Kays Translations

Chapter 422: While We’re at It, Let’s Do That Too

The stone-built magic-tool workshop was pleasantly cool inside. I had wondered whether it might smell damp, but the air was dry and crisp.

On closer inspection, I noticed a cold-and-warm-air blower magic tool in one corner. It seemed the devices were spreading to other territories as well. They were certainly convenient, and this one was clearly responsible for the cool, dry air.

“I came at Marquis Mulan’s recommendation.”

Nero handed the workshop attendant a letter. The man initially examined it with suspicion, but his expression changed at once, and he withdrew into the back of the building. While we waited, we looked around at the magic tools the craftsmen were making.

“It doesn’t look as though many magic tools from the Heine Margraviate have reached this city. I can only see the cold-and-warm-air blower.”

“Magic-tool blueprints must not circulate easily. I thought they would have spread farther by now.”

“Me too.”

Could vested interests be getting in the way? I wanted useful devices to reach ordinary people quickly, but perhaps some wealthy customers considered ownership of rare magic tools a status symbol. What a tiresome attitude.

“It seems the star-shaped magic tool hasn’t spread here yet, even though it’s quite an old design now.”

I could only smile wryly. How long did they intend to keep treating it as a luxury item? I would be happier if it became widespread and other craftsmen improved it into something even more impressive.

“Julius, you were amazing even when you were little, weren’t you?”

“Yeah! Julius-sama was already strong in swordsmanship, could use magic, knew everything, and was amazing from the very first time I met him.”

“Giles, calm down.”

Perhaps sympathising with Ijidol’s murmur, Giles’s eyes lit up. He had known me since childhood and probably believed he knew everything about me—which meant he also knew about all my blunders.

I sincerely hoped this would not turn into a contest to expose my past mistakes. If it did, Ijidol might be appalled. I glared at Giles to stop him from saying anything more just as an elderly man with white hair and round spectacles emerged from the rear of the workshop, wearing a gentle smile.

“Marquis Mulan’s letter explained the situation. I am the head of this workshop. Everything is ready, so please follow me.”

He led us to a small space in one corner of the workshop. Despite its size, it contained every tool I would need. It seemed intended for developing magic tools rather than merely manufacturing them, with assorted parts and metals scattered among the equipment.

“Please make use of this space. It’s a little cramped, but we have most of the things you’ll need.”

“Thank you. With this size and these tools, it should be fine.”

The workshop head smiled and left us. At last, I could begin. The storage magic tool I had made the previous day had been little more than a magic circle embedded in a box, so simple that it scarcely felt like a challenge.

But today, things were different.

“You’ll probably be bored while I work. Feel free to look around wherever you like.”

“I’ll stay by Julius-sama’s side.”

“I’ll stay too. I want to watch you make magic tools. The icehouse we made before was so enormous that I couldn’t really understand how it was constructed.”

“We’ll stay here too.”

Everyone had decided to remain in the workshop. I could have left them to amuse themselves, but I felt a little guilty. I would finish as quickly as possible so that we could spend the remaining time touring the territorial capital.

I would make two shower magic tools and, while I was at it, a sprinkler magic tool. That would make managing the herb garden much easier.

Next came a special star-shaped magic tool for House Mulan, who had done so much for us. This version would be a surprise: the projected stars would rotate automatically. It was going to be fun.

“All right, let’s make them in record time!”

While everyone tilted their heads at my declaration, I began working. I had made these devices many times before, so the process was familiar. Using Craft, I bent the iron plates, inscribed the magic circles and rapidly assembled the components.

“That’s far too fast to be useful as a reference! Can you really make them that quickly?”

“You really are taking this seriously. So when you said ‘in record time’, you meant incredibly fast.”

“As expected of Julius-sama.”

“I feel as though Julius-sama could make a living as a magic-tool craftsman.”

My audience was becoming rather noisy, but I had entered a state of complete concentration and ignored them to maintain my pace. I decided to make a second sprinkler magic tool as well. If House Mulan placed it on the lawn, everyone could enjoy an outdoor bath even when I was not there.

“Alright, they’re finished.”

“Thank you for your hard work. The star-shaped magic tool seems to be mounted on a different base than usual…?”

Nero had noticed the unfamiliar base and tilted his head curiously. He could tell the difference at a glance. As expected, he was observant.

“I improved it so that the stars move on their own. I thought it was time for the design to evolve.”

“Evolve…? If you keep evolving magic tools like this, they may become something extraordinary.”

Ijidol gave a strained smile, while Giles and Christopher’s eyes shone with excitement. Their loyalty seemed to have risen again; it was probably close to reaching its limit. Then I noticed the craftsmen standing behind everyone. When had they gathered there?

They appeared to have realised that we belonged to a noble household, because none of them approached us.

That made sense. With attendants and young retainers clustered around me, it was obvious that we were not ordinary visitors.

Perhaps drawn by the commotion, the workshop head returned as well. He stared in astonishment at the finished magic tools, repeatedly comparing them with the workshop’s own products.

“Thank you for everything. I’ve finished making what I needed, so we’ll be leaving now.”

“Did you make all of this by yourself?”

“Yes. I’ve made each of them before, so they were easy for me.”

“Julius, surely that’s impossible…”

Ijidol said that, and the other three nodded. Perhaps he was right, but was it not a friend’s duty to play along and say, ‘Of course’? Otherwise, it would sound as though I had done something outrageous again.

I had everyone carry the completed magic tools, and we left the workshop. Now it was time to tour the territorial capital. The five of us were going to enjoy ourselves!

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