#azelle talking

[azelle-intermisson]

in honor of dungeon meshi anime coming out i wanted to post one of my favorite laios moments i love this freak so much

[keithsandwich]

Warning: Astrological rant on some of the new princes below

Enabled by @lorei-writes and @yarnnerdally

Disclaimer: I'm talking about the symbolisms of sun signs as something absolute because they're fictional characters. Real human beings are more complex than this and you are not your sun sign alone. Also notice that assuming the sun signs were intentionally chosen for the characters, it means they carry it somehow - in their personalities, and/or stories, and/or symbols.

1 - Matthias

Laws is a subject that belongs to the upper spheres. There is a hierarchy of planets -- the ones that deal with more physical, day-to-day subjects, and the ones that take care of some deeper stuff, such as philosophy, religion, and... Laws.

In Astrology, you have Jupiter to create the laws, and Saturn to apply them.

Saturn is inexorable. It does what needs to be done, and it punishes who needs to be punished. It doesn't matter if the person is a peasant or a king. This is why this quote of Matthias sounds VERY Saturnine to me. Like death, laws should befall everyone (ideally at least).

Another thing about Saturn is that it is cold and dry, and rules invernal signs -- Capricorn and Aquarius. Naturally, it rules over cold, dry and snowy places too, like, you know, Achroite. Another sign Saturn finds joy in by Exaltation is Libra -- symbolized by escales, and again, Achroite's crest.

Now, Mercury-ruled Virgo... Owl is a mercurial animal, so points on that. Virgo is a very dutiful sign that needs to bring order to chaos too, but it's still a Mutable sign of Mercury, which means skepticism.

Even wearing the clothes of an Earth sign, Mercury is always Mercury, and Mercury will never admit there's only one truth. There are countless truths, countless paths, countless overcomes spinning incessantly inside its head. And Mutable signs deal with the world changing around them, being Virgo the one that have to face one of the most crucial changes there is: Summer becoming Autumn. This is why Virgo is constantly anxious. They know harsher times approach, and they have to save provisions to go through it.

Basically, Virgo thinks way too much, acts more towards organization and taking care of the tiniest, littlest details, and being Mercury one of the lowest spheres, its realm is practical and realistic. I don't see much space to believe in something with an almost religious fervour, like Matthias apparently does with laws (btw Mercury is VERY opposite to Jupiter). Soulmates? Even less.

Methinks Matthias seems more like a Libra. Saturn in the realm of Venus, that carries something idealistic in itself (although less than Jupiter) and dreams of love.

2. Azel

*sighs*

Where shall I start? As I said above, Mercury can be seem as the opposite of Jupiter. While Mercury is realistic, skeptical, detail-oriented, etc., Jupiter is idealistic, a huge believer, that focus on the big picture and can't mind the details.

Ultimately, Jupiter is about faith. And Jupiter manifests in two signs: Sagittarius and Pisces. Here I'm gonna focus on Sagittarius.

Sagittarius, like Virgo, is Mutable -- a double-bodied sign represented by a centaur, half man, half horse. Half benevolent, optimistic, lenient, wise. A man that looks to the stars seeking the truth and is guided by his ideals and faith. But also half ruthless, harsh, proud, imprudent. A belligerent and self-indulgent beast that looks at its own ambitions. I feel that some tend to remember Sagittarius only for its adventurous spirit and good mood, but this sign IS double-bodied and originally feared for its brutal nature.

Oh, and Sagittarius is brutally honest as well. Always beware when you ask their opinions if you're not ready for certain answers.

Well, other than this, Sagittarius is the eternal search for the truth beyond mundane matters. And it involves religions and gods and divination and mystical, esoteric stuff, and all that jazz. Sagittarius is also the foreigner and either the new horizons it opens OR the "mysteries" it beholds. Sagittarius can be seen in the... ahn... "Arabian Nights" Days trope (sorry).

So you have Azel, the God prince, with his horse unicorn crest, his mystical motifs, his "arabian nights" days kingdom, his two-faced personality, AND HE'S NOT A SAGITTARIUS.

And there's no Sagittarius prince*, really, I don't understand why he couldn't be one and have his birthday like, one month later. But okay.

So, he's a Scorpio. A F I X E D, very stable sign of Mars that is related to everything that punctures, cuts, penetrates the skin and poison. Scorpio hides itself behind a shell and hates being exposed/vulnerable. It means they can hide their true nature, but there's a difference between being reserved and two-faced. It's also a sign that does search for hidden meanings, but not out of belief or faith. It's a more strategic sign, and belligerent too, but not in a straight, plain sighted way. It's a nocturnal sign, it acts when no one is looking. Funny thing too, the Moon (Tanzanite's symbol) is not in a good place when in Scorpio.

I can see one thing or two in what I know so far or speculate about Azel, but when it comes to symbols and themes, I still think Sagittarius would fit him better.

.

I won't talk about Kagari because he's the one I know less about, I just think it's funny that he's so fiery when Aquarius is cold by nature.

.

