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Jul. 13th, 2022
Wish on the Star-Filled Sea Chapter 1
Jul. 13th, 2022 11:09 amChapter 1
One afternoon…
Rutile: Wooow, look at this jelly!
Rutile’s eyes were sparkling at the stuff me, Lennox, and Figaro brought back from the market.
Figaro: I knew its colours would catch those painter’s eyes of yours, Rutile. It’s quite fancy. The Sage picked it out.
Akira: I figured since it was a bit hot out we should eat something refreshing to cool down.
Within the box was a jelly cake with the most beautiful of blues and a delicate gold leaf coating that reminded one of the summer night skies.
It was a stunning sight to see enough boxes of these gorgeous delights for everyone at the manor lined up on the table.
Murr: Spaaarkly! I love it! It’s like if you trapped the stars inside the ocean!
Oz: …The children would like this…
I found this particular matchup of wizards a little interesting.
Aside from Figaro and Lennox, the wizards in the lounge were originally Oz, Murr, and Rutile. On our request the three of them joined us for some tea.
Akira: With this much of the jelly it does look like a sea of stars. It’s almost as much as the Milky Way!
Murr: Milk-y way? Wuzzat, a drink?
Akira: Oh, no. The Milky way is a bunch of stars that you can see on the day of Tanabata.
Lennox: Tanabata…ah, that Star-viewing Festival from your world.
He strokes his chin as he collects his memory.
Riiight, I don’t think I’ve really talked about Tanabata to all the wizards at the manor yet.
I begin to explain about the legends of Orihime and Hikoboshi, the two lovers of the Milky Way, and how when the day of the festival approaches we decorate “bamboo” trees
with papers called ‘Tanzaku” that you write your wishes to the stars on, along with star shaped ornaments and all kinds of other colourful things.
Akira: There’s this certain streamer we also decorate with called “Fukinagashi” and is so pretty when it flies in the wind.
Murr: Oooh, can you draw it out? I wanna see!
Curiosity taken over, Murr produces a pen and paper for me to draw on.
Akira: Thanks. Let’s see…it’s round like this…and then it has a flowy tube-like shape…
Oz: …I’ve seen this before.
Akira: What, seriously?! Is there really something like a fukinagashi here?!
Oz: No…not that…
Lennox: Is Lord Oz perhaps talking about one of Rutile’s sheep drawings?
Rutile: Oh, right on the dot!
Rutile’s face brightens up when he peeks into my paper.
Rutile: Its torso is the round part, and the lines growing from it are its legs! Personally I tend to draw the legs of sheep rather long, but I think it’s cool, so it’s fine!
Murr: I love the originality of your sheep drawings, Rutile! This ‘fukinagashi’ thing also looks interesting!
Akira: Ahaha, hearing you say that makes me happy.
The Milky Way that paints the night sky. The Tanabata streamers and tanzaku that sway softly in the wind. I felt myself overflowing with the memories of me and my childhood friends as we talked about what wishes we wrote on our tanzaku together.
The smell of summer in Japan. The relenting heat of the summer winds and nights. It’s all in the past now.
Akira: …
Figaro: What kind of wishes did you make, Master Sage?
Akira: Huh? My wishes?
Figaro: Yep. The ones you wrote on ‘tanzaku’ and decorated trees with. I was just wondering what sorta stuff you’d usually wish for.
Murr: “SUCCEED IN: TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION!” probably?
Akira: N-Nobody out there would wish for something so large scale. And I don’t really remember what I wrote since it was a festivity I participated in as a child, so…
Murr: Boo, what a waste! Gotta aim high, not low! Dont’cha agree, Oz?
Oz: I wouldn’t even need to wish for that since I could make it happen myself.
Murr: Yeah, ‘cept it was left as a work in prog–
Figaro: Murr. We’re talking about the Sage right now so let’s keep quiet.
Murr: ‘Kaaaay.
Lennox: Are there any sort of limitations to what we can wish for on these tanzaku?
Akira: Not really, but since tanzaku are closer to a good luck charm most people often wish for the smaller things.
Lennox: So would “May they not catch a cold” or “May they do well in their studies” work?
