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Mar. 28th, 2022
Chapter 1
Up above in the unsetting sky are the sights of piercing lights and the clamour of blows. With murderous resolve two shadows duel to the death.
Owen & Mithra: …
It was two Northern Wizards, Owen and Mithra, who were at each other’s throats.
Owen: Ever since I first laid eyes on you I knew I wouldn’t like you. Today I’ll finally get rid of you.
Mithra: Is that so? But isn’t it the truth that you quite like this face of mine?
Owen: I’ll let Cerberus snack on that airhead of yours that only has flowers growing in it.
Cure Memini.
Mithra: Arthim.
Their magic spells slam together and the impact causes the Magic Manor to shake.
Distressed, all I could do was stand and watch from the ground at the disastrous scene playing out in the sky.
Akira: (C-Crap…at this rate the manor’s done for!)
Mithra: …
Owen: …
As a matter of fact, it wasn’t.
Instead, it was just Mithra and Owen who ended up bruised and toasted.
Oz, who had come home from a mission, forcibly put an end to their battle with his lightning strikes.
Snow: We take our eyes off you for just a minute and…
White: What a troublesome pair, you two.
Owen: Piss off. You twins seriously think that by calling Oz everything will work out?
Snow: Yes, actually.
White: It pretty much did.
Mithra: I won’t be counting this as a loss to Oz. I didn’t unleash my full power in the end.
Snow: Whatever, whatever. Just don’t put the manor in danger again.
White: What I want to hear is, why did you guys start fighting this time?
Owen: I asked Mithra to take care of the mission for the Northern wizards tomorrow.
Since he’s come to live here at this manor he always looks so terribly bored, I thought I’d give him a chance to go crazy once in a while.
Mithra: That’s when I asked Owen in return to go instead. He looks like he has a lot of freetime.
Owen: The one who’s free is YOU isn’t it? Never sleeping, always playing in the sunshine with those Southern brothers like an idiot.
Mithra: I think that you who teases that former knight all the time has tons of more freetime than me.
Owen & Mithra: …
The two send a sharp gaze to each other, like their drive for battle was revived.
That was when Bradley, who had raided the kitchen, came walking by, nibbling on a piece of bacon.
With a single scan of the scene he seemed to have understood what was going on, and pointed at the two of them, cackling.
Bradley: Hey my dudes! Nice faces you’re makin’, why dontcha have your asses smacked while we’re at it?
All murderous intent they had for each other moved onto Bradley.
Mithra: Arthi…
Owen: Cure…
Snow & White: Noscomnia!
The twins who were faster, summoned three large ice chunks above their heads and slammed it down.
Mithra, Owen, & Bradley: …Ow!
Bradley: The hell!? I have nothing to do with this!
Snow & White: Group punishment.
Snow: Hooh, how can we make you all behave…
White: If you meet one, they jeer at you, if they come together, they want to kill each other… you three are too hotblooded!
Owen: I’m the one who’s most behaved here, aren’t I? I haven’t killed a fly.
Mithra: And we’re gathered together with not so much as a thing happening, so compliment us, would you?
The Magic Manor is a place where a group of different wizards live together like a sharehouse.
Because they live in close proximity to each other, squabbles and quarrels are inevitable, and small headbutts and such happen on the regular.
Akira: (That being said…the fights between the Northern wizards are never on the level of ‘mere disagreement’...)
No exaggeration there, they always put their lives on the line when it comes to their fights, and with the dining hall or hallway as their arena.
I’m not sure if that’s the natural characteristic of a Northerner, but I imagine the manor could break down one day from how often their chaos ensues. Not imagine, actually, it probably will.
And so, I am constantly worried that they will lose their lives one day in these fights.
Akira: Uhm…is it possible you could, juuust a bit, be friendlier with each other?
Owen & Bradley: No way.
Bradley: Like hell we could! It’d be easier to turn into stone instead.
Owen: Same. Do you even know how many hundreds of years we’ve been at each other’s throats?
Akira: Right, right…
Flat out rejected, I drop my shoulders. I knew it would be easier said than done.
Akira: (It’s only for our convenience I tell them not to fight…is there really no way to get them to stop…)
Snow: Do not give up so easily. Tomorrow we Northern wizards have a mission, don’t we?
Those kids may grumble about it, but they can do it if they try. Just trust in me.
White: With a lovely display of outstanding team play we’ll finish this mission in no time!
Snow & White: To be continueeed!
Akira: I, I look forward to it!!
Comforted by their kind words my anxiety settles and I replace my hopes in Snow and White.
However, the next day…
Akira: Everyone, thank you for the hard work, especially on such late notice!
Figaro: No problem! It was a cinch, right everybody?
Mitile: Yup!
Rutile: We must help each other when needed after all.
Lennox: Yes, so call on us whenever.
Mithra, Owen, & Bradley: …
Snow & White: Haugh…
As we passed through the garden, the Northern wizards entered my field of vision.
Snow and White sighed as they scolded the other three. It was clear as day that they were being lectured.
Snow & White: Mm?
When the twins noticed us they made a surprised face and raised their shoulders, looking back up at the three.
Snow & White: Look behind you now. Before we were to head out, the Southern wizards had already finished the mission in our stead!
Mitile: Huh? Is the mission you wanted us to take last minute…
Rutile: The mission the Northern wizards were supposed to go on?
Akira: Yeah, actually. We were doing well in our preparations but…before we could go…
Snow: “Departure time!” we sang and looked about, to find that none of them were around!
Figaro: I get the picture now. So that’s why it was up to us.
Snow: Sorry to have pushed this on you.
White: Come now, you children need to say your thanks as well.
Bradley: Oh put a sock in it.
Owen: It’s not like I asked them to.
Acting like they didn’t hear a peep, they look to the side. They were just like delinquent students who got told off by their teacher.
Mithra: But isn’t this good? If it was that easy of a mission that even the Southern wizards could handle by themselves, then it’s lucky we didn’t go.
Snow: True, you all have come home rather quickly. The details of the request seemed like a handful though.
White: Right, it was a request from a Central noble. Apparently their daughter was cursed by the Great Calamity, wandering between the boundaries of the lands of life and death.
