by Dojyomaru
“Th-That makes sense...” Aisha, who was at my side as a bodyguard, seemed convinced.
As if that was right!
“No, that logic is wrong, okay?!” I shouted.
What was that logic like something out of a battle computer? There was no way it simply doubled like that.
Still, Trill went on with an incredibly serious look on her face. “Naturally, those numbers are fuzzy. But if you thrust a drill-shaped tool at a two-centimeter-thick wooden board, it won’t pierce it easily. However, if you press it against the same point and spin it around continuously, it becomes possible to open a hole in the board.”
“Well, yes... That’s right.” Huh? At some point she had started to convince me.
“What I was studying was a system to keep that spear spinning.” Trill grinned and made a spear-thrusting motion. “There are physical limits our body structure imposes on how much spin we can put on a thrust. That is why I was looking into developing a spear that constantly spins. During the testing process, however, the prototype flew off and put a big hole in the castle walls...”
“That constantly spins... Ah!”
I got it! She was talking about making a spear spin, so it hadn’t clicked immediately, but she was trying to create a drill! Or, more precisely, a motor that could keep a drill spinning. This in a world that didn’t even have the steam engine.
If she could really make one, it would be a technological revolution.
“You said you put a big hole in the castle walls?” I asked. “How big are we talking?”
“I learned that if I forced magical energy into a support pillar discovered in a dungeon it would revolve, so I was able to get it spinning. However, without knowing any way to apply constant, stable energy, there were repeated misfires.”
I went silent.
I knew this because I had visited Genia’s dungeon laboratory, but technology in this world didn’t seem likely to follow the same path as on Earth. Using materials discovered in the dungeons, they could gain access to technologies that were a leap ahead.
Also, wasn’t the solution to providing constant, stable energy like Trill was talking about the curse ore we used in the Little Susumu Mark V?
“I was studying various things after reading the House of Maxwell’s publication, The Conversion and Accumulation of Magical Energies, but I just can’t find the right material,” Trill said, sounding frustrated.
Genia’s house had put out a book like that?
Hmm... If the empire was studying its own ways of accumulating magical power, they might discover the use of curse ore in the not-too-distant future. Other countries could, too.
If that happened, our advantage would disappear.
There was Fuuga to consider, too, so I wanted to spur on a technological revolution.
“It seems you have something on your mind, Sir Souma.” Maria suddenly interjected.
While I’d been lost in thought, it seemed she’d been staring at my face.
Shoot... I’d been nearly fooled by her soft smile and easygoing aura, but Maria wasn’t someone I could show openings to.
“Do you perhaps have some hint that would help Trill’s research?” Maria asked. “I believe the kingdom is home to the esteemed House of Maxwell that she so respects.”
“Th-That’s right! I would so love to meet them!” Trill jumped in excitedly.
I wanted to dodge the subject, but... bad lies weren’t going to work against Maria.
“I think, with Genia’s knowledge, we could manage it somehow,” I said reluctantly.
“That’s marvelous. How about it? Why not make Trill’s research a joint research project for our two countries?”
“Joint research... you say?”
“I think the technology Trill is attempting to develop will have a variety of uses. To the point that it may revolutionize this world’s technology.”
That was a fact. A boring machine was one thing, but a motor was another. There were no end of uses for it.
If something could turn on its own, there were any number of things that could be done with that.
“I don’t want to reveal too many of my own cards, you know...”
“Oh? You aren’t interested in the techniques Trill has, Sir Souma?” Maria asked.
“I want them, of course...”
“In that case, isn’t this perfect? There’s a technology both of us want. Let our countries study it together, and we’ll share the results.”
Maria’s proposal sounded highly enticing.
It was difficult for one country to research everything because of the limited personnel, funds, and time. I had been made painfully aware of that while reforming the medical system.
If necessary, I would sometimes have to bring in personnel, funding, and time from other countries. If it was the Empire under Maria, it could be trusted, too.
“In that case, I’ll have you put up half of the costs for the research, too, you know?” I asked.
“Of course. Will you take us up on the offer, then?”
“No, I can’t give you an immediate answer. I’ll discuss it with Hakuya, and we’ll get back to you about our conditions later.”
“That makes sense. It seems my excitement caused me to get ahead of myself.” Maria pulled back, a little disappointed. She looked like a dog who had just been made to wait after being shown a treat.
With a wry smile, I told her, “But I, personally, am enthusiastic about the idea. I think I’ll have Madam Trill meet with Genia.”
My words set Trill’s eyes sparkling. “I can meet the people of the House of Maxwell! Why, this makes me so happy!”
Maria giggled. “Good for you, Trill. But you’re there as an ambassador, so you can’t neglect that work to focus on your studies, okay? If you do, Jeanne might head over there to drag you back home.”
“Urkh! I wouldn’t want that. I will do my work properly.” Princess Trill gave her sister a firm salute.
Thus another odd and talented individual came to the kingdom.
For now, at least, I’d leave her to Genia’s keeper Ludwin to look after.
Here’s hoping he doesn’t end up eating cheap bread again...
