Kays Translations

Chapter 250: One for Every Household

　I looked around the workshop. The remains of magic tools Rosalia had made while I was in the royal capital lay scattered about, but I saw no blueprints.

“Rosalia? Where are the blueprints?”

“Don’t you have them, Brother?”

“No.”

　Rosalia froze with an expression that said, What? I had never said blueprints already existed. In fact, I was fairly sure I had told Rosalia to design the device. When had she decided I was responsible for that part?

“But you spoke as though the blueprints already existed. You knew how to make it, which magic circles to use, its shape, and even its name.”

“That’s true, but ……”

　Had I revealed too many details? In trying to guide Rosalia towards building a washing machine, I had played too many of my cards at once. I should have offered the information gradually when she encountered problems.

　Realising that now was far too late.

“Then let us draw the blueprints together. Show me how much you have grown while I was in the royal capital.”

“I understand. Leave it to me!”

　Rosalia answered energetically. We worked on the blueprints until dinner was ready, though Rosalia did most of the actual drawing.

　Her talent as a magic-tool maker was blossoming. The plans were accurate enough to require only minor corrections. From now on, I might need to provide only hints.

“Julius, I heard you and Rosalia were working on something.”

　Father questioned me at dinner. He probably wondered what we were plotting and expected another incident immediately after our return. This time, however, I was innocent.

“I was only watching Rosalia make a new magic tool.”

“Oh.”

“It’s amazing, Father! Brother Julius already has a complete magic tool called a washing machine in his head!”

　At this rate, everyone would conclude that I had planned the entire project. I needed to silence Rosalia before she said anything else.

“Rosalia, shouting during dinner is improper. Look at your sisters-in-law; they are eating quietly.”

　Rosalia looked around. They were quiet, but mainly because their hands had stopped. Their widened eyes suggested surprise rather than good manners.

“Perhaps, but Brother is still amazing.”

“Julius, what kind of magic tool is this washing machine? From the name, I assume it washes clothing?”

　Mother asked with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Still, a machine like this would delight households everywhere. Surely there was nothing wrong with the idea. Why was my confidence fading?

　Everyone was already watching me rather than Rosalia. How had this happened? Rosalia had set me up.

“You put dirty clothes inside, and the magic tool washes and dries them automatically.”

“Can you really make something so remarkable?”

“Yes. Combining water, wind, and fire magic circles should make it possible. We will also need a cooling magic circle.”

　The techniques I developed for the icehouse would be useful immediately. The body of the machine would need cooling after becoming hot during the drying cycle.

　The dining table fell silent. I saw no reason the device could not be built.

　I planned a drum-type washer loaded from the side. It would clean more effectively while using less water. For drying, a wind magic circle would circulate air heated by a fire magic circle. We had already used the same principle in the cold/warm-air blower magic tool.

“What do you intend to do with it, Julius?”

“If every household had one, people would no longer have to spend so much time washing clothes. The idea began when a friend in the royal capital said his mother’s laundry looked exhausting. At the very least, I intend to give one to his family.”

　Would they be angry if I suddenly sent them a washing machine? I was also considering a vacuum cleaner—or perhaps an automatic one. The possibilities kept expanding.

“One in every household… You want ordinary people to enjoy the convenience as well.”

“Of course. If people spend the time they save shopping, it will also strengthen the territorial capital’s economy.”

　I said it with a smile, but everyone except Rosalia and Mira froze. Had I said something that shocking? I pretended not to notice and resumed eating.

“Julius, have you imagined any other magic tools?”

　Father asked with another smile that did not quite look like a smile. Since I intended to begin the next project after the washing machine, I might as well tell him.

“I’m considering a vacuum cleaner that uses suction to remove dirt from floors and carpets.”

“It sucks up dirt?”

“Yes. A wind magic circle draws in the dust and removes it.”

“As expected of you, Brother! You have already devised the next magic tool.”

　Rosalia gazed at me with sparkling eyes. Whether she realised it or not, she would be the one actually building these devices. I would merely provide a little assistance. Surely they would become known as magic tools created by Rosalia of House Heine. Surely.

“I knew you were skilled with a sword and could make magic potions and magic tools, but Julius truly is versatile.”

“Lady Meeka, Julius is also exceptionally skilled at magic.”

“Really? I have not seen his magic yet. I’m looking forward to it.”

　My sisters-in-law began chatting happily, apparently assuming that I would demonstrate my magic for them. My spells were not entertainment. Did Sister-in-law Meeka understand that?

　Then again, if she asked with enough enthusiasm, I might find it difficult to refuse.

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