Chapter 60: Knight Fernando
"Sorry... Could you explain it one more time?"
Alfred rubbed his forehead and displayed a troubled expression.
"Um... In other words,"
I lit a small magical light at my fingertip and blinked it regularly.
Short interval flashes and long interval flashes. Two types of signals.
"It doesn't have to be light, it could be sound or even raw magical energy. Essentially, you combine short and long flashes to create signals that correspond to letters. The sender inputs the text, the device converts it into signals and transmits. The receiver converts the signals back into text for display."
It's a form of communication using Morse code. Given its simplicity, I'm thinking it might keep the scale of the spell quite manageable.
Introducing a conversion process between signals and text here is to make it accessible to a wider range of people without requiring specific knowledge or skills.
The magical circuits used for sending and receiving signals, translation, and text display could be separate. There's no need for an all-in-one approach, and this could lead to further simplification.
"The only thing left is to figure out how to identify the recipient."
"That would involve applied contract magic or occultism, creating a magical connection between the two parties. Basically, enchanting the finished device from the outside."
Alfred crossed his arms and pondered, then responded while looking down.
Contract magic. A type of magic used to form master-servant pacts or subjugation of slaves.
If that allows you to identify the communication partner, the remaining task would be to condense it to a portable size.
The real challenge would fall on Alfred, though; it's somewhat unfair to just toss out ideas and leave him to it.
But then again, even though I'm suggesting this, I'm not entirely confident in how useful it would be.
I'm prepared to be told it's common sense or outdated. If you examine what's been brought from the existing magical system, you'll see there are things being achieved on Earth's side that can't be done here.
Furthermore, while there's no dedicated magic for long-distance communication, if you can use high-level familiars or summoning magic, two-way information transfer becomes possible if you're determined.
For the former, you'd need to prepare high-level familiars. The master also needs the ability to contract with them. Transferring through summoning magic requires elaborate equipment and special catalysts, making it even more challenging. Of course, skilled summoners are necessary, and there's the risk of accidents if something goes wrong. Both methods would face difficulties in widespread adoption.
Considering the methods of general information transmission like letters, signal fires, messenger pigeons, or transporting via dragon cages, they seem rather anachronistic. So, maybe those methods are the exceptions.
"No... I'm amazed."
Alfred, who had been looking down, widened his eyes and raised his head. His expression and tone revealed pure astonishment and curiosity.
"To handle magic and treat it simply as signals, cutting away the excess. And this streamlined signal method... this way—"
From Alfred's reaction, it seemed like reducing the scale of the spell was quite useful. In other words, Morse code doesn't exist in this world.
"Teo-kun... Where do you come up with these ideas?"
"Well... Even if you ask me where from..."
Since I can't say they come from Earth, I evasively answered.
――And so, as a result of the discussion with Alfred, it was decided to develop magical communication devices.
Well, it won't be completed overnight, but... the theory and the final form are visible. Eventually, we will surely bring it into practical use and make it the flagship product of the Brightwellt Workshop! Alfred declared with enthusiasm.
If communication technology becomes convenient and faster, it will likely have significant societal implications. I can understand Alfred's enthusiasm.
Even if the policies and strategies of the Brightwellt Workshop are decided, it won't affect my current life. Today, just like any other day, I'll continue to explore the Twilight Forest for leveling up and earning.
As I was about to head to the temple to explore the labyrinth, I noticed a group of adventurers led by Fernando and including a few other members, such as Jasper.
If they were arguing, I could understand, but the fact that they were smiling friendly smiles at each other is a bit suspicious.
"Well then, we can skip the journey to my objective area."
"Yes. Lord Fernando, you're like a great ship. Leave it to me, Jasper."
... Jasper responded to Fernando. It's quite a deferential tone, which is unlike him.
Hmmm. It seems Jasper values money above all else. Other matters seem secondary.
The adventurers with Jasper are unfamiliar to me. Did our relationship with the original group become distant after that incident?
If that's the case, maybe they've embraced this change, but Mercedes would probably be angry if she found out.
"Hey, kid. Do you have a problem with something?"
Jasper noticed me and glared.
"Not really, it's just not important."
I shrugged my shoulders, and Jasper snorted.
It's a bit disheartening, but it's not a crime that would break any rules, so I don't feel compelled to criticize.
"Oh, you guys knew each other?"
"Not really... we're not acquaintances."
Fernando showed interest, but Jasper turned away in annoyance.
"Hmm..."
Fernando shrugged slightly and walked closer to me.
"...Do you have a moment? You know about the agreement with Lord Chester?"
"I know. But his agreement and I have no connection."
... That's one way to put it. If Greg were my backer, he'd understand the implications, too.
Even though the situation would be reasonable if he knew, he's ignoring it and talking to me... Well...
"Well, think about it. I know I'm not saying it nicely, but it's the formal policy to hire adventurers with money."
After saying what he wanted to say, Fernando walked away. Along with Jasper, he headed toward the stone monument and disappeared into the depths of the labyrinth.
Well, well. Despite his outward appearance, he's quite different from Chester on the inside.
... Even if I were to tell someone about Fernando's somewhat sinister words just now, he'd probably twist them with malicious intent. I don't want to engage in such pointless arguments.
"If it were me, I'd never do business with him."
That's what Sheila said.
Fernando probably thought he was speaking quietly to me, but Sheila overheard him.
Since she belongs to the Thieves' Guild, she wasn't pleased with Fernando's attitude or stance.
"It goes without saying, but I have no intention of doing that."
I replied, and Sheila gave a small smile and nodded.
"What were you talking about?"
Ilmhilt asked Sheila. Sheila glanced at me to see if it was okay to share the information, and I nodded.
Whether the person is trustworthy or not. I think we should share information among our comrades in that regard.
But, well... how should I put it...
While it might be necessary to separate business and personal feelings, in terms of human emotions, it's definitely better to be able to do business in good spirits.
In the first place, in my case, the person I give information to could be someone as high-ranking as King Melvin or Prince Albert. There's no advantage to negotiating with that guy. In fact, I don't want to get involved with Jasper either.
... Sigh. Let's just get into the labyrinth already. It's much more productive to deal with monsters than to think about guys like Fernando.