Chapter 55: The Sorcerer's Workshop
"Well then, I'm thinking of renting a house somewhere in the eastern district and setting up a workshop. I believe it's known that I'm aspiring to become a sorcerer, but I would greatly appreciate your cooperation during your spare time, Teo-kun. Of course, I'll compensate you accordingly for your skills."
Seated across the table, Alfred spoke with a serious expression.
"In other words, would you be assisting with tasks like translating various spells into circuit forms or inscribing enchantments onto magic stones? And also generating ideas?"
"Hmm. Naturally, I'm not asking you to reveal your secret techniques. You seem to be capable of using various spells, and your advice would be of great help. Having you oversee the parts related to controlling magic... it might allow for more delicate control."
In summary, he was asking for help with crafting items for magical purposes.
I had thought he might delve into creating magical tools with finely detailed flight control mechanisms. If that were the case, it could be beneficial for the party members, as it might enable aerial combat. However, the work of a sorcerer involves integrating magical symbols and designs into items, creating a synergy between tools and circuits while producing functional items.
For instance, even the bath in our house was the result of a sorcerer's handiwork. By setting a magic stone as the fuel source and channeling magic through it, the inscribed enchantments within the decorations should activate. Ultimately, the touch of water triggers the enchanted mechanism to heat the bath.
In this manner, a magic circuit essentially replaces the entire process of a sorcerer's incantation to activate magic.
This requires translating and engraving symbols onto tools to optimize magical patterns for human or object use, integrating them into decorations, simplifying without sacrificing functionality, and ensuring safety – a highly specialized and aesthetically sensitive skill.
"Furthermore, I'm considering prototyping tools that could prove useful for you in the labyrinth. Practical usability is important. Oh, I'd appreciate your input. Your ideas, like the flight technique, are quite unique."
"I'll take that as a compliment, I guess. Well, it sounds like you're going all out to flatter me."
...Magical tools do come with a hefty price tag. They involve a variety of spells etched into different items, converging them into the form of tools. I'm not knowledgeable in that area nor do I have the patience to learn, so Alfred's offer to collaborate on crafting is honestly appealing.
"Though, it's also a way for you to oversee and use my nameless magical tools, serving as both training and promotion."
Just as I had chosen the labyrinth and magic as a means to establish myself, Prince Albert is attempting to solidify his position as a sorcerer, creating his foothold. I understand that much.
So, accepting Alfred's proposal doesn't seem like a bad idea. We could make use of the magic stones and materials found in the labyrinth. It would also be productive on days when Ashley is attending classes.
"Understood. Let's go with your proposal."
"Really!?"
As I spoke, Alfred's expression brightened. He grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically.
"Will there be equipment for potion concoction in the workshop? It would be helpful if I could use it."
"I naturally intend to provide what you need! Oh, this is great!"
Alfred's excitement was palpable. With the negotiations successful, he was in a cheerful mood.
"Is everything settled now?"
"Yeah."
I nodded in response to Grace's question.
Alfred's expression turned serious again as he continued, "Now, the information I'm about to share comes from Prince Albert. He'd like you to know..."
And he casually conveyed this information to me.
"From His Highness, you say."
"Yeah, from His Highness. Have you seen any knights in the labyrinth?"
"Yes, I have."
"They seem to be searching for sealed doors in various sections. It's unlikely, but if any conflicts arise, please let me know, and I'll pass on the information to His Highness. Despite appearances, he may not seem reliable, but he does what he can."
In essence, it meant that if any trouble arose, I could count on his support. There were pros and cons to being connected to Prince Albert. Well, that's fine.
"Regarding Sir Chester?"
I inquire, recalling that Chester was part of the Order of Knights.
"Hmm... It seems he volunteered for the Labyrinth Exploration Team."
"Volunteered?"
"Yes. He left the Wyvern Squad to start his training anew. Since he left the faction, the cohesive force of the Greg Faction has decreased, causing quite a bit of confusion within the Order of Knights."
Training, huh? It appears that losing to me has had an impact on him.
As for the Greg Faction... well, as long as they don't interfere with us, I don't really care.
"Well, that's about it from me. Let's discuss the specifics another time."
"Understood."
"Well then, I'll take my leave for today. It's been getting quite hot lately, so take care."
"You too."
With that, Alfred adjusts his appearance and departs.
It's been getting hot, huh?
—Right. It's summer. We went to the beach recently, but Termwills experiences all four seasons.
Though I think our house has decent airflow when the doors are open, it's still hot. As someone who remembers Keiku's abilities, I long for air conditioning or a fan... but well, there's no point in wishing for something we don't have. I feel like making a fan powered by magic stones would be relatively easy. There's nothing that's currently impossible.
Since we have a bath at home, let's endure this with that.
So, I filled the bath with water, adjusting the temperature and preparing a cold bath.
"Oh, you're going to take a bath?"
"If that's the case, may we join you?"
"Sure, but it's a cold bath."
In response, the two nod with enthusiasm.
The tub is quite spacious, even with three people in it. Today might serve as a substitute for a pool.
The two still look charming in their swimsuits.
Termwills has abundant water resources, so if you like bathing, you can do it every day. Therefore, they seem to have no resistance to cold baths, which are quite normal for cleansing the body with water.
Since I take hot baths every day, it seems that both of them have come to like soaking in warm baths.
Now that we have obtained Sabonatree sap, we can buy favorite fragrances and blend them. Being able to change fragrances based on one's mood adds to the enjoyment.
However, today, we don't have any particular plans. We can just relax by floating on the water's surface and gazing at the ceiling.
"It feels refreshing in its coldness."
"Indeed. Warm baths are also nice, but they're quite refreshing."
Indeed, it does have its own unique charm.
The two are floating next to me, just like I am.
Hair sticking to their bodies after being soaked in water. Lips with a damp cherry blossom hue, delicate white shoulders that appear translucent. The rise and fall of ribs visible on their sides.
Seeing these things up close is quite impactful. Given that it would be quite challenging in a rational sense if they were to cling onto me like before, I take the initiative to hold their hands.
For Grace, it's to alleviate her impulsiveness. For Ashley, it's to facilitate the circulation of her alchemical energy.
"Mm..."
"Phew..."
Floating on the water's surface, the two close their eyes.
Then, with an expression of contentment, they let out small, gentle breaths through their noses. ...Hmm, it seems that somehow it has become even more provocative...
The only sounds are the two's breaths and the sound of water. Our linked hands are warm. It's a tranquil passage of time.