After the end of the presentation, we stayed on the stage for some more time in order to answer the questions that everyone might have. To tell the truth, there were many more than I was expecting.

In general, the questions were almost always the same. Several people asked how it could move without being pulled by anything, while others could not believe that we were really the inventors.

Of course, with Susy-sensei stating that we were all the inventors, almost all of these people had to shut up. While we were answering several of the questions, a hand was raised, causing everyone to shut up instantly. The person who had raised the hand was Emi's father and the king of Solaris.

"Who made the initial concept of the steam train?"

Asked the king as he looked between me and my colleagues. His gaze jumped from one to one until it stopped on me. As I had no reason to lie, I simply raised my hand, showing that I was the head of the project. As soon as my hand was raised, the attention was totally turned to me.

"I was the one who designed the project itself, but all my colleagues turned it into reality. After all, in the end, a project is just a piece of paper until proven otherwise"

I said with a serious look. Hearing my words, the king showed a small smile on his face and nodded. After this, other people started asking other questions, and we answered them one by one.

In the end, several people wanted to sponsor us, aiming for a large-scale construction of the steam train to carry people and cargo. I was happy about this since this was already our initial plan anyway, but as they say, having too much money is never bad.

After the presentation was over, the only people left in the room were me and my classmates. Everyone was excited since the presentation was a success. Not only that, now we are all probably considered valuable assets in the research and development market.

Even if each of us has talents for different things, it doesn't change the fact that it was by combining the intelligence of everyone that the steam train became possible.

Our class had a small party to celebrate the completion of the project as well as its success. While my friends were drinking and eating, I was sitting in a corner looking at them with a smile on my face. Of course, all our drinks were totally non-alcoholic.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

While everyone was having fun, Emi came up to me and sat down next to me. In her hand, there was also a glass with a drink in it. Her long white hair was in some braids, and there was a beautiful prop attached to her hair.

"I guess I really will never be able to catch up with you"

Said Emi suddenly beside me. Emi didn't give any further hint of what she could possibly be meaning other than that, but I had a hunch of what she might be talking about. Of course, I also thought the same.

Emi seemed to be an unreachable person to me. Even now, while we are standing next to each other, I still feel that Emi is part of another world, a world to which I don't belong.

"I guess I could say the same"

I said as I took a sip of my drink. Hearing my words, Emi looked at me for a few seconds before turning her gaze forward again. Our classmates were jumping around and chatting happily about today.

"I wonder about that"

Said Emi beside me. As soon as I turned to look at her face, she still remained as inexpressive as ever. The nuance of her words may have various meanings, just like mine, but that was something only she and I would know. We continued drinking while looking at our classmates for a while longer before Emi spoke again.

"What do you intend to do from now on?"

Asked Emi next to me. I had some guesses as to what she might mean by that but decided to just tell her my plans. For starters, it's not like I was hiding it.

"I have many things I want to do, but at the moment, I will focus on the steam train for a while. Besides, my mall will be ready soon, so I want to attend the opening ceremony"

Hearing my words, Emi nodded her head, indicating that she heard what I said. After that, Emi seemed to think about something for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Speaking of which... do you have plans for next month?"

Said Emi as she looked at me. It seemed that the subject was more serious than usual. I turned to Emi as well, coming face to face with her.

As soon as we were face to face, I started to notice all the details of Emi's face - her snow-white skin along with the small strands of white hair that fell down her shoulder.

"I don't think so... why?"

I asked as I looked at Emi. Hearing my words, I noticed a small gleam appear in her beautiful golden eyes. To tell you the truth, next month would be my birthday, but since I rarely celebrate, it doesn't have as much importance to me as it should. I mean, my parents even make a more elaborate dinner than usual, but that's about it. As I thought about it, Emi's lips started to move again.

"So... would you come to my birthday if I invited you?"

Emi asked as she looked at me with a hopeful look. It was at that moment that I remembered that Emi also had a birthday on the same day as me. Not only that, I also ended up remembering something that I had forgotten.

(Emi and I were born on the same day, right?)

I thought as I was surprised by the great coincidence.