====================
Translator: thursdays Editor: Yahiko
4.
-Ooh, awesome library.
In ancient times, there was a being called ‘The Pond of Accumulating Memories.’ Humans could not pronounce the name of this being properly. ‘The Pond of Accumulating Memories’ was just an arbitrary, fictitious name.
The real pronunciation was ■■■■■. Just as humans do not care about what a cricket may call them, ■■■■■ did not feel the need to use the humans’ designation. The most simplified pronunciation of the being’s name would be close to something like ‘Hamustra’.
-The atmosphere is pleasant, and the collection is excellent, too.
Hamustra.
That was what the humans called ‘The Pond of Accumulating Memories.’
-I gladly acknowledge it, ■■■■■.
But the human before him was different.
-This is the best library that my humble self has visited.
This human could use Dragon Speech at will. That in itself was fascinating. The Pond of Accumulating Memories was an existence with great curiosity to begin with. There was a high chance that he would like and be interested in this little being.
Nobody had stepped foot in this library thus far except for this human, his first visitor.
-Who are you?
The human before him was emitting a truly vulgar smell. It was weird. The Pond of Accumulating Memories could smell a dragon, but the being before him was not a dragon. It gave off a godlike aura, but the being was not a god, either.
The Pond of Accumulating Memories had never seen a being like the human in front of him.
-How did you come here?
Naturally, there was a vigilance to his tone.
-I never allowed your entrance. This is my world. Reveal your purpose, stranger.
-I’m not a book thief. Please don’t be too wary.
The human snickered.
-I am a sort of traveling insurance agent. I am visiting every existence like you and to persuade you.
-I asked about your purpose.
-I am building a house. No, should I call it a villa?[1] If I am the landlord, I am trying to convince you to become my tenant.
The human snickered again.
-……
The Pond of Accumulating Memories was annoyed. He felt annoyed for the first time in thousands of years, or maybe more than double that. He loved all characters in books, not discriminating between the good and evil; he treated the luckless and the fortunate equally; but real life was different.
The Pond of Accumulating Memories was a great being. The definition of greatness was subjective, but in the Pond’s opinion, greatness was the ability to hit or kill those that annoyed him.
-Pest. Go away.
The Pond decided to use his greatness today as well. He lightly exhibited his power.
In the library, the Pond’s strength was absolute. Tough guys who had reached transcendence, and ordinary people, of course, could only be torn apart and turned into dust. The Pond was confident. A long time ago, before he had become as great as he was now, he had disintegrated many things.
-Ah. I’m sorry.
The human before him did not turn to dust.
The human was fine.
-I just ruined the mood. But can’t you speak with me just a little more? I worked hard to make it all the way here. Phew. The roads were blocked, and they were in poor shape, too…
The Pond was surprised that its greatness had no effect.
It was a huge shock.
It was such a huge shock that the Pond fled from reality. His attack just then didn’t show his power? It was invalid. He was treating it like it hadn’t happened. The Pond finished excusing himself and attacked the human again.
-Now that I brought it up, I have to ask. Is there no door in this library? Is this some sort of grave? You should poke out some windows, at least. It’s stuffy and suffocating.
The human was still all right.
-Should I make some for you?
Even worse, the human blew a hole in the library. While smiling a little.
-Ah. The air’s finally flowing now.
The Pond’s mind went blank.
-What the fuck?
It was the first time he cursed in thousands and thousands of years.
The library wasn’t just a simple area for books. It was like the body and soul of the Pond. The fact that the human could pierce a hole through the library walls meant the human could easily cut up his underbelly. The Pond was capable enough to connect the dots, and he was smart enough not to want to be slashed.
-I get it! I surrender. What do you want from me?!
-I want your everything…
-I’d rather die!
-Ah. Should I? Can I kill you?
-……
The Pond was quite clever. At least, he was intelligent enough to realize the human in front of him was fucking insane.
-As expected, you don’t want to die, right? Of course not. Life is a precious thing. Now, my humble self also wishes to help you. Please sign here to keep your precious life.
It was unfortunate for the Pond that the nut job had unimaginable power.
-What is this…?
-It’s a contract.
-Can I ask what sort of contract it is…?
-Yes, of course. I’m not a gangster.
Even if the human wasn’t technically a gangster, the human wasn’t very far from one. But the Pond did not point it out. Again, the Pond was smart. He knew what he could and could not say.
-I am building a tower.
Tower.
-I will bring in beings like you. I will also allow the beings you consider insignificant creatures to enter.
The Pond cautiously read the contract. As he did, his expression changed.
At first, he thought that the human was a crazy ruffian here to steal from his library. The ruffian part was right. So was the crazy part.
But the human was not a thief.
The contract was filled with enticing offers.
-You’re going to let me peek inside all worlds? Really?
-Not all worlds. Only the worlds I have a hand in.
-…These confidentiality clauses.
-You must absolutely keep them.
The Pond didn’t need long to decide.
However, his curiosity deepened.
-Why are you starting this business?
It was interesting.
-What is it for? What advantage does it bring you?
-Nobody chooses to be born.
The human smiled.
-Everyone should be able to live one more life. It may not be the life they want, but they would live because they chose to live.
The Pond couldn’t understand the human’s smile.
-Someday, you too will live another life, Mr. Corner Librarian.
He couldn’t understand those words, either.
5.
“……”
The Librarian looked up at me blankly.
Did he not understand me? Or did it just not hit him yet? Either way, it was all right. I did not rush the Librarian and waited for him.
“You want me to climb the Tower with you,” the Librarian murmured after a long time had passed.
“I-I am no an ordinary Constellation. Unlike the spirit possessing you or the holy sword tied to you, I am officially entrusted with this stage. Despite my looks, I am of a high class… To belong to this particular Tower is… If I do…”
“If you do, what happens?”
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login