if you ate a madeleine you cannot makeleine it back

『figaro's mental, possideo』 mhyk fan TL blog ✧completed → The crimson ribbon for Désir✧ ✧cast a spell for TL requests✧ ✧trying so hard to convey the source material's wording as closely as possible✧ ⨯please avoid reposting the tled screenshots to other sites as they're modified versions from source material⨯ more about me↓ https://hsshmagic.carrd.co/

[halfincontextmagic]

MAHOYAKU TRANSLATION INDEX

・゜gradual edits and updates, this serves as the blog's masterlist ゜・

Event story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir

✧ 1

✧ 2

✧ 3

✧ 4

✧ 5

✧ 6

✧ 7

✧ 8

✧ 9

✧ 10

Mahoyaku in a nutshell (collection of translated screenshots)

✧ 1

✧ 2

Short story: To the diverging, yet irreplaceable Pareja

✧ 2

Act Switch (April Fools 2025)

✧ Cards voicelines

✧ Luna star club #1

✧ Luna star club #2

[halfincontextmagic]

Mahoyaku ☆ ACT SWITCH April Fools 2025

Luna star club blog translation: Hey, you people have been so noisy since yesterday (Owen)

i'm only posting bits for now because i cannot be normal about caioe ever but i'll translate and gather everything in a single (or 2) tumblr post(s) when i have the time!! please look forward to it☺️ i'll also correct the english mistake i made in the previous post when i do that (sorry about that once again!)

✧TRANSLATION INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Mahoyaku ☆ ACT SWITCH April Fools 2025 Luna star club blog translation: Today's April Fools huh! (Cain)

HELLO????? i cant be normal about this event. i am not normal about any mhyk april fools but i think i may have the rabids now

✧TRANSLATION INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Mahoyaku ☆ ACT SWITCH April Fools 2025 Event Gacha SSR SR R voicelines translation

HII EVERYONE HAPPY MAHOYAKU APRIL FOOLS🎉 i am SO very happy to announce that i managed to get all 3 ssrs while pulling for chloe (and even got a total of 3 copies of leno🥹) i'm winning so hard today all the suffering was worth it.... i'm so happy i wanted to immediately share the cards' voicelines with everyone

✧TRANSLATION INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Aaaa heathshino 🥺🥺🥺 thank you so much for your translation!!! They're the loveliest cutest childhood friends for real.... 💗

hiii thank you for reading too!! i know right they are everything to each other and i am so normal about that !!!

[halfincontextmagic]

Hiiiii i just need to thank you 1000 times for translating the latest christmas event, thank you thank you thank you so so so much! God, shinoheath are so cute i am sobbing....so cute....you don't have to answer this if you don't want to btw, i just want to express my gratitudes ♡♡♡

hiii thank YOU for reading and appreciating the little meowmeows!!

the truth is, i'm not very good with social medias in general, but in the end i'm really glad i made this blog because there are more people who read this than i thought there would be!? i'm genuinely so happy to see that this many people out there also want to read/like this event enough to read the entire tl..

this event is a huge step forward for them and their relationship, it's so important to me it's becoming my entire personality alongside pararoid and sunradient fhzhhfh

thank so much you for your kind ask💙

[halfincontextmagic]

Mahoyaku in a nutshell (screenshots translation collection) #2

2024 Nero Birthday voiceline, Murr

4th Anniversary: Together, miracles shall surely bloom

Dolce's enthralling love

Main Story 1

(event titles translations borrowed from fandom wiki)

✧TRANSLATION INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Congratulations 👏👏 it must've been hard taking a whole event one of your first translation projects! Thank you so much

thank you!! i'm glad if you enjoyed reading it, i really wanted to share hisushino love they're so cute..

i've done other translation projects before like drama tracks and other stuff but it's the first time i take on something with this much text all by myself (this whole event was a total of 13k words✨) what dedication does to me

i'm pretty fluent in both languages even if neither is my mother tongue so it went faster than i thought it would, but yeah looking back on it i sure was motivated! 😂😂

thank you for reading and thank you for your kind message💙

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH10 (end)

KLAUS — For the longest time, I…could never accept that this painter had quit painting.

For such a talented artist to quit painting only because a single model left him….

It left me feeling indignant. What a stupid thing to do, I’d think.

Why was the painter so fixated on that model? How could they have stayed together? I couldn’t think of anything else.

I spent my time like that, for years, for decades, until I found this painting in that antique shop.

Mr. Klaus contemplated the canvas in his hands, and gently brushed the surface from the tips of his fingers.

KLAUS — The moment I found the masterpiece that was covered in white paint, I felt like my chest had gotten crushed…. And simultaneously, the idea of this exhibition fell onto me.

That I could mix this painting among other exhibition items, talk about the painter and the model’s life, and hear the opinion of a third-party from the guests….¹⁶

I felt like I could find…the answer I was seeking.

SNOW — Hohoho. How Western to end up organizing a whole exhibition while you were pondering over your troubles.

BRADLEY — That’s a weirdo’s idea.

KLAUS — A weirdo, you say…. Haha, it is just as you say.

I myself think it’s as if I’d spent all those days possessed by something.

Since, the closer the exhibition opening date grew…, I’d started having dreams about the painter and the model, the two in the atelier, happy together.

Mr. Klaus looked so loving, so overjoyed as he said that, that it felt painful.

Rustica gently stared into the distance, and quietly closed his eyes.

RUSTICA — How could those two have stayed together….

Rustica muttered, as if he were deeply reflecting upon it.

Slowly opening his eyelids, Rustica met eyes with Klaus.

RUSTICA — It is possible to imagine the answer to that question, but no way to confirm it.

The person in question—the painter—has already passed away.

Time doesn’t go back. We can only exchange words during the time we’re alive.

No matter how much we’d like to meet that person.

KLAUS — ………….

Yes—you’re right. It’s really…as you said.

Mr. Klaus’ brows bent into an upward frown, and, looking full of sorrow, he let out a strained laugh.

Those features, for an instant, overlapped with the painting’s.

It would make one think that if the young man in the painting aged….

AKIRA — (…Could it be…)

I flipped and covered my mouth with the palm of my hand.

Seemingly having noticed my behavior, Shylock discreetly brought his index finger to his lips.

It was as if he were telling me to wrap a ribbon around the secret I’d just discovered.

SHYLOCK — …Well then, everyone.

We’ve safely settled the strange phenomenon and purified the painting.

We should excuse ourselves soon.

When we stepped outside, it was snowing in the City of Wealth.

Fluttering down, the fleeting, gentle snow looked as though it could disappear at any given moment.

SHINO — So it did start snowing in the end.

SHYLOCK — Today was a particularly cold day for Western Country, after all.

RUSTICA — My, now must be the right time for the hot cocoa we bought earlier.

CHLOE — Ah. Right, a lot happened and we did end up missing out on drinking it.

SNOW — I’ll take out what was put away with magic earlier and warm it up.

« Noscomnia »

MITILE — Waah, it’s so warm!

With Snow’s spell, cups filled with hot cocoa appear between everyone’s hands.

While feeling my fingers get gradually warmer, I watched the falling snow.

What came to mind was the winter forest we were until moments ago.

AKIRA — I hope the exhibition tomorrow onward will go well too….

Standing next to me, he didn’t let the muttering that fell out of my mouth go unheard.

BRADLEY — What’s up. You liked it that much?

AKIRA — Ah… How do I say it…. I’m kind of concerned about Mr. Klaus.

Mr. Klaus had been worrying over the relationship between the painter and the model, right?

I mean, to the point of dreaming about it.

That’s why I think it’d be nice if, during this exhibition, he meets and talks to a lot of guests, and could ease some of his worries by doing so.

BRADLEY — Hah. You really are a softie.

Even without your concern, I’m pretty sure guy already got freed from those strange dreams.

AKIRA — Huh, what do you mean?

BRADLEY — Most likely, the thing causing the dreams Klaus was having was something like the painter’s feelings clinging to the painting.¹⁷

Originally, when the model was gone, by that point the painter’s dream was supposed to be over but….

The painter couldn’t help but want to imagine the continuation of the dream he woke up from.

And that lingering attachment got influenced by the Calamity’s power and probably affected Klaus in turn.

Well, he finally found him. I bet he’d want to show him a dream or two.

AKIRA — You mean…. Then Mr. Klaus really is….

BRADLEY — That’s what it means, yeah.

Bradley sent a meaningful look in the direction of the hall we were in earlier.

Surely, with that same secret in mind.

BRADLEY — …Well, to the model who was forced to see the continuation of that dream, it was probably hell of a nightmare though.

As he sighed and shrugged, Bradley gazed up to the sky.

He contemplates the snow fluttering down in a milder way than in the North in the distance.

When I quietly brought my hot cocoa to my lips, I could see Shino’s silhouette, walking at the front of our group.

AKIRA — (Something like that suddenly happened today but…)

(We were originally supposed to find something that Heath wants.)

(…I wonder if…Shino is alright.)

I was just thinking about calling out to him but Heathcliff was one step ahead of me, and I saw him lining up next to Shino.

He carried a bit of hesitation with him. But he had to ask, no matter what.

That was the kind of expression he was making.

HEATHCLIFF — …Shino. Tell me….

SHINO — What is it?

HEATHCLIFF — ………….

Why did you…. Bring back my original self?

SHINO — ………….

…That’s….

Because I thought that if you were me….

You would’ve done just that.

On his repeatedly blinking eyelids, Heathcliff’s long lashes fluttered.

HEATHCLIFF — What’s with that.

He laughed. His white breath dissipated into the wintry sky.

SHINO — I also have something I want to ask.

HEATHCLIFF — Yes?

SHINO — …Heathcliff Blanchett.

I still want to offer achievements and glory to you.

Even if it’s something you do not wish for.

HEATHCLIFF — ………….

SHINO — But….

There’s also a part of me, that is here, that wants to give you what you truly want from the bottom of your heart.

