There was a road in the middle of a hot and damp atmosphere.
It was a place filled with swamps, on the flat land there was stagnant water accumulated, and aquatic plants grew all over the place. The road ran in a winding way, as if it was sewing the marshes.
The road was made with red soil. The width was wide, but because of the progressive erosion from the rain, the shoulders of the road were completely collapsed. Even on the middle of it, there was almost no dry spot. It was a road that looked like if it was melting away because of the heat and the humidity.
In a swamp there was a bunch of water fowls with vivid colors, that sang making a noise like if their necks were being strangled. Suddenly, all of them flew up. A motorbike appeared, running through the road of mud.
Instead of the rear seat, it had a carrier, full of travel luggage. The noisy sound of the engine resounded. The driver was wearing a black vest on top of a shirt and had the collar quite open. There was a thick belt fastening the waist. It was wearing a hat with a brim, on top of the black hair and had goggles on. The expression below was young. Around fifteen years old. On the right thigh, there was a gun on a holdster. It was revolver that needed for the hammer to be cocked after every shot.
The driver made the motorbike ran cautiously. Once in a while, the handle was stuck in deep mud and the balance was lost. Sometimes, the rear wheel would spin and leave the spot after spreading muddy water everywhere.
- I said it many times but, what a cruel road, right? - the motorbike spoke to the driver.
- I suppose this will take more time than I thought. Oh…!
The driver replied while fixing the motorbike stand, after its wheel had slipped. The sweat came out gradually on that cheek.
- Even so, Kino - after running for a while, the motorbike spoke.
The driver called Kino, replied asking “what is it?”.
- If after all this effort, the country we’re heading ended up being dull, it would be a real waste, right?
- For some people it could be like that but, someone said once: “No matter which country, in all of them there are things worth seeing”.
- I wonder if it’s like that.
Kino made its eyes swim below the goggles.
- But even if it’s like that, there are times when any option is ok, Hermes. If it’s now, we’re still on time, should we change our route? - said Kino, and stopped the motorbike called Hermes on top of a relatively dry spot - What should we do? It’s the same for me! There’s a road, if we go a little more to the south. There’s a country there too.
Hermes took some time to consider about it. Then he said:
- Even if i said that, it’s you who should decide, Kino.
- Is that so? ...Then let’s keep going like this.
- Somehow. Well, no matter which country we go it’s not like there will be someone waiting for me, needing for me or anything like that. I just thought it would be bothersome to go back. Also, there’s no warranty that the other road will be nicer than this one.
Kino made Hermes start moving forward, and once again they advanced while pushing their way through the mud. The same as before, the speed was slow.
Kino complained as if joking.
- It would be nice if you could run above the water, Hermes. That way we could cross the swamp in a straight line.
- That’s crazy! Motorbikes can’t run over the water.
Hermes said with a serious tone, and Kino replied:
- Have you ever tried it?
- I know even without trying. There are lots of things motorbikes can’t do. Unlike humans, right?
- It’s not like I can ran over the water either.
Kino said and Hermes replied immediately.
- It would be ok if you made a boat. And then, use it. You’re a human, so you can do it, can’t you?
Kino replied at Hermes’ question after leaving a short pause.
- Maybe, it’s just that I prefer travelling with you, Hermes.
- Waahh! You praised me! Let’s go steadily!
Hermes and Kino said while having fun.
The next instant, the rear wheel got stuck on a deep mud and the motorbike stopped completely.
- Please come in, Mr. traveler! Welcome to our country. It’s been a real while since the last visitor. How fortunate, isn’t it? Wasn’t the road harsh?
A risen wall and a huge gate. The soldier standing there, smiled at the driver of the motorbike that had just arrived.
Kino said with an unconcerned face after taking off the hat and the goggles. Kino had both legs covered in mud until the knee, the gloves and hem of the shirt were dirty too. The face had also a little of dry splattered mud. Hermes had both wheels completely dyed with mud and the engine had lumps adhered and hardened by the heat.
- That’s the most important thing - said the soldier smiling.
Kino and Hermes went inside the castle walls, after finishing the immigration procedures. In front of the gate, there was an oval shaped plaza, and a little far on the distance, there were some one-story wood houses closely aligned. All of them had a raised floor style, and columns stuck on the soil. There was a thin street with pavement on a higher level than the soil. On the square, there were several men. As if they had been waiting Kino and Hermes, they approached smiling.
- Good afternoon, Mr. traveler. Welcome to our country. I’m the current mayor.
