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odorekijin[Snow & White’s bedroom]
The day the festivities are held is said to be special, according to White: it is a moment for the dead to return to their loved ones. Thus, the "Twilight Banquet to Our Lost" is a form of ritual to welcome back the departed.
Akira: (I guess it’s their own version of Obon then...?) (1)
White: Once a year, we remember, honour, and welcome our returning lost ones with a grand banquet and open arms.
Even without a body to carry them, the dead return. Without fail, their precious someone remembers those with whom they wished to remain for eternity.
Such is the wish of the living for the dead.
”The living for the dead”.
Such words immediately call to mind the deceased White, whose soul remains tied to this world thanks to Snow.
Without a doubt, this was a particularly special festival for Snow, the one who holds White so close to his heart. I could understand his reticence to cancel it so quickly.
White: ...Well now, I shall be on my way.
When my eyes followed him, silently asking him where he was going, he offered a begrudging smile, far too mature for his innocent, youthful features.
White: I shall find Snow, and offer him an apology.
If he desires to hold the observances despite my proposal, then I ought to grant his wish.
Akira: White…
White: What do you say, dearest Sage? Having come this far, would you be willing to see the end of this issue, and help us reconcile our differences?
Akira: If I can be of any help, then yes, of course!
White smiled, leaving the room, my hand firmly clasped in his.
——
[Shylock’s bar]
Murr: Sick, more guests are joining the party!
Chloe: Welcome, Master Sage!
Rustica: A good day to you, dear Sage. I see Lord White came as well.
Shylock: My my, we have quite the audience when the sun has yet to set.
Following Snow’s trail, we landed in Shylock's bar. We were greeted by the Western wizards, who, by happenstance, happened to be there.
And gathered on the couch, I noticed the Northern wizards who’d just left us behind.
Akira: I didn't know all of you were here. I thought you had returned to your rooms.
Bradley: That was the fuckin’ plan, but that cheese-brained old fart nabbed us before we could skedaddle. ‘Said he wanted to down some pints to forget shit or sumthin’.
Owen: First he’s noisy, and now he’s tyrannical. He’s the absolute worst. Just you wait, when night falls...
Mithra: Perfect timing, Master Sage. Won’t you take care of this for us? The same as you did earlier.
Akira: I barely did anything though...
White: Snow.
Snow: ...May I know why you are here.
A touch of red in his cheeks, Snow was sitting at the counter, seemingly tipsy.
The pair of eyes glaring at White, however, retained some of their former fire.
Shylock: Unless you both prefer to have a drink on those feet of yours, you are welcome to make use of some of my stools. Please, come this way.
Snow & White: …
Shylock promptly beckoned us to the seats next to Snow.
Invited to take a seat myself, the Western wizards crowded around the twins.
Rustica: Lord Snow was introducing us to the “Twilight Banquet to our Lost” just a moment ago.
Shylock: I hear it is a wonderfully ethereal ritual, held only once a year. I must say, even the mere tales we were entertained with greatly captivated me.
Chloe: I had no idea the town where Master Snow and the others live had such a festival.
Murr: I've heard rumors! But I have never seen it with my own two eyes yet!
I want to participate too! What do you think, can I? Can I?
Snow: No, you cannot.
Murr: Whaa? Party pooper!
Snow: Hmph, I most certainly do not intend to be condescending
It is that, due to a medley of reasons, we will not be able to hold the festivities this year.
Rustica: Goodness, why ever could that be?
White continued in place of Snow, whose voice had caught in his throat.
White: In order for the festival to take place, our power as wizards is paramount. Conversely, the “Twilight Banquet to our Lost'' truly takes off only once night falls.
Chloe: Oh, I see... You both would end up being in the painting, then.
Snow: …
Snow cast his eyes down, and clutched the empty glass with both hands—hands that White met, as he tenderly uttered:
White: I must apologize to you, Snow. I, too, have reconsidered my stance after what happened.
The festival will not be cancelled. We shall carry out the ceremonies, as we do every year.
Snow: ...Truly?
White: Yes, truly. You were entirely in the right, for this banquet is a very special occasion to the two of us as well.
Snow: White…!
Snow beamed—but that smile was soon enough replaced by a frown.
Snow: Whatever decision we may take, we are still incapacitated once the sun sets. If we cannot use our magic at will, performing the rites will be rather difficult.
On the other hand, we simply cannot host the festival during the day…
Shylock: Well then, have you considered accepting some help from your fellow wizards?
Snow & White: Pardon?
Rustica: That is a most excellent idea. That way, anyone who knows how to use magic may replace the two of you once you are bound to the painting.
Murr: You’re in luck, there’s a bunch of wizards around here! Let’s see, there’s us, these guys from the West and… Us again!
Chloe: Yes! We’ll be glad to help! You just have to let us know! It's pretty sad that you can’t fully enjoy the festival you were so excited about, though.
Ah, but it's a pretty important event for the townspeople, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be troublesome if we acted on your behalf...?
Snow resolutely shook his head at Chloe's hesitant query.
Snow: Not at all, you are more than welcome!
We shall oversee all the procedures for the festival—I assure you, you will find no trouble with the tasks. Do you still wish to shoulder this duty?
Chloe & Rustica: Of course!
Shylock: We are glad to be of use.
Murr: Yay! Festival time!
Akira: If it’s not too much, I would also like to support you. I may not be able to use magic, but I'll try my best to be useful in many other ways!
Snow: Oh, so you also wish to be of help, my dear? Thank you, for your aid is much appreciated. You lot are such upstanding, enthusiastic comrades.
Snow nestled into White's shoulder with a joyful hum.
Snow: ‘Tis going to be yet another wonderful year for the festival, White. With such fine wizards by our side, this could be the most exciting one yet.
White: That is most encouraging, Snow. We ought to give our most ardent gratitude to everyone who has offered their help.
Snow seemed to be in much higher spirits now, both twins cheerfully laughing together.
White: …
However, hints of melancholy lingered in White’s expression—but perhaps it was just my imagination.
(1) “Obon”, “Bon Festival'' or “Lantern Festival” is a Japanese custom to honor the souls of their deceased ancestors, generally by hanging lanterns in front of houses, presenting offerings to family’s altars, and other festivities.
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