Kays Translations

Chapter 79: Inauguration of the New System

The group that returned from Count Kalenberg's territory to the capital, Klaufendam, over five days wasted no time and started moving the next day.

Isamu’s first task was to make adjustments related to the new system.

Firstly, since Felix and the other four knights became exclusive guards, they would generally sleep and stay at the research institute. Although the building was originally spacious, with four more people, they decided to boldly expand it. The bathhouse extension that Isamu had built DIY style would also be properly reconstructed by a carpenter.

Although the knights had to commute from the knight's lodging until the annex was ready, numerous off-duty knights volunteered to help, and the extension work was completed in just four days. The rumor that Orihime had taken on the role of a special site supervisor during construction led to the knights being unusually enthusiastic.

Next, Annemarie declared her entrance into the team since there was more room after the extension. Since she also served as the vice-president of the trading company, she was already like a member of Isamu’s team. However, she wanted to officially join. Since Isamu had already been entrusted to Selfers, her entry into the team was readily accepted, but a small commotion ensued afterward.

Perhaps due to the availability of the bath, Annemarie proposed living in the annex separate from them. 

When Isamu consulted the Viscount and his wife about what to do with that, Selfers naturally expressed reluctance.

Isamu also thought it was reasonable, but with just one word from Nicolette, "It's like moving to a different room in the mansion," they surprisingly received an OK. 

Isamu recognized this as Nicolette's silent green light, inwardly smiling at the potential advancements in various matters.

Adding Eto and Willem, who were originally members, the formation of Team Matsumoto (effectively Team Orihime) was supposed to be officially established, but there was someone who put a stop to it: the knight commander, Diluc.

According to him, coordination with Isamu and Orihime was one of the most crucial matters for the knights of the viscount's territory. He argued that exploration of ruins could result in injuries or vacancies at any time, and since there were many ruins, multiple exploration teams were necessary. Therefore, other knights should also gain exploration experience. That was his claim.

Although it seemed like a forced reason, there was a certain point to it, so they couldn't dismiss it outright. They decided to reconsider, and as a result, they created a flexible framework, dispatching knights as needed.

Thus, after twists and turns, the new system centered around Isamu (essentially Orihime) in Team Matsumoto (effectively Team Orihime) was officially launched.

Concurrently with the expansion of the institute, the shipping operations for the first Bastet series, the magic stove, began.

This time, they started shipping for the high-end line for nobles, priced at 10,000 ruins (excluding shipping), roughly a million yen in Japanese currency. Considering that built-in type IH stoves sold on Earth were typically in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 yen, this was quite expensive.

However, according to Nicolette, it was a good deal as a new magic tool for nobles. Even if they doubled the price, the sales wouldn't change much. Considering the manufacturing cost was less than 1,000 ruins, Isamu raised it to 10,000 as he wished.

The main shipping destinations were families closely connected to the Klaufeldt viscount family. Besides the neighboring Jansen viscount family and the close relative Count Bisseling family, an order came from the frontier Innocenti marquis family, whose second daughter was Annemarie's friend. They also received additional orders from the royal family, to whom they had presented a full set.

Surprisingly, an order came in from Duke Yadelude's family, who recently tried to purchase the usage rights for the magic circle. They probably want to investigate the extent of the product.

The most surprising was an order from the red-haired Marquis Felker family. Except for selling the protection rights to Isamu, they had almost no connection as nobles, and the head, Selfers, was perplexed.

Combining orders from several noble families, a total of 54 units were shipped in the first batch. The Innocenti family ordered, "As many as you can provide," and hearing the news, many inquiries came from major trading companies, so they could have sold as many as they produced. Even so, with a total revenue of 540,000 ruins, over 50 million yen, it was a very successful start.

Incidentally, Isamu sold them to the Zambrotta Trading Company for 2,000 ruins each. The Zambrotta Trading Company sold them for 10,000 ruins, and under the exclusive contract, 50% of the profit was returned to the Orihime Company. Thus, the gross profit obtained by the Orihime Company from this deal was approximately 270,000 ruins.

"As expected, most of them ordered the set with all three heat levels."

"Yes, indeed. Since they knew from the beginning that there were three types, and the price isn't that high, they probably bought them as a set."

According to Silvio from the Zambrotta Trading Company, the pricing of 10,000 ruins per unit seemed like a good deal, and perhaps because of that, all orders were in sets of three.

"I was thinking of giving a discount for buying in sets, but I guess this is fine. Now, the challenge is when and at what price to release the adjustable heat version. That's a bit of a dilemma..."

"It's probably best to avoid releasing the heat-adjustable version right away. Even if you set a high price, if you release a new model immediately, won't there be hesitation to buy, expecting a new model to come out soon?"

"Yeah, you're right. Okay, let's make a prototype and have it tested in the mansion's kitchen first. We'll sell it later."

“I guess that’s okay.”

