I’m just a random person who translates things as a hobby. English and Spanish are my native languages, and I’m learning Japanese. I hope you enjoy reading my projects! Constructive criticism is always appreciated. :)
I’m just a random person who translates things as a hobby. English and Spanish are my native languages, and I’m learning Japanese. I hope you enjoy reading my projects! Constructive criticism is always appreciated. :)
My twitter
My dreamwidth
Notes:
- Nii-Sama is how Mitile refers to his older brother. It’s an honorific that translates to Elder Brother, but it conveys a lot of respect. I couldn’t find a way to translate it that I liked, so I left it like that. Other than that, I try my best to localize honorifics.
- The Romanization of the Wizards' spells is my own interpretation, based on the written katakana, but there are other valid ways of translating them, as ultimately the spelling, pronunciation, and intended meanings all vary to a degree.
-Some of my translations have been discontinued, as they have been picked up by other talented translators!
Translations:
Events:
- The True meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen: (3/10)
ft. Akira, Central wizards, Faust, Lennox, Cock Robin & Kanaria
TL of some episodes that weren’t translated (+some I didn’t realise had one already lol). Novice at this; expect mistakes and weird phrasing.
Content:
Impressions of Arthur (1-5)
Story Related to the Spot (1&2)
About Central Country
About the Great Calamity
People at the Spot
Arthur’s Special Medicine
Wizards at the Spot
A Dangerous Place
Arthur’s Reputation
Spot’s Specialty
Discovery at the Spot
Impressions of Arthur (1)
Drummond: “Prince Arthur, Prince Arthur!”
Arthur: “Ah, it seems that he’s looking for me. My apologies, Master Sage, I must excuse myself for a moment.”
Akira: “Sure, see you later.”
Oz: “………”
Akira: “Arthur looks so busy.”
Oz: “Indeed…”
Oz: “Knowing that he has been entrusted with the currently ill King’s royal duties, he surely is.”
Akira: “Is that so… I just hope he doesn’t push himself too hard…”
Oz: “………”
Oz: “I know very well how he looks when he overextends himself. He may be careless at times, but he seems to be managing his work here just fine.”
Oz: “There is no need to worry.”
Akira: “…Then I’m glad. If his foster father of all people says so, I guess he’ll be alright.”
Akira: “We should make Arthur some tea so he can unwind when he comes back.”
Oz: “Yes… I agree.”
Impressions of Arthur (2)
Cain: “I first met Prince Arthur back when I still served as a Knight of the Order.”
Cain: “The prince we all thought was dead had returned to the castle safe and sound, so it was in total chaos.”
Akira: “That does sound like a big deal…”
Cain: “As for me, well, he was going to become my new liege. I was really excited to meet him, but at the same time, as awful as it sounds, I also wanted to judge what kind of person he was.”
Cain: “You know? The first time I got to greet him, we were in this very hall. Since I was still the Captain of the Knights at the time, that’s how I was introduced to him.”
Cain: “He must’ve been 13, maybe 14 years old, but he looked really mature for his age, and he had a majestic air to him. What do you think His Highness said then?”
Akira: “No clue. Something like ‘I’m counting on you from now on’...?”
Cain: “‘Did you say Captain of the Knights?’”
Cain: “‘That’s so cool.’”
Akira: “Ahaha! How pure!”
Cain: “I know right? I immediately took a liking to him, and I bet the rest of the knights did too.”
Cain: “I mean, what kind of knight doesn’t like being called cool? That’s what we joined the Order for.”
Impressions of Arthur (3)
Akira: “It seems Arthur will be staying at the castle tonight.”
Riquet: “I see. The life of a prince must be a very hectic one.”
Akira: “Riquet, what do you…think about Arthur?”
Riquet: “About His Highness? Let me think…”
Riquet: “He always listens carefully to everything I say.”
Riquet: “Back at my church, it was my role to listen instead; both to the bishop and to my followers…”
Riquet: “That’s why talking to Prince Arthur is a bit difficult for me…”
Akira: “Difficult?”
Riquet: “It’s not that I dislike it, I’m just not used to being asked about my thoughts or what I want to do.”
Riquet: “But Prince Arthur always listens to anything I have to say, so I want to talk to him properly.”
Riquet: “It may be difficult, but it also makes me very happy.”
Impressions of Arthur (4)
Akira: “Faust, what’s your opinion of Arthur?”
Faust: “My opinion?”
Akira: “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any harm…”
Faust: “………”
Faust: “His recklessness might remind me of an old friend of mine.”
Faust: “I can’t help seeing that man on Arthur, so I probably have a rather unfair impression of him.”
Akira: (What I heard about Faust being somehow related to the person who founded Central Country might be true after all…)
Faust: “But it does feel like a fated encounter.”
Akira: “What do you mean?”
Faust: “The descendant of the first king who couldn’t trust wizards has been chosen as a Sage’s Wizard, and together with the very wizard who was distrusted, no less.”
Faust: “What a hideous twist of fate. Shortly speaking, it’s a ‘what the hell is this’ kind of situation.”
Faust: “But well, Arthur himself is…”
Faust: “I’d say he’s doing a good job, both as a prince and as a Sage’s Wizard.”
Faust: “That’s all.”
Impressions of Arthur (5)
Cock Robin: “Lately, I’ve been playing a game with Prince Arthur where he transforms me into all sorts of animals with his magic. He seems to like my frigatebird acting.”
Akira: “Huh!? You played that game…? Don’t you two, like, get along really well then?”
Cock Robin: Oh, no, no, Prince Arthur is just like that with everyone. I couldn’t possibly be receiving special treatment…
Akira: (He doesn’t look too opposed to the idea, though.)
Option: Have you ever been turned into a cat?
>Cock Robin: “Yes. We heard rumors that Mr. Faust was quite fond of cats, so I was asked to interact with him after I was transformed into one.”
>Cock Robin: “But when I tried to get close to him while pretending to be a cat, he gave me a cold stare that made my heart skip a beat and said ‘I know who you really are, get out of my sight.’
Option: Have you ever been turned into a horse?
>Cock Robin: “Oh, yes! He turned me into one at my own request! Horses are very cool, aren’t they?”
>Cock Robin: “However, I felt a bit uneasy when Mr. Cain arrived and, as soon as he saw me, he vaulted on me and hit my sides and rear to make me run.”
Option: Have you ever been turned into another person?
>Cock Robin: “I’d like you to keep this a secret, but I was actually transformed into Lord Vincent once…”
>Cock Robin: “It appears that His Highness had a lot of paperwork piled up, so he wanted me to watch over him while he worked to make sure he didn’t slack off.”
>Cock Robin: “It seems that he was able to make progress, and it felt quite good to act all high and mighty for a little.”
Akira: “I thought transforming yourself into something else would be a bit scary, but that sounds like a lot of fun.”
Cock Robin: “It really is. I mean, a part of me still thought of magic as something mysterious and frightening…”
Cock Robin: “But as I played with Prince Arthur, those thoughts faded away, and I came to feel that magic is amazing and beautiful.”
Cock Robin: “Although he can be a little mischievous at times and keeps me on my toes, Prince Arthur is kind, strong, and a wonderful person.”
Cock Robin: “This may be presumptuous of me, but since he can also be rather naive in some ways, he sometimes feels like a younger brother to me.”
Story Related to the Spot (1)
Arthur: “During the period where war and conflict ran rampant, a wicked wizard who tyrannized the area stole this castle from humans and made it their home.”
Arthur: “But then His Majesty the first King Alec recaptured the castle, and it was later rebuilt as Granvelle Castle when the Central Country was founded.”
Akira: “I see it’s a building with a rich history…”
Arthur: “Indeed.”
Arthur: “I heard that Lennox was part of the revolutionary army and that he fought alongside them, so I’d love to hear more about it from him someday.”
Akira: “Huh!? Ah, of course! Same here…”
Akira: (Come to think of it, it’s true that wizards live long lives… In a way, I guess I’m technically living with great figures of history, but…)
Stray sheep: “Bah! Bah, baah!”
Arthur: “Wah! A sheep…?”
Lennox: “Prince Arthur, Master Sage!”
Lennox: “My apologies, one of my sheep got lost…”
Akira: (But it doesn’t feel like that at all…)
Story Related to the Spot (2)
Arthur: “Many legends of the first king and the holy wizard who played a key role in the founding of Central Country are still handed down in Granvelle Castle.”
Arthur: “For instance, look at that, Master Sage… Can you see the window in the east hall of the castle?”
Akira: “Uhm… Do you mean that large stained-glass window over there?”
Arthur: “Exactly. If you notice, that stained-glass has no purple in it.”
Akira: “No purple… And what’s the meaning behind that?”
Arthur: “Legend has it that it was the holy wizard Faust’s favorite color to wear, you see.”
Arthur: “It embodies the first King Alec’s wish of him returning to the castle one day and completing the piece by tinting the glass purple with his magic.”
About Central Country
Arthur: “Master Sage, have you become accustomed to our country?”
Akira: “Well…”
Akira: “There are things I can’t get used to yet, but everyone’s so kind to me, and both the scenery and the cityscape are beautiful.”
Akira: “I’d say it’s growing on me.”
Arthur: “I see. As the prince of this country, that makes me very happy.”
Akira: “Do you like this country too, Arthur?”
Arthur: “Of course I do! I love how much education and culture are cherished here, or how lively it is thanks to the great amount of merchants and travelers that stop by.”
Arthur: “However…there might be a part of me that still considers the Northern Country as my hometown.”
Arthur: “Our personal circumstances might not be that different after all, Master Sage.”
About the Great Calamity
Akira: “What do people in other places do when the Great Calamity approaches?”
Arthur: “I’ve heard that some watch it from inside their homes, while others go to sleep early. There are all kinds of people.”
Akira: “What about you, Arthur?”
Arthur: “I stayed awake most years, even as a child. Master Oz would give me permission to stay up late on the nights the Great Calamity attacked, you see.”
Akira: “Then didn’t you actually look a bit forward to it?”
