Ch. 7: Earnest Feelings
Several days later…
I had spent my time going around the town with Foia.
Foia: “Next up, we’ll hit the home of the magic shop owners in the marketplace.”
OO: “Do you think they’ll listen?”
Foia: “If I talk to them seriously, I’m sure my feelings will eventually get through to them.”
OO: “Yeah, you’re right…let’s go.”
And like that, one by one, we went around to the homes of the people who opposed the building of the facility, and Foia explained the wonders and practical applications of the Ark Plant.
…
……
Foia: “–of course the safety is the family’s number one priority, and we take that into consideration. If the Ark Plant is completed, those living on the outskirts with an unstable energy supply will be blessed by the fire spirits! Come see it in action, and I’m sure you’ll understand!”
…
……
Day after day, Foia went to the people of the opposing faction who were so firmly rooted in their beliefs, and before long, his passion was able to move the hearts.
Ch. 8: Approaching Sign of a Dream
Then…
Because of Foia’s efforts, an agreement was reached with the opposing faction.
Thanks to that, the construction of the facility and the preparations for the test run progressed with surprising speed…
Several days later…
We arrived as the Ark Plant was nearing completion.
Foia: “The day when the people will come see what we’ve done is almost here.”
OO: “Yes, it’s … kind of exciting.”
Foia: “Yeah…”
Foia stood in front of the building, looking up at the high outer walls.
Foa: “…it had long ago been decided that all the power of the spirits would go to the prince. My family is powerful and stable, so the people don’t really worry, but…. Before I was born, the last prince had a weak body, and there came a time when he couldn’t handle the spirits anymore.”
OO: “…”
The tone of Foia’s voice was lower than usual, and I leaned forward to hear him.
Foia: “Because of that, I heard the people went through a lot of hardship…. But if this Ark Plant is in operation…no one would ever have to endure that kind of hardship again. That’s what I believe. And it wouldn’t all be in the prince’s control, so we can have equality in the countryside and the cities. I wonder how much we would prosper then…”
Foia stopped talking and looked down, rubbing the tip of his nose with his finger.
OO: :”I look forward to that day. I’d really like to see the plant when it’s operating.”
Foia: “Of course you will, after all when we were trying to persuade the people… You really helped me out.”
OO: “I did…?”
Foia: “…you didn’t notice?”
Foia blinked in surprise.
OO: “…no. Because I believe you can do amazing things all on your own Foia.”
Foia: “Haha, that’s because I have my dream! It’s not just this facility either. Our current reliance on magic for medical treatment…. Eventually I’d like to introduce science and technology and…”
Foia couldn’t stop talking after that, his heart aflame with passion.
Foia spoke so directly, his words filled with enthusiasm, and there was a kindness there that would move anyone.
(When I look at him, I feel as if my heart is filled with energy.)
(I’d like to be a part of this even more…)
As Foia looked at me and spoke of his dreams, it made my chest throb.
Ch. 9: Time of Completion
And so we waited with bated breath for the facility to begin operation, and a few days passed.
Each time we went to inspect the facility, my heart sped up in anticipation.
On the evening of one of those days…
Foia: “Hey, OO.”
OO: “Foia? It’s the middle of the night, what’s wrong?”
I was on my way to my room, having become sleepy, when he called out to me.
Foia: “Wait a sec…Do you want to go check out the Ark Plant? Thanks to the fires in the furnace, it’ll even feel good at night! “
Foia spoke cheerfully.
However it felt like something was off.
(What’s going on?)
While wondering what was off, I turned towards the facility at his invitation and…
Many workers and people had gathered around the Ark Plant.
OO: “There are more people than usual. Is something happening right now?”
Foia: “…”
I turned to look back and Foia, and saw his chest puffed out in pride as he looked to the facility.
And then…
Foia: “…tonight, it was finally finished.”
OO: “Eh…since when!?”
Foia: “I wanted to surprise you. We’re about to have the first lighting of the furnace but…. Will you come watch it with me?”
He held out his large hand to me.
OO: “…yes!”
I took his strong hand, and my chest swelled.
Ch. 10: Beginning of Passion
Foia: “…tonight, it was finally finished. We’re about to have the first lighting of the furnace but…. Will you come watch it with me?”
———————
Foia took me along and we entered the facility…
OO: “…!”
(Wow…)
Fire spirits glittered bright red in the center of the burning furnace.
They cracked and popped, sparkling as if they held the brilliance of life itself. Next to the flames was the machinery, which sucked the flames into it.
I was momentarily entranced by its beauty…
Foia: “…”
I saw Foia’s eyes shine as they watched it all unfold.
OO: “…Foia?”
Foia: “Ah, it’s nothing! I’m just glad, we worked so hard for this.”
Foia shook his head as if trying to dislodge something.
OO: “…congratulations Foia.”
I was so overcome, I could only say those two words.
And then…
OO: “…!?”
My line of site suddenly shifted.
Foia’s face was in front of me…
(He’s…holding me up!?)
OO: “F-Foia!”
My heart began to ring like a bell as I saw his gallant face illuminated by the fire light.
Foia: “Thanks, OO. There was something I wanted to tell you…once this place was finished.”
OO: “Eh…?”
At his words, I searched my memory.
———————
Foia: “Right, I’ll make them understand… This country will grow and our way of life will become easier, so we have to take action! And then, after that…!”
———————
(That…?)
Seeing his eyes lit up, I repeated his words from that day in my head.
OO: “…”
Foia: “…”
For a time, we looked into each other’s eyes without saying a word.
But gradually, Foia’s lips turned up into a defiant smile.
Foia: “I thought I could say it …. But this here is the start!”
OO: “Start…”
He squeezed, holding me tightly.
He hands were so hot, and big…
(I can leave everything in his hands…)
The thought came so naturally, and Foia’s hands were large and powerful.
Foia: “Look, OO.”
OO: “Eh?”
His gaze shifted and I followed…
OO: “…!”
There were so many people gazing up at the completed Ark Plant in joy, their eyes full of hope and anticipation.
As Foia looked at those people, his profile was that of a prince, and his expression was of one who headed the family that controlled fire…
Foia: “This country is going to become even greater, so you’ll keep watching it, right?”
OO: “Me…?”
My heart fluttered, and I couldn’t find my voice.
But I was happy, and nodded to him, the man whose face had only ever shown me a smile.
Foia: “I’m sure it’s thanks to your helping me understand the feelings of the people that this all turned out well.”
OO: “B-but I only said what was on my mind…”
Foia: “And I told you that honesty is good! I’m sure there’ll come a time when you’re needed again. But it’s not just about that. I want to be with you…and I want you to be with me from now on!”
OO: “…I will!”
I gave an emphatic nod at his powerful words.
Then he gently lowered me down and held me in a tight embrace.
(I can hear his heartbeat…)
I buried my face into his chest, wanting to hear that happy sound forever.
Then Foia hugged me close again.
(It’s warm…)
I wanted the passion in Foia’s heart to shine on, no matter how hot it burned.
While thinking that, I contentedly closed my eyes.
END