3: Souvenir

“Grace-sama, we have to get ready soon or we won’t make it to the carriage in time, it would be rude to be late!”

“Oh, it’s already that time…”

“By the way, Chris-san is already there, she said, “I came a little too early so I’ll eat some delicious potatoes.”

As I was trying out a new invention with Vigna as the final experiment on the day of the party, Noel came running in.

She hasn’t awakened her skill yet, but she has a good mind to begin with and as a result of teaching her letters and calculations, she is now able to communicate with Chris-san for simple business negotiations, so she seemed to be getting along well with her.

Seriously, I’m running out of things I can do alone. It’s not that I’m in a hurry to make something that will become a new product, no, seriously!

“What is it?”

“Oh, I’m thinking of bringing this prototype refrigerator to the nobility as a souvenir. I’m putting the final touches on it. It’s hot, Noel. I’ve got some chilled fruit water in here. Would you like to try some?”

“Yes, I’d love some! But I think it would get warm in a metal box on a day like this.”

“Hey, my magic isn’t meant for this kind of thing.”

Noel, was in such a hurry to get here that the sweat dripping from her cheeks were glistening, so I offered her a glass of fruit water taken from the refrigerator. Vigna is also complaining, but it’s a light reaction. This may be because she’s given up already.

It’s summer now, and the temperature’s starting to rise. This refrigerator may cost a little more, but it should be a hit with nobility.

“Wow, it’s icy cold! It’s amazing Grace-sama! How does this thing work?”

“Hahaha, I can’t help it. I’ll explain it to you, you silly, brainless fool.”

“Yes, please share your wisdom with me who is a fool!”

It’s too late to regret what I said to Noel which I usually do when explaining to Vigna. Noel looked at me with a respectful look even though I said she was a fool. The pure gaze makes me feel guilty. 

Vigna snickered at me for being in trouble. It’s really not funny you!

“This is a box made of highly pure mithril alloy that casts ice magic to cool the inside of the box. This way, the inside stays cold the whole time. It costs a lot of mithril, but it will last for three days. It’s hard for commoners, but nobles and merchants have their own wizards, so I thought they might be interested in it.”

“I see… but isn’t there a lot of magic loss to cool the whole box? For example, put a mithril alloy stick with ice magic in the center and cool the whole thing from the inside. I think it’s more effective because the amount of mithril which consumes magic will be reduced.” 

“Eh… oh, sure.”

I was proud while speaking, but I was confused by the unexpected opinion. It’s true that the consumption of magic power will be lower, the rate of use of mithril will also be lower, and the cost is also lower.

“Finally, you’ve lost, even in the power of invention.”

“Shut up. I’m aware so leave me be. Also, Noel, I’m going to increase your salary, so please come to Bowman’s lab with me next time!”

“Yes, if I can help Grace-sama, I’ll do my best! The fruit water was delicious. Thank you very much. Also, I’ve prepared clothes for the two of you, so please change.”　

With that cheerful reply, Noel bowed and went back to work. I looked after her, thinking she was really good. I’ll discuss Noel’s improvement plan later, but for now, I’ve got a souvenir to present, so let’s go.

The members are me and Vigna. She’d look great in a dress don’t you think? I’m actually looking forward to it.

“What’s with the nasty smile on your face? I’m going to sue you for sexual harassment.”

“I haven’t said anything yet have I? You’re being unreasonable!”

“Don’t you know? If the other person feels uncomfortable, that’s the start of sexual harassment. So, What were you thinking? You were imagining a pretty girl in a dress, weren’t you?”

“No, I was just looking forward to the fact that Vigna was wearing a dress today.”

“Huh…”

Vigna froze at my words. After a moment, her face turned bright red. Maybe I looked like that too. I didn’t want to say it because It’s embarrassing. When I thought I would be glared at as usual, she said while looking away,

“Hmm… I’m happy with the flattery… Don’t expect too much, though.”

“Uh, yeah.”

I was surprised by her unusual reaction. What’s wrong with this girl? Did she eat a rotten potato? 

With that in mind, I prepared to go to the party venue.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter