Chapter 53

Sitting on the bed where the air conditioner's cold air blew down, the option of returning to the living room, which was still hot and stuffy, had vanished from his mind.

It was still some time before bedtime, and Sankichiro and Queen Aura, who were feeling well, sat side by side on the edge of the bed, engaging in a lively night conversation.

“So, did you spend most of today installing this ‘air conditioner’?”

“Yeah. It’s not an exaggeration; I really couldn’t do anything else. I had a lot of things I wanted to do, like making soap and distilled spirits, but I couldn’t manage it.”

In response to Aura’s question, Sankichiro nodded and replied.

Recently, Sankichiro had started to appear at palace events as a substitute for Aura, and he was no longer as idle as before. Therefore, a day with nothing to do was quite precious, but today, he had neither the time, energy, nor physical strength left to do anything else.

The air conditioner installation in the heat of over 40 degrees Celsius was a heavy task for Sankichiro.

Of course, on the Salt Road, soldiers were marching for days under the scorching sun, but if Sankichiro were to be honest, he could only think of them as “superhuman beings.”

(Still, I guess I need to gradually get my body used to this country’s climate... Even though I’m saying this on the day I installed the air conditioner.)

Sankichiro thought this to himself, but it was probably because the air conditioner installation had been successful that such thoughts crossed his mind.

When people are in the midst of hardship, they can only think of escaping from it. It’s only after they escape that they can start thinking about more noble things.

In any case, Sankichiro thought it wasn’t the right time to say this and changed the topic, telling his wife what he wanted to do next.

“Well, I’ll work on making soap and distilled spirits when I have the time. Lately, I’ve been getting more work at the palace, so I can’t do everything I want, but...”

In response to her husband’s words, Aura frowned slightly and replied.

“If you have things you want to do, you can reduce your workload. I’m almost back to my original condition, you know.”

This was undoubtedly a statement born from Aura’s concern for Sankichiro, but he did not want to take advantage of her kindness.

“And when you give birth a few years from now, are you going to repeat the same chaos as last year? No, that’s not acceptable. I’m just an ordinary person, you know. Even if I did it once, I’m confident I’ll forget it if I don’t do it for half a year.”

“That’s true, it’s not something to be proud of.”

In response to her husband’s straightforward answer, Aura smiled wryly and shrugged. Then, she tightened her expression and told Sankichiro.

“I understand. To be honest, I did underestimate the restrictions during childbirth last year. If you can handle the same amount of work as you do now, it would be very helpful.

However, I want you to understand that I’m not just saying you can reduce your workload to pamper you. I also have high hopes for the things you are trying to create, based on your past achievements.”

Hearing this, Sankichiro scratched his head with a troubled look.

“No, no, I’m not sure if I can live up to such high expectations. Everything I’m doing is just amateurish. Honestly, I’m doing it with the expectation that it will fail nine times out of ten.

But, if you’re saying that, maybe there’s been some progress?”

It seemed he had realized something while talking, and he asked Aura, who smiled and nodded.

“Yes. I visited the craftsmen I instructed earlier today, and the results were better than expected.

First, the glass. Despite being the first experimental batch, it turned out quite well. I’ll bring it over for you to see tomorrow. Well, this time, it’s just a glossy, greenish-black stone, but it proves that the direction we’re taking is correct.”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

Sankichiro showed genuine admiration.

The craftsmen had managed to create something tangible based on the minimal material information and the crude manufacturing method he had provided. His praise was certainly not unwarranted.

“Of course, there are still many issues. Currently, it’s more of a black object than glass, and the technology to shape it into the desired form has not been established.

Most importantly, the typical earthen stoves used in this country cannot withstand the high temperatures required to melt glass. The craftsmen said that if we continue using them, they will exceed their durability limit within ten uses.”

With a grim expression, Aura listed the current problems. Sankichiro, mirroring her expression, placed his right hand on his chin and thought.

“Hmm. In that case, we’ll need ‘refractory bricks’ after all.”

“Yes, unfortunately, that’s the case.”

Aura nodded and sniffed disdainfully.

It seemed she had not been particularly fond of the DVD on ‘how to make refractory bricks’ she had seen before.

Indeed, the explanation of “mixing crushed old refractory bricks with clay and firing them in a refractory brick-lined stove” provided no useful clues, so it was understandable.

