Regalo Of Blessings and The Glass Tower (White Day 2022) - Chapter 4

[dotsuitarehompo]

Location: Manor Hall (Day)

Snow:  Alas, we can’t let you see the tower. However, we can tell you stories about it. 

Although it might not be up to par with the original, we could at least show it to you via an illusion. 

White: And, since you’ve specially bought confectioneries...

How about joining us for a cup of tea?

Akira: You guys…

They must have been aware of our disappointment. I feel my heart warm up at their graciousness. 

Figaro: Alright then, how about we take this to the common room and listen to what Lords Snow and White have to say. Sounds good? 

Arthur - Mitile - Heathcliff: Yes! 

—

Location: Akira’s Room (Night)

Akira: Thanks for accompanying me back to my room, Figaro. 

The tea party was rather fun. Before we knew it, night had fallen, which meant it was time for the twins to turn into their painting form, and thus we had to end the party.

Figaro: Don’t mention it. 

Is that the candle stand Lords Snow and White made?

Akira: Yes. It’s very pretty as is, but it's much more beautiful once you light it up… See?

As I lit the candle, a bluish light dispersed on my desk. 

It reflected in Figaro’s irises, making them glisten like melted ice. 

Figaro: Oh wow, it really is beautiful. And especially like this, it does look just like that tower at twilight. 

Akira: Yeah, just like…. Wait, what did you…?

Indifferent to my surprise, Figaro casually continued.

Figaro: I’ve seen the tower before. The twins invited me to visit it a couple of times while they still had it to themselves. 

That’s why I was taken aback when they said they had given it away. It never crossed my mind that they would ever do that. 

Figaro’s gaze was fixated on the candle stand as its flame flickered warmly. 

At this very moment, he must be seeing scenery unfamiliar to me.  

Figaro: Nestled in the lands of the North, its presence was so overwhelming that all I recall is being speechless.

It was a true miracle to behold, especially when the sun began to set. Just looking at it made me feel wholly content. 

Akira: …You really liked that tower, didn't you? 

Figaro: Hmm, I guess I did. Maybe that would explain why I felt a little nostalgic hearing all those stories today. 

Those two were also quite fond of it, much more than they let on. 

But I wonder if that is what made them let go of it. 

Akira: And what is that?

Figaro: …They had Vitis promise something in exchange for the tower. 

Perhaps he said they could have his mana stone if he were to pass away one day. 

Akira: What…!?

Figaro: That’s just a speculation, though. 

Alright then, sweet dreams, Master Sage. 

Figaro gently waved his hand and left with a tender smile. 

In the silent room, I gazed at the candle stand and its small flickering flame.

Akira: …

The way Figaro reacted shows how much it actually resembles the glass tower built by Snow and White. 

Akira: (I really want to see it… Just once would be enough. The tower Snow and White loved so much…)

—

Location: Manor Hallway (Day)

Tomorrow came. After having lunch, I made my way to the twins’ room.


Last night, while gazing at the candle stand, I kept thinking about the stories they had told us.

Rustica: Hello, Master Sage. 

Akira: Oh… Hi, Rustica.  

I happened to bump into Rustica just around the corner. Upon coming face to face with me, he broke into a smile that was a mixture of both elegance and innocence. 

Rustica: Do you perhaps have something exciting planned for today? 

Akira: Eh? What do you mean?

Rustica: You have the look of a child who’s excited to get their hands on a new picture book. 

Akira: Hahaha, more or less. Actually…

—

Rustica: …Interesting. So that’s why you wanted to pay a visit to Lords Snow and White. 

Would it be alright if I came along as well? 

I would love to hear more about this majestic stained glass tower and the wizard who fell in love with it.  

Akira: But of course! 

—

Location: Snow’s and White’s Room (Day)

As Rustica and I stepped into the twins’ room, they welcomed us with warm smiles. 

They appeared to be drinking the tea we gave them, as a sweet scent was wafting through the room; they seemed to have taken quite the liking to it. 

Snow: What may we help you two with? 

Akira: Sorry for coming in so suddenly. We were wondering if you could tell us more about the tower from yesterday…

Just then, my gaze then fell on the window.

A white bird perched on the windowsill was staring at us with its little round eyes. 

Rustica: Oh my, what a lovely guest we have here. 

Akira: Should we let it inside? It looks like it really wants to come in…

Snow - White: …

Snow gently placed his cup down and twirled his index finger in the direction of the bird. As he did that, the window opened promptly. 

And as if it had been waiting just for that, the small bird flapped its wings, flew into the room, and settled down on the table. 

It then opened its beak and let out a peculiar chirp.

Akira: (What kind of bird sounds like that…) 

There was no mistake that it was a bird’s cry, but at the same time, it sounded like a creaky machine or even a human’s voice. 

Snow and White appeared to be listening to it with great intent. 

White: …Is that so?

After the bird gave its last chirp, they simultaneously held their hands over it. 

Akira: Ah!

It began breaking apart as if made out of paper, turned into dust, and disappeared without a trace. 

Akira: W-What was that just now…

White: It was a letter that has its message magically encased in the form of a bird. Only we can understand what it entails. 

Snow: And by pure coincidence… The sender was the one we were talking about yesterday. 

Akira: So it was from Mister Vitis…?

Snow and White nodded. However, they didn't look nod wistful nor taken aback at the contents of the letter.  

Rustica: And what did he say? 

White: It would appear that the tower is on the verge of collapsing.

Akira: What…!?

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