Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [243]
“It takes great bravery to search for knowledge and continue one’s studies,” he began. “Not all new knowledge is beautiful, or even to be desired. Yet there comes a time when, no matter how hard it is to accept what we see, no matter how much we do not want to believe it, our studies will cease and we will learn no more. Though the world may point and criticize, if the truth has been found, sometimes you must shout it from the rooftops in the face of all opposition. The pursuit of knowledge requires an iron will that always looks forward and never falters. Thus, I find it quite appropriate that a spirit of bravery should have found a home in the family of a starseer.”
Romy nodded and smiled. “Thank you for saving me, Wataru.”
“Well, Knights of Stengel,” Dr. Baksan began, addressing the crowd, “other places await your arrival in these troublesome times, I’m sure. I’m afraid their number grows by the day. Please, be on your way. Highlanders, I fear that the events of the day will have struck more fear into the hearts of the uninformed. Console them, and put them at ease. And, to my students…”
Dr. Baksan clapped his hands and coughed smugly. “Get this room cleaned up right away!”
Chapter 32
Wataru
“It may be my first time meeting a Traveler, though I have some knowledge of the related phenomena,” Dr. Baksan said, trudging up the stairs ahead of Wataru. “You can use that gemstone to peer into the real world, is that not so?”
“Yes, I’ve done it once before.”
“And for this you need a sigil, similar to the one engraved on the hilt of your sword? It just so happens that we have one here. It’s in the room with our observational equipment. Follow me.”
They ascended a gently curving staircase and quickly reached the observation room. The walls and floor were made of a lustrous shining white rock, polished so well that Wataru could see his reflection. The room was circular, with a giant telescope sitting in the very middle. It was at least ten times larger than the one Wataru had used at Shin Suxin’s home. The barrel of the telescope was pointed up at the translucent ceiling like a cannon.
“When the sun goes down, the roof becomes transparent,” Dr. Baksan explained, waving his hand in the direction of the ceiling. “It’s made from a special kind of stone that becomes cloudy white under sunlight, yet perfectly transparent when it’s dark. Yes, a curious stone. Only a single vein of it has been found in a mine in Arikita.”
The starseer stopped beneath the barrel of the telescope. “See?” he said, pointing down at his feet. “The sigil is here. But it is not visible now. The sigil is made out of the same stone as the ceiling. While the sun is up, it blends in with the floor. When the sun sets, it will rise from the stone.”
Turning to Wataru, the starseer continued, “But before that, I would have a word with you. First, let me thank you again for saving my student. I have seen with my own eyes the extent of your courage and kindness, and the rightness of your heart.”
He’s praising me, Wataru realized belatedly. Then…why is he staring at me like that?
“Because of this, I shall tell you something. Know that I tell you this only because I am assured by your actions that you will understand my meaning.”
Subconsciously, Wataru straightened his posture.
“Remember I told you that Vision is a reflection of your own heart? Wayfinder Lau told you the very same thing. Think on this a moment. If the events that occur in Vision are a reflection of what lies inside you, then why is there prejudice? Why does the Goddess demand a sacrifice?”
That’s what I want to know! That’s why I came here…
“Why does such backwardness and cruelty exist here in your Vision?” he asked again. After a pause, he resumed, speaking slowly. “There is one answer, and it’s simple. It is because there is backwardness in your heart. There’s a part of you that hates what is unlike