![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
At Mount Guren, Where the Beloved Child Plays - Episode 3
← last episode | Episode 3 | next episode →
Chloe: Don’t tell me, you don’t like that I’m going too…?
Owen: Of course. Where do you think we’re going? Who wants to go to Northern Country with a weakling crybaby like you?
Chloe: I won’t be crying on holiday! In fact, I’m looking forward to enjoying barbecue and scenic walks with everyone else.
I think I’ll bring marshmallows in addition to the meat and veggies. If there’s a frying pan, we might even be able to make little pancakes too.
Owen: Marshmallows and pancakes…
Akira: Grilled bananas and apples sound really good too! Let’s bring some sweet fruits with us for the trip.
I bet it’ll be a lot of fun decorating our pancakes with our favourite toppings.
Owen: Oh? It might be nice if it’s not just meat.
I think I’ll put marshmallows and fruits too on top of my pancake.
Chloe: Yay! Owen, I’ll make you a cool outfit too, alright?
And then I’ll make sure to practise my marshmallow-roasting skills!
Owen: Well… I guess this is better than going on a mission.
Snow: And so, Mithra, the preparations are underway. We’ll be sure to give you ample time to make that visit to Mount Guren another day.
But today, you’ll have to come with us on that mission as one of the Sage’s Wizards. You too, Owen. Come along.
Mithra & Owen: Aw, man.
Murr: Have fun out there~!
Akira: We’ll take care of all the cleanup here, alright?
Cain: What a ginormous mess we got here. I’ll help out too.
Chloe: Alright then… let’s start with picking up this bag…
[ Scatter sfx ]
Chloe: Oh, there’s a hole in this bag. There’s a lot of big and colourful stones in here…
Mithra: Oh, those. They’re stones I picked up from Mount Guren long ago. If you want them, you can have them.
If you’re going to make clothes that the spirits would like, wearing objects that came from their land might be a good idea. How about I cut the rocks for you?
Chloe: You will, Mithra? Really?
Murr: Let’s take a look-see… Ooh~! These are all uncut gemstones!
They’re all of superior quality too. One might be worth the price tag of a mansion, perhaps?
Chloe: T-They’re what!? I… think it might not be a good idea to use these…
Mithra: I’m fine with that though. I can get more of them whenever I want anyway.
As he spoke, Mithra slowly moved to squat down. He held out one of the stones to Chloe, who was kneeling on the ground.
The first stone was a blue more vivid than that of the seas of the North. The second was red ochre, the shade of sunsets.
Mithra: Your hair’s red, so this sort of colour might go well with it?
[ Chloe blushes. ]
Chloe: … Eep!
Murr: (grinning) ………
All of a sudden, Chloe’s cheeks were flushed scarlet.
Wide-eyed, he blinked, and as if embarrassed, as if he wanted to check to be sure, he glanced from Mithra to the gemstone and back again.
Akira: What a beautiful shade… You’re right, it’s a wonderful match for Chloe’s bright hair.
Chloe: Not you too, Kenja sama…
Um, Mithra? Do you really mean that? That this stone matches my appearance?
Mithra: …? Yeah. I said what I said…
Chloe: …!
[ Chloe blushes again. ]
Chloe: Woah~! That makes me super happy~~!
Hey, everyone! Did you hear that!? Mithra picked out a stone just for me!
Murr: Loud ’n clear! I think that colour suits you well too, Chloe!
Cain: Yeah, Mithra’s got good taste!
Chloe: (giggle) … Oh, that’s right. Mithra, Cain, you two have red hair too, so I bet this colour would look great on both of you too!
Considering the occasion, we should have gemstone accessories that match each of our own colours!
Chloe accepted both rocks. He held them up to gaze at them adoringly.
His smile reached his eyes, which glittered like gemstones.
Snow: Mithra chan, come on, we have to go~
Mithra: Okay, okay. I’m coming…
Murr: « eanul rambul » !
[ Fireworks sfx ]
Akira: Ahhh!?
Mithra: Hey! Please don’t set off fireworks in cramped spaces like this.
Murr: Chloe’s happy, and that makes me want to let some fireworks loose!
Isn’t it nice how things worked out, Chloe!
Murr laughed as he looked warmly at Chloe. Normally, the light in his eyes were like that of a whimsical cat, but right now, they were a touch more mature.
