Hershel Layton

even so, he finished writing on the paper and slid it back toward Theodore.]

…Um—here you go.

[There stood Claire, somehow manifest again.
The conflict in her was painfully clear—she had acted out of overwhelming emotion, and now seemed to regret it deeply.
Hershel didn’t understand why she was here either, and confusion clouded his thoughts, but…

then shook his head as if to shake off the hesitation.
Just as he reached out to fill in the paper with his pen—
a jolt of force surged through his right arm, rendering it completely still.
It felt like someone had grabbed hold of him.]

[Hershel slowly turned his head to look beside him.]

[With an awkward expression, he wet his lips with a sip of the martini before looking over the paper he’d been handed.]

(I’d tried to play dumb, to fool myself—but deep down, I was scared too, wasn’t I.)

[He let out a small, secretive chuckle, unseen by anyone,

…Alright. Thank you.

[Hershel heard the rasp in his own voice and, for the first time, realized just how dry his mouth had become from the tension.
It felt as though he had turned into a frog—frozen and parched.]

…And sure, I’m talking like I’ve got some noble purpose, but honestly?
Most of my motivation boils down to selfish curiosity.
I just want to understand what kind of research you’re doing.

Ordinarily, an archaeological group would have no reason to hurt others.
And yet, the rumors surrounding Targent never seem to stop.

So, after giving it some thought, I figured—
maybe it’d be faster to just see it all with my own eyes.

An entire organization pursuing what’s usually dismissed as half-mythical? That’s not something you hear every day.

But then, I began to hear stories.
Some of the people I’ve met in this world were being hunted, harmed… by Targent.

You’re right.
What first sparked my interest in Targent was something a child—one who shares my name—told me.
He said Targent was investigating the legacy of the Azran.
As someone who studies archaeology myself, I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

[He turned his gaze away from Theodore’s eyes, letting it fall instead to the surface of the drink he’d been handed.
There was a tension in the air—as though a blade had been pressed lightly to the back of his neck.
Soon after, he gave a small shrug and began to speak.]

just another pawn in play. That notion made Hershel catch his breath.
What filled his heart now was a quiet sorrow—an ache brought on by too many troubling truths.]

…Yeah. I figured you’d see right through me.

…If her condition is improving, then I’m relieved to hear that.

[Yet something in Theodore’s demeanor made it seem as if he viewed the Doctor more as a useful piece than a person—

[Though Theodore stood across the counter, Hershel couldn’t help but sense the faint presence of a psychological wall—something quietly resisting further encroachment.
(...Well, I suppose that’s only natural,) he thought to himself with a wry smile.
After all, the two of them had only just met.]

The last time we met, she looked quite unwell.
What stuck with me most was how panicked her partner was.
…You’re probably she's employer, aren’t you?
Is she doing all right?

Oh, you mean the “Doctor,” right?
Of course I know her. She was very considerate of me—especially when I was struggling to make sense of what it meant to be a different version of myself.
Come to think of it, I’d also heard she was affiliated with Targent.

Ah, so you have a partner too, Theo.
Hearing that… I can’t help but feel a little relieved.
You’ve always struck me as someone who shouldn’t be alone.

[Hershel had been gazing out at the view from the rooftop as he said this, but turned his eyes back to Theodore when addressed.]

I've met all kinds of her since I came here. They had lost their memories, or they were on the same archaeological path as me, or they weren't human....

[Herschel counts up the Claires he has met so far and tells him]

[Hershel looked curious about Theodore's life, but switched his thoughts to answer his question.]

If I'm not mistaken, it's Claire. I know her, she's, Uh...my girlfriend in my world.

［His smile deepened at the compliment on the taste of the syrup］

Well then, Theo, I guess I'm doing alright. As usual, I go to the university to present my reports to the professors and get a hard review, I'm allowed to teach in front of the students on a trial basis...Anyway, Busy but fulfilling.

[He placed a bottle of syrup on the counter, but it sounded so heavy and hard that he cast his eyes downward in shame]

……Sorry, I brought it all as I made it.

Hello, mister.

[He looked uncomfortable, but smiled with relief when he spotted a familiar face, bobbed to the person who showed him around and then sat down in a chair as he was prompted]

I didn't realise it was such a prestigious place, I came dressed as usual.

Uh......I'm the one who's meeting up with Mr.Cuckoo! Anybody out there?

(Preferably someone before my arms reach their limits...)

@pr04la47on.bsky.social

I brought a bottle of plum syrup straight from the jar but it's ten times heavier than I imagined. I should have brought it in a small case...

[A man, holding a large container and standing in the doorway of the mansion.
He knocked on the entrance door with a few hesitant pretences.]

［UNIshel smiles and nods back at Targshel's words. When he had seen him off and was left alone, he turned over and scratched his cheek with his finger, looking a little uneasy.］

I see. But you still have to be on your guard.
You should rest well until you are completely healed!

Your lover's expression was very painful when he told me about your ailment.
You should concentrate on your treatment so as not to cause him any more worry.

In some Asian countries, 7 July is the day of the Tanabata festival, where people tie papers with their wishes on them to a bamboo branch in honour of the original anecdote.
I decorated the paper on the bamboo branches with a friend of mine who learned about the event in the East at university.

Oh, Doctor!? I have heard that you are extremely unwell.
Are you all right?

It's already this late when I was writing my report on my practical training. I always think that I don't have enough time, especially these days.

Ok, it's a bit of a relief if she's already in hospital.
I don't know much about doctors, but if she has a family member she can confide in, then she should be with them, and if not, then you, her lover, should be there for her.
There's only so much we can do for the wounded.

what?It's an emergency…Call an ambulance.
How did she get into this state?