Chapter 59

"Um, I'm thinking of renting a house somewhere in the East District and setting up a workshop. I believe you've been told that I'm aiming to become a magic engineer—Theo, if you could help me in your spare time, it would be a great help. Of course, I'll pay you a fair price that matches your skills."

Alfred, sitting across the table, said this with a serious expression.

"---So, you're talking about helping with things like translating various magic into circuit forms, or assisting in inscribing spell formulas onto magic stones? And coming up with ideas?"

"Right. I'm not asking you to reveal your secret techniques, of course. Since you seem to be able to use a variety of magic, getting your advice would be very helpful. If you could supervise the parts that control the magic... I think it would allow for more precise control."

In short, he wants help with making things.

I thought he would suggest something like creating a magic device that precisely defines the control method for flight magic. If that were the case, it would also benefit me because it would make aerial combat possible for the party members.

The job of a magic engineer involves incorporating spell formulas into objects in the form of patterns or designs, and integrating the object and circuit to make them work properly while designing and manufacturing items.

For example, the bath in my house was made by a magic engineer. By setting a magic stone that acts as a fuel tank, magic power is supplied, the spell formula embedded in the decoration is read, and finally, the activation body in contact with the water boils the water.

In this way, a magic circuit is a device that substitutes the entire process a mage would normally go through to activate a spell. To achieve this, the spell formula is "translated" from a human form to an object form, and patterns or designs are engraved or drawn into the object, hidden within the decoration, simplified to prevent enlargement, and made safe, among other things.

My magic circle, for instance, is a magic array used to activate spells. It can be described as a pattern specialized for human spell casting. A magic engineer translates and adjusts this for wood, metal, or other materials, and describes it with design in mind. It's a highly specialized and aesthetically demanding profession.

"Furthermore, I want to try making tools that will be useful when you delve into the labyrinth. Practical use is also important. Ah, I'd be happy to get your ideas. Your thinking, like with flight magic, seems different from others."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Hmm, it sounds like you're offering a lot."

...Magic devices are expensive, after all. The knowledge and skills required to integrate various magic into different objects... I don't have that knowledge and don't have the leisure to learn it, so being involved in the production with Alfred is, to be honest, a welcome opportunity.

"No... Since you'll be using my magic devices, which are still unknown, it will serve as both training and promotion."

Just as I chose the labyrinth and magic as my means to make a name for myself, Prince Albert is trying to establish himself as a magic engineer—though I know this.

So, I don't think it's a bad idea to accept Alfred's offer. It would also allow us to make use of the magic stones and materials we collect from the labyrinth, and it would be a productive way to spend days when Ashley has classes.

"Alright, I'll accept your offer."

"Really!?"

When I said this, Alfred's expression brightened. He took my hand and shook it vigorously.

"Do you have any potion mixing equipment in the workshop? It would be a great help if I could use it."

"Of course, I'll prepare it! Oh, that's great!"

Alfred's enthusiasm was quite high. He seemed very pleased that the negotiation went well.

"Is everything settled?"

"Yes."

I nodded in response to Grace's question. Alfred then became serious again and spoke.

"By the way, there's something Prince Albert wants me to tell you."

He said this casually.

"From the prince?"

"Yeah, from the prince. Didn't you see the knights in the labyrinth?"

"Yes, I did."

"They're looking for sealed doors in each section, apparently. I don't think anything will happen, but if there's any trouble, let me know, and I'll talk to the prince. The prince—though he may not be reliable himself—said he would do what he can."

In other words, he's offering to help if anything happens. The connection to Prince Albert has its pros and cons, but that's fine.

"What about Sir Chester?"

I asked, remembering that Chester was among the knights.

"Ah, he apparently volunteered for the labyrinth exploration team."

"Volunteered?"

"Yes. He left the wyvern squadron and wants to restart his training. Since he left his faction, the cohesion of the Greg faction has dropped, and the knight order is quite in turmoil."

Training, huh. It's clear that losing to me had an impact.

As for Greg's faction... as long as it doesn't interfere with us, it doesn't really matter.

"Well, that's about it from me. We can discuss the specifics next time."

"Understood."

"Then, I'll take my leave for today. It's getting quite warm lately, so be careful."

"Thank you."

With that, Alfred smiled and left.

It's getting warmer, indeed.

---Yes, it's summer. The last time, we even went to the beach, and Termwill has four seasons.

I think our house has good ventilation if the doors are open, but it's still hot. With the memories of Kei, I miss air conditioners and fans... but there's no point in longing for what doesn't exist. ...I think I could make a fan powered by a magic stone, though. It doesn't exist at this point, though.

I can use the bath while I'm at home, so I'll make do with that.

So, I prepared a cold bath by filling the tub with water, heating it, and diluting it.

"Oh, you're going to take a bath?"

"If you like, can we join you?"

"Sure, but it's a cold bath."

They nodded happily in response.

The tub is quite large, and even with three of us, there's still plenty of room. It might be like a pool today.

Their swimsuits are still quite attractive.

In Termwill, where water resources are abundant, bathing is possible every day if you like. So, there's not much resistance to cold baths, as it's normal to clean oneself with water.

Since I take a hot bath every day, both of them have come to enjoy a tub filled with hot water.

We also have the sap of the Sabona tree, so we can blend and use our favorite fragrances. It's nice to be able to change the scent based on our mood.

That said, today we're not doing anything special. Just floating on the surface and looking at the ceiling, or just relaxing aimlessly.

"It's so refreshing and cool."

"True. Taking a hot bath is refreshing too."

Indeed, this has its own merits.

Next to me, the two of them are floating as well.

Their wet hair clings to their heads, their moist, cherry-colored lips, and their pale, translucent shoulders. The rise and fall of their ribs visible on their sides.

Seeing such things up close is quite powerful. If they cling to me like before, it gets quite difficult to remain rational, so I take their hands.

To Grace, to reduce her impulses. To Ashley, to circulate her qi.

"Mm..."

"Hmm..."

While floating on the surface, they closed their eyes.

Then, they let out small, contented sighs. ...Well, it somehow feels more sensual...

The only sounds were their sighs and the water. Our connected hands were warm. It was a quiet, peaceful time.