Chapter 31 Event Flag
"Today, I plan to stop by the library on my way home from work, so I might be a little late."
The next day.
Deciding to act on a whim, I told Emiliana-san and the others at breakfast. Arnold, sitting next to me, just raised an eyebrow slightly and said nothing.
"Shall I guide you?"
"No, it's okay. I'll borrow a map."
I shook my head at Emiliana-san's kind offer.
I remembered the location of the library without needing a map, and I didn't know how long my research would take. Besides, this research was completely personal and had nothing to do with Platonovena. I hesitated to bother them.
"But..."
"If it's research, it's better to leave it to Emiliana. She has read most of the books in this city's library, so she should be helpful."
A voice came from somewhere. Startled, I turned my gaze towards the source of the voice, and there stood Alex-san with a warm smile that exuded a sense of comfort.
"Emiliana finishes reading two books before I can finish one. Not only that, her memory is outstanding, and she usually remembers the contents of books she has read once. Emiliana's mind is filled with a lot of knowledge and... her favorite fairy tales, which she often shares with me. It's never boring."
He is proudly boasting about his fiancée, Emiliana. Even in the story, their close relationship was evident, but was it this obvious?
While feeling lonely as a single person, I admired the content of the conversation. At the same time, I learned the reason why Arnold asked her to look something up yesterday. Certainly, the reason includes the fact that she is not busy during library hours, but given that she has read most books, she can quickly and accurately extract information.
When I sneak a peek at Emiliana-san, she looks happy with a gentle smile on her face.
"I'm here to help!"
Alex-san nods firmly at his fiancée's words.
When I heard that she has read almost all the books in the town library, I honestly felt like I wanted to rely on her knowledge. While I have a rough idea of where each book is in the royal library, it's not the same for the Platonovena library. If she comes with me, my research will surely go smoothly.
So, I asked Emiliana-san, whose pride swelling in her chest and her cheeks blushing.
"But, won't it be a bother?"
"Not at all, you're very welcome!"
She answers with a bright smile. Before I knew it, Alex-san had somehow moved over and was smiling proudly behind her.
It's heartwarming to see them getting along so well.
I obediently bowed my head at those words. At that moment, Arnold, who I caught a glimpse of in the corner of my eye, seemed unfazed, maintaining his usual expressionless and unresponsive demeanor.
* * *
Evening.
As a low-ranking member, I was allowed to go up first today and met with Emiliana-san in front of the Platonovena branch. While on our way to the library, she asked me, "What kind of books are you looking for?" I chuckled lightly and replied,
"I'm researching local legends and folklore."
As expected, Emiliana-san was taken aback by my answer, her cute mouth slightly agape. However, perhaps recalling the contents of the book Arnold asked for yesterday, she nodded as if she had realized something.
"I'm investigating various places to find extraordinary healing powers in legends, such as miraculous spring water that cures illnesses instantly."
As an example, when I casually mentioned something, Emiliana-san furrowed her brows as if lost in thought for a moment - then, for some reason, her expression suddenly brightened. And she said,
"Um, it's not from the Platonovena region, but it's a legend passed down in my hometown... It's called The Drinking Water of the Spirits."
"Is that in the city of Flaria!?"
Encountering an unexpected legend, I couldn't help but raise my voice. Naturally, Emiliana-san in front of me shrank in surprise.
Despite being older - at least in physical age - I couldn't help but find Emiliana-san's reaction, like that of a small animal, cute. But I quickly regained my composure, lowered my voice, and asked again.
"Um, sorry. Have you heard of that legend... Is Emiliana-san from the city of Flaria?"
"Yes, that's right."
"How reliable is that legend? I've been curious about it for a while..."
"...I'm sorry, I'm not sure if the information is accurate. But, I always heard from an acquaintance's grandfather that when he was young, he suffered from a serious illness, but thanks to the spring water, he was completely cured and has been able to live a long life."
――This is unbelievable. It's too convenient. No, maybe this is all part of a planned path, in a meta way, it could be considered an event flag.
Arnold visited this town and met Emiliana. He obtained information about "The Drinking Water of the Spirits." Thanks to the Drinking Water of the Spirits, Elvira was saved from her illness. It's not hard to imagine the storyline unfolding like this. It just seems too convenient.
At this point, I cautiously asked,
"...Is it possible for you to introduce me to that old man?"
Without hesitation, the girl in front of me nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, of course!"
――Perhaps, I might have successfully triggered a flag. And it could be a very significant event.
I was so excited that I completely forgot about the cold. In fact, my cheeks felt hot.
I involuntarily took Emiliana-san's hand. Then, to her wide-eyed surprise, I bowed deeply and said, "Thank you!"
It's not like I've definitively found a cure for Elvira's illness. It's more like I've finally reached the starting line.
However, a faint but certain path has opened up.
I still need to continue investigating the matter of the magic beasts that Arnold mentioned. I slapped my cheeks and psyched myself up, knowing that things are about to get busy.
* * *
That night, when Arnold returned home, I reported to him without even saying "Welcome back."
"Arnold-san! I've got some great information!"
Arnold's eyes widened slightly.
I must have blushed, my eyes wide with excitement. Clearly, I seemed different from my usual self, and he appeared surprised by my demeanor.
In the evening, as planned, I went to the library and searched for some documents while listening to Emiliana-san's guidance. Unfortunately, I didn't find any new information about the horns of magic beasts.
――But now, I have some valuable information.
"It is said that in Emiliana-san's hometown, there is spring water known to cure a rare disease. There are even elderly people who have completely recovered from their illnesses by drinking that water."
Arnold's expression changed upon hearing my report.
I continued speaking quickly.
"The place is in Flaria's city. It's not too far from Savila, so I'll go check it out as soon as I get back."
A few seconds of silence passed.
It seemed like Arnold was slowly digesting my information. Gradually, a strong light shone in his slightly widened black eyes. Those eyes, as if glaring at a faint glimmer of hope in the distance, were fixed ahead.
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