Flor of the Crybaby Bunny and Hat Chapter 7

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Chapter 7

Mithra: Is he an absolute idiot!? Doesn’t he know what could happen to him if he fell at that speed!

In a panic, Mithra follows after Rutile. Next, Murr jumps forward.

Murr: *whistle* Time to play tag!

Snow: Ohohoho, how lively.

White: We should follow suit. Sage, you will ride on my broom. 

Akira: Okay, thanks! 

Atop our brooms we chased after the bunny, which stopped in front of an imposing stump near the flower field. 

At its base was a hole large enough for one child to slip into. 

Akira: What’s this…?

White: It could be the remnants of a rabbit’s burrow or bird’s nest. Nonetheless it appears the owner isn’t home. 

Mitile: Maybe there’s something in here related to Grete. Let’s peek insi…waaah!?

Just when Mitile crouched to peek inside, Mithra grabbed him by the scruff of his collar.

Mithra: I’ll do it. I don’t sense any danger, but in the worst case scenario a weakling like you wouldn’t be able to protect yourself. 

Arthim. 

He utters his spell listlessly. With a pop, the stump was lifted from the ground.

Snow: Talk about flashy.

Completely absorbed in what he’s doing, Mithra ignores the gazes of those around him and squats.

He uses his long arms to brush aside the branches and leaves within the hole, revealing a tube laying on its side. 

The bunny that hopped inside sniffs at it. 

White: Grete’s presence is highly concentrated here on this tube. 

Mithra takes the tube out of the hole and opens its lid, slipping out a single piece of paper.

Everyone held in their breaths once they saw what was on the paper Mithra rolled out.

It wasn’t something dangerous or under the influence of the Calamity.

It was a captivating piece of artwork containing many plants. 

Riquet: It’s beautiful…what a splendid painting.

Snow: Hmm, this is more a print than a painting. 

It was different from a landscape painting, there were numerous types of plants and flowers drawn onto it, filling up as much space as possible. 

The usage of black and white only was not at all monotonous, and every plant looked like it could be the main drawing, each having its own charm and edge.

They looked like they belonged in a field guide, with each plant’s special qualities depicted accurately, and the gracefully drawn flowers a sight to behold.

Arthur: Isn’t this…

Akira: Arthur?

While everyone was stunned by its beauty, Arthur let out a surprised sound.

Arthur: This is a print copy of a famous Central artist’s work. I believe this was in production years ago. 

A painting in Granvelle Castle has the same artist’s name on its signature just like the one here, right next to the date.

Rutile: …A painting from Central…

Akira: Do you know this?

Rutile: No, but a coworker of mine at school is an art enthusiast. They once told me about an artwork from Central they wished to attain.

It was hung at their friend’s house when they first saw it, and fell in love with it at first sight. They told me that if they were to obtain a print copy of it too, they’d show it to Grete…

Murr: So this is it then? 

Mitile: But why would it be hidden here of all places?

Rutile: …

Akira: (…Rutile?)

Rutile kept on staring at the bunny who was looking up at the painting.

As if he was hurt by something, his usually bright eyes darkened. 

White: For starters, we’ve found a good lead. How about we visit this coworker of Rutile’s and see if we can find another clue there? 

Rutile: …Yes.

We moved to where Rutile used to work, the school.

The aforementioned coworker took the painting into their hands, their eyes widening.

Teacher: This…This is definitely the painting I gave her.

Grete loves drawing, you see. When the print copy finally arrived I showed it to her thinking she’d be overjoyed to see it. 

She said she wanted to look at it some more, so I lent it to her for her to decorate her home perhaps. To think she’d not come to school after that…

They didn’t think it right to ask for it back with how things were, so they left it in her hands ever since. 

Rutile: Is that so…

I would like to hold onto this painting for a little longer if that’s okay. I want to speak with Grete about something.

Teacher: Oh, go ahead. I leave it in your capable hands.

Uhm…could it be that perhaps she lost the painting, became upset over that and stopped coming to school?

Rutile: Huh?

Teacher: You found it in the flower fields right? Maybe she’s distressed over having misplaced it.

If that’s the case Rutile, please tell her that there is no need to worry about it.

Rutile: …I will be sure to tell her that. Thank you so much.

Noticing something, White looks outside the window.

White: Why, isn’t that Hans?

When I look outside, I see Hans running towards the school.

He was coming to the classroom we were in.

Hans: Mr. Rutile…!

Rutile: Hans! What is it? Aren’t you supposed to be at home…

Hans: I ran after you. I saw you guys going to school so…

I…was thinking about what you said to me. A way to tell her…Grete…how much I love her. 

That’s how you cheered up Mitile right?

So I wanna do it too! I’ll cheer Grete up! 

Hans’ eyes were determined. I could feel how strong his resolve and wholehearted feelings for his sister were.

I knew he was properly thinking about her, just like how Rutile did for Mitile.

Rutile broke into a smile at Hans, his gently narrowed eyes full of praise. 

Rutile: You found an idea, haven’t you. A way to tell Grete how much you love her. 

Hans: I did. But to do so, I need to see her. 

And with no door between us! I have to meet with her, face to face. So, could you help me…?

Rutile: Of course I will. If there’s anything I can do, ask me! 

Rutile pats his chest with enthusiasm, and then turns to look at Mitile.

Rutile: Mitile, it may be a little early, but how about we hold the anniversary of the Day the Crybaby Bunny and Dancing Hat Met? 

Mitile: Fine with me! It’ll be a specialler anniversary this year, made to get Grete’s smile back! 

Hans: Anniversary…? And what’s that about a Crybaby Bunny…?

Mitile: It’s that special magic you mentioned! A magic that turns a normal day into a special day! 

Riquet: Yes. With your feelings, Hans, you’ll surely succeed.

Arthur: So you must tell Grete how much you love her, from the bottom of your heart.

And no need to fear, you have us at your side. 

Rutile. Hans, you must have felt so anxious up until now. You did a good job holding on.

In order to get Grete to come out of her room, and so that she can smile once again with you…

we’ll do all in our power to make today an unforgettable anniversary! 

Hans: T-Thank you…I’ll do my best too! 

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