The City of Science, Lura

It's been three weeks since we departed. Accompanied by Seanan and Doll, we travelled to the centre of Sakura Kingdom's technology, the City of Science, Lura.

"Welcome to the heart of our trade, Lura," says the round gentleman before us. "I am the Duke of this town, Neko Lura, and also the head scientist of that factory over there." He points to the building at the centre of the town. He looks back at me and scans my body. "My, my. What a fine specimen you are."

"Specimen?" I ask, baffled.

"Neko, cease your rude remarks," demands Seanan. "This here is the hero, and king, of the Borneheimer Kingdom, Niklaus Borneheimer."

"The Borneheimer Kingdom? Ah, that ancient Kingdom, huh? Don't worry, Hero Niklaus. I will not bore you with silly science talk."

"Science? What's that?"

"Oh my, your stupidity knows no bounds, does it?"

"Neko!!" yells Seanan.

"Hear me, Hero Niklaus," dramatizes Neko, ignoring Seanan's warning. "There are many idiots in this world. This includes our hero, Erika Blade. The people of this continent believe science is a practice for heretics. I believe it is the path leading us to godhood. Hero Niklaus," he goes on like a hungry dog with slobber hanging from his mouth and viciously jerking me by my shoulders, "will you follow along on this path of heresy with me."

"ENOUGH!!" Doll's voice grabs the attention of all the citizens.

Neko turns to face the citizens. "Apologies, we have caused a great ruckus here." Everyone continues with what they are doing. He turns to us, "Apologies, when it comes to science, I get desirous."

"No, it happens. There is no need for you to apologise."

He smiles and says, "Well then, how about I show you around the lab?" He takes us to the large building with smoke rising through chimneys. "This factory," he says, "produces the magi-trains."

"Magi-train? Ah, you must be speaking about the fast train. So, this is where it is produced?"

"Do you want to see how they are made?"

"Of course," I say, excited.

The inside of the factory is large. There are many prototype magi-trains that Neko shows us, from ones powered by a Fenrir magic stone to ones that can run on water.

"So, Sir Niklaus, what did you think?"

After spending an entire day at the factory, he brought us to his manor, situated outside the city.

"I see you dabble in farming as well," I say, looking in awe at the massive farmlands.

"Ah, yes. This was a business I took over from my father. He worked day and night. Countless hours to create the largest farming business in Leagard. He is my hero, and I was glad he handed me the business. With the profits from the farmland, I was able to create a successful business of my own."

I look down at his hands. Around his thick, coarse fingers is a ring of pure gold. "Are you married?" I ask.

He looks down at his hand and says, "Yes, I was married once."

"Was? Did she...?"

"Yes."

"I am so sorry, Niko. To have lost the love of your life. There are no words."

"Oh, there were words, alright," he says, irritated.

"I'm sorry?" I ask, confused.

"What? Did you think that woman was dead? She is alive and kicking."

"Then what did you...?"

"She left me," he whispers. "She left me. And rode off with her macho prince charming."

I remain silent. Divorce is not something I have experience with. The carriage was quiet until we reached his manor.

"This is my house," he says proudly.

It reminds me of Duke Reinhart's mansion, only larger. "Well, I am tired," I say. "What say we hit the hay?"

"Hit the hay?" asks Doll.

"It means to go to bed, Miss Doll."

"Go to... bed...?" Doll thinks for a while. Then she blushes and says, flustered, "W-well, this would have happened one day... So why not..."

"Doll? Is something the matter?" I ask her. I feel her head. It gets warmer. "Doll!? Are you okay? Your head is burning up!!" She falls into my arms. "Doll? Hey, Doll!? What is wrong?" I place her down and start using healing magic. But it doesn't work. "Seanan!!" I scream urgently. "I think there is something wrong with Doll."

He walks to her and crouches. He then picks her up and says, "Indeed there is. If she fainted like this, there could only be one explanation."

"What? Is it an incurable disease? A virus?"

"No... It's hard to explain," he says. "However, with a bit of rest and something only you can do, she should recover."

"Something only I can do? What is it? I will do anything."

"You need to..."

After a few hours, midnight arrives. Doll slowly opens her eyes. She turns her head and stares at the sky through the crack in the drapes. The wind ripples the drapes, and the moonlight drips into the room. She squeezes my hand and turns her head to the other side, where I am, holding her hand.

"N-Ni-Niklaus!?" she screams, surprised. "What are you...?"

"Are you okay?" I interrupt her, concerned. "You suddenly fainted." I lean closer and feel her head again, "Seanan said you will be fine after some rest, but you are still very..."

"Don't come closer!!" she screams. She squeezes my hand, and I hear a cracking sound.

"U-Umm, Doll..."

"No, I thought about it..."

Thought about what? Crushing my hand?

"... and we can't do 'it' right now. You might be disappointed now. However, I need to prepare myself mentally."

"Mentally prepare? No... wait... Doll... my hand... You are crushing my hand..."

She looks down at our hands. Hers wrapped tightly around mine. She turns red and slowly loosens her grip. "I'm sorry," she says, "But I'm fine now. Can you leave me alone for a while?"

"A... yes. I will leave now." I walk to the door, and as I leave, I say, "Rest well."

After I shut the door, a loud "HELL YEAH!!!" bursts through.