Arthur: “…This may sound insensitive, but perhaps I did. After all, the magnitude of the damage it’s caused this time is quite unusual, and had never happened before in my life.”
Arthur: “I knew that Lords Snow and White were Sage’s Wizards, and I was also very aware of how powerful they are, so I never found it frightening.”
Arthur: “My heart would race imagining what the two of them were accomplishing as I watched the Great Calamity, much bigger than usual, return to the sky.”
Akira: “I see…”
Arthur: “Worry not, Master Sage.”
Arthur: “In the next battle, we will give our all so that the most striking sight that night is how big and beautiful the Great Calamity is up close.”
People at the Spot
Castle Maid: “Prince Arthur, Master Sage, may you have a wonderful day.”
Arthur: “That I hope, thank you.”
Akira: “L-likewise…!”
Akira: (I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the greetings at the castle… That being said…)
Akira: “Everyone here is so friendly and approachable.”
Arthur: “Indeed. The castle is filled with easygoing yet diligent, and very affable people.”
Akira: “Having people like them around makes me glad I ended up under the care of Central Country.”
Arthur: “Wow, really? I’m sure everyone would love hearing you say that, Master Sage!”
Arthur: “Ah, you over there, were you listening just now? Did you hear what Master Sage…”
Castle Servant: “Wah, Prince Arthur!? A-are you talking to me…!?”
Akira: (Of course their prince is the friendliest and most proactive person of them all…)
Arthur’s Special Medicine
Arthur: “Huh…? Arthur, aren’t you a little pale? Maybe you should take the afternoon off…”
Arthur: “Now that you mention it…it’s true that my throat has been a little bit sore since this morning. However, I’m afraid I have a meeting scheduled in a short while.”
Arthur: “I’ll make sure to go to bed early tonight. Thank you very much for your concern, Master Sage.”
Akira: (Arthur… He looks like a company employee even though he’s so young… I mean, I don’t think he’ll collapse or anything but…)
Option: How about you take a sudden vacation?
>Akira: “Things will only get worse if you fall ill. I think you should try rescheduling the meeting if possible and get some rest just in case.”
>Arthur: “Do I look that bad? Well, if you insist that much, I’ll try doing something about it.”
Option: If you say so…
>Akira: “I just ask you not to overwork yourself.”
>Arthur: “Of course— or so I’d like to say but, to be honest, afternoon meetings are so relaxed that my biggest concern is not to fall asleep.”
Option: Can’t you get a substitute?
>Akira: “Isn’t there someone who can take your place?”
>Arthur: “A substitute, huh… Perhaps Drummond would be able to handle it. I’ll discuss it with him later.”
Arthur: “When I was a child, this level of sickness was but a…”
Oz: “It is a bad habit of yours to be so reckless.”
Arthur: “Ah… Master Oz!”
Soon after appearing without prior warning, Oz made his fingertips sparkle, and Arthur instantly held both his hands out as if to receive something.
The next second, Oz’s hand glowed with a soft light and then beautifully shaped sugar stars rolled into Arthur’s palm.
Akira: “Sugar, I see! Does it have the same effect as medicine?”
Arthur: “It can help you regain energy. Whenever I caught a cold as a child, Master Oz would always make me sugar.”
Arthur: “…Master Oz, my most sincere apologies for making you worry. Thank you very much for this.”
Oz: “Take care.”
Wizards at the Spot
Arthur: “The holy wizard Faust and the first king Alec joined forces and saved countless people together.”
Arthur: “Everyone born in the Central Country has heard about them, its founding heroes, at least once.”
Akira: “The holy wizard Faust…”
Akira: “Is he the same person as our comrade and Eastern wizard Faust?”
Arthur: “I wonder. I tried asking him myself, but he denied it.”
Arthur: “It is said that he was a virtuous, thoughtful, and kind person, skilled in both arts and arms—”
Arthur: “As well as very fond of cats.”
Akira: “…So he was a cat person.”
Arthur: “Indeed. By the way, it seems that King Alec was a dog person.”
Arthur: “And that is the reason why there is a dog carved on a pillar in Granvelle Castle. Would you like to see it?”
A Dangerous Place
Akira: “Huh? I wonder what’s that building over there? It looks like a tower.”
Akira: “The design of its window grilles seems kinda different from the others in the castle…”
Oz: “Sage, do you have any business to attend to in that direction?”
Oz: “If not, don’t go near that place.”
Akira: “Oz…”
Akira: “I’m sorry, was it a restricted area?”
Oz: “………”
Oz: “There is an underground prison beneath that building. A prison for wizards.”
Akira: “For wizards…”
Akira: “What is it like…?”
Oz: “I have never entered that place either, a strong barrier surrounds it.”
Oz: “Bradley should know more about this than I do.”
Akira: (What a scary place…)
Arthur’s Reputation
Akira: “Mrs. Kanaria, what is Arthur’s reputation like among women?”
Kanaria: “My, you should know just by looking at his kindness, his intelligence, and that face! He’s an object of both admiration and gossip alike.”
Akira: “So he is a celebrity after all? Like, does everyone in Central Country recognize his face?”
Kanaria: “At the very least, I’m certain that everyone in the Capital knows him.”
Kanaria: “Prince Arthur has been in charge of public appearances on behalf of His Majesty the King ever since he returned to the castle, you see.”
Kanaria: “Once, when a parade was being held in the Capital, a child who wanted to see Prince Arthur’s face ran into the middle of the procession and stopped it.”
Kanaria: “He might have been a child, but such offenses are severely punished. And yet, Prince Arthur stepped in for him and settled the matter! It seems that his followers increased yet again after that.”
Akira: “I see…”
Option: How popular is he among young girls?
>Kanaria: “I would say he’s the prince charming everyone dreams of. I have heard that many girls collect portraits of Prince Arthur or medals with his face engraved on them.”
>Kanaria: “It seems that, at the most recent investiture ceremony, many of them lined up in the morning to see Prince Arthur in the front row.”
>Akira: (It’s like they’re chasing after their favorite idol…)
Option: How popular is he among adult women?
>Kanaria: “Adult women are…very committed. Most of them aim to get married, or have their husband promoted.”
>Kanaria: “And I suppose that includes me as well. Please take care of Cock Robin for me.”
>Akira: (What a reliable wife she is…)
Option: How popular is he among old ladies?
>Kanaria: “There used to be many old ladies who thought of wizards as frightening, but that changed after Prince Arthur arrived.”
>Kanaria: “Perhaps after watching him interact in the same honest and direct manner with everyone, regardless of who they are, they came to view him as a son or a grandson.”
>Kanaria: “Prince Arthur doesn’t really care about social status when it comes to asking about something he doesn’t know, after all.”
>Kanaria: “They probably can’t help but find that cute.”
Spot Specialty
Cock Robin: “Master Sage, please have this! It’s a special product of Granvelle Castle.”
Akira: “Thank you very much. What’s this? A medal?”
Cock Robin: “Yes, it’s what we give visitors when certain parts of the castle are opened to the public on holidays.”
Cock Robin: “They are so popular, and there are so many designs available, that some people even collect them.”
Akira: “Amazing! They make great souvenirs! I see Granvelle Castle is engraved on the front, and on the back…”
Option: …It’s Arthur!
>Akira: “…It’s Arthur!”
>Cock Robin: “Oh, you were so lucky! Everyone wants a medal of our kind prince, you see.”
>Cock Robin: “It’s especially popular among women and children. We used to have a medal of the former Captain of the Knights Cain a few years ago, which was in high demand as well.”
>Akira: “I think I get why… I’ll treasure this!”
Option: …It’s Mr. Drummond!
>Akira: “It’s Mr. Drummond! Wow, so he has one too!”
>Cock Robin: “The faces carved on the medals are all important people of the castle. Ahaha, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so happy to get Lord Drummon’s medal before.”
>Cock Robin: “Still, that was too bad! Please feel free to take one more if you wish.”
>Akira: (This guy, he really said that getting a medal with his boss’ face engraved on it was “too bad,” huh… That’s mean, but I kind of relate to him…)
Option: …It’s some old man!
>Akira: “…It’s some old man!”
>Cock Robin: “Master Sage…!”
>Cock Robin: “That’s His Majesty the King…!!”
>Akira: “Oh— wait, what?! I’m sorry…!”
>Cock Robin: “You shouldn’t call him that here, of all places!!”
>Akira: “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…!”
Discovery at the Spot
Akira: “Huh? There are scraps of paper on the ground. What a waste for such a beautiful garden…”
Akira: “They’re all over the place. Maybe someone tore up some documents and threw them away? I’ll pick them up for now…”
Oz: 《Vox Nox.》
Akira: “Oz!? Woah! The scraps of paper are piling up…!”
Oz: “………”
Akira: “They are going back to their original form! Thank you very much, magic sure is useful when it comes to cleaning.”
Oz: “This is…”
Akira: “What does it say? I can’t read these characters…”
Oz: “It’s a draft letter about someone’s romantic intentions.”
Oz: “…Towards Arthur.”
Akira: “Huh!? By romantic intentions you mean…it’s a love letter!? W-who…”
Oz: “Sage.”
Akira: “Y-yes, what is it?”
Oz: “I shall entrust this to you.”
Akira: “Wha—”
Oz: “I leave it in your hands.”
Akira: “He’s gone…!? P-please, wait!”
Akira: “I understand your awkwardness, but I can’t handle this…!”
I am only sharing a subtitle file (unofficial fan-translation!)
Translated/timed by me ✨ (My subs are always made without the use of mtl)
These are timed to the version on streaming services, which can be found here:
- Theatre Complex (Available worldwide! <3)
- DMM (Japan only)
I would recommend using theatre complex via chrome and applying subs with this plugin (only works with the SRT version!)
Looking for blu-ray subs? Check out mihumhyk's translation!
Please read!
- Never post screenshots/images/clips on public social media!!
- Do not remove credits from the subtitle file
- Do not repost/reupload
- Do not make hardsubs
I would encourage you to support the show.
