#c: riquet

[rt2417]

[Hymn of Serata on the Requiem Night] Chapter 1

Bradley: Even at a feast, yer still a damn miserable son of a bitch.

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Location: Forest

Lennox: Kenja-sama's handkerchief, it's quite to hard to find, isn't it.

Akira: Yes. I thought I dropped it while I was walking around this area earlier, but…

I feel a little sorry for having you keep me company for so long.

Lennox: Please do not worry about it. After all, everyone loses things sometimes.

Together with Lennox, who encouraged me, we advance further into the gloomy forest.

As the chilly night wind passes us by, Lennox suddenly lifts his head.

Akira: What’s the matter, Lennox; did you perhaps find something?

Lennox: No, I thought I heard a sound. Like the sound of a bell…

Akira: It’s true! It’s coming from deep in the thicket over there, don’t you think?

Lennox: Someone may possibly be out here. Still, it’s already quite late…

Akira: You’re right… Why don’t we take a little look around?

Mixed in with our footsteps as we tread on the grass, the sound of the bell is long and thin, and continues to echo on as if trying to lure someone in.

After a bit of walking, a sweet aroma suddenly tickles my nose.

Akira: (Smells nice…)

As if enticed by the aroma, I look ahead past Lennox’s broad back.

In a clearing with few trees, a bonfire's flames flicker. Standing quietly in front of it, is a figure cloaked in black.

Faust: ……

Lennox: Faust-sama?

Faust: Kenja and Lennox… As expected, there was a hint of your presence.

In a place like this, what is it that you want?

Akira: No…

Faust speaks quietly, as he always does, but I suddenly find myself at a loss for words.

The flickering flames contrast against the moonlight; his beautiful profile looks pale and somewhat otherworldly amidst it all.

Lennox: …Faust-sama. In addition to you, was there anyone else here?

There’s empty liquor bottles, almost as if someone was having a banquet.

Akira: Ah, it’s true. The bonfire is surrounded by plenty of alcohol and fruit. There’s also corolla flowers lined up…

Faust: No… I’ve been alone the entire time.

The moon is clearly visible tonight. I thought I’d have a drink by myself while gazing up at it.

Akira: Eh…?

It feels a bit unexpected to hear those words come from Faust.

Even as Faust speaks with a light casual tone, a hint of self-deprecation flickers on his face, as he slowly looks upward.

Up in the night sky, the enormous Great Calamity looms above, threatening to engulf us.

Faust: Looking up at the moon… makes me feel uncomfortable, like I have an ache in the depths of my heart.

That’s why, with this as a side dish, I thought I’d direct a complaint or two toward the Calamity.

That’s it, there’s no more to it.

Lennox: ……

Bradley: Hmph. If that’s what yer havin’ as a side dish, it’ll only make the booze taste like shit.

Even at a feast, yer still a damn miserable son of a bitch.

Akira: ……!

I turn around at the sound of the familiar voice coming from behind us. Faust also gazes deep into the forest, where it originates from.

Lennox: Bradley… Could it be, you were blown away by a sneeze again?

Bradley: Well, that’s about the gist of it. ’M not very happy ’bout it.

Bradley says this nonchalantly, as he steps out of the woods with ease.

Bradley: Y’all got a depressing look on yer faces. I can get why you feel such resentment, though.

I was hurt too, but the eastern curse worker was almost killed by that damn moon.

Faust: That’s right. However, ultimately I didn’t end up dying.

Faust mumbles as he casts his eyes downward, then he abruptly fumbles with his sleeve to retrieve something.

Faust: Come to think of it, I picked this up earlier. Is it yours?

Akira: Oh, my handkerchief…! Thank you so much, I was searching for this.

Lennox: I’m glad you were able to successfully find it.

Akira: Yes! Lennox you too, thanks so much for keeping me company while searching for it.

Faust: In that case, if you’ve finished with your business you shouldn’t linger for long. Please head back to the Wizard Manor as soon as possible…

Bradley: Huh, there’s some good booze ‘ere.

Interrupting Faust, Bradley steps forward before the bonfire. He quickly crouches down to judge the bottles of alcohol lined up.

Faust: Oi, don’t go rummaging. There’s no liquor here for thieves.

Bradley: It’s good, ain’t it? If ya went to the extent to pull all this out, it’ll be hard to bring it back. I’ll lend a helpin’ hand.

Akira: Ah… Well, I’ll help you tidy up too. I think we’re all about finished for the day.

While saying this, I reach for the items scattered around me. Then, Faust’s sharp voice rings out.

Faust: Stop, don’t touch that!

Akira: Ah, I’m sorry…!

In response to the unexpected menacing look, my shoulders jumped. Faust looks taken aback, his words muddled.

Faust: Apologies… I didn’t mean to frighten you. It’s just that you shouldn’t carelessly touch a wizard’s tools like that.

Particularly when it comes to things that a curse worker like me handles.

Lennox: …Here, let me help.

The night wind is getting colder, so please head back first, Kenja-sama and Bradley. We’ll return soon.

As he speaks, a strong cold wind blows between the two of us. Bradley scratches the tip of his nose and grumbles.

Bradley: Shit, that was close. Hell, I don’t wanna be sent flyin’ again.

C’mon, Kenja. The bar at the Wizard Manor is a way better place to drink booze in than this shithole. Come ‘n get a drink with me.

Akira: O-Of course. Well then, I’ll take your word for it… Faust, Lennox. Good night, I’ll see you tomorrow.

Faust: Ah. Good night.

Lennox: Have a good night.

As we exchange salutations, Bradley, with one hand in his pocket, magically pulls out his broom.

He yanks me on by the scruff of my neck, and once I settle behind him with my legs crossed, we’re immediately lifted off the ground.

As the wind blows, I can faintly hear the sound of the bell from somewhere beneath us.

Location: Manor

And so, a few days later we’re presented with an unexpected request.

Arthur: Pure white hands creeping through the sky?

Cock Robin: Yes… It seems to be an anomaly happening in a village on the outskirts of the Central Country.

Once night falls, I was told that multiple hands emerge and creep all throughout the area.

Riquet: Are you saying that there’s no face or body, that it’s just hands?

Akira: That’s rather unsettling. It’s almost like a different sort of scary than ghosts and the like.

Rustica: When it comes to only having hands, we need to think over how to communicate with them. Rather than idle chit chat, perhaps we should use music.

Rutile: Hm, that sounds lovely! Even if you only have fingers, you can still play the piano and pluck strings.

Cain: It would surely help if they like music, wouldn’t it. Actually, what’s the situation like in the village itself?

The people gathered around to listen to the request are Rutile, Rustica, Cock Robin-san, and myself. The Central Wizards are also among us.

Cock Robin-san was originally looking for the Central Wizards and me, however, seeing Rutile and Rustica in the dining hall, he also asked them to help.

Cock Robin: It seems that the residents are so frightened by the strange sight that they’ve withdrawn into their homes.

Furthermore, some residents have even left the village after rumors spread that it was a curse of sorts…

Oz: So, the hands are just wandering about then. What’s the actual harm?

Cock Robin: Um, well… According to reports sometimes they just merely float about, but other times they draw near private homes and livestock pens.

I heard that some villagers and livestock were grabbed by the shoulders and were nearly dragged straight into darkness, and such…

Cain: That’s a rather vague report.

Cock Robin: Sorry, the contents of the report were a bit ambiguous in certain places…

Arthur: Judging from his penmanship, he may have been in a state of distraught. He must’ve been frightened, but still somehow managed to send us a letter.

Rutile: In addition, it seems that the time when the anomalies began to occur was… It says that it was after the Great Calamity came.

Riquet: I see. In that case, it’s our turn.

Cain: Yeah, we should go check it out in person. It’s most likely an after effect of the Calamity. Is that alright with you, Kenja-sama?

Akira: Yes, of course. Please, allow me to accompany you all in this investigation.

Arthur: If that’s the case, we should promptly discuss a date as soon as possible.

Since this is a Central Country affair, the participants will be Cain, Riquet… and myself. I’ll keep my identity concealed though.

Rustica: Then let me also accompany you. The wandering hands may possibly be looking for a potential dance partner.

Even for me, it’s not every day that I get the chance to have someone other than myself take my hand.

