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yumemory
Card Story: Wishes in a Cocktail
Card Episode: Faust's Singing Voice
CHAPTER 1
[Location: Courtyard, evening]
Akira: Good evening, Faust. The sky’s really clear tonight, don’t you think? So many stars….
Faust: Ah, it’s you...
Faust: You're right. It's not bad to sit outside and watch the stars like this once in a while.
The manor was in a festive mood tonight as everyone celebrated the Tanabata party. Rustica sang, while Mitile and Shino danced hand in hand, twirling along to the tune.
The other wizards clapped their hands in time with the music and dance, and then there's me and Faust, who listened to the cheerful and gentle song.
Faust: ............
Akira: It sounds beautiful... Is it a famous song here?
Faust: It's an ancient song. ...It's about thanking the shining stars for watching over the land.
Akira: I see... It's a perfect song for a beautiful starry night like right now, isn't it?
Akira: Come to think of it, my world also has a similar song about stars.
Faust: Your world?
Akira: The song had more of a cute vibe, though. But I feel warm and fuzzy whenever I listen to it, much like what I’m feeling right now.
Akira: I used to sing it a lot when I was a kid, accompanied by a dance that matched the lyrics. I miss it...
Faust: ............
Akira: Ah, I'm sorry! I didn’t mean to ramble...
Faust: Don’t worry about it...
Akira: (Faust...?)
ーーー
As the party came to an end, silence began to return to the courtyard. However, a few of us, including myself, continued gazing at the night sky and soaking in the afterglow.
Faust: I'm going back in. Are you staying longer?
Akira: Ah, it's already this late. Will you be going back to your room?
Faust: No... I just thought I'd move somewhere quieter.
Akira: (I want to know where he’s going but... I don’t think he’d want to hear too many questions from me...)
Faust: .........You can come with me if you want to.
Akira: Huh!? I'm sorry, did I say that out loud?
Faust: It’s written all over your face. Well, I don't care either way, so just do what you want.
Akira: ...I’m going with you!
[Location: Shylock’s bar, evening]
Faust: Is your bar still open, Shylock?
Akira: Good evening, Shylock.
Shylock: Welcome, my dear guests. Rest assured, the bar is still open.
Akira: (I see... So the quiet place Faust mentioned is Shylock's bar.)
Shylock: Hehe. I thought this place would be empty tonight, with everyone busy spending the evening outside.
Shylock: I am honored to know that both of you chose my bar over the starry sky. Please enjoy your stay.
CHAPTER 2
[Location: Shylock’s bar, evening]
Faust: Tonight is a good night, so I figured I should find a quiet place and have a nice drink before heading back to my room.
Shylock: Oh? We are of the same mind. While a lively night is exhilarating, putting an end to it with your heart still wild with excitement would feel… rather regrettable.
Shylock: Since the two of you took the time to come by, I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to treat you to the special starry night cocktail. Of course, yours will be non-alcoholic, Master Sage.
Akira: Thank you so much. I can’t wait to have a taste!
ーーー
Shylock: ...Enjoy.
Faust: Thank you.
Faust: The cocktail seemed to have turned into the starry sky itself. Just like its name, huh.
The cocktail in front me is a bright, navy blue gradation with golden grains scattered in it.
It was as beautiful as a real starry sky.
Akira: ...Yes. It reminds me of the stars shining in the night sky. It's beautiful.
Shylock: Hehe, thank you for your kind words, dearest guest.
Akira: Faust, since we're here, how about a toast?
Faust: ...Sure.
We lifted our glasses to each other, tipped them slightly and exchanged a toast.
Akira: Tastes good...! It's a bit sour, but I can also taste its fruity sweetness. What a nice transition of flavor.
Faust: You’re right, it's easy to drink. And this scent... I’m guessing it’s made from ultramarine orange liqueur.
Shylock: I am delighted to know that it suited your tastes.
Akira: Now that I got to taste such a fancy and tasty drink, I think I somewhat understand people who go to bars now….
Akira: You’re a frequent visitor in Shylock’s bar, aren’t you, Faust?
Faust: Occasionally, yes, when I feel like it. It's a nice place to have a good drink and relax in.
Shylock: Hehe. Hearing such high praises makes me want to treat you to even more delicacies.
Faust: I'm not praising you, I'm just telling the truth.