You can download the subs from here. Enjoy! 💜
Translation notes:
Many of Mahoyaku's locations are named after locations on the moon. For example: 既知の遺跡 is named after 既知の海.
"Well known Ruins" is probably the most direct translation of 既知の遺跡. However, I wanted to maintain the "moon" naming scheme. English speakers call 既知の海 the Mare Cognitum, so the ruins became the "Cognitum Ruins".
The "Sardines for breakfast" joke in Murr and Shylock's song comes from a little untranslatable Japanese wordplay. 皮肉 means both "sarcasm" and "meat". To maintain the pun in English (and give you the same experience as a Japanese speaker) I chose to use a little wordplay with "sardonic" and "sardines".
If you're wondering what the "black company" thing Akira mentions is, here's some info.
I would like to thank Heathcliff for explaining ojiya, and the twins for explaining OJT so I don't need to give notes on those! 👏
If you have any questions, you're always welcome to ask <3
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Courtyard , Daytime)
Akira: Oh, Nero! Is now a good time?
Nero: Oh, Ms. Sage. What’s up?
Akira: Actually, I have a favor to ask you. Would you be willing to do another interview? Now that I’ve spent some time in this world and gotten to know everyone better, I wanted to speak with everyone again and update the Sage’s Journal.
Nero: You’re as serious as ever, huh? I might not have anything too exciting to tell ya, but if you’re okay with that…
Riquet: Nero! It’s terrible!
Nero: Riquet?
Akira: What’s wrong? You look so panicked…
Riquet: Mitile and I were making pancakes and the batter just kept expanding and expanding until the pan was overflowing… at this rate we are going to drown in pancakes!
Akira: What…!
Nero: Did ya use the powder in the back right cupboard by any chance? The one in the red paper bag?
Riquet: We did… was it not regular flower?
Nero: That’s Puffnut Powder*. When ya mix it with eggs, it’ll expand basically infinitely. If ya add water from a stream that’s been exposed to sunlight it’ll stop though…
Mitile: Riqueeet! It still isn’t stop- woah?!
Akira: Oh no! Nero, Riquet, I’ll help too!
Nero: Sorry, but can I count you two? I need ya to hurry and get water from the river in the forest!
Akira and Riquet: On it!
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Dining Hall , Daytime)
Akira: Sigh, what a relief… we were able to stop it somehow…
Nero: It was a close one… a little while longer and we’d’ve lost the kitchen to pancakes…
Faust: Ah, there you are! Nero, and the Sage too. Would you lend me a hand? Shino and Heath started arguing and they’ve gotten out of control.
Akira: Oh dear…
Nero: Aren’t those two regularly going at it? Isn’t it fine to just let them get it outta their systems?
Faust: No… it started over something small, but neither of them are willing to back down so things are slowly getting more serious. I don’t want this to get more complicated and end up affecting class tomorrow.
Nero: Got it, got it. They really are childhood friends, aren’t they…
Akira: Ahaha, I’ve heard that the more you fight with someone the closer you are to them.
Faust and I follow after the still-grumbling Nero.
Akira: (Everyone relies on Nero, calling out to him, and Nero always responds like it’s natural. Back when we all first got here, he was so reluctant to move into the Manor… I’m kind of happy to see him like this now.)
Chapter 2:
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor- Hallway, Afternoon)
Nero: I’m beat… pretty hard to calm things when they’re both so stubborn. Sorry, Ms. Sage, I’ve been pretty much dragging ya around all day.
Akira: No, not at all! It looks like things have calmed down, but even if we were to talk now…
Bradley: Hey, Nero!
Nero: What do ya want!? Save it for later!
Bradley: Huh? What’re ya even so mad about? Whatever, this is the example I was tellin ya about earlier. I’ve got a great idea, lemme hear yer thoughts on it.
Nero: Idiot! Right in front of the Sage?!
Akira: Is this something private? Umm, should I cover my ears?
Nero: Ya don’t have to do that! Brad, I’m busy right now. I’ll head to yer room later, so just wait.
Nero pushed Bradley’s back like he was kicking him out, and Bradley reluctantly left, despite his complaints.
Nero: Sigh… sorry, Ms. Sage.
Akira: Don't worry about it. In any case, I’m impressed.
Nero: Impressed?
Akira: Everyone relies on you… that’s how much you’re trusted, Nero.
Nero: Trust, huh…?
Akira: (…oh…)
Seeing Nero’s bitter smile, I suddenly remembered what he told me long ago. The last time I interviewed him, he closed his eyes and warned me: “Please don’t trust me”.
Akira: … Umm… just now… I didn’t mean it like that…
While I stammered, Nero tilted his head. He understood what I meant immediately, laughing softly.
Nero: I told ya before, didn’t I? “Please don’t trust me.” But, how should I say it… a lot’s changed since then. We shouldn’t stand around talking, would ya like to head to my room for now?
(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Nero’s Room, Evening)
Nero: Here ya go. Careful not to eat too much before dinner.
Nero stood next to the chair I sat on, offering me cold tea and a small plate of light snacks; each one of them something I once praised him for, telling him it was delicious.
Akira: Thank you, I’ll savor them.** … and… about what we were talking about earlier…
Nero: Oh, right.
I heard ice clinking as he leaned on the kitchen table, swirling his own glass of tea.
Nero: …I’m a cowardly, heartless, irresponsible guy. I’m always happy to be relied on, but I can’t ever give anything back to the guys who do. That’s why, though the root of the problem won’t ever change… right now, I’d feel a bit lonely if you guys didn’t trust me.
Akira: Nero…
Chapter 2:
(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Nero’s Room, Evening)
Nero: Just joking.
He scratched the back of his head, shrugging embarrassedly.
Nero: …Before I knew it, I guess I got used to “Nero,” and being called “Nero” every once in a while. Every time you guys call for me, I feel like I have to respond properly.
Nero’s voice was calm as he spoke; the corners of his mouth even rose in a smile. But I could see a faint shadow looming over every part of his face.
Peering up at the open sky, it seemed he was the only one soaked by the guilty rain pouring down from it.
Akira: …You said someday you might betray us all. You still feel that way?
Nero: Haha, more or less. You catch on pretty well, Ms. Sage.
Akira: …When you told me last time, I wrote it down in the Sage’s Journal.
Nero: Did you? I’m still unsure about it, sorry about that.
His kind face, still damp from the rain, smiled a little sadly.
Akira: Not at all…
I clasped my hands in my lap, something like Nero’s loneliness crouched inside me.
Akira: …As I’ve gotten to know you all little by little after coming to this world, I’ve grown to like you all. That’s why I try to face the things that happen every day; so I can be trusted by everyone not just as a Sage, but as Akira. But I’m still inexperienced and there are so many things that don’t go well… that’s when I get worried. Am I living up to the trust everyone places in me? Am I worrying*** them…? That’s why, even though they’re different, I think I can understand your feelings somewhat.
I wanted to hold out an umbrella for him, so I picked up the words, repeating them one by one as Nero listened quietly.
Nero: You’re not making us nervous or anything. You always respond as best you can, so much so that it makes people want to give ya a break… you’re definitely a kind person.
Akira: That… I want to be closer to you, even if just a little. After all, we’re friends.
Nero’s eyes widened for a moment, then slowly narrowed as slowly as the setting sun.
Nero: …Right.
Rays of sunset shone gently through the window, caressing his hair. The day’s**** sunset glowed with soft colors.
Nero: Speaking of which… are you recording this in the Sage’s Journal?
Akira: Yes, I was planning to…
Nero: What… that’s kinda embarrassing though…
Akira: Ahaha, then should we keep it a secret between the two of us?
Nero: Yeah, I’d appreciate that.
Even if that rain never stops pouring, we can still stay together.
Our eyes met, and we laughed secretly together.
Card Episode: What I can say to you now.
(Location: Central Country, Magic Manor- Kitchen, Morning)
Nero: Here, Ms. Sage, I made Temari Sushi.
Akira: That you very much. Wow, what cute decorations…! The vegetable slices are flower shaped and the colors are so beautiful!
Nero: I tried making it more like a salad using vegetables and beans so it can be eaten lightly. I tried lots of ingredient variations too, like chopping up herbs and mixing them.
Akira: It looks stylish and delicious, and the smell is making me hungrier. Nero, you’re really good at arranging food!
Nero: Thanks, I’ve gotten pretty used to cooking food from your world. It’s getting more and more interesting to add my own touches to things.
Akira: I’m really happy to hear you say that, but all the Japanese food you’ve made so far has been great, since your very first try. The first time, I could hardly believe it was foreign cuisine!
Nero: I’m surprised to hear that, since I didn’t know what the correct dish was supposed to be like. There were tons of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods I’d never heard of before. I actually found it pretty relaxing and ended up testing prototypes until morning.
Akira: Really…?! Even someone as skilled as Nero had to stay up all night practicing…
Nero: Yeah, I was doing it secretly ‘cuz I was embarrassed that anyone would find out I was trying so hard… keep quiet about that to everyone else, okay?
Translator’s Note:
*Literally ふっくらナッツパウダー
ふっくら(Plump/Fluffy/Puffy) + ナッツ(nut) + パウダー (powder), I chose Puffnut because the powder puffed up when mixed with eggs.
**セーブしつついただきますね。
セーブ should be a cognate of save, but I extrapolated it to “savor” to make the meaning work since I’m a little confused and couldn’t find much online about it.
An alternative explanation I did find said that セーブcould refer to moderation or cutting down on something, so Akira could’ve been saying something like “I’ll eat in moderation” in response to Nero’s “don’t eat too much before dinner”, but I’m not sure.
If anyone has an answer, I’d appreciate it!
***Idk if I expressed this correctly but rather than worrying about her, it's supposed to be her worrying them by being unreliable. Akira’s stressed about whether or not people feel uneasy about her leading as the Sage. The kanji is 不安.
****Technically “Today’s sunset,” but I didn’t know how to make that work in the past tense.
十五夜: 十 = Ju = 10, 五 = Go = 5, 夜 = yoru (ya) = night.