Rutile: I’m coming too! Since we just had the pleasure of talking together, I would be happy to help in any way I can.

Arthur: Thank you. It'll be reassuring having the both of you. Oz-sama, what about you?

Akira: (Ah, right… Arthur is worried about Oz’s wounds from the Calamity, since the anomaly occurs at night.)

Oz gives a slight nod toward Arthur’s concerned look. Then slowly, he looks me in the eyes.

Oz: …There are others who are more qualified for this than I am.

Oz: When it comes to curses, there’s someone whose specialty lies in them.

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[adarkrainbow]

The art of Perrault (1)

I found this fascinating article on an art-and-museum website talking about the few times Charles Perrault's fairytales entered the world of art. It's entirely in French, but for those non-French speakers I thought of sharing some elements and points made by the article.

First and foremost, their talk of the Gustave Doré illustrations, THE most famous illustrations of Perrault's fairytales to this day.

A few contextual reminders. We are in the 19th century, the time of nationalism, where each country focused onto itself, explaining the boom of interest for national folktales and fairytales. The literary Romanticism had also started to enter the world of the art - in the British world it was through the Victorian "fairy painting" wave of the 1850s and 1860s. And in France, right as the business of illustrated books and precious engravings is soaring, we got the Gustave Doré illustrations for Perrault.

The book they come from is the Pierre-Jules Hetzel Contes de Perrault edition of 1861 (illustrations by Gustave Doré, preface by P.-J. Stahl). It contains the eight prose tales of Perrault, from his Histoires ou Contes du temps passé (Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, Puss in Boots, Cinderella, Little Thumbling, Toads and Diamonds, Riquet with the tuft), plus a prose version of Donkey Skin. The book contains 40 illustrations, all based on models and drawings of Doré, though done by several engravers that were selected by both Hetzel and Doré: François Pannemaker, Héliodore and Anthelme Pisan. In 1861 the engravings themselves were shown, on their own, at the art Salon de peinture et sculpture (the huge yearly artistic event of 19th century France) - they were destined for collections, be them the personal collections of Doré and his engravers, or those of wealthy collectors.

The order of the fairytales was changed in this edition, which decided to go: Little Red Riding Hood, Little Thumbling, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Puss in Boots, Riquet with the tuft, Donkey Skin, Diamonds and Toads, and Bluebeard at the end.

The Bibliothèque Nationale of France and the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain of Strasbourg have both preserved precious photographies which were taken (by Nadar and Michelez) of the original wood-drawings Doré made for these illustrations. Doré had them exposed at the Louis Martinet galerie, and these photos are VERY precious because they are the only trace we have of Doré's original plans for these pictures - as well as the only way we can know of what changes and modifications the engravers brought to them.

Doré's illustrations reveal many things. First and foremost, how fairytales clearly were not just for children at the time. While he tries to stay true to the letter of Perrault's stories, Doré still uses a Romantisme noir style (dark Romanticism), offering dramatic, phantasmagorical, almost oppressive visions. The complex engravings play on the lights and the shadows, on the size of the characters and those of the landscape ; they also make heavy use of the monstrous and the uncanny. In the Little Thumbling illustrations, there is an effort to convey the loneliness and anguish of the characters - the forest is endless, dark and scary, swallowing the children... The compositions are however still very detailed, with a lot of accumulations, because they are to be beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. For example, the picture of Bluebeard's wife receiving the keys shows a lot of precious cloth and a varied jewelry - and this overbearing of the decorum, mixed with the unusual appearance of Bluebeard (especially his gaze) all conveys the tragedy that is unfolding here.

By opposition to these scenes of cruelty and tragedy, Doré makes several more "peaceful" illustrations. Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella are still filled with mystery and disturbingness, but they are rather dominated by the sweetness of the two young women. Doré doesn't limit himself to strong and isolated characters, on the contrary he creates an entire "decorative universe" just to have his characters fit into a narrative. The overabundance of tiny details causes an almost unconscious reverie, making the audience almost "re-discover" Perrault texts anew.

The illustrations of Doré caused the massive success of the Hetzel edition, and very quickly these pictures became part of popular culture, influencing the way Perrault's fairytales were perceived up to this day.

[srovtl]

Offering A Prayer to the Wandering God Chapter 9

Then, Verla, who had been tightly gripping his neck, stopped moving.

Her long arms slowly let go of his white neck.

Akira, Arthur: ……..

Figaro: …….

Elijah: ...Cough, cough...!

Verla looked down at Elijah, who was choking on the air that had entered his lungs.

He bends down, making a coughing sound. Her many arms and legs slowly stretched out to rub his shaking back.

One of them touched Elijah's cheek, wet with tears and saliva. Elijah flinched, but Verla didn't hurt him.

Akira: Verla is staying by Elijah's side...?

Arthur: His prayer has been answered! Thanks to his sincere repentance...

As Arthur exclaimed in admiration, Verla's arms wrapped around Elijah.

Gently, tenderly holding him close.

Shino: Did his words get through to her…?

Bradley: Nah, it's just a sculpture. It doesn't know what words mean...

There was a clattering noise. The sculptures, which had been motionless, suddenly started to move.

As if they considered Verla an enemy, they surged forward like a big wave, and it looked like they were going to engulf the two of them...

Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》!

Bradley: 《Adnopotensum》!

Nero: 《Adnodus Omnis》!

Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas》!

Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》!

Figaro: 《Possideo》

Spells from the wizards flew everywhere.

Light bursts of all sizes enveloped the sculptures and Elijah and the others.

As the brightness blinded my vision, I desperately tried to open my eyes. For some reason, that light looked very sacred.

After the light cleared, Elijah was there, protected by the arm cage that Verla had made.

Other than that, there's almost nothing tangible left.

Nero: ...looks like it all worked out well in the end.

Nero: Verla must have had some power within her. Even if it was just a tiny bit, it had the power to protect those who believed in her, almost like a spell...

Riquet: And that tiny power returned! Thanks to him becoming more honest...

Riquet: It hasn't been easy for him to face his own sins. This must be a big step forward for him.

Figaro: Yes. Well said, Elijah.

Figaro: As you say, it was your heart and actions that transformed the statue of Verla. The moon only gave it push.

Figaro: Verla protected you because your faith was true.

Elijah: Lady Verla, you...

Elijah: Will you forgive me? For making you like this... really...

Elijah asks, looking up at Verla timidly.

Verla is a sculpture. She doesn't respond to his voice, but...

It's as if the horrible presence from earlier was a lie, and she seems to have become a benevolent presence, as if she remembered what she had to protect.

No matter how her form has changed, perhaps the memories of when people once adored her, loved her, and needed her remain within her.

She also remembers the time when a young, timid boy pulled her out of her sleep at the bottom of the sea and sought protection once again.

I met Arthur's eyes next to me and nodded.

Akira: I don't think Elijah's actions were worthy of praise.

Akira: But he didn't treat Verla badly with any ill will.

Akira: It's only because she was so important that it became irreparable...

Arthur: It must have been frightening for his desire to make amends to become distorted and uncontrollable.

Arthur: That's a relief… What he loved and believed in wasn't lost.

Figaro: Now, Verla.

Figaro, who had been watching them from the closest position, peered into Verla's face.

He placed his hands on her large back and smiled gently.

Figaro: We won't harm you or Elijah.

Figaro: So you too can return to the way you should be.

Elijah: C-Can you return her? Return Verla to her original self...

Figaro: The missing parts are at the bottom of the sea. I don't think we can return her to the perfect form she was in your village…

Figaro: If it was just to return her to the way she was when you came here, I think we can do something about it. Right, Nero?

Nero: Eh, why me?

Figaro: This kind of delicate magic is the specialty of Eastern wizards.

Figaro: Detecting subtle signs and anomalies, while at the same time filling in what's missing and removing any bad energy that's clinging to it.

Nero: Well, it's not like I'm bad at it...

Nero took a step forward and crouched down next to Verla.

His fingertips touch the wings growing on her back. Her porcelain limbs move a little, but don't resist beyond that.

Nero: ...Yeah, I think I can do it. Shino, can you help me?

Shino: Of course. I was just about to complain that I won't let you get the best part of it all by yourself.

Shino: I've started practicing that kind of magic recently too. I'll show you the results.

