The World That Welcomes Me
I open my eyes once more, my body has adopted the habit of waking up before dawn, and although the nightmares persist, I am becoming more resilient to them.
I gaze out of the window, taking in the dark and eerie surroundings, dominated by distant forests. However, slowly but surely, I find myself growing more comfortable in this place.
Today, like every other day, I must continue with my magical training. It's been a week since I arrived here. That night, nothing happened. I waited and waited, but nothing occurred.
When I went with Ram to gather supplies, I found no trace of Meili or her dog either.
At first, anxiety consumed me, but the days passed swiftly without any sign of danger. Now, I feel more confident in my ability to control magic.
My training focuses more on managing the flow of mana within my body than on using magic itself.
With Puck as my instructor, I have managed to improve my control over my own body and the magical energy that courses through it.
Despite the risk of being attacked by the miasma if I lose focus, I've been practicing meditation and doing constant exercises to maintain my concentration. The flow of mana within me has become smoother and more fluid.
With Puck's guidance, I have constructed a circuit within myself, and now, I understand how mana works and how to condense magic.
I'm beginning to formulate a theory about the nature of magic.
After changing and taking a refreshing shower, I make my way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the three of us. As I cook, I ponder over what I've read in the novel. According to the narrative, Od Laguna is the creator of all beings in this world, bestowing magic and divine blessings upon the people.
However, it remains unclear whether Od Laguna is a person or possesses consciousness. The creation of the different countries seems to be preordained, which strikes me as peculiar from my perspective, but the people of this world don't seem to mind. There are four countries, each associated with one of the four spirits created by Od Laguna. I suppose there's a deeper connection there, something I have yet to fully grasp.
My train of thought is interrupted by Rem.
"I see you're already cooking," she says as she starts sweeping the kitchen.
"It's a good day, the weather is cold, so I plan to make something warm," I reply, beginning to peel the potato in my hands.
Despite my efforts, I haven't made much progress in my relationship with Rem. While Beatrice has informed me that I no longer emit the same scent as before, I still haven't managed to establish a strong connection with her.
Rem is no longer as hostile as she used to be, but she still regards me with indifference, as if I don't matter. Nevertheless, she still doesn't trust me.
One night, I decided to go out and train my magic. I distanced myself from the mansion as much as possible to concentrate, making sure not to go anywhere suspicious, simply heading to the courtyard. However, when I realized it, there was a glass of water next to me. It was a kind gesture from Rem, but in my view, it was also a subtle warning to remind me that she's always watching over me.
"Do you want your egg hard or soft?" I ask Rem with a smile.
Even though she still considers me an enemy, I will never give up pursuing what I desire: tranquility. With determination, I finish preparing breakfast and carefully place the dishes on the table. I gaze with pride upon what I've created: an exquisite and sophisticated dish.
In the center, there's a mashed potato dish crafted following the recipe from my homeland. I've added generous portions of high-quality cheese, softened with milk and butter to achieve a creamy and lump-free texture.
In another corner of the plate, I've crafted a seasoned egg omelet with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, providing a delightful contrast of flavors and an elegant presentation. Since chocolate is not found in these lands, I decided to prepare cinnamon-infused milk. I carefully heated the mixture until it transformed into an aromatic and comforting tea, perfect for the chilly mornings.
As the dessert topping, I've arranged a separate plate of fresh fruits, cut into small cubes, offering a touch of freshness and natural sweetness.
"Ha, even though we're servants, we're eating well," I chuckle with pride, gazing at the feast before me.
Roswaal doesn't complain about what we do; in fact, it's the others who always complain that I use too many things. Ram was the first to relent after preparing a simple Cuban oatmeal with toast and jam. Simple, but it was what made her give in.
On the other hand, Rem continues to grumble, but when she sees her sister enjoying the food, she remains silent.
"Roswaal may be wealthy, but it doesn't mean much to him. However, if we eat well, we can perform at our best," Ram comments as she arrives, and we both fist-bump, our stomachs growling with hunger.
