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Part 8.1: The hand that reached out
[In Akira’s room]
The little Sacri-something (I had forgotten the correct term) that I received from Snow and White acted in a curious manner. Sometimes it walked on the floor, sometimes it lightly floated in the air and perched on my shoulder like a little bird. It didn’t meow. From time to time, it cried out?... made a sound?... of ninini that was like the voices of Snow and White.
The little one stared at me, looked at what was outside the glass window, or slightly closed its eyes as if sleepy. Honestly speaking, those round eyes which shined like glass beads were so adorable. Even so, I didn’t hold the little Sacri-something in my arms or pet it. It didn’t seem to need food, so I didn’t give it anything either.
Akira: (They said this is a familiar that will take my place should something happen. It isn’t a cat. It isn’t my pet. With one wrong step, it will immediately disappear like an illusion born of magic. I used to dream about keeping a cat, but this little one is no cat at all.)
Having firmly made that decision, I left my room. As soon as I did that, the little Sacri-something floated in the air and followed me. The fluffy fur fluttered and the tail swayed to-and-fro.
Akira: (So cuut- No, I mustn’t forget myself)
I resisted the urge to hold out my hand. It was my luck that I didn’t have my smartphone with me, or I would have taken too many photos. Every time I averted my eyes from the little Sacri-something, my feelings stirred restlessly. In that moment, my heart was like a gate that shut with a loud clang as the rain was falling on and on.
[In front of the Manor]
I went to the tower of the Magic Manor together with the little Sacri-something. We made our decision in the meeting the day before.
The Central wizards together with the Western wizards would go to the Capital of Western Country.
The Eastern wizards would head to the City of Rain in Eastern Country.
The Northern wizards would be on standby should something happen.
The Southern wizards would continue charitable activities in Central Country.
My schedule for the day was to accompany the Central wizards and Western wizards in their trip to Western country. Perhaps I would meet the Eastern wizards, who were to travel to Eastern country, in front of the Manor’s Tower in the morning. That was what I thought as I was on my way to the Tower. However,....
Akira: Uhm? Why is everyone going back?
The wizards were walking out of the Manor’s Tower in a big group, as if they all forgot something and returned to fetch it.
Shino: What’s that, Sage? A familiar?
Akira: Yes, it is. I got it from the twins.
Heathcliff: That’s impressive. It’s nice the familiar takes the shape of a cat since you love them so much. Will you give your familiar something to do, Master Sage?
My shoulders drooped as Heathcliff smiled softly at me.
Akira: I probably won’t be able to say anything to it. Apparently it’s supposed to take my place should something happen.
Heathcliff: A sacrifiice…
As he heard that fact, Heathcliff seemed to understand everything. He pressed his lips tightly and fell into silence with a grave expression. He should know better than anyone the stress of being protected by a being he liked.
Shino casually patted Heathcliff’s shoulder.
Shino: So the familiar has the same job as me.
Heathcliff: …..
Heathcliff gave Shino a cold, sharp glance. For some reason, Shino looked pleased with himself.
Part 8.2: Why would you call my name?
Nero’s voice was subdued as if he was smoothing a tense atmosphere.
Nero: Mx. Sage, Shylock suggested that we should change it to tomorrow. Oh? You have a familiar?
Akira: Eh?
Nero: Ah sorry. I meant our trip. Shylock wanted us to depart tomorrow.
Nero seemed to have trouble talking comfortably. Out of nowhere, Murr’s face popped up next to him with a cheery grin.
Murr: Shylock went fuu at Oz. It was so fun!
Akira: He went fuu? What did he do actually?
Murr: He went fuu with the smoke! And Oz was mm-mm.
Murr cheerily somersaulted in the air. Did he mean Shylock blew smoke into Oz’s face?
Nero continued the talk as if to follow up on what Murr had said.
Nero: Don’t worry. Things were tense for a bit, but between Mr. Prince and Mr. Knight, the Western bunch, and Teach, we managed to resolve the situation somehow.
Akira: Could you explain clearer for me what happened?