*It can be argued that Gilbert is a Sagittarius because many sources will tell you Sun enters Capricorn 12/22, but this is not 100% precise. Depending on the year, Sun can perfectly be in Capricorn in 12/21. And looking at Gilbert's demeanour and symbols, Obsidian and all, to me he's a Capricorn through and through. Ofc I can be wrong, this post is all about me being wrong in my assumptions lol But since him being a Capricorn is a real possibility, I'm sticking to it.

[thal-ent]

Trick or treat >:3

Giving you treats 🍬🍬🍬🍭🍭🍭🧁🍬🍬🧁🍭🍭🍭🍬 :>

[azelle-intermisson]

i'm going through cliff's route in tsr and i found another adastra reference

it's alexios and cassius!!

The Echo-verse is real

I know that these are just references/easter eggs but it's still funny

[kudzucataclysm]

last week was arkady family thoughts today is the….uuuh royal martian family(????) thoughts

[thracia777]

Prologue - Conversation between Azelle and Sigurd

[mayordeas-clone]

the fire emblem: genealogy of the holy war experience so far

[azelle-intermisson]

ty for tagging me in this @lavendersauceww my phone is very boring lol.

waters of march is such a good song tho i listen to it literally everyday it was on my top 5 spotify wrapped last year. i wish i had some cute art as my most recent photo tho.

idk who to tag bc i don't really know that many people on here so sorry about that.

@glittermutt Thanks for the tag! 😄

I’ve never done one of these before lol

Lock Screen, Home Screen, last image saved, last song listened to

I’ll tag @visualnovelzombie @comradeyao @azelle-intermisson @h-worksrambles and @spicylavender for this

[azelle-intermisson]

i need a furry boyfriend so i can put a pic of his fursona in a heart locket

[sbnkalny]

Do that so i kept them but somehow i also NEED a shower so can we start to inflate your weather Balloon. slowly open the gate, Azel! now i control mankind's Future!

[reccyls]

Beyond the Merging of Then and Now (Azel story)

Azel's 4th anniversary story sale, where child Azel is brought into the future to meet Emma and current Azel.

---

As I made my way towards Prince Azel's sanctuary as usual, I came across a small figure.

Emma: This child was all alone in the middle of the desert. Emma: His hair and eye color are exactly like yours, so is he your secret son?

Azel: Not that I can recall. Azel: And don't just bring any random child from who knows where to my sanctuary. Azel: Send him away.

Emma: Don't you have any heart at all!?

Azel: A god has no such thing.

???: God...

Emma: ...That's right. This man here is a god.

(He finally said something.) (He seems to be really anxious around strangers. On the way here, he barely spoke at all. And...) (He's been gripping at the hem of his clothes almost like he's scared of something. And his expression is so stiff.)

Emma: If there's anything troubling you, this man can help you.

Azel: No I won't.

???: O holy god...

Azel: Did you not hear what I just said?

???: Please help me...

Azel: And what would you offer in return? I care not for destitute believers.

???: I... I...

(!?)

Emma: H-hey, don't cry! Were you scared of this mister? Emma: I know he has a bad personality, but he's not a bad person.

Azel: How disrespectful. Your ability to keep adding onto your debt remains unchanged.

Emma: Prince Azel, please don't bully a child, especially not one this young.

Azel: I would have been merciful had he been just an ordinary child. Azel: But this boy is no "ordinary child". Azel: Just looking at him is enough to make me sick. If you won't throw him out, I will.

Emma: No, no, no, absolutely not!

???: ...if even god has forsaken me... then what should I do...?

Emma: It'll be okay! He's been- um, this was all a divine joke!

Azel: .......A what.

Emma: Anyway! Could you tell me your name? Emma: I've been wondering what I should call you.

???: ........

(Uh oh... He doesn't seem to want to talk to me.)

Azel: Call him whatever you want. How does 'Brat' sound?

Emma: Well then, I'll just borrow part of your name. We'll call him El.

Azel: What kind of hideous naming system is that? No.

Emma: El, won't you tell me what's bothering you?

El: ........

Emma: Did you get lost? If you can't find your parents, we'll look for them together.

El: ........

(Hmm, still nothing. He's just been crying silently, but I feel like there's something he wants to say.) (But he doesn't sob and wail like a regular kid. It's like he's still trying to hold everything back...) (Like his heart is a bowl full of water with a little crack in it, and his tears are slowly leaking out.) (It really hurts to see.)

Azel: Anyway, I shall be leaving now. I leave things here to you.

Emma: No you aren't!

Azel: Ugh... Let go of me.

Emma: Between the two of us, you're the only one that El will talk to. Emma: He doesn't trust me, so please stick around for his sake.

Azel: I don't care.

Emma: ........

Azel: What?

Emma: ........

Azel: Don't just look down and stand there silently.

Emma: ........

Azel: What, are you crying?

Emma: ........

Azel: No, a woman as impudent as you wouldn't-

Emma: ........

Azel: There's no way.

Emma: ........ Emma: ........ *sniffle*

Azel: Agh, damn it, fine. Fine! What do you want me to do? Just tell me.