Akira: Yeah, like that! Little wishes that you’d be happy if they were granted but wouldn’t sign the end of the world if they didn’t!
Murr: …I totally get it now. It’s not about “Will it be granted or not?” but the idea of actualizing the greed you hold by writing it down.
Akira: G-Greed?!
Murr: Hey, even a little wish is considered greed. I’m guessing exposing your desires in public isn’t a common thing in your world.
Maybe that’s why the people of your world limit it to one day of the year! It’s a festival for enjoying your mundane desires.
Let’s do this together with everyone! We’re gonna make “Tanabata” popular here!
Rutile: Woah!? Murr, you might hit your head against the table if you suddenly do a somersault in the air!
It’s nothing out of the ordinary for a Western wizard like Murr to reveal his desires in public.
This lovable boldness is probably why he’s so taken in by this different world enough to fly around the room.
Akira: (True, Tanabata is a rather unique festival…but saying it’s a day to let loose your greed is a bit shaming…)
Figaro: I’m up for it. I’m interested in the Sage’s culture too, so why don’t we try it out as wizards of the Sage?
By learning what everyone’s wishes are we’ll get to see a new side to each other. It’ll be a bonding experience.
Besides, isn’t wishing on the stars just romantic? I’m gonna like this Tanabata holiday.
Lennox: I think it’s a splendid idea as well. Though spreading it to the entire land seems a little impossible, spending it with everyone at the manor sounds fun.
Rutile: Mmhmm. Celebrating Tanabata AND deepening our bonds with the other wizards? Count me in!
Figaro: I just know the kids will love it. Well, how about it, Master Sage?
Akira: Well…
Those mysterious eyes of his calmly gazed at me.
Encouraged by the tone of his voice that wrapped itself around my shoulders and the nostalgia and loneliness I felt remembering Tanabata, I gave in and nodded my head.
Akira: …I’d like to spend Tanabata with you all too.
Murr: Awright! Then it’s decided, we’re throwing a Tanabata party!
While everyone was hyped up, Oz simply sips his tea undisturbed.
Oz: …
Akira: Uhm, are you okay with it, Oz?
Oz: …Do as you please. Your wishes are yours alone to enact.
Though his words may have come off as harsh, the fact that he didn’t decline or vanish from the room helped me feel more confident.
Lennox: May I know what is required to hold this Tanabata festival?
You’ll teach us everything, won’t you, Master Sage?
Akira: Yes, of course I will!
I nodded excitedly. My heart was racing at the idea of throwing a Tanabata themed party!
Figaro: We can improvise those bamboo trees, what’s most important seems to be the decorations and ornaments…
We need to fix up every single detail in order to remake the perfect Tanabata day for our Sage.
Lennox: Since it’s a special holiday should we also be preparing special food?
Index >
Wish on the Star-Filled Sea Chapter 2
Jul. 13th, 2022 11:10 amChapter 2
Akira: That reminds me, we also have traditional Tanabata foods called “Chirashi-zushi” and “Soumen”! Other than that…I remember there being dishes modeled after the stars.
We would cut fruits and vegetables in the shape of them, even pouring the sauce like a star too…
Mithra: Hmmm. I didn’t know you could eat the stars in your world, Master Sage. How do they taste?
Rutile: Woah, Mithra?! When did you get here?
Rustica: Good afternoon, everybody.
Owen: …
As we were happily chatting about Tanabata, Mithra had arrived. To my surprise, Owen and Rustica as well.
Rustica: I was just about to have some tea with Mithra and Owen, but if you lovely people don’t mind, might you join us?
Mithra: When did I agree to that? I happened to be walking beside you is all.
Owen: Don’t suddenly decide things for us just because we were heading to the same room.
Figaro: Cool it now. Good timing, guys. We were having our own tea party as well, so why don’t you join us instead.
Rustica: Goodness, what a pleasant surprise! Yes, we certainly will–Oh? Mithra, Owen, where are you going?
Owen: Like hell I’d be playing tea party with you idiots. Moreso with Oz and Figaro.
Mithra: I’m off to my room.
Akira: Hey…wait, you two!
I hastily called out to their backs.