Nero: If you’re asking me what happened, then I’ll say nothing happened, really.
Heathcliff: Shylock said he wanted to delay our departure to tomorrow. The way he put it, he was recently hurt by an unwanted incident, and at times like that, he didn’t want to exert himself. Something like that, I suppose.
Shino: He also said he was doing self-care and such.
Heathcliff: Indeed. According to him, nothing would go well if he neglected that, no matter if it was dealing with Nova or saving the world or anything else.
Shino: Oz said he wanted to head out as soon as possible though.
Murr: Shylock smiled when he heard that, then went fuu at Oz!
Nero: Teach and I, Mr. Bridegroom and the others too, we all went pale as a sheet right away.
I recalled what happened the other day. Shylock’s heart was on fire because of the Affliction from the Great Calamity. He declared that everything, no matter if it was pleasure or pain, belonged to him, and didn’t want any of those to be taken away. However, Oz wilfully caused him to be unconscious despite that wish. Perhaps Shylock was referring to that incident.
I could imagine too well the image of Shylock raising an eyebrow and blowing the smoke at Oz, all while wearing an elegant smile on his lips. And then, the image of Oz’s belated fury a few seconds later.
Akira: (Oh, Shylock. And he’s usually so sensible too. He’s actually quite similar to Murr in the way he is so uncompromising about his personal aesthetics and rules, such that he won’t defer to even Oz.)
Akira: And the incident was resolved in the end, I suppose?
Shino: Kinda. Chloe and Rustica took Shylock away, while the Central gang did the same with Oz. And our travel is delayed until tomorrow.
Akira: I see. In that case, please take it easy.
Shino: Sure.
As the other wizards were leaving, Murr approached me. As he floated in the air, he teased the little Sacri-something, which was similarly airborne like him.
Murr: I see you got a Sacrificium from the twins! Meow!
The little Sacri-something opened its mouth as if to mimic Murr. Though no sound came out of it, the way it opened its mouth as big as possible was just like how I remembered a kitten would yell.
Murr: Master Sage, you love cats, don’t you?
Akira: Yeah, I guess…
Murr: You haven’t named your Sacrificum?
Murr smiled innocently as he touched the little Sacri-something’s forehead while floating upside down in the air. The trees swayed in the soft breeze under the stream of the gentle morning light. The unnamed being and the wizard whose soul had shattered to pieces were floating above me, a person from a distant world.
Akira: Apparently it is to be my sacrifice in a worst case scenario, so it will likely disappear as soon as we have an incident. I find it scary to get attached to something that I will have to part with at any time. That’s why I stopped myself from naming it.
I smiled ruefully. Still being upside down, Murr looked at me. His eyes were greener than the leaves bathing in the sunlight as he smiled serenely. His gaze, full of a soft affection, was that of a dear friend.
Murr: We feel the same, Akira.
Startling as if Murr’s voice had been a thorn that stung me, I felt like something was squeezing my chest. What was I like in the eyes of the wizards, who had a long, long life? Why would they still call me by my name even if they knew the day of separation would come soon, no matter how much they loved?
Part 8.3: Protection and supervision
[In the forest]
Akira: ….
Mithra: Did something happen to you, Master Sage?
That afternoon, I sat by a big tree stump and stared distractedly at the forest. Before I knew it, Mithra appeared by my side. Sitting awkwardly on the tree stump like it was too cramped for him, he looked closely at my face. The moment he saw the little Sacri-something, he scrunched up his face in distaste.
Mithra: A Sacrificium, I see.
He shooed the little Sacri-something away as if it was a bug. I hastily shielded it from him.
Akira: P- please stop. Why are you treating it like that?
Mithra: It is a familiar of the twins, you know.
Akira: Snow and White gave it to me, so that it will protect me when there is danger.
Mithra: Probably. Even so, being protected is the same as being supervised though. Don’t you hate it when the twins put you on a leash like this?
Mithra’s face was full of disgust. However, I didn’t really mind it, because I had a life in which I was protected by my nation and the laws.
