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Chapter 4

Akira: Shylock, I want to thank you for everything. Whenever I go to the bar, I’m always treated with a good drink and even better advice.

Akira: I think you attract people to your bar not only because of your skill in making drinks, but also for your charming personality.

Akira: I’m glad to have met you. Please keep up the excellent work!

Shylock smiles.

Shylock: Fufu… It’s my pleasure, Master Sage. You are always welcome.

Shylock: Now, allow me to turn my attention to Rutile.

Shylock: Rutile, at first glance, you seem like a kind, older brother always looking out for your younger brother, but the passion inside of you burns brighter than anyone else.

Shylock: You are like a brilliant, blue flame. This is my most sincere impression of you.

Rutile: It’s a little mysterious, yet very cool to be compared to something like that!

Rutile: I know blue is typically associated with the cold, yet blue flames burn hotter than red.

Rutile: I am pleased that the heat of my image can melt your heart. Thank you , Mr. Shylock!

[Sound of cymbals clashing.]

Rosa: What a beautiful exchange of words…

Rosa: Now for the rest of you. Fufu… I wonder what I’ll hear next.

Rosa’s gaze roves over Shino, Mithra, and Chloe.

Chloe looks troubled.

Chloe: Umm, I’m not sure what to do…

Shylock: It’s alright, Chloe. There’s no possibility that those two can imitate what we did.

Shino: Hmph, that’s right.

Mithra: Do you know who you’re talking about?

The two that were previously at odds with all that was occurring, finally seem to be on board with the sway of Shylock’s words.

Akira: (I see what’s happening… It seems like this was Shylock’s plan from the beginning. I’m just a little worried about Chloe…)

Shino: Now, I’m not a fan of any Northern wizard, but it’s true your strength is unmatched.

Shino: But I’ll just keep getting stronger and stronger. Just you keep on napping, and before you know it, I’ll be surpassing your magical power.

Mithra grows irritated.

Mithra: Are you making a joke at my inability to sleep?

Chloe: Uhh, it seems that Shino has expressed his feelings for Mithra… Now it’s your turn to do it for me!

Mithra: …

Chloe: M-Mithra..? Um, if you can’t think of anything to praise me for, you really don’t have to…

Mithra: You never make a fuss, even when I steal food off your plate.

Mithra: Your taste in fashion is also present in the clothes you make. I like the red and black outfit you made me with the feathers on the shoulder. It makes me look powerful.

Chloe: Yay! I’m so happy you liked that one!

Akira: (Thank goodness…! I was mortified for a second, but Chloe seems so pleased being complimented by someone like Mithra.)

Chloe: Alright, my turn for Shino!

Chloe: I have a lot of respect for you, Shino. Even though you’re younger than me, you’re still super strong and amazing at killing demonic beasts!

Chloe: Sometimes I’m a little down on myself, so I look up a lot to your confidence, Shino.

Shino: Heh, not bad.

The corners of Shino’s mouth pull into a smile. Perhaps seeing Shino’s pleased expression spurs Chloe to continue.

Chloe: Being near Shino makes me feel brave, or I think that’s how it feels?

[Sound of cymbals crashing]

Rosa: Uuu…

Rosa bursts into sobs.

Akira: Ms. Rosa, are you alright? If we’re doing this all wrong, please tell us...

Rosa: Don’t be ridiculous!

Rosa: I was already so pleased to be indulged in my selfish desire, but to hear such passionate words? I was moved to tears…

Rosa: Thank you all so much.

Shylock: We are glad to hear you are satisfied.

Rutile: It’s thanks to Dr. Figaro’s initiative that made us able to weave such words!

Cain grins.

Cain: Figaro is pretty good at giving praise! You must be quite popular in the South.

Figaro: Well, I suppose. I’m about as good as anyone else, right?

Rosa: Fufu. I could listen to your banter all day, but… I believe I must now show you around as my guests.

Rosa: Now, everyone, please. This way.

Rosa casts a spell, the magic slowly opening the back door.

Rosa’s smile glows against the blue light streaming from the inside.

Rosa: One who is left alone, with not a soul to understand them. Those who have a desire to be seen and prized.

Rosa: Wizards, humans, animals, machines… I accept all that I can hold dear.

Rosa: Dear Master Sage and his wizards, please enjoy yourselves here, touched by all depictions of love.

Shylock: Shall we go, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes!

I wonder about the sorts of people that are beyond that door. With my heart pounding in my chest, I walk through it.

[Hall of the Blue Rose Salon]

Akira:: …!

A small gasp escapes me at a scene of stunning interior. A blue rose chandelier illuminates the room in a filter of blue light, and the soft, sweet scent of roses harmonize with it in the air.

The clientele varies from young children to elderly, gray-haired gentlemen. Each one, person or animal, holds something precious in their hands. Some hold crystals.

Akira: Hello, everyone!

A gentleman with cropped black hair and warm, brown eyes offers us a glowing smile.

Akira: I apologize. It was a shocking sight seeing so many people as I walked in… I just had to call out to them.

Rosa: Do not worry. These people are all those I have trusted enough to enter. They wish to learn the same hospitality as you.

Salon Member: Ah, I understand what you mean. Many people come for that purpose.

The gentleman extends us a bow, then turns on his heel. Immediately replacing him is a slender woman.

Slender Woman: Manager, may I have a word?

Rosa: Of course. Well everyone, please, enjoy this space to its full capacity.

Rosa bows her head towards us, then proceeds to walk off with the woman.

Shino: Look at that.

Hearing Shino’s words, I follow his gaze.

Shino: That guy. He keeps folding and unfolding that sheet of paper.

Chloe: It looks like he’s trying all sorts of shapes. Is he trying to fold a greeting card for someone?

Figaro: No, I feel like maybe it’s the paper that’s important to him.

Rutile: Dr. Figaro, what about that person over there?

Rutile’s words prompt me to look over, seeing a child lounging on a bed, painting a broom on a canvas.

Shino: To just lay in a bed painting it, that broom must be important.

Figaro: No, for that one I have a feeling it’s the canvas.

Figaro: The surface is thick, as if numerous layers have been painted over and over.

Akira: He’s right..!

Shino: Why’s he using it over and over? Does he not have money for a new one?

Figaro: Not necessarily, no.

Rutile: Oh, I get it! It’s because of the paint!

Figaro: I agree. That kid has a lot of paints, some of them even being brand new.

Figaro: For someone to afford so many different paints, there’s no way he wouldn’t have money.

Shino: I see. Alright, then what’s with the broom?

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