A MHYK Translation Blog With A Central Bias

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!        

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?

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: What both of us are looking for

Cain: Whew, we’ve secured many of the books already but the end is still nowhere in sight.

Because of the Great Calamity’s influence, the books of a special store for wizards all ran away. Therefore, we split up and went around to look for them.

After we managed to find a considerable number of the books, Cain, Shylock, and I decided to take a short break. However…

Akira: (They told me to wait then disappeared. What’s going on?)

Cain: Sorry to keep you waiting, Akira. There’s a shop known for good coffee nearby so I went to get some. Let’s drink together while we rest.

Shylock: I thought something sweet would be good for a tired body, so I purchased some baked goods. Feel free to eat it with the coffee.

Akira: Thank you so much! So you went to get refreshments. I’m sorry for sitting here doing nothing.

Shylock: Please don’t mind us, Master Sage. We were only doing what we wanted to do.

Cain: Shylock’s right. It’s enough for us that you enjoy what we bought.

Akira: Oh… I will prevail on your generosity then.

Cain: Go ahead. You’ve been working hard trying to find and capture the books that flew away.

Shylock: After all, the books just don’t linger in one place for long since they gained the ability to fly freely like birds.

The books weren’t actually books but secret writings left behind by wizards. Full of the original wizards’ knowledge, they waited for the time to come when their next master appeared.

Cain: I heard that only the people chosen by the books that flew away could read them, but after so much trouble I’m a bit curious about their contents.

Shylock: Certainly. I understand the feeling of wishing to take a little peek to see what kind of wisdom that they carry.       

Cain: I know right? Well, I have enough manners not to look uninvited, but coming in contacts with so many books makes me want to read to my heart’s content.

Akira: Do you read a lot, Cain?

Cain: Yeah, I used to get some coffee like this then settle down on a bench and read in my hometown. There’re lots of books I like too. That reminds me! There’s a really interesting book, but I was careless and only borrowed the first volume. I really want to read the remaining part, but haven’t managed to find it.  

Shylock: You’re getting me curious too. What’s the title?

Cain: It’s called ‘The Clown’s Crown’. It’s a mystery story, but there’s a conspiracy of a lord’s underling to overthrow him too. The writing is really smart and elegant.

Akira: That sounds really fun!

Shylock: It is. I’ve read both volumes of that book. So many years have passed but its popularity has only been increasing, so it’s probably hard to borrow a copy. I heard that a hardback edition was released out of the blue recently though.

Cain: Really? Then maybe I’ll find that book when walking around town.

After our break, we resumed our search for the runaway books and came across a busy book-for-rent store.

Man in front of the store: They said the hardback edition of ‘The Clown’s Crown’ is available!

Woman in front of the store: I heard we can rent that title now!

Cain: It’s just as Shylock said. If everyone is talking about the book then maybe we’ll encounter it soon! Huh?

Cain: Master Sage! Shylock! Over there!

Shylock and I looked in the direction Cain pointed out to us. A flying book was there.

Akira: So another one of the books that ran away!

Shylock: I want to check out ‘The Clown’s Crown’ too, but shall we take a look later in leisure after this quest?

Cain: Yeah! Let’s go!

The book flapped its wings and nimbly weaved its path through the roadside booths and the many people.

Cain: It’s certainly easy to lose track of that book when it keeps flying into the crowd. The way it moves is pretty distinct though. Let’s split up and chase after it! Master Sage, do you mind helping me so that I won’t bump into people?

Akira: Not at all!

Shylock: I’ll look over there then.

Cain: Understood. Let’s go, Akira!

As I was holding Cain’s hand to help with his vision issue, I could hear people cheerfully chatting about ‘The Clown’s Crown’ around us.

Man on the road: Have you heard? The hardback edition of the ‘The Clown’s Crown’ is out!

Woman on the road: That’s wonderful. It’d be a shame to miss this chance to read it!

Cain: The more I hear them, the more I want to read the story as soon as possible. We still have to capture that book though.

Akira: You’re right…. Oh! Cain, there’s a group coming our way from the front!

Cain: Oops, sorry! Mind letting us pass?

As we crossed path with the chattering people and got distracted, the book blended into the endless crowd and disappeared.

Cain: ….! Oh no, we lost it!

Akira: I’m sorry. I was too focus on avoiding people and forgot following it.

Cain: It isn’t your fault. There’re just too many people. Thanks for helping me.

Cain: That book though. It seemed to be interested in vendors that trade in books, since it kept flying to such places.  

Akira: That seems to be the case, now that you mention it. The stores we came across as we chased it were mostly places that rent books.

Shylock: Oh, so you two are here.

Akira: Shylock!  

Cain: Sorry, we let the book slip away. How about you, Shylock?

Shylock: I think I can guess what the book has been looking for, so I’d like to show you two a place it may show up.

Cain: Eh? Really?

Shylock: Yes. Please follow me.

The place Shylock led us to was a vendor that rent books in a small street with few people passing by.

Akira: Oh, it’s over there!

The book we were chasing after was fluttering around the rows of ‘The Clown’s Crown’ in front of the vendor.

Shylock: This hole-in-the-wall establishment has a nice selection of offerings. Our little book seemed to be curious about the shops that attracted customers thanks to that title, so I hazarded a guess.

Cain: So you’re looking for ‘The Clown’s Crown’ too, book?

Akira: Maybe the person who wrote this book wished to read the rest of the story like Cain.

Cain: I see…

Cain whispered to himself and took up a volume of ‘The Clown’s Crown’. The fluttering book approached him and gently landed in his hand.

Cain: Haha, so both of us have found what we’re looking for, right?

Cain smiled at the book then looked up at Shylock.

Cain: Thank you, Shylock. Thanks to you, I have found not only the book that escaped but also the book I want to read. May I pick something to read for you from this vendor after we’ve found all of the runaway books?

Shylock: For me?

Cain: Yeah. Like you said, this vendor has a nice selection of offerings. I’d like to recommend you some titles to show my gratitude for helping me find what I was searching for.

Shylock: *chuckles* I’ll take up your offer then. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me.

Cain: You’ve helped me a lot too, Master Sage. Please join us if you don’t mind.

Akira: I’m happy you invite me, but I can’t read the script of this world…

Cain: No worry, we’re more than happy to explain everything to you. We’ll share all our thoughts about the books we read so you can enjoy them to the fullest extent too. Right, Shylock?!

Cain casually placed a hand on Shylock’s shoulder. Shylock nodded with a smile.

Shylock: Certainly. Your pleasure is my honor.

Akira: Thank you! I’ll look forward to that.

Cain: That’s right! How about me and Shylock having a discussion about ‘The Clown’s Crown’ after I finish reading it?

Shylock: That’d be delightful. I’ll be your conversation partner at any time you want.

I too couldn’t help a smile as I listened to the light-hearted chatter, the kind one would have with a friend.  

 

Card episode: To be captivated by an idea

Akira: Thanks for your book recommendations, Cain. I could have a glimpse into the stories of this world because you explained the contents to me. That was really fun.

Cain: The pleasure is mine. I’m really happy that I got to share my thoughts and feelings about the books I love.

Akira: Since we’re on the topic, what kind of books do you read besides the ones you recommended me?

Cain: Ah, that’d be specialist books about swordplay techniques and novels. I enjoy the popular titles, but I’d read anything that isn’t too difficult. Paperwork and writing aren’t my forte, but I love interesting stories. I can read those all night without getting bored.

