's many different kinds, each person has a different kind of justice they'll prioritize.
And as the differences in people change day by day, or even mood by mood, the things that they prioritize in their justice change as well.
Like about individual freedom. Or how to assist those more vulnerable. Or how to honor tradition. Or how to have an impartial heart. Or about laws. About liberty. About rights.
And how they want to uphold their justice is all different as well. To be peaceful, to be judgmental, to be tolerant, to be an example.
But still, I tried to be as good a "human" as I could possibly be.
I wanted to be kind to them, and I wanted to help them. I wanted to understand them, and I wanted to be friends with them.
I didn't need anything in return.
No one was forcing me to do these things.
I just wanted to love and protect people the way that my family and friends had loved and protected me.
Owen: Don't be ridiculous. You're just trying to make yourself look better, my hypocritical Sir Knight.
I bet if I told that to Owen, that's how he'd ridicule me for it.
But I'm not lying, and I'm not trying to put on an act. The world I've seen really is that beautiful.
Wasn't there anything beautiful…
…in the world that he saw?
8 - What It Means to Believe
Owen: We're almost there.
Arthur: It sure looks that way. Even from far away, the City of Fortune is still bright with light. Truly, this is a city without night.
Owen: Why did you change your outfit?
Arthur: I figure it's better if no one can recognize my status where we're going.
Owen: Even though you're a prince? I thought that among humans, being a prince was one of the better things to be.
Arthur: What do you mean by "better"?
Owen: Like how strength speaks for itself in the North, doesn't social status speak for itself in Central? The nobles are above the commoners, and royalty is above the nobles.
And the king is about as intimidating as Oz or Mithra. So why are you hiding your status?
Arthur: He's not that intimidating. And I don't particularly think Lord Oz or Mithra are intimidating either, are they?
Arthur: Are you intimidating too, Owen?
Owen: Hah? Always. Like right now?
Arthur: Owen. Regarding what we were talking about earlier…
Owen: Keep the conversation moving naturally! Are you going to let me intimidate you? Even though you're a prince.
Arthur: I didn't realize I was being intimidated, so it's fine. I think we're both appropriately intimidating for who we are, don't you?
Owen: Something about that is pissing me off…
Arthur: Owen. Regarding what we were talking about earlier, could you tell me a bit more about what's going on?
Why is Cain throwing away his honor?
Owen: So that the Western army will trust him.
Arthur: Trust him…? Wouldn't upholding his honor be a better way to get them to trust him?
Owen: Hmph… Cain said the same thing. You're just as foolish as he is.
That's why I told him. A man like Cain isn't trustworthy at all.
The kind of person they can trust is someone filthy with mud. Someone more shameful than they've ever seen. Someone with no heart who'll betray people at a moment's notice.
Someone who'll do anything to protect themself and their own interests. That's the kind of person who's really trustworthy.
Owen: That should be obvious. Because everyone knows the rules that way.
I said rules, but it's different from laws. It's not anything that ever got written down. It's understood without using words.
It's a person's true nature.
Arthur: A person's true nature…
Owen: Yep. When you encounter someone more fortunate than you, you get jealous and want them to fall hard.
There are desires you can't admit in front of people, but can indulge in when no one's around. That's a human's true nature.
And everyone wants to hide that ugly part of themself. That's why if you can see how ugly someone's nature is, you don't have to worry and can be friends with them.
That's trust.
Owen: …But no one knows what Sir Knight's rules are.
So he can't be trusted. He doesn't show his heart to anyone. Haha… How stupid.
Arthur: …And that's why Cain is choosing to throw his honor away? Because he took what you said seriously?
Owen: Yep. Are you disappointed?
Arthur: No… I'm worried. That's not like him. I wonder if something else happened.
Arthur: Ordinarily, Cain wouldn't take what you tell him so seriously.
Owen: Hah? What's that supposed to mean?
Arthur: It means that I believe in Cain. This is what I think trust is, Owen.
Cain's concept of faith in others isn't wrong.
Arthur: And don't you believe in him too?
Owen: In who? In Sir Knight? As if.
Arthur. The one who tempted him into going down this path was me. And it's something I've been waiting so long for.
Ever since the day I stole his eye, I've been waiting for him to show his true colors. He's weak, foolish, cowardly…
Arthur: But you don't seem happy about it at all.
Arthur: Even though Cain is about to fall to depravity, you're not happy about that.
Owen: I am happy about it. That's why I'm bringing you. So I can make the situation he's ended up in even worse.
You're the last person Sir Knight wants to see as he sinks into gambling and lust.
