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The Cuore of Truth Brings Good Fortune - Episode 7
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Akira: There you are...!! We looked all over for you, but you never responded when we called out your name…
Elmo swayed as it walked towards us. Its fluffy body brushed up against Ernest, and then it glared at us as if it were reprimanding us.
Ernest: Elmo, what's wrong?
Figaro: ... It might have reappeared because it was worried about Ernest. I'm guessing it listened in on our conversation where Ernest confessed everything to us.
Arthur: ... Elmo.
Elmo raised its tail. Its fur bristled in a visible threat.
Despite that, Arthur quietly knelt before Elmo to match its eye level. He placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of sincerity.
Arthur: You needn't worry. We won't be bringing Ernest in.
We understand where he's coming from now — he stayed here in this mansion for your sake, and he has no ill intentions.
That's why, we'd like to see you healed up as soon as possible, for both your sakes.
Elmo: .........
With its hackles raised, Elmo listened to Arthur's clear and gentle voice. It then relaxed slightly, and padded over to where Figaro and Arthur were.
Figaro: If you won't trust us wizards, then I'll use medicinal herbs and magical curatives to patch you up. This way, it won't be too different from what Ernest usually administers to you, no?
I must admit that I'd prefer to use magic for a more thorough job, but that can wait for when we've gained your trust.
Ernest: Yeah, Elmo, I'll be here with you all the way too. Let's get you healed by the doctor, alright?
Elmo: .........
...... Kyuu.
Ernest: Did... Elmo just say something?
Owen: 'Very well, I shall allow it.'
Ernest: E-Elmo's really high and mighty about it... But you've been doing great at sticking it out thus far, Elmo! It'll be fine now!
Figaro: You’re an unwavering one. Well, let's get to work then. Ernest, will you lend me a hand?
Ernest: Sure!
I crept a little closer to Elmo, who had once again turned its snout up in a hmph. It flopped over on the floor, too.
I watched over the healing process from a small distance away, to make sure I didn’t intrude.
Akira: Oh... It's hurt behind its ears too. All that fur made it hard to notice.
Figaro: Dang, it's been through a rough time for sure. But these wounds have been cleaned well.
Ernest: Oh, yeah. They're in a spot that's hard to dress, so I figured the least I could do was keep them clean...
Figaro: Good call. It's all due to your care that only a few of Elmo's injuries have abscessed.
I'll apply some magical ointment onto these ear wounds. Now I'll be taking a closer look, okay, Elmo?
Elmo: Kyu!
Owen: 'How dare you,' so it says. Fufu, this thing really hates you. Beasts are more sensitive to pain than humans, didn't you know?
Ernest: Elmo, you can do it. There, there, buddy.
Owen: It's no use. You can't convince a kikii like a—
Elmo: .........
... Kyuun.
Arthur: Ah! Its ears relaxed!
Figaro: Thank you very much. It'll sting just a little once the ointment kicks in.
Owen: Hah, that’s a farce. You’ll act all high and mighty, but then you flop over for a human’s affection.
Akira: It certainly shows how much Elmo trusts Ernest though.
Elmo wagged its fluffy tail to the rhythm of Ernest's soothing strokes down its fur.
The two of them made for a heartwarming sight.
Akira: (... Still, Ernest san said that he'd only met Elmo not too long ago. He told us that Elmo's disposition is similar to that of a pet.)
(The thing is, Elmo's prideful, and it's not the type to grow close to anyone at all. I wonder what its relationship with its previous master was like?)
(And... it makes me wonder why its previous master has yet to be found...)
Arthur: ... Elmo, you used to have a different master, right? What sort of person were they?
Arthur must have been wondering the same thing I was.
He chose his words carefully, and he watched Elmo's dark beady eyes.
But Elmo did not answer. It tilted its head just slightly, as if it did not understand the meaning of Arthur's questions.
Elmo: ... Kyu. Kyuu, kyuun.
Owen: 'The likes of you might not discern the difference, but he was no master of mine. He was my devotee.'
Arthur: A devotee?
Figaro: I see. Elmo probably wasn’t kept as a pet, but instead it was honoured as a symbol of luck and the subject of prayer. Remember what I told you earlier, Kenja sama?
Akira: That there are people out there who keep kikii not as pets, but as living deities to be worshipped. And that Elmo had most likely experienced this...
Figaro: Yes, that's right. Perhaps that devotee abandoned Elmo after it turned black.
Akira & Arthur: What...