Cain: The day before I read a book about someone who transformed into a sea creature in the morning after they decorated their window with sea shells they found and saved their hometown.

Akira: Eh, what kind of story is that?

Cain: Haha, that is certainly a lot, right? I was like, ‘how could that happen’, and kept reading on. It kept defying my expectations so I got all the way to the end.

Cain: Somehow I keep being sucked in by such stories though. I wonder why.

Akira: (That, well, sounds a lot like the so-called B movies.)

Card story: The Ritual of Starlight and Blessings

Chapter 1: Blessings for Cain

[In the forest]

Akira: Oh, you’re here! You know, Cai-

Cain: Gladius procella

[Shaking effect]

Akira: Aah!

Cain: Sorry! This voice… Is it you, Master Sage? Please touch my hand, if you don’t mind!

[Clasping sound]

Akira: I’m fine. It’s my fault. I came at a wrong time. Are you in the middle of magic training?

Cain: Yeah, I’m practicing the spell for casting whirlwind that Oz taught us. I still haven’t managed to master it though. For some reason, water keeps pouring out from my sword. I’ve been trying to calm my breath and facing the spirits with sincerity, but it hasn’t worked out yet. You’ve found me in a sorry state.

Akira: Not at all! In any case, it’ll be nice if the spell goes well for you.

Cain: Yeah, I’ll work hard. On another topic, what business do you come here for? Have you been looking for me?  

Akira: Ah, I want to find you because I’m planning to conduct the ‘Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing’. Your birthday is just around the corner, right?

This ritual was to be conducted by the wizard in question together with the Sage in the country of the wizard or a location relevant for them, on a day when it was easy to gather blessings such as their birthday. According to Snow and the others, the purpose of the ritual was to deepen the bond between the Sage and the wizard. Apparently it brought many benefits such as increasing the wizard’s magical power, reinforcing their heath, clearing up their mind and so on.

Cain: Oh, that! I would ask you to conduct that ritual myself if it isn’t too much trouble. I’ll leave it to your capable hands then, Akira. 

Chapter 2

For the Ritual of Starlight and Words of Blessing, it was necessary to have the blessings from three wizards who had some connections with the wizard in question. For that purpose, I talked to Riquet and Heathcliff, who had a good relationship with Cain.  

Akira: Thanks for coming, Riquet, Heathcliff.

Riquet: I will give this task my all to be worthy of your expectations, Master Sage! Of course, it is for Cain’s sake too!

Heathcliff: Same for me. After all, Cain has been taking care of me ever since I first arrived at the Magic Manor. This is not really about expressing my gratitude. Rather, I’d like to come up with a blessing that will bring him lots of joy.

Heathcliff: Is it really okay for me to be the one giving Cain blessings though? There are certainly other people who would love to be his blessing givers. His Highness Prince Arthur, for example.

Akira: Oh, I plan to ask Arthur after he returns from Granvelle Castle! Anyway, it’s true that Cain is loved by everyone.

Riquet: I love Cain! You do too, don’t you Heathcliff? That’s why I think we should give him the most magnificent words of blessing as the representatives of people who love him.

Heathcliff: I- I suppose? In that case, I’ll be delighted to do the task. What do you like about Cain, Riquet?

Riquet: There is that time where he ate the chocolate I was saving for later. In the beginning, I was a bit angry, but then he said ‘You didn’t eat the chocolate right away so I thought you don’t want it. I’m really sorry’ and apologized to me properly without making excuses. I love how he is sincere like that.

Akira: Ahaha, that’s certainly very Cain.

Heathcliff: I think it’s impressive how he’s straightforward in words and deeds. He has never deceived anyone.

Owen: That guy has never deceived anyone? Are you for real? He, who is a born liar?

Akira – Heathcliff – Riquet: Owen!

While we hadn’t noticed, Owen appeared. As we turned in his direction, Owen looked at us with a sarcastic smile.

Owen: Mister Knight pretended to be a human and lived like one since birth. For him, lying comes easier than using magic. He must be trying to curry favor with you by appearing to be sincere, O Lord Grand Noble and Master Apostle of God. Can he be really trusted?

Heathcliff: Cain pretended to be human because he listened to his parents whom he treasures. That was definitely not his own wish. I respect how Cain always thinks of his family and comrades when he acts, so I trust him.

Riquet: Geez, Owen! We are in the middle of composing words of blessings for Cain. Please don’t get in our way.

Owen: Ahaha, no need for you to be so cruel. Oh I know, how about me giving that some thoughts for you then?

Heathcliff – Riquet: Eh?

Owen: That ritual requires three wizards, is that right? What? Am I not suitable for the task?  

Akira: No, that’s not the case at all! I just didn’t think you’d offer.  

Heathcliff: Will what Owen gives really be a blessing though?

Riquet: I think it will work out. Cain will definitely accept even Owen’s words with a smile and be delighted by them.

Owen: Whatever the case, I certainly want to see how his smile becomes all messed up on the day of blessings.

Heathcliff: I just want to make him smile the normal way though.

Riquet: Let’s return to our task at hand! Our blessings for Cain will be…  

Akira: (They are discussing the suitable words for Cain’s blessings so seriously. Unexpectedly, they seem to be a good team for the task?)

Chapter 3:

[At Roland’s grave]

The ritual should be conducted at a location where many spirits made it their home and the stars could be seen clearly in the country of the wizard in question belonged. Accordingly, we went to Forest of Tranquility. We once had a mission there, and it was also the place the knight Cain admired rested for eternity.

After paying respect at Roland’s grave, we immediately conducted the ritual. Cain closed his eyes as I carefully placed my hand on his chest.

Akira: (First will be the blessing from Heathcliff)

Akira: ‘Happy birthday! You are like a big brother to me. Even so, I’d like you to rely on me too when you’re in need. I want to be of help to you as your friend.’

Akira: (Next is the blessing from Riquet)

Akira: “Happy birthday to you! To you, who expresses to me with all your heart that you love me when I encounter difficulty or when I am lonely, I love you too!”

Akira: (This one is from Owen)

Akira: “I hate you. From that useless sword of yours to the way you laugh.”

Akira: (Finally, my blessing…)

Akira: “Dear Cain, you look very cool when you’re all stern and serious, but you’re open-hearted and cheerful by nature, and you have gifted me with your smiles countless times. May you have many wonderful reasons to smile and laugh in the future!”

When all of our words have been recited, I sensed something warm that spread from my arm to Cain’s chest. I opened my eyes and met Cain’s gaze. He gave me a smile that was like a refreshing breeze as he lightly pressed his own chest.

Cain: Thank you, Akira. The words from blessings from you and the others have certainly reached me. It’s hard to describe the sensation but somehow I’m feeling very refreshed!

Akira: It’s my pleasure to conduct the Ritual of Starlight for you today.

Cain: Now that I think about it, I’m light in both heart and body now. Maybe now is the time I will manage it.

It seemed that an idea dawned in Cain’s head because he unsheathed his sword. And then…

Cain: Gladius procella.

In that moment, I noticed that Roland’s sword glowed up with a faint light as if to answer a call.

Akira: Wow! Cain, there’s a whirlwind from your sword!

Cain: I did it! I finally did it! It’s a success!

Akira: Indeed. Congratulations!

