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[A New Morning with Mitile] Part 1

Figaro, Rutile, & Lennox: Altogether now! Happy birthday, Mitile!

Akira: Happy birthday, Mitile!

Mitile: Thank you so much!

Showered in everyone’s birthday wishes, Mitile smiled cheek to cheek.

Akira: Thanks for inviting me to this pajama party, Mitile!

Mitile: I should be the one saying thank you! It was pretty sudden, so I was worried I’d be troubling you…

Seeing him look up at me shyly, I was reminded of this morning when Mitile came to talk to me.

Mitile: Uhm, Master Sage! Rutile and the others are throwing a pajama party to celebrate my birthday. 

And so…uhm…would you like to join? I want to spend my birthday together with you!

Akira: (I couldn’t help but nod seeing those sparkling eyes looking me straight in the eye.)

Rutile: Alrighty now…ta-daaa! It’s cake time!

The cake that Rutile brought out was decorated with colourful fruits, sitting atop a plate with Rutile-esque designs. 

Lennox: The drawing on this plate…there’s something like round stubs I’m guessing are feet. 

Figaro: Hm, then these black lines must be whiskers? 

Mitile: Whiskers...round stubs…ah, I got it! It’s a Muumuu isn’t it?

Rutile: Correct! For Mitile, today’s superstar who guessed it right~...I give you the biggest slice of cake!

Mitile: Aw yeah! 

We each received our slice of cake, and after we finished eating, Rutile took out some dice. 

Akira: What’s with the dice?

Rutile: They’re “Mitile Dice” I made specially for today.

Akira: Mitile Dice?

Lennox: There’s topics written on each face of the die, and the game is to talk about whatever topic you land on when you roll. The topics written are related to Mitile.

Mitile: T-Topics related to me? I wonder what’s there…

Rutile: Roll the dice to find out! 

Figaro: You can hear what kinda topics come out then.

We did rock-paper-scissors, and Lennox who won got to roll first. 

Rutile: Mr. Leno, put some elbow grease into your roll! 

Lennox: Will do.

Figaro: Now, what’s the topic… “A moment you were surprised by Mitile”.

Lennox: When I was surprised…

There’s a lot of moments, but…it’d have to be when Mitile was still little.

It had been months since I’d last seen him, and he’d shot up in height. I was pretty shocked.

I even had to ask, “Are you Mitile?” straight to his face. 

Mitile: Hehe, I still remember that surprised face of yours, Mr. Leno!

But I still have a lot of growing to do, so you might have a lot more surprises waiting for you! 

Figaro: Ahaha, that’s right. Maybe you’ll even grow taller than Leno someday?

[A New Morning with Mitile] Part 2

Rutile: Hehe, if you grew taller than Mr. Leno, I’d be able to find you no matter where you’d go, Mitile.

Akira: And you’d be the coolest guy around with the longest legs.

Mitile: Ehehe. I guess I should increase the amount of milk I drink…

Lennox: Yeah, it's good to grow at your own pace. I’ll be looking forward to that day. 

Mitile: Mr. Leno…thanks!

Figaro: Alright, my turn.

“A happy moment with Mitile”...Hrm, it’s hard, since there’s a lot.

Rutile: You’ve been in Mitile’s life since he was born after all.

Lennox: Seeing as how you’ve watched over him all these years, I understand why you'd struggle. 

Figaro: …Ah, I know. It’s gotta be when Mitile called me…

“Duck-tah Figyaro” with his babyspeak for the first time. I was really really happy, it warmed my heart.

Akira: (Cute…)

Mitile: Ugh! That story again!?

Figaro: Sorry, sorry.

But it really did make my day even with your baby blabber to know that you recognized me as “Dr. Figaro” and called me by my name. 

It’s a story I could repeat forever. 

Mitile: Dr. Figaro…

I-If you really like it that much…but, it’s still embarrassing, so no more of that story for today! 

Figaro: Ahaha, what a shame. Well then, next up is…

Rutile: Me! It’s my turn! 

“A precious memory with Mitile”...this one’s a challenge.

Akira: Huh, really?

Rutile: Of course! There’s mornings where I’d see a half-awake Mitile and think “I love you today too!”

Or afternoons where we got into fights over trivial things while imitating Mithra or Mother.

And nights we’d sleep in each other’s arms feeling sad and lonely after Father left this world. 

Even this moment right now is a precious memory of another day spent with Mitile.

I’d use up a whole day talking about it all, so choosing just one is incredibly tough. 

Mitile: Brother…

Me too, the time I spend with you is also a precious memory for me…

and the greatest treasure ever!

Rutile: Mitile…

It’s not the first time I’ve said this, but thank you for growing up with so much cheer. 

Your big brother is so happy and has so much fun being with you everyday.

Rutile gently cuddled Mitile.

As if responding to his words and warmth, Mitile rubbed his hand on his brother’s back. 

Lennox, Figaro, and I watched over the two with a warm gaze. 

Mitile: Grmm…Rutile. It’s getting embarrassing, so you can let go now…

Rutile: Heehee, okiedokie. 

Now then, it’s Mitile’s turn!

Mitile: Wait, isn’t it weird for me to answer a moment about myself…!?

Figaro, Lennox, & Akira: Ahahaha.

The voices of wizards filled the room. The celebratory night of Mitile’s birthday continued on in high spirits. 

[A New Morning with Mitile] Part 3

Akira: It’s morning…mm?

Blinking my eyes open to a different room than usual, I look around at my surroundings and remember last night. 

Akira: (Right, after the pajama party Mitile wanted to sleep together with everyone because it’d been awhile so…)

Asleep around me were the Southern wizards, with me and Mitile in the middle like the filling in a sandwich.

Mitile: Mrrmm…I can’t eat any more cake…

Akira: (Hahaha, what cute sleeptalk.)

As I quietly watched Mitile, he rustled and was about to turn in his sleep. He reached out his hands as if to cling to someone.

Mitile: Big brother…

He gave me a squeeze like I were his favourite stuffy. 

Mitile: …

Happily and wholesomely, Mitile continued sleeping.

Akira: (He’s not quite awake yet.)

Suddenly, the morning sunlight shone through the curtains and lit up Mitile’s face. 

Mitile: Mm~...

His eyes slightly opened, and I met with sleepy eyes the colour of a bush warbler. 

Mitile: …! M-Master Sage!?

Was I clinging to you in my sleep!?

Akira: Ahaha, it’s okay. There’s no need to panic–

Rutile: Hm~...

Mitile & Akira: Ah.

Shhhh–

Akira: Let’s whisper so we don’t wake Rutile.  

Mitile: Yeah.

We huddle in close together, as if to speak secrets to each other. 

Akira: Thanks for yesterday, Mitile. It was a lot of fun to hear stories about when you were little.

And, even if you do get into fights sometimes, I realized again how much you love the Southern wizards.

Mitile: Master Sage…

…You’re right. I do have a lot of times where I whine or wonder why they won’t understand me. 

But I really do love everyone in South, those moments included!

If the sun could smile, it would look like his. It filled me with happiness to see him smile to his fullest. 

Mitile: I can’t easily say this ‘cuz I get too embarrassed.

Though I honestly do think of Dr. Figaro, Mr. Leno, and of course my brother as family. 

So that’s why I’m going to keep on making memories with them! 

Akira: That’s the spirit. I know you’ll create tons of fun memories together with the Southern wizards. 

Mitile: Thank you. But I want to make those memories with you too, Master Sage.

If you don’t mind, that is…

Akira: Mitile…of course I don’t!

Let’s continue to make precious memories together. 

Mitile: …Yeah!

I could see my reflection in those vibrant eyes that reminded me of the bush warblers back home.

Holding the bouquet of words close to my chest, I returned to him a smile. 

All while feeling the kind gaze of those warmly watching over us. 

END

Card Episode 

[Why I Don’t Use Magic]

Akira: Morning, Mitile. I see you’re holding the cutlery, are you setting up for breakfast?

Mitile: Yep. Mister Nero seemed busy with the cooking, so he tasked me to set up the table when I asked if I could help with anything. 

Akira: That’s why. Want me to lend a hand?

Mitile: Thanks, but I’m almost done, so it’s okay! 

Akira: Mitile, you’re not using any magic when setting up. 

Mitile: Yeah. I know that if I did, I could easily carry the cutlery and line them up, but…

It’s a tendency from back when I was in the Town of Clouds to want to do things by hand. 

When me, my brother, and my father lived together, we didn’t use magic to set up breakfast…!

Akira: I get it. You don’t use magic for that reason. 

Mitile: The truth is…I actually dropped and broke a plate once when I was new to setting up the table. 

Instead of getting mad at me though Father was worried and asked me if I was hurt…

And then he thanked me for helping out! 

Akira: So that happened…what a kind father he was.

Mitile: Yeah! That’s why when I don’t use magic for this, I remember my father from back then…

Akira: (Mitile looks happy.)

Mitile: Ah! Sorry for suddenly talking about my childhood like that. 

Akira: No, it’s totally fine!

Actually, I should thank you for letting me hear such a precious memory first thing in the morning!

Mitile: Master Sage…then I’ll thank you too, for listening to my story!

Chapter 9

Seda: …

I…I didn’t….

Rutile & Mitile: …

Rutile: …You know what, Seda. I’m gonna tell you about a special secret my hometown…the South Country has. 

Seda: A secret?

Rutile: Mmhmm. It sounds like you were taught that South Country has strength in solidarity and specializes in doing things together. 

And while we are that sort of country…

That doesn't mean we’re together every hour of the day. We wouldn’t have any time to ourselves.

Seda: Eh…

Rutile: Though it would be nice if we could spend everyday in a happy mood, there will be days where you just don’t feel good.

You don’t want to be with anyone, including your dear family and friends. Right, Mitile?

Mitile: Yeah. You don’t have any reason for why, you just want them to leave you alone. I think everybody has times like those.

Seda: …

…That’s…because Southern people are kind, and they make it work out. Look at you two, you get along. 

Mitile: T-Thanks. Ehehe.

Seda: If a lot of people who get along with each other gather, it’s obvious that things will go well.

I bet you guys never fought with each other before. 

You might bicker sometimes, but the next day you’re already made up. And you live happily ever after, or something…

Rutile & Mitile: …

Seda: …H-Hey. Why’d you go quiet?

Mitile: U-Uhm…I dunno how much I should say….

Rutile: We’ve never beaten each other up, right? You’ve hit me before though…

Mitile: Ah, don’t make it sound like I’m the bad one! Even you’ve hit me before like ‘thump’!