[ No BGM ]
Owen: It's nothing to be surprised about. If someone would worship kikii as a living deity, they must also know the rest of the legend.
That's why he never came back for Elmo.
Akira: .........
I felt my breath catch in my throat at the way Owen spoke.
Those were words spoken without his usual malice or sarcasm. He was stating it, plainly and simply.
I couldn't find the right words to say.
Because somewhere in my heart, I had just thought to myself, 'Perhaps you are right.'
Ernest: ...... (gasp) That's... just cruel... Being abandoned...
Elmo: Kyuun, kyuu. Kyu~n......
[ BGM starts ]
Owen: 'Banish the thought.'
Akira: Huh...?
Owen: 'For the time that my body was pure white, that person fed me with rare delicacies, gifted me gemstones, and offered up everything and anything to me, all as offerings for the profits he reaped from his good luck.'
'He watched over me; he ensured that I felt no hunger, and he shielded me so that I felt no cold. Mine was a comfortable life, for I had no reason to endure the wilderness.'
Elmo's tail swished calmly. There was no hint of nostalgia in the way it spoke about its master that disappeared. It seemed as if it were reflecting on matters in a philosophical way.
There was neither yearning for togetherness, nor was there despair at the lack of reunion.
It was like waving goodbye and saying, 'Well, this is it then.'
Ernest's face contorted.
Ernest: ...... Still………
His shoulders slumped. He had a lot to process.
Quietly, Arthur placed a hand on Ernest's shoulder. He smiled at him, gently and kindly.
Arthur: ... If Elmo’s life had never gone down that path, it would never have come to meet you, Ernest.
Ernest: ...... Arthur san...
Arthur: I too... have an acquaintance, who had been abandoned by his family in his childhood.
But that led to him meeting a wonderful person in his life.
Every day he spent with that person was a day filled with nothing but joy. Though he had been abandoned, he went on to experience plenty of happiness in the end.
Arthur smiled, and his eyes sparkled as if he were gazing upon rainbow skies after a rain shower.
The 'acquaintance' he spoke of was none other than Arthur himself.
He had been abandoned in Northern Country after being separated from his birth parents.
Summarised that way, it was a sad story… but hearing it retold by Arthur in his own words, it sounded like a beautiful and hopeful story, a fateful miracle.
Akira: (Arthur could only tell his story that way because he can look back at his past with optimism.)
(Arthur’s so strong…)
Arthur: It may seem like misfortune to be abandoned by your loved ones... But in another way, it can also be someone's first step towards meeting someone special.
Isn't it the same for you, Elmo?
Elmo: ... Kyu.
Ernest: ... (sob) Elmo...
Elmo narrowed its eyes in contentment as Ernest wrapped his hands around its head and gently ruffled its fur.
It seemed at ease and at peace.
Akira: (I'm glad that Elmo and Ernest met each other...)
Just then, Figaro, who had finished dressing up the wounds on Elmo's leg, reached over to ruffle Arthur's hair.
Arthur: Whoa! Figaro sama, is something the matter?
Figaro: Nah, I got a bit nostalgic over the days we spent together in that castle. You didn't like that?
Arthur: Oh! No, I was just a bit startled. It’s also been so long since the last time you’ve done that. I remember you used to pat me on the head lots when I was a boy.
Figaro: Mhm. Rutile and Mitile are happy when I do it to them too, so I guess I did that out of habit.
I can't believe that guy ended up raising such a nice young man like you. It’s hard to imagine what it must’ve been like when you two first met.
Figaro's expression softened.
Surely, it must be the same expression he'd wear as he patted little Arthur on the head all those years ago.
Ernest was scritching Elmo's neck, then Ernest suddenly bolted upright and stared out the window.
Ernest: Oh, the sun's getting low now... I don't know when the strange occurrences will start, but I'll make the most of my time now and whip up some dinner.
Elmo, please play nice with our guests.
[ Ernest leaves the room. ]
[ No BGM ]
Elmo: ...... (heaves a sigh)
[ Figaro also heaves a sigh. ]
[ Event theme song BGM ]
Figaro: The moment Ernest leaves us, you sure turned that attitude of yours right around, huh?
Akira: Ahaha. There's no way it'll play... Hmm?
Elmo spared a moment to see Ernest off, and then it turned around and started sauntering towards me.
My heart started to race. It felt special, somehow, when the prideful Elmo decided to sit by my feet. It was like being the favourite of a regal king.
Akira: Y-Yes? How may I help you?
Elmo: ... Kyuu. Kyu?
