The great charm of Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku lies in the vivid worldviews from the five countries with different natural conditions and cultures, as well as the delicate portrayal of the characters’ inner lives together with the relationships that are in the process of changing. An element in the story that leaves an impression is the variety of foodstuffs and dishes unique to the world of the story. From time to time, the food is the key to understanding the setting the characters are in or acts as the symbol of their closeness. Today, we have the pleasure of having a conversation with Scenario Writer Tsushimi Bunta, who breathes life into their creation with profound  storytelling and exquisite portrayal of psychology. 

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Q: The way the food in Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku is portrayed in vivid details leaves a deep impression on us. Is that something you set out to do as you write the story?

A: That is something I pay attention to so that the tastes and preferences of the characters come out clearly in my portrayal of them. The wizards can use magic to control their surroundings and the temperature, so I think that among “clothing, food, and home”, “food” as an element to maintain life is especially suitable to bring out the wizards’ personality.

Q: We can sense that food has been deployed effectively in portraying the characters’ relationship with each other, such as how Riquet and Nero grew close to each other with each meal or the extreme sweet tooth of the fearsome Northern wizard Owen. Is there anything you pay special attention to when you write ‘food’?

A: Northern wizards are powerful beings who give off the impression of apex predators, so I portray their table manners to be on the wild side and a bit messy. The world the characters live in is different from modern Japan. There is no lighting or smartphone, so nighttime is inconvenient and boring for them. Their entertainment would be things like alcohol, dining, and music. In this setting, I place a high importance on elements like  ‘the joy of eating’ or ‘the desire for food’ within the overall worldbuilding.

Q: Over and over again, the importance of food is displayed in details like the traces of the previous Sage’s effort in recreating the flavours of his homeland Japan with the ingredients of another world, or how Bradley values Nero’s food highly, saying that ‘Food is just like medicine.’ It is said that ‘Good food is vital in humans’ adaptation to their environment’. What is your personal opinion about that?

A: I feel that a person’s morale would be down if they cannot get used to what they eat. Imagine if you have to stay for a long time in a place where you can’t handle the food. Even people who love travelling abroad often talk about the relief they feel when they tuck in a meal of Japanese food.

Q: What is your thought process when you portray the characters’ tastes in food?

A: I think of what they would consider a delicacy given the countries they were born and grew up in. 

Column: About ‘delicacy’ in the world of Mahoyaku

Which food ingredients or dishes would be considered ‘delicacy’ would be largely influenced by the circumstances each country is in. For example, a country where it is hard to find food because of harsh and cold climate on top of infertile land would have a different idea of valuable food and accordingly what is a ‘delicacy’ versus a country where food is abundant thanks to fertile land. Besides that, there is a certain limit to the transportation between the countries, so it is difficult to obtain the ingredients from faraway locations.    

Q: It makes sense that what the characters like would vary depending on the country they were born and grew up in. How do you bring out the differences in the culinary cultures of the five countries?

A: I think of the real life countries to use as references for each country in the story. For example, Southern Country would give off the ambience of a hypothetical Spain or Turkey without sea. Then I elaborate further from that rough image of a locality that is very different from Japan and does not have an abundance of water.

Q: Cooking methods and culinary cultures vary with the era in history too. Besides the differences between the countries, is it conceivable that there would be a generation gap when it comes to food too?

A: I think it would often happen that some food ingredients were eaten in the past but then the custom of eating them was lost or they disappeared and could no longer be found. For the wizards, they may often obtain food ingredients from the humans, but they may also want to be 100% self-sufficient or they live fully on mana stones. As such, they may be left behind as the culture changes.

Q: Is there any food ingredient or dish in the story that you would like to try in real life?

A: That would be the ‘fruit of moonlight tree’, which makes your body glow when you eat it, and the ‘Rapunzel bean’, which has the effect of making your hair grow.

Q: Besides Cain, who ‘deep fries everything’, and Nero the chef, there are some scenes that depict the cooking prowess of the characters. Are there characters you think of as ‘good at cooking’ or ‘bad at cooking’?

A: On one end, I think Mithra, Owen, and Rustica would be bad at cooking. Oz has been improving but in the beginning he didn’t know how to cook either. Shylock serves food at his bar so he should be good at cooking to an extent. However, the chef par excellence is Nero who is obsessive over flavours and has many years of cooking experience under his belt. 

- Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic of food, through which we have gained a deeper understanding of the world of ‘Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku’. The cuisine is certainly a beautiful garnish to a great story.

Card story: A champion in tickling

Cain: ……..

Lennox: Cain

Cain: Hi, Lennox! Do you need me for something?

Lennox: Not really… It’s just, you seem to have something on your mind.

Cain: !

Cain: Sorry for making you worry. Did I look that serious?

Lennox: Well, to tell the truth, you seemed to be staring into the distant at some faraway place.

Cain: Haha, I can’t hide anything from you, I see. As we prepare for the banquet, many memories about the comrades who fought alongside me in the previous round of the Calamity come back.

Cain: Jeez, I should be more careful. Arthur and the others would get worried if I go around wearing that face.

Lennox: In that case, I’d love to hear about a happy memory you have with your comrades if that’s fine with you.

Cain: You want to hear me talk about the past?

Lennox: Yeah. Our current mission somehow makes us think a lot about our friends and allies, doesn’t it? There’s no need to force yourself to act like normal. But if your kindness makes you think that’s what you should do, then perhaps instead of trying to ward off your thoughts, it’d be more helpful to share a memory that brings a smile to your face.

Cain: ….. Thanks, Lennox.

Lennox: No need to thank me. I myself have memories like that about my comrades in the past too.

Cain: I see. In that case, I shall bend your ears then. It’s nothing special though.

[A while later]

Lennox: A tickling technique?

Cain: Yeah, most people would burst out laughing when you tickle their sides like this. With this trick, you can soothe the general mood when someone is depressed or when it gets tense in the team.

Lennox: That’s… quite impressive.

Cain: I know, right? It may not work on you though, but you tickle the sides like this.

Lennox: !

Lennox: Heh

Cain: Oh, you laughed!

Lennox: Haha, so there’s a rhythm to tickling too. Just a little change to the touch of the fingertips made me so ticklish.

Lennox: What an amazing technique. I think this way you’ll make your new comrades smile too.

Cain: Lennox, I tend to get maudlin when I think about my past comrades, but like you said, it’s better to remember them with a smile.

Lennox: Your usual cheer has returned, I see.

Cain: Thanks to you, yeah! Hey, why are you reaching out like that? It can’t be…

Lennox: In return of earlier.

Cain: Hey, it tickles. Ahaha, you’re for real? Ahaha

Card episode: All kinds of conversation topics

[In the hallway]

Cain: Sorry for staying so long. See you!

Akira: Huh? Oh, hello Cain! Did you just have a chat with Lennox?

Cain: Oh, Master Sage. Lennox helped me a lot during our latest mission so I brought him a small gift to thank him. Then we talked and I got carried away.

Akira: Wow, now I’m curious. What did you two talk about that got you so absorbed?

Cain: When I’m with Lennox then the convo tends to drift to the topic of exercising. “It’s best to go training in the morning when the air is cool and clear.” “Yeah!” kind of mood, you know. Lennox knows many exercising methods that I don’t, so I often ask him to teach me one thing after another.

Akira: I see. I don’t exercise enough so I’d learn a lot from talking to Lennox and you, I suppose.

Cain: In that case, would you like to join us for tea next time?

Akira: May I? But wouldn’t it be a bother if I just listen and contribute nothing to the conversation though?

Cain: Ahaha, don’t worry about that. You’ll definitely be deep in talk with us soon enough. The conversation will get interesting because you’re around, you know. Let's talk about everything, not just exercising. I can’t wait to see what topic will come up!        

Many thanks to twitter user makiharawataru for helping me with parsing the original Japanese. Other mistakes are mine.

 

Card story: The unexpected reunion

After the incident had been resolved, the swordplay examination started again without any problem. We watched the duels with interest. The two candidates who were battling were both Hector’s friends. They went to shake hands with us before the match started.

Mitile: Whoa! Mister Cain, did you see the move just now? He found the opening so quickly. That’s really cool.

Cain: Yeah, that’s some fine swordsmanship. He moved in deep and picked his target without hesitation. Even so, wait and see…

Akira: Oh! There is a mistake in his stance, which allows his opponent to find a weak spot.

Cain: Tactics is important in swordplay too. You use your sense and instinct to predict your opponent’s missteps, things like that. Those two have trained together regularly so they should know each other well. They’re showing their skills by finding ways to exploit the openings of a familiar opponent.

Mitile and I wiped the sweats on our hands as we listened to Cain’s explanation. Suddenly, someone cheered for the combatants loudly behind our back.

???: What kind of counterattack was that?! Put your back to it, won’t you?!

Cain: Huh? The person just now…

Cain turned around and scanned the crowd as if to look for something. Mitile asked.

Mitile: Mister Cain, what’s the matter?

Cain: I’m okay. Just that I think I heard the voice of someone who helped me a lot in the past.

???: The losers will have to wash dishes in my shop! You hear me!

Akira: Oh, it’s that person, right? He has wide shoulders and stocky build.

Mitile: He also has curly black hair, and it looks like there’s a big scar on his cheek.

Cain: Oh! Then he’s definitely my acquaintance. I didn’t expect to meet him here.

Mitile: In that case, shall we go to greet him after this match? I’ll show you the way!

Akira: I’ll go talk to him first then. Cain, it’s a big crowd here so please take your time and go with Mitile.

Cain: Thanks a lot, your two. Let me use this occasion to introduce you to him too.

Thus when the match was over, we took Cain’s hand and led him to the man in question, whom we had tracked down.

Cain: Hi there, Uncle.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Oh, it’s really you, Cain.

Cain: The one and only. It’s been a while! You seem well, Uncle.

The uncle whom Cain knew: I didn’t think I’d run into you here! I see you’ve grown up and become even more of a fine young man.

The uncle approached us with a bright smile and clapped Cain’s back heartily. Cain smiled in return of the familiar gesture.

Cain: Haha, I remember this pain. Uncle, here are my friends. Akira, who is our Sage, and Mitile, a Sage’s wizard like me.

Akira – Mitile: Nice to meet you!

The uncle whom Cain knew: Hi there! So you two have been taking care of the kiddo here. I run a small restaurant in City of Glory. I’ve known Cain since he was a little rascal. He used to climb on my shoulders, and I cooked for him when he got hungry, you see.

Cain: Yeah. I especially love Uncle’s thick meat sandwiches.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Oh, you mean this?

The uncle rummaged in his bag and pulled out a package. Inside it was a large sandwich made of thick bread full of fillings.

Akira: It looks delicious. Besides the cheese and egg, there’re many thick slices of meat too.

Mitile: The filling is certainly very generous. And the bread is toasted and gives off the scent of butter.

Cain: Oh, the sandwich looks fantastic as always. There’s nothing better than opening your mouth wide and biting into it heartily.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Lots of the kids taking the exam today are from the City of Glory. I see them often enough at my shop. Since they love this kind of sandwich, I want to treat them. Since luck lets us meet each other today, feel free to help yourselves to some, Mitile, Master Sage! There’re more than enough to go around!

Mitile – Akira: Eh? May I?

The uncle whom Cain knew: Definitely. You two must be hungry already, watching the matches and cheering like that. You get one too, kiddo.

Cain: Uncle… Thanks a lot. Let’s eat together!

We said thank you and opened our packages, then sat down side by side on the steps nearby to eat. I did as Cain told us and took a big bite of the generous sandwich.

Mitile – Akira: Whoa, yummy!

Cain: It’s great, isn’t it? The spices in the meat and the rich cheese balance each other out wonderfully.

