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The Burning of a Wish in Winter - Episode 3
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Shino: So, what’s Frosty? Never heard of it.
Shylock: They’re a species of fey from Northern Country, creatures shrouded in snow and frost. They are rare even for fey, so I’m afraid I’ve not heard much about them myself.
Cain: If they’re from the North… you know anything about ’em, Oz?
Oz: I know of them. But I do not know any details. None live near my castle.
Lennox: Come to think of it, I may have heard of them while on my journey… As I recall, a magic user of the east once told me that they tell legends of Frosty, a fey that steals children away.
Heathcliff: There’s no such legend in Blanchett. … It’s probably specific to parts of Eastern Country that’re closer to the North.
[ Shino CG ]
Shino: That works out great for you, don’t it? Imagine if Blanchett had that kind of legend.
Little kid Heath would be whimpering and sobbing like, ‘I’m scared, don’t go, hold my hand’—
Heathcliff: T-That’s not something I’d ever say even back when I was little! … I’ve never said anything like that, right?
Young Girl: —— Matches, matches for sale! They’re miracle matches, miraculous ones…
Lennox: Look… There she is.
Lennox was looking right at the girl we’d seen last time. Yet again, she was standing out in the cold today with a basket on her arm.
A well-dressed elderly gentleman stopped to buy a disproportionate number of matches from her. Perhaps her earnestness had touched him.
Shino: Oh, so that’s your matchstick girl. Looks like she’s selling those miracle matches today too.
Oz: That girl…
Shylock: … I believe a closer look is in order. Shall we approach her?
Heathcliff: Yes, let’s.
We waited for her customer to leave before we walked up to the girl.
Heathcliff: Hello. Could we speak to you for a moment?
Young Girl: O-Oh, sure… Ah! You all… you’re the same people that bought matches from me the other day…
You’re Heathcliff sama, and the rest of you must be the Sage’s Wizards?
The Wizards (Rutile, Cain, Shino, Heathcliff): Wait, what?
Akira: How did you…
Young Girl: I knew it…! I’d been wondering if it was really you!
Actually, I’ve seen you all around town before, back when the incident with our city’s lord got resolved.
Akira: (Come to think of it… I think she did look surprised when she saw us last time…)
Young Girl: I didn’t have the courage to ask about it back then though… but I’m glad to see all of you again.
Thanks for saving our lord and also this city.
Her curly hair bounced as she bowed to us. Her gratitude was sincere, which I found touching and heartwarming.
Akira: (Wow… To think that we’ve reached a point where wizards are welcomed in Eastern Country. I’m so happy to see it…)
Rutile: We tried out your matches as soon as we had a chance, you know. The visions we saw were a lot of fun.
If you don’t mind, could I buy another box? It’d be a nice gift for my little brother.
Young Girl: Gosh! That’s so nice to hear! But I’m sorry, I can’t sell you any more boxes. I’ve just sold out of miracle matches.
But I have the materials to make more at home! Once I get home, I’ll work on making more for you straight away.
The young girl was an adorable sight, all smiles and sunshine. She didn’t seem like someone who bore the burden of an awful curse at all.
Yet, Oz and Shylock’s expressions hadn’t changed at all. Their searching eyes spoke of caution, and I felt a sense of unease creeping through me.
After evaluating the situation, Cain stepped up to the young girl. With an open smile on his face, Cain extended his hand to her.
Cain: I’m Cain, a Central Wizard. May I shake your hand?
Young Girl: A-Alright, okay. Right, I forgot to introduce myself, sorry. I’m Beluga.*
Cain: Nice to meet you, Beluga. Your matches were a fun surprise for me too!
Getting your hands on genuine dreamwood must’ve been a tough challenge.
Beluga: Um… kinda? They were bestowed to me as a boon. I couldn’t really tell you where they came from.
Lennox: A boon? Someone gave these branches to you, then.
Beluga: That’s right.
On super cold mornings, they just show up on my windowsill.
She recounted to us her experience like it was nothing. But for us, it felt like time had stopped for a moment.
Shino: … They… what……?
Beluga: Like, it’s from one of God’s angels, maybe… I’ve always thought of these branches as God’s grace or something like that.
I’ve been given a blessing with these branches. It must be a message that I should make the very best matches I can.
It didn’t seem like she was pulling our leg. It also didn’t seem like she was lying.
My blood ran cold. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Her story should’ve just been a heartwarming tale, no different from an innocent child talking about Santa Claus leaving gifts.
But the people of the East are cautious towards the supernatural. On the other hand, some people aren’t as cautious as others, and maybe children in particular aren’t as fearful.
Akira: (Even accounting for that, would a kid from Eastern Country really be so trusting that they’d just accept a supernatural occurrence without question?)
(Maybe her parents had never threatened her with stories of scary magic and bogeymen like that boy from earlier?)