Owen: It asks, 'What is it that humans desire?' Try to come up with something other than 'white kikii', 'good luck', and 'riches', by the way. It already knows those.
Seems like that thing wanted to ask earlier, but it thought that you were an ally of the wizards, so it gave up. But now it’s asking anyway.
Akira: Huh?
I was stunned by the unexpected question.
It must be something related to Ernest, I figured. It was a question Elmo had bothered to ask, after all.
Akira: Umm, if my personal preference is acceptable, then I don't mind answering... Still, is it alright to not check with Ernest san?
Owen: 'There is no need to. That man is weak-willed and a coward. He voices little of his wishes and desires. Thus, I have elected to ask a different human.'
Figaro: ... Ah, I see.
Arms crossed, Figaro's thin lips curved into a bitter smile.
Figaro: I think I have figured out why you keep getting hurt every night.
Is it, perhaps, for Ernest’s sake? That you’ve been injuring yourself on purpose, even though it makes him worry so much about you?
Elmo: Kyu. Kyuun.
Owen: It says you're correct. It's been doing that to turn itself back into a white kikii.
Arthur: Really? I should think that Ernest loves you very much the way you are now, black fur and all...
Akira: May I know why you continue to suffer such injuries in order to return yourself to white?
Elmo: .........
... Kyuu, kyu...
Elmo's eyes fell upon the doorway that Ernest had exited through. It spoke again, in a little voice that I could barely hear.
Owen opened his mouth but said nothing. He frowned instead.
He looked like he had just swallowed something bitter. His expression was strange, as if he'd just listened to poetry from an unknown country.
Akira: ... Owen? What's wrong?
Owen: It's nothing. I was thinking over how to convey what this thing was trying to say, and I couldn't figure it out for a bit, is all.
'All humans prefer white kikii. That pet owner adores my black form only because he is ignorant of my white form.'
'For that reason, I wish to return to my original state.'
Somehow... It's like a prayer, or an offering, sort of.
Then Owen shrugged.
Owen: I don't know how to convey the rest. I do get the feeling that this thing doesn't know how to put it into words either, though.
Akira: (Something like a prayer, or an offering...)
A word that neither Owen nor Elmo knew to describe — I think I could puzzle out just what exactly that feeling was.
But before I could, Elmo rose to its feet.
Episode 8 ⭢
Akira: There you are...!! We looked all over for you, but you never responded when we called out your name…
Elmo swayed as it walked towards us. Its fluffy body brushed up against Ernest, and then it glared at us as if it were reprimanding us.
Ernest: Elmo, what's wrong?
Figaro: ... It might have reappeared because it was worried about Ernest. I'm guessing it listened in on our conversation where Ernest confessed everything to us.
Arthur: ... Elmo.
Elmo raised its tail. Its fur bristled in a visible threat.
Despite that, Arthur quietly knelt before Elmo to match its eye level. He placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of sincerity.
Arthur: You needn't worry. We won't be bringing Ernest in.
We understand where he's coming from now — he stayed here in this mansion for your sake, and he has no ill intentions.
That's why, we'd like to see you healed up as soon as possible, for both your sakes.
Elmo: .........
With its hackles raised, Elmo listened to Arthur's clear and gentle voice. It then relaxed slightly, and padded over to where Figaro and Arthur were.
Figaro: If you won't trust us wizards, then I'll use medicinal herbs and magical curatives to patch you up. This way, it won't be too different from what Ernest usually administers to you, no?
I must admit that I'd prefer to use magic for a more thorough job, but that can wait for when we've gained your trust.
Ernest: Yeah, Elmo, I'll be here with you all the way too. Let's get you healed by the doctor, alright?
Elmo: .........
...... Kyuu.
Ernest: Did... Elmo just say something?
Owen: 'Very well, I shall allow it.'
Ernest: E-Elmo's really high and mighty about it... But you've been doing great at sticking it out thus far, Elmo! It'll be fine now!
Figaro: You’re an unwavering one. Well, let's get to work then. Ernest, will you lend me a hand?
Ernest: Sure!
I crept a little closer to Elmo, who had once again turned its snout up in a hmph. It flopped over on the floor, too.
I watched over the healing process from a small distance away, to make sure I didn’t intrude.
Akira: Oh... It's hurt behind its ears too. All that fur made it hard to notice.
Figaro: Dang, it's been through a rough time for sure. But these wounds have been cleaned well.
Ernest: Oh, yeah. They're in a spot that's hard to dress, so I figured the least I could do was keep them clean...