Nero: Haha, that you did. I'm counting on you.

Figaro: Thank you both. Once the distorted aura surrounding Verla is gone, let's purify the entire mansion.

Figaro: Not only Verla, who is affected by the calamity, but the sculptures that are moving around should calm down after this.

Figaro: You are okay with this right, Elijah.

Elijah: Yes…..

When Elijah stroked his arm, Verla released the limbs that had been surrounding him like a cage, making a rattling sound.

Elijah slips out of her arms. While the other wizards keep their distance, watching over him, Nero holds Verla close.

As he brings his face close to her porcelain skin, his vibrant hair falls loosely over his face.

Nero: 《Adnodis Omnis》

Shino: 《Matztzāh Sudipas 》

Nero quietly mutters a spell, and Shino follows suit.

Soft light gathers and Verla's large frame begins to change.

The misshapen parts cracked. Like shattering glass, they fell off one by one.

Akira: (The shattered parts melts into particles of light...)

Akira: (It was somehow ephemeral, fantastical, and like a sacred ritual.)

As Verla's body became smaller, one size smaller, Nero muttered.

Nero: ...It's not easy being a god huh.

Nero: Just when you thought you had finished your job and were asleep, you were picked up again and your shape was even remodeled…

Nero: What's more, he's someone who doesn't care about his safety and just does reckless things. If it were me, I'd lose patience with him.

Nero: Thank you for all your hard work. Let's return you to the form you have been striving for for hundreds of years and show him your face for the first time in a long time.

The sound of the popping gradually gets quieter, and the giant that was once so tall could now fit into Nero's arms.

The wizards hold up their magic tools.

Figaro: 《Possideo》

Bradley: 《Adnopotensum》

Riquet: 《Sanretea Edif》

Arthur: 《Pernoctant Nixzo》

Mithra: Oh... it's started.

Mithra: Rutile, please strengthen the barrier. The idea is to swallow the repulsion and suppress it.

Rutile: Yes! 《Ortonik Setomaouge》

Rutile: …….

Mithra: Hold on. See, like this...

Rutile: Oh, it's a little easier now... But if I let my guard down, I might get blown away...

Mithra: Don't get blown away please. Stay focused.

Rutile: Yes!

Rutile: 《Ortonik Setomaouge》!

The engulfing light glowed even brighter as it received everyone's spells.

Slowly, it melted into Verla's body.

When he judged the time was right, Nero gently let go of her hand. The strange figure from before was gone.

It was Verla's original form, with the height of a child, and an androgynous face, wrapped in pure white cloth.

Akira: The sparkling grains on her bluish skin makes her look like the starry sky at dawn...

Nero: I never knew you were so beautiful. You are worthy of being worshiped as a god.

Arthur: The wings around your eyes were originally so delicate.

Riquet: Yes... it has a very sacred atmosphere. It has an air of detachment, but it’s not scary.

Bradley: It's true, the previous one looked stronger, but this one feels more fitting.

Figaro: ......You're right. It brings back memories somehow.

Elijah: Oooh, This is, Lady Verla.

Elijah: It's been a long time, but this is the you I've always wanted to meet…

Elijah knelt at Verla's feet, his strength gone.

He clasped his fingers together in front of his chest, as if grateful that his wish had finally come true.

Verla has returned to her original form and will never move again.

Elijah: Lord Figaro… If it weren't for you and them, I'd have probably continued to commit sins.

Elijah: You gave me light on my never-ending road.

Elijah: Thank you so much...For saving me, and Lady Verla.

For the first time, a smile appeared on his statuesque face.

Like an angel at God's side, he was pure, innocent, and beautiful.

(After some time passed)

Akira: Mithra, Rutile!

Riquet: Welcome back, you two!

Arthur: Thank you for protecting the mansion and the surrounding forest with a barrier. Thanks to you two, this went well.

Rutile: You're welcome. I'm glad everybody made it out safely!

Shino: Rutile, you seem tired. Was it that hard, even with Mithra there?

Mithra: I asked you to work a little extra. Considering you're Rutile, you did pretty well.

Riquet: Mithra, you... Did you slack off?

Rutile: No, he didn't! He was teaching me magic.

Rutile: In the end, I couldn't handle it, and had to ask for help…

Mithra: That was expected. Considering you, I think you did pretty well.

Rutile: Yay! Thank you.

Rutile: Just when I was about to be pushed around, Mithra grabbed my hand from behind and helped me, so I felt relieved.

Mithra: Oh, I see. Actually... This sculpture is pretty small now.

Mithra: It was packed tightly into the altar earlier, so this is just right.

Nero: Ah... that's right. It's back to normal, but we still have to return it to the altar.

Shino: I'll just use magic to pull it up quickly.

Elijah: Um... wait...!

Bradley: Aah? What? Is there still something else?

Elijah: I'm sorry I have to leave everything to you guys until the end but.

Elijah: There's one last thing I'd like to ask you…

Arthur: Oh, of course. If there's anything we can do, please let us know.

Shino: After all this, the rest is just a bonus.

Elijah glanced at Verla after Arthur and the others' positive response.

He made up his mind, and spoke quietly.

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[bamboo-bees]

Lumiere of Bonds Lit in the Dim Night

The second chapter! I just love Shino’s interactions with everyone. He’s so precious c’: Please enjoy!

⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆Chapter 2⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆

The surroundings have been neglected, as if only this Western-style building had been left behind as we moved forward.

I don't know if it's because of old age or because of the <Great Disaster> but some parts of the roof and walls were chipped off or even crumbled.

Faust: “I don’t sense anything bad, but be careful.”

After confirming that everyone was listening to Faust's words, Faust put his hand on the old door and slowly opened it.

The sound of rustling echoed. Immediately, the smell of mold and moss irritates my nose. 

Relying on the light that Faust produces with magic, we proceed into the room. 

Nero: “There are quite a few pieces of furniture and furnishings that remain. Did they skip town?”

Akira: “It’s true… It’s old and dusty, but there are dishes and shoes lying around.”

Shino: “There, the floorboards are rotting. Be careful.”

Just like Shino said, with every step, we hear an unpleasant sound. 

It echoed like a scream in the silence, making me feel even more uneasy. 

Heathcliff: “It’s kind of creepy……”

Akira: “Yeah. It seems like something is about to come out. Like there’s really a ghost…”

Shino, who was walking in front of the frightened Heathcliff and me, turns around. 

(Sound of something wooden breaking)

Akira: “Uwaah!”

Heathcliff: “W,what!?”

Shino: “My bad. The floorboard came off a little.”

Heathcliff: “Geez, don’t surprise me like that.”

Nero: “Even in a place like this you children are energetic.” 

Faust: “I want you to be just as enthusiastic about your classroom lessons.”

Shino: “Hey now, did you just make fun of me?”

Nero: “I didn’t, I didn’t.”

Shino: “Then praise?”

Heathcliff: “Those two options are too extreme…..” 

Nero: “Well, at any rate the guy who used to live here seems to have left a little bit of magic, but that’s all.”

Heathcliff: “Yeah….It’s an eerie mansion, but I don’t feel like it’s hiding anything.”

Akira: “But if that’s the case, then the beast-like voice that the villagers heard was…”

Shino: “Didn’t they just happen to hear the sound of the house settling or the wind passing through?” 

Shino: “Or the voice of a lost ghost.”

Heathcliff: “Ghost…..”

Faust: “Quiet.” 

At Faust’s words the chatter stops instantly. 

A faint sound shakes the quiet air. Everyone concentrates and listens intently to the faint sound coming from somewhere. 

Akira: (This sound is…..)

Not the creaking of the floors and walls, not the wind. It’s the sound of breathing that living things make. 

It grows louder and louder, I can hear it coming closer. 

Akira: (But, there shouldn’t be anyone in this mansion…..)

A feeling of tension drifts through the damp, dark space. 

Shino & Heathcliff: ……….

Faust & Nero: ……….

The wizards silently take out their magical artifacts. Straining my eyes, I peer into the darkness and hold my breath. 

Shino: “-! There it is!”

Shino noticed something and quickly jumped towards the door in front of him. 

At the same time, the door is broken open, and something pops out from inside. 

Heathcliff: “!?” 

