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Is it Difficult to Use Stealth in Modern Japan? – Part 03

But there was one fact that pushed Kujastria to make the decision, a fact that neither Duke Nightblaze, Leonie, nor anyone in this huge castle knew.

Kujastria had heard of the name Runay-aas before, but she did not know that their family name was Saak until now. This family name was crucial. Kujastria thought that if he were here, he would have surely made the connection. Silver Face.

Soaarunay Saak, the magic researcher. She was the one who laid the foundation for the spell that I and Silver Face are researching. Now that I think about it, the name sounds quite similar to Runay-aas.

That spell, of course, was the spell for crossing worlds.

Soaarunay Saak had left behind numerous papers on the extraordinary research subject of the “wall separating worlds.” In addition, she had compiled foundational theories on the spell for crossing worlds.

However, these theories remained purely theories, with no one successfully implementing them. The Four Elementals Fusion Theory that Hikaru perfected, which could generate incredible magical energy, was also considered by most as theoretical nonsense, but there was a fundamental difference in that the latter’s author insisted it worked. Soaarunay herself had added a disclaimer which stated that the spell for crossing worlds was a mere thought experiment.

Afterward, rumors circulated that Soaarunay either perished during an experiment or embarked on a journey around the world. Either way, her whereabouts remained unknown.

Soaarunay conducted all sorts of bizarre experiments, such as the spell for crossing worlds—which wasn’t a conventional subject in magical studies—methods to compress space, and magic construction independent of magic formulas. Despite the studies appearing on the verge of completion, there was always some issue preventing them from being fully realized.

Later, Roland addressed some of these problems, successfully crossing the wall that separates worlds with only the soul, bringing Hikaru to this world. Hikaru, armed with Roland’s knowledge, collaborated with Kujastria to perfect the spell for crossing worlds.

It was natural to assume that perhaps this Soaarunay Saak belonged to the same family as Runay-aas o Saak.

Oh… I’d love to go! If there’s a labyrinth left by Runay-aas, imagine the magical theories hidden inside. Maybe there are even grimoires left! Considering the genius of Soaarunay, her ancestor Runay-aas must have been an incredible magic researcher. Ponsonia must gather information about it, even just a little!

Kujastria’s motivation was straightforward—she was an ardent magic enthusiast. While those around her were aware that she dabbled in magic research, they were oblivious to her being a hardcore connoisseur.

Hence, both the Duke and Leonie couldn’t comprehend why Kujastria was supporting Bios to this extent. Only Silver Face knew the real reason.

However, Kujastria had to keep personal feelings out of her decisions as queen. So in response to Leonie’s query, she gave a small smile.

“I may not know much about Pope Luvain, but you, Leonie, I understand. I appreciate your efforts.”

Leonie’s eyes widened.

“I can clearly see that you wish to do something for Agiapole, and not for selfish reasons, but for the sake of the innocent. Is it not reasonable, then, for a ruler to consider taking some action, provided it does not adversely affect the well-being of the kingdom?”

Put it simply, she meant, “I’m doing this for you, especially.” And Leonie could discern that.

“Th-Thank you very much, Your Majesty. You’re too kind.”

Leonie bowed, her shoulders trembling slightly. She might not have anticipated being valued to such an extent.

“I see. Miss Leonie’s efforts are indeed crucial for our kingdom.”

Duke Nightblaze also didn’t refute Kujastria’s words. Leonie had become an indispensable figure within the kingdom that was facing a personnel shortage.

She was supposed to help with magic research. Silver Face’s voice seemed to echo from somewhere.

Leonie trembled with a mix of admiration and awe, fully aware of the weight of eliciting such words from a nation’s ruler. She was so deeply moved that if she weren’t walking the path of faith, she might have decided to work for the kingdom forever.

Observing the scene, Duke Nightblaze hummed in admiration at Kujastria’s adeptness in stirring the devout Leonie to such emotions. Perhaps he was thinking about how she was the ideal queen.

I want to do some magic research, Kujastria thought. I hope the dungeon is the real Great Labyrinth of Runay-aas.

Kujastria, oblivious to what went on in Duke Nightblaze’s mind, simply desired time and freedom.

Meanwhile, Hikaru, also known as Silver Face, was on the other side of the wall that separated worlds.

Ayano’s apartment was bleak, devoid of unnecessary items. The only things that gave the space a lived-in feel were the laptop resting on the desk, and the empty bottles and discarded containers of convenience store lunch boxes. The chic-toned carpet and curtains only accentuated the room’s emptiness. The only other furnishings were a large TV and a bed and wardrobe in another room. Despite being a journalist, there was not a single bookshelf in sight.