Akira: (They're both giving off a mature atmosphere right now... I'm getting kinda nervous, it’s like I've been invited into a space that was once a secret between them.)
Faust quietly tilted his glass before taking a sip, and then stared at the stars twinkling in the cocktail. It was a really elegant gesture.
Faust: Shylock, can I have another?
Shylock: Of course.
ーーー
Faust: .........
Faust: Another glass. Same thing.
Shylock: Coming right up.
Akira: (Isn't he getting too many refills?! How many glasses did he have already? But his complexion doesn't look that different...)
Akira: (I can tell that he really likes this cocktail, but...)
Akira: Um, Faust... Is it okay for you to drink this much?
CHAPTER 3
[Location: Shylock’s bar, evening]
Faust: What.
Akira: I, um, I just think maybe you're drinking a bit too much...
Faust: I always drink this much. I’m fine.
Akira: I see, okay then....
Akira: (He doesn't look drunk, but there are people who don’t appear drunk even if they are...)
Shylock: Thank you very much for liking this cocktail I made, Faust.
Shylock: Though I’d suggest this be your last glass for tonight. Master Sage is worried about you.
Faust: ......Alright.
Akira: (That looked like a very reluctant nod... Is he drunk, after all?)
Shylock: How obedient. Here's a reward for a good boy.
Shylock smiled as he sprinkled some sugar on Faust's cocktail. I watched as another multitude of stars fell into the glass.
Faust: This is...
Shylock: This is my last special service for you tonight. I have included my blessings that your wishes will come true after you drink this cocktail.
Faust: It's sparkling and beautiful. Thank you, I'll drink all of it.
Faust drank it down quietly. His expression hasn't changed, but his attitude and words seemed slightly more honest than usual.
Faust: Shylock...
Shylock: Yes? How may I help?
Faust: May I ask when the sugar's magic will take effect? Will it be tomorrow, or in a month...? Or will it be a few years from now?
Shylock: Hehe, I wonder...
Shylock: If you can tell me what it is that your heart is wishing, then I—and the Master Sage, shall make it come true.
Akira: Huh, me?
Akira: (I'm suddenly a part of Shylock's magic!?)
Faust: I see. That's great magic. Then, I'll take you up on your offer and have my wish granted now.
Akira: (And Faust is unexpectedly playing along!?)
Faust: Sage...
Faust: I want to hear a song. That song about the stars in your world that you talked about earlier.
Akira: Umm, so... you want me to sing that song?
Faust: Please.
Akira: ...…!
Shylock: Oh? Our Faust is very honest tonight.
Faust: Of course, you can refuse, but... I'm just interested. A bit. Since you first told me about it in the courtyard earlier.
Akira: Um...
Akira: (It's just a nursery rhyme, but singing it in front of people is….)
Akira: (But Faust hardly ever asks me for a favor...)
Akira: ...Okay. I'll do my best to sing, but please keep it a secret from the others!
Faust: .........
Faust: ...Hehe, thank you.
Faust: It's not a bad idea to play along with Shylock's games once in a while. I'm looking forward to it… that song from your world.
CARD EPISODE
Faust's Singing Voice
[Location: Staircase, evening]
Faust: ...Sage.
Akira: Good evening, Faust. Do you need anything?
Faust: No... I just want to apologize for all the trouble I caused you last night.
Akira: You don't have to worry about it. I had fun, to be honest, because I felt like I saw a special side of you.
Faust: You had fun…?
Akira: Yes! It seems like you’re into music as well. Do you also sing sometimes?
Faust: No, I’m more of a listener.
Faust: Everyone enjoys music differently. In my case, I much prefer listening to it than performing it myself.
Akira: Is that so? But you've lived long enough, haven't you tried at least once....
Faust: I haven’t.
Akira: Not even humming when you're alone, when other people aren't around?
Faust: You’re persistent...
Akira: S-Sorry...
Faust: No, it's fine... It's just that it's hard to remember small things like that.
Akira: (He avoided the question... I wonder what Faust's singing voice is like. I want to hear it at least once in my life...)
Akira: Um...
Faust: I won’t sing.
Akira: I-I haven't even said anything yet!
Faust: Even if I don't sing, there are others here who will.
Faust: Listening to them should be enough. Both for you and I.
HOME SCREEN LINE
Faust: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star... Is that a song from your world? I've never heard of it, but its name sounds pleasant. It'd be nice if you could sing it to me… I won’t force you, of course.
