Ages of Tales - Vocaloid 神威がくぽx巡音ルカ

💜💗💜💗💜 Story 💗💜💗💜💗 After leaving the teahouse, Kamui Gakupo and Megurine Luka continued along the streets of the ancient city. The afternoon sunlight had grown softer than it had been in the morning, and there were still plenty of visitors wandering through the streets. Occasionally, they heard tour guides explaining the city's history to their groups, while other visitors studied their travel guides carefully, searching for the next place they wanted to explore. As they walked, Luka examined the map in her hands. They had already spent quite some time wandering through the marketplace, tasting traditional pastries, and purchasing souvenirs they liked from a handicraft workshop. Now, she wanted to devote their time to the truly precious parts of the ancient city and learn firsthand about the historical sites that had survived through the ages. “Gakupo, look. There are several historical sites in this area that we can visit next.” She turned the map slightly toward him. “There's an old government office site, a shrine dedicated to historical figures, and a place that was once used for ceremonial events. Which one should we visit first?” Gakupo studied the map for a moment before leaving the decision to her. “Which one interests you the most?” “I'd like to visit the old government office first. When I read history books, I often come across descriptions of how local governments managed their territories in ancient times. I think actually visiting those places would give me a different perspective.” “Then that's where we'll go first.” The two followed the directions on the map. They passed through several quiet alleys before finally arriving at the preserved site of an ancient government office. A simple information board at the entrance described when the office had been built, what it had been used for, and its role in the local administrative system of that era. Luka stopped in front of the board and carefully read everything from beginning to end. “So this place was once responsible for local administrative affairs. In addition to everyday government duties, the officials had to coordinate commercial activities, manage public facilities, and resolve disputes between residents.” Gakupo stood beside her. After reading another section of the information, he spoke. “In other words, this wasn't merely a place where officials worked. It was also closely connected to the daily lives of the people who lived here.” “Exactly. When we study history, we sometimes only learn about the decisions made by important figures, without really thinking about how those decisions eventually affected ordinary people's lives.” As she spoke, she slowly followed the visitor route farther into the site. Several exhibition areas had been established throughout the grounds, explaining the daily operations of ancient local government offices. They covered document management, the distribution of supplies, local taxation, and the preservation of administrative records. The two read the displays together and exchanged their thoughts. Some details surprised Luka, while others reminded Gakupo of historical materials he had read before. When they reached an exhibit displaying ancient documents, Luka lingered for quite some time. “Do you think the people who wrote these documents ever imagined that their words would be preserved for future generations, becoming evidence that helps us understand their era?” Gakupo considered the question. “I think most people were simply doing their jobs at the time. To them, those documents were probably just paperwork they had to deal with every day. It was only after a long time had passed that those ordinary records acquired a different kind of significance.” Luka nodded gently. “It's like the diaries we write today. At the time, we might simply be recording what happened during a particular day. But when we look back many years later, we may discover that we've preserved many precious memories without even realizing it.” “Then you should write down what happened today, too.” “I already am.” She smiled and took out her phone, opening her travel journal to organize the information she had just learned. In addition to notes about the historical site, she recorded some of the things they had discussed, even including a sentence Gakupo had said earlier. Seeing how seriously she was taking her notes, Gakupo didn't interrupt. He simply waited quietly beside her until she had finished. Once Luka put her phone away, they continued exploring the remaining exhibition areas. After leaving the old government office site, they followed another road toward a nearby ancestral shrine. The shrine was dedicated to people who had made significant contributions to the local community. It preserved relevant historical documents and recorded how people had conducted memorial ceremonies and commemorative activities throughout different periods. As soon as they entered the shrine, Luka instinctively lowered her voice. She first read the information at the entrance before slowly following the designated visitor route. The exhibits explained that the people being commemorated were not all famous officials. Some had helped establish schools, repair roads, assist residents in need, or promote local culture. These accounts deeply moved her. “I originally thought this place was mainly dedicated to famous historical figures. I didn't expect that some people had been remembered simply because they spent years contributing to their communities.” Gakupo read the descriptions before replying calmly. “Sometimes, the people who truly make a difference in a place aren't necessarily those who accomplish something extraordinary. They may simply be people who continue to give their time and effort to make life better for those around them.” Luka turned to look at him. “That sentence definitely belongs in my travel journal.” “Then it seems my remarks today are worth preserving after all.” There was a hint of playful humor in his voice, and Luka couldn't help laughing. “Of course they are. When we get home, I can even turn everything into a travel essay.” “If you're willing to share it, I'd be happy to be your first reader.” “It's a promise. You can't just read the first few paragraphs and tell me it's wonderful.” “I'll read the whole thing carefully.” They exchanged smiles before continuing to learn about the shrine's history. After finishing their visit, they didn't immediately head to the next destination. Instead, they sat together for a while in a nearby rest area. Luka took a water bottle out of her bag, drank a few sips, and naturally handed it to Gakupo. When he accepted it, he casually straightened her bag beside the chair so it wouldn't