kscans

Chapter 177 - A Chance Reunion

I was at Hikyō Shrine, reading the books written in the Brahmi script. I thought they would be impossible to read, being so old and in a foreign script, but for some reason, I found myself gradually able to understand them. Was this the power of my Language Function skill? It seemed a bit slow to take effect, but oh well. As long as I could read them, that was all that mattered.

As I was reading, a Miko approached from the side. "Excuse me. Here is some tea and a light lunch. You’re reading so intently. It’s no wonder the Chief Priest saw something in you… as one who possesses power."

Her words caught my attention. "Does that mean you are the next successor?" I asked.

"I’m embarrassed to say, yes. I am the Chief Priest’s granddaughter," she replied with a gentle smile. "I’ve heard about you from my grandfather. I will do what little I can to assist you. Now, if you’ll excuse me." She bowed and left.

Gratefully, I drank the tea and ate the three rice balls.

After finishing my meal, I returned to my research. The books detailed demon-exorcising techniques and the mechanics of weapon enchantment. Even the explanations were in Brahmi script. Was this the mainstream writing in Heian Japan?

After about an hour, the Chief Priest came in. "How is it going? Making progress?"

"I wouldn’t say it’s smooth sailing, but I’m getting there," I replied with a half-smile. "I’m planning to copy some parts into my notebook and try them out. It seems the effects will be weak if my knowledge is incomplete, so I’m trying my best to understand everything."

It was true. Just looking at the words wasn’t enough to grasp their true meaning. Without understanding the words, I couldn’t see their essence, and nothing would happen. I wouldn't be able to do anything. To put it simply, it was like English. Even if you’ve seen the letters, if you don’t know the meaning, there’s no point.

Thanks to my Language Function, I could understand the words, but it was taking time to grasp their true meaning.

"Ho ho ho ho. Such dedication," the Chief Priest said. "By the way, have you considered settling down with my granddaughter?"

I spat out a mouthful of tea. That was close. I almost soiled the book.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded. If it was a joke, it wasn’t funny.

"Well," he said with a laugh, "if someone with your power were to become the heir to this temple, the next generation would be born with great power. It’s not a pleasant thought for me either, but for the continuation of the family, I must ask."

If it was an unpleasant thought, he shouldn’t have brought it up. But that’s how families were.

"I’m sorry, but I have someone over there I’ve sworn my future to," I said, politely declining.

"She could be your mistress," he suggested. "My granddaughter would agree. Look."

He pointed, and I saw the Miko from before, hiding behind a paper screen, listening in. Her silence meant she was serious.

"I’m sorry to both the Chief Priest and the Miko-san, but I’m not that kind of man," I said, turning my eyes back to the book.

"I see. What a shame," he said with a disappointed look, leaving the room. The Miko left with him.

"Fuuu. I wonder what would have happened if Tina were here," I sighed in relief.


Meanwhile, in the other world.

"Achoo!"

Tina, who was practicing her swordsmanship outside the base, sneezed. She paused for a moment, thinking.

"Is he being approached by women over there? Maybe I should have gone with him. No, Shinsuke is devoted to me. I trust him on that. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have done… that." She blushed and looked down, then resumed her practice.


Back on Earth, it was evening.

I had finished reading all the books at the temple and copied the important parts into my notebook. As I was about to leave, the Chief Priest appeared.

"Oh? Leaving already? I was going to prepare dinner for you."

"No, thank you. I don’t want to be that much of a freeloader," I said. "The lunch you provided was more than enough."

"Don’t worry about it," he said with a serious expression. "I told you, didn’t I? We are to lend our strength when one like you appears. That is the rule of this temple and the will of our founder."

"In that case, please lend me your strength when I’m in trouble here," I replied. "Though I’ll try not to cause any trouble."

"Ho ho ho ho. You’ll be fine. The politicians around here wouldn’t dare to mess with us. After all, this place is important to them. My granddaughter’s power is specialized in fortune-telling. It’s limited to one month ahead, but her accuracy is one hundred percent. For them, one month is plenty of time. Plus, inconvenient results also come out, so the hush money is no small sum. Fufufu."

His final smile was sinister. I might have stumbled into a seriously shady temple.

"Please try to live within the limits of what the Buddha would forgive," I said, bowing before I left.

As I walked, I thought. How should I use this Brahmi script? What should I do about the Light Stone? I had been curious about it and tried to make one, and the result was a stone that housed the light attribute. But the analysis showed it wasn't naturally formed but artificially created. The only ones who could make such a thing would be a magician with the light attribute or an alchemist.

However, I had researched the types and history of ores in that world, and there was no record of artificially created stones being developed. They used ores to make various things, but there was no precedent for creating the ore itself. I felt like I had touched upon a hidden part of history. It sent a slight chill down my spine, but having participated in the black market auction, it was too late for that now.

As I was lost in thought, I sensed a presence approaching from behind.

"Well, well, what a coincidence to meet you here."

I turned around to see Kuroda.

I was surprised to see him, a person I only ever met at the auction. "It’s been a while. I’m surprised too, to run into you in a town like this."

"Fuffu. I go out when I have business to attend to," Kuroda said. "I was just meeting with a certain individual. This is my way back. Of course, I happened to spot you as I was getting into my car, so I thought I’d come and say hello."

"Thank you for going out of your way. But I doubt you came over just because you happened to see me," I said pointedly.

"Fuffu. This is no place to talk. How about that coffee shop over there?" He pointed to a place called ‘Cafe Nyan Nyan.’

"The name is a bit much, but are you sure?"

Kuroda looked at the shop, thought for a moment, and said, stammering slightly, "Well, I was the one who invited you."

It seemed he had pointed without looking. Suppressing a laugh, I followed him.

As we entered the shop, a maid with cat ears and a tail greeted us. "Welcome, master! Nyan nyan♪"

I had expected it, but it was still something to behold. I could understand the owner’s tastes.

I followed Kuroda. The interior was somewhat old-fashioned, with no flashy colors or decorations. The only decor were some houseplants and two paintings on the wall, one of a meadow and one of the sea. The shop wasn’t very crowded.

We sat at a table away from other people. A maid came over. "What would you like to order, nyan?"

"I’ll have a coffee. And you?" Kuroda asked me.

"Same for me."

"Right away, nyan♪" the maid said and left.

"Is this a hobby of yours?" I asked sarcastically.

"Fuff. I’m more of a dog person, myself," Kuroda replied smoothly.

As expected of the overseer of the black market auction. Even when flustered, his mind and spirit remained unshaken.

Two coffees were placed on our table, and the maid left again. I took a sip.

"So? What was the purpose of your kind invitation?"

"I see you don’t wish to waste time on small talk," Kuroda said. "Very well. I had originally planned to discuss this the next time you came, but since the opportunity has presented itself, I’ll get straight to the point. Would you be interested in working for me?"

He smiled a suspicious smile.