Lennox: That’s what we heard, but…
The request was rather exaggerated, and in reality, she just had a bad case of pollen allergies.
Figaro casted healing magic on her, and the mission was over in seconds.
Figaro: It was more an appointment than a mission.
Snow & White: Is that…so…
Mithra: Don’t we receive too many worthless requests?
Bradley: Yeah, we’re no odd jobs. Ain’t there any serious shit?
Owen: Indeed, I’d rather it be an opportunity to obtain a nice mana stone or steal some tools for incantations.
Akira: I, I’m sorry…when it comes to those missions I think that we still oughta check it out just in case…
Mitile: Stop being so picky! You’re troubling the Sage!
Besides, it’s no good to take on requests based on the reward!
Rutile: Agreed, Mitile. Any request is important to take, when someone is in trouble it’s us wizards who can lend a hand and…
Bradley: Good boys don’t butt in.
Owen: We’re talking with the Master Sage right now. If you want to play, I’ll lend you my pet doggy.
Bradley, along with a faintly smiling Owen, attempt to intimidate Mitile and Rutile who tried to cut in on the conversation. On the other hand, Mithra’s eyes lost their annoyance.
Mithra: …Well, I don’t disagree.
Chapter 2
Bradley: Hah? What, you turning over a new leaf now?
Owen: You were literally just complaining.
Mithra: So what. I simply think that all missions are the same so choosing is pointless.
Anyways, it seems like it was an easy mission for you all. Keep that up, alright? Take on all the safe missions as you please.
Mitile: Hey, we didn’t exactly choose a safe one…
Rutile: I’m happy that you’re concerned for us, but that’s not how we work.
Owen: Ugh, idiots all around.
Bradley: What a drag.
Fed up or otherwise, Owen and Bradley clicked their tongues and separated.
Snow & White: …
Figaro: So what is it you wanted to talk about? I’m a busy man, if it’s a request make it short.
Snow: How rude…
White: We too are constantly busy with disciplining those troublemakers…
Figaro: Ah, is it about the three idiots again? They never tire of their antics…
Snow: Yes, exactly that! It’s about what you saw earlier in the garden.
Southern wizards don’t hold powerful magic, but instead they excel in the ability to work together and communicate with others.
White: The hot headed Northern wizards have a lot to learn from them.
So that’s why we have a request for the Southern Wizard Figgy!
Snow & White: Give us some sweet advice on how to make that unruly trio get along!
Figaro: Impossible. There’s no way you can.
How can you expect to drill sportsmanship and cooperation into Northern wizards?
Snow & White: But, Mithra and the Southern brothers are…
Figaro: Well, it’s true that those fellows are getting along, but that’s just a miracle case.
Like, spotting a cloud with the shape of a human kinda miracle.
Snow: You’re so cold.
White: North Hearted.
Snow: You can only say that because it’s not YOU who’s in charge of dealing with them. Boohoo.
White: Can’t you spare some time for your poor and frail elderly once in a while? Sob sob.
Figaro: Could you please be less annoying… oh, right.
Why don’t you ask Rutile instead? He’s a teacher, so he’d be better when it comes to stuff like this.
Hearing about what’s up from Snow and White, I went with them to Rutile’s room, having already been worrying about our problematic wizards of the North.
Rutile: A way for the Northern wizards to get along…
Akira: Yeah, you got any good ideas?
Snow: Leaving Bradley who knows what fights to pick aside, it’s Mithra and Owen who attack over any petty thing we need to worry most about.
White: We know how difficult it is to get them to open up.
Snow: Though, I believe they’ve become less reckless and have softened up somewhat since coming to live at the manor…
Rutile: I see now…
Thinking for a bit, his jade green eyes suddenly sparkled.
Rutile: I’m not sure if this will help you, but back home Mitile would often go on sleepovers with friends, and they’d become closer that way!
He’s certainly become fast friends with Riquet by holding sleepover parties!
Akira: Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that from Riquet himself! They bring snacks that they think the other would like, and stay up later than they thought they would…
It’s a unique feeling, and seems to be tons of fun.
Rutile nods and smiles gleefully.
Rutile: It makes me wonder if maybe Mitile and Riquet, and Mithra and Owen aren’t so different!
Akira: Mithra and Owen…to those two…?
Rutile: Yup. They’ve been fighting for hundreds of years now, haven’t they? I think that’s amazing.
Even if it’s a precious friend, sticking with someone for over hundreds of years sounds difficult, doesn’t it?
Snow & White: Well, you’re not wrong…
Rutile: After we just met, Mithra became our friend.
That’s why if you take the time to talk with someone
at any passing opportunity, you’ll surely be able to make a friend you can understand.
Rutile’s words weren’t said lightly, but with positive energy that resounded within me.
Watching him smile as he speaks, I become convinced by his thoughts.
Akira: You’ve got a point there…if we just turn the tables on our thinking, a pair who spends hundreds of years killing each other could actually be…a pair of good…friends?
Snow: I see, I see! Sleeping over, chatting…
White: A sleepover party…
Muttering and mumbling to themselves, Snow and White clap their hands like they’ve come up with something.
Snow & White: That’s it! A boarding house!
Lennox: Lords Snow and White, is something up?
Mitile: You said you have something to ask us about…
After coming back from Rutile’s room, the twins hurriedly called for the South and North wizards.
Since they threw along Oz's name while forcibly gathering them together, the other three Northern wizards’ moods were worse than before.
Mithra: What is it.
Bradley: Ya still got lectures for us?
Snow: Enough with the rebellious attitude. I come bearing good news.
Owen: Good news?
White: Known only to a select few, deep within the mountains of North Country, there is an inn with lodgings only for wizards.
Snow & White: And there, we have decided to stay overnight with the Northern and Southern wizards!
Mithra, Owen, & Bradley: Huh?
Mitile & Lennox: Overnight?
Snow: Yes, yes, this inn is run by a wizard, and offers a most relaxing experience to their guests.
Food is whatever you can think of, beds are fluffy enough to make you sleep within 5 seconds, and your dreams are whatever you wish to see.
White: In other words, it is an inn most mysterious that leaves nothing to be desired!
Akira: So like, a 5-star hotel for wizards?
Snow: It is not exactly a hotel, since there is no fee. Guests may just accept the welcome and stay.
