Everything Must Start Perfectly
Emilia imparts to me the tale of Lugunica, a nation ensconced in the eastern reaches of the planet. In its nascent days, Lugunica was governed by a monarchy, wherein power traversed the annals of generations.
However, a catastrophic calamity extinguished the lives of the royal lineage, wresting existence from them and compelling the wise to assume the mantle of governance, making decisions on behalf of the realm.
These sagacious individuals, a cadre of erudite minds, undertook the stewardship of financial matters and pivotal determinations for the nation.
While Lugunica lacks precise statistics regarding its populace, it is known that the capital, as the fulcrum of it all, is home to approximately three hundred thousand denizens. Beyond the capital, sprawl small metropolises, idyllic hamlets, picturesque villages, and secure sanctuaries, some under the vigilant custodianship of the Royal Guard, a military force ardently dedicated to the nation's security.
Nevertheless, within Lugunica's recesses lie treacherous domains: enigmatic caverns, somber woods veiling unfathomable enigmas, and marginalized districts languishing without guardianship.
During the tenure of the wise in power, an unyielding quest has persisted, seeking the five aspirants to the Lugunica throne, for the nation has clung to a feudal system for generations.
Thus far, four of the contenders have been discovered, and the election remains pending. Once the fifth contender is located, all shall convene within the resplendent castle to inaugurate the competition for the coveted Lugunica throne.
And the fifth has indeed been discovered.
"We have time until then. And your speech, Emilia, will undoubtedly be the most splendid of all."
"Yes..." Emilia responds, neither joyful nor in denial, as if doubts still linger within her.
"Now that I have a somewhat better grasp of the situation, I can assure you that your dream is attainable. Perhaps you only need to reconfigure it, approach it with a more mature and profound perspective."
Upon hearing this, Emilia pouts and turns her head in a sign of disagreement.
"Hmpf! I am older than you; you should treat me with respect," declares Emilia, crossing her arms in defiance.
Emilia listens attentively to my words, though initially displaying some resistance and a gesture of discontent. Nevertheless, I continue explaining my viewpoint without hesitation.
"Age does not determine wisdom; it is the experiences and how we learn from them that truly matter," I assert with conviction, to which Emilia responds playfully by sticking out her tongue.
I continue to argue, attempting to make her reflect.
"There are various types of equality; when it comes to respect, we can undoubtedly establish rules and change mindset," I affirm with seriousness, noticing curiosity in Emilia's gaze. "It will be challenging but not impossible. In the case of equality of conditions, it is impossible."
"Why?" she asks, intrigued.
"It's quite simple to understand," I calmly reply. "People are unique individuals, and status is formed based on how they seize opportunities, regardless of their starting point. The gap is bridged the moment these individuals decide what to do with their opportunities."
I provide concrete examples to help Emilia better comprehend.
"Let's say each of them is given a thousand gold coins. One will spend them on luxuries and pleasures, another will invest in a successful business, while another will lose them in gambling."
I pause, allowing Emilia a moment to assimilate the concept before proceeding.
"Even if they began with the same amount, in the end, they will yield different outcomes. The same applies to aptitudes and abilities; hence, status matters."
Emilia ponders for a moment, comprehending what I intend to convey.
"But then, why did you say that my dream is attainable?"
"Absolute equality is a utopia because each individual possesses their unique skills, choices, and opportunities. We are not identical; even if our bodies look the same, it's easy to distinguish one from the other."
"True equality lies in granting everyone the same opportunities and rights, not in ensuring the same results. True equality resides in equity, treating each person according to their merits and needs, acknowledging that we are unique beings. You have a valid point about respect; that part is spot on, but we must also consider other factors."
I conclude my explanation with a hopeful look towards Emilia, wishing for her to grasp the message I am trying to convey. Behind her desk, I gesture towards the large window that opens to the mansion's surroundings.
"There is a village beyond this mansion," I mention.
Emilia seems to anticipate what I am about to say.
"Your first major objective is to earn the trust of everyone," I affirm.
In that moment, Emilia trembles briefly, aware that the people in that village also discriminate against her and likely mistreat her. Seeing her disheartened expression, I firmly grasp her hands and compel her to look into my eyes.
"You are not alone, Emilia. We will work tirelessly to achieve our goals. That's why you must never stop looking forward," I express firmly.
Both she and I must take action and move forward. No matter how much sacrifice it demands, I want to survive in this world, and that means I cannot afford to be negligent in my efforts.
After those words, time continues its march, and dusk descends upon us.
Emilia withdraws to converse with the spirits.