Kino took off the hat and bowed slightly to the man past middle age who had said that.
- Good afternoon. I am Kino. This is my partner Hermes.
- You were really kind, coming here. You’re actually the first visitor in five years. There’s no hotel in this country, so we offer the state guest house to travelers for their stay. Of course, we don’t charge anything for it. It’s a proof of our hospitality for our state guest.
The mayor said that and bowed his head deeply. The rest of the people imitated him.
- Fiiiu! - said Hermes, like if he was blowing a whistle -How amazing, Kino. This is the first time we get this treatment. I’m glad we came! Well the truth is, I thought many times we would regret it! Leaving aside that harsh road, there were really people liv...
Kino clapped Hermes while he was in the middle of that statement. While bowing the head to everyone:
- Thank you very much. I’m in your debt.
Kino and Hermes were guided to the state guest house. Even if it was called like that, it was just a little bigger than the rest of the buildings. When Kino asked, they said it was normally used for harvest festivals, concerts, elections and the like. In the vicinity, there was an assembly hall, the mayor’s official residence and a courthouse, but if they didn’t pointed it out, it was hard to tell which was which one.
But only that street, where those building were, was excellent in contrast to the others. The width was wide and the stone pavement was assembled together as if it was an asphalt road. In the middle, on fixed intervals, there were luxurious bronze statues standing.
The mayor presented it as the only main street of the country. And the bronze statues were mayors whose deeds had been judged great.
He started explained on his own, with a passionate expression, how the dream of his life was being chosen too, one day and to watch this street for the eternity, and that’s why he always put all of his effort.
Kino burrowed tap water and completely cleaned itself and Hermes of the mud. By the time everything was done, there was a beautiful orange setting sun on the surface of the sky.
The room where they had been guided was luxurious, as expected. It stopped Hermes on a corner of the room, and unpacked the luggage. The mayor was enthusiast of having a welcome party. But a tactful someone did the favour of saying how the traveler was surely tired, and suggested to postpone it for the next day.
Kino was treated to dinner on the dining room and then, went to sleep and had a shower after a long time.
The morning of the next day.
As always, Kino woke up along with the dawn. It exercised in a wide room. Kino did the maintenance of the gun from its right thigh, called “Cannon”, and then trained with it.
By the time Kino had finished having a simple breakfast, the mayor arrived. And guided it to his official residence, saying “By all means, please come to your welcome tea meeting”.
- You’ll be bored for sure, Kino. I guarantee it - Hermes said in a way no one else could hear.
While nodding as saying “I know!”, Kino said:
- It’s the payment for staying. Let’s tag along.
Kino and Hermes came to the main street. The weather was nice but there were strong winds, wrapped with humidity. The mayor said:
- During this season there strong winds blow, but only during the morning. After this, the rest of the day will be quiet.
Kino was treated to tea on the lobby of the official residence. The mayor’s wife and his followers were also there. At the beginning the main topic was about Kino’s journey but soon after, it became the mayor’s one man show. The program for the performance was, about how splendid that country was. About how the land was useless, filled with marshes, when the “the great ancestors” started living there. About how, as a result of their constant effort, they succeeding in an efficient farming, while small, they had grown the place into a country rich on food. About how in the present everyone gets along and lives in peace. About how, as had been told the day before, the mayors from history with deeds worthy of mention, had their silhouettes conserved in the shape of those statues.
- No, that’s still so far from someone like me. How embarrassing.
While saying that, he added quickly how since the time he had assumed as a mayor, the crops of cereals had grown three percent.
Kino listened and gave agreeable responses accurately. It was aware that Hermes standing behind, was actually sleeping.
Kino was invited to have lunch. They ate in the dining room of the official residence. All of the dishes were luxurious and delicious.
After lunch, they returned once again to the lobby, where the tea was already served neatly. It was a time when the mayor kept saying “oh right, there was that also that story”, and then, another long story started.
- Mayor! I have a request!
Along with a high pitched yell, a girl opened the door and bursted inside.
Around past the first half of her twenties. She was wearing an overall slightly stained with oil. She came directly to where the mayor was.
The people around tried to stop her, but with few results. Without even noticing Kino and Hermes, she stood in front of the mayor and presented him a letter from her pocket.
The mayor read it as if he really had no choice at all. Immediately, his face stiffened and he raised his voice.
- That’s impossible! How many times do I have to say it for you to finally understand it?
After that, the intruder girl and the mayor had an argument for a while.
- Just with two is already ok! And it would be just for that moment!
