TYND 60

TL: motokare

The two of them climbed up to the top of the waterfall. Down below, minstrels sang songs, jesters performed tricks, and tourists danced with each other in a lively hubbub, while the upper area had a serene and quiet atmosphere unlike below. Because of this difference in ambience, people who wanted to enjoy the waterfall peacefully did so from above, while those preferring noisy excitement enjoyed the attraction from below.

For Theon and Rothy, the upper part suited them far better.

“Walk carefully.”

“I’m fine, but you need to be careful. Those shoes you’re wearing aren’t slip proof… let’s hold hands while we walk.”

When Theon reached down, Rothy firmly grabbed his hand. His intention to provide support was admirable, but if he were to fall, Rothy would be helplessly dragged along and fall with him. They found a good spot with flat rocks where they could play with their hands in the water. The plant chemicals had no effect on skin, so the dark blue water wouldn’t darken their skin no matter how much splashed on them. Seeing Rothy wanted to dip his feet in too, Theon helped remove his shoes.

“The water isn’t cold!”

Screee!

“It’s lukewarm!”

Screeeee!

Rothy played in the water with an excited Chi-chi, who seemed so happy one might think weasels were natural water creatures.

“If I’d known it would be this fun, I should’ve brought Hee-hee too.”

“You should.”

“And Ultje.”

“Right.”

“And Zey and Xeon too… Oh, Zey and Xeon probably couldn’t come anyway since they need to interrogate the assassins.”

“……”

What did he just say?

Theon, who’d been watching Rothy’s feet, looked up. Rothy had been splashing water at the weasel but stopped when he noticed Theon’s stare.

“Why are you looking at me like that…?”

“You knew they planned to interrogate the assassins while we were away.”

“Yeah… Was it supposed to be secret?”

“I’d intended to keep it from you.”

“Why…?”

“The questioning involves harsh methods you don’t need to know about.”

“I’m not a child, so it’s fine… but thank you for your consideration.”

While Theon looked surprised, Rothy added something unexpected. 

“I know interrogation magic and brainwashing magic… If you need help, I’d really like you to tell me.”

Theon imagined Rothy using various interrogation spells on prisoners with a stern face. It would certainly be cute.

“I won’t ask that of you.”

For the life of him, he couldn’t understand why Yolone Sirin had taught Rothy interrogation and brainwashing magic. He planned to make sure stories about the assassins would never reach Rothy’s ears from now on. Given Rothy’s past of being brainwashed and confined since childhood, he might easily form a sense of kinship and attachment. Hadn’t he already shown sympathy to the young assassin? Things repeatedly seen and heard naturally build affection. He had to sever that interest completely. 

Splash

Cold water droplets sprayed onto his wrist. When Theon broke from his thoughts, Rothy was looking up at him, blinking his big round eyes.”

“I won’t do it if Theon doesn’t want me to. So don’t worry so seriously.”

“Good. I’d prefer if you didn’t go near any assassins from now on.”

“If you say so, I won’t.”

“You should roll up your sleeves to the forearm so your clothes don’t get wet and make you catch cold.”

“Mhm.”

When Rothy tried to roll them up with wet hands, Theon did it for him. The old scars marked on his dry arm came into view. Theon’s mood sank immediately. 

“Well, are you an adult who doesn’t find playing in water fun…?”

“No, it’s very fun.”

“Your expression said otherwise.”

When Rothy raised his hand, Theon bent down, allowing his fingers to touch between his eyebrows.

“I’ll smooth this out for you. Then you’ll feel better.”

“……”

The soft touch pressing between his brows actually did improve his mood. Theon playfully flicked some water from the surface, splashing it on Rothy. With a bright smile, he backed away and tried hard to retaliate by splashing him back, but the amount was so small and lacking force that it didn’t even reach its target.

Scree, scree!

Theon found himself smiling brightly even though he was outnumbered two to one. After they went back and forth like that a few times…

“Pheeeew……”

Rothy staggered from exhaustion, and Theon quickly caught him. He went limp against Theon, too tired to stand.

“This is so much fun…”

He still had the energy to say that even as his eyes were spinning. 

“Your lack of stamina is troubling.”

“You’re right… it’s troubling. Even Chi-chi has better stamina than me.”

“We’ll have to train your physical strength starting next year.”

“I’ll do my best…”

Theon stroked Rothy’s fluffy hair to keep him from feeling down and went on.

“But you’re an archmage. You may lack the stamina, but other than that, you’re not inferior to anyone.”