In the year 2024, Jugoya falls on September 17th.
According to Japan Unseen, this is because the historical callender marks Juugoya as August 15th, but the date changes every year using the Gregorian Calendar.
Central Wizards:
Oz: The moon tonight is so beautiful that it is disgusting.
Arthur: Perhaps I should refrain from saying this, however…there are times when I cannot help but admire that large moon…
Cain: I remember you saying this world’s moon is big. What’s it like having a sky with such a small moon?
Riquet: There is a clear view of the moon through the big dining room windows late at night. Would you like to come see it with me tonight?
Northern Wizards:
Snow: The fifteenth night is an evening to drink with the moon as a backdrop… I see, it seems there is yet another fun festival in store for us tonight.
White: Sage, I often see you often gaze up at the moon. I wonder if perhaps the moons we each see differ from one another.
Mithra: Sigh… I really will kill you one day.
Owen: Why is it that the moon is feared by all? …Even though it's so beautiful.
Bradley: If that moon weren’t the “Great Calamity”, I’d’ve loved to try drinking to it.
Eastern Wizards:
Faust: Hmph, tonight seems to be another unnecessarily beautiful moonlight night.
Shino: I don’t think I can enjoy watching that calamity.
Heathcliff: Of course, I love the sight of sunlight filtering through the trees during the day, but the way the moon’s sunlight hits the leaves at night is lovely as well… Ah, “moon’s sunlight” doesn’t quite make sense does it…?
Nero: That's the “Great Calamity”; so pretty you can hardly believe it.
Western Wizards:
Shylock: For the troublesome man whose love for the moon destroyed him, it seems to be a joyful night.
Murr: It looks like the moon is pretty close today. But if you get too close, you’ll be pushed back.
Chloe: Do you think the moon has a family? Two “calamities” would be pretty scary, but sometimes I wonder if it ever gets lonely…
Rustica: Master Sage, I heard the moon in your world is quite small. Perhaps it is still a child?
Southern Wizards:
Figaro: Don’t you think tonight’s moon is abominably beautiful?
Rutile: The moon is shining more brightly than usual tonight. Despite the fact that it’s so beautiful, why…
Lennox: Something so beautiful robbed our companions of their lives… I don’t really want to think about it.
Mitile: The moon looks so pretty tonight! I’m a little scared, but for some reason I feel like making a wish.
Oz: When I was young, I lost to the twins countless times. I was once sealed in an iceberg and abandoned there. The next morning, they came for me, saying “Poor thing, it must have been cold”. At the time, I questioned the point of locking me away but… … Even now, I still question it.
Arthur: When I was younger, I admired the way Sir Oz’s hair would flutter in the wind, and I wanted to grow out my own. At the time, I was told to refrain from doing so until I was powerful enough to protect myself, as parts of Wizard’s bodies can be used as mediums in spells, but… I wonder if it’s about time for me to match Sir Oz?
Cain: Was becoming a knight my childhood wish? Yeah, of course! … Is what I wish I could say, but it was pretty different when I was little. According to my Mom, my dream was to become bacon until I was about three years old. Why? ‘Cuz it’s delicious… Hey, don’t laugh!
Riquet: My childhood memories… I enjoyed the time I spent talking with the Head Priest. He taught me what I needed to know and what I should do. I wonder what he is thinking, now that we have been separated… … I hope he feels lonely when he thinks of me.
Northern Wizards:
Snow: The other day, I witnessed a child fall down and cry on the street. When I summoned sweets with my magic, her tears ceased and she smiled. The expressions young children wear are always innocent. They do not yet harbor hidden intentions. It is touching* to see.
*Due to the roots of the word 愛しい (Itoshii), it can have a double meaning of both beloved/dear and pitiful.
White: A strange child approached me on the street and offered a small flower as a token of gratitude. I thought her foolish for approaching a stranger but… it appears she was grateful for something Snow did for her to bring her back to her senses. This happens quite often. I think I will decorate our room with this flower for a while.
Mithra: I don’t have any particular childhood memories. All I had to do was transport the corpses on my boat… now that I’ve remembered, I want to pick it up again. Please play the role of a corpse. I’m going to take you to the other side of the shore and throw you there, so please roll over docilely.
Owen: I don’t have any childhood memories: I don’t remember anything… <Cur Memini>. Look, I’ve reverted the weak wizard’s hearts back to their childhood state, so go watch them. Most of the things children do are the same.
Bradley: When I was a kid, my human siblings were still kicking. Every time I did something, people complained. They were weak and annoying, but when I look at the manor’s kiddos… I remember them.
Eastern Wizards:
Faust: I don’t have any grand childhood stories. I simply did my best to play the role as the head of my household, with the support of the adults in my village. I’ve been told I was polite and hard-working, I don’t think I was very cute. …That can’t possibly be true? Haha, you’re quite kind.
Shino: My childhood memories aren’t great… No. Actually, there was a dream I had once ina. While that I liked. I was a rich man’s son. I went to nice restaurants with pocket money, had a nagging tutor, and fought with someone who was like my younger brother. That’s pretty nostalgic; I forgot about it until just now.
Heathcliff: When I was a kid… ah, no. I was remembering a friend: an irreplaceable friend whom I met in the Orangery of the courtyard of my parent’s home. Someday, I will definitely take Shino with me to visit that friend once more. When I do, you should come as well, Master Sage. Please, allow me to introduce you once more.
Nero: When I was a kid, huh… Well, I was born in a pretty bad place*. If I didn’t want to be abused and used by others, I had no choice but to be stringer than them. That’s probably why the first time someone praised me with “good job”… honestly, I barely understood what was happening.
*Literally: A place with bad manners
Western Wizards:
Shylock: Myself as a child? I loved the view from the top of the hill, and on sunny days I would stroll through the vineyards. At times, I would sneak grapes off the vines before the harvest… Even now I have not forgotten that fresh, sweet taste.
Murr: What I was like as a child… hmm, I wonder? That’s right, lets ask this Red Beryl*! After all, this is something I cut myself as a kid. I’m sure it will still remember me though, I was young. <Eanul Lambru>!
*A type of gem
Chloe: I cried pretty often when Rustica first found me, I’m sure it scared him. I mean, even when I ate delicious food, or wore beautiful clothes I cried. That’d surprise anyone, right? But each time, Rustica wiped my tears. That’s why, from now on, I’ll wipe his…
Rustica: I tend to be quite forgetful, so I can’t tell you much about my childhood… instead, why don’t I change to the age you wanted to know about? Whether it’s the age Chloe and I met as or younger… fufu, very well then: <Amor Est Viesse>.
Southern Wizards:
Figaro: I wasn’t very childish as a kid. Both adults and children relied on me, and I wanted to guide them in turn. I didn’t have a particularly childish childhood, but in that regard I’d say Oz and Mithra are quite similar to me. Don’t most Northern Wizards have stories like that?
Rutile: Aaah! Glasses! …Ah, I’m sorry, Mr. Leno. Earlier, Mr. Owen cast a spell on me that turned me back into a child. The spell was already broken, but for some reason I’ve become really scared of glasses… Oh, Mr. Faust. Aaah! More glasses!
Lennox: A story from my childhood… I started working in the coal mines when I was young, so I don’t have many interesting stories. …That’s right, I remember being told I had long legs and looking forward to growing as big as my father. I was so proud when I outgrew him. I’m sure my father felt the same.
Mitile: A portrait of me as a baby? …Ah, there is one, but I don’t want to show it to you. Because my head was so big as a baby… Mr. Figaro used to say it was “Rounder than the full moon” … Hey , Master Sage, please don’t laugh!
The True Meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen:
Part 3:
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor, Common Room, Night Time)
Faust: So you’re already familiar with it, Sage. Shino also seems to have done a great job preparing.
At that time, the Valcy had spread its roots underneath the entire city, and was on the verge of annihilating it.
The person who stopped that was the Bernard Family’s head.
Mitile: Then, was he a wizard?
Shino: No, he was a human.
Mitile and Akira: What?!
Akira: Is it possible for humans to hunt monsters…?
Shino: Who knows. But that’s what the book says, anyways.
Arthur: The history books I have studied say the same.
I’d thought perhaps he had aquired the help of a Wizard or used some other means to gain an advantage, but there are no records of such events.
Faust: Not all history is recorded accurately: especially during times of chaos.
Humans cannot wield magic. Even if they chant words that appeal to the spirits, they will not respond.
In the end those words are just spells. Facing fierce magical beasts alone is beyond human capacity.
Akira: I see… has the story changed over time, then?
Shino: It’s a pretty common legend anyways. Actually it looks like he didn’t actually defeat the beast, just sealed it away.
This is what they used to cast it.
Shino traced the pages of the book in his hands.
In the page, there was a picture of a large object shaped like spread wings on a single solemn alter.
Mitile: is this where the Valcy is sealed?
Shino: Yeah. This is “The Medal of Sincerity”. The jewel in the middle is where the Vlacy is sealed.
It has a complicated structure with several layers of barriers and seals to stop it from breaking.
Apparently the duty of gaurding it has been passed down through generations of Bernard Family Heads.
Shino spoke quietly, like a child talking about their heroes.
He looked up at Faust, still standing behind him, with eyes full of anticipation.
Shino: Hey, Faust. If I ask that guy, do you think I can see the real thing?
Faust: That guy…? You mean the boy you caught earlier?
Mitile: The person who stole Murr’s wallet…?
I wouldn’t go out of my way to meet someone who does bad things like that.
Shino: I don’t think so.
Mitile: Why?
Shino: In order to survive, there are times when you can’t keep pretending. I was the same way.
Mitile was stunned speechless.
Shino’s back was straight and his eyes were clear. The pride of having survived all alone was reflected in his stance.
Shino: My dirty past won’t ever change, but I’m not the same person I was back then.
I want to see how impressive the medals handed down through the Bernard family are.
Someday, I want one that’s even cooler than all of them.
Mitile: Shino, I…
Shino: If you’re going to apologize, I won’t listen. You and I just have different ways of living.
