Dian Cecht Episode

Why is the assistant taking so long to show up?!

I mean, seriously. I'm the Swordbringer. I never thought I'd be handed a hoe and told to till the fields.

Why am I the one restoring this war-torn vegetable patch?

What are you mumbling about?

Wah! You scared me...

Um... and you are?

Dian Cecht. I'm the assistant assigned to you today. You heard about me from the Association, right?

You're... not just some assistant, are you?

I told you, I'm a humble farmer.

Oh, stop playing. No ordinary farmer carries that much innate mana.

You're not from the Empire... are you? If you are, lying won't end well for you.

Ooh... you're sharper than I thought. I was curious about the rumors, but looks like they weren't exaggerated.

I've met my share of odd people. You don't feel like an enemy, but "farmer" is a pretty bad cover.

Then why don't you take a guess? Who am I, really?

If you're not an enemy... With this level of mana, I'd guess a royal court wizard from one of the allied kingdoms?

Wrong! Not even close.

Are you seriously comparing me to some "wizard?"

Not my favorite nickname, but I'm fairly well-known. People call me... the Witch of Light.

What...?!

Pfft...!

Wow, I didn't see that one coming. Not sure if you're being serious or just guessing wildly, but... that caught me off guard.

D-Don't tell me... seriously?

Well, there was a time people saw me that way. But now? I'm just a witch.

A witch... don't tell me...!

I don't really care what people call me. But yes, "Witch of Light," I think that's what they say?

Witch of Light...?

What? Not impressed?

I am, actually. It's just...

It's more surprising that a witch would wield the power of light. I'd expect that from a saint, not a "witch."

That's rude. Not every witch crawls out of the shadows. I'm perfectly respectable, thank you very much.

...Though I do regret parts of my past.

When a witch talks about the "past," just how far back are we talking? You might look young, but your real age is probably...

Stop right there! Say another word and I will get angry!

Ethan!

...?

Hehe! Gotcha!

You said you were here to help with the farming. So why are you just messing around?

Well, I did come to help. But you're the main guy here, right, Ethan? You're the great Swordbringer, don't tell me a tiny garden is too much for you?

I was kind of looking forward to this... but honestly? Bit of a letdown.

I wanna spit back at you, but I don't even know where to start. So... when exactly do you plan to help?

When you're done tilling the field?

The soil's been heavily depleted. In other words, it needs a little magical rehab. That's where I come in.

So I do all the digging, planting, watering, everything?

Exactly!

....

Wow! Look at all the flowers blooming here.

Not sure how you plan on "restoring" the soil, but could you at least go fetch some water?

I'll make you a flower crown.

Hey...! Are you even listening?

Ugh, you're such a pain. Just let me do my thing, will you?

Naggy boys don't get popular, Ethan. Judging from what I've seen, you must be...

F-Fine! I'll just focus and get this over with...!

Whew, all done.

Good job.

...Now you move that I'm done?!

My part starts now, silly. You did a fine job with this barren land.

Told you, there's nothing like youth.

I don't know what I'm doing. I just did my best, that's all.

Then we'll make sure your hard work doesn't go to waste. Now then...

Haah!

...!

Fufu, this is nothing.

That's right. Sharp eyes, huh?

I wasn't sure if you were for real... but you really are a witch.

Dummy. You think I'd lie about something like that?

Though to be fair, "witch" is just a name humans made up.

Hmm... you are an odd one for sure. A witch wielding the healing power of light... I feel like everything I thought I knew just fell apart.

Maybe... you...

That kind of talk doesn't mean much at this point. Right now, I'm just one of the witches known across the continent.

Now, shall we move on to the next field? You did brag you'd finish early... I'm holding you to that.

...Haha, yeah, yeah.

Ethan, how about a drink?

You're not even tired... right, of course. I did all the hard labor.

But seriously, what kind of witch is this extroverted? Don't you need to get back or something?

Nah, it's fine. Because...

I wanted to meet you, Ethan. That's actually why I volunteered for this job.

Me? Why?

You're so tense... cute, actually.

....

Well, Ethan. I just wanted to get to know you better.

...Can a witch really afford to say stuff like that?

What do you mean "afford to"?

