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TL: ALT
Chapter 49 – The Secret of the Shrine
Mariel and Fina had been hugging each other for a while, happy to see each other again. However, they seemed to be calming down little by little.
Perhaps noticing that Wataru and Aire were watching them with gentle smiles, Mariel blushed and broke the embrace.
They moved away from each other as if they were about to kiss.
It was a nice scene, but it was a shame.
Looking closer, Wataru sees that Fina is a very cute woman.
She had round eyes and a small face.
She was short with a slender figure.
She wore a cardigan and a frilly skirt.
She was more cute than beautiful.
She wore a monocle, probably because of her poor eyesight.
In this world, where lenses are difficult to refine, Wataru thought it must be a very expensive item.
Maybe it was some kind of magic tool.
As Wataru watched the two of them intently, Mariel glared at him and Aire resentfully.
“What are you two looking at?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s good that you two get along so well.”
“Yeah, we’re just watching over you two. Wow, what an emotional reunion! I’m jealous that you have such a good friend.”
“~~~~! Stop it; you’re being mean, Master!”
She must have remembered what had happened earlier.
Mariel’s face, red from her ears to her neck, was a sight to behold.
She’s usually so calm and collected that seeing her flustered like this was amusing.
Fina, who was meeting Wataru for the first time, also looked embarrassed and lowered her head.
They had been talking among themselves, which was inappropriate in front of the noble lady they had just met.
Wataru cleared his throat to cover up the awkwardness.
Fortunately, Fina seemed to understand and quickly regained her composure.
“I’m glad to hear what happened to Mariel. You suddenly dropped out of school, and I heard that your family was going through a hard time. I didn’t know any more details, so I was really worried.”
“I’m sorry. It was all so sudden. I had to rush back to my family home. After that, I wasn’t in a position to continue coming here.”
“I understand. That must have been difficult.”
Mariel had apparently been suddenly informed that her family had gone bankrupt and had to return home immediately.
Considering the situation, she probably didn’t have time to say proper farewells.
Fina seemed to understand, and her expression softened.
“Thanks to him, I am doing very well now. This is my master, Wataru.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Wataru. Pleased to meet you.”
“I apologize for the late introduction. I’m Fina de Ramble, the assistant librarian at the Royal Academy.”
The Ramble Viscount family. Their viscountcy, located in the eastern part of the kingdom, is a major textile production center.
It accounts for 70% of the country’s total production, some of which is exported overseas.
On the other hand, food production is said to be low.
Mariel’s eyes widened at Fina’s words.
“You’re a librarian!?”
“Assistant librarian.”
“That’s still impressive.”
“I was struggling to find a place to go, but my professor recommended me. That said, I’m still just an apprentice, as I have my own studies to focus on.”
“It’s rare to hear of students working while in school. I wish I could have done that if I’d had the chance.”
“Well, you see… It’s not as easy as I thought. The pay is low, the users are often arrogant because of their status, there are few days off, and the higher-ups look down on librarians. My impression of the job is completely different from what I thought it would be before I started working.”
Fina’s eyebrows dropped.
That sounds familiar, Wataru thought.
It’s exactly the same as librarians in Japan.
Are there no dreams in another world?
“Mariel, I understand that you want to talk to your old friend, but let’s take care of business first. How about making time later to talk more?”
“I apologize. What brings you to our academy today?”
“I’d like to ask a teacher who knows about the Age of the Gods and ancient ruins some questions. Also, if the library is open to nonstudents, I would like to do some research.”
“I see.”
“Is the history professor still here?”
“Yes, I think so. Shall I check the staff room first?”
They walked through the school, following the directions.
The floor was covered with thick carpets, and they couldn’t hear a single footstep.
It looked brand new; perhaps some kind of magic had been cast on it.
Feeling as if he were walking on pure gold, Wataru kept his eyes fixed ahead.
They came to a sign that said “Staff Room,” and this area seemed unchanged even in another world.
Fina peeked inside and quickly turned back, nodding.
“He’s here. I’ll call him, so please wait in the visiting room.”
They sat down in the chairs in the visiting room as instructed.
Shortly thereafter, Professor Maurice, the historian whom Wataru and the others had hoped to meet, entered the room.
He was a man in his fifties or sixties.
He carried a cane, and Aire’s eyes widened as he stared at it.
Standing behind Wataru as his bodyguard, Aire felt slightly tense.
Professor Maurice sat down leisurely in the chair opposite them and noticed Mariel.
“Oh, you… I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before…”
“I took your class before. I’m Mariel. I came here today with Wataru-sama to ask for your guidance.”
“I see. I’m sorry, but I’m busy and have another appointment soon. Let’s get straight to the point.”
Wataru didn’t want to engage in a lengthy exchange with a nobleman either.
He nodded and immediately took a piece of paper out of his bag.
When he placed it on the table, the paper moved toward Professor Maurice without being touched.
“I would like you to take a look at this information about the ruins. Mariel mentioned that it might be related to ancient teleportation magic. She was the one who suggested that I consult you.”
“I see. It’s wise to consult me. However, knowledge is not cheap. I’m not stingy about giving advice, but I do sell my knowledge.”
“I understand. I heard you have a sweet tooth, so I brought something special. It’s a rare, delicious baked good that can’t be found in this country. I’m sure you’ll like it.”
“Hmm… If you’re willing to pay for it, that’s fine. It’s a request from a former student, after all. I’ll answer your questions first, and then I’ll accept your gift.”
Maurice stared silently at the paper.
His wrinkled fingers slowly traced the patterns.
Finally, the secret of traveling between this world and Earth might be revealed.
Wataru swallowed hard.
“Hmm, I see. This does look like a teleportation circle. But it’s a bit different from what I know.”
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