[A Whisper of Sweetness] — Nero Turner SSR Card Story Translation
Ft. Akira, Figaro, Mention of Bradley
Charmed by the Heartthrob - Chapter 1
Once every seven years, in a castle where the stars cross, a masquerade ball to enjoy flirtatious romance is held. The party is known as the "Ball of Princess Lyra". Having finished our investigation there, we’ve decided to rejoin the party…
Figaro: I keep getting approached when I'm in the hall, so I thought the garden might be a bit better.
Akira: The thickets here have a unique atmosphere, probably because it's known as "a place for lovers to deepen their bond." Besides us, everyone here is a couple, so it feels like we've stumbled into a super famous dating spot…
Figaro: Maybe we should act a little closer than usual so we don’t stand out. Hmm? Is that…
As if he noticed something, Figaro stares, focusing on a single spot. Following his gaze, what I saw was…
Akira: (Nero! And he’s with a woman…)
Figaro: This way, Master Sage.
Figaro gently urged me, and we hid ourselves in the bushes.
Figaro: Looks like he’s really into it.
Akira: Y-Yes, he is. And it’s… what should I say...
The woman in the jet-black dress had her arm wrapped around Nero’s, leaning on him with a seductive charm. As for Nero, he showed no signs of being flustered, holding the woman by her waist and accepting her advances as if it were a matter of course.
Akira: (The atmosphere is so mature…!)
Nero: …You’ve got unusual taste, y’know. This is the Ball of Princess Lyra. You could find a dozen men more charming than me without even tryin’.
Lady in the Jet-Black Dress: I like you, though. I saw you in the hall and it was love at first sight, so I followed you all the way out here. Tell me, what kind of person do you like? What do I have to do to make you look at me?
The woman's beautiful hand touches Nero's cheek, as if pleading for his attention.
Akira: (W-woah…! Is it okay for me to be watching this? And is it even polite to be peeping from the bushes like this!?)
Figaro: …I see. Come here, Master Sage.
Akira: Yes… Huh?!
Figaro took my hand and started heading toward Nero.
Nero: Don’t get me wrong. Having someone come on strong like you ain’t a bad thing. It's just that I’m…
Figaro: …into this kid. I brought her for you.
Akira: Huh? Me…!?
Nero: Sage, Figaro…?
Lady in the Jet-Black Dress: …
Akira: U-um…
Next to Nero, who was wide-eyed, the woman stared intently at me. As I stood there, unable to continue the charade, she let out a little chuckle and shrugged her shoulders.
Lady in the Jet-Black Dress: …She’s certainly a completely different type from me. I surrender. Just as you said, I'll go look for someone more suitable.
Charmed by the Heartthrob - Chapter 2
After the three of us see the woman off, I turn back to Nero.
Akira: Um… Nero. I’m sorry for spying on you.
Nero: Nah, don’t apologize. If anything, I should be the one saying sorry for dragging you both into that awkward mess.
Nero: Still… you showing up saved me. Thanks.
Figaro: Don't mention it. But I was wondering where you were in the castle… and here you are, in a place like this?
Nero: I wasn’t tryin’ to be shady! You saw me, I was turning her down as politely as I could.
Nero shakes his head, as if trying to brush off Figaro's knowing gaze, then looks toward the castle with a sigh.
Nero: …I was keepin' to the edges at first. But people kept strikin' up conversations. Thought if I slipped into the garden, no one would bother me and I could finally relax. Guess my prediction was off. Got stopped before I could hide.
Figaro: Well, that's how it goes. There are a lot of forward young ladies here. Besides, you seem pretty used to dealing with women.
Akira: You're right. Nero, you seemed a little more like a bad boy than usual when you were talking to that woman. It was a refreshing change…
Nero: …Was I?
Akira: Ah, but I didn't mean that in a bad way…! I think Cain and Rustica are also used to escorting women, but with you, it feels a bit wilder…
Figaro: Like Bradley?
Akira: Yes, exactly! In any case, it felt like you'd be really popular!
Nero: Eh… I've just lived a long time, so I've had my share of conversations with ladies. I used to be in customer service, after all…
Just as Nero tries to make an excuse, we hear whispering voices and feel their gazes on us.
Lady in the Purple Dress: What's the relationship between those three…?
Young Man with Brown Hair: Lovers and friends…? But in the garden of this Star-Crossing Castle…?
Akira: (Oh no…! It must look a little weird for the three of us to be here!)
Figaro, Nero: …
More and more curious eyes turn toward us. As I shrank back, my shoulders were suddenly grabbed from both sides at the same time.
Figaro: Hey, let go of them.
Nero: Can’t grant that request. Sorry, but I've got no intention of givin' in to you. I was the one who fell for Akira first.
Akira: (Huh, what is this!?)
Akira: What’s with you two, all of a sudden…!
Young Man with Black Hair: Ohh. So they're both fighting over the person they've fallen for.
Lady in the Pink Dress: How passionate. I'm jealous…
Akira: …Ah.
Akira: (Are they pretending to fight over me so that it doesn't look weird for the three of us to be together…!?)
Figaro, Nero: …
The two exchanged a quick glance, then took my hands, turned their backs to the castle, and looked at me.