Cain: Ahaha, maybe it’s thanks to the Starlight Ritual. I think I can do other magic in this state too.

[Smacking sound]

Cain: Ow! W- what on earth?

As Cain was laughing happily, a big leaf that was carried by the wind stuck on to the back of his head as if to poke at him. Cain stopped his magic and touched his head to check. He tilted his head confusedly when he noticed the leaf.

Cain: A red leaf? Was it brought here by the whirlwind I cast just now?

Akira: Uhm, Cain, I don’t know if this is relevant, but earlier I noticed Roland’s sword lit up for a moment.

Cain: I see. Perhaps that leaf was Roland’s way to tell me off.

Akira: Eh?

Cain: The legend says Roland had beautiful red hair, the same color as this leaf.  

As he said that with a smile, Cain raised that leaf in the air. The beautiful moonlight shined through the leaf and lit up his face.

Cain: I know what you meant to tell me, Roland. I will not be content with just one instant of success, and instead will continue to work hard. It’s my goal to someday become a knight like you.

After looking at the leaf the same way he would look at a dear friend, he placed it on Roland’s grave like an offering.

Cain: I’m hungry already. Nero said he’d treat me, so shall we fly straight back to the Magic Manor on my broom?

Akira: Ahaha that’s right. We should return before the bacon gets cold.

The wind blew softly in reply to Cain’s vivacious laughter. The huge leaf that he had placed on Roland’s grave rustled gently as if to wave us goodbye.  

 

Card episode: Three Wizards, Three Manners of Celebrations

Cain: Thank you for the ritual, Akira. I’ve been feeling energetic since you conducted it for me. Today Oz praised me too.

Akira: I’m glad to hear that! Ah, I’ve been meaning to ask. What kind of birthday celebration did you enjoy with the wizards who gave you blessings?

Cain: Heath invited me to coffee. We had a stroll around the Capital together. Then I got a book from him. He was really bashful as he said that it was the book he had been meaning to recommend to me.

Akira: Ahaha, that sounds like something Heath would do. A book that Heath would recommend must be very interesting!  

Cain: Riquet treated me to some lobsters that he said he found at the market. He wanted me to try it because it was tasty when grilled and served with sweet sauce.

Akira: I saw Riquet asking for help from Nero to make something. So that was the lobsters. What did they taste like?

Cain: Incredibly yummy! I think Riquet knows my palate very well.

Cain: Owen, well, he suddenly appeared when I was practicing magic and stared at me without a word. So I asked him ‘What’s the matter?’.

Akira: How did he reply?

Cain: He didn’t reply. Instead he disappeared right away. I’m not really sure, but maybe it was his way of checking on my training for me?

Cain: Anyway, I’m really grateful to them! And you too, Master Sage!

Card story: Dig That Spot, Cain!

After our mission was accomplished without incident, what appeared in front of us was a mountain of rare magical items and jewels.

Cain: Akira, look! This pearl is pretty, isn’t it? It looks like regular pearls but its color changes after a few seconds.

Akira: Whoa, indeed! It changes from yellow to blue, and then to green.

Akira: (This is so interesting. I wonder if it’s a magical item.)

Akira: Come to think of it, what a surprise that there’re treasures hidden in the wall of this place at the bottom of the valley.

Cain: Yeah, the twinned masters said these are all rarely seen stuffs too. They also told us to bring home whatever we like, because they’ve no owner and it’d be a waste to leave them here. I’ve no idea about the values of these items though. All I can tell is each and every of them is pretty.

Akira: Ahaha, I know the feeling.

Cain: ….Ah, these boots are so cool! They’re so well made that it seems they’d be fit for wear even if they get dirty. And this small box seems to be a magical item. Look! A bit hard to tell but there’s a contraption here.

As Cain lightly slid an ornament on the surface of the box, a faint light wrapped around the box. Then the shape of the box in the middle of the light changed, as if something was running.

Akira: The rectangle became a triangle! That’s interesting.

Cain: It seems the character of the magic changes along with the shape too. Shall we play with it a bit more?

As I was enjoying the transformation of the box with Cain, a hand reached out from behind us and deftly snatched it.

Owen: Well well, look who’re having fun playing with a toy they just found. Isn’t this thing too much for you guys though?

Akira: Owen!

Cain: Is that so? This box changes its shape when you slide the ornament here. Look, like this…

Owen: Hey, don’t touch it with your dirty hand.

Cain: What’s the big deal though? It’s just something I found.

Owen: Not sure about that. It’s in my hand so it’s mine now.

Cain: Ah well, I don’t mind, but still….

Akira: Owen, what is this item used for?

Owen: Does it matter? You two wouldn’t understand it anyway. Master Sage aside, Mister Knight doesn’t have the power to make use of the magical items or tools for curses here either. Just knowing about them is useless.

Cain: Even so, maybe I will be able to use them in the future. There’s no harm in learning. How about it, Owen? Could you give us a pointer? There’re many rare items around here besides this box after all.

Owen: ……………..

Akira: Owen?

Owen: You two are so noisy. If you want to know that much then dig out the wall over there.

Cain – Akira: Eh?

Cain: Are you saying there’s something over there?

Owen: Enough talking. Get digging, now.

As Cain and I dug into the cave wall like we were told….

[Sound of stones falling]

Akira: Whoa, there’re so many stones inside the wall!

Cain: Are they… jewels? All of them are faintly glowing.

Owen: Not jewels. They’re magic stones. They’re used for lining around magical sigils.

Owen sketched a magical sigil with his nail. The sigil glowed and a small orb of fire appeared. When a stone was placed along the rim of the sigil, the orb of fire burned stronger and became a big fire.

Cain – Akira: Oooh!

Cain: It seems that the intensity of the light varies by the stones. Does that indicate anything?

Owen: Certainly. The strength of the light shows the strength of the magic the stone contains. With a strong stone, even your magical power would be able to burn down this whole place. That’s impossible with the low quality stones of this place though.

Cain: Wow, you sure know a lot. What are these then? Each of them seems to have a slightly different color.

Owen: No need to talk about these stones yet. More importantly, why don’t you go find treasures that’re more to my liking? It’s you who begged me to teach you after all. Go get on your knees like the disgrace that you are and dig up holes like a dog.

[A while later]

Akira: *Gasping* My arms are at their limits.

Cain: Are you okay, Akira? This much digging should be enough already, Owen.

Owen: Whining after just that? You’re such a weakling, Master Sage.

Owen swept his eyes around the magic stones and valuable items that had been buried then stuffed them into his luggage. The treasures in front of us gradually disappeared.

Cain: Hey, are you planning to take all of these?

Owen: Any complaint?

Cain: Well, it’s us who dug them up though.

Owen: There’s no telling what may happen if a weakling ignorantly touches powerful curse tools. Me taking them all may end up a blessing for you guys. You should be grateful instead, because nothing dangerous will happen to your precious Master Sage thanks to me.

Cain: Hey, Owen!

Akira: He’s gone just like that.

Cain: Jeez, what a troublesome guy. Even so, I appreciate that he talked about many things. I’ve learnt a lot. Sorry for dragging you into that with me.

Akira: That’s no trouble at all! Owen’s stories were interesting to me too. In any case, there’re still treasures left here.

Cain: That’s right. Shall we look around a bit more?

