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At That Moment, Next to You

Chapter 1
On this particular day, we were visiting a town where Lennox's old acquaintance lived, and where blacksmiths gathered.
Mitile: Look, brother! Isn't this sword cool?
Rutile: Oh, it is cool! It's sleek and stylish, it'd suit Cain nicely.
Akira: (It's fun to visit all these stores with everyone… But…?)
Akira: What's with this sword? The blade portion is flexible and wavy…?
Akira: (I wonder what kind of weapon it is. I'll ask someone.)
Faust: …
Akira: Oh, Fau…
Figaro: Faust.
Faust: What is it.
At the same time that I was about to call out to Faust, Figaro did as well. Reflexively, I came to a stop.
Figaro: It seems like your mind is elsewhere. You're worrying about Lennox, aren't you?
Figaro: And of course. His friend too, perhaps?
Faust & Akira: …
The reason we were visiting this town was because Lennox's friend, Ethan, who was a member of the revolutionary army, seemed to be in some kind of trouble.
Akira: (Lennox seemed like he was troubled too…)
Figaro: I think if you could just say something to him, it'd make a big difference in how he feels.
Faust: …What can I say? I'm the root cause of his current suffering. It's not my place to encourage him or offer him consolation.
Figaro: …Sigh. Maybe so.
Faust: What's with that sigh? …I'm leaving now.
Figaro: By all means.
Akira: (...I-I feel like I'm listening to something that I shouldn't be…)
Figaro: …That's the case, Master Sage.
Akira: !?
Figaro spoke to me as though he were just continuing the conversation.
Akira: Figaro, when did you notice…?
Figaro: Ahaha. At the beginning, maybe.
Akira: Oh… I'm sorry for eavesdropping.
Figaro: No need to apologize. I knew what I was doing, and I did it on purpose. If anything, I should apologize for making you feel bad.
Akira: Oh, no, I'm totally fine. But you did it on purpose…?
Figaro: Like you just heard, Faust has always been bad at keeping his shoulders relaxed.
Figaro: He carries all the responsibility on his shoulders, and tries to force himself to walk with it. It's amazing that he can walk like that.
Chapter 2
Figaro: But he needs to take a break once in a while. If he keeps walking as hard as he can because he says he's okay, his mind and body will wither away, won't they?
Figaro: Lennox is one thing, but someone needs to look out for Faust too.
Akira: Figaro…
Figaro: So, Master Sage. I wonder if you can give him a change of pace.
Akira: Eh!? Me?
Figaro: Yeah. I can't do it. It's something only you can do.
Akira: Is that so…
There was kindness in Figaro's gaze as he smiled a little anxiously.
Akira: (Figaro isn't the kind of person who would request this as a joke…)
Akira: I understand. If it's okay, I'll give it a try.
Figaro: Thank you. Now…
Figaro: Heeeey! Faust—! Master Sage wants to see you—!
Akira: Uh, hey… Figaro!?
Akira: (I'm not ready yet…!)
After that, Figaro suggested that Faust and I visit a few shops while he watched the students.
Faust was skeptical at first, but when I asked him to join me, he agreed.
Faust: It looks like I made you worry, too. I'm sorry you had to go through this.
Akira: It's okay! There are a lot of weapons on display that I've never seen before, so I wanted to hear from someone who had.
Akira: So, instead, thank you very much for coming along.
Faust: …You're soft-hearted.
Faust: All right. I'll answer to the best of my ability. What do you want to know?
Akira: Actually, earlier, I found a sword with a flexible, wavy blade.
Faust: A flexible sword?
Akira: Right. It was an odd shape, so I got curious… Faust, do you know what it is?
Faust: …
Akira: Faust?
Faust: That's a flamberge.
Akira: A flamberge…? I've never heard of it before. Is it a common weapon in this world?
Faust: I don't believe so.
Akira: Huh…?
