Chapter 48

After that, I explained the basics of electroplating to Torre and Garam, but I mentioned that adjusting the current might be difficult.

Electroplating was developed on Earth during the modern era. I don’t think it will be as simple as just saying, "Sure, why not?"

However, if electroplating can be put into practical use, it will have various applications.

It’s a technology I look forward to in the future.

The experiment has reached a stage, and I am sitting by the riverbank with Sequoia, about to have lunch.

"Are you thinking of developing the plating method?"

"Of course. It can make things more resistant to rust and corrosion, right?"

"Yes, that’s true. But if the experiment goes well, you’ll have to try plating, won’t you?"

"That’s right. Isn’t it exciting?"

"Hmm, I’m looking forward to it too. The day your statue turns golden."

"…S-Seriously…?"

No way, no way!

Isn’t it completely absurd to start by gilding that statue I don’t even want to see?

Sequoia is grinning as if she’s delighted.

No matter what, it’s impossible to start with a statue that’s neither practical nor useful, right?

Right?

"Should we give up on the plating method…?"

"But you just said it would be convenient."

Sequoia shrugged as if she was disappointed, but I’m really worried.

Imagine a shining statue of myself standing in the most prominent spot in the city.

"By the way, Joshua."

"Y-Yes?"

"Gold leaf can also be made with magic, you know?"

"Going to such lengths for something so pointless…"

"Well, when we become wealthy, it might happen, right?"

"No way! I’ll make sure to stop it. Haha."

"You’re the one who digs your own grave by saying, 'Leave it to me.' Hahaha."

Grrr.

I’m not wrong. After all, it’s impossible for me to handle all the administrative work alone.

I can’t manage everything, and if I did, I’d definitely collapse from overwork.

At this critical point, it’s impossible for me to worry about my statue.

...

I hope it doesn’t turn golden.

While I was writhing and holding my head, Sequoia, with a composed face, asked, "Aren’t you going to eat?" and offered me a basket of sandwiches.

Today’s lunch is cassava bread sandwiches.

They look very delicious, with meat and vegetables inside. The drink is tea.

I’d like to cultivate tea and coffee here eventually. However, it’s impossible to obtain everything without importing.

Eventually, we’ll have to trade with other countries.

Cumberland has no sea, so we can’t get products that come from the sea.

Of course, we can prepare alternatives, like rock salt and soda ash.

"Hmm. If we have tea, I’d like to drink tapioca milk tea too… with sweet Cumberland syrup drizzled on it."

"What’s tapioca?"

I was muttering to myself, but Sequoia, with her fox ears perked up, asked a question.

"It’s a type of food made from cassava. It’s like small balls with a chewy texture."

"Hmm. We could try making it."

"Sure. I’ll talk to Ellie about it."

After that, we ate the sandwiches in silence for a while.

However, if we have to import, we’ll have to deal with neighboring countries, especially the Principality of Rude.

If we go to the northern part of Cumberland, there might be a slight overlap with the territory controlled by beastmen tribes called "Reinbeck."

But right now, we’re busy developing Nelac. Expanding to the northern part of Cumberland is a dream within a dream.

If necessary, we’ll have to import food from the principality to get through the immediate crisis. We’re striving for self-sufficiency in food to avoid this!

Luxury items… are tough.

Unlike me, who was thinking in circles, Sequoia was quietly eating her sandwich, occasionally saying, "Mmm."

After finishing her sandwich in a rather rude manner, she drank her tea with crumbs on her mouth.

"Phew. Delicious."

"Yeah. You’re not getting mine."

"You won’t eat that much."

Despite her words, she’s inching closer to my sandwich.

No, no, I won’t give it to you.

"By the way, Joshua. I just thought of something."

"Uh-huh?"

"Science, which is an unknown power to me, is fascinating and profound. However, isn’t it a bit roundabout?"

"I understand what you mean. Even making soap takes time and effort. Science is about repeatedly experimenting and verifying, making small things more convenient."

"True. Magic also has a long history of development. It doesn’t progress easily."

"Electricity is essential for the advancement of science. But you’re saying it’s not urgent right now, right?"

"Considering Joshua, it’s natural to think that far ahead. I just wanted to confirm, confirm."

"Science will progress gradually. Basic research is important. It will eventually bear fruit."

"Hehe. It’s fun. I’m a bit envious that you’re human."

"I don’t feel any dissatisfaction with being human. Human life is not long, but that has its good sides too."

The conversation somehow turned philosophical.

As Sequoia said, it takes a long time to develop science and technology.

If I had deep scientific knowledge, it would be different, but I can’t even efficiently electrolyze salt water.

However, this world has its own existing technology.

By utilizing it, we can quickly raise the standard of living to the same level as the capital.

"By the way, what do you intend to do?"

"The key lies in the 'Thunder Beast.'"

"Hmm? Weren’t you planning to use it for power generation?"

"Water wheels can substitute for power generation. I’m thinking about something else the Thunder Beast does that can’t be easily replaced. That’s the main focus."

"Hmm. Will you need the Thunder Beast’s cooperation for that?"

"I need your power more than the Thunder Beast’s. I have no idea how to do it."

"H-Hmm. When you say, 'I need you,' with such a serious face, it makes me tingle."

"Hey, don’t lean on me. You know it’s not that kind of thing. I need your knowledge of magic."

"I understand. You’re so cold."

I squished Sequoia’s cheek and pushed her away from my body.

"The conversation isn’t progressing! The point is that the Thunder Beast is creating lightning… in other words, electricity, from magical power, right?"

"Joshua! You’re a genius! You had this in mind from the beginning, didn’t you?"

"I’m impressed by your sharpness. You figured it out so quickly."

"What are you talking about? I didn’t realize it until now. I was thinking, 'Why go the long way around…'"

"No, no. It’s understandable. When you’re offered a new 'science' as bait, it’s natural to be drawn to it."

"Yes, but it’s impressive that you came up with this idea. I’m always surprised by you. In the past hundred years, I haven’t been so moved, but in the past few years, I’ve been surprised a lot."

"H-Hundred years… gah."

"Asking a beautiful girl her age is not polite."

No, you said it first.

Ugh, it’s suffocating. I can’t breathe.

You’re covering my mouth too thoroughly. Even with small hands, both of them can completely cover my mouth!