#07 – Wajin Town
Transportation infrastructure was likely the area that benefited the most from the rapid economic growth, sparked by the magic revolution.
And within the empire, the development of the capital was especially notable.
The automobile industry had once been for the military, but now it had roots deep in the civilian population. It was not just for the wealthy, but the masses as well.
Because of this, starting with Alexander Street, with its six lanes, several new highways had opened in recent years.
However, even though automobile culture was thriving, it was not as if other modes of transportation…the old ones…had died out completely.
Especially the tramway that had been used before the war. They continued to be used as an aid to the common people.
“They’ve existed for so long, and the fee is cheap.”
“Huh. I see.”
The tram moved with loud squeaking.
Yukito watched the two girls stalking happily, and he chuckled.
It was probably not very surprising, but Iria and Sumia go along well. And he enjoyed watching them.
The tram itself was rather small, and so they attracted attention. Whether it was old or young, the other passengers also seemed to notice them.
Yukito felt rather awkward sitting next them, given how pretty they were.
“Ah, we arrived.”
A bell rang and the tram stopped.
Sumia hopped off and announced with a smile.
“Welcome to Wajin Town.”
Wajin Town. The third eastern town in the capital, following Phoenix Town and Blue Dragon Town. But unlike those towns, this place was made by former Wajin people.
The East End countries were divided into several nations. Among them, the two major powers were Kakoku and Wakoku.
From what Yukito had heard, they bore similarities to China and Japan from his past life.
However, Wajin Town looked rather different from Phoenix Town.
“It’s not very different.”
Iria muttered.
It looked similar to other parts of the empire. The buildings and streets were in the same style.
“There is a reason for that.”
Sumia said as she pointed her finger and walked.
“In the first place, they were the first to make contact with the empire. But there was a change in government at that time, and many of them defected to the empire. And that was when this town was made. However, Phoenix town and the others were in districts made for sightseeing, so they developed differently.”
“I see.”
In other words, this was a place made by defectors. While the others were made by businessmen.
If you were a defector, you wouldn’t have time to worry about what your house looked like.
“Still, it is not as if there aren’t buildings in different styles.”
Sumia pointed to the end of an alley.
There was a long staircase and a red gate.
“There is a Wakoku church over there. Uh, I suppose it is called a shrine.”
“How very interesting. Maybe we should go, teacher?”
Yukito nodded, and they started to walk towards the shrine.
While it was not quite one hundred steps, it was a long staircase. And then they went through the gate.
“Huh? Why are you passing through on the side?”
“It is said that God passes through the middle. And so it’s good manners to avoid that part.”
“You sure know a lot. Are you really connected to the east after all, Mr. Yukito?”
Yukito chuckled.
He was asked this often. But he still was not sure how to answer that question.
Inside, it was like traveling to a different time…no, a different world.
On both sides there were trees, stone paths and lanterns. And then the shrine.
Yukito felt as if some hidden memory, long lost to him, was being unlocked.
Ah, he really had come a long way.
“Teacher?”
“…It’s nothing. Let’s go then.”
Though, he had no five yen coin to toss.
Yukito mused as he took out his wallet.
◆ ◇ ◆
After visiting the shrine, they continued to sightsee at various locations. There was even a small waterfall nearby, and it was quite atmospheric. And so it was with a sense of satisfaction that they left.
Sumia then suggested a restaurant that they could rest at.
“Oh. Ohh…”
There was white rice, miso soup and salted grilled fish. Even radish pickles.
Yukito’s eyes brightened at the perfect dishes in front of him.
“Itadakimasu.”
He said with his hands together. And then he took a bite and sighed with relief.
“The taste is perfect…”
“You make it look so good.”
Sumia said with a smile.
There was a restaurant like this in the old capital as well. However, the taste had always been quite different. However this was exactly what he remembered.
(Still…what does…)
There was something that had been on his mind for some time now. And he was almost sure of it.
That there must be others from Japan here as well.
Surely it was not possible for a world with its own history, to have certain things be so similar?
They might have had ideas that looked the same, but the shapes of buildings and customs too?
Not to mention the numerous other things.
Smartphones, computers, cars, films… Everything reminded him of that other world.
If you went back in history, there could be dozens of others who came as well.
(Well…it doesn’t matter to me.)
It had been nearly twenty years now. His memories were fading. He identified less as a Japanese person than he did as a resident of this world now.
Though, if he had the chance to meet someone from his old world…he would not say no.
Besides, even if there was someone who came from the other world and passed on their knowledge, it was people from this world who made it a reality. Take this soup for example. It was the result of cooks and farmers who were from this world.
It was their efforts that he had to thank. It was food from this world. And that was how it should be.
“Hmm…”
As Yukito thought of such things, Iria seemed to be having trouble with choosing something from the menu.
Apparently, it was an assortment of sweets.
“…I think I’ll get some dessert. What about you two?”
“Uh, well…”
Iria quickly let go of the menu, but then said quietly, ‘Yes. Thank you.’
Yukito could not help but chuckle.