🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

—Oh, my... —if this young man were three decades older, his story would have ended here, but this time he only experienced a slight shiver. —Dreams come true... H-hello. Ha-ha. Or ho-ho. Whew, I really could start stuttering again, just like last year.

The Erudite took a deep breath and looked at Shikichi:
—That's a very useful ability you have! I wouldn't want to find such thoughts in our good neighbors, whom, unfortunately, we let down and left to their own devices. Hmm, did you feel anything from someone we've encountered before, someone we've crossed paths with?

Then he turns back to the wonderful woman:
—I'm glad to see that you haven't lost your positive attitude! This is a surprisingly rare and inspiring thing in these times. Since you're working, would you mind showing us around and showing us the goods?