Murr was quite old even when compared to other wizards, but he was like this, his vibes were friendly, like a brother only a few years older than you.
Chloe: It really is! Thank you!
Akira: (Everyone seems like they’re having fun. It’s pretty exciting. And the hype’s definitely contagious!)
(Mount Guren… I now have a much clearer image of what it’s like there, compared to when I first heard of it last night.)
(A vast land, red-hot boiling magma, and clear blue skies.)
(I’ll have the chance to see with my own eyes yet another wondrous place in this world!)
[ Mount Guren ]
[ Event BGM ]
A few days later, we found ourselves standing before a smoking volcano that loomed over us with its great crags and rocky face.
The volcano was formed out of black stone and topped with a crater. It occasionally spewed smoke and red magma, which came with a low rumbling sound coming from beneath the earth’s crust.
It was the majesty of the Northern lands, and the raw danger of it, that made up its appeal. It was a breathtaking sight.
Saccie sat comfortably in my arms. A wind from the mountains blew down, gently tousling Saccie’s fur. I couldn’t help but exclaim:
Akira: So this is Mount Guren…! It’s so imposing!
Chloe: That’s magma trickling down the slopes of that mountain over there, isn’t it?! It’s redder than the sunset!
Murr: Whooooa! We’re really here!
What’s more, I’ve got goosebumps on my skin! The spirits are already feeling wary of us~!
Oz: They must have started keeping an eye out once they sensed the presence of magic users. But if we don’t trouble them, then they won’t trouble us.
Cain: Man, you guys were right. We’re in Northern Country, but the heat’s real muggy.
Snow: That’s because we’re at the foot of a volcano. The heat waves prevent snow from piling up.
It’s an extremely rare sight to behold in the North, where temperatures are often subzero. Isn’t that right, Oz?
Oz: Yes.
Murr: There’s lots of wild plantlife around! I wonder if all of these species are endemic to the area?
There’s areas here and there where the water’s pooled into springs. Red water. Perhaps the colouring comes from minerals that have seeped into the water from the surrounding rock and earth.
Rustica: What a rare sight, to have such clear waters tinted red. They remind me of rougeberry infused water.
I spy little fishies swimming about in the water too — how do you do? How are we feeling this fine day?
Mithra & Owen: ………
Owen: Hey… You know, aren’t there more of us than before?
Mithra: I didn’t hear anything about Oz coming along.
Oz: I’m here to supervise.
Owen: Supervise what…?
Snow: Cain and I invited him to join us.
Murr’s a cause for worry, but you never know who might accidentally incur the spirits’ wrath. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
Mithra: You don’t have to rely on that guy when I’m around. Isn’t that right, Kenja sama?
Akira: Y-yeah. Mithra seems familiar with this place, so I’m sure he’s reliable!
Rustica: Fufu. I’ve been blessed with such fine company today. To think we’d be visiting Northern Country with Mithra and Owen!
Chloe, Murr, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the both of you for inviting me to join you on this excursion. The outfit you gave me to wear is magnificent, too.
Murr: You’re welcome!
Chloe: It’s a cool design, isn't it? I gave it my all~!
We’ve all got matching earrings and rings after faceting the raw gemstones that Mithra gave me!
Mithra cut the stones, and Murr polished them. Then we all worked together to come up with the designs, didn’t we?
Mithra: You asked this and that, and all I did was reply with something or other though…
These stones are much smaller than before, huh. When I cut them, they were far larger and looked much more powerful.
Murr: The largest one was the size of an egg. Your ears and fingers wouldn’t be able to bear so much weight! So I cut them down.
Anyway, Mithra, the designs you’re wearing right now make you look plenty strong!
Akira: It’s a feral and wild aesthetic, just like you requested! The face and body paint are a nice touch too!
Mithra: Hm…… Well, as long as it’s strong.
Owen: What a simple-minded person you are.
Chloe: Ehehe. I never expected to collaborate on a design with Mithra of all people! I’m happy you like it.
It’s a shame Shylock couldn’t join us today… but let’s bring back lots of souvenirs and memories to share with him.
Cain: Did Shylock already have other plans?
Rustica: He said he doesn’t much enjoy weather hot enough to make him sweat.
Cain: Ah, yeah. That sounds like him alright.
Rustica: Our Northern Wizards are almost a complete set, save for Bradley and White sama — do they dislike the idea of perspiring as well?