Akira: That’s right! And the meat is thick but it’s so tender and juicy!

Mitile: There’s fried onion inside too. It’s crispy and goes really well with the meat and cheese. So delicious!

The uncle whom Cain knew: Ahaha, so well-mannered! Seeing you guys eat so heartily is worth the work of making these.

Cain: You’re a great chef, Uncle. Your shop’s menu has a good selection too. That’s why I often took my team there when I was with the Knights.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Yeah, whenever your unit had a mission in City of Glory, you lot would clear out my shop, saying ‘yummy, yummy’ while inhaling mountains of food. You always paid for all of them, right, kiddo?

Akira: What? You paid for everything?!

Mitile: Wow, that’s so dashing!

Cain: Ahaha, my hands moved on their own and opened the purse string. There’s nothing better than eating yummy food together with your team, you know.

Mitile: Mister Cain, you often treat me when we go shopping together too. You look very cool when you pay for me, but I want to treat you too!

Cain: Oh, that’s something to look forward to. Even so, let me pay until that day comes. I love seeing you eat your fill as your face goes ‘yummy’.

Mitile: Oh.. Ehehe.

I couldn’t help a smile as I watched Cain ruffled Mitile’s head.

The uncle whom Cain knew: …

As I instinctively looked at the uncle, he was looking at Cain and Mitile like me. His gaze was very gentle.

When it was time to join Lennox, Mitile left ahead, leaving Cain and me with the uncle.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Well then, I should go find the kids who were in the match to give them a reward. I’m really glad to meet you guys today.

Akira: I’m glad to meet you too. Thank you for the delicious sandwich!

Cain: I will give your shop a visit soon, and I’ll bring not just Mitile and Akira but the rest of our team.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Okay, we have a deal then! Now, may I have a minute with you, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes, what do you need me for?

The uncle suddenly grinned in reply. And then, still looking at me, he casually ruffled Cain’s head, who was standing in a slightly higher spot.     

Cain: Uncle? What are you…

The uncle whom Cain knew: Master Sage, this brat always looks cheery like everything is fine with him, but he is prone to taking up more than he can handle ever since he was tiny. When he went to my shop alone, he would tell me that he wasn’t hungry at all, and ask me for the smallest, cheapest meal.

 Cain: Oh, that. Honestly I was pretty surprised when you gave me a big portion without saying anything.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Of course. There was nothing you could hide from me, you know.

The uncle’s eyes when he jovially replied to Cain was gentle, just like how he looked at Cain and Mitile’s conversation with each other earlier.

The uncle whom Cain knew: And that’s why I’m worried about you. Master Sage, he hasn’t been pushing himself too much, has he?

Akira: That’s….

As I was thinking about what to reply, I remembered that day when he visited the graves of the deceased Sage’s Wizards.

Akira: (Cain is brave and dependable. I’ve been availing myself on his kindness a lot. But I can’t say there has been no toil on his mind and body)

Cain: Akira.

Cain spoke up as I fell silent. He nodded and smiled as if to reassure me, and placed his hand on the uncle’s hand that had been ruffling his hair.

Cain: Uncle, thanks for worry about me. But please let me look good in front of Master Sage, won’t you? Everything is well. I’m always full of energy because I have Master Sage and my comrades.

Cain: So next time when I come to your shop like back then, I would say it properly. “I’d like a big portion, but with a discount, please!”

The uncle whom Cain knew: Haha! Yeah, you really look like you’re okay.

The uncle whom Cain knew: Master Sage, sorry for bothering you! Please look after this kid for me.

Akira: Of course I will! I’m still very inexperienced, but Cain is important to me as my friend. I want to be a friend who notices when he takes all burden on himself like you, and whom he relies on.

Akira: No… I mean I’ll definitely become such a friend!

I clenched my fist tightly to give myself courage. Cain looked at me and smiled.

Cain: You’re already that friend though. Even so, you look so cool saying that just now, Akira. You’re really our dashing Master Sage!

Card episode: Please keep it a secret from the others

Cain: Master Sage, I’m going to the City of Glory for an errand. Would you like to join me? You remember the uncle whom we met at the swordplay exam? There’s something I’d like to deliver to him, so I’ll pass by his shop.

Akira: Oh, the cooking uncle! You’ve known him since you were a child, right? I’d love to go with you. I’m curious about what his shop is like, so thank you for inviting me!

Cain: Haha, I’m glad to hear that. In that case, I should invite Mitile too.

Akira: Let’s go find him. Oh, is there anyone else you’d like to invite?

Cain: Let me see. Riquet will likely ask to join us since Mitile is there. And with those two around then there’ll be Oz and Arthur. Rutile too…

Cain: Heath is pretty skinny so I’d like him to have Uncle’s meat dishes. In that case, Shino would probably want to go with him, so I’d invite them both at once.

Cain: And then maybe I should invite Owen too. I’ve no idea if he’d agree, but the shop has a good selection of desserts.

Akira: That’s a pretty big group! I think Uncle would be happy to meet everyone who has been living under the same roof as you though.

Cain: Yeah, I think so too. Oh, but there’s no guarantee that Uncle would keep my childhood stories to a reasonable amount, I’m afraid.

Akira: What’s the problem though? The last time I met Uncle, it was fun to hear stories about you.

Cain: Yeah, there’re many funny stories that I’d like to share with everyone. But what he told you that time was a bit embarrassing.

Cain: So, Master Sage, do me a favor and don’t tell anyone about what you heard, please?

Shylock and the Magic Manor

[In Shylock’s room]

Akira: Shylock, you’ve been to the Magic Manor many times before, right?

Shylock: Yes. I always paid a visit to the Manor before the battle with the Great Calamity.

Akira: Do you have any special memory about this place?

Shylock: Your question brings the faces of people whom I will never meet again to my mind. Some Sage’s Wizards have always been around, but the group has changed a lot with the times.

Shylock: Once there was a wizard who looked at the carvings on the gate of a newly renovated Magic Manor and was delighted by the elegant and innovative design. Then a few decades later, another wizard arrived, looked at the same carvings, and found them hackneyed and boorish. And yet some more decades passed, when someone young came by and commented that those same carvings were cool in a retro way.

Shylock: Though the object is the same, fashion changes with the time, so the value ascribed to certain values also changes. I never intend to change, however, there have been people who call me youthful.

Akira: Have you been called an elderly?

Shylock: …….

Akira: Ah, please don’t misunderstand me! That isn’t what I mean! I just wonder if there's anyone who would make such a comment to you!

Shylock: *chuckles* I’ve also been said to be calm and mature.

Akira: I see!

Akira: On the other hand, you certainly seem calm and mature at first glance, but you’re really…

Shylock: I’m really what?

Akira: There’re times you’re playful like a mischievous child too.

Shylock: Oh my, that’s lovely to hear.

Akira: Is that the influence from the cat-like Murr? Or is that an aspect of your personality all this time?

Shylock: Well, who knows. My teenaged self was probably on the straight-laced, overly serious side. On the other hand, like with the gate we talked about earlier, the value attached to me changes with the times. Perhaps the me who exists in this ever breaking world is always the same, but in the past, people viewed me as a naïve and earnest youth.

Akira: (It’d be fun to experience the era when Shylock is considered naïve).

Murr and the Magic Manor

[In Murr’s room]

Akira: You’ve been to the Magic Manor many times before, right?

Murr: Yeah~!

Akira: Do you remember anything about this place?

Murr: U-hm…. I forgot everything!

Akira: I- I see. Don’t you have any clear flash of recollection either?

Murr: U-hm, I was happy!

Akira: You were happy?

Murr: I was summoned to be a Sage’s Wizard! My beloved moon! The Great Calamity! I was sad that I of all people wasn’t chosen to be in the company of wizards to whom the special crest granted by the Great Calamity appeared, so I was overjoyed when I was chosen!

Akira: I- I see. I’m glad for you. In that case, you first came to the Magic Manor after you became a Sage’s Wizard?

Murr: Nope! I had been here before that! Why those people were chosen but not me? Were there some kind of conditions for the selection? With those questions in mind, I came here to collect biological materials for research from the Sage’s Wizards. The ones present were all wizards, so they were absurdly averse to that idea, making it impossible to carry out.

Akira: Oh, so they refused to hand over their blood or hair. In any case, did you find out what the conditions for being summoned were?

Murr: N-o id-ea! I forgot about that already!

Chloe and the Magic Manor

[In Chloe’s room]

Akira: Chloe, have you been to the Magic Manor before?

Chloe: No, this is the first time I’ve been here! Also the first time I learnt that there’s such a place like the Magic Manor or that a crest appears too. From now on, there’ll be lots of training here for the battle against the Great Calamity, right?! I’ll try my best! Let’s work hard together, Master Sage!

Akira: Sure!

Chloe: It’s certainly exciting that there are many wizards at the Magic Manor! Perhaps I’ll simply die when I least expect it. Earlier I met Mithra…..

Akira: You nearly died together with Mithra?! Are you okay?!

Chloe: I’m fine, I’m fine. Mithra is so tall and dashing, isn’t he? But I found it scary to strike a conversation with a Northern wizard like him, so I just discreetly watched him from a distance. When I was lost in thought about the kind of outfit that would suit him, he suddenly appeared in front of me and asked what I was staring at as he placed a leg on the table.

Akira: (It’s like he got on the wrong side of a delinquent. If it were me I would simply cry)

Chloe: But when I talked directly with him, we had a fun chat about outfits.

Akira: Heh, that’s unexpected!

Chloe: Mithra said he had a spare outfit lying around that I could try and brought it out.

Akira: What kind of outfit is that?

Chloe: An enchanted outfit that absorbs the magical power of your opponent and increases your defense.

Akira: Oh. Did you try it on?

Chloe: No, I didn’t manage to. Rustica, Shylock, and Faust all came barging in. They said that outfit may be fine for Mithra, but I’d die if I put it on.

Akira: I’m so glad you’re okay!

Chloe: So there’re all kinds of outfits in the world! I’d like to see more of them!

Rustica and the Magic Manor

[In Rustica’s room]

Akira: Rustica, have you been to the Magic Manor before?

Rustica: Hmm, I wonder. I don’t remember. I have travelled for a long time, so maybe I’ve had the occasion to stop by this place.

Akira: Oh. You wizards live for a long time, right?

Rustica: That’s right. What about you, Master Sage? Have you gotten used to life in the Magic Manor yet?

Akira: I have, thanks to everyone. You are all so kind and the life here is lively, so it’s fun for me.

Rustica: I’m glad to hear that. There’s nothing I wish for more than you feeling at ease in your everyday life here. Even so, from time to time, there must be nights when loneliness comes to you, just like there are sunny days and rainy days. In times like that, please feel free to call on me.

Akira: Rustica…

Rustica: I am a decent musician and an even better conversationalist. If the friends I met here at the Magic Manor or you wish for a recital, I’ll be happy to make use of my skills. Allow me the honor of being by your side, Master Sage.

Akira: Thank you. Your words made me feel lighter. I do have anxiety occasionally. In such moments, please let me talk to you and listen to your music.

Rustica: I’ll be delighted to.

Rustica: It’s decided then. Let’s come up what to do for a party right now, for the occasions when we get lonely.

Akira: A party?

Rustica: Yes. That way, we will be able to welcome even the darkest of nights, don’t you think?

Akira: Ahaha! That’s interesting! In that case, let’s make a spread of cakes and eat a lot of sweets.

Rustica: Delightful. We’ll need Nero’s help in that case. Any other idea?

Akira: I’d like to fall asleep while spreading out on the bed and being surrounded by cats!

Rustica: That will require the cooperation of the cats and Owen. Anything else?

Akira: Uhm, let me think….