Emma: Thank you for your kindness, Prince Azel! You aren't just using the title of god for show after all! Emma: --ow, ow, ow, don' pull my cheeks!

Azel: This is your punishment for blasphemy.

El: .....

Azel: You're crying too much, brat. Stop.

El: Because... because I'm still--- I'm not...

Azel: Watch what you say. Don't say anything unnecessary.

El: .......

Azel: At any rate. Brat. It appears as though this woman will be your playmate.

El: ...I can't play.

Azel: God himself speaks before you, and you dare to defy me?

El: ...It's really okay?

Emma: You've never played any games before, El?

El: Never.

(Whatever circumstances El is in must be even worse than I thought.)

Azel: Well then, I've done my part, so now--

Emma: Let's all play together!

Azel: Are you trying to give me an ulcer?

Emma: Oh, I'm sure won't be that bad, come on!

Azel: ...You are definitely the worse person compared to me.

Emma: I didn't hear that! Now come on, let's all play hide and seek!

scene change - now at an oasis

El: Hmmm.... he's not here.

Emma: Who would have thought that Prince Azel was so good at hide and seek...

(It is kind of petty how he's hidden himself away.)

El: Of course we can't find him. He's god, so he has to be good at everything.

Emma: ...You think so?

El: Yes.

Emma: Then it must be really tough, being god.

El: ...Yes. It's tough. El: Um, no, wait. It's not tough at all. El: That's just how a god is.

Emma: ...

El: ...What's wrong?

Emma: It's nothing. I just thought that you looked more relaxed, that's all.

(He was pretty closed off at first, but I think El's warmed up to me while we were searching for Prince Azel.) (Playing like this, he seems just like a normal child.)

El: ...I'm sorry.

Emma: What are you apologizing for?

El: I'm not supposed to let anything show on my face. El: People change how they act if I change my expression. El: If I don't keep things the same, it makes people start unnecessary conflicts. El: Actually... I shouldn't have cried before. I'm not good enough yet.

(So that's why he was so closed-off.) (...I don't know El's full circumstances, but that's probably what the adults around him told him.)

Emma: El, right now, there's nobody here aside from you and me, right? Emma: I don't know who told you that, but here, it doesn't matter. Emma: I promise I'll keep it a secret, so it's okay to let your emotions show, all right?

El: ...... El: ....Miss... What do you think about me?

Emma: Hmmm... I suppose I think you're a young boy who has a lot of difficult things to worry about.

El: A boy... El: ....... El: ...Okay. Then, just for now is okay... El: I'll stop holding back... because for now, I'm just a boy.

(He smiled! What a little angel!)

Emma: Great! So let's play a lot more, okay?

El: Okay. I'll wake up from this dream eventually, but until then, I want to play a lot.

Emma: Dream?

El: My grown up self who became a real god is here, so this must be a dream.

Emma: ...Your grown up self?

El: Huh...? El: Oh, miss, you didn't realize? El: My name is--

Azel: It's El, is it not? Though I think "Brat" suits you better. "Stupid Brat" even more.

El: Mmph!?

Emma: Wha- Prince Azel!? Where did you come from-- wait before that, stop covering El's mouth!

Azel: I don't know. Keeping his mouth shut seems like the better-- ack!

(El bit him!)

El: ...Miss.

Emma: Leave it to me! Just say the word and I'll give Prince Azel a good slap--

El: No, it's not that. We found god.

Emma: ...Oh, that's true.

(I forgot we were in the middle of hide and seek.)

El: I knew you didn't want to let her know, but...

Azel: ...

El: The bait really worked. Even though you're an actual god.

Azel: ...All right. Time to do what I should have done from the start. I'm tossing you out to the far end of the desert.

Emma: Wait! You're not really going to take him away!?

Prince Azel picked up the struggling El under one arm and began walking. Perhaps it was due to how I desperately chased after the god who really did began walking out into the dunes, But the burning pain in my chest lingered for a long while after that.

[azellemybeloved]

these are wicked fabrications

fat guy who thinks you're really cute

tumblr user azelle-intermission: **growls really hard**

me: its ok theyre just jealous babe...

azelle-intermission: i know al, i know

[cosmowgyral]

A Beast's Drink~ Christmas Special Story

𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒐 & 𝑨𝒛𝒆𝒍

This is a fan translation so please don't expect it to be 100% accurate. Creative liberties have been taken. All content belongs to Cybird.

One winter day, as Christmas was nearing in Benitoite….

Azel: I knew about the Christmas celebrations, but this is so gorgeous and wonderful. It smells like money.

Silvio: Is this okay? A God is celebrating the birth of a God.

Azel: Is that a problem? I always have had faith in you, Prince Silvio.

Silvio: That was not what I was talking ‘bout.

Silvio: Even so…ya still ain’t drinking alcohol.

Azel: I don’t drink alcohol, but I am having juice in a wine glass to show my respect to the God of Wealth.

Azel: Please allow these fine alcohols to be offered to the God of Wealth.

