Akatsuki Translations

Waking up is like a bubble.

It rises slowly from the bottom of the water. Floating without ever returning, like a bubble drifting gently.

And then, all of a sudden, the bubble that reached the surface pops.

“Have you come to?” -Marcarullo

The first thing Pas felt as he jolted awake was a dull pain.

A throbbing, intense pain in the back of his head.

“How long was I unconscious?” -Pastry

“About half an hour. Not too long.” -Marcarullo

“Ouch… I didn’t expect to be attacked by both of you today… Marc and Lumi, you two are quite crafty.” -Pastry

“Hehe, on the battlefield, there’s no room for calling moves ‘unfair’.” -Marcarullo

“Yeah, grandpa always said that two heads are better than one. The one who survives is the admirable one.” -Luminito

To put the current situation simply, Pas was caught in a scheme by his two mischievous friends.

Lumi deliberately let him dodge her sword, creating an opening for Marc to attack from behind.

Everything, from their positioning to their timing, seemed meticulously planned.

“So, I was bested this time. But really, isn’t attacking two against one a bit unfair?” -Pastry

“But Pas, you can use magic, right? We can’t.” -Luminito

“Lumi, haven’t I always told you to mind your phrasing? Besides, who knows? You might be able to use magic after the sanctification ceremony.” -Pastry

“Ah~ no way. We don’t have the money for the full sanctification, so I’ve given up on such dreams.” -Luminito

“You’re quite realistic.” -Pastry

“It’s wise not to gamble.” -Luminito

Lumi has already given up on magic.

It’s not uncommon or rare for people to feel this way.

There are various reasons: it’s expensive, there’s a risk of becoming incapacitated, being monitored by the church, increased danger, and so on. While it’s not hard to understand, acquiring it would undeniably lead to power and wealth. However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness.

“So, Pas, what were you brooding over?” -Luminito

“Yeah, tell us. It’s unhonest when you keep things from us.” -Marcarullo

“Idiot, the word is ‘dishonest,’ not ‘unhonest’.” -Luminito

“Isn’t that what I said?” -Marcarullo

Pas’ heart skipped a beat at those words.

He wondered if they had found out about his worries regarding managing the territory’s finances.

“What are you talking about?” -Pastry

“You’re bad at hiding things, Pas. Usually, you’d say, ‘It’s nothing.’ By not saying it, you’re practically confessing you’re hiding something.” -Marcarullo

If there was nothing to hide, he would have said he didn’t know what they were talking about. He overthought because of his recent financial troubles.

“Well, it’s out now, but it’s true I’ve been worried. Maybe you two can give me some ideas.” -Pastry

“Sure, just ask. We’ll help you out.” -Luminito

“Yeah, we’re friends after all.” -Marcarullo

Having friends is a blessing.

Anyone who isn’t moved by the sincere desire to help from a friend must be twisted beyond belief.

Pas, who isn’t that jaded, decided to genuinely seek ideas from the two of them.

Of course, he didn’t mention the financial urgency in the territory. He simply asked if they had any ideas to make a significant amount of money.

“Why not expand the fields?” -Marcarullo

“Indeed, there’s still room for development in the territory. But, that requires initial investment, time, and manpower. We’re already working on it long-term, so it’s impossible to expand overnight.” -Pastry

“Then how about selling that bonka pie from the other day in the town? It was delicious. Make it again.” -Luminito

“If I can get the ingredients for bonka pie, I’ll make it again. But selling it might only earn 1 or 2 silver coins. Given that wood and wheat are relatively expensive in our territory, the profit margin would be too small. It might even run at a loss considering the effort to get the ingredients. It’s fun to make, but not profitable. And Lumi, you just want to eat it again, don’t you?” -Pastry

“Ah, was I found out?” -Luminito

Whether revealed or not, Luminito’s enthusiasm for pie was clearly driven by a not-so-pure motive. Incidentally, Lumi is a girl, so it doesn’t apply to her, but when adolescent boys talk about pie, it’s typically about a woman’s breasts in an impure and suspicious way.

“What if you taught us magic, Pas? If we could use magic too, we could achieve something big.” -Marcarullo

Marc, unlike Lumi, seemed to still dream of magic.

He had been lured and deceived by bandits because of his fascination with magic. Even now, the allure of magic seems hard for him to resist.