“Oh, by the way, Sir Souma,” Maria put in, “I hear you had twins.”
Now that things were settled, Maria said that as if she’d just remembered, and lifted the hem of her skirt in a graceful curtsy.
“As empress of the Gran Chaos Empire, I will pray for your son and daughter’s healthy growth, and the kingdom’s continued development.”
“Thank you. Let’s both do our best, for our homes and our families.”
“Yes.”
And so, ties between the kingdom and Empire deepened once again.
Cast of Characters Arc 4: The Young Master’s Awakening, The Girls’ Determination
It was the day after Trill Euphoria’s arrival as the Empire’s ambassador to the kingdom.
A certain individual was in the Jewel Voice Room in Parnam Castle, speaking to someone in another country.
Normally, only Souma or Hakuya used the Jewel Voice Broadcast, but things were different today. This person had stark white hair and a long, thin tail.
“So, there you have it, Old Man,” that person was saying. “I want to do things my way, so can I get your permission as the head of the republic?”
“Hmm...”
The one standing in front of the jewel was Kuu Taisei, the visiting commander from the Republic of Turgis, and the one he was speaking to was his father back in the republic, Gouran Taisei.
Basically, Kuu had gotten permission from Souma to use the jewel to communicate with his motherland.
Gouran thought about it for a while, then eventually nodded. “Yes... It’s not a bad proposal, considering it came from you. You have my permission, so make it happen. I will entrust the negotiations with Souma to you.”
“Ookyakya! Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Kuu said gleefully.
Gouran’s eyes narrowed
a little. “Who could have foreseen the day that you, of all people, would offer up such a useful strategy?”
“Ookya? It’s not often I get a compliment from you. You eat something funny?”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Gouran sighed. “Honestly... Just a little praise, and you act like this. I was thinking your time in the kingdom had helped you to grow, but it seems I was mistaken.”
Kuu let out a jolly laugh. “Ookeekee! The personalities we’re born with don’t change that easily. Well, not that I thought I’d grown to begin with.” Then his smile suddenly faded. “Well... I did have a change of heart, though. Now that I’ve seen that man, I can’t just stay the way I’ve been. We’ve got preparations of our own to make.”
“The young king of Malmkhitan who was in your report?” Gouran asked slowly.
“Yeah. Fuuga Haan. He’s crazy.” Kuu’s arms were crossed, and he had an extremely serious look on his face. “My bro Souma and Empress Maria of the Empire are incredible rulers, too, sure. Bro’s way of delegating tasks to those best suited to them, and the charisma Empress Maria uses to rule over a massive empire, amaze me. But in both cases, they’ll remain friendly toward us for as long as we don’t oppose them. No matter how great the gap in our strength, they’re not going to start wars on their own for no good reason.”
“And you’re saying this Fuuga is different?” Gouran asked doubtfully.
Gouran had received a report on Fuuga Haan, but he couldn’t understand why Kuu, and even Souma, according to Kuu, saw him as such a threat.
Why were they so cautious of the king of a petty state so far from the republic?
Was there something he couldn’t infer from the report, a certain atmosphere around the man that only those who met him in person would know about?
“Yeah, that was my read on him,” Kuu said. “Fuuga’s willing to make not just small sacrifices, but big ones, too, for his dream. If it would further his dream, he might invade the snowy lands of the Republic of Turgis, even knowing they’d cost him more than they’re worth. Bro had the same feeling, too.” Kuu had an earnest look in his eye. “If the worst should happen, we’ll need the power to handle Fuuga ourselves.”
“I see...” As he nodded, Gouran was impressed.
When Kuu had been in the republic, he’d seemed to always be flying by the seat of his pants, but now it looked like he had his eyes on the future.
That was surely because he’d been influenced by seeing how Souma ruled in the kingdom, and the appearance of someone who might become a powerful enemy had encouraged his growth.
“Then you, too, must do your best not to be outdone by the young kings,” Gouran said.
“Ookyakya! I know that. Well, I’m off to where Bro is now.”
As he watched Kuu run off, leaning into the wind, Gouran reflected that his son had become reliable.
◇ ◇ ◇
— The next day, in the royal capital Parnam’s castle town —
It was a cold, busy day toward the end of the year, and Kuu and Leporina, the Turgish master and servant pair, were racing along the rooftops.
“Good for you, Young Master,” Leporina praised him. “The negotiations have come together.”
Kuu responded with a jolly laugh. “Ookyakya! When I made him match my conditions, Bro frowned pretty hard, though. I was stubborn, pushed him, buttered him up, took advantage of his weaknesses... and somehow got him to give in.”
“I was behind you watching, but Sir Souma, he looked tired, you know?”
Leporina knew.
She knew that Kuu had tied Souma up for a whole hour when his children had just been born and he was swamped with work, being stubborn, pushing him, buttering him up, and taking advantage of his weaknesses until he’d extracted wildly favorable conditions. Of course Souma was going to look exhausted.
