![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
iridesenescenceChapter 10
Luchino: My dream is...
To live as a great journalist!
......!
It doesn't hurt! There's no pain at all!
Riquet: ......! We did it!
Arthur: That's great, Luchino!
Figaro: Looks like we managed to get the spirit out.
Luchino: Yes...! Thank you very much!
Akira: Thank goodness... I'm so glad...!
Owen: What, that's it? Lame.
Shino: Ha. I knew we'd get to see you sulk.
Owen: Hey, do you want to be Cerberus' next snack?
Rustica: I'm sure Owen is making that expression because he's relieved that both Luchino and Riquet are unharmed.
After all, Owen has been concerned about the pain in Luchino's chest all this while.
Shino: ... I dunno, I think you're being a little too generous there.
Faust: First things first, we have to dispel the barrier. Get ready, everyone.
Following Faust's lead, everyone chanted their spells once again, and the barrier of light dissipated like snow.
The moment it did, Mitile dashed forward as fast as his legs could carry him.
Mitile: Riquet...!
Riquet: Miti... Wah!
Mitile dived toward Riquet. Spreading his arms wide, he wrapped Riquet's little body in a tight embrace.
Once satisfied, Mitile looked up at Riquet.
Mitile: Riquet, do you feel weird anywhere?
You're not feeling uncomfortable or getting any pain in your chest, right?
Riquet: ......
Mitile: Riquet...?
What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that...? Don't tell me, the spirit—
A soft smile appeared on Riquet's face.
Riquet: I love you today as well, Mitile.
Mitile: ?! Wh-why're you saying that all of a sudden?
Uh, um... I mean, me too...?
My lips curved into a smile watching their adorable interaction.
Arthur and Figaro were also watching them fondly.
Akira: (... Eventually, there may come a time...)
(For Riquet to return to the church.)
It was a precious place to Riquet. The place where he was raised and taught.
When the day comes for him to step foot in there once again, I wonder if he'll be able to declare with his head held high, "This is what I love".
And to ask, "Tell me what it is that you love"—
Akira: (To be able to love whatever you want.)
(May this world be one where that is possible for everyone.)
(And when we share what it is that we love...)
If I could just become friends with you—
——
Riquet: What about over here?
Figaro: Looks good. But it might be even cooler if you move it a little higher.
Arthur: Yes, I think the overall balance would be better that way.
Luchino: Then, over here?
Faust: No, a little higher... Yes, right there.
Shino, Mitile and Rustica: Perfect!
Owen: Munch munch munch...
Riquet and Luchino smiled proudly, looking up at the frame they had just hung on the wall themselves.
It went without saying that this frame contained the newspaper article about the events that occurred at the church a few days ago.
Akira: Thank you for coming all this way just to deliver the newspaper, Luchino.
Luchino: Oh no, not at all. It's the least I could do when this is an article about how you all saved me, even though it meant putting yourselves in danger.
I simply had to deliver it personally.
Besides, I found some sweets that I thought Mister Owen would enjoy while working on another article, so I wanted to bring that along too!
Owen: It's not bad. I could go for more.
Faust: You... I can't believe you have the gall to say that. You've already been given a carriage-load of sweets.
Rustica: It's Luchino's heartfelt present to us.
Shino: You really are a noble's son, huh.
Luchino: Ahaha... Some of this is from my parents, too. They also wished to express their thanks to all of you.
Akira: Oh, I see! Please send our regards to your parents as well.
Luchino: Of course!
Figaro: More importantly, I'm glad to see you looking well. I trust everything's been fine since then?
Luchino: Yes, as you can see, I'm doing great!
Really, thank you all so much for your help back there.
Arthur: We were happy for the chance to get to know you better as well.
Mitile: You were so cool writing down the situation while bearing with the pain in your chest, Mister Luchino! I got chills watching you!
Rustica: Yes, I too was deeply moved by your passion.
Luchino: Oh, that's... Now that you mention it, it's kind of embarrassing. I was really desperate at the time, so...
Once he had chatted with everyone, Luchino approached Riquet, who was looking intently at the newspaper.
And he joined Riquet in gazing upon it.
Luchino: Riquet, about this article. I'm going to bring it to that church later.
And I'm going to ask if they'll allow me to put it up on a signboard outside of the church itself.
Riquet: !
Luchino... I see, so you remembered what I asked of you.
Luchino: Of course I did!
Riquet: Thank you very much. Please go ahead with that plan.
—That day, after we purified the spirit within Luchino.
We had a discussion about whether or not we should purify all of the spirits that were inside the church.
But then it was pointed out that some people really might have reasons to want to forget their feelings...
And so we decided not to purify them yet, and see how the situation unfolded.
—Flashback—
Riquet: I am sure there are people who come to this church seeking salvation.