White: It is no easy place to get into, but lucky for you we are old time friends with its owner, so our faces are your tickets.
Rutile: A no-fee inn…How kind of them!
Akira: (There exists such a kind wizard in the North?)
I’ve gone to North Country numerous times, but never in person have I met a friendly soul there.
If I must say, Northern wizards are usually the evil wizards you see in picture books.
Akira: (Ah, but prejudice is no good. Each wizard is different after all.)
Mitile: Is there really an inn like that…? This is North Country we’re talking about, right…
The wizards were bewildered at the twin’s story, especially the wary Northern wizards.
Bradley: So they just welcome wizards in and service them? Ain’t buyin’ it, there’s obviously a catch.
Mithra: Nice wizards don’t exist in North Country.
Owen: I bet they say that to lure wizards in, and turn them into stone after.
Snow: Come now, there is no need for fright.
White: That wizard cannot disobey us.
Akira: D-Disobey?
Snow & White: Mmhmm. And to be exact, it’s our inn.
Apparently, the inn was once owned by an evil wizard hundreds of years ago, before being taken over by the twins.
Snow: They were a tyrannical wizard, that one.
Kidnapping the humans who lived nearby and trapping them within their inn, slaving them away ‘til they drop, killing them on whim, they did as they pleased.
White: How unfortunate for them, letting it get to their head and laying a hand on one of our humans from the village we watched over!
Snow & White: We provided them with an intense moxibustion, sealing them within the inn.
Since then, the wizard made an oath of loyalty to the twins, giving them the inn and absolute control.
They then gave an order to the inn owner that they were to use their magic to its fullest extent to give the best service to guests the twins would invite, or the twins themselves whenever they visited.
Chapter 3
Snow: When we stayed for the first time, we realized that the quality of service was fairly good. Every guest we’ve taken has also given us top ratings.
White: Sometimes we think of checking up on it, but these many years we’ve never gotten around to it.
Lennox: So basically, this inn is…
Figaro: A vacation home of theirs with a bonus caretaker.
Akira: (In summary, it’s a super duper scary private hotel!?)
Snow: Normally that wizard would be taking care of the inn and living in it.
White: Except whenever we came they’d only let us hear their voice and never show their body.
Rutile: Why is that?
Snow: It appears they don’t want to lay eyes on us.
White: When we were disciplining them we maaay have overdone it, and so every time they look us straight in the eye that fear revives itself and they faint on the spot!
Akira: Eep…!
Just in what way did they enact their punishment? I couldn’t even ask…and it’s probably best not to.
Snow: Anyhoo, we shall specially invite you to this inn!
White: We’ll stay overnight together and our bonds shall become ever stronger! O fun, what fun, a sleepover party!
The twins hop about innocently, jumping up and down. In contrast, Mitile had a hesitant look on his face.
Mitile: B-But the North Country is very far, so if we want to do a sleepover party then maybe it’s best to do it here at the manor?
Snow: Tut tut, ‘tis not so.
White: Staying over at a friend’s house is much more exciting!
Figaro: Can we really call it a friend’s house…?
Snow: Don’t you mind the details now. How about we call it a fun and exciting event for one night?
White: Think of it as a gift from us, and accept it in gratitude.
Owen: Dummies.
Bradley: Who’d ever go?
As expected, they didn’t like the idea. I thought Mithra must be thinking the same, so I looked over…
Mithra: Sounds nice. Count me in.
That condescending attitude of yours annoys me, but those beds might be able to help me fall asleep.
Snow & White: Oh, little Mithy!
The twins were overjoyed while Owen and Bradley just witnessed something they thought impossible.
Bradley: Hey, you feelin’ alright? Outta the story we just heard that’s what you pick up on?
Owen: We’re heading to the den of a wizard they’ve beaten up like it’s nothing. They won’t stay quiet.
If I were them, I would be constantly on the watch for a chance to kill those twins as payback.
I could sense absolute refusal from the two. They were like cats whose fur stood on end because it was bath time.
Snow: Oh, you don’t want to come?
White: They don’t.
Snow: Well not like we’d care! This is required participation.
White: We already have the Southern wizards on board.
Mitile: Huh?
Lennox: Are we?
Figaro: I guess we are.
They did ask me to accompany them on their sleepover, though I hadn’t imagined it was this sort of inn.
Rutile: Well, I think a sleepover with everyone sounds fun!
The current owner of the inn seems to have started over with a clean slate, compared to how they were before, and
it’s an invitation from Lords Snow and White themselves, so it must be a wonderful place!
Satisfied, the twins nodded in agreement.
Snow: Yes yes.
White: It is as Rutile says.
Mitile: O-Okay then…it’s not like you’d choose a dangerous place to hold a sleepover…
Lennox: And it sounds like they’ve stayed there multiple times before.
Figaro: It’s been a while since we’ve had a sleepover, too. It’ll be just like our sleepovers at my clinic.
In the worst case, these strong big brothers right here will protect you, so it’s alright.
Snow: Then it’s decided! I’ll tell you of the day we depart soon. Everybody, get your preparations for the sleepover done.
White: I know some of you are in disagreement, but don’t even think of trying to skip out on this!
Snow & White: Whoever doesn’t come will get a special doctor’s appointment with Figaro!
Owen & Bradley: Ugh!
Figaro: That’s just how it is. Don’t oversleep on the day now.
A few days later, we headed out deep into the mountains of North Country.
Opening the summoned door of Mithra’s, the rumoured inn was standing aways before us.
The usual rampaging skies of North were pleasant, and clearly visible were nearby lakes and forests. From far away, I could see smoke rising.
Akira: That’s…
Snow: Human villages. These were the settlements of the humans the wizard initially “looked after”.
Compared to other regions where snow ablazes year round, this climate here is somewhat calm.
White: That was one of the reasons the humans couldn’t leave this land even though there were brutal acts of evil being committed.
Since there were chances of a more unjust and vicious wizard outside this region, they had no choice but to stay and withstand it. It was very courageous of them.
Akira: I see…
(Living in the North Country is incredibly tough…)
The sunlight shines down on the snow of the North lands, dazzling my eyes. Within the snowy fields was a fancy and withered inn.