Silvio: We’ve prepared the offerings and everything else.

Silvio: Also, if ya wanna show respect, stop calling me that. That’s downright disrespectful.

Silvio: So, what do ya want?

Azel: What do you mean? 

Silvio: Ya came all the way here at this time of the year. There’s gotta some reason behind it.

Azel: Christmas

Silvio: Huh?

Azel: I came to see the Christmas celebrations.

Azel: It is something that does not happen in my country.

Silvio: Hah, a God himself is inspecting the religious festivities of some other country? It ain’t easy being a living God.

Azel: Oh I am serious.

Azel: In Tanzanite, my birthday celebrations are somewhat similar to the Christmas celebrations here.

Azel: But unfortunately, we do not expect the same amount of commercial benefits as Christmas.

Azel: In that aspect, Benitoite’s Christmas is truly splendid.

Azel: It encourages consumption of cakes, alcohol and other lavish meals, and also stimulates the desire of purchasing things under the pretext of ‘gifts’.

Azel: Especially when it comes to seasonal foods and items. They are the ones of most value as customers always rush to buy them.

Azel: There’s no reason to not have this.

Silvio: You’re the same old greedy bastard.

Azel: And that’s not all.

Silvio: Huh?

Azel: On the surface you’re a billionaire, but on the inside, you’re a kind-hearted man like Santa Clause..

Azel: Seems like this God, who has a philanthropic spirit and abundant wealth, distributes presents to the poor every year.

Silvio: ….....

Azel: You understand what I mean, right?

Silvio: Is this it? A new threat?

Azel: Not at all. It's just a simple request.

Silvio: Sorry, but Santa Claus only gives presents to ‘good kids’.

Silvio: In other words, you aren’t eligible for the distribution.

Silvio: In a lot of ways..

Azel: ………

Azel: That really hurt me. I am a very good and merciful God.

Azel: I don’t think I’ll be able to recover from this unless I receive compensation.

Silvio: Huh? A good person? You?

Silvio: Ya sure know how to use your words. You should quit being a God and become a con-man instead.

Azel: When Prince Silvio says that he wants me to become his personal con-man, it makes my heart waver.

Silvio:  Don’t let it waver. The hell’s a personal con-man anyway?

Azel: He’s like a supreme blessing, always by Prince Silvio’s side, granting him protection, money, and gifts.

Silvio: He seems like a curse.

Azel: Saying God is a curse….is it okay if I demand double the compensation?

Silvio: Sure, by all means.

Azel: I would appreciate a Christmas gift then.

Azel: Good things come from showing your devotion to God. For instance…

Azel: The true identity of Benitoite’s Santa Claus will remain shrouded in mystery forever…

Silvio:  Hah, you’re asking for hush money?

Azel: You are actually having trouble, aren’t you? Some of the kids seem to have noticed.

Azel: I can protect their innocence by wrapping them in dreams. It’s not a bad deal.

Silvio: Ya really are perceptive.

Azel: I have a principle of never missing out on big-money opportunities.

Silvio: Fine. I’ll give ya the gift ya want, so work hard to make up for it, my personal con-man.

Azel: As Prince Silvio wishes.

This is my first translation of a full story so there might be mistakes here and there.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading and re-blogs are appreciated! ♡

Video credits: @otomehoneyybearr

[azelsdoormat]

Azel Radwan Main Story

► Chapter 0

This translation is fanmade and strictly for entertainment purposes only. All media and original content belong to Cybird. Do not use, claim as your own, repost or reupload onto other platforms, reblogs are welcome.

Content Warning: mentions of child abuse, graphic descriptions of violence, gore?, generally disturbing content.

True love — to me, is the most evil of curses that must never befall me.

…

Azel: High Priest��� please… stop

The whip tore into human flesh, and the blood-curdling screams of my beloved brothers rang through the air.

The cold, hard floor was stained bright red with the blood dripping from their torn fingernails. It was an image burned into those so-called “divine eyes” that would never fade. 

The grotesque sight, as horrifying as every nightmare in the world combined, unfolded before my eyes.

And I, this powerless god, could do nothing but scream and cry until my voice went hoarse. 

Azel: I beg of you. I’ll do anything you say. 

Azel: It’s all my fault for being a bad boy, it’s my fault for not behaving well. 

Azel: Please stop. I promise I won’t run away again. 

Azel: Please, I beg of you, please, please, I beg… 

I clung pathetically to the High Priest’s robes, desperately repeating my pleas.

While people revere me as a god, the reality was far from that. 

High Priest: Your Holiness… I sincerely apologise. I have no desire to cause you harm. 

The High Priest stroked my head with pity, smiling tenderly. 

In the middle of that nightmarish scene, he was the only source of kindness. 

High Priest: This, too, is love.

Azel: … Love?

High Priest: You are an extraordinary being, Your Holiness. If anything were to happen to you, it would be too late.

High Priest: To ensure that no mishaps occur to your sacred body, I must mete out severe disciplinary actions as such. 

High Priest: This is all for your sake. Please understand. 

The whip was swung once more.

