Memories 26, 27, 28, 29; Skill 8

[boxupallthebutterflies]

less behind... but memories are longer...... I'm not even going to bother to summarize what she learned in them. MOST OF IT IS STUFF SHE KNEW AT LEAST IN PART.

POSTING WITHOUT READING IT OVER SO IF THERE ARE ANY ERRORS I WILL FIX THEM AFTER LUNCH WHUPS

A New Life:

[Setting: April, 1976, Rokkenjima. Yasu has just started work, standing in the main hall with the other new servants.]

NATSUHI: Those are all of the family rules. They may be strict, but I believe that the discipline you learn in this house will serve you well in the future.

SERVANTS: Yes, Madam.

The servants who would start working this April all called out in unison. The rules of the Ushiromiya family are no more or less strict than those at the Fukuin House. However, here, we get paid a lot of money. They also give us a lot of help in finding our next job. We work for the Ushiromiya family, store up money, use their influence to get a job at a good company, and start on a new, happy life. ...That was the dream, and it was a very realistic one, held by all of us at the Fukuin House.

However, not everyone can become an Ushiromiya family servant. Only kids with a record of exemplary conduct and good grades are recommended. So, all of the kids who want to be sure of leaving the Fukuin House to live a happy life are feverishly devoted to their studies...

NATSUHI: That's enough for today. Tomorrow, you start early. Make sure the lights are all out at the appropriate time. That is all.

SERVANTS: Yes, Madam. Thank you very much.

After bowing until Natsuhi was no longer in sight, the new servants all followed the lead of one of the more experienced servants and raised their heads.

RUNON: Okay, we're done for the day. Starting tomorrow, you'll be following your shift schedule. The Madam is very strict about time. If any of you sleep in, it'll be my responsibility. So if you do, I'll kick you awake. Got it?!

Of course, this experienced servant was one of the older girls from the Fukuin House. She's been here for two years, apparently. That's probably why all the other new servants, who are older than me, seem to know her well. "That Madam looks so strict." "Dang, I'm tired." "*giggle*giggle*."

RUNON: ...By the way, just who is this? Who chose this kid to be a servant?

The older servant pointed at me and asked the room at large, a dubious look on her face. It's no surprise, really. Most of us become servants when we graduate middle school or high school. But I'm just starting elementary school. The others will be working as servants every day, according to their shifts. However, I was going to go to the elementary school on Niijima with Milady, only working on the weekends and when I had free time. It was an exception among exceptions, something that had never happened before. ...It was clear at a glance that the others, who had obtained their positions after a rigorous selection process, didn't like the fact that I was here too.

RUNON: ...Both Madam and Genji-sama have told me that you are to put your studies first. But you're still getting paid. Doesn't make any sense.

If you're going to talk behind someone's back, at least do it behind them. She didn't even try to hide her discontent.

RUNON: Is this kid really that smart? A child prodigy, or something?

SERVANT1: Not that I've seen.

SERVANT2: That one's always been kinda frail and a loner. I didn't know that kid well back in the House.

RUNON: ...Now that you're here, you're part of the collective responsibility system. If you screw up, it's the same as everyone from the Fukuin House screwing up. Make sure you don't, okay?

I nodded weakly. ...I'd never been threatened by someone this much older than me, and I was very frightened.

SHANNON: Don't worry. I'll help you through. Let's give it our all together, okay?

Shannon smiled at me as she spoke...

...Shannon was my only friend in the Fukuin House. She was confident and popular. The complete opposite of me. I was embarrassingly dull-witted, and no one wanted to be my friend. I would never have made it through those days in the Fukuin House had it not been for her encouragement. ...So, I would probably make it through here too, with her by my side. ...I had grown used to life in the Fukuin House, so the more relaxed rules at school made life easy. But until I grew used to it, everything was new, and everything made me nervous.

My new life on Rokkenjima probably deserves an explanation. It was completely different from the comfortable yet stagnant life I'd lived at the Fukuin House. In addition to the time I spent as a servant to the Ushiromiya family on Rokkenjima, I also traveled to the elementary school on Niijima on school days. It was the start of a time that was both rushed and busy, with hardly any time to relax. Unlike at the Fukuin House, I didn't get to sleep in the same bed every day here. Half of the week, I slept in the servant waiting room in the Rokkenjima mansion. I would return from school with Milady, go to the mansion, and work there as a servant. I would then stay the night and go to school with Milady again the next day. When I didn't have work, I would return to the dormitory on Niijima, where I could have some time to myself in the room that I was assigned to. There was an adult dorm mother who strictly controlled mealtimes and lights-out, but I was already used to that sort of life, so it wasn't hard for me. The rooms were slightly larger than average and housed three people each. However, either because of the number of people or some lucky chance, I was not given a three-person room.

SHANNON: Looks like we'll share a room back here in the dorms too.

With Shannon by my side, I felt like I'd be able to manage well enough...

People only found the young servant strange for the first month. Natsuhi and Krauss's protests came to naught. After all, there was no harm in it. So why not indulge Kinzo's whim...? Eventually, everyone grew accustomed, and began to accept this slightly abnormal everyday life. However, it was not so for the other Fukuin servants, who were always close by and who believed that everyone should be treated equally. Their small bits of discontent over my special treatment began to accumulate as time went on...

SERVANT1: Nice work, Sawachi. How'd it go today?

SAWACHI: Madam was really pissed off. She was, like, running her finger across the windowsills!

SERVANT2: Yeah, and getting on Tadacchi's case for cleaning slow. Come on, give us a break!

All of the kids in the Fukuin House are supposed to treat each other as family. Because of this, everyone hides their original names and uses their new "blessed names." Maybe because the 音 character is in the word "Fukuin", that character is almost always combined with at least one character from the child's original name to make their new name.

...Still, just giving a person a new name doesn't mean they'll accept it so easily. Boys and girls, who've lived in isolation and through various trials, sometimes feel as though their real first and last names are a bond that's worth holding onto. So, most of the Fukuin children hate their "音" names, and call each other by nicknames based on their original names. Of course, this is only privately. When in the presence of the House Director or other important people, only the "blessed names" are used. On the job, the "blessed names" are used. And off the job, the informal nicknames are used. Everyone is very used to living with two names like this, so they're all familiar with how to use them.

SERVANT1: Whew, you stink. Go take a shower.

SERVANT2: Dang, why's it so cramped in here? Can't they get a bigger dorm if they have that huge mansion?

SERVANT3: Hey, Garashi-sa~n. Why's Yasu the only one who isn't in a three-person room?

By "Yasu", they probably mean me. I can't remember my parents at all... but I was given the last name "Yasuda". And, apparently, my nickname comes from that.

RUNON: How should I know? Genji-sama's the one who decides the rooms, I don't like it either.

SERVANT1: Yes, seriously! Wouldn't it normally go 2 and 2?!

SERVANT2: What's the deal with Yasu anyway?

RUNON: It looks like that kid's job is going to school with Milady or something. ...A school friend position? Doesn't make any sense.