The colour of the bricks were drying out, like a drowning sun that stays setting in a daze.
Lennox: This is…
Rutile: What a lovely building!
Snow: The inside is more lovely.
White: Quick, quick!
Pulled along by the lively twins, we push on the heavy door and enter.
Mitile: …Uh.
I didn’t realize it at first because it was faintly dark, but when my eyes got used to it, I realized that this was definitely different.
Crooked portraits, skull candlesticks, blood speckled armour…
All sorts of eccentric things were decorated throughout the lobby, a place where you should welcome guests…
Even the red stained glass and carpets colouring the inn seemed like it was supposed to be fancy, but could only come off as ominous. This was the picture perfect haunted mansion of horror movies.
Mitile: Uhm, isn’t this a bit off? Why are there bones and heads everywhere…
Akira: Eeek! This doll…it’s got no head!
The Northern wizards were unconcerned compared to me and Mitile who were freaking out. Mithra especially, who walked inside with interest showing on his face, looked at his surroundings.
Mithra: Hmm, I don’t dislike their taste.
There are some magic charms and tools you can still use here. There, there, and over here too.
The lobby had numerous dolls and human bones littered everywhere, and not only were they terrifying to look at, they also held some quality as charms for magic.
Owen, who was looking up at the creepy paintings like he was evaluating them, made an interested noise like he understood them.
Owen: So you use magic tools as a part of this inn.
Snow: As you guessed. The inn requires a lot of mechanisms in order to keep on giving the best service.
It is thanks to these magic tools and charms that you can fall asleep within 5 seconds, eat whatever you imagine, and see the dream you wish to see.
Akira: (So there are convenient ways to use magic charms too…)
White: Well, they were also hand-me-downs from the previous owner. The interior and furniture of this inn is as it was before we took over.
Figaro: You did a good job. Looks like you can have an easy time here.
Bradley: Why cantcha input these mechanisms into the Magic Manor? Like using magic charms that can cut off the sound from outside your room so I don’t have to hear your stupid fights.
Our food’s fine as it is though.
Mitile: No matter how ‘useful’ they are I’d hate it if the manor had bones and blood scattered all over it…!
Mithra: Really now? But we have bloody Owen and Bradley all the time in the gardens. Isn’t that the same?
Snow: Mithra, why are you leaving yourself out?
White: You too are often bloodied up.
It was then. All of a sudden, a man’s voice resounded in the lobby.
???: Mithra…?!
Everyone: !?
< Index >
Chapter 4
Mithra: Hereee.
Mitile: Was that voice just…
Lennox: The inn’s owner who never shows their body…
Owen: Hahaha. So instead of greeting their masters first, it's Mithra. How funny.
Figaro: Well, he is Mithra.
Bradley: Just hearing his name makes ya groan. If you venture in the North without your guard up, you’ll be dead in three days.
Mitile: Cool…I didn’t know you were that famous Mr. Mithra!
Rutile: Oh! Sir, are you perhaps one of Mithra’s fans?
Inn Owner: …ch. Y-Yes, I suppose you could say so.
Mithra: Really? Lucky for you, meeting me here.
Inn Owner: …Indeed…
Snow: Grm. It is us who are your masters…what are you doing, prioritizing Mithra over us?
Inn Owner: M-My deepest apologies! Welcome, everyone.
The inn owner’s voice panics as he welcomes us in, and the two who were displeased a second ago return to their usual glee.
White: Ohohoho, it’s been quite some time…was it almost a hundred years? Sorry it’s been so long, I hope you’ve been doing well.
Inn Owner: Yes, and it’s all thanks to you everything’s still worki—…I was awaiting your return earnestly.
The twins shook their heads with a grin and tilted their heads cherubically.
White: …By the way, in the time we were away has your voice…changed?
Inn Owner: Oh, you must be imagining it. It has been a hundred years so…
Mithra: Who cares about that right now. You there, my fan. Show us the rooms, I wish to sleep right away.
Inn Owner: …The keys to each room are laid out on that table. Choose any you’d like.
On the table were numerous keys lined up. Equipped with them were keychains shaped like a severed head, each having their own unfamiliar symbols etched on them.
Mitile: I…think this keychain is moving.
Bradley: Tch, gross.
The wizards each took a key into their hands with fright and annoyance.
Snow & White: Woah now, we still aren’t ready to enter our rooms yet.
Noscomnia.
Rutile & Mitile: Woah!
Figaro, Mithra, & Lennox: …?
When they recited their spell, all of our clothes changed. We all looked like nobles who were ready to relax elegantly.
Owen: Hey. What is this.
Snow & White: It’s a sleepover. Pajamas, you know?
White: We will wear these for tonight, relax, and deepen our bonds with each other!
Snow: Specifically, we would most like it for Mithra and Owen to do some bonding. To help you not start killing each other in safe zones.
Mithra & Owen: …
Mithra and Owen, who were pointed out, had disgusted expressions on their faces without even looking at each other.
Bradley: What a load of bull. What bonding?
Bradley shrugs his shoulders and sighs. He glares at the twins with a tired face.
Bradley: It’s impossible, I’m tellin’ ya. Don’t you gramps know it too deep down?
Northern wizards make their way in the world through ruthless competition with others, we’re powerful individuals with as much pride as we got strength. The existence of anybody stronger than us is enough to get on our nerves. There’s no compromising.
It’s already weird enough that they’re living together, and ‘sides that, it ain’t just Owen who wants Mithra’s head on a stake.
That guy and his stupid bullpower has been trampling the crap outta anyone in his way and makin’ a show of it. There’s an unbelievable lineup waiting with grudges and desires to take his life.
The North is no place for those who have neither the will to live or the will to die. Northern wizards end up living long years by holding onto their dear lives, fighting, and surviving.
It is the time and experience unique to North country that has made them who they are. I bet that I couldn’t even imagine living like that if I tried.
Our ideal of “a tiny compromise” is something completely inane to them, and difficult to accept.
Akira: (…I really thought that they could get on even ground…)
(If I think about what life they’ve been leading though, of course it’s nothing easy…)
Rutile: Mithra, were you seriously starting fights left and right?
