Ch. 1: Eyes Full of Confidence
Kingdom of Secundati in the Land of Spirits, Month of Rainbow…-
Secundati, the continent blessed with the divine protection of the spirits…
The land was developed with magic and alchemy, centering around the seven families that posses the mysterious power to control the spirits.
(Foia…)
A few days ago, I had awoken the Prince of Salamande, and member of the Flame Family. When we said our farewells, he gave me an invitation to come to his kingdom.
Foia: “Come hang out anytime! I’ll be waiting.”
He was so earnest, and his eyes had burned with an intensity akin to fire.
So before long, I came to call upon him in Secundati.
(The castle is so lively.)
The family castle in Salamande was overflowing with many different people coming and going.
Foia: “Oooh you came! Sorry about the noise.”
OO: “Foia!”
Having spotted me, Foia rushed over, light on his feet.
OO: “Is something going on?”
Foia: “Ah, yeah, something kinda new is in the works.”
OO: “That sounds fun. What is it?”
Foia: “Aah, you wanna know!? We’re making a facility that combines the power of magic and science to create energy. It’s called…the Ark Plant!”
Foia’s face lit up as he said the name.
OO: “Ark…Plant? It’s a very fine-sounding name.”
Foia: “And, it’s something we’ve been experimenting with in this country since the very beginning!”
Foia spoke with such confidence, and his eyes sparkled as if they were overflowing with hopes and dreams.
(But why is Foia’s country, where they use fire spirits, wanting to develop science and technology?)
Although I felt uneasy, his burning golden eyes made me feel a little better.
Ch. 2: Country of Fire Spirits
Foia: “We’re making a facility that combines the power of magic and science to create energy. And, it’s something we’ve been experimenting with in this country since the very beginning!”
———————
I was led through the Salamande castle and given a guest room to stay in.
Before long, the sun sank in the west and as evening arrived, the sky had turned an ultramarine blue. It was then that I left my room.
Dazzlingly bright flames illuminated the walls, distorting the shadows of the people who walked by.
Because of those flames, the area was very well lit despite it being night.
(And even though outside the castle was cold, this area is quite warm.)
(Is this the power of the fire sprits?)
I wandered aimlessly down the corridor, which was surprisingly still welcoming at night…
Foia: “Hey, what’re you doing?”
OO: “Oh, Foia. I just wanted to look around. But I’m surprised, it’s so much warmer than I had expected.”
As I said that…
Foia: “Amazing isn’t it? The power of the fire spirits is pretty utilitarian. Even the cold of winter and night isn’t a problem.”
OO: “This castle is such a nice place.”
I watched as Foia smiled broadly, and I smiled back.
Foia: “We have the divine protection of the spirits. But…”
Foia suddenly stopped and turned to look at the courtyard.
Then…
Foia: “I’m gonna show you something really cool. Come with me!”
OO: “Okay!”
Foia: “Good answer. Cheerful girls aren’t a bad thing. Let’s go.”
OO: “Where are we going?”
Foia: “If I told you here, I wouldn’t be able to see your look of surprise.”
Foia smiled wryly and grabbed my hand.
OO: “…”
Foia: “It’ll be fine, come on!”
Leaving behind the brightly illuminated courtyard, we headed behind the castle…
OO: “What is this building…?”
A strange structure stood there, with a completely different feel to it than the rest of the castle.
Ch. 3: Ark Plant
Foia took me to an area behind the castle…
And there was some kind of building.
Even though it’s night, there seems to still be a lot of people coming and going.
OO: “What is…?”
Foia: “I mentioned it before when you got here. Remember?”
OO: “Ah…”
———————
Foia: “We’re making a facility that combines the power of magic and science to create energy. It’s called…the Ark Plant!”
———————
OO: “Then, this is the Ark Plant thing you were talking about?”
Foia: “Yup.”
Pipes lined the outer walls and reached to the top of the building.
I stared at the building as the occasional whistle or humming noise could be heard from within…
OO: “This is amazing…”
I was so overcome with awe that I couldn’t say anything else.
OO: “What are they doing in there?”
Foia: “They’re tuning things up for a test run.”
Foia smiled, full of pride.
Beside me, Foia looked up at the night sky, and I saw a chimney affixed to the top of the building.
Foia: “Right now, this country has only worked on developing its spiritual and magical powers. But I want everyone to be more equal, and to provide them with a stable supply of energy…!”
