Kays Translations

Chapter 281: Expanding Dreams

Since Alex-niisan and the others were gathered, I decided to ask about something that had been on my mind during the date.

“Alex-niisan, yesterday, I noticed magic potions being sold at a general store for commoners. Is that alright?”

“What? Hmm, that’s not very good. Magic potions can cause serious problems if used incorrectly.”

As Alex-niisan said, it’s true. In an extreme case, someone might keep drinking healing potions despite being poisoned. That wouldn’t cure the poison. Moreover, common people can’t tell if the potions being sold are genuine. I can, since I have the ability to appraise them.

“We’ve issued a notice that magic potions should only be sold in stores that can properly explain their use, but it seems that isn’t being followed.”

“So, it was indeed a bad practice. The potions sold there were cheaper than the ones sold in proper magic potion stores, but their quality wasn’t as good. They were genuine magic potions, though.”

Alex-niisan frowned. As the future head of the family, it’s understandable that he’d be concerned about such unauthorized activities in the territory’s capital. But from what I hear, it seems there’s only a notice, without any actual penalties.

Would imposing penalties cause backlash? There are probably people who want magic potions but can’t afford them. It’s a troubling situation. If the citizens were wealthier, this problem might be resolved.

“For now, we’ll have to regularly inspect the stores to ensure dangerous magic potions aren’t being sold. If people know the lord is inspecting, they might avoid malicious practices.”

“I wish we could make magic potions more accessible to the poor.”

“Yes. The territory is becoming wealthier bit by bit, but there’s still a long way to go.”

To widely distribute potions to the common people, mass production and cost reduction are necessary. That requires industrialization. It’s possible with our current technology, but it might be too early for that.

For now, the best thing to do is to steadily enrich the territory. The first step is establishing the Heine Frontier Count family’s exclusive trading company. This company will sell various products and generate profit.

The trading company will also create jobs by manufacturing products. The finished goods will be sold both within and outside the territory, generating income. This income will be returned to the citizens. Repeating this process might eventually lead to industrialization.

To achieve this, we need to introduce more and more new products. In this context, the glass pen we’re about to make holds significant importance.

A glass pen is a craft item, neither a magic potion nor a magical tool. This means that anyone can make it once they acquire the necessary skills. If this succeeds, the next step is the fountain pen. The possibilities are endless.

Selling Julius-brand magic potions could yield significant profits… but doing so might incur the wrath of the Magic Potion Guild. I don’t wish for the Magic Potion Guild to decline.

I moved from the salon to the workshop and immediately began making the glass pens. Today’s sword training is on hold. I need to quickly create something to put Alex-niisan at ease. Otherwise, he might end up with a stomach ulcer.

That’s right, I should make a highly effective stomach medicine for him. That should help alleviate his stress a bit.

I wanted a gas burner for making the glass pens, but conveniently flammable gas is not readily available. So, I decided to first make a magical burner.

I modified a magic circle that produces fire so that the flame concentrates on one point. Since I don’t need a large flame, the fuel efficiency should be excellent.

I processed a thick iron plate into a cylindrical shape and fixed it to a base. The magic circle was incorporated at the end of the cylinder, allowing the flame to come out. The base is designed to cut off the flame if it lifts off the ground, ensuring safety in case it tips over.

“The prototype is complete. Let’s test it out right away.”

“Julius-niisan, what is that?”

“This is, ta-da! A magic stone burner!”

Clap clap clap. Nero, Rosalia, Mira, and Lelie applauded. When did Rosalia, Mira, and Lelie come into the workshop? I was so focused I didn’t notice.

“You ignite it by pressing this switch. Here we go.”

With a whoosh, a five-centimeter flame shot up vigorously. The flame was red. This color should be safe. If I used a high-temperature blue flame, the iron I’m using as a material might melt.

The upper part of the metal was slightly reddened, but since the flame wasn’t directly touching it, it should hold up.

“It’s hot.”

“It’s hot, so don’t touch it. I’m going to use this to shape the glass.”

I brought over several glass rods that had been prepared as materials for making magical tools and placed one near the flame. As it turned red and softened, I attached it to another glass rod.

In times like this, the ‘Craft’ skill is handy. Even though it was my first attempt, the glass took shape just as I imagined. The glass in my hands moved smoothly as if it had a will of its own.

Without much difficulty, I completed the glass pen as I had envisioned. Since I made it with the available glass, the color was a bit off. I’ll keep this one for myself.

“Something like this, I suppose?”

“Impressive.”

“Amazing.”

“Nero? Lelie?”

Nero and Lelie stared wide-eyed, as if they had seen something unbelievable. As expected of siblings, their expressions were identical.

Seeing this, Rosalia and Mira puffed out their chests, looking as if they were the ones who had achieved something. But I’m the one who made the glass pen, right? Why are those two the ones looking so proud?

“Julius-niisan, I want to try next!”

“Kyu!”

“Alright, Rosalia. But Mira, it’s not possible for you.”

“Kyuuu~!”

Mira gave me an indignant headbutt, but I held my ground. It’s really impossible with those tiny hands of hers. So, I compromised by holding Mira’s hand from above, guiding her movements. In reality, most of the effort in making the glass pen was mine.

But Mira seemed satisfied, so that’s fine.

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