"Lord Roswaal is truly generous. He understands that to give our best, we need proper nourishment," Ram continues, sitting down and gazing at the plate with great desire before adding, "That's why Marco takes care of cooking for us."
Rem gazes intensely at her sister, probably reflecting on when Ram changed so much. But in the end, she, too, begins to enjoy the meal enthusiastically.
While Ram heads off to attend to Roswaal, I stay behind to wash the dishes. Though it's a tedious task, today I find it satisfying.
"I can't believe you got my sister to wash dishes for a week," Rem remarks with an annoyed tone.
"Heh, she was the one who made the bet. It was a fun battle," I reply, looking at her with pride.
She watches me and seems about to say something but then decides to withdraw without speaking. I can't let it end this way.
I dry my hands as best I can and grab her shoulder to stop her.
"Rem!"
She turns instantly, her expression not one of surprise but of displeasure because I touched her.
"What do you want?"
I pause for a moment. I can't help but feel intimidated by her; after all, if I make a mistake, it's possible that in a fit of anger, she might kill me, despite Roswaal's word.
"I've been living in this mansion for a week now. I know you didn't like it, and I know there must be a reason," I say, leaning slightly toward her. "If you can, I'd like to talk about it, whatever it may be. I'm willing to answer all your questions in as much detail as possible."
I want to free myself from this anxiety I feel in her presence. I don't need to be liked by her; it's not as if I like her either. Nevertheless, she's been intimidating me all this time. What I want is to lift this weight off my shoulders.
Rem seems to reflect for a few moments, her gaze lost in the distance as she gives me an evaluating look. I can't help but wonder what's going through her mind right now, but I feel that it's time to get some answers.
Finally, Rem exhales a long sigh, and this time looks me directly in the eyes.
"At night, before bed, we'll go to the courtyard to talk. It will be quiet there."
As I nod in agreement, I can't help but let a sarcastic thought cross my mind: "You can also kill me peacefully." Of course, in case it comes to that, I'll fight with all my might.
I've been training harder than ever, almost as intensely as when I was researching my project. Studying, researching, debating, and putting into practice. My magic may not be the most powerful since I still don't have full control over it, but if I put in all my effort, I can put up a good fight.
I think.
"Sure, after training with Ram, I don't have any more scheduled activities."
I no longer need to study the language with her. I easily memorized the Latin syntax since the letters resemble those of Spanish in a certain way. In the case of the I-glyphs, it has been a bit more complex, but using learning strategies, I've focused on memorizing it all.
Ram has been my mentor in the use of wind magic, and little by little, I've progressed from creating gusts of wind to lifting objects with its force.
However, wind magic requires much greater concentration than fire magic.
For me, understanding how mana can generate wind is quite a challenge.
What I've done is imagine that my mana reduces the pressure in my hands, thus creating a vacuum that draws in the air. Thanks to this, I've managed to lift objects and generate gusts of wind, although I haven't yet mastered the ability to create wind blades or other subtler manifestations.
It's difficult for me to comprehend how wind can cut, as air is simply a gas without the physical capacity to do so. Although I observe how Ram performs these feats, it remains an incomprehensible mystery to me.
But pressure, that's a different story. Since my magic is based on understanding, I find it impossible to replicate those abilities. However, this doesn't discourage me in the slightest.
If I can control the wind precisely and launch an object at great speed, it will undoubtedly cause more than just a simple cut.
The day progresses peacefully until it's time for my training session with Puck. We meet in the mansion's courtyard, where Emilia is busy conversing with the spirits while we prepare to practice.
Over time, I've had many conversations with Puck, and although I always show him my respect, I feel that we've built a good relationship. However, at times, I wonder if he shares that same perception.
Before starting our practice, Puck surprises me with a question.
"Hey Marco, before we begin, could you tell me how you did it?"
I look at him with some disbelief, but then I notice that his gaze is directed toward a point in the mansion. I turn my head in that direction and see Beatrice watching us from afar. The lovely librarian startles when she realizes we've spotted her and disappears in an instant.
