odorekijin

[Town of Ice]

Chloe: 《 Suispicibo Voitengok 》!

Akira: Wah.

At the incantation, our outfits suddenly transformed: both the wizards and I became clad in mystical but solemn attires.

Owen: ...What is this.

Snow: The garments for tonight’s rites, of course.

Shylock: Chloe made one for each of us, taking inspiration from what we came upon in the mansion.

Murr: So, thoughts? Pretty cool, right?

Mithra: Huh, very nice indeed.

Bradley: Not too shabby.

Akira: All these costumes, with so little time... Thank you so much, Chloe. That must have been a lot of work, huh?

White: Not only do they perfectly suit everyone, but their quality is outstanding. You truly are a remarkable boy.

Rustica: Oh, of course, he undeniably is exceptional.

Bradley: An’ why are you so smug about it, huh?

Chloe: Ehehe, it wasn’t too difficult with everyone helping me. Besides, making that sort of stylish outfit was a lot of fun for me too!

White: We cannot thank you enough, Chloe. These clothes play a crucial role in enlivening the festivities.

Snow: We all are donned in the most wonderful attire and the Afterglow Lilies have been gathered.

White: Everything seems to be in order.

Snow & White: Now, let the “Twilight Banquet to our Lost” begin.

——

[Lake]

Along with the town’s inhabitants, we proceeded to the lake where the festivities would unfold.

The lake was located a short distance away from the town. Despite the biting cold, the water remained beautifully still, its surface surprisingly unfrozen.

The sun had already set, dyeing the landscapes in the shades of evening.

It was finally time for the ceremony to begin.

Snow in the painting: Hold us gently, Braddykins.

White in the painting: Handle us with care, Braddykins.

Bradley: Shut yer traps already. Keep it up and I’ll dump yer ass in the lake.

Snow & White in the painting: No no don’t!

Snow and White were already inside the painting.

As soon as he had the canvas in hand, Bradley was quick to reach his wits’ end with all the conditions required to hold them properly.

Chloe: We should just do what they tell us, right?

Shylock: For tonight, we shall become their obedient arms and legs.

The Western wizards, eager as ever, surrounded the painting to review the proceedings of the festival with the twins.

The wizards were to carry out the rituals according to the twin’s instructions as they led the operations from within the frame.

Snow & White in the painting: We entrust the rest to you.

Rustica: Of course, you can count on us.

Murr: Leave it to us—!

The Western wizards turned on their heels, their costumes flipping with a swift move, and flew to their posts.

Akira: Here, everyone, take a flower.

Emptying my basket one by one, I handed out Afterglow Lilies to the townspeople, who deposited the flowers into the lake

Countless white blooms floated on the still waters of that peaceful night.

Snow & White in the painting: Our dear Western wizards, if you please.

At the twins’ cue, the Western wizards cast a gentle breeze from the sky.

Pushed by the draft, the Afterglow Lilies slowly glided across the lake.

I immediately understood the meaning these flowers carried in front of such a spectacle.

Akira: The flowers, they’re glowing...!

The white petals, so modest under the sun, bathed in a mysterious glow once the sunlight gave way to the moon.

Their light, soothing and gentle, illuminated the afterglow hours like a gathering of lanterns.The way they flocked together, drifting upon the surface of the lake, was of breathtaking beauty.

Akira: Amazing... This is gorgeous...

Snow in the painting: Right you are. This is a scene you can only witness once a year.

White in the painting: But this isn’t all there is to it; the festival is only getting started. So, next...

Just as the twins were about to give their instructions, the painting lightly rose from Bradley's hand.

Bradley: Whu?

Snow & White in the painting: What in the world is happening?

To our surprise, the painting of the twins flew forward unwaveringly, as if drawn in by something.

At the goal line was Owen, legs crossed on his broom.

Owen: Good evening to our teaching twinsies. Let me give you a little help, too.

Owen flew off, painting in hand.

Akira: Snow, White!

Bradley: The hell got into him?

Chloe: We have the chase after Owen! The festival can’t proceed otherwise!

Chloe, Rustica, and Shylock, who had been awaiting directives above, settled on their brooms and immediately chased after Owen.

Rustica: Owen, now where are you going with Masters Snow and White?

Shylock: I would much prefer to have this game of cat-and-mouse another day, if you so wish to play.

Chloe: Owen, please give them back!

Owen: Why would I.

If you want them so bad, then come tear them away from my hands—that is, if you crazy Western wizards can even manage that much.

Shylock: 《 Inviebelle 》

Rustica: 《 Amorest Viesse 》

Chloe: 《 Suispicibo Voitengok 》!

The three of them tried to recover the painting, but Owen mockingly dodged their magic with ease.

In an instant, he flew straight towards the lake.

Snow in the painting: Owen, put us down this instant!

White in the painting: Don’t you dare! What do you expect to result from this exactly!?

Owen: Since you two get along so well, I’m going to let you drift away together, all the way into the lake among the Afterglow Lilies.

You’ve always been an eyesore, you see. With the two of you dead, I won't hear a single high and mighty order from you anymore.

White in the painting: That is absurd… Such endeavors will lead you nowhere.

Owen: Haha… I’m doing this for the both of you as well, you know?

Even if you didn’t hold this festival, if you could die by each other’s sides, you could avoid being apart ever again. You could be together for eternity.

Wouldn't you be much happier that way? Isn't that what you desire the most in this world, White?

White in the painting: ...gh…

——————

< | index | >