#I always feel he subtly mentions Murr in every sentence.

[mirikitakato]

[Translation] Shylock SSR Card Story: Beginnings of a Foolish Burdensome Love

Gotta love the name that sounds very Shymurr somehow but it's more about Shylock and the Sage. Mithra also appears.

Episode 1: Let’s love both the joy and the pain.

This happened when I and Shylock investigating the incident at the mansion we visited.

Akira: It is rumored that every exhibit here possesses the capacity to attract various forms of happiness.

Shylock: Indeed, it appears to comprise a diverse array of items, ranging from those commonly found in the general market to precious ones crafted from rare materials.

Shylock: Each item has a different effect. Even specialty stores rarely boast such an extensive collection.

Akira: Just like a museum. This bracelet here looks so majestic, just looking at it makes me feel like it's going to be very useful...

Shylock: Ah, that's...

Akira: You know this, Shylock?

Shylock: Yes, it's a golden bangle that brings fortune. Once upon a time, a businessman customer used to wear the same one whenever he visited Bar Bennett.

Shylock: It's believed that this radiant gold can transform the wearer into a millionaire.

Akira: Well, it certainly looks fancy and already makes me feel rich just by owning it.

Shylock: Hehe. Perhaps that attitude will attract even more good luck.

Shylock chuckled softly, then pointed his finger at the ring displayed next to the golden bangle.

Shylock: I've seen this one before at the central market. Notice the clear, ocean-like indigo beads embedded in it?

Shylock: There's a rumor that wearing it wards off not only bad luck but also demons. It's said to be a must-have item for travelers.

Akira: Travelers...I often embark on missions far away, having this one would make me feel safe.

Shylock: Oh? What a lonely thing to say.

Akira: Ah?

Shylock: Indeed, your modesty is one of your undeniable virtues.

Shylock: We're your wizards. If you ask us to accompany you, we shall envelop you in tender care, akin to being swathed in cotton...

Shylock: I would turn even fear into a taste of exciting pleasure and protect you. Please entrust your body and soul to me, please rely on me.

Wine-colored eyes approached me, and I caught a faint whiff of a pipe. He beseeched me in a seductive yet sweet voice, making me flinch slightly.

Akira: Th-then, please let me rely on you...

Shylock: Hehe. What a lovely person.

Akira: L-let's see, why don't we take a look at this room too? There are many places we haven't explored yet...!

Embarrassed, I forcefully opened the door in front of me.

Akira: Ah...

Then, accompanied by the sound of something breaking, the scenery in front of me changed.

Shylock: Sir Sage, what's wrong?

However, the moment I blinked, the scenery immediately returned to normal.

Akira: Ah...nothing.

(I'm sure I saw a rainbow just now...)

Mithra: Ah, you broke it.

Episode 2: Let’s love both the joy and the pain.

Mithra stood at the door, lazily snapping his fingers. As he did, something that had been lying on the floor floated into the air.

Akira: Ah...!

It was a necklace with a small glass bottle swinging at the end of a leather strap. However, a large crack marred the side of the bottle.

Shylock: Did you break something by opening the door? Sir Sage, are you okay?

Akira: I'm fine, but I broke this, didn't I...

Akira: What should I do, this item belongs to the precious collection of Ernest's relatives...

Mithra: You are loud. It doesn't matter, this one is destined to be broken anyways.

Akira: Eh?

Mithra: Arthim

Akira: Wow, it's back to normal...!

Shylock: That's great for you, Sir Sage. I will talk to the owner of this mansion later.

Akira: I agree. I broke it once, so I would like to properly apologize. Mithra, thanks for fixing this.

Mithra: Sigh, even if I fix this, it isn't gonna matter much anyways...Take this, Sage.

Mithra: This mansion is full of garbage. I want something more powerful and usable...

Mithra picked up some amulets lined up on the wall and then casually threw them away, as if he had lost interest in them.

Akira: (Maybe this amulet fell when I opened the door...)

Shylock: I thought Mithra would be delighted to see a mansion stocked with items like this, but... it seems like it would be quite difficult to find something that he would acknowledge.

Akira: Looks like it...Uhm, Shylock, do you know about this amulet?

Akira: Mithra said this was bound to be broken, but...

Shylock: Yes, I've seen this.

Shylock: When you opened the door and this small vial broke... Sir Sage, did you notice any changes?

Akira: Ah, yes! The moment I opened the door, I saw a beautiful natural landscape that looked like an outskirts of some town...

Shylock: That's the power of this amulet.

Shylock: After a certain amount of time has passed, the vial’s color would change to the color of dusk because there is magic cast on it.

Shylock: If you break the vial after its color has changed, you will see its owner’s feelings and thoughts.

Akira: The owner’s feelings?

Shylock: Yes, would it be easier to understand if I said that this vial would show the scenery they desire to see?

Shylock: For a short period in the past, this amulet was very popular since it was marketed with "Making your dream world into reality."

Shylock: I heard it gradually lost its popularity and is very difficult to obtain now.

Episode 3: Let’s love both the joy and the pain.

Akira: Why? Even though it's something people would really like...

Shylock: Isn't it? Initially, there was a collective burst of excitement – "I've been longing to see this!" echoed everywhere.

Shylock: However, desires are peculiar. Instead of reveling in momentary happiness, many found themselves empty, having lost the sought-after scenery in the blink of an eye.

Akira: I see... Rumors like that circulated, and it gradually lost its popularity.

Akira: It's true. People would feel a sense of loneliness when something they eagerly anticipated suddenly vanishes like that...

(But...)

I recall the ephemeral scene showed by the sunset-colored vial.

(That's the scenery its owner wished to see. I'm sure it's filled with precious memories.)

Akira: I'm sure that if I see this amulet somewhere, I would buy it.

Akira: Certainly, it's sad to see the scenery disappear in an instant, but...that would make me feel even more special about the fleeting scene it presents to me, and the associated memories.

Shylock: ....Heh. Your strength lies in your attitude of appreciating what separation offers you, rather than the pain that may await in the future due to it.

Akira: No, it's not that special...!

Shylock: Don't be modest. Every encounter is a series of miracles.

Shylock: But for me, if I were to possess that item...

Shylock: Perhaps, it's not just the scenery that I desire, but a wish – "Please, please stay with me for just a little longer."

A subtle smile graced Shylock's face as he gently used his fingertips to roll the vial in my palm.

Shylock: Although I'm already aware that someday, we will part ways...

Shylock: Yet, I hope the "presence" of us being together will continue a bit longer. Don't you harbor the same wish?

Suddenly, Shylock's words reverberate deeply in my chest.

Akira: This amulet truly is a mystery, the more you think about it, the more interpretations surface.

Akira: Even though we understand that we must eventually let it go... No, that's precisely why we find it difficult to let go.

Shylock: Hehe. Isn't this kind of contradiction endearing?

Shylock: Farewells and encounters are integral parts of life. Let's love both the joy and the pain.

Looking back at him with a soft smile, I quietly put the amulet back on the shelf. Thinking of the day that will come, I urge myself to be careful and cherish the days ahead, ensuring not to destroy them.