Rutile: Yeah, but I did it less.

Mitile: It’s not about numbers, you’re older than me!

Rutile: Sure, but it’s true that you hit me more. When you were little, you always used your fists as soon as you got mad.

Mitile: That was when I was kid! You were already five years older than me when I was born…

Seda: D-Don’t fight!

Rutile: Ah, sorry sorry. Uhhh, basically, what we wanted to say was…

Mitile: Fights are normal. Though we don’t use our fists anymore, of course.

You’ll get into an argument over the smallest things, or you don’t want to see their faces despite having no reason to…and when they scold you a little, you get cranky.

Once, I was so mad that I ran away from home. I flew on my broom to Dr. Figaro’s house, and asked him to let me stay for awhile. 

Rutile: Aah, right. I was so surprised to receive a letter from him saying that you wouldn’t be coming home. 

Mitile: For days we lived apart…and finally, Dr. Figaro helped us make up with each other, and I came home. 

Even though before I left I told Rutile that I hated him and was never gonna come back.

Being apart from him…was lonely.

Seda: …

Rutile: …I think that’s how your brother must be feeling. 

Seda, if you find it painful to be there, and you truly don’t want to go back home, then you can stay here. 

But…I want you to know that, when you want to be with someone, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to them all the time.

There will be times where you don’t want to be together…and it’s okay to want some time alone so you can breathe better. 

I hope you can remember that. 

Seda: …

…Okay…

Shino: Hey, look! The spotted cat just exited the house!

Mitile: There it is…! 

Riquet: We couldn’t find it anywhere while searching…where in the world has it been until now? 

Mithra: Probably another dimension. 

Bradley: For real, it wasn’t anywhere.

Akira: (I’m so tired I’ll believe anything…)

The last collared cat needed to lift the spell on us. It was the cat that greeted us at Faust’s house. 

Whether it was satisfied from eating the meal at his house, it never showed itself no matter what we tried. 

After the nine of us gathered, we thoroughly searched the manor and the forest–

and just now, unrelated to our efforts, the spotted cat crawled out the cat door with a big yawn.

Faust: Seriously…here kitty kitty. I’ll take that collar off you. 

He crouched down, and took the collar off the spotted cat.

Seda stared transfixed as he sat on the grass,

his tail swaying from side to side, unable to calm down. 

Faust, carrying the spotted cat in his arms after it begged him to, looked over Seda. 

Faust: Seda.

Seda: …

Faust: Once I purify this collar, the transformation spell done on us will reverse. 

As a result, that collar you wear will take on the countercurse, and you will become a true cat. You will forget that you were ever a human. 

Any objections?

Seda: …None…

Rutile & Mitile: …

Faust: Very well then, I’ll purify it. 

Satillquinart Mullcreed.

The moment he recited his spell, the collar he held in his hands faintly glowed,

and a chilling wind blew. The cats in the area grew silent as the nearby trees began to sway intensely.

Saccy’s ears turned backwards, and their tail puffed upwards, the same happening for mine. 

Seda’s shadow viciously shook. 

Mitile: Ah…! A black cat came out of the shadow…!

Mithra: Rutile, Mitile, stay back. That’s the countercurse itself. Touch it and it’ll taint you. 

Bradley: The barrier around the house has broken. It’s time to say goodbye to these stupid ears and tails, and for that kid to become a cat. 

From Seda’s feet appeared a pure black cat akin to a shadow puppet. 

Compared to the large cat that played around with Bradley, this shadow cat was two times bigger. It was the size of a baby tiger.

Seda’s eyes wavered, but he silently sat on the spot. 

As if it were about to kill a mouse it hunted, the shadow cat rose over him.

Mitile: …Seda…

Mitile quietly called out.

By his side was Rutile, who brought him closer without a word.

Seda watched as his black pupils dilated. 

Breaths shallow and rapid, like he was going to cry.

The shadow cat, having found where Seda’s windpipe was, opened its mouth wide. 

Seda: …N…

No!

He shook the shadow cat off with all his might, and dashed from the spot with a roll.

Its prey having run from it, the shadow cat let out a piercing cry of agony. It chased after Seda, running like the wind.

Everything was a panic, frightening to behold–

and just as we expected.

Faust: Alright everyone. Move as we planned. 

Rutile: Yes. Riquet, Mitile, let’s go!

Akira: Faust, I’ll take the spotted cat.

I took the cat from his arms, whose fur had expanded in surprise, and made a run for the Cat Wizard’s house.

I let the cat inside, and put a patterned stone from Faust’s letter by the cat door.

Akira: (Now the cats inside will be safe. And there looks to be…no cats left outside. All I do now is wait by the stone talisman…)

Remembering Faust’s instructions, Saccy and I leaned towards the talisman as we watched over everyone.

Seda: Haaah, haaah…

Seda and the shadow cat were running around the manor in circles. He didn’t know where to go. 

Suddenly, he changed directions for the forest. 

Shino: Hey, wait, Seda! Crap, that kid…

Rutile: I’ll bring him back! Mitile, Riquet, can I leave the blessing magic to you?

Mitile & Riquet: Yes!

They gave a tiny nod, and Rutile grabbed his broom as it appeared midair. 

In a second he was gone, and dodged the trees like an acrobat until he reached Seda. 

Rutile: Seda! Listen to me as you run.

Right now, Faust and the others are going to try and erase the countercurse, and perform a ritual to turn you back into a human. 

Seda: Haaah, haaah…you’ll…turn me back…?

Rutile: Yes. But it takes time and a lot of arrangements to prepare it. 

Anyway, all you need to do for now is to keep your legs moving and running from the shadow cat. 

It’s going to be tough, but can you do it?

Seda: Y…yeah…!

Rutile: That’s a good boy. We’ll be doing everything in our power to help you turn back into a human.

Can you see Mr. Leno and Shino by the house? They’re going to stop the shadow cat from catching you, and help you run away.

For now, let’s go to where they are. I’ll protect you until then.

Seda: Okay…!

Riquet: Mitile! It’s time to perform our duty. 

We will calm the spirits and protect the area from unrest with our blessings.

Mitile: Yeah. We got asked to do this since me and my brother’s specialty lies in blessings and harmony, and you with your prayers.

…And also because we can’t fight, or use any cool spells…

Riquet: Hehe. I feel kind of proud.

Mitile: You do?

Riquet: Of course!

This was something we were tasked with because it's us. 

Mitile: …

…You’re right! This is something we were trusted with, because it’s us.

Alllright! Let’s give it our best shot, starting from me. 

Ortonik Sealsispilce!

Riquet: Sanretea Edif!

Bradley: Aaah, so this is how it turned out. What a pain…hey Mithra, hurry up with your magic circle. 

Mithra: Quiet. It’s a tedious circle to draw. Uhh, next is the hatchet and the reverse goddess…

Bradley: Ugh…you better be telling the truth about negotiating a pardon for me if I help out. 

Faust: I will, I’ll talk to the twins. And I’ll be giving you that nettle braid I made without exchanging words to anyone, Mithra. 

Bradley: You seriously okay with a braid for a reward?

Mithra: Of course. Braiding those really hurts and itches, you know.

Well, I wouldn’t expect an amateur like you to understand… 

Bradley: Hah?

Faust: Fight later, please. Time is precious right now.

I’m almost done my part. I’m counting on you guys. 

Seda: Haaah…haaah…!

Seda was already worn out from being chased around by the shadow cat. 

Distracting it was Shino with his scythe and Lennox with his kicks, but the distance between it and Seda was slowly shrinking.

Chapter 7

Seda: I came to this Valley for that reason. It’s a hidden valley for those who want to hide, where no humans come close.

If I’m here, I can live all by myself.

Faust: …

His tail swung sideways, and he quietly opened his mouth.

Faust: So you wanted to be alone.

Seda: Mmhmm.

Faust: Why.

Seda: Uhm…I just hated everything. My brother is so annoying. 

A little sulky, Seda rolled on the ground with his ears down.

Seda: He’s always been like that since I was a baby. He’s uh…fifteen years older than me.

It’s been decided since I was born that my brother was to be the heir. ‘Cuz he’s smart, and serious, and works out. 

That’s why Father lets me do whatever I want at my own pace. It’s my brother that doesn’t. 

“Father is too lax on you. Seda, you need to work hard so that in the future you won’t have any trouble in life wherever you go.” he said.

Mitile: That’s…

Shino: He’s right, though? All the other young masters that Heath knows have little brothers who can’t do anything. 

Seda: But he’s so strict! He always has something to complain about everyday. He even increased my tutors by two!

A moody Seda slammed his tail on the ground a couple times. If he was human, he’d probably be pouting. 

In short, Seda’s brother is a little overprotective and very meddlesome.

Add the age difference into it, it must’ve felt like he had another parent. 

Akira: (He doesn’t sound like a bad kid though. He may have done something incredibly dangerous…but I do get the feeling of wanting to care for him…)

Seda: And ever since Father became ill and my brother inherited his position, he’s become even more harsh!

…Father’s illness really was sudden after all. Brother was probably scared about what could happen at any moment. 

That’s why Seda put up with the homework and criticisms his brother gave him, while still complaining on the side. 

He put up with it, kept going, and then–

The Great Calamity visited.

Though they’re both humans, they were the type that gets affected by the Calamity if it gets close. 

Seda: I can’t remember all of it but, I do remember me and my brother yelling at each other angrily. It was too much…it felt awful.

That’s why I ran away to the Valley, saying I was going to stay at the villa.

I heard stories about the hidden wizards of the Valley before. I’m not going to live with my brother anymore, I’m going to live like everybody else here.

No one’s gonna complain to me any longer, not my brother, not anyone…not in true isolation…

Mitile: True…isolation…

Taken aback, Mitile parroted his words. Even I blinked repeatedly.

“True Isolation” were pretty heavy words coming from a young and cute voice like Seda’s. It took me by surprise. 

Faust observed the almost drunken Seda with his faintly open eyes. 

Rutile: It’s a relief you’re safe at least. The spirits of the Valley of Storms are very strong, so even a wizard like me finds it scary…

Seda: Mn…me too, I got lost as soon as I entered the valley. 

There were strange lights, and I saw tons of dreams. I didn’t know whether it was day or night…

and before I knew it, I was on the ground as a cat. That’s when the old man came out.

According to the Cat Wizard, Seda had come when the wizard was in the middle of fixing his barrier after the spirit’s tempest the previous day had broken a part of it.

Seda, who had touched a half-baked barrier, had transformed into a half-baked cat.