Akira: We were discussing throwing a Tanabata party here at the manor. Won’t you guys join in too?
Owen: “Tanabata”?
Mithra: What is that?
Akira: It’s a festival back in my world. We all thought it’d make for a fun bonding activity, so.
When it comes to these two unpredictable Northern wizards, chaos is neverending.
That’s why I really wanted to get them to join in on this party, to do something together.
I also thought that maybe I could get to know them better if I knew what wishes they wrote on their tanzaku sheets.
Rustica: You’re holding a party? What a splendid idea.
The one who answered my request was none other than Rustica. He took Mithra and Owen’s hands, and held them as he brought them over to us.
Mithra: Hey.
Owen: Let go. Or should I rip off your whole arm?
Rustica: But isn’t an invitation to a party from the Sage themself an honour?
Master Sage, please do tell us of this Tanabata festivity.
Akira: Uhh, for sure!
Before Mithra and Owen could try to leave again, I explain to the three of them about Tanabata as Rustica listens intently to my words, nodding deeply in understanding.
Rustica: A pair of lovers whose meeting is only allowed one day out of the 365 days of the year…such a saddening tale!
Mithra: & Owen: …
By the way, Mithra and Owen are currently sitting on the couch (as forced by Oz) and have an irritated look on their faces as they snack on the jelly desserts.
Mithra: Boring. You made me sit down to hear this?
Mithra glared at Oz as he toiled with a cowlick in his own hair. On the other hand, the corners of Owen’s mouth turned upwards.
Owen: Really? I thought it was amusing.
Akira: ! Owen, I’m so glad you–
Oz: What are you planning.
Owen: Hahaha….how mean. I’m not up to anything. I simply think from the bottom of my heart that the Sage’s story is very interesting.
You saw that, right Master Sage? Wasn’t his comment just plain rude?
Oz: People carry hopes and dreams within them to fill the emptiness of their hearts.
However, displaying in public what hopes you dream of may be a way to reveal one’s weakness.
Your words eat away at the hearts of others. Deepening the cavities of the heart is an easy matter for you.
Owen: …
An Owen who found out the wishes of others is an Owen with a blade at the ready. That was what Oz was trying to get at.
Yet Owen carried on smiling soundlessly, neither confirming nor denying his accusations.
Rustica: I for one think revealing your own dreams to the world is exciting! You must let me join in.
Murr: Me too! Who knows, I might find another part of myself I didn’t realize was there!
Let’s write tons and tons of tanzaku, wishing out whatever inner desires we feel at the moment!
Rutile: Inner desires…?
Lennox: Hearing that makes me a little nervous…
Akira: Y-You don’t have to go that far with them! Let’s take it easy!
Mithra: Do whatever you want, I’m not participating. Please find someone else who has more freetime than me.
Like Oz, or Oz, and perhaps Oz too.
Akira: (Now that I think about it, Oz didn’t really say whether he’d participate or not…)
Just when I turned to look at Oz, scarlet eyes met with mine. After a few moments of silence, he nods slightly.
Oz: …If that is your wish, so it will be.
Akira: Yes, thank you Oz!
Mithra: Alright then, I’m out.
Owen: Same. Sounds like a drag.
Akira: Whyyy?!
Oz: …
After staring at the two for a bit Oz slowly turns to me.
Oz: Words will not convince them. The only way to make Northern wizards obey is with pure power.
Right when he said those words a staff had magically appeared in his hands.
Mithra: I am of the same opinion. I’ll make you bow with my magic.
Owen: Fine, I guess I’ll help you out this once. I’m in a bad mood because of him.
Oz: Shall I have at them, Sage?
Akira: E-Everyone, let’s calm down, please?! I’d prefer we discuss this in the most peaceful way possible…
Figaro: Don’t we all. Since we’re all going to celebrate a holiday from the Sage’s world together, it’d be best if none of us were fried to a crisp.
So instead of settling this dispute of yours with a fight, how about a fun party game?
Oz, Owen, & Mithra: What?
Figaro: I bet you it’ll be way funner than a battle to the death. Though, we can’t let a wizard who won’t participate in the festival participate in this game.
That means it’ll be an automatic loss for you two. By default.
