SOUTHERN FANTASIA | CHAPTER 8

[posseoir]

 

Lennox.  <Forsettao Meiuvat!>

Shino.  <Matztzāh Sudipas!>

Lennox and Shino were largely responsible for moving the heavy debris.

Nero.  <Adnodus Omnis!>

While Nero magically aligned the walls, Heathcliff meticulously filled in the gaps with a solvent made of stone particles. Faust assigned work that best suited each of their qualities. He gives instructions, lending a helping hand with magic himself.

Faust.  Liam, were there stairs here? A section of the railing was left.

Liam.  That's right. It led to a storeroom in the attic.

Faust.  The impact from the roof collapsing caused the west side of the workshop to tilt. I guess the ground may have been loose to begin with; but I am sure Ethan would have taken some countermeasures. Let's repair it by making use of the original foundation. Leno, see if you can find out what the foundation looked like before it was damaged.

Lennox.  Understood.

Faust.  Shino! We're going to lift the roof with our magic.

Though I didn't know the first thing about how to lead a collective, I recognized the brilliance of Faust's command. The workshop was slowly coming back to life. It was exhilarating to watch as the rubble was reassembled like a puzzle, transformed into walls, columns, and doors through magic. Figaro, who was still holding his bandages, watched the scene with narrowed eyes. My gaze fell back on Faust. I remember yesterday's silence, the downcast gaze, and his back as he left the room.

Akira.  (But, right now…)

That figure giving instructions looked dignified. He stood tall without any hesitation or indication of pain. After the work was finished, everyone decided to take a break. We competed with each other to eat the sandwiches that Nero had taken the trouble to make for us back at the inn.

Mitile.  This broccoli and cheese sandwich is soooo good!

Shino.  The one with shrimp and onions was also good. Can I have another?

Nero.  Ha-ha, eat whatever you like. Made enough for what I had on hand. Here, sage, have some more.

Akira.  Are you sure? I humbly accept!

With Figaro's treatment complete, Liam gazes at the workshop with a deep sense of nostalgia as he brings Nero's sandwich to his mouth.

Figaro.  That entryway was a pile of rubble just a few minutes ago. As expected of Commander Faust.

Faust.  Don't give me strange titles. It's the result of their hard work.

Liam.  There is no way I can thank you guys enough. 

It looks as if my master may come out of the entrance at any moment.

Lennox.  …you said Ethan took you in as a child?

Lennox inquired, and Ethan nodded, his eyes twinkling.

Liam.  That's right. My parents passed away and I had no relatives to rely on, so my master took me under his wing. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated because of his harsh attitude when I first came to live with him. But as we lived together, he softened little by little. He may have been a little clumsy at times, but he was a patient and caring person.

Lennox.  …That’s true. The Ethan I knew was just like that.

Suddenly, Lennox laughed. Seeing this, Liam's expression turns a little thoughtful.

Liam.  You know, one time when he taught me how to clean weapons, he said to me:

"You look a bit like my younger brother.”

Lennox.  Younger brother?

Liam.  Yes. Although our looks and personalities were different, we were both stubborn and would not give up once we had made up our minds, no matter who we were talking to. At the time, he mentioned that he had a friend who was just like his brother. He said, "I haven't seen him for a long time, but I wonder where he is and what he is doing now.” I think he might have been talking about you.

Lennox.  ….

Her eyes shook behind the spectacles;  hands clenched into tight fists.

Liam.  You knew my master in the past, didn't you? Hey, what was he like?

When asked so naively, Lennox takes a deep breath. He looks Liam straight in the eye.

Lennox.  …All I know is who he was hundreds of years ago. After that, I don't know what happened before he took you in. But I believe there may be traces of those years in the room you showed me yesterday.

Remnants of the storm's winds shook the trees. Figaro and Faust quietly observe Lennox's choice.

Lennox.  …The room was sealed with magic. There's probably something in there he doesn't want you to see. Even so….I want to open that door. To know what Ethan wanted to entrust me with in his final moments. Liam. Do you mind?

Liam momentarily seemed intimidated by Lennox's words. 

But after thinking it over for a moment, he nodded his head firmly.

Liam.  Master wanted Mr. Lennox to open the door. I don't mind. But the past that he hid from me doesn't scare me…. Regardless of what it was, it doesn't change the fact that the master I lived with was a bumbling, gentle man.

Lennox.  …Yeah, you're right. 

When we finish fixing up the store, lead me to that door again, and this time, I'll open it for us.

Liam.  Yeah, understood.

Shino.  Hey, if you're not gonna eat anymore, why don't you share the sandwich from your plate? What have you been talking about this whole time?

Lennox.  Uh, you're Shino, I think. 

My master sealed up this room with magic, and I'm having Mr. Lennox open it for us.

Shino.  Hmmm, a secret room of the master similar to mine. Wonder what's inside.

Liam.  Similar…?

We all laughed at Liam, whose head tossed and turned, even Lennox laughed. Figaro and Faust followed suit. A gentle breeze blew through the air. A few hours later, with everyone’s help, the workshop was restored to its former glory. All the rubble had been removed and the entrances were made easier to get in and out of.

Liam.  Amazing…! I had no idea you could fix so much in a day….

Faust.  In addition to fixing things up, I cast a protective spell over it. 

Now, at least, the roof won't come crashing down on us again.

Mitile.  We also restored the broken anvil and furnace. The kitchen and hallways too!

Liam.  Many thanks! With such a beautiful repair, I'm thinking I could take on a blacksmithing job today.

Akira.  (Liam, you look so happy.)

The young wizards were all smiling proudly at the pleased expression on his face.

Liam.  This will lead us to the master’s room. I'll show you around, Lennox.

Lennox.  Thank you, Liam. Dr. Figaro, Sir Faust. And you, Akira. 

If you don't mind, I would like you to follow me to Ethan's room.

Akira.  Of course.

Faust.  Aa, let’s go see.

Figaro.  Sorry guys, but we're going to be gone for a while. Shouldn't you head back to the inn?

Rutile.  No, we'll wait outside! Don't worry about us. Just go ahead and take your time.

CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER NINE