Capital City 2

The next day, I headed once again toward the rundown library. Incidentally, the library I currently attend isn't actually rundown—it's just a nickname given in contrast to the grand, central library located in the heart of town.

Just as I was about to leave the lodging facility, Noel spoke up.

"Tarou, what are you planning to do today?"

"Well, I was just going to head to the rundown library again today."

"Right, then. We'll be going from shop to shop. If you feel like stopping by any stalls, just give us a call."

He gave a brief wave with his hand and hurried toward the library.

Upon arriving at the library, he saw the woman he’d apologized to the day before sitting on the bench right in front, looking rather gloomy. She seemed unapproachable, so he felt a pang of concern but passed by without speaking.

After quickly browsing through the books he wanted to see at the library, it was around noon, so he decided to head outside for lunch.

Then he noticed the woman from earlier still slumped on the bench.

He couldn't help but feel concerned....He decided to approach her.

"Uh, you've been here since this morning... Is something wrong?"

"Hmm...?"

Her eyes were dull, like those of a dead fish.

She was apparently named Fujiwara Ema—a woman with straight, long blonde hair and a curvaceous figure, wearing glasses.

It seems she got fired from the research institute due to the explosion incident. Let me hear the details—though she’s talking before I’ve even asked.

"So, you’re saying that even though the explosion wasn’t your fault, you were let go because the lab had no budget and because you, Ema, lacked status?"

"That's right. There were other new hires too, including someone from a noble family. That person was part of the group responsible for the accident. Since budgets are allocated per group, the noble's child should have been the one let go—however, apparently there was noble pressure. The lab director secretly told me about it just before the dismissal."

"I... I mean, that's really difficult, isn't it?"

Her face is a mess from tears and snot—such a beautiful woman, ruined by it all.

Many people tend to view magical stone research and magic as privileges reserved for the nobility. This country is relatively better in that regard...

But I don't want to give up! While most magic and magical stone research focuses on combat, I believe it should be used for the benefit of ordinary citizens instead.

If that were the case, people's lives would become much more prosperous. That's exactly why we need to pursue such research.

That's true, as far as I've researched... The most advanced area in magical stone research is combat-related studies.

"Very impressive. May I ask what kind of research you're conducting?"

"We're developing a carriage that moves automatically using magical energy derived from magical stones."

Magical energy is a general term for power generated by magical stones or magic. Incidentally, the energy people inject into magical stones is said to be called "spirit essence."

"Automatically powering a carriage...?"

As I listened to the conversation, an idea immediately came to mind.

A vehicle.

I was a university student in the faculty of engineering. Naturally, I had basic knowledge of car engines.

Are they planning to build an engine using magical stones...? I suddenly became very eager to learn more about this research.

"That sounds wonderful. I'd like to know more too. Please keep up the good work."

Yes! I won't give up over something like this. I spent years studying at that research institute and even had my papers recognized. Recently, vacant rooms have been increasing and are being rented out at low wages. I'll rent one of them and set up my own laboratory.

Suddenly, fire lit up in her eyes. She seemed to have regained her motivation. At the same time, her curiosity got the better of her, causing her to miss the conversation.

"Thank you so much. Just hearing you out has lifted my spirits. I can't give up now—I have my goals to reach. Thank you truly for today."

With that, she suddenly dashed off somewhere with renewed energy. It seemed, somehow, that she had managed to help someone in need.

But I still didn’t learn anything about her research...

That night, I slept deeply and peacefully.

The next day, I had planned to head back to the rundown library, but I was stopped by the captain.

Sorry about this, Taro. There's someone I'd like to introduce to you today.

? It's no problem. Who is it?

I really wanted to gather as much information as possible at the library, but...

Ah, it's Fujiwara Trading Company. They handle a wide variety of goods. It's an old company, established in this country, and the largest one around here.

Fujiwara... I think I've heard that name somewhere before.

"Well, Fujiwara is a fairly common name around here. It's not surprising you've heard it somewhere before."

As we chatted, following the captain, a particularly large Western-style mansion appeared. The captain seemed to be a familiar face here—he gave a brief greeting to the gatekeeper and walked right in.

We were immediately led into a small room upon entering.

After a while, a glamorous, youthful-looking woman entered. She had blonde hair and long locks.

"Hey, Jack—this guy here a mage?"

"Yeah, he is. A lightning mage. Quite a powerful one, too."

"Hmm."

The woman scrutinized him carefully.

"Sorry, I should introduce myself. I'm Fujiwara Marie, the tenth-generation president of Fujiwara Corporation. I've known Jack since long ago, and we still handle business transactions together."

Nice to meet you, I'm Sato Taro. I ended up gaining the ability to use magic somehow. Right now, I'm just carrying luggage while researching magic.

I've heard about you. You were once a lost soul, right?

!? How do you know that?

That's because the things we trade aren't just physical goods.

So it's...

Information, then?

Marie answers with a subtle expression.

She's planning something. My body tenses up instinctively.

Then the captain chimes in from the side.

"Don't worry. Your magic's flashy enough. It'll be exposed sooner or later. Besides, this one's on our side—us, the citizens."

"That's right. The fact that you know he's a mage is valuable leverage. My daughter missed out on a golden opportunity, it seems."

Daughter? At this moment, blonde hair, and the surname Fujiwara...

"Is it Emma?"

"Yes. She's still quite inexperienced, that one."

Shaking her head in disbelief.

Yet she should know how things stand with her.

"Isn't it inappropriate to interfere with another family's policies? Wouldn't you help her out?"

"Our family believes in overcoming hardships through one's own strength. The world can shape itself however it wants. Even if it's harsh, one must learn to survive independently."

I had something I wanted to say, but if parent and child were already on the same page, there was nothing more I could add.