Akira: Oh, this bangle looks like it has been around for a while, but it looks cool. I think it suits you. Huh? The spot of a missing ornament here, it seems the pearl you found earlier would fit right in, doesn’t it?

Cain: Oh, the pearl with changing colors?

Cain rummaged around his pocket and took out the item that looked like a pearl he had found. Right away, instead of the beautiful colors, it darkened and became black.

Akira: …..!

[Tingling sound]

The pearl Cain took out grew all black and began to give off an ominous light. Then his arm moved towards the bangle as if being pulled.

Cain: Gladius procella!

The moment Cain cast his spell, there was the sound of metal being shattered.

Akira: The pearl and the bangle are split into two…

Cain: Sorry! I was careless. Are you hurt, Akira?

Akira: I’m alright. More importantly, what about…

Owen: Hey, there was the pressure of some powerful magic just now.

A voice called out behind us. We turned around and saw Owen, who seemed to have returned when we didn’t notice. He looked at us, his gaze full of contempt.

Cain: Uhm…

The sight of the broken bangle and pearl was explanation enough. Owen glanced at them and asked in a low voice.

Owen: Did you break those?

Cain: Huh? Yeah. It made my body move on its own. That gave me a bad feeling so I acted on instinct.

Owen: Unacceptable. The pearl and bangle were a first grade tool for curses.

Cain – Akira: Eh?

Owen: The tool would become effective when the two parts came together. The aura was diluted, probably because it had been buried for a long time, so I didn’t notice. That was an amazing find. I told you ignorant fools not to thoughtlessly touch anything, didn’t I.

Cain: Uhm, sorry…

Akira: (Owen’s seriously scolding Cain. What a rare sight.)

[A while later]

Akira: We didn’t know that bangle held such a power. It’s a relief that nothing serious happened.

Cain: Yeah, it’s a pity for Owen, but there would be trouble if something like that were used at the Magic Manor. Perhaps destroying it was the right choice after all. Anyway, this is for you, Akira.

Cain gave me a shard of the pearl that was broken into two. Even though it was reduced by half, the beauty was untouched, and the ever changing colors continued to delight us.

Cain: I broke the pearl when the magic’s activation was still incomplete, so this should be safe. Let’s keep it as a souvenir. Even if I don’t know its value, a pretty thing is a pretty thing in the end.

That was such a Cain way of thinking it made me smile widely. I picked up the shard and held it carefully in my palm.

Akira: Sure! Thank you, Cain! I’ll treasure it!     

 

Card episode: Thinking about the Banquet

Akira: Have you ever taken part in the Wizards’ Banquet Walpurgis Night?

Cain: No, I’ve never been to the real thing. I’ve heard about it, but it isn’t something I’m familiar with.

Akira: From what I’ve been told, each country has its own customs for the event.  

Cain: Indeed. Apparently, in Southern Country, people celebrate the arrival of spring together with the spirits and animals? The banquet we held with Rutile and the others in imitation of that was fun. While in the West, they drank and partied until morning with all kinds of people, and in the North, where it all started, Walpurgis Night is a wizard-only festival.   

Cain: I love pubs and festivals, so I think I’ll definitely enjoy Walpurgis Night.

Akira: Ahaha, I see. You know how to enjoy yourself, so I think whichever country’s banquet you are in, you’ll find your footing and have a great time.

Cain: Thanks for your kind words. It’d be great if that’s the case. Akira, when I have the chance to join a Walpurgis banquet, I’d like to attend it with you. For a party, the more the merrier, so I’ll invite everyone too.  

Akira: Sure, I’d be delighted to. I’ll hold you to it!

Card Story: A Lesson in Eastern Country’s Etiquette

Akira: The Blanchett Castle always feels so tranquil, doesn't it.

Cain: Yeah. It’s probably partly because this Castle is surrounded by a forest, but I have the feeling the personality of the Castle’s Lord shines through too.

Akira: Ah.

As I was strolling around the Castle with Cain, we encountered a young servant. I couldn’t help but admire the way he bowed to us so courteously as he passed by.

Akira: (He feels like Riquet or Mitile. Though still young, his manners are perfect)

Cain: Huh? There’s something on the ground. A notebook for work it seems? It’s full of recipes and many other things.

Akira: A servant passed by us earlier. Maybe he dropped this.

Cain: Where did he go? Let’s chase after them.

As I was explaining the situation to Cain, who couldn’t see people, we went in direction of where the servant had gone. I quickly saw him in front of us from a short distance.

Akira: There he is. He’s opening the first door from the inside.

Cain: So the door that’s open right now. Got it.

Cain ran and reached the door in no time. He touched the servant’s back with the hand that was holding the notebook.

Cain: Sorry to bother you. Did you drop this?

The servant: Eh? Oh….

Akira: (Huh? He’s not taking the notebook. For some reason he seems to be panicking.)

Faust: What’s going on here, you two?

Akira: Oh, Faust.

Cain: We’re just trying to return something we found, but…

Faust: I see. In that case, leave it on the windowsill. The owner will pick it up sooner or later. After that, both of you follow me. Come here.

Still confused, we did as Faust said and followed him. When we were at a short distance away from the servant, Faust stopped.

Faust: This should be far enough that he’s able to pick up the notebook.

Cain: “Able to”? Why?

Faust: Generally, it’s courtesy that a servant not let their master or a guest pick up things for them. Also in this country, it’s emphasized that everyone should do their own work. Therefore, from the other side, it’s etiquette here that guests show appreciation to the servants and leave something they find alone where it is.

As we looked back, the servant from before collected the notebook we left.

Cain: So that’s why he acted so lost.

Faust: An experienced servant would be able to steer the situation but he’s still young. Probably he didn’t know what to do.

Cain: Thanks, Faust. You were a big help.

Faust: It’s no big deal. Well then, see…

Cain: Wait a sec. You’re having some free time now, right? I’ve a favor to ask you.

Faust: What do you want to ask of me?

Cain: You’ve lived in the Eastern Country for the long time, right? Can you teach me the etiquette here? I don’t want to put someone in a bind like before.

Faust: You’d be better off getting someone else. It’s true that I’ve lived here for a while, but I’ve mostly kept away from people.

Akira: But I’ll be glad if you teach me too, Faust. You always go into meticulous details when you teach so it’s easy to understand. I think even someone new to the Eastern Country like me can quickly learn how to act.

Faust: ……

Faust: I can only teach you the basic. If you don’t mind that, then let’s start.

Cain: Nice! Thanks, Faust.

[In the yard]

Faust started his lesson with a little lecture on the etiquette of Eastern Country. Then he had us practice so that we knew how to conduct ourselves in real situations, with Cain playing the guest and I the host.

Faust: Cain, as the guest, you shouldn’t approach the master of the house casually like that. Stay in your place, while act such that you show you won’t do harm. Master Sage, you too, please wait a least a beat when someone calls you. An immediate response can be easily taken as you not taking them seriously.

Akira: U- understood.

Akira: (The Eastern Country is comparable to Japan when it comes to things to pay attention to in one’s conducts).

Cain: There’re way more tiny details to watch out for than expected. I nearly made a blunder and acted like I always do, so I must watch myself constantly.

Faust: …..You don’t act correctly by the book most of the time. However, what matters is the feelings and respect in one’s conducts. I don’t think you’re lacking in that respect. If you can’t hold yourself to what you’ve in mind, perhaps it’d be better not to sweat too much over the tiny details of the prescribed etiquettes.