"I think she needs a way to distract herself and occupy her mind," I reply, looking him in the eyes and adding, "That's why I've decided to stimulate her curiosity and encourage her interest in exploring new things. Whether she likes it or not, in moments of suffering, any distraction can be useful. "
Instead of talking directly to her, I simply guide her toward other activities and give her the opportunity to discover and explore new things.
Puck stops looking toward the mansion and begins to conjure a spell. Unlike performing simple magic, like creating fire or iceballs, spells require a series of more elaborate steps and processes.
"A spell is a way of modifying magic in this world," Puck explains. "The more you study and practice, the more you can add or remove elements from your spell, resulting in different effects."
As I observe the spell Puck is about to execute, I begin to understand what's happening. Spells are complex systems that involve multiple components and stages leading to a final process. Puck is creating a spell to create stakes that, upon impact, freeze a portion of the area. The spell displays the shape of the stake and a formula that allows for modifying its range.
While Puck's handwriting may be a bit messy, his spells appear sharp and clear, making it easier for me to understand them. The magic and mystery of the world around me continue to astonish me, and this session promises to be an enlightening experience.
As I carefully observe the spell that Puck is about to execute, I notice that it includes the chemical composition of water. I can also glimpse other details, although I don't fully grasp them at this moment. I suppose they refer to aspects such as the amount of matter and temperature. These pieces of the magical puzzle elude me for now, but I am determined to decipher them over time.
This revelation leads me to understand that magic in this world has a physical foundation. To some extent, beyond my comprehension, mana is capable of manipulating the laws of physics at its whim, but it must still adhere to them to function.
There must be a reason, physics as it's described here is something unique to my world, it's our way of understanding it. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same for everyone, but somehow, here it is.
It's as if magic is more of a calculation than a magical act in itself.
Perhaps, there's something I don't know, something about the creation of magic that I haven't learned yet.
"What would you have to modify in the spell to increase its width or length?" I ask Puck, keeping my attention on the execution of the spell.
Puck considers the question for a moment before responding.
"Mmm, as a spirit, simply visualizing it is enough to change it, but for humans, it's more complex since visualization alone doesn't trigger that effect in that way."
His words indicate that spell modification is a complicated process for mortals. Only prodigious individuals or those with extensive experience can perform explosive and similar magics. Modifying spells can be dangerous, as a small change in a spell can have unpredictable effects.
"It's something dangerous," Puck warns.
Yes, it certainly sounds dangerous.
"If you modify something other than the spell, it will change in unpredictable ways," Puck moves behind me to give me an example. "For instance, if you try to cast a fire spell to create a flame that's not very hot but end up creating an explosive flame, the consequences can be devastating."
The mere thought of it fills me with fear. However, I know I need to better understand these magical processes if I want to advance in my training.
"Puck, can I try to modify it?" I ask, determination in my eyes.
Puck looks at me resignedly. He knows that much of my progress in magic is due to my prior knowledge.
I nod, and he simply gives me a thumbs-up.
"If you die, don't blame me," Puck says with a smile and a thumbs-up.
"I trust my teacher," I wink at him.
With confidence in my abilities and my capacity to learn, I prepare to attempt modifying the spell. I believe I can do it, and if successful, I'll make it more efficient and aerodynamic. A stake wouldn't have the same speed and precision as a streamlined, pointed projectile. The issue with stakes lies in their rhomboidal shape, which creates resistance as they travel.
So, with determination, I ask Puck to alter the shape of the spell. I want to turn it into a kind of projectile with a smoothly elongated conical tip, similar to hypersonic missiles.
This new sharpened shape would allow the spell to pierce through obstacles more easily, and its aerodynamic design would ensure higher speed and more precise control.
"Let's continue."
I decide it's no longer worthwhile to discuss my world. Now that I've changed its physical shape, I can carry out an additional transformation. I can modify its chemical composition.