My brothers, hung from the ceiling, gradually lost the light in their eyes and were reduced to nothing but mere empty shells. 

If this is what people call “love”— then I despise this monstrosity with every fiber of my being. 

Azel: … I… understand…

Azel: I understand, so… stop it already.

Azel: I’ll listen to everything you say.

Azel: I’ll work hard, I’ll become a proper god.

Azel: … Please… 

…

<< Fast Forward Many Years Later >>

Matias: Have you two heard about the romance novel that's become popular in Rhodolite lately?

The princes of three countries held regular meetings in different locations, and they would occasionally stray into idle chatter. 

The topics varied, but today, of all things we could possibly talk about, it had to be the one topic I didn't want to hear about the most. 

Kagari: Don't know.

Azel: I have no interest in such items. 

Matias: I can lend you my copy of the book. 

Azel: Please only offer it to Kagari. 

Kagari: No way. Matias is impossible to handle when it comes to these topics. 

Azel: Unfortunately, I am deathly allergic to anything related to romance. 

Matias: Is there such a thing?

Azel: Yes, and therefore—

Matias: Then I’ll read it aloud for you. 

(... This hell just became even hotter. Someone spare me.) 

Matias didn't look like he was about to back down any time soon and placed the book on the table.

The book’s design was boring and unremarkable. 

Matias: This book is so detailed in depicting the process of love developing, it’s known as a bible for beginners to romance.

Matias: I’ve read through it myself, and it’s truly a treasure trove of information.

Matias: Take the first date scene on page 32 for instance. According to this bible—...

Ignoring Matias’ rambling, I pulled the book toward me and haphazardly flipped through the pages. 

(Ugh… what is this nonsense?)

As expected of something that received such high praise from Matias, the contents of the book were revoltingly vivid portrayals of romance. 

Most of the story was filled with unnecessary trivial chattering between lovestruck men and women. 

Kagari: So you lied about being allergic.

Azel: It was not a lie. Please have a look at these goosebumps on my skin. 

Kagari: Looks like the real deal.

Azel: While Matias yearns for romance, I am the complete opposite.

Azel: Merely hearing the words “love” and “romance” gives me the chills. 

I recalled the day “love” was defined to me with a merciful smile. 

Even now, seeing that word made me sick to the stomach. The very thought fills me with so much disgust, I felt dizzy. 

(Apart from that hag, there were plenty of other people who preached about love with equally ridiculous reasoning.) 

(I can never understand how Matias can so purely believe in love…)

Matias: You’re weird. Is there really anyone who hates being loved?

Azel: Perhaps it is because I am a god and different from ordinary mortals. 

Azel: … At the very least, I neither want to love nor be loved.

Azel: I’ve learned firsthand that love is nothing but misery.

I shut the book and shoved it back at Matias.

I knew without a doubt that I never wanted to open a book of that genre ever again.

Matias: No need to return it. This book is my gift to you.

Azel: No, thank you. I refuse.

Matias: Don’t say that. While you may despise love and romance now, your thinking could change someday.

Matias: You could meet your ideal queen in the middle of a scorching desert where she’s on the verge of collapsing, and after you nurse her back to health— 

Azel: Matias, back to reality, please. 

Matias: Ahem. Anyway, it won't hurt to have the beginner’s bible with you. 

Matias: It covers everything from how to invite someone on a date to spending the night together. Study it well. 

I glared at the book Matias pushed back at me.

(Arguing any further is too much of a hassle.)

(Whatever. I’ll simply not open it ever.) 

(Or maybe… I could sell it to Akatsuki instead.)

(I’ve had more than enough of being loved.)

…

(... Hm?)

I suddenly regained consciousness and found myself in an unfamiliar setting.

(Is this a rose garden? It looks rather neglected, though.)

The feeling of entering “another person’s dream” was one I had experienced countless times before.

While I didn't remember every instance clearly, I was certain I had never experienced entering the dreams of someone who owned a rose garden. 

(This isn’t a dream someone who lives in the desert would have.) 

At the junction where several paths intersected, was an oak table with a single book on it. 

I casually picked it up and read through the contents, the owner of the dream’s life story started flowing through my mind.

The story was incomplete, but the owner’s “wish” was clear.

Azel: I see, I see…

Azel: How utterly laughable. 

(A strong yearning for love… they belong to the same category of people as Matias.) 

Someone approached me.

I shifted my gaze to the side and saw an unfamiliar woman standing there. 

???: What’s… laughable?

Azel: I have some unfortunate news for you, who yearns for love and thirsts for knowledge of what it is.

Azel: Love is not the grand blessing it is often proclaimed to be. 

Azel: Sometimes, it would serve you well to remain ignorant and pure for your entire life. You would find far greater happiness that way.

(Not that I intend to force my beliefs onto others…) 

The woman looked like a personification of virtue, and someone who would fall prey to the first con artist she encountered.

It was because of that first impression that, for once, God chose to be merciful.

Azel: I have witnessed many examples of “love”. Not in fiction… but rather the raw, unvarnished love that exists in reality.

