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starsail
NERO
Translation Proofing: kimchi_noodles
※Disclaimer:
This is an unofficial translation, any and all mistakes are mine.
Please do not reupload or repost on any other site without my express permission, and do not claim as your own.
Read here for more information.
1. Nero's Mana Area
2. Nero's Amulet
3. Kitchen Spectator (ft. Oz)
4. Nero's Family
5. Mundane Days
6. Skilled at Wheedling (ft. Riquet)
7. Today's Shopping Squad (ft. Riquet)
8. Gift of Physical Labour
9. Thoughtful Kindness
10. Nero’s Magical Specialty
11. Effortless Picking
12. Nero's Crest
13. Wanted: Knife Skills
14. Teatime Before Bed
15. Sharing Leftovers (ft. Faust)
16. Bane of Hygiene Management
17. Bribe for my Secret
18. Lesson Inspection (ft. Eastern Wizards)
Nero’s Mana Area
Akira: It’s written in the sage’s manual that every wizard has their own favourite power spot. I read that it’s a place where they can refresh themselves and gather their focus.
Nero: Ah, I guess you’re referring to mana areas. Just earlier, Faust was giving a lesson on it.
The mana area’s a place where each of us can calm our spirits and focus and hone our magic.
Akira: It’s probably that! Do you have a mana area too, Nero?
Nero: My mana area’s a wheat field, dyed gold by slanting rays of sunlight.
I don’t remember it clearly, but I think there was a place like that in my hometown.
I’ve always had the image of pushing ahead through ears of wheat that were chest-high.
Whenever I was in low spirits, I’d take afternoon naps there, like I was burying myself in them, and that would get me going again.
Akira: It seems like a place where you’d go to relax. You’re a sensitive person, so a place where you could take things easy became your mana area.
Nero: …..I’m not particularly sensitive, though.
Well, I do get insecure about my cooking and magic when I’m high-strung for extended periods of time, I guess.
Nero’s Amulet
Akira: The Sage’s Manual writes that wizards who leave their mana area for a long time carry with them an amulet that models after their mana area.
If you have the amulet, it recreates an effect similar to being in the mana area itself.
Do you have an amulet too, Nero?
Nero: Ah, an amulet? Yeah, I do.
Nero grabs a sheaf of dried wheat that is hanging on the wall, and shows it to me.
Nero: My mana area’s a wheat field, after all.
In line with that, I keep a sheaf of wheat.
Akira: I see… Does it have any effect?
Nero: Well, if you’re comparing it to if I didn’t have it... I’ve kept my amulet close by ever since I heard about it a long time ago, so I don’t think I’d know how it would feel without it.
If I were to let it go at this point, I’d feel kinda uneasy anyway.
When I first got it, I felt like it did have some effect, but it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten.
Kitchen Spectator
Akira: Oh, Oz and Nero. What are you doing here? It’s rare to see the two of you together.
Nero: Oh, Sage. I’m making pancakes.
Oz: And I was watching him make them. I’m heading off.
Nero: Nero’s pancakes! They’re fluffy and delicious, aren’t they.
Oz: Yes.
Nero: Th-Thanks…
Oz: I was a bother, Nero.
It was my first time knowing that over-mixing would keep the dough from rising, and other tips for frying them.
Nero: Aren’t you going to stay and make them?
If you'd like to, the kitchen’s empty.
Oz: There’s no need.
There’s nobody to feed, after all.
Akira: He left….
I wonder if he likes pancakes.
Nero: If he likes to eat them, he’d eat them, wouldn’t he.
Isn’t it simply because they’re unusual?
Haa…. I thought I would get killed today too, I was so nervous…
Him popping by like that once in a while is terrible for the heart.
Nero’s Family
Akira: Nero’s a long-lived wizard too, aren’t you. Do you remember anything about your family?
Nero: I might have lived a long life, but it’s not to Oz’s extent. Yeah, I do remember them. Vaguely, though.
Akira: If it’s alright by you, I’d like to ask you about them. Did you have siblings?
Nero: Ah, well, probably, quite…
It’s not like what you’re thinking, Sage.
It’s a much more depressing story.
Akira: Depressing…?
Nero: The place where I was born was a pretty lawless place.
So, well, the same went for my home.
I had good-for-nothing parents, and several siblings that may or may not have been related by blood to me.
I was quite a bum as well, but I was lucky to be able to use magic, so I left home early on. My time with my family ended there.