I do not think it is right for us to block off the hand that offers the salvation they seek.
But I also do not want there to be more people like Luchino, who end up being in danger of losing the things they love without meaning to...
Arthur: I agree. While the situation may vary for each individual, if we're going to be relying on spirits, I would want their power to be used only for those that really need it.
Faust: The church head should also be informed that this is not the result of God's guidance, but instead the work of spirits.
Figaro: The best thing we can do would be to have him understand the situation and explain that to those who visit this church.
That in order to erase their feelings, people will have to rely on a mysterious power. And in that process, they'll experience pain for about a month.
Ideally, he would give that explanation before visitors enter the church, and allow them to make their own choice.
I'm sure as the head of this church, that would be better than accidentally producing a victim and having bad rumours spread about this place.
Faust: All that's left is to put up a barrier so that the spirits can't leave this church. That way, we won't have to worry about other areas being affected.
Luchino: Wow, what a thorough plan of action...! The Sage's Wizards really are impressive.
Riquet: Luchino, I would like to request something of you regarding this matter.
Luchino: Hm? What is it, Riquet?
Riquet: Could you please include what I am about to say in your article?
"To those who are unable to decide whether to sign the consent form... If you are troubled over whether or not you should give up on the things you love, please pay a visit to Riquet of the Wizards' House."
And—
—Flashback end—
Riquet: "I will... share in your troubles... and we will find the correct path together..."
Fufu. You really included the lines that I asked you to write!
Akira: How nice, Riquet.
Riquet: Yes, it really is!
Just then, we heard the sound of frantic knocking on the front door. It was followed by a man's voice.
???: Excuse me! I heard that I could find Luchino Adinson here!
Shino: Huh. Who's that?
Riquet: It sounds like they're looking for you, Luchino.
Luchino: This voice, could it be...
As if he'd had a sudden realisation, Luchino opened the door. Standing at the entrance was a man in a suit jacket.
Luchino: I was right! Mr President!
Shino, Mitile and Akira: President?!
Akira: (Which means... The president of the Fuerza Paper? He looks very flustered, I wonder what's wrong?)
President: Please pardon my sudden intrusion. There is something I simply must tell Luchino as soon as possible...
The man turned to Luchino, and spoke excitedly.
What he said was something very shocking, but very important, to Luchino.
President: Luchino, you might be able to meet your saviour!
Akira and the wizards: What?!
Chapter 9
Luchino: My dream is...
To live as a great journalist!
......!
It doesn't hurt! There's no pain at all!
Riquet: ......! We did it!
Arthur: That's great, Luchino!
Figaro: Looks like we managed to get the spirit out.
Luchino: Yes...! Thank you very much!
Akira: Thank goodness... I'm so glad...!
Owen: What, that's it? Lame.
Shino: Ha. I knew we'd get to see you sulk.
Owen: Hey, do you want to be Cerberus' next snack?
Rustica: I'm sure Owen is making that expression because he's relieved that both Luchino and Riquet are unharmed.
After all, Owen has been concerned about the pain in Luchino's chest all this while.
Shino: ... I dunno, I think you're being a little too generous there.
Faust: First things first, we have to dispel the barrier. Get ready, everyone.
Following Faust's lead, everyone chanted their spells once again, and the barrier of light dissipated like snow.
The moment it did, Mitile dashed forward as fast as his legs could carry him.
Mitile: Riquet...!
Riquet: Miti... Wah!
Mitile dived toward Riquet. Spreading his arms wide, he wrapped Riquet's little body in a tight embrace.
Once satisfied, Mitile looked up at Riquet.
Mitile: Riquet, do you feel weird anywhere?
You're not feeling uncomfortable or getting any pain in your chest, right?
Riquet: ......
Mitile: Riquet...?
What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that...? Don't tell me, the spirit—
A soft smile appeared on Riquet's face.
Riquet: I love you today as well, Mitile.
Mitile: ?! Wh-why're you saying that all of a sudden?
Uh, um... I mean, me too...?
My lips curved into a smile watching their adorable interaction.
Arthur and Figaro were also watching them fondly.
Akira: (... Eventually, there may come a time...)
(For Riquet to return to the church.)
It was a precious place to Riquet. The place where he was raised and taught.
When the day comes for him to step foot in there once again, I wonder if he'll be able to declare with his head held high, "This is what I love".
And to ask, "Tell me what it is that you love"—
Akira: (To be able to love whatever you want.)
(May this world be one where that is possible for everyone.)
(And when we share what it is that we love...)
If I could just become friends with you—
——
Riquet: What about over here?
Figaro: Looks good. But it might be even cooler if you move it a little higher.
Arthur: Yes, I think the overall balance would be better that way.
Luchino: Then, over here?