Snow and the Magic Manor

[In Akira’s room]

Snow: Dearest Sage, have you gotten used to life at the Magic Manor yet?

Akira: I have, thanks to everyone. Did all of the Sages before me live here too?

Snow: That’s indeed the arrangement, ever since the Central Country furnished this place for us.

Akira: I see. What kind of life did the Sages before me have?

Snow: How did they live, you ask. That’s difficult to say. The custom was such that Sage’s Wizards only gathered once a year. It’s only after you became the Sage that we began living together in one place like this.

Akira: Oh, you’ve told me about that.

Snow: We twins love our unusual guests, so we have always taken the initiative to look after the Sages. Not many people care about the Sages, so they seem lonely. I have the impression that they wrote about that in details in the Sages’ Guides.

Akira: I see. Perhaps writing diary was a way to take their minds off the loneliness of their daily lives. I’m glad that I get to be the Sage in a Magic Manor where everyone lives together. Thank you.

Snow: Took the word right out of my mouth! It’s unprecedented that Northern wizards live under the same roof like this. I have the feeling that with you, we’ll overcome all obstacles. We’ll continue to rely on you in the future.

Akira: Sure! I’ll do…

[Shaking effect]

Akira: ….?! What was that just now? The Manor was shaking?!

Snow: Yeah, a bit. It looks like a corner of the Manor was blown off.

Akira: Eh?!

Snow: No need to worry! That happens all the time!

Akira: B.. But…

Snow: We’ll overcome our obstacles!

White and the Magic Manor  

[In White’s room]

White: Hohoho, have you gotten used to life at the Magic Manor yet, my dear Sage?

Akira: I have, thanks to everyone. You’ve been a Sage’s Wizard since a long time ago, right?

White: Indeed.

Akira: Do you have any memory related to the Magic Manor?

White: Good question. To us, the Manor is the place where we gather once a year to battle the Great Calamity. At the same time, it’s also the annual occasion to meet with fellow Sage’s Wizards. Because of that, the previous Sage commented that the event felt a bit like a gathering of relatives for the New Year.

Akira: A New Year’s gathering?

White: ‘Oh hello, Mithra my dear~! It’s been forever since I last saw you. How are you doing? My lovely Bradley, come here~! Dearest Owen, how many times did you die this year already? Oh my, that sounds rough!’

White: “Fair Shylock, is your business doing well? Are you still dating that man? Oh dear~”

White: Something like that, I think.

Akira: Oh you’re right. It really feels like a family gathering.

White: ‘Oh, so you’re Cain. This is your first time here, right? Take this, it’s not much but it can be useful for you.’

Akira: So you guys even hand out New Year’s lucky money.

White: Hohoho, I’ll prepare something for you before this year’s battle with the Great Calamity too.

White: It’d be nice to meet with the current Sage’s Wizards like that year after year, but that’s not something I can say anymore with how strong the Great Calamity is this year.

Akira: You have a point…

White: My dear Sage, no need to worry. I’ll work even harder than usual to return you to your home world.

Akira: Thank you so much. I myself will do everything I can to be of help for everyone.

White: Hohoho, that’s reassuring to hear! It’s enough for now that you learn about this world at the Magic Manor. But don’t overdo it.

Mithra and the Magic Manor

[In Mithra’s room]

Akira: Mithra, you’ve been to the Magic Manor many times before, right?

Mithra: Yes. I came here whenever there was a battle with the Great Calamity.

Akira: Do you have any special memory related to the Magic Manor?

Mithra: Special memory? I’m not sure if I have any. I only came here once a year, you know. Ah, that’s right. I once turned a Sage’s Wizard to stone here.

Akira: Eh?!

Mithra: Huh? Maybe that didn’t happen here, I guess? In any case, I turned a Sage’s Wizard whom I met at the Magic Manor to stone somewhere in this area.

Akira: W- Why did you do something like that?

Mithra: They attacked me. Maybe they lost control out of fear when they learnt about my identity. It’s nothing strange that we Northern wizards start killing each other when we gather in close quarter like this.

Akira: Even so, I’d like you to refrain from doing so as much as possible in the present. Could you please talk to each other or something like that?

Mithra: What?

Akira: I- I mean, please give it a try…

Akira: Uhm, as much as possible… Please…

Mithra: What are you mumbling about?

Akira: I’d like to find a way to convince you about the importance of love, peace and life.   

Mithra: Whaat?

Mithra: Well, I don’t mind giving it a thought.

Akira: You will?!

Mithra: There’s a condition though.

Akira: W- what is that?

Mithra: You must take my side when I have a quarrel with anyone. You must be my cheerleader. As long as you do that, I’m fine with not fighting.

Akira: Uhm, what about when you’re in the wrong?

Mithra: Even when I’m in the wrong too.

Akira: ……..

Akira: Understood.

Mithra: Great.

Akira: So, love and peace and life are very important. Please remember that.

Mithra: Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.

Owen and the Magic Manor

[In Owen’s room]

Akira: Owen, you’ve been to this Magic Manor many times before, right?

Owen: Isn’t that obvious? I’ve been Sage’s Wizard from way back, you know. Once summoned, I have to do this duty until I lose my magic. It’s insufferable.

Akira: I get that, I think… Even so, since you’ve been here many times already, is there anything memorable to you?

Owen: Something memorable?

Akira: Yes. Don’t you have anything to remember when it comes to the Magic Manor?

Owen: …Oh. Hehehe, I suppose I do.

Akira: You’re in a good mood all of a sudden.

Owen: I am not. Anyway, it was here that I encountered someone I once thoroughly trounced again. His surprised face was a sight to see. On my part, I laughed. Like, in a ‘So something like this happens to even me’ way.

Akira: What is ‘something like this’?

Owen: How would you call it? That’s something Mithra and Bradley have too. Like, to meet again someone you’ve met. Or to see a place you’ve been looking for because you’ve been there before. For Mithra, it’d be that witch. For Bradley, it’d be that cave in the North. Something like that.

Owen: I have no such thing, but for some reason, that’s what it felt like.

Akira: What can it be? Coincidence? Getting involved with someone? A predestined connection? Or Fate?

Owen: Hrmph, all those words sound insufferably tedious. That’s why I laughed at ‘that thing’ in mockery, because it was totally ridiculous. I didn’t want it. I didn’t like it. It felt nasty.

Owen: But it was in this place that I once again encountered something like that.

Bradley and the Magic Manor

[In Bradley’s room]

Akira: Bradley, you’ve been to the Magic Manor many times before, right?

Bradley: Yep, whenever the Great Calamity came around, I would be taken from the prison to here. So I, the Great Bradley, think of this place as a proxy to freedom.

Akira: A proxy to freedom?

Bradley: I’m aware that this isn’t true freedom. But once a year, I got to eat good food when I came here. There was booze too!

Akira: Oh, I see….

Bradley: Even with the twins watching me day and night, I could enjoy this sham freedom.

Akira: In that case, what stands out in your memory about the Magic Manor to you must be the good food and drinks.

Bradley: Whether the food is good or not depends on the year. The quality varied by the chefs sent over by the Central Country or the wizards who did the cooking.

Akira: Is there a dish that is memorable to you?

Bradley. Good question. Some decades ago… Or maybe it was a century ago. The meal made by the Sage who arrived in this world was great. That was chicken in soup.

Akira: Eeh…

Bradley: The flavor is unforgettable. It’d be nice to taste that once again before I die.

Bradley: Hey, can you make that? Chicken soup with sour cream.

Akira: M- maybe. That sounds complicated.

Bradley: Heh, I was thinking maybe you knew how since you’re from the same place. Ah well, don’t worry about it.

Bradley: This year I have no reason to complain about dinner. Everything on the table looks good, you know.

Part 13: The House of Wizards and the Unsettling Visitor

Part 13.1 Figaro’s Guide

Figaro: So, a Sage’s Guide, huh.

Figaro: …..

I caress the cover of the Sage’s Guide that Akira gave me. Some time ago, I opened a clinic in the Southern Country and so kept a simple record of my work as a doctor. However, it’s been a while since I last wrote something like a personal diary or a log.

*Flashback*

When we started the development of Southern Country, I kept a record to keep track of how far the people had moved. That was an important task. Even if it looked like a list of simple incidents, you might notice something when you looked at what was written with an objective view. The next settlement was three days of travel away. It would take a week to travel to the town by the lake. If you had a horse, you could go twice as fast. Or something like, the stomachache of that patient only happened when they ate certain things.

*End flashback*

What Akira requested is vague. What do they want to know? What do they want to find out? How much details do they want? And even so, perhaps they may be seized by anxiety and will delete it all.

*Flashback*

Akira: I would like you to report to me about what happens and how you wield your leadership, so that I can fulfil my duty without error when the day I have to be in such a position comes.

*End flashback*

I recall the face of the gentle-hearted Akira and smile ruefully.

Figaro: (They want me to tell them things that I witness from my point of view, huh. What would you do if you see the world as I do, Master Sage?)

I leave the room without taking the Sage’s Guide with me. It will be enough if I provide a simple version of events, enough so that Akira won’t be disappointed. Or perhaps it won’t be a problem if I really write down what I have.

I like Akira. They give a good impression. They’re hardworking. And they try their best to be our ally. I want to protect them and make them happy to the best of my ability.

However, I won’t be with Akira for long. Even if I pour out everything I have like wine that freely flows from its bottle and really talk, so much that it terrifies and disappoints Akira…

The glass will tip over. The Sage will disappear to somewhere and never to be seen again.

I should just be completely casual about this. I like this kind of relationship when two people talk to each other as much as they like when the mood is good then part ways without entanglement.

Figaro: (On the other hand, I played around casually too much, so now not much is left for me. Something irreplaceable that belongs to only me).

It’s important to keep records. I stopped keeping a diary because I was fed up with details that came up again and again. Meeting people, getting hurt by them, getting tired of them, getting disappointed, hiding my disappointment and smiling. And softly like brushing dirt aside, separation. The same things happened time and time again, so I’m fed up with this world. However, I’m even more fed up with myself when I’m like that.

Lennox: Good morning, Doctor Figaro.

When I walk by the tower of the Magic Manor on my way to the rendezvous point, I meet Lennox. He is a former Central wizard who prefers to do everything manually instead of using magic. In the present, he keeps sheep. This man once spent 400 years to find his lord, who had disappeared without a trace, having not a clue and relying purely on his faith and dedication.

Figaro: (Is that something a normal person can do?)

What he did can only be carried out by a sick person who has stopped all thinking in their head. No way I can imitate that. On the other hand, perhaps instead of calling Leno a fool, one should say that this world is valuable because of someone like him is in it.

What a strange man.

Figaro: Good morning. You’re early.

Lennox: You don’t look good. What’s the problem?

Figaro: It’s impolite to tell someone they look bad, you know.

Lennox: Not that I like it but shall I praise you?

Figaro: Oh please. You misunderstood me. Please stop your masochist act.

Lennox: Hah. Huh? Masochist act?

Figaro: What did you do just now?

Lennox: I went to see Lord Faust off.

Figaro: Ah.

Following Lennox’ gaze, I look at the tower of the Magic Manor. Through a window pane, I can see him. Faust, my former disciple. My heart hurts whenever I think about him, the same way as I feel when I think about the homeland that I’ve lost or when I recall the species that was exterminated.

Part 13.2 The past that I let go of and the sweet lingering attachment

Figaro: (I’m fed up with a lot of my companions, but I’ve never been disappointed about Faust. He was everything I could hope for. He was too perfect, such that my Masters the twins used to tease me by asking if he was a magical construction tailor made for me. He had a noble ideal, selfless integrity, compassion for the weak, as well as respect and affection for me who was his teacher.