Mithra & Owen: …
Hearing those specific words Mithra and Owen’s eyebrows twitched.
Lennox: I did not know there was a game for Tanabata.
Murr: Awesome! We’re gonna have a blast of a Tanabata party AND its games!
Oh, except for Mithra and Owen. That makes you two, and everyone in the manor, losers to Oz!
Mithra: Who said anything about that? I would never lose any kind of match against that man.
Owen: …About this game, is there any kind of reward? Like one of Oz’s eyeballs.
Figaro: Nooo, nothing like that. But I can give you a prize even better than that. I found it earlier in the marketplace.
It’s a magical tool that makes whoever wields it an emperor.
Rutile & Lennox: Emperor?
Figaro: Yep. With it, you can give orders to people and they’ll listen. And there’s no sort of limitations on what orders you can give.
Akira: (So like, it’s the magical version of the King’s Game…??)
Mithra: As if there’d be such a powerful tool lying about in a marketplace.
Owen: Right. I’ve never heard of a magical tool like that, it’s obviously a hoax.
< Index >
Wish on the Star-Filled Sea Chapter 3
Jul. 13th, 2022 11:11 amChapter 3
Figaro: Think what you want, but if it really was just a fake, why would I bother telling you?
In fact, if it was a fake, how come I haven’t thrown it away yet?
Mithra & Owen: …
The two were shut up by his questions. They ponder his words, now carefully considering them.
Lennox: Persuading others is an easy feat when you’re as knowledgeable as Dr. Figaro.
Rutile: That’s true. And hearing that you can become an emperor is enough to make me want to play!
Figaro: And I’ll be giving that magical tool to whoever wins it.
Everyone, I’m sure you’re all curious on whether that tool really works or not, but let’s keep the truth to the winner.
Lennox: By the way, what kind of game are we playing?
Figaro: Hmmm. Well, since Tanabata is a festival where you pour your heart out wishing to the stars your long held dreams, I’m thinking a game among those lines would be good.
Like, asking everyone in the manor their wishes and granting them with magic. The one who grants the most wins. How about that?
Akira: (Granting others’ wishes through magic…)
My heart began to beat faster at his proposal. I remember in the past the countless wishes I had that were never granted.
I never got upset when they didn’t come true, but what if I had magic to give me that little push to help grant it?
I knew that that was something I’d never be able to experience back in my world, that I could only dream about it.
Rutile: Granting the wishes of others sounds like tons of fun!
Akira: I like it! The ones who are granting and the ones being granted will both be able to have fun.
Murr: It’s that “Winwin” thing again!
He said with a wink. Somersaulting in the air once more, he returns to Rustica’s side.
Murr: Let’s hurry up and tell the others! Rustica and I will go get Shylock and Chloe.
Rustica: At this hour they must be at the bar right now.
Rutile: Then I’ll go find Mitile, Riquet, and Heath and Shino! They told me they’d be out in the forest today.
Lennox: Please leave Lord Faust and Nero to me. It’d be nice if they participated in the festival too…
Figaro: Remember, it’s alright if some people can’t join in the game.
We already have enough players in this room to start with.
If they’re interested in the prize, then they can join in too. If not, they can just write their wishes on a tanzaku for the festival.
Akira: Yeah, that way we won’t be forcing others to play the game if they don’t want to.
What will you guys do, Mithra, Owen?
Mithra: I have little interest in the magic tool. It’s being called a loser by default that I won’t let slide.
Owen: I think the game sucks but if I can win and make Figaro and Oz my pet dogs, I’m down.
Though they looked annoyed they didn’t grumble any complaints as the only thing they cared about was being the winner.
Akira: (Oz is…)
Oz: …I will go ask Arthur and Cain what they want to do.
Rutile: Alrighty, I can’t wait! Can you, Master Sage?
Akira: Me neither!
That night…I found myself unable to sleep, so I went out to the garden alone to look at the stars.
Akira: (Never thought I’d be able to experience Tanabata in this world…)
Up above in the sparkling night sky, is a galaxy like the Milky Way. At this familiar sight from my home world, I begin to feel glum.