...Of course, on days when I am given work, I return to the mansion right after school and work alongside all the others. I help out with caring for the garden and cleaning up the mansion. I can't do any jobs on my own, so I'm always just helping out. ...Maybe because I'm young, the adult servants are always kind to me. It seems my fellow Fukuin servants are annoyed by this.

RENON: Don't you think Kumasawa-san's obviously soft on Yasu? It's like she's mistaken Yasu for her own grandchild or something!

SANON: And why on Earth does that kid get paid the same as the rest of us? I don't get it!

RUNON: ...I realize that you have school to worry about, but don't forget that you're a servant too, okay? You need to stop being a helper and learn to do work by yourself like the rest of us. We aren't going to let you have things easy forever, okay?

... I have been trying my best. However, I'm not very strong yet, so I can't carry heavy things. I can't carry a lot of things, either. I can't fold clothes right, and I'm not good at using a dustpan. I just can't do it as well as everyone else...

As my face turned red... I spotted Shannon, who was watching from the sidelines and not joining in. ...Shannon is my only ally. Unlike me, she can do everything well. However, she'll never pamper me. She'll show me how things are done, but she'll never steal my jobs from me. She really is incredible. I really want to be like Shannon, as soon as I can. ...She never talks behind people's backs, and no one talks behind her back. She's kind, and she gets along with everyone. I want to be like her. And she's always kindly watching over my efforts to become like her.

YASU: ...Why... did I end up here?

SHANNON: I don't know.

Though I'd just been muttering to the ceiling, Shannon gave me an honest answer.

SHANNON: I guess there's no way to say it, except that it's part of God's plan.

YASU: Is this another test from God...?

SHANNON: Yep. Think of it as a test to help you grow into a wonderful person. After all, you're a special, chosen person.

YASU: ...Am I... special?

SHANNON: Of course you are. After all, everyone else here is huge, but you were the only one special enough to be chosen young.

YASU: Why am I the only one who's little? I can't do any jobs by myself.

Everyone complains that I'm just there to play with Milady. And yet, Madam made it clear that I am not to think of Milady as a friend or speak to her in a casual manner.

SHANNON: You may be ten years younger than everyone else, but that means, if you keep it up until you're the same age as the others, you'll be much more experienced than the new people who come later. Even Genji-sama will acknowledge your talents, and you'll become a leader who can teach the new kids who come from the Fukuin House. And then, I'm sure that everyone will respect you. By that time, even Madam, the Master, and Krauss-sama will acknowledge your skills. That's your future.

YASU: ...You mean like the ugly duckling becoming a swan?

SHANNON: That might be it. After all, it was very unusual for you to be chosen as an Ushiromiya family servant. ...In fact, that rumor might be true, and you might be the secret child of someone in the Ushiromiya family. *giggle*.

Shannon laughed, saying "wouldn't that be cool" and "then you'd be super-rich too." But I felt a bit doubtful. After all... if that was the case, why have I had to live all alone, here in the Fukuin House? Shannon and people like the House Director are the only ones who will play with me. I didn't have any other friends to play with... and I've spent all my time by myself, in my isolated room. Maybe it's because I'm frail and always half-asleep... but it has been lonely.

The epitaph/ghost stories:

[Setting: The beach. The cousins are walking, reading from Maria's notebook, where she has copied the epitaph.]

BATTLER: So... at the tenth twilight, the journey shall end, and you should reach the Golden Land. You really are diligent, Maria. You did a good job taking notes on all of this.

MARIA: Uu-! Maria forgets a lot so wrote it exactly! Mama told me so wrote it exactly!

BATTLER: Let's start with the first line. My beloved hometown, the sweetfish river running through it. Where was Grandfather's hometown again?

JESSICA: I heard that, before the war, the Ushiromiya family had a mansion near Odawara. So, that said, anyone would want to know about the sweetfish river that flows through Odawara, right?

BATTLER: Because that river would be the starting place. Anyone searching for the golden land would head down that and search for the key. What's the name of the river in Odawara? Does it have sweetfish swimming in it?

GEORGE: For sweetfish in Odawara, it'd be Hayakawa. It's famous for its mountain stream fishing.

MARIA: Uu--. Maria hates fiiish.

BATTLER: Ihihi, Maria, you'll understand when you get o~lder! Licklicklick salty roasted sweetfish! Yummy~! Even though we just ate, I'm getting hungry again.

SHANNON: ...Umm, shall I bring you a biscuit?

BATTLER: Huh? Oh, sorry. That's not what I meant, don't mind it! All right, so I get that the sweetfish-filled river near Odawara is Hayakawa. In that case, we have to go down it! Don't you find anything if you head down Hayakawa river?

SHANNON: Ummm... if you follow it downstream, you'll arrive in the ocean.

BATTLER: Of course, you'd reach the mouth of the river! And then the third line of the epitaph was "If you follow the river downstream, you will find a village." By the way, since long ago, the mouths of rivers have been key points in transportation, and large cities tend to be built there. That would be the next checkpoint.

GEORGE: Hmmmmmm. That's a pretty good theory. Just like you imagined, in ancient times, there was a very prosperous old city there. That's where Odawara castle is.

SHANNON: Ah, I think I might have gone to Odawara castle on a field trip once. It really was a wonderful castle.

JESSICA: Yes, I also went to Odawara castle. Even though I live in a western-style house, it sure is true that Japanese people feel calmer with Japanese style!

MARIA: Uu--. To Maria, castle is boooring. Amusement parks are better. Uu--!

BATTLER: I see, I see. All right, all right! If we find the gold, the great Battler-sama will generously reserve a whole theme park for a day and let you play in it~! ...Still, Odawara castle. The hidden gold of Odawara castle... Oho?! That sounds pretty good, doesn't it?!

JESSICA: Hahahahaha! Well, two years ago, we figured out that much. The village down the river where the sweetfish swim in Odawara. We figured that it was probably somewhere near Odawara castle. The problem is the next line. Alright, let's see where Battler's strange reasoning can take him. [grinning broadly, challenging]

BATTLER: The fourth line. ...In the village, look for the shore the two will tell you of. ...I don't know what it means by "the two", but anyways, the shore. ...What does it mean by the shore?! No, wait... Is there any place near there with "shore" in its name?

SHANNON: Ummm... I have heard that there is a place called Sogakishi in Odawara.

BATTLER: Huh?! Wow, you sure know a lot! So~, what does that mean? Shannon-chan, are you also after the gold, and trying to solve the riddle~? That makes us rivals!

SHANNON: I-it's not like I'm interested in gold... It's just that... George-sama told me about it before...

JESSICA: That's because we reached the same conclusion two years ago. We even went to the trouble of laying out a map and looking it up!

GEORGE: It was about five kilometers to the north of Odawara. We definitely found a place called Sogakishi there... However, after that, we don't know. The fifth line doesn't say where the key is hidden in that place. Maria-chan, could you read it for us?

MARIA: ...Uu--. ...There sleeps the... key to the Golden Land. Uu--! I could read it!

JESSICA: Sogakishi is probably large, and there wasn't ever any house built there by the Ushiromiya family. There are no hints as to where the key is hidden in this huge area, so this is where we give up.

BATTLER: You're right. ...And without the key, we can't advance to the next line. George-aniki, what kind of place is Sogakishi?