*Flashback*

For example, from ancient times, a great river has been flowing across the continent. No one would question the fact that people drink from the river, wash their dirty clothes in it, use it to drive their boats and travel to places. Even so, the people who feel grateful for the benefits the river brings them will be hateful toward it and call it an evil god when flood happens once in a while.

Faust was different. He served me with complete sincerely and was grateful to me even if he knew he might be killed. In a turbulent time, he devoted himself to both me and his army, probably to protect his grandmother, mother, and younger sister. He was the child who would humbly thank the river for a drop of water and remember the grace he received for the rest of his life.

Faust: Lord Figaro.

Faust: O Great Teacher, please impart your wisdom on this ignorant one. Forgive me the impertinence of asking for the lessons you have acquired through the many years of living in this world without knowing the pains and sorrows that come with time.

Figaro: I don’t mind, Faust. Alas, if there were more people who are so considerate to us like you…

Faust: Lord Figaro…

Figaro: Everyone thinks we’ll answer them when they ask us like an echo. And if we don’t answer them, it’s because we’re malicious or misanthropic. They all forget that there’s our sweats and blood, our history in our teachings. Thus they pick at me again and again like a flock of crows.

Figaro: “Hey, if you happen to know about it then tell me. If you don’t want me to make a mistake then tell me, right now. If you don’t, then it’ll be your fault when we die from our foolish actions.”

Faust: Has there been someone who was so insolent toward you, even as they begged you to give them guidance?

Figaro: That’s right. As a result, before I knew it, I’ve grown to resent the people whom I wanted to protect. Even so, the truth is I myself want to give a helping hand for a long time. Perhaps you’ll be able to do for them what I couldn’t. I’ll teach you everything I know, Faust.

*End flashback*

Figaro: ………

I recall the scenery of that day as I squint my eyes under the bright sunlight that shines through the trees. Even as I was most careful and meticulous in my cultivation of him, so that he would become a wizard who left his name in history, in the end, it was I who let go first. Nevertheless, a sweet attachment lingers on.

Lennox moves his gaze from the tower of the Magic Manor to me and asks.

Lennox: You have the face of someone who still has regrets.

Figaro: …..

I sullenly keep my silence. He is really insufferable when he’s like this.

However, showing one’s attitude is also an aspect of a casual friendship. He apologizes when I look angry.

Lennox: My apologies.

Figaro: It’s no big deal.

Lennox is unperturbed, in a ‘Ah well, that’s how it is I suppose’ way. He is really insufferable when he’s like this.

Lennox: If only you would have a proper talk with Lord Faust though.

Figaro: How should I do that, pray tell? He has been avoiding me.

Lennox: Even if Lord Faust does curses for hire now, he is still serious and sincere at his core. If you tell him you want to talk to him about something important, if you talk to him seriously, I think you and him will be able to meet each other halfway.

Figaro: Maybe. Thank you. I appreciate your advice.

Lennox shrugs at my empty show of gratitude and continues walking.

Lennox: You’re complicated, Doctor Figaro.

Figaro: And you’re simple. I suppose you were in the same position of being avoided by him. And yet it looks like Faust is losing and crumbling in the face of your persistence.

Lennox: If he’s indeed crumbling, then my way is the correct way, isn’t it?

Figaro: You… Then am I a fool to do what I’m told and stay out of his way as he wishes? Would it really be easier to do it like you and imposing myself on him despite his wish? Ah well, I guess things like that happen.

Lennox: It isn’t easy at all. I still have to hold myself back a bit longer, or I may end up pressing him into a corner like that time.

Lennox whispers as if talking to himself.

Part 13.3 That time when I found the purpose of my life

400 years ago, a gravely injured Faust due to a certain incident ran away from Lennox who was taking care of him. Lennox thinks it was his fault. I too think that was probably the case. There are times the way Lennox is so straightforward makes you feel good, but there’re also times his innocence can be grating, especially when you’re in so much despair that you’re falling apart. His frankness to the point of foolishness can save you but can also be a great burden.

Ah well, maybe this is just my prejudice speaking. There’re things only Lennox can do but I can’t. Perhaps sometimes it’s the forcefulness of someone clinging to you that will save you instead of the kindness of someone stepping aside.

To tell the truth, I was in a foul mood when Oz, who was in the middle of controlling the world with me, cut me off without a care. I was saved when Faust came asking for me. I too am attached to Lennox and Faust. It was him who granted us an era when we kept on running like in a dream.

Figaro: (It was ‘them’ to be precise, I suppose.)

The hero who established a country, Alec Granvelle. That golden child who changed history was a friend of Faust’s. Faust and Alec, who moved people’s hearts and beckoned them to an era of a new hope. Without a strong will, nothing would happen even if one had the vision of everything in the world and the miraculous power to build a high tower.

I once changed the person who sat on the throne. I once burnt half of the world to ash. I was once loved by a mass of knowing faces. However, little by little, all I could do was to be someone who whiled away his life in complete idleness.

Figaro: (That’s why I was so happy back then, when I could believe that cultivating that boy was my mission in life. I was filled with joy thinking that there was meaning to my life.)

Lennox definitely felt the same. That’s why we both have regrets and lingering attachment.

Figaro: Where are Rutile and Mitile? We agreed that the plan for today is to go to the market of Central Country.

Lennox: They said when we talked yesterday that they would go with us. We’re going to the empty house that they gifted to us for use as we like, right?

Figaro: That’s right. Today we’re going to have a chat with not only the owner of the house but also those who lent us a hand. People will feel at ease with a gentle youth like Rutile and a smart student like Mitile around.

Lennox: I suppose so.

Figaro: Shall we go fetch them from their rooms? It’s fine if we go in the afternoon instead too though.

As we are talking, I sense Rutile and Mitile’s presences. I turn my back and see Rutile pulling Mitile along as he runs towards us. As usual, I expect that Rutile would apologize for being late while gasping then smile at us. However, he is crying as he looks at us. His soft cheeks are all red, while his indomitable will seems to shine brighter than ever.

Rutile: ……

I see Tiletta’s face.

Figaro: Rutile? What’s wrong?

He opens his mouth then resolutely presses his lips together. Then he closes his eyes and shakes his head.

Rutile: I’m fine. Please don’t mind me.

Rutile holds tightly onto Mitile’s shoulders as if to protect him.

Mitile: …..

Mitile vaguely looks at Rutile as if wanting to say something.

I realize that something is wrong. When Rutile is crying, such an attitude from Mitile, who adores his older brother, is unusual. Usually he’d say, ‘Doctor Figaro, please listen to me! Something terrible happened to my brother!’. Or ‘What’s wrong, Brother?! Why are you crying?!’. The current Mitile isn’t surprised that Rutile is crying, but he doesn’t seem to be in sympathy with his brother either.

I look at Mitile in the eyes and ask.

Figaro: Mitile, what’s the matter? Do you know what happened to Rutile?

Mitile: Uhm, Mister Mithra…

Figaro: Mithra?

I look at Rutile in surprise. Lennox too becomes wary.

Rutile’s face crumbles, as if he wants to say something but is unable to find the words. He presses his lips as his shoulders shake. Mitile stares dumbfoundedly at his brother, who is in such a state.

Rutile: I’m sorry, Doctor Figaro. Nothing happened, really. Please forget about this.

Figaro: Understood. I won’t ask any more if talking about it is painful for you. Are you or Mitile injured? Did you eat something strange that you found on the way?

Part 13.4 The night that was all at once sad, surreal, and absurd

Mitile: ……

Mitile looks tense. Rutile hugs him even more tightly.

Rutile: No. We’re all fine.

The way they act worries me. They seem too shaken in the present, so I’ll ask them again later.

Figaro: (That brat Mithra. What did he do?)

The mother of Rutile and Mitile Flores is the Great Witch Tiletta. She was a brutal, bold, and capricious woman. She liked those who were strong. She liked those who were gentle and kind. She liked those who were good looking too.

Having such a temper, she once told me that she loved me. It was before she met Mithra. According to her, I was handsome and powerful even if not at Oz’ level. Compared to the wizards around me, I was a kind one too.

I quite liked her myself. However, we could never become lovers because we knew each other too well. As soon as there was an opening, we would take the other’s life. Therefore, no matter how much we liked each other, there was no trust between us. Eventually, Tiletta married a human and lived in Southern Country. Even then, she never trusted me until the very end, likely because she thought I would kill Mitile.

Figaro: I see. I’ll stop asking now. Do you want to have a rest before heading out, Rutile?

Rutile: No, I’m fine. I can go right away.

Rutile wipes away his tears with the back of his hand and smiles softly. He seems to be himself again.

Figaro: Remember not to overdo it, won’t you. Well then, shall we go?

We mount our brooms and fly into the sky with our magic.

[In the sky]

Lennox: Oh, it’s Mithra.

Lennox whispers as he is flying over the Magic Manor. Mithra is looking up at us. I reflexively tense up when I sense his gaze. There’s no way to tell if he’s going to appear in front of us right in next second and launch an attack.

However, the reactions of the Flores brothers are different. Rutile seems regretful, while Mitile’s eyes are shining. I know what happened the moment I see their expressions.

Figaro: (That Mithra… So he attempted to feed Rutile and Mitile mana stones, huh)

Wizards turn to stones when they die. And it can happen that eating mana stones will increase a wizard’s power. In the past, it was a matter of course that wizards eat mana stones. However, it seems that the young wizards of today refuse to do that. They want to bury the stones in the ground the way one would do the bones of humans. Maurice Flores, Tiletta’s husband, buried her stone in a grave too. Except for a part of it.

I remember that night when I talked to Mister Flores, who was a local teacher. It was a surreal night that was all at once sad and absurd.

[Flashback]

Maurice: …I can’t believe it. Tiletta has passed away.

Figaro: My condolence. I understand what you’re feeling right now. Tiletta was a long-time acquaintance with me too.

Maurice: I wonder if I can raise Rutile and the baby all by myself.

Figaro: Everyone in town will help you. I’ll do everything I can too. Mister Flores.. No, Maurice, I’m sorry for bringing up this topic at a time like this. However, this is an issue I’d like to settle early.

Maurice: Oh, that’s right. I’ll have to get it together and hold a proper funeral for her.

Figaro: There’s that too, but what are you going to do about Tiletta’s mana stone?

Maurice: What… do you mean?

Figaro: So you want to bury her stone in a grave? It’s become common for wizards to be buried lately, right?

Maurice: …Yes… I think…

Figaro: I see. I get it. However, her stone will definitely be dug up again. She was a powerful witch, you know.

Maurice: You mean her grave will be robbed? I’ve heard that mana stones are as precious as jewels.

Figaro: No, what I mean is people who were close to her will come to eat her stones, like Mithra or the twins.

Maurice: …..

Figaro: That’s how we wizards mourn someone. Of course, there’s also the sentiment that one shouldn’t let another wizard get their hand on a high quality stone. Therefore, perhaps it’ll be better to leave aside part of her stone before it gets dug up? You don’t want her grave to be ruined, right?

Maurice: ….Uhm… yes….

Figaro: Thank you. There’s one more thing. Besides the wizards who were close to Tiletta, there will be others who come to rob her grave too.

Maurice: You mean wizards?

Figaro: Indeed. It won’t be mourning for that lot though. Those who simply are on the lookout for high quality mana stones will sense its power and dig it up. You’d want to have protection against them, right?

Maurice: Yes….

Figaro: Got it. In that case, will you be fine with me casting the barrier?

Maurice: Barrier?

Figaro: I’ll place on her grave a curse-like thing so that it won’t be disturbed.

Part 13.5 On the topic of eating mana stones

Maurice: A… curse

Figaro: Oh… I suppose you wouldn’t want another man to cast a barrier on your wife’s grave? If that’s the case then sorry. Feel free to just say what you feel directly. I’m not really in touch with the sentiments of modern people.