Though his words sounded like they were pushing others away, they were clear, as if he was making a joke.
The air surrounding the two boys relaxed. The image of a boy in torn clothes standing among them came to mind.
Akira and Arthur: About that boy… ah.
Akira: I apologize for speaking over you. You were going to say something?
Arthur: Yes… he seemed quite concerned about the incidents in that city.
Faust: The serial attacks? Didn’t he mention that several incidents happened in quick succession?
Arthur: Yes. Somehow though… from the way he spoke, I think he might know something more about those incidents.
Shino: …? Does that mean he’s involved?
Arthur: It is not that I wish to doubt him, but he was the one who warned us not to stay in the city for fear of more casualties.
As a member of an esteemed family, it is possible he said this out of concern for the public good, but… as the victim in the situation, his phrasing struck me as odd.
Akira: That’s right…
Mitile: …In the first place, why is someone like him living like that?
If he was born to a family like that, shouldn’t he have a mansion and be admired by everyone…?
Shylock: It isn’t particularly uncommon for noble families to fall.
Just as there is no flower that does not wither, so too does glory never last.
Murr: Shylock is eloquent as always!
Akira: Shylock! And Murr too.
Shino: You guys sure like appearing out of nowhere.
Shylock: Fufu, I enjoy spending my time as I please.
Rather, it seems this is the perfect place to enjoy dessert after dinner.
Would you like some tea to go along with your sweets?
Murr: I want a drink! I’ve been upside down for so long I’m starting to get thirsty!
Shylock: have you tried turning around and pointing your head towards the ceiling? It’s likely because of the blood rushing to your head.
And Murr, you are the one offering the tea. We came here to apologize for the commotion the other day.
Murr: That’s right! Let’s have fun giving it out and have fun drinking it too!
Murr waved his finger and the tea poured out into several cups.
Faust: You’re not just here to apologize, Shylock. You were worried about the boy too, weren’t you?
Shylock: My, perceptive aren’t you?
The Bennet family is one family whose status slowly declined but… in that boy’s case, it seems something more dramatic has occurred.
When Shylock raised his hand up, a delicate, colorful plate appeared.
On top of it, colorful sablés appeared, overlapping with one another. He placed it on the table and sat down on the sofa.
Shylock: When life changes, people usually adjust in stages.
But… that boy didn’t seem used to his lifestyle at all.
People rarely lose everything overnight.
Murr: Also, we heard your story! The monster House Bernard sealed was the Valcy, right?
That’s an extremely high-level monster, you know. You’d need a ton of spirit* to fight off something like that!
Shino: Spirit?
Faust: The key is a strong will. You’ll need it in most situations.
Arthur and Mitile: Spirit…
Akira: Wow, it suddenly became a matter of willpower.
Faust: It makes sense. If one firmly believes that they are a servant of justice who must not give in to evil…
By utilizing the correct strategies and affirming his will, he manipulated both his body and his mind to confront and overcome the Valcy.
Shino: Cool. Faust, say that one more time, I wanna try too.
Faust: You never listen seriously. I’m serious: if you fall prey to a Valcy without the right convictions, you’ll lose both your mind and your body.
When that happens, you’ll become a blood-feeding monster, just like it.
Akira: Ah…
My voice raises in horror at his words.
Murr, who was lounging in the air beside me, raised his index finger, and poked my temple.
Murr: Valcy are famous for luring humans out with sweet scents and mysterious sounds before pouncing and sucking their blood.
When that happens, the Valcy’s poison enters the body and the human is overcome with the urge to drink blood.
Akira: People… drink other’s blood?
Murr: Yep! It’s only a matter of time before the extremely abnormal drives the victim mad.
When that happens, the Valcy calls the victim back to its cocoon and sucks all their blood. That’s how it grows.
Mitile: It keeps getting creepier and creepier…
Shino: What a freaky story, it must’ve been some monster.
Arthur: Even if it is a magical beast, the idea of attacking people and changing their very being…
Akira: (To have your blood feasted on and even be cursed to become just like the monster that attacked you… the Valcy really are like the legendary Vampires of my world…)
Shylock: After securing some history books, it became clear that is exactly the reason why the achievements of the Bernard Family’s former head are so glorious.
For a legendary creature like the Valcy… to remain sealed to this day is no small feat.
Murr: But no sealing technique can last forever. Maybe the secret passed down through the family heads is the key to maintaining it?
Shino: A secret technique… like what?
Murr: I dunno! But there are a lot of weird things about that town: The Valcy, the street attacks, and the wallet got fuller too!
Everyone: …What?
Murr: When I got my wallet back from the boy, there was a little more inside!
I wonder if his funds got mixed with mine when it dropped on the road?
Akira: That’s terrible… we should go find him and give it back.
Shylock: This must be causing him some trouble.
Shino: That’s fine with me, I wanted to go back and get lemon pie anyways.
Let’s ask him to show us his medals too, if you’re curious maybe you can even check on the seal while where there.
Arthur: I’d also like to accompany everyone.
I’d love to hear more about him of course, but I’d also like to ask about the incidents.
Murr: Yay~! We’re all going out again!
Mitile: U-um… is it alright if I go too?
Shino: Why? Do you also want lemon pie?
Mitile: Well, there’s that too but… if his situation is like everyone says it is, like Shino’s was, then he may not be such a bad person right?
I judged him too fast without knowing anything, but… if there’s something I can do to help him, then I’d like to do that!
Shino: …Is that so? Then you come too.
Mitile: Thank you!
Arthur: Master Sage, I look forward to working with you!
Akira: I am as well! It’s better to go as soon as we can so…
Faust: Wait.
Shino: What?
Faust: If you’re planning on visiting that town and the boy’s mansion, you’ll need to prepare.
Can you give me some time?
Translator’s note:
*気概 translates to will or fighting spirit, not to be confused with the magical spirits that allow wizards to cast magic.
- Characters are from the main storyline only (Ms1, Ms1.5/Anni1, Anni2, Ms2, Anni4)
- All translations are my own, but I used google translate to define the Latin words
Sage’s Wizards:
Central Wizards:
- Oz
Spell: Vox Noct
(ヴォクスノク)
Lit. Vokusunoku
Meaning: The Voice of the Night
Vox: Latin word for “voice”
Noct: Lain word for “night”
- Arthur Granvelle
Spell: Pernoctant Nix Zo
(パルノクタン・ニクスジオ)
Lit. Parunokutan Nikusujio
Meaning: I spent a night in the snow with Oz
Pernoctant: Latin for “spend the night”
Nix: Latin word for “Snow”
Zo: Oz backwards
- Cain Knightly
Spell: Gladious Procella
(グラディアス・プロセーラ)
Lit. Guradiasu Purosera
Meaning: Sword Storm or Storm of Swords
Gladious: Latin word for “Sword”
Procella: Latin word for “Storm”
- Riquet Ortiz
Spell: Sanretia Edif
(サンレティア・エディフ)
Lit. Sanretia Edifu
Meaning: Eternal Faith
Sanretia: The Latin word “Aiternus” backwards, which means “eternal”
Edif: The Latin word “Fide” backwards, which means “by faith”
Northern Wizards:
- Snow and White
Spell: Nos Comunia
(ノスコムニア)
Lit. Nosucomunia
Meaning: We are one
Lit. We are common/ we have in common (Common meaning the same, presumably as each other)
Nos: Latin word for “us”
Comunia: Latin word for “common” or “the same”
- Mithra
Spell: Arthim
(アルシム)
Lit. Arushimu
Meaning: Mithra’s name backwards
Arshim: (roughly) ミスラ (Misura) backwards
Mi su ra -> A ru shi m
(Because the romanization of Misura is Mithra, I changed Arsim to Arthim)
- Owen
Spell: Cur Memini
(クーレ・メミニ)
Lit. Kure Memini
Meaning: Why remember? or Why do I remember?
Cur: Latin word for “why”
Memini: Latin for “I remember”
Spell: Quare Morito
(クアーレ・モリト)
Lit. Kuare Morito
Meaning: Why die? or Why did he die?
