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The Lavender Flowers of Sympathy and Sleep - Episode 6
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Faust: For a slipshod ritual like that to work, there must have been a focus like the Raven Witch’s magical tool, or something similar to that. Or…
Rutile: The Great Raven… No, the witch herself might not have wanted this.
She had no intention of hurting the Maiden…
Akira: ………
I couldn’t say a word. None of us could.
There was only silence and the fragrance of lavender.
Even Rutile, who was always enthusiastic about livening up the mood with his brightness, was quiet.
Ever since we found the memoirs left behind by the Maiden, he’d been downcast.
I wondered if it was because he saw himself in the Maiden, like how he himself had been that chilly night in the courtyard, when I had found him huddled alone by the fountain—
— in the way they had both said, ‘This is all my fault.’
Akira: (The Maiden’s fatal flaw was that she wasn’t good with words. To make things worse, it’d never crossed her mind that she should communicate her thoughts and feelings.)
(On the other hand, Rutile had known that he needed to communicate his thoughts and feelings. If you look at it that way, the two of them aren’t much alike at all.)
She, who stood frozen before her friend that transformed into a monster.
He, who stood alone in the courtyard that lonely night.
They both must have felt the same chill set into their hearts.
A wretched, helpless despair, like watching a thread held taut be sliced apart.
Akira: (… Why is it that people always fail to communicate the most important things…)
(How can it be that the feelings that you want to say the most are the hardest ones to deliver to the intended recipient…)
Heathcliff: … If that’s the case, then maybe it was the Maiden who added the extra escort steps to the ritual.
Arthur: I think you’re right.
She must have hoped that the Great Raven would be purified if people showed thanks and communicated to it how valued and important it is to them.
Chloe: … Then I’ll give my all for every step of the way! That’s the least we can do for it.
Owen: Ahaha. That’s meaningless.
Chloe: Huh?
Owen: I mean, all this while, despite this cycle of giving thanks and putting the Great Raven to sleep, its soul remains warped beyond recognition.
It hasn’t worked. Doesn’t that mean that the only kindness left is to kill it or seal it away?
Mithra: Well, I get the feeling from all this that there’s only so many more times it can be put back to sleep.
What’s next? Seeing as we’re already here, shall we put it down once and for all?
Heathcliff: …… But… but……
Rutile: ……… You want to eliminate it…?
Rutile hugged the bouquet of lavender flowers and the memoir collection to himself as he stared at his feet.
Then, he slowly lifted his head.
Rutile: … Before we think about eliminating it, why don’t we try to communicate the entries in this memoir to the Raven Witch?
How does that sound?
Chloe & Arthur & Heathcliff: …!
Faust: ………
Owen: That’s pointless. I already told you that it’s already forgotten what words are.
Or are you telling me that everything will conveniently work out, and you’ll be able to get through to that raven thing with just the Maiden’s memoirs?
You must think this is a tale from one of those storybooks you so love.
Owen shrugged, coldly. To that, Rutile’s response was to quietly shake his head.
Rutile: … I didn’t say that. If we think about it realistically, Owen san is right.
But the situation here is that, even if we do put the Raven Witch back to sleep, she’ll just break free one day and go on a rampage. In the end, she’ll have to be put down, right?
All things considered, I think it’s worth taking this once-in-a-lifetime chance to purify her.
After all, it’s different this time. We have eight wizards gathered for the ritual, and we have the Maiden’s memoirs and this bouquet.
… What’s more…
Rutile stopped abruptly.
Figaro silently but gently placed a hand on Rutile’s back.
Rutile smiled weakly. He spoke again, voice tinged with a sigh:
Rutile: … The Maiden’s mistake resulted in a huge tragedy, but to me, it’s a mistake that could have happened to anyone.
Well, at the very least, it’s something that’s happened to me before too.
… That’s why, I don’t want to… I don’t want to believe that it’s a lost cause…
Faust: ………
There is some logic to your plan.