Faust: The unique blade tears the flesh, making it difficult to stop the bleeding, and generally highly lethal.
Faust: Thus, it's called a sword that causes more pain than death.
Akira: M-more pain than death…
Faust: Once it cuts you open, you can't be treated, and you die in agony. In a way, it may be worse than a cursed weapon.
Akira: …
Chapter 3
Faust: …I'm sorry. Did I scare you?
Akira: N-no… I'm just surprised that there's such a terrifying weapon…
Faust: Weapons are fundamentally terrible. They exist to hurt people.
Faust: Of course, depending on how they're used, they can also protect someone…
Akira: Faust….
Suddenly, Faust lowered his arms. His eyes seemed to be staring off into the distance, lost in thought.
Perhaps he was feeling heartbroken, thinking of Lennox and Lennox's friend.
Akira: (What should I do? I invited Faust along to give him a change of pace, but it's having the opposite effect…)
Faust: Rather than that, Sage.
Akira: …! Yes?
Faust: I think this would suit you better than a flamberge.
Faust pointed his finger at a display of several necklace-like objects, which had been decorated with fine engraving.
Akira: Wow, they're beautiful…
Faust: It's called a talisman—it's a kind of charm that you wear around your neck to keep misfortune away.
Faust: When you're anxious, when you're in pain. Some people use it not only as a charm, but for emotional support as well.
Akira: I see… I'm definitely familiar with talismans too!
Akira: …Yeah. Why don't we give one to Lennox?
Faust: To Lennox?
Akira: We might as well have a matching pair. Besides, I thought it would be nice if we could support him a bit.
Faust: …That'd be nice, he'll be pleased too.
Akira: Then… If you don't mind, let's pick them out together!
Faust: Huh? Me?
Akira: I think you'll be able to find a nice talisman that would suit Lennox.
Figaro: How nice. I think I'll buy the same one so I can match too—
Faust & Akira: Figaro!
Faust: When did you… Where are the kids?
Figaro: Leno said he'd watch them for a while. I'm sure he's worried about you too.
Faust: …
Figaro: So, how about it, Faust? If you don't pick one, I'll do it for you.
Faust: …That won't be necessary. If it's alright with you, Sage, I'll help.
Faust: However, I'm a curseworker, not a tailor. Don't expect me to have fashion sense.
Akira: Ahaha, okay!
I don't know if it was a good change of pace or not, but Faust's expression was calm as he chose a talisman.
Akira: (I hope Faust will be there with me to give him the gift…)
The pleasant scene that came to mind made my lips curl upward involuntarily.
Card Episode - About Him Since Then
Akira: Faust, thank you for going shopping with me the other day. I was able to pick out a wonderful gift with your help!
Faust: I didn't really do much. It was all thanks to your thoughtfulness.
Akira: Has Lennox changed at all since returning from the blacksmith town?
Faust: Ah. He doesn't seem particularly different.
Faust: He takes the sheep for walks as usual, attends the Southern wizards' classes as usual, looks after Mitile and the others as usual, that sort of thing.
Akira: Is that so. I haven't seen him much since then due to our schedules not matching up… If he's the same as usual, I'm relieved.
Akira: I knew we were visiting a special place for Lennox this time.
Faust: I'm sure that going there was very significant for him. He must have had a lot to think and worry about.
Faust: However, he doesn't get hung up on it or show it in a straightforward way. He's a wizard who's lived for hundreds of years. He's naturally skilled in that area.
Akira: …
Faust: What is it, Sage? …Is there something on my face?
Akira: No, I was just thinking that you've been looking out for Lennox ever since we got back…
Faust: Huh? What are you talking about?
Akira: (...I wonder if it's because Faust was worried in his own way and watched over him that he was able to talk in so much detail.)
Homescreen Line
You spend every day worrying about the Sage's wizards and peace in this world… Sometimes you have to forget everything and think of your own happiness. If you can do it well, teach the stubborn ones the trick to it.

