Sincerely, a Rainbow of stories for you:

Please Tell Me the Story of the Rainbow: Part 4

(Location: Akira’s room, Central Kingdom, Night Time)

Akira: Yes?

Rutile: It’s Rutile. Is now a good time?

(Sound of door opening)

On the other side of the open door stood Ruitle, holding a familiar book to his chest.

Akira: Luka Caroll’s magical picture book….

Rutile: Prince Arthur lent it to me. If you don’t mind you you like to finish reading it together?

Akira: Really? I’d love to!

I invited Rutile into the room, and we sat side by side on the bed, with the book in between us.

Rutile: I heard from Mr.Cock Robin that all of Luca Caroll’s picture books are one of a kind.

It appears that these kinds of books are impossible to mass produce, and so she carefully draws each one using magic.

Akira: So this book is precious.

Rutile: That’s right. It’s the only one of its kind in the world. Just touching it makes my heart beat faster.

Rutile gently stroked the cover of the book, as if nostalgic for an old notebook.

Rutile: Well then, do you want to open it?

I held my breath as Rutile’s beautiful fingers slowly turned the cover of the picture book.

As he opened the book, rainbow colored lighted spilled from the pages like river water and spread across the carpet of the room like ink smudges.

A gentle breeze swayed golden buds, which bloomed into flowers and started to dance in the wind.

Mysterious creatures run across amethyst colored hills and soar through azure skies.

A fantastic world spread across my vision, like a melody flowing from a music box.

I held my breath at the sight as Rutile narrowed his eyes in fascination at the illusion that enveloped us.

Akira: “Magical Picture Book” is a perfect name for this one of a kind book.

Rutile: Truly, it's like a dream world…

Akira: What story is told in this book? I still can’t read this world’s characters…

Rutile: Ah. That’s right, sorry. The book is about a little girl who travels the world riding on the back of a butterfly-like creature.

The mysterious creature’s name is Roxy.

Akira: Roxy… the floating butterflies over there fit that description, right?

Rutile: You’re right! Their fluffy bodies are cute.

Akira: Their transparent wings are also beautiful… depending on how the light hits them, they change color!

It’s like their dyeing the wind in color every time they flap their wings.

Rutile: Wow Master Sage, that’s such a poetic expression!

Rutile: Roxy might not be a human or a wizard, but she’s a very important friend to this girl.

The overflowing love that this book manages to transmit really warms my heart.

Akira: I can’t read the story, but the flowers, grass, sky, clouds, and creatures…they’re all drawn so carefully…

Just looking at it puts me at ease.

This fictional world must be very important to Mr. Caroll.

Rutile: I think so too.

The rainbow colored butterflies floated gently through the picture book’s illusion.

I could almost hear the twinkling sound from the bring fluttering of their wings.

Akira: A dear friend who is neither human nor wizard…

Like Roxy and this child, it’d be nice if wizards and humans could come to understand each other better and become friends too.

Rutile’s encouraging nod was the motivation I needed to come to my decision.

Akira: To that end, I’d like everyone at the manor to attend the exhibition.

Rutile: It’s an exhibition where everyone can truly go enjoy the works on display, without distinction between humans and wizards!

Rutile gazed at the picture book with a face full of hope as he said that.

Akira: I’m excited!

Rutile: I am too!

I wonder if we’ll be able to find more works by Luca Caroll…I’m excited now, I don’t think I'll be able to sleep!

Seeing Rutile’s jovial smile reminded me of nights I couldn’t sleep before big events.

Rutile: Master Sage? Why are you laughing all of a sudden?

Akira: Haha, sorry. I was just remembering times I couldn’t sleep because I was looking forward to something.

Rutile: So even the Sage has had nights like that.

Akira: Yeah, like… the more I tried to sleep, the more awake I was. As if my heart was… how should I put it?

Rutile: Leaping?

Akira: Exactly.

Rutile: Like you can’t stop your heart from jumping around?

Akira: Yes!

We looked at each other and laughed.

Akira: I think I’ve just become more excited for the exhibition.

