Chapter 128 - The Book of Wistaria
The day after the small gathering was a pleasant late summer evening with a gentle breeze.
True to her word, the former journalist Margaret arrived as planned.
I left the detailed explanation of the benefits and drawbacks of joining the Kikyo Society to Frederica, who calmly outlined everything.
Unfortunately, Margaret didn’t decide on the spot. She asked for some time to think about it, so we’ll have to wait for her official response. It’s fine as long as she takes her time to consider it thoroughly.
On this pleasant day, we had a fun event planned.
The Commercial Guild was hosting a large flea market.
I had participated in an underground market organized by a criminal organization before, but it hasn’t been held since due to internal conflicts in the organizing group. It was fun, but it’s a shame it’s no longer happening.
As a replacement, the Commercial Guild is hosting a grand flea market.
Of course, illegal activities like human trafficking and drug dealing are strictly prohibited.
However, it’s not as if only completely legal items are allowed. Most goods, including gray-area items like stolen goods, loot, and contraband, are generally tolerated as long as they don’t attract too much attention.
This is common knowledge among merchants, as I learned from a Commercial Guild director. Connections are wonderful.
The flea market is open to anyone, both as a seller and a buyer. Registration and a fee are required for sellers, but the process and the cost are minimal.
Our members are also participating, selling unused items and handmade goods. They were excited about preparing for it.
The market runs for several days, from morning to night, allowing both sellers and buyers to participate at various times.
I’m not selling anything, but I plan to visit as a buyer.
"...Phew, I’m tired."
I had been concentrating for a long time, feeling a bit feverish and with tense shoulders.
"Hmm! Oh, it’s already this late."
I stretched and checked the time. It was already a bit past dinner time.
Everyone else had gone to the flea market, probably enjoying a meal by now.
I had been conducting a magic potion experiment and was invited to join them earlier, but I couldn’t leave my work.
There are still members on standby or taking a break at the headquarters, but they’re probably relaxing in their rooms.
I decided to go out for a meal and to stretch my legs.
I took off my hairpin and changed from my casual clothes into something more presentable before heading out.
I initially planned to grab a quick bite at a nearby cafe, but I suddenly craved something junky, so I decided to head to the Tekiya District.
At a late-night okonomiyaki stand, the aroma of the sauce made my stomach growl.
While waiting for my order, I overheard a conversation from a group of passersby.
"Hey, what are you going to do with that thing?"
"It’s amazing! I’ve never seen a moving magical puppet before."
"Even so, you’re a bit old for toys, aren’t you? Your dad will be mad."
"Not likely. He’d be happier with something boring. Look, the arms, legs, and even the mouth move!"
It was a conversation between a couple of young people. They seemed to have bought a magical toy at the flea market. It’s open at night too.
I decided to explore a bit more.
A Kikyo Society member, a magic tool enthusiast, once told me that the world of magic tools is even broader and deeper than magic itself.
An individual can have only a few magical aptitudes, and common magic isn’t deep enough to explore the depths. Most people use magic spontaneously and don’t spend much time refining it, as it’s not practical for combat.
But magic tools are different. Individuals or teams of experts can spend time crafting intricate mechanisms.
What’s impossible with a single magic can become possible when combining multiple spells.
Phenomena that require more power than an individual can provide can be achieved with well-crafted magic tools.
Magic tool engineers are important figures, often protected by the state.
Common magic tools for daily use are simpler and easier to make, though they still require specialized knowledge and skills that not just anyone can replicate.
Even I, who isn’t particularly interested in magic tools, can appreciate their complexity and ingenuity.
Near the Exembra Central Plaza, where a construction site is planned, there’s a vast, empty space.
The flea market, illuminated by magical lights, is bustling with many visitors, creating a festive atmosphere.
Unlike the underground market, where every stall had exciting items, this market is more diverse.
There are many stalls selling second-hand clothes and household items. Various people take turns setting up and visiting.
It’s past peak hours, so it might be a good time to find some hidden gems. There might even be some shady stalls.
The market is a typical flea market, with items spread out on sheets or on makeshift tables.
I wasn’t interested in household items, so I decided to take a quick look around.
There seemed to be a rough division, with second-hand items from amateurs near the entrance and professional merchants further in.
In the back, the stalls seemed to have more illicit items, though it was just a feeling.
I was hoping to find some interesting magic tools or accessories but couldn’t find anything that caught my eye.
"Hmm, there’s nothing particularly interesting here today."
I hadn’t explored the entire market, but it seemed like a bust.
I decided to head back, taking a longer route.
As I walked past a corner, something caught my attention.
In a secluded spot, an old woman had set up a stall selling old books. The books were incredibly old, and the stacks looked like a bibliophile’s dream.
As a bookworm and avid reader, I was naturally drawn in.
