ch. 2
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At the city gates, a guard stepped forward, scrutinizing them carefully.
"Where is your passport? Or any official papers?"
Shio gave a nervous smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I… I'm really sorry," he said softly. "They were lost in the last attack."
Rin blinked, confused. Attack? What's his plan? We're not from this world…
The guard's eyes fell on the bike.
"And this… what is it?"
Shio straightened slightly.
"Oh, this? It's a new machine I built. I barely managed to save it from that… terrible attack."
Rin looked quietly at his brother. Shio isn't the type to lie… but maybe it helps for now.
The guard's eyes widened in surprise.
"You mean… magical inventions? Forgive me, I didn't know you were someone important."
Shio gave a small bow.
"No need to bow," he said politely, showing humility. "I'm just… a Magical Engineer. This is my latest creation. Could you help us, please?"
The guard nodded and ran off to inform the captain.
As soon as he left, a tall soldier appeared. Her armor gleamed like metal from the Phantaria stories, and her long, dark blue hair framed a face both beautiful and intimidating. She didn't introduce herself but bowed slightly.
"It's an honor to meet a Magical Engineer," she said sharply.
Then she began firing questions at them: where they were from, their village's name, when the attack happened… Shio's patience wore thin. Exhausted, he answered politely, calling her "sir" — even though she was clearly a lady — just to keep her satisfied.
Rin, suddenly stepping forward, intervened nervously.
"Miss… my older brother means no offense, my lady," he said quickly, bowing slightly.
The soldier's eyes narrowed. Her face remained dark and stern, but she finally straightened and walked away. As she left, she muttered under her breath:
"Black hair… a damn curse."
Shio's eyes widened in shock. Rin nudged him. Wait… we both have black hair…
The guard returned and overheard them.
"No, no… don't worry. Our king has black hair too. Sometimes the captain acts strangely, but it's nothing serious."
Shio smiled faintly.
"Oh… really? We knew the king had black hair too…"
Rin groaned.
"You're a professional liar, bro."
Shio chuckled softly.
"Sometimes, we need to lie to survive. Now is one of those times. But be careful — a single mistake could ruin everything."
After arranging money from the queen for the villagers, Shio turned to Rin.
"See… now that the guard is gone, I can say it. This city… it feels like the Victorian era. And magic exists here — real, powerful magic."
Rin's eyes widened.
"Magic… real magic?"
Shio shrugged slightly.
"Do you want to try it?"
Rin shook his head.
"I don't have it, but I think you do."
Shio smiled faintly.
"Don't say that. I was thinking of working with a blacksmith… I've done it before."
Rin's eyes widened in surprise.
"When? Back home? Why didn't I know this?"
Shio's expression softened, almost nostalgic.
"When I first started creating things… I had to work to earn my tools. So yes, I worked as a blacksmith."
Rin shook his head, amazed. He's done more than I thought… more than anyone else.
They then began planning how to use the money without being tricked.
"Shall we ask someone?" Rin whispered.
"Who? Ah… I know a place. The owner won't cheat anyone," Shio said seriously.
After a short walk, they arrived at the library. Rin groaned.
"A library? Seriously, Shio? You trust someone who reads books about money?"
Shio smiled faintly.
"We won't buy it. We just want to read."
Inside, Shio approached the librarian.
"Hello, sir. I'm looking for the Translation Stone — something that explains money: names, values, and how it can be used."
The man scrutinized him, glancing at the skeleton on Shio's T-shirt.
"You mean… how to make money?"
Shio shook his head.
"No, sir. I mean the stone that explains money — names, values, and what can be bought. We're from far away… we don't understand your currency yet."
The man laughed.
"Ah… that explains your strange words. Without the Translation Stone, I wouldn't understand you at all."
Shio and Rin exchanged a glance. Good… the stone works.
Shio asked cautiously,
"Is it common for people here to have a Translation Stone?"
The man shook his head.
"No, only travelers or visitors from afar. Like guards… or someone from outside."
Rin asked impatiently,
"Can we buy it? Is it expensive?"
The man smiled.
"For ordinary people, yes. But not too much. You can get it from the magic tower… or from someone traveling who gives it freely. I got mine from a man named Louis… or Leos… something like that. And he gave it to anyone, without asking how it would be used."
Shio nodded thoughtfully.
"Interesting… someone generous, then."
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end of ch 2