Co-Research with Chief Librarian ~Part Five~/Story

## Chief Librarian's Whisperings 1

 Ah, you're here. Calm yourself and just listen for now. ああ、よく来てくれた、落ち着いてきいてくれ

 It's that time of year again, we have to report on our research results thus far. またこの季節が来てしまったんだ、これまでの研究成果を報告しなくちゃならない

 But this time, we're stuck with some pretty troublesome fuss from the higher-ups.
I can't handle it on my own. That's why I need your help. しかも今回は上から色々と面倒なことをせっつかれている
俺だけじゃ手に負えない。助けて欲しいんだ

 ...Honestly, those top brass guys don't get what research is supposed to be like at all.
Results don't just come out at the snap of a finger. ……まったく、上の連中は研究がなんたるかをわかっていない
そんなに成果がほいほいでるもんじゃないんだがな

 Anyway, what we need is data. For your guys' part, just cleansing this shelf should be fine. とにかく、必要なものはデータだ。君たちはとある書籍を浄化してくれ、それだけでいい

 ...Right, and I'd also like you to keep this a secret from Aka and Ao.
It won't be setting a good example if they see me slacking off... ……そうそう、アカとアオには秘密で頼む
あんまりだらしないところを見せてしまうと教育上よろしくないからな……

## Chief Librarian's Whisperings 2

 Thanks to your cooperation, I think I'll get by this year. 協力ありがとう、今年もどうにかやりすごせそうだ

 What's with the long face? Oh, about the research results... どうしたんだ、苦い顔をして。　ああ、この研究報告のことか……

 We are alchemists as well as researchers. 俺たちはアルケミストで研究者だ

 ...Originally, we would have to put in years of research to get results. ……だが本来ならそれは何年もかけてやる必要がある

 However, due to the problem with Taints, the government is getting impatient and demanding results more quickly. しかし、今は侵蝕問題のせいで政府も焦っていて要求が厳しくなっている

 That's how it is. I'm not just making up excuses for slacking off on research, so please cut me some slack. つまり、だ。俺は研究をサボっていたわけではないんだ、それだけはわかってくれ

## Chief Librarian's Whisperings 3

 ...This is a good time, so let's talk. As you know, this is no ordinary library. ……いい機会だからこの場所の話をしておこうか。ここは知っての通りただの図書館じゃない

 This place is where the knowledge of this country is stored, open to the public.
It is also a place to build up new knowledge. ここはこの国の知識が蓄積された場所、人々のために広く開放された場所
そしてこれからの新たな知を築く場所だ

 In other words, the knowledge of peoples' pasts, presents and futures are all gathered in this storage place. 言うなれば、人々の過去、現在、そして未来がすべて集まっている知識の集積地なんだよ

 I have always loved this place. I encountered literature here for the first time, as well.
These days, its focus has become operating as the headquarters for combating the Tainting phenomena, though... 俺は、この場所が昔から好きだったんだ。文学ともここで出会った
今は侵蝕現象の対策本部という場が中心になってしまっているがな……

 Even so, I could help make new history here.
Though this may be untoward of me, I feel honored. それでも、俺がここの新たな歴史を作ることができるのは
不謹慎かもしれないが光栄に思っている

 So, I'm grateful for the people who have supported this place, like you and the writers, and of course Aka and Ao as well. だから、ここを支えてくれている君や文豪たち、もちろんアカとアオにも感謝しているよ

## Chief Librarian's Whisperings 4

 Haa, we managed somehow. I'm grateful for your help. はあ、なんとかなったな。助かったよ

 Anyway, as thanks for your help, here's some chocolates. とりあえず、これは手伝ってくれたお礼、チョコレートだ

 Ah, right, keep this a secret from those guys... Especially from Aka. そうそう、あいつら……特にアカには秘密だぞ

 Now then, speaking of the future, I'm probably going to put more responsibility on you. さて、今後のことを考えると、君に負担をかけてしまうと思う

 The Taints have indeed been laying low lately, but it's probably just the calm before the storm.
But with you guys here, I'm sure it'll be fine. 最近は侵蝕も落ち着いてはいるが、これも束の間の平和だろう
だが俺は君たちがいれば大丈夫だと思っている

 There's no way I'll to lose to those government guys or the Taints, right? 俺も政府の連中や侵蝕者なんぞに負けてられない、だろう？

 ...Hmm, good to hear. ……ふっ、よかった

 Thank you very much, I'll deal with the rest. Don't worry about next year's budget! 本当にありがとう、後はやっておく。来年の予算のことは安心してくれ！