However, I need you to understand that it’s nothing more than a hopeful dream.
Arthur: … Faust…
Faust: Humans and wizards — I don’t think they will ever be able to coexist without misunderstandings between them.
Even if a miracle does happen, and we do manage to get through with the power of words, there’s no guarantee that the Raven Witch will forgive the Maiden.
The bond between them was broken several hundred years ago, at the very moment the Raven Witch turned into the monster that slumbers in this castle.
Akira: ………
In stark contrast to the harsh words he just uttered, Faust’s expression was calm and serene.
None of us refuted his statement.
After all, Faust had been burned at the stake by a trusted friend.
We could all tell that nipping this ray of hope in the bud was his own way of showing kindness.
It was Arthur who took the first step forward.
Arthur: … Even so.
I find myself agreeing with Rutile.
Arthur now stood alongside Rutile. Arthur smiled at him.
Then he turned to face Faust with earnestness in his gaze.
Arthur: For humans and wizards to… No, for anyone to coexist together – if they are to truly live side by side, then some misunderstandings are inevitable.
Even if a person goes about their everyday life without ever meaning to do any harm, that person might still end up deeply hurting someone.
If people are sincere and talk to each other, they can still forge a path that both parties can walk together.
Let us not forget, the Maiden and the Raven Witch once wished to live at each other’s side. That’s why I believe it’s not too late for Rutile’s plan to work.
Chloe: I… Yeah, I think so too! If you think about it, didn’t we all end up living together in the Magical Manor?
Of course, there are times where I get surprised or caught off guard when someone says something unusual to me…
But once I know the reasoning behind their words, I can laugh and go, ‘Oh, what the heck!’ That’s happened to me lots of times.
I wonder if the Maiden and the Witch could’ve had a relationship like that too.
Heathcliff: Sensei, if it’s at all possible, I’d like to give Rutile’s plan a shot too…
Faust: ………
For a long moment, Faust wordlessly looked upon the younger wizards that had gathered at Rutile’s side.
Figaro looked like he wanted to say something; perhaps he was about to offer Faust a helping hand.
But before he could do anything, Faust’s expression relaxed into a smile.
Faust: … Alright then. If that’s what you all have decided to do, then you shall have my full support.
Rutile: Faust san…!
Faust: It’s best to incorporate a reading of the memoirs into the existing ritual. That’d be the fastest way to put your plan into action.
Rutile and Kenja have the strongest connection to the Maiden, since she entrusted them with her memoirs and the bouquet.
With that in mind, Rutile should swap positions with me for the ritual. It's most optimal for the memoir to be read aloud right at the very end.
Figaro: That makes sense. If it’s right at the end of the ritual, then we’ll all be close by and ready to give him our support as needed.
Mithra: What? I absolutely disagree with this plan. It will put Rutile in harm’s way.
Figaro: Isn’t it more dangerous for Rutile to take any other role, since he won’t be able to undertake it wholeheartedly? Don’t forget, magic comes from the heart.
Mithra: But…
Figaro: Mithra, that’s a fiend you can defeat with a single flick of your finger. Therefore, what matters most is for Rutile’s role in the ritual to be one that he finds agreeable, don’t you think?
Mithra: ………
… Well, that’s…
Rutile: Sorry, Mithra san. During the ritual, if you think my plan has gone awry, please say so, and I’ll immediately do as you say.
Faust: Then it’s decided. We’ll incorporate Rutile’s idea into the framework of this ritual.
Now, let’s go over the steps from the top—
Owen: I never said I’m down for any of this.
Owen coldly interjected with his arms crossed.
His fingertips drummed at his elbow. His scornful sneer was sharp enough to cut.
Owen: Rutile himself said it. There’s no meaning to this. It’s just asking for more trouble.
This sob story’s a joke. I’m done here.
Chloe: Wh… O-Owen! Where are you going?