Nero: Hey, Sage.
Figaro: Listen, Master Sage.
Figaro, Nero: Will you dance with me at the Star-Crossing Castle?
Charmed by the Heartthrob - Chapter 3
And so, with the two of them escorting me, we successfully reached the hall.
Figaro: That's a relief. It looks like we didn't raise any suspicions.
Nero: Phew… Guess I won't be able to relax as long as I'm in this castle.
Akira: Nero, Figaro. Thank you. Thanks to both of you, we were able to get back to the castle naturally.
Nero: No, I'm sorry for acting so familiar with you, even if it was just to get out of that situation.
Akira: Not at all! It was a little heart-pounding, but it was fun. It felt like I was being charmed by both of you.
Nero: Haha… …If I was really tryin’ to charm you, I'd want to be more earnest about it.
Figaro: Right. I would probably act more like a gentle, sincere young man. But Nero, you didn't hesitate at all to pull Master Sage's shoulder. You could've tempted me, you know.
Nero: You’re one to talk. You grabbed Sage first.
Figaro: Ahaha, you caught me. But it was my own way of being considerate. I thought that if I suddenly touched your shoulder, I might surprise you. Wizards from the Eastern Country are delicate, you know.
Nero: Thanks for the consideration.
They exchange witty banter effortlessly. I can feel enchanted gazes on them from a distance. Nero, trying to escape their stares, turns back to me.
Nero: Anyway, maybe bringin’ you young folks here wasn’t the best idea.? It’s a lot more focused on romance than I expected.
Akira: It's a little intense, but I'm enjoying being somewhere with an atmosphere that's so different from what I'm used to. And even though it was by chance, I got to see a side of you that I normally don't!
Nero: Ah… I'd rather you forget about that part.
Figaro: Oh, now that you mention it, I interrupted you and didn't get to hear your answer. What kind of person are you actually into, Nero?
Nero: C’mon… do we really gotta talk about this now
Figaro: Well, I'm sure Master Sage is curious, too.
Akira: I mean… I can't say I'm not curious, but I don't want to force you to answer…
Nero: Well, if I have to say… someone who eats my food deliciously, maybe?
Akira: !
Figaro: See? What I said wasn't so wrong after all. Nero’s type is the Master Sage.
Nero: Haha, maybe you're right. Sage, you always eat my food with such a good appetite.
Nero answers casually, as if just making small talk. There's no shyness or awkwardness in his response. It's an incredibly smooth counter to Figaro's teasing.
Akira: …Nero, you really do seem like you'd be popular.
Nero: Really?
The Secret of the Star-Meeting Night - Card Episode
Akira: The Ball of Princess Lyra was very stimulating. Just as they say, it really is a "place for playful love."
Nero: I know. Everyone was so forward, I couldn't even relax.
Akira: Speaking of which, I saw you talking to a woman at a different time, too, when you weren't with Figaro…
Nero: Huh… When? The young lady in the lace gloves? Or the one with her hair in a ponytail?
Akira: (He has so many in mind!?)
Akira: I think… she was wearing a yellow dress…
Nero: Ah, that person. …I see. So you saw that, too.
Akira: …What were you two talking about, if I may ask?
Nero: Ah… Well, it was the kind of conversation you'd expect at the Ball of Princess Lyra, a place for meetings and love. Something like, "Hey there, handsome, how about we skip the party and make a little secret of our own?"
Akira: Wow, so mature…! That's a great pickup line, and it really fits the party. But in the end, you two parted ways quickly, right?
Nero: Right, right. So, I didn't do anything to feel guilty… And as for what else we talked about, that's a secret between me and that young lady.
Card Voiceline
"Huh… So the reason the Weaver and the Cowherd had to be separated was because they fell in love? It feels amazing to be so devoted to someone… If it were me, I think I'd be scared, feeling like both I and my partner would be distorted by it. Have you ever been in love like that, Master Sage?"
[quick notice] hi all! so sorry for the radio silence on tls this past week when i've alr promised to post often T_T uni is seriously kicking my ass right now (iykyk). i'll make it up to you and be back with new posts soon! 💖
hii! I just wanted to thank you for the stream of nero card translations (*≧∀≦*)! I love nero (all the eastern wizards actually) and having their card translations dropped so suddenly in a short period of time made me really happy!
once again, thank you! I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead 💕
ahhh hi anon!!!! you are so very welcome! this just made my entire day omg
when i first saw how few nero and the easties cards were translated my brain went "!!!! Σ(ﾟДﾟ；) someone has to do it" and hearing that you enjoyed them makes all the effort feel so incredibly worthwhile. since neither rnglish nor japanese is my first language, my translations arent always completely faultless, but your kind words are just the push i need to keep going. thank YOU for that!!!! 💖
[To You, a Sweet and Gentle Warmth] — Nero Turner SSR Card Story Translation
Ft. Akira, Cain, Mention of Rustica and Owen
A Cook’s Pride - Chapter 1
Akira: Ah, over there, another restaurant sign... This street really has a lot of them.