Owen: I just know it'll break him apart. I'm looking forward to it already.
Arthur: …You're very contrary, aren't you.
Owen: A drop from this height will kill you, Sir Prince.
Arthur: Let's say I take you seriously for a moment. As a wizard that loves to be unkind to others, you're looking forward to Cain's corruption…
So I thought that if Cain were do to anything even slightly unbefitting a knight, you'd point and laugh at him.
That's why you're always following him around.
Owen: Haha… Exactly. I want to see everyone's beloved paragon of virtue Sir Knight drown in his desires once he sees who he really is in the mirror.
And I'm going to sit and laugh when he does.
…Hmph. There really is no such thing as an ideal knight, is there.
Everything in this world makes me sick. There's nothing but my beloved vile and disgusting malice and lies.
Serves him right.
But he can't fool me.
Arthur: …But in truth…
Didn't you believe in him?
Arthur: Which is why you came to me…
Owen: Haha… Don't be stupid.
Owen: Shut up. I'll rip your tongue out.
Arthur: I feel the same way. I'm thinking the same things you are. I want to believe in him…
Arthur: …
Owen. You're a Northern wizard who's lived for a very long time.
Arthur: …Do you know…
Do you know why Lord Oz is called the Demon King?
Is it just because of his strength? Or is it…
…Exactly as the stories say? That he once made to conquer this world?
If you've seen him that way, then…
Owen: …
What did Figaro and the twins say about it?
Arthur: …They avoid the subject. But I get so angry when I hear people dragging Lord Oz's name through the mud…
They just comforted me by agreeing with me. And I just took it as them denying those stories without actually asking them.
Lord Oz also says nothing of it.
Owen: Fufu… Is that right.
Arthur: But you know, don't you, Owen? Won't you tell me?
Owen: Nope, I don't know. Maybe I'll remember something later, but right now I don't know anything about it.
Arthur: Why… Please just tell me without putting on an act about it.
Owen: I told you, I don't know.
Owen: Oz was once a terrible Demon King. He was more brutal than the <Great Calamity> itself and crushed the world beneath his heel.
Arthur: …Are you lying to me?
Owen: Which would you rather? You can pick whichever you like, Sir Prince.
Picking what you like means living in a world that you like. You can cover up the pieces so you don't have to look at them.
Arthur: …
I wish I could.
Serves you right. But you can't fool me.
I'm glad I believed in Lord Oz. …Is what I wish I could say.
Owen: Hmph.
We're going down. Don't make a fuss since we need to be quiet about it. I'll take you to Cain.
Arthur: We're going to see him quietly? I thought you wanted to get in the way?
Owen: I am. I want to make you feel terrible, too.
Western officer: Ahaha! You're an interesting man, Cain.
If the general were here, I'd introduce you to him. Too bad.
Cain: General Barnett, right? I hear he's running the Magical Technology Division all on his own.
He worked with Nicholas too, didn't he?
Western officer: Yeah. To be honest, he was supposed to be back by tonight, but it looks like that's not happening…
Huh? He is back…? Sounds like he's back in the City of Fortune.
Cain: That's good to hear. How soon can I meet with him?
Western officer: He is his Excellency the General. He's not that easy to get a meeting with. But…
Since you've been such a good 'n sociable guest, if he drops by this club tonight I'll be sure to introduce you.
Western officer: Sure. But y'know, it's already pretty late.
Cain: It's on the days you work the longest that you want to drink the most. Is there anything the general likes in particular?
Is he one for dancing? I'm pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Western officer: Ahaha, sure, you can dance. If I'm remembering right, there's this popular novel series he really likes.
Cain: Oh, what a coincidence. I'm probably a fan of it too.
Cain: Sure. Put it in front of me and I'll read it out loud as loud as I can, too.
Western officer: Haha, I'd wanna hear that, too. There's so many risque lines in that thing.
Cain: That's perfectly fine. I wonder if the general heard, he'd be interested?
Western officer: Well, if he's not too tired… But it's definitely something he'd be into. The protagonist is this young maid girl, and…
Cain: Yeah, just lend me one of the volumes. How about I just start reading it here and now?
Western officer: Yeah! Now that's what we wanna hear!
Western lady: Sir Cain is so darling.
Cain: Alright, here we go. That would be the first night of many nights of hands-on experience, my ample breasts bouncing with every motion…
Cain: …?!
(Lord Arthur…! Why is he here?!)
Officer's club staff: Hey, you can't be here. This isn't a place for kids.
Owen: It should be fine if there's an adult with him.
Cain: (Owen…! So you were the one that brought him here!)