Rutile gently closed the picture book and held it tightly.

Rutile: I wonder what kind of person Luca Carol is?

Akira: I’m curious how he was able to draw such a pretty world. Snow and White didn't know much about it.

Though, Shylock said she might be a long-lived witch.

Rutile: Like this picture book, I’m sure he must be thoughtful and kind, though a little mischievous and cute…

I’m sure he's a very nice person!

(Location: ???)

???: This place is so warm. I’m sure this must be what it feels like inside of an egg. Don’t you think so?

Warm… protected… I feel very safe.

No… I felt safe… until now

You know Roxy, if I stay here I can meet everyone I love. Even hear them call my name…

But you know, I’m scared. A gentle voice… a nice figure… my favorite name…

It feels like the moment I close my eyes they’ll disappear. I’m afraid to leave this place.

I’m afraid of myself changing.

I’m afraid of losing something much more precious.

If this is an egg, I wonder if i have to hatch someday?

(Location: Exhibition at an Old Castle, Central Kingdom, Day Time)

A few days later, the day of the exhibition finally arrived.

The venue, an old castle, was bustling with people.

I, accompanied by a few wizards, look around the venue as I make my way to greet the nobles who invited us.

Akira: What an amazing castle! Is the entire building being used for the exhibition?

Shino: Is it even possible to see all of this in one day?

Cain: The list of exhibits was pretty long. To think they’ve collected this much!

Heathcliff: They don’t appear to have been collected randomly. The organizer must have carefully selected the pieces he thought were good… I can feel his commitment.

Chloe: All the guests here are so fashionable! I guess that must be because they’re interested in art.

Ah! That embroidery is beautiful! I’d love to see it up close!

Rutile: I’d also love to take a look!

Rutile, who stepped forward as he said that, bumped into a shadowy figure.

Little Girl: Oof

Rutile: Ah, I’m so sorry!

Little Girl: Umm…

She appeared to be a few years younger than Mitile.

Cain gently caught the petite girl, who looked confused.

Cain: Are you okay?

Little Girl: Ah…

The girl’s gaze was confused, as if dazed. Her large purple eyes swayed with anxiety.

Riquet: Are you lost? Did you come here with someone?

Little Girl: ….

Mitile: You seem to be lost. Do you recognize anyone around here?

Cain: It’s easy to get lost in such a big venue, but its alright now, you don’t have to worry.

Chloe: Then I'll call a staff member…

Suddenly, the girl grabs Shino’s sleeve, as he looks around with everyone.

Shino: …? You…

Little Girl: There you are!

I could see a young man walking towards us at a brisk pace through the crowd of people.

He had bright blonde hair and pale amber eyes. He was probably a little older than Cain.

Although the colors of his suit were subdued, the pattern of the shirt peaking out through the hem was stylish.

Little Girl: …

The girl let go of Shino’s sleeve and ran up to the man. She pushed her shoulders together, as if touching in wings and hiding them behind her back.

Young Man: I’m so glad I found you!

Excuse us, I apologize for the inconvenience.

Heathcliff: Are you her parent? I’m glad you found her, she seemed to be lost.

Young Man: The second I took my eyes off of her, I lost her. Alright, let's go.

Gently taking the girl’s hand, the young man bowed to us and left.

Young Man: Are you okay? I’ve been feeling a little hazy lately but… are you worried about me, Luca?

Rutile and Akira: Eh?

Akira: (Luca… could it be?)

The back of the young man and the girl quickly disappeared into the crowd of people.

Rutile: …

I was a little worried about the girl, but I decided to let the matter be and take a look around the hall.

Akira: It looked impressive from the outside, but the interior is even larger than i expected.

Heathcliff: Since the venue is so large, let’s check the map before we set off. Is there anything in particular you want to see, Sage?

Akira: You’re right… there’s so much to see, so I’m worried we won't get to them all.

Translator’s note: It appears that I’ve misgendered Luca. In previous chapters I referred to her as he/him, but it appears she is a girl.

Part 3
Part 5

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