With a smile on my face, I can see the potential of this new creation. I instruct Puck to follow all my steps meticulously.
Puck nods solemnly, ready to witness what's about to happen.
"Erase everything in the center of the spell and replace it with Carbon Dioxide or CO2."
Though Puck doesn't know what it is, I can see that the chemical notation is identical to that of my world.
"You'll make this amount according to this formula: P(Co2)= R*(mi/Mi)*(Ti/Vi)"
As I watch the magic circle, I begin to notice changes in its configuration. From the center of the spell, tiny beads start to emerge and cluster together to form a cube.
Upon closer inspection, I can recognize the atomic structure of dry ice.
These tiny spheres represent carbon dioxide atoms, which make up the composition of dry ice. Their arrangement in the form of a cube indicates an orderly and stable structure.
It's fascinating to witness how magic can materialize and manipulate molecular structure to create specific shapes. With this new configuration, the spell takes on properties related to dry ice, such as its ability to generate extremely low temperatures and produce dense fog.
Magic becomes an astounding manifestation of science and chemistry, and I am eager to see the result of this experiment. This discovery opens up a range of possibilities for its use in combat or situations requiring rapid cooling or stunning visual effects.
Magic becomes an increasingly versatile and astonishing tool. I imagine applying this to industrial processes, the possibility of building advanced materials.
Elements merge, and the spell begins to take shape. Puck may not fully understand what's happening, but he senses that it's not something ordinary.
The projectile is now made of dry ice, but that's not all.
"Puck, change the structure of the projectile now. It will keep the same shape but will be hollow inside."
Puck looks at me confused, as if struggling to understand what's happening.
"We're on the right track, don't get distracted, this part is essential."
"I'm ready to see what you'll surprise me with next," Puck says with a smile.
"At the bottom of the projectile, start adding 'H3C-HCOH-CH3' with a concentration of 99%."
Although they may not understand the chemistry, I'm certain it will work. If they have already incorporated concepts from our world into magic, statistics shouldn't be an exception.
"Are you sure this isn't dangerous?" Puck looks at me with surprise.
Puck adds everything to the spell, and it takes shape quickly. Now it's clear and contains no unnecessary elements, making it highly efficient.
"If this works out, it'll be an ultra-mega dangerous spell," I raise my fist with determination. "Fire!"
Puck looks at me nervously and aims into the distance, toward some trees on the outskirts of the mansion.
"Ugh! When you put it that way, it doesn't give me a good feeling," but contradictorily, Puck smiles. "Although I can't deny I'm excited. Let's do it!"
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the spell develops rapidly. Puck concentrates his mana, and the magic circle's glow intensifies, shaping something extraordinary.
A giant crystal, measuring one meter in length and thirty centimeters in width, materializes before us. It's a weapon of legendary appearance, ready to be unleashed as the ultimate final attack.
"What's that color? I've never seen ice like that in appearance!" Puck asks in astonishment.
Unlike conventional ice, this ice emits an exceptionally vivid glow and possesses an unprecedented hue. It's a pure and radiant white that permeates its entire being, creating a stunning visual effect. This new creation seems ready to unleash astonishing power.
Furthermore, the crystal emits an icy vapor that spreads through the surroundings, adding a touch of mystery and power to the spell.
"It's dry ice, capable of lowering its temperature much more than regular ice," I smile maliciously. "But that's not all, the best is yet to come."
Inside the stake, a translucent liquid begins to form, and its scent begins to escape, a strong and deep aroma, very distinctive.
"Alcohol! Is there alcohol inside!?"
Puck can only open his mouth in amazement as alcohol seemingly materializes out of nowhere. He continues to infuse mana, trying to comprehend.
"It's isopropyl alcohol, an alcohol that causes a very curious reaction at high purities."
Now, we stand on the brink of a momentous moment, ready to fire this magical wonder towards the distant trees and witness the outcome of our effort and skill. The tension in the air is palpable, as if the universe itself awaits the outcome of our feat.
"Fire!" I exclaim fervently, releasing all the energy accumulated within me.