Akira: (I suppose I was ‘put on a leash’ by my country and society in my home world too).
It was not that I had never felt dissatisfied or restricted. However, I would say that I received from such institutions a reasonable guarantee for my safety and freedom. When I got tired of dealing with people, I wished to be all alone and do whatever I wanted. However, there was no way I could live apart from society. I wouldn’t survive if I threw away all protection as well as social bonds and relied on my strength alone.
Akira: No, I don’t mind it. The twins can be pretty scary at times, but they always treat me with kindness. This world is full of dangers, so I feel safe to have someone watch over me.
Besides that, my room had gone from being empty to having a cat-like being in it. However, I stopped myself from saying that aloud and fell silent. Mithra stared at the little Sacri-something annoyedly.
Mithra: Humans are foolish beings with no pride, I see. I am still here even without the things you spoke of though.
The little Sacri-something moved restlessly around me as it watched Mithra warily. Was it my imagination that its fur was all raised up?
Mithra: Are you listening to me?
Akira: Ah, yes. I heard you alright. Can you create something like this too, Mithra?
Mithra: Yes, obviously.
Akira: Could you tell me the method for that?
Mithra: I would capture a spirit with the suitable temperament, give it the mission of a familiar, then put it to work.
Akira: Uhm, so this little one is a living being?
Mithra: Spirits are alive so it should be, I guess?
Akira: (Should a living being be used for this though?)
Akira: Uhm, apparently it is supposed to take my place when there is danger, so what will it become afterward?
Mithra: Nothing. It will be eaten up by the power that is stronger than its protection and disappear.
Akira: (Just as I thought, it will disappear)
Mithra: What is wrong?
Akira: Oh, nothing. Will you give Rutile and Mitile something like this?
Mithra: That’s unnecessary. I will come to them myself when I know they are in danger.
That made sense. Mithra’s speciality was the door that crossed space after all.
He seemed to be deep in thought as he frowned and scratched his chin.
Mithra: Even so, perhaps I should give them some proper equipment anyway.
He muttered to himself and stood up. His hands in his pockets, he looked down at the little Sacri-something haughtily.
Mithra: Please don’t bring that thing to bed. I can’t sleep in a place soaked in the aura of the twins.
Blushing, I retorted.
Akira: I don’t think of it as my pet that much. There’s a limit, you know.
Mithra: That should be fine then.
With those as the parting words, Mithra disappeared. The little Sacri-something, which had been on high alert around Mithra, curled up as if feeling relieved. It occupied the place where Mithra had been earlier and closed its eyes apparently to sleep. Its tongue was peeking out from the corner of its relaxed mouth.
Akira: (Aww, so cute)
As I was in agony from the cuteness, I heard a sound from somewhere not far away. There were people in the courtyard nearby.
It was Cain and Owen.
Part 8.4: Cain’s Guide
[In Cain’s room]
Cain: Good, everything has been packed. Oh, what should I do with the Sage’s Guide now? Considering that it’s unknown when we can return from Western Country… better to bring it with me just in case.
Cain: I am to be a record keeper huh… I always forget to write logs and reports though. Let’s write down the current situation while I still remember to.
Cain: Location: Magic Manor, Central Country. Weather: sunny. Wind direction: Southeast.
I’m Central wizard Cain. I used to be the Captain of the Chivalric Order, and currently I am a Sage’s wizard. After taking part in the latest iteration of the battle against the Great Calamity, I’ve become unable to see anyone until I touch them. With the exception of one person.
Cain: This will do for now, I suppose. Time to go.
[In front of the Manor]
The night before, our Sage Akira entrusted to me a Sage’s Guide. They asked me to act as a commanding officer, while publicly playing the role of a record keeper who maintained a log of how everyone was doing. I was really happy that Akira entrusted me with an assignment. I’ll do my best even if paperwork isn’t my forte. On my honor as a knight (that title was taken from me though).
Riquet: Good morning, Cain.
Mitile: Good morning, Mr. Cain.
Cain: Morning!