So, please tell me.

If the time comes when you find something that you truly want, don’t hide it from me.

Red eyes were staring right into Heathcliff.

Firmly accepting that, Heathcliff narrowed his blue eyes.

HEATHCLIFF — I got it. But….

Shino, you already gave me that.

You already gave me the thing I want the most.

The northern wind swayed the crimson cloak Shino was dressed in.

That red isn’t the color of blood, not by any means.

The vivid color is wrapping itself around Shino’s unscathed body.

SHINO — ?

Did I…give you, something?

Shino tilted his head in confusion.

HEATHCLIFF — Ahaha. That’s a secret.

This time, Shino was the one to blink a few times.

Because, right in front of him, Heathcliff’s smiling face looked incredibly happy.

It was just as if he’d just received the best present.

SHINO — What’s up with that.

So, Shino laughed too.

Smiling like he’d finally found the treasure he’d been searching for.

TL/n: thank you for reading until the end, i'm so happy i could share this experience with more people 🥹 please spread hisushino love with everybody you know<3

for those who have read 2023's christmas event that's heath-centric, you might notice a connection between it and this one: heath says in this chapter that shino already gave him what he truly wanted from the bottom of his heart, and the preceding year's christmas event was implying that shino filled the emptiness inside heath's heart AND ALL OF THIS IMPLYING THAT WHAT HEATH WANTED FROM THE BOTTOM OF HIS HEART WAS SHINO HIMSELF!? i cant do this anymoee thehe sl cute zhshdzgfhfhs (ok granpa let's get you to bed @ myself)

¹⁶ The original text uses the word 「画家とモデルの半生」 (ʼhanʼ for ʼhalfʼ, ʼseiʼ of ʼlifeʼ) that I translated to “the painter and model's life” as I wasn't sure how to make it sound not weird in eng, but in og, Klaus says 'half of their lives' pretty much, spent together and doomed yaoi goose-chasing

¹⁷ 「思念」 (shinen), meaning ʼthe thoughts coming from the heartʼ. It's kind of tricky to translate, because it's doesn't stop at thoughtsʼ, but isn't exactly feelingsʼ, but a secret third in-between and eng is not my native language lmao

←CH9

↞CH1

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH9

HEATHCLIFF — Hn….

SHINO — Heath!

AKIRA — Heath, are you ok…!?

The blue eyes that have just opened look around in a daze,

until they catch Shino’s gaze.

I can tell Shino’s body is stiff with nervousness.

Everyone swallowed, waiting for Heathcliff’s reaction….

HEATHCLIFF — Shino.

A warm smile emerged on his face.

SHINO — …Heath….

Shino’s dawn-like eyes swam, and closed.

SHYLOCK — …Welcome back, Heathcliff.

BRADLEY — Looks like it was a safe success.

HEATHCLIFF — Ah…. The ribbon came off….

AKIRA — Shino’s the one who took it off, you know.

SHYLOCK — He used a spell of separation to lift the spell tied to your heart. A change like earlier shouldn't happen again.

HEATHCLIFF — Shino did….

I see.

Thank you, Shino.

SHINO — I didn’t do anything to deserve thanks. I only did what’s natural.

That aside, how are you feeling? Do you feel weird anywhere….

Slowly pulling his body up, Heathcliff gently held his right hand out.

His slim fingertips wrapped themselves around Shino’s right hand.

HEATHCLIFF — Aah, as I thought…. It’s red.

I’m sorry about earlier. It must’ve hurt when I slapped you back then.

Shino’s mouth hangs open to the question directed to him.

As if he were softening the tension from the string of a taut bow, Heathcliff continued, one word at a time:

HEATHCLIFF — …I, was so, so scared.

I thought, what if I stayed stuck like how I was earlier forever.

Because, even if I’d…managed to get out of here, in a state like that, Chloe and Mitile…, Rutile and Riquet and the others would surely get hurt.

So, I’m really glad.

…Thank you, Shino.

The things that spilled out of Heathcliff’s mouth were…all concerns about someone else.

His dislike to hurt anyone and his gentle, caring nature are what make him himself.

SHINO — ………….

Even in times like these, you still….

Shino squeezed Heathcliff’s hand back with his own free one,

in such a careful way that it was as though he were holding a jewel.

SHINO — Yeah, the Heath right now is the one I….¹⁴

HEATHCLIFF — Huh?

What is it, Shino. Did you say something, just now?

SHINO — No….

It’s nothing.

Suddenly, Saku-chan seemed to have noticed something and jumped into my chest.

And soon, the world around us lit up at once.

It was a softer, gentler light compared to when we’d come here.

AKIRA — This is….

BRADLEY — Looks like we can get back safe, huh.

SHYLOCK — I can sense that we’re getting closer to Sir Snow’s presence.

And when I’d thought we were once again enshrouded in an all-white world….

The next moment, we were back in the exhibition hall we were originally in.

SNOW — Sage!

MITILE — It’s Sir Sage!

CHLOE — And also everyone! Thank god~!

RUSTICA — I am glad everyone returned safely.

AKIRA — Sorry, everyone. We made you worry.

CHLOE — Hmhm! It’s nothing. You must’ve gotten through a bigger fright than us since you were the ones who got pulled into the box, right?

MITILE — Wasn’t it a daunting place inside? I hope you weren’t put through something horrible….

HEATHCLIFF — …We’re fine.

It looks like Shino solved the issue.

SHYLOCK — Yes, absolutely.

BRADLEY — Heh.

SHINO — Fufun. Pretty much.

RUSTICA — As expected of Shino. That is a brilliant achievement.

SNOW — I wasn’t too concerned, as Bradley and Shylock were also there but….

I see, so it's Shino. You’ve accomplished quite a feat.

BRADLEY — Hey, don’t give me the ‘you’re so useless’ look.

SHYLOCK — Fufu, it’s more gratifying to think of it as a youth with a bright future accomplishing a splendid achievement.

When I spontaneously looked at it, inside the red ribbon box, laid a canvas painted over with a thick layer of white.

Mr. Klaus picked it up with mixed feelings written all over his features and bowed down to us.

KLAUS — My most sincere, deepest apologies for putting my dear guests in danger this time.

How could I ever make it up to you….

HEATHCLIFF — Oh no…. Please raise your head.

SNOW — To wizards, this is a trivial matter. To the Sage’s Wizards, all the more so.

SHINO — Yeah. Strange phenomenons are a daily occurence.

MITILE — I don’t want this kind of routine but I also can’t deny it….

SNOW — That being said, we cannot let this painting as it is, however.

Everybody’s gaze gather on the painting in Mr. Klaus’ hands.

KLAUS — Ah….

At Snow’s words, Klaus’ fingers tighten their grip on the painting.

SNOW — Don’t fret. I won’t do anything such as burning it.

I’ll just cast a spell of purification so it won’t confine anyone else.

« Noscomnia »

The painting drifted away from Mr. Klaus’ hands, floating in the air.

A purifying light cloaks the snow-white painting.

And….

AKIRA — Huh…? Isn’t the white paint kind of coming off?

HEATHCLIFF — You’re right. Isn’t this….

What reveals itself to us is the sight of a young man smiling to us.

Golden hair and a pair of gentle blue eyes. He looked just a little bit like Heathcliff, I thought.

All around the young man were painted many fluttering ribbons.

KLAUS — I never thought—that something like this could….

I never thought…that I could ever see this painting in such a beautiful state….

Mr. Klaus took the canvas within his trembling fingers.

I could see the corners of his eyes, slightly wrinkled with age, blur with tears welling up.

CHLOE — …That’s, such a beautiful person.

To have someone like this model for you is so….

I feel like I can understand why that painter person spent decades searching for him.

RUSTICA — …I agree. The depiction of the light within the eyes of the smiling model is such a splendid work.

Does it indicate the true strength of the model’s heart, I wonder?¹⁵ However, his brows are bent, like he is troubled by something….

“Are you done painting soon? Let’s take a break. You’ll tire yourself out.”

…I can even feel that gentle concern he has for the artist, can’t you?

KLAUS — …!

…How—could you tell? It’s almost as if you were there to see, on the day this painting was made….

RUSTICA — I can tell. Because I can hear it from this painting:

My beloved is such a beautiful person. And it is not only beauty that is visible to the eye, but also the inside of his heart, all of it.

KLAUS — …hg.

…I see….

Just hearing these words….

…Makes me feel like there was a meaning in holding this exhibition.

MITILE — …Now that I think about it, Mr. Klaus. You said this painting was what inspired you to hold this exhibition, right?

SHINO — What did you mean by that?

TL/n: WELCOME TO HISUSHINO MISSED CONFESSION SCENE WHAT IN THE SHOUJO MANGA IS THIS !!!!! THANK YOU FOR MY LIFE

¹⁴ To explain my biased translation choice, original sentence says 「今のヒースが......。」 (ima no hiisu ga…….), so it could be "the you right now is the one.", "it has to be this you." However, I decided to make it a follow up to chapter 8 and 4th anniversary, where Shino says that this is the Heath he likes/loves, that the kind, overly considerate, unjudgemental Heath, is the one that made Shino love him. One of the reasons why I chose to translate it like this is the Japanese confession culture, (you know the one) where people tend to word it in this way: 「あなた(の事)が—......好きです。」 ʼanata (no koto) ga—... suki desu.ʼ (i, about you— i like you. [read: romantic ʼlikeʼ] ), and the way Shino words it in this chapter sounds...well, just like that. And I wanted to convey the way it sounds SO MUCH like he was about to confess his love to Heath. because it was definitely worded that way on purpose, since Mahoyaku is a fu-targeting media.

¹⁵ 「芯の力」 (read ʼshin no chikaraʼ) is very specifically the true strength, coming from the core of the person, from deep inside their heart.

←CH8 CH10→

↞CH1

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH8

SHINO — What’s with your reaction?

