章 36: Fateful meeting (1)

Raphael Earhart

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"Meeting you has changed me more than I could have imagined."

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Half an hour after leaving Sarik's, we reached one of the city's liveliest streets. Here, everything seemed to pulse with the spirit of modernism: buildings took on strange, at times almost fantastical, geometric shapes. Some were long rectangular prisms, others crowned with glass domes harmoniously blended with their facades. The street was bustling with people in white lab coats, making it feel like we'd arrived at the very heart of the "Science District."

All around us, various magical and scientific centers lined the street, driving the country's progress in both fields. To the left and right, spontaneous magical experiments ignited like small firework shows; sparks of glowing spells and alchemical vapors delighted passersby, who gasped in amazement. Families stopped to watch with their children, and even Erin and Harumi were captivated, their heads turning this way and that as they tried to take it all in.

— We need to head to the Central Mage Tower — I said, interrupting their awestruck gazes and snapping them back to the present.

Erin and Harumi turned their heads toward me in unison.

— O-oh, right, but… are you sure it'll be that easy? — Erin asked, noticeably uneasy.

— What do you mean?

— Well, regular people aren't allowed in, and you're still wearing that mask covering your face. Take it off, and it's bound to attract attention. How are we supposed to get inside?

I locked eyes. To be honest, I hadn't thought about that detail.

— Uh… — Erin furrowed her brow. — So… did you even plan this?

Then it hit me: she was worried we wouldn't be let inside, given that nobody outside the family knew I was Raphael Earhart. Anyone could stroll freely through the streets of the Science District, but entry into the buildings, particularly the mage and science towers, was restricted to select individuals: mages, researchers, trusted agents, and of course, investors and members of the ruling family. But being an Earhart gave me certain privileges, one of which was entry to any of these towers.

— Don't worry, — I replied calmly. — All we need to do is show them the family insignia, and we'll be allowed inside.

— Ah, well then, no problem, — Erin said, visibly relieved.

We walked another fifty meters or so before we saw it: a massive structure towering over all the others, reaching skyward for a full seventy-five floors. Its walls were covered in digital banners that could be seen from afar, while the building itself looked like a giant glass cube, opaque until you stood close enough to peer through.

— Wow! It's amazing! — Erin gasped, gazing up at the skyscraper. — Isn't this the tallest building in the world?

— Almost, — I said with a smirk. — The only thing taller is the central magic tower at the Sawyers'.

— I see... — she murmured, her gaze glued to the upper floors.

We approached the entrance, where several guards stood watch. Their armor was polished to a high gleam, and dark helmets obscured their faces, giving no hint of friendliness. Each one was at the first stage of the Starry Whirl, speaking volumes about the importance of this place.

After showing them the Earhart insignia, we were granted immediate entry. The guards even offered refreshments and other amenities, which I quickly declined. I had no time to waste on small gestures.

One of the building's attendants offered to escort us, and without delay, I addressed her directly:

— I need to get to the seventieth floor, to the artifact shop.

The young woman blinked, then gave a respectful bow as if apologizing for not asking sooner.

— My apologies, sir. — Her voice was polite yet concerned. — Allow me to show you the way.

She led us to the elevator, and soon, we arrived on the seventieth floor — the very heart of the magic equipment center. When the elevator doors slid open, I stepped out first, with Erin and Harumi following close behind.

Before us stretched a massive hall, exactly as I remembered it from my past life. The spacious area, about fifty by sixty meters, resembled a shrine to technology and magic. The walls were adorned with monitors showcasing the latest magical artifacts and equipment, still in the testing phase before official release. A wide aisle ran through the center, dividing the hall into two halves: to the left, equipment requiring no mana; to the right, magical artifacts that functioned with it.

The hall was filled with everything imaginable, from standard household devices to weapons, armor, and unique magical tools used in warfare, medicine, and even daily life. People bustled around us, from the extravagantly dressed to those who appeared to be of the middle class, presumably there due to collaborations with researchers.

— Oh wow, there's so much to see… — Erin murmured, clearly awestruck.

— You're right, — I nodded. — Let's go.