Quare: Latin word for “why”
Morito: Latin word for “dying”
- Bradley Bain
Spell: Adono Potensum
(アドノポテンスム)
Lit. Adonopotensumu
Meaning: I give power
Adono: Latin for “I give”
Potensum: Latin word for “Powerful”
Eastern Wizards:
- Faust Lavinia
Spell: Satilliuqnart Mul Kred
(サティルクナート・ムルクリード)
Lit. Satirukunato Murukurido
Meaning: Many tranquil beliefs
Satilliuqnart: The Latin word “Tranquillitas”, meaning “Tranquility” backwards
Mul: Latin word for “many”
Kred: Latin for “believe”
- Shino Sherwood
Spell: Matzah Sudipas
(マッツァー・スディーパス)
Lit. Matsa Sudipasu
Meaning: Good bread or Tasty bread
Matzah: A type of unleavened flat bread, part of Jewish cuisine
Sapidus: Latin for “tasty”
- Heathcliff Blanchett
Spell: Repusev Aivurup Sonus
(レプセヴァイヴルプ・スノス)
Lit. Repusevaivurupu Sonusu
Meaning: Dusk and the sound of rainfall
(Heathcliff’s own translation, which can be found Main Story 1, chapter 4.3 In Order to Become a Wizard)
Repusev: Vesuper (vesperi), the Latin word for“evening”, backwards,
Aivurup: Purvia (Pulvia), the Latin word for “rain”, backwards
Sonus: Latin word for “sound”
- Nero Turner
Spell: Adnodus Omnis
(アドノディス・オムニス)
Lit. Adonodisu Omunisu
Meaning: To tie all things together or All things tied together
Adnodus: Latin for “knotted”
Omnis: Latin word for “all”, “every”, or “any”
Western Wizards:
- Shylock Bennet
Spell: In vie belle
(インヴィーベル)
Lit. Inbiviberu
Meaning: There is beauty in strife
In: Latin word for “In/Into/On/Upon”
Vie: From the Latin word “Invitare” which means “To invite/take on a challenge”
Belle: From the Latin word “bella” which means “beauty”
- Murr Hart
Spell: Eanul Lambru
(エアニュー・ランブル)
Lit. Eanyu ranburu
Meaning: Shadow of the Moon or The Moon’s Shadow
Eanul: Lunae (Luna) backwards, means moon in many Latin based languages
Lambru : A rearrangement of the letters in “Umbral”, which relates to the Latin word “umbra” which means “shadow”
- Chloe Collins
Spell: Suisupisibo Voitingok
(スイスピシポ・ヴォイティンゴーク)
Lit. Suisupishibo Voitingoku
Meaning: Obsessive Knowledge
Suispisibo: The Latin word obisipsius, which means “obsessive”, backwards
Voitingok: The Latin word kognitiov, which means “cognition”, backwards
- Rustica Ferch
Spell: Amor Est Viesse
(アモレスト・ヴィエッセ)
Lit. Amoresuto Viese
Meaning: Love is strength
Amor: Latin word for “love”
Est: Latin for “to be” or “is”
Viesse: From the Latin word “vir” which means “strength”
Southern Wizards:
- Figaro Garcia
Spell: Possideo
(ポッシデオ)
Lit. Poshideo
Meaning: I posses or God of the Sea
Possideo: Latin for “I possess”
ALT. Could be a reference to Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea, as Figaro is associated with the Ocean and has a history with deism
- Rutile Flores
Spell: Ortonik Sutomaoge
(オルトニク・セトマオージェ)
Lit. Orutoniku Setomaojie
Meaning: “A birth to the family” and “remove me” or “I will be removed”
Orto: relating to the Latin word “ortare” which means “birth” or “to create”
Nik: The English word “Kin” which means “family” backwards
Sutoma: “Amotus”, the Latin word for “removed”, backwards
Oge: “Ego”, the Latin word for “I”, backwards
- Lennox Ram
Spell: Fosetao Meiiuvat
(フォーセタオ・メユーヴォ)
Lit. Fosetao Meyuvo
Meaning: It helped me dig or he helped me dig
Fosetao: Latin for “He dug”
Mei: Latin word for “I”
Iuvat: Latin word for “to help”
- Mitile Flores
Spell: Ortonik Celosispilce
(オルトニク・セアルシスピルチェ)
Lit. Orutoniku Searushisupiruche
Meaning: “A birth to the family” and “To hide heaven”
Orto: relating to the Latin word “ortare” which means “birth” or “to create”
Nik: The English word “Kin” which means “family” backwards
Celo: Latin for “to hide” ALT. “heaven”
Sispilce: Latin word “Eclipsis” which means “to hide” or “to suppress”
Supporting Characters:
(In order of appearance):
- Tiletta Flores
Spell: Scintilla
(スキンティッラ)
Lit. Sukintira
Meaning: A fading spark or A faint Presence
Scintilla: Latin word for “Spark” which denotes “a trace of something that barely suggests its presence (According to Cornell Law School’s online definition)”
- Obisius
Spell: Volo Habere
(ヴォロ・ハベーレ)
Lit. Voro Habere
Meaning: I want what is rightfully mine
Volo: The present infinitive of the Latin word “velle” which means to “wish” or to “want”
Habere: The Latin word for “to have”- In Roman law it referred to one’s right to possess something
- Issac
Spell: Anima Vexat
(アニマム・ベクサト)
Lit. Anima Bekusato
Meaning: A Troubled Soul or Troubling a Soul
Anima: The Latin word for one’s “soul/spirit/life”
Vexat: Third person singular present active indicative form of the Latin word “Vexo” which means “to harass, annoy, or trouble”
The True Meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen:
Part 2:
(Location: Central Kingdom, City of Honor, Day Time)
Passerby: Hey, you…
Suddenly, a suspicious voice spoke. A man, seemingly a passerby, looked down at the boy with his eyebrows knitted together.
Boy in a hat: Mister…
Passerby: So you're still in this town? Crawling on the ground in such a state…
Even now, do you fail to realize that your stubbornness is a stain on the Bernard family’s reputation?
Shino: Bernard…?
Boy in a hat: …
Passerby: I don’t know what it is you're trying to do, but if nothing else, live up to your name.
I can’t take seeing this anymore…
As the exasperated man turned and left, Arthur lowered his voice and turned to ask the boy something.
Arthur: Are you alright? Something must be bothering you…
Boy in a hat: Ah…
The boys eyes refocused on Arthur. As if to confirm the sight in front of him, he blinked repeatedly, his mouth slightly ajar.
Boy in a hat: Um… are you perhaps… a member of the Granvelle Royal Family…?
Akira: Aah…
Arthur: Oh.
Arthur’s eyes widened and he put a finger to his lips.
The boy suddenly whispered.
Boy in a hat: I-I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t be yelling your name in the street…
White: What a sensible child. Though I am surprised that even children like you know Arthur’s face, even if this domain is situated near the Royal Capital.
It seems as though anonymity will prove more difficult, as of late.
Shino: Hey. Just now, that man called you Bernard.
Thats the same name as the hero in this book. Are you his descendant?
Shino looked at the boy, his voice innocent.
However, the boy lowered his gaze, avoiding Shino’s eyes.
Boy in a hat: Yes… I am the only one in this town with that surname…
Arthur: I see… you… the esteemed Bernard family has existed since even before the Central Country was established.
Faust: If he’s from such a family, it isn’t strange for him to know Arthur’s face.
Boy in a hat: … The only admirable thing about me is that name.
Like that guy said earlier… I don't even deserve that…
The boy muttered softly, before turning his back on us and looking over, his sincere eyes, locking onto Arthur.
Boy in a hat: You are a great person who will one day carry this country on your shoulders. I apologize for disrespecting your friends.
I thought I was simply picking up a lost item, I was even thinking of delivering it to its owner but… I am ashamed of my own shallowness.
For me to run away like that, I must have been tempted by the darkness*, because I didn’t have enough money to buy bread…
I will accept any punishment you bestow upon me: even death.
Akira: Death…?
White: There is no need to go so far to repent. Right, Arthur?
At Snow’s cue, Arthur nodded gently.
With a beautiful gesture, he knelt down in front of him and spoke softly.
Arthur: Punishment is about justice. Even if I did order such a harsh sentence, it would only cause more suffering for everyone involved.
Additionally, Lord Oz is a kind man, he wouldn’t be angry at someone for merely bumping into him.
As for Murr, I believe he only wanted to play with you, who found his wallet.
Murr: Yep! I just wanted to play!
Shylock: My apologies, this man is merely a harmless stray cat.
Oz: Children tend to run recklessly.
Arthur: See, that’s what everyone thinks. And in any case, you don’t hold any sincere malice.
That’s why, I believe simply returning the wallet would be fine. What do you think, Murr?
Murr: Great-!
Boy in a hat: … hic… thank you very much! I’ll return it immediately.
Murr: Yay! Thanks a lot!
Once Shino released the restraints, the boy brushed his clothes off and stood up.
As he bowed politely and handed the wallet to Murr, his stomach growled audibly.
The boy looked embarrassed as he held his thin stomach.
Faust: Are you Hungry?
Shino: If he had so little food he would resort to messing with other people's things…
Boy in a hat: No, umm…
The boy, who ackewary held his arms close to his body, wore frayed clothes that revealed his bony limbs.
Looking through the gap between his long bangs, I saw dark circles under his eyes.
Akira: (As Shino said, maybe he’s having trouble making ends meet.)
Shylock: <Invibelle>
As Shylock chanted a spell from beside the boy, a package wrapped in pale particles of light presented itself before him,
Boy in a hat: Is this magic…? Are you also a wizard?
Shylock: I am, in fact. If you’d like, please accept this.
It’s a bit small, but I wrapped up a few leftover cheeses and dried fruits from my store.
Boy in a hat: H-huh…?
White: Hm, it was a good idea to buy pastries as well as churros.
Let’s take a look at what we have and find something to share, Oz.
Oz: Come to think of it, I do have your luggage… This biscuit.
Arthur: Then my contribution is thus: nuts I smack on whenever I get hungry.
Akira: I’d also like to donate the candy I have on my pockets !
Murr: I’ll give you something too: this sandwich I just bought and bit into!
The boy’s eyes widened as food piled up in his hands, creating a small mountain.
Boy in a hat: Are you sure it’s alright? I’ve revived so much…
Shino: Take whatever you can get. You’ve gotten lucky.
Faust: I can’t ignore the fact that you’re a troubled child, but don’t do anything bad from now on.
Faust said as he added a package of dried meat he’d taken from his pocket, and added it to the pile.
A small smile appeared on the boy’s face.
Boy in a hat: *Hic* I won’t. Thank you, how can I ever repay you…?
But suddenly, his eyes widened, as if hesitating.
Boy in a hat: Umm, you didn’t hear this from me, but if you’re visiting this town, you may not want to stay for too long.
There’s been a lot of trouble lately.
Shino: … What’s been happening?
Boy in a hat: There have been demons lurking* around these streets.
No one’s seen the culprit yet, but all the victims have strange scars on their necks, as if they were bitten by something…
Murr: You mean there’s a serial attacker on the loose? **
Arthur: That’s quite worrisome to hear.
Akira: To think something like this is going on, even though the town seems so peaceful…
Boy in a hat: Yeah… fortunately, there don’t seem to have been any casualties. Even still, isn’t it super creepy?
You have all treated me well… I don’t want anyone else getting hurt, so it’s best if you head home as soon as you’ve finished your business.
Arthur: …
Boy in a hat: Then… I’ll leave you here. Please, be safe.
Shino: Hey, you…
Grasping Shino’s outstretched hand, the boy bowed his head, as if saying goodbye.
Then he ran off into the alleyway.
Shino: He… smelled like blood.
Akira: What…?
White: Perhaps he was injured. Though the severity of their situations differ, children like that exist in all countries.
Murr: Even so, he didn’t seem too attached to money or food. He was pretty well behaved!