- Even one is already out of question! What do you think our great leaders are?
- Don’t you want to leave great deeds? I’m telling you I can help you for your own statue to be built, Mayor!
- I won’t fall for that! I won’t go along with your fantastic stories!
- If we don’t try it, then we won’t know!
Kino had tea while looking at both of them.
- I know even without trying.
- This is not good! Eh…? Wait! Don’t touch me!
The argument turned into an exchange of insults and it ended with the woman being thrown out.
The mayor sighed deeply. He shook his head many times. He said to Kino:
- How unsightly. But since here, mayors have to always listen to the citizens’ complaints and requests no matter what they might be…
- I see. Then, that person just now, what was she complaining about?
- That is, she’s asking to move away the statues… But well, it’s not something worth your attention… More importantly, should we go back to our conversation?
Kino stood up slowly and said politely:
- We came to know a lot about the history. Thank you very much. I think now we would like to see the country by ourselves. It would be alright?
Kino and Hermes were finally freed and started running through the main street.
- You were sleeping the whole time, weren’t you, Hermes? - Kino said as if it was jealous.
- Yeah, I slept a lot. Though I was woken up by the fuss - Hermes said.
At the same time, Kino found that woman right in front of them. The woman was riding a bicycle at a similar speed as a motorbike.
Kino catched up to the woman and made a slight bow while running side by side. The woman spoke to Kino while dashing on the bicycle.
- You’re the traveler from just now, aren’t you?
- Yes - Kino replied in a loud voice.
- I’m sorry for disturbing you there.
- No, not at all. Thanks to you, we were freed - said Kino, and the woman laughed.
- Hey, what do you want to accomplish by moving those statues? - Hermes asked.
The woman looked at both for a while and then:
- Yeah… Ms. traveler, do you have some time?
- We have. As long as it’s not a speech about the pride of the country.
- It’s good that you’re honest. I’ll show you something good. Please follow me for a short while.
The woman said that and then, she suddenly turned into an alley. Kino had to turn in a hurry, and followed her.
As they approached the edges of the country, enough to be able to see the castle walls, the houses became sparse and the paddy fields and farms increased in number. People doing farm work could be seen.
The girl ran swiftly, without dropping the speed on a stretch and winding road. She stopped in front of a storehouse surrounded by farms. Next to it, there was a main building and a truck with a crane attached.
The woman took off the upper half of the overall and fastened to the waist of her shirt. She poured tap water on her head full of sweat and then, she wiped it properly with a towel. She faced Kino.
- Welcome to my house. I’m Nimya. Nimya Chuhachikowa. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
- Good afternoon. I’m Kino. This one here is my partner Hermes.
Nimya opened the storehouse door a little, and invited Kino and Hermes to go inside. It was dark inside. In the muggy air, there was the smell of machines oil.
- I’ll show you the answer from just now. I would like for a straight line distance with a certain length in the main street! That’s why I need for them to do something about the statues.
Nimya said and Kino asked doubtfully.
- Well that is… for the sake of that!
Nimya said that and, at the same time, she pressed a switch next to her hands. The lights hanging from the ceiling turned on slowly and some ventilation fans also started spinning.
On the ceiling, there was a mobile crane, on the floor there was a row of various machines, and on a corner there was a pile of scrap iron. There were also some desks and many sheets of paper placed in disorder. Many bicycles lined and hanging on the walls.
And in the middle of the storehouse, there was a silver machine.
It was as big as a truck, and had a streamline shape like if it was a fish. It had parts that looked like a dorsal fin and a caudal fin. On the front, there was a three-blades propeller, attached like a fan. On the trunk, it had one plank to the right and one to the left, in a symmetric way, which were longer than the length of the trunk. Below the planks, attached to two legs, there were tires.
- What is that? - Kino asked after thinking for a while.
- It doesn’t have a name yet - Nimya said that and looked back to Kino and Hermes. A fearless lovely smile appeared, and then she said - You know, I want to ride it and fly through the sky.
Kino asked back immediately.
- You can fly through the sky with that? How?
Nimya nodded and explained quickly.
- If you hold a plank horizontally, facing the wind of a fan, nothing will happen, right? But if you give it a small angle upwards, a force impulsing it backwards and upwards, will appear. This is the same principle as when you’re riding a bicycle and rise your head, your hat flies off. If it’s like that, if you fix planks with a determined angle to something, even if it’s a bicycle, if you make it run at a certain speed the planks will make it go up. That something will surely fly. In the case of that machine, the big propeller on the front, spins the air and has the function of moving the machine forward.