"Wow, what an interesting stall."
Finally, something that caught my interest.
Just a quick glance revealed some valuable finds. The books were old, but they were well-preserved, likely thanks to preservation magic.
Most were written in ancient languages, requiring specialized knowledge to read.
Many were historical texts, part of incomplete series. These were not worth pursuing since the first volumes were missing.
The next section was more intriguing, with what appeared to be magical texts.
"Can I take a look inside?"
"Of course, feel free to browse."
I picked up a nearby book and opened it. It seemed to be a beginner’s guide to magic. It might have interesting content if read thoroughly, but it didn’t particularly catch my interest.
"What about this one?"
I opened another book, and it turned out to be about alchemy, specifically detailed research on magical minerals. It looked quite fascinating!
I couldn’t help but get lost in the details, reading bits and pieces here and there. It was so engaging.
"Take your time. I was bored anyway, so I don’t mind."
I took advantage of the old woman’s kindness, browsing through the books. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Even libraries don’t have many rare books, and they’re not easy to access.
In a playful mood, I gave the old woman a vial of super-complex healing potion, then continued reading through the rare books.
After some time, I realized I was holding a particularly tattered old book, staring at it intently.
"Miss, you seem interested in unusual things. This one has no title, and it’s just an old, blank book."
The old woman laughed, as if making a joke.
No, that’s not right. This isn’t just a blank book. It has a title, though the old woman says it doesn’t. I can sense a faint magical presence.
Focusing my magical perception, I detected that the book wasn’t written with ordinary ink but with magic.
It’s an incredibly delicate and highly advanced magical perception that’s needed to detect the text. I can barely make it out, and I doubt anyone else in the Kikyo Society could.
The cover, faded and worn, bears a simple title.
I think it reads 'Book of Wistaria.' I’ve heard of similar names, but that’s all I know.
The book is very old, with worn corners and a damaged cover and spine.
Despite its condition, it’s incredibly intriguing. It seems to be a magical artifact, and I can sense different magical energies beyond the text.
The old woman doesn’t seem to notice anything special about it, and the passersby who glance at it don’t seem interested either.
...I’m incredibly drawn to it. What is this feeling? It’s a bit scary.
Thinking about it, I haven’t felt fear in a long time.
---
Tentatively, almost as if guided by something, I slowly opened the book.
Instantly, I felt a strong, unpleasant sensation as if my consciousness was being invaded.
...What is this? A description of a location, a landscape?
No, that’s not it. Why do I understand this? I shouldn’t be able to read this!
I’ve never seen such writing, even though I’m well-read.
Why, why!?!? What is this!!!
The panic was short-lived. A strong, intrusive sensation filled my mind as if something was peering into it, causing a severe dizziness. I almost lost my balance, but I managed to stay upright.
I couldn’t stop myself from turning the page.
"Hey, hey! Are you okay? Maybe you should rest somewhere?"
The old woman’s loud voice snapped me back to reality.
"Ah."
I’m back. I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of genuine relief.
...It was a surreal experience, but I’m back.
I took a deep breath and looked at the closed book. This is dangerous. Extremely dangerous.
I’ve never seen anything like it, but I think this is a genuine magical tome. Another fantasy item has appeared.
But for some reason, I can’t let it go. I feel the need to secure it, no matter what.
It’s creepy, and I don’t plan to open it again, but I trust my instincts. They’re usually accurate.
I don’t have the energy to read more or walk around. It’s been a long day, so it’s time to head back.
"Thanks, old lady. I just felt a bit dizzy, but I’m fine. I’ll buy a few of these and head home."
"Alright, be careful. So, you’re buying that blank book?"
I’m buying this 'Book of Wistaria' no matter the cost. I’ll also buy the others that caught my interest. I might never see them again, and I want to study them thoroughly.
"Yes, this one, and this one, and this one too. Oh, and I’ll take all of these as well."
"Really? You know, they’re not cheap, Miss."
"I’m quite wealthy, so it’s no problem. How much will it be?"
The old woman started calculating carefully, one book at a time. She doesn’t use rough estimates.
"This magical text is 7 million Gist, these two are 3 million each, and those are 1.8 million and 1.5 million. The others..."
...It’s extremely expensive. Much more than I expected. The cheapest one is 100,000 Gist.
But, based on the magical signatures and content, they all seem genuine. I’m not familiar with the prices of such old books, but they seem reasonable.
"In total, it’s 24.3 million Gist. The blank book is a freebie. It’s only valuable for its age, and since you’re buying so much, I’ll throw it in. Can you afford it?"
"...No problem."
I bought them. I’m rich and love spending money on interesting and valuable things. The old woman seems nice, so I’ll overlook any overcharging.
Still, this unexpected expense and the heavy load I’m carrying back are a bit much...
=== CHAPTER 128 END ===