Most boys tend to be like this: dreaming big, spouting tall tales, and irrationally believing they’ll come true. And then, they eventually get hit by reality and grow up.

“Marc, you’re still a few years away from adulthood. And even if I taught you, it’s not something you’d easily master.” -Pastry

“I figured as much. Just thought I’d ask. But if I could use magic, I wonder if I could become rich. Then become a noble and eat delicious food every day.” -Marcarullo

“That’s impossible. Even if, by some miracle, you could use magic, you don’t have the head to master it. You’d probably burn yourself with your own fire spell. Pas, don’t bother with this idiot’s ramblings. Instead, I didn’t get to see your magic. Since we’re here, can you show us? I might get some ideas.” -Luminito

“Hey, who are you calling an idiot?” -Marcarullo

“Someone who plays with a sword all day but can’t remember a single equation is called an idiot.” -Luminito

“Whad’ya just say?!” -Marcarullo

“Alright, alright, let’s not get sidetracked. I understand wanting to see magic. When my father first showed me his magic, I was indeed impressed. Alright, I’ll show you. But just a demonstration, okay?” -Pastry

“Awesome!” -Marcarullo

The saying goes, “Three heads are better than one.”

Pas felt that through his conversation with the two, he might stumble upon a hint about making money.

Indeed, many mages are said to be wealthy. Conversely, if one wanted to make money, there might be methods involving magic. He began to feel there was a profitable avenue there.

“Alright, let’s start with the basics. Both of you, please draw a picture on the ground.” -Pastry

“Anything will do?” -Marcarullo

“Yes.” -Pastry

Using broken sword tips and sticks, the two began to draw.

Marc drew a unique picture. It seemed to be a creature resembling a monster, with a humanoid figure shining some sort of beam at it.

“What’s this?” -Pastry

“Hehe, it’s a scene of me using magic after I’ve learned it, defeating a dragon with a ‘Wham and a Bam!’” -Marcarullo

From Pas’s perspective, it looked like a worm with legs. But he didn’t voice that thought.

It was moving to see that the scribbles of children remain the same across the ages.

Compared to that, Lumi’s drawing had a slight roundness to it.

The style itself clearly showed her inexperience, but one could somewhat make out a fruit resembling an apple.

Beside it, something like a plate piled with what looked like dumplings. At a glance, they resembled mud dumplings.

“Lumi, is this possibly a bonka?” -Pastry

“Hehe, you got it. Pretty good, right?” -Luminito

“What’s this next to it?” -Pastry

In response to Pas’s question, Lumi proudly replied.

“Obviously, it’s the bonka pie we had the other day. You can tell just by looking.” -Luminito

“I thought it might be a rock or something. Pretty bad drawing.” -Marcarullo

“What did you say? Your drawing looks like a buncha snakes slithering around.” -Luminito

“Shut up! Can’t you see how cool this dragon is?” -Marcarullo

“Okay, okay. So, here’s the magic demonstration Lumi requested~” -Pastry

The rise in magical energy was noticeable even to these two novices.

Every human possesses some degree of magical power.

It’s like the sensation you get when a strong magnet or static electricity; the stronger the magic, the more pronounced the sensation.

With the sensation of buzzing on their skin, Marc and Lumi’s anticipation grew.

Especially the young girl, she hadn’t gotten a good look at Pas’s magic when he fought the bandits. It was a night battle in the dark, and after, she had been bedridden due to her wound.

Her eyes, filled with curiosity, stared at her drawing.

“【Replication】” -Pastry

The moment Pas used the magic, the two mischievous kids felt an odd sensation in their hands.

A mysterious sensation that felt both hot and cold.

“Wow, the drawing is on my hand!” -Marcarullo

Looking at the back of their hands, the drawings they had made were transferred on their skins.

It looked like a sunburn, a slightly different shade from the surrounding skin, replicated just as they had drawn.

“Wow, Pas really can use magic.” -Luminito

“Didn’t you believe me?” -Pastry

“I only believe what I see.” -Luminito

Lumi amusingly examined the sunburn-like drawing on the back of her hand.

She flipped her hand, squeezed it, and rubbed it, playing around with it in various ways.

“It’s not a tattoo, so it will fade in 2-3 days. Your siblings will probably be thrilled if you show them.” -Pastry

“Hehe, I’ll show grandpa. Hey, Pas.” -Luminito

“What is it?” -Pastry

“Instead of replicating a drawing, can you do the reverse?” -Luminito

Lumi’s words, spoken as if she had just thought of them, struck a chord in Pas.