After listening to all, Kino murmured some words:
- You really thought about this, didn’t you?
- More or less. But I still didn’t try it not even once. For this to be able to fly, a flat levelled surface is needed and also, of a certain length. Inside this country, and outside too, the only place like that is that main street. That’s why those statues that are built here and there, are interfering! With all their strength.
- I see. Then the mayor is against that… He thinks it’s impossible?
- Yeah. But not just the mayor. Everyone in this country think that it’s completely impossible for human beings to fly using machines. No matter how many times I carefully try to explain the theory for them, it’s no good. That’s why, more than theories, I want to show them proofs.
Kino gazed at the naked machine with metal skin. In the frontal part of the trunk, there was an engine with nine circular cylinders.
Nimya offered tea to Kino, who received it and asked.
- What an interesting scent. How is this tea called?
- Hmm? It’s just a normal tea. Oh, only in this country, right? I’m glad it fits your taste.
Then, Nimya was at a desk and Kino sat on a chair.
Suddenly Nimya thought of it and asked:
- Tell me, Mr. Hermes. You being a motorbike yourself, don’t you happen to know? whether that can work exactly like in my theory or not.
Hermes replied instantly:
- I know it! I knew it soon after listening to your explanation. I can answer but before that, what do you really think about it, big sister?
Before that question, Nimya was packed with words for an instant but soon enough, she said:
- It will fly! I’m not mistaken, that’s why it will fly!
The hand that was grabbing the mug cup was shook by her passion and some of the tea was spilled. Kino took a sip of its own tea.
- Correct. This will fly. You have good control too. The only thing that’s left is a long flat road where you can run it - Hermes said.
Nimya jumped happily, then Kino muttered. Immediately, Nimya let out a deep sigh.
- The road? But that’s the hardest thing...!
On that moment, the sound of a car could be heard from outside. Soon, the door was knocked violently.
- Nimya Chuhachikowa. Would you open this? It’s me - it was the mayor’s voice.
Nimya showed her tongue once, and then pressed a switch near the desk, with a bothersome expression. The sunlight entered. The mayor was leading more than ten other men, who entered noisily.
- Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. For you to take the trouble to come here, could it be that you accepted my request?
- Of course not… Oh? Mr. traveler? Why are you here?
- A tea party. She was doing me the favour of listening to my stories. Visitors have to be served. Is it wrong?
The mayor’s face became openly bitter. But he made an effort to calm down:
- Nimya, about that, I have something to tell you.
- As long as they don’t commit crimes or act against public welfare, the citizens of our country can choose by themselves the things they want do and their behavior. But as the country administrator, I can’t approve for you to keep saying senseless things like you’ll be able to fly on that machine, or how you keep spending time and money in it.
The mayor said it at a low speed, full of dignity. While Nimya looked at the mayor courteously, she said shortly:
- It’s not senseless, period.
Kino and Hermes could hear how the mayor grinding his own teeth.
The voice of a middle age man raised:
- Mayor, it’s already useless no matter what you say! This woman is completely mad. Please look! Having all these machines here.
- Don’t touch those - Nimya said sharply to a man who was approaching the flying machine.
The man laughed with a “hehe” and said:
- I won’t touch it, this weird thing.
Another man, who was peeping from before, said in a tone completely making fun of it:
- Ohhh. To think a wonderful engine is used for a thing like this… As you can see, it’s nothing more than a giant fan.
- Exactly, the principle is exactly the same.
- Ahh? And how would that fly through the sky? Could you please explain it to a dumb like me?
Laughter could be heard among the crowd. Nimya said:
- First, that will pull the entire machine.
- Exactly. By sending air, there’s a force that oppose the fans, right? The blades on the front will rotate by the speed, and if you send wind in the direction of the machine, the machine itself will move! It will start running.
After Nimya said that, two seconds passed and the men bursted in laughter.
- Hihihihi! This is so good!
- Hihihihi. Nothing. It’s just, me too, I’ve been using fans for so many years. Hihihihi. But it never moved from the desk not even once! Hihihi, oh how funny!
The man laughed holding his stomach. Others started laughing as well.
- Well, that’s because the fan is fixed to a base and the friction against the desk is winning! To test it, just put it on a wide and flat water surface! And select the maximum wind power!
Nimya emphasized it, but while he wiped some laughter tears, the man said:
- Ehh, then which spell will make this gigantic fan to start moving?
After those words, the laughter resounded in the storehouse. Nimya muttered:
After some time since the laughter was settled, a different man talked to Nimya. His tone was normal.