Seda: “Though it resembles my spell, since you were transformed in an odd state, you ended up as an incomplete cat. Child who bears such terrible misfortune, I will turn you back into a human.”

Riquet: Is that supposed to be the Cat Wizard?

Shino: Were all his teeth pulled out? 

Seda: No! He had a voice like a scholar and a hard way of speaking.

Anyways, he tried to turn me back into a human. 

So I told him to let me turn into a cat, and to let me stay here until I became one fully.

The old man didn’t want to, but he said “Since your appearance is that of a cat it’d be a pity to see you die, so why not.” and I got to stay. 

After that, the two lived together. 

“I’ve never seen a cat as selfish as this one.” the Cat Wizard would complain, but he never tried to chase Seda out. 

Faust: What about the letter addressed to your brother? You made the Cat Wizard write that, didn’t you?

Seda: Yeah. I realized I didn’t leave my family a note or anything, so.

My brother makes a big deal over the smallest of things, and I thought it’d be a bother to the old man if he sent a search team.

Rutile: So it was for the Cat Wizard’s sake. That’s very sweet of you, Seda.

Seda: Ehehe…he didn’t want to write it at first, but I just kept kneading his feet until he gave in. 

Akira: (I…I wouldn’t be able to say no to that either…)

And one night, the Cat Wizard used the bell on a magic tool of a cat toy to create a silver collar for Seda. 

Lennox: …Everything after that is what we already know. You put on that collar to become a cat, and the Cat Wizard passed on after he left a message.

Seda: Yep. Mm~...

He pulled over a catnip with his front feet, and rolled onto his side. 

Sniffing and biting the catnip, he spoke in a loud voice like a drunkard.

Seda: Yeah…that’s right. I’m gonna become a real cat, and be alone, living in solid…solidude.

Riquet: Solidude?

Faust: Solitude?

Rutile: I’m guessing Seda didn’t like studying much…

Seda: I won’t go home. I don’t care about my brother at all.

Eating beetles and bunnies is still…a bit too much…but as a cat, I’m gonna live all by myself!

Shino: Yeah, yeah, we hear you. Seda, you’re drunk. 

Mitile: I think we’ve had enough of the catnip. Come on, hand it over. 

Seda: Aaah~...my catnip…

Akira: (He reminds me of the drunkards on the last train of the night…)

Aside from his drunkenness, Seda seemed to be having fun being taken care of by Shino and Mitile. 

It reminded me of Faust from when I first came to the manor.

As someone who sought seclusion in this Valley, he detested the idea of living with us from the bottom of his heart.

Seda came to this valley in search of solitude, but I truly wonder if deep down the loneliness he desires is the same loneliness that Faust experienced. 

Akira: (Does he want to be like Faust when we first met him…I can’t really imagine it…)

Faust: …What’s wrong, Sage?

Akira: Nothing…

Seda: …! H-Hmph! This is enough, right? I’ve told you a lot.

See ya.

Mitile: Ah, Seda!

He’s gone…did he really only calm down because of the catnip…

Riquet: That may be…either way, it’s good that we’ve confirmed his will to become a cat. 

Shino: Sage, you better add this to your testimony. There was never any kidnapping wizard, that boy wanted to become a cat of his own will.

Akira: Y-Yeah…I will…

I nodded, despite the anxiety still sitting within me. I can’t help but stare in the direction Seda left from. 

Rutile: …

And I wasn’t alone in watching the grassbed.

Beside Rutile, Mitile tilts his head.

Mitile: I wonder why the Cat Wizard was so friendly to Seda.

Akira: Hm?

Mitile: At first, he only let Seda in because he looked like a cat, but the longer you live together the more you would realize that he isn’t a cat on the inside, but a human.

Despite that, he still planned to invite Mister Faust over and created a collar for Seda to wear, a while after they started living together. 

I just thought it was odd for someone who has a lot of background in hating others.

Akira: …You have a point…

Riquet: Maybe he was actually kindhearted?

Shino: Would a kindhearted person put a meanhearted barrier like this up? 

Faust: …There’s no point in thinking about it. The wizard in question is already stone. 

Expression unchanged, Faust used magic to gather the scattered catnip into his hands. 

Wondering why for a split second, I quickly notice the cats with pointed tails coming towards him from all directions.

Tuxedo Cat: Meow meow meow…

Brown Tabby: Wamm? Meow…

Bent Tail Kitten: Myaaam!

Riquet: Woah, that’s a lot of them! I see some with collars on! 

Akira: The cat density by Faust’s feet…!

Faust: Hey…I’m gonna guess that was…stop, stop! Don’t fight. …The Cat Wizard’s signal for mealtime.

Rutile: I, I see. That’s why the cats are so energetic.

Faust: Still, I have nothing more to give them…even I don’t carry an infinite amount of cat food on me. 

Lennox: Then let’s make something. I’m sure this residence will have the ingredients for cat food, so let’s use some.

I hope it’s okay to cook the dish I used to make for my dog. 

Faust: Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll go with you. 

The rest of you can distract these cats by playing with them. 

Akira: Sure. Faust, Lennox, we’re counting on you.

Bradley: ‘Sup…huh? What, I thought the whole gang was back, but it’s just you two fellas. 

Mithra: Where are Rutile and Mitile?

Lennox: They’re taking care of cats outside. We’re going to make catfood.

Faust: Since you’re here, you might as well help out too.

Mithra: Hah? No way.

Bradley: Hell no I ain’t helpin’.

Faust: Sure. I don’t care either way, but if you continue to lay there…

Big Cat: Waaaaah~...

Bradley: Urgh! Hey, ya fat cat! What’d you jump on me for!?

Carefree Cat: …, …?

Mithra: Mrgrr…why is this thing touching my mouth? Peh, peh, urgh…stop…

Faust: Whenever we say our strange spells, they seem to think it's a sign for mealtime. Like as simply as when you twist a doorknob the door will open. 

If you don’t want to continue being pestered, then I suggest not sleeping around. 

Look, do you see that big cat climbing the shelf to jump on you again? They think by annoying you it’ll make Lennox and I cook faster. 

Big Cat: …

Bradley & Mithra: …

Chapter 5

Mithra: I can tell it’s nothing special from its magic. What would you even do with it?

Faust: Hey, that’s rude to the deceased. …Anyways, there’s still a little more to read. 

“P.S. You may have already met this little one, but there is a cat who is wearing a collar made from a magic tool of mine.”

“His name is Seda.”

Rutile & Mitile: Seda!?

Riquet: That’s the little brother of the eastern merchant who went missing in this valley…

Akira: No way, did he get turned into a cat…?

Faust: “You already know that when you lift this spell of mine a countercurse will be unleashed. I am using that magic collar as a catalyst so that Seda will receive the effects instead.”

“And do not worry, for he put on that collar in understanding of all the conditions.”

“In truth, I had intended for you to get caught in my spell in order for this countercurse to take effect, so that Seda may become a complete cat. That is all.”

After finishing the letter, we all looked at one another with questions in our eyes. 

Akira: Uhhh…so to turn back to normal, we need to collect those collars from the cats and purify them, but then…

Lennox: When the purifications are all over, the missing child…Seda, will receive the countercurse and become a “complete cat”.

Shino: What, so Seda isn’t a complete cat right now? Are his legs still human?

Rutile: T-That’d be pretty frightening to see…but there’s a chance he’s like us and not transformed completely. 

Mitile: But they wrote that Seda knew all this would happen and put on the collar to become a cat anyway…?

We then heard a noise behind us.

When we turned there was a cat who was pushing the cat door slightly open, sneaking a look our way. 

Akira: (Ah…it’s the grey cat from earlier.)

Bradley: Oh.

Older Wizards: …

The older wizards’ cat ears stood up in awareness of the grey cat, and Shino’s cat ears turned backwards in curiosity.

Saccy’s head turned left and right as it began to sniff at something, trying to catch a certain scent.

The suspicious cat seemed like it didn’t know what to do for a moment, but finally made its mind to come through the cat door. 

With a strangely purposeful stride, it walked up to the edge of the carpet, and began sharpening its claws on the wooden floor.

Akira: …? This one’s a little weird. Usually cats sharpen their claws on carpets…

Grey Cat: …!

Faust: Yes. But that one isn’t a cat. He’s a human who was transformed into a cat…Seda, right?

Rutile & Mitile: What!

Grey Cat: …M, Meow…

Riquet: You’re right! This is a human’s voice! A human trying to imitate a cat!

Seda: S-Shut up! You, you guys are trying to…erupt, disrupt the peace of the Valley! The spirits will be mad at you!

The grey cat…or Seda, turned his body sideways, and his fur stood on end. He began crab-walking with the tips of his toes. 

Akira: (He’s doing the standard  ‘you wanna come at me?’ pose…)

Rutile crouched down in front of Seda, who was cautious of us, and bent over to meet eyes with him.

Rutile: Seda. We’ve been searching for you. Your brother is worried, you know.

Seda: Huh…he is?

Rutile: Mmhmm. But…you want to become a cat, right Seda? That’s what the Cat Wizard wrote in his letter.

Lennox: Would you tell us why, before you become a cat? We have to make a report to your bro–

Seda: Shut…Shut up! Who cares about my brother! I’m not going home!

Rutile: Yes, and it’s your freedom to choose so, I understand. It’s just that he’s very worried, so–

Seda: I don’t care!

Interrupting Rutile’s words partway, Seda growled threateningly.

He lowered his body close to the floor, and widened his eyes at all of us, black pupils dilated. 

And finally, he sent a sharp glare to Faust. 

Seda: You’re the curseworker neighbour. 

The old man said that you’re a loner wizard who’s always by himself…but you’re not alone at all!

Faust: …Even if you tell me that…

Seda: You’re a liar! Stupid! A…uh, stupid liar!!

Bradley: You need more words in yer dictionary. 

He spat verbal abuse with quite some power and only a little vocab. Finally, he ran out the cat door. 

Mitile: Ah! He left…!

Mithra: What was with that kid? Why was he mad at you?

Faust: Like I know. He didn’t seem to be happy that I was with others I guess…

…

Akira: (...Hm?)

I watched his expression from the side. 

I thought he’d reply to Seda with “I’m only with them for now, I usually am alone.” or something. 

I couldn’t understand what he was feeling, with his ears and tail barely even moving. 

Shino: Should we capture him with magic?

Faust: No, it’s fine. Let’s let him be for now.

Rutile: I think so too. I’m guessing he’s younger than Mitile or Riquet, so we should give him some time to calm down. 