Chapter 1
On this particular day, we were visiting a town where Lennox's old acquaintance lived, and where blacksmiths gathered.
Mitile: Look, brother! Isn't this sword cool?
Rutile: Oh, it is cool! It's sleek and stylish, it'd suit Cain nicely.
Akira: (It's fun to visit all these stores with everyone… But…?)
Akira: What's with this sword? The blade portion is flexible and wavy…?
Akira: (I wonder what kind of weapon it is. I'll ask someone.)
Faust: …
Akira: Oh, Fau…
Figaro: Faust.
Faust: What is it.
At the same time that I was about to call out to Faust, Figaro did as well. Reflexively, I came to a stop.
Figaro: It seems like your mind is elsewhere. You're worrying about Lennox, aren't you?
Figaro: And of course. His friend too, perhaps?
Faust & Akira: …
The reason we were visiting this town was because Lennox's friend, Ethan, who was a member of the revolutionary army, seemed to be in some kind of trouble.
Akira: (Lennox seemed like he was troubled too…)
Figaro: I think if you could just say something to him, it'd make a big difference in how he feels.
Faust: …What can I say? I'm the root cause of his current suffering. It's not my place to encourage him or offer him consolation.
Figaro: …Sigh. Maybe so.
Faust: What's with that sigh? …I'm leaving now.
Figaro: By all means.
Akira: (...I-I feel like I'm listening to something that I shouldn't be…)
Figaro: …That's the case, Master Sage.
Akira: !?
Figaro spoke to me as though he were just continuing the conversation.
Akira: Figaro, when did you notice…?
Figaro: Ahaha. At the beginning, maybe.
Akira: Oh… I'm sorry for eavesdropping.
Figaro: No need to apologize. I knew what I was doing, and I did it on purpose. If anything, I should apologize for making you feel bad.
Akira: Oh, no, I'm totally fine. But you did it on purpose…?
Figaro: Like you just heard, Faust has always been bad at keeping his shoulders relaxed.
Figaro: He carries all the responsibility on his shoulders, and tries to force himself to walk with it. It's amazing that he can walk like that.
Chapter 2
Figaro: But he needs to take a break once in a while. If he keeps walking as hard as he can because he says he's okay, his mind and body will wither away, won't they?
Figaro: Lennox is one thing, but someone needs to look out for Faust too.
Akira: Figaro…
Figaro: So, Master Sage. I wonder if you can give him a change of pace.
Akira: Eh!? Me?
Figaro: Yeah. I can't do it. It's something only you can do.
Akira: Is that so…
There was kindness in Figaro's gaze as he smiled a little anxiously.
Akira: (Figaro isn't the kind of person who would request this as a joke…)
Akira: I understand. If it's okay, I'll give it a try.
Figaro: Thank you. Now…
Figaro: Heeeey! Faust—! Master Sage wants to see you—!
Akira: Uh, hey… Figaro!?
Akira: (I'm not ready yet…!)
After that, Figaro suggested that Faust and I visit a few shops while he watched the students.
Faust was skeptical at first, but when I asked him to join me, he agreed.
Faust: It looks like I made you worry, too. I'm sorry you had to go through this.
Akira: It's okay! There are a lot of weapons on display that I've never seen before, so I wanted to hear from someone who had.
Akira: So, instead, thank you very much for coming along.
Faust: …You're soft-hearted.
Faust: All right. I'll answer to the best of my ability. What do you want to know?
Akira: Actually, earlier, I found a sword with a flexible, wavy blade.
Faust: A flexible sword?
Akira: Right. It was an odd shape, so I got curious… Faust, do you know what it is?
Faust: …
Akira: Faust?
Faust: That's a flamberge.
Akira: A flamberge…? I've never heard of it before. Is it a common weapon in this world?
Faust: I don't believe so.
Akira: Huh…?