- I’m forced to respect all the effort you put in this. Then, when this machine moves, well, since it has wheels attached, this machine will go to the sky?
- Yes! If the speed is fast enough, those wings will catch the wind - Nimya said that while pointing at them.
- Wings? You won’t mean those flat planks on the side, right?
- That would be… a design flaw, wouldn’t it?
The man said in a serious way and Nimya asked back immediately:
The man spoke with an air of importance, using a serious tone on purpose:
- That is, since they’re so tightly attached… they won’t flip, right?
Once more, everyone bursted in laughter. Once more Nimya replied back:
- They don’t need to flip! When the wind, when the air passes from the front to the back, a difference in the volume of the air between the upper and down parts of the wing will be born. When that happens, a force facing upwards will start working. I’ll show you an experiment, so pay attention.
Nimya turned on a switch from a fan on top of a desk. She brought a proper plank and put it diagonally in front of the wind. The planks floated upwards.
- How is it? It’s the same principle as this!
Without being surprised, the man said smoothly:
- If it’s a light board like that one, of course it will float. But how heavy is this weird machine? And also, what about your own weight?
For a third time, the laughter was heard, then Nimya gave up and remained silent. The mayor opened his mouth.
- Well well, it seems we can’t keep a serious conversation any longer.
- That’s because of you! - Nimya said slowly - You don’t have any will to even try it?
- Putting down the great statues for that sake, it’s out of question. For the sake of an experiment of talking with an ant, would you be willing to demolish the main house?
- If there’s a tiny chance of doing it, then I would do it tomorrow even. At that time, by all means, I’d like you to help me.
Nimya glared at the mayor. He shook his head and:
- Really. If you just thought of building machines that were helpful to the farm work… To think you’re wasting all the fortune your parents left to you…
- I’m not wasting anything! This will fly!
- If you were a witch that is! Aren’t you too fat to fly, riding a broom?
Someone joked and everyone laughed. Before Nimya’s eyes, the mayor gave the last notification:
- We’ll come to dismantle this machine during tomorrow. It’s a pity, but as long as that thing exists, your dementia won’t be healed. This is the kind of decisions Mayors can take in case of emergencies. The country will buy and take the engine, and use it to generate electricity. You have something you wish to say?
- Won’t you move the statues out of the way?
- Alright everyone, today we’ll finish with this. Let’s go back. It’s tomorrow.
The mayor turned back and the rest of the people also got out of the warehouse.
Inside the empty warehouse, the sound of the ventilation fans humming resounded lowly.
Nimya drank in one gulp her tea, which was completely cold already, and said to Kino and Hermes, who were watching silently all the time.
- Uff… It’s like you could see. You won’t get bored, will you?
- Yes. Well.. There’s still one person.
Nimya turned back her head. There was still a young man, wearing tidy clothes. He was looking at Nimya with a serious expression. Nimya told Kino and Hermes:
- I’ll introduce you. He’s my fiancé. It’s been a while since I last saw him.
Kino bowed slightly. The young fiancé addressed Nimya, while approaching to her:
- Nimya, now you understood it, right? Won’t you please stop all this?
- All this about flying through the sky riding a machine. I don’t want to say it but, you know the inheritance from my parents is almost gone. Also, lately you haven’t been able to eat any decent thing. And probably, starting next week it will be troubling for you to keep this lifestyle.
- Won’t you come to live with me? Let’s get out from here!
- It seems he doesn’t mean any harm, does he? But that’s exactly why… - Hermes said to Kino. It moved its index finger to the front of the mouth.
The fiancé spoke gently to a silent Nimya.
- Can I stay here for tonight? I want to chat with you.
- … No. I have things to do - Nimya replied while sighing.
- Which things? Maybe, I could help you too?
The fiancé replied spontaneously, but Nimya shook her head. She hugged his chest tightly and kissed his lips lightly.
- Noo.. Go back for today. I’ll contact you tomorrow.
The young man got out from the warehouse and the shutter became completely closed.
Nimya went directly to the flying machine and with the palm of her hand she slapped the silver fuselage.
- I don’t have more time! Tomorrow… morning… I’ll make this fly. And with that, I’ll teach that group of blockheads!
- There’s just the street, right? - Hermes said.
- Yes, that’s right. If I just had that, I would fly. If it just flew once, after that I don’t care! If it’s necessary I would pierce the mayor residence!
- Really? - Hermes asked as if having fun and Nimya’s tone went back to normal.