Promotion or not, it seems we will have to organize the production system rapidly since it sold well. Also, regarding local production in the Marquis Innocenti’s Territory, there are plans to hold the first meeting during the first delivery of the first lot.

While Isamu and the others were in Count Kalenberg's territory, something terrifying had been completed: the sacred object of Orihime.

"I apologize for coming back so soon."

In the reception room, Chief Priest Benedict and the leader of the production team, Priestess Mimilia, had come to visit. Once again, a cloth was meaningfully placed on the side table.

"I'd like you to check it out since the trial production of the different appearances, the commercialization of the sacred object, which Mimilia told me about when we last visited, has been completed."

With a glance, Benedict directed attention to the side table covered with a cloth, informing the purpose of their visit.

"So fast... Mimilia, you haven't been pushing yourself too hard, have you?"

After giving a sharp look at the Chief Priest, Nicolette expressed her concern to Mimilia.

It had been about a month since their last conversation. While it should be fine if it's just a few patterns, the bulge under the cloth on the side table hinted that it was beyond that level.

"Thank you for your concern. There's no problem at all. I'm convinced that I was born to do this."

Mimilia declared with sparkling eyes.

"On the contrary, it was tough to supervise her since she wouldn't eat or sleep unless we stopped her..."

Sighing deeply, Benedict disclosed.

"I-is that so... If there's no problem, then that's good. But make sure to eat and rest properly, okay?"

Nicolette could only smile wryly at the two.

"Well then, let's take a look right away. This time, we have created four different appearances and three different sizes."

Saying so, Benedict gently lifted the cloth covering the side table.

"Eh!?"

"Well!!"

"Uwa!?"

As before, Nicolette, Annemarie, and Isamu reacted with individual surprise.

"Fushaah!"

Finally, Orihime stood up with her fur raised, her back rounded, and her tail erected, intimidatingly taking a few steps with a side step. It was what was commonly known as the "Are You Picking a Fight Step," a behavior shown by cats when they feel threatened.

Four patterns appeared: sitting in a box-like manner, sleeping curled up, washing the face with front paws, and walking with the tail raised. The sizes were life-sized, kitten-sized, and a mascot size of about 10 centimeters. All of them were elaborately crafted, and the quality seemed to have improved even further compared to the last time.

"How did you manage to create something like this..."

While holding the kitten-sized one, Nicolette admired.

"I want all of these..."

While poking the mascot-sized ones with her fingers, Annemarie expressed her desire.

"..."

Isamu could only smile wryly and couldn't find the words.

Finally settling down, Orihime lightly gave a playful cat punch to the life-sized one.

"What do you think?"

Having observed for a while, Benedict asked again.

"I don't have anything to say."

Nicolette, with an amazed expression, continued to stroke the back of the sacred object in a sitting pose.

"The size is perfect. With this, you should be able to enshrine it anywhere."

Annemarie, saying something plausible, was burying her face in the sacred object in a sleeping pose, making her less convincing.

"Haah, Mimilia, you're a terrifying one... Alright, you must not increase the variety any further for at least the next six months. It will definitely lead to a riot as production won't catch up. Also, if high-priced resale occurs for those who can't get their hands on it, there might be people going bankrupt. Do you think Orihime-chan wishes for such a thing?"

"Eh! That's right. I apologize for not thinking it through."

Mimilia hurriedly bowed her head.

"No, it's not your fault since we were the ones who encouraged it. It's just that the quality turned out unexpectedly good. However, with these small ones, I feel like I want to display all of them..."

"In that case, wouldn't it be good to have display cases?" 

Annemarie suggested.

"I see... that's a good idea. Benedict, can you arrange for craftsmen who specialize in small articles?"

While Nicolette and Annemarie continued to smile, their eyes were no longer laughing.

"Yes. I'll make arrangements by tomorrow afternoon."

"Understood. Then, bring them tomorrow afternoon. Let's talk about a household shrine to enshrine them more elegantly and beautifully."

"As you wish."

Isamu, who continued to smile, was dumbfounded by the term "household shrine." Is it something like a household Shinto altar?

"Oh, by the way, Mother. Yuria visited the other day and seemed to really like Orihime-chan. Can we present a few sacred objects when delivering the magic stoves?"

"Yuria is the daughter of His Excellency, Marquis Innocenti, right? She was holding her all the time... Ann was planning to accompany the delivery, and Isamu-san also mentioned wanting to see the local area, right? Fine. Bring a few from what you brought today when you all go together as a team. Oh, and make sure to present the sacred objects to His Excellency and his wife. If possible, let them see the real Orihime-chan... and show her to them."

"Thank you so much!"

And thus, with the start of the sale of Isamu’s magic tools, the missionary activities of the Orihime religion also began. 

(Note: (*) Cats are said to clean their faces by licking their front paws and then using them to wipe their faces.)

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