Did you think I’d say “Heath is fine like this” or something?

At the sight of Shino’s brows pulling closer, Bradley shrugged exaggeratingly.

BRADLEY — I told you. It’s natural for a servant to seek a confident attitude from his leader.

It’s not like you’re wrong about it.

SHYLOCK — …Well now.

Bradley. Are you perhaps….

Saying that it would be fine for Heathcliff to stay this way?

That if there are means for him to return to the Wizards’ Manor like this, you would be willing to choose that solution?

My eyes go round like saucers and I stare at Bradley’s face.

AKIRA — There’s no way…. You wouldn’t, right? Bradley.

BRADLEY — I do think it's not an option worth scrapping.

AKIRA — W—Why?

BRADLEY — The Young master’s got a too kind of a temperament. He’s not made to fight.

He already saw peers on their dying breath during the recent Calamity, didn’t he.

AKIRA — Ah….

SHINO — ………….

BRADLEY — It’s possible the next battle’s also gonna come with pain.

Then this situation’s also a good chance for him to become bolder, am I right?

Beating without thinking is something only a third-rate would do.

Don’t let it be over after just taking the blow.

Watch, imitate, and think about adding it to your own tactics.

Do that and you won’t just win and be done with it, but also increase your weapons.

Bradley spread his arms wide, as if beckoning us into his bosom, and showed a fearless grin.

The grand, imposing gesture was full of power.

The source of that strength was undoubtedly the confidence and tactics he'd fostered through 400 years of leading a gang of bandits.

BRADLEY — Try changing limitations into freedom.

A weak guy swallowing a strong mana stone will still be weak, but the stone absorbed by his body's gonna become a strength.

Those are the same things.

When I'd unconsciously gotten absorbed into listening to his words, Shylock’s fingers brushed against my shoulder.

SHYLOCK — Indeed, change could also be reworded as growth, I'm sure.

Moving the hand of the clock to go forward out of one’s own volition, into a future they wish for, is very precious.

However, would that apply to a change the person in question doesn’t wish for…,

I wonder?

Shylock took out his pipe in a bewitching gesture.

He slowly held the pipe in his mouth and exhaled white smoke through the gap between his lips.

A sweet scent drifted alongside the white smoke as it gradually formed the shape of a clock.

SHYLOCK — For an outsider to change another’s own shape is….

Much the same as a stranger rudely grabbing the hand of that clock to the future to force it forward.

For time that’s already gone forward, it is impossible even for the most powerful wizard to restore it.

It would be the end if Heathcliff’s shape was altered…. You would never meet the Heathcliff you’d known until now again.

Shylock focuses his sorrowful gaze on the sleeping Heathcliff’s profile.

Behind him, was a clock of white smoke. Without a sound, it ticked the time away.

SHYLOCK — I have no desire in saying goodbyes to my beloved and precious, sensitive and deeply considerate friend yet.

To these words, Shino’s shoulder startled with a twitch.

SHINO — (Goodbyes to Heath….)

There was a strong drive to Shylock as he held his pipe, and a graceful smile that told he wouldn’t back down, made its way onto his face.

Faced with that strong drive, Bradley's lips slowly drew a curve.

BRADLEY — Hmm, ain't this a rare sight.

To think that you’d oppose me so doggedly.

SHYLOCK — ………….

My apologies, it seems like it got a little personal.

With his eyelids closed, Shylock tightened the hold on his pipe for a split second.

That was just as though—.

It were a grip that meant he wouldn’t let go of what is precious to him ever again.

He rested his lips on his pipe, as if carrying out the kiss to an oath, before raising his face.

SHYLOCK — It is just as you said, Bradley. Your point is also yet another option.

I recall what they choose to do is a problem between Shino and Heathcliff.¹²

The atmosphere until now flipped, and the two of them now looked at Shino with their usual demeanors.

BRADLEY — So? Eastern small one.

SHYLOCK — What is it that you wish?

Inquired by the two shades of red eyes, Shino’s fist tightened.

With a strength that wouldn’t lose to the blizzard of the North, nor to the ripples of the West, Shino alleged:

SHINO — My will won’t change.

I'll definitely bring Heath back myself.

Shino immediately kneeled down next to the sleeping Heathcliff.

And took the ribbon entangled around his arm in his hand.

SHINO — « Matzah—…»

…gh.

AKIRA — (Shino?)

SHYLOCK・BRADLEY — ………….

AKIRA — (Ah…)

Now that I looked closely, Shino’s hand was shaking.

I wondered if he’d only noticed when he was about to chant his spell.

The irises reflecting the thin, swaying ribbon, swayed in turn.

It was as if Shino’s heart were also swaying.

SHINO — (…Calm down. There’s no way I’d let what’s inside Heath change in this way.)

(I’ll definitely bring him back.)

(But…)

(If my heart sways even a little, Heath is going to…)

AKIRA — Shino.

I placed my hand over the one Shino is holding the ribbon with.

I didn’t really understand it myself, but my body moved on its own.

Like he’d just gotten stunned out of his bubble, Shino looked at me.

Drifting away from the determination in his eyes, Shino’s face twisted weakly.

SHINO — Sage.

I can…bring Heath back, right?

The answer to that question was so obvious.

Because I’d been watching these two from up close this whole time.

AKIRA — Of course you can.

Let’s go meet him. Let's go meet the usual Heath.

The Heath that Shino loves.

SHINO — The Heath…I love….

SHINO — I remember now.

I hated that Blanchett young master, who was blessed and raised with love, before even meeting him.

If it weren’t for Heath…. For what is inside Heath, we wouldn’t have become friends at all.

He was the first one to pay me any attention, without arbitrarily judging me or what I was like inside….

That's why, I love Heath.

By the time I realized, Shino’s shaking had stopped.

Shino let out a breath, starting over, and chanted his spell resolutely.

« Matzah Sudipas »

Light gently dwelled within Shino's palm.

His strength was dazzling, like the skin-burning, scorching sun.

Like a fleeting and gentle temperature, like the light of a star in the night sky.

The light holding both wrapped itself around Heathcliff.

SHYLOCK — You are doing very well. Keep gently flowing your magic into him, as if caressing him with your fingers….

SHINO — Like this?

SHYLOCK — Yes. Envision the original Heathcliff. Do not let anything interrupt that feeling.

Lastly, believe in your heart.

Shino seemed to be answering Shylock's advice very precisely.

Shino thrived at casting offensive magic that used gaudy strength.¹³

He didn’t like to do delicate things that would require using his head, so he’d always prefer practical training to classes.

However, as of late, he’s started taking Faust’s classes earnestly.

AKIRA — (And that’s probably for Heath’s sake too……)

(Since the day they remade the promise to protect each other……)

BRADLEY — The ribbon’s coming loose. Just a bit more to go.

SHINO — ………….

…Heath….

Come back.

The ribbon that was entangled around Heathcliff’s arm comes undone in a smooth motion.

Heathcliff’s eyelids tremble, and slowly rise open.

TL/n: shino is down SO bad he loves heath so much and akira is also one of us (rotten), and i am so normal about that

everyone start praying this draft doesn't get posted on its own THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR PRAYING NO POSTING ACCIDENT HAPPENED ✨HAPPY HISUSHINO LUNAR YEAR✨✨

¹² Shylock is saying this in a way that's like "We got sidetracked, this decision isn't ours to make, but the two that are involved: Shino and Heathcliff".

¹³ The original wording says 「シノは派手な力を使った魔法が得意だった。」 派手 (hade) can be translated as 'flashy' and its synonyms. I went for 'gaudy' for no particular reason other than preference. Shino likes to show off his strength so he likes to use spells that require power in a flashy way, is likely what Akira means here.

⁰ i forgot to mark this one sorry When Akira says “The Heath that Shino loves.” 「シノが、好きなヒースを。」, to which Shino responds with “The Heath…I love….” ; in the original, Shino doesn't exactly say "the Heath I love" yet but 「俺が......好きな......。」 (ore ga...suki na....), but in English putting the words in that order wouldn't work, so I had to compromise and complete the sentence. (but he DOES say it in 4th anniversary story!!! *op is normal*)

←CH7 CH9→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH7

SNOW — Mumu. So based on what you’ve just told, it would mean that painter had gifted the painting to the model.

Klaus. Does it mean you’ve borrowed the painting from the model and put it in this box?

KLAUS — No. Where I found this painting was where I met Sir Rustica and Sir Chloe, in a certain antique shop.

Because…one day, the model left the paintings in his room—. And suddenly vanished.

BRADLEY — …What?

SHYLOCK — He vanished?

SHINO — Without saying anything to the painter, you mean?

AKIRA — Why, would he….

KLAUS — “Why…”

“Did he, I wonder…”

Mr. Klaus choked on his words. I looked up to the above part of the white space, but his words wouldn’t fall.

SHYLOCK — Miracles….

Next to me, Shylock idly played with a ribbon and closed his eyelids, pondering about the sentiment.

Then, his beautiful lips slowly opened.

SHYLOCK — Could it be that the reason why the model vanished was to convey the message of “I wanted you to see me as I am”?

AKIRA — As he is…?

SHYLOCK — Yes.

He’d be just standing, and on the canvas, a beautiful person with the smile of an angel would be portrayed on it.

No matter how many high praises he is given, it’s much the same as someone who isn’t himself is reflected into those eyes.⁹

Maybe he himself couldn’t find the reason for what he was standing in front of the painter anymore.

SHINO — …gh….

They can just…think whatever they want though.¹⁰

SHYLOCK — Indeed, they think whatever they want.¹⁰ All living creatures do.

Something may have changed if we’d spoken to each other but….

We tie a ribbon on the depths of our heart.

There must be many people in this world who will keep on carrying the words they’d wished to gift to someone.¹¹

BRADLEY — …And what did the painter do after the model disappeared?

For a minute, Mr. Klaus was at a loss for words.