Azel: Far too often, people use “love” as a means to justify their otherwise unjustifiable actions.

Azel: It is truly tragic to see people driven mad by love.

Azel: Even the most rational people become unable to live without it.

Azel: Like a curse. 

(There's a chance that this woman, who knows nothing about love now, will become a changed person once she experiences it.) 

(... I can only hope that doesn't happen to her.)

May that ugly curse called “love” never turn her into a beast—

This powerless god could do nothing else but pray for her, just like I did on that one fateful day. 

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Romantic Ending Ch. 21

Chapter 20

Thank you @shatcey for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

One evening, the greedy God, on a whim, gave me a lesson on Tanzanite cuisine.

Azel: Your debt keeps increasing instead of decreasing…

Azel: At this rate, you might have to be my slave forever, you know?

At the dinner table, which had become a daily occurrence in Tanzanite, Prince Azel brought the food to his mouth with gestures that spoke of his good upbringing.

Today's meal was a Tanzanite-style salad made with bulgur wheat soaked in water until soft, mixed with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and parsley.

The main course was simple yakitori, skewers of chicken seasoned with vegetables and spices, served with chickpea soup.

The presentation wasn't perfect, but I was getting used to dishes other than Rhodolite's.

Even so—I couldn't agree with the dinner topic being my debt.

Emma: Just to be sure, what debt are you referring to?

Azel: The tuition fee for the Tanzanite cooking course.

Emma: I'm improving my cooking skills for your benefit too, you know.

Azel: That's irrelevant. No matter what your circumstances are, my goodwill doesn't come free.

(He brings up debt, debt, at every opportunity...)

(But, I've recently learned how to get back at him.)

Emma: Ah, I understand. You want to keep me here, don't you, Prince Azel?

Azel: That's a leap in logic.

Emma: It's not. You keep increasing my debt with contrived reasons, so I thought you didn't want to let me go.

Azel: That's absurd.

(He won't meet my eyes... Don't tell me I hit a nerve?)

(...Calm down, Emma. Don't dig your own grave.)

I cleared my throat to regain my composure.

Emma: But at this rate, I don't think I'll be able to repay it even if I spend my whole life doing so.

Emma: I'd be happy if you could provide some kind of relief measure.

Azel: I'd like to tell you to diligently pay it off in cash or labor, but...

Azel: If it's going to become a bad debt anyway, it might be an option to show you another path.

Azel: For example, if you give me something worth a fortune, I might consider it.

Emma: ...Something worth a fortune...

Azel: A treasure that I would want even if I had to pay a large sum of money for it.

Emma: Do you have any desires besides money, food, books, and materials, Prince Azel?

Azel: Let me see...

Prince Azel, who had stopped eating, suddenly looked at me.

But he didn't say anything, and his mystical eyes remained motionless, making me uncomfortable.

Emma: .....Prince Azel?

Azel: ......

Emma: Why are you pinching my cheeks?

Azel: Because I felt irritated for some reason.

Emma: It hurts!

Azel: I thought about it, but as of now, there's nothing that's worth a fortune to me.

The hand that had left my cheek now reached for the yakitori.

Emma: It's troubling that there's nothing, for my debt's sake.

Azel: You just have to become a great merchant like Prince Silvio.

Emma: I don't think I can.

Azel: Then give up and keep diligently earning money.

Azel: Ah, don't worry. I also accept debt repayments by letter.

Azel: Use a carrier or whatever to deliver it to me.

Emma: ...If it gets to be too much, I think I'll consult with the owner.

Azel: Please don't do that. It's not something a kind-hearted Belle should do. It's too cruel.

I couldn't help but laugh at Prince Azel's sudden change in attitude.

The God frowned.

Azel: ...More importantly, you haven't eaten anything since a while ago.

Emma: Ah, I was so engrossed in talking that I...

Emma: Shouldn't you be reading a book, Prince Azel?

When I pointed it out, Prince Azel finally seemed to realize that he hadn't brought a book to the dinner table.

Azel: ...There's no book I want to read today.

Emma: I feel like something similar happened recently...

Azel: That doesn't matter. If you're not going to eat, I'll eat it all.

Emma: No way, don't take my share too!

I hurriedly snatched back the skewers when he tried to take them all.

Unlike in the beginning, our meals these days were often lively.

We would have trivial back-and-forths, laughing foolishly...

I knew this everyday life would end someday, but I wanted to soak in it for as long as possible.

-

Emma: Prince Azel… is he… trying to take his own life?

Screams, shouts of anger, cries, fear—all these mingled in the city, stirring the dry air.

The sounds of conflict could be heard not far away, and Tanzanite, which should have been protected by dreams and illusions, was crumbling.

In this nightmarish reality, only Kamal was smiling.

Her head wouldn't nod, nor would it shake.

The sound of my own heartbeat stuck to my ears, and sweat trickled down my cheeks.

Silvio: Hey, what's goin' on?

(Maybe I have more information than Prince Silvio right now.)

(That's how long I've been with Prince Azel.)

