The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Welcome, Ruruk-sama. What brings you here today?"

"I've come to consult about restoring the used magical device I mentioned before."

In the reception room of Luney Trading Company's Bargia Central Store.

When I said this, Nagi took out a necklace and placed it on the table. She had been quite hesitant since it was a memento of her brother, but she wanted to try if it could be restored even by leaving it for a short while.

Heptan stared intently at the necklace, its gemstone now darkened.

"...It appears to be of quite a high grade."

"This is called the 'Sage's Secret Elixir', and as you can tell, it's a legendary accessory. Since it's a memento of Nagi's brother, if you can promise not to damage it in any way, we'd like to request its restoration at your stated price."

"I see, it's a precious item. Of course, we will handle it with utmost care. May I take a look?"

"Yes."

Nagi handed the necklace to Heptan.

"...I see. In this case, the president might be able to judge whether restoration is possible."

"By president, do you mean the Empress Monon-san? I didn't know she could repair magical devices as well."

"Yes. How much do you know about Monon-sama, Ruruk-sama?"

"Just that she's the top of Luney Trading Company and an underage woman."

"President Monon is also the head of our company's development department. She's the world's top creator, well-versed in theory, magic, and mystic arts. Under the president, there are many development department members specializing in all three major technologies, and they develop new devices daily alongside the president. Honestly, they create many things that amateurs like us could never even conceive of, with a noble spirit of trying to benefit the world! President Monon is truly an amazing person!"

Heptan spoke rapidly. She's even got a nosebleed.

"I-I see. So can we leave it with you?"

"Of course. If the president is available, she will appraise it right away. We'll take care of it."

As soon as Heptan said this, the necklace disappeared from her hand.

It literally vanished. She must have used some kind of teleportation... no, transfer magical device.

Of course, I'm not going to pry into or investigate Luney Trading Company's technology at this point.

More importantly.

"Also, it seems I have an acquaintance at Luney Trading Company. I'd like to make an appointment to meet them tomorrow if possible. Is it okay to give their real name?"

"That's fine. Each area manager knows all the member names and real names, so we'll share it with the relevant district immediately."

"They're apparently in the development department in Mataisa, and their name is Navi-san."

"Ah, her. She's a theoretical device developer directly under the president, so I know of her as well. Her member name is 'Ann'. May I ask about your business with her in advance?"

"It's not really business, but I'd like to greet her after a year and thank her for a cooking utensil I received."

"Understood. I'll check her schedule, so please wait a moment."

Heptan said this and spoke briefly into her bracelet.

It seemed she got a quick reply, as she nodded with a smile.

"She's free all day tomorrow. How would you like to set the place and time?"

"How about the morning at the main store in Mataisa Royal Capital? I've wanted to visit once."

"Certainly. I'll arrange that."

Heptan spoke into her bracelet again.

Once more, a reply seemed to come without delay.

"It's been arranged, so we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Ann is also looking forward to meeting you, she says."

"Thank you very much."

"Also, Ruruk-sama, I just received a response from President Monon. She says that device can be restored in half a day. It seems we can hand it over to you at the Mataisa main store tomorrow."

"That quickly!?"

I'm surprised.

I mean, it's a legendary accessory, right? And since it's a magical device with a usage limit, the magic formula or catalyst probably wore out and disappeared. To restore that in half a day...

"Yes. And regarding the repair cost, it will be 10 gold coins."

"Isn't that way too cheap!?"

"No, that's deemed appropriate."

"I-I see... By the way, would it be possible to greet President Monon? I'd like to express my gratitude and say hello."

"...I'm sorry. The president seems to be busy all day, so meeting her won't be possible."

"I figured as much~"

Setting aside whether she's really busy or not, she's an ultra-important person with technology that's ahead of its time. An ordinary adventurer like me probably can't meet her so easily.

"...Then I'll visit the main store in Mataisa tomorrow. Thank you for your help."

"We look forward to your visit."

As Heptan bowed gracefully, Nagi and I thanked her once more and left the room.

Really, this company surprises me every time I come.

While leisurely walking from Luney Trading Company to the mansion, Nagi tilted her head.

"Nagi didn't know much about Luney Trading Company, but is this Monon woman a reincarnator?"