GEORGE: Let's see... I've never been there, so I don't really know, but according to the map, it's in the mountains. I'm pretty sure it was at the base of Asama mountain.

BATTLER: ...Hmmmm. That's a little annoying. Couldn't a puzzle for the hiding place of a treasure be a little more exact? Anyways, I get the feeling that Sogakishi is definitely the right place.

JESSICA: Well, I doubt it's Sogakishi. It could be talking about some house that Grandfather lived in when he was a kid that we don't know about. After all, the first line mentioned his beloved hometown. ...Shannon, you've fed a lot of sake to Grandfather, haven't you? Hasn't he ever told you about his hometown?

SHANNON: ...The Master almost never speaks of his past. ...However, he speaks of the Great Kanto earthquake as though it was someone else's story, so he may have been living far away from the Kanto area.

GEORGE: The Ushiromiya family may have been living in Odawara, but the branch family was not limited to that. Grandfather often called himself part of a branch of the branch family, the least connected to the successor.

BATTLER: So that's what you mean! The beloved hometown might not even be Odawara at all...

JESSICA: I've never even asked about Grandfather's hometown. I doubt that I'd get an honest answer if I did.

GEORGE: If the so-called beloved hometown isn't referring to the Ushiromiya family's roots, then the Odawara theory is wrong from the beginning. Of course, this doesn't remove any possibility that it was Sogakishi. For example, he could have lived in Odawara when he was very young, but then moved far away later.

MARIA: Uu--... I don't get what you're talking about. Uu--. [pouting, bored]

BATTLER: Right, so in short, if we can't decide upon the starting place for the gold's dice game, we can't even begin to play... But wait? In the first five lines the thing we're searching for is a key? Even without a key, we should be able to bust right through any door. Can't we just throw away the first five lines and start figuring out the rest?

JESSICA: Ooh... I hadn't thought of that. Oh well, we're just wasting time anyway. Let's hear the rest of Battler's reasoning!

SHANNON: ...But in the next part it quickly becomes disturbing... [frowning slightly]

BATTLER: At the first twilight, you shall lift up as sacrifice the six chosen by the key... It sure does get horrible quickly.

JESSICA: At the second twilight, it says to tear apart the two who are close. Does that mean to make them break off their loving relationship? Or does it mean to literally tear them apart? I don't know, but either way, it's pretty disgusting.

GEORGE: Even if we ignore the meaning of that second line, at the first twilight it's six people, and at the fourth through eighth twilights it's five people, so at least 11 people must become sacrifices.

MARIA: Uu--. Sacrifices to revive Beatrice!

BATTLER: ...I see, sacrifices to restore the witch... That's what it would mean. As a result, the witch will be revived at the ninth twilight... That last part is guaranteed.

SHANNON: ...At the ninth twilight, the witch shall be revived and none shall be left alive. ...So everyone will die in the end.

JESSICA: And with that, the following tenth night becomes the goal. If everyone's dead, it'd be pretty hard to reach the Golden Land.

GEORGE: ...I'm not sure whether or not the traveler who holds the key would be included in the "none shall be left to live" part.

BATTLER: But at the end, something pretty interesting is written. The lines about how, after reaching the goal, the four treasures will be given by the witch. One shall be all the gold. The problem is the next one. It says the resurrection of the souls of all the dead, right? Doesn't it seem like this refers to everyone that died in the earlier lines?

SHANNON: ...If you put it like that, the next one, the resurrection of the lost love part might be referring to the pair torn apart at the second twilight.

GEORGE: That's right. And the fourth one refers to the ninth twilight. The fourth treasure is putting the witch, revived at the ninth twilight, to sleep.

JESSICA: If we interpret that favorably, it'll be hectic with people dying and breaking up, but it will all be made well in the end. The awakened witch will once again sleep, and all that will be left is plenty of left-over gold.

BATTLER: The witch must be busy killing, reviving, breaking up, and reuniting people.

JESSICA: Not to mention waking up and sleeping. Hahahahaha.

BATTLER: Oh well, just when the tale of the hidden gold was getting interesting, as soon as the witch's story is tied in, it quickly gets pretty shady.

JESSICA: Too true. Ahahahahahaha!

[Battler starts laughing too, but Maria gets angry.]

MARIA: Uu--! The witch is awesome! She can do anything with magic! Even kill. Even bring back to life. Even give love, even take it. Can fly in the sky, can become invisible, can even make gold and bread out of nothing! Uu--! Uu--! Uu-uu-uu--!!

JESSICA: Erk, oh no... My bad... it's just a joke! [sticking out her tongue]

[Maria grabs her notebook, opening to other pages: colored illustrations of dreamlike witches in beautiful dresses dancing in the sky, crossing rainbows, dancing around with a teacup and teapot that are never empty, turning the stars into candy rain, growing flowers that produce sweets by the roadside...]

GEORGE: To Maria-chan, this is not something that points to the hiding place of the gold, but magic to revive the witch.

[Maria clings to George, while Battler and Jessica scratch their heads and apologize.]

SHANNON: [timidly] Umm... Maria-sama, did you know...? There is a ghost story about Beatrice that has been passed down amongst the servants.

MARIA: ...Uu--?

JESSICA: A-Ah, yeah, that's right! Shannon, tell us about it. I don't really know, but it's apparently pretty famous amongst the servants.

BATTLER: What is this? A ghost story?

GEORGE: Yes. It seems it's a story from before we were born. I also heard it from my mother.

SHANNON: ...Yes. It has been passed down since the mansion was built on this island. ...The servants of that time whispered that the mansion had two Masters, one of the Day and one of the Night. When they did the rounds one last time to check supposedly closed doors, windows and locks, some of those would be open. Lights that were supposed to be off were turned on, and lights that were supposed to be on went out. Things left lying around would disappear, and things would appear when no one had any memory of putting them there. When any of these things happened, the old servants would say that the witch had visited the mansion, invisible, and was playing pranks.

MARIA: Uu--! See, she exists! Beatrice exists!!

JESSICA: Yeah, she exists. I remember often being unable to find my shoes before heading to school...

MARIA: [puffing out her chest] Uu-uu--!

SHANNON: In addition, some servants have also seen will‐o'‐the‐wisps and glittering butterflies dancing around. Kanon-kun also saw something like that when he went patrolling one night. And recently, the servants have been talking about strange footsteps inside the mansion near midnight. We have whispered together that the Beatrice-sama from the portrait sometimes makes herself invisible and walks through the mansion. ...It happened a long time ago, but I have also heard those kinds of footsteps while patrolling at night.

BATTLER: ...Whew. That's scary...

SHANNON: Ah... but, there's nothing to be afraid of, right? Beatrice-sama is another ruler of this mansion separate from the Master. Therefore, don't be strangely afraid. If you respect her, she won't do anything bad.

GEORGE: However, it would be dreadful if you didn't respect her, right?

SHANNON: ...Yes. I heard that, just before I began working, someone who spoke badly about Beatrice-sama fell down the stairs and quit after receiving a large injury to their back. Because of that, there was a rumor between the servants that Beatrice-sama's anger had been brought down upon this person...