I held up my hand as I heard Riquet and Mitile’s voices. Their soft fingers touched mine as there was the crisp sound of our hands clapping each other. Right away, the two of them appeared in front of me in the spot where there had been nothing. That was something I saw regularly, yet I still found it weird.
In the vibrant green of the morning, Mitile was frowning and pouting, while there was a bulge in one of Riquet’s cheeks. A crunching sound came from that bulge as it moved from right to left. Maybe it was candy?
Chapter 5: To forge one’s own place
Mitile: So the Central wizards will travel to Western Country in search of the wizard Nova. It must be nice to receive such an important duty. I envy you.
Riquet: You want to go too?
Mitile: Nova hurt my brother, so I want to watch him being disciplined.
Perhaps ‘discipline’ was a severe turn of phrase by someone who was certain that they were right, but basically it meant to deal out punishment. Mitile was a kind, serious boy. He listened to what adults said and complied conscientiously with the rules, because he believed that was for the sake of everyone. Consequently, from his point of view, it was kind and just to arrest those who broke the rules and those who caused troubles to other people and punish… Well, discipline them.
I used to believe the same thing when I was a boy, that there was kindness and justice in the rules devised to protect the world. However, I can no longer say that with my whole chest in the present, because someone who was admired as a hero became a villain who destroyed the world.
Cain: It’s only an investigation. We don’t even know if we’ll be able to find him, let alone discipline him.
Riquet: He was under the guise of Mithra when we encountered him.
Mitile: No matter how powerful Nova is, you should be able to deal with him since the most powerful wizard in the world Oz is with you, right?
Cain: If only it were so easy. Oz may be unrivaled in power but he can’t use magic at night, you know. We’d better discuss with the Western wizards and form a plan beforehand about what to do if we run into Nova during nighttime.
Riquet: That is right. We should prepare for even the least likely scenario.
Riquet primly responded to what I said. Before I could comment that Riquet was talking like an adult, Mitile spoke up admiringly.
Mitile: That was a very cool exchange. You act very maturely, Riquet.
Riquet: *giggles* I know right!
Mitile: Everyone treats me like a kid in Southern Country. And even the task assigned to us by Master Sage this time isn’t that essential to saving the world.
Riquet: The Southern wizards are going to build the Wizards’ House at the Main Market of Central Country, right?
Mitile: That’s right.
The Wizards’ House was an establishment to be used as a base for the Southern wizards to do their work with permission from His Highness Prince Vincent. Apparently they received the place from the citizens of Central Country when they assisted them with the reconstruction of the Capital.
Cain: The founding of the Wizards’ House is an essential task that only Southern wizards can do. We’ll have an easier time with many things if the city’s residents come to love wizards thanks to your work, Mitile.
Mitile: …I know. Doctor Figaro told me the same thing. But…
I smiled as I looked at Mitile, who was in low spirits. I knew too well how he felt. It was only natural that he would want to put his own strength to a test as soon as possible. Mitile straightforwardly strived to find his own standing without trepidation, and I liked that about him.
I myself was the same. Out of my admiration for the knights, I innocently polished my skill with the sword. Fame wasn’t what I desired. Rather, I wanted to know how far I could go. Sparing no effort, I chased after the figures I admired, accepted both praises and reprimands without affectation, dealt with my fears and frustrations. And then…
I crossed a line.
Part 8.6 A conclusion for these feelings
Cain: No need to worry. What you need to do in the present is to improve yourself. Your time to shine will definitely come, Mitile.
I touched Mitile’s shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. He looked directly at me like he wanted me to talk more.
Mitile: You really think so?
Cain: Yeah. You’re compassionate and eager to learn new things. You’ll definitely be a boon to many people. Besides, defeating strong enemies isn’t the only way to prove yourself. Figaro and Rutile always come to my rescue every time I get injured. They’re really cool, aren’t they?
Mitile: They really are…
Cain: Your herbal medicines have been saving me too. Thank you, Mitile.
Mitile: …Oh, I’m glad to hear that!
