Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 220: The Icehouse Is Operational!
I needed to complete the icehouse before the hellish etiquette lessons that would probably begin today. Otherwise, there was no telling when I would finish it. The old icehouse had already ceased functioning as a refrigerator.
Unless we completed the work quickly, the materials stored inside would continue to deteriorate. They were not especially high quality to begin with, but that was beside the point. Fortunately, all that remained was connecting the magic wires and switch, then finishing the floor.
We laid the prepared stone slabs across the floor while completing the final connections. The four walls and ceiling were already finished. Thanks to the skills everyone had developed during the project, the floor was covered in no time.
Everyone was in high spirits because Princess Daniela had come personally to thank them.
As the workers finished their tasks and left the site one after another, I conducted a final inspection. Yes, everything appeared to be in order.
“Is it finished already? I expected it to take longer.”
Princess Daniela’s eyes widened in surprise. We had already spent nearly two days on the project, so I did not think it had been particularly quick—although I admitted the final stretch had gone rapidly.
“Your visit encouraged everyone, Your Highness. Otherwise, the work would probably have occupied the entire morning.”
“Even so, this seems extraordinarily fast. When a magic tool in the courtyard greenhouse broke, repairing it took nearly three months.”
“The construction must have been very different. Greenhouse magic tools are probably complicated and difficult to repair. We are not especially unusual.”
I did my best to play it down, although inwardly I was thinking, Three months to repair one magic tool? I had serious doubts, but perhaps that truly was normal.
This was exactly the sort of situation in which we had to insist that we were not special.
“Just as Lord Julius says, we are not special. He is the extraordinary one.”
“Indeed. Your Highness, look at this stonework. Lord Julius cut every block into the same precise shape. Few craftsmen possess such skill.”
“And behind the stone is insulating wood that no one normally uses because it is so difficult to work. Lord Julius processed it effortlessly to improve the icehouse’s cooling efficiency.”
Wait. They needed to read the room. Princess Daniela’s eyes were shining, while Brother Alex’s expression clearly said, You did it again. His narrowed, crescent-shaped eyes were frightening.
I hurriedly looked to Axel and Ijidol for help.
“Why are you looking at me? Everything they said is true.”
“Exactly. Did you not also devise a new magic-circle arrangement for the icehouse?”
“No, I did not! It is merely a combination of existing magic circles. Truly. Please believe me!”
Everyone regarded me with warm, unconvinced smiles. Ah. No one believed me. How had this happened?
With everyone watching, it was time to activate the icehouse. Since this was a special occasion, I asked Princess Daniela to operate the switch.
Princess Daniela solemnly switched it on. Cold air immediately began circulating through the icehouse, becoming white mist that filled the chamber.
Within minutes, the temperature fell below freezing. The water I had left inside as a test froze solid.
“Lord Julius, the result is clear. I believe we can say that it is operating exactly as intended.”
The Royal Magic Pharmacist who retrieved the test water returned safely. Good. The system was working, but the chamber had not become lethally cold. The ice had formed perfectly.
“Will it be safe to enter while wearing a fur coat?”
“Yes. You should be able to enter and retrieve materials without difficulty.”
“Even so, always inform the guard before going in or out.”
“Understood, Lord Julius.”
Princess Daniela’s thoughtful gaze made me uneasy. From this scene alone, one might assume I commanded the Royal Magic Pharmacists’ Corps. That was completely wrong. I was merely an adviser.
“Julius, will this icehouse allow you to make higher-quality magic potions?”
“I-I believe so. I certainly hope it will.”
My voice faded. I had not expected her to address me so affectionately in front of everyone, and I looked involuntarily towards Brother Alex. His eyes were round with equal surprise. Princess Daniela’s enthusiasm had apparently been switched on.
“I am so proud of you. That is my little brother-in-law!”
She hugged me tightly despite the audience. Oh no—Princess Daniela was becoming carried away. Brother Alex, please help me.
The embrace was becoming dangerous. I could not breathe. I tapped her arm lightly, but she did not notice. Should I tap harder? I could hardly strike a princess.
“Princess Daniela, Julius is about to suffocate!”
“Oh! Forgive me!”
Ijidol’s shout saved me. Thank you, Ijidol. Princess Daniela finally released me, her face bright red. She seemed to have been completely swept up in the moment. I hoped she was all right.