Maurice: …….My apologies…. I feel…..

Figaro: Oh, sorry! You don’t look so good, Mister Flores. You haven’t had a good rest for a while, I suppose. Perhaps I’ve been talking too much all of a sudden. I just thought I must protect Tiletta’s stone.

Maurice: Please don’t worry. It’s me who should apologize for being so agitated. And here I thought I was aware that our ways of thinking were different when I married a wizard.

Figaro: It is what it is. Even fellow humans or fellow wizards think about the same thing differently.

Maurice: Doctor Figaro, may I ask you one question?

Figaro: Sure. Please ask as much as you like.

Maurice: Are you going to eat Tiletta’s stone too?

Figaro: I intend to, but do you mind that?

Maurice: ……..

Figaro: In any case, I’d like Rutile to have some if possible.

Maurice: Ru…. Rutile is Tiletta’s son though?!

Figaro: It’s because he’s her son that I plan to do that! Uhm, I won’t do it if you are so uncomfortable. I think that’s Tiletta’s wish though.

Maurice: *cries* That’s so terrible.

Figaro: Please don’t cry, Mister Maurice. What about me casting the barrier? Do you dislike that too? Since it may feel too much like you’re being cheated on and such.

Maurice: *sobs* But her grave will be robbed if you don’t do that though?

Figaro: It will be thoroughly ransacked, because she was a powerful wizard.

Maurice: *cries*

Figaro: P- please don’t cry.

[End flashback]

In the end, we didn’t have Rutile consume any of Tiletta’s mana stone. Of course, we didn’t feed it to Mitile who was still a baby either.

The Northern wizard Mithra made a promise to Tiletta to protect them. Maybe that’s why he attempts to feed them mana stones so that they get stronger. He’s terrified that someone will do something to them. I myself will kill them first if I want to get rid of Mithra so that he’ll lose his magic.

Of course, my sentiments are a different matter. Both Rutile and Mitile are adorable. I’d like to support them until they become adults.

Figaro: (Since it’s Mithra, the stone he wanted to feed them must have been good quality. For those with magic at the level of Rutile and Mitile, their hearts will be destroyed if they’re fed stones that are too powerful. I must sit Mithra and both brothers down for a proper talk. Especially Mitile. It’s necessary to explain that to him carefully.)

Based on what I’ve seen of what was shown on Mitile’s face, he doesn’t seem to have as much aversion to eating mana stones as Rutile. Mitile admires powerful wizards and wants to be like them, so he is always diligent in his study and training. However, there’s an ominous prophecy about him. He will be the ruin of Southern wizards.

The prophecy came from the Northern twins. And their prophecies always come true.

Even so, I want to delay the day that tragic future comes, no matter how little. My heart hurts every time I think about Mitile.

Figaro: (Mitile is such a good boy. Should something happen, I won’t ask someone else to do the deed. I’ll do it myself. I have had the same thought before. Ah, that’s right. That was about Oz).

[At the market]

Rutile: There’re so many people here today. I can feel that the residents of the city are becoming lively again!

When we arrive at the Central City, Rutile has cheered up again.

Lennox: Everywhere was in ruins just a short while ago, but the city is like how it was again.

Mitile: The people of Central Country are so positive! I can feel that when I help them.

Figaro: That’s right. It’s because of such positivity that they lend us an empty house that was destroyed.

Mitile: Doctor Figaro, is that empty house the one we cleaned up a while ago?

Figaro: That one, yes.

I smile with my whole face and mention a certain thing to make Mitile happy.

Figaro: Mitile, you made a table with Leno from the leftover materials, right?

Mitile: Yes. We finished cleaning the yard, so I thought there should be a place to rest.

Figaro: The person who let us use the house was delighted to see your work. He said that it’s impressive that in Southern Country, even a young boy is so good with handicraft. He also said that in the part where lots of people coming and going of Central Country, there’re those who abandoned their houses to avoid the Calamity this year, so he’s happy to see that you didn’t throw away the scrap materials from those houses but did your best to make use of them instead. That’s why he offered us the house that we repaired to use as we like.

Mitile’s eyes shine brightly. I’m happy to give him encouragement too.

Part 13.6 Wishing for happiness

There’s something I’d like to impart to Mitile slowly, carefully, which is that the glory of a wizard isn’t just in how much magical power they have. I’d like him to know that ‘you have qualities that make you a great wizard already’.

Mitile: That’s right. We make use of everything in City of Cloud, no matter how small they are.

Figaro: I know. Your idea to use the bathtub that had a hole on it as a container for growing plants was brilliant. Thank you, Mitile. Thank to your hard work that we have a home now.

Mitile: Ehehe

Mitile smiles happily. As his smile is like it shines from behind tears, I reflect on the situation of the day. I don’t want Mitile to become an unhappy wizard in the future. Perhaps I have been too overwhelmed by that sentiment and thus put too much restriction on him.

Figaro: (Even if gaining great power would bring about misfortune in the future, Mitile has his own freedom. Accordingly, it is his freedom to wish for growth. I wonder if it’s a mistake to monitor how much he grows and suppress his desire to fly higher? Even if there’s nothing but ruins waiting for him down the road.)

For a moment, I see the face of Oz before he became an adult in Mitile’s profile. I once thought the same thing about Oz. However, I was very careful with him because he was a threat. What will it be like with Mitile? Will he become a threat to me someday?

I wish for Mitile’s happiness. And Oz’s. Faust’s too. Master Snow and Master White. Lennox. Tiletta. Rutile. Arthur. I love them all. And so I wish for their happiness.

[At the magic house]

Mitile: Whoa, everything is so tidy and pretty!

Lennox: The people in the neighborhood gave this building a new paint. A full makeover.

Rutile: It’s like we have a new home! We really can use this place as we like?

Figaro: Yeah. Eventually there will be a sign for this building. What should we put on it?

Lennox: Would “Wizards’ House” work?

Rutile: I think so! I’ve seen places in the Southern Country with signs like, ‘There’re wizards here. Feel free to ask for help’. That’d be easy for everyone to understand, right?

Figaro: That’s a good idea. The people here will be surprised at first, but they’ll get used to this house.

Mitile: Brother, please have a look! I made this table.

Rutile: Whoa, it looks great! You and Mister Leno always pay attention to the smallest details, so the household tools you make are really pretty.

Mitile: But the nail is a bit bent here.

Rutile: Don’t worry about that. If it were me, all of the table’s legs would be bent.

Mitile: Hehe, it’d be hard to sit around such a table!

The laughter of the Flores brings a smile to my face. Then, many people appear from inside the house. They are the residents of the Central Country’s Capital, who gave their best for the restoration of the city.

Central Country citizen: Hi there, Doctor Figaro! The wizard friends too.

Figaro: Good day to you too. Thank you for the beautiful house.

Central Country citizen: It’s us who should thank you. You’ve helped us a lot.

Central Country citizen: I thought you’d use this house as your residence here, but apparently you’re going to use it as, what is it, a gathering place?

Figaro: That’s right. We’d like to have a place where people who need the help of magic can easily visit.

???: So this is something akin to a general store of wizards?

Suddenly, someone cuts into our conversation. That’s a youth I’ve never seen before. One can say that he’s still a boy. He has refined and bright manners. Like Mitile when he explores a new place, the boy’s eyes are shining.

???: My apologies for interrupting. I am Luchino Addinson, an aspiring reporter.

Rutile: Nice to meet you, Luchino. I’m Rutile Flores. You write for a newspaper?

Luchino: I write up the latest information and send it to interested customers. Information is valuable after all. Perhaps newspapers will be the force that moves the world. Reporter is a wonderful profession!

There’s an innocent admiration and pride in Luchino’s attitude about his work. He draws his shoulders together as if embarrassed.

Luchino: Pardon my rudeness. I got carried away. Please continue.

Part 13.7: A chilling reunion

Lennox: It’s my turn then. I’m Lennox. Nice to meet you.

Mitile: How do you do. My name is Mitile. I’m Rutile’s younger brother.

Figaro: Hi there. I’m Figaro.

Mitile is still on guard as he looks at Luchino, who stares at us with undisguised enthusiasm. This kid is the type who wants to have an encounter with wizards.

Luchino: I’m very interested about wizards so it’s great to meet you.

Bull’s eye. And from his clothes, this kid is probably the scion of some noble family.

Luchino: When I heard that a gathering place for wizards is being set up, I couldn’t help myself and show up here uninvited. You Sage’s Wizards like His Highness Prince Arthur and Cain the former knight are saviors of our world. Thank you for protecting us. I haven’t managed to find a place that publishes my investigative articles yet, but I would like to write about everyone. So please allow me to assist you!

Luchino makes a graceful bow. He gives off the impression of an honest, decent kid. I place my hand on the back of Mitile, who is still tense, and smile at Luchino.

Figaro: Thank you, Luchino. Let’s leave the talk about your investigative reporting aside for the time being. Please be Mitile’s friend first.

Luchino: I’ll be glad to! Hi, Mitile. I’ve heard a lot about Southern Country, so I’d like to visit someday.

Mitile: Really? You can talk to me about anything! How about the Town of Cloud?

Luchino: Town of Cloud! I’ve heard about that! It’s the most prosperous place in Southern Country, right? Please tell me everything!

As the talk went on, Mitile gradually lowered his guard. Rutile looked at the two boys with a smile on his face.

Lennox: He writes for a newspaper? You’re fine with that, Doctor Figaro?

Figaro: There’ll be slanders against us, so it’s good to have someone on our side. That kid seems pretty decent. I can’t wait to see what he’ll write about me. Maybe ‘the gentle healing hand of Southern Country, Doctor Figaro’…

???: Milord Figaro.

Suddenly, a low voice calls out behind me. A chill ran down my back. I didn’t not sense the presence of this person at all until now.

Figaro: …..tsk.

A hand grabs my shoulder before I turn around. That hand is even bigger than Lennox’s, its skin dry and white. It can likely snap the neck of children or women with no effort. I can see a leather bangle fitting snugly around the thick wrist.

Gulping, I raise my head. I am quite tall myself, but that person is such a burly giant that I would need to lift my chin to see his face. His expressionless eyes are of a faint blue, like a blade of ice.

On this peaceful day under the shade of the trees, of all people, the person standing behind me is a huge Northern wizard.

Tension fills my whole body, but I show that person a smile.

Figaro: Hi there! You must be Isaac, if my eyes don’t deceive me.

Isaac: It’s been a while, Lord Figaro.

Just as he said, the last time we met was 100 years ago or even longer.

Isaac is a Northern wizard. He isn’t on the same level as Bradley, but still strong enough that I can’t lower my guard around him. If he is in the mood, he can erase all traces of life from a part of this city in the blink of an eye.

There’s something strange about Isaac. His indifferent eyes of light color reveal none of what he is thinking as he seizes my hand. Holding it tightly with both hands, he stares fixedly at me.

Isaac: My lord, you’re the Wise One as always. I am… I can’t be like that. No matter how much time has passed, I can’t manage it.

Isaac sinks down with my hand still in his. He flops on the floor then immediately wriggles up in a kneeling position. He tugs at my hand as if about to place it on the tip of his nose. Probably he wants to assume the pose of a supplicant offering a prayer.

Isaac: Lord Figaro, o Lord Figaro, I did something foolish again. I… I just realized. I’m going to die soon. I can feel that. Therefore, I’d like to become smart, if only for a moment, before I die. I want to understand this world.

Isaac: And now I meet you here.

Isaac smiles, but his eyes, which are like those of a killer, do not.

