Flor of the Crybaby Bunny and Hat Chapter 3

[xuebingcode]

Chapter 3

Snow: Ohohoho, then it’s decided! We shall go with Murr’s plan.

White: Although we could just go and see the flowers ourselves, it’s not like we’ll be late if we handle a little something first! We came here with everyone after all, so let’s stay together.

As long as we are not in your way, of course.

Rutile: You aren’t! There is nothing more encouraging than having you all by our sides. 

Though, having a crowd of people suddenly visiting will surely scare them, so when we reach their house could you first let me speak with Hans alone? 

Snow: Of course. It is best to let Mr. Rutile reassure the lad. 

Rutile: Thank you. What will you do, Mithra? 

You could go on a walk while we go to Grete’s House…

Mithra: I don’t mind coming along. Flowers and children are basically the same thing, so it doesn't matter what we go to see.

Mitile: I-I’m pretty sure flowers and children are completely different…

Rutile: Hehe, alrighty then, let’s all go to Grete’s house!

Following Rutile, we made our way to Grete’s house.

Hans: Mr. Rutile…! And Mitile’s here too!

The one who greeted us at the entrance was the older brother who sent the letter, Hans.

He was a bit younger than Mitile and Riquet, and was freckled with curly hair. 

When he saw Rutile, he breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of his heart.

Hans: Oh good…we’re lucky you’ve come, Mr. Rutile! 

Thank you for coming too, Mitile! I’m happy to see you. 

The Hans who smiled at the brothers looked a bit tired, as if he wasn’t sleeping, and he had some dark circles under his eyes.

Rutile gently pats Hans’ head, consoling him.

Rutile: It’s been a while, Hans. Thank you for your letter.

Forgive me for being so late. Is Grete still staying inside her room?

Hans: Mmhmm…uhm, who are those people behind you? 

Rutile: They’re fellow wizards of the Sage! Sorry, we must have startled you by bringing so many of us at once. 

They came along with me because they wanted to help you. If you’re okay with that, would you talk about Grete with them too? 

Hans: A buncha wizards of the Sage came…for Grete!? Thank you thank you, of course I’m okay! 

My name is Hans, it’s good to meet you, wizards of the Sage! 

Akira: Hello there Hans, I’m the Sage Akira.

Hans: The Master Sage…! Wow, I’ve heard about you from Mr. Rutile! So you brought the Master Sage too!

Snow: Ohohoho, don’t you forget us strong and cute Northern wizards now! 

Murr: Or this fun loving Western wizard too! Ooo, arf arf!

Riquet: And we are Central wizards. We heard a bit about Grete from Rutile. From a certain point, she began to shut herself inside her room. 

If there’s anything we can do, this disciple of god will gladly lend you a hand. 

Murr: For starters, should we light some fireworks? Or maybe invite her outside with a groovy dance and song! 

Hans: T-Thank you all. I’m really happy you want to help, but if all of you came in at once I think Grete would get scared…

I…I want Mr. Rutile to see Grete first…she wouldn’t listen to me, but maybe Mr. Rutile can get her to. 

Everyone, please come inside the house! 

The house Hans welcomed us into was a cozy and peaceful little home with the warmth of family life.

When I asked, the parents were out taking care of the farm animals, so it was just the siblings alone at home.

Glancing all over the interior there were drawings pasted almost everywhere. 

Flower drawings, animal drawings, people happily smiling drawings. You could tell they were made by the same person. 

Snow: Hooh, what wonderful work. They are all lovely.

White: How sweet, this one appears to be a drawing of the whole family.

Hans: These are all Grete’s! She’s good, right!

Proud to hear Grete’s art being complimented, Hans grinned slightly.

Hans: Grete loves drawing. Everyday she’d make one piece, daily! And everytime she finishes it she shows me!

I really like seeing my sister having fun drawing everyday. 

But…since she’s trapped herself inside her room…

Rutile: Hans…

Would you perhaps have any clue as to why? Did she look a little blue before she shut herself in? 

Hans drops his shoulders and shakes his head at Rutile’s question.

Hans: No, nothing at all.

Mitile: Really?

Hans: Mmhmm. She was the same as always that day. And then she suddenly wouldn’t come out or say anything no matter how much we asked. 

When Father and Mother talked with her she’d just tell them to leave her alone…

Mr. Rutile, I just don’t know what to do for her…even though I care about her so much…

Mitile: …

Mithra: I understand.

Riquet: Huh?

Arthur: What did you understand?

Mithra: It’s simple. All we need to do is drag out the little girl from her room. 

Arthi…

Akira: N-None of that now, Mithra! That’s probably not best…

Riquet: The Sage is right. Such violence to even suggest dragging her out! We ought to help her by hearing her out. 

Mithra: But why? If it’s causing so much of a problem that she won’t leave her room, then it’ll quickly be over if we drag her out. 

Hans. N-No! You’ll make her cry again!

Rutile: Again?

Hans: Ah…yes. The truth is, I already tried to forcefully drag her out. 

I even tried pushing her art supplies on her, trying to get her to draw…she started crying a lot…

He gripped his pants tight.

Hans: I don’t ever wanna hurt Grete like that again. But I couldn’t leave her like that, so I wrote to Mr. Rutile…

Having a hard time getting his voice out, Hans had a pained expression on his face. 

On Grete’s drawings of her family all over the house, everyone was smiling.

Drawings where the siblings were picking flowers. Drawings where they were all eating meals together. Drawings of them holding hands.

The more I see all those smiles in these pictures, the more I feel the weight of Han’s sadness, and my chest begins to hurt too. 

Rutile: Thank you for choosing me, Hans. You tried your very best for your little sister. You’re a good kid.  

Mithra too, thank you for trying to help get Grete out of her room as well. 

I will go and speak with Grete. Everybody, please wait here.

Grete: ….gh, *sniff*

…h.

Rutile: Hi, Grete, it’s Mr. Rutile.

Grete: …!

Rutile: I’ve come to the Town of Clouds to visit, and I’ve even brought Mitile too. 

Sorry for not showing my face at school for so long. I’m here to see how you’re doing. 

Grete: …

Rutile: If you’re okay with it, Grete, would you like to talk for a bit? If you don’t want to come out of your room, just like this is fine too. 

Grete: …Mr. Ruti…

…rried…I’m sorry for making you worried…

Even though you came all this way, I’m sorry…

Rutile: Grete…

There is nothing to apologize for. I’m happy to hear your voice.

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