Mithra: I wonder. I don’t remember who or what I destroyed or took the life of…
I sort of just dealt with whatever bothersome thing came before me, I suppose.
Mithra said, like it was some relatable fact. The same way one would go “Ah, the weather outside is lovely today!” as they looked up at the sky.
Rutile and Mitile widened their eyes, baffled. It is certainly an abnormal worldview to the Southern wizards who like to build relations and trust from the ground up.
Mitile: …Have you ever thought of talking to the other person instead of fighting them straight away?
Rutile: What if they had some business with you, or needed directions?
Mithra: None of that surely. No one in the North should be acting so carefree like that, they’d be turned into stone in no time.
There is simply no room for mercy or compromises in this country.
Rutile: …
Mithra: As well, when a fly is buzzing before you, don’t you get the urge to clap it dead?
There is no life nor beratement in Mithra’s tone, but an annoyed attitude.
Hearing that, Owen’s eyes glazed.
Owen: …Oh? So I’m a bug now?
Mithra: You are? Well, you are often being squashed by me.
Owen: Ahaha…how about I kill you right now.
Akira: O-Owen…!
Snow & White: You two, stop! Remember why we came here in the first place!
Figaro: Yeah yeah, let’s all take a pause.
Everyone pitched in to stop and settle the fight before it began. However Owen was still holding onto his briefcase, and it looked like the fight could restart any second.
It seems that he’s still heated over that battle with Mithra the other day that got interrupted.
Mithra: Hmm, this bone ring is quite nice. Perhaps I’ll decorate my room with it.
Mitile: You mustn’t, Mr. Mithra! That’s considered stealing!
Akira: (He, he’s already occupied by something else!!)
Mithra has already forgotten about the fight, or rather, lost complete interest in it and was unconcerned about it. He’s acting like he’s forgotten the conversation that happened seconds ago.
Perhaps “Squashing any bug that appears before my eyes” is the perfect metaphor for his lack of awareness.
On the flipside, Owen’s definitely in a cranky mood now for being ignored by the one he often fights to the death with.
Akira: (Mm, but is it actually a lack of awareness?)
(Mithra gets annoyed when it comes to Oz, and when it comes to Owen or Bradley he always takes notice of them.)
Snow: For the time being, shall we go to our rooms?
White: The sleepover party’s just begun after all.
Leaving the fiery atmosphere as it is, everybody headed to their rooms.
Rutile: Master Sage, which room is yours? Aha, we’ve got the same room number!
Akira: Wow, you’re right! So we’re rooming together! Let’s have some fun.
Mitile: Ooh, so you and brother are together in the same room? Lucky!
Figaro: Oh? Mitile, are you unhappy that you’re rooming together with your beloved teacher?
Mitile: N-No, I didn’t mean it like that, of course I’m happy!
Rutile: So you’re with Dr. Figaro, Mitile.
Mitile: Yep! If Dr. Figaro happens to sleep in, I’ll be there to wake him up!
Rutile, Master Sage, can I come over later?
Rutile: Of course!
Akira: Come anytime.
Akira: Woah…
The inn was thorough in their furnishing. Not only were the lobby and hallways covered in frightening decorations without a spot to spare, but so were the guest rooms themselves.
It felt like something could jump out of the drawers at any moment, so even opening it took all my courage.
Akira: This is kinda awesome…it’s my first time ever seeing and staying in such a haunted looking place.
Rutile lets out a dry laugh as he nods largely.
Rutile: Yes, it’s the same for me too. It’s so exciting, being able to hold a sleepover party in a place like this! I don’t think I’ll ever forget this one!
Oh, right. Let me put our bags in the closet…wah!
Akira: W-What’s wrong?! …Gahh!
Chapter 5
I thought I was going to collapse. There were two looming arms stretching out from inside the closet.
Rutile: Well that got me…I thought they’d grab me the moment I opened it.
The arms looked as if they were seeking something, searching around me and Rutile.
Rutile: Ah…are you perhaps searching for our bags?
Rutile gives it our luggage, and it delicately takes it into its arms, closing the closet door.
Thrilled, Rutile claps his hands.
Rutile: Amazing, it’s like they have someone working the cloakroom in these closets! It’s a spitting copy of a high class hotel!
I wonder if there’s more mechanisms like this? Master Sage, shall we open something else on the count of three?
Bustling throughout the room in search of anything, Rutile is the same as a customer in line for a rollercoaster, expectations and excitement beaming on his face.
Maybe if it’s with Rutile, I could have a fun time making laughter even at this courage test of an inn.
Akira: …It is a fresh experience. You don’t get the chance to stay at a place like this often.
Rutile: Agreed, I’m so glad we came here with everyone. It really has been a while since we held a sleepover party!
Wizards of the Sage lead busy days where they are always receiving requests and heading out on missions.
This might be a good chance to get away from all that, if only for a short while.
Akira: (This inn started out of troubling matters, but I hope it brings everyone comfort…)
Owen: …
Mithra: …
Owen: Why are we rooming together?
Mithra: Like I’d know. I just picked a random key.
Owen: Ough…this is the worst. Mithra, go sleep in the hall. It’s not like you’ll be able to sleep anyway.
Mithra: This room ish mine too. Bein able to fall ashleep in a bed is a raridy for me.
If I can’t, then you can waugh at me.
Owen: What is it you’ve been chewing the past few minutes…it’s been twisting and turning inside your mouth.
Mithra: Didn’t the twins say so? Whatever food you think of is whatever food you will eat.
So when I thought to myself earlier that perhaps I’ll eat something, it’s that “Something” I’m eating.
Owen: Yes, and what exactly is that “Something”?
Mithra: Hmm. Something. Want some?
Owen: Absolutely not. Sounds gross.
Bradley: Why do they only have two-person bedrooms? The rooms at the manor still win over this.
Lennox: If you are uncomfortable rooming with me, you can ask a Northern wizard to switch with you.
Bradley: Dumbass, they’re all sorry choices!
Damn it…I’m already all the way out here, so might as well. It’s easier to just take a bath and sleep…
Lennox: Bath…
Bradley: What? You were letting water into the bathtub earlier, weren’tcha?
Lennox: Yes. The pamphlet said the water contains medicinal properties that’ll heal any fatigue, so I let it fill the bathtub.