After a beat of bitter silence, he said with a sigh:

KLAUS — “…I was told he quit.”

AKIRA — What….

KLAUS — “He apparently lost the meaning of painting. I heard that, after that, he traveled all over the world, as if searching for the model.”

AKIRA — Then…. After that, did they end up meeting each other?

KLAUS — “No. It seemed like the painter spent decades searching for the model but…. Recently, on the day of the Great Calamity…”

“The damage in the city where the painter was staying at was particularly severe, and he was deceased.”

AKIRA — …No way….

In return, a single painting that his body had still been cradling had appeared to be safe.

However, that painting had likely been covered by a white layer by the painter himself—.

And it seemingly ended up reaching an antique shop as nothing more than a white canvas, where Klaus could find it.

KLAUS — “The only hint was his sign that was left in the corner…. I was lucky to be able to find it at all.”

BRADLEY — I see…. Now a lot makes sense.

Bradley rubbed his chin and looked at the sleeping Heathcliff.

Then, he states clearly, in a volume that could be heard outside:

BRADLEY — Leave whatever’s up down here to us. Looks like we can deal with it.

SNOW — “What? Is that true?”

BRADLEY — Yeah. All of you over there just be good and wait.

At the same time he was done with what he had to say, Bradley turned back to face us.

BRADLEY — ‘t was bothering me the whole time.

That faint presence we can feel since we’ve gotten here….

About why there’s Eastern small one’s presence coming from that ribbon looped around the Young master.

SHINO — …What?

AKIRA — Is—Is this true?

SHYLOCK — Yes. Just subtle enough for Bradley and I to notice it however.

SHINO — What does that mean.

I’ve never come to this place. I didn’t know anything about any painter, or painting, or box with a red ribbon.

BRADLEY — We know. I was also like why but….

After hearing that Klaus guy’s story, I get it now.

Looks like the will clinging to the painting inside this box might’ve gained some power with the influence of the Calamity.

And that will found it. An attachment like its own, it found the Eastern small one.

So now it’s trying to deal with its lingering attachment by fulfilling your wish.

Shino’s eyes widened, as if he’d just gotten struck by lightning.

SHINO — Fulfill my…wish?

Don’t mess with me. I don’t wish for a Heath like this.

BRADLEY — ‘That so? But it sure’s going the way you were saying it should before.

With that attitude, I’m sure the Young master wouldn’t ever be ashamed of himself.

From now on, he’ll hold his head high and order you.

Can you really say you never imagined the Young master looking like this?

SHINO — …gh…. That’s true but….

…Not like this….

………….

BRADLEY — Then, just what is your wish?

SHINO — …It’s….

…………. I don’t really know how to say it but….

AKIRA — Shino….

SHINO — ………….

It’s, my fault….

That Heath is like this right now?

Shino stared aghast, at the ribbon digging itself into Heathcliff’s arm.

Shino had gone speechless and stood there, motionless. From the tip of my feet to the rest of my body, I felt myself go cold, at the sight.

I was at a loss for words, and before I could realize, I felt a soft warmth on the cheek of my hanging head.

When I looked up, Shylock nodded to me.

And, as if to prompt my line of sight, he looked to my right….

When I did, Shino was there, turned back in our direction.

His red irises were holding a blazing flame.

SHINO — I’ll prove it myself that this is not my wish.

Tell me, Bradley, Shylock.

How can I help Heath?

BRADLEY — …It’s easy.

Cast a “spell of separation”.

Bradley’s voice was calm. It was as if he’d been waiting for those words from Shino.

SHINO — A spell of separation…. I learned that in Faust’s class at some point.

If I remember right, it was a type of magic to undo curses.

SHYLOCK — Exactly. The spell itself isn’t anything difficult. However….

AKIRA — Is there an issue?

SHYLOCK — The ribbon is connected to Heathcliff so deeply it can control his mind.

To break the spell, a delicate amount of power would be needed.

And this magic is cast with the image of peeling little by little the unwanted things that are sticking to the soul.

Therefore, the feeling of “wanting the original person back” would be the source of the potency but….

BRADLEY — On the other hand, if there’s the slightest thought of “I don’t want him to go back to how he used to be”, the curse’s power will grow.

And if it comes to that, I bet the spell’s gonna carve itself into the Young master’s soul.

AKIRA — Oh no….

(Does it mean that if it fails, Heath is going to stay like that…?)

BRADLEY — Taking that risk into account, I’d say the most qualified to undo the curse would be Pipe drinker out of all of us here.

SHYLOCK — Indeed, to love one the way they are is what I do best, after all.

SHYLOCK ・ BRADLEY — But….

To the fleeting glance from the two of them, Shino responded by cutting in.

SHINO — I’ll do it.

BRADLEY — ‘knew you’d say that.

SHYLOCK — I knew you would say that.

BRADLEY — …Still, I see.

So this is the answer you choose, huh.

TL/n: SHINO LOOKS SO DEVASTATED AND HEARTBROKEN WHEN HE REALIZES IT'S "HIS FAULT" MY POOR LITTLE MEOWMEOW

sorry if you read this when it wasn't ready yet because this app is so ass and posts my drafts on its own at random and i have no say in it

⁹ to clarify, the model felt like regardless of how much people would praise him, what they saw, what the painter saw, wasn't the real him. the tled sentence is a bit hard to read, i'm sorry.

¹⁰ originally, this could have been also translated to “What they think...is none of his business.” or “What they think...is their own business.” but I didn't want it to sound like Shino was defending them, since what he means is “Why should he care about what they think?”. The original says 「何考えても、勝手だろう」, and it's a very Shino way to say "Let them think what they want. It's none of your business. You don't have to care about these stupid people." pretty much. Then, Shylock keeps the same wording when he responds, but in a way that sounds like "it very much is".

¹¹ This one was really tricky. It's supposed to mean "there's many people out there who will keep what they want to say hidden inside them, words that they wanted to give to someone, but aren't, and won't, and they'll keep on carrying those forever." and while I debated between flow and how close I could keep it to original wording, it turned out like this... lol

←CH6 CH8→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH6

RUSTICA — Everyone, thank you for your patience, we’ve brought Klaus with us.

MITILE — We also bought hot cocoa! …Wait, huh?

KLAUS — Nobody is here…. Where did everyone go?

SNOW — This box….

MITILE — Ah, the red ribbon box! It’s open.

CHLOE — You’re right. It’s been left opened….

SNOW — Do not touch that.

CHLOE — Sir Snow?

SNOW — There is a bad presence coming from that box. We wouldn’t know what would happen if we touched it carelessly.

CHLOE・MITILE・KLAUS — What!?

RUSTICA — Oh…I can faintly feel the presence of Sir Sage and the others from the inside of the box.

This may be related to why nobody is anywhere to be seen. I wonder if they are safe….

SNOW — Bradley and Shylock are with them. I would think they are fine, but….

«Noscomnia»

I’ve erected a barrier, as prevention.

Let’s see….

MITILE — H—How is it?

SNOW — …I cannot see the bottom of the box. It appears to be a white, bottomless space that continues on forever.

Has everybody gotten sucked into it…?

AKIRA — Huh….

BRADLEY— What’s up, Sage.

AKIRA — I think there’s kind of like a voice, can you hear it too?

I raise my voice and hear a cry of relief.

CHLOE — “It’s Sir Sage’s voice! Thank god…!”

RUSTICA — “I’m so glad, we at least know where you are first thing.”

BRADLEY — Looks like our voices can also reach the other side if we’re loud enough.

SNOW — “We are currently speaking towards the inside of the red ribbon box.”

“Just what in the world happened? Everyone, are you safe?”

HEATHCLIFF — Ah….

Heathcliff glances at the ribbon entangled around his arm and shuts his eyelids.

SHYLOCK — …Actually, the box opened by itself when we brushed against the ribbon, and it appears we were pulled inside.

We’ll wait and investigate a bit more, see if we can find a way to leave. Therefore, would you wait for a little longer?

SNOW — “Does it seem difficult to leave despite your and Bradley’s presence?”

SHYLOCK — Yes. It doesn’t seem wise to force our way out, you see.

SNOW — “Very well. We’ll also search for means to undo the phenomenon. Don’t push yourselves too hard.”

SHYLOCK — Thank you very much.

SHINO — …Is it ok to not report to them about Heath?

SHYLOCK — Let’s not yet.

I’m sure even the person in question wants so.

When Shylock directed his look to him, Heathcliff nodded quietly.

HEATHCLIFF — …Thank you, Shylock.

If they heard about my situation, even Chloe and the others would start worrying. But….

Shino, Sir Sage, Bradley, I’m so sorry it got to this because of me.

AKIRA — No way…! There is nothing for you to apologize about, Heath.

BRADLEY — What ‘we gonna do though?

Judging from the feeling the ribbon gives off, Eastern young master’s gotten bound to this space.

There’s no telling what’d happen to him if we forced our way out.

SHINO — …gh.

Hey, Heath. I’ll touch you again.

HEATHCLIFF — Huh, wai….

When Shino’s fingertips neared in, Heathcliff’s gaze immediately turned sharp.

HEATHCLIFF — —Enough of your insolence.

I am your lord and you are my servant, know your place.

Heathcliff’s expression crumbled in shock to the words that stumbled out of his mouth.

HEATHCLIFF — Ah….

Even though I…, even though I don’t mean any of this, why….

SHINO — Don’t worry about it. It’s the truth. I’m not hurt by any of it.

HEATHCLIFF — …gh, you really…!

Even from where I was standing, more than Shino, it looked like Heathcliff was the one who was hurt.

Seeing him so terribly shaken, Shino frowned, and he covered Heathcliff’s eyes with the palm of his hand.

To that, Shylock opened his mouth, intending on saying something.

SHYLOCK — Shino.

HEATHCLIFF — …Ah….

Heathcliff’s body swayed, and Shino gently caught his body in his arms.

And delicately laid him down onto the red fabric.