Figaro: Good call. It's all due to your care that only a few of Elmo's injuries have abscessed.
I'll apply some magical ointment onto these ear wounds. Now I'll be taking a closer look, okay, Elmo?
Elmo: Kyu!
Owen: 'How dare you,' so it says. Fufu, this thing really hates you. Beasts are more sensitive to pain than humans, didn't you know?
Ernest: Elmo, you can do it. There, there, buddy.
Owen: It's no use. You can't convince a kikii like a—
Elmo: .........
... Kyuun.
Arthur: Ah! Its ears relaxed!
Figaro: Thank you very much. It'll sting just a little once the ointment kicks in.
Owen: Hah, that’s a farce. You’ll act all high and mighty, but then you flop over for a human’s affection.
Akira: It certainly shows how much Elmo trusts Ernest though.
Elmo wagged its fluffy tail to the rhythm of Ernest's soothing strokes down its fur.
The two of them made for a heartwarming sight.
Akira: (... Still, Ernest san said that he'd only met Elmo not too long ago. He told us that Elmo's disposition is similar to that of a pet.)
(The thing is, Elmo's prideful, and it's not the type to grow close to anyone at all. I wonder what its relationship with its previous master was like?)
(And... it makes me wonder why its previous master has yet to be found...)
Arthur: ... Elmo, you used to have a different master, right? What sort of person were they?
Arthur must have been wondering the same thing I was.
He chose his words carefully, and he watched Elmo's dark beady eyes.
But Elmo did not answer. It tilted its head just slightly, as if it did not understand the meaning of Arthur's questions.
Elmo: ... Kyu. Kyuu, kyuun.
Owen: 'The likes of you might not discern the difference, but he was no master of mine. He was my devotee.'
Arthur: A devotee?
Figaro: I see. Elmo probably wasn’t kept as a pet, but instead it was honoured as a symbol of luck and the subject of prayer. Remember what I told you earlier, Kenja sama?
Akira: That there are people out there who keep kikii not as pets, but as living deities to be worshipped. And that Elmo had most likely experienced this...
Figaro: Yes, that's right. Perhaps that devotee abandoned Elmo after it turned black.
Akira & Arthur: What...
[ No BGM ]
Owen: It's nothing to be surprised about. If someone would worship kikii as a living deity, they must also know the rest of the legend.
That's why he never came back for Elmo.
Akira: .........
I felt my breath catch in my throat at the way Owen spoke.
Those were words spoken without his usual malice or sarcasm. He was stating it, plainly and simply.
I couldn't find the right words to say.
Because somewhere in my heart, I had just thought to myself, 'Perhaps you are right.'
Ernest: ...... (gasp) That's... just cruel... Being abandoned...
Elmo: Kyuun, kyuu. Kyu~n......
[ BGM starts ]
Owen: 'Banish the thought.'
Akira: Huh...?
Owen: 'For the time that my body was pure white, that person fed me with rare delicacies, gifted me gemstones, and offered up everything and anything to me, all as offerings for the profits he reaped from his good luck.'
'He watched over me; he ensured that I felt no hunger, and he shielded me so that I felt no cold. Mine was a comfortable life, for I had no reason to endure the wilderness.'
Elmo's tail swished calmly. There was no hint of nostalgia in the way it spoke about its master that disappeared. It seemed as if it were reflecting on matters in a philosophical way.
There was neither yearning for togetherness, nor was there despair at the lack of reunion.
It was like waving goodbye and saying, 'Well, this is it then.'
Ernest's face contorted.
Ernest: ...... Still………
His shoulders slumped. He had a lot to process.
Quietly, Arthur placed a hand on Ernest's shoulder. He smiled at him, gently and kindly.
Arthur: ... If Elmo’s life had never gone down that path, it would never have come to meet you, Ernest.
Ernest: ...... Arthur san...
Arthur: I too... have an acquaintance, who had been abandoned by his family in his childhood.
But that led to him meeting a wonderful person in his life.
Every day he spent with that person was a day filled with nothing but joy. Though he had been abandoned, he went on to experience plenty of happiness in the end.
Arthur smiled, and his eyes sparkled as if he were gazing upon rainbow skies after a rain shower.
The 'acquaintance' he spoke of was none other than Arthur himself.
He had been abandoned in Northern Country after being separated from his birth parents.
Summarised that way, it was a sad story… but hearing it retold by Arthur in his own words, it sounded like a beautiful and hopeful story, a fateful miracle.
Akira: (Arthur could only tell his story that way because he can look back at his past with optimism.)