MARIA: Uu--... Anger will definitely be brought down on Battler and Jessica... Uu--...

BATTLER: I-I-I'm sorry! I don't want her anger brought down upon me! I apologize, Maria. Of course, I also apologize to the witch. I'm sorry, Beatrice-sama. Please forgive an outsider's nonsense.

JESSICA: I'll apologize as well. I'm sorry, Beatrice-sama. ...Will the witch be able to forgive us now?

MARIA: ...Uu--. Don't know. The witch is fickle, so she forgives when she forgives, and doesn't forgive when she doesn't forgive. Uu--!

GEORGE: That's no good... Maria-chan, isn't there some kind of good luck charm that could prevent Battler-kun and Jessica-chan from having Beatrice-sama's anger brought down upon them? Some kind of amulet or something?

[Maria seriously ponders the question, crossing her arms. She starts flipping through the pages of her handbook. Though much of it looks like a diary, there are also several pages that look like they came from a book of black magic. There are several magic circles copied and closely compared. Finally, she closes the notebook and throws it back in her bag, digging through for something else. She keeps taking out various, seemingly useless objects, then throwing them back in, saying that they're wrong. Finally, she finds what she's looking for, and her difficult expression instantly clears as she holds something out to Battler and Jessica.]

MARIA: Uu--!

[Battler and Jessica grab the charms. They look like bracelets made from plastic rosaries with a scorpion motif medal attached, or maybe cheap astrological accessories from a crane game.]

JESSICA: You're giving these to me and Battler?

MARIA: Uu--! With these charms, even Beatrice is no problem! Because the scorpion has the power to block magic!

BATTLER: Huh, really? Didn't know scorpions could do that.

MARIA: Uu--, Battler doesn't believe! Uu-uu-uu--! [taking out her notebook again, pointing at different pages, going on and on about how the scorpion has holy power and has been drawn in magic-repelling magical circles since ancient times]

SHANNON: ...Ah, I've heard about that from some of the other young servants. Something about how the scorpion is drawn as a magic repelling symbol in sorcery...

JESSICA: Huh, really...!

MARIA: Uu--! The scorpion protects against bad magic and misfortune. And emerald brings peace to the heart. Therefore, the effect is double! Uu--!

GEORGE: It's true. The scorpion wraps around the emerald and protects it. I see, that seems very useful.

BATTLER: Okay, thank you. I apologized to Beatrice-sama, but, even in the worst case where I'm cursed, I'll be safe now thanks to Maria's charm. Right, Jessica?

JESSICA: Ah, that's right! Thank you, Maria.

MARIA: Uu--! Wear it on your arm when you want a peaceful heart. If you put it in your wallet, your money won't decrease! If you hang it from a doorknob, bad things can't get in! It's a really convenient charm!

SHANNON: What an incredible effect. If Maria-sama is confident in this charm and recommends it, I am sure it will be reliable. [clapping her hands together]

[Maria puffs out her chest, completely vigorous again. They take out some cookies to eat, and Jessica and Battler ask Maria different questions about black magic. Maria answers as George and Shannon feign surprise and agree with her. The clouds above steadily grow darker, and the wind grows a little stronger.]

GEORGE: ...Nn. Did I just feel a drop on my forehead? [looking up]

BATTLER: Huh? What's up?

MARIA: Uu--? Maria didn't feel a drop. Only Maria didn't. Uu--!

BATTLER: Calm down, neither did I. Anyways I'm sure that it'll rain so much tonight that everyone will get the same amount of raindrops.

GEORGE: That's right. Maybe we should head back soon...?

[Shannon looks at her watch to see it is already well into the evening.]

JESSICA: Is it already time for you to return to your work?

SHANNON: Yes. ...For allowing me to enjoy some time together with everyone, thank you very much.

GEORGE: Tell Kumasawa-san thanks for the cookies. Alright everyone, help out with the cleanup.

[Shannon declines their help as it is the servant's job, but the cousins don't listen to her, folding up the blanket, gathering the trash, and cleaning up in general.]

MARIA: Uu--! The trash is getting awaaay! Uu-uu--!!

BATTLER: I won't let it get away. I'll take it before Maria does!

MARIA: Uu--!! Maria will pick it up! Uu-uu-uu--!

JESSICA: Maria--! Don't get your shoes wet, you'll get in trouble--!

[By the time they are done cleaning, the wind is already blowing strongly.]

SHANNON: [looking hurried] Everyone really helped me out. Thank you very much.

GEORGE: ...It really looks like you're out of time. It's alright if you head back first.

JESSICA: Genji-san is very rigorous about time. If you aren't at the right place at the right time, he can be very strict.

GEORGE: We'll see you later. Do your best with your work.

SHANNON: Y-yes! ...Then if you will excuse me. [bowing respectfully before running towards the rose garden]

George rescuing Shannon from embarrassment:

[Setting: The entrance to the parlor. Shannon is pushing a serving cart filled with tea, and accidentally bumps into Jessica, who is trying to leave in a bad mood.]

JESSICA: Ah, Shannon. No need to worry about my tea. I'm just going to wander around the garden.

SHANNON: ...M-Milady...

NATSUHI: Shannon, the tea is getting cold. Serve it quickly.

SHANNON: M-My apologies...

[Natsuhi may be lashing out at an innocent, but it's happened plenty of times before. Still, she shrinks back, cowering as she prepares the tea. She has a bad habit of making more mistakes when she's intimidated. The atmosphere in the room has dispersed, and feeling like she's to blame, she feels a pressure on her chest. Her shaking fingers ungracefully clang the utensils. As the silence grows greater, Natsuhi looks more irritated, and Shannon cowers more... Just as she feels almost deathly suffocated by the tension, George speaks in a pleasant voice, blowing away the stiff atmosphere.]

GEORGE: That's a nice smell. What kind of black tea is it?

SHANNON: Umm... this is...

GEORGE: No, don't say it. I'll guess. It's a very distinctive smell, so I probably know it. ...Is it, Earl Grey?

SHANNON: I, I think it probably is...

GEORGE: Ahahahaha. It probably is Earl Grey. When you get back to the kitchen, check the can.

KRAUSS: Hoh. George-kun, you know a lot about black tea, don't you?

GEORGE: A company president who looked after me was very knowledgeable about black tea. While listening to his lectures, I was able to learn a little.

HIDEYOSHI: Oh ya, the president of Okonogi Foods. That person's profound knowledge was his specialty!

EVA: The names of black tea often refer to the place they are made, right? So is this something cultivated from a place called Earl Grey?

GEORGE: I have heard that long ago in England, there was a person called Earl Grey, and it was named after him. Furthermore, this distinctive smell doesn't come from tea leaves, but from a fruit called a bergamot, which is a relative of the mandarin orange.

NATSUHI: Is that so? I never knew that. Knowing that, the black tea will taste even more delicious.

HIDEYOSHI: Alcohol 'n cigarettes are the same. Luxury items have a taste of romance. Knowledge like this deepens the taste.

EVA: It's the same as the advertising on medicine. Natsuhi nee-san, you should try reading the explanation on your favorite headache medicine someday. *giggle*giggle*giggle*giggle*.