Akira: Got it.

Mitile: Okay, then we should go and find cats with collars to get rid of the curse. I’ll go search outside.

Rutile: I’ll go with you. How about anyone else? Riquet?

Riquet: No, I will search inside the manor. When I’m with Mitile, I get the urge to headbutt him. 

Mitile: Whaaat…ehehe. I actually get the urge too. Pounce…

Riquet: Pounce…

Mithra: Rutile. Where is the protection charm I gave you?

Rutile: I have it right here! Look, it’s the crushed orange.

Mithra: It’s not an orange but the head of a magic beast. Whatever, as long as you have it. Arthim. 

Rutile: Mmreow…why did you pluck at my cat ears like that?

Mithra: It’s a spell you cast from the top of your head. It’s for protection, so you can go off walking around outside while I do the exact opposite. 

Lennox: Right, the cats outside are wary of us after the commotion we caused.

It’s best we don’t go out in large numbers, so you two can go outside first.

Rutile: Okiedokie!

Mitile: I’ll go and pick some catnip for us!

Faust: Alright, we might as well split into these two groups then. Let’s start searching this room. 

Riquet & Akira: Yes! 

And so we started our hunt for cat collars. However–

Lennox: To lift the spell we need to remove their collars and purify them…so we have to manage to get the collars off the cats first.

Shino: If we use magic it’ll be instant right? 

Faust: No, that counts as interfering with the spell. It’s okay to use magic to gather the cats, but removing their collars should be done with our hands.

However, cats run away if you chase after them. We could ignore them until they come over to us, or bait them with food and toys…

Mithra: What a pain. Arthim.

Riquet: Mithra! You have to wait until Faust finishes speaking!

Casually casting a spell to move objects, a few collared cats float up into the air. 

The sleepy cats were now awake, the black pupils in their eyes expanded once they understood what was going on. 

Angry Cats: Owaaaa~...

Urrrrrrr…

Shino: Hey, they look pissed off.

Akira: M-Mithra! You should stop that, now!

Mithra: What are you so afraid of? They’re just beasts. They can’t do anything.

He snapped his fingers with composure, and the cats all swarmed onto Mithra. 

The many cats were stuffed into his open arms, and then–

Angry Cats: Gyaaaa!!

Mrya! Gya! Gya!

Mithra: Ow!! Hey, don’t…

Angry Cats: Hissaaah! Kaaaa!

Shaaaa!

They bit and clawed at him without mercy, and writhing in desperation to get out, the cats dashed from Mithra’s embrace. 

Tracing and erasing with his finger the scratches they left on his nose, Mithra’s eyes narrowed threateningly.

Mithra: You damn cats…

Bradley: Dude, don’t lose your cool over some cats.

Riquet: Besides, that was entirely your fault, Mit–

Mithra: Don’t think you can run from me.

And thus began a heist from the ceiling to the floor. 

The cats being chased kicked down anything they could as they ran throughout the house.

Mithra’s spells and his own wagging tail knocked objects over as well. Because of that chaos, uncollared cats not a part of this chase began running around too.

Faust: Hey, get it together!!

Lennox: Calm down, Mithra. Half of the cats have hidden themselves away now. 

Bradley: Watch your tail, bud. And check out the yarn on you. 

Mithra: …

…Haaaugh…

This is such a pain…this is why I don’t like animals.

He started slamming his tail to the floor in anger.

At some point in the chaos he got tangled in yarn all over as Bradley pointed out. 

Akira: (He’s in a bad mood now…)

As soon as he laid down on the carpet, a single cat shifted out from the shadows of the cat tower.

It wore a pale green collar on it, and after a big yawn, it relaxedly stretched out its plump and rotund body. 

Akira: Did that cat…just wake up?

Riquet: Was it sleeping the whole time? In the middle of that?

Shino: What a carefree cat.

It glanced over at us, and lost interest right away. Instead, it slowly took a few steps forward.

Walking up close to a Mithra who was gazing upwards, it leaped with a second thought onto his stomach.

Mithra: Ughh, heavy…what’s with this one.

Faust: If you want to catch it, stay like that. It might run if you move so suddenly.

Examining its position, the cat circling in place eventually sat on his stomach. 

And gently, its eyes relax and it begins to purr.

Carefree Cat: …Purrrr…

*pat pat*…*paw paw*…Purrrr…

Akira: (It…it’s kneading him! It’s kneading Mithra’s stomach like bread! Cute…! What am I watching!!)

Lennox, who was closest, came towards them without making a sound.

Lennox: I removed its collar. Forsettao Meiuvat. 

He recited his spell, and the collar he picked up gave off a faint and clear light.

Chapter 3

And, most of all…

Cats: …?

…, …

Riquet: Cats! Look! There’s so many cats! 

Rutile: It’s like their faces are saying “Who’re these guys?”, but none of them are running! How cute! 

Shino: Some of them have collars on. Did the wizard here put them on?

Lennox: I suppose so. The cats here look well fed, so they must be taken care of properly. 

Akira: And their fur is so clean! Not a speck of dirt on their coats…cute…

(Except…)

When I examine the manor, I notice how in contrast to the serene surroundings, the curtains of the residence were firmly closed, as if to reject the outside world.

Akira: (So what Rutile heard from Murr wasn’t wrong…)

Mitile: I wonder what the neighbour is like. Have you ever met them before?

Faust: Never. The wizards of this valley keep to themselves.

That wizard moved into the southwest a little after I settled down here myself. 

The first few decades the spirits seemed to avoid them, so I figured they were a western born. That’s all I know. 

And well…there were also some rumours I’m not sure about the genuinity of. Rumours like how they’re a ‘Cat Wizard’ who erases humans.  

Riquet: Erases humans?

Akira: They have that cute title, but do awful things instead…?

Faust: Yes. They supposedly turn humans they meet on the spot into cats. 

Once transformed, they forget they were even human, and simply become a pet cat of a wizard. That’s where the erasing humans part comes from. 

Akira: (The title was the only cute thing…)

Lennox: So they don’t release the humans they transformed into the woods.

Faust: Yeah, they take proper care of them. Aside from that, they’re feared as an disorderly and enigmatic wizard. 

Rutile: …A western born…that really loves cats…ah!

Lennox: What’s up, Rutile?

Rutile: Oh, it’s just that I remembered this story I heard once from Murr at Shylock’s bar. 

Long ago in West Country, there was a wizard who despised humans yet adored cats.

Both those feelings kept on intensifying, and they started researching magic that would turn humans into cats. 

They said something like, “I’ll turn every single one of those disgusting and wicked human beings into adorable and lovable cats.”

Akira: Talk about a cat fanatic…

Rutile: And then, they perfected their spell, and started turning every human they met into a cat.

From civil workers to neighbours, even water peddlers and the people who passed by their home, anybody into cats. 

Mitile & Riquet: Eeeh…

Rutile: They were banished from town after town, and didn’t have anywhere else to go after that, is what Shylock said.

Akira: So that wizard might actually be…

Faust: Well, it’s only a possibility. This valley is an ideal home for those who hate humans.

Lennox: …

After the spotted cat meowed at the entrance to the manor numerous times, it crouched down, and passed through the cat door. 

Riquet: It looked like it was asking for the door to open, but the Cat Wizard didn’t come out…

Mitile: Yeah…should we try and knock too?

Shino: Don’t. I sense something strange from the manor. Is there some weird barrier casted? 

Lennox: Yes, a little too ominous to be a protection barrier…it may be one that attacks trespassers. 

Faust: No, not that sort. This is…

And as he was about to answer, it was then–

Bradley: …ah, achoo! 

Mithra: Augh! Don’t sneeze right into my face! 

Akira: Bradley!? Mithra…!?

The two who had just appeared before us gripping each other’s shirt collars were Bradley and Mithra. 

They were already deep in a fight, and as soon as they saw us they scowled. 

Bradley: Hah? What the hell’re you chumps doing, sitting ‘round here? Hey, isn’t this East? 

Mithra: Isn’t it obvious that we were flung here after you sneezed. Ugh, I left the snake I was eating on the table.

Bradley: Hey, you’re the one who picked a fight with me first! I left the fried chicken I was eating behind too! 

Mithra: Huh? Are you saying it’s my fault?

Bradley: That’s what I said alright, you too dumb to get it the first time?

Bradley & Mithra: …

They glared at each other, both heads turning to look at the manor and its supposed ominous barrier at the same time. Then, the pushing contest began. 

Akira: (They’re trying to shove the other into the barrier first…!?)

Mitile: Mister Mithra, Mister Bradley! No fighting!

Faust: You two, stop it! I’m sure you can already tell, but that’s no simple barrier!

We don’t know what’ll happen yet if we make contact or use magic on it carelessly…

Bradley: That’s why I’m doin’ it. Raaah!

Mithra: That hurt, you!

Akira: Wait wait, stop fighting like you’re in elementary…!!

Rutile: We just have to pull them away at this point. If they’re not using magic, then maybe our numbers will physically stop them!

Mitile, Riquet, & Akira: Y-Yeah!

Seeing Rutile and Mitile swarm Mithra, Riquet and I hurriedly clung onto Bradley.

Even Saccy meowed to get his attention, and pawed at his elbow. 

Mithra: Rutile, Mitile! Out of my way!

Bradley: Ya want me to throw all three of you into the barrier!?

Akira: Uhm, I dunno what you’re fighting over, but why don’t we talk it out first…!

Faust & Shino: Guys…!

Lennox: Rutile, Mitile! Master Sage!

I felt bad seeing Faust and the others rush to join in on this, but I continued to pull Bradley with all my might. 

Akira: (I mean, no matter how you put it, this is getting REALLY bad…!)

The threatening and fearful meows of the nearby cats watching us echoed loud in our ears.

And as if working together, an aggressive wind blew, like it was irritated.

I felt a great pressure on my chest, and the atmosphere was filled with frenzy.

Some of us were trying to stop one another, some of us were trying to push another. Nine people and a single cat struggled, shoved, and–

Everyone: Waaaaugh…!!

Feet picked up by the strong gust of wind, we were all thrown towards the manor.

The moment we flew near, a strange dizziness fogged my brain. I could hear the concerned calls of Saccy. 

Faust: Satillquinart Mullcreed.

Shino: Matztzah Sudipas!

Bradley: Adnopotensum! 

Mithra: Arthim. 

Lennox: Master Sage…!

He must have come to save me straight away. He grabbed my arm as I fell, and flung me opposite of the house.

With a thud, my back lands on the soft grass bed.

