[Character Episodes] Shylock
Jan. 8th, 2021 04:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Index:
- Shylock’s Mana Area
- Shylock’s Amulet
- A Lie and A Mischief
- Shylock’s Family
- His Feelings Towards His Friend
- A Wonderful Dream
- A Lie and A Smile
- The Thing You Feel
- A Nice Change of Pace
- Shylock’s Specialty Magic
- A Dance With Me
- Shylock’s Crest
- A Way to Approach a Cat
- A Secret Present
- To Gaze Upon
- The Glass of Lifetime
- The Cocktail’s Secret
- Beneath the Moonlight
Shylock’s Mana Area ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Akira: It says here in the Sage’s Manual, that every wizard has their own power spot.
Akira: They can refresh and refocus on themselves in that place, like an energy spot.
Shylock: A power spot…. Are you perhaps talking about the mana area?
Shylock: Mana area is a unique place for wizards to recover their magical power and concentration. A place where the mind can naturally be at balance.
Akira: Yes, that’s it! Do you have your own mana area, too, Shylock?
Shylock: I certainly do. My mana area is a winery.
Shylock: Previously, my mana area was the brewery owned by my family, until the wave of time crashed it to naught….
Shylock: As of now, I do not have one special place. But I make sure to visit my favorite wineries one at a time, every so often.
Akira: I see, such things may happen, huh…. Is it because you like wine, that you find wineries relaxing?
Shylock: I suppose so. The effort of the maker, the carefully preserved temperature, all of it produces a rich and sweet aroma that overwhelms the uptight atmosphere.
Shylock: The dim space feels nice to be in. I could feel my emotions mingling together, and came to like the excitement that follows.
Shylock: I come by both when I have things to think about, and when I do not want to think about anything at all.
Shylock’s Amulet ↑
[Location: Shylock’s room]
Akira: The Sage's Manual says that wizards who are away from their mana area for a long time carry an amulet that symbolizes their mana area.
Akira: Shylock, do you have an amulet too?
Shylock: Why, yes. My amulet is this wine glass over here.
Shylock points to the half-drank wine glass on top of the table. The elaborate curve reflects the orange-colored light.
Akira: I thought amulets were things that are like charms, but I see that yours is something you use daily.
Shylock: I simply think it is a waste to only gaze upon a glass as exquisite as this. So I treat it as my drinking partner.
Shylock: My mana area is the winery. When I have things to ponder on, I have this wine glass in hand. I suppose it naturally became my amulet.
Shylock: Even if I don't visit the winery for a while, I can just take a sip from this glass, and recall the humidity and aroma from that place.
Akira: I see…. So an amulet is something that can immerse you in the feeling of being in your mana area.
Shylock: Someday, if you are going to choose your amulet, I am open for consultation.
Shylock: It must be a tremendous delight if I were to choose an item that will be your companion.
A Lie and A Mischief ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Murr: Master Sage! Wake up, Master Sage!
Akira: ...Oh, Murr…. Thank you for waking me up.
Akira: (I think I somehow fell asleep on the sofa. Hm? It’s warm….)
Shylock, eyes closed: ….
I looked to the side, and Shylock’s face was right in front of my eyes. It seems that I leaned on him when I was asleep.
Akira: Wah! I’m sorry, Shylock…!
Shylock, eyes closed: ….
Akira: Huh? Is he asleep too...?
Murr: Nope! He’s wide awake!
Akira: Eh!?
Shylock: ...Murr, that is just cruel. I was looking forward to Master Sage’s reaction.
Shylock: Heheh. Mischief is a sweet poison. I have to be careful or I will make it a habit.
Shylock’s Family ↑
[Location: Manor’s dining hall, day]
Akira: Shylock, your mannerism is so refined. Does being born a noble mean they will be strict with manners?
Shylock: I do not recall my family being strict. Although, I was expected to have at least gracious demeanors, but I personally like such things.
Akira: So it’s something that naturally comes to you…. What was your family like?
Shylock: Before I opened my bar, I lived a long time with my family whose head was ever-changing, so it was quite diverse.
Shylock: There was someone wise, someone foolish, someone beautiful, someone unsightly, someone who’s good at business, someone who’s unskillful at calculation, someone kind-hearted, someone indifferent….
Shylock: Everyone had their own charm, and I liked them for it.
Akira: I can imagine it was very lively. Just like the manor’s bar that is filled with different kinds of people.
Shylock: Heheh, perhaps that is true.
Shylock: As for me, because of my wizard nature, I will be either relied on, or estranged. It depends on the time and circumstances.
Shylock: Perhaps for the longest of time, looking after my dearest one seems to be something I find pleasure in.
Akira: Does that include Murr?
Shylock: I wonder, now.
His Feelings Towards His Friend ↑
[Location: Manor lounge, day]
Akira: Shylock, you are Murr’s friend, so you’ve been taking care of him after his soul shattered, right?