Akira: …
Figaro: If it isn’t the Sage. What’re you doing out here so late?
Akira: Good evening, Figaro. I was just taking a stroll since I couldn’t fall asleep.
Figaro: Is that so? Looks like we’re in the same boat. Wanna chat until you feel sleepy?
At my approval Figaro smiles a little and looks up at the sky.
Figaro: …Star gazing?
Akira: Yeah. I was just thinking that the stars of this world and the stars of my world aren’t so different.
See that cluster of stars over there? They remind me of the galaxy that Orihime and Hikoboshi are said to be separated by…
Figaro: The Milky Way, right? That’s what you can see during Tanabata in your world. I remember since the name is so pretty.
Akira: The cluster of stars looks like a swirl of milk, so that’s why it’s called that.
…Oh yeah, Figaro! Thank you for earlier this afternoon. For proposing the Tanabata party.
I thanked him. Due to his wonderful management, everyone seemed excited for Tanabata.
Figaro: You’re welcome. Though, I should be the one thanking you.
Akira: Me?
Figaro: I wasn’t sure what to do about Oz, Mithra, and Owen, until you came in.
Not only that, but they’re even participating in a party together. That combination is enough to flip the world upside down.
What happened today was nothing short of a miracle. It’s all thanks to the bonds you weaved.
The faint light of Figaro’s eyes gently gaze at me as the night wind softly rustles my bangs.
Figaro: On top of that, it’ll be a fun activity for the kids. All of this is thanks to you sharing Tanabata with us.
Akira: Huh, no, I…it was you who said that it would deepen everyone’s bonds with each other, Figaro.
And, I was overjoyed to find out I’d be able to celebrate Tanabata here.
Figaro: Then we’re good. I’ll still be relying on that pool of wisdom of yours though.
Akira: Haha, yes, anything I can do!
The next day–
After writing in my journal, I happened to enter the foyer and stopped dead in my tracks.
Akira: What the…?!
Right in the centre of the foyer, was a huge tree growing. At that unusual sight I stood, mouth agape in surprise.
Lennox: Master Sage.
Mitile: Hello, Master Sage!
Near the tree were Lennox and Mitile, along with Figaro and Rutile.
Akira: Hey everyone…so what’s that you got there?
Lennox: A tree. We figured that it matched the description of those ‘bamboo’ trees the most.
As he stood next to me, Lennox reached his hand up high and shook a low hanging branch. The leaves did resemble the type of bamboo trees we used for Tanabata.
Figaro: You drew a picture of what kind of leaves those bamboo trees had yesterday during our discussion.
That’s when Leno told me. Back in South when he’d go out to the pastures he saw a tree with leaves like that before.
Akira: Don’t tell me you guys went to South Country just for this…
Lennox: Do not worry. We already had affairs to return to South for, so along the way home we picked it up.
He casually says ‘along the way’, but to think it’d be done in a day’s work…
Akira: (Its looks and its texture are more bamboo like than I thought. They did this for me…)
I was touched by their thoughtfulness. That was when Mitile and Rutile, hiding something behind their backs, called out to me in a cheerful tone.
< Index >
Wish on the Star-Filled Sea Chapter 4
Jul. 13th, 2022 11:11 amChapter 4
Mitile: Yesterday, Rutile told me all about Tanabata! How you write your wishes on these strips of paper called tanzaku!
Rutile: And so, Dr. Figaro prepared these for us!
Taa-daaa! They brought out what they were hiding. They were ornaments in the shape of stars. They were the size of my palm, and faintly glowing.
Akira: Beautiful…it’s so sparkly, like a glass star!
Figaro: Right? I was wondering if we could use these in place of tanzaku.
Rutile: You say out loud your wish, and the ornament saves it inside!
Akira: Saves?
Figaro: Yep. These aren’t just any regular ornaments of course…they’re magic!
For example, if Mitile faced one of these and said “I want to eat an infinite amount of cookies!”,
this little star will save that memory of his words, and once you recite your spell the saved memory of that voice and figure will appear as an illusion you can view on the spot.
Mitile: Hold it, Dr. Figaro! I’m not that much of a glutton!
Figaro: Hahaha, sorry, sorry. It was just a what-if.
