67 – Episode 67. Just-in-Time Type Magic Stone (1)
‘I should slowly start to change my active stage.’
I’ve set my destination.
Knowing that Jill’s been right on my tail all this time, it feels rather heavy to operate in the south.
There’s still a lot to do in the south though.
But then, there’s also a lot to do in the north.
After all, I’ve never been to the north even once, so it’s only natural that there’ll be piles of things like the Black Star dungeon and whatnot.
‘Let’s head to the Clockwork City.’
This time, the destination is the Clockwork City.
The largest industrial city in the northern continent and the spiritual capital of a race called dwarves.
And it’s where clockwork technology is most advanced.
‘I’m a little anxious about Yerina but…’
The northern continent is soon under the power of the Frost Lord.
Going to the north means the probability of being caught by Yerina will skyrocket.
But in the south, there’s Jill and Yulia, and in the north, there’s only Yerina, so the chances of being caught are halved.
It’s a miraculous calculation, but let’s just go with that.
The reason for heading to the Clockwork City is firstly, to create a magic tool.
A magic tool is a general term for a tool that operates by magic.
Processed magic stones are also magic tools.
Devices that use magic as fuel and move on their own are also called magic tools.
Among them, the clockwork mechanism that was developed around springs and gears is a unique magic tool that only developed in the Clockwork City.
Unlike magic, which has its limits determined solely by innate magic power and talent,
Clockwork technology allows anyone to use that magic.
If they have enough money, that is.
What I want to create is that clockwork machine.
In other words, he wants to delve into the area of magical engineering.
The foremost expert in this field is, no matter who says what, Julia Fattenburg.
Fattenburg, having comprehended all there is about magical engineering through 300 years of self-study, is the witch of magical engineering.
Her genius is such that she could construct a city that puts the modern age to shame all by herself in this fantasy world. Isn’t it merely painful to utter it out loud?
Should we beg at the hem of Julia’s robe, then?
There’s no need for that.
Yes, the field of magical stone craft, that requires considerable artisan’s talent, is terribly narrow.
However, magical engineering is a wide field, with its own colleges and academic societies.
There are plenty of experts comparable to Julia, even if it’s not necessarily her.
Consider operation speed and efficiency, other individuals’ strengths may even surpass hers.
In that regard, the optimal place to produce the best results is Clockwork City.
While there, it wouldn’t hurt to also clear the nearby dungeons,
From Noble mtl dot com
obtain magical stones,
make magical tools,
and perhaps even gain one or two allies.
“Are we going now?”
“I think we should get up soon.”
“······”
Cornelia, seeming regretful, licks her lips.
She doesn’t look like she plans to move the small, white hand laid in mine anytime soon.
As I cover her hand with my other one, Cornelia twitches away.
And then, smoothly, she pulls her hand away, then meets my eyes once more.
“Take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it.”
“Sure.”
“You can come back when you’re out of bills.”
“Can I come back even before I run out?”
“Of course, you can······.”
“I’ll stop by to see you. As a proof of life.”
“You make it sound as if you are going to die soon······.”
“Don’t die. I’m just kidding.”
Cornelia strikes my chest, as if blaming me.
Money is important, but even if Cornelia were to fall, I would take care of her.
I have an obligation to look after Cornelia.
I saved Cornelia’s life, but I am also the one who trapped her again in the shackles of suffering called Briumga.
That responsibility never disappears.
“You better leave now. You’re going to miss the bus.”
“Thanks. I’ll rest well.”
“I should be the one thanking you. For stopping by, and… everything. I’ll be waiting.”
Cornelia waves, hiding her painful expression as if suppressing her regrets.
I also wave back and leave the Cologne City Hall with Mijung.
There’s no time to stay.
Taking the train and rushing all night, we approach Basel.
By the time I open my eyes, it’s already morning.
In the next seat, Mijung is gnawing at my arm as usual.
“…Still chewing.”
“Ugh.”
She used to at least mind before.
Now, whether I’m awake or not, she just gnaws without caring.
As if she thinks my body is hers.
“Ouch. It hurts.”
“…So, I left a mark.”
“Why do you want to leave marks?”
“…I don’t know. Just do. I want to.”
“Ugh. Do as you want.”
It’s just a mark that’ll disappear soon enough anyway, so I let her do it.
In fact, before the old mark disappears, new ones appear so they never actually disappear…
But I can’t always criticize her.
After all, Mijung is our party’s technician.
Starting from now, Mijeong has become a versatile tool, proficient in both electric and fire magic up to the 3rd level.
She was often overlooked as a mere laborer, but it turned out, she was an indispensable technician without whom the scene could not function.
I don’t want to be the protagonist who ends up sobbing after Mijeong declares ‘Try doing well without me’ and leaves.
“Hey, I haven’t asked about the other side yet.”
“… I’m asking. No need to rush.”
“Right. Hurry up. We need to descend soon.”
“… Yeah.”
So I intend to ask her at length.
This must be staff welfare.
Let me see another slave owner who is as committed to welfare as I am.
