II. Symphonic Poem of Gold
2-1
When entering the Flame-Chase's currents for the first time,
All the swordmaster saw were colorful fish.
She had already experienced
The Imperator's dangerous games.
She had long grown used to
The giant beast's silent face.
Carminum's charms
And Helkolithist's gentleness
Warmed her like a spring breeze.
But as Fragoris missed his throne
And Brumalis debated with joy,
She was sometimes at a loss.
Occasionally,
The swordmaster would sink into hesitation,
And even that messenger of fate
Could not get her to laugh.
Till one day,
A golden trout's bubbles
Floated into her gloomy waters.
2-2
In that holy city where golden figs grew,
The messenger of fate led to her a maiden dressed in glamorous gowns.
“Pfft. What kind of clothes are you even wearing?”[1]
The girl snickered behind her hand,
While the messenger pulled on her sleeve.
“Agy, don't be rude!”[2]
“Such hubris, delicate fish… Are you not aware that there's food on your face?”[3]
The messenger's eyes opened wide,
“Agy! You've been snacking behind my back again!”[4]
“Exposing me like this… I'll get my revenge!”[5]
The girl ran away in a fit.
The swordmaster smiled,
And before she knew it… her hesitation was gone.
2-3
After that first meeting,
The richly dressed girl often came in greeting.
“So you really came from the Sea of Souls?
Do all the children of the ocean dress funny like this?”[6]
The swordmaster did not chase the girl away but also did not respond.
So the girl used her hands
To meticulously measure the swordmaster's torso all around.
“You can't be seen like this…
I'll send you a new dress!”[7]
Some days later, the swordmaster appeared in finery at a ball.
All were awed by her splendor
With only the Imperator thinking in wonder.
“How rare to see you like this… oh-so-lonely Gladius.”[8]
2-4
The swordmaster's wardrobe grew full,
And people praised Okhema's Goldweaver
For her cheerfulness and splendid skill.
But only the swordmaster noticed
That the smile on the girl's face
Gradually faded as the Flame-Chase progressed.
The calamity of lands asunder
Added to the girl's weariness.
The battle of the Grove
Robbed the light from the girl's eyes.
Yet another feast arrived
Where the Goldweaver was absent.
The swordmaster donned the most majestic garments
And gently knocked on that door shut tight.
2-5
The singing voice of Dux Gladiorum
Hailed the prelude of the feast.
Guests clamored and cups clinked,
And only the Goldweaver had no thought of enjoying the ambrosia.
“Who would have thought… I've sunk so low that I need you to comfort me.”
She gave a bitter chuckle next to the bonfire,
“You were as gloomy as the bedrock of the ocean when we first met.”[9]
The swordmaster held a tall chalice
Continaing liquid pure,
Reflecting their two faces.
“I remember you were once curious about the stores under the sea.
Then, allow me to use my songs
To reveal that past known to none.”[10]