"No, it doesn't seem so. The cheat-level management ability apparently comes from a girl named Gin, the vice president. I heard this Gin is also an underage girl, but she's probably the Japanese one. The Empress Monon's ideas seem to fit within this world's rules. Otherwise, she would have developed things like pressure cookers or microwaves long ago by herself."

"Gin..."

Nagi pondered.

So far, we only know of our classmates as reincarnators. If this Gin is a reincarnator, there's a high chance she's a classmate.

That said, I barely remember the faces and names of my classmates, so I'm probably not going to be of much help.

"...There's one girl I can think of."

"Oh? Who?"

"Tachibana Moe. She's the daughter of the big corporation Tachibana Group, and she was already a corporate executive in high school. She was famous at school, but... don't you remember?"

"I don't know her at all!"

"...As expected, the plain guy had no friends."

"Gah! That struck my weak point!"

I wasn't interested in my classmates.

...Yes, that's an excuse!

"But she was in high school, right? Even if her family was rich, are there really students who can reincarnate and have management cheat abilities? Aren't you reading too many light novels?"

"Moe's business sense was originally genius. The executive talk wasn't just about having a position. Apparently, from middle school, she went around consulting for group subsidiaries that were on the verge of bankruptcy. In the end, I heard that all the companies Moe was involved with turned a profit within a few years."

"What kind of management cheat is that? Was she really a high school student?"

"She was apparently raised with management studies drilled into her by her parents from the age of 3. She was fluent in English and Chinese too, and had skills that most business people couldn't match."

What kind of upbringing is that!

Come to think of it, Nagi was also undefeated with three consecutive national championships, right? Saaya also made it to the national tournament in tennis, which she only started in high school. Was my class full of such people? Was it perhaps a school where geniuses were gathered?

How do you explain my ordinariness among such people? Is it a reaction, it must be a reaction.

"Ruruk had talent too."

"Really? In what?"

"Being plain."

"That's an insult!"

Nagi was as sharp-tongued as ever.

While chatting such nonsense, we had lunch at a random restaurant and strolled back home.

The next morning.

As promised, we arrived in Mataisa Royal Capital.

Accompanying me are Nagi and Saaya.

Although we were told Empress Monon would be absent, if we met Gin, we wanted to confirm if she was a classmate. That's why we asked Seori and Elen to stay behind. We also wanted to talk in detail.

While Elen was fine with it, Seori seemed dissatisfied, but when I said she could take the day off again, she happily retreated to her room with snacks in hand, humming a tune. The maids also seemed happy to take care of her.

Is that okay for a True Dragon Ancestor?

"H-Hey, Ruruk... could that be the Luney Trading Company main store?"

"Looks like it."

Saaya said with a trembling voice.

Following the map Heptan gave us, we arrived at a back alley in the center of Mataisa Royal Capital.

What we found there was not a huge castle-like store, but surprisingly, a small ordinary general store.

"It's no different from the weapon shops you first visit in games."

"Is that so?"

"Oh right, Nagi's never played games. Usually, they only sell equipment at the initial level in run-down shops."

"Is that okay as a weapon shop? Isn't that limiting the customer base too much?"

"Don't take fiction so seriously."

Well, it is certainly strange.

Anyway, Saaya's words were oddly fitting. It was indeed a shabby-looking store.

"Well, it's the first store, so maybe Luney Trading Company also started from a small shop? Excuse us~"

Saying that, I opened the door and entered.

"Welcome, Ruruk-sama."

As expected, the inside was a small shop.

In the empty, run-down space with no customers, a masked woman stood alone.

I don't recognize her, but of course, she seems to know my face.

"Hello, I've come as promised, but..."

"Thank you for coming. Ann is already waiting, so I'll guide you."

The receptionist said, opening the door at the back of the shop and guiding us.

We gasped at the sight that spread out beyond.

"Please, everyone, this way."

"No way... Is this spatial connection!? Isn't this normally forbidden-level technology!?"

Saaya's voice cracked.

What lay beyond the door was a spacious department store-like space.

Shiny floors, brightly gleaming walls and ceilings, a huge chandelier... Many products were displayed in glass cases, and as far as the eye could see, it was crowded with shoppers.

We were standing on a second-floor balcony overlooking this lobby.

"What is this? Or rather, is this perhaps the real Luney Trading Company main store?"

"Nagi wonders what would happen if she cut this door with her sword."