In an instant filled with mystery and power, Puck activates the spell. A deafening roar shakes the surroundings, echoing like the whip of an invisible god.
Suddenly, a shockwave hits me with force, throwing me backward as I try to comprehend the magnitude of what's happening.
"What was that!?" Puck exclaims, bewildered by the unexpected phenomenon.
Without taking my eyes off the horizon, I continue to watch in amazement and fascination as the projectile streaks across the field at breakneck speed, leaving a trail of white mist in its wake. It has transcended the speed of sound and is rapidly approaching the distant trees.
"Do you know what happens when you mix dry ice and isopropyl alcohol?" I laugh uncontrollably, raising my arms in the air as the projectile inexorably approaches its target. "Witness the power of liquid nitrogen!"
At the precise moment I shout those words, the projectile impacts the first tree, penetrating it with overwhelming force and creating a thunderous roar upon contact with the ground. Puck, astonished, watches the event, but what follows exceeds all expectations.
The crystal, subjected to extreme pressure, explodes in a release of energy.
BOOM!
A mist envelops the area, devouring all nearby trees in its whirlwind. The impact of the explosion ripples through the surroundings, leaving behind an eerie silence.
My attention remains fixed on the result of our audacity as approximately ten trees are frozen in their entirety, motionless, trapped in a frigid sculpture. The power of liquid nitrogen has demonstrated its ability to freeze and destroy in a single act of magic.
"What was that!?" Emilia's voice rises, filled with surprise and alarm, as she approaches us. However, both Puck and I remain absorbed in the magnitude of what we've accomplished, momentarily ignoring her call.
The echoes of triumph still resonate in the air, like a persistent echo of our daring.
"We did it!" I exclaim with exuberance, my eyes fixed on the horizon, where the testament of our power stands.
The mist that had enveloped the scene gradually dissipates, revealing the rugged landscape we have forged. The trees, once symbols of strength, now stand lifeless, subdued by their own icy rigidity.
The connection between Puck and me strengthens in that moment, like a silent pact between two beings who share a purpose and a vision.
Our gazes meet, conveying understanding and determination.
Emilia, bewildered, approaches closer, aware of the magnitude of the spell. She shares our amazement, knowing that the power manifested here defies conventional expectations.
Puck, who has witnessed countless wonders in his existence, breaks the silence, perching on Emilia's head, as if he needs a point of support to process what has happened.
"This spell, unlike the one I used against the girl, doesn't settle for covering with a thick layer of ice; its range is much broader, its dominion over nature, total," Puck reveals, his words causing a surprised impact on both Emilia and me. "I know that the spell is something that only I can do, but even so, I would never have thought of it."
The speed with which the spell charged contradicts common magical laws.
The gazes of Emilia and Puck converge on me, with amazement and questions flowing in their eyes.
Both of them understand that this kind of spell usually requires a colossal amount of mana. Puck, on the other hand, can execute it.
Or, at least, that's what I suggest. Perhaps, this is an art they have never witnessed before.
Of course, this is only possible for Puck, who is a spirit. But if he can act and use these spells, then he is a force to be reckoned with.
"It's impressive. In all my years of existence, I've never witnessed such an organized spell. I couldn't have imagined that something like this could be achieved by modifying magical components," Puck comments, with a hint of admiration in his voice, settling on Emilia's head, who listens attentively. "You're amazing, Marco. This time, I can't help but say it. I'm truly impressed."
Emilia, with surprise and curiosity reflected on her face, looks up at Puck. She has never heard the spirit praise someone so fervently.
Intrigued, she can't help but ask the question that everyone has in mind:
"How long have you been practicing this spell?"
My face remains impassive, maintaining seriousness, as if I've easily mastered an ancient art.
Emilia seeks answers in my eyes, searching for a deeper connection.
"Not only are you very intelligent, but you can also do things like this," Emilia then smiles at me. "If someone like you believes in my potential, then I'll have to believe it too."
