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Falling in Love with the Captive Noce - Episode 4
⭠ last episode | Episode 4 | next episode ⭢
Bradley: Fearsome fiends are supposed to defend the area around the Benedetta fruit tree as part of their territory.
So what we have to do is hit up all the spots where vicious magical creatures live.
I've got a good grasp of the lay of the land when it comes to Northern Country, and we have Mithra, which means we can cover a lot of ground in a short span of time. Simple, no?
Mitile: S-Simple, maybe?
Akira: That sounds kind of dangerous though...
Mithra: With me around, there is no such thing as danger.
Now hurry up and point us the right way, please.
Bradley: The closest spot's just around here. It's a short flight away by broom...
Kenja, you ride with me.
We took flight. While we made our ascent, Mitile glanced over his shoulder at Mia's castle in the distance. He looked worried.
Mitile: Is everyone going to be alright? They're hostages now...
Mia san's a really strong witch, isn't she?
Bradley: That she is, no doubt about it. Mia only takes interest in strong men.
To her, weak wizards are like pebbles by the roadside. She wouldn’t deign to give them the time of day.
Mitile: ... Does that include Figaro sensei?
Bradley: What? Figaro?
Mitile: Didn't he say that in the past, Mia san fell in love with him at first sight, so that's why I...
Bradley: Wouldn’t know about that. If you're curious, why don't you ask the man himself?
Make sure you ask him how much of a man he was.
Mitile: .........
You're right. I'll ask Figaro sensei himself when I want to know more.
Mitile: ... Figaro sensei, Snow sama, Nero san, Murr san, Rustica san...
Please, be safe! We'll definitely bring a Benedetta fruit back to the castle!
I observed Mitile at the corner of my peripheral vision, noticing that he'd tightly gripped the handle of his broom.
I turned to Bradley, who was sitting in front of me, and I sidled closer.
Akira: Um, they're really going to be okay, right...?
As far as I could tell, Mia san was really, really mad at Snow and Figaro...
Snow and Figaro had shot Bradley looks of distinct displeasure when Bradley chose them to be hostages.
The atmosphere was so tense and awkward that it wouldn't surprise me if they had indeed started fighting the moment we left.
Bradley: Hah. Tell me, is there any northern wizard out there that likes those two?
That was an act. What's important right now is that we calm down the little Southern Wizard's nerves.
Akira: An act?
Bradley: The wizards that remain in the castle all have a silver tongue. Even if there’s any trouble with Mia, they'll be able to diffuse it in no time.
And if it still comes down to a fight, it's much better for this little Southern Wizard to be anywhere but that castle.
I've got no reason to play along with that quack doctor's make-believe, but if that kid were there with him, he wouldn't want to reveal his true colours.
That's why Mitile has to come along with us. It's gonna be a pretty rough time out here, but with Mithra around, even Figaro can turn a blind eye to a fall or three.
Akira: I see... You're amazing, Bradley!
Akira: (He’s made the most optimal plays with the hand that he was dealt. Bradley's really good at people management.)
Mithra: Hey. What are you two idly chatting about.
Bradley: It's nothing much. I was just getting the Kenja Digest to catch up on what I missed while I was away.
Mithra: ... (long hum) ...
Bradley: You look like you have something to say.
Mithra: You do seem like you’ve gone soft.
Can you still call yourself a wizard of the North when you're willing to roll over and let yourself be kept as a pet in a witch's castle without a fight?
Bradley: Hah, I don't wanna hear that from you. You spend plenty of time hanging out with the southern kids in that tiny-ass crate of a manor.
Mithra: Come again?
Mitile: Oh, um! Bradley san?
Bradley: 'Sup.
Mitile: I heard from Mithra san that you and Mia san used to fight each other to the death pretty often.
That's why I got really worried and decided to come along with everyone.
But I must admit I'm curious why you decided to go with Mia san to her castle even though you knew full well that it was dangerous.
Someone as strong as you are could definitely have escaped the moment you ran into her again.
Bradley: Well, me and Mia, we go way back. That's why.
You probably already know this, but that's also how we wizards of the North say hello.
Giving them a good fight is just common courtesy.