KRAUSS: Hahahaha! That would be good. Try it tonight.

NATSUHI: ...Yes, I'll try it.

GEORGE: Shannon-chan, try opening that pot. You should find some dried bergamot mixed in with the tea leaves.

SHANNON: Ah... yes. It is in there. Something like dried orange peel is mixed in.

GEORGE: Yes. That's probably bergamot. The main ingredient in Earl Grey's scent. The scent is vivid, so it gives the taste an intense impression, but it's a docile taste that's easy to drink. If you make it with milk, the scent may become more mild and wonderful. If there's anything left in the pot after you've poured for everyone, you really should try drinking it with milk.

SHANNON: Ah... yes... Thank you very much...

[George gives her a small wink. Shannon finally realizes George is doing her a favor by calming down the atmosphere in the room for her. Servants aren't pampered, and they would be harshly punished for any awkwardness, so it isn't often that they're given a helping hand. But thanks to George, she is able to get a hold of herself and finish serving everything safely. As long as she's calm, she can easily carry out her tasks flawlessly. With tea on the table, the atmosphere is restored to peace, and everyone praises George's knowledge. Shannon doesn't have the chance to thank him, so she thanks him in her heart, praying to God that George might hear it, and pushes the cart away.

Later, she meets Jessica in the rose garden while Jessica is still killing time away from her mother.]

JESSICA: George nii-san has always lent a helping hand in times like that. By changing the topic or something.

SHANNON: ...When I think back on it, I feel that maybe this wasn't the first time he has helped me like that.

Whenever I made a careless mistake, and George was there, he would always naturally smooth things over and make things harmonious, I think. ...Maybe it wasn't something as direct as picking up a fork that had been dropped. But that was his way of caring. Even servants have pride. They want to fix their own mistakes by themselves. ...Because if a guest helped them out with that, they would lose face.

JESSICA: He's really good at reading between the lines in those kinds of situations. Well, maybe that's George nii-san aesthetic take on things. That guy's a show-off in weird ways. Ahahahahaha.

SHANNON: [uncharacteristically forceful] Th-That's not true... I think he is a really wonderful person.

JESSICA: Hmmmm..?! ...Shannon, you haven't fallen in love with George nii-san, have you?

SHANNON: No... that's not it, I think...

JESSICA: Come to think of it, I almost never hear anything bad about George nii-san. Huh? I think I remember hearing him say that family-oriented girls were his type, didn't I? Nice, that fits you perfectly, Shannon!

SHANNON: I-I-It does...?! How could... I am not, umm... qualified, like that...

JESSICA: You sure are qualified! You've known his face since long ago so you're almost a childhood friend. They say that in a natural relationship where you don't realize you're a boy and girl, once you do realize it, things go on without a hitch, right? No doubt!

[Jessica loves teen magazines with this kind of story, and always talked about them excitedly, so this isn't the first time Shannon has been exposed to this kind of story. But this is certainly the first time she has noticed George as a member of the opposite sex. She is furniture, and George is an honored guest connected to the Ushiromiya family... She hadn't thought she would be allowed to even imagine a deeper relationship, so she hadn't thought of it.

Shannon does her best to hide her blush. Just then, George comes out from the mansion's entrance hall, waving at them. Shannon frantically tries to regain her ordinary composure before George reaches them.]

GEORGE: Grandfather finally came down. Now they're having an adult discussion, so they chased me out.

JESSICA: Hahaha, escaping then was the right choice. It'd be better to get kissed by the angel of death than to look at Grandfather's face.

GEORGE: You shouldn't speak that way. ...However, I think Grandfather may think of us as the angel of death. Anyways, when they started talking about borrowing money for business, I came over here.

JESSICA: My family's also completely stingy. Even though there's probably some money left over, and they could lend it out graciously. My dad and Grandfather will probably pigheadedly act so important.

GEORGE: It's natural to be prudent when lending money. Of course, my father will use what he borrows to expand his business, and he came with a plan that could be refused. Everything else is left up to the presentation. ...But I really wish I could watch from the corner and learn. Mother chased me out. I'm a little let down.

SHANNON: ...It seems that the Master still scolds Krauss-sama and Eva-sama as though they haven't changed since they were kids. I'm sure she didn't want to show that to her son, George-sama.

[She hangs her head, thinking back to numerous occasions. Even Krauss, who acts haughty to his siblings, is treated like a child by Kinzo, and she had seen Kinzo slap Krauss and tell him to sit up straight. It is one of the great tasks of the servants to not be around while this happened, but that means every time Shannon happens to be in the same place, it is a mistake.]

GEORGE: Probably. ...Realizing that and going away may be a child's duty. ...Weeell! Even so, the flowers in this garden are truly splendid this year.

[He stretches as he talks, smoothly changing the subject away from something gloomy. Shannon notices this time. George can sensitively figure out the situation, and he always changes the subject to something harmonious out of concern. It's always so smooth that she hadn't noticed it until today. Today, she really has to admire it. Almost all of the boys her age she knows are her old classmates, but they're all young, and none of them have the composure George does. Today, she can't describe him as just another guest--but as that is idle thinking compared to her work as a servant, she tries to chase the thought away with a small shake of her head.]

GEORGE: Hm? What's up?

SHANNON: Ah, no, it's nothing...! Umm, shall I prepare some tea? Umm... I will prepare some more of that Earl Grey.

GEORGE: Ahaha, so you've remembered the name of that black tea. I'm happy.

SHANNON: Um... umm...

GEORGE: Hm?

SHANNON: ...Umm... thank you for your concern back then...

[She is finally able to put her thanks into words. Though it isn't very long written out, she had needed just a little courage to say it out loud. George plays dumb.]

GEORGE: What's this? I don't remember doing anything I should be thanked for? Fufu.

[George tries to be a gentleman in his own way, saying he hadn't helped her because he wanted to be thanked. It seems this response is pretty predictable to Jessica, who bursts out laughing without thinking.]

JESSICA: Seeee? This is it, isn't he a show-off?

SHANNON: N-No... That isn't...

[Shannon remains silent and red-faced as Jessica makes fun of her. George joins in laughing, naturally. The three of them lazily walk around the garden, talking about what's new. George, as the oldest, talks about his life experiences. Jessica talks about recent life on Rokkenjima, and Shannon talks about her recent work. They keep going on about these trivial things.

Usually, Shannon finds the others' stories deeply interesting, but she doesn't feel particularly connected to their contents; she is nothing more than a servant, and has no intention of delving into her masters' lives. She wants them to enjoy their time speaking with her. She only pretends to listen intently, and nods at the right moments.

But for some reason, she finds talking with George deeply interesting today. She feels like she can feel a kindness hidden beneath the words, even for things she would normally ignore. For some reason, she wants to know more things about George, no matter how trivial. She stares fixedly at him.

As far as looks go, George is about average, and doesn't really stick out. But he is diligent, serious, and has a deep prudence which allows him to understand people's hearts and show concern. She had never been aware of these things until now, even though she has known his face for many years. She blushes, embarrassed at her ignorance...]