“That’s right… I’m an archmage who isn’t inferior to anyone, but my stamina is so bad that I’d probably lose to Chi-chi in a fight…”

He already looked disheartened. Nevertheless, if this motivated Rothy to improve his physical strength, that was a good thing. Theon sat him on a rock while he gathered their belongings. He’d brought goggles and water tubes just in case, but with Rothy’s current stamina, it’d be too much. As he was busily collecting their things, he heard a whimper from behind. Theon dropped everything and spun around quickly, grabbing Rothy’s waist just as he was about to slip and fall.

“……!”

Their faces were close enough that their noses almost touched. Rothy blinked, his eyes wide with surprise and his heart racing, but Theon’s was beating even faster. With Rothy in his arms, he backed away to a spot with dry undergrowth while the weasel hurried after them. Without setting him down, Theon wiped the cold sweat from Rothy’s forehead with the back of his hand.

Rothy could have hit his head on a rock or been swept away by the current, down the waterfall. Theon hadn’t felt this sense of danger in a long time and couldn’t remember when he’d last broken out in cold sweat like this.

“I’m sorry…. Theon, did I scare you?”

Ironically, it was Rothy who was now patting Theon’s back, trying to comfort him. 

“You’ve terrible coordination.”

“But I’m good at magic…”

“When we return to the estate, I’ll personally teach you how to move your body properly. First, if you improve your flexibility, you’ll be able to quickly regain your balance even if you slip, and you won’t get badly hurt even if you fall.”

“I’ll do my best to learn.”

Theon picked up Chi-chi, who had been anxiously circling his feet, and placed the weasel in Rothy’s arms. Just as he was about to start walking again, Rothy said something.

“Our stuff are still over there.”

“I should’ve brought Ultje along…”

Theon didn’t want to put Rothy down. If he set him down to gather their things, Rothy would certainly slip and fall again. Maybe he should just abandon everything. While seriously considering this option, he noticed a noble couple approaching. They were leading five attendants (a clear sign that they were welcoming interactions) and greeted them respectfully.

“Your Graces, it’s an honour to meet both of you. I am Marion Pasithee, overseer of the Pasithee estate. This is my husband.”

“Count Pasithee, is it? It’s been a while.”

“Indeed, it has been a while. I didn’t want to disturb you, but I noticed you might need assistance. If it’s acceptable, would you allow us to help, Your Grace?”

Their tone was courteous, and their offer of help made sense, so Theon readily accepted. 

“Then would you send those belongings there up to my room?”

“Of course. When you return, we’ll ensure everything shall be delivered.”

“Thank you. I shall remember this favour.”

With the luggage issue solved, Theon carried Rothy and swiftly exited the dangerous area. As soon as the pair disappeared from view, the previously quiet upper waterfall erupted with chatter.

“Dearie me, did you see that?”

“I never expected him to be so protective.”

“He looked younger than I thought. If I were in his position, I’d be just as protective. They looked wonderful together.”

“Lord Rothy really does resemble a snow fairy.”

“And he trips over his own feet an awful lot.”

“Miss our chance. We should’ve made our move first and approached them.”

And so on……

Archduke Falsen and his spouse had such distinctive appearances, not to mention rumours of their vacation at Elsea Falls had spread. Naturally, everyone would recognised them and also would want to approach, to strike up a conversation and to build a connection. But since the grand ducal couple hadn’t brought along any attendants, they had to stick to the unspoken rules and not approach them. 

While everyone respected the rule, Count Pasithee broke it after judging that the archduke needed help. Thanks to their boldness, the Pasithee couple received words of gratitude from him and now walked with their heads held high.

Her husband mused aloud.

“The relationship between the archduke and Lord Rothy seems more like father and son or brothers rather than spouses.”

“Of course. He’s only sixteen and so tiny. Would you have seen me as a woman if I were that small?”

“I think I would have…”

At her husband’s sheepish answer, Countess Pasithee clicked her tongue.

“If you were as small as Lord Rothy, I would’ve only seen you as a child who needed looking after.”

“That hurts my feelings.”

“Are you even hearing yourself? Anyway, we’re done with the water for today. Let’s return to our lodgings.”

The Count instructed her attendants to gather the archduke’s belongings before turning away. This was their conversation as they walked briskly along:

“You brought the picture book, right?”

“Of course, the picture book’s like an extension of my limbs. I always carry it with me.”

“We came to recruit participants, but we ended up running into the archduke! This is a golden opportunity. Now that we’ve established contact, let’s propose it to him this evening.”

“Yes. Since they’re leaving tomorrow, this evening will be our only chance. We must find His Grace the perfect match. Just like we found each other.”

“Indeed. A man who has worked so hard and dedicated himself to the peace of Araxys deserves a sanctuary of love.”

Ho-ho-ho…… The Pasithee couple, famed among northern nobility as expert matchmakers, descended the waterfall path with a sly smile.