(For Lord Arthur, this is as good as walking onto a battlefield.)
(No matter how much you want to needle me, there's still a limit on what's acceptable!)
(I'm never going to forgive him for this one.)
Officer: Has something happened to make you return in the dead of night, sir?
Gilles: Lady Liliana simply chose to return to her childhood home for a brief visit ahead of schedule. That's all.
Officer: Of course. Will she be returning here afterwards?
Gilles: That's her intention, yes.
Officer: I'm sorry for asking something so discourteous. Sir, regarding this report…
Gilles: What?
…There's a person who looks very similar to Central's crown prince Arthur seen in town…?
Oho. How interesting.
Perhaps I'll head over to the officers' club and see what I can see.
Rustica: It would be nice if we could meet with Kelvin.
Rustica: If you should find yourself so dreadfully sleepy you can't keep your eyes open despite our search, I can create a bed here for you to sleep in.
Morning dew would bead on the leaves and drop onto your cheek to awaken you, and there you would be, surrounded by the gentle aroma of flowers and greenery. What a lovely prospect.
Chloe: It is, yeah…
That's happened to us before, hasn't it? We were camping somewhere and some water dripped off the leaf of a tree onto me. I was so startled I yelled a little!
And you said "Isn't that lovely," then, too. Maybe you forgot about it, but…
I hope that one day I can find the lovely things in everything the way that you do, Rustica.
Rustica: You're already quite skilled at finding lovely things, Chloe.
The lovely things that you find all make their way into the clothing that you make.
Chloe: Mm… Thank you…
Rustica, I… I know my emotions can be a bit of a mess, but no matter what, I still love you.
Rustica: I love you, too.
Chloe: Hehe…
I hope Master Sage and the others are all okay. The princess isn't at Cortes Palace anymore, is she?
Chloe: I wonder what happened to her… I wonder if she's really another person entirely like Gregory said she is.
If it's someone else, then that means someone's acting out her parts for her, right?
Rustica: …someone else…
…!
Rustica: Chloe, please step back.
Rustica: That would be me, yes.
Nova: The tragic nobleman?
Chloe: Rustica…!
…Rustica…?!
Rustica, where are you?!
Who was that?! Hey, did you hide Rustica somewhere?!
Give Rustica back to me…! Rustica…!!
…Why…
Liliana: …
I am not wrong. I cannot be wrong. For the sake of his protection…
Nova: I brought him, just as you wished.
Rustica: …Where would this be…?
Liliana: …
Nova. Stand down.
Nova: Oh, I will. I have no interest in this.
Nova: Liliana.
Do you want him to remember?
Rustica: Ah… He's gone.
Could you tell me where we are, if you please?
Rustica: Is something wrong, Princess Liliana?
Liliana: Do you…
……
…No. Do you remember the queen of Western Country, Aria?
Rustica: Aria…
…Aria…
…
…This is Western Country's royal palace…
My bride…
A witch turned her…into a songbird…
…And I…
I… Here, I…
Aria, I…
…gh…I…
Rustica: ……
…What was it that happened, again…?
Rustica: …I can't quite remember…
Liliana: Allow me to escort you to your room, Lord Rustica…
Chloe: Rustica! Rustica…!
…! I can sense someone's presence…
Rustica?!
Chloe: Waahh! Ah… S-sorry! You startled me…
Chloe: Wait! Please don't leave!
Please, I need you to talk to me! About Rustica… And about Rustica's bride!
Chloe: Why is Rustica looking for his bride?!
Is it true that she's already dead?!
Why does Rustica always forget everything…?!
Kelvin: …Lord Rustica has…
Lord Rustica has forgotten who I am, too.
Chloe: ……Were you Rustica's friend?
Kelvin: ……What about you?
Who are you? Are you Lord Rustica's servant? Are you going on a journey together?
Chloe: I'm… I'm Rustica's pupil.
Rustica took me in, and now we're traveling together while looking for his bride.
We became Sage's wizards together too, so I want us to stay together from now on, if we can. And that's why…I want to know.
Kelvin: Is that right… Rustica's disciple, huh.
Chloe: Yeah… So, who are you?
Kelvin: He…taught me music. He taught me music on the condition that I'd help him look for his bride.
Kelvin: Not "me too". I'm the only one who helped him search.
Kelvin: No, I mean… I'm not trying to compete with you or anything.
Lord Rustica is just repeating himself. Redoing what he already did in the past.
Kelvin: That's why he forgot me, too. But it's fine.
If Lord Rustica remembered those horrible things, it'd break him.
Chloe: What do you mean…?