Not wanting to make his wife any more unhappy before bedtime, Sankichiro quickly continued.

“Well, the other issues are how to remove the color from the glass and how to shape it, right?

To shape it, I think the most practical method is to blow and expand it, as shown on that TV program. Modern window glass is apparently made using a ‘float process.’”

Sankichiro stared at the bedroom ceiling illuminated by the orange LED stand light, trying to recall his unreliable knowledge.

“Hmm? I remember seeing the method of blowing and expanding it with you, but I’ve never heard of this ‘float process.’”

Seemingly interested, Aura leaned in slightly, and Sankichiro dutifully answered, momentarily distracted by her nightgown.

“I’m not very familiar with it either, so I can only give a rough explanation. Essentially, it involves floating molten glass on a metal surface that is liquid at a lower temperature than the glass’s melting point to form a flat sheet.

This way, both sides of the glass will be smooth and flat without the need for polishing later.

Think of it like floating melted animal fat on warm water. If you leave it for a while, the fat will solidify into a flat sheet. It’s a similar concept.”

“I see. It’s a rather grand method, but I understand the principle.”

Aura nodded, showing her understanding, but her expression did not seem particularly impressed.

This was probably due to the difference in the direction of their expectations for ‘glass.’

While Sankichiro first thought of window glass, Aura was most interested in spherical glass—marbles.

It was natural that she did not show much interest in the float process.

In fact, the float process of glass manufacturing is much more challenging than blowing glass. It requires maintaining a constant temperature in the metal bath where the glass is floated, and working near the molten metal poses the risk of inhaling evaporated metal.

This is an efficient method in the modern world, where most of the process is computer-controlled and automated, but in this world, it might be more efficient to polish glass made by the blowing method or its variation, the crown method, by hand.

Sankichiro did not think this far, but he understood that he had not won his wife’s favor.

“So, the other issue is the color of the glass. According to that TV program, the only way is to remove as much iron from the sand as possible.

The method involves grinding the sand more thoroughly in a stone mill, stirring it in water, and selecting the top layer of the sediment.”

Shifting to the next topic, Sankichiro tilted his head again.

As explained in the TV program on glass manufacturing, the main cause of color in glass is metal particles mixed in the sand.

Therefore, the simplest and most effective solution is to remove as much metal from the sand as possible.

By grinding the sand thoroughly in a stone mill to make it as fine as possible, it becomes easier to remove metal particles. Then, the sand is placed in a barrel of water, stirred vigorously, and left to settle.

This way, the heavier metal particles settle at the bottom, while the lighter sand remains on top.

The top layer of the sediment can then be scooped out.

In response to Sankichiro’s answer, Aura placed her hand on her chin, which had recently regained its sharpness from training, and replied.

“Hmm. I had you do this based on the explanation you gave me when we watched the video. Was the grinding in the stone mill not thorough enough, or did the stirring in water not work well? The results are as I mentioned earlier.”

“Hmm, it might be a problem with the sand itself. In fact, the difference between sand suitable for glass and sand that isn’t can be quite significant. If the original sand is poor, no matter how much effort you put in, there might be a limit.”

For example, no matter how thoroughly you grind black sand, which is almost like sand iron, you won’t see a dramatic improvement.

Of course, there is a possibility that the grinding was not thorough enough or that the stirring and selection process did not work well, as Aura suggested. There is no guarantee that Sankichiro’s opinion is correct.

However, his opinion sounded plausible to Aura.

“I see, the suitability of the sand itself. Perhaps we should collect various types of sand from different regions.”

“Yes, I think that’s a good idea. Another method, as shown on that TV program, is to remove iron particles using magnets.

There are a few magnets stuck to the refrigerator, but they might not be strong enough to attract iron particles.

Since we have a lot of rechargeable batteries, we can use them as a DC power source. With copper wire, we can create an electromagnet. I remember doing an experiment in school to turn iron into a magnet by passing electricity through a coil of copper wire. Do we have copper wire here? If not, iron wire might work as a substitute, but it’s less efficient. Copper is the second-best conductor of electricity after silver.”

Recalling his middle school science knowledge, Sankichiro explained, and Aura tilted her head in curiosity.

“Copper wire? What is that? Wire made of copper?”