Shylock: His family is quite reputable. Perhaps something serious has transpired.
If he’s recently found himself in need he must feel quite lost and confused.
Arthur: It sees something quite nefarious is happening in this city. I hope he stays safe…
Faust: …
As Arthur spoke in concern, Faust stared at the alley where the boy had disappeared.
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor, Common Room, Night Time)
After dinner that day, I shared chocolate tarts with Shino, Arthur, and Mitile in the common room.
Mitile: This chocolate tart is delicious, thank you so much for bringing me back a souvenir!
Akira: I’m so glad you like it! Thank you for working so hard today for your test.
Shino: It’s a reward for both of our efforts. Though, I planned on getting lemon pie.
Arthur: Unfortunately they were sold out. We selected these on the shopkeeper’s recommendation.
Akira: That’s right. But lemon pie will get its revenge soon.
A peaceful atmosphere, like sharing snacks with friends after school.
They each looked relaxed, stuffing themselves with tarts and chatting, as Shino was engrossed in his new book.
Akira: Shino, that’s the book Faust bought you today, right? What is it about? I’m also curious about the heroes from your world.
Shino: Alright? This book is a detailed record of events from over 400 years ago.
It’s the story of the head of the Bernard family’s exploits. He's Known as an “Unsung hero”*** from a war-torn time.
Mitile: An Unsung Hero…! That sounds cool!
But why is he “unsung”? If you’re called a hero, doesn’t that mean you’ve done some kind of amazing deeds in public…?
Arthur: Central Country before the founding of the Granville dynasty is known as the harshest time of the warring states era.
Until King Alec led his revolutionary army to establish the Central Country, our region was in constant turmoil, with battles constantly raging in most areas.
The head of the Bernard family during that time was a famous general who fought well.
Faust: …Heroes have no faces or shadows.****
Akira: Faust.
I hadn’t noticed until he spoke, but Faust had entered the common room, speaking to us from the entranceway.
Noticing the book in Shino’s hand, he made his way over to us, putting his hand on the back of the couch we were sitting on.
Faust: The Central Country of that time was a lawless land.
As fearful humans and doubtful wizards fought each other, misinformation spread rapidly, and nefarious beings took advantage of the confusion.
Among them, the one that settled in that area was the most brutal.
I’ve come across legends about it before. It’s called-
Shino: Valcy. An ancient magical creature that feeds on human blood.
It’s in the book. It was on the test too.
Akira: Could that be the creature in the picture you showed me earlier…?
Shino: Yeah. The creepy thing that looks like a red cocoon.
Translator’s notes:
*The specific word used here is 魔, which is commonly translated as “the devil” or “evil spirits”.
**連続通り魔事件 Literally means many “cases of attacks on the streets”.
***影の英雄 Literally means “Shadow Hero” or “Hero of Shadows”. In this context, it refers to his deeds going unnoticed, as if he’d performed them in the shadows, where no one could see.
**** 「英雄に、表も影もない。」Literally means “heroes have no faces nor shadows”. In this context, Faust means heroes have no identities: their “faces” which make them distinguishable individuals, or “shadows”: their legacies. This is related to the fact that Bernard is a hero “without a shadow” or “unsung”, and similarly, Faust’s true fate and legacy went unrecorded by history.
The True Meaning of Iron in the Blood of the Fallen:
Part 1:
(Location: Central Kingdom, Magic Manor, Library, Night Time)
One night, I went to the library to look for a pen I’d forgotten.
Akira: (Oh? There’s light leaking from under the door. It’s pretty late, I wonder if anyone is still there...)
As I peeked into the room, Saku-chan, who was floating around my shoulders, moved to copy my movements.
Shino, Mitile, and Arthur: Zzz…zzz…
The three sleeping boys were Shino, Arthur, and Mitile.
Pens, notebooks, and textbooks, were spread between their sleeping forms.
Mitile: *Muttering*... Jeez… Dr. Figaro...
Arthur: Lord Oz… the star-shaped pot-au-feu carrots were wonderful...
Shino: Hehe, look at me, Faust...
Akira (Hehe, it looks like they’re dreaming. But if they stay here, they might catch a cold…)
Shino: Hm…?
Mitile: *Yawn*
Arthur: … ah, Master Sage?
Akira: Oh, I’m glad you’re up! Just now, I was wondering if I should wake you.
Were you all studying together?
Shino: Yeah, there’s a test in class tomorrow. This is the final push.
Mitile: Shino wants to surprise Faust by getting a good score!
I also have a test coming up, so we were reviewing together.
Arthur: When I heard about their study session, I requested to join as well.
We were quizzing each other just now, but it seems we fell asleep without realizing.
Akira: On top of our missions, you’re all doing your best to study too… you’re all amazing!
Shino: Well, yeah. I used to think lectures were a meaningless waste of time but… I’ll to anything to become stronger. I don’t want regrets when I die.
Shino flipped through the book in front of him.
In the past, I might’ve been surprised to see him at a desk, but now it’s different.
Underground waterways. Artificial wizards. I’m not surprised because I know of the deadly battles he’s overcome.
Suddenly, Shinto’s grave expression shifted to a mischievous grin.
Shino: Look, Sage.
Akira: Woah?! What exactly is… this?
A picture made of frightening brushstrokes covered the page he’d pointed to.
A huge red mass covered the center, connected by long thin threads, like a spider web.
Surrounding it, were people folded on top of each other, as if tangled in the strange threads.
Akira: Is this… a red cocoon…?
Arthur: Yes, this type of magical creature has been passed down through legend since ancient times.
Though as the number of humans increases, they are forced out of their homes. I hear not many still live…
Mitile: It seems tomorrow’s test will be about the ecology of magical creatures!
Shino is particularly good at this.
Shino: Yeah. This monster emits a sweet scent and makes mysterious noises in order to attract humans into its domain.
Then, it extends thin, thread-like tendrils that suck the blood of any who approach.
Akira: Sucks their blood… does the creature in this cocoon grow by using human blood as nutrients?
Arthur: I believe so. They appear out of nowhere, build a nest, and spend a long time inside their cocoon…
In most cases, they are exterminated during that time, so few records exist of their actual appearance.
Mitile: That’s kind of creepy, a blood sucking monster with an unknown appearance…
Akira: It’s almost like a scary urban legend… it’s creepy because you don’t know what you’re looking for…
Shino: Don’t worry. If it’s just a big lump, I’ll cut it in half in one strike.
Arthur, Akira, and Mitile: So cool!
Shino: Hehe, that’s right. Though just to be safe, let’s review one more time.
Arthur: Yes, I’ll join you as well!
Mitile: Me too!
Akira: I see everyone still has energy! In that case, I’ll bring you some tea and sweets for your study session!
Shino: Oh, that’s really nice of you.
I got a ton of sleep so this’ll be fun.
I’m looking forward to the test tomorrow.
(Location: Central Kingdom, City of Honor, Day Time)
A few days later.
Akira: Shino, once more, thank you for your hard work!
Arthur: What a wonderful outcome! It’s probably the best score so far.
Shino: Well classroom lectures are nothing compared to hands-on practice. Experience and are important too.
Faust: Don’t get too comfortable just because everything worked out this time. Though certainly, it was quite an exceptional score.
Saku-chan: …!
Akira: I think Saku-chan is praising you. You worked hard together, right?
Shino: If it’s an achievement that even a spirit can understand, it means I deserve a great reward, right Faust?
Faust: Well, you did perform exceptionally. Are there any famous lemon pie shops around here?
Akira: Arthur recommended one. It’s only a little further down that way, but I didn’t know there was a town like this nearby.
It’s probably because of the old buildings, but there’s a really calm, nice atmosphere.
Arthur: That is because the “City of Honor” is a city with a long and rich history.
The lemon pie shop I visited on my last incognito visit was delicious, so I’d love to recommend it to you, Shino.
Shino: It’s probably not as good as Lady Blanchett’s, but I can try it and see if it compares.
Let’s bring some for Mitile too, he has a test today too, after all.
White: Hello everyone! I apologize for the wait!
Oz: …
Akira: White, Oz.
Arthur: Welcome back! Were you able to buy the heart-shaped churros?
White: Everything went smoothly, but afterwards, something caught my eye, and we ended up on a detour, right Oz?
Oz: I was only there to carry your baggage.
White: Don’t say such dreary things. Once in a while, it’s nice to tour a new city together.
We’ll return to the Manor with the new sweets we bought.
And, aren’t you planning to partake in Snow’s afternoon tea, while he keeps an eye on the Northern Wizards?
Oz: Have you only just now received this news?
Faust: Honestly, I was under the impression that Oz was invited here by Arthur but…
Arthur: No, I was the one who extended the invitation.
This town boasts many beautiful historic buildings, so I thought Lord Oz could enjoy it as well.
Besides, we’ve all undertaken so many missions as of late, so it’d be nice if we could use this opportunity to rest.
Oz: …You are who continues to carry out official duties.
Once you have settled your business, rest early today.
Arthur: I will!
White: He’s not so obedient anymore though~
Shino: …
Akira: Shino, is something wrong?
When I looked over, I saw Shino standing in front of a store.
The elegant shop was lined with delicately decorated stationary, colored glass, lamps, and tableware.
Shino reached for the corner of a shelf and traced the cover of a book.
Shino: “Bernard’s Legend of Heroes”…
Akira: Bernard… is that the title of the book? Is it some kind of biography?
Faust: It’s a heroic legend passed down through this city. There should be records of it in the Central Country’s history books.
Arthur: Indeed. Bernard is the name of a famous general who ruled this area during revolutionary times.
In honor of his bravery, this town was named after his achievements.
Shino: A hero whose deeds were published and whose name remains even today… did you ever meet him, Faust?
Faust: Not really, his time was years before I was born.
Shino: Hm…
Shino picked up the book and flipped through the pages before turning it around and tracing the cover once more.
Faust: …Alright. I’ll buy it for you, so be sure to read it.
Shino: Are you sure?