Lennox: This was all Dr. Figaro’s idea. Writing your wishes on paper is fine too, but we thought it’d be more exciting this way.
Figaro: Though, unlike paper, there’s a time limit on these ornaments. After a few days, the saved memory of the wish it holds will be erased.
So the downside is you can’t save the memory of a person making a wish forever…
Akira: That’s totally fine! This way we’ll be able to see everyone as they make their wish, and…
(Wait. Was this all because I’m not able to read this world’s script?)
He’s always so quietly considerate of others, never forcing his care. That thoughtfulness of his was as soothing as the gentle winds.
Akira: Thank you for all your work, everyone! Now I’m really looking forward to the party!
Rutile: Hehe, so are we! Ah, but Mitile…
Mitile: Sorry, Master Sage…I won’t be making it to the party. I have plans with Mr. Faust that day.
We’re going to go gather a plant that can only be harvested on a night of a full moon.
Akira: That’s okay, Mitile. This sounds just as important, so please go on ahead without worry.
I’m very happy to hear that you and Faust are getting along, so don’t forget to tell me how it went, okay?
Lennox: I’m glad to hear it too. Also, even if you can’t come to the party, you can still decorate this tree with your wish.
I think that is just enough for you and Lord Faust to have celebrated Tanabata with us.
Mitile: For sure! I already reminded Mr. Faust about it too!
Rutile: Everybody who can’t make it to the party is currently helping out with the prep.
Lennox: Right. I saw the Eastern wizards gathered around Shino in discussion.
Figaro: Every country is doing their best to help with the preparations. The bonding has already started!
Rutile: Master Sage, be sure to make your wish and decorate the tree with it.
Mithra and the others are really in it to win it, so yours may be granted!
Akira: Ah, right! I shouldn’t let this chance slip by, so I gotta think of something!
Hmmm, what to wish for, though…
Figaro: …
Cain: Alllright, let’s get this party prep started! You guys know what’s up, right?
Riquet: I do. We save our wish inside a magic ornament, and it is kept as an illusion.
Then, we hang it on a ‘bamboo’ tree.
Arthur: And we’re also in charge of decorating the tree. I wonder what sort of ornaments we should use.
Cain: Probably a bunch of shiny things since it’s a holiday about stars.
Oz: No, it should be this!
Arthur, Riquet, & Cain: This?
Oz: It is based on a drawing the Sage made of a ‘fukinagashi’ decoration from their world. Have you seen it before?
Riquet: Fukinagashi…hmmm…
Ah! It looks a lot like this “teruteru bouzu” thing that the Sage told me about a while ago!
Oz: Indeed, that.
Cain: Oh yeah, I remember Akira making a bunch of those little guys and drawing each of us wizards’ faces on them. Do we make this ‘fukinagashi’ based on that?
Oz: I assume so. They also mentioned that we should add some “oomph” to it.
Arthur, Riquet, & Cain: Oomph?
Oz: Basically we may decorate them as we like. “The more oomph, the cuter.” they said.
Arthur: The more oomph, the cuter!
Cain: Wow, it's got a nice ring to it!
Arthur: Aside from Lord Oz, the rest of us Central wizards will be unable to attend the party.
So in order to make up for our absence, how about we make fukinagashi for every wizard here, drawing each of their faces on them? We’ll add a lot of oomph to the tree with that!
Cain: Great idea! Let’s make these fukinagashi so awesome, they’ll liven up the party in our stead!
Riquet: Yes, I’ll put in my all to make them!
Arthur, Riquet, & Cain: Let’s do our best in oomphing it up! Woo!!
Oz: …
Arthur, Riquet, & Cain: Woo!!
Oz: …Woo.
Faust: …I’m holding it up. Any good?
Heathcliff: Uh, uhm…more to the right–no, left…?
Shino: Stop, you went too far. Back to the right again. You need to stand in the spot where you’ll capture Heath’s beauty best.
Nero’s wish illusion had his shoulder cut off when captured. You gotta be centre straight. Or do you want the other wizards to make fun of us?