Oz: ……
This girl is…
Shylock: Oz, please give me a moment.
Speaking softly, Shylock stopped Oz. His fingers motioned discreetly.
Then, I felt a gentle breath and a whisper at my ear. I could see Shylock’s lips moving as if he were speaking, and the whispered words I heard matched the movement of his lips.
Shylock: I apologise. I wouldn’t want this girl to overhear any of this, so I’ve made sure that my voice can only be heard by all of you.
In short, no, she is not cursed.
But she is held in thrall by something that cannot be described as pleasant.
The Wizards: ………!
At once, our expressions froze. Oz too, gestured with his fingers in the same way Shylock had earlier.
Oz: … From what I’ve sensed, the creature itself is not very strong. However, its bond with that girl is strong.
The spirits of the land have become agitated. Their agitated state will make our search here difficult.
Shylock: In that case, a single group cannot both inquire further about ‘god’s angel’ and also continue the search of this area… I believe splitting up is our best course of action.
Beluga: Excuse me, is something wrong…?
Beluga looked up at us with a troubled expression. That was only logical, considering that all of us suddenly went quiet and wore such grave expressions.
Without hesitation, Heathcliff spoke up and gently shook his head.
Heathcliff: … No, it’s nothing. Sorry to make you worry.
Beluga, you’re going home to make us more matches, right?
Beluga: Huh…? Um, mhm.
Heathcliff: In that case, if you don’t mind, could we tag along to see how you make your matches?
Shino: The heck? Why are you so gung-ho about this…
Shino’s voice trailed off as he caught a look from Heathcliff. Shino kept his mouth shut after that.
Beluga glanced downwards and smiled.
Beluga: Umm… Sure, you’re welcome to come watch, but I’m not very good at making matches. It’s not going to be a very impressive sight for people of noble birth…
Heathcliff: Please don’t say that. The matches you sell are all well-crafted — made with heart.
But… tell you what, I’d like to assist you in your work, wherever I can. I actually enjoy this sort of precision work.
Akira: Oh, me too, I’d like to assist too, as long as I don’t get in your way.
Rutile: Count me in too! Leno san, Shino, you’re coming with us, right?
Shino & Lennox: Yeah.
Beluga: Gosh… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.
Shylock: It’s decided then. In the meantime, Oz and I will take a look around town.
Cain: I’ll go with you two. You two stick out like a sore thumb when you’re together. It’s like a celebrity and the avatar of the night having a stroll.
Shylock: Fufu. I’m delighted to have you with us. Very well then, Kenja sama. See you later.
We bid goodbye to the trio and then headed on over to where Beluga lived.
Rutile: Are you sure it’s okay to have such a big group of strangers over? Will there be anyone else at home?
Beluga: I think so? If she’s not out restocking goods, that is…
Heathcliff: Then we should properly introduce ourselves as the Sage and her Wizards… no, wait, we shouldn’t scare her…
Beluga: I think it’ll be fine if it’s Heathcliff sama’s group though. You’re wizards, but you’re also our saviours.
Beluga: … We’re here. It’s this way.
Lennox: I see your home is a bakery. It’s a quaint but cosy place. It’s nice.
Beluga: (giggle) I know, right? This bakery makes the best bread in town.
Akira: (That’s odd… Why would a baker’s daughter be selling matches on the street?)
As I pondered to myself, I heard the chiming of a bell as Beluga opened the door to the bakery. I followed her in.
Luckily for us, there were no customers. However, there was a plump lady that looked nothing like Beluga. She was arranging bread for sale.
Greying Lady: Welcome home, Beluga… Oh?
Well, let’s see, who have we here…? I feel like I’ve seen your faces before…
Heathcliff: Sorry for dropping by out of the blue. We’re the Sage’s Wizards.
Shino: And this here is none other than the Heathcliff Blanchett sama — hero and saviour of this city.
Heathcliff: Hey, you know I don’t like it when you make me out to be such a big deal…
Greying Lady: Oh, my goodness, gracious…!
Beluga: Maia san, sorry how sudden this is. They’re all here to help me make matches.
Maia: Ah, I see, I see.
It’s nothing much, but I’ve made some Lebkuchen, fresh out the oven. Feel free to enjoy them in Beluga’s room.
Rutile: Ooh, they look delicious! What fragrant spices. Thank you very much.
Beluga: Umm, I’ll pay for my share. How much is it?
Maia: Pay? I can’t very well take…
………
No, hm, right. Beluga, your share’s actually a trial batch that I made. So I don’t want to charge for that.
Akira: ……… ………?
Akira: (What on earth is this strange conversation… Maybe she’s not Beluga’s family or related to her at all?)
* The name Beluga appears to be a reference to a short animated film loosely based on The Little Match Girl. Here's a review with a link to watch, if you want.
next episode →
Shino: So, what’s Frosty? Never heard of it.