Bradley: …There’s some magma simmering in here.
Lennox: And it’s a purpley poisonous type.
Bradley: Show me that pamphlet. Alrighty…
“Implementing an unusual kind of herb, a secret special concoction for a blissful bath you can only enjoy here at this inn. Warning: Staying in for too long may result in turning into stone.”
Bradley & Lennox: …
Bradley: Mr. Shepherd, you can have first bath.
Lennox: No…I’ll pass for tonight.
Mitile: Uuugh…even the rooms are super creepy…
These red stains on the curtains aren’t blood, right…? What if I get cursed from touching them…
Figaro: You’ll be fine, Mitile. You have me with you. Let’s take a breather and drink some tea.
Mitile: O-Okay…Wah! Is this chair made out of bone?
Chair: Don’t sit…don’t sit…
Mitile: It’s speaking!! I’m sorry I’m sorry…!!
Figaro: (Man, Mitile’s really freaked out. Is there any kind of mechanism that’s rated for kids here…?)
Oh! Have a look at this, Mitile! There are paintings on the ceiling.
Ah, and they’re drawings of some cute girls.
Mitile: Wow, there is! The girls are in a circle and dancing…
Huh? The painting’s…moving? It feels like they’re all looking this way…
Painting: Heeheehee!
Mitile: Waaaugh!?
Figaro: (That…didn’t work out.)
Spread out in our appointed rooms, the wizards were relaxedly…can I actually say that…spending their time. It was then that,
???: Hello. Helloooo. Are you there? Can you hear me?
Akira: !?
Suddenly, I could hear a familiar voice inside my head. It seems that Rutile was the same, his eyes blinking.
Snow: This is Snow and White. We are currently speaking directly into your minds.
We did some searching and sensed something suspicious in this inn.
Because of this, we may have to cancel the sleepover party.
Rutile: Huh?
Akira: Sensed what…?
White: We don’t exactly know what it is, but the inn owner is strange.
I knew their voice was different. I first thought it may have been because of a cold, but even their attitude has changed.
Snow: That wizard would usually speak to us so smoothly…
White: And they were much more submissive.
Snow: In other words, something happened while we were away, so don’t let your guard down for the time being.
My heart began pounding at the unsettling news. Trying to calm myself down, I sit on the bed.
Snow: Listen, young ones. Make sure to keep watch of…
Akira: (Huh…)
My eyelids grew heavy. Shortly after trying to resist, I lost consciousness.
Rutile: …Sage! Master Sage!
Feeling my body being shaken, I opened my eyes. I can see Rutile’s worried face watching me.
Rutile: Oh thank goodness, you woke up.
For some reason, the sleeping magic on the beds grew stronger…we were just fine earlier though…
Akira: Oh…right, I happened to feel so sleepy and…
Mithra: Aren’t you lucky.
Akira: Waugh!?
I jumped awake from the deep voice that came from directly beside me. There was a grouchy looking Mithra spread out on the bed.
Mithra: What are you doing, falling asleep alone? It’s envious that you have it so easy, being able to fall under this spell.
Akira: Mithra, when’d you…
Rutile: He just visited! Mithra was the one who lifted the magic off you.
Akira: You did? Thank you. So, why are you here…
In the middle of my question I remember. The twins had given us notice earlier.
Akira: Were you worried about us so you came here…?
Rutile: My, is that so? Mithra, you’re so kind!
While Rutile and I were happily rejoicing, Mithra glared at us still lying on his side.
Mithra: It was just that I couldn’t fall asleep in my own bed. Even though they said you could go to sleep within a mere 5 seconds…
So Master Sage, lend me your hand already.
Akira: Ah, so that’s how it is…
Rutile: Aw, we just praised you too…
Mithra: Well there was that notice from the twins. I thought I might check on whether you were still alive or not.
Mitile has Figaro with him, so he’s fine.
After he said those words, the door to our room clanged and rattled greatly. It shook so strongly I thought it might break.
Rutile: Huh…!?
Akira: W-What is it?!
Quickly, Mithra got himself up, a bothered look on his face.
Mithra: What an unpleasant guest…can I kill them?
Akira: N-No, don’t do that!
As we spoke the door burst open and broke.
Mitile: Master Sage, Rutile!
Figaro: Oh good, you’re all okay.
Rutile: Mitile and Dr. Figaro? What is goin…
Mithra: Mitile, please duck.
Mitile: Huh?
Chapter 6
I saw something wriggling behind Mitile who let out a yelp.
Akira: …!
It was a skeleton with a malicious aura, and it raised its white arms as if to attack us.
Mithra: Arthim!
Blue flames burst behind Mitile, and the skeleton burns to crisps without so much as a peep.
Mitile: W-What was that!?
Akira: Was that a skeleton…?!
Mithra: …I feel like I’ve seen this before long ago…
The skeleton was already ashes. Not knowing what was going on, we all stared at its remains, dumbfounded.
Akira: (That skeleton didn’t seem like it was just there to give us a scare…)
It was different from the creepy magical charms around the inn, it was clearly trying to harm us.
Mithra: Figaro. Why did you bring along a monster with you into this room?
Figaro: You never listen to others, do you…I sensed something was off, so I went to check on the Master Sage to see if they were alright.
Mitile: Dr. Figaro broke down the door because you two might’ve been asleep already!
Figaro: I didn’t think Mithra would be here.
You must have felt something in the air change too, right? I’ve been wondering about it, since the magic on the beds had grown stronger out of the blue.
For it to come outright attacking us like this though…looks like we’re not welcome guests.
“We’ve sensed something suspicious in this inn.” Remembering the twin’s warning, I felt a chill run down my spine.
This was no test of courage. Something or someone hostile was coming after our lives.
Akira: It’s just as Snow and White said, there’s something strange going on…
Mitile: I hope Mr. Leno and everyone else are okay…
Mithra: Aren’t they fine? It wasn’t that much of a threat.
Figaro: Even so, we still have to make sure. Let’s meet up with the others for now.
Huddled up together like penguins, we exited the room in search of the others.
Akira: ….! The skeleton’s back!
As soon as we entered the corridor another skeleton like the one we defeated before appeared. Without a sliver of doubt, it was coming for us.
