Kays Translations

Chapter 462: A Convenient Relationship

While I was confirming the next steps with Sister-in-law Daniela, Brother Alex returned for lunch. Lately, instead of eating at the company, he had been returning to the estate to eat with Daniela. I supposed eating alone could be lonely.

“Alex, a letter arrived from Mother.”

“From Her Majesty the Queen? I wonder what it’s about.”

We brought Brother Alex into the discussion and showed him the letter. He saw no problems with our plan and approved it immediately. Sister-in-law Daniela looked relieved as well. Even though she was going to marry into House Heine, she still cared deeply about the kingdom. Of course she did.

“In that case, I’ll send a letter to Mother right away.”

“All right, then I’ll begin preparing to receive them. The royal magic pharmacists seem to have taken a liking to Julius, so I can entrust the company’s work to them with peace of mind.”

The arrangement was conveniently becoming beneficial to everyone. My ties with the royal magic pharmacists might deepen further, but that could not be helped. It was certainly better than having the supply of magic potions stop whenever I was away from the Heine estate.

Neither Brother Alex nor the townspeople should find themselves in trouble because of this.

Rosalia joined us, and we all ate lunch together. That afternoon, I would be making a Water Boiler with Sir Edward. Apparently, he had already been at the workshop since morning.

“You seem to be working quite hard on it.”

“They’re selling really well!”

Huh, really? They’re already on sale? When I looked at Brother Alex, he gave me a nod. I didn’t hear anything about this. Maybe he was being considerate and didn’t mention it to me? I’ve been busy making magic potions non-stop these past few days, after all.

“So you made a new magic tool?”

“Oh, I hadn’t told you yet, Fabienne. We made a magic tool that can boil water instantly. It was the one Nero used during tea.”

“What? That ordinary pot was a magic tool?”

“Actually, yes.”

It looked just like a common pot, so it’s no wonder Fabienne didn’t notice. If you look closely, it does have a bit of a bulky and odd shape, so maybe one might think it looked a little strange.

“So you weren’t only compounding magic potions, but also making magic tools?”

“The Water Boiler was originally designed by our craftspeople. I only made a few improvements; I did not create it from scratch.”

I denied it at once. Somehow, it was beginning to sound as though I had created the entire thing myself, so I had to make the facts clear. I must never take credit for the craftspeople’s achievements. I had already explained that to Brother Alex. That was why the Water Boiler’s developer was officially listed as the Heine Trading Company. Apparently, having a trading company credited as a magic tool’s developer was unusual.

“In that case, I’ll give one to House Ambert as a gift. They have always helped us, and it seems simple enough to use. I doubt it will go to waste. Don’t you agree, Nero?”

“Yes. The Water Boiler is an excellent magic tool. It can boil water instantly, anytime and anywhere. It is extremely useful because it allows us to prepare delicious tea whenever we wish.”

It might not be essential in a household with a servant skilled in magic, but not every servant was so talented. For servants unable to use magic, a tool that let them boil water almost as if by magic might be a godsend. Or was that overstating it?

“I feel a little bad just receiving so many things, but thank you. I’m sure the servants will be delighted.”

Fabienne accepted it with a smile. Since it was a tool that would benefit not just her but the servants too, she accepted it without any awkwardness.

All right, then. I would spend the afternoon making magic tools. While I was at it, I would tour the Heine Trading Company with Fabienne. I had not done so since returning home.

That afternoon, I went to the workshop with Rosalia. Sir Edward joined us there, and together we made a Water Boiler for House Ambert. Sir Edward and Rosalia had grown remarkably close. I secretly suspected that a match between them was practically settled.

Fabienne seemed to think the same and watched over them fondly, just as I did. As everyone proposed improvements and decorative versions for wealthy clients, we completed the magic tool. It was a fine product made from copper, which had excellent thermal conductivity. Its only drawback was that it might dent if struck.

“What do you think?”

“It’s lovely. Are you sure I can really have this?”

“Of course. It was made for House Ambert. Look—the family crest is engraved here.”

“Oh, you’re right. When did that…?”

She seemed to have missed it due to how smoothly everything had gone. I had thought about making a flashy, gold-plated version, but it was a bit too shiny, so I dropped the idea. If it were going to be displayed somewhere, that might be fine, but I wanted to make something practical. I believe magic tools only have value when they’re actually used.

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