Chapter 111: Achievements and Determination

With the analysis of the Scatter Magic Balls completed, the only loot left was the most significant item, believed to be the arm of the “Magic Giant Golem.”

Being a healthy Japanese boy, Isamu felt a sense of romance about giant robots. With enthusiasm, he began his investigation the next day.

“…No good. This is a bit… fundamentally different, I’d say.”

However, after half a day of deciphering, Isamu looked up at the sky.

“What do you mean by fundamentally? Even though it seems less dense than that armor at first glance?”

Even though he didn’t understand the meaning, Eto, now able to discern the density to some extent, asked.

“Yeah, you’re right. Due to its size, the density is not thin, but it’s within acceptable limits. However, what kind of movements it makes are hardly depicted.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Eto, who didn’t quite understand what he was saying, asked again.

“For example, there’s a movement called ‘clenching hands.’ It consists of bending the five fingers from the thumb to the little finger, right? Normally, the magic circle that makes that movement is depicted. However, in this case, hardly any magic circles depicting such specific movements can be found. Instead, only magic circles that replicate the actions performed elsewhere, multiplied by a certain factor, are drawn. Since only a part of this arm is depicted, no matter how much we analyze it, I think we’ll never be able to create something that moves properly.”

“…?”

Eto was left speechless by Isamu’s absurd hypothesis.

“That’s why I’ve come to understand three things. First, this is almost certainly the arm of the Magic Giant Golem. Second, this Magic Giant Golem is a weapon that people control using some method. And third, the person who made this is an incredible genius. From the way the magic circles are drawn, I think it’s probably the same creator as that armor, but I believe this is their area of expertise.”

What appears to be the Magic Giant Golem is aiming to realize the operation of robots using what is known as the master-slave method.

Trying to do it with magic means instead of physical or scientific ones, and probably having succeeded, definitely makes them a genius.

“As for this weapon-like part and the armor part, they seem to be separate magic devices, so I’ll continue deciphering. However, rather than doing it all at once, I plan to proceed little by little over time.”

“Well, that’s true. It sounds interesting, but it’s not something you can immediately deal with. Above all, there are probably quite a few more that need to be put into practical use. Just handling the mass production of those will take up the rest of the year.”

Eto nodded deeply at Isamu’s words and then laughed.

Thus, the matter of the Magic Giant Golem’s arm was decided to be deciphered in the medium to long term, and all the loot obtained from the trip to the Innocenti Borderland was settled.

For organization purposes, Willem wrote it all down again on paper.

・ Lightning Ball – Improved (for underwater use): Improved for increased power and reusability from disposable, with plans for small-scale production. Will register magic circles and sell them to water transport operators, but the timing needs to be considered.

・ Lightning Ball (for land combat): Modified using non-standard extremely small magic stones, with plans for small-scale production. Testing deployment to some members of Team Orihime and knights to verify usefulness as a throwing weapon. Will not register magic circles or publicly disclose.

・ Explosive Ball: Mass-produced after modification using non-standard extremely small magic stones, to be deployed as regular equipment for the military. Will not register magic circles. De-tuned versions may be publicly disclosed as needed.

・ Scatter Magic Ball: Produced in small quantities using white magic silver and magic stone powder. Test deployment to some members of Team Orihime and knights for operational verification. Will not register magic circles or publicly disclose.

・ Anti-Physical Attack Reactive Armor 1: Focused on physical attacks, mass-produced as a shield, to be deployed as regular equipment for the military. Called Xiao Mao Type 1. Also considering applications to barricades and large doors. Will not register magic circles or publicly disclose.

・ Anti-Physical Attack Reactive Armor 2: Considering applications to barricades and large doors.

・ Anti-Physical Attack Reactive Armor 3: Considering improvements for carriages.

・ Anti-Magic Attack Reactive Armor: Focused on magic attacks, using magic to fire and lightning, mass-produced as a mantle, to be sequentially deployed to the military. Called Xiao Mao Type 2. Will not register magic circles or publicly disclose.

