Episode 2: The Grateful Crane
“Row, Omi, it’s in the room ahead.”
Under Anon’s guidance, I, along with Sensei, was led into the inner chamber. It was said that Cloa Tesoro, the Vice Master of the Old Capital (Bienetta), was waiting there as the recipient of the Communication Orb. By the way, my brother Kuroe was busy trying to gather a party to join this battle at Anon’s request.
“Am I really going too? I feel like I’ve already expressed my gratitude enough. I received a favor from Kuroe before.”
I couldn’t quite imagine what Kuroe and Sensei had discussed after waking up.
“What are you talking about? Kuroe and Cloa are different people. Each of them wants to express their gratitude. What is there to hesitate about?”
“Hmm, it feels a bit awkward.”
I completely agreed. It was refreshing to see Sensei, who usually had a carefree demeanor, looking a bit bashful.
“Not only do they want to thank you, but Cloa also has something important to discuss regarding the future. It’s essential for the three of us to share this matter.”
“Got it. We’re keeping them waiting, right?”
When I asked, Anon nodded and said, “I’ll join you,” as we entered the room.
As I settled into the prepared chair, a holographic image flickered to life a short distance away. I didn’t quite grasp the technical details, but it seemed that by combining the Communication Orb with the latest visual magic device, it was possible to transmit the image and voice of someone far away. So, does that mean there’s a Communication Orb in the Old Capital (Bienetta) too? Ash had been so thrilled, saying it was an incredibly rare item bestowed by the king… As I wiped away tears in my heart, a flurry of noise erupted from the image, and a boy appeared a moment later.
“I’m sorry. I was away for a bit… Um, my name is Cloa Tesoro.”
He was sweating, nervously brushing his hair multiple times.
“Hey, I’m Yanmar D. Row. Just call me Row.”
“I am Omi. Cloa, you seem to be looking better.”
With Cloa’s appearance, we quickly introduced ourselves. He seemed a bit stiff on the other side of the image.
“I wanted to express my gratitude as soon as possible, so I asked Anon to call you.”
Cloa bowed deeply.
“Thank you for helping me and Kuroe this time. I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life.”
Cloa, who had pleaded with my brother to help us while in a daze, spoke with a sincerity that resonated deeply. I didn’t think what I had done was insignificant. Sensei had succeeded in dispelling a curse that even the top-tier Cardinal could not, and I had used a rare item with limited uses. However, both of us had anticipated this. Even if there hadn’t been an agreement for their assistance, helping a boy and his brother with their future felt worthwhile.
“It feels a bit strange to be called here just to express gratitude. I’m worried that it might come off as rude… I want to properly thank you again when we meet in person.”
Saying this, he scratched his cheek with a wry smile. Upon closer inspection, Cloa was quite slender. Miro, Saga’s son, was also delicate, but he had the physique of a gymnast or a Muay Thai fighter, built with dense muscle. In comparison, Cloa’s frame resembled that of a young girl in her early teens.
However, I didn’t think of him as weak at all. On the contrary, beneath his gentle and intellectual demeanor lay a strong will capable of considering others and his family, even while bedridden.
“I’ve been thinking about how I can repay you—what I have that holds the most value.”
“Hey, you really don’t have to worry about that. Just your feelings are enough.”
My words were sincere. I had said it many times; I didn’t need anything. I had money, and if I wanted something, I could just buy it. Feeling troubled by Cloa’s offer, I turned to Sensei.
“Like Row said, don’t worry about it, kid. Just treat us to some delicious food when we visit next time, and that’ll be more than enough.”
“W-wait, you really should accept something…” Cloa began to fluster. Anon, seemingly unable to watch any longer, glanced at me and Sensei and sighed, “Honestly.”
“You both are such soft-hearted fools. And stubborn too. The other party is grateful and wants to offer something in return. How can you refuse that? If you were in their position, you would absolutely want to be accepted, right?”
“That’s true.”
“Well, yes. But asking a kid for something in return feels a bit off.”
This time, Sensei and I let out a long sigh.
“Alright, Cloa, I’ll accept your feelings.”
That’s what I replied.
“I’ve been bedridden for a long time. But on good days, I’ve been mass-producing special potions for the Clan and, though it’s slow progress, I’ve also been working on various magical devices.”
In the image, Cloa was struggling to drag some large machinery. Anon explained about Cloa. He was a renowned alchemist, one of the top magic researchers in the country, and also an inventor.
“Among them, I finally completed a magical device recently.”
A magical device is a piece of equipment that operates using Mana, incorporating both mechanical and magical structures. Cloa finally managed to bring the device into view.
“This is it.”
The image displayed a platform large enough for a person to stand on, connected to various Magic Stones and machinery, showcasing a fusion of magic and technology.
“What is this?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Anon asked. Cloa wiped the sweat from his forehead and returned his gaze to us.
“This is the prototype of the Instant Teleportation Device.”