Faust: No, a little higher... Yes, right there.
Shino, Mitile and Rustica: Perfect!
Owen: Munch munch munch...
Riquet and Luchino smiled proudly, looking up at the frame they had just hung on the wall themselves.
It went without saying that this frame contained the newspaper article about the events that occurred at the church a few days ago.
Akira: Thank you for coming all this way just to deliver the newspaper, Luchino.
Luchino: Oh no, not at all. It's the least I could do when this is an article about how you all saved me, even though it meant putting yourselves in danger.
I simply had to deliver it personally.
Besides, I found some sweets that I thought Mister Owen would enjoy while working on another article, so I wanted to bring that along too!
Owen: It's not bad. I could go for more.
Faust: You... I can't believe you have the gall to say that. You've already been given a carriage-load of sweets.
Rustica: It's Luchino's heartfelt present to us.
Shino: You really are a noble's son, huh.
Luchino: Ahaha... Some of this is from my parents, too. They also wished to express their thanks to all of you.
Akira: Oh, I see! Please send our regards to your parents as well.
Luchino: Of course!
Figaro: More importantly, I'm glad to see you looking well. I trust everything's been fine since then?
Luchino: Yes, as you can see, I'm doing great!
Really, thank you all so much for your help back there.
Arthur: We were happy for the chance to get to know you better as well.
Mitile: You were so cool writing down the situation while bearing with the pain in your chest, Mister Luchino! I got chills watching you!
Rustica: Yes, I too was deeply moved by your passion.
Luchino: Oh, that's... Now that you mention it, it's kind of embarrassing. I was really desperate at the time, so...
Once he had chatted with everyone, Luchino approached Riquet, who was looking intently at the newspaper.
And he joined Riquet in gazing upon it.
Luchino: Riquet, about this article. I'm going to bring it to that church later.
And I'm going to ask if they'll allow me to put it up on a signboard outside of the church itself.
Riquet: !
Luchino... I see, so you remembered what I asked of you.
Luchino: Of course I did!
Riquet: Thank you very much. Please go ahead with that plan.
—That day, after we purified the spirit within Luchino.
We had a discussion about whether or not we should purify all of the spirits that were inside the church.
But then it was pointed out that some people really might have reasons to want to forget their feelings...
And so we decided not to purify them yet, and see how the situation unfolded.
—Flashback—
Riquet: I am sure there are people who come to this church seeking salvation.
I do not think it is right for us to block off the hand that offers the salvation they seek.
But I also do not want there to be more people like Luchino, who end up being in danger of losing the things they love without meaning to...
Arthur: I agree. While the situation may vary for each individual, if we're going to be relying on spirits, I would want their power to be used only for those that really need it.
Faust: The church head should also be informed that this is not the result of God's guidance, but instead the work of spirits.
Figaro: The best thing we can do would be to have him understand the situation and explain that to those who visit this church.
That in order to erase their feelings, people will have to rely on a mysterious power. And in that process, they'll experience pain for about a month.
Ideally, he would give that explanation before visitors enter the church, and allow them to make their own choice.
I'm sure as the head of this church, that would be better than accidentally producing a victim and having bad rumours spread about this place.
Faust: All that's left is to put up a barrier so that the spirits can't leave this church. That way, we won't have to worry about other areas being affected.
Luchino: Wow, what a thorough plan of action...! The Sage's Wizards really are impressive.
Riquet: Luchino, I would like to request something of you regarding this matter.
Luchino: Hm? What is it, Riquet?
Riquet: Could you please include what I am about to say in your article?
"To those who are unable to decide whether to sign the consent form... If you are troubled over whether or not you should give up on the things you love, please pay a visit to Riquet of the Wizards' House."
And—
—Flashback end—
Riquet: "I will... share in your troubles... and we will find the correct path together..."
Fufu. You really included the lines that I asked you to write!
Akira: How nice, Riquet.
Riquet: Yes, it really is!
Just then, we heard the sound of frantic knocking on the front door. It was followed by a man's voice.
???: Excuse me! I heard that I could find Luchino Adinson here!
Shino: Huh. Who's that?
Riquet: It sounds like they're looking for you, Luchino.
Luchino: This voice, could it be...
As if he'd had a sudden realisation, Luchino opened the door. Standing at the entrance was a man in a suit jacket.
Luchino: I was right! Mr President!
Shino, Mitile and Akira: President?!
Akira: (Which means... The president of the Fuerza Paper? He looks very flustered, I wonder what's wrong?)
President: Please pardon my sudden intrusion. There is something I simply must tell Luchino as soon as possible...
The man turned to Luchino, and spoke excitedly.
What he said was something very shocking, but very important, to Luchino.
President: Luchino, you might be able to meet your saviour!
Akira and the wizards: What?!
Chapter 9
