The steam hissed from the engine's stacks, mingling with the screech of wheels on rails, creating the clamorous symphony of the mechanical age. Rober Naris, a youth of nineteen with neatly kept brown hair and bright eyes, leaned back against the wooden seat, lost in the pages of a book. The scenery outside the window blurred past verdant fields interspersed with small villages all fading into insignificance before the allure of the book in his hands.

This was not a familiar world. Rober had once been a person of Earth, but fate had seen him reborn into this world, into an ordinary farming family in a peaceful village. However, this rebirth came with a peculiar gift: The Sage System. A voice echoed within his mind, ready to provide any knowledge he needed, requiring only a question to be asked.

Thanks to this system, Rober had become a young "sage" of the village. He repaired broken steam-powered machines, helped the villagers improve their farming techniques, and even taught the village children to read and write. Rober's erudition and kindness had made him a respected figure, despite his young age.

But Rober did not want to stop there. He craved knowledge, craved to explore the vast world beyond. And today, that dream was gradually becoming a reality. He was on a steam train heading towards the capital, home to the prestigious Royal Academy the crucible that forged the kingdom's greatest talents.

Rober turned a page, his slender fingers gliding lightly over the bold print. The book described mystical creatures, beings that existed only in legends and ancient tales. His gaze paused on an illustration of a mermaid, possessing an exquisite beauty, her long hair shimmering like ocean waves and her fish tail gleaming with silver scales.

"Do you know anything about mermaids?"

A voice, clear as a silver bell, cut through Rober's thoughts. He looked up, meeting the curious gaze of a young woman sitting opposite him. Her golden hair was styled in an elaborate updo, revealing a graceful forehead and eyes as blue as the sea. Her attire exuded an air of luxury and nobility, a stark contrast to the simple clothes Rober wore.

"I'm fascinated by such creatures" the young woman continued, the corners of her mouth lifting into a charming smile. "The upper body of a beautiful woman, the lower body a fish's tail... How strange and alluring."

Rober nodded slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "The stories about mermaids are often very beautiful" he replied, his voice calm and measured. "But... they usually end in separation or loss. Perhaps that's because love between humans and mermaids is something too different, too difficult to reconcile."

He paused for a moment, as if organizing the knowledge the Sage System had just provided. "Mermaids are often considered symbols of the allure, mystery, and sometimes the danger of the sea. The sea is both a source of life and a place of untold perils. The mermaid, with her magnificent beauty and mystery, embodies that captivating and unpredictable nature."

"They are also creatures that exist between two worlds" Rober continued, his gaze distant, as if he could see the image of a mermaid gliding through the deep blue water. "The world of humans and the world of the sea, yet not fully belonging to either. This can symbolize difference, loneliness, and the longing to belong somewhere." He paused, took a deep breath, and said softly "The mermaid is a diverse and rich mythical creature, carrying many profound symbolic meanings. From ancient mythology to modern culture, the mermaid remains a captivating icon, inspiring imagination and exploration of the mysterious world of the ocean and the deep desires within the human heart."

The young woman listened silently, her blue eyes wide with admiration. When Rober finished speaking, she smiled softly. "You know a great deal" she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Thank you for sharing such fascinating knowledge. I am Amalia Hana, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Rober returned a gentle smile. "I am Rober Naris. And I am also grateful for your question, Miss Hana."

A comfortable silence settled between them. Rober lowered his head, continuing to read, but his mind was no longer completely focused on the words. The image of Amalia Hana, with her bright blue eyes and radiant smile, had imprinted itself on his mind. A strange feeling, both hesitant and thrilling, stirred within the young man's heart.