(Arthur’s so strong…)
Arthur: It may seem like misfortune to be abandoned by your loved ones... But in another way, it can also be someone's first step towards meeting someone special.
Isn't it the same for you, Elmo?
Elmo: ... Kyu.
Ernest: ... (sob) Elmo...
Elmo narrowed its eyes in contentment as Ernest wrapped his hands around its head and gently ruffled its fur.
It seemed at ease and at peace.
Akira: (I'm glad that Elmo and Ernest met each other...)
Just then, Figaro, who had finished dressing up the wounds on Elmo's leg, reached over to ruffle Arthur's hair.
Arthur: Whoa! Figaro sama, is something the matter?
Figaro: Nah, I got a bit nostalgic over the days we spent together in that castle. You didn't like that?
Arthur: Oh! No, I was just a bit startled. It’s also been so long since the last time you’ve done that. I remember you used to pat me on the head lots when I was a boy.
Figaro: Mhm. Rutile and Mitile are happy when I do it to them too, so I guess I did that out of habit.
I can't believe that guy ended up raising such a nice young man like you. It’s hard to imagine what it must’ve been like when you two first met.
Figaro's expression softened.
Surely, it must be the same expression he'd wear as he patted little Arthur on the head all those years ago.
Ernest was scritching Elmo's neck, then Ernest suddenly bolted upright and stared out the window.
Ernest: Oh, the sun's getting low now... I don't know when the strange occurrences will start, but I'll make the most of my time now and whip up some dinner.
Elmo, please play nice with our guests.
[ Ernest leaves the room. ]
[ No BGM ]
Elmo: ...... (heaves a sigh)
[ Figaro also heaves a sigh. ]
[ Event theme song BGM ]
Figaro: The moment Ernest leaves us, you sure turned that attitude of yours right around, huh?
Akira: Ahaha. There's no way it'll play... Hmm?
Elmo spared a moment to see Ernest off, and then it turned around and started sauntering towards me.
My heart started to race. It felt special, somehow, when the prideful Elmo decided to sit by my feet. It was like being the favourite of a regal king.
Akira: Y-Yes? How may I help you?
Elmo: ... Kyuu. Kyu?
Owen: It asks, 'What is it that humans desire?' Try to come up with something other than 'white kikii', 'good luck', and 'riches', by the way. It already knows those.
Seems like that thing wanted to ask earlier, but it thought that you were an ally of the wizards, so it gave up. But now it’s asking anyway.
Akira: Huh?
I was stunned by the unexpected question.
It must be something related to Ernest, I figured. It was a question Elmo had bothered to ask, after all.
Akira: Umm, if my personal preference is acceptable, then I don't mind answering... Still, is it alright to not check with Ernest san?
Owen: 'There is no need to. That man is weak-willed and a coward. He voices little of his wishes and desires. Thus, I have elected to ask a different human.'
Figaro: ... Ah, I see.
Arms crossed, Figaro's thin lips curved into a bitter smile.
Figaro: I think I have figured out why you keep getting hurt every night.
Is it, perhaps, for Ernest’s sake? That you’ve been injuring yourself on purpose, even though it makes him worry so much about you?
Elmo: Kyu. Kyuun.
Owen: It says you're correct. It's been doing that to turn itself back into a white kikii.
Arthur: Really? I should think that Ernest loves you very much the way you are now, black fur and all...
Akira: May I know why you continue to suffer such injuries in order to return yourself to white?
Elmo: .........
... Kyuu, kyu...
Elmo's eyes fell upon the doorway that Ernest had exited through. It spoke again, in a little voice that I could barely hear.
Owen opened his mouth but said nothing. He frowned instead.
He looked like he had just swallowed something bitter. His expression was strange, as if he'd just listened to poetry from an unknown country.
Akira: ... Owen? What's wrong?
Owen: It's nothing. I was thinking over how to convey what this thing was trying to say, and I couldn't figure it out for a bit, is all.
'All humans prefer white kikii. That pet owner adores my black form only because he is ignorant of my white form.'
'For that reason, I wish to return to my original state.'
Somehow... It's like a prayer, or an offering, sort of.
Then Owen shrugged.
Owen: I don't know how to convey the rest. I do get the feeling that this thing doesn't know how to put it into words either, though.
Akira: (Something like a prayer, or an offering...)
A word that neither Owen nor Elmo knew to describe — I think I could puzzle out just what exactly that feeling was.
But before I could, Elmo rose to its feet.
Episode 8 ⭢