(Dog barking)

Nero: “A dog…!?” 

It was a big dog with red eyes and a jet black coat. If it could stand on two legs, I’m sure it would be as tall as Riquet or Mitile. 

Shino: “Matztzah Sudipas!”

Shino swings his scythe down at the black dog. But the black dog avoids it with agile movements. 

Shino: “-! This guy…!”

Shino was taken aback by the excessive speed, delaying his next attack. 

Taking advantage of that fact, the black dog runs towards Heathcliff. 

Shino: “Heath!”

Heathcliff: “Lepse Viverup–”

It was a cornerstone event, but Heathcliff calmly tried to cast his spell. 

But…..

Heathcliff: “…Huh…..”

Contrary to our expectations, the black dog suddenly stops in front of Heathcliff.  

Then, he turns around to face Shino in a state of dismay. 

(Dog barking)

Heathcliff: “…Eh?”

Shino: “Ha?”

Everyone's eyes widen involuntarily. 

Akira: (What is this situation…..?)

The black dog standing in front of Heathcliff like a watchdog doesn’t seem to want to attack him. 

Rather, it looks like he’s trying to protect him from Shino, who holds his weapon in front of him.

Shino: “Hey. This makes me look like Heath’s enemy.”

Shino: “Big dog, hurry up and get over here.”

Shino waves his scythe as if to provoke it. But the black dog stares at Shino and doesn’t move. 

Heathcliff: “Umm….”

Faust: “….At least it doesn’t look like it’s going to attack us.” 

Faust: “Especially Heath. For some reason, this dog seems to think he’s supposed to protect you.”

Nero: “Also, he seems to think that Shino is Heath’s enemy.”

Shino: “Why?”

Akira: “It’s a bit of a mystery… Is it a stray dog or something?”

Faust: “No…..”

With his hand on his forehead, Faust observes the black dog. After thinking for a while he opened his mouth again. 

Faust: “It’s not a living creature. It’s something akin to ghosts or spirits.” 

Akira: “Eh? Like this it looks so much like a real dog?”

Faust: “Ah, I don’t sense any malicious intent. It doesn’t seem to be an evil spirit in the first place.”

Shino: “But, it’s showing hostility toward me.”

(Dog barking)

As soon as Shino glared at him, the black dog warned him to stay away. 

“I’m not going to let you come near,” he said. 

Nero: “Haha….I don’t know why, but it really likes you, Heath.” 

Nero: “Why don’t you try to give him an order?”

Heathcliff: “Uh…..Um…..”

Bewildered, Heathcliff called out to the black dog who continued to bark at Shino even now.

Heathcliff: “Hey. Don’t bark.” 

Then the black dog suddenly stopped barking. 

Akira: “Amazing…. He heard what Heath said.”

Heathcliff: “….” 

Heathcliff bent down and stroked the dog's head fearfully. The entity seems to be solid. 

The dog happily wags its tail and rubs its head against Heathcliff’s body. 

Shino: “Hey, don’t put your smell and hair on him. That’s my lord.” 

Nero: “Is that what you’re saying? This is no ordinary animal, you know.” 

Heathcliff: “You think? But it’s fluffy…....”

Akira: “I have a feeling….. It’s nice….”

Faust: “It’s big, but it’s pretty cute… No, this is it for now, the moaning mystery is solved.”

Faust: “There’s no doubt that this guy’s cry was heard from the mansion.” 

Shino: “It’s a shame. I was wondering what kind of monster would appear. One dog isn’t even a feat.”

Black Dog: “Woof!”

Shino: “What is it?”

Nero: “It has bad manners. Just like you.”

Shino: “Huh? Don’t compare me to this guy.”

Akira: “But if it’s not a wild dog, or a stray dog, why is it in this mansion…?”

Faust: “Did it get lost or was it summoned by someone? It doesn't matter what, I can’t leave it like this.”

Faust: “Let’s show it to Oz and get his opinion. Heath, can you bring the dog?”

[starofgold]

Rhapsody of the Bridge Where A Meteor Crosses - Part 7

Snow: Arthur dear, what are you doing staring at the bridge like that? Are you taking a walk?

Arthur: Master Snow! Yes, I’m having a stroll. You are all alone here?

Snow: Yup. The Northern wizards are doing their community service relatively seriously, so I leave them to White.

Arthur: Haha, I’m glad to hear that.

Snow: You were looking at the bridge with such an emotion on your face. Do you have some kind of bond with this place?

Arthur: …Yes. I remember that Father, Mother, and I used to cross this bridge together when I was young. I was in the middle. Father held my right hand while Mother held my left hand. I felt warm and a bit ticklish. It was truly a happy time. I was recalling that moment.

Snow: That must have been from before you met Oz.

Arthur: That’s right. I’m… I know that I’m blessed. I was brought to life by my parents, then I have Master Oz, you, and my previous friends and allies. Therefore, it feels presumptuous to wish for more. Even so, I still wish that someday Father, Mother, and I will cross this bridge together again.

Snow: ….Arthur dear, don’t look so sorrowful. I think I understand how your mother feel a little. It is terrifying to have a child that wields a power one can’t fully understand or handle. However, that doesn’t mean love is completely absent. Oz was like that to us.

Arthur: Master Oz?

Snow: Yup. It felt like we were dealing with a wild beast that couldn’t control magic. It was hard for us to understand each other and everything was a trial, especially when we first met.  

Arthur: Did you and Master White ever want to send Master Oz away?

Snow: Countless times actually.

Arthur: ……..

Snow: Ever since he was young, he has in him immense magical power that is enough to destroy the world. When his feeling is hurt, he may end up killing us and others too. Therefore, it was necessary to make him feel attached, so we got over our fear. Of course, that wasn’t for Oz’ sake. It’s simply self-preservation for us. Hohoho, this isn’t something commendable, huh.

Arthur: …….

Snow: My dear Arthur, I’m not telling you to forgive her. She did something wrong and that was that. However, don’t be lost in the sorrow of being abandoned. You aren’t some kind of garbage. You’re just a meteor child that the stars dropped. Your mother was unable to endure the blazing meteor that is you, so she couldn’t hold you in her arms. No one could, except for the most powerful wizard in the world.

Arthur: Master Snow…  

Snow: Hohoho, the idea of Oz raising a child was so unexpected to us that we metaphorically fell over! Arthur, if you wish so, someday your mother will come to terms with you, even if the road to get there will be long. However, no need to feel anxious. You said so yourselves earlier. You have Oz and us by your side. Watching over you isn’t a trouble for us.

Arthur: Thank you. I feel my heart has lightened somehow. Whether it’s the Song of the Stars, the aurora borealis, or tonight lanterns’ light, I will never forget them. I will treasure the words everyone I have met gifted to me in my heart.

 [At the party at night]

When the sun set, the farewell party in honor of Mr. Hegel began. In the courtyard where colorful flowers were in bloom, each white cloth-covered table had a veritable feast on them. In this lively scene, one felt that this was more a celebration of a new stage in life than a goodbye.

Riquet: Where have Bradley and the others gone? Are they done with community service?

Cain: Master Snow, Master White, can you keep eye out for them?

Snow and White in the painting: No need to worry. With such a splendid feast around, they’ll return in no time. The party already started anyway.

Akira: (They got bored, didn’t they)

When I looked around, Arthur was showing his appreciation for Mr. Hegel by a big table.

Arthur: Hegel, thank you for your hard work all this time. Please take care of your health when you’re back in your hometown. Feel free to come by the castle anytime when you have the chance. Everyone will be glad to see you.

Hegel: …Thank you, Your Highness.

It could be seen that Mr. Hegel’s mind was elsewhere, even as he replied to Arthur.

Arthur: Hegel? Is there something wrong?

Hegel: Your Highness…

Mr. Hegel suddenly hanged his head.

Hegel: I’ve been hiding something important from you all this time. I owe you an apology!

Arthur: W- what did you say? You’ve been hiding something from me?

Hegel: The truth is, it was because of me that you were abducted to the Northern Country.

Oz: …..

Hearing that, Oz slowly turned and looked at Mr. Hegel, who continued to talk with difficulty.

