Aqua’s Going to Make a Guidebook Too!
“… It’s gotten pretty late, huh.”
“… It was fun.”
In the end, we stayed for more than three hours.
Turns out, that old man wasn’t ordinary at all—he shared loads of knowledge about magic books.
Apparently, here in Rivana, there are many skilled in water magic.
Aside from techniques to remove fish bones and scales, there’s magic to instantly make sashimi or perfectly grill fish.
By the way, Aqua’s arms were piled high with magic books.
“So… heavy…”
“Hold on, I’ll store them away.”
I summoned my “Travel Bag,” and a black shoulder bag appeared.
I could wear it all the time, but losing it would be a nightmare.
When I use it in town, I’m always cautious, but luckily, this country has plenty of blind spots.
I took each book from Aqua, tossing them into the bag one by one.
Those staring eyeballs on the covers still creep me out.
“As always… you’re just unreal.”
“Really?”
Aqua always casts support magic on me.
It’s helped me a ton, and honestly, I think that’s way more amazing.
Still, compliments feel nice.
“By the way, how would you classify this magic? Got any ideas?”
“I’ve heard of some storage-type magic. But your magic, Tabito, it’s… otherworldly. Each spell feels like something out of an Elmirah-class magic tome.”
“Haha, that’s too much.”
“I’m serious.”
I glanced at her, laughing, but Aqua stared back at me dead serious.
Wait… really!? Well… maybe.
“Especially the ‘Guide Map’—there’s nothing like it in the world. If a spellbook version existed, wars would break out over it.”
“C-come on, that’s a bit much…”
“Not at all. If used in warfare, even the tiniest nation could achieve total victory. You’d never get lost in unknown buildings, avoid ambushes, and dodge traps.”
“N-Now that you mention it…”
I’ve only used it for travel, but thinking back to those dungeon runs… yeah, it did feel unbeatable.
Even A-rank party leader Carlo nearly popped his eyes out when he saw it.
Honestly, it’s kind of terrifying.
Human Weapon Tabito decided to stop thinking about it.
“Alright, that’s all of them stored. Just tell me anytime you need one.”
“…Yes. Thank you very much.”
Aqua always sounds a little hesitant when expressing her opinions, but now… she looked almost bashful.
It felt like we’d gotten a little closer, which made me happy.
Apparently, magic books vanish once fully “understood,” so Aqua likes to read them slowly.
She learns fast, though, so they tend to disappear quickly.
She picked out a few simpler ones for me, and I plan to read them before bed.
Travel really is the best.
New places, new people, new treasures.
And soon, ancient labyrinth loot, too.
Hehe… hehehe.
“Oh, right, I wanted to ask you something, Aqua.”
“What is it?”
“I get that reading and ‘understanding’ magic books lets you learn spells, but… how are magic books made?”
They’re odd things—more like picture books than novels, often with illustrations.
Yet, book culture doesn’t seem too widespread.
“Well, to explain that, I’d need to start with the basics of magic itself. It’ll be a bit long—would you like to head to the library and go over it there with some reference books?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Thanks, Aqua.”
“Not at all. I enjoy talking about magic.”
Saying that, she sped off towards the library at double her usual pace.
She’s always extra enthusiastic when it’s about magic—adorable, really.
The Rivana Library’s exterior was completely unexpected.
I’d thought it was just blue-themed, but it was much more than that.
“Wow… it’s actually water.”
“Yeah… this is amazing.”
It was like a glass-paneled library, except the panels weren’t glass—they were made of water.
It was so beautiful, I just stood there in awe.
This alone made the trip to this country worthwhile.
Oh, right.
“What are you doing, Tabito?”
“Rivana Guidebook, version one!”
I pulled out the blank book I’d bought back in the capital.
A clean, white notebook where I’d jot down all kinds of things.
Until now, I’d kept mental notes—about the guides, lodgings, all that.
This library was definitely going to be a highlight.
Not to mention the magic bookstore from earlier.
Aqua had seen my guidebook idea before in the capital, but this time—
“It’s a fascinating idea. I look forward to seeing it completed.”
“Actually, Aqua—”
“Yes?”
“Would you help me make it?”
“… Me?”
“Yeah. There are all kinds of people in this world. Some love sightseeing like me, others love food and sleep like Milfie, and you—you love magic.
If we include different perspectives, more people will want to read it, and enjoy it. Plus, if people who know us read it, maybe it’ll help with recovering our memories.
But most of all… it’s fun. No pressure, though—it’s only if you want to—”
“I want to.”
Before I could finish, Aqua answered quickly, her tone firm and full of feeling—unlike her usual self.
“Really?”
“Yes. I want to make something together with you and Milfie. I want to share experiences with someone else.
I… don’t really know how to, so I’d like to learn.”
“… Thank you. I bet it’ll be fun—and satisfying—once it’s done. Let’s make it great!”
—
Tabito
★★★★★
Can’t wait for the Rivana Library!
With Aqua’s help, this guidebook’s going to be awesome!
Aqua
★★★★★
I wonder if I can really do this…
But I’m excited.
What do you think about this chapter?