・ Magic Sword of Lightning: Longsword type and spear type mass-produced, to be deployed as special equipment for the military. To be used as Felis Type 1 or Type 2 depending on the situation. The sword type is called Felis 2.1, and the spear type is called Felice 2.2. Will not register magic circles or publicly disclose.

・ Revolving Wind Sphere: Continuously implementing the development of vehicles powered by revolving wind spheres.

・ Magic Charging Box: One replica created, further research on applications is on hold.

・ Magic Giant Golem’s Arm: Continuing decipherment in the medium to long term.

・ Refrigerator: Using the magic circle for obtaining temperature used in the anti-magic attack reactive armor, mass-produce energy-saving types. Will register magic circles and plan to sell, but timing needs to be considered.

・ Other: Development of magic tools to streamline the process of rice hulling and milling.

“When you look at it like this, it’s an incredible number…”

“Hahaha, it’s like a hundred years’ worth of accomplishments, huh? It’s laughable because we managed to do all this in just about a month and a half.”

Eto looked into the distance, while Willem burst into laughter.

That evening, during the relaxed conversation after dinner, while showing the list to the lord and lady of the domain, Isamu reported on his future plans.

“You know, we’ve been receiving reports of some kind of achievement almost every day, so I’ve become numb to it, but when you lay it all out like this, it’s quite something…”

Lord Selfers sighed as he looked at the paper.

“Absolutely… I mean, we said they could do as they pleased, but isn’t this a bit too much?”

Nicolette, Selfers’s wife, could only chuckle in response.

“Hahaha, I never imagined it would increase this much. There are also many things we were lucky to find.”

Isamu scratched his head, laughing.

“So, here’s the thing I’d like to discuss. I asked Felix about this the other day, but you know how every year, right after the new year, all the heads of noble families gather at the royal castle?”

Isamu tightened his expression and faced Selfers.

“Ah. It’s a big evaluation. Over the course of about a week, the king will talk about the year’s policies and concerns, and each noble house will talk about the previous year’s report and plans for that year. Yes, awards of medals, promotions, and investitures are also held during this period.”

“And alongside the Grand Council, there are joint exercises by each house’s knight orders, right?”

“Yeah. There’s a tournament with mock battles between representatives of each house and joint suppression exercises around the capital. The tournament is a hugely popular event with spectators, so during the Grand Council period, it’s like a festival. But what about it?”

“No, it’s not about that. It’s just that, although various new magic tools have been developed, and some of them can be commercialized, none of them can be explained as just ‘it happened by chance’ anymore. Therefore, I’m thinking it’s about time to make my skill and abilities public.”

“…I see, go on.”

With a pause to look at Isamu, Selfers prompted him to continue.

“Previously, Anne-Marie-san said something like ‘it would be good if I became strong enough that others wouldn’t dare to approach.’ I thought this joint exercise would be a perfect opportunity to prove that. If I can demonstrate overwhelming strength there, it will quickly spread to all noble families. I’ve always thought that showing that I’ve become stronger would take time and be difficult, but if there’s such a good opportunity, I might as well use it. We’ve also got our armor besides weapons, and I’ve made considerable progress in learning old magic, right? So isn’t it the perfect time? What do you think?”

While Isamu spoke all at once, Selfers and Nicolette listened silently. Anne-Marie and Julius were holding their breath, watching the situation.

“…I see, that’s what you mean. I’ve always wondered what you should do to let people know that you’ve become stronger, but…Yeah, that’s a pretty good idea. What do you think, Nico?”

“That’s a good idea… It depends on the result, so even if you can’t show your strength this time, you can just postpone it, so there’s no risk.”

Both Selfers and Nicolette seem to agree with Isamu’s policy.

