Flor of the Crybaby Bunny and Hat Chapter 2

[xuebingcode]

Chapter 2

Akira: Ow!

Snow: Are you alright, Sage? Sorry I couldn’t stop your fall.

Akira: Ahahaha…it’s fine. I just landed hard on my bum…

White: Though it was quite the manhandling, we managed to arrive safely!

I spin and look at my surroundings. We were in South Country.

A bit of dryness in the weather, I could spot rocky mountains around us. Anyone viewing the grassfields and peaceful scenery would feel at ease.

This was the Town of Clouds, where Rutile and Mitile were born and raised.

Mithra: As usual it’s dusty and there’s nothing here.

Rutile: That’s not true. There’s plenty of wonderful places in South Country, just like the flowers we’re going to see!

They’re beautiful when the sun’s light hits them. I hope you can take a liking to them too, Mithra!

Mithra: Haaaugh, nope, not interested.

Mithra boredly yawned, but Rutile’s expression remained bright. He took a look at the area and smiled.

I’m sure he was happy because everyone else was having fun looking at the scenery of South Country. Just like Mitile, he was delighted to have them visit. 

Snow: Now, let us head to that flower field…

White: Rutile, Mitile, we hope you can lead the way.

Murr: Wait a minuteeee!

I hear a lively voice up above me. I spot Murr bobbing in the air when I face upwards.

Akira: Murr…?! Why are you here?!

Arthur: Have you come to visit the Town of Clouds too Murr?

Murr: Nuh-uh. I went through Mithra’s door like you folks did! 

It looked like a lotta fun to be thrown through the door like that, so when I tried to join, he threw me in too!

Mithra: Oh, I did?

Rutile: Then how about we go to the flower field together, Murr?

We came to South Country to look for a flower that only grows here called the Glassflower. 

Murr: I’m in I’m in! But before that, here ya go!

He turns and spins 360 degrees and hands Rutile a letter. 

Murr: It’s a letter to you that arrived at the manor! I followed after you guys to give it to you!

Rutile: My, all that for me? Thank you…oh, it’s from the family of one of my students…

It’s rare for letters to be delivered from here to the manor…I wonder what’s the occasion.

Arthur: It could be urgent, how about you read it now?

Rutile: Thank you, I will. Please excuse me for a bit.

Opening the seal, Rutile begins to read the letter, and his bright expression gradually turns grey. 

Rutile: …

Mitile: Rutile…? What is written in the letter?

Akira: Did something happen to your student…?

Rutile: Well…a student of mine, Grete, has shut herself up in her room for some reason…

Mitile: Grete?!

Mitile eyes flood with anxiety as they widen in surprise at Rutile’s news.

Rutile: The one who sent the letter was her older brother, Hans.

No matter how much Hans and their parents try, without knowing the reason why, she stays confined to her room…

Arthur: That is worrisome…so they sent this letter to you asking for help.

Rutile: Yes. They asked me to check up on her if I ever came back to the Town of Clouds. Just what happened…

Seeing his expression cloud up, anyone could tell that he was deeply concerned for his student.

Next to him is Mitile who droops his shoulders, seemingly feeling the same emotions.

Mitile: I hope she’s okay…

Riquet: Mitile, are you familiar with her?

Mitile: I am. Hans and Grete are younger students at my school. I would often help them with studies and walk home together with them. 

There aren’t a lot of schools in South Country, so as a result of the grades getting mixed and put in the same class together, I'd play with them a lot.

I remember when I was chosen to be a Sage’s Wizard, she was as happy as I was, like it was she who got chosen. 

Akira: Mitile…

I could hear a little confusion in Mitile’s voice, like he couldn’t believe the contents of the letter.

Mitile: And, I’m worried for Hans too. Those siblings get along so well, so I’m sure he’s hurting right now…

Hopefully they’ll be okay…

Riquet clutched his chest tight seeing Mitile and Rutile with pensive looks on their faces.

Riquet: It saddens me to see those two so down.

Arthur: …It is someone close to them after all.

And besides that, it takes quite some time for letters to be delivered from South Country to the manor.

It already takes time getting from South to the Central palace where it is received, to which then they need to inspect it, taking up more days…

Murr: That’s true! The date of this letter is from weeks ago. 

We can easily send out letters and news, but humans have it so rough!

Arthur nods at Murr who was taking a peek at the letter, and puts his hand on his chin.

Arthur: Not only do I need to speeden the delivery for letters and such within our borders, but also from outside…

If I have the chance to, I’ll propose it at the next conference. If it goes through, you and your students will be able to communicate through letters easier.

Rutile: My, how kind! But, won’t that be quite the tough job? Please don’t overdo it.

It’s lucky that we were able to read this letter here today. I haven’t had many chances to visit the Town of Clouds lately…as well…

As he tenderly brushes the surface of the letter, he continues his words, speaking as softly as the spring wind. 

Rutile: Grete is a sweet and bright young girl, who cares for her brother dearly.

She loves drawing, and has gifted me many portraits. She quite adores me, and

so that must be why Hans wrote a letter to me.

It has been weeks already, so hopefully she’s all okay now, but…

For a moment, Rutile quietly closes his eyes, and looks up.

His expression was that of a kind teacher, with a positive smile that fills anyone who sees it with warmth.

Rutile: I’m sorry, everyone. I was supposed to guide you to the flower field, but is it alright if I go check on Grete?

Mitile, you know your way to the flower field, yes? Can you guide them there?

Mitile: But…

With a lingering look, Mitile falters his words.

Akira: (Mitile’s worried and wants to go too, but he also feels obligated to guide us to the flower field…)

Murr: Hey, why don’t we all go together?

Rutile: Together?

Arthur: Together as in, to Grete’s house?

Murr: Yup! Wizards who normally wouldn’t come here visited with Rutile and Mitile. Along with them, a letter asking for help.

Whether this is a coinkydink or fate, there’s surely something meaningful about these instances!

Why don’t we go with the flow! Let’s all go to that girl’s house!

Theatrically, and with flashy movements, Murr spoke. Arthur and Riquet nodded at his proposal.

Arthur: Yes, I like that idea. There might be something we could do for her. Master Sage, do you mind?

Akira: Not at all. Like Murr said, there must be some meaning in that this all came together here…

I also want for Rutile and Mitile to cheer up, so I’ll help them in any way I can!

Rutile & Mitile: Everybody…

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