“Yes, copper wire. If you stretch copper into a thin, long wire and coil it, passing electricity through it will make the core magnetic. I remember doing an experiment in school to turn iron into a magnet this way. Do we have copper wire here? If not, iron wire might work, but it’s less efficient. Copper is the second-best conductor of electricity after silver.”

In response to Sankichiro’s question, Aura crossed her arms under her large chest and thought.

“Hmm. It’s certain that we don’t have it in this country. The question is whether we can have it made by the technicians at the palace... It might be difficult to make it that fine. Moreover, it needs to be flexible enough to be coiled.

Perhaps silver, though more expensive, might be a better option. Such fine craftsmanship is closer to the domain of silversmiths.”

Hearing this, Sankichiro looked slightly surprised but soon nodded in agreement.

“Oh, I see. If it’s for a small experiment, silver might not be too expensive.

Okay, if it’s feasible, I’ll ask for it. I’ll set up a workbench in the shade of the courtyard.”

As an amateur, Sankichiro was unsure of the potential negative effects of a magnetic field. While it’s unlikely that a simple electromagnet powered by batteries would affect household appliances, it’s better to be cautious.

Working outside in this heat was a bit discouraging, but choosing a shady spot or near a fountain would make it bearable.

“Understood. I’ll arrange for the silversmiths. We’ll also collect sand from as many regions as possible for experimental purposes. We can afford to spend time on this now, but it won’t last long.

Soon, the prince and princess from the Shalowa-Gilbert Dual Kingdom will arrive. Our free time will be even more limited.”

Sankichiro couldn’t help but sigh at this.

“Ah, it’s already that far along?”

“Yes. The journey by large dragon carriage can be significantly delayed due to weather and other factors, but if everything goes smoothly, they should arrive in about half a month to twenty days. When that happens, both of us will be busy with the preparations.

We’ll have to be prepared for a period of intense and cautious work.”

Aura also sighed deeply, as if infected by Sankichiro’s sigh.

The arrival of the royal family from the Dual Kingdom would be a major event, overshadowing other considerations and the moods of those involved.

As Aura said, for a while, they would have to hide their tension and vigilance under a smile.

“Understood. I’ll do my best.”

Sankichiro, who had slumped his shoulders, took a deep breath to dispel the gloomy atmosphere and answered with renewed determination.

After that, the royal couple continued their business-like conversation while sitting on the bed, but it was interrupted by the electronic sound of a mobile phone.

“Ah, the timer went off.”

“Is it already bedtime? Indeed, the comfortable room temperature makes time pass quickly.”

Sankichiro, who had rolled over on the king-sized bed to turn off the alarm on his mobile phone, received a nostalgic response from Aura.

“Yeah, there’s no point in talking any longer. Let’s go to bed.”

Holding the air conditioner remote, Sankichiro pressed a button, and Aura, looking slightly dissatisfied, asked.

“Are you turning it off?”

Sankichiro smiled wryly at his wife, who had become enchanted by the cold air.

“No, I’m not turning it off. I switched it to sleep mode. It’s not good for your body to be exposed to the strongest cold air while sleeping.”

“Is that so...”

Seeing his wife’s disappointed face, Sankichiro felt like retracting his statement and turning the air conditioner back to full power.

In fact, in this place where the temperature doesn’t drop below 30 degrees even at night, keeping the air conditioner on full power might maintain a more comfortable room temperature. However, it might be better not to take unnecessary risks on the first day.

“Then, I’ll turn off the lights. Is that okay?”

“Yes, no problem.”

Sankichiro got out of bed and pulled the cord of the orange floor stand light, extinguishing the light.

The bedroom, with its doors closed, was enveloped in complete darkness, not even allowing starlight to enter.

However, for Sankichiro, who had lived in this familiar home for over a year, the darkness was no obstacle.

He returned to the bed without much hesitation, climbed onto it, and moved towards the center where his beloved wife was waiting.

In the darkness, Aura, who could still make out his silhouette, reached out accurately and guided him to her side.

“Sankichiro...”

“Thanks.”

As usual, they held hands, exchanged a kiss, and lay down next to each other.

“Good night.”

“Yes, good night.”

And so, the husband and wife, feeling each other’s breath and body heat, fell into a peaceful sleep.