“However, the problem lies in what comes after that. No, it’s not much of a problem for the viscount’s territory, so to be precise, it’s Isamu’s issue. Once it’s known that you have an extraordinary ability, there will be people who try to incorporate you through force or illegal means. If they try to do so, we can just eliminate them with our strength. But the problem is not those straightforward methods.
It’s about what to do with those who come in a different way, like proposing marriage or offering a position to be adopted as an heir. Especially when invitations come from higher-ranking nobles or the royal family, it’s difficult for us lower-ranking nobles to refuse…”

Selfers said with a bitter expression.

“…Does that mean, even if I’m already married or engaged, I’ll still have to prioritize any subsequent marriage proposals?”

“Well, of course, if you’re already married, or if you’re officially engaged, that’s not the case.”

“Thank you. That’s reassuring to hear. No, I shouldn’t be reassured yet.”

With a smile, Isamu faced Selfers and Nicolette again.

“Selfers-san, Nicolette-san, I’m not familiar with the customs in this world, Ethersia, in such situations, so I apologize if I’m being rude.”

He said, bowing his head slowly.

Then, Isamu stood up and slowly walked towards Anne-Marie, kneeling in front of her.

“Anne-Marie-san. I still remember the words you said to me when I first came here. You said you felt sorry for making me feel anxious when I was thrown into this unfamiliar world, even though it wasn’t your fault. With that one word, you saved me. I was anxious, but knowing that there are people who care about strangers when they first meet them in an unfamiliar world, I suddenly felt at ease. After that, you continued to worry about me and support me at every opportunity. It’s because of you that I’ve been able to come this far. Now that I think about it, I think I’ve liked you since the moment you first spoke to me. Anne-Marie-san, I love you. I love your kindness, your cuteness, and the occasional strength you show… I love everything about you. I’m sorry for being such an old man. However, I promise to protect you no matter what happens from now on. And I’ll make you and your beloved family and everyone in your domain happy. So, would you please marry me, Matsumoto Isamu?”

Slowly, but firmly, Isamu conveyed his feelings to Anne-Marie, looking into her eyes with each word.

Silence fell for a moment.

Anne-Marie, initially taken aback and bewildered by the sudden proposal, gradually seemed to catch up with understanding as time passed. Blushing crimson up to her neck, she managed to squeeze out her words.

“Um, well, um, me, is it really okay…?”

“Don’t say ‘me’ like that. I want you. It’s you I want, and no one else.” 

Isamu replied with a smile.

“Yes… I… I also… have feelings for you, Isamu-san. Um, I’m a bit awkward, but please take care of me.”

 Anne-Marie stuttered, stumbling over her words but managing to give her consent.

“Good. Then, could you accept this?” 

With a beaming smile, Isamu stood up, reached into his pocket, and gently took Anne-Marie’s left hand.

“What’s this?”

“In my world, when proposing for marriage or engagement, we give a ring. And it’s worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It’s called an engagement or wedding ring.” 

While saying that, Isamu gently placed the ring on Annemarie’s left ring finger. It was a pale green metal ring with many intricate silver patterns and stones decorated on its surface.

“This is a ring made of mithril, with intricate magic circles inscribed on both the inside and outside, and it’s also an enchanted item containing light and neutral magic stones. These stones are for activation.”

He explained, gently touching one of the magic stones, causing the surface of the ring to faintly glow.

“It’s beautiful…” 

Anne-Marie couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

“Hehe, I’m glad you like it. I really wanted to propose with a ring-shaped magic item. The first magic item I saw and made here was a magic lantern, a light magic tool. I took all the techniques I have now and compressed them to make this ring. I think it’s the smallest magic item in the world, and there’s only one like it.” 

Isamu explained proudly.

“Amazing… Even though it’s so small, it shines beautifully! Thank you for this wonderful ring.” 

Anne-Marie said, smiling warmly at Isamu as she affectionately stroked the ring.

“Nya…” 

Orihime, who had been silently watching, let out a small meow and quietly left the room.

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