You've been stirring up quite a storm across the continent. Naturally, I got curious. And... I felt like you might be able to soothe this weird feeling I've had lately.

Got something on your mind?

Not quite a problem, but... I've been thinking about what I should do going forward.

Up until now, I've stayed out of the war. Kept clear of the Empire. But the outcome of this conflict... it's going to affect me too.

And the people who follow me... they'll be affected just the same.

So that means... Dian, you...

Yes.

I need to decide whether or not to join hands with you, Ethan.

At the moment, I'm leaning toward... yes!

So, answer me.

Can you trust me?

If you had anything shady planned, you'd have attacked me by now.

Besides, a witch who uses the power of light to heal and restore... there's no way someone like that could be evil.

Fufu, I can't tell if that's naive or just honest. Are you really okay trusting someone that easily?

The way I've survived in this world is by not doubting more than I have to.

When you're low on allies, you can't afford to spend your energy worrying about who might stab you in the back.

Well, you don't seem like an enemy, but I can't fully trust you just yet.

And witches, as a rule, are all kinda weird. You never know what they'll do next. Asking me to trust you right off the bat? That's asking a lot.

Yeah... I figured.

Still...

...?

I'm always up for a drink. Doesn't hurt to get friendly with a healing witch.

Hmm... I knew I wasn't wrong about you.

Most humans only believe what they want to believe. They care more about what's "common sense" than what they truly feel.

But you, you're someone who believes in yourself and respects others. That alone makes you worthy to stand by my side.

Uh... you're gonna make me blush.

To celebrate our new friendship, drinks are on me tonight. Let's go!

Dian, what's your story?

Hm? My story?

I mean, most witches or fairies who've lived a long time have some sort of epic backstory or personal baggage.

Even Morgana, who tags along with me everywhere, is always bragging about how amazing she used to be.

Well... if we're talking about Morgana the Fairy Queen, I suppose she's earned it.

Even if it's true, I've decided to ignore her. The way she acts, it's hard to believe she's even a fairy.

Fufu. There's always a gap between legend and reality.

As for me... nothing worth bragging about.

I was originally a goddess of healing.

Thought so. I figured you weren't just some ordinary person. Though to be fair, "witch" and "ordinary" don't really mix.

Fufu... In the old days, I wandered the continent healing the sick and wounded.

I had a lot of followers back then. After all, a god's power grows stronger the more believers they have.

Makes sense. It's a power that helped people, of course they'd follow you.

Right. There were wars even back then, and plagues that ravaged entire kingdoms.

At one point, I had more followers than any other deity on the continent.

...Isn't that something you should brag about?

...It didn't last.

My followers, the ones who used my powers to heal the sick and injured, started getting accused of witchcraft.

What? Why?

Ignorance. Back then, with no real medicine, people prayed to the sky or relied on herbs and rituals.

Then suddenly, people were healing with mysterious powers...

I get it. To the ones who were supposed to be the healers, your followers must've looked like heretics.

Exactly...

It was my fault. I kept spreading my teachings, never thinking about how the world might perceive them.

A few of my followers were branded witches and burned alive. And in my rage... I slaughtered every human who took part in it.

....

After that, I was labeled a witch too. Naturally, the rest of my followers abandoned me.

...Now I get it. You want to use your power to help people again.

Hm... not bad, Ethan. You're more perceptive than I expected.

Yeah. I figured if I traveled with you, the famed Swordbringer, people might start to accept my powers again.

You don't see that as using you, do you?

If you're using my fame and connections for a good reason, then be my guest.

I wouldn't have even made it to Avalon if it weren't for Merlin and Elizabeth.

Hehe, you're surprisingly pragmatic.

And I'll be using you too. Your power could be a huge asset in our fight.

With a gift like yours, people will come around. The past can stay in the past.

And if it comes down to it, if someone has to vouch for you, I'll gladly do it.

Fufu... I knew I was right about you. I had a feeling you'd say something like that.

You know... you've got my heart racing just a little.

Haha...

Now that I've spilled my guts, how about we eat and party like crazy?

Huh? Aren't you getting tired?

Hehe! The night's just beginning. Living it up is what life's all about!

You've heard a woman's past, so you'll be sticking with me all night, right? Hehe, I'll be expecting great things, Ethan!