If we look outside from the door we just came through, we'd see that shabby store from earlier.

I understand how you feel, Nagi-san, but please don't have such dangerous ideas here.

"We'll take care of your shopping later, so please come this way for now."

The receptionist led the way.

We proceeded down a corridor from the second-floor balcony of the lobby.

The corridor was also splendid, with many paintings hung. They're probably valuable.

As we continued down the corridor and turned a corner, it happened.

"Ah."

"Oops."

Nagi and I reacted.

"What's wrong?"

"No, I think the space just changed."

"Yes. We were transferred to a different place."

"I'm impressed by your keen observation."

The receptionist turned around, smiling gently.

"For security reasons, our company crosses several spaces when guiding customers. Even if an intruder appears, they can only enter the front store unless they have the key. And since the key is not a physical object, it's impossible to steal."

"I-I see..."

I didn't expect it to be this level of over-technology.

Empress Monon, you're formidable.

Saaya tilted her head.

"But is there a need for this much caution just to meet Ann-san? Isn't she just a regular developer?"

"I understand your concern, Saaya-sama. I used to think the same way. However, there's one of Vice President Gin's sayings that goes like this: 'Among all things, the most valuable is information. And—'"

"'It is also information that determines all value'... right?"

"Oh! You knew it? I apologize for my unnecessary interjection."

The receptionist showed a surprised face, then bowed and started walking again.

Saaya whispered softly.

"There's no doubt. Gin is Moe."

"Indeed."

It must have been a catchphrase or something of Tachibana Moe's.

I can't remember her face at all, so I'll leave the matter of Gin to these two.

We continued following the receptionist down the corridor.

Although the appearance didn't change, we jumped through space twice more.

We were guided to a small room. Rather than a reception room, it was more like a normal room. It was a place full of signs of life, equipped with a bed, table, sofa, bookshelf, and even a simple kitchen.

There was a blue-haired girl with pigtails.

Seeing us enter the room, she bounced up.

"R-Ruruk-kun!"

"Navi-san, it's been a long time."

Navi was just as I remembered.

We haven't changed much in the year since we last met. It would be cool if I had grown taller here, but unfortunately, I'm still short.

Navi was still wearing a maid uniform. If I remember correctly, she's a maid in Gin's house.

Does that mean this is Navi's room in Gin's mansion...?

Well, let's not pry.

"I'm glad to see you're doing well. I heard you were here when I visited Prennarec-san's mansion the other day, so I came to see you."

"R-Ruruk-kun too... um, I've heard lots of rumors about your achievements..."

Her socially awkward way of speaking hasn't changed either.

It's nice, somehow reassuring.

"Not really. By the way, I've already used the pressure cooker you made, Navi-san."

"H-How was it!? Was it satisfactory!?"

Navi leaned forward.

I nodded deeply.

"It's really excellent. Both pressurization and depressurization were smooth with good heat efficiency, and it's no exaggeration to say the pressure stability was top quality. There was a heating plate built into the bottom of the pot, right? I was surprised that not only could it generate heat just by passing magic power, but you could even visually check the heat level by color. By the way, what metal did you use for the bottom part? I was curious because it seemed the heat conductivity was adjusted."

"Ah, that part was made with tin and lead! Because Ruruk-kun said the conditions for household popularization were lightweight and low cost... I tried to make it as low-priced as possible, using parts that could be procured cheaply in any region..."

"That's amazing! You considered all that and still achieved that quality! You're a genius, Navi-san! When I used it yesterday, I noticed you made the steam exhaust port a bit indirect to cool the steam during depressurization, right? Wasn't that to prevent the steam heat from reaching the ceiling?"

"You noticed!? That's right, because in general households in Mataisa, the kitchen ceilings are wooden, so they're prone to rot and mold... Pressure cookers inevitably release more steam than normal cooking, so I thought we needed to consider the burden on the facilities."

"I see, so that's why it had that structure. That's an idea that could only come from Navi-san who stands in the kitchen... By the way, was there a reason the lid handle was on the side?"

"Ah, t-that's because the lid gets quite hot due to the pressure regulation, so I thought if you put a kettle on top of the lid, you could boil water at the same time... Um, was that an unnecessary function...?"

"Marvelous! It's not unnecessary at all, Navi-san! Are you some kind of goddess of thoughtfulness!?"

"G-Goddess is too much praise..."