Owen: Back to the manor.
Mithra: What? I won’t let you.
Owen: I don’t care. I won’t take orders from you.
Mithra: I will give you orders, and you will obey. I am staying, and so are you.
Oh, wait. If I killed you right now, I could place you over there, off to the side. You can lie there until it is time to perform the ritual at sunrise tomorrow — yes, that sounds good.
Heathcliff: Whaat!?
Figaro: Now, now, you two…
Owen: … Tch.
With murder in his eyes, Owen whirled away, tossing back his cloak by its hem.
In a flutter of cloth, he was nowhere to be seen.
Chloe: A-And he’s gone…
Akira: I wonder if he really went back to the manor? Maybe I should do the ritual in his stead…
Figaro: No need. Even someone like Owen doesn’t want to get himself killed. He hasn’t gone far at all.
Anyway, so long as we have the transpatial door on our side, he knows that running away is pointless.
He’ll definitely appear in time for tomorrow’s ritual.
[ Night falls… ]
We wanted to be ready to go for tomorrow’s ritual, so we spent the night at the castle after we wrapped up preparations.
We went our separate ways and quietly waited for daybreak.
We could only hope that the Maiden’s thoughts would truly reach the Great Raven.
[ Castle of Maiden’s Tears - Castle Grounds ]
Faust: … There. Now, for the thorns of the hundred-year roses…
…… Arthur, is that you?
Arthur: Yes, Faust.
Faust: What are you doing out here this late at night?
Arthur: I sensed your presence coming from out here, in the forest on the castle grounds, so I thought I’d check on you.
It looks like you’re setting up a barrier to prevent the Great Raven from escaping the castle. Let me help you with that.
Faust: I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m just about done. There’s only one last step left to do, the one involving these thorns. It’s better if you don’t come into contact with it.
Arthur: I see.
………
Faust: ………
…… What’s wrong? You should retire for the night.
Arthur: Oh, it’s nothing. Sorry about that. I was just searching for the right words to say…
next episode ⭢
Faust: For a slipshod ritual like that to work, there must have been a focus like the Raven Witch’s magical tool, or something similar to that. Or…
Rutile: The Great Raven… No, the witch herself might not have wanted this.
She had no intention of hurting the Maiden…
Akira: ………
I couldn’t say a word. None of us could.
There was only silence and the fragrance of lavender.
Even Rutile, who was always enthusiastic about livening up the mood with his brightness, was quiet.
Ever since we found the memoirs left behind by the Maiden, he’d been downcast.
I wondered if it was because he saw himself in the Maiden, like how he himself had been that chilly night in the courtyard, when I had found him huddled alone by the fountain—
— in the way they had both said, ‘This is all my fault.’
Akira: (The Maiden’s fatal flaw was that she wasn’t good with words. To make things worse, it’d never crossed her mind that she should communicate her thoughts and feelings.)
(On the other hand, Rutile had known that he needed to communicate his thoughts and feelings. If you look at it that way, the two of them aren’t much alike at all.)
She, who stood frozen before her friend that transformed into a monster.
He, who stood alone in the courtyard that lonely night.
They both must have felt the same chill set into their hearts.
A wretched, helpless despair, like watching a thread held taut be sliced apart.
Akira: (… Why is it that people always fail to communicate the most important things…)
(How can it be that the feelings that you want to say the most are the hardest ones to deliver to the intended recipient…)
Heathcliff: … If that’s the case, then maybe it was the Maiden who added the extra escort steps to the ritual.
Arthur: I think you’re right.
She must have hoped that the Great Raven would be purified if people showed thanks and communicated to it how valued and important it is to them.
Chloe: … Then I’ll give my all for every step of the way! That’s the least we can do for it.
Owen: Ahaha. That’s meaningless.
Chloe: Huh?
Owen: I mean, all this while, despite this cycle of giving thanks and putting the Great Raven to sleep, its soul remains warped beyond recognition.