Emilia's words resonate in my mind, and for a moment, I realize that I must be the guiding light that illuminates her path in this world.
I don't consider myself particularly intelligent, perhaps slightly above average, but certainly not a genius. However, if my actions and words can inspire her and strengthen her confidence, then I will be fulfilling a valuable purpose.
"Of course, even though you're still a young girl, you have limitless potential," I assure her, acknowledging her determination.
Emilia releases my hands and crosses her arms, displaying a childlike expression of disapproval.
"I'm not a little girl!" she declares with a pout, as if my words had offended her.
"The important thing is your mindset, Emilia. In my eyes, you're still young, but that won't always be the case. You must prove me wrong."
If I can inspire her to change her current state, to seek improvement and personal growth, then her self-esteem will also increase. When she sees for herself how she has evolved, I'm sure her self-confidence will flourish.
"You're already beautiful just the way you are, just keep striving," I add, giving her a thumbs-up for encouragement.
Emilia turns her head, giving me her back, and makes one final comment before speeding away.
"Silly!"
Puck looks at me, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The night is about to fall, and he is getting ready to accompany Emilia.
"Will we continue tomorrow?" he asks enthusiastically.
"Of course! We have so much more to explore and learn together!" I exclaim with excitement, as I must continue studying the uses of magic. "Puck, I need you to do me a favor. If you can replicate the spell, but change..."
Puck's eyes shine with intensity, his enthusiasm is genuine, not just a polite smile after doing me the favor.
"Convince Beatrice to join one of our sessions. I'm sure she's interested in knowing what we've discovered." His gaze comes with a hint of concern, a somewhat awkward smile.
I nod in agreement before watching Puck head in the direction Emilia went.
It has been an exciting and revealing experiment, and I am eager to continue our journey into magical knowledge. As I turn to head back, a fleeting human figure crosses my field of vision, but I can't identify who it might be.
However, at that moment, that person is not my primary concern.
With a palpable joy in my heart for the significant progress made in the art of magic, I venture through the halls of the majestic mansion in search of a particular door.
Throughout the week, I have dedicated time to visit Beatrice, giving her space to reflect on our past conversations and allowing her to ask questions as we explore the terminology and knowledge of my world.
Whenever I have a break in my magic and combat lessons with Ram, I spend time interacting with Beatrice, trying to establish a deeper connection with her.
My ability to find the door has become second nature to me, and the ritual of our meetings has become comfortingly familiar.
As I enter the room, the familiar sensation of the door clings to me, as if it eagerly anticipates our meeting today. A smile tugs at my lips as I imagine what lies in store for us this time.
Upon swinging the door open, I'm greeted by a scene that deviates from the customary library setting. Instead of the usual sight of endless book-lined shelves, a circular bed adorned with salmon-colored bedding occupies the room's center. Books and scrolls hover gently above the bed, as if meticulously arranged for scholarly pursuit.
Warm, radiant light suffuses the room, seemingly emanating from the very pages of the books. Beatrice is perched on the bed, fully engrossed in her reading, diligently jotting down notes from a hovering tome. The intensity of her concentration is palpable, and she remains entirely oblivious to my entrance.
"Hello, Pucky," she greets with kindness as I step into her domain.
Beatrice continues to transcribe into her notebook, her gaze unbroken as she remains unaware of my presence.
"It appears you're quite occupied today."
My intention was to catch her off guard, for it's typically Puck who pays her visits. Yet, in her deep immersion within her work, Beatrice has yet to register that it is I who have entered her literary sanctuary.
"I've succeeded!" I silently congratulate myself, observing that my little ploy to arouse her curiosity has indeed borne fruit.
Beatrice has willingly immersed herself in her research, her focus unwavering.
Moving with an air of tranquility, I draw nearer to the bed, taking a seat on its edge. Only then does Beatrice glance up, surprise flashing across her features as she realizes that I am not Puck, her usual visitor.
Though I've adhered to my usual schedule, today's unanticipated presence has evidently caught her off guard.