Cain: Thanks for the kind words. Still I’d like to try doing it the way you guys do in Eastern Country. I don’t know this country that well, so I want to experience for myself what it’s like here, where you and Heath call home.

Faust: ……

Akira: (Amazing. I really like this side of Cain, when he gives his all to understand something)

Cain: Time to give it another try! Please watch over us. Lord Akira, it is an honor to be invited here today. Allow me to express my gratitude.

Akira: …..Welcome to my humble abode. Please take your time and rest.

Faust: …..Hold it there. It is bad manners to look directly in the eyes of the other person when talking for the first time. You two should keep your gazes downwards. Meeting the other person’s eyes should be done only when saying thank you.

Cain – Akira: Oh!

[A while later]

Faust: Let’s take a break. It seems someone is calling for me so I’ll go back inside the Castle.

Cain: I see. Akira and I will practice by ourselves then. If you’re back here, please lend us your help again.

As we saw Faust off, we noticed someone heading towards us from the other direction.

Akira: Look, Cain. That person is…

The servant: Excuse me…

The person approaching us was the servant who lost the notebook. He was a youth whose intelligence shined on his young features.

The servant: Thank you very much for your help back there. Words can’t describe my regret for failing to express my gratitude properly earlier.

Cain: Ah no, it’s me who should say sorry. I didn’t know the ways of this country and put you in the bind.

The servant: N- no, not at all! That notebook is full of what I need to know for my work, so I was really glad you found it! Er… Besides my words, could you please accept these?

He held out to us a bowl full of beautifully made sweets.

Akira: Whoa, they look delicious!

The servant: Thank you. I made these to practice my skills, so it is not really proper to offer them to esteemed guests like you, but… This is the only thing I could come up with.

Looking at his tense face, I was struck by how much he was still a youth, as he maintained his conducts as a servant at all time. He knew well that he was deviating from the prescribed etiquette, which he might be rebuked for. However, we understood that he wanted to thank us by doing this.

Akira: (It must take real courage to do this in a country so strict with manners like here. As the receiver of such a gesture, what should I do?)

As I was thinking, Cain ignored the forks being prepared for us and picked up a treat directly with his hand, then put the whole thing in his mouth.

Akira – The servant: Eh?!

Akira: (Uh, that was a flagrant violation of etiquettes just now)

Cain: Hmm, yummy! You’re an amazing confectioner, aren’t you. Thanks for treating us to these. They’re more than enough to thank us.

Akira: (Oh I see. So Cain intentionally did that to be on the same line as the servant.)

The servant: It’s my honor! Please take your time to enjoy them.      

 [A moment later]

 Akira: He was really happy. You surprised us, but I think you handled the situation brilliantly.

Cain: He gathered all of his courage to do that for us. If I could manage something in return of such a gesture then I’m glad. I was pretty nervous too though. There’s a difference between unknowingly breaching etiquette and intentionally breaking it the same way he did.

Akira: You were really amazing! I was caught up in thinking about the right conducts and couldn’t do anything. It’s really cool how you acted quickly and deftly.

Cain: Really? Thanks, Akira. Let’s continue our practice after we’re done with the treats. Let’s work hard together to understand this country.

Akira: Sure! Let’s give it our all!

 

Card episode: To Live Together Without Conflicts

Akira: Cain, what kind of book are you reading?

Cain: This? A book about the etiquette of Eastern Country. We got a lesson about how to conduct ourselves that day at Blanchett Castle, remember? Faust lent me this book to review what we learnt, since he already taught us the basics.

Akira: Oh I see. If I could read, I’d like to borrow this book too.

Cain: In that case, let me read it out for you. Let’s perfect our manners and surprise the Eastern guys.

Akira: Ahaha, sure! What did you think when you were learning about the etiquette of Eastern Country?

Cain: Hmm. I was really surprised at first to be honest. I didn’t think that there would be rules for even the smallest details of how one should act.

Akira: It’s certainly difficult when you aren’t used to such rules, because just a little change can alter the whole meaning of a gesture and such.

Cain: Yeah, pretty much. Depending on which hand you use, the action can have a different meaning, and so on. However, I feel that it’s just like the Eastern Country to be so careful and meticulous to avoid conflicts between people like this.

Akira: I suppose. From a certain point of view, if you follow the prescribed conducts, you can be certain that you won’t hurt the other side.

Cain: Yeah. Perhaps because I was born and bred in Central Country, I’m more comfortable when people exchange their opinions directly no matter the situation instead. Still, I guess there’re also those who find it easier to live when there’re detailed rules like in Eastern Country.                    

Card story: The Pride that Echoes in the Gallop

Cain: Let me introduce this guy to everyone here. This is Richard, the horse I told you guys about.

Riquet: He is so dashing! Are horses all this big when we see them up close?

Akira: His fur is so glossy too! Nice to meet you, Richard!

Arthur: It’s been a while, Richard. How are you?

That day, there was a visit from Richard, the army horse that was Cain’s partner.

Riquet: Cain, I heard that horses love carrots, so I asked Nero to spare some. May I feed him?

Cain: Sure. Be careful so that he won’t chew on your hand too.

Arthur: I’d like to give him a brushing. It must feel nice to comb his fur under the sunlight like this. Master Oz, would you like to brush him with me?

Oz: No.

Riquet: Are you afraid of horses, Oz? Richard is a nice, friendly horse, so there should be no problem.

Cain: Ahaha, I’m glad everyone likes him. Akira, thank you for giving me the permission to bring Richard to the Magic Manor.

Akira: No need to thank me. I’m happy that I get to meet him too.

Looking at Cain’s face, which was full of joy, I recalled what happened a few days before.

[Recollection]

Akira: Cain, you have something you want to talk over with me?

Cain: Ah, I’d like to talk to you about inviting a horse to the Magic Manor.

Akira: A horse?

Cain: Yeah, an army horse that was my partner when I was with the Knights. From what I’ve heard, they decided to retire him and let him live in a farm near the border. He will go by the Magic Manor on his way there, so my former comrades asked me if I would meet him. Since a horse is still an outsider, I’d like to discuss the matter with you first, Master Sage.

Akira: Of course, feel free to bring him here! He must be happy if he can meet you too.

Cain: Thank you! I’d like to see him off, so I’m glad to hear that. That’s right! Would you like to see him when he is here? I’ll invite Arthur, Riquet, and Oz too.

[End of recollection]

Riquet: Whoa, why is he licking my cheek? Ahaha, that tickles!

Cain: That’s because he likes you, Riquet.

Akira: (Cain looks really happy that he can meet Richard)

Akira: Excuse me, can I give Richard some carrot….. What?! An explosion?!

Arthur: The sound came from the roof. Maybe the Norther Wizards caused it? Ah! Richard!

Richard: *neighs*

Riquet: Whoa! Richard is bolting!

Cain: Richard!

Richard: *neighs*

Startled by the sound of explosion, Richard became agitated and acted out.

Arthur: Calm down, Richard! Master Sage, please get behind me!

Oz: … Vox no…..

Cain: Don’t do that. I’ll calm him down. Everyone, please step back.

Having said that, Cain gently stroke the neck of Richard, who continued to lash out, and started talking to him.

Cain: Calm down, Richard. No one around here is your enemy. Calm down and look into my eyes. I’ll pet your back, so breathe, slowly.