Akira: So that’s how it was… I’m sorry for overstepping with my questions…
Nero: Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I did say I only remember it vaguely, right?
Such stories aren’t rare among the wizards, either.
But well, you’re a kind person, so it’s better if you’re careful when asking about topics related to family.
Mundane Days
Akira: Nero, are you on a break?
Nero: Oh, Sage. Shino and Heath got into a fight during their meal. They’re washing the dishes together.
Akira: Ahaha. I’m glad they could make up.
Nero: It never gets boring looking at them.
...In the past, there was someone like a partner to me too.
We worked together, drank at night together, I would prepare meals and snacks, and he’d tell me it was delicious and eat it.
Those days were mundane, though.
It’s not bad to have someone you can easily talk to when things happen, whether good or bad.
What about you, Sage? Is there anyone like that near you?
- Akira: Yes
Nero: Is that so. I’m glad for that.
- Akira: No
Nero: Is that so. Well, me too.,
That kind of person doesn’t exist for me now, I guess.
- Akira: I don’t know.
Nero: I see. If you don’t mind me, feel free to talk to me anytime.
Akira: “Partner” sounds pretty cool. I kind of wish for one.
Nero: Haha….. They come with their own burdens too, though.
I guess as time passes, you’ll only remember the good things.
Skilled at Wheedling
Nero: Next, what’s this?
Riquet: That’s an onion! You write it like…
Akira: Nero, Riquet. ...Are you drawing?
Nero: Oh, Mr. Sage. I’m watching Riquet practice writing. I draw an object and Riquet writes it out.
Riquet: Nero, please write “omelette” next. How do I write “I want to eat an omelette tonight”?
Nero: Haha, isn’t that a request for dinner then.
Riquet: Yes. When I want to eat omelettes, I have a feeling that you’ll be more likely to follow my request if I write it in a letter than tell you directly.
What about it? Nero.
Nero: ……..
Akira: Ahaha. After all, Nero probably won’t be able to turn down a request that Riquet has worked so hard on writing out in words.
Nero: Y’know, I don’t remember being such an easy guy who’ll do as a child predicts……
Riquet: Fufu. I just want to properly memorise how to write the word ‘omelette’, so that Nero doesn’t mistake it for any other menu item.
Today’s Shopping Squad
Akira: You have a rendezvous with Riquet?
Nero: Yeah, I’m going to shop for ingredients in Central, so I’m bringing him along while I’m at it.
That kid, he only ever wants to eat the same things so I pressed him about it.
But he doesn’t seem to really know what he likes.
If he eats and tastes all sorts of things and discovers a flavour that he likes, it’ll be worth asking him for requests, right?
But well, if the first food he tastes is my cooking, he might get very particular about his food.
Akira: That… You’re right.
Nero: Ahaha. That’s none of my business, though.
Riquet: Nero, thanks for waiting.
I was really looking forward to going out to shop today! Please take care of me.
Nero: It’s good for you to get a sense of the atmosphere at the market too. We’ll take our time.
Well then, we’ll be off.
Akira: Alright. Take care on your trip, both of you.
Gift of Physical Labour
Akira: Nero- what’s for dinner today?
Nero: Mr Sage! You came at the right time. My shirt sleeve unrolled, but I’ve got both my hands full.
Akira: Got it. I'll roll it back up, alright? Here goes…
Nero: That was a great help. Thank you.
Akira: …….
Nero: …….What’s the matter? You’re staring at my arms.
Akira: No, I was thinking about how you have a fair bit of muscle… So you do do muscle training after all?
Nero: Nah, rather than physical training, chefs do a surprising amount of physical work, so my arm muscles developed accordingly.
Akira: I see…..
Nero: Thanks. I’ll put extra meat on your plate for dinner tonight, Mr Sage.
Akira: (If I eat lots of meat, will I grow more muscle as well? No, or should I cook instead?)
Thoughtful Kindness
Akira: ...Sigh.
Nero: What’s the matter? Got no appetite?
Akira: Ah, sorry for bothering you...
Nero: It’s fine, don’t push yourself. Everyone has days like that. Are you not feeling well?
Akira: To be honest, I’m a little drained. Even though nothing nasty has happened, I can’t find it in myself to be energetic…
Nero: It’s like that, sometimes. Feeling exhausted for no reason, and not wanting to talk to anybody. It’s not anybody’s fault, so you feel guilty for worrying everyone else, too.