I'm not certain if my intervention was the right timing. Perhaps it was too soon, but I cannot remain stuck following the same old steps. I refuse to tread the same path; instead, I will chart my own destiny.
I leave the room, set the tray in the kitchen, and observe Rem already preparing dinner.
"How can I assist you?" I inquire.
Rem gazes at me for a moment, her expression still exuding coldness and disdain. I am acutely aware of these emotions, perceiving them with ease. Gaining her trust will be no simple task, though it seems she has no intentions of causing me harm, at least for now.
"You can beat some eggs," Rem instructs me.
I nod and set to work, deftly whisking the eggs with a wooden spoon. As I've never been a fan of Japanese cuisine, I've always had to fend for myself in the kitchen.
With the available ingredients, we prepare an omelette. It's not a negligible dinner, although it undoubtedly would have been more flavorful had we had some cheese at our disposal.
Rem watches my work closely as she finishes chopping the ingredients. Then, she asks me to hand over the mixture, but I decide to decline.
"You must be exhausted from all the work. If you'd like, you can stay and watch while I finish this dish; there's no problem," I say considerately.
Rem gazes at me in silence and without uttering a word, hands me the chopped vegetables. I add them to the same container with the beaten eggs.
Although I try to enjoy the cooking process, Rem's scrutinizing look prevents me from fully doing so. It seems she suspects I might poison the food or something of the sort. I even doubt she would dare to taste anything I prepare.
As I continue to stir, I take the opportunity to converse.
"Should I cook them hard or soft? " Honestly, in my personal preference, I prefer them soft. However, in this unknown world, I have no certainty about the hygiene of the eggs, so the safest option would be to cook them hard.
I don't belong in this world. Here, there's healing magic and mana-powered strength. This implies that diseases must have adapted to affect people in this place.
At this moment, my microbiota must not be adapted to this world, so I must exercise caution. Moreover, I consider that in my body, there may exist superbugs that have become resistant to the medicines of my era.
Could I possibly be a carrier of lethal microbial threats?
My thoughts are interrupted by Rem.
"Prepare half of them hard and the other half soft; that will suffice for everyone."
"I will do just that."
I attempt to understand how the stove functions, but I observe a red crystal beneath the iron plate. Clearly, everything here operates through magic.
I regard Rem with an uneasy smile and inquire, "Could you activate it, please?"
Her eyes gaze at me mockingly, simultaneously casting a silent curse upon me.
"It seems that the lord from another world can't handle something so simple," she remarks sarcastically.
It's a harsh blow to my ego, though it's not really my fault. Even now, I'm not sure if I can channel mana into objects.
I watch Rem as she adeptly uses the crystal, placing the mixture in the frying pan, filling the kitchen with the delightful aroma of food.
"I will learn. Even if I can't do it now, I will strive to learn," I assure Rem.
However, she doesn't respond; her gaze remains a silent challenge. It certainly won't be an easy task.
After washing the utensils I've used for cooking, I leave the kitchen, leaving only the dirty pan in which Rem is preparing dinner, along with the potential dishes to be used.
I navigate the mansion in search of the bathroom. I know its entrance is in a corner, and unlike the regular doors, it has a slightly different design. Night is about to fall, and my second day in this world comes to an end.
At this very moment, just a day ago, my mindset was completely different. However, today I face life with a renewed perspective, and I wonder what the future holds.
I open the door with the expectation of finally reaching the bathroom, but instead, an ancient smell envelops me.
Before my eyes, shelves upon shelves of books unfold, a vast collection of knowledge from Roswaal and Echidna.
This opportunity is too valuable to pass up.
The more knowledge I acquire, the better prepared I'll be to face the challenges this world presents to me. It would be absurd to squander this opportunity.
When I finally learn to read in this world, my first destination will be this place.
Nonetheless, I cease my attention to the books and direct my gaze towards the diminutive figure before me. Her eyes observe me directly, her expression remaining unchanged.
"You are Beatrice, are you not?" I inquire while holding the door, still hesitating to enter. "Would you mind if I come in?"
"Indeed, it vexes me," she replies with an irritated tone.
I offer a gesture of apology and begin to slowly close the door. However, just before it shuts completely, I abruptly swing it open.
Beatrice startles in her chair due to the unexpected door movement.
"What are you doing, I suppose?" she exclaims in surprise.
Her voice is sharp, unlike Puck, who possesses a more mature tone. I suppose this voice corresponds to the body Echidna bestowed upon her.
"I'm sorry, but when I was about to close it, I had the impression that you had something to say," I explain.
I finally enter the library and shut the door behind me. The magnitude of knowledge stored here is overwhelming; reading all of this would take years.