The witch's deal:

[Setting: In a hallway of the mansion, Shannon is cleaning. But she is distracted by her own (rather depressing) thoughts.]

NATSUHI: ...Shannon. You have been too careless for a while now. Do you not feel well?

SHANNON: N-No. My apologies...

["Too careless" is right on the mark. Somehow Shannon hadn't even noticed Natsuhi until she had called her. At a time like this, she should concentrate on the cleaning, but she had just kept sighing without accomplishing anything.]

NATSUHI: Even if there aren't any guests, you must always be alert. Acting like this is shameful as a servant working for the Ushiromiya family.

SHANNON: ...Yes. I will take care, from now on...

NATSUHI: The head and my husband will return very soon. Has the study's cleaning been completed? Has the staircase's cleaning been completed?

SHANNON: M-My apologies... Not yet...

NATSUHI: Yes, I know. So I had Runon do it. While you were plodding around, cleaning the hallway, she finished cleaning the study and the staircase.

SHANNON: ...That's because, umm... I wanted to clean it properly, so it took some time...

[Shannon is simple and honest, so she always carries out her tasks seriously and properly, without any omissions. So she is always slow with her work. In contrast, Runon skillfully avoids important steps wherever she can. She can complete her jobs with a result that looks similar to an outsider, but in a much shorter time--she's good at cutting corners, while Shannon is not. Natsuhi, already in a bad mood, can't stand a servant talking back to her. Her forehead creases as she speaks sternly, in a slow, admonishing style of speech that finally makes Shannon realize she had said the wrong thing.]

NATSUHI: In that case, aim to do a thorough cleaning. Shannon, I order you to clean the reception hall right now. It is an important hall, where several pictures treasured by the head are displayed, and where honored guests of the Ushiromiya family are invited. Clean it thoroughly, so that not a speck of dust remains, and so that even you are satisfied. Of course, you will finish today. Until you finish that and report it to me, you will not be permitted any food or rest. Understood?

SHANNON: Y... Yes, Madam.

NATSUHI: That is good. Servants should endeavor to only use those words. The next time you talk back, I will give you an even more severe punishment, so with that in mind, engrave these words in your heart.

SHANNON: Yes... Madam. ...Thank you for your guidance.

NATSUHI: You are welcome.

[Natsuhi heads off down the corridor, her headache seemingly troubling her. When Shannon can no longer see her, she hangs her head and sighs. ...She had been careless, so something like this had happened.]

Even though I'm bad at everything I do, I should be able to at least carry out the cleaning as well as an average person can, right? It's because I can't even perform that well... that I'm so shameful and crying. What could be more shameful than this? Not only have I been unable to perform a single bit of cleaning well, but just now, when Natsuhi was scolding me... I was envisioning that person appearing and rescuing me. If only George-sama were here. Would he casually step in and save me? I'm sure he would show up cheerfully, intentionally acting like he doesn't know what's going on, nimbly change the subject, and make me forget I was ever rebuked by Natsuhi... I kept envisioning him, suddenly appearing from the other side of the door, or the other end of the hallway. I envisioned the kind of person that would be an appropriate partner for him in a marriage meeting. And I envisioned how unfitting I am for him. Eva clearly told me that. It has repeated endlessly through my dreams...

KANON: ...You're still as clumsy as always, Nee-san. Milady has been in a bad mood since this morning. That happened because you said too much when you should have hung your head in silence.

SHANNON: ...Kanon-kun...

[Kanon is suddenly there, wearing an expression of hatred for Shannon, who doesn't know how to do it herself.]

KANON: Madam and Runon can fall into hell. That person knows where Madam checks, and only cleans those areas. Her cleaning just now was like that. I know because I saw. ...She wasn't really cleaning. ...She's just the worst kind of parasite, leeching off of your thorough cleaning.

SHANNON: You mustn't use such dirty words... Dirty words pollute your clean soul, Kanon-kun. So at least don't use those words in front of me. ...Alright?

KANON: ...Hmph.

[Kanon faces away, acting sulky. Shannon is a little happy that he is getting mad for her sake.]

KANON: ...Cleaning the reception hall will be tough. I'll help.

SHANNON: Thank you. But I was the one Madam ordered, so don't worry. ...Don't you also have your own work, Kanon-kun?

KANON: ...It's a filthy job. My soul was corrupted long ago. [hanging his head, biting his lip]

SHANNON: Just saying that you'll help is enough for me. ...If you don't go back to your own job, even you will receive punishment. ...And that would make me sad.

[Shannon knows Kanon well. Sometimes, he doesn't reflect on himself. If she didn't forcefully refuse, he would help her even if it meant neglecting his own job. Kanon is a little sad at having his favor rejected, but he realizes that going too far would also cause her pain, and he gives a single small sigh.]

KANON: ...Understood. ...Do your best, Nee-san.

SHANNON: Yes. ...And I am also partly to blame.

KANON: You aren't at fault at all, Nee-san...!

SHANNON: ...No. I am. ...So go now.

[Kanon's face shows that he still hasn't completely accepted it, but he disappears without being any more persistent.]

...Even though Kanon-kun had given me words of comfort when I was down. Even so, I was dejected again because it wasn't "him". That in itself, was a sin. That went far beyond any dream the likes of me could be permitted to see, I don't know my place.

[Shannon, having neglected breakfast, can already feel her thinking grow weaker. But if she doesn't finish cleaning the reception hall, she can't receive Natsuhi's permission to eat. Natsuhi has surely already told the kitchen something like that.]

...I have to respectfully receive Madam's punishment. That's right. My position in the world is furniture... and I had been intoxicated by a dream that is beyond me...

[Shannon finishes cleaning the hallway and goes to the reception hall. Perhaps her hunger makes her nose more sensitive, but she can smell a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, and her empty stomach is encouraged even more. She can't get any soup until she finishes up here, so she has to prepare herself.

Among the several portraits in the reception hall, one has a special meaning among the servants--the portrait of the witch. Beatrice is gracious to those who respect her, but she would surely curse those that made light of her. Shannon isn't the type to neglect rules and beliefs like that, so she thinks of the portrait as her other master herself, and always treats it carefully, treasuring it. Telling the witch the secrets of her heart has become part of her daily routine. She is furniture--furniture does not, cannot complain. So she has no right to speak her mind about her difficult days. She has no right to open her mouth and say those words, but she can at least speak her mind inside her heart, protesting to the formless witch using words she can't say aloud. The witch does not answer, console, or laugh it off. Shannon can interpret the silence as she likes, as though the witch is responding agreeably. She wipes the dust from the witch's portrait, speaking in her heart...]

...Beatrice-sama. ...Please listen to my worthless story. ...I certainly am incompetent and uncultured, just as Eva-sama said. ...I am not a person. ...So maybe I have no right to love... But in that case, why was I given a heart which can know love?

[Shannon holds back her tears for a time. The sound of rain along with the chill air in the reception hall make her feel as though her shabbiness has increased another level.]

SHANNON: Real furniture... doesn't have anything like a heart. So they don't have to love people, right? So they don't feel pain. ...If I'm just another piece of furniture... why do I have a heart? ...If it's going to be this painful and this harsh... I wish I hadn't been given something like a heart...!

