Kays Translations

Chapter 102: Another Tea Party

Back in the salon, we refined the Sprinkler prototype. During the tests, the main water-producing unit had remained on the ground. A portable model would be far more useful.

The housing was still about the size of a picnic pack even after miniaturisation, so the obvious solution was to make it wearable on the user’s back.

“Rosalia, let us turn the Sprinkler into a backpack.”

“A backpack? Understood.”

She immediately produced strong leather straps and began fitting them to the metal casing. Rosalia’s work had become both faster and cleaner after repeatedly assembling household air blowers.

We adjusted the shape so that it rested comfortably against the user’s back, added padded contact points, and engraved simple operating instructions on the case. I also decorated the otherwise severe metal surface with a modest embossed pattern.

“It’s finished,” Rosalia said.

“Congratulations. This is your first invention.”

“But you helped me make it.”

She didn’t look satisfied. Rosalia evidently wanted her first invention to be something conceived and completed entirely by herself.

“Then this is our first joint development. Your own independent invention will come next.”

That answer pleased her more. We displayed the completed Sprinkler in the salon overnight and tested it in the medicinal-herb garden the following morning.

I put it on, intending to evaluate the comfort and controls personally.

“Lord Julius, one of us can test it,” a knight protested.

“What would we do if something happened to you?” another added.

“As one of the developers, I should use it myself, identify its flaws, and improve it. That’s the duty of a magic-tool maker.”

“Since when were you a professional magic-tool maker, Lord Julius?”

I paused.

“That’s true. I’m supposed to become a magic pharmacist.”

Their argument was unfortunately sound. I handed the Sprinkler to a knight who regularly guarded and maintained the herb garden. He was knowledgeable about cultivating medicinal plants, and I intended to recommend an allowance if he formally assumed responsibility for the garden.

“How does it feel?” I asked after he adjusted the straps.

“The weight is manageable, but the straps are slightly short for an adult.”

“Then we’ll make them adjustable. Please test the spray.”

The knight raised the extended nozzle above the beds and pressed the switch. Water burst out in a broad, gentle shower, reaching a wide area without damaging the seedlings.

“Kyu!”

“Mira, no.”

I caught Mira just before they leapt into the spray. I didn’t intend to begin the morning by washing both of us again.

The knight quickly found a steady rhythm and watered the garden evenly. His pleased expression showed how much labour the device would save.

“It works perfectly, Big brother!”

“Yes. No one will need to carry can after can from the reservoir.”

Rosalia and I folded our arms and nodded in shared satisfaction. The estate gardeners gathered nearby and stared at the machine with open admiration.

We would need several more.

While producing additional units and improving the adjustable harness, replies arrived to our tea-party invitations. Every guest accepted. I was relieved to discover that my friends didn’t secretly dislike me.

“Big brother, Melissa will attend,” Rosalia said, holding up her letter.

“Good. I’ll confirm the final number with the servants.”

Rosalia had attended few tea parties and possessed only a small circle of friends. Perhaps Father and Mother should take her to more social gatherings, although I would ensure that she still had time for her craft.

The servants and I settled the menu, beverages, seating, and garden decorations. The gathering’s main purpose was to introduce Mira. If trustworthy noble families became familiar with the holy dragon, Mira’s reputation could spread gradually and peacefully through the Heine Margraviate.

In time, I hoped they would be regarded as a beloved guardian rather than a frightening monster.

Few people would deliberately threaten a holy dragon protected by House Heine and recognised by the royal family. His Majesty himself knew Mira’s circumstances.

I also planned to display the Sprinkler and Rosalia’s other work. Her aptitude and interest deserved acknowledgement. In the future, any family seeking a match for her should understand that magic-tool making was part of her life rather than a childish pastime to be discarded.

Edward, Billy, and Platon already shared that interest. Maintaining friendships with nearby families would also allow Rosalia to continue collaborating with them as she grew older.

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