Nero: Naturally. When you’ve got a big market that brings in food from all over the countries, it’s like heaven for cooks. ‘Course, that also means it’s easy to run into a bunch of regulations…
Akira: Regulations?
Nero: Y’know, bans on risky ingredients or cooking methods. For example…
Cain: …Nero! There you are.
Akira: Cain?
Nero: What’s up, runnin’ around like that? You lookin’ for me?
Cain: Yeah. You know this town pretty well, right? Any idea where I can get Machiri tomato soup?
Nero: ...Machiri, huh...
Akira: What's a Machiri?
Cain: Maybe you don't have them in your world? It's a freshwater fish with light, savory meat. The guts are poisonous, so cleaning it is tricky, but it's a staple fish in towns along large rivers and their tributaries. Back in my hometown too, there were a few places that served it. The previous Sage said it was 'probably a pufferfish.'
Akira: Oh, a pufferfish...! I want to try it too!
Nero: Sage, you sure get excited easily.
Akira: Haha, sorry. Pufferfish was quite a delicacy back home, so I couldn't help it.
Nero: Honest one, aren’t you. So, Mr. Knight, you came lookin’ for me just ‘cause you’re craving that?
Cain: Well, more like Rustica asked me to. I wouldn’t mind eating it myself, but… I ran into him wandering the streets, asked what he was up to, and he said that’s what he wanted. I left him at a café before he got lost and came looking for you since I thought you’d know. So, do you have any recommendations, Nero? Even if it's a shop from your time, just give me the name and I'll find it myself.
Nero: Uh… yeah, about that…
Nero scratched his head awkwardly. His eyebrows furrowed in a troubled expression.
Nero: ...I know a couple places, but they've probably all shut by now. And even if one’s still around, it’d be illegal to go there.
Cain & Akira: Huh?
Nero: I just told the Sage earlier. This street’s got tons of restaurants, so it gets hit with regulations all the time. In this city, Machiri dishes are completely banned. Apparently, there was an accident where dozens of people were poisoned at one of the restaurants.
Cain: ...Seriously?
Nero: Seriously. I’d already moved out by then, but the whole Eastern Country was talkin’ about it. Pretty sure even selling it at the market’s outlawed now. Wouldn’t be surprised if someone’s sneakin’ it in, though.
Cain: ...You’re kidding me...
Cain's shoulders slumped. My own spirits sank along with his.
Akira: (A fish similar to a pufferfish... I really wanted to try it...)
Nero: ...
Seeing our disappointment, Nero's gaze darted around restlessly. After stammering a few times, he scratched his cheek and glanced at us.
Nero: ...Depending on what’s at the market today, don’t get your hopes too high, but… I might be able to make somethin’ like Machiri tomato soup. Not the real thing, but close.
A Cook’s Pride - Chapter 2
Akira: Not the real thing...?
Cain: You'll use a substitute?
Nero: Right. Mr. Knight, you ever heard of a fish called "Whiss"?
Cain: I've heard of it. Isn't it caught in the deep parts of the main currents of big rivers?
Nero: Yeah. Doesn't sell well because its got creepy lookin’ eyes, but the flavor’s light and refined... In other words, it's close to Machiri. It won't fool the noble's tongue, but it can give you a similar feeling. Better than eating nothing, yeah?
Cain & Akira: Ooh~!
Cain: Sweet! Let's go check the fishmonger right away.
Fishmonger: …Whiss? Nah, not lately. Fishermen say the water’s too warm. They've dived deeper than usual, so the hooks can't reach ‘em. You won't find Whiss anywhere, not just at my shop.
Akira: ...Is that so...
Standing in front of the fishmonger, we once again hung our heads.
Akira: (There's nothing we can do against nature. ...But it's a shame...)
Nero, who had suggested Whiss, stood silently, his head bowed. Cain, who was quick to switch gears, shrugged his shoulders and laughed lightly.
Cain: Well, you can't help it if it's not available. I'll just explain the situation to Rustica and...
Nero: ...Hey, shopkeep. If you’re outta Whiss, you got "Petschen"?
Cain & Fishmonger: Huh?
Akira: Petschen...? Is that also a river fish?
Cain: Yeah, but it stinks like crazy. Totally different from Machiri or Whiss.
Fishmonger: Well, if it's Petschen, we have some. We just got a catch that was brought in around noon.
Nero: Perfect. Then we’ll make Machiri tomato soup with that.
Cain & Akira: Eeeh!?
—
We’re back at Nero's restaurant, Cain and I watched him anxiously as he stood in front of a pot. He had lined up not only tomatoes and spices but also ingredients like milk and apples, which seemed completely unfitting for a fish that resembles a sardine.
Nero: Take out the guts, then boil the Petschen in milk.
Cain: Oh... the skin peels right off. Kind of reminds me of metaphors Owen would use.
Akira: Is all that gray stuff on top the scum from the stew...?
Nero: Yeah. Once it looks terrible, add the grated apple.
Cain: The appearance is even worse now...
Akira: Ugh, the smell...! Um, can I air out the room?
Nero: Sorry. We’d be sued by the neighbors for the stench, so no ventilation. I'll just cast a spell.
Akira: (A dish that emits a stench bad enough to get sued...!?)