Part 13.8 Walking a hungry bear around town

I think to myself that what’s going on is nothing but trouble. Isaac is a dangerous wizard. He’s short-tempered and violent. I’ve seen him make sure that those who mocked him would never be able to laugh again without a change in his expression. I’ve also seen him turn clever wizards into stones then ate them when he grew restless and furious. Apparently he thought doing so would help him become clever too.

Figaro: (Good grief. Isaac isn’t a wizard who should be allowed to stay in a city with so many people like this).

It isn’t that Isaac is intentionally cruel. Compared to the average Northern lot, he is quite gentle. He is different from them in that despite being born a Northern wizard, he loves learning. He once said smart people seemed to have an easy, unruffled life, so if he could understand the world and its workings, he would definitely be able to live without his heart being in disarray.

I like that side of Isaac, which is so earnest, pitiful, and foolish.

Lennox: Doctor Figaro.

I realize that the Southern wizards are looking at me. With some hesitation, I pull back my hand from his.

Figaro: Come, Isaac. Let’s talk face to face.

Isaac: Lord Figaro.

Figaro: Please call me Doctor Figaro.

I whisper in Isaac’s ear and tug at his arm to get him to stand up. As he doesn’t move, I clasp his back.

Figaro: Stand up. You’re attracting attention.

Isaac: Yes, sir.

Figaro: Leno, sorry to bother you, but this guy is my acquaintance from before. I’d like to have a chat with him. Can I leave this place’s business to you?

Lennox: Got it. Be careful.

Mitile: Wow, Doctor Figaro’s friend is a giant. I’ve never seen anyone as big as him.

Rutile: Welcome. I just brewed some tea. Please help yourself if it’s to your liking.

Isaac: …..

Isaac fixes his gaze at Rutile upon hearing his soft voice. Bright and gentle Rutile is just the type of person he likes. I hastily shake my head.

Figaro: Don’t do anything, Isaac. They belong to Mithra.

They don’t belong to Mithra at all, but that’s the quickest way to get the point to a Northern wizard.

Isaac: Mithra? Mithra the Northern wizard?

Figaro: The very same one.

Isaac: But… he invited me to tea.

Figaro: Isaac, I’m warning you because I like you. If you drink that tea, Mithra will kill you.

Isaac: The tea…

Figaro: Don’t come to this house again. Let’s go.

Isaac: Understood.

I walk through the busy street with Isaac in tow.

Isaac: Have you been here for a long time, Lord Figaro?

Figaro: Doctor Figaro.

Isaac: Doctor Figaro.

Figaro: Well, I live in Southern Country, but I’ve been here a lot recently.

Isaac: Hehe, people talked to me. Lots of them…. They gave me things like flowers and water too.

Figaro: That’s nice, isn’t it? The Central Country is at the heart of the continent, so the people here are sociable.

Isaac: *chuckles* They will talk to me again, perhaps.

Figaro: I suppose so.

Isaac’s giant-like stature draws people’s eyes to him. With his coarse hair and the square set of his shoulders, he’s like a hungry bear that is on the prowl for food. The good people who have been earnestly giving their best effort for the restoration of the city are terrified by his appearance. The mothers with children in their arms as well as the young men who pull the carts full of goods all pale with fear and vacate the street. Every time that happens, the rough, short-tempered Isaac is irritated.

Isaac: They gave me gifts just a while ago.

Figaro: It’s the middle of the day. Everyone is busy. Besides that, don’t take people’s good will for granted.

Isaac: …I see. Even so, if they give me something, I’ll share a small portion of what I get with you, Lord Figaro.

No matter how many times I correct him, Isaac keeps calling me Lord Figaro. Eventually, I give up getting him to change how he addresses me.

Figaro: Thank you. That isn’t necessary though.

Isaac: Apologies.

It isn’t that Isaac wants a physical thing. He has the strength to seize whatever he likes. Maybe what’s happening is that he likes this city and wants to be welcome by its people. Perhaps he takes the charity he received as people liking him, and he wants to show me that.

Yet the townspeople are avoiding him.

I understand the feeling of both sides. Of course people would want to protect what they hold dear from what they find scary or abnormal.

Part 13.9 Even as I want to be around people

On the other hand, at times like this, I feel like I could hear the roar of the sea.

Whether I walk into the waves of the freezing ocean or mingle in the crowd of people coming and going, there’s no overcoming the loneliness I feel. Even as there is no promised paradise for me, my soul will freeze if I don’t keep walking ahead.

Figaro: (I want to let Isaac stay in this city, but I’m afraid there’ll be bloodshed soon. Isaac isn’t used to living in such a crowded place like here. Shall I force him to return to Northern Country before problem arises? Or perhaps…)

Isaac: Please have a look, Lord Figaro.

Figaro: Yes?

Isaac holds out something to me. In the palms of his huge hands is a tattered book.

I blink and ask in surprise.

Figaro: So you’ve learnt to read?

The corners of Isaac’s mouth curl up. It’s an awkward, bashful expression of a smile.

Isaac: Yes.

I smile as I reach out and pull him to a place where we won’t hinder the traffic.

There’re many illiterate people in the world. It’s only about one hundred years ago that education started to be provided to those who aren’t of the nobility, and that’s mostly in places with rich culture. Farmers only need to know how to farm, hunters how to hunt, artisans how to make their wares, and that’s enough to go on living.

Besides, for a wizard who can live by themselves in the North, it’s no problem at all if they can’t read and write. However, Isaac loves to study. I like this side of his too.

Figaro: Let me have a look. Oh, this is impressive. You can read this much already?

Isaac: Is it a difficult book?

Figaro: Not really. A child who knows the letters can understand it. But you couldn’t even write your own name before, right? Well done, Isaac. Reading is fun, isn’t it?

While I smile at him, Isaac widens his eyes and takes in a deep breath, as if affected by what I said. He looks just like Mitile before. Isaac must have been working hard, so he is filled with joy when I praise him.

How sweet and pitiful, I think.

Isaac: Thank you, Lord Figaro. I’m very, very happy.

Figaro: I’m glad too. Where did you learn to read and write from?

Isaac: In Northern Country. Then in Central Country. I was really frustrated, but I tried to bear with it. There were times I couldn’t really manage that though.

Figaro: Did someone teach you?

Isaac: I begged the travelers. They had no home, you know. So…

Figaro: Ah, so they taught you in exchange of some coins.

Isaac: Oh, well, you can say that. After that, when I came to Central Country, the humans gave me lots of books too. They said, ‘if you want to read then we’ll give you books’. From time to time, I talk to them and ask about how to read.

Figaro: I see. Not many Northern wizards can manage that.

Isaac: Haha.

Isaac laughs. As he does that, even his expressionless eyes look like a glittering icy lake. Even so, his hair and clothes are dirty. No matter how much I taught him, he never gets into the habit of washing himself and his clothes.

Figaro: Isaac, please clean up. I taught you the way to cleanse yourself with magic already, didn’t I?

Isaac: But I hate bathing. It’s no problem if I don’t keep clean.

Figaro: Even if it’s not a problem for you, it is to those around you. They’ll run away from you.

Isaac: Why would they do that?

Figaro: Because bad odor and unkempt looks are unpleasant. It’s unhygienic and can make you sick too.

Isaac: I find it unpleasant when children laugh out loud too. They always do that so suddenly and startle me. Sometimes, their laughter brightens the mood, but I always get irritated right away. What makes me different from them?

Figaro: Human lifespan is short, so they remember their childhood and thus relate to the children. When they see children laugh, most people will be happy.

Isaac: Not me. So they run away from me because they can’t relate to a being like me? This is so infuriating. They haven’t even met me. If that’s the case, I won’t go out of my way to make myself clean. If they want to look at me with disgust then go ahead. That would be a relief.

Figaro: Why would you do something that people can’t accept even though you want to be among them?

Isaac huffs. He gives me a stare full of hostility and hatred.

Isaac: Give me an answer I can be satisfied with then. You’re the wise one, Lord Figaro. You must know the correct answer, right? Is there any reason they tolerate children who suddenly laugh out loud but they can’t accept me? Please tell me! You should know why!

Isaac immediately pesters me for an answer. With utmost patience, I ask him.

Figaro: Isaac, there’re many reasons for that. Besides, there isn’t necessarily one ‘correct’ answer. Depending on the time and place, the answer will be different. That’s why you must learn why by yourself.

Isaac: You’re terrible for putting on airs like that. You know I will comply with what you teach me properly.

I feel fed up in the face Isaac’s resentment. Sad and hurt too. It is unexpectedly hard to find someone who would look at you sincerely and listen to what you say with a pure heart and a keen mind, even though they call me ‘Lord Figaro’.

Isaac: Lord Figaro, please hurry up and tell me. I’d like to be knowledgeable about this world.

Figaro: There’s no point if you only know something. Isaac, you only want to know the reason so that you won’t be hated. However, that’s the same as wanting to know about everyone’s temperament or the entire world’s history. You must keep that in mind.

Isaac: I get it. You hate me. You should’ve just said that.

Figaro: You’re mistaken.

Isaac: You’re lying. Even so, I’ll do as you say because I never go against your words. Your teachings are more precious than any mana stone to me. I love studying with you.

Figaro: You’re lying. You only want to get from me the logic and reasoning that validate you.

Isaac: That’s a cruel thing to say. I don’t do that.

Figaro: The fact is, you forgot what I told you before. If you don’t keep yourself clean, you’ll get sick. Look, your limbs are rotting.

Isaac: ….Oh, because of that….

Isaac’s sharp eyes become clouded with despair. That reminds me, he did say that he’s going to die. Is he in the same situation as me?

Figaro: Are you feeling unwell?

Isaac: That’s right. I can’t really describe it, but there’re times my body can’t move the way I want it to. That bothers me so much that I hit myself, so that part has been hurting all this time.

Figaro: What a foolish thing to do. Where did you hit yourself? Let me see.

Isaac: Are you worried for me?

Figaro: Well, I’m a doctor at the moment.

Isaac: Please cure my foolishness too.

I touch his stomach and look up. He is certainly not as much of a fool as he thinks. He has the desire to learn and the will to move ahead. He has worked hard and become literate. Even if he’s violent, crude, and temperamental, he has been trying to be patient.

Figaro: I’m not calling your foolish. What I mean is, it isn’t good to hurt yourself.

Isaac: I don’t like any of this.

Isaac makes the face of someone in utmost pain. More than sadness, what’s in his expression is helplessness and loss of desire for anything. He wants to end his life here and now.

Isaac: That’s enough. I’m done for. I wanted to change in the end. That’s why I… Aaaah….

Figaro: Isaac?

Part 13.10 The question with no answer in sight

Suddenly, Isaac’s leather bangle catches my eyes. There is a thin chain on the bangle to fasten it to the wrist, and on the chain is a small blue stone. This craftmanship is too dainty for his taste. There’s the presence of a wizard in the stone.

Isaac: I keep doing things that I don’t know the cause of. I keep thinking in circle about what I can’t find the answer. I’ve had enough of being fooled!

He suddenly gets angry and hits the stone wall. Right away, there’s a scream from the direction of the market.

A man: W- what is that?!

A woman: Aaaah, my clothes suddenly burst open.

Again and again, the canvas that covers a stall or a box that holds fruit is broken, as if cut through by an invisible blade. That’s Isaac’s doing.

Figaro: ……

I take out my magic focus without a word. Isaac immediately pales. He holds his head and crouches down where he is.

Isaac: No, it’s not me! I didn’t mean to! I have been trying to be patient. I’ve been enduring everything like you taught me.

Isaac: I can’t stand it anymore! I’m fed up with it! I bear with it, again and again and again, but only for you to abandon me, Lord Figaro.

Isaac’s face crumbles weakly as if to cry as he opens his mouth widely. My heart hurts when I see him like that. ‘How pitiful,” I think. I stand there completely at a loss like a fool. Perhaps I should finish him off right here.