Faust: Reading is a good habit, so take this chance to develop it…
???: Wait, wait!
*thump*
Oz: …
???: … ow!
A boy jumped out of a nearby alley, and slammed into Oz.
Immediately, coins scattered in all directions.
Oz: …
???: … S-sorry…
Akira: Are you alright? Let me help you with your money…
???: No, I can do it myself…!
The boy, who looked at Oz with fear, before crouching down to collect his coins, seemed to be around Shino and Arthur’s age.
Murr: Oh? It’s Master Sage!
Shylock: Oh? It seems everyone has gathered together.
Akira: I didn’t expect to see you both here…
White: What? Have you ever visited this town before?
Murr: Yep! Im chasing this kid right now!
He took my wallet~!
Akira and Arthur: What?!
Boy in a hat: ah, no, this is…
Shino: Are you a pickpocket?
Shino grabbed the shaking boy’s wrist, before turning him around.
Boy in a hat: !
Murr: Ah, Shino caught him!
Shino: How unfortunate for you. You should be more careful about choosing your targets.
Faust: Shino, don’t be too rough.
Shino: Yeah, I know.
Shylock: Wonderful, what a bright and youthful look.
Shino: Thank you. What business did you have in this town?
Shylock: We came to stock up on alcohol and visit our favorite cafe. There are many hideaways in such an old town.
That’s where we had an unexpected encounter with this young man.
White: I see, but you aren’t the type to allow yourself to be robbed.
You could’ve stopped anything with magic. Don’t play around with his heart too much.
Akira: What…?
Murr: After all, that kid picked up the wallet that I just happened to drop, and started messing with it.
Peeking inside, looking around, with changing expressions, behaviors, and gazes…
Wouldn’t it be a shame to stop the movements of the heart that manifest in all sorts of ways?
Faust: So you purposefully allowed him to take it?
Murr: Yes? When I called out to him just before he was gonna stuff it in his pocket, he freaked out and ran away.
I felt like chasing so I did!
Shylock: It’s like watching a cat in front of a mouse.
I am at fault for failing to stop him sooner. Allow me to apologize on Murr’s behalf.
Akira: Not at all but… why would you do something like theft?
The boy probably realized that he couldn’t escape, so he stopped struggling.
His deep gray eyes peeking out from the brim of the hat caught sight of Arthur, and he gasped.
(Location: Magic Manor, Shylock’s Bar, Central Kingdom, Night Time)
Akira: (I see...the Northern Country is a meritocracy, where only the strong thrive. It's a harsh place for humans to live, but because of that, Wizards hold strong positions in society.
From the perspective of Owen, a Northern Wizards who lived somewhere like that, of course something like this may sound strange.)
...Do you think so too, Bradley? That it’s strange for wizards to be chased out of their homes by humans?
Bradley: That's right: Cowards who run away after being mocked by mere humans lack pride.
If ya’ have power, use it and live as you please.
Akira: Power…
Rustica: A person’s Innate strength is their hands and feet.
To that young woman, seeing that world is nothing special. Just like we wizards use magic.
Akira: ...It's certainly something to think about. As you say, Rustica, whether it’s normal or special doesn't make that much of a difference.
I had heard that Luka was a witch with exceptional powers… I may have approached her like that too.
Akira: It's difficult. By trying to understand someone, sometimes you push them further away.
I feel a sharp pain deep inside my chest.
Shylock smiled at me elegantly.
Shylock: What a good night. Debates like this turn sweet alcohol bittersweet, and give it more flavor.
Special or not, the mystery surrounding the author Luka is certainly expanding.
The right to look into such a world is given only to eyes that have not yet been tainted… Isn't it like the beginning of a wonderful novel?
His flexible fingers raise the glass, and the ice makes a sound. I thought it was the sound of night falling.
(Location: Magic Manor, Courtyard, Central Kingdom, Day Time)
Akira Thank you very much.
Rutile: Mitile, Riquet, if anything happens, make sure to report it to Figaro-Sensei and the others.
Mitile: Yes! I'll search diligently!
Riquet: Of course, Mitile and I will do our best! Please leave everything to us!
It was the fourth day of the exhibition. It had become a daily routine for Rutile and I to see off the wizards in charge of security.
Figaro: I’m glad to hear that everything seems to be running smoothly so far.
Akira: Yes, but I heard it's very crowded every day. I hope things will stay safe until the end...
Figaro: I'm sure it'll be fine, leave it to us for today.
Looks like Leno will be coming with me.
Lennox: Yeah. Rest assured, even if thieves break in, we did some training.
Akira: Training…?
Figaro: Rutile, if Luka comes to the venue, I’ll keep an eye on her. I'll let you know if anything happens when we get back.
Rutile: Thank you very much. It's a simple request, but I'm sorry I can't accompany you today.
Figaro It’s fine, keep up the good work.
Lords Snow and White reminded me, if something happens, I'll leave her to them.
Lennox: Even now, we are all connected to mysterious creatures that we cannot even imagine.
I used to live in the mountains, so there were times when I felt something strange when deep in nature or in places with strong magical power...
I'm a little worried about a child facing that presence alone.
Mitile and the others, who finished preparing for their departure, appear as Lennox speaks calmly.
Mitile: Figaro-Sensei, Mr. Leno! We have to go soon, the exhibition's about to start.
Riquet: Tardiness is strictly prohibited. We must fulfill our responsibilities properly.
Mitile and Riquet: Well then, let's go!
Akira Please come back safely!
Astride their brooms, the wizards soared through the sky.
Rutile and I watched until they were out of sight.
Akira: I the exhibition can continue without incident.
Rutile: …Yes, I hope her new work can be unveiled safely.
Rutile gently traced the cover of the picture book she borrowed from Arthur and spoke softly, as if praying.
Akira (Huh…?)
Suddenly, sparkling, rainbow colored scales seemed to sparkle in Rutile's hands.
However, they disappeared in the blink of an eye, melting into space.
Was what I saw now... an illusion?
(Location: ???)
Luka: (I wonder what this nostalgic smell is… A distant season...the smell of sunlight…)
…Ah. I started remembering little by little. It was… a hot afternoon.
I ran, ran, ran... before I knew it, I had passed through the forest and found myself in the city.
I was supposed to be fleeing from people who did terrible things, but I ended up wandering into a place with lots of people.
I sat down at the base of a tree by the street and cried a little at the faint smell of the tree.
At that moment, something landed on my head suddenly.
A hat that smelled like fragrant wheat: I thought that was the smell of sunlight.
When I looked up, I saw slightly tanned skin and amber eyes.
That person asked "Are you lost?".
A human. If I don't run away, something terrible will happen to me again.
That's what I thought, but the soft smell of sunlight made me feel at ease and suddenly I was tired…
I shook my head slowly.
I'm not lost. Because there's no one looking for me.
...I had been walking for days, and at that moment I finally lost consciousness. The next time I woke up, I was on a fluffy bed.
There was a wet towel on my head and a gentle voice at my bedside.
"How are you?"
I heard the sound of the window opening, and the sunset-colored wind gently swayed my hair.
I could see thin clouds through the window.
A beautiful color: a mixture of yellow flowers blooming under the pale red sun, with just a hint of verdant grass.
I want to draw those clouds.
With that thought in mind, I absentmindedly surrendered to the wind.
"Hey, did you draw this?"
Eventually, the man shyly showed me a thin stack of paper and asked me.
I draw pictures of scenery and creatures whenever I feel like it. My own world...
I quickly snatched back the stack of papers.
Being able to see that world makes it difficult to live in this one. Even though I was young, I knew that.
“I apologize for looking at something so important to you without permission,'' the man said, bowing his head sheepishly.
His bright hair swaying in the evening wind reminded me of a wheat field.
...Ah, that's why it smells like sunlight.
I wondered why I thought so. But I thought so anyways.
Like warm sunlight.
The man spoke with a serious look on his face.
"You paint a very beautiful world."
“Like a daydream I had when I was young: beautiful and somewhat sad, like a memory that lives on in a corner of my mind...''
Then he handed me a clean sketchbook and new art supplies.
“...I want to know more about you and your world. Could you please draw more?"
“Of course, I won't force you, but... You're good at drawing, so I thought you might like it."
The person laughs, a slight wrinkle forming at the corner of his eyes. It was the first time I made someone laugh like this.
I wonder what that feeling was. My chest felt warm and somehow sad...
“Oh! Why are you crying!?”
The man dropped the art supplies in a panic, leaving them scattered as he looked into my face.
“Did you not like it? Or are you hurt somewhere? Your eyes will get swollen if you cry too much. We should use cold water and a cloth…”
Luka: Hey, what color are those clouds?
"Huh…?"
I pointed out the window, at the strangely colored clouds. The man leaned forward and put his hand on the window frame.
“Well...it's just dusk, so I think orange is safe. No, maybe it's vermilion..."
Luka: Yellow, pale red, and bright green.
That's how it looks to me.
Suddenly, eyes brighter than the setting sun, He turned towards me.
Involuntarily, my shoulders trembled. But the usual, scathing words didn’t come.
The golden eyelashes that framed his eyes blinked a few times in curiosity.
“… Is that so?”
“You live in a beautiful world, don't you?"
He laughed a little, like a child.
I panicked, trying to think, to come up with something.
None of the quickly changing expressions on his face were the cold ones I knew.
The first person who didn’t deny me and my world. He said she wanted to know more, without ever calling it creepy...
(Location: ???)
“Ah... that's right. I'll be calling you often, so If you don't mind, may I ask for your name?"
I can see my reflection in his straight, Amber eyes.
…Maybe I was a lost child after all.
There was someone here who could find me.
Luka: Luka.
What's your name······?
Luka: How nostalgic… it makes me feel a tingly in the back of my head.
Roxy... Roxy...! Oh, thank goodness, here you are!
It looks like you’re napping... yes, I was dreaming… a nostalgic dream.
…Ah. I hear a voice from outside the picture book, it sounds like Aslan is calling...
But I wonder why... I'm very sleepy… like my body is saying it doesn't want to wake up…