Cain: Nero, I'm not doubting you, but is this really going to become Machiri tomato stew?
Nero: It'll taste great.
He nodded confidently, a complete change from when he was suggesting a substitute fish for the Machiri. In front of a pot, he could work any miracle, even without using magic.
A Cook’s Pride - Chapter 3
Nero: ...Throw in a load of celery, then the tomatoes.
Akira: ...Oh, wow...!
Cain: Amazing! It suddenly looks delicious!
Nero: See? Now I'll boil it a little more, add some garlic, sprinkle some pepper... There, it's done. Mr. Knight, taste it and compare it to the real thing.
Cain: Alright. Thanks for the meal!
Cain took a big spoonful of the tomato stew and immediately took a bite. As we watched, his eyes widened.
Cain: ...! Incredible! This is Machiri tomato stew!
And a little while later...
Akira: ...Thank you for the meal, Nero. The tomato stew was delicious! I'm glad Rustica liked it too.
Nero: Haha. Even sang me a song in return.
—
Rustica: It's delicious. It might not be Machiri, but I love this taste too. Thank you, Nero, Cain, and Master Sage. As a sign of gratitude, I will sing a song. Please listen. 'The Meeting of Fish and Tomatoes and Love.' La la la~ ♪
—
Akira: Still, it’s amazing you knew how to get that close to Machiri soup with just those ingredients.
Nero stopped washing the dishes and looked around his restaurant. With a gentle expression and a nostalgic gaze, he began to speak.
Nero: Back when I ran a restaurant here, a customer once came for Machiri tomato soup. But that day it had just sold out. I asked ‘em to pick something else, but his face looked so exhausted, I felt sorry for him...
Akira: So, you tried to substitute it with the ingredients you used today.
Nero: Yeah. I kept tasting it and getting it a little closer to the Machiri tomato stew. I still remember the look on his face when he ate it.
Akira: What kind of face was it?
Nero: That kinda helpless look you get when it’s stupid good and the world just stopped for ‘em.
Nero's expression softened. He wore a proud smile, the kind that shows a cook's pride.
Akira: ...You're so cool, Nero.
I couldn't find the right words to praise his pride, so I just blurted out what I was thinking. Nero, who had been smiling proudly, suddenly changed his expression, looking flustered with his eyes darting back and forth.
Nero: ...R-really? Did I... just say somethin’ cool?
Akira: It's not so much what you said as... well, I'll keep it a secret.
Nero: Wha—? C'mon.... ain't that a lil' unfair?
Akira: Haha, sorry. But even if you asked me to explain exactly what it was, I couldn't... The fact that it's hard to put into words makes it even more wonderful and cool, I think.
Nero: What's that supposed to mean?
Nero laughed as if he'd heard a clumsy joke. But then, he lowered his brows and met my gaze.
Nero: …Still, makes me happy. Thanks, Sage.
The Truth Behind the Apple Pie - Card Episode
Akira: Hello, Nero. What are you making?
Nero: Ah, hey, Sage. I'm whippin’ up a "special" apple pie. Feel free to try it.
Akira: Is that okay? Then, I'll take you up on that offer... Mmm! It's so delicious! The fragrant scent of cinnamon and the gentle taste of apple fill my mouth! But what makes it "special"? It looks and tastes like a normal apple pie...
Nero: Heheh. Truth is, this one got no apples in it. It's actually lemon pie.
Akira: Really!?
Nero: I meant to make normal apple pie, but last night, either Mr. Knight or Mithra ate all the apples. I'd been thinking for a while about whether I could use lemons as a substitute, and this felt like a good opportunity to try it. So, this is the result.
Akira: It came out so well...! I understand the feeling of wanting to share it with someone.
Nero: Heh… Hey, if you were servin’ this to the kids, would you call it 'lemon pie' from the start, or 'apple pie'? I figure tellin’ them it’s apple pie first and revealin’ the truth later would get the biggest surprise. But sayin’ it’s lemon pie, then havin’ ‘em bite in and go “No way!? This!?” sounds fun too…
Akira: (Nero looks so excited... It's so cute how he gets so carried away sometimes.)
Card Voiceline
"Wanna try this, Sage? ...Haha, right guess. It’s an omelet with potatoes, olives, parsley, and thick bacon... my shop’s specialty. I went and made it 'cause I couldn't stop thinkin' about the way you lit up sayin' it looked tasty."
Nero: You’ll get the idea once you see. First, take a big bowl and throw in cut-up fruit and loads of ice. After that, pour in the juice, and tip the whole bottle of booze in.
Shylock: The entire bottle...? You don't measure the amount?
Nero: Nah. Once the ice melts, it ain’t as strong as it looks, goes down easy. For the rest, you just give it a good, hearty stir, sprinkle some mint on top, stick an orange on the side, and done.
Shylock: ...
Nero: Haha... Well, making drinks is your job, so you're probably not used to such a slapdash approach. But hey, since it’s just for me, eyeballing it is good enough.
Shylock: Ah, forgive me. It's certainly a novel process that I haven’t done much of myself, but... I was, in truth, admiring your bold touch.
Nero: Hm?
