SOUTHERN FANTASIA | CHAPTER 7

[posseoir]

 

Faust.  Lennox went to Ethan's workshop alone?

Akira.  That’s right.  When we visited his room….

Rutile.  We found this letter.

As we awoke, it was raining outside. The wind was howling and the windows shook from time to time. Lennox had probably gone off by himself early in the morning so as not to wake us.

Figaro.  You guys have some breakfast and relax, I'll go check on them. 

In this weather, it might be better for everyone to take it easy.

Faust.  Me too. Nero, sorry, but take care of the sage and the children.

Shino.  Huh? Why are we staying at home?

Mitile.  That's right, we're coming with you! With the weather like this, we should all work together to fix the workshop. For the sake of Mr. Leno's precious friend. …When he talked about Ethan, he had such tender and happy eyes. When he told us that he’d passed away yesterday, his voice was the same as usual, but he seemed sad….

Mitile made an appeal with an earnest look in his eyes. 

Figaro looked back at Rutile, who was also leaning close to him.

Rutile.  I agree with Mitile. And I am also concerned about Liam's injuries. Besides…I want to be there for Mr. Leno. I would like Mitile, Dr. Figaro, Mr. Leno, or someone I love to be there beside me when I'm sad….

Heathcliff.  That's right... I'd like to help Lennox in any way I can.

Nero.  …You should probably take ‘em. 

If you leave them behind, they might come after you. Can't stop them by myself.

Figaro.  …So be it. Well, let's all go together. It would be nice, wouldn't it, Faust?

Faust.  …I understand. Then we should all stick together to be safe.

Faust.  <Satillquinart Mullcreed.>

When Faust chanted the incantation, it felt as if a transparent barrier had been stretched around my body.

Faust.  It's magic to keep the rain off. We'll walk for a while, but try not to get hurt. Let's go.

Finally, the rain and wind stopped;  we stood outside Ethan's workshop.

Heathcliff.  This is…

Shino.  It's more busted than I expected.

Looking around at the devastation, I gasped. The walls Liam had worked so hard to repair yesterday were crumbling because of the wind, even parts that had not needed repairing.

Akira.  Lennox! Liam! Are you there?!

Rutile.  Mr. Leno! Where are you!?

Lennox.  Rutile, over here.

Akira.  Lennox!

I hurriedly ran to the tree from which I had heard the voice and found Liam there, too. 

Liam was lying in Lennox's arms.

Akira.  ….! Liam, are you all right?

Liam.  Yeah, I'm all right. The walls were about to collapse and crush me, but Lennox saved me. ….However, the workshop is falling apart more and more due to the rain and wind…..

Liam was staring at the debris-strewn workshop in a state of utter disbelief. 

He seemed to be in a state of considerable shock.

Lennox.  Not everything is broken. Only a few walls collapsed.

Liam.  However, the majority of them have been obstructed by debris. The same is true of the corridor to the master's room that I showed you yesterday. The room itself seems to be safe, but it's too dangerous to go in there. Sorry to have you come all the way here….

Lennox.  That doesn't matter. What is important is that you're safe.

Lennox was soaking wet. He must have forgotten about casting a spell to keep the rain off and was instead just focusing on helping Liam out.

Lennox.  The first thing we need to do is tend to your injuries and then we can fix up this workshop that Ethan valued so much.

Mitile.  Not only Mr. Leno! We'll help out too.

Liam.  You are…

Rutile.  We are friends of Mr. Leno. When we heard that one of his friends' apprentices was having trouble, we offered to help out. If we all pull together, I'm sure the store will be fixed in no time.

Shino.  And for the sake of Lennox, this many wizards are willing to help. 

You should thank your lucky stars.

The younger wizards gathered around and encouraged Liam one after another. His tearful face lit up. Sniffling, he bowed his head to each one.

Liam.  Thank you, thank you…! Please allow me to return these favors.

Mitile.  What favor…. it's only natural to help those in need.

Liam.  No, that won't cut it for me. Whenever you are in need of forging work, remember me. No matter how outrageous the work is or how troublesome the maintenance is, I'll definitely take care of it.

Nero.  Seriously? May as well take the knives in the kitchen to be sharpened.

Heathcliff.  Nero…..

Liam.  Yes, of course you can count on me!

Lennox.  Dr. Figaro. Can you check on Liam for me?

Figaro.  Of course. Liam, over here. I may not look it, but I'm a good doctor. 

Rutile, will you lend me a hand?

Rutile.  Yes!

Figaro.  Sir Sage, would you please fetch some water from that well? 

The mud has to be washed away first.

Akira.  Understood!

Faust.  We can take care of the structural repairs. Start by moving the debris. This way, follow me.

Shino.  Leave it to me. I'll make it a bigger workshop than before.

Heathcliff.  That's not repair, that's remodeling.

Nero.  Ha ha. Well, repair and remodel in moderation. 

Every scratch on a building has a meaning behind it.

We each took our positions and got to work. 

Under Figaro's direction, Rutile and I helped Liam with his treatment.

Figaro.  These bones here, they're connected strangely. 

You must have worked them quite a bit before the injury healed.

Liam.  It's my dominant arm, I couldn't help it…. Will it heal?

Figaro.  Yes, but it will be somewhat rough. 

Just keep your mind at ease and don't look over here too much.

Rutile.  It's okay, Mr. Liam. Dr. Figaro is the best doctor we have in the South. 

Have a chat with me while he fixes your arm! What was Ethan like?

Liam.  Alright.  My master…

Liam's uneasiness seemed to dissipate with Rutile's upbeat conversation. In the meantime, Figaro proceeded with the treatment. The two were well coordinated, showing that they were experienced in working together. Beside them, the restoration of the workshop was steadily underway.

Mitile.  <Ortonik Sealsispilce!>

…Mr. Faust, Mr. Leno, we have a leak here!

Lennox.  You found it nicely. 

For now, magically seal it up and use that bucket over there to scoop the water out.

Faust.  Draining out the water will stabilize the foundation, Lennox. Do we still need adhesive material?

Lennox.  Agreed... I'd like a few more if we're going to block the place Mitile found.

Faust.  Understood. Heathcliff, let Shino take care of the work while you make the adhesive materials.

Heathcliff.  Yes, sir.

Mitile.  Alright,  now…

Not minding being covered in mud, Mitile is flying from place to place. 

Even the heavy bucket is no problem for him.

Akira.  (You're a hard worker, Mitile… Must have been willing to help out like this when he was in the South.)

Heathcliff.  Mitile, are you doing okay? Shall I hold that bucket for a bit?

Mitile.  I'm used to cleaning up messes, so I'll be fine! I'm pretty strong. I think I could carry Mr. Heathcliff if I tried hard enough. I’m pretty slender, too.

Heathcliff.  For real? That's impressive. I'm not even sure I could carry you, Mitile.

Shino.  Even without trying, I can hold both Heath and Mitile.

Heathcliff.  You’re competing again….

CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER EIGHT