Mythos Garden

The attendants of the meeting’s expressions widened in surprise in unison.

‘Fables? What is Mr. Ophelia talking about?’  Juno wondered.

‘Mythos Garden? What does this name mean?’

At the same time, the three also noticed the appearance of a new person. The boy sitting at the other side of the long table had dark lines under his eyes as if experiencing grand fatigue. His hair, which fell towards his ears in curls, was a stark raven black, and his eyes were like liquid silver swirling in his irises.

‘Who is this boy?’ Zelia wondered. ‘He’s cute, almost like a little puppy. I wondered how this stray dog wandered in… I’ve never seen him present in the House of Cards…’

‘That aura that permeates that boy… has he really not learned to control it? From this, we can surmise he’s a black mage, but what is he doing here?’ Juno ruminated. ‘If he came alongside Mr. Ophelia, then is he someone that the Demon of the Garden has taken under his wing? Or is he a close friend of the One of Spades, Lumière Croft?’

In the midst of the strangling silence, Cartwell was the first to speak in response.

“Good morning, honourable Lord Ophelia.” Cartwell spoke genially, his warm smile alighting the tense atmosphere. Hearing this, all became relieved. Nicole, who still had no clue as to what had been occurring, gradually felt himself relax as Cartwell spoke.

“Good morning, everyone.” Lumière smiled himself, gesturing towards the members. “You must be wondering why I’ve gathered you here, but I assure you it will be fine.”

As he spoke, the pervasive voice of Ophelia’s personality in his mind began to repeat itself, a pang of pain ringing in his head.

‘Awaken the garden. Awaken the garden. Awaken the garden.’

Zelia suddenly raised her hand as if asking to speak. As Lumière nodded towards her, she began her inquisitions.

“Honourable Lord Ophelia, why is it that you’ve called us here? What do you mean by ‘Fables’, and what is the ‘Mythos Garden’? Is it in any way connected to your honorific name, the ‘Demon of the Garden’?”

Then, Juno spoke up. “And who is the boy you’ve brought alongside you?” Of course, Juno spoke without caution. He had carefully measured the lines he could tiptoe previously, after all.

Visibly timid, Nicole bowed his head. “My name is Nicole. I’m not too sure why I’m here, but it’s nice to meet you all…”

His voice was barely a whisper. If the room were much louder, he would have gone unheard. Seeing Nicole’s timid state, Zelia and Cartwell were quick to speak up.

“It’s nice to meet you, Nicole.” Cartwell smiled. “There’s no need to be afraid here. We’re all acquaintances who work towards a common goal. Although, we’re all not too sure why we’re here, either.”

Zelia nodded her head in agreement. “Why don’t we do introductions then, since there’s a new person in our midst?”

“That’s a fine proposal. Do it if you must.” Lumière replied.

One by one, the members began to introduce themselves to Nicole, calm and kind as if to soothe him. Gradually, his anxiety began to dissipate, and he smiled softly, although quite reserved. As soon as Lumière noticed Nicole become relaxed, and as introductions had concluded, he spoke once more.

“Now, as per your questions, it’s quite simple. The ‘Mythos Garden’ is the name of the long-term operation I plan to continue the proposal from our last meeting. I left too abruptly to discuss it further, after all.”

It was something that had shocked Juno, Zelia, and Cartwell. Without any rhyme or reason, the Demon of the Garden had just stood up and left. Of course, they were not privy to question the whims of the demon, and so they had kept silent about it. However, this didn’t stop them from speculating. Moreover, his plans in combating the ‘Phantom Syndicate’ that they had never heard of remained a mystery to them. As to what degree Mr. Ophelia wanted them to help was also unknown.

“I want you four to help me destroy the Phantom Syndicate.”

Nicole’s eyes shuddered, his once-relaxed state giving way to turmoil. His gaze shot towards Lumière, and he couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Has this been your plan all along, Mr. Demon!?” Nicole’s eyes lit up. “Is this… is this why you brought me here?”

Juno looked over towards Nicole, same as Zelia and Cartwell. ‘Why did this boy have such a sudden reaction towards the mention of this mysterious organisation? It seems there’s a specific reason Mr. Ophelia brought him here, but why?’

Lumière let out a sigh. “Yes, that’s primarily why I brought you here. Do you not want to do so?”

‘My knowledge is limited. My funds are limited. My power is limited. The only thing I can do is lie. It’s all I’ve ever been able to do.’ Lumière ruminated as he looked over the attendees. ‘Still, I can’t accomplish this monumental task alone.'