- … well, putting that aside… let’s think calmly.
Nimya went back to the desk , Kino thanked her lightly, and sat on the chair she pointed out. Kino leaned against Hermes.
- Like this, the gliding distance is too short. No matter how I calculate it, during the strongest wind of the morning, one of the statues will be on the way. Even if somehow it takes off, it will be soon caught.
Nimya said, while looking at papers filled with calculations. Hermes asked:
- Is it still impossible if you used the engine to its maximum?
Nimya and Hermes hummered. Kino, who hadn’t had a chance to speak for a while, said nonchalantly:
- What if you built a jump stage in front of the statue? With that, if it was a motorbike, it could cross an obstacle that way. That’s why for sure this machine can also do the same thing.
Nimya stared fixedly at Kino. It added:
Nimya said after thinking for an instant:
- That’s right. If it’s like that, even if we don’t take out the statues… it could work!
- Kino, how smart! - Hermes said like having fun and Kino scratched its head lightly.
- Wait a little. I’ll try making some calculations.
Nimya stayed stuck on the desk and did many annotations. Despite that, after that, she said with a bitter face:
- It’s no good. Even if we built a jump platform in front of a statue, the initial speed is not enough. With that speed, it will fall down soon after the jump.
- But we can use this idea. The rest would be the initial speed! If we could just do something about it.
Once more, to the humming of Nimya and Hermes, Kino said nonchalantly:
- If it could be shot at once, like bullets from a gun, it would be ok though. With a baaang!
Nimya glared at Kino, but soon she shook her head.
- That’s impossible! I understand what you want to say but, to be able to eject something of that size, an unreasonable huge and solid barrel gun would be needed. And also, if we did that, the machine would be destroyed, wouldn’t it?
- This time it was rejected. What a pity.
Hermes said. Kino pointed its index finger below, at Hermes, and:
- Bang! - it mimicked a gunshot. The right hand rose.
Nimya, who was looking at that, frowned her eyebrows for an instant. She asked Kino:
- Ms. Kino. Just now, you mimicked a gunshot, right?
- Yes. This gun recoil is quite strong.
Kino said that while clapping “Cannon”, on its tight. Nimya was stiff for a moment with an expression like she wasn’t looking anywhere.
All of a sudden, she shouted:
- Not like a bullet, we should use that recoil! Like shooting consecutively with a gun, it would be ok if we add gunpowder inside the cylinder, and making consecutive combustions, we should shoot gas at full speed! If we attach some of those cylinders to the machine, it will be able to make a violent dash at the beginning!
Nimya said that, while pointing at some spots at the warehouse.
- I have the cylinders! I have gunpowder! We can do it!
- I see! Kino, just as I thought, you’re quite smart!
Hermes got excited too and shouted. Then, Kino muttered:
The following day. In other words, the morning of the third day since Kino arrived.
The mayor didn’t wake up along with the dawn.
He kept sleeping comfortable on the bed, where a cool wind blowed.
The sunlight entered through the window, and by the time the wind had gotten strong, he woke up because the main street got too noisy. The sound of a truck resounded lowly and the sound of something being installed with a bang, could also be heard.
At that time, the door was knocked violently and one of his subordinates entered in a hurry.
- Mayor! Um, In any case, go outside!
The mayor put on proper clothes and went out to the main street in a hurry. And then, he became speechless.
The statue on the front of the official residence, the shortest one and with a strong build was turned into a jump stage. It was almost like he was embracing the pipes and the iron plates.
- Good morning, Mr. Mayor.
In front of the mayor’s eyes, Kino greeted him with a smile, and then passed. Kino was putting a rope on the border between the sidewalk and the roadway. On the rope, there was a yellow cloth, where it was written in black letters, “It’s dangerous. Don’t cross the line”.
The mayor looked at the closest neighbour statue. In front of it, a machine was stopped and it glittered in silver, reflecting the morning sun. It was the machine he had seen in the warehouse. Some thick pipes were fixed below the trunk, which he hadn’t seen the day before. By its side, there was the truck with the crane, from the Chuhachikowa family.
The mayor shook his head many times. He blinked his eyes.
On the other side of the street, Kino was putting the rope efficiently. Some people were looking amazed, wondering what in the world was happening. Kino said with a smile.
- Yes. Please don’t cross the rope, ok? It’s dangerous.