Kelvin: You really wanna know?
Kelvin: You knowing isn't going to help him.
Because it's all in the past.
Wizards might be able to perform miracles, but they still can't rewind time.
Kelvin: I've been hurting for a long time. It hurts, holding onto this all on my own, so I've been wanting to tell someone about it, but…
I was scared of getting killed about it, so I turned it into a song. Spruced it up a little. Covered things up.
Pretending like it's real, or like it's just a song…
Chloe: …
…I'm not going to reveal any of Rustica's secrets. What are you talking about? Who would kill you?
And I won't be holding onto it on my own. Since… Since I'll have Rustica with me.
Rustica told me himself that it's fine for me to hear about his past.
Kelvin: I see…
Then I guess I'll tell you.
Kelvin: Rustica's bride was the queen of Western Country, Aria.
Four hundred years ago, Rustica killed her.
10 - An Escort with Cold Eyes
Shino: Faust…! Figaro! How's Faust doing?!
Shino: Ah… …thank goodness…
Figaro: The rest of you are pretty banged up, too… Heath, come here, let me see your injuries.
Heath: …uu… Just what happened to me… Halfway in, my memory just feels like it cuts off…
Shino, what about you? Do you know where Nova went?
Figaro: Nova…? Mithra, did you run into Nova?
Mithra: I did not. I only encountered that bone doll-like thing.
Heath: Ah… Nero…! Nero has Bradley with him. And someone else, too…
Shino: Nero…! That's someone we met in the underground waterway. We carried her along on our brooms.
Figaro, look at Nero, too! He got hurt bad…
Nero: …gh, Heath, Shino…! Are you okay?! How's Teach…?!
Bradley: Watch it, or you're gonna fall! Quit yellin' when you're half dead, idiot!
Figaro: Looks like I've got a lot of patients on my hands. Mithra, could you make a door to the manor…
Murr: That will be unnecessary.
The Western wizard, Murr Hart, appeared out of nowhere.
It only took a moment to realize it wasn't the real deal. There was a sleek black cat sitting at his feet.
And around its neck was a ribbon decorated with a purple gemstone.
Most likely, this was one of the shards of Murr's soul that had taken physical form.
I knew about shards of Murr's soul taking on solid forms like this, but this one seemed much more like the old Murr than I was expecting.
I recalled his fearlessly arrogant and defiant manner of talking to people, and put myself on guard.
And yet, something about the Murr in front of me wasn't quite like the Murr of old.
His green eyes were cold and unfeeling… Murr was always a very straightforward and disagreeable person, but I wouldn't have called him wicked or evil.
And when this Murr smiled a cold, sneering smile, I was lost for words.
Murr: The Sage's wizards, the saviors of this world…why, what an honor it is to meet you all.
I would like to an extend an invitation to Western Country's royal palace to each one of you.
I'm sure a change of address would appeal to you by now.
Lennox: A change of address…?
Figaro: Sorry, but we refuse. In case you missed it, we've got a lot of injuries here. We need to go back to the manor for treatment.
Murr: Worry not. We have prepared a manor for you at the royal palace.
The corner of Murr's lips turned up. I couldn't see a single hint of emotion in those cold eyes of his.
Murr: Please, allow me to welcome you to the Western magic manor. Let me introduce your escorts.
And having said that, Murr looked behind him, only his head moving.
Suddenly, several things that looked like medical skeleton models appeared behind him. There were about ten of them or so.
They were rather unnerving. I couldn't feel any life or magic from them, but I could feel something like…the compression of a huge amount of mana stones.
The blood drained out of Shino's face. He whirled towards Murr, fury blazing in his eyes.
Shino: So you're the one controlling those things…! Because of those things…
Lennox: Calm down, Shino…!
Shino: Why are you trying to stop me?! It's those things' fault that we're all…
Shino stopped talking. Not because Leno had put him in a wrestling hold or something, no.
But because Mithra had stepped in front of him. The look in his green eyes was indifferent as always, not a hint of pointedness in it at all, as he stared at Murr.
Mithra: While it isn't as if I care… You aren't trying to threaten me, are you?
Mithra seemed rather displeased with how we were being both outnumbered and encircled.
Murr callously arched one eyebrow.
Mithra's focus, his crystal skull, had appeared in the air above his long fingers.
And as soon as it did, Bradley and I tried to rein him in at the same time.
Figaro: Settle down, Mithra. We've got injured.
Bradley: If you try to fight those things, you're the only thing that'll be standin' at the end of it.
And while you do that, how many on our side do you think are gonna turn to stone?