Akira: Exactly…! It’s difficult to talk to anyone about it especially because there’s no big reason for it…
Nero: At times like this, what about you hide away and spend the day in your room? I’ll cover you for those who get worried.
Akira: Nero… Thank you so much, somehow I feel much more at ease. I think I’ll spend the day in my room to my heart’s content tomorrow!
Nero: I’ll bring you something light to eat too. Don’t spill it on your bed, ya?
Nero’s Magical Specialty
Akira: Nero, do you have a magic specialty? Like magic that nobody but you can use.
Nero: I don’t have that kinda grand magic that only I can use, but I’m good at magic which involves fine manipulation.
It’s like, lots of tiny intricate things at once, rather than one huge thing.
Akira: I see. That’s easy to understand! Nero’s cooking also has that kind of delicate feel to it.
Nero: Right? Well, there are probably lots of Eastern wizards with that kind of temperament, though.
Akira: Speaking of which, you don’t really use magic when you’re cooking. You’ve got to be pretty particular about that, right?
Nero: It’s not such a big deal as being particular, but isn’t it better to touch the ingredients directly? Cooking also feels more tangible that way.
Akira: When you say “better”...
Nero: I mean, well…
It’s more fun, preparing it by hand.
Effortless Picking
Akira: Hmm....
Nero: Mr Sage, what are you groaning to yourself about?
Akira: This door isn't opening... It doesn't seem to work with any of the keys.
Nero: Huh, let me take a look.
Etunodisce Omnis!
Akira: Eh!
- Akira: Did you fix it?
Nero: No, I just picked the lock. Something like this is easy as pie.
- Akira: Did you break it?
Nero: Don't lump me together with some dumbasses.
I just fiddled with the keyhole and picked the lock.
Akira: Wow, thank you very much! You seem very experienced in doing that.
Nero: Haha... It was just a simple lock, I think anyone could do something like that.
Akira: There's no such thing. You did it with such ease, it's as though you're a pro lock-picker. I was amazed!
Nero: ...Stop that.
Nero's Crest
Akira: I heard that a crest appears that marks a wizard when they are chosen to be the Sage's wizards.
Where is your crest, Nero?
Nero: Ah, around here.
As he spoke, Nero lightly hit the area around his left upper arm.
Nero: I'd heard that a mark would appear on a wizard's body when they were chosen as a Sage's wizard.
There was a sudden light...
I was shocked that I of all people would be chosen.
Akira: After all, it was so sudden it must have been shocking.
Nero: I thought I'd gotten used to it after all this time, but I guess not.
When I think about this same mark of mine being on a bunch of other people's bodies, how do I put it, it feels strange...
It makes me uncomfortable and uneasy, as though I'm borrowing someone else's bed, and I can't seem to settle down.
Akira: An uncomfortable feeling...?
Nero: I'm probably overly conscious of it... Well, I'll get used to it, so don't worry your head over it.
Wanted: Knife Skills
Akira: Wow, that's a lot of vegetables!
Nero: Haha... I was told it would be cheaper to buy it in bulk, so I ended up buying too much. I gotta make it easier to eat for the kids.
Akira: May I lend a hand? Though I don't know if I can be of any help...
Nero: Sure. Could you use that knife and chopping board over there to cut it into fine strips? Don't cut your fingers.
Akira: Got it!
Akira: (Alright, I'll imitate the clean and careful way with which Nero always cuts ingredients...)
[black screen]
Nero: How are things... Woah, what's that!?
Akira: I'm sorry... I tried my best, but I couldn't do it as well as Nero and it turned out shaped like that...
Nero: No, I don't mind at all. Pfft, the shape you've cut it into is really getting to me, though.... Haha, ahahahaha!
Akira: (It's rare for Nero to laugh like this...)
Teatime Before Bed
Akira: Good evening, Nero. I went to the Northern Country for today's job, and found a souvenir for you.
Nero: For me? When you say you found... Do you mean a cooking ingredient?
Akira: Yes! Here, it's what we talked about before. Snow and White sealed it into a bottle for me...
Nero: Isn't this Thunder Spice! For how difficult it is for the guys up North to find it, it's of premium quality. It must've been difficult for you to get your hands on this, thank you.
- Akira: What do you do in your time alone?
Nero: When I'm alone, I laze around. Read books in bed and stuff. I have a kitchen in here, but it's not like I use it to experiment with cooking passionately. Though I did try a few dish prototypes today.