The bones were uneven in size, like it was patched up from the random bones of numerous people. Seeing that irregularity move was an awful sight.
Mitile: Master Sage, get behind us!
Mitile took my hand and covered me as he trembled.
Mitile: Don’t you come any closer! Ortonik Sealsispilce!
Rutile: …! There’s a second one coming! Ortonik Setomaouge!
Getting hit by the Flores combo, the skeletons fall back, but still stand.
Mithra: What a bother. Arthim.
The remaining two skeletons were heroically blasted away by Mithra.
Figaro: It’d be bad if we got surrounded. Master Sage, don’t stray too far from us.
Akira: G-Got it!
As we went more and more skeletons would appear, and the wizards would repel them with their spells.
But they kept on spawning endlessly. From the hallways, rooms, the sounds of their rattling footsteps would follow.
Rutile: I wonder…don’t the skeletons seem like they’re specifically targeting Mithra?
Mithra: You’re probably imagining it.
Like Rutile said, it does look like they’ve only been focusing on Mithra. No matter how many we blew away, more kept on swarming at his feet.
Akira: (Why is that? Is it because he stands out that they go after him?)
Mithra: …
Mithra, who was walking nonstop fighting off skeletons with zero trouble, had suddenly stopped in his tracks. Placing his hand out before him towards the middle of the hallway, he releases magic just like that.
Mithra: Arthim.
At the same time his magic released, a light from the other side of the hall comes bursting forth towards us.
It clashes against Mithra’s spell, causing the whole inn itself to shake to the point it might collapse.
Owen: Mithra…
Akira: Owen!
My heart eases a bit after seeing someone I recognize. Mithra sends a piercing gaze towards Owen, looking incredibly irritated.
Mithra: Goodness, what was that for? I mistook you for the enemy.
Owen: Huh? You’re the one who attacked first, you piece of trash. Check who your opponent is first before you fire.
Mithra: Haaugh…I’m sleep deprived, and annoyed by all these skeletons, so I’m in a sour mood right now. Can you buzz off?
Oh right, I can just make you.
When he said that, I saw something glinter in the red of Owen’s eye.
With an inhumane smile Owen let deep laughter overflow from his pale throat.
Owen: Try me.
I’ll make this shitty inn your grave.
He summoned his briefcase afloat like a noble reaching out for a glass of wine.
Mithra: …
Silently, Mithra held out his crystal skull. The air was tense with a chill.
The next attacks they’d unleash on each other would be different than just now. It would be a rerun of their battle at the manor.
Mitile: Mr. Mithra, please calm down!
Rutile: This isn’t the time to fight amongst ourselves! Even now skeletons are coming near us…!
While the two were glaring at each other, dozens of skeletons were approaching from the other side of the hallway.
Then, there was the roar of a gunshot. In a blink of an eye, the skeletons were blown to smithereens.
Bradley: I thought it was gettin’ noisy. Didn’t even needa search.
Alongside Bradley who was carrying his gun, was Lennox who held the paintings of the twins in his arms.
Owen: Tch.
Owen’s bloodthirst wanes at the sight of the interruption, his murderous resolve quieting down.
Twins in the Painting: Ooh, everyone’s here!
Lennox: Good. Looks like we’re all okay too.
Figaro: Some situation we’re in though.
Finally grouping up, we all discuss with each other about the situation.
Rutile: As I thought, you guys had skeletons on that side too…
Akira: So they started appearing around the same time.
Twins in the Painting: We were already in this painting then. Thankfully we had Lennox and Bradley with us.
The four of them were also in their rooms when the skeletons started raiding, pretty much the same as our experience.
Figaro: Basically it’s as the Northern wizards had said. Because of their long held grudge, the inn owner has come to enact their revenge on the twins.
Bradley: Told you!
Owen: You should have listened to us. No way they’d let it slide.
The twins, who poked their heads out of the painting, firmly shook their heads at Owen and Bradley who were staring at them coldly.
Twins in the Painting: Nope, you’re wrong. That is not the inn owner we knew.
Mitile: They’re not…?
Rutile: Right, you mentioned that their voice seemed different.
Owen: Are you bluffing right now, trying to push the fault on something else?
Mithra: Can’t you make up an easier excuse?
Snow: It is no excuse.
White: If it were honestly our fault, we’d have told you by now.
Bradley: You shitty old gramps.
Snow: It’d be nice if you could listen quietly. Remember when we spoke into all your minds, about how the inn owner was supposedly up to something?
White: It seems that we were right on the nose for this one! We cannot sense the inn owner we knew here in this inn at all.
This inn has been taken over by something. It is likely that the previous inn owner has already been reduced to stone by their hand.
Rutile: No, that’s…
Akira: So that voice we first met in the lobby was…
Snow: An imposter. I don’t know what they wish to achieve, but they’ve taken control of the inn and are after our lives.
Rutile & Mitile: …
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I gulped down my breath in fear. The already scary inn was becoming more and more unfamiliar and terrifying.
Lennox: If we don’t do anything, the skeletons will keep on coming. We should search for the source of all this, that wizard…
Mithra: And kill them.
Owen: Squash them.
Bradley: Blast ‘em dead!
Lennox: …And stop them, is what I was going for.
< Index >
Chapter 7
Figaro: Kill them, rebuke them, first of all we need to find out where they are.
I tried scanning the area, but couldn’t find anything. This inn has magic worked into every crevice of the building, so it helps hide their presence easily.
And besides that…
Figaro shifts his gaze to the strange skull hung onto the wall.
Figaro: All sorts of magic charms and tools scattered about the inn have been activated. In other words, the presence of magic has increased an abnormal amount.
If we had the time I could eventually sniff out their hiding place, but not with the skeletons chasing us like this.
As he spoke, skeletons would slowly make their way towards us. Each time they grew close, the wizards would repel them, pushing them away.
Twins in the Painting: Still, we just don’t get it…
Overlooking the back-and-forth sequence of skeleton repelling, Snow and White furrowed their eyebrows.
Snow: If it’s our lives they’re after, why must they go through such tedious actions?
White: If it’s murder they want, there’s more upfront ways to do it.
Owen: Because it’s uncool?
Bradley: So basically you? …Woah!
