Ch. 4: Passionately Burning Dream
OO: "I was just thinking that the power of the fire spirits and magic should be enough. And I was wondering why it was necessary to build something like this."
Foia: "Of course it’s enough! But…"
At my question, Foia’s expression became serious and his brows furrowed in concentration.
Foia: "Magic is naturally quite powerful … but that’s the very reason it’s unstable. And in the past, it’s not been possible to get a stable supply of energy from the spirits either, since they come from the power of nature…"
OO: "…"
As he bit his lip, I patiently waited for Foia to continue.
He remained silent as he looked at the outer wall of the Ark Plant…
Foia: "When I was little, we’d often get emissaries from the outside world who would come to the castle. They told us all sorts of stories. Like about the worlds out there that have advanced science and technology, you know?"
OO: "…yes. But I think that this country…the spirits and the use of magic are truly wonderful."
Foia: "Yeah, I like it too. But…"
Foia looked to the night sky, as if he could see something far in the distance.
[Choice]
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Encourage him (SUN)
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Wait for him to continue (MOON)
Foia: "I want to develop this country’s magic, spiritual power, and science even more, together. That way, I can create a world where no family will be worse off, and everyone can laugh together… Someday, I want this country to be even greater and connect with the rest of the world!"
OO: "Foia…"
Foia: "That’s why…I’ve named this the Ark Plant, and put all my dreams into it."
OO: "Eh…?"
Foia: "Ark…like a ship that everyone can ride on, and it can carry everyone’s hopes. I’ll see this thing through till the end!"
The feelings he expressed from the depths of his heart were truly inspiring.
I wanted to be with him and see the world where his dreams had come true…
My chest was warm, and my heart was beating quickly.
Foia: "…I kinda rambled a little there."
He smiled with a sigh and turned to look at me…
[Choice]
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I’d like to hear more (SUN)
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No, not at all (MOON)
Foia: "OO."
Foia suddenly bent down and lifted me up in his arms.
OO: "F-Foia!?"
I looked down at him in surprise and his masculine face was right in front of me.
My heart was pounding in my ears.
Foia: "In that case, I’m gonna tell you all about it! Keep smiling for me. You don’t mind right?"
OO: "…right!"
Nodding, a brilliant smile flashed across his face.
And just like that, he set me down on a nearby bench. I listened long into the night as he told me about his dreams and ideals.
He’s so straightforward…and he has such wonderful ideas.
I was completely charmed by his heart and eyes that burned so passionately.
OO: "No, that’s not it at all. I really enjoyed listening to you talk about it."
Foia: "You’re kinda odd. This is my first time seeing a woman whose eyes sparkled like that while listening to me talk."
OO: "Really? Listening to you makes me a little excited. I really enjoy it…"
Foia: "…"
I was interested in the continuation of his story, and I watched in silence as I waited for him to continue.
Then, the light flickered in the corners of his eyes, and they started to sparkle.
OO: "Foia…?"
I quietly said his name, and he gave me a reassuring smile.
That expression made him look like a young boy…
OO: "I’d like to hear more about it. This future that you see in your mind…"
Foia: "Really? Then I’ll tell you more! Come over here."
OO: "Ah…"