Shylock: It's full of fruit, has a vibrant color, it’s perfectly chilled—it looks quite delightful. If it isn’t too much trouble, could I have a share?
Sometimes, a Night Like This - Chapter 2
Nero: I mean, sure… but dunno if it’ll suit your taste. It's more of a rough-and-ready kind of drink. The liqueur's just some cheap stuff from a nearby store.
Shylock: Now, no need for modesty. The true skill of a cook lies not in rare ingredients, but in preparing them so they delight the palate, does it not?
Nero: You’re makin’ it sound way bigger than it is. But if you're curious, I'll share some. There's plenty to go around. Here, take a glass.
Shylock: …How delightful. It seeps slowly into the body, as though cooling the heat of the midday sun. A refreshing clarity with a subtle sweetness that lingers compelling me toward another sip.
Nero: …Didn’t expect that. You like it?
Shylock: Yes, very much. It’s perfectly suited for a warm evening such as this. And had I not spent the night here with you, I never would have discovered this flavor. I’m glad I stopped by.
Nero: Haha... You won't get anythingout of me by praising me so much. I just threw a bunch of ingredients together. Still, thanks. Guess I’ll pour myself one too.
Shylock: Indeed. Then let us toast.
Nero: Yeah, alright...
Shylock & Nero: Cheers.
A Meticulous Lifestyle - Card Episode
Nero: Ugh, this ain’t right…
Akira: Nero, what are you making? ...Wha, whoa?! What is this… some kind of gray.. or rather, greenish liquid?
Nero: So you think the color’s nasty too, huh, Sage?
Akira: J-Just a little... It has a sort of suspicious look to it, but this is a drink, right?
Nero: A test batch of a mixed juice. It's got fruit scraps and vegetable ends in it. When I'm eating and drinking by myself, I don't care what it looks like, as long as it tastes good, so I just tossed it all in.
Akira: Oh, I see. It's like a smoothie! Now that you say that, it looks nutritious and healthy. The strange color is starting to feel like it's part of that.
Nero: Right? Doesn’t taste half bad either. Figured it could be good for folks rushing in the morning. I took out the veggie stems and chilled it. So it should go down easy.
Akira: (H-He's so meticulous!)
Nero: Though… maybe chucking in everything ain’t the smartest move. Let’s at least keep the leafy greens out.
faust's card voice line from the recent aquamarine event lowkey just rips my heart out cus the man's already a dripping mess, courtesy of bradley's antics, but he still insists on being our human shield for the next water gun ambush 😭😭😭
idk but to me it's like a perfect microcosm of his character, hes suffered so much and still his first instinct is to protect T_T my beloved, achingly selfless, eastern wizards... UGHHH i cherish them witb all my heart
[What the Splash's Mischief Reflected] — Faust Lavinia SSR Card Story Translation
Ft. Akira, Heathcliff
Every Time I Hear That Sound - Chapter 1
I stroll along the beach, enjoying the pleasant warmth of the sun and the sea breeze. The sound of the waves beckons me forward, and in the distance, I spot Faust and Heathcliff crouched by the water's edge.
Akira: What are you two doing way over there?
Faust: ...It's the Sage.
Heathcliff: Master Sage. I was collecting seashells with Mr. Faust. …Would you like to see?
Heathcliff holds out his cupped hands, filled with shells, for me to see. There are conch shells and cockles, and even some star-shaped ones I've never seen before. The shells glisten in the sunlight, and I can't help but gasp in admiration.
Akira: Wow, they're beautiful…! I didn't know there were so many shapes and colors of shells.
Faust: The water is clear around here. And because of the ocean currents, many different kinds of shells must have washed ashore.
Akira: I see... But why are you two collecting seashells?
Akira: (The two of them together on the beach... that's a bit unexpected...)
Heathcliff: There are so many beautiful shells here that I thought I'd like to try making some crafts with them.
Akira: Shell crafts... That sounds like it would make for a lovely piece.
Heathcliff: Yes. When I told Mr. Faust about it, he offered to help me look for them.
Faust: The shoreline is vast to search alone. The more helping hands, the better. Can you make something with the shells we have now?
Heathcliff: Hmm... I'm thinking of making a mobile or a wind chime for now...
Faust: In that case, we'll need a lot more.
Heathcliff: And, if possible, I'd like to find some larger ones, too... Oh, I’m sorry for asking so selfishly…!
Akira: Haha, it's alright. I'll help, too. By the way, what size are you looking for?
Heathcliff: Thank you, Master Sage. Ideally, I’d like them to have the size similar to this shell—about the size of my palm.
Akira: Got it.
We all crouch down on the sand together. As we gather shells from the area, I spot a pearlescent one half-buried in the sand.
Akira: Faust, Heath! Look, I found a really pretty shell!
Faust: Where?
Akira: Here it is. Oh, it's a conch shell.
Heathcliff: The size looks perfect, too.
Akira: ...Huh?
Just as I reach for the pearlescent shell, another conch shell lying nearby suddenly starts to wiggle.
Every Time I Hear That Sound - Chapter 1
Akira & Heathcliff: ...Whoa!
Heathcliff: Did the shell just move...?