It hasn’t worked. Doesn’t that mean that the only kindness left is to kill it or seal it away?
Mithra: Well, I get the feeling from all this that there’s only so many more times it can be put back to sleep.
What’s next? Seeing as we’re already here, shall we put it down once and for all?
Heathcliff: …… But… but……
Rutile: ……… You want to eliminate it…?
Rutile hugged the bouquet of lavender flowers and the memoir collection to himself as he stared at his feet.
Then, he slowly lifted his head.
Rutile: … Before we think about eliminating it, why don’t we try to communicate the entries in this memoir to the Raven Witch?
How does that sound?
Chloe & Arthur & Heathcliff: …!
Faust: ………
Owen: That’s pointless. I already told you that it’s already forgotten what words are.
Or are you telling me that everything will conveniently work out, and you’ll be able to get through to that raven thing with just the Maiden’s memoirs?
You must think this is a tale from one of those storybooks you so love.
Owen shrugged, coldly. To that, Rutile’s response was to quietly shake his head.
Rutile: … I didn’t say that. If we think about it realistically, Owen san is right.
But the situation here is that, even if we do put the Raven Witch back to sleep, she’ll just break free one day and go on a rampage. In the end, she’ll have to be put down, right?
All things considered, I think it’s worth taking this once-in-a-lifetime chance to purify her.
After all, it’s different this time. We have eight wizards gathered for the ritual, and we have the Maiden’s memoirs and this bouquet.
… What’s more…
Rutile stopped abruptly.
Figaro silently but gently placed a hand on Rutile’s back.
Rutile smiled weakly. He spoke again, voice tinged with a sigh:
Rutile: … The Maiden’s mistake resulted in a huge tragedy, but to me, it’s a mistake that could have happened to anyone.
Well, at the very least, it’s something that’s happened to me before too.
… That’s why, I don’t want to… I don’t want to believe that it’s a lost cause…
Faust: ………
There is some logic to your plan.
However, I need you to understand that it’s nothing more than a hopeful dream.
Arthur: … Faust…
Faust: Humans and wizards — I don’t think they will ever be able to coexist without misunderstandings between them.
Even if a miracle does happen, and we do manage to get through with the power of words, there’s no guarantee that the Raven Witch will forgive the Maiden.
The bond between them was broken several hundred years ago, at the very moment the Raven Witch turned into the monster that slumbers in this castle.
Akira: ………
In stark contrast to the harsh words he just uttered, Faust’s expression was calm and serene.
None of us refuted his statement.
After all, Faust had been burned at the stake by a trusted friend.
We could all tell that nipping this ray of hope in the bud was his own way of showing kindness.
It was Arthur who took the first step forward.
Arthur: … Even so.
I find myself agreeing with Rutile.
Arthur now stood alongside Rutile. Arthur smiled at him.
Then he turned to face Faust with earnestness in his gaze.
Arthur: For humans and wizards to… No, for anyone to coexist together – if they are to truly live side by side, then some misunderstandings are inevitable.
Even if a person goes about their everyday life without ever meaning to do any harm, that person might still end up deeply hurting someone.
If people are sincere and talk to each other, they can still forge a path that both parties can walk together.
Let us not forget, the Maiden and the Raven Witch once wished to live at each other’s side. That’s why I believe it’s not too late for Rutile’s plan to work.
Chloe: I… Yeah, I think so too! If you think about it, didn’t we all end up living together in the Magical Manor?
Of course, there are times where I get surprised or caught off guard when someone says something unusual to me…
But once I know the reasoning behind their words, I can laugh and go, ‘Oh, what the heck!’ That’s happened to me lots of times.
I wonder if the Maiden and the Witch could’ve had a relationship like that too.
Heathcliff: Sensei, if it’s at all possible, I’d like to give Rutile’s plan a shot too…
Faust: ………
For a long moment, Faust wordlessly looked upon the younger wizards that had gathered at Rutile’s side.
