Animedia (December 2020 Issue) - South Feature
Animedia (December 2020 Issue) - South Feature
Q1: If Christmas exists in this world, how (and who) do you want to spend the day?
Figaro: If there’s a festival when you spend time with your special someone, I’d probably be asked out by people. I suppose I’d choose a place that feels like ‘I’ll be missing out on something if I don’t go there', you know? I’d like to meet someone close to me before the day ends, though.
Rutile: I heard from Sir Sage that Christmas is a day where we give thanks to our family and god, so maybe I’d like to prepare a feast with Mitile and spend the day relaxing after helping ourselves to the food. Amongst us wizards, there are lots without families, so inviting them and making merry sounds fun too!
Lennox: I don’t have family, nor do I have a lover, so I think I will spend the day together with my lambs. I don’t think it’s a lonely way to spend the day, but if it seems like it’ll be possible to spend time alone with a special someone, perhaps I will extend an invitation to them. I’d ask, ‘I have not prepared anything special, but would you like to have a meal with me?’
Mitile: Older brother* and the adults often hold drinking parties, so I’d like to try exchanging gifts with the young wizards of the wizards’ residence, such as Riquet and Shino. I heard of hanging stars on trees, so I’d like to try that out too!
*The term Mitile uses here is nii-sama, which is a more polite honorific for older brother.
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South wizards’ relationship chart (?)
Figaro → Rutile – It’s good that he grew up to be a reliable, kind child.
Figaro ← Rutile – A dependable, wonderful teacher**.
Figaro → Lennox – Ex-disciple’s underling, I helped him find the job of a shepherd.
Figaro ← Lennox – A distinguished person with a troublesome side.
Figaro → Mitile – I teach him magic.
Figaro ← Mitile – He’s sometimes careless, but he’s an admirable teacher**.
Rutile → Mitile – A cute younger brother, I love him very much.
Rutile ← Mitile – An older brother I can be proud of, I love him very much.
Rutile → Lennox – A sharp, kind person who is reliable.
Rutile ← Lennox – A beautiful, clever child who inherited the good parts of his parents.
Mitile → Lennox – A trustworthy, cool person!
Mitile ← Lennox – A driven, wonderful child.
**Both Rutile and Mitile are using the term sensei, which is the honorific used for both doctors and teachers. I chose to translate it as teacher as I think their comments are referring to the current role he’s playing in their lives (teacher figure training them in magic)
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Q2. Have you received a present that left a lasting impression?
Figaro: I assume my answer will not be kept secret, so I’ll be employing a little flattery in saying that it’s my orb. It’s an orb specially made by my teachers whom I respect and adore. If I mention gifts from other people, they’ll bother me with their teasing too, so…
Rutile: When we were celebrating an occasion, Mitile gave me earrings he made himself as a present. It made me happy to think that he made something that suits my aesthetics for my sake, and I felt gratified to see him become so mature. I still wear it often on special occasions.
Lennox: As for me, it’s the precious days I’ve spent together with someone. I don’t think that person considers it as a gift though.
Mitile: For me, it’s the magic instruments and texts that Dr Figaro gave me. I received it when I was not able to go to school, because I was scared of being hated as a wizard. I will cherish the presents I received, as well as the encouragement Dr Figaro gave me back then.
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If you can, please consider buying the magazine! I bought a digital copy of the magazine from honto. Here’s a guide you can refer to when buying from honto.
All mistakes are mine, if you spot any please feel free to correct me.