SHINO — I put him to sleep.

SHYLOCK — The poor thing….

What a bad thing you’ve done. You mustn’t do such a thing without asking for consent.⁷

SHINO — Heath was shaken. It’d be worse to leave like that.

SHYLOCK — That is for him to decide.

SHINO — Stop nagging. It’s not the time for that. Right, Bradley?

BRADLEY — Hmph, you sure get cocky.

But we really gotta find some way to deal with this ribbon, the earlier the better.

SHINO — Yeah.

SHYLOCK — ………….

SHINO — (.....This is fine.)

(Even if I tell him to not mind it like I did earlier, he’s going to mind.)

(I’d be fine as long as I can be his servant.)

(I should be fine…but…)

(I kind of, don’t, like that Heath from earlier.)

MITILE — Are Sir Sage and the others really alright….

CHLOE — But like, them having gotten sucked into this box and all? Just why….

SNOW — Klaus.

KLAUS — Y—Yes.

SNOW — You told us to go and seek you when we found the box with the red ribbon, I recall.

Could it be that you’d known that something like this would happen?

KLAUS — B—By no means…!

I wouldn’t dare! I only put the painting of a certain artist in this box…!

RUSTICA — A painting?

KLAUS — Y—Yes. I only changed the ribbon of this box, there is no other difference with the rest. As far as I had seen, the painting was also—.

MITILE — If that’s the case, then why did you tell us to call for you only for this box?

KLAUS — Ah….

This painting is…what inspired me to host this exhibition.

Just like what I told you at first, I just really wanted everyone to see this and hear your impressions from up close….

RUSTICA — ………….

Klaus. If it’s fine with you, would you let me hear more about that painting?

Perhaps it could become a hint to work out this strange phenomenon.

KLAUS — Ve—Very well. If there is anything I can do to help, then….

SNOW — “Those who are in the box, is this all right to you?”

AKIRA — Yes! We’re counting on you.

A few seconds passed since my voice echoed through the space. Mr. Klaus slowly started speaking.

About one painting that was contained within a box and wrapped up with a red ribbon.

KLAUS — —I love a certain painter, and am one of his many avid fans. The painting contained in the box is also something made by that painter.

That painter drew many portraits using his friend as his model.

One day, about thirty years ago, his talent caught the eye of a famous art dealer, and his paintings gained enough fame to be displayed in museums.

At that time, it wasn’t only about the painter’s talent, but even the model’s beauty was made the center of attention.

“The ‘miracles’ in the shape of a man, and the artist who paints them.” Enough for people to start calling them that.⁸

MITILE — A miracle in the shape of a man….

RUSTICA — The talent of the painter and the charm of the model, it was exactly because those two joined hands that it resonated with people’s hearts, I see.

KLAUS — That’s…! …Wrong.

CHLOE — Klaus…?

KLAUS — The model…doesn’t have any charm nor personality befitting of the talent of the painter.

I heard the model himself would often repeat that.

PAINTER — …Alright, done. That’s another masterpiece.

Here, you take a look too.

MODEL — …Hmhm. It’s very…beautiful.

PAINTER — What’s wrong? Does it feel embarrassing because it’s like you’re praising yourself?

MODEL — No. Because something like this…isn’t me.

PAINTER — Huh? What are you saying?

MODEL — Because…the me inside this painting is the “miracle” you’ve created.

Your hand, your talent, made a “miracle” out of a boring man that could be found anywhere.

I am just awkwardly standing here. Even then, what came out was a man smiling like an angel.

If it’s through your talent, it doesn’t have to be me, anybody could become a “miracle”.

PAINTER — …gh. You don’t understand anything.

I am painting only because it’s you. I do it to show your beauty to the world.

MODEL — I…don’t understand the meaning of what you’re saying.

PAINTER — Then I’ll give this painting to you. Think over what I mean.

MODEL — ….

Klaus’s voice was loaded with sadness and heartbreak.

It was as though the scene from those days were vividly reflecting in his eyes.

TL/n: OK WHY IS TUMBLR POSTING MY DRAFTS WITHOUT ME MAKING IT NOW? i'm going to burn this app in a fire. it posts my drafts, doesn't register my edits, has 10img limited on app but won't move my pics in web, im going to cry dvshvdfh

something so romantic going on between that painter and model and they are supposed to be a parallel to shino and heath i am so ill

⁷ in original text, Shylock says "you musn't, doing such a thing without asking for consent," but as you can see, it becomes awkward in english. he says 「いけませんよ」 (ikemasen yo), which would be literally "you shouldnʼt" or "you mustn’t", but with a tone that's like 'you are such a bad kid for doing this', hence my tl choice

⁸ original text uses 「奇跡」 (kiseki), japanese for ʼmiracle(s)ʼ. The original text's literal translation would be "The miracles shaped like a person, and the painter who paints them." this sentence was its own brand of hell.

←CH5 CH7→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH5

HEATHCLIFF — …I see, you have the courage to change yourself, Mitile.

It’s still a bit scary to me, I think….

MITILE — Scary, you say?

HEATHCLIFF — Hmhm. There is a part of me that wants to become stronger, of course.

Still, I have the feeling that obtaining a strong power wouldn’t only involve myself, but also drag those precious to me into it….

MITILE — Drag those precious to you…into it…?

HEATHCLIFF — …….

(I’ve talked about this with Shino before, but…)

(Let’s say I would’ve managed to become an Eastern General, the way Shino wishes…)

(What would become of us if war ever broke out between Central Country and Eastern Country, then?)

(I’d have to make Shino fight against Sir Arthur and Cain.)

(I wouldn’t…be able to withstand that.)

…Sorry, Mitile. I don’t think I can explain this very well yet.

MITILE — It’s fine, that’s nothing!

SNOW — …Dear children. Your lives have only begun yet.

There is no need in being impatient about your ability to put the voice of your hearts into words.

When your time comes, each of you will obtain your own strength.

Perhaps the day will come when the name “Mitile” will roar through the Southern lands, at the edge of a certain future.

MITILE — Is that true!? Ehehe, being told this by Sir Snow really gives me a boost of confidence.

SNOW — Hohoho.

That time will come without fail.

AKIRA — ………….

Snow’s smile was unchangingly bright.

Yet, was I the only one to feel the traces of a lamenting sigh within that smile, I wondered.

RUSTICA — Come on now, there are still many presents left.

CHLOE — Let’s open a lot!

After that, we opened gift boxes, looked inside, and spoke excitedly about them.

By the time we noticed, there were only a few left.

At that moment, Heathcliff picked up a single box.

HEATHCLIFF — Ah! Everyone, look.

This present is the red ribbon one.

AKIRA — You’re right! The color difference is bigger than I expected.

SHYLOCK — This is the one Klaus was speaking of, it seems. He said he wanted us to keep it for last if we found it.

BRADLEY — Now that you mention it, he did say something like that, huh. I’d completely forgotten.

SHINO — I think he told us to go get him when we open it.

CHLOE — There aren’t many gifts left so we should go call him. Rustica, let’s go together.

RUSTICA — With my pleasure. Oh yes, Chloe.

If you would like, why don’t we buy some cocoa outside before coming back here?

CHLOE — Huh? Why suddenly cocoa?

RUSTICA — We had some together on the way back from the antique shop, last time, didn’t we?

CHLOE — Aah, yes! It was sprinkled with sugar shaped like snowflakes, it was so stylish.

RUSTICA —  It just occurred to me that savoring that cocoa here with everyone would make a delightful time.

CHLOE — True! Come to think of it, it is about to be tea time.

MITILE — To be honest, I was just starting to get a little hungry too….

SNOW — Likewise. Is there anything to snack on in that shop by any chance?

RUSTICA — Yes. Will you come with us as well, Sir Snow, Mitile?

MITILE — Waah, is that alright?

SNOW — Certainly, I am~!

CHLOE — Okay. Then the four of us are going to get Klaus.

We’ll also make sure with him if we can eat and drink inside the hall, and then we can all take a break together.

AKIRA — Ok! We’ll be waiting right here.

After sending off the four people who were leaving the hall, only I, Bradley, Shylock, Heathcliff and Shino were left here.

There, suddenly, from right next to Heathcliff, Shino nimbly snatched away the box he was holding.

SHINO — I’m curious about why this is the only one getting special treatment.

What’s in it?

HEATHCLIFF — Hey! Don’t try to guess it. We have to wait until Mr. Klaus comes, you know.

SHINO — But, it makes me curious. Even if we take a peek fir—.

SHINO・HEATHCLIFF — Ah.

AKIRA — Huh?

SHYLOCK・BRADLEY — ……!

It was at that moment, when trying to take the box back from Shino, and both of their hands brushed against the ribbon at the same time. Red slid undone by itself.

The lid opened itself and light poured out of the box, casting a bright light upon everyone.

Inside of that light, both of their silhouettes waved and disappeared like they were a mirage.

AKIRA — Heath! Shino!

In the spur of the moment, I grabbed Shino’s sleeve, as he was next to me.

AKIRA — …gh!

(We’re getting sucked in…!)

SHYLOCK — Sir Sage!

BRADLEY — Sage!

Two hands reached out into our direction immediately.

Saku-chan was also desperately pulling on my arm.

However, the next moment, we were engulfed into a world of all-white.

When the blinding light disappeared and I opened my eyes, we were standing in a completely different place from earlier.

We were surrounded by red ribbons and cloth that made this space look infinite.

Saku-chan peacefully scanned the surroundings. There was no sign of it being on its guards.

AKIRA — (This means…. For now, this isn’t a dangerous place, I guess?)

SHINO — Hey, where is this.

BRADLEY — This place sure looks awfully different from the room we were in earlier.

SHYLOCK — I can’t even tell how far away we ended up from the hall.

Or perhaps, we are in a hidden, parallel space, still inside the hall.

BRADLEY — Was there teleportation magic cast in that box? I didn’t feel anything that’d indicate that.