Navi furrowed her brows in embarrassment.

After that, Ruruk and Navi's pressure cooker discussion continued for a while. It was the thing I've liked most recently, so my otaku spirit was on fire.

"Really, it was a wonderful cooking utensil. Thank you very much."

After talking for a while, my throat was dry, so I took a sip of the tea Navi brewed.

It was another taste I'd never had before. Delicious.

"Oh right, Navi-san, this is a gift for you. Please use it on your day off."

"Wow, t-thank you very much... What is this?"

"It's incense. It has a relaxing effect, so please burn it when you want to unwind."

"Y-Yes! I'll treasure it for life..."

Navi's face turned red as she clutched it to her chest.

No, don't treasure it, use it.

After introducing Saaya and Nagi, Navi's eyes sparkled.

"S-Saaya-san! Um, um, may I shake your hand!?"

"Me? Why?"

"I'm a fan! I've bought all of Saaya-san's books!"

"My books!? What's that!"

Saaya recoiled.

Navi hurriedly stood up, brought three books from the bookshelf, and proudly placed them on the table.

"T-These are my favorite books!"

"The Day a Hero Was Born ~The Upbringing of Saaya Schreine~"

"Three Habits to Become the Youngest S-Rank in History"

"Saaya's Adventure"

It's true, they're Saaya's books.

By the way, the author of all of them is "Karl Schreine".

Saaya was speechless, while Nagi and I held our stomachs laughing.

"W-What..."

"Hahaha! My stomach hurts!"

"Pukukuku, look, celebrity, give her an autograph."

"Geez! Don't act like it's someone else's problem~!"

Saaya glared at us, but this has nothing to do with us.

However, the person in front of us is a genuine fan.

"You should at least do some fan service."

"Geez! I know! Navi-san, is a handshake okay?"

"Um, if it's alright... that..."

"Alright. I'll sign too, so lend me a pen."

"Thank you very much!"

Navi, who successfully got a handshake and autograph, was even happier than when she met me. It's a bit of a complex feeling.

Saaya, a bit grumpy, said with pouting lips:

"But isn't President Monon much more amazing? She's making all sorts of things we've never seen before, right? I'm just an ordinary adventurer."

"T-The president is certainly amazing... but I admire Saaya-san's coolness... No matter how terrible the environment you grew up in, you don't discriminate and you don't give up on your dreams..."

"...Hey Navi-san. By any chance, is my dream written in the book?"

"Y-Yes. 'To become famous, to become a great existence that everyone talks about—'"

"Nooooo! It's so embarrassing!"

Saaya screamed.

She was rolling on the floor with a bright red face.

"Bwahahahaha!"

"M-My stomach... my stomach hurts!"

Nagi and I were shaking with laughter, hitting the sofa.

About Saaya's embarrassing secret being on sale.

"Eh, um, did I say something unnecessary...?"

"I'll punish him! Dad, I'll definitely punish you next time we meet!"

Saaya was trembling with anger, gritting her teeth.

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Author Notes:

  ~Classmate Reincarnation Circumstances~

[Classmate List (reincarnation name in parentheses)]

  Akimoto Midori

  Iizuka Akira

  Igari Takeshi

  Ichinomiya Azusa (Saaya Schreine)

  Inaba Hasaki

  Ioo Renya

  Endo Hotsu

  Okazaki Tomohiro

  Onitsuka Tsurugi (Nagi)

  Onna Nana

  Kato Shohei

  Kimura Seiichi

  Kinjo Misaki

  Kujo Aika (????)

  Kobayakawa Rei

  Sakuragi Mei

  Yotsuba Koun

  Shishido Naoki

  Seto Nadi

  Tachibana Moe (????/Luney Trading Company Vice President Gin)

  Tachida Yuka

  Chigasaki Rokuro

  Chichibu Kazuma

  Tokuma Juso

  Tomiyasu Eri

  Nanairo Gaku (Ruruk Muuteru)

  Nikaido Yuyu

  Nestalia Leen

  Nonoue Chiko

  Nijue Misaki

  Hachinohe Yuka

  Fukuyama Sho

  Fujimi Hatsumi

  Makabe Keita

  Mita Shinji

  Yamakaki Seiya

  Yamaguchi Yuki

  Yoshida Ai

  Yoshimura Hikaru

  Watabe Neon

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