- Akira: Do you invite anyone to your room?
Nero: It's not like I invite them, but Shino and Riquet come by when they're hungry, and the guys from the North have no self-restraint either.
But rather than them coming to talk in my room, they come by when they need me for something, which is probably just the right kind of distance for me.
- Akira: What's your time schedule like every day?
Nero: I wake up early, and help Ms Canaria with preparations for breakfast and cleaning up. And then I do some magic training after...
Then I take a nap, help out with dinner preparations, while the evening away, then go to bed.
Akira: Sorry for disturbing you right before bedtime.
Nero: What are you talking about? You came all this way, even though you're tired. If you don't mind, how about I make you a cup of tea?
When you add a little bit of tea leaves to this spice, it's delicious and warms your body up.
Akira: That sounds delicious...! Alright, I'll have a small cup then!
Sharing Leftovers
Nero: Thanks for helping with cleanup.
Akira: No, not at all. I always get to eat such delicious food, let me do this at least.
Faust: Nero, are there any leftovers from lunch? I'm hungry.
Nero: It's rare for you to say that. What kind of leftovers do you want?
Faust: ...Small fish or something. Sausage scraps are fine too, though.
Akira: Somehow, small fish and sausages seem to be the kind of food that cats would like...
Faust: Sage. Do you have a bone to pick with the food I want to eat?
Akira: No, no, there's no such thing!
Nero: There should still be sausages left over. I'll whip them up right away, can you wait a bit?
Faust: Yeah, thank you.
Nero: Whether it's Faust or a cat, be careful not to overeat.
Bane of Hygiene Management
Nero: Dammit! Where the fuck did that bastard go!? If I don't catch it fast, this ain't gonna be a place for cooking...
Akira: Nero! What's the matter? Could it be that Bradley snuck some snacks again...?
Nero: Just this one time, that guy's considerably more preferable! Mr Sage, help me take a look over there.
Nero: I don't want to say this, but there's a rat... This situation shouldn't be happenin', seriously.
Akira: A rat!?
Akira: Ah, Nero! It's over there!
Nero: Got you! Tch, it escaped!?
Over there!? Dammit, it moves freakin’ fast.
Our cleaning should have been spotless, so why...
Nero: Ah! Aren't those some food remnants over there!? From the way the vegetables have been left behind, it's gotta be Brad. Even though I told him not to just leave his leftovers lyin' around like that!
Nero: I'll definitely come for you... I'll make you regret sullying my sanctuary!
Akira: (I can't tell if the one he's going for is the rat or Bradley...)
Bribe for my Secret
Akira: Oh, what are you doing, Nero?
Nero: Haha... You found me, huh. The night breeze feels good today. So I'm having a nighttime drink here.
Akira: Yes, today sure is a nice night.
Nero: Right? This place is my secret drinking spot, so I hope you won't tell anyone about it.
- Akira: Understood.
Nero: Thanks. I thought you'd say so.
- Akira: I definitely will not tell anybody about it.
Nero: Ahaha, you don't need to be that serious about it.
Nero: Alright, here's my payment for your silence. C'mon, open your mouth.
Akira: ...! It's sweet!
Nero: Sweet things are surprisingly compatible with alcohol. And eating chocolate at this hour is special, isn't it?
Akira: There's a very... strong sense of guilt...!
Nero: Once you've tasted it once, there's no going back. I'm counting on you to keep your silence, Mr Sage.
If you keep my secret, I'll give you chocolate again.
Lesson Inspection
Nero: Oh, you guys are up to it?
Heathcliff: Nero, Sir Sage. It's rare for you to come together.
Nero: We crossed ways in the corridor. Mr Sage wants to observe your lessons too.
Akira: I'm curious how everyone learns magic.
Shino: Watching a lecture is plain boring. Faust, change it up to practical training.
Faust: I'm not changing the lesson plans. Sit down properly.
Shino: I wanted to show Sage my cool self...
Heathcliff: C'mon, Shino. Don’t start pouting right after.
Nero: Haha, it's difficult having mischievous students, isn't it. Teacher Faust?
Faust: Don’t laugh. Stop nudging me.
Akira: (I thought they would have lessons with a more uptight atmosphere...)
Akira: It feels a little like, cats that are cautious of strangers, letting down their guards around their friends?
Nero: Hm? Did you say something?
