Kays Translations

Chapter 16: The Industrial Revolution Begins with Rubber

“No more. Let me sleep already.”

“You’re a real slacker. You’re young, get a grip of yourself.”

“No, rather, when do you intend to sleep Bowman? You’re old enough to know when to take it easy or you’ll fall ill.”

While Bowman and I were working and chatting, Galatea and Vigna arrived. Vigna looked at me and for some reason, she looked away immediately. Excuse me? What is it? Could it be that I stink? I’m working so it can’t be helped. I mean, Bowman also smells bad right? He’s been working all day without even taking a bath.

“I sensed a lie from Master. Actually, you’re still motivated.”

“Galatea, can you please stop reading my emotions?”

I said that to make it easier for everyone to take a break. Since then, we’ve been adjusting the acid ratio, the temperature and other things. No, it’s really difficult, we’ve been trying to use Souzi’s furnace to find the optimal temperature, but it’s not working.

Well, but that’s what inventing new things is all about isn’t it? It’s not something that can be done overnight. Bowman seems very capable of handling metal, but it’s his first time handling rubber.

“I have good news for you Master. I’ve brought you a gift. It’s potatoes, Master’s favorite food. I tried using the salt and butter you bought with it.”

“Oh, thank you. Is this buttered potatoes?”

“Yes, it’s a dish from the other world. It’s simple, but it’s delicious because of the quality of the ingredients.”　

She goes on to describe the dish on the plate. It seemed to be quartered potatoes with the skin on, covered with butter and salt. Steam was rising from the crispy potatoes and the smell of melted butter tickled my nostrils.

There are a few oddly shaped ones though. I suddenly became curious and looked at Vigna who quickly hid her injured fingertips and glared at me.

“What? I can’t be as good as Galatea anyway, you know that. I just made it because I didn’t want to be the only one doing nothing when everyone else was working so hard. I’ll eat it, so it’s fine.”

“No, I’m glad to see that the inexperienced Vigna did her best for us and I’m touched that you finally have a sense of being my subordinate. It’s delicious, you should try it too, Bowman.”

“No, I can’t eat this. Bozu, you eat it all.”

I quickly put my hand on the distorted potato piece and told Bowman to eat it too, but he smiled and put his hand on the nicest one as if he was looking at something funny. I don’t think it tastes that much different. 

“Well, what do you think?” (Grace)

“Oh, it’s delicious… huh? I feel like I’m recovering from fatigue.” (Bowman)

“Hmm? Don’t you know? If you eat crops that have been grown using monster fertilizer, you’ll feel better. The level of effect depends on the strength of the monster. With the fire dragon you’ll be fine without sleep for a day, but the goblins are a little less convenient. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to do research all the time.”

“You’re right, I do feel more energetic and clear-headed.”

Bowman said to me in surprise. No, what is this potato really? Is it because of its magic recovery ability or is his spirit so high that he’s forgotten all about his fatigue?

“Vigna and Galatea are also cheering me on, so I’ll do my best!”

“No, I’m not really cheering for you. Well, if you have any problems, let me know and I’ll do my best to help.”

“I sense a tsundere. I’m glad I taught you how to cook, you looked so frustrated and wanted to do something to help you just now.”

“Hey, I told you that was a secret. Don’t get the wrong idea Grace.”

“Hey, Bowman, I’m going to add some acid now and heat it up.”

“Oh, it’s getting stronger. I feel like we can do this.”

“I’ve recorded the timing and the temperature. Master, it’s impressive that you’ve been able to take knowledge from another world and turn it into something that can be created in this world.”

“Hahaha, if I, Grace Vermillion and Bowman cooperate, nothing’s impossible. Vigna, why do you have a moody face?”

“It’s nothing, you baka ouji(stupid prince)!”

We ate potatoes when we were tired, then continued experimenting and when the sun had risen, the joyful voices of Bowman and I echoed through the laboratory.

“It’s done!!!!”

I shouted out loud, holding up the finished product. If rubber spreads throughout the world, an industrial revolution will begin.

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