SHINO — Was that Klaus guy a wizard disguising as a human?

HEATHCLIFF — Would it even be possible to do a transformation that not even Shylock would notice….

Besides, he didn’t look like such a bad person but….

…gh.

SHINO — Heath, what’s up?

HEATHCLIFF — No, it’s just my arm….

Huh. What…is this…?

I turned to look, and there was a red ribbon looped around Heathcliff’s arm.

The thing, tied tightly and digging under his skin, looks terribly painful.⁵

AKIRA — A—Are you ok? It’s really doing a lot of loops….

SHINO — I’ll free you now. Give me your arm—.

HEATHCLIFF — …Don’t touch me.

SHINO・AKIRA — …………!

SHYLOCK・BRADLEY — …………!?

Right as Shino was about to touch Heathcliff’s right arm, a dry sound rang out.

With a delay of a few seconds, I come to the realization that Heathcliff just used his own left hand to bat Shino’s away.

AKIRA — Wh….

HEATHCLIFF — ………….

Eyes so cold they were like ice.

I lost my words to the attitude and sharp expression that were so uncharacteristic of Heathcliff.

And that wasn’t just me. Shino didn’t say anything either, and withdrew his outstretched right hand.

Then, Heathcliff blinked twice.

The gaze that fell back onto Shino returned to its usual warmth but it looked like all the blood had drained out of this face.

HEATHCLIFF — Huh…? I, j—just now….

SHINO — What’s wrong, Heath?

You’re different from usu—.

As if rejecting the once again the hand Shino is holding out, warmth instantly disappears from Heathcliff’s eyes.

With the same dreadfully sharp expression as previously, he declared:

HEATHCLIFF — …Shino Sherwood.

You are my servant, and a man who will become a hero.

AKIRA — (Heath!?)

(He’s been weird since earlier. Just what’s…)

SHYLOCK・BRADLEY — ………….

I fail to hide my discomposure at the sudden change.

Bradley and Shylock are watching him attentively, searching for the source of the strange phenomenon.

Shino too, then, with Heathcliff standing in front of him, sends back a sharp gaze.

However, alongside a certain respect, as a servant, he bows.⁶

SHINO — Yes, it is just as you said.

HEATHCLIFF — …Then, I, Heathcliff Blanchett, order you.

Go and take down Granvelle Castle.

AKIRA — …………!!

HEATHCLIFF — Even to the cost of your life.

SHINO — ………….

Shino looked up to Heathcliff, speechless.

His eyes tremble, his lips shut, not even a single syllable comes out of him.

Heathcliff is scrutinizing him, still in a dignified demeanor.

What must Shino be feeling, right now, at this sight?

AKIRA — This is…. Just what in the world…is happening to Heath?

BRADLEY — The cause’s obvious. It’s the ribbon looped around his arm.

SHYLOCK — Yes. I can feel a bad presence from it.

TL/n: AND HERE IT STARTS. shit is going down. (head in hands heath and shino my poor little meowmeows

also mitile not knowing what snow actually means.......nothing is ok...

very sorry for the uglyass edits on the transparent ones tho i'm literally doing this on my phone with the most basic editing functions gfjkdgh

⁵ starting from this point, i'm going to be switching between past and present tenses a lot, since it's the way it was written in jpn.

japanese writing does tend to do this, as opposed to most western languages, since there are less "options" in past tenses than western languages, to control the pacing of the sentences, i imagine. i could've changed the way it was written to keep a better flow in english maybe, but i chose to stay close to the original as possible, since this isn't a professional translation or anything.

⁶ just in case: the "certain" used in this sentence is the one for "definite", and not for "sort of". the original sentence translated more literally might go "however, while carrying a certain respect, as his servant, he bows."

←CH4 CH6→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH4

HEATHCLIFF — …Who gifted them, with what kind of feelings, to whom…huh.

I see, there is someone’s feelings filled into each and every one of these.

SHINO — ………….

Heath. Which box do you want to open? I’ll get it for you.

HEATHCLIFF— Huh?

SHINO — It’s fine for us to open them now, right?

KLAUS — Yes. Go ahead, take them between your hands and enjoy yourselves. There is also a ladder to reach higher places.

SHINO — We don’t need a ladder. There, Heath, hurry up.

HEATHCLIFF — But, rather than me, wouldn’t it be better for Rustica and Chloe who are the actual invitees, or the younger ones like Mitile to go first…….

RUSTICA — Of course not. I am very interested in which box you’ll pick, Heathcliff.

CHLOE — Yeah! Do you want a big one? A small one? Or maybe…the one with a chic pattern over there?

MITILE — Let’s open the one Heathcliff picks first!

HEATHCLIFF — Th—Thanks. Err… Then, that one thin and long, big box.

SHINO — Leave it to me.

Shino immediately went to take the box Heathcliff was pointing at.

Heathcliff received the box and carefully undid the ribbon.

SNOW — Let’s see, I wonder what is in there.

SHINO — It was pretty light for its size.

AKIRA — Something light and big…. I can’t think of anything from the top of my head.

Lying inside the box was a broom.

It was something with fewer shades than the ones everyone owned. Something that was of a simple making, that would be sold in a shop as a cleaning tool.

BRADLEY — Well damn, that’s not a very sexy gift.

MITILE — Why something like this…. I think it’s a bit uncommon to gift cleaning tools.

KLAUS — What desire and wishes do you think this is, who do you think was gifted this and by whom?

HEATHCLIFF — Hmmm. Maybe someone’s wish of wanting their room to be clean?

CHLOE — You mean they want to ask someone other than themselves to clean their room up for them?

RUSTICA — Maybe the sender is someone who is bad at house chores, like me.

Or perhaps this is, dare I say, a broom for flying.

SHINO — Then the receiver would be a wizard. A human wouldn’t be able to fly even if they get a broom.

SHYLOCK — Even if you cannot fly, if it’s with you, I wish to fly through the skies together. There is also the possibility of the sender wanting to convey these feelings by gifting a broom.

CHLOE — Whoa. That’s so romantic!

AKIRA — It’s true that I’d feel happy even if I can’t fly.

If I received a broom in this way from everyone, I’d be over the moon.

WIZARDS — ………….

BRADLEY — Sage. You sure got good at asking for things. Who taught you?

SNOW — Hohoho. I wonder what kind of broom we could give the Sage, and how we’d do it. Making it a competition with everyone as a participant may also sound fun.

AKIRA — HUH!? I didn’t mean it like that…!

KLAUS — Fufu….

Mr. Klaus watched over us and smiled as we opened the gifts and got all excited over them.

After a moment, he quietly stepped away from the circle.

KLAUS — Please enjoy the rest of the presents the same way. Well then, take your time and have a good time.

Klaus bowed, then stopped in his tracks.

KLAUS — …Oh, right. If you find a box with a red ribbon, please keep it to enjoy last.

And when you open that box, I would like you to call for me.

CHLOE — Ok, I got it. But, why?

KLAUS — ………….

…I would very much like to hear personally about your unrestrained thoughts about the desire and wishes hiding within that present.

Klaus said, smiling.

It was a different kind, as compared to the one adorning his face when he was watching over us.

It felt as though he were embracing cold snow…. With just a faint sense of melancholy.³

KLAUS — Well then, if you’ll excuse me.

With that last sentence, Klaus leaves the room.

SHYLOCK — A red ribbon, he says…. It’s certainly true that all the boxes we’ve seen so far are wrapped with orange ribbons.

AKIRA — Is there something special contained inside that box?

BRADLEY — Might be something that’d be bad if stolen, something of incredible value. ‘Sounds like a great challenge.

SNOW — Don’t challenge it, don’t challenge it.

SHINO — Let’s hurry up and open whatever boxes are closest to us. If we take our time too much, night's gonna fall.

MITILE — Ehehe…. It’s so exciting, thinking about how we can open this many presents!

HEATCLIFF — Mitile, which one would you like to open?

RUSTICA — Let’s open one that catches Mitile’s eye next.

MITILE — Uhh, let’s see….

Mitile’s eyes made several rounds of surveying the mountain of boxes before taking one.

MITILE — I’ll take this one!

The wrapping paper is so white it looks like snow and the ribbon’s shape also looks cute!

AKIRA — You’re right. The way it’s tied is pretty stylish.

CHLOE — Ok then, let’s quickly without any delay!

I hugged Saku-chan against my chest, and along with everyone, peeked inside the box Mitile opened. The moment we do so—.

MITILE — Whoa! What’s this…a gun!?

Onto the stuffing cotton that beds the inside of the box, layed a silver revolver.

CHLOE — Whaat, something like this was inside!?

MITILE — So heavy…! Are guns this heavy?

To avoid dropping it, Mitile wrapped it in both his hands to take it out of its box.

However, a much bigger hand abruptly reaches from the side and grabs the glowing silver.

BRADLEY — Ooh. This thing ain’t half bad.

Kind of expected, but no bullets in it. Boring.

SNOW — What are you confirming this for….

HEATHCLIFF — This is also a gift from someone, right?

SHYLOCK — This is sort of a quite thrilling item, but you must be right.

Well then, about the desire and wishes hidden within this gun, now….

BRADLEY — ‘Must be “I’m gonna kill you”.

MITILE — Eee. Th—That’s too scary…!

SNOW — Or a threat.

CHLOE — That’s still scary~!!

RUSTICA — It could also be “I will aim and get your heart”.

AKIRA — It suddenly made a heartful turn!

SHINO — Didn’t the sender just find a good weapon and made it a gift? A reward from their lord, stuff like that.⁴

BRADLEY — Yeaah, when you get your hands on a nice loot it sure makes you wanna give it to your favorite.

RUSTICA — Fufu, we’re thinking of so much, it’s very fun.

Knowing there are still so many encounters like these to be made makes me so excited. How about we open this box next?

Rustica picked up a box sitting close to him and undid the ribbon in a smooth motion.