To answer his question, I gathered all the memories I had since coming to Tanzanite.

Everything I saw with my eyes and felt in my heart led me to the worst possible conclusion.

Emma: Perhaps Prince Azel is…

Emma: ...trying to give the people who can't live without a God a shock treatment.

Silvio: ...Huh?

*flashback*

Azel: Someone once said that humans are thinking reeds.

Azel: But those who have given up thinking for themselves are just reeds.

Azel: It's a fitting image for this country, where all the plants have withered and died.

*flashback over*

(Prince Azel was worried about the current distorted state of Tanzanite.)

(As long as there is a God, people will forever give up making their own choices and will not be able to move forward on their own.)

(But if the God were to physically disappear...)

(Only when they can no longer rely on a God will people finally awaken from the dream of mythology.)

Silvio: What are ya sayin'...? There's no way that bastard would engage in such selfless hypocrisy.

Silvio: Unlike you, he hates the words "for the sake of others" more than anything.

(...That part bothers me too.)

(Until a while ago, I even thought he might love poeple...)

*flashback*

Azel: If you want to say that God is a merciful being, don't make me laugh.

Azel: I don't care what happens to ordinary people.

-

Azel: ...The people say they love God.

Azel: They think they can do whatever they want using "love" as a shield.

Azel: That's why I will never love anyone.

*flashback over*

(The more I hear, the less reason I see for Prince Azel to be able to love anyone.)

(Could a God who has served people to the point of degrading himself as a slave truly wish for their happiness?)

Silvio: It's easier to believe he's "fakin' his death to seek freedom."

Silvio: His unusual greed for money might have been to raise funds for his eventual departure, right?

Emma: ...If that were the case, would there be a need to cause such a big commotion?

Emma: Besides, Prince Azel's appearance would stand out in other countries too.

Emma: Even if he could disguise his hair color, there's no way to hide those eyes.

Emma: Even if he faked his death and escaped, there's a high chance he'd be found.

Silvio: The country that sheltered him would be pickin' a fight with Tanzanite. Your point makes sense.

Silvio: Even if we argue here, we won't find the answer in the end.

Silvio: Not unless we catch that bastard and interrogate him.

(As Prince Silvio said, it seems the only thing to do now is to question Prince Azel.)

(...The more time passes, the more likely my guess will become reality...)

I put on the bag Kamal gave me and started walking towards the back of the alley.

Silvio: Are ya really goin'?

Emma: I can't just be driven out like this without an explanation.

Silvio: What happens to him has nothin' to do with ya, right?

(Prince Azel also used to say "It has nothing to do with me" at every opportunity.)

(Certainly, once I leave Tanzanite, he might become no more than a casual acquaintance, but...)

Emma: ––When I was burdened with debt, I told Prince Azel...

*flashback*

Emma: Even if I'm in debt, I will say no to things I don't like.

Emma: Don't think I'll just obey everything you say.

*flashback over*

Emma: If I really become subservient to a God, then I'm truly a slave.

Emma: That's why I have to go and clearly tell him what I don't like.

(When I think that I might never see Prince Azel again...)

(It becomes so painful that I almost forget how to breathe.)

Kamal didn't stop me as I moved forward with determination.

Silvio: ...Tch, that broke bastard, I'll squeeze him dry when I see him next.

It seemed Prince Silvio was coming with me, and he lined up beside me.

Emma: Thank you very much.

Silvio: You owe me one too, ya know?

Emma: I'll definitely pay you back.

(I will definitely catch that cowardly God.)

-

Silvio: ––Well, I imagined it, but...

Silvio: It's completely empty, huh?

What awaited us when we returned to the temple was an eerie silence, so profound that it made this morning's events seem like a fleeting illusion.

Just like the other day, we searched the temple thoroughly, but he was nowhere to be found.

(The left corridor is blocked by rubble, and there's no sign that Prince Azel removed it.)

He might be hiding somewhere in the vast desert, or somewhere in the city, but without any clues, it would be difficult to track him down.

(It's impossible to avoid being seen on the only road leading from the city to the castle.)

(That means it's unlikely that Prince Azel is in the castle, so I think it's either the city or the temple.)

(...Maybe the tourist firm he took me to before is a possibility.)

(But, since he threw out my bag from the temple, Prince Azel must be avoiding me...)

(In that case, he might be in a place I would never think of.)

(...Coward. Are you fine with this becoming a bad debt?)

Silvio: Woman, we've got a problem.

(.....?)

With a click of his tongue, Prince Silvio looked towards where a shadow was approaching us with a leisurely gait.

(The apostle....)

Apostle: Lady Emma, you were here after all.

The High Priest wore the same unchanging smile, betraying no hint of the attack in the city, as he stopped before us with several guards.

His air of benevolence, even in this state of emergency, was rather eerie.

(Having heard the story of Prince Azel's brother, I'm even more on guard than before.)

Silvio: The God aint' here.

Apostle: Is that so? ...I thought as much.

Apostle: The Living God can foresee the future. He's probably hiding himself within an illusion to protect himself.

