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yumemoryIn the midst of all this, Faust stood at a slight distance from everyone. His eyes, glittering with nostalgia, drifted around the cave.
As I approached, he noticed me before I could call out to him.
Faust: ...Sage.
Then he turned his head to gaze at the glowing cave once again.
Faust: I’ve been here before. A long time ago.
Akira: ...By yourself?
Faust: ...At first, yes. Well, it’s more like a place I found after getting lost.
Faust: The second time I came here, I brought a friend with me. I wanted to show him this beautiful scenery...
Faust: Just like that child.
When he said that, he looked sideways at Mitile.
Faust: You see, that guy I went with was a really reckless person. He'd stick himself into all sorts of situations and always got hurt.
Faust: So I made a charm out of this stone and gave it to him.
Faust reached out and grabbed a stone, located just a little above his face.
Faust: ...I almost forgot about it.
Faust: If I hadn't had that dream the night you visited my room, then I would have completely forgotten this place forever.
A small stone twinkled in his hand. It was like stardust that fell from the heavens, and yet never lost its shine.
Was that shine an enchanting trail he wanted to follow?
Or was it a scar he wants to forget forever?
Akira: ...Should I have not done it? Go to your room that night, I mean.
Faust didn't answer my question. Instead, he simply smiled at me, and said:
Faust: I'll make a charm for you. And this time, I'll infuse it with all my blessings, so that it can properly protect you.
Faust: ...And shield both your body and spirit from any kind of disaster.
ーーー
[Location: Manor courtyard, evening]
It was almost sunset by the time we returned to the manor, hands full of stardew gemstones.
We piled them up in the courtyard like a treasure trove, and everyone looked over the glow with satisfaction.
Nero: Amazing.
Shylock: We got a little greedy, didn’t we?
This stone is not powerful enough to grant wishes. That's what Faust told us.
Akira: (But with all of this…)
White: With all these stones we brought with us, I feel like we must be able to make at least one wish come true.
White muttered what was in my mind, as if he sneaked into my thoughts. He then looked up at me and asked innocently:
White: Sage.
White: If you could make one wish now, what would it be? Or have you already set your heart on your wish to return to your world?
Akira: ...If I were to make one wish now, then...
I pondered for a while, unsure of what to say.
White: ...Hm? Oh dear, it's almost nighttime. I have to go to Snow!
Without waiting for my answer, White raced inside the manor.
Riquet: Master Sage!
Chloe: Everyone, welcome back!
The rest of the wizards came out into the courtyard as soon as they noticed we’d returned.
As we all sat around the pile of stardew gems, everyone started chatting with each other.
Painting of Snow: I’m glad you were able to return before nightfall, White.
Painting of White: Indeed. Otherwise, I would have been sucked into the painting while we were in the air.
Painting of Snow: More importantly, that's a big catch all of you brought back. May I assume that you also brought plenty of stories to tell?
Painting of White: Of course. We will have plenty to talk about. How were things here while we were gone?
Painting of Snow: Unfortunately, it was one incident after another.
Painting of White: Oh? Well, I look forward to hearing about every single one of them.
Heathcliff: ...Shino, welcome back.
Shino: Heath.
Heathcliff: You know, about what happened the other day...
Shino: Look at this.
Heathcliff: Huh? Wow… It's glowing.
Shino: This is the biggest one I found. It's yours now.
Shino: And— I'm sorry about the other day. I went too far.
Heathcliff: ...Yeah. I'm sorry, too. This stone is really beautiful. Thank you so much. Where did you find it?
Shino: Hehe. You want to know what happened? It started when I went with Faust and the others to the...
Owen: Hey, Nero. How's your memory? If you've forgotten about it already, then how about I remind you?
Nero: Nah, don't worry, I didn’t forget. You want me to make somethin’ sweet and messy for ya, right?
Owen: That's not what I said at all. What I want is something so sweet that it turns my insides into sludge.
Nero: ...Isn’t that the same?
Owen: Come on, make it now. The stone doesn’t do anything, so grant my wish in its stead.
Chloe: What’s this? Wow! So shiny!
Rustica: It’s a souvenir from us.
Shylock: It is said to be a stone that brings good luck.
Chloe: I see. Just looking at such a beautiful stone would make anyone happy. Actually, I'm feeling happy right now!
Shylock and Rustica: ............
Rustica: If you're happy, then I'm happy, too.
Shylock: The same goes for me.
Chloe: Really? I'm glad! Then, let's show it to Murr later!
Riquet: Waa! This is beautiful! It's like a shooting star.
Mitile: Ehehe. I'm glad you like it. I really wanted to show this to you.
Riquet: ...Could it be that I was the first person you showed this to when you got back, by any chance?
Mitile: Yes. I thought it was beautiful and I wanted you to see it too.
Riquet: Mitile... Then, if I also find something beautiful, you'll be the first person I'll show it to!
Mitile: Okay!
The courtyard was filled with the usual sight of the wizards laughing and walking up to each other.
But today, there’s something that’s a little different.
Akira: (...Ah.)
I found Faust talking to Figaro in the corner of the courtyard.
Faust: ...Thank you for the other day.
Figaro: Hmm? Do I know what you’re talking about?
Faust: It's about the talisman that Mitile delivered to me. I got a bit frustrated when I saw what it was, realizing that you so easily saw right through me...
Faust: But still, it's something I'm grateful for, so... let me just say it again. Thank you.
Figaro: No need to sound so serious about it. Well, I’ve always been fond of that side of you, though.
Figaro: So, does this mean you'll join me for a drink tonight?
Faust: Why are you always so quick to make fun of me? Actually, you know what? Enough. Let’s forget this conversation ever happened.
Figaro: Ehh? Faust, I was just trying to lighten the atmosphere. Okay, okay. I’ll listen to you properly now.
One day, everyone’s wishes might come true, even without the power of these glimmering stones.
As I stared at the wizards, I squeezed the stardew gem I was keeping in my pocket.
Akira: (...If I were to make a wish...)
I thought about the stars and the night sky. I thought about what I want to wish for many, many times, but still couldn't decide on an answer.
But at this very moment, I only pray for one thing.
Even as they live in a world full of afflictions, I wish that these wizards will still attain true happiness.