Richard: …….. *snorts*

Cain: Yes, like that. Good boy. You’re really smart, aren’t you.

Akira: Amazing! He really calmed down in no time.

As I got close to him without thinking, Richard softly touched me with his nose as if to say sorry.

Riquet: It’s as if he really understands what Cain says! Does Richard know human speech?

Cain: He is smart, after all. If we sincerely try to reach out to him, he’ll listen to us. Hey Oz, you should come here too. It seems that Richard is curious about you. He has been moving his ears in your direction. He must have understood that you wanted to use magic to calm him down too.

Arthur: Master Oz, please come. Horses love sweet things, so I think he’ll be happy if you give him some sugar.

Riquet: You probably don’t know how to feed him yet, so I will show you!

Oz: …..

After a moment of complete silence, Oz slowly walked towards Richard. There was sugar on his hand.

Akira: He ate it!

Richard: *snorts*

Cain: He thinks that was tasty. Well done, Oz!

Arthur: As expected, Master Oz. If you don’t mind, how about you giving him a brushing next?

Oz: I will.

[Time skips to the evening]

Akira: Oh, time sure flies. The sun is about to set already.

Cain: The time to say goodbye to him has finally come, huh.

As he petted Richard, who kept pressing his nose at him, Cain looked at the forest nearby.

Cain: I’m going to take Richard for a walk around the forest one last time. You guys want to join me?

Riquet: It is a pity but I already plan to help with dinner, so I will come back inside.

Arthur: I’d like to join you guys but I’ve work that I brought from the castle. Master Oz, you will retire to your room, won’t you.

Oz: Yes.

Cain: What about you, Akira? Since there’s still time, do you want to go with us?

Akira: Yes. Since he came all the way here, I’d like to stay with Richard a bit more until we part with him.

Cain: Thank you. He’s happy that you go with us too. Well then, we’ll be going since it’s getting late.

As we arrived at the forest, Richard stopped and stared at us for some reason.

Akira: Huh? What’s the matter?

Cain: He wants me to have a ride with him. Do you remember how he pressed his face at me earlier? That’s his way to invite someone too.

Cain: I got you, Richard. I’m taking up on your offer since you insist. What about you, Akira?

Akira: May I?

Richard: *Snorts*

Cain: Haha, he has no problem with that. In that case, let’s go.

With practiced ease, Cain got on Richard’s back then lent me his hand from there.

Cain: Please take my hand. I am honored to accompany you on this little trip under the sunset.

Akira: Thank you for your kind offer! In that case, I will…. Whoa!

Cain: Good, you’re seated properly. What’s the view like from here? It must be a new experience from what you see normally.

Akira: I can see well into the distance! Also when you’re on horseback, you’re very knightly and dashing.

Cain: Haha, really? Then I’ll tell you a story about our time with the Knights. That day, it was raining when we were on our duty patrol at a village in the border area. We came across a pack of wolves that were about to attack a farm. There was a child playing by the fence and the sheep. The sheep immediately noticed the wolves and ran off. The child was left behind and got surrounded by the wolves.

Akira: Ehh?!

Cain: I thought the child would end up being eaten by the wolves if it went on like that, so Richard and I rushed to the child’s place and managed to rescue them in the nick of time. Afterwards, the wolves were driven away, and the sheep were safe. From the bottom of my heart, I was relieved that I could protect them.

Akira: So something like that happened. It’s really like you to rush to the child’s help when they were in danger.

Cain: Thank you. That incident is something I take pride in.

Richard: *snorts*

Akira: Ahaha, yes, you too, Richard. You’re a hero too.

Cain: That’s right. Back then, the child could be saved because you charged in the pack of wolves without hesitation. It’s all thanks to you, Richard.

As we continued our walk, we arrived at an open clearing. Richard immediately tapped his front foot repeatedly on the ground.

Cain: Akira, it seems he wants to have a run around the forest. He’s pretty fast when he runs at his full strength. I won’t let you fall, but please hold on tightly just to be sure.

Akira: Understood! Is this okay?

Cain: Yeah, you’re doing good. So, we’re done with our preparation. Let’s go, Richard! It’s our one last run! Don’t get tired in the middle of the way!

Richard: *neighs*

Akira: Wow, it’s like I’m riding the wind!

Cain: Ahaha, this feels great, doesn’t it!

My heart danced from this novel, brilliant, incomparable joyful experience. On their faces, which were lit up by the setting sun, there was no lamentation of a farewell. Only the radiant wholehearted savoring of this irreplaceable moment.

Card episode: A Shared Memory

Akira: Cain, if you don’t mind, could you tell me about other events from the time you were with the Knights that you remember? The story you told be the other day was great, so I’d like hear more and record them in the Sage’s Guide.

Cain: My stories will be recorded in the Sage’s Guide? What an honor! Thank you, Master Sage. Let me see, an event that I remember, huh. Ah, I accompanied His Highness as his bodyguard on his tours to inspect the city many times. So, that day, I went to town to buy cookies and kept it a secret from the rest of the entourage.

Akira: Cookies?

Cain: Yeah, cookies from a humble shop in the backstreets. Arthur saw people in the city eat them while walking around, so he got curious. But he couldn’t publicly go buy snacks in the middle of an official inspection tour, so I sneaked out and bought some in secret during the down time when I changed guarding shift with my subordinate.

Akira: That’s awesome! You’re so clever!

Cain: Haha, thank you. After that, I only planned to take a bite to check for poison, but Arthur gave me half of the cookies like it was only natural to do so. We ate them in secret on the way back.

Akira: Wow, what a beautiful memory!

Cain: I know, right! Master Sage, you too should make some beautiful memories with me.

Akira: Eh?

Cain: Ah, today I visited that shop again after a long while and bought cookies for everyone. Let’s eat them together after dinner.

Akira: That’ll be lovely! Thank you, Cain!

Card story: The One-of-Its-Kind Present

Cain: This is the “Chocolate cake to share with your loved ones” that everyone in the City of Glory knows.

In a corner of the festival held in the City of Glory, many special items only available on this day were on display along the street where chocolate booths lined up. Among those, the one Cain recommended was this chocolate cake. The shop was always full, so we had to stand in queue for a while to get our seats. However, we all agreed the cakes were excellent.

Riquet: Whoa, the cake melts in my mouth. It’s so delicious!

Akira: It really tastes like happiness!

Cain: Haha, I’m glad you guys like it. I always look forward to the cakes of this shop every year. I can see that this cake’s reputation for tasting even better when shared with your loved ones isn’t empty words. It’s really more delicious when I eat it with you guys than when eating alone.

Akira: (Cain can say such words so smoothly. Amazing.)

Shop employee: Sorry to keep you waiting! The Confession for That Special Person Contest will begin now!

Customers: Hurraaah!

Akira: Are they starting some kind of event here? Everyone here looks so excited.

Cain: Yeah, this too is a tradition of this shop. Participants express their feelings or gratitude to someone important to them in front of everyone, and the audience will decide the winner.

Akira: How can we guess who will be the winner?

Cain: By how loud the applause and cheer are mostly. Like, if someone can stir up the crowd, they will probably win.

Riquet: Why would people here make a contest out of expressing one’s gratitude of all things?

