Kays Translations

Chapter 266: The Dishwasher-Dryer

After filling the washing machine to capacity, the knight on laundry duty poured liquid detergent into the designated inlet. He nodded in satisfaction and leisurely pressed the start button.

Ping-ping-ping! A melody played, and the washing machine sprang energetically to life.

Some people had complained that the old chime was difficult to recognise, so I had modified it to play a melody instead. Naturally, I had made the same improvement to the automatic dried-fruit-making magic tool.

Rosalia's nearly completed dishwasher-dryer magic tool would be fitted with one as well.

“No matter how many times I hear it, that sound is so mysterious.”

“Well, it is a magic-circle sound.”

There were no machines in this world, so it was difficult to explain the idea of an electronic sound. We had therefore taken to calling it a magic-circle sound. I would happily adopt a better term if anyone came up with one.

The washing cycle took about thirty minutes. While we waited, I asked the knights whether there were any magic potions they wanted or anything else they found inconvenient. Feedback from the people actually using these things was important.

One request was for a way to wash armour. The smell of sweat could become stifling inside it, so that was worth considering.

Ping-pong-pan-pon! The completion melody sounded. Everyone held their breath as the laundry was removed from the washing machine.

Every item was completely dry and ready to wear. More importantly…

“It is so white!”

“I cannot believe it! Even if I scrubbed it by hand, I could never get it this white. How did it do that!?”

“Yes, and there is no unpleasant smell left either! No one would doubt me if I said these clothes were brand-new.”

“Exactly!”

The knights crowded around the laundry in excitement. They had never said so aloud, but it seemed they had harboured a few minor complaints about the washing machine. Had the liquid detergent finally solved them?

“As expected of you, Lord Julius. I am impressed.”

“Stop that, Nero. I merely did what any magic pharmacist should. A magic pharmacist.”

I repeated it because it was important. Every knight within earshot saluted at once. Apparently, they believed I had gone to the trouble of making liquid detergent entirely for their benefit.

That was partly true, but I had also done it to defend my identity as a magic pharmacist. Being treated with such formality made me uncomfortable, but perhaps it was for the best.

A magic tool that could wash armour… A purification magic circle would do the job, but then the brand-new washing machine might become obsolete. I had to avoid that. What about sterilising the armour at high temperature—something forceful enough to shout, ‘Begone, filth!’?

That was it! High-temperature, high-pressure sterilisation—an autoclave. I would call it a high-pressure steam-washing magic tool.

I headed for the workshop in high spirits, only for Rosalia to leap towards me. What had happened?

“It is finished!”

“The dishwasher-dryer magic tool is finally complete? Well done, Rosalia.”

“Hee-hee.”

I patted her head, and her eyes narrowed with delight. Lelie stood behind her with slightly soiled clothes, so she must have worked hard as well. I patted her head too, along with Mira, who was nearby. Lelie's cheeks reddened, so I assumed she was pleased.

“Then let us inspect Rosalia's dishwasher-dryer magic tool at once. Oh, and use this for the washing. Ta-da-da-dah! Liquid detergent!”

Clap, clap, clap. Nero applauded this time. Having just witnessed the detergent's performance, he clearly understood how impressive it was.

Rosalia, Lelie and Mira tilted their heads in unison as we set off for the kitchen.

“Well, well, Lord Julius, Lady Rosalia. What brings you here today?”

“We brought this!”

Rosalia puffed out her chest proudly and presented the magic tool Nero was carrying in both hands.

The head chef immediately understood.

“So Lady Rosalia has completed the magic tool she was working on. We shall certainly put it to good use.”

He smiled as he spoke. Everyone in House Heine now accepted that Rosalia made magic tools. That was an excellent development.

We installed it in the washing area at once.

“This magic tool washes dishes by itself and dries them afterwards.”

“It dries them too? That will save us from having to wipe every dish with a cloth.”

A noble household used a great number of dishes at every meal. Washing them was difficult enough, and putting them away afterwards was another chore. Because air-drying took time, the kitchen staff usually wiped them by hand.

“Please use this liquid detergent with the machine. It allows the foam and soap residue to rinse away easily.”

“Such a convenient product…”

The head chef and the cooks drawn by the commotion stared wide-eyed. Rinsing must have been a considerable burden. I should have realised sooner, but at least we now had a detergent designed to wash away cleanly.

“I would like you to test the dishwasher-dryer magic tool immediately. Do you have any dirty dishes?”

“We have several that we were just about to wash.”

They showed us a collection of teacups and plates, apparently left from a tea party. Perhaps Mother had hosted it. Recently, she had been inviting nobles from across the territory so she could introduce Sister-in-law Daniela and Sister-in-law Meeka before the snow grew heavy and travel became difficult.

Ideally, House Heine would hold a ball to introduce them properly, but this was not the right season. We could hardly summon everyone while they were busy preparing for winter.

It would probably be held in spring, once the snow had melted.

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