Shylock: They’re a species of fey from Northern Country, creatures shrouded in snow and frost. They are rare even for fey, so I’m afraid I’ve not heard much about them myself.
Cain: If they’re from the North… you know anything about ’em, Oz?
Oz: I know of them. But I do not know any details. None live near my castle.
Lennox: Come to think of it, I may have heard of them while on my journey… As I recall, a magic user of the east once told me that they tell legends of Frosty, a fey that steals children away.
Heathcliff: There’s no such legend in Blanchett. … It’s probably specific to parts of Eastern Country that’re closer to the North.
[ Shino CG ]
Shino: That works out great for you, don’t it? Imagine if Blanchett had that kind of legend.
Little kid Heath would be whimpering and sobbing like, ‘I’m scared, don’t go, hold my hand’—
Heathcliff: T-That’s not something I’d ever say even back when I was little! … I’ve never said anything like that, right?
Young Girl: —— Matches, matches for sale! They’re miracle matches, miraculous ones…
Lennox: Look… There she is.
Lennox was looking right at the girl we’d seen last time. Yet again, she was standing out in the cold today with a basket on her arm.
A well-dressed elderly gentleman stopped to buy a disproportionate number of matches from her. Perhaps her earnestness had touched him.
Shino: Oh, so that’s your matchstick girl. Looks like she’s selling those miracle matches today too.
Oz: That girl…
Shylock: … I believe a closer look is in order. Shall we approach her?
Heathcliff: Yes, let’s.
We waited for her customer to leave before we walked up to the girl.
Heathcliff: Hello. Could we speak to you for a moment?
Young Girl: O-Oh, sure… Ah! You all… you’re the same people that bought matches from me the other day…
You’re Heathcliff sama, and the rest of you must be the Sage’s Wizards?
The Wizards (Rutile, Cain, Shino, Heathcliff): Wait, what?
Akira: How did you…
Young Girl: I knew it…! I’d been wondering if it was really you!
Actually, I’ve seen you all around town before, back when the incident with our city’s lord got resolved.
Akira: (Come to think of it… I think she did look surprised when she saw us last time…)
Young Girl: I didn’t have the courage to ask about it back then though… but I’m glad to see all of you again.
Thanks for saving our lord and also this city.
Her curly hair bounced as she bowed to us. Her gratitude was sincere, which I found touching and heartwarming.
Akira: (Wow… To think that we’ve reached a point where wizards are welcomed in Eastern Country. I’m so happy to see it…)
Rutile: We tried out your matches as soon as we had a chance, you know. The visions we saw were a lot of fun.
If you don’t mind, could I buy another box? It’d be a nice gift for my little brother.
Young Girl: Gosh! That’s so nice to hear! But I’m sorry, I can’t sell you any more boxes. I’ve just sold out of miracle matches.
But I have the materials to make more at home! Once I get home, I’ll work on making more for you straight away.
The young girl was an adorable sight, all smiles and sunshine. She didn’t seem like someone who bore the burden of an awful curse at all.
Yet, Oz and Shylock’s expressions hadn’t changed at all. Their searching eyes spoke of caution, and I felt a sense of unease creeping through me.
After evaluating the situation, Cain stepped up to the young girl. With an open smile on his face, Cain extended his hand to her.
Cain: I’m Cain, a Central Wizard. May I shake your hand?
Young Girl: A-Alright, okay. Right, I forgot to introduce myself, sorry. I’m Beluga.*
Cain: Nice to meet you, Beluga. Your matches were a fun surprise for me too!
Getting your hands on genuine dreamwood must’ve been a tough challenge.
Beluga: Um… kinda? They were bestowed to me as a boon. I couldn’t really tell you where they came from.
Lennox: A boon? Someone gave these branches to you, then.
Beluga: That’s right.
On super cold mornings, they just show up on my windowsill.
She recounted to us her experience like it was nothing. But for us, it felt like time had stopped for a moment.
Shino: … They… what……?
Beluga: Like, it’s from one of God’s angels, maybe… I’ve always thought of these branches as God’s grace or something like that.
I’ve been given a blessing with these branches. It must be a message that I should make the very best matches I can.
It didn’t seem like she was pulling our leg. It also didn’t seem like she was lying.
My blood ran cold. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Her story should’ve just been a heartwarming tale, no different from an innocent child talking about Santa Claus leaving gifts.
But the people of the East are cautious towards the supernatural. On the other hand, some people aren’t as cautious as others, and maybe children in particular aren’t as fearful.
Akira: (Even accounting for that, would a kid from Eastern Country really be so trusting that they’d just accept a supernatural occurrence without question?)
(Maybe her parents had never threatened her with stories of scary magic and bogeymen like that boy from earlier?)