Hermes was stopped diagonally from the flying machine. The silhouette of Nimya wearing an overall, was fastening a rope to Hermes’ carrier. On the other side, it was tied to stops, on both of the flying machine wheels. Nimya climbed on the flying machine and sat down on the cockpit that was on the trunk. She put on some goggles for work and some gloves. She fastened a seat belt of four points.
Nimya shook her hand to Kino, who was straddling on Hermes, and then she showed her thumb.
Kino turned on Hermes’ engine. The noisy engine sound resounded on the street. The mayor ran up to Kino and asked:
- Mr. traveler! What’s the meaning of this!?
- Mr. Mayor. It’s extremely dangerous, so please move back.
The instant Kino said that, the sound of an explosion three times louder than Hermes’ engine was born. The engine of the flying machine became louder and the giant fans started spinning.
The mayor said something, but Kino couldn’t hear it.
More people gathered because of the explosion sound and the main street entered in a state of chaos. There were also people watching from inside the buildings.
Kino made a pushing gesture and moved back the mayor.
The explosion sounds from the flying machine became even louder. Nimya raised both fists and made a cross on top of her head, then she dissolved it quickly. Kino started to move Hermes suddenly. The stops on both wheels of the flying machine, got separated at the same time.
The flying machine started rolling. The following instant, that explosion sounds resounded furthermore three times louder. From the cylinders below the trunk, because of an intense heat, white smoke started blowing out from behind.
The mayor shouted, and Hermes muttered as if he wasn’t talking to anyone in particular. The flying machine accelerated almost like if it had been kicked by an invisible giant, and within the blink of an eye, it ran until the jump stage. The buildings trembled by the roaring sound and the neck of the spectators shook at maximum speed. All to the same side. The flying machine ran up the jump stage and like that, while spouting smoke, it faced the wind and took off.
Kino lost sight of the flying machine because of the smoke. By the time the smoke cleared because of the wind, they found the back of the shape of the machine, getting smaller on the blue sky. The cylinders stopped emitting smoke and then, they came off from the trunk and fell. They fell on the swamps outside the country, while making a thrusting sound. The flying machine became so small it looked as if it was going to disappear, then it made a turn and started coming back. This time, it became gradually bigger.
Soon, it passed, along with the roaring sound, over the heads of the people looking up. Everyone except Kino, looked at it with their mouth widely open. All of their mouths muttered.
- It flew!... That heavy thing is in the sky…
- I can’t believe it… It’s impossible… But…
Kino, who had been looking at Nimya with a smile since she had taken off, asked Hermes:
- What’s your impression?
- I’m just a little jealous! Just that!
Inside the cockpit, Nimya was shouting:
- How’s that? It flew, didn’t it? It really flew! I wasn’t wrong! The calculations weren’t wrong either! The experiments weren’t wrong either! It wasn’t a waste!
Then, the flying machine suddenly started going up, and like that, it made a loop in the middle of the sky.
- It really moved! It could really spin! I wasn’t wrong!
Nimya operated the machine and did a somersault many times, flew upside down and made sudden curves repeatedly.
Finally, the flying machine went back slowly to horizontality and Nimya muttered:
Suddenly, Kino said in loud voice and addressed all the people, who had sluggish faces, and acted as if giving a speech.
- For that flying thing to be able to land safely, a long straight road is needed. In the case you want to cooperate, so that person, who just accomplished something incredible, can land safely, then please move aside at least three of the aligned statues. If it’s four, it would be more helpful.
- Un, understood. We’ll do it now!
The mayor, who had been by the side, said while nodding all the time.
- Everyone! We’re moving the statues that are in the way! Quickly!
At the mayor orders, the people started moving as if they had been flicked. Using Nimya’s truck and crane, they pulled up the statues with their bases. The holes were covered using the planks that were used for the jump stage. They worked desperately and moved out seven statues.
The long straight road was ready in the blink of an eye. There was an uncountable number of people gathering on both sides.
Finally, the flying machine approached to the main street as if it could slide on it. It came down slowly. At the same time, the three wheels touched the ground and the engine stopped. The flying machine kept moving by the inertia and stopped almost in front of Kino.
The residents surrounded the machine cautiously. Nimya took out the goggles and standed up from the chair, then, a quiet clamor started. Kino and Hermes watched that from behind.
- Nimya… - the first one to speak to her was her fiancé.
- How was that? It happened like I said, right? - Nimya said happily and slapped the trunk - Let’s go riding this for our honeymoon. I’ll marry you tomorrow!
The fiancé said while looking up at Nimya.