Cain: Don’t think of it like that. This contest is meant to be a way to encourage people who don’t feel brave enough to express themselves too. Besides, the reward for the winner is a huge three-tiered chocolate cake, you see.

 Riquet: Three-tiered chocolate cake.

Akira: (Wow, Riquet’s eyes are shining).

Shop employee: Now, anyone here wishes to express themselves?

Riquet: I have never made a speech to show off in a place like this, but if it is to express my gratitude, then I will do it.

Cain: You’ll be the first contestant, cool! Do your best, Riquet!

Riquet stood up and raised his hands solemnly. Assuming a grave demeanor, he turned and faced us.

Riquet: Master Sage, Cain too, I would like to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart that I got to meet you, and live and learn together with you. There are many things I am ignorant about in the outside world. Cain can be pretty crude too. However, I am happy that I can continue to be on the same path as you. Let’s use the miraculous power we are granted for the sake of the world and everyone in it.

Akira: Riquet…

Cain: Yeah, let’s do our best together!

Riquet’s straightforward expression of gratitude was greeted with a warm applause from the audience. He returned it with a polite bow.

Man: That was a thank-you that brought a smile to our faces, but it isn’t enough to win yet. Let me show you how it is done!

The man winked at Riquet, then taking out the rose on his shirt, he knelt down in front of his companion. The gesture looked like a theatrical performance on stage.

Man: My lovely companion, light of my life! Because I am with you, I can keep walking on the path of life! Please receive the affection and gratitude from the bottom of my heart! Please continue to be my sun and light up my life with your radiant being.

Akira: (Such a passionate speech. It feels like a scene from a movie).

Friend of the man: Hahaha, thank you too!

Although the way the man expressed himself was rather theatrical, his passionate confession received thunderous cheers from the people present.

Riquet: Wow, to be able to express your gratitude with such passion is really something.

Akira: It’s really like the City of Glory to do things so enthusiastically, isn’t it.

Cain: There’re people who express themselves demurely like Riquet too, but this style of saying thank-you is more common here. Today is festival day after all.

Riquet: So that is how it is. I will practice more then.

Shop employee: Hey, Cain! It’s really you!

Cain: It’s been a while! Glad to see your shop is full this year too.

Akira: (As expected of Cain. Acquaintances everywhere.)

Shop employee: That’s right! Why don’t you join in the contest, Cain? If you show up, it’ll get even more exciting.

Cain: Ahaha, you flatter me. It’s already exciting enough without me. Sorry but I’ll have to pass today.

Shop employee: Oh.. Ah well, I won’t force you if you say so. Anyway, remember to come here from time to time, won’t you!

Cain: Of course! Riquet, Akira, let’s go!

Riquet: Cain, why didn’t you participate? It’s a three-tiered chocolate cake. Three-tiered. Chocolate. Cake.

Akira: (What strong words…)

Cain: I know it’s fun, but there are so many people at the festival, so I think it’s better to help someone else to have the chance to express their feelings too. Also, I’m fine with having no one watch me say thank-you. Just you two listening to me is enough.

Riquet: That’s unexpected coming from you.

Cain: W- Why though.

The sound of cheers from the shop gradually faded away.  Cain suddenly stopped by a fountain.

Akira: Cain?

With an earnest expression, Cain gave Riquet and me each a small box.

Cain: My gratitude is all in these. I’d like you to take them, please.

Akira: This is…

Inside each box was a cookie that looked hand-made. Words in an unfamiliar script were written in chocolate icing on the cookies.

Cain: They ended up a bit odd, but I made them myself. What do you think?

Riquet: Oh, it has my name on it! Thank you so much! Master Sage, how about you?

Akira: I’m sorry. I still can’t read the script of this world yet.

Cain: O- Oh. Sorry, I completely forgot about that. This is your name Akira. And this is ‘Thank you for always’.

Akira: Cain…

Cain wasn’t someone who cooked regularly. From that time he explained why he didn’t reply his parents’ letter, he had said he didn’t like writing much either. Even so, Cain made the cookies himself and wrote messages on them for us. The thought brought a smile to my face.

Akira: Thank you for this wonderful present, Cain! I’ll savor it.

Riquet: The only cookie of its kind in this world! I’ll enjoy it with all my heart too.

Cain: I’m glad you two like them. I was trying to act cool earlier, but to tell the truth, I was too embarrassed to let other people see such misshapen cookies like this. When I can make pretty cookies like Nero’s, I’ll feel confident enough to join the contest.

Akira: That’s not the point. I’m really happy already.

Riquet: This cookie is definitely the best! Because I am filled with joy and happiness now!

Cain: Haha, thanks a ton. I already said it before, but just you two listening to my feelings is more than enough.

Riquet: Your feelings have certainly reached us. I’d like to have the giant chocolate cake, but just expressing how I feel about you and Master Sage is enough for me too. It is fine if I can’t win.

Cain: In my opinion, your speech is definitely the winner though.

Riquet: H- Hey, please don’t touch my face all of the sudden like that!

Akira: You expressed your feelings splendidly, Riquet. And same for Cain, of course.

Cain: The honor is mine, Master Sage. That’s right! How about us buying lots of chocolate cakes from that shop to bring back to the Manor? They aren’t the three-tiered chocolate cake, but if we get enough for everyone, we can eat them together.

Riquet: That's right. Those cakes will be even more delicious when all of us enjoy them together.

Cain: Yeah, they’ll definitely be great. They are the chocolate cakes that are meant to be shared with our loved ones after all!




Card episode: How to Respond to A Confession

Akira: In my world, people give chocolate on Valentine Day as a way to confess their love for someone. What would you do if someone gifts you chocolate with that intention, Cain?

Cain: Confession of love? You too are interested in such topics huh, Master Sage.

Akira: It’s normal to be curious about that, I think. You must be pretty popular.

Cain: Haha, thank you. Well, I wouldn’t say I’ve never had the chance to experience such occasions. For the time being though, I’m not accepting anything. I’m thankful for their feelings, but I still have much to learn about being a wizard.

Akira: I see, I see. But it’s hard to turn someone down, isn’t it? Is there anything you especially pay attention to in such times?

Cain: You know, the other person must have done their best to gather their courage and let me know how they feel. Therefore I myself should respond sincerely from the bottom of my heart, without any artifice.

Akira: (That is very Cain, and very cool.)

Akira: I feel the person who confesses to you must be glad they do so even if they can’t get what they wish for.

Cain: It’d be great if that’s the case. Anyway, to have someone express their feelings to you is certainly joyful in itself. Not just confession of love, I would like to say words of gratitude or appreciation to someone too.

 

 

Card story: Expedition! Oz' Castle!

Cain: Master Sage, Oz gave us some nice booze. Do you want to drink with us?

Akira: Alcohol? Thanks for inviting me, but I don’t drink.

Shylock: Cain, Master Sage abstains from alcohol.

Cain: Eh? Ah, that’s right. Ahaha, sorry, sorry.

Akira: (Cain seems more cheery than usual. Is he tipsy? Anyhow, it’s rare to see these two drink together.)

Akira: What are you two talking about?

Cain: Nothing serious. We’re chatting about legends we’ve heard so far about Oz’ castle. Stories like, people who got lost here were eaten by Oz and their souls wandered around for eternity. Or like, the bones of humans who Oz abducted piled up like a mountain beneath the castle.

Shylock: In Western Country, there are legends such as Oz turned humans into stone statues and lined them up all over the castle.