Mitile nodded energetically with a smile. The bright light returned to his eyes, which had been full of anxiety. I was glad to see him cheer up again.
Riquet and I said goodbye to Mitile in the middle of the way and headed to the Magic Manor’s Tower. The plan was that we would travel to the Capital of the Western Country with the Western wizards. We would investigate Nicholas’ activities in Western Country in search for traces of Nova. Defeating Nova was part of how I mourned for Nicholas, I supposed.
Riquet: What is wrong?
Cain: What are you asking about?
Riquet scrunched his forehead in imitation of a frown.
Riquet: Your eyebrows are like this and your face is all grim, just like Oz.
Cain: Good observation. I was reminiscing about a dead acquaintance.
Riquet: Did you hate that person?
Cain: No. On the contrary. However, on his part it’s likely that…
He hated me.
As those words were on the tip of my tongue, my eyebrows were about to draw together again, so I stopped myself. My feelings about Nicholas were complicated. Whenever I thought of various things about him, my throat was filled with bitterness from deep down.
Chances were that Nicholas died because Nova used him as a pawn in his scheme. I wanted to find a conclusion for my painful feelings towards Nicholas with this pursuit of Nova.
Cain: (Nicholas, I’ll avenge you.)
[At the Tower]
Or so I thought. However, my plan got off to a rocky start due to unexpected trouble.
Arthur: Master Oz, please be patient.
Riquet: You must not lose your temper, Oz.
Faust: That’s right. Shylock is part of your team, isn’t he?
Oz: …..
Everyone was trying to calm Oz down, who already had the staff he used as his magic focus out as veins popped on his forehead. On the other side, the Western wizards were doing the same to Shylock.
Chloe: Uhm, Shylock, what are you doing to Lord Oz?
Rustica: I suppose what I am about to say is on the redundant side, but one shouldn’t blow smoke from a pipe at another person’s face, you know?
Murr: Ahahaha! Ahahaha!
Shylock: *Fuu*
Murr: Whoa! Ahahaha!
Nero: Hey guys, how about we do as Shylock asks…
Shylock: I’m not asking you for anything.
Nero: I mean, how about we depart tomorrow? Teach, we Easterners should delay our trip too. Because, uhm, look at the weather, you know.
Oz: You want me to change it?
Nero: No, no. We’ll still be on schedule.
Arthur: Master Oz, Shylock isn’t the type of person who acts like that without a reason. Perhaps you may have an idea about why?
Oz: No.
Part 8.7 The unforgettable secret
Shylock: Apparently.
Murr: Ahahaha! Woot!
Heathcliff: Uhm, I think it’d be a good idea to leave tomorrow too! There’s something I forgot.
Shino: I’ll go get it for you. Let’s start as soon as we can. This is our chance to defeat a powerful enemy.
Thus everyone kept talking at each other. To gauge the overall opinions, I raised my voice.
Cain: Let’s change our plan to tomorrow! We cast magic with our hearts, you know. When we’re in the wrong mood then nothing can be done either. Like Shylock said, there’s no need to force ourselves to get into action before we feel right again. Don’t you think so too, Oz?
I clapped Oz’ shoulder loudly. Faust and Nero quietly stopped themselves from crying out. It wasn’t that I didn’t know how they felt. Right in front of my eyes at this moment, Oz was looking at me with a terrifying expression. It’d be a lie if I said I didn’t feel any fear of him. Oz was the most powerful wizard in the world, and I wasn’t a match for him at all.
However, Oz had raised Arthur like his child. If I talked to him he’d certainly understand my side of an issue. I didn’t want to stop treating him like that.
Cain: Please, Oz.
Oz: …..
Those red eyes stared fixedly at me, and I felt pretty nervous. However, he put away his staff. Letting out a sigh of relief, I patted his back.
Cain: Thank you.
Like me, Arthur looked visibly relieved. His blue eyes were soft as he gave me a sincere smile.
Arthur: Thank you, Cain.
There was a one-of-its-kind trust in that gesture. I always felt happy and fulfilled when Arthur smiled like this.