“No, I definitely want to do so.” The turmoil in Nicole’s eyes quickly became a dull rage. This was the first time he had saw some semblance of hope in destroying the people who had ruined his life- the first time he had even thought it was possible to do so. For him, who had not even fully grown up, it was impossible. But under the lead of Mr. Demon, the one who had promised to protect him, then it might have been more than just a dream.

A grin curled up Lumière’s lips. “Then, I would like to propose a crossroads deal.”

‘The key to being a magician has always been misdirection.’ Lumière chuckled internally. ‘To them, I’ve tried to portray a terrifying figure. This was the result of trying to cover for having to use my ‘Despair’ ability after falling to my Lain persona brought me to such a perilous situation. Unfortunately, this means trust is out of the option. Swaying them with fear will turn them against me at this point. They may seek out the help from the Joker as well. Although he seems amused enough to allow my charades to continue unimpeded, he may change his mind if it starts to tarnish the reputation of the House of Cards…’

‘However, these people are opportunistic… Juno, the merchant, seeks monetary gain and connections to powerful people. Just associating with me is enough to convince him to stay around, but to risk his life for such a thing is a different matter. For Nicole, the idea of taking down the Phantom Syndicate is enough to convince him in theory, although in practice, his anxiety might get in his own way of performing well. As for Zelia and Cartwell, I don’t yet know them enough to know how to move him. This conversation will be important in learning how to convince them…’

‘At the heart of the matter, what I’m currently capable of is not enough to sway ordinary, weak magic users to face such a powerful organisation. After all, the Phantom Syndicate is an organisation that raises children to become soldiers- a group led by powerful people that could rival the House of Cards. This much was told to me by Constantine. Then, if that’s the case, to cause these people to move in action, there must be great consequence.’

As the four leaned forward in their seats, Lumière continued with a calm smile.

“The deal will remain open-ended. Whatever you wish to stand as compensation can be decided now, or at a later date.”

Juno had to restrain himself, he who almost sprung from his seat in elation. His expression, which failed to remain calm, was enough to tell Lumière that he had managed to lure in the merchant.

‘An open-ended deal? This isn’t something someone would normally offer. After all, this isn’t just a simple exchange. If Mr. Ophelia keeps his word… no, he surely will. A Demon always keeps his word when it comes to crossroads deals. That’s what makes them different from normal exchanges…’ Juno’s mind began to race, unable to keep a grin from curling up his lips. ‘If this really is the case, then no one in their right mind would choose to request something of him in this moment. They would wait until his plan flourishes. If Mr. Ophelia really manages to topple this great Order, then the benefits he can grant would only increase. Waiting to request of him is really the only smart decision, and denying this deal is the stupidest one.’

“I’ll graciously accept your offer, honourable Lord Ophelia.” Juno replied quickly, yet calmly.

“Do you not fear the danger?” Lumière replied. “There are only two people in this room who know of the full weight of this deal, and more than I, that person knows it all too well…” Following Lumière’s gaze, everyone’s eyes landed on Nicole once more.

Timidly, sensing everyone’s eyes on him, Nicole spoke out. “It’s true… it’s not something any of us can accomplish alone… even the four of us alongside Mr. Demon… it’s really too impossible…”

Juno looked back towards Lumière.

“Then, honourable Lord Ophelia, is this why you called it a ‘long-term mission’?” Juno came to a realisation. “Is it the case that you want us to perform more operations in order to grow stronger, with the main goal of defeating the Phantom Syndicate on the horizon?”

“Precisely.” Lumière smiled. “You’ve got good deduction skills, Mr. Juno.”

“Thank you, honourable Lord Ophelia.” Juno nodded his head. “Then, if that’s the case, I have no fear. We won’t be going unprepared, after all. I trust in your judgment.”

Then, as Nicole and Juno had agreed, Lumière’s gaze fell upon the duo- Zelia Chatelain and Cartwell Heffen. Seeing that the Demon had looked towards him, Cartwell leaned forward in his seat.

“Alet Robellia.” Cartwell suddenly spoke aloud.

Zelia’s eyes widened, and Lumière turned to look at the man who suddenly spoke.

“Alet Robellia?” Lumière repeated inquisitively.