Snow: No, I did invite them, but…
(sideways glance)
Mithra: Was Bradley like that? He always says that he prefers the bathwater hot, so I’d been under the impression that he liked the heat.
Owen: Says the one who dropped Bradley into the magma in this very location.
Snow: Good grief. Bradley had indeed taken offence, saying, ‘The place I nearly drowned? Why the hell would I want to go there?’
And with that, we have Bradley and White staying back at the manor.
Snow: Now then — everyone, if I may have your attention please! Once again, we shall go over our dos and don’ts.
Akira: Okay!
Cain & Rustica & Chloe: Yessir!
Snow: I didn’t hear anything from the cool kids over there~!
Oz & Owen & Mithra: ………
Snow: Umu. I see three pairs of eyes giving me fed up instead of a response. Oh well, as long as you’re listening!
Now, listen very carefully: You are to exercise utmost caution when you use magic.
You will refrain from using magic that harms or disrupts the land.
As long as you behave yourselves and do not act recklessly, the spirits will most likely refrain from taking drastic measures. Murr and Mithra, you two will pay close attention to this…
Akira: Wait… Murr? Where’s Murr?
Murr: Over here~! I can hear you all loud and clear!
[ Murr CG ]
I glanced up, towards the voice filtering down at me. There Murr was, splayed comfortably out on a branch.
A little squirrel-like creature sat on his shoulder. Murr kicked his feet back and forth.
Murr: Heya! You’re small and fluffy. Do you live on this tree?
Do you find these nuts tasty? Your cheeks are stuffed full of them! Can I have some too?
Snow & Oz: ………
Chloe: Murr!
Akira: That’s a cute critter! It’s pudgy and fluffy all at once…
Sacrificium: ………
Cain: If it’s got soft fur, it might still be a baby. Wonder if its parents are nearby.
Rustica: Owen, do you by any chance know what that little one’s saying?
Owen: Not really? It’s obviously a baby. It’s just making noises.
But why don’t you take a closer look? It’s not the only animal around here.
I looked at where Owen was pointing, and from the cover of the rocks, here and there, were creatures of all shapes and sizes in the shadows, their curious gazes looking our way.
next episode →
Chloe: Don’t tell me, you don’t like that I’m going too…?
Owen: Of course. Where do you think we’re going? Who wants to go to Northern Country with a weakling crybaby like you?
Chloe: I won’t be crying on holiday! In fact, I’m looking forward to enjoying barbecue and scenic walks with everyone else.
I think I’ll bring marshmallows in addition to the meat and veggies. If there’s a frying pan, we might even be able to make little pancakes too.
Owen: Marshmallows and pancakes…
Akira: Grilled bananas and apples sound really good too! Let’s bring some sweet fruits with us for the trip.
I bet it’ll be a lot of fun decorating our pancakes with our favourite toppings.
Owen: Oh? It might be nice if it’s not just meat.
I think I’ll put marshmallows and fruits too on top of my pancake.
Chloe: Yay! Owen, I’ll make you a cool outfit too, alright?
And then I’ll make sure to practise my marshmallow-roasting skills!
Owen: Well… I guess this is better than going on a mission.
Snow: And so, Mithra, the preparations are underway. We’ll be sure to give you ample time to make that visit to Mount Guren another day.
But today, you’ll have to come with us on that mission as one of the Sage’s Wizards. You too, Owen. Come along.
Mithra & Owen: Aw, man.
Murr: Have fun out there~!
Akira: We’ll take care of all the cleanup here, alright?
Cain: What a ginormous mess we got here. I’ll help out too.
Chloe: Alright then… let’s start with picking up this bag…
[ Scatter sfx ]
Chloe: Oh, there’s a hole in this bag. There’s a lot of big and colourful stones in here…
Mithra: Oh, those. They’re stones I picked up from Mount Guren long ago. If you want them, you can have them.
If you’re going to make clothes that the spirits would like, wearing objects that came from their land might be a good idea. How about I cut the rocks for you?
Chloe: You will, Mithra? Really?
Murr: Let’s take a look-see… Ooh~! These are all uncut gemstones!
They’re all of superior quality too. One might be worth the price tag of a mansion, perhaps?
Chloe: T-They’re what!? I… think it might not be a good idea to use these…
Mithra: I’m fine with that though. I can get more of them whenever I want anyway.