“Reverse?” -Pastry

“Not replicating a drawing, but replicating something onto a drawing. Like replicating this hand drawing onto the ground, or someone’s face onto the ground. I thought it would be fun.” -Luminito

The moment he heard those words, Pas grabbed the girl’s hand with a big smile on his face.

With a radiant smile on his beautiful face, inherited from his mother, Lumi blushed without realizing it.

“That’s it!!” -Pastry

The one whose hands were suddenly grabbed was taken aback.

Pas released the hands he had grabbed, and she demanded to know what was going on.

“That’s it! Lumi, you’re a genius. That’s a great idea. I just had an idea that might work. I’ll go to my father’s place right away. See you tomorrow!” -Pastry

“H-hey, wait!” -Luminito

Watching the retreating silver-haired boy, the two left behind tilted their heads.

The boy, running at a speed not expected of a child, was single-minded once he set his mind on something. The two childhood friends understood that once he was like that, it was hard to stop him in his tracks.

“By the way, Lumi.” -Marcarullo

“Hmm?” -Luminito

“Your face is still bright red.” -Marcarullo

“Shut up!!” -Luminito

The girl’s fist drove into the boy’s stomach.

◇◇◇◇◇

At the estate of the lord of the Morteln fief, three adults are engaged in a discussion.

The lord, his trusted aide, and his wife, Agnes Mille Morteln, are present.

While the main topic of discussion revolves around fundraising, it slightly deviates to the possibility of seeking assistance from Agnes’ family home, the Detmold Baron’s house.

“It might be difficult to rely on my family after all.” -Agnes

“Instead of your father, how about discreetly approaching your brother?” -Casserole

“Yes, but he’s been strictly educated by our father and wouldn’t keep secrets. Moreover, he should currently be assisting my uncle. I doubt he has much money to spare.” -Agnes

“I see. I knew it, but hearing it from you…” -Casserole

A sigh echoed in the room.

The overlapping sounds accentuated the complexity of the issue at hand.

“It’s times like these when we’d like to lean on the kid.” -Sheets

“Even if he’s my son, he can’t create something from nothing. It was you, Sheets, who said not to expect too much from Pas.” -Casserole

“I know, but with things being this stalled, I can’t help but hope.” -Sheets

“I understand, but relying solely on our son…” -Casserole

Suddenly, the door bursts open. Both Casserole and Sheets instinctively reach for their swords. Casserole moves to shield his wife, but upon recognizing the newcomer, he relaxes.

“What’s the matter, Pas? Entering without knocking is rude.” -Agnes

“Sorry, mother. But I had a great idea and rushed over.” -Pastry

“A good idea? Regarding the ongoing issue?” -Agnes

“Yes.” -Pastry

The young successor to the lordship had entered the room.

Casserole and Sheets quickly diverted the topic, wary of any associates Pas might have brought with him. Rumors about the lordship’s financial difficulties could make the already challenging fundraising even more arduous. No one likes to lend money to an unstable party, whether it’s an investment or a loan. It’s common sense to support a more stable party. The principle of moneylenders is to lend when it’s sunny and recall when it rains. Extinguishing rumors about trustworthiness can be tremendously challenging.

After a while, seeing that Pas came alone, the adults settled down to listen.

“First, sit down. Let’s discuss this calmly. We were just talking about this issue.” -Casserole

“Yes.” -Pastry

Upon the lord, Casserole’s, words, his trusted aide Sheets vacated a sofa seat. However, before sitting, Pas was caught by his mother and made to sit on her lap. Despite trying to wriggle free, he couldn’t escape her grip.

With everyone seated, Pas began to explain his idea.

“Father, you spoke about arranging a marriage meeting for sister Josie the other day.” -Pastry

“Yes. She’s already of age, and finding her a match is a parent’s duty.” -Casserole

“At that time, you mentioned that with your ability to 【teleport】, you could introduce her to potential suitors.” -Pastry

“I take pride in showing off my daughter.” -Casserole

Josephine is the fifth daughter and Pas’s youngest sister.

In a world where women typically marry between the ages of 13 to 16, she is nearing that age.

