SOUTHERN FANTASIA | CHAPTER 6

[posseoir]

 

Lennox.  He’s injured.

Dr. Figaro, if you can see him during our stay, would you be willing to examine him?

Figaro.  Of course. We can go see him tomorrow.

Lennox.  I appreciate it. I'm also going back to the workshop tomorrow to help with repairs.

Rutile.  In that case, allow me to lend a hand. I'm sure the apprentice has been anxious for a long time because of the destruction of his precious workshop.

Lennox.  Thanks, but don't you want to look around the city? You came for sightseeing, right?

Rutile.  I've had a full day of sightseeing, so I'm good to go! 

Besides, I'd like to see your friend’s workshop.

Mitile.  I'll help too!

Shino.  Let me lend a hand. We'll have it back to normal in a day.

One by one, the young wizards came forward to offer their assistance. Figaro smiled at the sight of them.

Figaro.  All right, we'll all go to Liam's tomorrow and help with repairs. It would be a bit conspicuous if we fly our brooms, so we'll walk to the workshop. Get a good night's rest.

Sometime after the young wizards had gone to bed, Figaro and Faust were again informed of the day's events.

Faust.  …As expected, he had turned to stone.

Akira.  You knew…did you have a guess from the start?

Faust.  More or less. Although I hoped I might be present for his final moments....

Figaro.  But, from what we've heard, he was blessed with an apprentice, a workshop, and a favorable end to his life.

Lennox.  Yeah. Ethan seemed to adore Liam. I'm sure they lived a happy life. …still... 

That doesn’t explain the magically sealed room.

Figaro.  A door that can't be opened by humans. …In other words, something inside he didn't want Liam to see. Which is why you refused to open it, right?

Lennox.  ….

Lennox did not answer immediately. Eventually, he nodded slowly.

Lennox.  …I believe that at the end of his life, Ethan's resentment toward humans dissipated. But it is true he had a grudge against them in the past. There were also some rumors about a blacksmith wizard. Whatever is inside…. are perhaps traces of his resentment.

Only now do I understand why Lennox would not open that door. 

I remember Liam's innocent expression when he called Ethan "master" and laughed.

Akira.  ( It was as if Liam didn't know about Ethan's hatred of humans…)

Imagining if I learned that someone I loved and believed in, had in the past, truly despised people like me... would I be able to remember memories of that person with the same feelings as before? With absolutely no doubt in my mind that they didn't really hate me either, or that the time spent with them wasn't painful.

Figaro.  …Who knows. Certainly, with people we'll never see again, it's hard to let our pasts be painted over. Still, some things may never change. Even if the dream of a saintly man is stained, it doesn't mean the tender memories will disappear.

Faust.  ….

For a moment, as if about to say something, Faust paused. Had he been about to support Figaro or reprimand him? He, too, had lived his life as a curse-maker, and Lennox, who adored him, knew it. Faust stands up silently and looks at Lennox.

Faust.  …Lennox. You may open the door or not as you wish. But if you choose not to…. then, I will perform a sealing ritual. Whatever Ethan has sealed inside will never reappear in this world.

Lennox.  Sir Faust…

Instead of answering Lennox's call, Faust turned his back on us. With a quick step, he leaves the room.

Akira.  Faust….  It’s probably… better not to follow… huh?

Figaro.  We should leave him alone. 

Taking time to get some fresh air is probably what he needs the most right now.

Lennox.  …It would have been better not to tell him.

Figaro.  I don't think so. For Faust, this subject is a difficult one. 

Even so, he’s not the type of person who would consider the happiness that comes from not knowing.

Lennox.  …That’s right….

Figaro.  But I agree with Faust. Whether you open the door or not is up to you, Leno.

Figaro leisurely crossed his legs. Despite his blunt approach, his voice is calm and friendly.

Figaro.  There are things you'll regret, whether you open it or not.

Lennox.  ….

Figaro.  Whichever regret Leno chooses......we'll be there to help him.

Lennox.  …Thank you, Dr. Figaro.

Figaro.  Faust is worried about you, too. Though he’s not very good at expressing it.

Lennox.  Yes, I know. Because he has always been such a person.

Lennox smiled. 

His usual calmness returned to his face, and I felt a sense of relief spread through my heart.

Akira.  If I can be of any help, please let me know. 

I will do my best not to drag you all down with tomorrow's restoration work!

Figaro advised us against staying up any longer, and we went to sleep in our respective beds to prepare for the next day.

Lennox.  ….?

Lennox.  ( Where am I? How did I get here…? )

Ethan.  Hey,  Lennox.

Lennox.  ….

That voice…Ethan?

Ethan.  Don't just stand there. I finished the maintenance on your mace, so I brought it back to you.

Lennox.  …Ah, of course. Thanks, Ethan.

Ethan.  Hey, pull yourself together. This operation depends on you.

Lennox.  ( Operation…? Right. I'm a member of the Revolutionary Army heading into enemy territory right now. The first time, leading everyone… .   Carrying everyone's lives and ideals on my shoulders. )

Ethan.  What’s the matter?  Scared?

Lennox.  ….No.

Ethan.  ….

Lennox.  No, sorry. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I'm not the kind of guy who can pull people together like Faust. Nor can I inspire or give them the words they need… It is an honor to be entrusted with such an important task, but I wonder if I can live up to the expectations placed upon me….

Ethan.  Ha-ha. Who wouldn't be a little nervous in a situation like this? Have some confidence, Lennox. You're a tougher man than you think. I'm telling you that for sure.

Lennox.  Ethan…

Ethan.  Not only that, you've got this mace that I've been working on. See how shiny it is? 

I'm sure it will protect you and your friends.

Lennox.  …..a dream…..  What a nostalgic dream.

Lennox.  ( Sunrise must have passed, but the sky is dark. With this weather, it will be hard for the kids to go help out. I wonder if Liam will be okay. He's badly hurt, and his workshop is in no condition to weather this rain and wind. )

Lennox.  …. For now, let’s go check it out.  I’ll leave everyone a letter.

CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SEVEN