Mithra stared at Murr, wordlessly, and Murr tilted his head to one side, his smooth hair moving softly with the gesture.
Murr: What sensible conclusions you've come to. I should've expected no less.
Faust and Nero were both severely injured. Heathcliff and Lennox had deep wounds as well.
Figaro: I see how it is. We'll go to the palace with you.
Figaro: On the condition that you can offer me a secure and sterile room to perform medical treatment.
If you can't give us that, then we obviously can't accept.
Murr: But of course. Now then, shall we be off?
Murr bowed to us politely, and no argument was forthcoming.
I turned my gaze to the big medical models in the back. They were holding their oversized, clawed hands above where their heads should have been, and pale light was gathering between them.
And then, very abruptly, a round hole in space opened up. On the other side, different scenes from different locations spun past at a dizzying speed.
Figaro: So they can even use spatial transmission magic…
Murr's eyes turned into pleased slits, much like a cat's would.
Murr: Just who do you think constructed the elevators?
A chill ran up my spine. This man's very existence once again struck fear in me.
It was far too late in the game to regret having not, but perhaps I really should have left Murr buried somewhere deep in the annals of history.
Shylock was collecting the shards of Murr's soul, and blending them back into his body.
It seemed the various shards of Murr that had gotten a physical form thanks to the Calamity's influence were hard at work tackling whatever specific studies tickled their fancy.
I wonder what this shard of Murr had chosen to research, precisely?
I frowned, feeling apprehensive, and Bradley put a hand on my shoulder.
He leaned forward and whispered into my ear.
Bradley: Hey. If they try to surround us before we can transport, just take the kids 'n the injured 'n run.
Bradley: Hmph. I'll take 'em apart and turn 'em into dog food. Dogs like bird bones, yeah?
Figaro: Are those birds…?
Bradley: Anyways, you get the drift. I'm leaving it up to you.
He smacked my back in a way that was far too familiar for our actual relationship, and then he stepped away.
I never thought I'd hear him say something like "I'm leaving it up to you" to someone like me. I glanced over at Nero, who was still hazy and only half-conscious.
I remembered his runaway lieutenant. If he wanted to protect Nero, who was only so far from knocking on death's door, he'd be putting himself in that same position.
Mithra: Are we all done with the talking? Let's get on with it.
Figaro: Calm down. You can do that later.
Bradley: We're inviting ourselves on in to the Western royal palace.
The hole in space widened, and on the other side, we saw a luxurious castle.
Western Country's royal palace.
We stepped through the rift towards it.
Chloe: …Rustica killed his bride…?
Chloe: The…the same bride he's looking so hard for…?
You're lying to me. I can't believe that… Knock it off! Rustica isn't that kind of person!
Kelvin: Rustica killed his wife, and he was so wrought with pain because of it that he was more beast than man.
A philosopher saw him like that and gave him some advice.
If you can't live with your memories, then live without them.
For oblivion is salvation.
And that's why he forgot me, too.
Kelvin: He'll forget you, too.
Because for Rustica, "living" and "forgetting" are the same.
Chloe: …Why…
But, why did any of this happen?
Rustica is such a kind person. How could he…do that to his bride…with his own hands…
Kelvin: …Shh…
You're getting shrill.
You never know who's listening.
Kelvin: She's the best in the country… No, the best in the world at hiding herself.
She's hiding away in Western Country, but…
Now she's a witch hiding Western Country.
Chloe: …Hiding Western Country…
Kelvin: Yes. Like a skilled needleworker, she's sewn up the truth so it's out of sight.
Before anyone can take an interest… Before any blood can be spilled, it's already scabbed over.
This witch isn't like the Demon King Oz. She won't use fire or lightning or blood.
She uses indifference, lies, controversy, and rumors to paint over the truth in mud and bury it.
And when everyone loses interest, she softly, gently, gives it a makeover into something dull and boring.
Anyone who does figure things out gets offed without any ceremony.
Kelvin: The reason such a proud and prosperous family as the Ferches fell is because the witch cursed them all to death.
And that witch was the one who cursed Queen Aria to become a songbird, too.
She almost killed me too for knowing the truth, and that's why I had to run all the way here to hide.
Now the only ones who know the story of the tragic nobleman are a handful of wizards who still gather for Walpurgisnacht…
Chloe: Who is this witch…? Is she still alive…?
Kelvin: …
Yeah. She's in the Western palace.
The Forgotten Witch, Zara.
Aria's twin sister, raised in secrecy because she was born with magic.
Liliana: ……
…I...didn't ask…
???: "Do you remember Zara?"
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