Apostle: It's my fault that such a non-believer appeared in the city...

Apostle: I wanted to confirm the safety of the Living God with my own eyes, but this is troubling.

(The apostle probably wants Prince Azel to quell the unrest in the city.)

(By any means necessary.)

(...)

(...Did you really come to look for Prince Azel?)

Even though he knew Prince Azel wasn't here, the apostle didn't seem flustered. There was no sign of him rushing off to another location.

Apostle: Lady Emma and Prince Silvio are also looking for the Living God, aren't you?

Apostle: But neither we nor you have any idea where he might be.

Apostle: It would be impossible to find the Living God if we just wander around blindly like this.

Apostle: So, if you don't mind, could you lend me your strength?

Silvio: ...How specifically?

Apostle: There's only one way to summon the Living God.

The apostle's gaze didn't leave me. His clinging, unpleasant stare made my breath tremble.

Apostle: Lady Emma is the only one who has received the divine favor of God.

Apostle: The Living God is merciful, so he surely wouldn't ignore it if something were to happen to that woman.

(...!)

Silvio: You...

As Silvio immediately reached for his sword, the apostle raised both hands. The way he surrendered, just like Prince Azel, made their blood relation undeniable.

Apostle: I apologize if I caused a misunderstanding. Of course, I won't harm Lady Emma.

Apostle: Just having you here with me is enough.

(......Not good at all.)

Emma: ...Are you going to exploit Prince Azel's trauma?

(The fear instilled in him when his brothers were tortured...)

A low voice, the likes of which I had never uttered before, escaped my lips. The apostle, who had kept his expression masked, showed a slight change for the first time.

Apostle: The Living God has truly opened his heart to Lady Emma.

Apostle: To think you know about that painful divine punishment...

Emma: ...Painful?

(He did it himself, so why can he talk about it like it's someone else's business?)

Apostle: I am a servant of the Living God. Every single action I take is dedicated to God.

Apostle: I have never wished to torment him. That's why it's painful.

(...)

(...This might be the first time I've ever wanted to punch someone this badly.)

I suppressed the violent urge and told myself to stay calm.

Even if I explained my anger to the apostle, it would be meaningless.

(If I cooperate with the apostle, I might be able to find Prince Azel and avoid the worst-case scenario.)

(If we only look at the goal, we can work together... but...)

Emma: Regarding your previous proposal, I must decline.

Emma: It would truly pain me to summon Prince Azel using such cowardly tactics.

My heart couldn't accept it no matter what.

Apostle: ...I shall respect your compassionate heart.

Apostle: I must think of another method.

(...To think he'd back down so easily.)

(I thought he might resort to force...)

While maintaining his smile, the apostle turned to a male cleric beside him.

Apostle: Please summon Enis to the sanctuary.

Apostle: Just tell him I wish to discuss the future.

(No––...! It's no different, the hostage has just changed from me to Enis!)

Apostle: Now then, we shall take our leave.

Apostle: If you happen to see the Living God, could you tell him to come to the sanctuary?

Apostle: I'm so worried about where he is and what he's doing now...

(With a kind face, he's cruel to the core...)

(Come to think of it, Clavis did say...)

*flashback*

Clavis: The gatherings that the apostle holds regularly... when you lift the lid, it's a workshop for manufacturing fanatics.

Clavis: Today's riot was probably also caused by some of those fanatics.

*flashback over*

(...The apostle will stop at nothing to protect his faith.)

(If King Enis is captured by the apostle now, it will be disastrous.)

Emma: Apostle....!

The hand I extended to stop him was easily grabbed and blocked.

—Not by Prince Silvio, nor the apostle, but by Kamal, who appeared as if emerging from the sandstorm.

Emma: Kamal---

Kamal: Old man, I'm disappointed to see you looking so well, truly.

(………… Huh?)

For the first time, words were spun from Kamal's lips, which shouldn't be able to make a sound.

More than the content itself... I was so shocked, it was like being punched in the gut, leaving me gaping.

I wasn't the only one surprised; the smile disappeared from the apostle's face as well.

Kamal: Oh my, what's with that stupid look? I wanted to see it with Azel.

Apostle: ...Why...?

Kamal: Why? You're saying strange things.

Kamal: I've always been on my cute little brother's side. Unlike our crazy old man.

The voice coming from the bewitching beauty was unexpectedly deep.

Silvio: That face... You weren't told?

Silvio: Kamal is that broke bastard's brother.

(Prince Azel's... brother!?)

.

.

.

Romantic Ending Ch. 21 His Side Story

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[themeowingfox]

Hindsight 20/20: An alternative take on this would be irl counterparts of them

In which they're just... real animals.

Pikavee as a fluffy breed of cat, Lief as a rabbit, Fenninkou as a... uhh. Unsure if she'd be a puppy or a kitten here

Well Rue would be a fox, Vurunne would be a fox kit, and Hazel would be a raccoon dog.

🪞 the cast if they were in the real world

That would be.

Bad.

On a number of levels.

Because. Pikavee.

Oh god, Pikavee...