Figaro looked like he wanted to say something; perhaps he was about to offer Faust a helping hand.
But before he could do anything, Faust’s expression relaxed into a smile.
Faust: … Alright then. If that’s what you all have decided to do, then you shall have my full support.
Rutile: Faust san…!
Faust: It’s best to incorporate a reading of the memoirs into the existing ritual. That’d be the fastest way to put your plan into action.
Rutile and Kenja have the strongest connection to the Maiden, since she entrusted them with her memoirs and the bouquet.
With that in mind, Rutile should swap positions with me for the ritual. It's most optimal for the memoir to be read aloud right at the very end.
Figaro: That makes sense. If it’s right at the end of the ritual, then we’ll all be close by and ready to give him our support as needed.
Mithra: What? I absolutely disagree with this plan. It will put Rutile in harm’s way.
Figaro: Isn’t it more dangerous for Rutile to take any other role, since he won’t be able to undertake it wholeheartedly? Don’t forget, magic comes from the heart.
Mithra: But…
Figaro: Mithra, that’s a fiend you can defeat with a single flick of your finger. Therefore, what matters most is for Rutile’s role in the ritual to be one that he finds agreeable, don’t you think?
Mithra: ………
… Well, that’s…
Rutile: Sorry, Mithra san. During the ritual, if you think my plan has gone awry, please say so, and I’ll immediately do as you say.
Faust: Then it’s decided. We’ll incorporate Rutile’s idea into the framework of this ritual.
Now, let’s go over the steps from the top—
Owen: I never said I’m down for any of this.
Owen coldly interjected with his arms crossed.
His fingertips drummed at his elbow. His scornful sneer was sharp enough to cut.
Owen: Rutile himself said it. There’s no meaning to this. It’s just asking for more trouble.
This sob story’s a joke. I’m done here.
Chloe: Wh… O-Owen! Where are you going?
Owen: Back to the manor.
Mithra: What? I won’t let you.
Owen: I don’t care. I won’t take orders from you.
Mithra: I will give you orders, and you will obey. I am staying, and so are you.
Oh, wait. If I killed you right now, I could place you over there, off to the side. You can lie there until it is time to perform the ritual at sunrise tomorrow — yes, that sounds good.
Heathcliff: Whaat!?
Figaro: Now, now, you two…
Owen: … Tch.
With murder in his eyes, Owen whirled away, tossing back his cloak by its hem.
In a flutter of cloth, he was nowhere to be seen.
Chloe: A-And he’s gone…
Akira: I wonder if he really went back to the manor? Maybe I should do the ritual in his stead…
Figaro: No need. Even someone like Owen doesn’t want to get himself killed. He hasn’t gone far at all.
Anyway, so long as we have the transpatial door on our side, he knows that running away is pointless.
He’ll definitely appear in time for tomorrow’s ritual.
[ Night falls… ]
We wanted to be ready to go for tomorrow’s ritual, so we spent the night at the castle after we wrapped up preparations.
We went our separate ways and quietly waited for daybreak.
We could only hope that the Maiden’s thoughts would truly reach the Great Raven.
[ Castle of Maiden’s Tears - Castle Grounds ]
Faust: … There. Now, for the thorns of the hundred-year roses…
…… Arthur, is that you?
Arthur: Yes, Faust.
Faust: What are you doing out here this late at night?
Arthur: I sensed your presence coming from out here, in the forest on the castle grounds, so I thought I’d check on you.
It looks like you’re setting up a barrier to prevent the Great Raven from escaping the castle. Let me help you with that.
Faust: I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m just about done. There’s only one last step left to do, the one involving these thorns. It’s better if you don’t come into contact with it.
Arthur: I see.
………
Faust: ………
…… What’s wrong? You should retire for the night.
Arthur: Oh, it’s nothing. Sorry about that. I was just searching for the right words to say…
next episode ⭢