Kays Translations

Chapter 49: In Search of Cleanliness

Both the newly flavoured elementary healing potion and the elementary stamina-recovery potion were adopted by the knight order.

Still, watching a gloomy, exhausted knight become bright-eyed and wildly energetic after a single dose made me wonder whether the stamina potion was truly safe for routine use.

Its harsh bitterness fortunately discouraged anyone from drinking it casually. Perhaps that unpleasant flavour served as a natural safeguard.

For the improved version, I would make it easier to drink while slightly weakening its effect. The present group of overexcited knights looked uncomfortably like people under the influence of a dubious drug. I was glad we had tested it before mass production.

“Big brother, it smells unpleasant here,” Rosalia said, wrinkling her nose.

I had grown accustomed to the odour, but the rough conditions were difficult for a sheltered young lady. She was right: the training ground’s washing facilities were poor.

The knights currently cleaned themselves by pouring buckets of well water over their heads. The water wasn’t dirty, but simply rinsing with it could remove only so much sweat and grime.

“You’re right, Rosalia. Let’s make a magic tool that will allow the knights to wash properly.”

“May I watch you make it?”

“You may, but…”

Using Craft in front of her would reveal too much. I would have to build it honestly with ordinary tools and a hammer.

Having decided on my next project, I said farewell to Lionel and returned to the manor.

Until dinner, it was time to design a new magic tool: a shower, which would send water through many small openings.

I began with the blueprint. Without one, I couldn’t ask craftspeople to reproduce the device.

My policy was to make only what I personally needed and leave mass production to someone else. Handing over a finished object and saying, “Take it apart and work it out,” would delay production enormously. In the meantime, people would continue asking me to make every copy myself.

Like the Starry Sky magic tool, the shower hadn’t existed in the game. I had already proved that I could create entirely new magic tools as long as I understood the concept, so I wanted to develop devices that would improve people’s lives.

As I drew at my desk, Rosalia peered quietly over my shoulder. She seemed afraid that speaking might disturb me.

She was interested in magic tools too. Perhaps she could begin with something simple, such as a lamp.

“Would you like to make something yourself?”

“May I?”

“Of course. We’ll start with the most basic light-producing magic circle.”

“Thank you, Big brother!”

I stroked her head as she smiled brightly and prepared the necessary materials.

Lately, I had developed the habit of patting her without thinking. If I wasn’t careful, she would eventually complain that I treated her like a small child.

“This is magic ink, this is the magic stone that will provide power, and this iron plate will serve as the base.”

Rosalia’s eyes shone. She must have wanted to try this for some time. Perhaps someone had told her that magic-tool making wasn’t an appropriate pastime for a noble lady.

Because I hadn’t originally grown up in this world, such restrictions seemed pointless to me.

“Copy the pattern from this paper onto the plate as precisely as you can.”

“I understand.”

She immediately began wrestling with the design. Accurately drawing a magic circle was the first requirement for making a magic tool. While she practised, I continued drafting the shower.

Just as the blueprint began taking shape, a servant announced that dinner was ready.

For the duration of the social season, the usually lively dining room would contain only Rosalia and me. The empty space felt much larger than normal. Rosalia sat opposite me and quietly picked at her food.

There was no point becoming gloomy. The social season had only just begun.

“Rosalia, how’s the magic circle going?”

“It’s nearly finished. Will you inspect it when I’m done?”

“Of course.”

“How’s your work progressing?”

“The blueprint is almost complete. I may begin construction tomorrow, although it’ll be noisy.”

I had considered using Craft secretly during the night, but Rosalia would be disappointed if she missed the process. She wanted to see how the device was made.

Once her own magic circle was finished, she could create a simple lamp tool. Teaching her how to use a hammer at the same time would be efficient.

We continued discussing magic tools throughout dinner. The servant looked somewhat bewildered but watched over us without interrupting.

After the meal, we played in the salon until it was time for our bath.

“Big brother, let’s bathe together,” Rosalia said.

“All right.”

I had expected her to ask. I was nine and Rosalia was six, so we were probably just young enough for it to be unremarkable.

Still, if Chloe or Caro heard about it, they might react strangely—or even demand to join us. That would be far more troublesome.

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