"Were you not taught not to enter where you are not sought, I suppose?" Beatrice grumbles with annoyance.
Beatrice, to whom I have grown emotionally closer, has endured a solitude that none of us could fully comprehend. Unlike everyone else, she has been trapped in this hopeless place, taking refuge in the constant reading of these books. Her only real source of entertainment is likely Puck, but he also spends time with Emilia.
I approach Beatrice with the intention of engaging in a brief conversation with her. However, before I can utter a word, she grimaces and covers her nose with her hand as she looks at me.
"You have an unpleasant odor, I suppose," she frankly remarks.
When she mentions the smell, I instinctively try to sniff myself to check if there is any foul odor on me. Of course, I know she is referring to the witch's miasma that surrounds me.
"Do I smell bad? Well, I've been working all day, so it's normal."
"I'm not referring to that kind of odor, I suppose. I mean the witch's miasma that you emanate," Beatrice clarifies.
When Beatrice mentions the witch's miasma, I feign not understanding what she means, as I do not wish to reveal my knowledge of this world, I find myself in.
She proceeds to elucidate that in this realm, there once existed a witch who, in an act of madness, consumed half of the world and wrought the deaths of thousands. According to history, the witch was thwarted by a sage, a dragon, and the sword saint of that era.
Her tone grows more somber as she continues.
"It is said that the witch bears the visage of a semi-elf, with silver hair and amethyst eyes."
My eyes widen in astonishment, and I lightly place my hand on my chin, feigning deep contemplation.
"So... that is why people fear her."
Beatrice nods.
"Merely uttering her name is taboo, and anyone who bears an exact resemblance to her is regarded with disgust, don't you think?"
I now grasp the gravity of the situation beyond doubt. People are simply afraid of her, and that leads to other emotions as well. It's akin to someone in Germany bearing an exact likeness to Hitler after his demise.
Such occurrences also take place in our time, so I can understand it. Although I don't share the sentiment.
"I understand. People are fearful solely because Emilia's appearance reminds them of the witch."
"Yes, that is quite accurate, indeed. Poor girl, wouldn't you say?"
Beatrice wears a mocking smile.
"It's sad, no more, no less," I respond, my voice devoid of emotion.
I refrain from saying more; discussing Emilia will not lead anywhere because Beatrice is unlikely to provide much information. Besides, what I desire for Beatrice is different. After all, I can sense it when she inquired about the gravity of the situation. Her thirst for knowledge has not dissipated.
"So... the miasma within me is that of that witch."
"Yes, the witch of envy, indeed."
Beatrice then gazes at me with an irked expression, as if growing weary of the conversation.
"Is there anything I can do to rid myself of it?"
"It will dissipate over time, but it is incredibly vexing, I suppose," Beatrice gestures with her hands, signaling me to keep my distance.
I emit a few uncomfortable chuckles as I step back from her and open the door.
"I apologize; it must smell quite unpleasant for you. It's better if I come back tomorrow to talk."
"It's better if you don't come, I suppose," Beatrice huffs in anger.
I bid her goodnight and close the door. My initial encounter with her wasn't terrible; I just need to continue interacting and handling things well.
I feel like I'm in a show for some reason. Although I can see and feel my body, I still haven't fully adjusted to this place. I sense a strange energy I've never experienced before.
After dinner, I bid farewell to everyone and head to my room. Exhausted from working so hard, but more mentally than physically. I can't afford to fail. If I do, everything could spiral out of control. And the last thing I want is to die.
I lie down on my new bed, gazing up at the ceiling that will greet me every night from now on. My objectives are clear:
Train Emilia.
Utilize Roswaal to gain knowledge from my world.
Learn from Beatrice and Puck about this world.
Earn the trust of the people in the mansion.
I haven't thought about it, but perhaps I can use magic, just like the protagonist did.
Maybe I can learn magic, which would be quite intriguing.
Lost in my thoughts, I don't realize someone is knocking on the door until...
"Sir, are you in?" Rem says from behind the door.
I immediately get up and open the door. As I do, Rem seems slightly annoyed at having to wait.
"I'm sorry; I was about to sleep," I gesture for her to come in.
"No, it's my fault for coming so late," she responds courteously.
Rem holds my new attire in her arms: a butler's suit, a sleeveless leather jacket, along with black coat and matching trousers.
The attire, though somewhat uncomfortable at first, conforms nicely to my physique. With effort, I grow accustomed to its presence and continue our conversation.
"Is this the attire I will be wearing from now on?" I inquire as I remove the jacket, leaving only the white shirt.