As he spoke, Mithra slowly moved to squat down. He held out one of the stones to Chloe, who was kneeling on the ground.
The first stone was a blue more vivid than that of the seas of the North. The second was red ochre, the shade of sunsets.
Mithra: Your hair’s red, so this sort of colour might go well with it?
[ Chloe blushes. ]
Chloe: … Eep!
Murr: (grinning) ………
All of a sudden, Chloe’s cheeks were flushed scarlet.
Wide-eyed, he blinked, and as if embarrassed, as if he wanted to check to be sure, he glanced from Mithra to the gemstone and back again.
Akira: What a beautiful shade… You’re right, it’s a wonderful match for Chloe’s bright hair.
Chloe: Not you too, Kenja sama…
Um, Mithra? Do you really mean that? That this stone matches my appearance?
Mithra: …? Yeah. I said what I said…
Chloe: …!
[ Chloe blushes again. ]
Chloe: Woah~! That makes me super happy~~!
Hey, everyone! Did you hear that!? Mithra picked out a stone just for me!
Murr: Loud ’n clear! I think that colour suits you well too, Chloe!
Cain: Yeah, Mithra’s got good taste!
Chloe: (giggle) … Oh, that’s right. Mithra, Cain, you two have red hair too, so I bet this colour would look great on both of you too!
Considering the occasion, we should have gemstone accessories that match each of our own colours!
Chloe accepted both rocks. He held them up to gaze at them adoringly.
His smile reached his eyes, which glittered like gemstones.
Snow: Mithra chan, come on, we have to go~
Mithra: Okay, okay. I’m coming…
Murr: « eanul rambul » !
[ Fireworks sfx ]
Akira: Ahhh!?
Mithra: Hey! Please don’t set off fireworks in cramped spaces like this.
Murr: Chloe’s happy, and that makes me want to let some fireworks loose!
Isn’t it nice how things worked out, Chloe!
Murr laughed as he looked warmly at Chloe. Normally, the light in his eyes were like that of a whimsical cat, but right now, they were a touch more mature.
Murr was quite old even when compared to other wizards, but he was like this, his vibes were friendly, like a brother only a few years older than you.
Chloe: It really is! Thank you!
Akira: (Everyone seems like they’re having fun. It’s pretty exciting. And the hype’s definitely contagious!)
(Mount Guren… I now have a much clearer image of what it’s like there, compared to when I first heard of it last night.)
(A vast land, red-hot boiling magma, and clear blue skies.)
(I’ll have the chance to see with my own eyes yet another wondrous place in this world!)
[ Mount Guren ]
[ Event BGM ]
A few days later, we found ourselves standing before a smoking volcano that loomed over us with its great crags and rocky face.
The volcano was formed out of black stone and topped with a crater. It occasionally spewed smoke and red magma, which came with a low rumbling sound coming from beneath the earth’s crust.
It was the majesty of the Northern lands, and the raw danger of it, that made up its appeal. It was a breathtaking sight.
Saccie sat comfortably in my arms. A wind from the mountains blew down, gently tousling Saccie’s fur. I couldn’t help but exclaim:
Akira: So this is Mount Guren…! It’s so imposing!
Chloe: That’s magma trickling down the slopes of that mountain over there, isn’t it?! It’s redder than the sunset!
Murr: Whooooa! We’re really here!
What’s more, I’ve got goosebumps on my skin! The spirits are already feeling wary of us~!
Oz: They must have started keeping an eye out once they sensed the presence of magic users. But if we don’t trouble them, then they won’t trouble us.
Cain: Man, you guys were right. We’re in Northern Country, but the heat’s real muggy.
Snow: That’s because we’re at the foot of a volcano. The heat waves prevent snow from piling up.
It’s an extremely rare sight to behold in the North, where temperatures are often subzero. Isn’t that right, Oz?
Oz: Yes.
Murr: There’s lots of wild plantlife around! I wonder if all of these species are endemic to the area?
There’s areas here and there where the water’s pooled into springs. Red water. Perhaps the colouring comes from minerals that have seeped into the water from the surrounding rock and earth.
Rustica: What a rare sight, to have such clear waters tinted red. They remind me of rougeberry infused water.
I spy little fishies swimming about in the water too — how do you do? How are we feeling this fine day?
