Ch. 8: Approaching Sign of a Dream (SUN)
Then…
Because of Foia’s efforts, an agreement was reached with the opposing faction.
Thanks to that, the construction of the facility and the preparations for the test run progressed with surprising speed…
Several days later…
We arrived as the Ark Plant was nearing completion.
Foia: "The day when the people will come see what we’ve done is almost here."
OO: "Yes, it’s … kind of exciting."
Foia: "Yeah…"
Foia stood in front of the building, looking up at the high outer walls.
Foa: "…it had long ago been decided that all the power of the spirits would go to the prince. My family is powerful and stable, so the people don’t really worry, but…. Before I was born, the last prince had a weak body, and there came a time when he couldn’t handle the spirits anymore."
OO: "…"
The tone of Foia’s voice was lower than usual, and I leaned forward to hear him.
Foia: "Because of that, I heard the people went through a lot of hardship…. But if this Ark Plant is in operation…no one would ever have to endure that kind of hardship again. That’s what I believe. And it wouldn’t all be in the prince’s control, so we can have equality in the countryside and the cities. I wonder how much we would prosper then…"
Foia stopped talking and looked down, rubbing the tip of his nose with his finger.
OO: :"I look forward to that day. I’d really like to see the plant when it’s operating."
Foia: "Of course you will, after all when we were trying to persuade the people… You really helped me out."
OO: "I did…?"
Foia: "…you didn’t notice?"
Foia blinked in surprise.
OO: "…no. Because I believe you can do amazing things all on your own Foia."
Foia: "Haha, that’s because I have my dream! It’s not just this facility either. Our current reliance on magic for medical treatment…. Eventually I’d like to introduce science and technology and…"
Foia couldn’t stop talking after that, his heart aflame with passion.
Foia spoke so directly, his words filled with enthusiasm, and there was a kindness there that would move anyone.
When I look at him, I feel as if my heart is filled with energy.
I’d like to be a part of this even more…
As Foia looked at me and spoke of his dreams, it made my chest throb.