We watch, holding our breath, as the shell starts moving all on its own.
Heathcliff: ...Ah, something is coming out of it.
Several pincer-like appendages emerge from the opening of the shell. Then, a small creature slowly pops its head out.
Faust: This is a... Shellcrab.
Akira: A Shellcrab?
Faust: Yes, it's a type of crustacean that lives inside a shell to protect itself from predators.
Akira: (Its appearance and habits... It's just like a hermit crab.)
Heathcliff: ...It's moving! It's going toward the shells that Mr. Faust collected.
When it reaches the shells, the Shellcrab circles them, as if examining them.
Akira: Maybe it's interested in Faust's shells.
Faust: Perhaps it's trying to move from its current shell into a new one.
It inspects the inside of a shell with its pincers, but then quickly moves on, starting to check the shells Heathcliff collected.
Faust: Seems it didn't like mine.
Heathcliff: Maybe it has specific preferences.. Oh, it's moved on from my shells, too.
Akira: ...It's moving again. Now it's heading for the shells I collected.
Heathcliff: It must be very cautious.
Faust: Or just picky.
The three of us watch the Shellcrab's house-hunting journey. It finally settles on the pearlescent shell I had found, moves in, and scuttles away.
Akira: Haha, I thought I'd found a treasure, but it got stolen from me.
Heathcliff: That's a shame... But being so cautious, it might have had good taste.
Faust: That may be. ...Well, let’s resume our seashell hunt, Heath.
I steel my resolve and look around the sand again. At my feet, I spot a shell half-buried in the sand. I pick it up, and it turns out to be a conch shell about a hand's span larger than the pearlescent one from before.
Heathcliff: Wow, you found quite a big shell!
Akira: Still, this is a little too big, isn't it?
Heathcliff: It is... Thank you for finding it, Master Sage, but a shell that is too big is hard to use for crafting...
Akira: It's alright, don't worry about it. But it's a beautiful shell, it would be a waste to leave it behind.
Faust: ...Let me see it.
Faust takes the shell from me and uses his magic to clean the sand off it.
Faust: That should keep it from getting sand everywhere. ...Well, what you do with this shell is up to you.
Akira: Faust... thank you! I'll take it back to the manor as a memory of today.
Every Time I Hear That Sound - Chapter 3
Afterward, Heathcliff, with his hands full of shells, returns to the others ahead of us. Faust and I remain on the beach, walking at a leisurely pace.
Faust: I started collecting shells at Heathcliff's request... but it turned out to be quite fruitful.
Akira: I know. I didn't expect to find such a large conch, either.
I gaze down at the large conch shell resting in my palm.
Akira: That reminds me...
I recall something and hold the conch shell to my ear. Faust looks at me with a curious expression.
Faust: What are you doing?
Akira: In my original world, they say if you put a conch shell to your ear, you can hear the sound of the waves.
Faust: The sound of the waves? From a shell?
Akira: Would you like to try it, too, if you don't mind?
Faust: ...
I hand him the conch shell. Faust, looking puzzled, cautiously holds it to his ear.
Faust: ...This is... hmm, I see.
Akira: From the look on your face, did you not hear anything...?
Faust: No, I wouldn't say it's not the sound of waves, but to me, it's just a simple "shhh-shhh" sound. It's different from the complex sound of waves ebbing and flowing.
Akira: When you put it that way, you're right...
Faust examines the shell from various angles. After a moment, as if he's figured it out, he gently hands it back to me.
Faust: The air may be reverberating within the shell's cavity, making it sound like waves.
Akira: Ah... I heard something similar in my world, too. If it's the air reverberating, maybe the sound changes depending on where you listen?
Faust: It might. You should try it again when we get back to the manor.
I bring the conch shell to my ear once more. The sea breeze tousles Faust's hair as he watches me.
Akira: ...You know, every time I listen to the sound in this conch, I think I'll remember the time I spent on this beach with you and everyone else.
Faust: ...Is that so.
Akira: I hope we can all come here to play again sometime.
I say softly, turning my face toward the setting sun on the horizon.
Faust: If you wish it, everyone will agree. And if you ask Oz or Mithra, they could bring you here in an instant.
Akira: Haha, that's true, We could arrive in no time.
I look at Faust, and our eyes meet. And as if avoiding my gaze, he turns his face to the sea.
Akira: ...When that time comes, will you come, too, Faust?
Faust: Well, if I feel like it.
The setting sun paints his face crimson. His voice is cold, but his eyes are somewhat gentle. I can't take my eyes off his profile, colored in that gentle orange, as I listen to the sound of the waves for a while longer.
A Wonderful Travel Memory - Card Episode
Faust: Sage, do you have a moment? I'd like to consult you about a mission.
Akira: Faust. Yes, please come in.
Faust: Hm? Is that... a mobile that Heath made?
Akira: Yes, it is! I was just about to hang it up in my room... The way he arranged the shells is so wonderful.
Faust: I received one too. Heath is truly a talented child to be able to turn the shells we gathered into such a fine piece of work.
Akira: He really is... In fact, I was inspired by Heath and made a seashell bookmark. What do you think of this?