How long does she expect me to wait?

Why the serious face on such a lovely day?

Dian...! There you are.

You suddenly asked me to meet at the beach, so I was wondering, whoa!

T-That's... a pretty bold outfit...

Fufu. You like it? Thanks to you, bikinis have become all the rage lately.

They keep me cool, stylish... honestly, I think they're a brilliant invention.

W-Well, I'm glad to hear that.

Why so surprised? You started the trend.

Mm... I guess I wasn't expecting this kind of fan service... Though I gotta admit... it really suits you.

Ethan.

Y-Yes?!

So...

Y-Yeah...?!

What do you think of this place?

R-Right. I mean, it's sudden, but I'd be happy to...

...Wait. This place?

Hmm? What were you expecting? You sound almost disappointed...

Were you hoping for... something else?

O-Of course not! I was just a little tense, that's all! Haha! Hahaha!!

Why so quiet? This is a peaceful beach, isn't it?

The sand is soft, the waves are calm...

It's too shallow for boats to dock, so no one ever comes here. But isn't it beautiful?

Now that you mention it, yeah...

How'd you even find this place?

Fufu... I thought this might be the perfect spot... for a secret little date with you.

Now then, my adorable little Swordbringer, You looked like you were deep in thought just now. Shall we have some fun?

...Dian.

You can do whatever you like. Go ahead...

This place is amazing!

...Huh?

I've been thinking, this world is too dull sometimes, even with the war going on.

It's always eat, sleep, fight... there's never anything else.

Now that the battles are ending and the towns are being rebuilt, people deserve the chance to pursue happiness.

Hmm... There you go again. You always get fixated on something strange.

It's nice that you're passionate, but really? You've got a gorgeous woman right in front of you, and you're getting distracted?

Haha, sorry.

It's not that I'm rejecting your offer or anything. You're stunning, my heart's pounding just looking at you.

But if we make this into a proper resort, we'll make even better memories. Wouldn't that make this whole bikini moment even more worthwhile?

Hmm...

...You know what? You've got a point.

Alright, so what's your plan? How exactly do you turn this into a resort?

This beach is nice enough that people would come on their own, but right now, no one can afford to travel just for fun.

So... we build a marketplace.

A market?

Not a seasonal one. A permanent market, like you'd see in a big city.

Ooh... That sounds fun. Cold drinks, fresh fruit... those would sell well.

Exactly. And swimsuits too.

You said yourself, people love them. That alone is enough to draw a crowd.

True. These bikinis would sell like crazy.

At first, it'll probably attract nobles.

Hmm...

And naturally, they'll bring their attendants. Those attendants will become the next wave of customers.

Then word spreads, and commoners start showing up too.

Fufu... You really are the man I set my sights on!

Alright. Just this once... I'll go along with your plan.. If it means we get a place to rest... I'm looking forward to it, too.

And once it's finished... let's make a ton of memories, just the two of us.

Yeah...

Look, Ethan! They're selling all kinds of delicious food!

You're right. We should bring the others here sometime.

To think you pulled this off... Maybe the legends are true. You really are the Swordbringer.

Only because you brought me here. Half the credit's yours, Dian.

Fufu... Oh stop it. Now come on... You're not getting away today.

I won't accept any excuses, Ethan.

Dian.

What, trying to butter me up so you can skip the outing?

Please. You're way too obvious. If you want to fool me, you've got a hundred years to go.

I meant it. Thanks to you, this beach became something truly special.

Get over here already!

You'll have to catch me first.

W-What?! That came out of nowhere...

Can't help it. Between the cute bikini and how I actually... feel about you...

A-A date's fine, but this is way too fast, mmff...

I'm kidding.

...Huh?

Hey, I can't be the only one getting bullied. Judging by your reaction, I got you pretty good. Haha, huh?

Fufu... Seems you forgot who you're messing with. Let me remind you, physically, if I must.

W-Wait! I-I'm sorry!

If I catch you, you're in for it!

Y-You're being too serious and scary! Aren't you supposed to be an ancient, legendary witch?! Show some restraint!

GASP! Ancient??? Are you... calling me old right now? That's it. You're done!

No no no!! I didn't say anything like that!!