“It’s a hospital in the Outer Stratum of Lindgram. It attends to ill children.” Cartwell’s expression suddenly became nostalgic, almost gentle, as if he were reminiscing on happier memories. Of what could be happy about a hospital, Lumière had become lost on it. “My sister resides there- her name is Thalia. Every week, she seems to grow even sicker. Seeing someone’s pain in every moment… she’s so young. Can you imagine that? As an alchemist, I thought I would immediately gain the power to heal her, but even that ability alludes me… I am not yet strong enough. As long as I’m alive, however, I can try each day to gain that power…”

Cartwell cleared his throat slightly before speaking again. “It might seem like I’m harping on a pointless topic, but what I mean to say now is its purpose. If I am to die, I wish that you, or the One of Spades whose body you inhabit, will carry out my goal. This is all I wish for in exchange. Please save my little sister.”

There was silence for a moment. Alike to Zelia, Juno, and Nicole, Lumière found it almost impossible to keep surprise from washing over his expression. Cartwell’s smile had always given off the aura of a gentleman who dealt with nothing too difficult in life, at least not as to let it on.

“If you don’t die, this deal will gain you nothing.” Juno interjected, shocked.

“No. Sometimes assurance is everything, Mr. Juno." Cartwell's warm smile curled up his lips once more. "Besides, there's no guarantee that my initial plan will be successful. Perhaps there is no path to cure my sister's ailment through the Domain of alchemy. In this regard, if it seems too lost a cause..."

Cartwell glanced up at Lumière.

"...then I will kill myself, and let Mr. Ophelia fulfill my wish for me."

There was silence in the room for a time. Not one person could believe what he had just said. The resolve that seemed to emanate from the figure was unbelievable.

‘If I were to fight this man to the death… even using Despair, would I win?’ Lumière thought seriously. ‘This determination… can I really compare to him? The unsupposing Cartwell… he may very well be the most dangerous person in this room.’

“Are you satisfied with this much?”

“I am.”

Lumière nodded his head. “Then the deal is done. In exchange for your assistance, your wish will be fulfilled.”

‘This is perfect!’ Lumière could barely contain his elation, his fanatic excitement begging to creep onto his expression. ‘A deal that doesn’t demand immediate attention… as long as I can keep Mr. Heffen alive, it’s technically a deal that doesn’t need to be paid out! This is the best case scenario… and as for Zelia…’

Lumière looked over toward Zelia. Seeing her expression, he knew he had already won. The battle of the exchange had turned in his favour.

“Well, if he’s agreed, then I don’t think I have much choice in the matter…” Zelia sighed. “I’ll agree to this request, honourable Lord Ophelia. I just hope it won’t bring too much danger.”

‘Where one goes, the other follows. The condition to succeeding was to hook one in, and by chance, I managed to do so. Of course, I didn’t expect that Cartwell Heffen would have such a monumental goal in front of him, but it’s no matter. Raising the strength of each member is a condition of my main plan, so it coincides perfectly.’

"That's the first wish, then. Will anyone else speak theirs aloud? Let it be known that your wish can also be spoken in private upon request."

Lumière looked towards Juno, but as expected of him, he did not speak aloud. Then he looked over towards Zelia, but she too had no wish to speak of- or rather, she did not want to.

Just as Lumière thought that the ordeal had concluded, a shakey, yet assured voice spoke up. “I wish that you’ll destroy them all. Every one of those Phantoms…” The voice cut off suddenly.

Lumière and the rest looked over to Nicole at the other side of the table. Upon mention of the name himself, he had begun to shake with anxiety once more.

‘How terrifying were they in person, to leave Nicole like this?’ Lumière wondered. ‘It was too cruel to bring up his past in front of the White Roses, wasn’t it? I’ll just make up for it by helping him destroy them…’

“There’s no need to waste your wish on such a thing.” Zelia laughed suddenly, cutting through the tension. “This is the outcome of honourable Lord Ophelia’s plans. There’s no need for you to wish for that.”

“I just want it to be assured…” Nicole mumbled. “If it’s a deal, then shouldn’t I make sure of it?”

‘This boy has very strong feelings towards this secret organisation… I wonder what transpired in his past to make him feel such a way? Even the mention of ‘Phantoms’ is enough to leave him trembling…’ Cartwell ruminated.

“There’s no need to do so. It’s a promise between you and me that I will destroy them. All you need to do is follow along and help.” Lumière smiled warmly. “Can you do that, little mage?”

Nicole nodded his head, assured. “Very well, Mr. Demon. If you’ve promised to do so, then I will follow you to the end.”

Lumière let out a quieted sigh.

“If this matter has concluded, then there’s only one matter that needs to be settled. As Fables, your legends that will eclipse the greatest secret organisation need to be spread. However, legends cannot be spread if they do not have a name to be called by.”

Lumière raised his hand to gesture towards them.

“So, I hope that today, you will choose codenames to operate by.”