“Putting Feelings Into Words”

★ chapter one
★ chapter two
★ episode
★ voice line

chapter one

[East Country, Mining Town—Crossroad]

Arthur: … …

Bradley: 《 Adnopotensum 》

Arthur: Woah?! Ah, Bradley!

Bradley: Damn, I snatched ‘em doodads thinkin’ it was some kinda treasure precious to ya, but…

Ain’t that jus’ the necklaces they sell ‘round the village?

Arthur: Indeed, it is. I saw them in that shop and instantly fell for their design.

Could you give them back now, please?

Bradley: Ya didn’t even need to ask, ain’t no point in stealing something that you can just buy next door–though I gotta admit, the stones in themselves aren’t half bad.

Though, riddle me this… What’s so special about ‘em necklaces? They’re run o’ the mill at best, not exactly something you’d see the next ruler of a country buy, feel me?

Arthur: It’s precisely what you mentioned that caught my eye: the stone inlay.

Take a closer look at their colour… Don’t they remind you of something?

Bradley: Hm… That’s one bright, lime green inlay a’right…

Arthur: Yes, quite like Riquet’s eye colour, wouldn’t you say?

Knowing that, I purposefully purchased similar pieces… This one bears Master Oz’s eye colour, while the other closely resembles Cain’s.

They will make for a lovely gift to my fellow wizards—each wearing a necklace adorned with their respective eye colour.

Bradley: Hm…

Tell me, yer Central Midgesty, you really ain’t knowin’ or you just actin’ like you don’t?

Arthur: Know about what exactly?

Bradley: ‘Bout wizards giftin’ someone gems that matches their eye colour.

Arthur: …This is my first time hearing about such a thing, actually. Care to enlighten me?

Bradley: Well, to put it simply…

“You mean everything to me.”

“In this stone, I’m engraving a piece of your gaze to look back to when we’re apart,” or sum’n like that.

Arthur: … …

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chapter two

[East Country, Mining Town—Crossroad]

Bradley: Puahah, what? Cat got yer tongue?

Arthur: …Not at all, I simply didn’t anticipate such a profound interpretation, is all!

It’s like I was meant to stumble upon these necklaces. I can’t imagine a more fitting gift to return with.

Bradley: Hah?

Arthur: My feelings are exactly as you just described. The green hues of this stone immediately called to mind Riquet’s bright, candid eyes. But that’s not all…

It’s as if Cain’s warmth and unwavering integrity were glowing within the honeyed depths of this gem; and this one… It perfectly embodies the crimson of Master Oz’s commanding yet gentle gaze.

Bradley: … …

Arthur: Thank you for imparting your wisdom, Bradley! I wonder if only I am foreign to its implicit meaning…

No matter, I cannot wait to see their reaction to these gifts!

Bradley: Haaa… An’ here I thought you’d be wincin’ and squirmin’ away with embarrassment…

Arthur: Huh?

Bradley: I was just messin’ with ya: there ain’t really no special meaning in givin’ someone somethin’ that matches their eye colour.

It might jus’ show that you cherish ‘em a whole lot, but that’s ‘bout as deep as it goes.

Arthur: Oh? Anything you say just sounds so convincing, I keep falling for it head first.

Bradley: If you say so. …Thanks, now it’s takin’ the blow of yer darn honesty that’s makin’ me cringe.

Arthur: Ah hah, I’m only speaking my mind…

However, I realise that I should make my feelings plain, with my own words, rather than leave them up to interpretation.

So, in these stones, I’m engraving my heart—it’s proof that I’ll always love them, even when we’re apart.

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episode story

“Baddies’ Techniques”

[Wizards’ Manor—Lounge]

Arthur: Master Sage, might I present these earrings to you? Take them as a gift from me personally.

Akira: Wow… Are you sure? The crystals are so refined, it’s practically glowing under the light!

Arthur: I acquired them from the eastern village we last had a mission in. The moment I saw these precious stones, something compelled me to get them for you… I simply could not leave without them.

As you can see, they’re the same shade as your eyes. Their lustre reminds me of your kindness when you watch over and care for us everyday.

Akira: Re, really…?! You flatter me too much, Arthur… But thank you, sincerely; your gesture touches me. I’ll treasure them!

Arthur: Ehe, I’m delighted to see my gift is to your taste. ...That being said, I have another request―

Would it be too much trouble to ask that you wear them for a minute? I would like to see how they look on you.

Akira: Why, yes, it’s no problem at all! …There. Verdict?

Arthur: … …You look dashing.

…Hm, I suppose Bradley was right once again.

Akira: Huh? What’s Bradley to do with this?

Arthur: You see, he accompanied me on my short shopping trip. He said, and I quote…

“When you’ll hand your gift to the Sage, have them wear it there and then.” He added that, in doing so, I would “enjoy something truly special.”

He then urged me not to let anyone “steal this ephemeral gem of an instant” from me.

Akira: Err, and what is that supposed to mean…?

Arthur: That I’m glad I managed to have you all to myself, to properly appreciate this sight of you. So, thank you…

Thank you for gracing me with your smile and allowing me to see you wearing my gift before any other.

Akira: A-Arthur…!

(Uh-oh, our virtuous prince is picking up flirting techniques from the baddies…!)

voice line

“I was speaking with Rutile regarding a picture book project centred around wizards, when Owen suddenly joined the discussion... and what an fervent exchange that was! Where Rutile exudes kindness and positivity, Owen delivers sardonic yet pointed observations. Their differing perspectives certainly made for an enriching discussion! I hope I will have another chance to engage with their spirited debate.”

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