Marriage arrangements are the head of the family’s duty, and while they may consider the individual’s wishes to some extent, they generally prioritize family connections. As discussions about seeking assistance from Agnes’ family suggest, relatives are the ones you can rely on in times of need. Therefore, marital ties between noble families are crucial. Having family in an opposing house can make conflicts easier to resolve. Conversely, strangers might attack without warning.

“So, how do noble parents without magical abilities introduce their daughters or sons to potential suitors?” -Pastry

“The most effective way is to take them to various social events and introduce them there. The best option is a royal banquet in the capital.” -Sheets

There are various types of social events: theater, banquets, tea parties, martial arts displays, hunts, etc. Most events attended by nobles have a social aspect.

However, there are limited social events where women can participate.

While martial arts and hunting are hobbies for the mainly knight-based nobility, women are often not involved in such rough activities. Therefore, tea parties and banquets where conversation is the main activity become the primary venues.

“However, many nobles, especially those with territories in remote areas, can’t frequently bring their daughters or sons to the capital.” -Sheets

“There are dangers, and travel isn’t free.” -Casserole

At this point, it seemed both Sheets and Casserole had grasped what Pas was hinting at.

Meanwhile, whether Agnes understood or not remained unclear.

It’s said that when nobles travel, money flies out the window.

Moving a carriage requires coachmen and horse care, and they can’t just camp out. Just as one wouldn’t let their wife wear rags for fear of rumors about the husband’s earnings, appearing shabby damages a noble family’s reputation. And by extension, it tarnishes the reputation of the royal family that appointed them.

When groups dressed as if to scream “We are nobility!” pass by, thieves and the like flock to them, so skimping on guards is not an option, and naturally, that incurs costs.

The Edo period’s alternate attendance system also had the intent of making the daimyo spend money in their domains. In any era, when important people walk around in groups, it’s synonymous with money flying away.

“Still, at the royal-sponsored banquets and the like, all the local nobility eagerly bring their children. Why is that?” -Pastry

“It’s more reassuring with someone you know than a stranger. If there are two houses with the same conditions, you feel safer choosing the one you know. Individuals also bond more easily with acquaintances they recognize. I suppose the only time you’d welcome a stranger’s child into your home is if they’re from a much higher-ranked family.” -Casserole

“Exactly. Conversely, if you can get them to recognize your face a bit, they’ll feel reassured. So, I was thinking of promoting this…” -Pastry

With that, Pas chanted 【Replication. 】

A faint image of a person’s face appeared on the wooden plank he held.

“Wow!” -Sheets

“That’s amazing. It’s a spitting image.” -Casserole

Drawn on the plank was a woman’s face.

A face that everyone present knew very well.

“Oh, is that me? It really does look like me. Just like a mirror.” -Agnes

Madam Morteln, who had been holding Pas, let go with one hand to hold the plank, ensuring she didn’t let go of her son.

From an onlooker’s point of view, the portrait she was holding looked as if was if she was looking into a mirror.

Neither Casserole nor Sheets would know, but what Pas had in mind was a matchmaking photo.

He knew that before love marriages became mainstream, such matchmaking photos held immense power.

When cameras became popular during the Meiji period, they were said to be a big hit.

While looks aren’t everything, appearance does tell a lot. It’s more insightful to be shown a photo than to be told, “My daughter is beautiful.”

“Hmm…” -Casserole

“If I could get father to take me on a greeting tour and, on the side, discreetly promote this… matchmaking photo, what do you think?” -Pastry

It’s not a bad idea, Casserole thought.

He pondered the value he, as a lord and a noble, would see in this matchmaking photo.

Even a low estimate suggests it’d be worth five to ten gold coins.

Without this magic, if you wanted a similar portrait, you’d need expensive paints, a high commission, and a skilled artist. It would definitely be more affordable and have at least as much demand as a painting.

Many parents have frail children. If a child can’t handle long journeys and stays mostly in their domain, promoting their face without them present would be welcomed.

There are also children bad at socializing. Whether they’re shy, can’t initiate conversations, or are unfamiliar with proper etiquette, a portrait doing their introductions would be invaluable.

Especially since Pas can reproduce the same image multiple times. If it can be used as casually as a letter, it’s far more useful than a hand-drawn portrait.

“It might just work.” -Casserole

Casserole’s calculations made Pas smile.

He envisioned a traveling father-son-owned matchmaking photo shop using a combination of their magic. He definitely thought it could work.