Even Mithra here — one moment he's asking you to grab a meal with him on a whim, next thing you know, he's all up in your face attacking you. That happens often enough.
Mitile: Okay... Yeah, I think I know what you're talking about, probably...
Mithra: For some reason, a feeling suddenly comes over me.
And then I'd think to myself, 'Oh, maybe I should kill him.'
Akira: As always, your leaps of logic never fail to amaze me...
Bradley: Hahah, that's just daily life for us though!
For you guys, eating together at a table is a sign of camaraderie. For us, putting our lives on the line is how we show camaraderie.
Mitile: .........
Mitile's brows furrowed. It seemed like that was still something he was fundamentally unable to understand or accept.
But instead of disagreeing, he swallowed his words and quietly waited for Bradley to continue.
Bradley: So yeah, gettin' that invite to Mia's castle — I thought it was like that, you know?
Meeting someone again after a long time, deciding to invite them over because you felt like it, and then at the end of it all, it turns into a grand ol' fight to the death.
I figured that wouldn’t be bad at all, so I decided to go along with it...
... Aaand here we are. Who woulda thought.
Bradley's last sentence fell from his lips in a quiet murmur, barely audible over the rush of wind as we crossed the skies to our destination.
I couldn't say for sure what his expression looked like; I was riding behind him on his broom, after all.
But I had a feeling that he was wearing an expression quite unlike the Bradley I knew.
Mithra: Tell me about it. Making bets and whatever else you were doing — spare a thought for the rest of us. We’re forced to go along with your circular schemes.
If I had been right there with you, I'd have used brute force to overwhelm her and have things my way.
Bradley: Sorry, man. I wanted to make things clear with her.
... It’s not too late. I’m not out of time yet, that's why.
Mitile & Akira: Huh...?
The northern winds continued to buffet us while Mitile and I stared in confusion. As if nothing had happened, Bradley glanced back at us.
Bradley: C'mon, we're almost there. The first spot's just up ahead.
Let’s get cracking.
[ Mia's Castle ]
Snow: Oh, bother. Bradley's gone and done it this time, making us hostages...
Even though you, dear Mia of the North, probably would have preferred to avoid a reunion with us.
Mia: Silence.
You may have collected more years, but you have not collected any more wisdom, you senile fool. Test me, and I may see fit to sew your mouth shut.
Snow: Wow, you’re quite the fright. I should like to see you try.
But words are cheap.
Mia: ... Insolent wretch...
Rustica: Fufu, I see that you two are old friends. I'm glad to see the both of you rekindling your friendship with so delightful a repartee.
Nero: Er... Just what was delightful about that?
Murr: No matter how you look at it, there wasn’t a shred of warmth in that conversation!
Rustica: I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Witch Mia the Magnificent. I am the Western Wizard Rustica.
Mia: West, you say... So you are a wizard from that country of raving mad lunatics. Breaking and entering into my castle is pure insolence. You live up to the rumours of how confounding people of the West can be.
Rustica: What a wonderful compliment, thank you.
Nero: (Groom san has got nerves of steel…)
Rustica: I'm overjoyed to have realised that we both have something in common.
Just like you, I too seek the Benedetta fruit. For so long, I’ve wished to have a taste of it.
Do allow me to celebrate the miracle of meeting a kindred spirit. Please, help yourself to one of these.
Rustica: « amorest viesse »
Mia: This is...
Rustica: It is chocolate made to replicate the Benedetta fruit. I was thinking, while you wait for the true Benedetta fruit, we could enjoy this in the meantime.
Mia: ... Very well, then. I shall excuse your temerity and try one of your confections.
Rustica: Fufu, it is my pleasure.
Mia: ... It's delicious.
But its taste does not come close to the Benedetta fruit I had on that fateful day.
Murr: Oh? You've had them before?
That sounds real nice! That fabled fruit of Northern Country, taken from the tree of victory! I wanna eat one too!
Figaro: If I'm not mistaken, the Benedetta fruit tastes sweet, just like chocolate.
To think that you like sweet things — you've got a surprisingly cute side to you.
Mia: Figaro, you cur. Say another word, and you'll have it coming.
Figaro: Wait, what? What’s with this double standard? You treat Rustica just fine, but you’re short-tempered with me.