Oz: ……
This girl is…
Shylock: Oz, please give me a moment.
Speaking softly, Shylock stopped Oz. His fingers motioned discreetly.
Then, I felt a gentle breath and a whisper at my ear. I could see Shylock’s lips moving as if he were speaking, and the whispered words I heard matched the movement of his lips.
Shylock: I apologise. I wouldn’t want this girl to overhear any of this, so I’ve made sure that my voice can only be heard by all of you.
In short, no, she is not cursed.
But she is held in thrall by something that cannot be described as pleasant.
The Wizards: ………!
At once, our expressions froze. Oz too, gestured with his fingers in the same way Shylock had earlier.
Oz: … From what I’ve sensed, the creature itself is not very strong. However, its bond with that girl is strong.
The spirits of the land have become agitated. Their agitated state will make our search here difficult.
Shylock: In that case, a single group cannot both inquire further about ‘god’s angel’ and also continue the search of this area… I believe splitting up is our best course of action.
Beluga: Excuse me, is something wrong…?
Beluga looked up at us with a troubled expression. That was only logical, considering that all of us suddenly went quiet and wore such grave expressions.
Without hesitation, Heathcliff spoke up and gently shook his head.
Heathcliff: … No, it’s nothing. Sorry to make you worry.
Beluga, you’re going home to make us more matches, right?
Beluga: Huh…? Um, mhm.
Heathcliff: In that case, if you don’t mind, could we tag along to see how you make your matches?
Shino: The heck? Why are you so gung-ho about this…
Shino’s voice trailed off as he caught a look from Heathcliff. Shino kept his mouth shut after that.
Beluga glanced downwards and smiled.
Beluga: Umm… Sure, you’re welcome to come watch, but I’m not very good at making matches. It’s not going to be a very impressive sight for people of noble birth…
Heathcliff: Please don’t say that. The matches you sell are all well-crafted — made with heart.
But… tell you what, I’d like to assist you in your work, wherever I can. I actually enjoy this sort of precision work.
Akira: Oh, me too, I’d like to assist too, as long as I don’t get in your way.
Rutile: Count me in too! Leno san, Shino, you’re coming with us, right?
Shino & Lennox: Yeah.
Beluga: Gosh… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.
Shylock: It’s decided then. In the meantime, Oz and I will take a look around town.
Cain: I’ll go with you two. You two stick out like a sore thumb when you’re together. It’s like a celebrity and the avatar of the night having a stroll.
Shylock: Fufu. I’m delighted to have you with us. Very well then, Kenja sama. See you later.
We bid goodbye to the trio and then headed on over to where Beluga lived.
Rutile: Are you sure it’s okay to have such a big group of strangers over? Will there be anyone else at home?
Beluga: I think so? If she’s not out restocking goods, that is…
Heathcliff: Then we should properly introduce ourselves as the Sage and her Wizards… no, wait, we shouldn’t scare her…
Beluga: I think it’ll be fine if it’s Heathcliff sama’s group though. You’re wizards, but you’re also our saviours.
Beluga: … We’re here. It’s this way.
Lennox: I see your home is a bakery. It’s a quaint but cosy place. It’s nice.
Beluga: (giggle) I know, right? This bakery makes the best bread in town.
Akira: (That’s odd… Why would a baker’s daughter be selling matches on the street?)
As I pondered to myself, I heard the chiming of a bell as Beluga opened the door to the bakery. I followed her in.
Luckily for us, there were no customers. However, there was a plump lady that looked nothing like Beluga. She was arranging bread for sale.
Greying Lady: Welcome home, Beluga… Oh?
Well, let’s see, who have we here…? I feel like I’ve seen your faces before…
Heathcliff: Sorry for dropping by out of the blue. We’re the Sage’s Wizards.
Shino: And this here is none other than the Heathcliff Blanchett sama — hero and saviour of this city.
Heathcliff: Hey, you know I don’t like it when you make me out to be such a big deal…
Greying Lady: Oh, my goodness, gracious…!
Beluga: Maia san, sorry how sudden this is. They’re all here to help me make matches.
Maia: Ah, I see, I see.
It’s nothing much, but I’ve made some Lebkuchen, fresh out the oven. Feel free to enjoy them in Beluga’s room.
Rutile: Ooh, they look delicious! What fragrant spices. Thank you very much.
Beluga: Umm, I’ll pay for my share. How much is it?
Maia: Pay? I can’t very well take…
………
No, hm, right. Beluga, your share’s actually a trial batch that I made. So I don’t want to charge for that.
Akira: ……… ………?
Akira: (What on earth is this strange conversation… Maybe she’s not Beluga’s family or related to her at all?)
* The name Beluga appears to be a reference to a short animated film loosely based on The Little Match Girl. Here's a review with a link to watch, if you want.
next episode →