Owen’s attack spell misses Bradley by a hair. With a jarring noise, the skeleton behind him is blasted away.
Ignoring Bradley’s insults, Owen replies listlessly.
Owen: Whatever, there needs no reason. Sometimes fighting upfront can get irritating.
Shall we destroy the entire inn? It’ll all be over then.
Mithra: But that would be such a waste. I’ve come to like the atmosphere of this inn.
Everyone turned to Mithra with surprised looks on their faces. As if moved by his words, the twins also grimaced.
Snow: Yes yes, indeed…we have magic tools of the highest quality assorted here that we have grown some attachment to after using them for a period of time…
White: We find it most heartbreaking to part with our little hideout.
When everyone’s opinions were laid out, Rutile surveyed the area with an anxious look.
Rutile: As well…I don’t think we’re the only ones here.
Before we decide on what to do with the inn, can we search the building for any others, just in case?
Lennox: I agree…we don’t know for sure if previous guests haven’t been locked up in here too.
Akira: Let’s head down to the lobby for starters, and go out searching in turns.
While there were no skeletons after us, we made our way to the lobby.
Perhaps it’s because we know that the inn has been taken over by somebody else, but even though the lobby remains unchanged it still has become noticeably more spooky.
Lennox: This is strange.
Mitile: What is it, Mr. Leno?
Lennox: I was trying to open the entry door, but the doorknob won’t move.
Akira: Is it locked?
Lennox: No, if it was just locked I could easily break it open with pure strength…
Bradley: You can break that open?
Figaro, along with the painting of the twins he received from Lennox, investigates the door.
Twins in the Painting: …There’s a barrier cast on it.
Figaro: Not to mention, a barrier that looks like it took years to prepare, along with a lot of spite. This is quite the intricate technique, they truly don’t want to let us go.
Akira: So, in other words…we’re trapped inside?
Owen: As if. We have Mithra here.
Rutile: Oh, right. We can just have Mithra open a door and escape.
Mithra: Indeed. You all better thank me.
Snow: Thank goodness! Let us return to the manor for now.
White: Arthim, Mithra, Arthim!
Mitile: Uhm, please wait a moment.
Is it really alright if we left like this? We still haven’t searched the entire building yet.
And it seems like a bad idea to just leave a place as dangerous as this be…
Akira: You’ve got a point there…
Right now, this inn is a monster’s nest. There’s no telling if the skeletons running rampant in this inn won’t break out and attack the nearby villagers.
As if summoned, more appeared, bringing their rattling noise with them.
That clatter grew larger and larger as heaps of them surrounded us.
Rutile: …!
Mitile: They’ve increased!
Was it because we were standing around that they managed to multiply in the meantime? While we were discussing whether to abandon the inn or not, they all came creeping into the lobby.
Everyone brought out their magical weapons.
Twins in the Painting: It seems it’s time for house cleaning.
Bradley: Yep. And there’s loads to do, so take your time.
The encroaching skeletons trapped us in a ring of their making and attacked.
A gun’s cry along with the light of its magic, the heat of flames, and the sound of winds groaning. Their magic attacks roared together like a chaotic score.
But the skeletons don’t stop. No matter how many are brought down, more keep taking their place.
One skeleton that parted from the crowd backed up, and jumped at the nearest opportunity.
Akira: …No!
Lennox: Master Sage!
Lennox managed to push me away in time. The skeleton that launched itself at me broke with a fist to its face, and fell to the ground.
Lennox: Are you alright?
Akira: Y-Yes, thank you, Lennox. Uhm, did you just do that barehanded?
Lennox: I did. I’m more comfortable fighting this way, so.
Like providing an example, Lennox kicks down yet another approaching skeleton.
Mitile: Ortonik Sealsi…waugh!
Rutile: Ortonik Setomaouge!
Mitile, you’re not hurt are you?
Mitile: N-No! Is it just me, or are the skeletons getting tougher to beat…
The skeletons were gradually getting stronger, and it felt like with each skeleton we beat down, a more ferocious one would replace it.
At first Rutile and Mitile could handle the skeletons, but now it’s becoming increasingly difficult for them.
The more magic the younger wizards used, the quicker they became fatigued.
Akira: (No good…at this rate the brothers will…)
Twins in the Painting: …Sage, do you have a moment?
Owen: Cure Memini.
Bradley: Adno Potensum!
Owen: Gosh, what a bother.
Bradley: There’s no end in sight. They’re like damn maggots!
There was no end to the skeletons who relied on their high numbers. Even though the wizards used to battling weren’t tired out, their patience was.
Mithra: Arthim.
Bradley: …Gh! Mithra, you bastard! Watch where you aim, you coulda hit me!
Mithra: Haaaugh. Then please dodge it. Holding back is not my specialty.
…?
Out of nowhere, like he dropped something, Mithra eyes his surroundings.
Akira: Mithra?
Mithra: Where are Rutile and Mitile?
If those two got lost in this mess, they’d be easily overwhelmed by a wave of skeletons and crushed.
Saying this, he made his way around the skeletons and tried to leave the lobby.
Bradley: Hey!
Akira: No, Mithra! The brothers are with Figaro…
Rutile: Don’t you talk about us like that, Mithra!
Dodging the skeletons as he came down the stairs was Rutile, with Mitile and Figaro who held the twin’s painting in his arms trailing behind him.
Mithra: Huh? Just where did you run off to?
Mitile: Ugh, didn’t we explain this to you before we left?
Figaro: We would leave the lobby to you guys, while we went off to search the inn.
Akira: It’s as Snow and White discussed earlier.
Twins in the Painting: Even with all of us fighting, there is no end to them. We will be taking a quick expedition to search the inn, for there is something we are interested in.
So while everyone distracted and handled the skeletons here, Figaro took the brothers, and under the twin’s orders, searched the inn for any presence.
Mithra: Is that right? First I’ve heard of it.
Owen: We all knew about it. Except you of course.
Akira: Did you find anything?
Rutile: There is no one else trapped in here besides us. However…
From his coat, Rutile took out a doll of a little girl. It was an old looking doll, with tears and loose seams everywhere, and its curly hair and clothes were dirty.
Lennox: A doll?
Akira: What’s with this doll?