CH 76

There is a study in the royal palace. Anyone who works in the palace can come and go freely, and with permission, they can even take books from the study.

Those who work here have their own specialties, and each profession requires special knowledge. Especially for Transmutation Masters, a wide range of knowledge is necessary.

From medicine, pharmacology, plants, and minerals, to all the creatures in this world from animals to monsters. Knowledge of every field is required because the job of a Transmutation Master is to create something new. Rather than creating something from scratch, it is about combining existing substances to produce something new.

It is essential to have an accurate understanding of what exists in this world and what does not, as well as the nature and characteristics of things.

That is why we Transmutation Masters are always seeking knowledge. Information is constantly being updated even as we go about our daily lives. What was not known yesterday may become clear today.

When I first started aiming to become a Transmutation Master, I read a lot of books and studied them thoroughly, covering every book in the bookshelf from one end to the other.

Even now, I occasionally read books to acquire new knowledge and review old ones. Especially when I’m undertaking a completely new field, I do thorough research.

Like now, for example.

“…This book only has what I already know.”

On a holiday afternoon, I visited the royal library alone and read books. I think it has been about three hours since I visited the library in the morning.

Finished books were piled up on the table. The titles, thickness, and appearance of the books were all different, but they all had one thing in common…they were all about magic.

Magic is the power to create miracles. It existed in the distant past, and even now, although it is becoming like a fairy tale in modern times, it was still present in my life.

I found out about it. Yuren-kun’s older brother and His Highness Ash’s secret. If a person without magical power uses magic, their life is shortened as compensation.

Knowing the risks, no one would use it. Even if it gives tremendous power, it consumes the future.

However, he was different. He reached out to the forbidden power while understanding the risks. Not for himself, but to protect the country and the people. He was one who could risk his life for others. He is similar to Yuren-kun, who is kind-hearted and good-natured.

Precisely because of that, he should not risk his life anymore. His Highness Ash said he was responsible for reaching out to the power. It may be true for the power itself, but he did not seek it for his own desires.

He wore himself out to protect the weak. I think there are many people who have been helped by him. I know it well, as I am one of them. If there is responsibility, it also falls on those who were protected.

No one wishes for him alone to suffer and die. If you have made someone happy, you have to make yourself happier than anyone else.

That is what I think.

“… Fufu, I wonder if my past self would have been different?”

At least that’s what I think now. I was able to come to that realization after experiencing various things and learning the value of life, now that I’m here.

“Well, I have to do my best.”

“Doing your best is good and all! But studying on your day off, isn’t that too serious?”

“Huh? Oh, Yuren-kun.”

Before I knew it, Yuren-kun had come to the study and was staring at me with his arms crossed. He must have just come in. Just as I noticed him, the study door slammed shut.

“Hello. Are you researching too, Yuren-kun?”

“Well, sort of. There’s something about the problems with the territory that I’m working on… No, wait! Isn’t today your day off?”

“Yeah, that’s right?”

“Then make sure you actually take a break. After all, holidays are for resting.”

Saying that, Yuren-kun sighed in exasperation. It seems that Yuren-kun thought I was hiding and working on my day off.

“Um, that’s not it? I’m not working or anything, you know?”

“But isn’t that research about Transmutation Art?”

“That’s true, but this is…not related to work.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. I just wanted to do some personal research.”

I’m not lying. What I’m researching is knowledge of magic, related to His Highness Ash. Being involved with His Highness Ash is just something I personally want to deal with, and it’s not part of my duties at the royal palace.

It’s not of equal importance, but it’s like a hobby, so Yuren-kun tilts his head and picks up a book from the table.

“Are you researching magic?”

“Yeah, you got it. Impressive.”

The books are all different, with many not even related to magic.

“I also researched magic in the past, you know, because of my brother. I wondered what magic was.”

“So that’s what it was. You too, Yuren-kun.”

“Well, yeah. I’ve read and researched all the books here. They’re all abstract hypotheses, and I couldn’t understand them well.”

“Ahahaha… Actually, I’m kind of the same.”

If Yuren-kun’s words are correct, reading the books here is unlikely to provide me with the knowledge I seek. Yuren-kun is diligent, and he probably reads every corner. If he is making a subtle face, then the chances are slim.

“But Aria, why are you researching magic?”

“Uh, it’s because I became interested.”

“Interested… I see.”

“You know, there are similarities between magic and Transmutation Art, right? I thought that by researching magic, I could gain a deeper understanding of Transmutation Art.”

This reason shouldn’t sound unnatural. I can’t tell the truth no matter who the listener is. Even if it’s Yuren-kun… no, precisely because it’s him, I can’t tell him.

Only me and His Highness Ash know the secret. I can’t reveal the secret that Ash-sama has kept. Furthermore, if Yuren-kun finds out about it, he will surely do something reckless. I’m very worried.

I guess His Highness Ash knows it will happen and that’s why he is not telling anyone. If you’re going to reveal a secret, you should do it after everything is resolved.

Until then, Yuren-kun should never know——

“Hey, Aria, could it be…my Brother is involved in this?”

“…Huh?”