Arthur was a lord worthy of my lifetime devotion. In the future, he would definitely become a king of great renown. The only flaw in the jewel that was Arthur was his recklessness despite being the only prince. One time, I asked him why he would go to that extreme.
[Flashback in Arthur’s room]
Cain: I respect your courage, but please let us do our work.
Arthur: Your work? You can’t do it because of me?
Cain: It’s our work to protect the royal family. When there’s trouble, I want you to stay where it’s the safest. .
Arthur: I am a wizard. I have the power to protect people.
Cain: So am I, though my power isn’t on the same level as you. Even so, Arthur, there’s only one of you. No one can replace you. It isn’t just in times of trouble. You work too hard in everyday affairs of the country too. A normal person would have collapsed already.
Cain: Wouldn’t it be better to take things easy? A wizard has a lot of time right? There’s no need to rush. You can wait until you are an adult… no, until you are rich in years. Let’s take our time and build up our experiences.
Arthur: …But
Cain: Arthur?
Arthur: Cain, do you mind keeping this from Master Oz and everyone else?
Cain: Yeah. Should I make a promise?
Arthur: Ahaha, that’s not necessary. This isn’t a prophecy. There’s no way to verify it either. How should I put it? It’s just my feelings, but…
Arthur: I think I won’t live for a long time.
Cain: …..
Cain: Why would you… That can’t be true though?
Cain: Do you have any problem with your health?
Arthur: Not at all.
Cain: There’s no need to worry then. Besides that, do we seem that incompetent to you? We’ll protect you, you know. I’ll be your shield. No matter if it’s our enemies or the Calamity, I’ll protect you from them all.
Arthur: …Cain. That’s right. Sorry for saying something weird. Please forget what I said. I’ll try my best to avoid getting into danger from now on.
[End of flashback]
Part 8.8 His innocent side and his dangerous side
Perhaps because of his unique upbringing, Arthur seemed to feel restricted at the Palace despite being high-born. Perhaps because he had powerful magic, he was always the first to rush in when something dangerous happened. Though I was proud about such displays of courage from my lord, that also worried me. It was terrifying to think that someday he would sacrifice himself for someone’s sake.
On top of that, I had the feeling that Oz was the reason Arthur was so careless about himself.
Cain: (I know that he isn’t a bad guy, but he’s really scary)
Arthur claimed that Oz was kind. I was of a kinda different opinion. There were times Oz was kind, but there were also times he was terrifying. I was fully aware that his immense magical power could oppress and rule over other people. There was the impression that Arthur’s earnest dedication of his life to the common people and the wizards was an effort to whitewash Oz’ brutality with his good deeds.
Arthur: If our departure is moved to tomorrow, I’ll return to the Palace and deal with the remaining admin work.
Cain: Should I accompany you?
Arthur: I’ll be fine by myself. Please take care of Master Oz and Riquet for me.
Me taking care of the most powerful wizard in the world. Such a figure of speech sounded like a joke. I looked up at Oz and shrugged in jest.
Cain: Did you hear that? He left you in my care.
Oz: …..
Oz didn’t seem to get the humor of what I said. On top of that, Riquet reminded me.
Riquet: He left me in your care as well, you know. Please don’t forget that and perform your duty properly, Cain.
Thus, the start of our journey was delayed to tomorrow. Ah well, there were days like this too. I told the Western wizards that we should discuss tomorrow’s business later, then we all left.
That incident happened afterwards in the afternoon.
Riquet: Yes, like that. Yes, you are doing very well. Full marks for you.
As I was walking in the courtyard, I heard Riquet’s voice. Thinking that maybe he was playing with Mitile, I distractedly turned to that direction. Right away, what I saw caused me to freeze on the spot. Opposite of Riquet was Owen.
Owen: Wow! Thank you.
That Owen was smiling like a child as he sat directly on the ground by the flowerbed full of blooming flowers. I could tell right away from his child-like air that he was Owen’s Affliction from the Great Calamity. As a consequence of getting too close to the Great Calamity, from time to time, Owen became like a child.