RUSTICA — I wonder just what kind of desire and wishes are inside.

He opens the lid, and the next moment—.

RUSTICA — …Oh?

SHINO — It’s a whip.

SNOW — Yet another unsettling thing certainly came out.

SHYLOCK — If nothing else, the concept of this desire would be…. I want to be scolded by you. It would likely be something along those lines, I’m guessing.

CHLOE — So—Somehow, it’s weirdly convincing when Shylock is the one saying it.

BRADLEY — You sure look like you’ve gotten through a scolding after asking for it like that, dontcha.

SHYLOCK — Fufu, something like that may have happened.

AKIRA — (He’s not denying it…)

HEATHCLIFF — Amazing…. Regardless of what kind of gifts are being given to him, Shylock seems like he would be unfazed…or rather, stay composed.

If I were the one on the receiving end of such a gift, I’d probably be so perplexed.

It’s like, it’s just a “thing”, but it feels like it could change me inside-out….

SHINO — ………….

MITILE — ………….

Heathcliff, do you dislike the prospect of changing inside?

HEATHCLIFF — Huh?

I don’t know, I can’t really explain…. Don’t you, Mitile?

MITILE — I….

I want to become a version of me who wouldn’t be made fun of by anyone. I don’t want those precious to me to be looked down upon either.

That’s why I wouldn’t hate it if there was a present that can change me out of this.

(If anything…it made me really happy.)

BRADLEY — ………….

Mitile looked up to Bradley for a split second. Bradley received the look and didn’t say a thing.

AKIRA — (Was the talk just now…)

Could it be that the meaning of “a present that can change me out of this” was….

The mana stone he’d received from Mithra, I wondered.

TL/n: ok so posting on phone app tumblr is HORRIBLE i learned today. i hope it doesn't mess up my edits and formatting a 5th time 🙏

³ 切なさ, it's a very japanese-specific word to express 'sadness', but in a more sensitive way. it can be translated into other words closer to 'sadness' but i felt like 'melancholy' hit more right with the sensitiveness.

⁴ in its original, shino says 'there's stuff like rewards from one's lord, aren't there' in a rethoric question kind of way, but there wasn't a good way to translate this exactly the way it is in original. and it's going to happen again

←CH3 CH5→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH3

SHYLOCK — There aren’t only people who can answer immediately when asked “what do you want”, in this world.

If it’s someone reserved, then all the more so.

It may not be an easy task for one to face their own feelings, or to put them into words.

However, if there comes a chance to come in contact with someone’s wish….

That may be the moment they come to discern the outline of their desire, just like a series of ripples on the surface of water.

Why not cherish the time you spend choosing a gift while enjoying the stimulation you get from the outside, while you do so?

With you and Heathcliff, the two of you together.

SHINO — ………….

Gotcha. I’ll invite Heath later.

AKIRA — Um, Rustica. If it’s alright, can I also go to that exhibition?

MITILE — Ah, and if possible, me too…!

And…If it’s fine with you, Shino, I would like to help you look for what Heathcliff wants.

SHINO — You sure?

MITILE — Yes!

Because… I also understand the feeling of wanting my most beloved friend to be the happiest from receiving a gift from me.

SHINO — Mitile… Thanks.

MITILE — Ehehe, you’re welcome!

RUSTICA — Then Sir Sage and Mitile are also coming with us. The card said it’s fine for anyone to join in as well, so I am sure the organizer himself would be delighted too.

Oh, yes. If it’s alright, would you like to also come along, Bradley?

BRADLEY — Me too?

RUSTICA — The organizer is my and Chloe’s friend. He is a very knowledgeable person with a superb sense of aesthetic, you see.

If he is the one organizing this exhibition, I think there definitely would be something that would catch your eye.

BRADLEY — Ooh, if the bridegroom says so, then that guy’s sense must be something.

But dontcha got guts, huh, inviting a bandit to that. Don’t blame me if I steal anything!

RUSTICA — Ahaha. That would be a problem.

AKIRA — That’s—It’d be great if you didn’t…!

MITILE — That’s right! It’s bad to steal!

SHINO — If you’re gonna do it, at least do it in a way so you don’t get caught. It’ll create problems for us.

SHYLOCK — Fufu, would you be able to get away with it under our watch, I wonder?

RUSTICA — Competing with someone as skilled as Bradley would make my heart race.

AKIRA — Everyone!? Please go with the assumption that stealing won’t happen…!

A few days later—.

We brought our feet to the City of Wealth, where the exhibition was being carried out.

BRADLEY — Hey. Why’s the geezer here too.

SNOW — I couldn’t just let you roam free after hearing about you maybe planning on committing mischief, could I. I am here to monitor you. It’s monitoring.

RUSTICA — I am the one who invited Sir Snow. I thought it would be a great idea to invite everyone present on the day of the snow fight, while we were at it!

SHINO — It’s just as cold today as it was on that day. Feels like it might start snowing anytime.

AKIRA — Thank god Chloe’s clothes are so warm. The red coats and vests suit everyone very well!

MITILE — Ehehe…. The dress-code being ‘red’ feels kind of adult-like.

Don’t I feel a little bit more like a young man today, compared to other days?

BRADLEY — You getting excited over something like this means you ‘still a kid for a while.

SHYLOCK — ‘Red’ is the color of desire…. If you wish to dye in its color to grow closer to the adult, I will teach you how to, Mitile.

MITILE — Huh!? Th—That’s still a bit early, maybe….

SNOW — Additionally to the red hue, the decorating ribbons also make these the perfect things to wear to this exhibition.

RUSTICA — Indeed, I am very much feeling like I became a gift myself.

Chloe, will you receive me?

CHLOE — Ahaha! Of course, with pleasure.

Wait, we have to hurry to the exhibition hall! It’s almost time and Rustica overslept so we’re really tight.

RUSTICA — Oh, that’s right.

HEATHCLIFF — …Ah, there is a signboard right next to the café over there. Isn’t that the exhibition’s? That must be where the hall is.

I wonder what a gifts exhibition looks like. I can’t really imagine it.

SHINO — You’ll know when you’re inside. There, let’s go. Heath.

HEATHCLIFF — Whoa. Don’t pull me so much.

We walked in after Shino and Heathcliff at different paces.

That day, Shino had invited Heathcliff the moment he’d come back to the dining hall.

For a split moment, Heathcliff looked like he was about to ask about it but….

Maybe he’d noticed something in the depths of Shino’s irises, he’d promptly decided to nod: “I would like to go too”.

AKIRA — (I hope he can find it…. A present that would make Heath happy.)

CHLOE・MITILE — Woow…!

The moment we stepped into the hall, it was as though we were in the middle of a wintry forest.

Garlands of snowflakes were stringing between the trees draped in white, glittering brightly.

The dim, transparent lights enveloping us felt just like the winter sun.

And at the center of this forest, sat a mountain of presents.

AKIRA — Amazing…. There are so many present boxes they’re about to reach the ceiling.

SHYLOCK — My, what a spectacular view.

??? — Those over there, are the displayed goods of this exhibition.

When I turned around to the husky voice, a humble senior—a man from whom kindness was emanating, stood there.

He seemed to be around Mr. Vincent’s age.

He had a refined appearance, with striking, slightly droopy blue eyes and blonde hair, and a thin silhouette.

AKIRA — (What a beautiful person. I feel like, if Heath aged, maybe he’d look kind of like this.)

RUSTICA — Hi there, Klaus. Thank you for inviting us over, today.

CHLOE — It’s the second meeting for me and Rustica, right. Have you been doing well?¹

KLAUS — Thanks to you. I’d been looking forward to the day we would reunite.

BRADLEY — Ah? The second meeting?

MITILE — Aren’t the three of you friends?

RUSTICA — Yes, we are friends. The other day, we had a fateful meeting at an antique shop, you see.

KLAUS — We placed our hands on an antique ribbon simultaneously and these two kindly let me have it.

CHLOE — And from there, the conversation was just flowing on its own! We became friends right away.

SHINO — In Eastern Country, we’d call that an acquaintance.

RUSTICA — Is that so? I think the feeling of wanting to get closer to the other would already make us friends, however.

KLAUS — It’s an honor to be told as such by people like Sir Rustica and Chloe.

I used the ribbon the two of you let me have to wrap these gifts, you know.

CHLOE — Ah, so it’s just as I thought!?

I was just thinking “oh, the texture feels similar~”.

RUSTICA — By the way, Klaus, if I recall correctly you had also bought off a white canvas from that shop, hadn’t you?

KLAUS — …Yes. That canvas is also part of the goods on display. Please feel free to take it into your hands, later.

SNOW — A canvas, you say? There is none to be seen, though.

KLAUS — Oh…My apologies for that. Let me explain the concept of this exhibition to you.

Mr. Klaus directed a gentle smile towards us and started talking about the exhibition.

KLAUS — This hall was made with the idea of a pure white natural scenery that cannot be found in the Western Country.

And within this unusual, pure and peaceful space, the one that emits the strongest impression is that mountain of presents….

While I traveled to many places, I gathered things that were ostensibly gifted from someone to another and wrapped them one by one.

AKIRA — So there are presents in there….

HEATHCLIFF — It must have been difficult to gather this many.

MITILE — Um, Mr. Klaus. How do you gather presents that were given to people that weren’t yourself?

KLAUS — There are many ways to do that. For instance, an item said to be a great person’s gift to their friend….

Others are gifts I borrowed for the exhibition, when my friends shared deeply touching anecdotes surrounding them.²

SHYLOCK — I see. Then once again, we’ll have to be extremely careful while handling the displayed items.

BRADLEY — Borrowing, buying, exhibiting…. ‘Sounds so tedious.

Nothing new but are there nothing but eccentrics in the West.

SHYLOCK・CHLOE・RUSTICA — Your praise is an honor.

BRADLEY — I wasn’t praising you.

SHINO — But if you wrap them, we can’t see the gifts that are the main point of this. Why did you put them in boxes?