While telling me about it, Foia’s chest swelled with pride and his eyes sparked with confidence…
(He’s so cool, he’s confident and strong…)
And he can imagine something and see it through to fulfillment.
Seeing his profile like that…
OO: “I’m sure you can do it Foia.”
Foia: “Right! After all, I’ve been able to overcome every obstacle up till now.”
OO: “It seems like it would be rather difficult, but it’s fantastic.”
Foia: “We’ve had some difficulties…but somehow we’ve made it through. Because this is what will make our dreams a reality!”
Foia: “And I’ll keep putting my all into it. Everyone here feels the same way, and they work together to make it a reality.”
OO: “So that’s why it’s so lively, even though it’s night. You, and the people of the castle, are all so fired up…the Fire Family is so amazing.”
Foia: “You don’t have to say stuff like that. Though it feels pretty good to get complimented by someone as honest as you.”
Foia’s dignified face softened for an instant.
(Ah, he can make that kind of expression too…)
I felt kind of happy, and I found myself staring into his face that had shown such tenderness.
Foia: “…what’re you looking at?”
OO: “…!”
He moved to right in front of me and looked down.
OO: “N-nothing.”
(He surprised me…)
OO: “But…”
Foia: “Go on.”
It felt like a warmth was spreading through my entire face, so I looked the other way as I spoke.
OO: “I was just thinking that the power of the fire spirits and magic should be enough. And I was wondering why it was necessary to build something like this.”
Foia: “Of course it’s enough! But…”
Foia stared straight ahead, his eyes holding such force of will as they shone the same color as the sun.
Soon, Foia began to speak, his expression full of strength.
Ch. 4: Passionately Burning Dream
OO: “I was just thinking that the power of the fire spirits and magic should be enough. And I was wondering why it was necessary to build something like this.”
Foia: “Of course it’s enough! But…”
At my question, Foia’s expression became serious and his brows furrowed in concentration.
Foia: “Magic is naturally quite powerful … but that’s the very reason it’s unstable. And in the past, it’s not been possible to get a stable supply of energy from the spirits either, since they come from the power of nature…”
OO: “…”
As he bit his lip, I patiently waited for Foia to continue.
He remained silent as he looked at the outer wall of the Ark Plant…
Foia: “When I was little, we’d often get emissaries from the outside world who would come to the castle. They told us all sorts of stories. Like about the worlds out there that have advanced science and technology, you know?”
OO: “…yes. But I think that this country…the spirits and the use of magic are truly wonderful.”
Foia: “Yeah, I like it too. But…”
Foia looked to the night sky, as if he could see something far in the distance.
OO: “Foia…?”
I quietly said his name, and he gave me a reassuring smile.
That expression made him look like a young boy…
I was interested in the continuation of his story, and I watched in silence as I waited for him to continue.
Then, the light flickered in the corners of his eyes, and they started to sparkle.
Foia: “I want to develop this country’s magic, spiritual power, and science even more, together. That way, I can create a world where no family will be worse off, and everyone can laugh together… Someday, I want this country to be even greater and connect with the rest of the world!”
OO: “Foia…”
Foia: “That’s why…I’ve named this the Ark Plant, and put all my dreams into it.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Foia: “Ark…like a ship that everyone can ride on, and it can carry everyone’s hopes. I’ll see this thing through till the end!”
The feelings he expressed from the depths of his heart were truly inspiring.
I wanted to be with him and see the world where his dreams had come true…
My chest was warm, and my heart was beating quickly.
Foia: “…I kinda rambled a little there.”
He smiled with a sigh and turned to look at me…
OO: “I’d like to hear more about it. This future that you see in your mind…”
Foia: “Really? Then I’ll tell you more! Come over here.”
OO: “Ah…”
OO: “No, that’s not it at all. I really enjoyed listening to you talk about it.”
Foia: “You’re kinda odd. This is my first time seeing a woman whose eyes sparkled like that while listening to me talk.”
OO: “Really? Listening to you makes me a little excited. I really enjoy it…”
Foia: “…”
Foia: “OO.”
Foia suddenly bent down and lifted me up in his arms.
OO: “F-Foia!?”
I looked down at him in surprise and his masculine face was right in front of me.
My heart was pounding in my ears.
Foia: “In that case, I’m gonna tell you all about it! Keep smiling for me. You don’t mind right?”
OO: “…right!”