Rem nods solemnly, confirming that this is the outfit I must adopt.
I observe the trousers and hold them up against my legs to ensure they fit properly. Fortunately, everything appears to be in order.
"I suppose it's alright, doesn't seem to be any issue, aside from the fact that I'm the bearer," I remark, attempting to find some humor in the situation.
Rem examines the ensemble attentively and nods once more, indicating that the suit, despite its initial discomfort, fits me appropriately.
As she prepares to depart, I feel the need to ask her a favor. I display the sheets of paper and the quill in my hand, explaining my predicament.
"Roswaal asked me to deliver a letter, but I cannot read or write. Ram will give me lessons tomorrow, but I wish to accomplish this as soon as possible."
Rem contemplates for a moment, considering whether accepting my request is convenient for her. It's evident that she sees this opportunity as a way to get to know me better.
Finally, she makes a decision and approaches.
"If it's just a matter of writing, I have no issue helping you," she states courteously.
She then walks to my desk and retrieves the paper and quill, ready to fulfill the entrusted task.
As Rem patiently waits, I pull out my cellphone and begin searching in a folder for the things I had saved in anticipation of situations like this.
The irony of the situation is not lost on me; I stored this information without knowing if I would ever truly need it, and now it proves to be useful in this unfamiliar world.
Rem's curiosity is evident in her gaze as I carefully scan my cellphone for the required information.
"Next, I'll add the list of materials for concrete production. Concrete is a highly durable construction material and relatively easy to produce. Here's the list of necessary components," I explain as I enumerate the elements. "Sand, preferably the finest and cleanest available. Limestone, typically found in mountains or hills. Gravel, small rocks found in rivers and their surroundings. Clay, and water."
I proceed to delineate the catalog of requisites necessary for crafting a novel type of weapon:
"Furthermore, with the intention of forging a novel weapon, it is pertinent to procure two sacks of saltpeter, a white powder or sand utilized for food preservation and as a fertilizer, two sacks of charcoal, and two sacks of sulfur, a substance likely employed as a pigment or for fumigating pests and odors."
Having concluded my elucidation, I bestow this information upon Rem, ensuring she possesses a lucid comprehension of the missive's contents.
"In the event of any ambiguity regarding the nomenclature of any material, please do not hesitate to apprise me promptly," I append with solemnity.
Rem, upon composing the missive, scrutinizes it meticulously, endeavoring to grasp the significance of the materials expounded within.
Her eyes scrutinize the words with a fusion of curiosity and concern.
"Fret not," I reassure, seeking to dispel her reservations. "When everything arrives, you shall bear witness firsthand."
Rem regards me with skepticism, perhaps ruminating over my mention of a weapon in the letter. Nevertheless, her misgivings appear to wane gradually.
"I am grateful for your assistance," I express sincerely, gazing directly into her eyes.
While I bear no ill intentions, I am cognizant of her caution, particularly in light of my peculiar scent.
Rem, however, momentarily dissipates the tension with an unexpected comment:
"To be candid, I thought you were going to request a sexual favor. My sister has been saying things about you."
I chuckle softly at her candor and the surprising revelation.
"Ha, it seems your sister doesn't hold me in high regard. I suppose I'll have to work to change their opinion."
With graceful disregard for my words, Rem bids adieu and departs from my chamber, leaving me alone with my ruminations.
Now, with my cellphone in hand, I discern the importance of conserving its battery to the fullest extent. I remove all applications that might consume power in the background and configure the development options to minimize animations and visual effects.
I want the battery to endure until I find a means to charge it without causing damage.
With the awareness that time is precious, I opt to record the essential data from the novel, along with formulas and insights about my world. Videos and superfluous content can bide their time; my aim is to sow the seeds of knowledge for future generations, allowing them to mature and develop at their own pace. This serves the dual purpose of preserving this wisdom, as my memory is transient, and as time progresses, I will inevitably begin to forget.
Before proceeding, I decide to take a brief respite, granting myself four hours of sleep. I cannot afford to squander valuable time. How I long for a cup of coffee to keep me awake and vigilant.
Thus concludes my inaugural day in this realm, a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. As a human, I am acutely aware that my choices will not always be flawless. Doubts linger about whether I acted rightly concerning Emilia, Rem, or Beatrice.
Nevertheless, I am committed to exerting myself for improvement and the realization of my ambitions.
The path ahead remains uncertain, but my determination remains unwavering. If I aspire to achieve my ambitions, I must demonstrate my worthiness.
Though the consequences of my actions in this world elude me, I have no intention of relenting. I will forge ahead with resolve, charting my course and confronting the challenges that arise in my journey.