‘Come to think of it, Mijeong was classified as a monster.’
I keep forgetting but Mijeong is a vampiric ghoul.
In other words, a monster.
Even when you put your ear to her chest, you cannot hear a heartbeat.
Her body feels cold to the touch.
Apart from her eyes glowing red when she is awakened, she’s indistinguishable from a human.
‘What would happen if I used the weak point on her?’
So I suddenly became curious.
How would the characteristic “Weak point” that points out a monster’s weakness look when administered to Mijeong?
There has only been a few occasions when I acquired a weak point.
Since a vampiric ghoul is not a common monster, I don’t have any experience in using a weak point on such a creature.
“Could you momentarily look up at me?”
“… Yeah.”
Consequently, I am quite excited at the moment.
As Mijeong looks at me, slightly baffled, I grab her arms, lift them high above, and activate the characteristic ‘Weak point.’
“Oh.”
“… Oh?”
There is only one noticeable weak point.
It’s her neck.
Unlike humans, the stopped heart isn’t a weakness.
Does this mean they only die when their necks are cut?
My knowledge has expanded.
“Hmm.”
Slowly, I gently encircle Mijeong’s neck with both hands.
But Mijeong simply lets her weight rest comfortably in my hands, offering no resistance.
Is this truly their weakness?
And why is she so fearless?
What would happen if I twisted her neck as it is?
“It’s warm.”
“I’ll let go now.”
“Mm. That’s good. Warm. Like.”
As soon as I try to release my hands, Mijeong tilts her head and pulls my hands back to her neck.
Does this mean she trusts me this much?
There’s a sense of achievement in saving a life in the unique dungeons of Calrie.
The burial cost was already astronomical, so I couldn’t just let her die so pointlessly.
“Ugh. Finally. That was rough.”
“If your back hurts, I can carry you.”
“What a flow of consciousness you have.”
Finally arrived at Basel.
Though the original plan was to rest in Basel and Cologne after finishing up in Elvengarde, it feels like the travel time has taken longer than the resting time.
Men living double lives must be going through this kind of hardship every day.
I feel a slight sense of empathy.
Of course, I’m not saying that I’m the scum who’s living a double life.
The beautiful sound echoes through the streets of Basel, where a shallow water runs, as I carry Mijeong on my back.
It’s nice and quiet, probably because it’s early in the morning and there’s not a single person around.
After all, it seems like an introvert like me finds comfort when there are fewer people around.
Carrying Mijeong, who had her eyes tightly shut in fear of the flowing water, he arrived at Tei’s workshop in no time while humming a tune.
“A safe house could be here.”
A safe house, undetectable to the main triad, is needed to correspond with Alicia and Mia.
An address is needed to receive letters.
So, he had been contemplating how to secure a house that could shelter however shoddy the circumstances, yet with impeccable security.
But there was no need to worry.
Tei’s workshop is a place frequented whenever a top-grade magic stone appears.
In essence, it was no different from his own headquarters.
And because Tei is trustworthy, the security was perfect too.
Great.
I should tell Alicia and Mia to contact this address from now on.
“The deadline must still be a while away?”
Tei had clearly told me to come by this afternoon.
Since it’s still early morning, the work must not have finished.
The VIP waiting room looked quite comfortable.
It would be better to relax in the workshop waiting room than spending money and resting in a hotel room.
Even when there is plenty to spare, the memories of scraped days are so vivid that I still can’t abandon this frugality.
“Make yourself comfortable. Feel free to ask if you need anything.”
“Do you have room service here?”
“Of course.”
“Then, let’s have some breakfast. Something warm and hearty, but not too filling.”
“Y-yes.”
Wow.
The training of the staff here is excellent.
They even provide breakfast?
That could give a five-star hotel a run for its money.
After having breakfast,
He drank dessert tea after his meal.
He even picked up the newspaper for a bit of reading.
The time passes as Mijeong receives a blood transfusion and rests. Soon, noon approaches.
“aaahhhhh!!!”
“Huh. What’s happening.”
“…. Startling.”
An agonizing scream reverberates against the walls.
This… is this Tei’s voice?
Has something happened?
Worried, I immediately stand up.
The sound of the elevator moving can be heard.
As the elevator opens, Tei appears, clutching a box in his arms.
“What should I do…. Investor. Investor, I. I….”
“Don’t cry. Speak slowly.”
“Me. This time the magic stone…… I think it has failed……”
“…….”
He expresses pain, as if the world is crashing down around him.
This is a moment for encouraging words.
I shouldn’t have such thoughts.
However, I can’t resist…
‘I want to take a picture and show him later.’
Tei’s crying face is too cute right now.
I want to take a picture of this moment so badly, I’m like a chimney.
“Are you listening to me?!”
“Yes, yes. I’m listening. It turned out okay, didn’t it?”
“You’re not listening at all! We failed!”
This is why magic tools are necessary.
To preserve such regrettable moments for a lifetime.
Ah! As soon as I return, I should go to the clockwork city!
Bitter regret engulfs me.