My whole body was full of tension. The child-like Owen seemed innocent at first glance, but he was even more dangerous than the usual Owen. The fact was, I once angered the child-like Owen and he tried to kill me. Worrying for Riquet’s safety, I yelled out without thinking.
Cain: Riquet!
Owen: …..uhm.
Surprised, Riquet and Owen turned to me. Owen’s innocent gaze landed on me with a start.
Riquet: What’s the matter, Cain? Why did you call out so loudly all of the sudden?
Riquet’s chiding tone made me feel awkward. I hastened to their side.
Cain: Ah well, I… Why are you playing in the Magic Manor?
Riquet: Why are you asking us that?
Cain: I have an errand concerning Owen… What are you doing with him?
From the corner of my eye, I could see Owen looking up at me, his mouth still open.
Owen: …Mister Knight…
Riquet: Owen was digging a hole in the ground. I thought he was bullying the bugs so I was about to correct him, but actually he was gathering the flower petals that fell on the ground and buried them. It looked fun so I helped him.
Cain: So that’s how it is.
Owen: Yes.
Owen nodded repeatedly. Whether because I raised my voice or some other reason, he was nervous around me.
Part 8.9 A head-to-head with a mirror
Moving slowly, I touched his arm. Keeping a smile on my face, I soothed him with a caress.
Cain: Let’s have a chat. Is that fine with you?
Owen: Yes.
Riquet: Have you been on better terms with Owen?
Cain: Yeah. Kinda sorta.
Riquet: Owen is in a good mood when he plays with the grass. I like him when he’s like today.
Owen: I like Riquet too….
Owen smiled bashfully. After all this time, it still felt wrong to see him acting so sweetly.
Cain: Anyway, Riquet, sorry to ask but please go away.
Riquet: It is rude to talk like that to another person, you know.
Owen: Riquet has to leave?
Cain: He has work to do.
Riquet: No, I don’t.
Cain: …..Why don’t you play with me instead of Riquet for today? Look, it’s Mister Knight.
Owen: Mister Knight…
Owen looked at me with blushes on his cheeks. At long last, he seemed to stop being wary around me. Under Riquet’s doubtful eyes, I waved my hand as he walked past me.
Cain: (Phew. Riquet would be eaten if that guy released Cerberus. Even so, he wouldn’t be the only one to blame, I suppose)
I stole a glimpse at Owen to gauge his current state. It seemed that the current Owen had no memory of getting furious and trying to kill me at all. That might not be the case, but it’d be rough if I reminded him of the incident and enraged him again by asking ‘do you remember that time?’. I might die for real.
Cain: Hey, thanks for playing with Riquet.
Owen: …Yes.
His innocent, child-like red and gold eyes looked at me. They were of the same colors as my own. Simply looking at them made me feel like I was looking at a mirror.
The flower petals danced in the breeze. I couldn’t get used to seeing an Owen without a provocative smirk on his face. Was the Owen beside me in this moment how Owen had been in his childhood?
Owen: Uhm, what will we play?
Cain: Good question. What do you like?
Owen: I don’t know.
Owen’s eyes were downcast as he shyly played with his nails. My usual nervousness around him faded away. I could see even the shadow of his eyelashes.
Cain: How about a chat?
Owen: I like it, just a bit.
Cain: Got it. Can I ask questions about you?
Owen: Yes…
Owen replied as if having no confidence in himself. He was like a lost child. From his gaze as he looked up at me, it could be seen that he was trying to discern my mood. This Owen wanted me to like him.
I cautiously struck a conversation with him using a soothing tone so as to not scare him off.
Cain: Mind telling me about your family?
Owen: …I don’t know.
Cain: I see… Where did you live?
Owen: I don’t know. Some dark place.
Cain: So that’s what it was like for you? That’s really sad.
Owen raised his head. I recalled what Owen had told me before. He once waited in a dark place, and he kept waiting because he tried to be a good boy. Despite all of his effort, nothing happened.
Cain: …ah.