Mithra & Owen: ………
Owen: Hey… You know, aren’t there more of us than before?
Mithra: I didn’t hear anything about Oz coming along.
Oz: I’m here to supervise.
Owen: Supervise what…?
Snow: Cain and I invited him to join us.
Murr’s a cause for worry, but you never know who might accidentally incur the spirits’ wrath. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
Mithra: You don’t have to rely on that guy when I’m around. Isn’t that right, Kenja sama?
Akira: Y-yeah. Mithra seems familiar with this place, so I’m sure he’s reliable!
Rustica: Fufu. I’ve been blessed with such fine company today. To think we’d be visiting Northern Country with Mithra and Owen!
Chloe, Murr, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the both of you for inviting me to join you on this excursion. The outfit you gave me to wear is magnificent, too.
Murr: You’re welcome!
Chloe: It’s a cool design, isn't it? I gave it my all~!
We’ve all got matching earrings and rings after faceting the raw gemstones that Mithra gave me!
Mithra cut the stones, and Murr polished them. Then we all worked together to come up with the designs, didn’t we?
Mithra: You asked this and that, and all I did was reply with something or other though…
These stones are much smaller than before, huh. When I cut them, they were far larger and looked much more powerful.
Murr: The largest one was the size of an egg. Your ears and fingers wouldn’t be able to bear so much weight! So I cut them down.
Anyway, Mithra, the designs you’re wearing right now make you look plenty strong!
Akira: It’s a feral and wild aesthetic, just like you requested! The face and body paint are a nice touch too!
Mithra: Hm…… Well, as long as it’s strong.
Owen: What a simple-minded person you are.
Chloe: Ehehe. I never expected to collaborate on a design with Mithra of all people! I’m happy you like it.
It’s a shame Shylock couldn’t join us today… but let’s bring back lots of souvenirs and memories to share with him.
Cain: Did Shylock already have other plans?
Rustica: He said he doesn’t much enjoy weather hot enough to make him sweat.
Cain: Ah, yeah. That sounds like him alright.
Rustica: Our Northern Wizards are almost a complete set, save for Bradley and White sama — do they dislike the idea of perspiring as well?
Snow: No, I did invite them, but…
(sideways glance)
Mithra: Was Bradley like that? He always says that he prefers the bathwater hot, so I’d been under the impression that he liked the heat.
Owen: Says the one who dropped Bradley into the magma in this very location.
Snow: Good grief. Bradley had indeed taken offence, saying, ‘The place I nearly drowned? Why the hell would I want to go there?’
And with that, we have Bradley and White staying back at the manor.
Snow: Now then — everyone, if I may have your attention please! Once again, we shall go over our dos and don’ts.
Akira: Okay!
Cain & Rustica & Chloe: Yessir!
Snow: I didn’t hear anything from the cool kids over there~!
Oz & Owen & Mithra: ………
Snow: Umu. I see three pairs of eyes giving me fed up instead of a response. Oh well, as long as you’re listening!
Now, listen very carefully: You are to exercise utmost caution when you use magic.
You will refrain from using magic that harms or disrupts the land.
As long as you behave yourselves and do not act recklessly, the spirits will most likely refrain from taking drastic measures. Murr and Mithra, you two will pay close attention to this…
Akira: Wait… Murr? Where’s Murr?
Murr: Over here~! I can hear you all loud and clear!
[ Murr CG ]
I glanced up, towards the voice filtering down at me. There Murr was, splayed comfortably out on a branch.
A little squirrel-like creature sat on his shoulder. Murr kicked his feet back and forth.
Murr: Heya! You’re small and fluffy. Do you live on this tree?
Do you find these nuts tasty? Your cheeks are stuffed full of them! Can I have some too?
Snow & Oz: ………
Chloe: Murr!
Akira: That’s a cute critter! It’s pudgy and fluffy all at once…
Sacrificium: ………
Cain: If it’s got soft fur, it might still be a baby. Wonder if its parents are nearby.
Rustica: Owen, do you by any chance know what that little one’s saying?
Owen: Not really? It’s obviously a baby. It’s just making noises.
But why don’t you take a closer look? It’s not the only animal around here.
I looked at where Owen was pointing, and from the cover of the rocks, here and there, were creatures of all shapes and sizes in the shadows, their curious gazes looking our way.
next episode →