In my previous lifetime, there was a series called *Sherlock*, a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's greatest work, *Sherlock Holmes*, reimagining it as if the character were a real person living in the current era.
It was during this time that I discovered the intriguing concept of the Palace of Memories—a mental space in the protagonist's mind where all his memories are stored. I was only 11 when I first watched the series, and my initial thought was that something like the Palace of Memories was purely fictional, a capability unique to the main character and supporting or antagonist characters.
However, I later learned that it is, in fact, real. I discovered that the Palace of Memories is a mnemonic device, a method for retaining and recalling memories that dates back to Ancient Greece and its poets. This technique is what allowed older poets and bards to memorize epic works like the *Iliad* and the *Odyssey*.
While mastering this method typically took years of practice, especially for those without photographic or eidetic memory, I was able to learn it with just a single click.
Yeah, I admit it—I'm a cheat.
Anyway, I just finished my daily talk with my sister and was lying on the bed. Normally, I'd be ready to sleep at this point, but I wanted to make use of my intriguing skill. I already knew what to do, so I immediately closed my eyes, and in less than five seconds, I... moved.
When I 'opened' my eyes, I found myself not in my dark room brightened by the soft glow of moonlight, but in a vast dark expanse. I was standing, and while there wasn't a solid floor beneath me, I could walk in any direction. With each step, vivid images and sounds came to life around me.
The structure of this space and how memories were recalled in this mental palace was based on my own preferences. Since I didn't create this place from scratch, it was definitely a result of my instant learning. There was no order; each memory was simply floating around aimlessly.
Since I had some time, I decided to tidy up a bit. After all, it's better to have a messy mind than a mess in my head.
---
It took quite a bit of time to understand how to 'move' the memories and 'modify' the place, but other than that, it was smooth sailing. My palace was now a sci-fi time-space corridor, just in appearance, and each memory could be seen while walking through it.
As I finished, I noted that I could still see my status in this mindspace, and my [Memory Palace] was now level 9. I also created a little pond on the side, just before the tunnel. Its current usefulness is zero, but I already have something planned for it. With a clear and ordered mind, I was ready to sleep… well, I was, until I noticed the sun rays entering through the gap in my blinds. It seems I had spent more time than I would have liked.
---
Today, I discovered something troubling about myself. I'm cursed. And I know this isn't because there's an icon near my health bar or any pop-up notification. But how is it possible for such coincidences to occur if not due to a curse?
"—and because of this, next week we will move to our grandparents' house, which is located in Kanagawa, so we won't be able to meet each other, Sa-kun, Noan-chan…"
Ayano is moving out with her parents because her father got transferred to a different office in Kanagawa. And it's not just her…
"Me too... next month, we will move to Osaka because my parents got transferred."
Both of them, the only two people I can call friends, even with our (imaginary) age gap, are leaving. They were both looking down, sadness filling their eyes. They were almost crying...
Even though I felt tears building up, I pushed down the sadness. I already knew how painful goodbyes could be, thanks to my Russian friend Sa-chan, but I didn't want to ruin our last memories together with tears.
"This… this isn't the last time we can be together, right? After all, Ayano said next week and Noan next month..."
"I think tomorrow or the day after is the last time I can stay at this park..."
"I'm here until the end of the month at least; I don't know what will happen after that."
"Then, what if both of you come to my house tomorrow? We always played here, and I want you both to come."
"Okay!" "Sounds good!"
It seems I had made them happy, probably trying their best to hold back tears. Since it was a good time, I decided to say something…
"By the way, Ayano..."
I moved closer and placed my hand on her shoulder.
"You're it!"
Then I ran away with Noan, who probably understood my intentions, leaving a bewildered loli behind.
"Huh? Wait… don't escape!"
I'll miss those two troublemakers.
---
The next day, their fathers accompanied them to my house, where I had already prepared refreshments and made sure all my controllers were working properly. We spent the day together, playing badminton at Ayano's insistence, corrupting them with manga, and playing this version of Smash Bros. It was a 7/10, by the way—nowhere near as good as the original.
After a full dinner with my grandparents and just before their fathers arrived, I gave each of them a cell phone, similar to the one I had given Yuki, so we could message each other even when we were apart. I also gave Ayano the present I had already brought her, and Noan received the gift originally meant for Yuki; it was not like there wasn't a gift for her—I'll buy it later.
By the time they had to leave, Ayano was crying profusely, with Noan following suit, and even I was sweating from my eyes. It was manly sweat, and I'll forever blame it on my young body.
I asked for their addresses, just in case, and after a group hug and promises to stay in touch, everyone went back to their lives. My grandpa must have sensed some of my sadness and asked me to sit down on the sofa.
"Why don't we watch this episode of Tadashi's Castle together before bed?"
I remembered watching it before; my grandpa hugged me and gently rubbed my back, and then I was off to dreamland. Truly, what a wonderful grandfather I have…