KLAUS — I would like everyone to undo those wrappings. Just like you would if you’d received a present.

MITILE — Huh? Is that alright?

KLAUS — Of course. Please feel free to pick whatever fancies you, open it, and look inside.

This exhibition is open to one group of people per day. After you’ve unwrapped and opened gifts and returned, I will wrap them again.

SHYLOCK — I see. So we can experience the joy of opening presents.

CHLOE — That sounds fun! I’m so excited!

KLAUS — Who gifted them, with what kind of feelings, to whom? What kind of desires lie within those?….

Please let your imagination run freely and tell me about your thoughts, within this tranquil forest, disturbed by none.

TL/n: chapter 3, we're getting close to where the real fun starts!

everytime klaus speaks and i have to tl that i am overtaken by the urge to bang my head against my desk

¹ Chloe says 二度目まして (nidomemashite), which is a commonly used wordplay mashing 'hajimemashite' (nice to meet you, or literal: first time we meet) and 'nidome' (second time). Bradley then repeats that in a tone of "wdym nidomemashite". I couldn't think of any better way to translate this without losing that in the tl so i decided to make a note for it

² the original sentence goes like this: "I listened to anecdotes of gifts from friends, those that made me feel touched, I borrowed them for the exhibition." (this line alone put me through so much lol)

Klaus uses the word 知人, which could either be "friend" or "close aquaintance", and I opted for "friend" since that's a westie right there weirding out all non-westies with him calling people "friends" immediately lmaoo

←CH2 CH4→

↞CH1 CH10↠

✧INDEX✧

[halfincontextmagic]

Event Story: The Crimson ribbon for Désir | CH2

SHINO — That’s right. Stay here, the three of you.

Me, Bradley and Shylock looked at each other.

Maybe it’s because we felt something about the mood surrounding Shino, but the three of us nodded as a matter of fact.

HEATHCLIFF — …Alright. Come before it gets cold.

Excuse me, Shino is in your care.

Heathcliff bowed and went inside the Wizards’ Manor with everyone else.

Shino stared at Heathcliff as he did that.

BRADLEY — So? Eastern small one.

SHYLOCK — What is it that you want to talk to us about?

SHINO — …Shylock.

People who go to your bar often bring you gifts, right?

SHYLOCK — …Yes, I guess so?

Most often, I will give a polite refusal however.

SHINO — Bradley, you are the boss of a gang of bandits. You must’ve gotten a lot of tributes from your underlings.

BRADLEY — …I guess yeah. ‘Were of all sizes, I did get a lot.

SHINO — Sage. You come from another world.

You probably know things that I don’t, and you might’ve gifted those to someone, or received them as gifts.

AKIRA — Eerr…. I think so? Probably?

SHINO — That’s why I want to ask you guys.

……What do you think I can give that would make Heath happy?

SHYLOCK・BRADLEY — ………….

It sounded a bit different from his usually unhesitating, strong tone.

I could feel quivering somewhere, but it was an earnest question.

SHYLOCK — …Shino.

If you would like to consult us about a simple gift to brighten his day, I’d be happy to assist you.

However… It also looks to me like your heart is yearning for something else.

SHINO — ………….

Shino directs his gaze to the dining hall.

There wasn’t a sight of anyone there, but it was clear who was on the other side of his chasing gaze.

SHINO — …I am his servant. I want to provide something worthy to my lord.

I want to become a man who can do that.

If it’s for Heath to never have to feel ashamed in front of anyone, for him to keep his head high brazenly, I would do anything.

But he doesn’t want that. …That’s the feeling I got.

I reflexively blinked at the unexpected murmuring.

And that was because up until now, Shino had never shown a sign of hesitation when it came to this topic.

AKIRA — …Did anything of concern happen that made you think so?

SHINO — Not really, it’s not something limited to today.

By coming to the Wizards’ Manor and living close to him again….

I came to know the faces he makes…that I don’t know of. …The face he was making at Chloe’s gloves is also a perfect example.

He probably wouldn’t show such a bright smile even if I brought back castles or glory.

Even though a long time ago, he’d be happy about the flowers and squirrels, about anything I’d get him.

Shino picked a single blossom from the courtyard.

The snow piled up on the petals flutters off them melancholically. The face he made as he contemplated the flower was just like the one of someone so lost. It looked as though he was desperately searching for a treasure he used to have.

SHINO — If so, then—what should I give to him?

I wondered if, maybe, this question that spilled from Shino’s lips had already existed within his heart for a very long time.

Like a lake born into the sea, disappearing before it can even reach the surface.

Maybe it is just that I couldn’t notice before.

BRADLEY — Hey. Eastern small one. I stayed silent to hear what you had to say and, aren’t you mellowing out.

You the only one trying to meet the timid rich boy halfway?

SHINO — Don’t speak ill of Heath. There is no one who thinks more carefully about others’ hearts than him.

BRADLEY — He might be considering people’s feelings, but he is only half a lord.

It’s normal for subordinates to wanna produce achievements worthy of their leader.

You trying to give him a treasure that couldn’t be more important to you….

And him saying he doesn’t wan’it, as if it were something worthless, would make you feel empty and piss you off.

SHINO — …….

Standing next to a silent Shino, Shylock nodded gently.

SHYLOCK — A present that makes the recipient happy is very profound, after all.

I think it’s a difficult question, of which the answer is worth spending a lifetime searching for.

This is because the impression you give to your recipient will differ depending not only on “what” you gift, but also “how” you gift it.

SHINO — What do you mean?

SHYLOCK — For example, an elegant and beautiful jewel is very alluring even to me….

However, if I were given a mountain of it, it would end up feeling vulgar instead.

I would love it better if I were only given a single grain of it while being told ‘I will give this to you, it’s special’.

AKIRA  — I see. It’s true that the impression will change depending on the amount you give.

BRADLEY — At the same time, number and amount is also a show of power.

If my underlings bring back a mountain of treasures, it’s the leader’s job to praise ‘em, innit?

SHYLOCK — Fufu, and just like this… What you gift, how you gift it… The most pleasant right answer differs from one person to another.

Shino. It is an honor to me that you’ve chosen to consult us but….

Wouldn’t it still be the best to talk it out with Heathcliff himself, in the end?

SHINO — About that, didn’t you guys also hear. When I asked if there wasn’t anything he wanted earlier, it ended with a “nothing”.

There is nothing more to talk about. What do you want me to do?

SHYLOCK ・??? — Then—.

RUSTICA — I have an idea.

Suddenly, a voice overlapped with Shylock’s. It was Rustica.

I turned around in surprise and saw Rustica and Mitile coming from the direction of the dining hall.

MITILE — I’m sorry. We overheard the conversation.

SHINO — Didn’t you two go to the dining hall?

RUSTICA — Hmhm. But we came back. On Heathcliff’s behalf.

His heart is currently restlessly stepping and dancing.

He seems to be anxiously awaiting, wondering when everyone will come to the dining hall.

MITILE — But… We had a hunch that Shino’s conversation would be about Mr. Heathcliff….

We left Heathcliff in Chloe and Sir Snow’s care for now and came here by ourselves.

SHINO — ……I made you step on eggshells, huh.

MITILE — It’s nothing.

AKIRA — Um, Rustica. What did you mean earlier by “I have an idea”?

SHINO — And Shylock was also about to say something.

SHYLOCK — I am sure that what both Rustica and I meant to say were the same thing.

Rustica. Is it perhaps about that exhibition you invited me to, the other day?

RUSTICA — Indeed, it is exactly about that. As expected of Shylock. You are on the same wavelength as I.

Now, I will explain it in order to the rest of you. First, please take a look at this.

«Amorest Viesse»

As Rustica waves his hands like an orchestra’s conductor would, a single handwritten card appears.

Everyone peeked at it as it floated up.

BRADLEY・MITILE・SHINO — ”Exhibition of desire and wishes”…?

RUSTICA — What do you think? Doesn’t the ring of it tickle your heart?

MITILE — Umm… If I would be more tempted to call it a ring that has an adult feeling that makes my heart race?

BRADLEY — That sounds like textbook Western.

AKIRA — If this is an exhibition, does this mean it’s an event where something is being displayed?

RUSTICA — Yes. It’s displaying “presents” that have been gathered from around the world.

SHINO・MITILE・AKIRA — ?

With the gently floating card in front of him, Rustica speaks in a singing voice.

RUSTICA — “For an unexpected moment in your daily life. For an important anniversary. People are creatures that send gifts.”

“That is why the world is filled with countless gifts.”

“I, the organizer, Klaus, am holding an exhibition of those gifts.”

“Who gifted them to whom, and why did they send those? What kind of desires and wishes lie within those? Take them between your hands, let your thoughts run wild and enjoy.”

AKIRA — The desires and wishes behind the choice of presents…?

MITILE — Hmmm. I feel like I kind of know, but also kind of don’t know what this exhibition is about.

RUSTICA — You know, Shino. I think, if you are uncertain about what to gift Heathcliff….

It would be a good idea to invite Heathcliff to go to this exhibition together too.

SHINO — Me and Heath? Isn’t there no meaning in looking at what other people are gifting each other?

SHYLOCK — You don’t know about that yet.

When Shino tilted his head, the flower he was holding swayed lightly, mimicking him.

Caressing those petals from the tips of his fingers, Shylock speaks.

Mahoyaku event story, Christmas 2024

fandom wiki title: A Ruby Ribbon for Désir

TL/n: second chapter, delivered✧˖°

shino loves heath so much christmas 2k24 edition continues

i try to format the translation in a way that's easy to read alongside the game, please play the game too if possible and you aren't already!!

edit: tumblr keeps breaking my formating, i hope it's still legible.. please tell me if it's not and i need to edit the way i format entirely (i hadn't used this website in literally a decade pls forgive me if i'm so boomer about it)

← CH1 CH3→

CH10↠

✧INDEX✧