Flor of the Crybaby Bunny and Hat Chapter 10

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Chapter 10

Arthur is showing Hans the magical field guide on plants. His eyes shimmer at the sight of the rising illusions.

Next to them are Riquet and Mitile, who were being taught about art by Grete.

Riquet: I can’t seem to reproduce the colour of this flower right here…

Grete: The glassflower is transparent so you can’t just use paints,

so I like to mix these colours together and pour a bit of water over it like this…

Riquet: Wow, amazing! You managed to create a glass-like colour!

Mitile: Grete, would you look at mine too? I wanted to draw this flower but I’m having some trouble…

Grete: The petals of this flower have a distinct shape so you gotta do it like…

I could see Grete’s delighted face from the side as she peered into Mitile’s sketchbook.

Mitile grins at the sight of this Grete, his expression a little more older brother-like.

Nearby was Mithra who was carrying a basket, and Snow with a teacup in hand.

Mithra was nibbling on a sandwich as he stared silently at Hans.

Snow: Mithra. Do not stare at the child with such a scary face, you’ll frighten him.

Mithra: Huuh?

Snow: Whatever is the matter?

Mithra: I was just thinking…so she had a hat like that too.

Mitile: “She”...? Are you talking about mother and her witch hat?

Snow: True. Whenever she hung out in the North I never did spot her with this sort of hat.

This design isn’t to her tastes…

Mithra: Is that so? Though I also never saw her wear stuff like this, I’m fairly certain that she had always preferred these kinds of things.

Snow & Mitile: …

Mitile: …Yeah. I…never met her, but I think mother liked flowers too.

That’s why I believe mother took a liking to this flowery hat.

Saying that, he laughs. With the sweet wind caressing our cheeks the scent of flowers passes through.

Watching all these peaceful conversations happen I feel genuinely at peace.

With a beat in my step I called out to Rutile who was picking flowers beside me. 

Akira: It’s great that we managed to settle things safely.

I could finally understand what Mitile meant when I saw Grete’s smile return, she brightened up so much like a magic spell was cast on her.

Rutile: I know how you feel! 

It may be easier to just use magic, but then we wouldn’t have truly saved Grete.

It’s all thanks to Hans and everyone else for keeping Grete in their hearts. 

Rutile is a wizard. With his powers, he could have parted with a small blessing as support and leave it at that. 

Instead, he reached out to this young heart that was hurting, and not with a spell at the ready, but his kind heart that connects with others.

Rutile: To be honest, when we first found the painting in that stump, I realized right then and there why Grete shut herself away.

I remember Rutile staring intently at the bunny from Grete’s drawing back then.

The reason why he looked so hurt was because he knew what was hurting Grete.

Rutile: Children have a hard time adapting when their world suddenly changes. Mitile was like that too.

But as long as you remember that you’re loved, that you’ll smile from the bottom of your heart again, and face that vulnerable side of yours, you can get back on your feet.

That was what Mithra’s promise was to me, and to Mitile it was the Celebratory Day of When the Crybaby Bunny and Dancing Hat Met.

It may be something that seems like magic, but is something that anyone can do.

A soft smile spread on his face as he spoke.

I knew that what he was saying wasn’t easy.

Powerful thoughts to influence someone. The capacity to keep someone in your heart.

I wonder how many people can seriously expend those feelings on a loved one when they’re hurting,

how many people can truthfully convey their thoughts to the other.

White: You’re a strong child, Rutile.

Cuddling a rabbit that hopped by his feet, White had a merry expression on his face.

Rutile: Strong? Me?

White: Indeed you. You're a strong, kind, child. It is too easy to change someone’s heart with magic. Easy, but susceptible to error.

With a little slip up in how much power you input, you could end up breaking that person’s mind or body. It’s a Northern wizard’s weak point.

Having the capacity to be gentle, caring, and face the heart directly is a Southern wizard’s strength.

Akira: I believe the same too. I’m always being supported by your kindness.

Rutile: …Hmhm. I feel a bit embarrassed now.

Though, it makes me proud to have that as a strength.

Looking at the blushing Rutile I thought to myself. If ever I have someone dear to me feeling down or upset…

It’d be nice if I could do something like a Celebratory Day of When the Crybaby Bunny and Dancing Hat Met for them too.

I would keep that person in my heart, considering the perfect way to tell them I love them. That’s who I want to be.

Mithra: Rutile.

Rutile: Oh, Mithra?

Akira: What’s up? You look pretty gloomy…

Mithra: And whose fault is that? I’m dead tired having followed you guys around all day.

I’m sleepy, I’m tired, and I feel awful. Do something about it.

White: Goodness, that selfishness of yours will never change.

Next to a sighing White is Rutile who thinks hard on how to help Mithra.

Rutile: Hmmm…then how about we lie under that tree over there and enjoy the sunlight!

It’s very warm and comfortable, I’ll lead the way.

Akira: Let me hold your hand. You might be able to nap!

Mithra: Okay, make it quick.

Rutile guides us with a smile towards the sun filled spots.

That’s when we hear many energetic voices approaching the flower field.

Arthur: Rutile! Your students are here to see you.

It seems that once they heard that you and Mitile came to visit, they all came running.

When I look over, I spot a small crowd of children surrounding Arthur. Once they spot Rutile, they all make a dash for him.

Student A: Mr. Rutile!! Mitile!!

Student B: Wah, Grete’s here too! Yaaay, you’re okay now!

Grete: Ehehe, sorry for making you worry!

Mitile: It’s been awhile, everyone!

Rutile: I’m so happy to see you all again. Have you been doing well?

A ring forms around the brothers, a sudden rush in the amount of people in the flower field.

The smiles on their faces spread to the children,

as if their joy was being transmitted to them.

I took in that precious scene unfolding before me, etching it into my memory.

END

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