...I see. A heart was given to furniture. One can sometimes make something pleasant out of that... *cackle*cackle*...!

SHANNON: Eh...

[The witch that doesn't answer and laugh is now answering and laughing. Her next words become a "voice" that Shannon can hear not with her heart, but with her ears.]

BEATO: Humans have continually searched for the elements that make up the world since before the modern era. It is said that in the ancient times, Greeks tried explaining the world with the four elements of wind, fire, water, and earth. And after that, over several millennia, humans added several elements to those four, trying to explain the world with several interpretations such as the five elements, the six elements, the seven elements, the eight elements, and the twelve elements, but they couldn't explain the one true "single element". ...However, a single man appeared, guided by a star, and finally explained the single element that makes up the world. Know what it is...?

SHANNON: ...Eh... ah... wh... wh-who...

[Shannon fearfully turns around. Right there, the witch "exists", not as an illusion, but in reality. The contrast made by the lightning makes it clear this is not just a daydream.]

BEATO: ...That is "love". *cackle*cackle*cackle*cackle*! [elegantly holding her pipe to her mouth, giggling at the ignorance that causes mankind's thoughts to stray far from the most simple answer] That man explained everything in the world with love. That is the single element. That man fully explained how the world was constructed with the smallest number. ...How simple and clear, how splendid, exhilarating, pleasant and thrilling. ...The year that man was finally born was called the start of the modern era. ...*cackle*cackle*!

[Shannon has lost her words. She thinks that she should first ask the unknown guest's name... but she already knows her name without asking, so she refrains. Asking her for her name would be the greatest disrespect, since she was a master of this island in addition to Kinzo.]

SHANNON: B... Beatrice-sama...

BEATO: Indeed. I am Beatrice. ...The face people first make when they see me hasn't changed after one thousand years. ...*cackle*.

[She giggles at the predictability of Shannon's reaction. Shannon realizes she has met someone she must not, and takes a step backwards, back up against the witch's own portrait.]

BEATO: Your worries are due to love. ...Which is the single element of the world. In other words, everything of this world. ...When that is not fulfilled, it means the world is not fulfilled. It is like continually scooping water into a flask with a hole in it. ...Even if you scoop and scoop, it is never filled, an eternal desert of the heart. The original sin that humans are founded upon and everything is made of. Understand? What Adam and Eve learned when they put the fruit of knowledge to their lips was love. ...Because of that, humans were chased out of the garden and became "human". Which means that what makes one human is knowing love and suffering. ...You are a girl with a kind heart. You should be praised. Now that you have known that, you are no longer furniture. You are now "human". I recognize that upon my name.

SHANNON: ...Umm... u...

BEATO: Hmph. Is it hard for a common person to understand? ...Oh, well. *cackle*cackle*... Forgive me. It has been a long time since I have spoken with a human. I shall apologize for my talkativeness. [laughing pleasantly] Saying my apology is one thing... but would it be alright if I granted that desire of yours with my power?

SHANNON: ...Huh... [surprised by that even more than she was at the witch's sudden appearance]

BEATO: I am offering to bring you and the one you love together. ...Although normally, I would demand a corresponding compensation for that. ...*cackle*, I am in a good mood. And, you have done well in not forgetting to pay me respect. That is something worth rewarding.

SHANNON: ...I... is that true...? [responding as if captured by the witch's trick]

BEATO: If I use magic, it is no trouble at all to arrange for a pair of people with feelings for each other to be joined.

[Shannon stops herself before responding with "Yes, that's true," giving up on her last bit of common sense. This is a witch--a sinister being.]

Beatrice the witch is surely sliding in through the cracks in my heart, and taking me prisoner... The temptation that many fairy tale picture books warned me about when I was young, is truly right in front of me now.

BEATO: Awe is also a form of respect. It is comforting, but we will make no progress this way. ...I certainly will not separate myself from the detestable image of a witch that you hold. However, I show good will to those who respect me. Aren't humans the same? Although I doubt there is a human who would repay your squaring off at them with good will, right?

SHANNON: ...M... My apologies... I didn't mean...

[She eventually realizes that her posture is rude to the guest, and finally digests the words that had been spoken to her: 'You are no longer furniture. Now, you are "human".' The more she reflects upon these words, the more she feels as if she can understand her own agony.]

SHANNON: ...What was that, umm... just now... about a reward?

BEATO: I am saying that I can arrange for you to be tied together with the man who has captured your heart. You can think of it as thanks for diligently polishing my portrait all the time.

SHANNON: ...

BEATO: Calm yourself, I ask for no compensation. I am generous. ...However, while I ask for no compensation, I have a request.

Look, here it comes...

[Shannon has been warned about this several times in picture books which she had been frightened by reading when she was young.]

BEATO: Do you know of the small torii and shrine that have been constructed on the ocean very near this island, which you can see when you gaze at the cliffs...?

[Shannon remembers immediately. When you reach Rokkenjima by boat, there is a torii and a shrine on a reef too small to even be called an islet.]

I have the feeling that Kumasawa-san told me its history, but I can't remember well. ...A traveling mountaineering ascetic or someone had built it or wished it or something.

SHANNON: ...Yes, I know about it, but... what does, that...?

BEATO: I will not explain everything from square one to a person who does not know of demons. To make a long story short... it is restraining me. ...Actually, there is a mirror kept inside that shrine. I want you to break that.

[Shannon finds this a very suspicious request. She doesn't remember the history, but if there is a torii and a shrine, anything kept inside of it has to be something sacred.]

...She wants me to break that? Is a person who may be a witch relying on a human to do something that she herself cannot...?

BEATO: [continuing before Shannon can speak her thoughts aloud] The magic power of that mirror opposes my magic power. ...I cannot explain it well with human words. ...For example, let us speak of the differences between utensils. That mirror is a fork, and my power is soup. You cannot drink soup with a fork, correct? If only the push of that mirror were gone, I could prepare a spoon perfect for drinking soup. ...If only that were to happen, I could drink soup, and even dig my way out of a rocky prison. ...I could even scoop eyeballs out... is that what it was? *cackle*cackle*!

SHANNON: ...I... I don't know what you are talking about. ...If that is because I am uncultured, I apologize.

BEATO: It comes down to this. If you take action and break that annoying mirror for me, as a reward, I will grant you your wish. ...I am in a very good mood today. If you want to, you may change your wish, and I can give you all of the gold I bestowed upon Kinzo, alright? *cackle*cackle*!

SHANNON: I... I refuse...

BEATO: ...What did you say? [expectations betrayed for the first time] If there is a reason, tell me. If there is a misunderstanding, I shall resolve it.

SHANNON: ...I... I don't really understand the reason. ...But... until today, the island had been in peace, and nothing bad has happened. ...So, even if I don't break the mirror, the peace that has existed until today should continue into the future.

BEATO: Hmm... I see, I see, that is quite right. It's just as you say. If you don't break that, the same unbreakable days that have passed until today will continue into tomorrow and the next day. Why don't I give you an absolute guarantee? I shall stake my name, Beatrice, on it. The unbreakable days until today will continue into tomorrow and the next day. And for eternity, in perpetuity.