We strolled slowly past glass showcases where a variety of magical goods were on display. Harumi and Erin stopped at every single one that caught their attention, while I couldn't help but notice other visitors sneaking glances our way. Perhaps it was the fact that we were newcomers, or maybe it was Harumi's unmistakable bright pink fur that drew attention in the crowd.

Ignoring the stares, we simply savored the moment— a rare chance to spend time together without any pressing concerns. In moments like these, I often found myself questioning the future I'd chosen for myself. Of course, I still wanted to protect those dear to me.

But did that mean I had to walk the path of a knight?

There were other possibilities. I could become a researcher, study here in the Mage's Tower, dedicate myself to magic or science, and live as any ordinary person might. Or, with my looks, I could even be a model or an actor—lead a public life with a different sort of fame, free from constant danger. Erin would still be my bodyguard, and with time, attention to us would wane, allowing for a calmer existence.

And, if I'm honest, even if I become a Knight of the Circle, there's no guarantee I can protect everyone. One person can only do so much, and there will always be someone stronger. While that doesn't mean I'd abandon my path, such thoughts make me wonder about the future. Especially since my choice determines not just my fate.

We were nearing the end of the hall when a scene outside caught my attention—a young boy, around my age, out for a stroll with his parents. He beamed as he told them something, his face lit by the purest, most unguarded smile. A strange pang hit me—jealousy? Yes, probably.

How I wish I could be just an ordinary boy like him.

— Hey! What's got you stuck over there? Let's go! — called out a familiar voice.

I turned to see Erin waiting with a wide, happy grin. On her shoulder sat an equally content Harumi. I moved toward them, my thoughts quieting as I did.

For now, I'll keep going down the path I chose. Maybe one day, it will lead me to where I need to be.

After a few minutes, we arrived at the showcase I'd been searching for. On the table lay an array of medical artifacts, most of which would likely leave the average buyer confused. I knew exactly what I needed and reached for a small white device with a tube-shaped container attached to a solid base. This gadget could grind pills and blend components, making my work much easier.

But before I could pick it up, another hand—a delicate one, with slender fingers, one of which bore a ring with a green emerald that sparkled under the lights—reached for it. Surprised, I turned to see the owner of the hand.

Before me stood a girl, unbelievably beautiful, with a perfect hairstyle and hair cut just to her shoulders. Her long bangs draped slightly over the left side, hiding her ear, while the right side was tucked behind it, with a few loose strands framing her face. But her eyes captivated me the most—a pure, light blue that looked at me with a refreshing clarity.

Unexpectedly, I felt myself flush, my heartbeat quickening as I glanced away, unable to explain why.

— Oh, were you planning to buy this converter too? — she asked with a light smile.

I looked up at her, regaining my composure. Trying not to blush, I managed to take in her appearance a bit more closely. She had fair hair that looked almost dyed. She wore bold black shorts that accentuated her slender hips and beige sneakers with white socks. Her top was a loose, tied blouse, resembling a summer sweater. She was about 167 centimeters tall—perfect height for a girl, in my opinion.

Realizing I'd been silent for too long, I quickly responded:

— Yes, I was planning to buy it.

— Oh, I'm sorry, — she smiled and bit her lip. — Let me check with a consultant to see if there's another one in stock.

— That's not necessary. You can have it. I'll ask them myself if they have another.

Honestly, I could create a similar device myself, though it would be a hassle. But if she needed it that much...

— No, I won't take it just like that! — she replied with a grin.

— What? — I said, taken aback.

— We're going together to check if they have another one.

— But…

— No "buts"! Come on!

The mysterious girl confidently grabbed my hand and pulled me along with her. I didn't have time to protest or even process what was happening. She'd simply swept me out of my own thoughts, and now I was following her as if it were the most natural thing to do. Erin, still stunned by the sudden turn of events, hurried after us, barely able to grasp what was going on.

As we walked, I found myself glancing at her profile—a soft smile playing across her face, her light hair swaying slightly. Her gaze radiated an easy confidence, and somehow, it was mesmerizing.

Such a beautiful smile...