Hegel: Your Highness, perhaps you still remember that I gave you a protective charm when you were young? It was said to contain a piece of Oz’ soul, and thus able to ward off all evils. When I heard that you were abducted by Oz, I realized that it was my fault. If I hadn’t given you that thing, you wouldn’t have been taken to the Northern Country. So I’ve been carried that piece of Oz’ soul with me all this time, so that no one else would have to suffer the same fate. I dare not ask for your forgiveness. However, I’d like to apologize for my thoughtless, impudent action. Had it not been for my carelessness, you wouldn’t have been taken away, Your Highness!

Mr. Hegel didn’t move from his bowing down posture. He must have thought everything over a lot to be able to speak up.

Arthur: Is that the reason you’ve been avoiding me?

Hegel: Yes. As long as I couldn’t confess my sin, I couldn’t look at you with a good conscience.

Arthur: I see.. I’m glad you decided to talk to me about it. However, it wasn’t your fault that I disappeared.

Mr. Hegel’s eyes flickered at Arthur’s words. Arthur smiled softly at him, who looked visibly anxious.

[ana-yeets]

Riquet: A theif.

Rutile: Thief?

Riquet: Theif.

Rutile: I before E, except after C.

Riquet: Thceif.

Rutile: No.

[tesia-a-138]

Lorsqu'on s'adresse à une femme, on ne lui demande pas son âge, mais on s'interroge subtilement sur le nombre d'années d'amour qu'elle porte dans son coeur. C. Riquet

[lazerquestgalerie]

Soleil Nord-Est Festival des friches du Nord Est de Paris (et au-delà) édition 1 — du 22 au 27 mai 2018 6 jours - 6 lieux Soleil Nord Est invite à une découverte non exhaustive des lieux contribuant au renouveau créatif du Nord-Est Parisien. Une déambulation tour à tour festive, artistique ou réflexive au sein d’une galaxie d’initiatives coopérantes, qu'elles soient squats, artist-run-space, tiers-lieux culturels ou autres.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Y    E    R    E    B    A    T    A    N Et la méduse inversée nous défige à Yerebatan, basilique sous la roche - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Série de performances physiques, visuelles et sonores proposées par Lazer Quest, en partenariat avec La Générale Nord-Est, dans le cadre de Soleil Nord-Est — Festival des friches du nord-est parisien et sertie dans l'exposition Plait - Fanzines ! Festival - - - - - - - Entrée Libre - 19H30 / 24H00 - - - - - - - ➔ P E R F O R M A N C E S - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ᚜ Camille Voyenne ᚜ Ccile Chatignoux ᚜ LES MOIRES [ Iris Veverka & Eve Bitoun ] ᚜ Minifer ᚜ Stan Briche + guests       ___..                     \  \     __\    ~~--..                \  \  ___\__          ~~--..           \  \ __\_____~~~             ~-..        \  \ \_____   ~~--               \.       \  \ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ➔ A T  M O S P H E R E  S O N O R E - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ᚜ Goo Blum https://www.mixcloud.com/Sonicprotest/sahara-technic-par-goo-blum/ ᚜  Fatma Wicca https://soundcloud.com/fatmawonthealyou           \^ ^  "-=_ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-""=__    "=_            "=_ ^  ^ "-_ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-"=_    "=_               "=_^     ~~""-===_______________\      "=.___________                  ""=_      -----______           _______\_------- /  ""=-_______      """\________=. \  -_ -."-- / // -- /   ~~~~--_   |         ". \  -_ ~- / - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - détails performances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ᚜ L'ÉVANGILE SELON L’INSTANT PRÉSENT Camille Voyenne Qui n’a jamais désiré retrouver l’innocence de l’enfant qui se roule dans la boue ? Reconquérir une énergie primitive ? Couverts d’argile, d’eau, de terre et de fleurs, les interprètes deviennent partie intégrante de la nature, comme ces hommes des tableaux de Giuseppe Arcimboldo. ÉVANGILE SELON L’INSTANT PRÉSENT est une création de Camille Voyenne, Marion Guilloux & Charles Meillat. Il est sélectionné au Théâtre de la Ville pour la 5ème édition du festival international Danse Élargie. Camille Voyenne, co-fondateur du collectif et du festival Champ Libre, est en résidence au Théâtre de l’Agora, scène nationale d’Evry et de l’Essonne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aBRGaZztgA ᚜ Stan Briche AUTO PORNO BIO https://www.instagram.com/stanbriche/ http://ehcirbnats.tumblr.com/ ᚜ Ccile Chatignoux DUO POUR UNE POUBELLE ET UNE COMÉDIENNE Cette performance, jamais éprouvée en public, a été initiée à l'occasion d'un stage avec Hélène Soulié (Cie Exit) autour de l'oeuvre de Thomas Bernhard. Nous assistons à la rencontre incongrue entre une poubelle et une comédienne qui emportées par la voix de Billie Holliday tombent follement amoureuses l'une de l'autre et finissent dans une étreinte endiablée. Je veux traiter de la puissance de la solitude des êtres, de leur besoin d'amour éternel et de façon plus générale d'une vie qu'on peut être amené à rêver mais qui est vite rattrapée la violence de la dure réalité. Interprète: Cécile Chatignoux. Musique: I am a fool to want you, Billie Holliday. ᚜ LES MOIRES Iris Veverka & Eve Bitoun Trois improvisations, trois médiums : tape art, geste et son se découpent, se tissent et s’entremêlent dans un cérémonial instinctif qui prend des tournures de rituel sacrificiel. Les Moires se départagent les segments, maîtresses d’un accomplissement inaugural et d’une ultime effusion. Elles se plaisent à entraver nos destins. Nous voilà captifs d’une implacable géométrie. ,'---  --:             ;     ,' ~`' ;            `       _,-.------  `._            :   ,'   _,-'    ,-'    ~~~~~~~`.__`._        ;  _,' _,'    ;---'~~~~~~~~_,----.___     ,(   _,'   ,'-- __,---'~~~/ _,-._  `----'_;-' ,' `,-'`.  (    / /____ `------' `-'~    ;  :  ,{_______`--.__`.`-.-----------.____        ,' ,' : |       `--.::; ;;;___________     `,        :  ;  | ;      /   ;;;/--'         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ➔➔➔ I N S T A L L A T I O N   V I D E O - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ulysse Crane Müller mc 303 / Ghost Sniffer / spore / bastard hybride / télépathie - métamorphe large spectre / kronol / berger malinois sheta sab  / memory erased every 08mn - image fixe https://www.instagram.com/ulysse_crane_muller/   __ _,-~~~~\         ,--~~~~~~\. [~~    |~~\  |      /~~  /~~~~-\.  \ | *, /~    | /     /  /           ~\ \ { /(        | |    /  /                \\ \\*\       |  ~-~  /_. \                \\\   '"        \____/'   \               /~~~~\__                         \_._;;  __--'' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ➔➔➔  S C É N O G R A P H I E & P R O G - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAZER QUEST Plateforme créative, module d’exposition hybride et mobile, LAZER QUEST propose une interaction entre les scènes alternatives et contemporaines. LAZER QUEST a produit, exposé et collaboré avec plus de 150 artistes toutes pratiques confondues, offrant une enclave de liberté créatrice dans des environnements indépendants tout en soutenant une ligne éditoriale exigeante et transversale. Créé en septembre 2013 par deux artistes mutants, dans le sillage de leurs précédents projets collectifs, inspiré par le mouvement Cobra, Fluxus, Dada, la figuration libre, la science-fiction, la weird fiction et les pseudos-sciences, LAZER QUEST se dirige hors des courants conventionnels et se démarque des postulats traditionnels avec des thématiques curieuses, raffinées et mauvais genre. http://lazerquestgalerie.tumblr.com/           \^ ^  "-=_ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-""=__    "=_            "=_ ^  ^ "-_ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-"=_    "=_               "=_^     ~~""-===_______________\      "=.___________                  ""=_      -----______           _______\_------- /  ""=-_______      """\________=. \  -_ -."-- / // -- /   ~~~~--_   |         ". \  -_ ~- /    ~~\_              /___       "/      ,.="~~~"==_""=__       /^ ^  ." \ \ \ \ \ "=_  ""=_       | ^ ^ |"-_ \ \ \ \ \ \=_    ""=_        \ ^  \___"-_\ \ \ \ \ \=_      "=_         \ ^ ^\ _____\_\_\_\_\_\_"=_      "=_          \ ^  ^\ -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_"=_      "=_ - - - info - - - Jeudi 24 mai 2018 de 19h30 à 00h La Générale Nord-Est https://lagenerale.fr 14 avenue Parmentier Paris XIe M° Voltaire Entrée Libre   ,'---  --:             ;     ,' ~`' ;            `       _,-.------  `._            :   ,'   _,-'    ,-'    ~~~~~~~`.__`._        ;  _,' _,'    ;---'~~~~~~~~_,----.___     ,(   _,'   ,'-- __,---'~~~/ _,-._  `----'_;-' ,' `,-'`.  (    / /____ `------' `-'~    ;  :  ,{_______`--.__`.`-.-----------.____        ,' ,' : |       `--.::; ;;;___________     `,        :  ;  | ;      /   ;;;/--'     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - YEREBATAN est une proposition de LAZER QUEST dans le cadre du Festival Soleil Nord-Est. Programme complet : Soleil Nord-Est — Festival des friches du nord-est parisien — lundi 21 mai C'est juste une fête dans un squat ! DOC est un lieu de production artistique, de rencontres et de partage de savoirs. 26 rue du docteur Potain, Paris https://doc.work — mercredi 23 mai Soleil Nord Est - Le Shakirail - exposition Friche Le Shakirailest un espace de travail artistique temporaire composé d'ateliers partagés, de salle de répétition et d'une salle de musique. 72 Rue Riquet, Paris 18 http://www.curry-vavart.com — jeudi 24 mai Soleil Nord-Est / Yerebatan / Lazer Quest x La Générale Nord-Est Ourcq Blanc est un lieu d’expérimentations perpétuelles qui accueille pour le festival Soleil Nord-Est une proposition de LAZER QUEST, plateforme créative, module d’exposition hybride et mobile. http://ourcqblanc.com http://lazerquestgalerie.tumblr.com 29 Rue de l'Ourcq, Paris 19 — vendredi 25 mai Les Bouffes Mondaines #13 – La Friche LA HALLE PAPiN est un lieu hybride de travail, de convivialité et de culture. 62, rue Denis Papin, Pantin http://www.lahallepapin.com — samedi 26 mai Le Wonder est un centre de création et un collectif d'artistes. 124, avenue Gallieni, Bagnolet https://lewonder.com — dimanche 27 mai La Station - Gare des Mines est un laboratoire convivial et festif consacré aux scènes artistiques émergentes. 29, avenue de la porte d'Aubervilliers, Paris 18 http://lastation.paris