“I think there are also risks, however.” -Sheets

“Huh?” -Pastry

However, there was opposition. From the Chief Retainer, Sheets.

He’s a pillar of the Morteln territory, often giving surprisingly thoughtful opinions.

Therefore, Pas and Casserole were taken aback by this unexpected objection and sought clarification.

“The risks are twofold, I think. One is promoting the boy’s magical abilities, which is self-explanatory.” -Sheets

“Well, that’s true.” -Casserole

With only Casserole and Sheets being known as magic users, it’s said that’s more than enough firepower for a frontier knight’s territory. Adding their son to the mix would certainly attract unwanted jealousy and suspicions.

Having a family of magic users might lead to speculations about hidden secrets, possibly leading to unwarranted investigations.

“The other risk is the misuse of this matchmaking photo.” -Sheets

“Like what, for example?” -Casserole

“For example… suppose this photo ends up in the hands of a thief. They’d know that this person is nobility, making it convenient for kidnappings or assassinations.” -Sheets

“I see your point.” -Casserole

The convenience of having your face known to strangers could, if misused, turn into a potential risk.

“I thought it was a good idea, but I guess there’s a problem. Well then…” -Casserole

If you earn money through questionable means, issues related to accountability arise in the noble community.

For instance, if you sell wheat and later it’s found to be subpar and full of empty husks of grain, the seller is held accountable.

Similarly, if you sell a weapon and it turns out to be of low quality, at the very least a return or refund is expected, or it could even lead to a conflict.

In a world without things like cooling-off periods, trust is paramount in transactions. When disputes arise, the final solution is force. That’s the norm.

Trustworthy connections with powerful people are beneficial, and connections with strong people translate to political and military power. Thus, matchmaking decisions can make or break a family’s standing.

If they carelessly cause a problem, they risk making enemies of the entire noble society.

Normally, one would consider this proposal a failure.

But the people in this office weren’t the type to accept defeat so easily.

“Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll take responsibility for delivering the matchmaking photo, depending on the payment. However, its use afterward is up to the recipient. If they agree to this, we won’t be held responsible. We’ll also charge a hefty additional fee. It’s only a matter of time before my magic is discovered, so it’s no big deal now.” -Pastry

Pas had knowledge from a previous life.

It included details about confectionery deliveries.

Confectioneries, being perishable, are prone to issues like melting or spoiling. Naturally, they’re also prone to delivery issues.

To prevent such problems, they had strategies in place, like getting prior consent to not take responsibility after a set delivery date. This proposal was an adaptation of that.

If it is specified in advance that no responsibility will be taken after the photos are handed over to the other party, then if any problem arises, it will be the responsibility of the party who received the photos. Even if it was a simple idea that anyone could come up with, Pas understood that such precautions could prevent trouble.

“Alright, let’s start by testing the waters with Count Retes. I’m sure he has a son of the right age, and he’s probably been wanting to complain about the bandit incident.” -Casserole

“Well, doing something is better than doing nothing. I’ll finish the work in our territory.” -Sheets

“I always push the troublesome stuff onto you, Sheets. Sorry about that.” -Casserole

“If you feel that way, bring in a hefty profit, boss.” -Sheets

“It’s not me who’ll be earning, it’s my son.” -Casserole

The two men laughed, seemingly agreeing without saying it.

Including the young man who had just come of age, it was the three of them.

Then, suddenly, everyone noticed there was one person who wasn’t laughing.

A woman, with a frown and a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Agnes, is something wrong?” -Casserole

“You see, this painting… Hey, Pas.” -Agnes

“Yes? What is i-mu-gyu?” -Pastry

Lady Morteln held her son’s cheeks, who was sitting on her lap, and turned his face towards the painting.

The three men turned their eyes to the painting, wondering if she had found a problem. However, what was there was a perfect replica. It was identical to the original, and there seemed to be no issues.

“Look closely at this part of the painting.” -Agnes

Pas’s cheeks made a sound that seemed like “munyu,” due to his mother pressing slightly harder with her left hand.

The spot she was pointing to had the face of a woman, stunning enough to be called a beauty. More precisely, it was her eyes.

“Can’t these… wrinkles at the corner of my eyes be erased?” -Agnes

Agnes Mille Morteln, a mother of six.

She was at an age where she was concerned about crow’s feet.