Shylock: It is just as you say.
Akira: I can see how you care for your friends. If it were me, I don’t think I can do it like you….
Shylock: That isn’t true, Master Sage. This matter is not as good a story as it may sound. It differs from a heartwarming story of friendship.
Akira: What do you mean?
Shylock: I simply want to meet the former Murr, and complain; that he’s hopeless, and didn’t listen to others’ advice.
Shylock: At the time his soul shattered, I desperately tried to collect the pieces of his soul. Though now I just go along with the blow of the wind.
Akira: Why is that?
Shylock: Perhaps it is because I am getting used to spending my days without him, and the feeling of content from having the current Murr beside me.
Shylock: ...Ah, that said, I might have lied about feeling content. I must admit that I miss him, to some degree.
Shylock: Heheh. It is hard to believe I yearn for such a despicable friend…. In the end, I am just as hopeless as he is.
A Wonderful Dream ↑
[Location: Manor lounge, day]
Shylock: Master Sage, your hair is still slightly wet. It would be best to dry it off completely lest you catch a cold.
Shylock: Please, have a sit over here.
Shylock: < Inviebelle. >
Akira: Wah, a warm wind…. Are you possibly drying my hair off?
Shylock: Yes. Do tell me if you find the wind too hot.
Akira: (Shylock is really good at taking care of others…. Like how parents would be….)
Akira: (Maybe that’s why…. Being like this makes me… really… calm….)
Shylock: Master Sage, your hair is silky smooth to the touch. Is there some kind of special treatment that you do?
Akira: Zzz…. Zzz….
Shylock: ….Master Sage, did you fall asleep? Trusting a Western Wizard this much troubles me, for I don’t get to do my usual antics….
Shylock: Sleep well, Master Akira. I wish you only the best dreams.
A Lie and A Smile ↑
[Location: Manor’s dining hall, night]
Shylock: Master Sage, you came at the right time. Would you like to have a specially-made magic cocktail?
Shylock: Take a swallow of it, and your fatigue shall be no more. I heard today’s mission was particularly wearisome.
Akira: So it’s something like an energy drink? Thank you very much, Shylock. I’ll have it.
Option 1: “...It’s sweet!”
Akira: There’s a sense of relief in the aftertaste because of it. It’s delicious!
Shylock: ...I see, so you drank all of it. To tell you the truth, this cocktail is an aphrodisiac that will make you fall in love with the person in front of you.
Option 2: “...It’s refreshing!”
Akira: There’s a slight scent of herb, something like a mint so it tastes refreshing. It’s delicious!
Shylock: ...I see, so you drank all of it. To tell you the truth, this cocktail is a drug that will make you see hallucinations of whatever the person in front of you wishes.
Option 3: “...It’s sour!”
Akira: Wah, it’s sour! But it’s just the right level of sourness to make you addicted, it’s delicious!
Shylock: ...I see, so you drank all of it. To tell you the truth, this cocktail is a drug that will make you obey everything the person in front of you says.
Akira: Eh…!?
Shylock: Does your heart ache when you look at me? It is one of the signs that it’s working….
Akira: ...My heart is okay, but somehow my body feels light. So this is really a special magic drug, then?
Shylock: Heheh, I apologize. I initially made this as a gift of gratitude to you, who is always working hard.
Akira: I see. Thank you very much. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to know when you’re joking, so you almost got me there.
Shylock: ...I shall make improvements to deliver real results next time. Please, do look forward to it.
Akira: (T-That was a joke, right?)
The Thing You Feel ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Shylock: Master Sage, may I have a piece of your opinion?
Akira: Yes, of course.
Shylock: The non-alcohol cocktail over there is still a prototype. Master Sage, what do you think is lacking from the drink?
Akira: You’re asking me about cocktails!? I feel like there’s someone more appropriate to ask….
Akira: (Shylock already has an excellent taste…. I don’t think I can give a good opinion.)
Shylock: Heheh. Master Sage, what I’m asking for is your opinion. There is no need for you to hold back.
Akira: Shylock…. Thank you very much.
Akira: I thought it would be easier to drink if there’s a little bit of sourness to it.
Shylock: I see. Then let me try using lemons.
Shylock: May I ask for you to accompany and help me perfect this drink tonight? I wish to hear more about the things you feel.
A Nice Change of Pace ↑
[Location: Manor lounge, day]
Akira: I have no plans for today, so I thought a nice change of pace would be nice.
Shylock: If that is the case, how about you leave it to me? I’ll give you a fine treat on your day off.
[Location: Manor’s bar, day]
Akira: He said to come to the bar…. Is there something going on?
Shylock: Welcome, Master Sage. First and foremost, please put on this cape.
Shylock drapes a beautiful cape on me. The delicate ornaments flutter.