Mia: Enough. You are repulsive.
Nero: Figaro... You sure are getting the whole nine yards…
Snow: Oh, what's this? Is it just me, or is the mood souring?
Times like these call for a change of topic!
Nero: (Oh, great, each one of these guys has nerves steelier than the next...)
Snow: Dear Mia, I recall that, a long time ago, you said you admired Tiletta.
Shall we reminisce about the past while we await Bradley and the others’ return?
Murr: Hm? Mia admired Tiletta?
But remember what Mithra said? He said Mia and Tiletta didn't get along!
Hey, Mia, tell us the truth. Which is it?
Mia: .........
Hmph. I will recount to you the distant past, a time when I had not yet seen through her mask.
The Great Witch Tiletta was renowned throughout the lands of the North. Her reputation was that of an aloof and fiercely independent witch that always carried herself with pride.
Like a fool, I believed this to be true. I continued to believe it, eating as many mana stones as I could, so that I might one day become a witch just like her, whose name was known far and wide in Northern Country.
But in reality, Tiletta was nothing.
She not only waited upon a man far younger than her, she also made advances on a strong wizard like a frivolous woman. She was a far cry from the aloof and independent woman she was supposed to be.
Figaro: Right...... That'll be Mithra and Oz...
Snow: Well, it’s factually accurate.
Mia: I simply could not fathom what that woman was thinking. And then, just like that, she turned to stone. It was impossible to understand her.
Who would have thought that she would have become drunk on romance and toss aside the North, just like that…
Murr: Hey, Mia, if you were to experience the same thing Tiletta did, you might be able to understand her.
Mia: What?
Murr: I might be a western wizard, but when it comes to witches of the North, I understand Tiletta more than you, Mia!
After all, I know what it's like to be in love!
Mia: Love...?
I do not need love.
I've never once thought of knowing more about love.
Murr: Oh, but that's such a waste! If only you gave it a chance, then you'd open up a door to a brand new world!
There'll be lots of firsts to experience! And then... you might get to know a side of yourself you've never known before.
... You're already so, so close to that new world I'm talking about. Or maybe... you're already smack in the middle of it, and you just didn't realise it!
next episode ⭢
Bradley: Fearsome fiends are supposed to defend the area around the Benedetta fruit tree as part of their territory.
So what we have to do is hit up all the spots where vicious magical creatures live.
I've got a good grasp of the lay of the land when it comes to Northern Country, and we have Mithra, which means we can cover a lot of ground in a short span of time. Simple, no?
Mitile: S-Simple, maybe?
Akira: That sounds kind of dangerous though...
Mithra: With me around, there is no such thing as danger.
Now hurry up and point us the right way, please.
Bradley: The closest spot's just around here. It's a short flight away by broom...
Kenja, you ride with me.
We took flight. While we made our ascent, Mitile glanced over his shoulder at Mia's castle in the distance. He looked worried.
Mitile: Is everyone going to be alright? They're hostages now...
Mia san's a really strong witch, isn't she?
Bradley: That she is, no doubt about it. Mia only takes interest in strong men.
To her, weak wizards are like pebbles by the roadside. She wouldn’t deign to give them the time of day.
Mitile: ... Does that include Figaro sensei?
Bradley: What? Figaro?
Mitile: Didn't he say that in the past, Mia san fell in love with him at first sight, so that's why I...
Bradley: Wouldn’t know about that. If you're curious, why don't you ask the man himself?
Make sure you ask him how much of a man he was.
Mitile: .........
You're right. I'll ask Figaro sensei himself when I want to know more.
Mitile: ... Figaro sensei, Snow sama, Nero san, Murr san, Rustica san...
Please, be safe! We'll definitely bring a Benedetta fruit back to the castle!
I observed Mitile at the corner of my peripheral vision, noticing that he'd tightly gripped the handle of his broom.
I turned to Bradley, who was sitting in front of me, and I sidled closer.
Akira: Um, they're really going to be okay, right...?
As far as I could tell, Mia san was really, really mad at Snow and Figaro...
Snow and Figaro had shot Bradley looks of distinct displeasure when Bradley chose them to be hostages.
The atmosphere was so tense and awkward that it wouldn't surprise me if they had indeed started fighting the moment we left.