Nodding, a brilliant smile flashed across his face.
And just like that, he set me down on a nearby bench. I listened long into the night as he told me about his dreams and ideals.
(He’s so straightforward…and he has such wonderful ideas.)
I was completely charmed by his heart and eyes that burned so passionately.
Ch. 5: An Uneasy Voice
The day after Foia had told me of his dreams…
(What the…it’s so noisy outside.)
For some reason, I could hear a crowd of people outside, and I looked out the window.
(Those are…the people of the town? There are so many of them crowded in front of the castle.)
(It seems rather imposing…what on earth is going on?)
I felt unease grip my chest as I headed down.
…
……
The loud voices were clamoring as I arrived outside the castle.
Villager 1: “We don’t want this Ark Plant! Send out the person in charge!”
Villager 2: “That’s right, haven’t we been able to get along just fine with the power of the spirits?”
Villager 3: “There’s no need for this technology!”
(This is…)
I could see children and their mothers among the gathered people.
Young Mother 1: “We’re grateful that our lives would be easier but I don’t see why we need something new like this…”
Young Mother 2: “Yes, you’re right…think of what might happen to the children…”
The mothers held their children tightly as they complained, the young ones no older than five years.
Seeing them like that, my chest ached.
(…this isn’t something the villagers wanted.)
(I can understand how they’re afraid of such a sudden change but…)
———————
Foia: “I want to develop this country’s magic, spiritual power, and science even more, together. That way, I can create a world where no family will be worse off, and everyone can laugh together…”
———————
The image of Foia passionately telling me about his dreams last night was still fresh in my mind.
(I wonder if Foia knows what’s going on.)
(If he does, what is he going to do…?)
Feeling confused and unsure…
(I feel kind of uneasy…)
I promptly left the crowd, going off to search for Foia.
I continued to watch the state of affairs with the people for a little while but…
The voices of the people filled with unease and anger didn’t settle down.
(Foia…)
My nails dug into my palm as I clenched my fist, and I ran off to go find Foia.
Ch. 6: The Path Before Us
I went back into the castle and searched for Foia, finding him in his room.
Foia: “…”
Through the slightly opened door, I saw him looking out the window, his face creased with worry.
(Is it okay to call out to him?)
As I hesitated…
OO: “Um…Foia…”
Foia: “…OO? What’re you doing just standing in the doorway? Come in.”
Foia invited me into the room.
I silently watched him as he kept his gaze fixed out the window.
At the end of his gaze…
(The people who are opposing the construction of the Ark Plant…)
The image of the mothers holding their children flashed in front of my eyes, and without thinking I shook my head. The movement caused a small *click* to come from the marble floor.
Foia: “…! Oh, you’re here.”
He turned to look at me, and I stepped into the room.
Foia: “What’s up?”
OO: “Outside the castle right now…”
As I spoke, my gaze drifted out the window.
Foia: “I see, so you know about it too.”
Foia furrowed his brow and closed his eyes.
Foia: “…what do you make of all this?”
OO: “I…”
Foia’s unusually meek expression caught my eye, and I thought hard before slowly starting to speak.
OO: “I can understand how they feel uneasy about all this, and why they’re opposing it. It might be a bit idealistic but if you just get everyone to understand…”
Foia: “…”
He looked straight at me, his eyes sparking with intelligence.
(Foia…?)
I felt uneasy in the silence that followed, and Foia’s lips thinned.
Foia: “…that’s a pretty good idea. It’s good to have someone around who speaks their mind. I like that about you.”
OO: “Eh?”
He raised his eyebrows and smiled, and that happiness stuck in my chest.
However his expression quickly became strained again.
Foia: “I think we have to make the most of the spiritual power, and combine nature and magic so we can have stable technological development. That won’t change, no matter what. But for that very reason the people have become uneasy and I need to properly explain.”
OO: “Yes, I think that’s it exactly.”
I met his gaze, and I saw the stress there vanish.
(Ah, the color of his eyes…)
(They’re the same color as before, when he was telling me about his dreams.)
Foia: “Alright, I’ll make them understand… We have to take action if we want this country to grow and our way of life to become easier!”
OO: “…yes.”
Foia: “And then, after that…!”
Foia looked at me…
OO: “…?”
(What’s going on?)
Foia: “It’s nothing…next time!”
He suddenly turned his attention back to the window, and as I left the room, I thought that had been quite strange.