Village of Akau 8

Everyone in the village has come to see me off.

Since I've been staying in my room all along, I haven't had much contact with the villagers, but it seems Alex has been helping with heavy work in place of villagers who can't go outside easily.

"Are you sure you're okay leaving? Could you have stayed a little longer in the village?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. There's a better way now than me staying here."

Fortunately, the illness isn't one that causes immediate death. As long as we keep providing nourishment, we can barely sustain life.

Besides, there won't be any more patients.

"So, we need to act quickly and change things in the capital, right?"

"That's right—hurry up!"

We traveled by carriage as fast as possible and returned to the capital at nearly twice the speed we'd arrived in Akau Village.

I discussed it with Graham and Marie the same day we arrived.

Fortunately, I was able to meet both of them right away.

I reported to Graham on my recent achievement and entrusted the detailed follow-up report to Alex.

I then went to Marie and gave my report.

"So, how was it, Taro?"

"Regarding the shortage of water crystals, since the miners are now able to work again, I believe it will be resolved soon."

"Is that so? What was the cause?"

There's something I'd like to discuss, including that as well.

Marie's face instantly grew stern.

He's a seasoned merchant, apparently—he grasped what I meant instantly.

I explained the entire situation.

So, what does this boy, Taro, want to do?

He asks in an exaggerated manner, as if acting out a smug expression.

This time, instead of the payment I'm supposed to receive, I'd like to ask a favor. Could you please request the researchers from the guild to conduct research on magic stones?

Research into magic stones and magic is controlled almost entirely by the nobility. Just because you've paid money doesn't mean anyone will work for a small village.

"Yes. So, you're Fujiwara Trading Company. In this imperial capital, you're the largest trading company—do you know of any civilian-born scientists who might be willing to listen to us and take action? We'd like to have them research a cure for this mysterious illness. Of course, the discoverer would keep all rights to the findings."

After a brief pause, Marie looked directly into her eyes and asked firmly.

"I can accept that request. But what drives you to go this far? Taro, you stand to gain almost nothing from this."

"True, there's no direct benefit to me. But sometimes, research must be approached with nothing more than a desire to understand nature itself."

"That's the ideal. But we have to eat. To eat, we must benefit others. Understanding nature won't put food on the table."

"It does bring benefits. Scientists work today for people a hundred years from now."

"Hmph, hahaha, how naive, too naive. Taro, you're from a completely different world. But I'll grant it — your spirit is commendable. For your sake, I'll formally accept your request."

Several days passed.

"I've thought it over. Indeed, sending multiple researchers to that place might accelerate the resolution of those strange illnesses more than having just you there."

"Is that really alright? You're using Alex's reward money for that."

Yeah, I got curious and wanted to see how it turned out. Besides, the reward you're paying isn't nearly enough.

"...I see."