Bradley: Hah. Tell me, is there any northern wizard out there that likes those two?
That was an act. What's important right now is that we calm down the little Southern Wizard's nerves.
Akira: An act?
Bradley: The wizards that remain in the castle all have a silver tongue. Even if there’s any trouble with Mia, they'll be able to diffuse it in no time.
And if it still comes down to a fight, it's much better for this little Southern Wizard to be anywhere but that castle.
I've got no reason to play along with that quack doctor's make-believe, but if that kid were there with him, he wouldn't want to reveal his true colours.
That's why Mitile has to come along with us. It's gonna be a pretty rough time out here, but with Mithra around, even Figaro can turn a blind eye to a fall or three.
Akira: I see... You're amazing, Bradley!
Akira: (He’s made the most optimal plays with the hand that he was dealt. Bradley's really good at people management.)
Mithra: Hey. What are you two idly chatting about.
Bradley: It's nothing much. I was just getting the Kenja Digest to catch up on what I missed while I was away.
Mithra: ... (long hum) ...
Bradley: You look like you have something to say.
Mithra: You do seem like you’ve gone soft.
Can you still call yourself a wizard of the North when you're willing to roll over and let yourself be kept as a pet in a witch's castle without a fight?
Bradley: Hah, I don't wanna hear that from you. You spend plenty of time hanging out with the southern kids in that tiny-ass crate of a manor.
Mithra: Come again?
Mitile: Oh, um! Bradley san?
Bradley: 'Sup.
Mitile: I heard from Mithra san that you and Mia san used to fight each other to the death pretty often.
That's why I got really worried and decided to come along with everyone.
But I must admit I'm curious why you decided to go with Mia san to her castle even though you knew full well that it was dangerous.
Someone as strong as you are could definitely have escaped the moment you ran into her again.
Bradley: Well, me and Mia, we go way back. That's why.
You probably already know this, but that's also how we wizards of the North say hello.
Giving them a good fight is just common courtesy.
Even Mithra here — one moment he's asking you to grab a meal with him on a whim, next thing you know, he's all up in your face attacking you. That happens often enough.
Mitile: Okay... Yeah, I think I know what you're talking about, probably...
Mithra: For some reason, a feeling suddenly comes over me.
And then I'd think to myself, 'Oh, maybe I should kill him.'
Akira: As always, your leaps of logic never fail to amaze me...
Bradley: Hahah, that's just daily life for us though!
For you guys, eating together at a table is a sign of camaraderie. For us, putting our lives on the line is how we show camaraderie.
Mitile: .........
Mitile's brows furrowed. It seemed like that was still something he was fundamentally unable to understand or accept.
But instead of disagreeing, he swallowed his words and quietly waited for Bradley to continue.
Bradley: So yeah, gettin' that invite to Mia's castle — I thought it was like that, you know?
Meeting someone again after a long time, deciding to invite them over because you felt like it, and then at the end of it all, it turns into a grand ol' fight to the death.
I figured that wouldn’t be bad at all, so I decided to go along with it...
... Aaand here we are. Who woulda thought.
Bradley's last sentence fell from his lips in a quiet murmur, barely audible over the rush of wind as we crossed the skies to our destination.
I couldn't say for sure what his expression looked like; I was riding behind him on his broom, after all.
But I had a feeling that he was wearing an expression quite unlike the Bradley I knew.
Mithra: Tell me about it. Making bets and whatever else you were doing — spare a thought for the rest of us. We’re forced to go along with your circular schemes.
If I had been right there with you, I'd have used brute force to overwhelm her and have things my way.
Bradley: Sorry, man. I wanted to make things clear with her.
... It’s not too late. I’m not out of time yet, that's why.
Mitile & Akira: Huh...?
The northern winds continued to buffet us while Mitile and I stared in confusion. As if nothing had happened, Bradley glanced back at us.
Bradley: C'mon, we're almost there. The first spot's just up ahead.
Let’s get cracking.
[ Mia's Castle ]
Snow: Oh, bother. Bradley's gone and done it this time, making us hostages...
Even though you, dear Mia of the North, probably would have preferred to avoid a reunion with us.
Mia: Silence.
