Take Joseph's advice
[player] ...I'll listen to you then. Let's find a place to sit.
I have to admit it is a little embarrassing to ask for a rest after such a short distance, but it is what it is. Leisure time is meant to be enjoyed, so breaks are fine whenever one is needed.
We found a roadside stall and sat down, ordering something to eat while we watch the world go by.
[player] So cold! Has this just thawed...? But at least it woke me right up.
[Joseph] Cool. Did you not sleep well last night?
[player] I've been up late these past few days playing a new game. I'm sorry, you invite me out and I turn up with dark circles under my eyes...
[Joseph] Don't worry about it. It's hard enough to find something that really grabs you like that, so why not enjoy it while you do? That is called living.
[Joseph] The very fact that you are willing to leave your game and come with me here shows that you value our friendship. And that makes me happy. So there's no reason at all to apologize! Smile instead, my friend.
[player] Alright! Treat it like I hadn't properly woken up and was mumbling nonsense.
Chatting with Joseph always makes me happy. His straightforward manner relieves a lot of my guilt.
[Joseph] But I'm not going to lie, my friend—those are some pretty impressive dark circles, almost like you got in a fight. Be sure to have a good dinner and get some rest.
[player] Yeah, I agree. I do need a good night's sleep. That reminds me, Joseph... You came right here as soon as you finished the shoot. Aren't you tired too?
[Joseph] As long as you have good exercise habits, doing a little extra work once in a while is nothing.
[Joseph] Exercise helps with many things, including Mahjong. After all, it is a game that demands both the body AND the mind. It can never hurt to be in good physical shape.
[player] I've heard that before, from Kazuha Saionji. She has often told me that I'm not strong enough to keep up with her training.
[Joseph] Ahaha! Even I find it hard to keep up with that girl. It's tough that you have to train under her now.
[player] Whoa... If even you can't keep up, then what hope is there for me in such a short period of time?
This conversation makes me want to skip the game with Kazuha Saionji the day after tomorrow.
[Joseph] Don't lose heart! If you can accomplish something in the short term, just take it as a longer-term goal and make short-term preparation for it.
[player] What sort of short-term preparations? Can you give me an example?
[Joseph] Let me see... First, how about training to walk 20 hours without stopping?
[player] Never mind...
Again, we are just not on the same level... His "short-term goals" are probably considered "long-term goals" for most people.
[player] I think I've caught up on my sleep. Let's get back on the road, Joseph.
[Joseph] Okay. As you wish, my friend.
[Joseph] We have reached the summit, the highest point in all of One Han City!
[player] Huh?! Isn't that Kana's advertisement? Even here...
[Joseph] Hahaha! Look at the scenery further out, friend.
Although I took several more breaks along the way, we actually manage to reach the summit by noon as planned.
[Joseph] Hmm, nice. Come take a look, my friend.
[Joseph] When I flew by here in a helicopter, I thought it should be the best view in all of One Han City. And it does not disappoint me!
[player] Really? Let me see!
Without any suitable comparison at present, I will reserve judgment about it being the "best" viewing area. But there's no denying it's one of the best places to see the city sights.
From the lofty vantage point, the city seems to have become an exquisite model—this is definitely a new experience! When I think how, not long ago, I was a part of this "model" too, a sense of wonder is added to the refreshing feeling.
[player] Looking out at such a sight really makes it all worthwhile.
[Joseph] Hahaha! Most of the hard work of hiking is all for these kinds of moments. So enjoy it! Enjoy it, my friend.
[player] What about you, Joseph? Are you enjoying it too?
[Joseph] Of course! Making it to the top, conquering the summit—it's always a pleasure, no matter how many times you've done it before.
[player] As long as you're having fun. I was worried you'd be bored.
[Joseph] Bored? How so?
[player] Well, it's like what those two tourists said. Compared with your previous adventures, this mountain is way too easy for you. I worry that it won't be exciting enough for you.
[player] I wasn't in the best form today, making stops the whole way like that. Fortunately you weren't disappointed.
Joseph stays silent for a moment, before smiling and patting my shoulder.
[Joseph] I see. Well, my friend, let me ask you: What do you think is the most important thing for me before I travel or go on some adventure?
[player] Let me think... Is it being fully prepared?
[Joseph] Hahaha! That's a great answer, but even more important is the mindset. Wherever I go, I must first respect the journey.
[Joseph] Respect nature, encounters, the unexpected, surprises... Take every step with sincerity and, at least in my opinion, with this mentality you will never be bored. Also...
Joseph bends over and picks up a blue stone from the ground, his palm shining in the sun.
[Joseph] Good things always happen to you! Would you look at that! What a gorgeous sapphire. Nature loves to give us these surprises from time to time.
[player] Hahaha! For real! It's so dazzling, too.
One could say I've learned a lesson today. If you can treat every journey like he does, then maybe there'd never be a moment of boredom.
Just being around him automatically lifts my spirits, no matter how exhausted I am. People like him, who know how to enjoy life, can always affect those around them with their vitality and energy.
[Joseph] This is for you, my friend.
[player] Eh? I don't know... I haven't done anything special, how could I take such a lovely gift from you?
[Joseph] Hahaha! Did you forget? You didn't get enough sleep, yet you still managed to reach the top of the mountain with me. Such perseverance deserves a reward. Good job, my friend!
[player] ...Thank you. Then I'll take it.
Although it is a little cheeky, Joseph is clearly offering me a way out. I'd be an idiot to refuse.
[George] Screeeech!
[Joseph] Found something interesting, buddy? George is calling us, let's go see what he wants.
[player] Let's go!
By the time we walk down the mountain, lights have already been lit up all over the street. We find a cozy little restaurant and celebrate the conclusion of today's journey with a delicious meal.
[player] I haven't sweated like that in years, but at least my back doesn't seem so sore anymore. I guess I do need to exercise more. I should hike with Joseph again someday!
Returning home, I place the "sapphire" carefully in a drawer, wondering when I can find a chain to hang it on as a souvenir of today...
But I never expected fate to only allow me to have it for one night...
[News Anchor] We interrupt your program to bring you breaking news: During a recent visit to our city, a member of the E Kingdom royal family accidentally lost the gemstone from their ring...
[player] Urgh... Surely it's not the same gemstone, right? It would be too much of a coincidence if it is...
I look closely at the images on the screen, positive that I've seen something similar only recently...
Just as I'm about to pull the object out of the drawer for comparison, the phone rings.
[Joseph] Did you see the news, my friend? I think I saw something familiar.
[player] ...Your timing is perfect. Why don't we go to Tenhoukaku later if you are free?
I can't keep this... This might cause a serious diplomatic problem.
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