“I’ve always felt like an outsider,” Ayano explained. “People would say things like, ‘Can a women’s university graduate handle a job as a city news journalist?’ and wouldn’t even teach me how to do my work.”

“Are there really companies like that in this day and age?”

“Oh, there are! Folks who insist on everything being analog—dictionaries, encyclopedias, newspapers. Seriously, you can look up everything on your phone. Have you heard of Wik*pedia? It’s a handy site.”

“I have.”

Hikaru wondered if she was making fun of him, but then realized that she viewed him as someone from another world. Then, he shuddered. What if that was a leading question meant to verify if he was a Japanese person visiting both worlds?

“Wait a minute,” he said. “You’re a journalist, right? Do you do your research using Wikip*dia?”

“Yup!”

“…”

“What?”

Hikaru paused. “Nothing.”

“What’s with that reaction?! You’re acting just like the other journalists. It pisses me off! Seriously, who cares? Looking up things in a printed dictionary is a waste of time. You should throw away everything you don’t need!”

Hikaru got it now. This person was a minimalist, eager to get rid of unnecessary things.

Next, Ayano shared her situation with Hikaru. She wasn’t given proper work at the newspaper company, and she was at her limits mentally. She might have been partly to blame for her circumstances, but Hikaru believed that pointing it out would only make things worse, so he kept silent.

While she was struggling, the Four Eastern Stars moved into the same apartment building. Ayano saw this as an opportunity bestowed upon her by God. Praying every single day had finally paid off.

Praying every day? Did she graduate from a religious university or something? Hikaru, suddenly intrigued, set that thought aside.

Ayano, eager to seize the opportunity, decided to observe the Four Eastern Stars and take photos of them. She wanted a special scoop without consulting the company or her bosses.

“But it’s like they’re not even afraid of being seen by others. They just casually stroll around town. Taking pictures of them in their apartment is pointless. They use magic openly in public too! Are they stupid?!”

“…”

Hikaru wore a faraway look. They stroll around town? Use magic in public? Then again, they had already caused a commotion, so there was no point in hiding anymore at that point. He already knew they were mentally tough.

“So I thought about editing photos and creating a story, like ‘Otherworlder Has a Lover?!’ but then I realized, I don’t know how to use image editing software at all. Heck, I’ve never even edited a photo before, so I’m absolutely clueless.”

Ayano sighed, looking into the distance.

“Are you sure the reason you feel out of place at the company isn’t because you’re a bit of a klutz?”

Hikaru had initially considered not saying it to avoid making her feel worse, but he couldn’t resist blurting it out.

“K-Klutz!? That’s just mean! You’re saying the same thing as my boss.”

Unlucky and not adept with digital technology, Ayano’s future as a journalist seemed bleak. Hikaru couldn’t help but wonder how she became a journalist in the first place. The newspaper company was odd for hiring her, too.

“I-I know! I’ll give you those pictures, and in return, you tell me stuff. You’re Japanese too, right? How did you travel to the other world? Did you use the same method as Serika Tanoue? How did you return to this world?”

She suddenly bombarded him with questions. That part of being a journalist she got right, at least.

“Heeeeeey!”

“Ugh, shut up.”

“I said hey.”

Her persistence was a characteristic of journalists; perhaps she was hired for that.

“I’m done talking. Now that I’ve got these photos, I have no more business with you. See ya.”

“W-W-W-W-Wait! Please!”

As Hikaru attempted to leave, she jumped on him from behind.

“G-Get off me!”

“I won’t! I’ve told you my story, so you’ve got to help me. Or take me to the other world!”

“Why would I do that?!”

She’ll just die in no time over there, Hikaru thought as he shook her off.

“Uuuhhh…”

She fell flat on the floor and began sobbing again.

“Uuuhh… I’m done for. I’m a klutz…”

“H-Hello?”

Sniffling, she got up and tottered away from Hikaru. Her hat came off, and her down jacket was slightly open. Unlocking the door, she stepped out onto the balcony.

“Huh…?”

She can’t be serious.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!”

She gripped the railing, lifted herself up, dangled her leg, and leaned forward.

“Waaait!”

Hikaru dashed and pounced on her from behind, pulling her back inside.

“Wh-What are you doing?!” he shouted. “If you fall from the fourth floor, you’re gonna die!”

“It would be a lot easier if I just died.”

She started sobbing again.

“Ugh, I get it… I get it.”

Hikaru sighed, looking up at the sky.

“What did you get?”

“I just need to help you, right? I can’t teach you about the other world.” Hikaru picked up the camera. “But on this side, I can get you a scoop easy.”