"My future assistant is diligently at work," I remark with a warm smile, alluding to the recent agreement we made.
Beatrice, still somewhat taken aback by my unannounced arrival, adjusts her posture on the bed and offers a playful protest, her gaze momentarily averted.
"Don't be absurd!" she retorts with a touch of defiance. "The night is far from over."
My initial strategy with Beatrice was to sow the seeds of curiosity, and it seems that they have taken root, piquing her interest.
Seeing that my plan was starting to bear fruit, I proposed a deal to Beatrice: if she couldn't grasp what I was teaching her within a week, she would agree to help me construct something in the mansion's courtyard. That's why, even though I answered her questions, I often gave vague and evasive responses, keeping her curiosity at a constant level.
"Well, who would have thought? The great spirit Beatrice not keeping her promise," I throw provocative words, and Beatrice visibly startles at them. She lowers her head and mutters quietly, displaying a mix of exasperation and resignation.
"No one said I wouldn't... I guess," Beatrice mutters with a hint of resignation, crossing her arms and showing some exasperation.
I approach her as if I hadn't heard her previous comment and ask her to repeat what she said, further provoking her.
"What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly."
Beatrice, visibly annoyed, stands up on the bed, facing me with determination.
"Prove it! I haven't figured everything out yet, but I have a hypothesis. Do you think a human like you can be smarter than a spirit, really?"
Her words fill me with unease. If Beatrice has genuinely grasped the essence of what I've been teaching her, convincing her to leave this place could be challenging. Though, deep down, I have no intention of forcibly taking her away; I just want her to make her own decision. The idea of making a contract with her doesn't sound so bad right now.
"Alright, tell me your hypothesis," I reply with a mix of anxiety and curiosity.
Beatrice then hurls her notebook towards me. I catch it in mid-air and start flipping through it, reading her notes attentively.
"This is..." My voice involuntarily breaks. Her notes began with simple theories about machinery used for grinding flour and corn, but now she has arrived at a much deeper conclusion. "Incredible."
Beatrice has formulated a hypothesis about a machine capable of generating power from a material, and her explanation holds great potential. I'm impressed by how far she has come in such a short time, connecting the dots I provided. Perhaps spirits do indeed possess superior intelligence.
While she still lacks an understanding of how to create that force, her progress is astounding.
"Incredible!" I exclaim excitedly and make a playful lunge towards her, but with unexpected agility, she dodges my attempt, and I end up falling onto the bed.
I seize the opportunity and playfully grab her leg, causing her to tumble next to me.
"Ah!" Beatrice falls onto the bed, looking at me with annoyance at my antics.
I can't help but burst into laughter. My laughter fills the room, and I'm having fun like I haven't in a long time. This day has been a respite from all the stress I usually experience with Rem.
"You've almost reached the goal, Beatrice."
She opens her eyes in surprise, but when she sees my mischievous smile, her expression changes.
"I told you I could do it!" she proclaims proudly, placing her hand on her chest and lifting her head with determination.
I compliment her again, this time with a sincere compliment.
"Don't stop smiling; you look lovely when you smile."
Beatrice blushes and jumps slightly, covering her face with her hands in a mix of surprise and shyness.
"What the heck are you randomly saying, I suppose!" Beatrice protests and throws a book at my face in discontent.
I catch it before it hits me, but I can see the frustration in her gestures. Although she tries to maintain a composed attitude, I know she's grappling with deeper emotions inside. It's painful to see her trapped in her own emotional turmoil, but I understand that her trauma is not something that can be easily overcome.
Beatrice gets up from the bed and looks directly into my eyes.
"Something has happened," she informs me seriously. "They need you on the first floor. It seems to be something of great importance, indeed."
With no time for questions, I feel the power of the door's transfer activating around me.
In the blink of an eye, I find myself in front of one of the doors on the first floor of the mansion. Without wasting time, I hurry towards the front entrance of the house, feeling a growing unease inside me.
"No, please..." I think anxiously, "Everything was going so well..."