[Shannon is trapped by a creepy hallucination. The mirror is probably something to restrain the witch, so breaking the mirror should be for the witch's sake. But she feels as if she has to do it for her own sake, as if some premise has been switched.]

BEATO: What I will do is nothing more than give you a chance to fulfill your feelings as a reward. ...It's up to you whether you try to break it or not. If you break it, I will grant your wish. If you don't break it, the tomorrows up until today will continue for all eternity. Your wish will not be granted for all eternity. ...Do you understand? What I am saying? *cackle*cackle*.

SHANNON: ...Please... stop it... I don't... want to hear something like that...!

BEATO: I didn't want to cause you pain. ...Oh well. Feeling madness from love is the best thing about humans. You should enjoy that emotion to your heart's content. However, if you wish to borrow my power, you can break that mirror at any time. And you can yell my name and awaken me. I will definitely keep my promise. ...This way, you should have no complaints, right? I won't force you to decide right now. Are you comfortable?

[Shannon definitely isn't comfortable. Burning with love, and worried by it, being tempted forever with a way to escape that path is truly a cruel test.]

BEATO: I won't set a time limit on that promise... but there is a time limit on the magic that can grant that wish. ...That limit is not something I have decided. The person of your feelings will decide it himself. ...Do you know what that means?

SHANNON: ...I, I don't know.

BEATO: The limit is the time that the person of your feelings chooses the person he should pledge his love to. ...I am a witch, but I am not a demon. I do not have a power which can tear apart two who love each other, you see...? *cackle*cackle*cackle*cackle*!! I hear that the person of your thoughts will soon be attending a marriage meeting, right...? You may have stronger feelings for that man than anyone else in the world. However, that doesn't mean that you are the most appropriate for him, does it...? I know who he will be having the marriage meeting with. That girl is the most suitable for Ushiromiya George in the entire world. She came from a good school, achieved good grades, and has composure and prudence. She is more beautiful than you, wiser than you, more suitable than you. Why would a ignorant, incompetent, uncultured girl like you be suitable? You know better than anyone. You are the most unsuitable! Even imagining that you and Ushiromiya George could be joined is sinful, and foolish, foolish foolish, know your place!! Have you forgotten to be grateful for your education? Know your place. George is the eldest grandson carrying Father's blood. He's a person who may bear the burden of the Ushiromiya family someday in the future. To answer that expectation, he has studied tirelessly, entered a wonderful college, and is getting wonderful grades. Did you really think you could snatch George away, you uneducated, incompetent, unqualified, uncultured servaaaant? *giggle*giggle*, *cackle*cackle*cackle*ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

KANON: S... Stop it, don't bully Shannon!! Who the hell are you?!!

[As Shannon holds her head, trying to protect her heart from Beatrice's words, Kanon runs in front of her. He doesn't care who this woman is. As long as he knows she is tormenting Shannon, whom he loves and respects as a sister, nothing else matters.]

SHANNON: ...Kanon-kun... stay back...! This person is...!

KANON: ... [realizing this is the witch of the portrait, and a terrifying being]

BEATO: ...I just wanted to make Shannon take her reward, but it seems I said too much, and ended up tormenting her. I shall apologize. ...But I will leave that promise as a reward to you. If you need my power, call me at any time. I have already told you how. ...Well then, now, let us disperse. Hostile gazes may be pleasant, but they are bad for your figure, right? *cackle*cackle*cackle*...

KANON: Disappear...!! I don't know who you are, but you're threatening Shannon! Don't ever show yourself again!!

BEATO: [horribly displeased] ...So, you do not choose your words carefully, lowborn? ...I am gracious to those who respect me, but brutal to those who do not, right...?

[While she still smiles, Beatrice's face begins to twist itself. An oppressive feeling gradually fills the room. It cannot be noticed with any of the five senses, and they cannot understand it, but they immediately realize that it is something terrifying. It is as if they are swimming in the ocean as something large goes by in the water beneath them, and they only want to escape to land before they even learn what it is.]

SHANNON: P... Please stop, Beatrice-sama!! Kanon-kun is still a child. I apologize for his language!

BEATO: ...

KANON: ...ch.

[Kanon keeps blocking the way to Shannon, his body outstretched, tense sweat on his forehead. He knows that the witch holds his fate in the palm of her hand, and with a twist of her smile she could easily crush it. His knees begin to feel weak, but Beatrice then abruptly releases the feeling of tension, laughing.]

BEATO: ...Very well. If you ask, I will permit it this time. ...Kanon is it? In deference to her, I shall forgive you tonight and send you off. You should thank me. Well then, we will disperse for tonight. ...In parting, I shall leave a single souvenir. Hold out the palm of your left hands, you two.

[Grinning broadly, she snaps her fingers, and Kanon and Shannon's left hands stretch out in front of them against their will, their palms opening. It feels to them as if only their left hands have become puppets pulled by strings hanging down from the ceiling.]

KANON: Wh-What... are you trying to do...?! [resisting, but unable to bring his hand back]

BEATO: Don't struggle. It will be over soon.

[She holds her pipe aloft, and from inside the smoke, golden sparkling dust hovers in the air. It becomes several gold butterflies, which dance throughout the reception hall. Two of them alight onto Shannon and Kanon's palms.]

KANON: ?!

SHANNON: Ouch...!

[There is a sharp pain, like a burn. When they try to examine their palms, they can do so freely, and there is a small burn mark there, shaped like a butterfly the size of a speck.]

SHANNON: ...Ah... a bruise...? What is...

KANON: Wh... What is this supposed to be... [staring at the witch hatefully]

BEATO: It is a simple greeting. I have no hidden motive. ...It is nothing more than a bruise, so it will heal in just a few days. There's not even any need to care for it. That is a mark so that tomorrow, you will not forget that I truly was here, and that I made a promise with you. ...The impact of a meeting with me is strong. ...Sometimes, at the next morning, people try to think of their meeting with me as a dream or an illusion. ...You should think slowly and carefully, Shannon. ...And you should probably take a good rest, look at my mark tomorrow morning, and try thinking again. I do not use coercion for anything. You should freely decide your future, by your own will. ...However, to think that the object of desire could be satisfied with compensation such as this... It would annoy the great artists who write plays about blighted love to no end. *cackle*cackle*cackle*! Well then, let us meet again when the chance arises. It truly is fun to have a conversation again after so much time. Goodbye, furniture. Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[Beatrice's body crumbles like smoke and blows away in a group of golden butterflies. They scatter in all directions inside of the reception hall, leaving a golden splash before disappearing into thin air. Now, only the cold silence is left, enough to make them think they had been daydreaming until just a moment ago. But the bruise remains, and as they think back to the pain, they keep standing still, in shock...]

Foreign language: Aside from her native language of Japanese, she is pretty good at English! For various reasons, it is also likely that she knows only a LITTLE bit of Italian, Chinese, Hebrew and Greek, though probably only enough to get by with demonology/the epitaph/whatever. STILL, MAYBE IT WILL COME IN HANDY SOMETIME.