[lepigeonpoete]

Poème #2294

Ne rien foutre mm au stage c la vie que je mène

Tweeté par @_Lisdlg

lovecraft c’est le dante de l’ère « moderne »

Tweeté par @rayouzou

Genre dans mon école, notre carte étudiante elle a un bip

Tweeté par @_ToadChampignon

Wil Aime a snap et même pas vous me le dites tchiip

Tweeté par @TianaLion

Rayane y cours vite fut dmander au mec de riquet

Tweeté par @N75SIM

Continuez de snap vos courses , ont sera chez qui toquer 🤣🤣🤣

Tweeté par @Abder_15

[nirindahouse]

@omarsyofficial dans @lupin_netflix A voir sur @netflix ... ou dans Paris, par une belle ballade ... sauf si c est a plus de 10km de chez toi 😂😂😂 #streetart #photography #photo #photographer #streetartparis #streetarteverywhere #streetartphotography #lupin (à Rue Riquet) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMpdftfFgGp/?igshid=qhzva9lash6x

[rt2417]

[Hymn of Serata on the Requiem Night] Chapter 3

Rutile: J-Just now, something passed by…

← Previous ✧ Directory ✧ Next →

Location: Remote Central Village

Time: Day

Akira: (Perhaps that’s why…… I wonder if that’s the reason why Faust approached the villagers.)

(Come to think of it, Arthur is the Prince, so there’s the chance someone could’ve recognized him. Moreso, Cain’s wound from the Calamity prevents him from seeing others…)

Even without using words, Faust was able to make the right decision for the situation naturally. It’s a reassuring thought, having his presence by our side on this mission.

Faust: In the meantime, we should continue discussion about the investigation. Is there anyone with concrete information on the time and location of when the anomaly happens?

Woman with a Mole: Um, well… I happened to catch sight of something in the direction of the plaza. I believe it was a bit after sunset…

Graying Old Man: I also saw something just down the hill. This was late at night, around the time when most people are already in slumber…

The villagers seemed much more at ease now than a short while ago. All of them answer Faust’s questions in loud voices.

According to their reports, the anomaly only occurs during the night. Moreso, the sightings themselves can be seen all over the village.

Bearded Man: Sightings outside of the village are rare, but I’ve seen them once or twice by the right hand side of the animal trail entrance.

The end of that trail stops at a sudden steep cliff, which is why most of the village folks don’t go near it……

Cain: I see. Well, then it’s probably best to keep our investigation inside the village, yeah? If we come out with nothing, we can start looking outside.

I’ll go around shaking the villagers hands while gathering information. It’d be kinda a hassle if I can’t see them.

Faust: Right, if you would. To start off, let’s prioritize the residences with missing livestock and the areas that sustained the most damage.

Once night falls, we’ll regroup in the plaza and share our findings.

Time: Night

Rutile: As we were running about, it seems like nightfall has caught up to us.

Akira: I agree… It was like I blinked my eyes and suddenly the sun had already begun to set.

With no lit street lights or house lamps, it was hard to believe the scenery was the same as it was in the day. Everything had been enshrouded in darkness.

Since the anomalies only ever occurred at night, it was reasonable to guess that whatever it was probably wasn’t the best with light. Therefore, even the smallest lights were extinguished.

Arthur: I’ve gone and asked the residents who live around here to spend the night in other houses… but, it’s really pitch black now.

Cain: Yeah. Man, if we don’t keep talking we might even end up losing sight of each other.

Gathered in the plaza, so far, are a few of us who have already finished our investigation. The only source of light was from the moon, which occasionally flickered through the clouds.

Faust: I see that everyone has assembled. Lennox, Rustica, and I have returned.

Lennox: Apologies for the delay.

Rustica: Oh my, hearing everyone’s voices in the darkness makes it so much easier to enjoy the sound of them.

Riquet: Welcome back. Per Faust’s instructions we’ve been waiting without any lights turned on, but so far I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Cain: Ow! Rustica… My foot, you’re stepping on it!

Rustica: Oh my, excuse me. Cain, have you somehow managed to lose a few inches?

Arthur: Rustica, Cain is over that way. I’m Arthur.

Akira: We’re all at the mercy of the darkness, it seems… It’s cloudy today, so even the moonlight is dim.

Although my eyes are adjusting to it, it’s so dark you wouldn’t even realize if someone tried to pinch your nose. So, please, be careful…

Bradley: Nose? That’s a strange way to put it, ain’t it? Hey!

Akira: Guh. W-Who!?

Bradley: Hahah! You really can’t see, can ya? In a condition like that, you’ll totally get captured by the monsters!

Akira: Bradley! Oh my god…… I really thought you were the anomaly.

Faust: Seriously, what are you doing? If you keep these foolish games up, you’ll miss anything abnormal happening.

Lennox: Still, with this level of darkness, it proves quite challenging to observe anything without paying close attention.

Rather, I honestly find it easier to tell if someone is pinching my nose than this…..

Lennox says as he surveys the nearby surroundings. Then, something faintly emerges across his face.

It looks akin to a white spider. However, even as I strained my eyes, before I could clearly see it, the cover of night masks its presence.

Akira: (Was I mistaken…?)

Cain: Hey, did you guys just see that? I could’ve sworn I felt something from where Lennox’s voice was coming from……

As I look in the direction of Cain’s voice, something white quickly crosses my field of vision.

Akira: Gh…!?

Rutile: J-Just now, something passed by…

Riquet: Rutile, it’s near you!

Rutile: Wah!

Bradley: Heh… So ya got the nerve to come out now?

I could hear Bradley’s laughter from nearby, and finally, I came to see it clearly. Unconsciously, I let out a scream.

Akira: H-Hands! We’re surrounded by a bunch of white hands…!