Shylock: Chloe happily lent this to us. May I touch your hair next?
Akira: Y-Yes….
Shylock: I have also prepared some drinks for you. Please enjoy yourself while I get your hair ready.
Akira: Thank you very much. But, um, this is…?
Shylock: Today, why don’t we try to be another version of ourselves? I have invited the other western wizards to join us.
Shylock: Until then, please let me adorn you for the occasion.
Shylock’s Specialty Magic ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Akira: Shylock, do you have a specialty magic? Something that only you can do.
Shylock: Yes, I do have one. Let’s see….
Shylock pulled out his long pipe, and inhaled a deep breath. He chanted his spell as he exhaled smoke with the smell of a flower.
Shylock: < Inviebelle. >
Akira: H-Huh…?
As Shylock’s voice echoed in my head, I was hit with a sudden feeling of sleepiness.
His slender fingers supported me as I staggered my foot, and urged me to sit on the sofa nearby.
Shylock: I’d say I specialize in intoxicating the senses. I can turn a crowd feeling all nice and tipsy.
Shylock: And of course, I can also drown them in a dreadful nightmare.
Shylock: But rest assured; casting it on you is out of the question.
Akira: Then…. The reason why I suddenly feel so sleepy…. is your magic…?
Akira: I do feel so cozy… I feel like I’ll fall asleep any second….
Shylock: Master Sage. I heard you were looking through documents until late last night.
Shylock: Before you collapse from fatigue, it’d be best if you have some time resting well.
Akira: Mm…. Zzz, zzz….
Shylock: Heheh. You look so lovely sleeping.
A Dance With Me ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Akira: Good evening, Shylock. Oh, music is playing…. Is that a gramophone?
Shylock: Yes. When the song changes, the mood changes with it, don’t you think? It is a little surprise I prepared for tonight’s guests.
Akira: (A beautiful song with a nice tempo…. It’s like a song you would hear in a ball.)
Shylock: Master Sage.
Shylock reaches his hand out to me.
Shylock: May I have this dance?
Akira: D-Dance? Me!?
Option 1
Akira: I-I think it’ll be difficult for me….
Shylock: Then, how about this?
Option 2
Akira: Will you teach me?
Shylock: Gladly. First, let’s get you used to the music.
Shylock: < Inviebelle. >
Akira: Wah, my body is suddenly dancing to the beat of the music…! This might be fun…!
Shylock: Heheh. You’re a great dancer, Master Sage. Then, please, take my hand.
Shylock: Let’s surprise our next guest, with a dance of the utmost elegance.
Akira: Yes, my pleasure!
Shylock’s Crest ↑
[Location: Manor lounge, night]
Akira: Shylock, your Sage's Crest is on your left chest, right?
Shylock: Yes. Would you like to see it?
Akira: ....Will you show them to everyone who asks to see it?
Shylock: Oh? That's a rather lovely response. Borrowing the previous sage's term, I'd give it a 'perfect score'1.
Akira: I wasn't jealous...! Somehow I'm just worried....
Shylock: Heheh. I appreciate your concern. If I were allowed to give a 'perfect score' remark.... It is only for you.
Akira: Please don't make fun of me.... Were you surprised the moment it first appeared?
Shylock: More or less, I suppose. I have lived a relatively long life in wizards’ standard, so I sort of saw it coming.
Shylock: Murr was chosen as the Sage's Wizard before me. He had told me stories about the crest and the responsibilities that came with it.
Akira: Did Murr say something when he knew you were chosen too?
Shylock: He did. When I told him, he said that it will be the first time we work together.
Shylock: To me, it will be a new journey to walk on, so I looked forward to it.
A Way To Approach a Cat ↑
[Location: Manor’s courtyard, day]
Akira: Oh, a kitten…. C’mere, let me get you some milk.
Akira: Ah, it went away. Did I scare it…?
Shylock: Master Sage, to whom are you talking? I thought you were speaking to a child.
Akira: A kitten. But it went over there….
Shylock: I see. If that is the case…. Little kitty, would you play with me?
Shylock called the kitten over, and it came to us.
The kitten weaved between Shylock’s legs, and began rubbing its cheeks.
Shylock: There, there. Aren’t you a good kitty?
Akira: Amazing! What kind of magic did you use?
Shylock: Heheh. I did not use any magic, actually.
Shylock: If you are wondering about the tricks, I can try it on you right here, right now. Will you be of interest?
A Secret Present ↑
[Location: Shylock’s room]
Akira: Good evening, Shylock. I heard that you were looking for me. Is there something you need from me?
Shylock: Welcome, Master Sage. I have something to give you.
Shylock: This is a wine from the land I was born in. Worry not, this is a non-alcoholic one.
Akira: Wah…! Is this the one you talked about before? Thank you very much!
Shylock: Please, it is a token of gratitude for all of your hard work.