Nero: Yeah, yeah, but don’t you guys feel awkward? Speakin’ out your wish and lettin’ others see it…
Heathcliff: I guess so…it is a little embarrassing to have my figure be saved as an illusion.
Shino: What’s embarrassing? We’re on a mission the day of the party, you shouldn’t care about who sees it.
Faust: Hey now, settle down. You guys still have your mission prep to do, so let’s finish this quick and properly.
Nero: Looks like Teach has already prepared himself…
Heathcliff: Mr. Faust, have you already decided on what wish you’ll make? That’s what I’m still worrying about…
Faust: Well…
Shino: Say it. It can be your rehearsal before you actually save your wish.
Nero: Who died and made you king…?
Faust: …This is just a draft. I was thinking of wishing for my three students to come home safe from their mission.
Nero, Shino, & Heathcliff: …
Nero: Ya blockhead.
Faust: Huh? What was that for?
Shino: Hey, Teach. You don’t need to wish on a magic ornament for that.
Heathcliff: Yup! We already plan on coming home safely after all.
Nero: Haha. Since even Teach’s giving it his all I guess I should go ahead and prepare some snacks for us.
Bradley: May the entire rest of my sentence go away.
Snow & White: Denied.
Owen: Whoopee. Try another one.
Bradley: The hell?! Didn’t you tell me to wish for whatever I want?!
Mithra: Can’t you make it something easy? Wish for something that I can grant in seconds.
Snow: Ohohoho. Though for the party it may be, as long as we are here we will never let any true wish of yours be granted, Bradley.
White: And if anybody tried to, we would specially punish them.
Owen: Come on, Bradley, won’t you just be fine with something like “I want to eat fried chicken to my heart’s content”?
Mithra: That would be an easy request. All I need to do is bring over a thousand chickens.
Bradley: Don’t need it! There’s more depth to fried chicken than what you nerds think.
‘Sides, why’re you makin’ me participate in this party prep crap? I ain’t got any reason to anyway.
< Index >
Wish on the Star-Filled Sea Chapter 5
Jul. 13th, 2022 11:13 amChapter 5
Snow: The party they’ve planned is a supposed remake of a holiday from the Sage’s world. An honourable idea, isn’t it.
White: And the day of the party we are to be in Central for volunteer service. We must be of help when we can.
Owen: Yeah yeah. We’ll participate in the party in your stead.
Mithra: So at least do your part and make a proper wish. That’s all you can be helpful for.
Bradley: Tch...look who’s talking. You’re the one dancing to someone else’s tune.
Snow: It would not be an ideal situation were Mithra or Owen to win the prize but…
White: They’re participating of their own volition for once. As fellow Northern wizards, be a good friend and wish for something simple.
Snow & White: Oh Mithy, Oh Owen! Won’t you weed the garden?
Mithra: No.
Owen: Sleep talk after you fall asleep.
Snow & White: At least think about it!
Chloe: Dadada-duuun! What do you think? I made outfits with the motif of stars for everyone going to the party!
Murr: Wooow! Glittery, fluttery, spiffy!
Rustica: These golden buttons and hair ornaments are lovely. Their magnificence rivals that of the starry sky melting into the seas.
Shylock: Indeed, it does. I guess I should make some matching drinks to go with. Perhaps, a golden coloured cocktail with the shine of a star.
Chloe: Hehehe, yaaay!
Rustica: By the way, don’t you gentlemen think the Sage’s custom of decorating trees with their wishes to the stars a most romantic idea?
Shylock: Yes. Actually, I’m still a little lost on what to wish for.
Murr: Well, I’ve decided already!
Chloe: Oh, that’s quick! Can you tell us what it is? I’m also still thinking about it so any ref…
Murr: I’m wishing for the Great Calamity to visit me once again tomorrow!
Chloe: Tomorrow?! That’s way too early isn’t it?! And scary, and…
Shylock: Hmhm…what a selfish man. You yourself should know the amount of tragedies that thing has brought us the closer it gets.
Murr: I sure do! Even so, I love them. I love the moon more than anything in this world.
Rustica: Your crush is quite the extreme one. Although a love story that sounds like it’s from another world, it feels right at home at the same time. My heart is so moved!