Akira: (Uugh, owie…w-was I saved? How is everyone?)

I rubbed my back as I tried to stand up, but my hand felt something that wasn’t supposed to be there.

Akira: (Woah, what the!? There’s a furry snake stuck to my butt…? Can that happen here??)

(Not only that, my head feels sorta heavy too…)

Leaping from my arm, Saccy jumped around my body and began sniffing.

Thinking those actions were a little weird as I finally stood up, I locked eyes with Mitile.

Mitile: Ma…M-M-Master Sage!?

Akira: Mitile…!?

Mitile & Akira: …

You…

You’ve got cat ears!?!?

Rutile: A tail!! You have tails too! It’s even moving! It’s so brush-like!

Riquet: Look at yourself Rutile, you’ve got them too! E-Everyone has them…!?

Shino: Hey, what the hell is this get-up? Is this ‘cuz of the barrier?

Lennox: Even our clothes have changed…is it a transformation curse?

Lennox asked him with a puffed up tail. Faust touched his own ears and tail as he wore the same expression as usual.

His own tail was somewhat puffing up too.

Faust: …Our ears and tails have a sense of touch…when I use magic to make them stop moving, it feels unpleasant like someone’s tied up my arm. 

However, our regular ears are working as normal. It’s transformation magic, near on the level of a permanent curse.

Bradley: Curse or transformation magic I don’t give a crap. This look is a disgrace to the name of the Great Bradley. 

Mithra: I agree. Arthim.

Bradley: Adnopotensum.

Mitile: Ah! Great, you’re…

Bradley & Mithra: …

Mithra: Arthim.

Bradley: Adnopotensum!

Damnit! There’s no going back no matter how much we try! What’s with this stupid spell?!

Mithra: It’s so overboard and detailed, yet malicious and resentful…it's like a spell crafted with the worst aspects of West and East magic. 

Mitile: You…you can’t reverse it? Not even you two?

Mithra: No, I can. It’s just that it goes back on its own right away.

Riquet: So basically, you can’t reverse it.

Akira: N-No way…!

We all felt our ears and tails in a panic once we heard those words from Bradley and Mithra, who can solve generally anything with magic. 

I know I’d get a good laugh reading those “One day, I grew cat ears and a cat tail.” sorta manga, but this was NO laughing situation at all.

Akira: (How am I to wear my regular clothes now with this tail? What do I do during the bathroom…no, more importantly, can I still sit on the couch?)

(Am I gonna have to sleep on my side forever? Water is definitely gonna trickle in my cat ears when I shower…)

Mitile: Are…are we ever gonna turn back? Are we gonna stay like this forever?

Riquet: It’s not a good habit to complain at first sight…but, I would like to turn back. I won’t be able to wear my hat this way.

Shino: There is no way I’m going back to Heath like this. He’s gonna poke fun at me. And call me cute. 

We all looked at each other. We were all tense with anxiety, and I could feel my cat ears drooping downwards. 

Until one of us, who had been nervous a second ago, neatly straightened his back nice and tall. 

Rutile, with his hands on our shoulders, looked into our faces.

Chapter 1

Riquet: Wow, it’s delicious! It tastes sweet and sour, like I’m in a flower field!

Shino: Nom nom…gimme more.

Mitile: Me too! Oh, but will there still be more for the others?

Rutile: You don’t need to worry about that with a cake this big! Here, have another slice. 

Shino & Mitile: Yay!

An early afternoon with the sunlight pouring in from the window. The younger wizards gather in the lounge, their cheery voices filling the room. 

What they sit around is today’s dessert, a butter cake made from plenty of elderflowers. 

Lennox: Thank you, Lord Faust. It’s all because you shared so many of your elderflowers with us.

Faust: I didn’t know what else to do with them after using them for tea and syrup, so I just pushed the leftovers onto Nero. You should be thanking him instead.

Sage, will you have another slice?

Akira: Yes!

He handed a plate with seconds on it to me.

Watching that plate was Saccy, whose nose twitched a little. I guess it’s interested in the flowery smell. 

Akira: (This cake is good…what a peaceful teatime we’re having.)

Cock Robin: T-T-T-This is baaad! 

Akira: Woah, Cock Robin!?

Cock Robin: M-Mister Faust is…

Mister Faust is to be arrested for a kidnapping!!

Six Voices: Whaaat!?

Faust: What?

Our peaceful teatime ended in an instant. 

Akira: Uh, wait, what? What do you mean? Faust kidnapped somebody? 

Riquet: Faust, to think you had those sort of intentions…

Faust: Like hell I do.

Shino: …Hey.

He dashed over the low table, and before anyone could stop him he gripped the collar of Cock Robin’s shirt. 

Cock Robin: Gwah!

Shino: What sorta crap are you talking about? Explain.

Faust: Conduct, Shino. Let him go.

Shino: But he…

Cock Robin: We…we’re aware that it’s a false accusation! 

But, it’s just that there is a certain someone who is not quite satisfied with that idea…

Lennox: …Sounds complicated. Could you tell us?

Cock Robin: I’ll dell you….gweeegh…

Mitile: S-Shino. He’s in pain, so…

Shino: …Tch.

He let go of Cock Robin, who then started coughing. Quickly supporting him, Rutile offered him a chair. 

Rutile: Come, sit. There’s tea, too, so please relax and take your time explaining.

Cock Robin: Cough…y-yes. …The thing is…

The person accusing Faust of being a kidnapper was the head of Richtid House, a distinguished and noble Eastern merchant family. 

The person who was “kidnapped” was his little brother. He had apparently gone missing a little after the Calamity had last attacked.

Shino: If it’s the Richtid family’s little brother, he’s already a middle-aged man. Why would Faust abduct a guy like that?

Riquet: Shino, you know the head of Richtid?

Shino: Yeah. He sometimes came over to the Blanchett Manor. I only ever saw him from afar, but he looked to be between an old man or middle-aged.

Cock Robin: Ah, he’s no longer the head of the household anymore. Something about him becoming ill months before the Calamity attack made him retire. 

The current head is his eldest son. He’s a young man who hasn’t hit his thirties yet, and his little brother isn’t even in his tens. 

Rutile: That young…I can see why the brother is worried. He’s just a child…

Cock Robin: Right. I understand why he feels that way, but…

This petition…or bill of indictment rather, was sent to Magic Affairs…

He pulled out a dignified and imposingly thick envelope.

As his expression seemed to wander between wanting to hand it to us or not, Faust took the envelope from his hands.

Faust: … “Curseworker Faust of the Valley of Storms has abducted my younger brother, Seda, and is no doubt a heinous wizard.”

“It is inconceivable that the Central Government has taken in this abominable wizard as one of the Sage’s Wizards.”

“My friends in Central Country have expressed their deep sympathies for my brother.”

“I would ask that you investigate this villainous wizard, and hope that you can return my brother to me as soon as possible.” …is what he wrote.

Akira & the Young Wizards: Uh…

Lennox: This is…

Faust: …Where does this ask for my arrest?

According to this letter he’s asking for an investigation on this ‘villainous wizard’ and for his brother’s safety. Is it the ‘friends in Central Country’ who asked?

Cock Robin: Err, well…the Richtid family for a long time now has done most of their trading business with Central. 

Which is why they have such strong ties with the Central nobles today. This bill of indictment does seem to have been influenced by those nobles.

And despite…uhm, even though Prince Arthur has been working hard, those nobles have a deep-seated prejudice against wizards…so…

Faust: Spit it out. Basically, those Central nobles are demanding my arrest.

Cock Robin: Yes…they’re saying to jail you first, before they safely investigate, or something like that…

Riquet: How awful…such unfair treatment like this cannot be allowed.

Cock Robin: I’m of the same opinion! Except…the nobles that Richtid House has ties with are many, so we’re rather outnumbered. 

I wish I could consult with Prince Arthur, but seeing as he’s a wizard and a prince, I think a new political problem would arise if I informed him…

Faust: …Haah…

He let out a complicated sigh hearing Cock Robin mumble.

As if taking that as a signal, the room became bathed in disorder. 

Mitile: Arresting first and then investigating!? They’re just accusing Mister Faust because he’s a wizard!

Shino: Let’s go visit these Central nobles’ houses. We’ll see if they can say the same things in front of my scythe. 

Riquet: Violence isn’t right, but I ought to have a word with Lord Richtid. Spreading lies about others is unforgivable. 

Shino: True, we should be talking to him first.

Lennox: Shino, I understand how you feel but–

Faust: Everyone, calm dow–

As the two tried to admonish them, Shino stood up straight. 

Shino: Alright. If we’re going to see Lord Richtid, then we should go to East Country and find out where their manor or location is. 

Akira: Huh?! A-Are we gonna raid their home?

Cock Robin: No no no, absolutely not! I came here to tell you about this situation which is why you should NOT go near the capital for the time being…

Shino: Who cares. Let’s g–

Rutile: Ortonik Setomaouge.

Gently, someone’s kind spell resounded. 

A teapot floated into the air, and poured hot tea into Shino’s empty teacup. The calming smell of herbs tickled my nose. 

Shino, who had stood ready to summon his broom, blinked in place dumbfounded as Rutile smiled softly. 

Rutile: Here, Shino.

Shino: I don’t need it, we…

Rutile: Come on, it’s warm and delicious. 

How about anyone else?

Akira: T-Thank you, Rutile.

Lennox: I’ll have another cup too. It’s a nice scent.

Rutile: Right? Lately it’s been my favourite. 

With his bright smile and the smell of herbs, everyone managed to sit down in their seats. 

Their angered, hasty selves eased back and calmed down. 

Shino took an elderflower cake slice with his fingers, like he suddenly remembered they existed.

After watching that, Rutile then moved his gaze to the bill of indictment in Faust’s hands. 

Rutile: It’s no surprise that we’d get mad at this false accusation. Even I feel like giving him a word or two…

However…I can understand how the older brother’s feels. 

Shino: Hah? That guy?

Shino looked at him, eyebrows turned. 

On the other hand, Faust, the accused himself, watched over Rutile silently. 

Rutile: Because, if Mitile ever went missing, I wouldn’t be able to stay calm either. 

I’d be full of worry, anxiety, fear…I couldn’t bear it.

Wondering where he is, if he’s scared, if he’s even alive or safe…

Mitile: …Rutile…

Rutile: I think that’s what the older brother is feeling too. He’s just so scared out of his mind…

I think he wrote this indictment in that desperation. 

Everyone: …

I recall the words written in the letter that accused Faust.

