Chapter 524: Change of Plans

Dinner time had arrived. I was guided by the servants to the dining room, and as I stepped inside, my eyes were greeted by a lavish spread of dishes. Unlike the type where food is brought out gradually, all the dishes had been laid out at once. I rather preferred this style—it allowed me to eat at my own pace, savoring each bite without interruption.

“From Julius-sama’s room, I could hear what sounded like joyful singing,” Sophia said, her face lit up with a cheerful smile.

Apparently, the sound had carried all the way outside the room. I hadn’t thought it was that loud. Had someone wandered past the door? Next time, I should probably use a silencing spell.

“Ah… I’m sorry. Was it too loud?” I asked.

“Oh no, not at all. If anything, we wished we could have joined in. But still… after singing so many songs, is Julius-sama’s throat alright?”

Sophia-sama’s expression turned slightly worried. Sitting beside her, Erwin-sama’s face mirrored her concern. It seemed he had been wondering the same thing.

“Uh… well…”

What should I say? Should I explain the phonograph? It was still in the experimental stage, and there were no plans to release it commercially just yet. Plus, there were issues surrounding the rights. I didn’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble before everything was settled.

“If you like, I could prepare something to soothe your throat,” Sophia offered kindly.

“No, it’s not that. Actually… I only sang each song once.”

“…Huh?”

Of course, their expressions betrayed confusion. Their faces clearly said, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Giovanni-sama and the other royal court magic apothecaries present tilted their heads in puzzlement as well. If they brought over some dubious magical potion for the throat, it would be problematic. I’d better explain.

“I was using a magical device called a phonograph. It’s still under development, though.”

“Does that mean you can sing the songs multiple times if you use it?”

Sophia-sama tilted her head even more in confusion. I realized it would be better to show them the device in person. I could ask Nero to bring it over. I was glad I had also included a piano performance along with my singing; otherwise, I might have ended up performing anime songs in front of them—quite the embarrassing scenario.

After Nero brought the phonograph, I explained how it worked and played a piano piece. Hearing piano music emanate from a place with no piano left everyone else in the room completely still. I hadn’t expected that reaction—it was far too advanced for them. But since I had already shown it, there was no turning back.

“I don’t understand how it works at all, but it’s clear this phonograph is an incredible magical device,” Sophia said, her excitement barely contained.

“I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this. Honestly, I’m very surprised,” Erwin added, equally animated.

If even the royal family had never encountered such a device, it seemed this magical invention truly did not exist anywhere in this world yet. Hearing their words, the court magic apothecaries nodded in agreement, especially Giovanni-sama, who seemed particularly delighted.

“Wonderful! Julius-sama, this should be commercialized immediately!” he exclaimed.

“I’m afraid that’s difficult for now due to music rights issues,” I replied, trying to calm Giovanni-sama’s enthusiasm. Once I explained the legal complications, he nodded in understanding, though he didn’t seem willing to give up. He intended to consult the King of Spencer to resolve the rights issues.

Perhaps it was better if the nation handled the legal matters. Even though the Count of Heine wielded influence, it did not compare to the authority of the kingdom. It seemed wiser to let the larger powers take the lead.

So, a phonograph was to be made for Giovanni-sama as a persuasive gift for the king, and I decided to present one to Sophia-sama as well—her expression had clearly shown she was eager to have one.

“I’m sorry, it feels like I’m being a bit selfish…” Sophia murmured.

“It’s no trouble at all. After all, we will be in your care from now on, and you’ve so kindly treated us to this wonderful meal,” I replied with a gentle smile.

From this point onward, the relations between the Spencer Kingdom and the Raven Kingdom would deepen further. With closer ties, both nations could reap significant trade benefits, and the Heine Trading Company would gain new opportunities. Viewed as an investment in relationships, it was a small price to pay.

Of course, even without this, I already had a significant advantage—Sophia-sama’s close friend, Daniela-sama, who was a sister-in-law to me. But one can never have too many advantages.

Afterward, the conversation shifted to the phonograph and our plans for the following day.

“Sophia-sama, will we be able to obtain enough magical materials near the royal capital for making the potions?” I asked.

“From what I’ve heard, we have secured a sufficient amount. Was there something you were concerned about?”

“No, I was just thinking—if there were a shortage, we could gather some materials from the nearby forests.”

Sophia-sama nodded as if agreeing with my reasoning. The forests around here hadn’t been affected by the Bone Dragon, so it made sense. Giovanni-sama appeared to be thinking along the same lines, folding his arms thoughtfully.

“You are correct, Julius-sama. The greenery here is truly beautiful. If that is so, there must be high-quality materials within the forests. To create excellent potions, one must have excellent ingredients. If time allows, gathering them before heading to the royal capital may indeed be wise,” he said.

“I see,” Sophia murmured, starting to contemplate the plan. She didn’t immediately dismiss it, which suggested there was still enough time. Since no party awaited us in the capital, it made sense that our schedule could be flexible, though it might make the king wait a little.

But if these materials could aid in potion production, it would not be a waste. We could conserve the resources near the capital, keeping our options open.

“Then let us collect the materials from the nearby forest before proceeding to the royal capital. I shall send a letter to His Majesty the King to inform him, so there will be no issues,” Sophia said with a bright smile.

It might be improper to make the king wait, but we needed to expedite the restoration of the tainted lands. A vast quantity of materials would be required—after all, there was an entire mountain and a river to consider. How immense the undertaking would be was beyond imagination, so it was best to act without delay.