I quickly became all too aware of the many white hands floating in the darkness, encircling us.

It was undoubtedly a bizarre spectacle. A myriad of hands float in every direction around us, swaying as if they were watching our every move.

Lennox: Kenja-sama, please stay behind me.

Akira: R-Right…!

As I take a step back, Faust recites his spell.

Faust: « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »

As Faust finishes, an orb of light appears, illuminating the surrounding area. Naturally, everyone gathers around the orb.

Even after the light was released, the white hands persisted, moving about as they pleased. At that moment, we came to a realization.

Lennox: This is…

Akira: H-How should I put this…… Their movements are surprisingly quite unique.

Riquet: Yes….. They walk on the ground using their fingers, and sometimes mimic flying by forming wing shapes.

Rutile: They almost look like they’re swaying and dancing on a swing; giving off a relaxed feel to them, don’t they?

Cain: It’s no doubt peculiar…. Even when they appear, there’s no notable sense of weirdness. That remains true even now.

Arthur: Agreed. I don't sense anything strange or feel any hostility. If it were so, we would’ve been attacked by now.

Rustica: Then, shall I get acquainted with them? Come, extend your hands my way.

Akira: Wait, Rustica!

Rustica, who approaches gracefully, gently extends his hand towards the eerie floating white presence. The younger wizards, startled by his actions, instinctively widen their eyes.

Rustica: Oya…

Riquet: I-Is holding your hands out suddenly like that even okay…!?

Faust: How careless…. Well, never mind that; is there anything unusual?

Rustica: No. But this is quite the surprise. « Amoresuto • Viesse »

Bradley: If you wanna make the light brighter, at least give a heads up. My eyes’ are gettin’ strained.

In an instant, the white hands halted their movements, as if taken by surprise, after being bathed in the bright magic.

In that short time, I could see the details of the hands.

Akira: Could it be that….. All of them are gloves?

Rustica: That’s correct. Each one has a different shape, but they’re all crafted with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Arthur: Now that you mention it….. There are consistent stitches on them.

Lennox: The inside of the gloves are empty as well. They get caught by the wind, and the hem flutters about.

Rutile: It’s quite the peculiar scene, isn’t it? It feels just like a world from a picture book.

Cain: Even though it’s a picture book, it’s more so the type that suits a specific kind of audience. Hence why the villagers find them creepy instead.

Rustica: Yeah….. Still, it gave me a mysterious feeling. It was as if I was holding the hand of a young maiden…

Bradley: Hands or gloves, it doesn’t matter. Stop fuckin’ around and kick their asses instead.

Akira: Ah.

Faust is deep in thought when the gloves begin to move silently, inching closer from behind Bradley.

With that knowledge, it takes hold of a strand of his hair and yanks forcefully.

Bradley: You, whose hair do you think yer pullin’ at!?

In an instant, Bradley stretches out his hand, but the gloves slip through the gaps between his long fingers.

And then, in a dash, they quickly escape with a whoosh, moving up and down in place as if cheering ‘Banzai!’

The other gloves present express their approval with an applause.

Rustica: My, how wonderful. Racing through the night at the speed of a shooting star, such a marvelous display of agility. Allow me to offer my own applause too.

Cain: Haha. Somehow, it feels like I’m watching a game of chase or something.

Akira: How do I say this…. They seem quite mischievous, I’m beginning to find them somewhat cute now.

Faust: Still, we can’t afford to let them run wild. Without understanding the cause or background, I can’t devise proper strategies.

Lennox: That’s right. In any case, for the time being we should use magic to catch….. Ah, Faust-sama.

Faust: What is it?

Lennox: Please stay where you are. There is something on your shoulder...

Faust: ! Say it promptly. « Salliuqnart • Mullcredo »

Without hesitation, Faust extends his hand to grasp the thing on his shoulder and begins to recite his spell.

However, the gloves immediately float up, nudging his glasses in the process.

Akira: Woah, it’s coming over here….! It’s pretty quick, isn’t it!?

I also try to reach out for the gloves, but they slip through, flying towards Rutile. Then, they start circling around him at high speed.

Rutile: W-Would you please…. be still for a moment? U…Ugh…. My head…. is spinning….

Cain: Arthur, there’s one diving into your cloak!

Arthur: Cain, your sword is being poked at too!

Cain: You’re right. Hey, back off! If my sword comes out, your fingers are gonna get cut!

Riquet: Ah, give me back that bag! I just got it from the villagers!

Akira: E-Everyone is getting caught up with the gloves….

Bradley: Tch, so damn irritating. « Adno Potensum » !

Bradley’s spell rings out, like aiming to take down a flying bird.

In that moment, the glove, which had been suspended in mid-air as if paralyzed, suddenly vanishes into the darkness.

Bradley: Hah….? It just poofed out of existence.

Arthur: « Pernoctant • Nixzo »

…It’s true. These gloves, do they lack an actual form!?

Rutile: Now that you mention it, I think it also slipped through Rustica-san and Faust-san’s fingertips a little while ago…?

Riquet: It’s like they’re ghost gloves or something….

Faust: ……..If we continue like this, we won’t get anywhere. Let's change the plan, everyone. For now, let's prioritize the safety of the village.

Lennox: I agree….. We can't keep playing cat and mouse with them until morning.

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[rt2417]

[Hymn of Serata on the Requiem Night] Chapter 2

Rustica: The view is splendid and the scenery is breathtaking; it’s a shame that there’s no liveliness from the people to be found.

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Location: Remote Central Village

Time: Morning

Akira: We’ve arrived…! That was quite the flight.

I fix my hair, which was disheveled from the wind, while surveying the surrounding area.

A serene hilly landscape stretches around. Beneath the boundless blue sky, houses can be seen scattering the spaces between the hills.

Faust: It was a longer trip than I anticipated, but this place sure has a pleasant atmosphere. Both the roads and the houses are beautifully maintained.

Akira: I agree…. Faust, thank you for accompanying me. Having you here is really reassuring.

Faust: It’s nothing. I didn’t expect Oz to mention me, but refusing would be more troublesome for me.

Moreover, if the anomaly possesses a cursed nature of sorts, it’s certainly within my expertise. It would be best to begin investigating while I’m in the mood for it.

Akira: Of course! Lennox, thanks for giving us a ride too!

Lennox: You’re welcome. We’ve gone quite the long distance, do you feel unwell at all?

Akira: Not at all, it was really comfortable. Lennox’s broom feels very stable.

Lennox: Haha, that’s good to hear.

Lennox, who’s carrying his large broom in hand, has also heard about the village investigation. Upon me asking Faust for help, he offered to accompany us.

Akira: And you too, Bradley. Thank you for coming along with us.

Yesterday, I was pretty surprised to hear that you would be joining us….

Bradley: Hmph. It’s all that damn miserable curseworker’s fault. He tricked me into this.

He did some sneaky shit with the twins. They were followin’ me around from dawn to dusk, bitchin’ at me about how I ‘ave to go help with a request.

Faust: I merely consulted with Snow and White for advice. It was a necessary precaution in the event that things may turn dangerous.

If we could have your support, it’d be a great help. But rest assured, I’m not trying to deceive anyone here, so there’s no reason for you to call me “miserable” like that. I’d like an apology.

Bradley: Whatever. The great Bradley-sama has already gone out of his way to tag along. If anything, it should be me yer apologizin’ to, so I don’t wanna hear it.

Faust: My role is to report back. The twins will be the one handling the decision-making.

Arthur: Kenja-sama!

Then, the wizards who went looking for water returned. Rutile offers a water bottle and pops open the lid for me.

Rutile: Here you go, there’s a well at the end of the clearing, so we brought back some water from there.

Akira: Thank you. Was the clearing empty as well?

Cain: Yeah. As expected, it seems that people are wary of the anomalies and decide to stay indoors.

Rustica: The view is splendid and the scenery is breathtaking; it’s a shame that there’s no liveliness from the people to be found.

I heard that the strange phenomena appears at night, but to be so afraid even during daytime like this… How unfortunate.

Riquet: Yes. We need to quickly offer our support and guide the hearts of those who are deeply distressed by this unsettling phenomenon.

Lennox: That’s right. We should talk to the residents first while it’s still bright outside. Bradley, let’s go.

