“I know they may be different, but I used to repair my family’s spinning machine, so I’m confident that I know my way around machines. You always take good care of me, so please let me help you.”
Leticiel glanced at Zeke. Seeming to sense her gaze, his eyes met hers and he smiled lightly, nodding.
“All right,” the shop owner agreed after a pause. “If you insist, Zeke, I’d appreciate the help.” He seemed unsure of the unexpected offer, but he finally nodded his assent after considering the persuasion from Zeke, a customer he was close with, and the financial implications.
Leticiel took the clock from him, carrying it carefully. Before she left the store, she turned and saw that the boy who had been crying was waving goodbye, sniffling his nose. The sight was so cute that Leticiel smiled and waved back.
Once the shop was out of sight, Mirandalette dropped her gaze to the clock in Leticiel’s arms and said, “Miss Drossell, I’m a little surprised that you offered to fix it.”
“Well, I couldn’t ignore someone who needed help. It’s a noble’s duty to help citizens in need.”
“Whoa! I expected as much from you, Miss Drossell! You’re so cool!” Hilmes praised.
“Miss Drossell, you’re actually really kind.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Since she didn’t want to lose any of the parts, Leticiel placed the clock in her subspace to keep it safe. She’d be walking home today, so it wouldn’t be a problem.
“The sun is starting to set, huh?” Hilmes said, shading his eyes with his right hand as he looked up at the sun, which was beginning to start its westward descent.
“Do any of you have curfews?”
“Z-Zeke and I live in the academy’s dorms, so we’re fine,” Veronica piped up.
“Leif and I still have some time, but I need to help prepare dinner, so I should probably leave after just one more shop.”
Hearing this, Zeke took a small notebook from his pocket and glanced through it before saying, “In that case, I’ll bring you to one of my top recommended spots for our last place.”
Following him, Leticiel and the others crossed the bridge over the Atris River, heading for its northern bank. The Atris River separated the northern and southern halves of the royal capital, Nirvaan. Compared to the southern half, which was a hub for commoners, the northern side was a city for nobles and held the royal Viatris Castle.
A large clock tower stood on the small hill just beside the Atris River on its northern bank. It was likely one of the tallest structures in the capital. Just looking up at it could give you a crick in the neck. Zeke headed straight for it.
“This is the Nirviana clock tower. Being the same height as the royal castle’s spire, it’s the tallest building in Nirvaan.”
Leticiel looked at Viatris castle. Now that he mentioned it, there was a tall tower rising from what appeared to be the center of the castle.
Despite the late hour, there were a good number of people in the plaza in front of the clock tower. Leticiel could tell that it was a place for people to relax. The door that led to the inside of the tower was open, showing a spiral staircase. “You can go inside, huh?”
“Yes. The Nirviana clock tower is open to all citizens, regardless of their social standing.”
As she climbed the staircase, Leticiel thought to herself that although her people had had clock towers a thousand years ago, they’d been off-limits except when they needed maintenance.
Leticiel’s group passed a few people coming down the stairs before finally reaching the observation deck at the top. There were still people up there, some of them dressed in simple clothes while others were dressed in clothes that were of high quality.
“Look! Please come over here!” Putting one hand on the hand on the railing, Zeke squinted and pointed out toward the city. Apparently, he’d been looking forward to coming here.
Stepping up next to him, Leticiel let out a gasp at the scenery that spread before her. “What a beautiful view…”
Naturally, since they were at the same height as the tallest spire of Viatris Castle, they could see all of Nirvaan from the observation deck. The cityscape was gorgeous, the northern and southern sides unified by roofs of the same color tinted orange in the setting sun.
“This is my favorite place. I come here often to think when I hit a mental block.”
“That sounds nice. Perhaps I’ll do the same.”
“W-Wow…,” Veronica murmured. With the exception of the royal castle, the buildings of this era were three stories tall at most. She had likely never gazed out from such a high place before. She, Mirandalette, and Hilmes were immediately taken in by the view.
“Whoooa! Look, Lulu! The people look so tiny!”
“St-Stop, Leif! You’ll fall if you hang over the railing that mu—”
Gong… Gong…
Suddenly, the bell above their heads started to ring thunderously. Leticiel reflexively used a spell to dampen the noise, but Mirandalette, Hilmes, and Veronica clapped their hands to their ears. Zeke seemed to be used to the noise, as he was unfazed.
“Whoa! What is that sound?!”
“The b-bell. Is it…announcing the time?” Veronica guessed.
“Yes, since this is a clock tower. There’s a bell and clock face right above this ceiling.”
The bell’s sound was carried on the wind, reaching every part of Nirvaan. The tiny people walking in the streets below craned their heads up at the clock tower as if to check the time.
“What a relief…”
Leticiel heard a quiet murmur from beside her mixed in with the bell’s chimes. Zeke seemed pleased. Suddenly, she remembered the tiny notebook he’d been holding. Had he made a list of places to show to her and the others?
Now that she thought about it, Zeke lived in the student dormitory and devoted himself to his research just as much as she did, so perhaps he hadn’t visited the town that much. She wondered if he’d purposefully done research just for today.
When she thought about how he’d thought up a plan for today and prepared a variety of things for them, part of her felt sorry for relying on him without knowing anything. But mostly, his consideration deeply warmed her heart.
“Thank you, Zeke.”
“Hmm? Did you say something?”
“No, it’s nothing.” Leticiel slowly shook her head and gazed at the sunset over Nirvaan’s cityscape. The bell rang overhead, announcing the time and enveloping her words.