You may have collected more years, but you have not collected any more wisdom, you senile fool. Test me, and I may see fit to sew your mouth shut.
Snow: Wow, you’re quite the fright. I should like to see you try.
But words are cheap.
Mia: ... Insolent wretch...
Rustica: Fufu, I see that you two are old friends. I'm glad to see the both of you rekindling your friendship with so delightful a repartee.
Nero: Er... Just what was delightful about that?
Murr: No matter how you look at it, there wasn’t a shred of warmth in that conversation!
Rustica: I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Witch Mia the Magnificent. I am the Western Wizard Rustica.
Mia: West, you say... So you are a wizard from that country of raving mad lunatics. Breaking and entering into my castle is pure insolence. You live up to the rumours of how confounding people of the West can be.
Rustica: What a wonderful compliment, thank you.
Nero: (Groom san has got nerves of steel…)
Rustica: I'm overjoyed to have realised that we both have something in common.
Just like you, I too seek the Benedetta fruit. For so long, I’ve wished to have a taste of it.
Do allow me to celebrate the miracle of meeting a kindred spirit. Please, help yourself to one of these.
Rustica: « amorest viesse »
Mia: This is...
Rustica: It is chocolate made to replicate the Benedetta fruit. I was thinking, while you wait for the true Benedetta fruit, we could enjoy this in the meantime.
Mia: ... Very well, then. I shall excuse your temerity and try one of your confections.
Rustica: Fufu, it is my pleasure.
Mia: ... It's delicious.
But its taste does not come close to the Benedetta fruit I had on that fateful day.
Murr: Oh? You've had them before?
That sounds real nice! That fabled fruit of Northern Country, taken from the tree of victory! I wanna eat one too!
Figaro: If I'm not mistaken, the Benedetta fruit tastes sweet, just like chocolate.
To think that you like sweet things — you've got a surprisingly cute side to you.
Mia: Figaro, you cur. Say another word, and you'll have it coming.
Figaro: Wait, what? What’s with this double standard? You treat Rustica just fine, but you’re short-tempered with me.
Mia: Enough. You are repulsive.
Nero: Figaro... You sure are getting the whole nine yards…
Snow: Oh, what's this? Is it just me, or is the mood souring?
Times like these call for a change of topic!
Nero: (Oh, great, each one of these guys has nerves steelier than the next...)
Snow: Dear Mia, I recall that, a long time ago, you said you admired Tiletta.
Shall we reminisce about the past while we await Bradley and the others’ return?
Murr: Hm? Mia admired Tiletta?
But remember what Mithra said? He said Mia and Tiletta didn't get along!
Hey, Mia, tell us the truth. Which is it?
Mia: .........
Hmph. I will recount to you the distant past, a time when I had not yet seen through her mask.
The Great Witch Tiletta was renowned throughout the lands of the North. Her reputation was that of an aloof and fiercely independent witch that always carried herself with pride.
Like a fool, I believed this to be true. I continued to believe it, eating as many mana stones as I could, so that I might one day become a witch just like her, whose name was known far and wide in Northern Country.
But in reality, Tiletta was nothing.
She not only waited upon a man far younger than her, she also made advances on a strong wizard like a frivolous woman. She was a far cry from the aloof and independent woman she was supposed to be.
Figaro: Right...... That'll be Mithra and Oz...
Snow: Well, it’s factually accurate.
Mia: I simply could not fathom what that woman was thinking. And then, just like that, she turned to stone. It was impossible to understand her.
Who would have thought that she would have become drunk on romance and toss aside the North, just like that…
Murr: Hey, Mia, if you were to experience the same thing Tiletta did, you might be able to understand her.
Mia: What?
Murr: I might be a western wizard, but when it comes to witches of the North, I understand Tiletta more than you, Mia!
After all, I know what it's like to be in love!
Mia: Love...?
I do not need love.
I've never once thought of knowing more about love.
Murr: Oh, but that's such a waste! If only you gave it a chance, then you'd open up a door to a brand new world!
There'll be lots of firsts to experience! And then... you might get to know a side of yourself you've never known before.
... You're already so, so close to that new world I'm talking about. Or maybe... you're already smack in the middle of it, and you just didn't realise it!
next episode ⭢