- I didn’t know… that you were, no, that Ms. Nimya was…
Nimya made a confused expression and the fiancé shouted:
Even if we weren’t aware before, until now we’ve been behaving looking down on you and being very disrespectful. Please forgive us, who don’t wield any power.
By the time Nimya tried to raise her voice a second time, his fiancé kneeled down on the street. And like if that had been a signal:
“Please forgive us” “Please forgive us” “Forgive us” “Please forgive us” “Somehow or other, forgive us”“Forgive us” “Please forgive us” “Please forgive us” “Forgive us”“Forgive us” “Forgive us”
One by one, the residents kneeled down. Almost like if Nimya and the flying machine were at the center, and ripples kept spreading.
-Eh, wait a little, everyone?
- Ms. Nimya. Great witch! We greatly apologize for all that we’ve been doing until now - as expected, the mayor said that while kneeling down, rising only his head - please! With your power, guide us, helpless humans. From today onwards, you’re the ruler of this country. As the mayor, I give this country to your highness! Please, take it!
While Nimya was speechless, looking at the mayor’s passionate eyes, Kino started loading the luggage from the truck to Hermes. Someone suggested to catch Kino. Those eyes were, as expected, enthusiast.
- Mr. traveler! Could it be you’re also a magician? If it’s like that then please, stay in this country and guide…
Kino said decisively and settled the luggage firmly, then it put on the hat and the goggles. Nimya got down from the flying machine and approached Kino. The group of people let her pass making a road.
Nimya asked surprised, but:
- I’m sorry. It looks like if we don’t go soon, things will become complex… Congratulations.
- Congratulations! I was very impressed - Hermes said.
Nimya looked around and sighed. Then she turned back to Kino and company.
- Thank you. It’s all thanks to you - Nimya narrowed her eyes - The fact that you came to this country might be a coincidence or a caprice but, for me it was destiny. If you hadn’t been here, the machine would have been destroyed and I would have lived a life of disappointment… It’s not a joke. I’m truly grateful beyond what words can express.
While smiling, Nimya looked for a handshake. Kino shook her hand. And said once again:
- Congratulations… I had a lot of fun.
Nimya saw them off until the motorbike turned on a street, and couldn’t be seen anymore.
Then, she observed all the people kneeling down around her and sighed:
- Well then, what should we do from now on?
Kino and Hermes passed the deserted castle gates, and left the country. As usual, there were lots of marshes but the road wasn’t as muddy. It was easier to drive than the time they had arrived. As the castle walls at their backs, started getting smaller, Hermes said happily:
- Waa, it was fun! Specially, everyone’s amazed faces! They looked like a pitcher in a wonder dorm!
- Like a pigeon in a thunderstorm?
Hermes said that and fell silent.
The motorbike ran on a road surrounded by swamps.
After some time passed, Kino said suddenly:
- Even so… it was a big surprise, I was amazed.
- Yeah, right? “She’s a witch! Please forgive us!”. The misunderstanding won’t be solved for some time. In the near future they’ll built a statue of her!
Hermes said that and Kino was silent for a while.
Hermes asked lightly to Kino after its ambiguous words.
- Really, I didn’t think that machine would really fly through the sky - Kino said so.
- Ms. Kino? Just now… what did you say?
- I said I didn’t think it would fly. A machine that flies riding on the air? Things like that plank in front of the fan, I could understand the theory she explained to us, but to think it would work… It’s amazing, isn’t it?
For a while, the motorbike kept running gently while the sound of the engine resounded. On the side of the road, there were water fowls singing with voices as if they were being strangled, then they took off in an instant.
- Kinoo! Then, why did you help her?
Hermes asked in a loud voice. Kino replied with an uninterested tone.
- “Why”, you ask… Because if it worked, I would have been able to see something interesting, and i wondered in the case it didn’t work, if that person would give up. And,
There was a silence for a while. Hermes asked fearfully:
- … then, hypothetically speaking. If that country hadn’t been boring you really wouldn’t have helped her?
- It’s possible. After all, normally if I was told something like that thing could fly, I wouldn’t believe it!
Kino have the final blow to Hermes, who didn’t speak anymore:
- It flew! It really looked like she was a witch. I was surprised. Since we were able to see something so cool, it was worth running through the swamp… what is it, Hermes?
- Nothing, it’s just… I was just thinking about the highness and lowness of the potentials human beings possess.
To Hermes’ serious mutter, Kino gave a vague answer. The motorbike kept running carefreely on a road on the side of a swamp.
Note: I don't have access to my pc so the images will be added laters. I'm too eager to wait since this is the longest chapter I translated so far!!