Faust was an ideal disciple. A noble, high-minded hero with pen and sword in accord. I once planned to teach him everything I knew, because I had the feeling that doing so would help me connect with this world once again.

However, perhaps the people who actually need my guidance are those like Isaac.

All of the sudden, Isaac prostrates himself on the ground. He desperately clings onto my feet like a man drowning at sea.

Isaac: I beg you, Lord Figaro, I beg you. If you’re going to kill me, then please teach me one last thing.

Figaro: What do you want to know?

Isaac: What is happiness? How can one become happy? Why was I born into this world? What should I do so that something nice happens to me? What should I do to become smart? If I ate the stone of the Western wizard Murr, would people praise me like they do for him?

Isaac: I… The only thing I wish for is to be all-knowing like you, Lord Figaro.

Isaac: I would like to see the world with the feeling that I understand everything just once before I turn to stone. ‘Oh so that’s how it is’. ‘I see, so it’s like that’. I only want the ease of heart that comes with knowing.

I let out a sigh and look up. The sky is so clear and blue and unbelievably beautiful. If I knew the answer for what he is asking, I wouldn’t be all alone here and now. However, I will only make Isaac despair if I tell him that. So I smile gently at him.

Figaro: I’m not turning you into stone. Please learn the answers for your questions by yourself, little by little. Please continue your study. After all, you have started reading books. There’s still lots of time left for you. See, beautiful days are waiting ahead.

Isaac’s huge back shakes like a leaf. I quietly let out a sigh as I patted it. As my helpful words seem to be accepted, I can’t help but feel that I’m lying.

‘Everything will definitely work out fine.’ In general, that’s really the case if you don’t ask for much. However, maybe we don’t really want to take the easy path.

Isaac is pitiful. He’s also quick to quarrel and prone to lose his temper. He’s nothing but a threat to this city. I can’t be sure if he won’t cause a disaster to the people here. And if a wizard is the cause of a disaster, Vincent won’t be so agreeable anymore. Arthur’s standing will be in danger. On top of that, the hopes of the Southern wizards, who have been talking and working with the local people at the Wizards’ House, will all be crushed.

However…

If Isaac is dangerous, then Oz and Mithra are even more so. Owen, Bradley, and I myself can all destroy this city if we want to. Even so, we are free to go anywhere we want. What’s the difference between us and Isaac? Is it because we are Sage’s Wizards?

And Mitile too. His existence means the ruins of all Southern wizards in the future. Does that make it right to rob him of the chance to grow that he wishes for?

Mitile and Isaac are the same. They want to understand the world and to improve themselves. They want people to love them.

I want to grant them their freedom. However, doing so may lead to tragedy down the road. That’s a problem I’ve been facing countless times since a thousand years ago: Should I eliminate one dangerous individual for the safety of the majority? Or even dangerous living beings deserve to be granted the same freedom as everyone else?

More than everything…

Until when am I planning to manage this world, even though I don’t really understand the meaning of ‘love’ or ‘happiness’?

Card story: To save the memory of today’s smiles

Akira: Thank you for your hard work during our mission today, Cain.

Cain: You worked very hard too. There was nothing dangerous, but the mission was taxing mentally.

Akira: That’s true.

Cain: The residents of that province were pretty unfriendly to wizards. We had no choice but to deal with that. Oh, I have an idea. If you don’t have any plan for tomorrow yet, shall we go to Seth’s Paradise to relax? Even if we can’t take a long vacation, let’s drink juice, ride sandboard, and forget our missions for a moment.

Akira: That would be nice! May I use the ‘Book of Sceneries’ for this occasion?

The ‘Book of Sceneries’ was a magical tool devised by Murr. By holding a blank page to a scene and apply magic, what one was seeing would be painted on the page. With this book, which Murr tossed to me with ‘I’m bored with it already so I’ll give it to you, I was preserving my memories with the wizards.

Akira: I’d like to save the scenery of Seth’s Paradise in this book as my memory with you. May I?

Cain: Sure. Let’s take the Book of Sceneries with us tomorrow.

Akira: I will! I can’t wait for the trip!

The next day, Cain and I asked Oz for help to take us and the Central wizards to Seth’s Paradise. Riquet and Arthur wanted to go to the ice-cream shop in town, so Cain and I parted way with them and Oz to have a walk around the lake.

Cain: Have you decided where you want to use the Book of Sceneries for yet?

Akira: Good question. Uhm…

Akira: (Looks like I’m still tired from the mission? I can’t come up with anything right away)

Cain: We still have lots of time. No need to decide in a hurry. Let’s play to our heart’s content first. You can make up your mind later. Come.

He gave me a leaf a size bigger than a fan that fell around nearby and some kind of fruit that looked like a walnut.

Akira: What an amazing leaf! How are we going to play with it?

Cain: You hold the leaf like this and pass the fruit to the other player by hitting it. It’s important to work together and keep the fruit up as long as possible in a rally.

Akira: (That sounds like badminton, I suppose?)

Cain: Among the Knights, this game is called ‘Off-duty Reward’. I used to play it when I had a day off. Want to give it a try?

Akira: Sure! That sounds fun!

Cain: Great! For this game, it’s the more the merrier, but playing in pair is nice too. Let’s go.

Brown-haired youth: Oh, you’re about to play ‘Off-duty Reward’?

As we just started our game, the young people who had been around in the nearby streets watched we play and called out.

Cain: You guys know this game too?

Black-haired youth: Most of us do. The Knights play this game whenever they come to our town. They look fun so we pick it up from them.

Brown-haired youth: When we heard that the Knights managed a rally of 300 turns, the game became very popular. Huh?

Akira: Uhm, what’s the matter? Why are you staring at Cain’s face like that?

Brown-haired youth: You with the red hair… Can it be you’re Knight Captain Cain of that great record?

Black-haired youth: That’s right. I think I’ve seen you play Off-duty Reward before.

Cain: Ah, you mean that time we kept the rally going on and on! Yeah, that’s me. I was indeed the Captain of the Knights then.

Brown-haired youth: I can’t believe it! I meet the star player of that great record! Allow me to shake your hand!

Cain: Ahaha, my pleasure.

Black-haired youth: Let me shake hands with you too! Oh, may we join you guys for a game?

Cain: Fine by me. How about you, Akira?

Akira: Sure! Since we have the chance, I’d like to try playing in a big group.

The youths: Thank you!

Resident: I just heard what you were talking about. You’re really that Cain?! Let me join you if you don’t mind!

Residence: Me too!

Akira: (So many people are coming all at once! Cain is just like a sport superstar, with how people gather around him like that)

Cain: Let’s all play then! Since we have the fortune to meet each other here, let me shake hands with all of you first.  

We formed a big circle and began our game of Off-duty Reward.

Cain: Let’s start then! Here I go!

We used the big leaf to hit the fruit back and forth and had fun with our rally.

Akira: Whoa, it’s coming this way!

Akira: (It’s hard to guess where the fruit may fall because it’s too light. The ground is full of sand so it’s hard to keep my balance too!)

Akira: I got this!

Cain: Nice, Akira!

Thus we kept our rally running through many counts.

Residents: Oh, sorry! I let it fall!

Cain: Don’t worry about that! Let’s try one more time.

Cain: Ah, before we start though, please come here for a bit, Master Sage?

Cain: It looks like you had an easier time to return the fruit when it came from your right side, maybe it’s a good idea to keep some space on your right side.

Akira: Oh, I get it now!

Akira: (Oh he’s right. I can return the fruit easier than before. I wouldn’t have noticed it by myself.)

Cain: You with the brown hair, I think you hit the fruit when it comes down better if you hold your racket like this.   

Brown-haired youth: Oooh. Thank you!

With Cain’s advices, the rally kept getting longer and longer. And then…

Everyone: 47, 48, 49, …50!

We matched each other’s movements and completed a splendid rally of 50 turns.

The residents: Great! This is the first time we manage a rally like this! It’s all thanks to you, Cain!

Long-haired youth: This feels great! Thank you!

Cain: Oh!

Cain was surrounded by smiles as everyone jostled him until even the tip of his hair was in disarray. He smiled awkwardly.

Cain: It wasn’t all because of me though. All of you did your best together too.

Cain watched everyone congratulating each other with a smile. Then he suddenly looked at me.

Cain: That’s right! How about we use the Book of Sceneries now?

Akira: Ah! I was having so much fun with the game that I completely forgot about that.

Cain: Hahaha, my greatest wish is granted if you enjoy yourself so much. In that case, I’d like to keep the memory of your smile after playing to your heart’s content.

Akira: (Oh… Maybe he invited me to come here to play so that I forget what happened yesterday and cheer up).     

Akira: Thank you so much, Cain. May I save the current scene in the Book of Sceneries as a souvenir? I’d like to have us in the view too.

Cain: Sure, I’d be glad to!

With a hearty nod, Cain opened the Book of Sceneries. He casually cast his spell and the book floated in front of us.

Cain: Shall we stand together? With this, we can look as many times as we like and remember how much fun we have today.

Akira: Sure! I’ll leave it to you then!   

Residents: What are you two doing?

Akira: Uhm, this is… Oh, I have an idea! How about everyone here join us as a memento of today?

Cain: Good idea! Guys, please look and this book. And smile!

Cain: Gladius procella!

Cain cast his spell on the Book of Sceneries. Glowing with a faint light, the book vividly drew the image of all of us.

The youths: Oooh!

Akira: Thank you, Cain! The smiles of everyone here are so beautiful!

Cain: I’m glad. With this picture, no matter how much you look at it, you’ll remember today and be full of good cheer.

Cain gently caressed the cover of the book with a soft smile.

Cain: There’re all kinds of hard work and troubles that wear us down every day. In times like that, let’s look at this picture together and have a chat about today.

My heart was filled with warmth by the kindness in his voice.

Akira: Sure! I’ll keep the Book of Sceneries carefully, so that I can look back at this memory I have with you every time I want.

He and I smiled at each other, as I nodded resolutely and hugged the book, which was like a treasure to me.

Card episode: What he read when he was with the Knights?

Akira: (Oh, Cain is reading a book by the fountain. I wonder what it’s about.)

Cain: Huh? I feel someone is looking at me. Is that you, Master Sage? This is the first time I meet you this morning.

Akira: Sorry if I bother you. You seem so engrossed in your book. What is it about? It looks pretty thick.

Cain: It’s a story about a clever young man resolving an ancient mystery related to the legend of a hidden jewel. I lent Arthur a novel that I recommended to him, so he let me borrow this book in return.

Akira: Nice! If Arthur thinks you should read this book then it must be interesting. I’ve seen you read books a couple of times. Do you have any favorite story or legend?

Cain: The first thing that comes to my mind is the legends about Roland and Seth.

Akira: So stories about a knight and a warrior! You’ve told me about them before. Their stories are very cool.

Cain: Ahaha, I know right? They are stories that every knight would love. Oh, speaking of knights, there are certain stories that the guys in the Chivalric Order often pass around to each other.

Cain: …Ah no, that’s not the kind of thing fit for telling you.

Akira: Eh? You’ve just made me even more curious. Could you at least describe for me the general vibe of those stories?

Cain: Uhm.. They are naughty. Chloe and Rutile would love them, but Mitile and Riquet shouldn’t be allowed around them yet. Things like that.

Akira: ….Oh. I think I know what you mean.

Cain: Good thing you’re so sharp. If you want to know about those stories no matter what, try asking me again when I’m drunk.     

Card story: The Ritual of Starlight and Blessings - Blessings for Riquet
 

Chapter 1:

Riquet: Oh no, it is impossible to see the stars again today. It is my birthday soon, but the rain just won't stop. I can’t help but feel anxious about the weather when the day comes.