Faust: The unique blade tears the flesh, making it difficult to stop the bleeding, and generally highly lethal.
Faust: Thus, it's called a sword that causes more pain than death.
Akira: M-more pain than death…
Faust: Once it cuts you open, you can't be treated, and you die in agony. In a way, it may be worse than a cursed weapon.
Akira: …
Chapter 3
Faust: …I'm sorry. Did I scare you?
Akira: N-no… I'm just surprised that there's such a terrifying weapon…
Faust: Weapons are fundamentally terrible. They exist to hurt people.
Faust: Of course, depending on how they're used, they can also protect someone…
Akira: Faust….
Suddenly, Faust lowered his arms. His eyes seemed to be staring off into the distance, lost in thought.
Perhaps he was feeling heartbroken, thinking of Lennox and Lennox's friend.
Akira: (What should I do? I invited Faust along to give him a change of pace, but it's having the opposite effect…)
Faust: Rather than that, Sage.
Akira: …! Yes?
Faust: I think this would suit you better than a flamberge.
Faust pointed his finger at a display of several necklace-like objects, which had been decorated with fine engraving.
Akira: Wow, they're beautiful…
Faust: It's called a talisman—it's a kind of charm that you wear around your neck to keep misfortune away.
Faust: When you're anxious, when you're in pain. Some people use it not only as a charm, but for emotional support as well.
Akira: I see… I'm definitely familiar with talismans too!
Akira: …Yeah. Why don't we give one to Lennox?
Faust: To Lennox?
Akira: We might as well have a matching pair. Besides, I thought it would be nice if we could support him a bit.
Faust: …That'd be nice, he'll be pleased too.
Akira: Then… If you don't mind, let's pick them out together!
Faust: Huh? Me?
Akira: I think you'll be able to find a nice talisman that would suit Lennox.
Figaro: How nice. I think I'll buy the same one so I can match too—
Faust & Akira: Figaro!
Faust: When did you… Where are the kids?
Figaro: Leno said he'd watch them for a while. I'm sure he's worried about you too.
Faust: …
Figaro: So, how about it, Faust? If you don't pick one, I'll do it for you.
Faust: …That won't be necessary. If it's alright with you, Sage, I'll help.
Faust: However, I'm a curseworker, not a tailor. Don't expect me to have fashion sense.
Akira: Ahaha, okay!
I don't know if it was a good change of pace or not, but Faust's expression was calm as he chose a talisman.
Akira: (I hope Faust will be there with me to give him the gift…)
The pleasant scene that came to mind made my lips curl upward involuntarily.
Card Episode - About Him Since Then
Akira: Faust, thank you for going shopping with me the other day. I was able to pick out a wonderful gift with your help!
Faust: I didn't really do much. It was all thanks to your thoughtfulness.
Akira: Has Lennox changed at all since returning from the blacksmith town?
Faust: Ah. He doesn't seem particularly different.
Faust: He takes the sheep for walks as usual, attends the Southern wizards' classes as usual, looks after Mitile and the others as usual, that sort of thing.
Akira: Is that so. I haven't seen him much since then due to our schedules not matching up… If he's the same as usual, I'm relieved.
Akira: I knew we were visiting a special place for Lennox this time.
Faust: I'm sure that going there was very significant for him. He must have had a lot to think and worry about.
Faust: However, he doesn't get hung up on it or show it in a straightforward way. He's a wizard who's lived for hundreds of years. He's naturally skilled in that area.
Akira: …
Faust: What is it, Sage? …Is there something on my face?
Akira: No, I was just thinking that you've been looking out for Lennox ever since we got back…
Faust: Huh? What are you talking about?
Akira: (...I wonder if it's because Faust was worried in his own way and watched over him that he was able to talk in so much detail.)
Homescreen Line
You spend every day worrying about the Sage's wizards and peace in this world… Sometimes you have to forget everything and think of your own happiness. If you can do it well, teach the stubborn ones the trick to it.