Faust: This is... you used quite small, delicate ones.
Akira: Yes. I made it by putting tiny cockles onto a piece of paper I painted blue. Heath gave me the shells he didn't use... It's very simple, though.
Faust: The shells look like they are floating in the sea, and they also look like white clouds drifting in the sky... Very well-made.
Akira: I'm so happy to hear you say that, Faust! I made a few of them, so if you don't mind… I’d like you to have one, too.
Faust: Ah, I'll gratefully accept it. Thanks to you, even after our journey ends, I could have another good memory.
Card Voiceline
"Why am I soaking wet, you ask? …Bradley suddenly blasted me with water from some kind of gun. He'll probably try to play the same trick on you too… but I won't let that happen. I'll stand as your shield and take the hit."
AAAAHHH guys im so sorry for the constant revising with nero's tl 😭😭😭 IM DONE NOW no more going back . Hashtag I Am Strengthening My Resolve to Not Reread
[In the Early Morning, Weaving the Sky’s Blue Hue] — Nero Turner 2025 Birthday SSR Translation
Yaaawn… so sleepy…
Haha. You've been staring at me for a while since I woke up. Am I that mesmerizing?
I'm kidding... Or not.. Actually, maybe I'm just trying to hide that I'm a little embarrassed..
I’ll listen and be quiet now, so… why don't you go ahead and tell me what's on your mind?
Ft. Akira, Faust, Heathcliff, Shino
A New Morning with Nero - Chapter 1
Faust, Shino, Heathcliff: Happy birthday!
Akira: Well then, once again… Nero, happy birthday!
Nero: Haha, thanks.
After celebrating Nero's birthday party, which was attended by all the Sage's Wizard, we gathered in his room. It was Shino who had suggested doing a "second round of party," which I had told him about previously. Since it doubled as a pajama party, everyone had already changed into sleepwear.
Nero: So, what exactly do we do at “second parties”?
Shino: Don't worry, we've prepared something for it.
Shino: Heath.
Heathcliff: R-right, then.., I'll get started. Welcome to the 1st Annual "Happy Birthday, Nero!" Card Game Tournament!
Faust, Shino, Akira: Clap, clap, clap!
Nero: Huh, a card game? You sure about this, Teach?
Faust: About what?
Nero: Normally you’d go on a full lecture and say stuff like “it’ll be bad influence for the kids.” If I’d known, I could’ve at least brought coins or chips to stake.
Faust: Hey, don't go turning everything to gambling. Nothing is on the line. We're just playing a picture-matching game.
Nero: Haha, figures. So then, what’s this "picture-matching" thing?
Akira: It's a game where you turn over face-down cards to find pairs with the same picture. We prepared two of each card, so the person who makes the most pairs wins.
Nero: Ahh, so it's that kind of game.
A soft, cozy carpet was already spread out on the floor. We all sat down on it and flipped the prepared cards face down.
Shino: Alright, Nero, you're the star of the show today, so you go first.
Nero: Okay. Hmm… two cards, yeah? Guess I’ll go with these. O~oh? Something’s drawn on it. …This is… a picture of cocotte, right?
Heathcliff: Correct. I drew that picture.
Nero: You did, Heath?
Heathcliff: Yeah. It's the cocotte you made for me as a late-night snack when I came back exhausted from work. Thanks to that cocotte, I felt so much better… I can still clearly remember how delicious it was, the smell, and even what it looked like.
Once again, Nero took the card in his hand. He stared at it intently and let out a breath of admiration.
Nero: These ingredients… yeah, no doubt the same mix from that night. You drew it well.
Akira: It's not just the cocotte. It's the same with the other cards, too. We all drew a bunch of memorable dishes you've made for us over the years.
Nero: Wha… these cards are all my cooking? And you all even hand-drew ‘em?
Shino: We even narrowed it down. We would have needed way more cards to draw everything you've ever cooked.
A New Morning with Nero - Chapter 2
Nero: … (a/n i think he was still processing here)
Faust: What you see here are carefully chosen memories. Go on, flip the next card.
Nero: (blushes) …Yeah, alright.
Akira: (Haha. Nero looks a little embarrassed.)
Nero: Mm… then this one.
Akira: Oh, a picture of bread! I drew that one.
Heathcliff: What's the memory attached to that bread?
Akira: It was the bread Nero baked for me when we had just met. It was so crispy and chewy, and it was incredibly delicious!
Shino: I know.
Faust: Nero's bread is delicious.
Akira: Right! I was so moved the first time I ate it. I couldn't stop myself from eating it.
Nero: That brings back time… I still remember the happy look on your face. I acted cold and distant towards you back then, yet you were thinking that way.
Nero squinted his eyes with a nostalgic look, gazing at the card.
Nero: Even if I miss, getting to see another dish isn’t a loss. Honestly, I’m glad.
Akira: Ahaha, I'm happy to hear that. Alright, it’s my turn now!
I flipped over the nearest card, and a picture of a lunchbox appeared.
Akira: This is…
Faust: I drew that one. It's what Nero made for me when I first started living at the magic manor. Even though I was just holed up in my room, I got to eat delicious food, and it felt like an undeserved luxury.
