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Location: Manor Courtyard (Day)

Akira: Hey Mitile and Riquet! Are you taking Lennox’s sheep out for a walk?

Riquet
: We are! It’s a beautiful day today so we were all playing together.

Mitile: These critters have been licking me for a while now...Hey! Stop that, it tickles! 

Akira
: Ahaha, they’ve taken quite a liking to you, huh? 

Rique
t: Yes! Mitile is very popular with the sheep! 

Rutile
: ... 

Akira: (Huh, is that Rutile over there by himself? I have a feeling he’s spying on us...)

What are you doing over there, Rutile? 

Rutile
: Oh, Master Sage. I was only drawing here. 

Akira: You were drawing something?

Rutile
: Mhmm. I was drawing a picture of Mitile and Riquet playing with the sheep. 

Akira:
I see...So that must explain why Rutile has been staring at us.

Rutile
: Right! Actually, I have been observing everyone very closely and I have some observations from what I saw...

As you can see, Riquet is still gently petting the sheep like that. At first, it looks like he’s terrified. But when you pay close attention to his face, he’s actually kinda thrilled! 

On the other hand, Mitile is more familiar with handling the sheep compared to Riquet. The sheep look like they were having so much fun, too, with all that cuddling and chasing.

To summarize all up––this is, what others would like to call something that only...happens once in a lifetime! That is why I wanted to capture this scene, keeping this precious memory forever.

Akira
: How wonderful. So that must be the reason why you were staring at them for a while then? Well then, would you rather do a more detailed picture?

Rutile
: Certainly! In addition to finishing this picture, I also tried to create a prototype of a picture book. 

Akira
: And a picture book too...! This must be something you’re really putting your love into.

Rutile
: If you’re interested, would you like to take a peek at the book? If you want, I can bring it just for you, Master Sage. 

Akira: You sure about that? I’d be super honored to read it! Wow, thank you so much! 

Rutile: I was quite nervous at first, but I’m glad that I took that urge to bring it up to you. 

Akira
: (A picture book created by Rutile. I wonder what kind of story it is...)

Rutile
: Oooh! Speaking of which, the picture I’m working on right now is almost done. Would you like to take the first look? 

Akira
: Yes, I’d love to.

...Wait, huh?

(Rutile was drawing Mitile and Riquet, right?)

(But… I can’t really make them out in this drawing… )

Rutile:
Master Sage, what’s wrong? You look like you’re really deep in thought.

Akira
: N-No! It’s nothing.

(Ah, this round, yellow-colored part is Riquet, I guess… ! And, there’s a circle next to it that looks a bit like Mitile… I think I can make it out now. Even so…)
 
(Rutile’s art style is… definitely very unique.)

--

Chapter 2

Location: Manor Courtyard (Day)
 
Rutile: I tried out some brand new art techniques this time!

I figured I won’t be able to grow as an artist if I just stick to things that I’m familiar with! 

I drew the form of the sheep in a way that brings out their friendliness. See how the fluff gives that oomph, no?

Akira
: I-I see...

(The fiery looking parts were the sheep...)

But if you look closely at them, you can still figure them out. Both Riquet and Mitile also are drawn round, it’s kinda adorable.)

Mithra
: What’s that supposed to be, Rutile?

Rutile: Oh–! Why hello, Mister Mithra! I’ve created a new piece, come take a look!

Mithra: Well... 

Rutile: Ehehe, if you’re up for it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Mithra: Is this...some kind of magic circle painted using fresh blood? You could more or less summon a malevolent, wicked demon...

Akira
: W-W-W-Wahhh!

Mithra
: What’s with the clamoring?

I apologize for being loud all of the sudden... However, I needed to let you know of things that are rather important!

Akira: Um, you see, Oz was...uh, Oz was looking for you earlier! 

Mithra
: Huh, why?

Akira
: Honestly, I’m not sure about that! But it looks like he’s in a rush.

Mithra
: He should be ashamed, not mentioning what exactly his business with me is. How troublesome, I’ll just get it over with. 

Akira
: Phew. Fooling him was a piece of cake...

(I'll apologize to you both later though...)

Rutile: ...Could it be that you were looking out for me, Master Sage? 

Akira
: N-No, it’s not like that! Speaking of which––the sheep have a very strange color, don’t they...

Rutile: Master Sage...that’s not a sheep, that’s the ground! I colored the ground with a lively rich shade of red, you see. 

Akira: That must be it! I apologize for misinterpreting. 

Rutile
: It’s a-okay, Master Sage. Art is an explosion, after all[1]! 

Akira
: Huh? An explosion...?

Rutile: Mhmm! Whenever people would look at my pictures, they’ll observe for a while and wonder about how they have a rather...unique flair to them.

But when someone sees those pictures and finds it rather mystified by them, well, I suppose that’s one way of interpreting them. I dislike pretending that those things don’t happen. 

So please, Master Sage, don’t fret and be honest about your opinions.

Akira
: My opinions...Uhhh, I guess...

To be frank, I didn’t get what that drawing was supposed to be at first... 

Rutile
: Hehe. That’s what I’m often told. 

Akira: But as I slowly understood what was drawn, I found that it was rather cute in such a weird way...I felt a sense of warmth too. 

Sure, it’s quite unique. But overall, I think it’s a wonderful painting.

Rutile
: ...! Really!? Thank you so much, Master Sage! I was rather moved, hearing all of this from you...

...All right! Would you like to keep this drawing?

Akira
: Isn’t that a drawing that’s precious to you? Would it be alright for me to just take it from you like that?