slip onto the ground. These small acts of consideration had long since become a natural part of their time together. Neither of them needed to explain their actions or deliberately offer thanks. After resting for a little while, they looked at the map again and decided to visit another preserved site that had once been used for traditional ceremonies. Important public rituals had been held there in the past. The exhibits explained the procedures of those ceremonies, the responsibilities of the participants, and the activities held during different seasons. The two followed the guided descriptions to learn about their cultural significance, while also listening to other visitors share their knowledge of traditional customs. Luka was particularly interested in an exhibit about festivals. She learned that some festivals still celebrated in the ancient city had originally been connected to farming, seasonal changes, and the residents' shared wishes for peace and safety. Although the forms of these celebrations had changed over time, people had continued gathering together, sharing food, and offering blessings to one another. “This makes me think that traditions survive not only because they have historical value, but also because people still need those connections that bring communities together,” Luka said. Gakupo nodded. “Even when times change, I don't think people's desire to spend important days with their families and friends changes very much.” After hearing this, Luka suddenly turned toward him. “Then today counts as an important day we've shared together, doesn't it?” Gakupo paused slightly before giving her a gentle smile. “It certainly does, as far as I'm concerned.” His answer came without the slightest hesitation. Luka had asked the question casually, but his sincere response warmed her heart. She didn't ask anything further. Instead, she simply took his hand again, and they continued toward the next exhibition area together. The afternoon slowly passed in a succession of visits and conversations. They explored the remains of ancient public facilities, learned how early residents had used waterways and roads to keep the city functioning, and visited a small exhibition hall preserving local historical documents. At every location, they took their time reading the explanations, sometimes discussing the historical background and sometimes exchanging smiles over an interesting detail. Sometimes Luka offered her own theories, and Gakupo analyzed them with her based on the information they had just read. At other times, Gakupo would discover an interesting passage and patiently read it aloud to her. They weren't in a hurry to memorize every detail, nor did they rush away simply to fit more destinations into their schedule. Rather than merely passing through each historical site, they preferred to understand the stories behind them before continuing with their own thoughts and discoveries. Before evening arrived, they finally reached the last historical site they had planned to visit that day. This site introduced the ancient city's history of trade and communication with other regions. The exhibits explained how merchants and travelers entered and left the city, how people from different areas exchanged goods, and how culture and technology spread as people moved from place to place. After carefully reading the information, Luka couldn't help expressing her amazement. “So many different people must have contributed to the development of a city like this. Apart from the local residents, there were traveling merchants, craftsmen, scholars, and countless people who left behind records.” “The history of a city is never written by a single person,” Gakupo said. “Everyone may leave their mark at some point. Some people's names are recorded, while others' stories gradually become part of the city itself.” Luka listened quietly before finally smiling. “After hearing so many stories today, I feel as though I've only just begun to get to know this ancient city.” “Then that gives us a reason to come back.” “Are you already thinking about our next visit?” “If you're willing to come with me again, of course I'll look forward to it.” Luka smiled and gently swung their joined hands. “Sure. Next time, we can visit the places we didn't have time to see today. We might discover even more interesting things.” “Then shall I let you decide the itinerary again next time?” “No.” She deliberately adopted a serious expression. “I chose where we went this time. Next time, it's your turn to make the plans.” Gakupo readily accepted. “It's a deal.” By the time they left the final site, the sky had gradually turned a soft golden color. Visitors along the streets were beginning to look for places to have dinner, while shopkeepers were tidying their stalls in preparation for the evening. Luka reviewed the travel notes she had written throughout the day and discovered that she had already accumulated quite a lot of information. Besides the history of the sites, she had recorded their conversations, the ideas they had exchanged, and the little moments she had felt were worth cherishing. She put away her phone and turned toward Gakupo. “Today was really fulfilling. I originally just wanted to visit the historical sites, but I never expected us to talk about so many different things.” Holding her hand, Gakupo walked slowly beside her along the road back. “That's because we didn't come here merely to look at historical sites. We came to understand what happened in this city in the past. Being able to discuss things together and discover something new makes a trip meaningful.” Luka moved a little closer to him, her voice filled with contentment. “I feel the same way.” The sun gradually sank toward the horizon, and one lantern after another began to light up throughout the ancient city. From a distance came the voices of shopkeepers welcoming their customers, while the aroma of dinner drifted through the air, making the two travelers, who had spent the entire afternoon walking, look forward to their evening meal. They decided to return to the bustling marketplace first, find a restaurant recommended by the locals, and then take their time deciding what to do that evening. The historical sites they had visited, the stories they had read, and the ideas they had shared along the way had all become part of their journey. For Gakupo and Luka, however, the most precious thing wasn't simply how many places they had visited or how many historical remains they had seen. It was the fact that, wherever they went, they could hold each other's hands, listen patiently to one another's thoughts, and discover more things worth treasuring together every time they stopped along the way.