As Riquet stood by the window and looked up at the pouring rain, his face was as cloudy as the sky.

Akira: I’d like to celebrate your special day under a beautiful sky full of stars too, Riquet.

Akira: (Besides, there’s also the Ritual of Starlight and Blessings)

The Ritual of Starlight and Blessing was a mystical ritual concerning the relationship between the Sage and the Sage’s wizards, according to what Snow and White uncovered from the old records. Apparently when the wizard in question conducted this ritual together with the Sage on the wizard’s birthday or a similar day when it was easy to gather blessings for them, the bond between them would deepen.

Riquet: I feel the same, Master Sage. When I think about me performing a holy ceremony with you under the starry sky, my heart beats faster with happiness and excitement!

Riquet: I wonder if I will be able to perform the ritual correctly though. What if I get too nervous and ruin it? I am really worried about that.

Akira: I believe you’ll be fine, Riquet. Besides that, it’s said that the ritual will improve your magical power, clear your head, and provide many other benefits. Apparently the ritual brings you nothing but good stuffs, so let’s put our worries aside and look forward to the big day!

Riquet: Master Sage… I will!

Riquet: May I have the fortune of performing the ritual flawlessly under the beautiful stars on my birthday.

Chapter 2:

We needed many things to conduct the Ritual of Starlight and Blessings. First of all was the special outfit that Snow and White had prepared for us. Next came the blessings from three people with some connections to the wizard in question and the Sage.

Mitile: I asked Brother to join us too, but he had to decline. He really wanted to come but there was an urgent business he had to attend to.

Arthur: To make up for this, he was determined to prepare a present for Riquet to celebrate his birthday properly later. That’s what I happened to witness.

Akira: Riquet will certainly be delighted. In any case, we still need one more person for the blessings. Whom should we ask now?

Mithra: Do you three happen to know where Riquet is?

Akira: Mithra? It’s kinda unexpected to see you looking for Riquet. He’s going shopping with Snow and the others today.

Mithra: Is that so? How troublesome. Just as I’m feeling hungry. I would like to ask him to make me something to eat.

Arthur: Why would you ask Riquet to make food for you?

Mithra: It’s him who fervently wants me to ask him to cook though.

Arthur – Mitile – Akira: Riquet? Fervently wishes for that?

Akira: Oh, can it be that you’re talking about our mission the other day?

[Flashback]

Riquet: Once again, your space-time door has proved its merits, Mithra. However, eating charcoal all the time is bad for your stomach. I will pray to God for you to taste food that is far more delicious than that.

[End flashback]

Mithra: Well, that’s what I think he meant with what he said anyway.

Arthur: Acknowledging people’s hard work is indeed a charm of Riquet’s.

Mitile: That’s unexpected. I didn’t know you and Riquet had a conversation like that, Mister Mithra.

Mithra: It is nothing so unusual though. You simply didn’t know about that.

Mitile: B-but I do know a lot of nice things about Riquet that you don’t!

Arthur: That’s right! Why don’t you join us, Mithra? Together we can find the way to express everything that is nice about Riquet.

Mitile – Akira: Eh?

Arthur: Both Mitile and I take pride in the fact that we know many good points of Riquet. On the other hand, Mithra has spent time with a Riquet that we haven’t seen. With the help of Master Sage, the three of us will be able to find the words of blessings for Riquet that only we can come up with, don’t you think so?

Mitile: Whoa, that’s a splendid idea! Riquet will definitely love that!

Akira: Please give us a hand, Mithra. In return, I’ll make you anything you want for a snack later.

Mithra: Anything?

Akira: I- I think so.

Mithra: Well, fine by me.

Arthur – Mitile: Yay!

Mitile: I have to make this clear though, Mister Mithra. Allow me to say this much: I am the one who has seen the most of Riquet’s good side!

Mithra: What? I don’t really get what you’re talking about, but no way I can lose to anyone about anything.

Akira: (Why on earth are they turning this into a competition?! Anyway, it seems that we will have wonderful blessings for Riquet. I can’t wait for the ritual.)

Chapter 3:

On Riquet’s birthday, the scent of rain still lingered.

The ritual would be more effective if it was performed in the country the wizard in question belonged to, at a place they had a connection where the stars could be seen clearly.

The location Riquet chose was the courtyard of the Magic Manor.

Riquet: This is a very important place to me. The middle of the yard in particular is full of memories. That is where I learn to read and write with Rutile and Mitile or take a stroll with you, Master Sage.

Akira: The clouds are still heavy, but I’m glad the rain has stopped.

Riquet: Certainly! We can still see the stars through the clouds. My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who has helped me, from the outfit Lord Snow and Lord White prepared for me to my hair that Chloe styled. I’m ready for the ritual.

Akira: Let’s start then. Please close your eyes, Riquet.

Riquet closed his eyes and clasped his hands in front of his chest. My eyes too were shut. I filled my heart with the precious words everyone entrusted to me and carefully let them rise to my lips.

Akira: First will be the blessing from Arthur. ‘You often keep your eyes closed during your meal. That must be the proof that you cherish the food you taste very much. You take everything you do seriously and try your best. I love that a lot!’

Akira: Next one is Mithra’s. ‘It’s difficult to make the charcoal that satisfies me. More importantly, please keep an eye on Mitile. You two seem to be attached at the hips, after all.’

Akira: And now, the blessing from Mitile. ‘I really love your happy smile and cheerful voice when you chat with me. You will always be my number one friend, Riquet.’

Akira: And now, my blessing. I find the way you wholeheartedly believe in your mission very cool. Let’s continue to tackle our worries, savor our joys, and learn new things together!

After I managed to convey all of the blessings without any mistake, I felt something warm swell from my heart. It went through my hand into Riquet’s chest.

Akira: How are you feeling, Riquet? Oh, Riquet?!

Riquet: …..

As soon as I opened my eyes, what I saw was big tear drops filling Riquet’s green eyes.

Riquet: Master Sage, what should I do when the word ‘happy’ seems to be not enough?

Riquet’s smile that bloomed for an instant was full of happiness. As if being confounded by the overflowing feelings that he couldn’t hold in his hands, he frowned.

Akira: It’s alright, because your feelings have reached me, Riquet.

In that moment, a strong wind blew and carried the clouds with it. The moonlight dimmed a little, as Riquet pointed to the sky.

Riquet: Master Sage, look!

I stared at the clouds that covered the rim of the moon. The part that was lit up by the moonlight was dyed faintly in the colours of rainbow.

Akira: Wow, amazing!

Riquet: Is this the result of the ritual? It’s so beautiful.

Riquet: Master Sage, please learn everything about the world with me as soon as possible!

Akira: Sure!

Full of joy, Riquet and I looked at each other. In the middle of the courtyard that was full of memories for Riquet, we stood side by side as we took our fill of the night sky in this mysterious world.

Card episode: Once Again, a New Treasure

Akira: Riquet, I heard that you celebrated your birthday with the three wizards who gave you blessings. What did you receive from them?

Riquet: His Highness gifted me with a huge suitcase full of books. He said, ‘You always keep everything carefully, right? You can bring these books to anywhere you like to read without worrying about getting them dirty.”

Akira: As expected of Arthur. He chose a present that really suits you. How about Mithra, what did he give you?

Riquet: He didn’t give me anything. Instead he took me to the Northern Country out of the blue.

Akira: Eh, was that to celebrate your birthday?

Riquet: Yes, it seems that Mithra wanted to give me some training. I was excited, but Oz quickly got to us and put a stop to that, so I had to be content with just Mithra’s well intention.

Akira: The Northern country is a really harsh place, you know. Even so, it’s just like Mithra to come up with such a birthday celebration though.

Akira: And the third person who gave you blessing was Mitile. I saw him try very hard to choose a present for you. How did you two celebrate your birthday?

Riquet: Ehehe, he told me ‘This is a secret between only the two of us’, so I can’t tell you, Master Sage. My apologies.

Akira: Understood. I think I know what his celebration of your birthday was like just from looking at you though.

Riquet: Really? You’re amazing, Master Sage!

Akira: It must have been a wonderful present that delighted you like nothing else would. Something that you want to keep like a treasure.

Riquet: Correct!

Card story: The Outcome of the Invitations

Cain: Want to have a dance with me?

Oz: ………

Oz: Are you talking to me?

Cain: Obviously. I’ve just heard an interesting legend from the young locals. If you dance around the bonfire, you’ll have one whole year full of luck and happiness. Since we happen to be here on this occasion, let’s give it a try.

Oz: If you want to dance then go ask someone else. I’ll stay where I am.

Cain: Come on, don’t say that.

Oz: ….Why do you want to invite me to dance that much? You and I are a poor match in both stature and temperament.

Cain: Haha. We aren’t dancing at a ball in the palace. No need to overthink it. I’d like you to have a good year. It’s simple as that. You’ve been taking care of us during missions as well as training, so it’s natural to wish for good fortune to smile upon you, you know.

Oz: ……..

Cain: Of course, if you don’t want to then you don’t have to. Just, give it a thought, please. Take your time. I’ll go fetch some food now. My stomach has been complaining for a while. Do you want something too?

Oz: I’m fine. You’d better hurry if you’re hungry. Food at a festival runs out quickly.

Cain: Right. I’d better be going then!

[A bit later]

Villager: Hey, bro! Come dance with us!

Cain: Me? I can join you guys?

[A while later]

Cain: Ahaha, you guys are great dancers!

Villager: Bro, join us for the next dance!

Cain: Ooh! Huh?

Oz: ……

Cain: Sorry I made you wait for me! I forgot the time when I danced with those guys.

Oz: I wasn’t waiting for you though.

Cain: Eh, really? I thought you were trying to get my attention with your eyes. Oh, so you are finally tempted to join the dance?  

Oz: What I want to ask is, you left to get food, didn’t you?

Cain: Food?

Cain: Oh! I forgot! Ahaha, dancing was so fun so that slipped my mind.

Oz: ……

Oz: You’ve been moving around a lot. Go and have a proper meal. It’ll be too late when you collapse.

Cain: Hahaha, so you’re worried for me. Thanks. Well then, I’ll go and get food for real this time. That’s right! Why don’t you go with me?

Oz: Why?

Cain: Maybe I’ll get invited to dance again, so it’ll be great if you’re there to remind me to eat. Besides that, I simply want to have a chat with you. Please indulge me?

Oz: ……. Finish your meal first. I’ll chat with you when you’re done.

Cain: Yes, sir!

Card episode: Eating the World’s Strongest Sugar

Cain: *munching* Hmm?

Cain: Oh hi, Master Sage. You’re here for lunch?

Akira: Yes, I’m pretty hungry already. Are you eating wizard’s sugar?

Cain: Yeah, Oz gave me these after our self-training session. They’ve been a big help because I moved around more than usual today. Thanks to them, I feel even more energetic than before the training.

Akira: They are sugar from Oz after all. Perhaps it’s his way to say ‘good work’.

Cain: I thought so at first, but Riquet got the sugar too. You know, we wizards of the Manor love to recreate the customs of Halloween. My guess is Oz gives out the sugar because that’s how he understands the occasion.

Akira: I see. If that’s the case then Oz is enjoying Halloween in his own way. I’m glad.

Cain: I know, right? It made me happy too, so I ate most of the sugar I got in one go. But Nero who was around us smiled somewhat awkwardly, in a “those are the most powerful sugar in the world, many people would die to have them” way.

Akira: That’s true… You really shouldn’t eat such sugar so recklessly.

Cain: Yeah, so I’ll save the rest of the batch and only eat one piece at a time. Thanks to Oz’ sugar, I’ll have enough energy for anything even in the afternoon!