reminded | No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

Entry tags:

No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

[It's about time to give this device a go. In neat, legible writing is simply the following:]

5 + 5 + 5 = 550

It appears I have my arithmetic out of sorts. However, it would be a shame to scrap the equation entirely. Can you help me correct it by adding a single straight line?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The translation is well heeded, as he doesn't know a lick of Japanese.]

Of course. Hershel Layton of London, at your service. Pleased to meet you, Miss Kimura.

Pleased to meet you as well, Mister Layton.

I hope you have found a decent place to stay, and that you have not had difficult time so far.

Thank you, I don't believe I'll have any trouble. If anything, I consider myself lucky for having arrived warm and on level ground. I've been told that some people fall from the sky or wake up in the lake.

Yes, that is lucky. I myself awoke in the garden in the plaza. But I've had friends with much more unfortunate, and somewhat amusing circumstances. One of my dear friends awoke hanging by her underwear to a tree. Another found himself with his head stuck in a toilet. I can say he wasn't amused.

[Layton, on the other hand, is quite amused.]

I imagine he walked out of that one looking rather... flushed.

Oh, I suppose he did!

[That tickles her pink]

You do seem to be taking this all quite well. You have found the guide, yes?

Yes, I've been directed to it. Very well compounded, if I may say so. Do you know much about its author?

No, I cannot say that I do. Ms. Raine Sage, I believe her name is, is a friend of my housemate and she runs the school. Other than that, all I know is that she's been here for several years.

An academic, then. [Yes, that makes sense.] I'm pleased to know that a school runs at all. Even moreso if students are in regular attendance.

It runs on Western school hours I believe, but it does exist. Are you a teacher yours, Mister Layton?

Yes, in fact. I'm a professor of archaeology. Not the most glamorous subject to most students, I suspect.

On the contrary, Professor. Archaeology is fascinating. What is your specialty?

You're too kind. Ancient civilizations are my forte. I find the secrets lost in time to be the most captivating of all.

Is there any particular region that you study? Or civilization?

I am more than a little interested in archaeology.

[Mostly because she's a living relic herself]

I admit this is a pleasant surprise. Is there something in particular that draws you to the field?

Much of my work is broadly based in Europe, but I believe my best contributions have been made toward the Azran civilization. They were a highly advanced people shrouded in mystery.

I enjoy learning about the past of human civilizations, particularly how they interacted with the divine. I suppose you could say that I have a personal interest in that, and the study of human folklore.

I am unfamiliar with the Azran, however. Where were they from?

[Human folklore, hm?]

Interaction with the divine, you say? I can't say I've delved deeply in that direction, but it sounds like a fascinating study. Are there specific ones that strikes your fancy?

It's hard to say for certain, but legacies of their civilization have been discovered in many far reaches of England, hidden beneath the earth while awaiting discovery. Their expanse of their influence was truly impressive.

[Professor, if only you could hear her laughing!]

There are. The Kami of Japan are of a particular interest to me, though how humanity views gods from anywhere is a wonderfully intriguing subject for me.

They sound quite fascinating. What sorts of artifacts and stories have you found pertaining to them?

I can see the attraction. Mythology as a whole is quite intriguing.

Well... There is one legend that has resurfaced in recent history: the fate of the kingdom of Ambrosia and its beloved queen. It is said that she fell terribly ill, and so her people searched far and wide for a cure that she may live. Finally, they discovered the Elixir of Eternal Life -- just as the queen passed away. In terrible mourning, the people decided to drink the elixir themselves and live forever, waiting in obscurity for the rebirth of their lost queen.

That sounds fascinating. Do you know if there is any truth to this legend?

I certainly like to think so. I do not know the fate of the people, but the Ambrosian kingdom itself rose from the sea a short number of years ago. I like to believe it happened with good reason, but I won't bore you with my speculations.

A kingdom rose from the sea? How? And where there people there still?

The kingdom emerged when three songs were united and performed: A Song of the Sea, Stars, and Sun, whose melodies were hidden in plain sight in the Ambrosian seal. They must have believed that these songs would herald the return of their queen.

But the kingdom emerged devoid of people. I do not know if they chose to follow their queen into the afterlife when their elixir did not truly work, or if they merely migrated and live to this day. Perhaps submerging the kingdom was their way preserving it for her return.

Interesting. This seems like something I've heard of before, a combination of stories, really. It's quite intriguing.

I take it you've mapped out the kingdom personally?

Is that so? You must share those stories with me. [It's always fun to compare traits across cultures both modern and ancient.]

I did take part in the initial survey, which was quite the opportunity. I wish I could have stayed and been more involved with the dig, but my responsibilities called for me elsewhere.

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]

[written]