Bradley: Why me? Hey, sensei; time for you to take the lead.

Faust: Oi, don’t pull! Hah, seriously….

Cain: Haha. Faust, your hair got a bit messed up there.

Riquet: Come on, no more stalling. Let’s go visit the home of the person who requested help.

If I recall, it was the one with a red roof… Ah, it’s that one over there.

Bradley: Ooh, look who’s full of energy. Don’t run, fall, ‘nd cry, alright?

Riquet: I won’t run, and I won’t fall either. Don’t treat me like a child.

Rutile: Even so, it sure is quiet, isn’t it? Even though they’re all staying indoors, it would’ve been nice to feel more of a human presence…

Akira: Surely, that report can’t be true, that everyone was dragged into the darkness afterwards…. That’s not possible, is it?

Arthur: No… It appears that there’s likely no need for us to be concerned about that. Look.

In the direction that Arthur’s finger points at, a thin stream of smoke can be seen rising towards the sky.

Akira: That’s a relief…! The villagers really seem to be staying indoors. Plus, I can smell a pleasant aroma as well.

Lennox: It looks like smoke from cooking. They appear to have the energy to eat, so we can be at ease for the moment.

Rustica: This aroma, is it stew? It’s Arthur-sama’s favorite, isn’t it?

Arthur: Yeah, what a strange coincidence. Last night, at the Wizard Manor, Oz-sama and Nero prepared stew.

Bradley: That eastern cook and Oz as a pair…?

Riquet: Oz is more like a taste-tester. I also helped out with the taste testing.

Rutile: Seems like you two discovered a new flavor while we were attending that wedding in the Southern Country the other day. [1]

Riquet: It’s a little salty, but when you spread it on bread and eat it, it’s really delicious! Soft and fluffy bread pairs wonderfully with it….

Faust: ……Are you guys that hungry?

It doesn’t seem like a situation where we’ll be offered a meal, but regardless, we should open this door first.

Riquet: You’re right…. Ahem. Well then, may I call out to the people inside?

Faust: …No, I’ll handle this.

Man's Voice: …..Who is it?

A few moments after knocking; a low, quizzical voice came through the door.

Akira: (…..His voice is trembling.)

Even though we cannot see the owner of the voice, we can feel his frightened presence.

Faust turns to the door, which is still closed, and calls out indifferently.

Faust: We are the Sage’s Wizards.

I believe you have sent a request to the Wizard Manor regarding the anomalies that have been occurring in the village. In response, we have come to investigate.

Man's Voice: Investigate…..

After a moment of contemplation, the door opens hesitantly.

A middle-aged man with brown hair appears. His family can be seen behind him, each of them wearing an expression of nervousness and anticipation in their eyes.

Brown Haired Man: You guys are the Sage’s Wizards….. In that case, how do you plan to deal with that….?

Faust: By “that”, do you mean what you mentioned in the request? The white thing that roams during midnight….

Bradley: “This” ‘nd “that”, just say it already. Yer talkin’ ‘bout the hands that creep ‘round in the middle of the night, aren’t ya.

Brown Haired Man: Eek! P-Please don’t talk about it so loudly!

Curly Haired Old Woman: That’s right…..! If you talk about it, it might come for you……!

Riquet: Doesn’t the anomaly only appear at night? It’s still not even noon right now.

Rustica: Please, do not be so afraid. We are here for that very purpose.

Brown Haired Man: E-Even if you say so… That scene is something I can’t simply forget. Every now and then, I feel like it’s slowly creeping up behind me….

Akira: (The mere mention of the topic is enough for them to act so scared… We’ll need to put their minds at rest, first.)

Please, rest assured. We’ll find out what’s going on and get to the bottom of this.

Cain: Yeah. It must’ve been frightening with so many unknown things going on, but from this point forward, we will conduct a thorough investigation.

Arthur: In order to keep this enchanting village a soothing place for everyone; we will put forth our utmost effort.

Convinced by the friendly and dependable wizards, the man’s tension slowly loosened. As proof of that, the door in front of us opens wider.

Brown Haired Man: ……It is we who should be thanking you. I’ve heard rumors that requests to resolve anomalies are pouring in from all around the world.

Even though I sent the request letter, there was no certainty that you all would come to this remote area. As I think about that, I feel so uneasy…

It seems that everyone was hiding inside their homes, observing us quietly. Before long, people begin to gather in small groups.

Curly Haired Old Woman: Oh, truly, the wise Sage’s Wizards have come! How fortunate we are…

Woman in an Apron: Are you also a wizard too? You look like such a remarkable individual, like a distinguished mercenary.

Lennox: Haha. It’s true that I'm better at fighting with my bare hands, but I'm a wizard too.

And, I’m a shepherd too. Look. [2]

Girl with Freckles: Wah, a small sheep! So cute…..!

Old Man with a Crooked Back: Oh dear, it’s really kind of you to come all the way to this remote village.

Girl with Freckles: Surely, it’s because Prince Arthur is so kind. He must’ve requested the wizards to come and rescue my home from this dire crisis.

Isn’t that right, Mother?

Girl's Mother: That’s right. Prince Arthur loves everyone in the Central Country.

Girl with Freckles: Oh, if only I could thank the Prince in person.

Cain and Riquet, who heard the villagers talking, whisper to Arthur in hushed tones.

Cain: Hear that, Prince Arthur?

Riquet: Somehow, it’s a bit frustrating, isn’t it? Arthur-sama is right here.

Arthur, beaming from hearing the whispers, gently bends down to meet the freckled girl's eyes.

Arthur: I will definitely let Prince Arthur know how thankful you are. I’m certain the Prince will be delighted.

Girl with Freckles: Ahh, I’m glad…! Please pass my thanks on, Wizard-san.

Boy wearing Shorts: Hey, hey; are you guys really real wizards? Show us some magic!

Rutile: Of course we are! « Ortonik • Setomaouge »

As Rutile’s gentle voice echoes and the wind blows, the colorful flowers form a circle around the children.

Rustica: We can also do this sort of thing. « Amoresuto • Viesse »

With a gentle poof, the flowers change into cute little birds and flit around the children.

Girl with Freckles: So cool, so cool! So this is real magic….!

Boy wearing Shorts: Hey, big bro, can you show us something too?

Bradley: Hah? Who do ya think yer messin’ with? Magic ain’t just for tricks. Don’t take a wizard lightly, lad.

Mustached Man: Haha. I’ll be able to brag to the neighbors that I met the Sage’s Wizards after this.

Akira: (What a relief….. The people in the village look much happier now compared to earlier.)

Faust: ……Even if it’s a remote village, it still harbors the spirit of the Central Country.

Lennox: Yes. It seems that what Faust-sama was worried about has been avoided for the time being.

Faust: Yeah. In remote areas, there are often strong prejudices against wizards.

Faust: Even so, the given situation is already riddled with uncertainties. There’s no telling what might happen…. But it seems I worried needlessly.

this is a cute call back to the recent june bride event!

*baah* sfx

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[starofgold]

Riquet Character Episode 18: Let’s Go to the Festival

Riquet: Master Sage, have a good day! It seems there is a festival-like event in the Capital City at the moment. Do you know about that?

Akira: Oh, this is news to me. That sounds fun!

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Option 1: What kind of festival is it?

Cain: It’s the festival to pay tribute to the people’s labor. On this occasion, people usually sell cookies in the shape of His Highness at their booths.

Akira: C- cookies in the shape of who?

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Option 2: Do you like festivals, Riquet?

Riquet: I’ve never been to a festival, so I have no idea. Just based on what everyone says, I suppose it is a place full of temptations. Still...

----------------------------------------------------------------

Riquet: A festival....

Cain: Ahaha, what a face. Seems like you can’t help but be curious about festivals.

Arthur: Let’s go to this festival together when we have the time then. Master Oz, are you fine with that?

Oz: I don’t mind it. Be careful of the crowd though.

Riquet: Whoa, thank you so much! Let’s invite Master Sage to accompany us too.

Akira: Me too?

Arthur: Of course, Master Sage. If it isn’t too much trouble, please hold Riquet’s hand when we are there so that he won’t get lost.

Akira: (One can really see that everyone cares about Riquet a lot)