While we didn’t chat much after that, we continued quietly observing Omicle together. We didn’t go out of our way to share our thoughts, but when I looked through the telescope, Aqual used the notebook I’d brought to jot down her thoughts and sketches. When she took her turn at the telescope, I did the same.
Neither of us knew the first thing about astronomy or how to observe the stars, but we did what we felt right. Even without words, there was something very comfortable about sharing that silence with her.
“We didn’t find any signs of human life,” she said after a while.
“Nope. If there were, they’d probably be near the coast, by a big river, or around a lake, I think.”
“Why there?”
“In my old world, that’s usually where civilization started. People need large sources of water to survive. Water for drinking, water for farm work. And living near the sea means you can fish. Also, big rivers leave behind fertile soil when they flood.”
“I see. That does make sense,” Aqual nodded as she adjusted the telescope.
Watching her work reminded me of Ifriita; they were both curious like that. Funny how different she was from Sylphy, who preferred moving her body over studying. I didn’t know much about Doriada’s interests… I’d make it a point to sit down and have a nice long chat with her later.
“Do you think this is a large river?”
“Lemme see…”
I stood up from my chair and leaned toward the telescope. Since Aqual had invited me to take a look, I peered through the lens. It was hard to tell, but there was a faint curving line cutting through the land.
“Yeah, that might be a river. If we can see it from here, it must be massive.”
“Agreed. How big do you think it is?”
“Hmm… If we knew exactly how far away Omicle was, we could calculate it. But I’m no expert in that kind of thing.”
“That’s surprisingly disappointing.”
“Hey, there’s stuff even I don’t know.”
I could use the stars to find my bearings, sure. But that was just a survival skill, not real astronomy knowledge. I’d always been more interested in practical stuff like guns and preserved foods, so I went out of my way to learn about them, not stars.
“Maybe I should build a telescope designed specifically for observing Omicle.”
“What do you mean?”
“A bigger one. Something that could show us finer details. In my old world, they built massive telescopes—so big they needed entire buildings to house them.”
“A whole building…?” she asked, tilting her head and casting me a dubious look. She probably couldn’t even imagine it.
“Yup. They’re called astronomical observatories, and they’re basically where you put a giant telescope on top of a facility the size of this base. Some of the newest telescopes didn’t even use lenses. They’d emit energy waves—kind of like magic energy—then observe their reflection or something.”
“How very fascinating.”
“There must be scholars and scientists here studying Omicle and the movements of celestial bodies. It might be worth inviting them to collaborate, and maybe even funding their research. I can’t take that on myself right now, but if you’re interested, how about leading a project like that?”
“Me?”
“Sure. Heck, you could even talk to the scholars and study with them if you want. I can provide the equipment and financial support you’d need.”
“Do you think you can win me over with money and gifts?” Aqual asked, narrowing her eyes at me.
I raised both my hands and shook my head.
“I don’t have the time to study astronomy or Omicle myself,” I admitted. “However, I am fascinated by the idea of what may be up there. If you’ve got the time and interest, I can give you the push in the right direction. Equipment, funding, whatever you need. In exchange, I just ask that you share your findings with me. In other words, I want us to cooperate.”
“So you want to use me to satisfy your own curiosity?”
“I think that’s a pretty cynical way to put it, but…you’re not wrong.”
I was realistic enough to know I couldn’t fix our relationship in one fell swoop, but damn, Aqual didn’t make it easy. Would it kill her to be a little nicer to me?
“There doesn’t seem to be any reason to refuse,” she said after a pause. “Fine.”
“Wonderful. In that case, I shall gift this telescope to you, Princess.”
“…You won’t win me over with material objects.”
“I told you, that’s mostly not my intent.”
“Mostly? In other words, it still is a part of your intent?”
“Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping this might help us get along a little better,” I said with a shrug. “But this telescope will also act as a powerful weapon to help you attract astronomers and researchers who study Omicle. They’ll be sure to want to help you. You might even lend it to one of them, so I’ll make two more once we’re back in Merinesburg. Please use them well.”
Her gaze sharpened again as I admitted to having an ulterior motive, but at this point I was used to it.
Honestly, I’m starting to feel pretty good about this.
“All right, fine,” she said at last. “You use me, and I shall use you. I’m satisfied with a relationship where we both come out on top. For now.”
“Woo-hoo!” I cheered with a grin.
One small step for mankind, one giant leap for Kousuke. But wow, this girl really was like a cautious kitten. Seriously.
“Let us call it a night. I’m sure those watching over us are getting bored by now.”
“Yeah, oka—wait, what?”
Watching over us?
Well, I guess it made sense that we wouldn’t be left completely alone. Aqual was an unmarried member of the royal family, after all. One of the harpies, one of the ogre girls, and probably Riviera were most likely keeping an eye on us. Maybe. I didn’t actually know for sure.
“Okay, let’s pack it up, then.”
“Right. Thank you for tonight. I think, after yesterday and today, I’ve come to understand who you are a little better.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m still not sure I completely understand you, but I promise I’ll make an effort trying to find out.”
“I see. Then I suppose we both should,” Aqual said, looking up at Omicle.
Her expression was calm now, no hostility or ice in her tone. Maybe, just maybe, this trip had thawed things between us, even if only a little. I really hoped so.
Now it was time to head home. I’d gathered more than enough resources, and things were about to get hectic for me again. Before I was sent running all over the country, I needed to check in with the Merchant Union and Adventurers’ Guild, see how Ifriita and Ira were coming along with the mana traps, and catch up with Elen and Amalie. Oh, and play with my harpy daughters.
There was so much to do.