Option 1: What do you do when you're by yourself?
Shylock: When I am at the bar, I tend the glasses and utensils.
Shylock: When I am back in my room, I do things I like. Sometimes while having an evening drink, pondering about things.
Shylock: I am quite fond of the time I spend alone in leisure.
Option 2: Do you invite people to your room?
Shylock: Yes. Conversing with someone over the counter is nice, but when it's about me, I prefer to do it in a more of a private space.
Shylock: Murr, without a doubt, freely invites himself to my room, though.
Option 3: What does your daily schedule look like?
Shylock: It is actually rare for me to have breakfast. More often than not, I take my time waking up. If the Western Wizards are up for it, we will have lessons and trainings.
Shylock: When the sun sets, I open the manor's bar. Once the last patron take their leave, I go back to my room and sleep.
Shylock: I apologize for having you come here out of your way. There was no guarantee that the Northern Wizards will not take it for themselves.
Akira: This must be really valuable, then…. I'll make sure to enjoy this 'till its last drop.
Shylock: If you do not mind, how about a toast before you go? You may also have that one I just gave you.
Akira: Really? Then, I'll have this, please!
Shylock: As you wish. I hope it caters to your taste.
To Gaze Upon ↑
[Location: Manor lounge, day]
Akira: Shylock, are you reading a book?
Shylock: ...Shh.
Shylock brought his pointing finger to his lips, and smiled gently.
Akira: (Does he want me to speak quietly? But why…. Ah.)
Murr, eyes closed: ….
Akira: (Murr is sleeping like a cat all curled up….)
Akira: So, the reason you’re reading a book here is….
Murr: A book?
Akira: Wah, Murr! Uhm, that’s….
Shylock: It is no other than to gaze upon you, Murr.
Murr: Why?
Shylock: Why not try thinking with your own head? Since I am especially not willing to tell you.
The Glass of Lifetime ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, day]
Shylock: Then, may I leave this glass for you to wash?
Akira: (Helping out in Shylock’s bar makes me nervous. I need to be careful so I don’t break things.)
Akira: Ah…!
Shylock: Master Sage, is something the matter?
Akira: It seems like I broke the rim of this glass. I must’ve washed it too hard.
Shylock: No, it is not your fault. I have been using that one for as long as I can remember. I think its time has simply come.
Akira: This glass is really beautiful, though. Can’t you fix it with magic…?
Shylock: It is certainly possible for me, though I would like for that glass to stay that way.
Akira: Why so?
Shylock: Because having everything done in mere seconds is efficient, yet boring.
Shylock: I like for things to be a little burdensome, as you see.
The Cocktail’s Secret ↑
[Location: Manor’s bar, night]
Shylock: Master Sage, just now I received a special cocktail. I can serve you a non-alcohol version, if you'd like.
Akira: Waah…. It has the colors of the sea! The gradation is so pretty….
Akira: (Oh, and it smells good…. It has a mysterious fragrance that makes me feel comfy and drowsy.)
Akira: Then, I'll have it.
Shylock: Master Sage, please wait. To tell you the truth, this is not a cocktail meant to be drunk.
Akira: Huh?
Shylock: It is a luxury item, meant to only have its fragrance enjoyed. This drink used the nectar extracted from a poisonous flower that lures people for their life with its enticing scent.
Shylock: A lesser concentration of the honey is mainly used to put someone into a coma.
Akira: That's really dangerous, though!?
Shylock: I was kidding.
Akira: Huh!? Then, is this safe to drink?
Shylock: Yes. Heheh, I simply wanted to see your astonished expression.
Akira: (That really didn't sound like a lie at all….)
Beneath the Moonlight ↑
[Location: Forest near the manor, night]
Akira: The Western Wizards went out for lessons, but they haven't come back…. I hope nothing bad happened.
Shylock: Good evening, Master Sage. Are you taking a stroll?
Akira: Shylock! I'm glad you're okay. Where are the others?
Shylock: It seems that we have caused you a concern. They are right over there.
Murr: Master Sage! Look! A tea party with < the Great Calamity! >
Chloe: Waah, Murr! Be careful flying with your cup in hand!
Rustica: Heheh. What a wondrous view.
Shylock: As you can see, we decided to have a little tea party after our lessons.
Option 1: Where did the table and chairs come from…?
Shylock: I used magic to bring them over. A tea party beneath the moonlight, don't you think it is just great?
Option 2: Tea party?
Shylock: Nothing can be more tedious than working all day. Thus, we plan to have fun just as much.
Shylock: Master Sage, how about a cup of tea before we go back?
Akira: Can I really?
Shylock: Certainly. Let us enjoy this splendid evening. Feel free to have fun to your heart's content.
1 The term is 花まる, which is a stamp of flower circle given to (typically) elementary students who did well on their assignments/exams. ↑