Chloe: M-My hearts gonna thump right out of my chest…I guess that’s also a type of “moved” as well though?
Shylock: Hehe, oh Chloe. When coming up with your wish do take care as to not use Murr as reference.
Chloe: Uhhhmm…even if I did want to use it as reference I don’t even know where to START…
Murr: Obviously! My wish is my wish alone! Still, I’m keeping my options open.
–The day of the Tanabata party arrived. I went to the foyer alongside the Southern wizards.
Akira: Wow…
The tree in the centre of the foyer was covered in star ornaments and other such decorations, letting off an abundance of light.
The amount of lights was more than I could imagine. Its reflections shimmered and let off specks of light, like a little Milky Way was forming before me.
Akira: This is amazing! There’s so many wishes and…hey, are those fukinagashi? They have everyone’s faces drawn on them!
Figaro: Made and drawn on by the Central wizards themselves.
I think back to when the Central wizards visited my room upon hearing about the party, and with a glum look on their faces told me how they could not attend.
Arthur had official duties, and Cain and Riquet were tagging along with Snow and the others on their volunteer services.
I was called out to by Oz who was standing next to me staring at the decorations of the tree.
Oz: “Our hearts are with you” they said as they put in their best effort oomphing it up.
Akira: (By ‘oomphing’ does he mean…?)
Ahahaha! I love it! So you helped out too, Oz.
They’re as cute as teruteru bouzu, thanks!
Rutile: The Eastern wizards baked some star shaped cookies too! Don’t they look scrumptious?
Figaro: And on that table over there is Shylock’s non-alcohol cocktails. He made them with the image of Tanabata.
The decorations and the food were made in reference to your stories, but how are they? Are they properly “Tanabata” enough?
Akira: …Yes, of course!
An unknown wind flowed in and rustled the bamboo like leaves of the tree.
It brought with it the smell of sweet butter around the room, and made soft ripples in the cocktails, ocean waves brushing against the gold leaf swirl within.
Akira: (Everyone really gave it their all…)
The numerous stars hung in the tree dazzled as they lightly shook. Gracefully, quietly, it was like they were playing a melody of light.
The sadness of their absences was overpowered by the feeling of joy from seeing how hard they worked for the party.
Lennox: Everyone is grateful to you, Master Sage. They had a fun time working together with their fellow wizards, they said.
So let me tell you my thanks once again. These past few days were lively, all thanks to you.
Akira: Oh, I didn’t do much…but that makes me happy.
I just thought it’d be nice for you all to get along better outside of missions and classes, so…huh?
What’s with that crown in the centre table?
Figaro: Ahh, that. That’s the prize for the game. You know, the magic tool that makes you emperor.
Akira: The rumoured prize…!
Rustica: And what a creative design it has! It’s so exotic, I’m impressed.
Akira: Oh, Rustica.
When I turned around, adding to Oz and the Southern wizards were Rustica, Murr, Mithra, and Owen.
Finally, everyone attending the party has arrived.
Rustica: Chloe and Shylock couldn’t come today since they already had plans to go watch a play, so…
we Western wizards will play our part and liven up the party as it should.
Murr: I’m gonna do my best too!
Owen: Say, how long are you gonna make us wait? Start the game already.
Mithra: Doesn’t matter as I’m going to win either way.
Murr: Oh, before that, I’ve got a present from Chloe! Eanul Rambul!
At his spell we all become covered in a golden light.
Within a blink, they were all wearing mystical clothing that reminded one of the summer night skies. The contrast between its dark blues and golds was stunning.
Rutile: Gosh! Leave it to Chloe to make the perfect clothes for the occasion! The details are so delicate, and look at how it twinkles.
Figaro: We better give our thanks to Chloe. Well, now that we’re gathered, let’s start the game.
Master Sage, can you pick out a wish from the variety here?
Akira: Is it okay for me to decide?
Murr: You betcha! Picking out the first wish is the greatest honour that falls upon you!
The wizards stood in a row before the wonderfully decorated tree.
Akira: (I’m getting goosebumps…)
Facing the multitude of star ornaments and their many saved wishes, I became nervous. After thinking for a bit, I finally chose one.
Akira: Okay, I choose this!
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