Nero: Haha. I know your tastes better now, so I could make it even more luxurious if I wanted to.
Faust: It's a tempting offer, but I'll make sure to show my face in the dining hall. I prefer to eat my food while it’s still warm.
My cheeks softened at the change in the distance between our hearts, which had certainly shrunk since those days. I flipped over the next card.
Akira: This is… a picture of soup. Wow, it's heaped high with ingredients.
Shino: That's mine. It's the soup with lots of ingredients that I had for breakfast one morning. You saw that I was hungry after my training and poured me a bigger bowl than usual. You didn't say anything, but I noticed.
Nero: So you caught that, huh. You fill up alright on it?
Shino: You know it.
The corners of both their mouths turned up into a grin. It was an expression you couldn't see when they had just met.
Akira: (Seeing this side of Nero, and hearing everyone's memories of Nero's cooking, somehow makes me happy too…)
Shino: It's your turn now, Heath.
Heathcliff: Alright. Then I'll choose this one…
One by one, the food cards were turned over with care. As various memories were shared, the night deepened.
A New Morning with Nero - Chapter 3
The next morning, I woke up to a careful rustling sound, and what I saw was an unfamiliar ceiling.
Akira: Uh… where is this…?
I looked around with sleepy eyes and saw a faint human silhouette. In the clear air, bathed in the morning sun, someone was tying up their sky-blue hair.
Akira: Nero…?
Nero: Ah, you're up. Mornin’, Sage.
Akira: No way… Did I… fell asleep while we were playing the card game?
Nero: Yup. You were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to wake you up, so I just let you sleep in my room.
Akira: I'm so, so sorry! On your birthday night, of all nights…
Nero: It's fine, really. You made the second party a lot of fun, after all.
The hand-drawn card matching game, with pictures of Nero's cooking, was truly a wonderful time thanks to the added memories. Nero had come in last place in the first round because he kept reaching for various cards, curious to see what dish was drawn on them.
Akira: But from the second round on, you were unstoppable.
Nero: Well, with drawings that had so much heart put into them, I only need to see them once to remember where they all were. Okay, I'm done.
He seemed to have finished getting ready while we were talking. A light illuminated in his casually outstretched palm, followed by the appearance of his broom.
Akira: Are you going out this early in the morning?
Nero: Yeah, since you all talked so much about my cooking yesterday, I'm going to put some effort into preparing a special breakfast. I'm gonna go to the morning market to get groceries.
As he spoke, Nero looked at the table. On it lay the cards we had given him as a gift yesterday. They were memories of the dishes Nero had made for us. Surely, today’s meal would also become one of them.
Akira: …Um, if it's alright… could I tag along to help carry things? I’d be happy to go with you to show my thanks for letting me stay the night.
Nero: What’re you talking about? There’s nothing you need to thank me for…
Nero: …But hey, since it’s still my birthday, guess I’ll indulge a little in your offer. Call it another present.
Akira: Thank you!
Nero: …Yeah.
Nero took an outer from his closet and held it out to me.
Nero: If you don't mind, do you wanna wear this? Since it’s kind of awkward to go out in your pajamas and if you put this on, you won't have to go back to your room first to change, that way we can leave right away.
Akira: Thank you. I'll take you up on that, then…
The sleeves were large since it was a loose-fitting design, and as I put my arms in them, a gentle scent that wasn't my own wafted into my nose. Feeling a sense of a different-than-usual day, I got on Nero's broom.
Nero: Then, shall we?
I soared out the window with him, bathed in the brilliant morning sun and refreshing wind.
A Secret Ingredient for Breakfast - Card Episode
Nero: Haha, glad to hear it. And thanks for helping me carry all those groceries.
Akira: Nero. Thank you for letting me stay the other morning. Breakfast was wonderful, too!
Akira: No, really– It was my pleasure! By the way, is there anything you usually do when you wake up in the morning? You know, like a morning routine or something…
Nero: Well, I get ready to make breakfast… I guess that's too obvious.
Akira: It is… I'd be happy if you could tell me anything else.
Nero: Hmm… let’s see…? Ah. Opening the window and taking in the morning air. How's that?
Akira: Ohh, that's nice and refreshing! A breath of fresh air and a bit of sunshine sounds like a perfect way to reset!
Nero: 'Know right? The morning air is a great thing. It can be chilly one day and warmer on another… Depending on the mood, I might even tweak the breakfast menu.
Akira: So Nero’s usual delicious breakfast secret ingredient is his morning routine…
Nero: It's not that big of a deal. …Wait, does that still count as getting ready to make breakfast? Was that what you wanted to hear, Sage?
Akira: Of course! Thank you for answering.
Card Voiceline
"Good morning. You're up pretty early today. …Eh? So you woke up at this hour all fired up from wanting to congratulate me? Haha, that's far too good of a celebration for me. Sage, thanks to you, my birthday has gotten off to a great start."
hi guys! i added the card epi and voiceline for heath's beneath the cheers of fireworks ssr! im still drsfting chloe's and arthur's. so do look forward. i have a few other cards that im still working on as well 🤞🤞
Update: I finished chloe's! heheh
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