Rutile
: Don’t worry about it. Keeping it in your possession would make both the drawing and myself very happy.

--
 
Chapter 3
 
Location: Akira’s Room (Evening)
 
Akira: The picture that Rutile gave to me...I might as well hang this up on the wall since it’s a special gift. 

Hmmm, it’s rather a very unusual, unique drawing, but...I’m starting to be fond of it.

Huh? I wonder what the orange circle floating in the sky could be...I assume it’s someone who’s a wizard, since it has a face?

Rutile
: Master Sage––I brought the picture book that we discussed earlier, may I come inside?

Akira
: Yes, I’m opening the door now. 

Rutile
: Sorry for intruding. Oh...wait, did you hang my drawing up on the wall!?

Thank you, Master Sage! I’m eager to get started on the next one...!

Akira
: Hahaha, good to know. Is that the picture book you’re holding?

Rutile
: Yes, it is! It’s still a work-in-progress so let me know if you have any questions or comments about it. 

Akira
: Oh, I have to mention I still can’t read the writing of this world, would it be okay if you read it out loud for me?

Rutile
: Oh right, I remember! My apologies, I got carried away and totally forgot.

...Ahem. I shall start reading it now...long, long ago––humans and wizards lived together in harmony...

...And humans and wizards worked side by side and they lived happily ever after. The end. 

...So, that’s it! Thank you for listening to me read this story. 
 
Akira: The pleasure is mine. Thank you also, Rutile. From what I understand, it’s a story of humans and wizards working together, right?

Rutile
: Right, to be honest, I wanted to convey one special wish in this story... 

Akira: And that wish?

Rutile
: I want humans to know that wizards aren’t scary at all. 

Anyone can be afraid of what they’re not familiar with, right? It’s just like the feeling when we met for the first time, the same as when humans get nervous when they meet others for the first time too. 

So then, I thought it would be nice if people thought that wizards aren’t scary through a charming picture book...

Akira
: Rutile...

Rutile: Oh, I must have rambled on too much! I couldn’t help it, since you’re willing to listen to me attentively. 

Akira
: Not at all, I’m happy that I had the chance to listen to your story. I hope those thoughts of yours are conveyed to those who read it.

Rutile
: Of course! Thank you once again, Master Sage. 

 ...Right. Can you tell what that orange circle in the painting is?

Akira
: Ah, I was wondering about that part. I thought it might be someone who is one of the wizards. 

Rutile
: Wroooong! That’s incorrect. The right answer is: the Master Sage! 

Akira
: Huh? Is that so? I see...

Rutile: Maybe it’s not clear enough then. I have to keep on brushing up my skills!

There’s actually a significant meaning about why the Master Sage is floating in the sky. Look, it’s something that rises up during the morning skies.

Akira
: During the morning skies?

Rutile
: The second hint is this...something that energizes everyone just by being there. 

Ehehe, no more hints. Please think about it carefully, Master Sage.

✾ ✾ ✾

Card Episode: Each and Everyone’s Wonderful Qualities

Location: Manor Garden (Sunset)
 
Akira: I still think about what you said back when we flew back to the manor after having been chased out of the Central castle. 

Especially when you said, “If we let the paths inside our hearts broaden…”

Rutile: I see…I’m glad that you remembered what I said before. 

Akira: What you said has left me a rather heartfelt and lasting impression on me. Besides, you seem like you’re more of a shy, introverted kind of person. So, it was surprising to hear you say all of that in front of everyone.

I was both astonished and awestruck during that time, especially you having the courage of speaking up especially in front of powerful wizards. 

Rutile: Hehe. That’s because the way Southern wizards interact with humans is different compared to the rest of the wizards from other countries. 

No matter how much I voice my concerns, not everyone will be touched by what I say. But then, if I don’t speak up at all, then they might not be able to understand. 

Even when I don’t get a response, even if I were to be ridiculed, or even if the others were to become full of rage, it’s important to bring out my concerns and convey those feelings into words.

Akira: I see...

Everyone, especially wizards, really do have differing opinions...Do you believe that both humans and wizards could be able to live together in harmony someday?

Rutile: I believe it’s possible. 

It’s just like when students go to school. Although some might not have common interests to talk about when they get introduced to each other on the first day, they’ll eventually end up becoming the best of friends. 

We are unable to predict how those bonds will grow. But as long as we seize that opportunity, I believe everyone will eventually become friends. 

I find it rather strange too. If you ever wonder about how would a studious kid, an athletic kid and an artistic kid can ultimately become close friends…

Despite all of them having different interests and talents, and yet they’re able to help out one another and form strong friendships between them. 

They’re able to understand as well as appreciate and respect each other’s strengths because they are all different to be exact. This also applies to even humans and wizards.

Akira: Rutile...

Rutile: It’s just like the two of us. I’m aware of many of your strengths that even you yourself might not be able to be fully aware of. 

I’ll make sure to tell you all about them in some other time!

--

TL Notes
Title - It’s fitting how the card story title (気持ちをこめて) corresponds to the chapter called Rutile’s Feelings (ルチルの気持ち)

[1] A famous quote from Japanese avant-garde painter and sculptor Taro Okamoto, known for his abstract paintings and sculptures (rather fitting to Rutile’s art style) he says this quote numerous times in the TV programs and commercials he’s in; Rutile also says this quote in his affection story too.
 
Also unrelated but I wanted to point this out but the three 日 in Akira’s kanji (晶) mean sun so I guess it’s quite fitting that Rutile wanted to convey Akira as the sun, someone who energizes people along the way no matter where they go. 

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