This was the sort of thing that risked angering the king and having them thrown out of the kingdom, but Kuu had a good sense for people’s hearts. He’d done a good job of keeping on Souma’s good side as he negotiated.
However, Kuu laughed this off as if it were nothing. “Don’t make it sound like I was being unreasonable. Bro’s not going to be hurt by this. Well, he may not be hurt, but I sure took a chunk out of what he stood to gain. Ookya!”
“Sigh... I really do think it’s incredible the way you can be like this.”
“Hm? Is that a compliment?”
“It is. Half out of exasperation, though.”
While the two of them were talking, they jumped down in front of a certain workshop on the craftsmen’s street.
This was the workshop their childhood friend, Taru, who was here to provide technical guidance in this country.
Kuu knocked and then immediately flung the door wide open. “Hey, Taru, you in?”
A cool girl of the snow bear race, who had white bear ears on her head, was in the process of carrying a bucket of water. “It’s the Dumb Master... and Leporina?”
“Hello, Taru,” Leporina greeted.
The snow bear girl blinked, cocking her head to the side. “You were able to make it back already?”
“Yeah,” said Kuu confidently. “We got back with the rest of the reinforcements days ago. Had some work to do, so I couldn’t get over here, though.”
“Days ago...”
Seeing the ponderous look on Taru’s face, Kuu got a question over his head as he asked, “Ookya? What’s wrong, Taru?”
“...Nothing,” Taru said with a sour look and then turned away.
Kuu cocked his head to the side in bewilderment, but Leporina felt like she could understand why Taru acted like that.
Not “you’re back already,” but “you were able to make it back already”... huh, Leporina reflected. I’m sure she was worried about Master Kuu while he was up in the Union of Eastern Nations slaying monsters. Yet, even though Master Kuu has been back for days, he hasn’t come to see Taru until now. That’s why she’s sulking... or at least, I’d say that’s it.
Leporina could only smile wryly at the way her awkward childhood friend felt.
With no idea how either of them were feeling, Kuu went on, “Anyway, Taru, I’ve got a favor to ask.”
“What? If you’re going to ask me out on a date again, like always, I’m busy now...”
“That’s not it. I mean, I do want to go on a date, but that’s not what I’m here about today.” Kuu had a more serious expression on his face than usual.
Seeming to notice this, Taru made a point of hearing him out properly. “...What’s going on?”
“For now, let’s just sit and talk,” Kuu said, and the three of them relocated to the living room.
While Taru served them tea from an iron kettle, Kuu finally got to the point.
“It’s been decided the kingdom and Empire will do a joint research project on a certain technology.” Kuu took a sip of his tea, and then went on in a serious tone. “They call it a ‘drill,’ I hear. From what Bro’s told me, it can be used to bore holes in hard objects.”
“A drill... Is it like the hand-turned cutting tool that carpenters use?” Taru asked.
“The one for putting holes in lumber? Well, I guess you can think of it as the bigger and more powerful version of that. For one thing, it puts holes in iron, not wood. He was saying with an even bigger model, they could punch holes through the mountains.”
“They’re... trying to make something incredible,” Taru said, awed. Being a craftsperson, she understood how amazing that technology would be.
Because this world had magic, if you had a technology that would allow you to put holes in rock and metal, “Can’t you just do it with magic?” might seem like the likely response. However, magical abilities and their power varied wildly, and only a select few could open holes of an ideal size. And once the technology was established, anyone would be able to make use of it.
Even without an appropriate mage, it would be possible to put a hole in anything. The effect that would have, not just in th
is country but across the world, was immeasurable.
Kuu nodded, saying, “Exactly. This technology, I want it for us, no matter what it costs. No, if anything, our country is the one that needs this technology more than any others. Our country is locked in snow and ice.”
In the frigid Republic of Turgis, in winter, the land was covered by snow and the sea in ice, making it impossible to move around. Ships couldn’t enter the frozen waters, and moving through the snow was impossible without using a large, woolly creature like a numoth.
Recently, with the introduction of the large Roroa Maru hovercraft from the kingdom, it had become easier to engage in trade, but the situation was still difficult.
So, what if they had a drill that could punch through rock?
“If we can open holes through the mountains, we’ll have roads that don’t need to worry about snow,” Kuu said. “If we put them on ships, we might be able to create vessels that can break the ice as we move forward. When I was saying that to Bro, he said, ‘With a rotation mechanism, you might be able to build a ski lift, too.’”
“A lift?” Taru repeated.
“He said it was for something called... leisure skiing? If we had that, we could bring tourists into the republic... he was saying. I didn’t get it, but I intend to hear about it again in more detail next time.”
If that was one of Bro’s ideas, it was bound to be fun, Kuu reflected with a grin.
“I understand that the technology is important,” Taru said slowly. “So what is it you want to ask of me?”
Kuu slapped his knee like he’d been waiting to hear those words. “The drill is a tech our country needs. But if we try to introduce it after the kingdom and Empire have perfected it, it will cost us big time. We can’t handle that. That’s why I’ve negotiated with Bro to bring us in on the joint research project. With my old man’s permission, of course.”