It’s unreasonable, ticks you off, and is a false accusation from start to end, but…

When I think about how it may be the result of his desperate calls for his little brother, my chest begins to tighten. 

Akira: (So his little brother went missing a little after the Calamity last attacked…since around the time I’ve arrived in this world, the older brother has been searching for his little brother.)

Lennox: …He was desperate enough to accuse the country where they do most of their trading. His claims against Lord Faust might not be without reason.

Why does Lord Richtid think he is the kidnapper?

Cock Robin: A farmer by the Valley of Storms said he saw a little boy enter the valley.

Judging by his fancy clothes he wasn’t from his village, so he tried calling out to him…

But the boy ignored him, and went in. 

Mitile: And that boy was the little brother…err, Seda?

Cock Robin: That’s what Lord Richtid says. The Richtid Villa is a few days away by foot from the Valley. 

Furthermore, after some time passed, a magic letter came to the residence one night…

Rutile: Wait, a magic letter? Then…

Riquet: So even if it wasn’t Faust, it was still a wizard who kidnapped him…?

He handed a simple and plain envelope to Faust. There were no names written on it.

Faust: …Though it’s difficult to tell just who sent this, I can faintly sense the Valley on this. Its concealment spell has weakened. 

The contents are…

“I hate you big brother! I am absolutely under no circumstances ever going back home. I’m gonna live all by myself.”

“P.S. Please take care of Father. Tell him to be well for me. – Seda”

Everyone: …Mn?

Lennox: This…

Shino: Hey. No matter how you read it it’s a letter saying he ran away. What kidnapping is there. 

Riquet: And he seemed quite happy about it too. 

Chapter 9

Mitile & Akira: Woaaah…!

Riquet: Wow, wow! There’s fireworks shooting in the water! 

Bubbles of light gushed forth from the shallows and bloomed on the water’s surface into the colours of the rainbow. 

Stirrings of movement gently swayed the water, and burst into dazzling lights. Just as Riquet said, they were like fireworks.

Arthur: It reminds me of sitting on my broom and looking down at the fireworks shooting up into the night sky…it’s stunning.

Flowers of light sprouted and scattered, leaving behind a vibrant imprint as they went.

Red, orange, yellow…numerous colours lighted up my face, and I see Mitile look up to Shylock.

Mitile: Uhm, Mister Shylock…is this the King of Water’s…

Shylock: Precisely. This is the phenomenon talked about in Faust’s class, the King of Water spreading its wings. 

I actually invited you all here to this cottage to show you this.

Mitile: Wha…!

Snow: And it was we who predicted the time of its evolution!

White: Wanting to show this sight to you, Shylock came and discussed it with us. Of course, our prediction was right on the button!

Shylock: I planned for this moment to be the finale of our vacation, which I unfortunately could not change for Figaro. 

All of a sudden, Oz turned his gaze on the centre of the lake. We all face him.

Oz: …It’s time.

Mitile: Ah! Master Sage, it’s the duckie!

Akira: The little duckling…! It really is the King of Water…

As it swam to the middle of the lake, the duckling flapped its feathers and made a splash in the water. A stiffening silence fell over us.

And in an instant, the lake began to let off an intense glow.

Riquet: Woah, bright…!

Arthur: There’s a huge light coming from where it swam to…!

From the lake’s centre spouted those glittering rainbow lights that glowed bright with every beat of a heart. 

The lake surface begins to continuously swell up with power, the same way a cicada breaks out of its shell, writhing with all the strength of its newborn life.

Today of all days, the King of Water ends its youth and becomes an adult.

Mitile: …You can do it…

You can do it…!

He held his hands tight and the lake shone with light. At the blinding brightness I close my eyes.

And when I opened them…the overflowing light was gone. As if in celebration, the lake’s surface blew up with more fireworks.

Riquet: Look! The King of Water became a huge swan…!

Faust: Yeah. It safely spread its wings and evolved. 

What lied where Riquet’s finger pointed was a single, breathtakingly beautiful swan. 

It trembled, sending droplets of water, and its lustrous wings began to glisten in seven colours. Even such a casual action looked graceful and divine.

Arthur: So dignified and majestic…an appearance that truly fits the title of King. 

Oz: Indeed. It’s been some years since I’ve seen a King of Water with this much power. 

Shylock: Maybe it has to do with its prolonged youth. Flowers that take longer to bloom give out the largest fruits, as they say. 

Mitile: …So that’s its adult form…just a few moments ago it was a tiny duckling…

He stared at the great swan sitting in the waters, and like it was a sight too bright to see, he gently lowered his eyelids.

Mitile: Me too…

I’m gonna, one day…

Akira: Ah…

The King of Water spread open its wings. Calm and composed, it flapped its wings, soaring high into the sky.

Snow: Time to leave the nest.

White: To a far, far away place. No matter where it goes, I’m certain that one will make a fine protector of the waters.

Solemnly, we all watched the King of Water as it flew when…

Mitile: Huh…?

Riquet: Oz, what is it doing? It keeps flying back and forth between the forest and the lake.

Oz: …I am not sure. Usually it should be flying off into the horizon by now. 

Arthur: It flies above the same places over and over. Is it trying to communicate with us, or is it searching for something…

Mitile: Searching for…ah!

A sudden look of realization on his face, Mitile dug his hands into his satchel.

Mitile: Could it be that it’s looking for this?

Faust: That’s the cloak it used to gather twigs and rocks…they normally discard it right before their transformation…

Shylock: Knowing their habits it would be strange to be searching for it…but this King is the strange one. 

White: Should we want to hide ourselves, I can cast some cloaking magic.

Snow: It should give up its search and leave after some time. Mitile, you have no need to let go of it. 

Riquet: …It can’t take them with it…

He stopped his words. His eyes started to waver at the King of Water.

And for some reason, Mitile’s gaze was turned more on that expression of Riquet’s than the King itself. Mitile’s hands gripped the red cloth that contained the leaf boat.

Then, he looked towards the great swan flying in the sky. 

Mitile: I want to give this to the King of Water…I want to give this back to it. 

It’s probably…something very precious to it after all. 

So precious that even though it’s grown into a strong and proper adult now, it doesn’t want to leave it behind.

Riquet: …Let me help you, Mitile.

He took out his magic lantern, and stood by Mitile’s side.

He didn’t say a thing on why he was helping Mitile. Instead, he simply held his hand. 

Those grasping hands held a meaning to Mitile that he understood and I could not, and he squeezes Riquet’s hand in return.  

Riquet: Sanretea Edif.

The lantern glowed with a light strong enough to guide your path. However, the King of Water that was flying by the forest did not notice it. 

Beside him, Arthur stepped up.

Arthur: …Pernoctant Nixzo.

Mitile: Wah, a firework…!

Arthur: When I was younger, and left for a new home…I was also comforted by the simple memories I had. 

I would run my hands over the cover of my magic tome, and search for traces of the Aurora in the night sky…

So I’m certain that the memories of its time at this lake, even as an adult, is bound to give it the strength to make its new home in unfamiliar waters.

Oz: …

At the loud burst of Arthur’s firework, the King of Water turned around, and it seemed to notice the red cloak illuminated by the lantern’s light.

With a single leap of flight, it made its way towards us, and landed nearby. Mitile held his hands out with the cloak within.

Mitile: I…picked this up. Please take it with you wherever you go.

Ortonik Sealsispilce. 

He gently recited his spell, like when he would cast a spell of blessing.

Controlled by Mitile, the red cloak of long held memories floated up, taking off on its own journey. 

Not wavering in the slightest, it made its way to where the King of Water stood and took it with its beak. 

Mitile: …! I did it…!

Shylock: Congratulations, Mitile. That was flawless magic you’ve performed.

Snow: Mm? It’s doing something weird again. Shaking its butt and flapping its wings…

Mitile: That’s the dance it does when it’s happy! Ahaha, I’m glad you’re happy!

Riquet: …Ah! The King of Water…!

Leaving us with a bow, the King of Water once again spread its wings wide and flew into the night skies. 

With a flap, many white feathers dislodged, and came fluttering down. 

Tracing a peculiar path as they gently fell, they circled right into Mitile’s hands, a parting gift from the King of Water.

He quickly picked them up, eyes widening.

Cheeks red with blush, Mitile shouted to the King of Water in the sky. 

Mitile: Thank you!

Be well…!

It circled around in response, and then disappeared off into the vast horizon where the stars twinkled bright.

The teachers who stood behind the students and watched over them warmly came up close.

Snow: You did a good thing. 

White: And received a good blessing.

Mitile: Blessing? Do you mean these feathers?

Faust: Yeah. Try pointing the end of a feather to the fireworks in the lake.

Shylock: You’ll be able to see something phenomenal.

As instructed, Mitile took a giant feather and brought it close to the water’s surface.

And as if pulled by the feather, the fireworks floated up out of the water, sticking to the end of the feather like a ball of light.

Mitile: Wow, the firework’s dangling from the feather…!

Riquet: Amazing…! It’s like you’re fishing fireworks, Mitile!

Silently sparkling, the balled up firework reminded me of sparklers back home. With long shadows dragging behind them, the twins explained.

Snow: Interesting, isn’t it. The King’s power left behind in the feathers attracts the spirits and water sprites to create this miracle. 

White: As long as you don’t shake it too hard, the firework should cling to it for a while.

Snow: Though once the spirits and water sprites have calmed down, the fireworks will disappear. So until then, play until your heart’s content. 

Arthur: A kind of play that can only happen for a limited amount of time!

Riquet: I want to try too! Mitile, can it be my turn after you?

Mitile: No need for turns when we can use them together! Here, Riquet, a feather for you. And everyone too!

He returned the firework to the water, and handed out the feathers to everyone.

Chapter 7

Oz: Arthur, are you hurt?

Arthur: No, I’m…huh? Lord Oz, why are you here?

Oz: …I…

Snow: Hey, Oz!

We already assured you that Arthur would be under our magic protection!

White: And we told you to stay put! Goodness, you’re so overprotective!

Oz: …I don’t listen to orders from you.

Snow & White: But it’s our class!

Arthur: You were worried for me. Thank you, Lord Oz. 

I am fine, as you can see, so please rest easy. And I managed to get the treasure!

Oz: You did. Well done.

However, rushing face first into a tree is reckless. Next time, you should think of a better way. 

…There are leaves in your hair. Stay still, I will get them off you.

Arthur: Hehe, okay!

We found many treasures in the forest, and went to the lake afterwards. 