Suddenly Owen grabbed my arm. I kept my breath quiet as my nerves were on full alert. My sleeve was damp from his muddy fingers. There was a happy smile on Owen’s bashful face.
Owen: But you have come for me, Mister Knight.
I was taken aback. The Owen that was smiling peacefully was like a shy, well-mannered young man. I couldn’t help but feel like we were friends who had spent many months and years together.
The cloud covered the sun and cast a silvery shadow on us. Owen became very still.
Cain: ….
I knew what would happen next, and slowly took Owen’s fingers off my arm.
Part 8.10 Your choice, Mister Knight
Blinking repeatedly, Owen looked at me. His eyes were sullen with a mixture of surprise and displeasure.
Owen: ……
Owen: Tsk
Cain: Owen? So you’re back.
Owen: This nonsense again? So infuriating.
Cain: Don’t go yet. There’s something important that I want to discuss with you.
Owen: Something important?
Cain: It’s your Curious Affliction. Eventually, you should tell everyone about it.
Owen stared fixedly at me, his face full of a terrifying killing intent.
Owen: What are you babbling about?
Cain: Just now, your little self was talking with Riquet. If Cerberus had attacked him, Riquet’s life would have been at risk.
Owen: Who cares.
Cain: It’s for your sake too! When I was badly injured, you felt guilty, didn’t you?
Owen: What?
Cain: What would you feel if you hurt Riquet, Mitile, or Chloe when you aren’t aware of what you are doing?
Owen stood up, as if to cut me off. Fury was burning in his eyes, which were scrunching up annoyedly.
Owen: So what? They can all turn into stones for all I care!
Cain: Owen!
Owen: I don’t care! Why are you bugging me about it? If you want to be a little snitch then go ahead! Why are you going out of your way to bother me?
Cain: It was your wish, wasn’t it? That time when you helped Heath.
Owen: What? When?
Cain: When Heath transformed into a black panther and you put him to sleep, remember? It was then that you told us, ‘don’t tell anyone about the me back there’.
Owen raised his eyebrow as his mouth went all crooked. It was obvious what was going on in his mind with that expression, so much that I felt the temptation to frame it and hang on the wall with the label ‘Owen’s face when he is about to provoke the other person by mocking them’.
Owen: Oh? So that’s why? You’re asking for my permission because I told you that?
Under my trepidation, I tried my best to explain how I felt.
Cain: You were a big help to us. Wouldn’t it be dishonorable to return that with betrayal?
Owen’s lips curled up and his eyes squinted in an ungainly smirk of ill temper. I myself felt annoyed and narrowed my eyes. Why was he making a face like that? Just a few seconds ago, he had smiled so innocently like a saint from a painting.
Owen: Heh, so you want to stay true to your sense of honor, Mister Knight. And so you try to be fair to someone like me too. Well, you are a justice-loving Central Wizard, I suppose.
Cain: If you understand that, then…
Owen laughed cheerily as he looked at me from above.
Owen: Haha, in that case, you’ll get no permission from me. It’ll be your choice, Mister Knight.
Cain: My choice?
Owen: Will you be faithless to me and tell everyone and their dog about my Affliction from the Great Calamity? Or will you wait until the last minute to protect someone in this Manor when I use them as chew toy for Cerberus? Which do you think would be the ‘just’ thing to do, Mister Knight?
I couldn’t find an answer. Owen seemed to be in a good mood as he laughed mockingly at me, who was at a loss for words. He purred.
Owen: Oooh. Go ahead and make your choice. What will you be faithful to until the very end? Your justice or your honor?
Fulfilling my debt of honor to Owen? Protecting my comrades’ lives from the possible danger from him? Normally speaking, I’d say it was more important to safeguard my team, and I should betray him and inform everyone of his Affliction from the Calamity.
Cain: (I know that. Even so…)
I had a hunch that Owen himself wanted me to to betray him.
Owen: Well well, how long can you keep up your defender of justice act?
Owen grabbed my chin.
Owen: Come on, make your decision. What will you do, o gentle Mister Knight?