Akira: Er, those legends all sound like horror stories.

Akira: (But this reminds me of ‘Seven Mysteries At School’ kind of urban legends).

Shylock: *chuckles* My apologies if we scare you. People can say all kinds of nonsense, but reality is likely not the case.

Cain: It really feels like that. It’s said there’s a mountain of bones beneath the castle, but nothing is there. That’s right! Oz said we can go around the castle as we like. Shall we go exploring this place?

Akira: Er, now? It’s a bit scary to go around at this hour.

Cain: Don’t worry. I’ll protect you should something happen, Master Sage.

Akira: (Hmm Oz’ castle does give off the vibe that something is here) If you say so, Cain, I’ll go.

Cain: Then let’s start right away. I’ll clean up the glasses so please wait a bit here.

Shylock: Master Sage.

Akira: What’s the matter, Shylock?

Shylock: I think I’ll take a different path in this exploration venture, since I want to try giving that little rascal a little scare.  

Akira: Eh?

Shylock: Accordingly, if something unusual happens during your exploration, please assume it’s my handiwork.

Cain: Sorry to make you wait, Master Sage. Let’s go. You too, Shylock.

Shylock: I’d like to return to my room so I’ll have to excuse myself. Have fun, you two.

Cain: You won’t join us? Then thanks for keeping me company this late. Good night, Shylock.

Shylock: Thanks. You two please be careful.

Akira: (He’s gone. Will he really try to scare Cain? Hmm, how is he going to do that? Sorry, Cain, for keeping quiet, but I’m kinda excited.)

Cain: Well, shall we start? It’s dark in the castle, so let’s hold hands so that we won’t get separated.

Akira: Eh… (Cain is really a bit drunk, isn’t he?)

Cain: All is set? Forward!

----------------------------------

[In the hall way]

Cain: Master Sage, it’s a bit dark around here so mind your steps.

Akira: Thank you. You should be careful too, Cain.

Akira: (Come to think about it, judging from what Arthur is like and the fact that he grew up here, it looks like the rumors about this castle are really just people’s imagination. Still this place does have that kind of ambiance at night when there is no other sound besides the echo of our footsteps).  

Cain: Oh, this is the end of this wing, huh. Let’s try turning right then.

Akira: Cain, you’re the type that are cool with scary stories like what you and Shylock told just now, aren’t you?

Cain: Hmm yeah. I won’t say I’m calm, more like my curiosity usually wins out in the end. When I encounter something unfamiliar or mysterious, I feel excitement instead of terror.

Akira: I see. Such curiosity is certainly very Central wizard-like.

Cain: What about you? You don’t like scary stories?

Akira: Yeah, it’s not like I completely can’t handle them, but I certainly don’t want to explore a place like this if I’m alone.

Cain: Hahaha, this castle certainly has a fearsome aura. I definitely don’t want to force you to go with me, so if it gets too much for you, just say so.

Akira: Understood. Thank you!

Cain: Oh, there’re stairs over there. Let’s try it.  Huh, we’ve walked past this place before. That means, we’ve made a full round of this castle. Just as expected, nothing like what is said in those legends happened.

Akira: Indeed. There is nothing.

Cain: That means from now on, we can say for sure when we hear those terrifying legends that those are just wrong. Thanks for going with me all this way. Let me walk you back to your room.

???: *Crying sound*

Cain – Akira: ?!

Akira: What’s that? Did you hear it? It sounds like someone’s voice…

Cain: Yeah, it’s probably the wind… No, it really sounds like someone is sobbing. The sound definitely comes from that direction.

Cain: !!!

Akira: (W-What? There’s a human figure over there. A woman? Ah! Is this Shylock’s trick? With this castle’s ambiance, it can really be scary.)

Cain: Akira, are you okay?

Akira: Oh, I’m fine. I’m just…

Cain: Glad to hear that. It’s certainly strange though. This isn’t a place where women typically come alone. Also, she doesn’t feel like a ghost but I can see her without touching her. Sorry, but can you wait here for a bit? I’ll go talk to her.

Akira: Eh?

???: *Crying sound*

Cain: Hey there. Why are you crying here?

Akira: (C- Cain?!)

Cain: If you don’t mind, can you tell me why you’re crying? You don’t have to, of course, but I’ll be glad if you let me know if I can be of help somehow.

???: ……..

Akira: Cain… (He can be so considerate to another person even in this situation. That’s really something.)

???: No, there is no need for you to worry, Cain. Invibelle.

Cain: Whoa!

Shylock: How vexing. I’m no match for you, huh.

Cain: S- Shylock? What are you doing here?

Akira: Cain, I’m sorry. The truth is…

Shylock: You’re so curious so I wanted to shake you up a bit with a prank. With Master Sage’s help, I tried to scare you, but it ended up a failure this time.

Cain: Hahaha, I see! I got pranked by you, huh.

Akira: Sorry for not telling you.

Cain: Don’t worry about that. I thought you had to go through something unsettling because of me, so I’m relieved now.

Shylock: Well, we’ve had some fun. There’re still affairs of tomorrow to take care of, so we should return and rest.

Cain: Ah, that’s true. Master Sage, shall we go back to our rooms?

Akira: Yes.

Cain: I’ve to say this though, I couldn’t imagine you of all people would play pranks. What a surprise.

Shylock: Oh? Have you forgotten what the temperament of us Western wizards is like? In any case, it’s me who was startled by you, when you came talking to me without hesitation like that.

Cain: Haha, really? Whether it’s a ghost or something else, I can’t ignore a being who cries alone like that.

[After a while]

Cain: Huh?

Akira: What’s the matter?

Cain: It’s Shylock. Where is he? He was next to me just now.

Akira: What? That’s true. Where is he indeed?

Shylock: You two, where have you been to? I couldn’t find you so I came here.

Cain – Akira: Eh?

Shylock: Oh my, what’s the matter? You two look like you have seen a ghost.

Akira: Shylock, we’ve been walking together with you for quite a while…

Cain: Yeah, we met you at that hallway over there. You were trying to scare us.

Shylock: My, my, that is quite something. Seems like you two have just encountered something extraordinary before running into me here.

Cain – Akira: ….

Cain: Uhm, was that a joke?

Shylock: Hehe. Well, who knows.

Card episode: A Prank in the Style of Western Country

Akira: Good evening, Cain. Your face is a bit flushed. Did you have a couple of drinks?

Cain: Yeah, I was just at Shylock’s bar.

Akira: Ah, so that’s why! What did you two talk about?

Cain: How to play pranks in the style of Western Country.

Akira: How to play pranks?

Cain: Well, you remember how he played a prank on me when we traveled to Oz’ castle at a request the other day? I like pranks too so I want to try something like that some time.

Akira: I see. What did he teach you exactly?

Cain: I learnt how to transform myself. That’s right! Shall I try this trick on someone right now?

Akira: That sounds fun! What are you going to transform yourself into? A cat? Or a bird?

Cain: No, I plan to try turning into Oz.

Akira: What? Oz?

Cain: That’s right! Shylock told me that it’d be more effective if I manage to capture the distinctive manners of who or what I transform into. I probably won’t be able to fool Arthur, but do you want to see the reactions of other people?

Akira: I’d like to, I think…

Cain: Then go with me! You’ll get to see something interesting.

Akira: Yes, definitely!