Arthur: Hm, I sense something over here…

Riquet: Ah, over there…! There’s a doll of a little boy moving fast on the waters!

Akira: It doesn’t look like it’s swimming…maybe it’s attached to something?

I strained my eyes for a better look, when it jumped with a spring. We all stared at it wide eyed.

Mitile: The doll is riding a toy dolphin! It’s just like Cain when he rides a horse!

Riquet: So this is the next test…it’s not flying in the sky nor does it seem to be leaving the lake, so if we run fast maybe we can catch it!

Arthur: Yeah, let’s go chase it altogether! Master Sage, we’d appreciate your help.

Akira: Sure!

We ran around chasing the doll in the shallow waters, but…

Akira: Ah! Sorry, I let it get away again!

Mitile: Don’t worry, I’ll…ack! It went over there!

Arthur: For a stiff little doll it sure can fool us…!

Everytime we thought we finally caught it, it’d do a feint and slip past our fingers. 

Arthur wiped the sweat on his forehead.

Arthur: We’ll keep going around in circles at this rate. If only there was a way to block its path…

Riquet: To block it…I know!

Everyone, please leave this to me. I will blind its eyes with my lantern’s light!

Sanretea Edif!

He faced the doll and stuck his lantern out. A white and bright light shone over the doll.

Akira: Ah, the dolphin’s going slower…

Mitile: It’s using its fins to cover its eyes! Even the doll is closing its eyes!

Riquet: Now…!

He ran as quickly as he could. In a flash, he scooped up the dolphin and doll into his arms. 

Riquet: Hurray! I managed to catch it!

Mitile: That was amazing, Riquet!

Arthur: Yeah, well done! That was some quick thinking right there.

Riquet: Hehehe. Thank you!

He smiled proudly at everyone’s praises as he held the toys in his hands. 

Mitile watched his smile like it was a dazzling sight, but soon turned his head down. 

Holding tightly his empty hands together, his eyes began to burn with ambition. 

Mitile: …Me too, I need to do something too…

Arthur: We’re close to the sea now. Shylock said that the water is deeper here, so be careful as you walk. 

Riquet: Ah, that’s…! I can see something shining in the deep end over there. Perhaps it’s a treasure?

Arthur: Yeah, there’s no doubt about it! My hands can’t reach that far though. We need to use magic to fish it up and draw it closer…

Mitile: I…I’ll do it!

He stepped forward. His magic tool was out, and his expression said that he was ready to challenge the deep seated treasure. 

Mitile: Please, let me do this one. I’ll use my magic to shoot the treasure into my hands!

Akira: (Isn’t that magic…the one he was struggling with before this trip that got him all down…?)

…Mitile. You got this!

Mitile: Yeah! 

He took a deep breath. Holding his medicine bottle tightly, he carefully recited his spell.

Mitile: Ortonik Sealsispilce.

The surface of the water slightly rippled. The small shining light in the depths of the waters slowly rose upwards.

Riquet: Yes! It’s coming up!

Arthur: Nice one, Mitile. All you need to do is aim it into your hands. 

Mitile: Yeah…ah!

Our celebration was momentary. Something was off, and the treasure that burst from the waters missed Mitile’s hands. 

Akira: Ah, it dropped back in! Oh no…

Mitile: …ack, another one! Ortonik Sealsispilce.

Mitile didn’t give up. Over and over again, he persistently casted his spell. 

Yet every time it would either jump into another direction, or fly over his head…at the very last part of the spell, it’d always go wrong.

Mitile: …Ugh. O-One more…!

Akira: M-Mitile…are you alright? Your throat must hurt by now…

Arthur: The more you panic the more likely your magic won’t work out. We don’t have a time limit on our treasure hunt, so why don’t we take a break?

Riquet: I agree with Prince Arthur. Or, I could cast the spell instead…

Mitile: I-It’s fine! This time will go well for sure! 

…Ortonik Sealsispilce!

He shouted his spell, almost in anger. 

Arthur: …Ah!

Riquet: The treasure is floating up fast, Mitile!

Mitile: Y-Yes! Just a little more, just a little…more?

Along with the rising sphere of light, the water’s surface began to surge up into a mountain, and–

Everyone: Waaaugh!

Leaving behind it a column of water as it went, a small stained glass ball soared from the water.

It quickly passed through Mitile’s hands, and reflected the light of the sun as it melted into the blue horizon. 

Arthur: Ahahaha! What a big blast of water! We’re all wet now! 

Riquet: Wow everybody, look! The path of the water splashed turned into a rainbow! Good work, Mitile!

Mitile: T-That wasn’t good work at all! I completely blew away one of Lords Snow and White’s treasures…!

Akira: I wonder how far it went? Do you think we could find it if we ran?

As we were about to panic, above us on their brooms appeared Shylock and Faust. 

Shylock: No worries. I can sense that it landed not too far from here. 

Faust: We’ll go and retrieve it. You kids can continue your hunt. 

Arthur: Thanks, you two! Sorry for making you do it, but we appreciate it. 

They gave us a dependable smile before they flew away. Mitile watched their backs as he drooped his shoulders.

Mitile: …I really thought it’d go well this time…

I messed up again…

Those words spilled out from a tiny voice entangled with frustration and defeat, and my heart tightly ached to hear them.

Searching for the right words to say as my eyes scanned the area, I happened to notice something red floating by Mitile’s feet. 

Akira: Mitile. There’s some kind of cloth bundled by your feet…

Mitile: Huh? Ah…you’re right. What is this? I feel like I’ve seen this before…

He scooped it up from the water, and from an opening in the cloth an object fell out. 

Mitile: This is…a leaf boat…?

Riquet: Woah, it’s so tiny! It looks like one you taught me how to make before, Mitile. 

Mitile: Yesterday actually, I taught a duckling I met how to make it. I thought it took the boat it made home with it though…

Akira: If this was in it, then this cloth here must be what that duckling was wearing on its back. Why would it be here?

As we all stared at the red cloth, Arthur let out a gasp. 

Arthur: This red cloth…has a strange presence to it. 

…This might be…

Riquet: Look, Mitile. The stars have begun to show in the sky. They shine like the jeweled treasures we found today.

Mitile: You’re right. The top of the sky has gotten dark…it’s a marvelous sight, the sunset mixing in with the night sky…

Riquet: Shylock said that tomorrow’s class will be at night. Isn’t it exciting, a night time class?

Mitile: …

Riquet: Mitile?

Mitile: Oh…it’s nothing! Sorry for spacing out. 

I wonder what Mister Shylock is gonna teach us. Maybe some strong charming magic?

Riquet: Since it’s Shylock, he might teach us something a little naughty. The last time he taught me something it was like that.

Mitile: Naughty? Like what?

Riquet: How to be a bad boy.

Mitile: …Riquet, you learned about that…?

Chapter 5

Faust: Before we start, know that what we will be covering today may not be anything new to you. You probably already know the subject matter.

Shylock: There is always something new to learn. Watching Mr. Faust who’s popular with the younger wizards teach will serve as great pointers to us teachers. 

Faust: I don’t want to hear that from you. Your lessons always make the younger wizards and their magic more toward the bizarre. 

For some reason whenever classes end, a few wizard's mannerisms tend to match that of yours…

Shylock: Hmhmhm. Let’s call it the fruits of their learning.

Akira: (Just what kind of learning…)

White: Now now, the kids are waiting! Do not mind us, it’d be best for you to start. 

Faust: …Well, if you guys don’t mind. Back to business it is.

Today, I’ll be teaching you about the “King of Water”. A strange fairy that calls beautiful and calm waters its home.

Can anyone explain what kind of spirit this “King of Water” is?

Arthur: I’ve read about them before in a book when I was young. I read that there are times where they run wild, punishing those who pollute the waters, and also times where they give a blessing to those who respect them properly…

Faust: That’s the King of Water. Good memory you have. There is actually one living here at this lake, though it’s still young.

Akira: (A young fairy…Shylock did say we might be able to see young fairies around here…)

The “King” in its name was the same as the way you’d refer to the lion as the “King of Beasts”, in that it was a fairy that held stronger magic than any other water fairy or sprite. 

From fish to waterfowl, their forms could be any of the sort. The essential feature to tell them apart was their red cloak they’d have draped over their body. 

Faust: When it becomes an adult, it will leave its nest it was raised in, that being the lake. The interesting part however is the length of that growing period.

Within three hundred years of a lifespan, they spend two hundred as a child. 

Mitile: Wha…so they’re a child for two thirds of their lifetime!

Riquet: The time they spend as an adult is considerably smaller than their time as a child…

Faust: Even more intriguing is that the fairy living here has been in its child state for over two hundred years. Isn’t that right, Shylock?

Shylock: Indeed. This year I believe it will be 220 years old.

Arthur: …Twenty above the average…though you can chalk it up to individual differences, twenty years seems to be a pretty big difference…

Mitile: Oh no…that’s so sad…

White: There is no need to feel pity. 

We twins are forever children as you can see, and are very much enjoying the kid’s life. Riiight, Snowy?

Snow: Yeees, Whitey. When you’re a kid you get to be pampered by everybody, so it’s a win for Team Happy Kid’s Life, having our heart’s fill of fun!

Snow & White: Kyakya! 

While they faced each other and held their hands in delight, Mitile slightly bit his lips. 

Mitile: But…even though you two have the forms of children, you’re actually really powerful adult wizards. You can even use magic when you want to transform.

Being stuck as a child means yourself, your body, and your power remains that of a kid.  If you wanted to be an adult, you couldn’t.

I think it’s way more frustrating to be stuck as a useless child…

Akira: …Mitile….

I didn’t know what to say to Mitile, who was adamant in his words.

Even the teachers, who I thought would say something, only looked at him in silence. Then with a start, Mitile lowered his head in realization.

Mitile: Ah…I, I’m sorry. I stopped the class.

Faust: No need to apologize. It’s a worthwhile endeavour to place yourself in the shoes of others and try thinking from there. 

…When the time comes, the King of Water will grow its wings on a warm and peaceful night. It will gain power from the waters that raised it, and within a night become an adult.

During that change, the spirits and water sprites of the land will react strongly, and can cause a wondrous phenomenon to occur. 

Riquet: A wondrous phenomenon…Oz, have you seen something like that before?

Oz: Many times, in the past. I saw an inimitable sight.

Riquet: Inimitable?

Oz: It means it was unlike anything else in this world. You, Arthur, and Mitile would love it. It was a beautiful, brilliant phenomenon to behold.

Riquet: Beautiful, brilliant, and unlike anything else…do you think I’ll get to see it someday?

Twinkling eyes absentmindedly ran off to dreamland as a mysterious grin formed on Shylock’s face. 

Shylock: Oh yes, I’m sure of it.

Faust: …Gold stars on the oral exam, everyone.

The morning class ends there. You did well.

Arthur, Riquet, & Mitile: Thank you for the lesson!

Arthur: You’re really good at teaching, Faust. It was a fun class! 

He stretched widely. His shining blue eyes that were full of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge were satisfied. 

Arthur: I’ve dropped in many times with Shino and Heathcliff, but your classes are always so interesting. I feel like it sticks in my head better than when learning alone.

Please, let me take another one of your classes sometime!

Faust’s eyes widened at that energetic and captivating smile for a second.

Then his gaze quickly turned to the floor. It was a sudden action coming from him, and like he was erasing his expression he took his sunglasses off to wipe them. 

Faust: …Glad you think so. I don’t believe I can teach you much, but if the opportunity rises, then sure.

After this, we’ll have lunch and proceed with our afternoon class.

Shylock: My, you stick to quite the rigid schedule. As expected from our Eastern wizard. 

Faust: …Don’t tell me, you still haven’t planned out what you’re doing on your day of teaching? We all decided to have our own days to hold a class. 

Snow: How rude! We’ve properly decided what we’ll be doing for our class! 

White: Yes, but not much to it. It’ll be a sort of open class, free to do as you please. 

Shylock: I also have my class’ subject matter and schedule properly decided. Before then however I plan to give out freetime. 

Oz: …I meant to plan something.

Arthur: That feeling is what matters! 

Faust: …This makes me wonder if I’m the one who’s been too strict on the kids…

Riquet: I like your way of planning, Faust. The way you have a confirmed time and subject matter laid out reminds me of the Church I was in. It’s comfortable.

Faust: …That’s…well, thank you, Riquet.

Mitile: Since breakfast was made by Lord Oz and Prince Arthur, it’ll be up to me, Riquet, and the Master Sage to make lunches for everybody!

Riquet, Master Sage, let’s go to the kitchen.

Riquet & Akira: Yeah!

Mitile and I finished our meals a step faster than Arthur and Riquet, and were out on a lakeside walk to help digest. 

The afternoon class was going to be on practical skills. Since he needed time to set up, we were told to do as we pleased while waiting.

Mitile: Ah, this leaf…

He leaned over into the lake. He plucked off an aquatic plant that resembled bamboo grass. Treating it like origami paper, he began to make something.

Akira: What’re you making?

Mitile: Hehehe, you’ll find out soon. Put it over here like this, slip this there…

Ta-daaa! It’s a leaf boat!

Akira: Ooh, amazing! You’re good, Mitile!

Mitile: I used to fold lots of these for the kids back home when we played by the river. 

I was put in charge of watching over the younger kids often. 

Akira: So that’s why. Like a big brother yourself you trained your leaf-boat making hands to make them for everyone, so it’s a natural skill to you. 

Mitile: Yup! Though since we’ve come to the manor, the only time I’ve made them was when teaching Riquet about paper folding. 

…Because I’m the youngest one at the manor. 

Eyes the colour of young grass looked to the lake, and Mitile floated the leaf boat upon it. 

I was worried it’d float to the sea, but the boat merely stayed floating in place. The waters were that calm.

Turning his focus from the boat that swayed in the same spot to the warm and silent waters of the lake, he spilled what was on his mind.

Mitile: Somewhere on this lake…is a 220 year old King of Water who can’t become an adult.  

I wonder if it’s doing its best to become an adult as quickly as it can…

I felt a little sad seeing his expression, and remembered the words he said this morning in class.

How it’s frustrating to stay stuck as a useless child.

Akira: (Mitile is the youngest wizard at the manor. The long lived wizards and the younger ones both dote on him.)

(Except…that may be the reason why he thinks he can’t stay the way he is now…)

Yes, he’s the youngest wizard, but the age differences between him, Arthur, Shino, and Heathcliff for instance isn’t that wide. 

Arthur however is a prince loved by his people. Shino is a forest guardian acknowledged by other wizards seasoned in battle. Heathcliff represents his family’s domain.

When standing side by side with them, his ambitious nature refuses to be let himself be treated like a child, since they’re young too.

Just because you wish for it though, doesn’t mean you can become strong and capable right away.

Akira: (Mitile likely sees himself in the King of Water who’s still a child at 220 years…)

Mitile: …Huh? Master Sage, look at that. There’s a baby bird swimming towards us. 

He pointed in the direction of the sea, and when I followed that finger I found a tiny yellow chick facing us.

Akira: Cute! What kind of bird is it?

Mitile: I think it’s a duck. Uh, wait, there’s something red on it…

We looked closer, and that tiny fluffy chick that appeared to be a duck, had a red cloth tied around its neck that draped over its back.

Chapter 3

We opened the door to a bright living room where the sunlight easily poured into.

From the walls and ceiling to the window frames were vibrant colours and designs drawn, and examining all of them made my heart beat faster.

Mitile: What a cute home…! I can’t believe we’re gonna be staying here!

Arthur: The sunlight is so warm! Let’s open the window and let the breeze flow in. It’ll be more refreshing that way!

Riquet: I think we can make great progress in our studies here…achoo!

Mnn…it’s a bit dusty though. I don’t think Bradley could stay here long.

Shylock: Oh dear, I must apologize. I only remind myself to put up a new protective barrier and clean the place whenever I visit, per my friend’s request. 

Faust: And the last time you visited?

Shylock: Well the last time I came here was to drink some luminescent alcohol I had obtained…so that was about, hmm, thirty or so years ago.

Akira: Thirty years?! You wizards really are in no rush…

Snow: It appears our first order of business is to clean the rooms.

White: Today it was going to be Oz’s turn to teach, so why don’t you make your class on cleaning.

To wizards, cleanliness is essential. Just one chip of your fingernail can make for a catalyst in a nasty curse against you. 

Faust: You do have a point, but shouldn’t Oz have plans for his class already? We should be prioritizing that. 

Oz: …I have no plans. 

Faust & Mitile: Eh?

Mitile: B-But, Riquet said he invited you the day we decided the dates for the study meet…

As Mitile stood there confused, Riquet let out a sigh of disappointment. 

Riquet: Goodness me Oz, you must’ve spent those days stuck on what to teach and couldn’t decide until it was class time again, didn’t you. 

Arthur: How hard of a decision it is to him proves how much he cares for our learning. Thank you, Lord Oz. 

Akira: (These two seem used to this…it must happen a lot during the Central wizard’s classes…)

Arthur: Well then, Lord Oz. If you’re okay with it, why don’t we accept their proposal and conduct today’s class on cleaning?

You have already taught me lots on cleaning when I was a child…so I’ll be taking this as a chance to review!

Mitile: I want to learn about cleaning too! I often forget to do it, so…

Riquet: Cleaning it is then. Teach us your wisdom Oz. 

Oz: Alright.

Vox Nox.

Akira: Eh, already…woah!

With a burst of a breeze, the air in the room instantly became clearer. 

I could breathe in without the smell of dust up my nose. The flooring and the furniture texture was smooth and glinted as if it was freshly polished. 

Arthur: Fast as usual!

Riquet: Hoo, haa…I’ve stopped sneezing! Now Bradley can safely stay here too. 

Mitile: That was amazing, Lord Oz! So, will you teach us how…

Oz: You do it the way I did. Now try and do the same for the other rooms.

Mitile: Uhm?

Arthur & Riquet: Yes!

Riquet: Mitile, Prince Arthur, let’s do our best together!

Mitile: W-Wait a second, is that all for the explanation?

I know you guys are a watch and learn kind of classroom, but are there any pointers like what kind of feeling to cast this spell with or…

Oz: …It is difficult to express this feeling in words. 

All I can tell you is to do it like that.

Mitile: Like…that…?

He knit his brows like he reached the difficult question on the test. Quickly trying to brainstorm the answer, his bright eyes scanned the room.

Akira: (Figaro prefers detailed explanations, so Oz’s teaching style is very different to what he’s used to…)

With a pat on his shoulder, Arthur woke the rigid Mitile.

Sympathizing with his confusion, he gave a kind smile. 

Arthur: Lord Oz’s classes are very trial-and-error orientated. First, we try it on our own to get a feel for it, and when it doesn’t go well, we simply ask for advice. 

I know it must be unnerving being so different from Lord Figaro’s classes, but how about you try it together with me and Riquet first!

Riquet: We’re used to his style of teaching, so please don’t worry. We’ll be here for you if there’s anything you don’t understand.

Mitile: Ah…thanks, you guys. I’ll try my hardest! 

White: Don’t forget you have us teachers here. Feel free to rely on us as you please.

Snow: In place of the boring Oz, we’ll be sure to give you easy to understand advice!

Oz: …

Shylock: I entrust the cleaning to you then. And will you gentlemen help me with restoring the barrier? 

Faust: Got it. What about the lake or forest? Do we need to put up any anti-human or anti-beast barriers? 

Shylock: Yes, I was thinking of some sort of smoke-screen like barrier. We’re here on vacation after all, so it wouldn’t do to have any disturbances. 

Snow: Then in addition, let us put up a cloud in the shape of a stethoscope. That way it will be a symbol for Figaro to know where to go.

White: You can stay here and observe the students as they clean, O Sage. Be sure to keep an eye on the kids for us, Oz.

Oz: Of course I will.

Arthur: Great! Alrighty, it’s time to start cleaning, guys!

Mitile & Riquet: We’re gonna make it squeaky clean, yeaaah!

Mitile: O…Ortonik Sealsispilce!

All right! I did it…

Ahh! There’s still dust on top of the shelf…ugh, so it’s a fail…

Arthur: You didn’t fail. Look, the window’s much cleaner than it was before.

Riquet: How about we work together, Mitile. If we do it like Lords Snow and White and say our spells at the same time, it might be stronger.

Ready…Sanretea Edif. 

Mitile: Ortonik Sealsispilce!

…We did it!!

Arthur: Yeah, not a speck of dust left! Mitile, Riquet, good jobs you two!

Oz: You did well.

Mitile & Riquet: Yay…!

Thanks to the support of Arthur and Riquet, Mitile went from feeling out of place to becoming a little more used to the Central wizard’s way of learning.

Mitile: I’m sorry Riquet, you had to help me out again.

Riquet: Don’t apologize for that. I’m just happy to be taking classes with you!

To his dejected friend he gave a shake of his head and wore a cheerful smile.